YEAR 115 AC
Red Keep ― Gardens...
It's been almost two years since King Viserys wed Beatrice Peake and welcomed the birth of a second son, Prince Aegon. Moreso the royal court also welcomed the king's first grandchild, Prince Jaehaerys. The two were the same age, yet only one week apart. Although Viserys tried to rotate his time to spend more time with his ever-growing family as fairly as he could, he could help but be a bit more spoiled with his grandson. So when preparations have been made to depart on a grand hunt in the kingswood, Viserys was more than happy to leave politics behind him and spend time with his family.
"He has your hair, Your Grace," a courtier mentioned, pointing to Aegon who was held by his mother Beatrice, babbling whilst holding onto one of his toys.
"He does have my hair," Viserys chuckled.
"He has your eyes, Your Grace."
"Yes, he does. And he has my nose too, doesn't he?"
Beatrice, now heavily pregnant with her second child, basked in the luminous glow the royal court was giving to Aegon, and, to her as well. For her, this was her day. Glorious, radiant, perfect in almost every way. Without the competition impeding her path in her pursuit, Beatrice would cement House Peake's rise to power within the Targaryen dynasty. She dreamt that one day she sat on the Iron Throne, high above them all whispering into her son's ear. The courtiers were brightly colored mice below. Great lords and proud ladies knelt before her. Bold young knights laid their swords at her feet and pleaded for her favors, and the queen smiled down at them.
"Your Grace," one of the stewards arrived. "Lady Alicent and her family have arrived."
Viserys turned happily to see his daughter-in-law enter. Beatrice, however, quickly turned sour when the attention was shifted away from Aegon again. The Queen maintained an outward image of an ideal consort, but she retained an envious gaze at those she considered a threat to her plans. How dare you mock me and ruin everything, you little brat. I am the Queen.
"Good morning, Your Grace," Alicent gracefully curtsied. Having entered the royal family through her marriage to Aeonar, she wore a red patterned gown with a touch of geometric black stripes along the waistline. The neckline was square with gold embroidery that looks like a dragon with dragon claps at the waistline but has a fabric element that goes over the shoulders almost like a collar and tapers as it goes down the bodice with a dark gold color. Her sleeves were in two layers with the outer being three-quarters, in angel shape with embroidery.
"Come now, Alicent. You are family now. No need to be formal with me today." Viserys approached and his smile beamed when he saw Jaehaerys. "Where is he? Where is my grandson?" he cooed, poking his grandson's little nose. "By the gods, he's getting so big. Look at you. Two years old by tomorrow morning. You look so much like your father when he was your age."
"Sweetling, say hello to your grandfather."
Jaehaerys babbled happily, stretching his tiny hands out to grasp Viserys's finger and long hair. Nearby, the Hightower brothers overlooked the situation in private. Hobert, the Lord of Oldtown, and Otto, the Hand of the King. Although they were pleased to see one of their ones tied to the Iron Throne in blood, the brothers couldn't help but detect a faint sense of treachery brewing within the shadows.
"Our boy has the king wrapped around his fingers," Hobert motioned at Jaehaerys.
Otto nodded. "He may yet, brother, but this morning Alicent told me he insisted on eating porridge with his hands. We're trying to educate him on holding kitchen utensils before he decides to make another mess." He then turned to Aegon. "As for His Grace's second son, I do not doubt that he will have some role to play. But the question remains as to which path he will inevitably take."
"Well surely by the end of this hunt, we shall have more to celebrate."
"And what is that, pray tell."
"Aegon's second nameday has passed, but it will be Jaehaerys's tomorrow," Hobert reminded his younger brother. "Their infancy will be behind them. Until we hear back from your son-in-law..."
"He is the king's firstborn son and Jaehaerys is the first male grandchild," Otto replied. "They've been traversing back and forth between King's Landing and Dragonstone. I'm told Alicent awaits Aeonar's return at her window and prays for his safety almost every night. But if what my contacts tell me is true, then we might have some degree of competition from within our inner circle. I just don't think His Grace sees it so clearly."
"Then it lies with you to keep our interests secure... Lord Hand."
While Viserys was playing with his grandson, he is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of one of his councilors, Ser Tyland Lannister. Lord Jason's twin brother and Lord Corlys's replacement on the small council, he serves as the new Master of Ships and Lord Admiral of the Royal Fleet. "Your Grace," Tyland approached. "I bring urgent news from the Stepstones."
"Not today, Tyland," Viserys dismissed.
"I'm sorry, Your Grace, but the matter of the Stepstones is urgent. Lord Corlys, Prince Daemon, and Prince Aeonar have just defeated the Crabfeeder's men at Bloodstone and repelled the Triarchy from the Stepstones." Tyland, though he had never been on a ship until his appointment to the small council six months ago, had been a quick study into his new role. He had studied all the information he could find regarding seafaring, naval battles, and anything else nautical to help him be a worthy substitute for the Sea Snake.
Now the mention of his brother and son caught Viserys's attention. Already? "And my son? Is Aeonar...?" he inquired.
"We just received a raven only recently, though I couldn't make out the coding system since we have no Master of Whisperers. But from what Farrier could interpret, he should be on his way back to the capital as we speak."
"Good. The sooner this is concluded, the sooner Aeonar can return home. And send a messenger to House Martell, reaffirm that we seek no conflict with Dorne, and that the occupation of the islands is solely to reopen the trading lanes."
"We'll do what we can, Your Grace," Tyland nodded. "By the way, Farrier also recommended you be given this as soon as possible," he handed the king a sealed scroll.
Upon breaking the wax seal, Viserys read the contents of the letter. The Triarchy was sending emissaries to King's Landing... to discuss surrender? And mercy? Mercy? The Triarchy was pleading for mercy? What exactly happened at the Stepstones that caused Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh to reach out to the Seven Kingdoms? Viserys and Otto were then surprised by the sudden uproar in applause and cheer.
"They're calling Prince Aeonar... 'the Young Dragon.'"
He... He's won? He's coming home? Alicent overheard. For a long time, she prayed for his safety and hoped that Aeonar would come home and reunite with their family. She had to introduce him to their first child. Her heartbeat increased and her head filled with things she had hoped to tell him in person instead of by messenger ravens.
Viserys ordered casks of the finest wine from the Arbor to be opened in celebration. He had at least four cups of it and was watching Jaehaerys and Aegon sitting together on a rug playing with animals carved from wooden blocks.
Beatrice came and sat next to him. "Why do you insist that those two be together constantly?" she asked in an innocent tone as she watched as her son played with Aeonar's whelp.
Viserys, who had a pleasant and warm feeling from the wine he had imbibed looked at his wife. "I wish for the two of them to grow up as brothers. I want them to be like my father was with Aemon. One day Aegon could serve as Jaehaerys's Hand," he said as he took another deep drink from his golden chalice.
"Or vice versa."
"What was that, my dear?"
"I was merely commenting that the people are cheering for Aeonar when they should be cheering for you. It is you with whom the Triarchy should seek to negotiate with."
"Aeonar, Corlys, and Daemon would have won that battle without the crown's assistance. And once Aeonar returns, he will oversee the negotiations with the Triarchy. It was his war, he won, and he should oversee the capitulations."
"I just worry, dear husband, that Aeonar has secured the door for all trade in the Narrow Sea. He had the Velaryon fleet and Daemon's sellswords at his beck and call. What if he grows too bold and ambitious?"
"You worry far too much, my dearest," Viserys said as he kissed her hand. "I came here to hunt and celebrate; we shall save the politics for when we return to court." He turned to Lyonel. "Is the baggage train ready?"
"It is presently massing at the River Gate," Lyonel answered. "Lord Jason expects us in the kingswood before midday."
"Good." Viserys turned towards the assembly. "Now, can someone tell me where in the Seven hells Rhaenyra might be?"
Red Keep ― Godswood...
♪ Under the dragon's eye ♪
♪ Under the dragon's eye ♪
Rhaenyra, sitting underneath the weirwood tree, read from one of her childhood books. She had taken time to get away from Beatrice, her stepmother. By the gods, the Targaryen princess hated her. She knew Beatrice was up to something, but every time she protested, Rhaenyra would always get shut down. What did her father ever see in that bitch? Stupid bitch. I know you seduced our father. Charmed him with words, wormed your way into our family, keep his bed warm at night all for you to seize power for yourself? Ooh, if only I was born a man! You would not have lasted a day in the Red Keep. She heard her minstrel's lute string go off-key. "Fix it and try again," she said impatiently.
The minstrel gulped. "Perhaps the princess would like to hear something else?" he offered while adjusting the lute.
You dare question me? "She would not. Play again."
♪ She fled with her ships ♪
♪ And her people ♪
♪ Her heart broken for those― ♪
"Ugh! What now? Why did you stop?!" Rhaenyra threw her hands in the air.
"Rhaenyra?"
Rhaenyra's ears perked up and she turned to see Alicent standing there with Jaehaerys in her arms. "Oh, uh... ah, Alicent. It's just you," she now said with a hint of embarrassment. "Sorry. I didn't hear you coming."
"I just got done with your father this morning." Alicent noticed her best friend's posture. "Bad day?"
"Mmhmm."
"Her Grace bothering you again?"
"Does the subtle change in my attitude give a moment of pause?"
Alicent sighed. "I suppose I'll take that as a yes," she shook her head. "Well, maybe this will cheer you up. Your presence is wanted in the outer courtyard. The royal hunt readies to depart."
"Thanks, but no thanks. I've decided to remain here and read instead," Rhaenyra declined.
"But the king has much to celebrate. Aeonar and Daemon are coming home."
Rhaenyra immediately turned and stood up. "When? Now?" she inquired.
"Yes, I overheard the court. They're on their way home as we speak," Alicent nodded. She turned to the minstrel. "You can go now, Samwell. Take a moment for yourself and enjoy the festivities."
As the minstrel bowed and walked away, the word alone of her brother and uncle snatched Rhaenyra's attention. She soon decided to accompany them to the royal hunt after all. The princess didn't want to spend another day in the same room as her stepmother, but perhaps riding in the same carriage with her childhood best friend/sister-in-law would be more relaxing. Anything could be better than Beatrice.
The Crownlands ― Kingswood...
The ride to the kingswood was a long one, but Rhaenyra spent much of her time with Alicent and Jaehaerys instead of her father and stepmother. She watched Alicent spend her time bouncing Jaehaerys on her lap, all while reading him a story from one of her favorite books. While everyone else attending the royal hunt was busy searching for a more suitable location to build a campsite, they decided to take a short break along the main road.
"Shall we read something else?" Alicent glanced at her firstborn. "We've read this one twelve times. Please? Mommy's so tired from this book she could start gagging."
Jaehaerys babbled and smacked the pages.
"Hehee! All right, all right."
Viserys and Otto watched Alicent again retelling a new chapter, nearby was Beatrice holding Aegon. She acted like the ideal stepmother, yet deep down held an envious gaze. Subtle, but envious. "Well, isn't this splendid?" the king approached them. "The whole of our family off to celebration and adventure in the kingswood."
"Oh yes, father-in-law. It is. On such a beautiful morning as this," Alicent agreed.
"Yes, my love," Beatrice feigned appreciation.
"Should you be traveling in such condition?" Rhaenyra pointed at her stepmother's swollen belly.
"I appreciate your concern for my well-being, stepdaughter, but Grand Maester Mellos said that being out in nature would do me well."
"Do you need anything, Your Grace?" Alicent offered.
Beatrice shook her head. "No, child. I'm fine. It's a discomfort I'm more familiar with. Rest assured, no need to concern yourself with me."
Viserys turned to Rhaenyra. "Well, you will be with your own child sooner than later, and make me a proud grandfather," he boldly proclaimed.
"Excuse me?" Rhaenyra protested.
"Um... what His Grace means to say," Alicent cleared her throat trying to ease the awkward tension, "is that it's not so bad, and the miracle of holding your very own child in your arms is a pleasant feeling that words cannot describe. They say the first pregnancy is always the most difficult, but the second time is easier to manage."
"Manage? Alicent, you were screaming bloody murder and nearly broke my hand when trying to get Jaehaerys out of your womb."
"I know, but I couldn't let my baby down." Alicent bounced her son on her lap. "I would never forgive myself if anything were to happen to him."
"Aegon came quickly and without fuss," Beatrice interjected. "When you have a child of your own, Rhaenyra, you'll understand."
Maybe I might not want one, Rhaenyra thought to herself.
As more tents were being set up, a dragon roar was heard overhead before Vaelor and Caraxes flew past the royal party. Because both dragons flew at low altitudes, the breeze nearly knocked several people over. Viserys held onto Beatrice and Aegon, Rhaenyra moved a hand over her face to keep the sun out of her eyes so she could get a better view, while Alicent instinctively shielded Jaehaerys. But Rhaenyra recognized the two dragons.
"*Raaaaaaarh!*"
"*Reeeeeeearrrr!*"
Vaelor! Caraxes... it's them. They've come back!
"What was that?" Lord Jason exclaimed, more concerned about his cleanliness and clothes.
"Were those dragons?" Ser Harwin asked.
"I think they were," Ser Addam answered. "One of them was way too fast."
"Your Grace!" Criston rode on horseback. "We've got some company blocking the main road ahead. Some around 2,000 men. I believe it's Aeonar's men. Daemon is with them as well."
Viserys pushed his way through the crowd and gazed upon his brother and his son. They seemed to have established camp already. 2,000 soldiers, Lykirī Mēre assassins watching them all very closely, and both Caraxes and Vaelor rose once they sniffed intruders. The king could see both Daemon and Aeonar had changed since they fought in the Stepstones. Daemon's hair had been cut short and he now wore a crown crafted from bone and driftwood. And Aeonar looked leaner and hardened. He soon removed the cowl from his head to reveal his face. Where once his silver hair was cropped short had now returned to shoulder-length. Their respective dragons were scarred with arrow wounds that seemed more ferocious. Vaelor landed beside his rider. The dragon had grown to at least 183 feet long and had more bulk, along with an increase in size and wingspan, Vaelor's height grew as well.
"And now presenting," the royal crier announced, "Daemon Targaryen, brother of His Grace King Viserys the First of His Name, Prince of the City!" The steward turned. "And accompanying him... Aeonar Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone, heir to the Iron Throne, the Young Dragon, Heir to the Flames, and King of Dragons!"
Daemon casually approached, stopping briefly when he felt the tip of Harrold Westerling's sword pressed against him. Reaching behind him, he held out the Crabfeeder's hammer. "Add it to the chair," he threw his prize on the ground.
Viserys noticed the crown on Daemon's head. It was made of driftwood and bone. "You wear a crown. Do you also call yourself 'King'?" he asked.
"Surprised? Once we smashed the Triarchy, they named me 'King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea.' But I know that there is only one true king, Your Grace." Daemon removed his crown and knelt before his older brother. Only Aeonar remained standing. "My crown and the Stepstones... are yours."
Viserys, with some moments to look at the battered and rusted hammer approached Daemon. He accepted the makeshift crown, turning it over in his hands before passing it offer to a servant. He then placed his hands on his brother's shoulder and bid him to rise. This was not unexpected by the people assembled, for all of them knew that Daemon could commit the worst offense and his elder brother would always forgive him and welcome him back with open arms. But then Viserys turned his attention to Aeonar, and the crowd held their breath. The father and son looked at each other in silence, their purple eyes locked.
Aeonar said nothing but continued looking at Viserys with contempt. It was clear by the look in his eyes that he felt nothing but disappointment and indifference. "I've got nothing more to say to you," Aeonar walked past Viserys. Instead, he approached Alicent and Jaehaerys. "Alicent..."
"I... Welcome home, my love," Alicent greeted him. Despite her seeming loss for words, her body language shifted slightly. She was overjoyed to see him again, though she wouldn't display too much out in the open. "Aeonar," her eyes shifted to Jaehaerys, "this is your son, Jaehaerys."
My... son? So, that dream was misplaced. It... didn't happen after all. Good. That's a relief. Aeonar then raised his arms. Alicent smiled and gently transferred Jaehaerys over to his father. The toddler babbled before letting out a giggling fit. Aeonar found this amusing. "Barely met, and already he seems to know who I am."
"Of course, he does, Aeonar. Did you seriously believe I would raise our son and not tell him stories about his father?" Alicent then lowered her head slightly. "We've heard countless rumors about you out there. I waited for you every day on Dragonstone, prayed that you would come back to us. But seeing you here... It's like you've returned from the dead." She raised her head to look at Aeonar. "You don't know how much this means to everyone. What it means to me."
"Alicent. I―"
Aeonar couldn't reply as Alicent moved closer to wrap her arms around her husband and place her head against his shoulder.
"I've missed you so much."
Alicent. Aeonar felt a sense of relief wash over him. He spent much time fighting the Triarchy in the Stepstones, but he missed out on so much. He never got to see Jaehaerys being born and was only meeting his son for the time. Now that the war was over, perhaps he could finally get a chance to relax with his own family. "I missed you too. I love you," he said. More than you can imagine.
"I love you too," Alicent replied.
Viserys realized that Aeonar had changed - and not what he was hoping for. He only came back to see his own family before departing for Dragonstone again. And who knows how long they'll even speak to each other again.
"He's still disappointed in you, Viserys," Daemon silently informed his brother. "He'll only be here for a while, but he'll be heading back to Dragonstone."
The look of disappointment was evident in Viserys eyes, but he tried to hide that by plastering a smile on his face. He would not let the assembled nobles think that there was division in the House of the Dragon. Instead, he called for more wine and made a show of congratulating his brother and praising his son for their historic victory. "One worthy of the Conqueror!" Viserys declared loudly, and this was accompanied by a roar of applause and cheers.
The minstrels accompanying the royal party began playing with their lutes and harps.
♪ How many eyes does the Young Dragon have? ♪
♪ A thousand eyes and two! ♪
♪ Called a spy, a prince, a warrior, an assassin ♪
♪ His skin fair and his hair white as snow ♪
♪ He is a king's spy and son - He is a king's spy and son. ♪
Aeonar rolled his eyes. "Again with the hero worship..." he sighed. "At least the Triarchy won't be giving us any more trouble. I made sure of that."
Vaelor snorted but noticed Beatrice staring at the dragon. The dragon bared his teeth, hissing and growling menacingly.
"Woo-ho ho, Vaelor really doesn't like you," Rhaenyra couldn't help herself.
Beatrice gave a smile that was forced, "We cannot all be dragon riders, dear stepdaughter. I can only hope your future husband has better luck with them." She said as she turned her head. Rhaenyra followed her gaze and saw Viserys talking with Jason Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock. Jason was the only person in the realm just as wealthy as Corlys Velaryon, though only by the slimmest of margins. And though he was dashing and handsome, he was also a vain and lustful braggart. He already had a few baseborn daughters by a mistress.
Rhaenyra's lips pursed as she stormed off, leaving Beatrice to smirk slightly. Vaelor snorted in Beatrice's face before taking flight once more, beating its wings in a thundering motion before flying off.
♪ How many eyes does the Young Dragon have? ♪
♪ A thousand eyes and two! ♪
♪ If you speak of treason, false deeds, and dark dreams ♪
♪ Beware of a red-eyed dragon that roars ♪
♪ The King of Dragons knows what you've done - Oh, the King of Dragons knows what you've done. ♪
Aeonar simply held his son for the first time. Alicent, meanwhile, was surprised to see how quickly Jaehaerys managed to adapt and latch on to his father instinctively. Meeting for the first time, Jaehaerys learned that Aeonar was his biological father. "I've made something for you," Aeonar reached into his pocket and pulled out a small carving of a dragon made of marble.
Jaehaerys took the gift and placed it in his mouth, gumming and drooling on it.
"N-no, no no no. Jaehaerys, you're meant to play with it - not eat it."
Alicent couldn't help but giggle, she sat next to her husband and placed her head against his shoulder. "Rhaenyra was disappointed that the gods denied her the niece she so desperately wanted, though that has not stopped her from smothering our boy with love and attention. She even absconded with him for an hour so that she could introduce him to Syrax. She wanted him exposed to dragons as soon as possible. She almost took him riding, though I imagine you wanted to have the honor of giving him his first aerial ride."
"Perhaps once he's old enough," Aeonar recommended. "I've been hearing conflicting reports of the egg placed next to his cradle hadn't hatched yet. I might even inquire to the Dragonkeepers stationed near the Dragonmont when we go back." He glanced at the royal party. "I take it Beatrice hasn't been giving you trouble? Because if I find out otherwise..."
"Oh, she is all smiles and pleasantries around me and the King." Alicent's eyes darted back and forth, then leaning closer she spoke in a hushed tone. "But behind closed doors, I have heard from servants that she is vain and haughty. She brought in her servants and ladies from the Reach, including several of her kin. She wears only Myrish lace and Lyseni silk, despite the fact you were fighting against the Triarchy. And for every hour that Viserys spends with Jaehaerys, she insists that he spend two with Aegon, your new brother," she said as she nodded to the silver-haired toddler being cooed over by women from the Reach.
"I expected as much. I may no longer be on the small council, but my network of agents remains intact. I've had her background checked. House Peake are nothing but power-hungry sycophants since the Gardener King's before the conquest. Only they hide their motives behind flattery and cunning." Aeonar huffed. "Father might not see Beatrice's true nature, but I do. I've had my fair share of dealing with people like her many times." He folded his arms. "The malcontents always ruin themselves in the end."
Still, Aeonar knew that the Peakes would not be an easy target. His spies and contacts had been very thorough in their research.
Lord Unwin was one of the most powerful nobles of Reach, capable of fielding almost 10,000 troops by himself. His family had ties through blood or marriage with most of the noble houses of the Reach. One of his distant cousins, a septon named Bernard, was the personal secretary to the High Septon. He also had a few kin at the Citadel which meant he influenced the Faith and the maesters. So far, Unwin and House Peake had not made any significant grabs for power. Aside from the members of Beatrice's household and a few orange-garbed knights added to the ranks of guards at the Red Keep, no major changes had been made at court. Still, it was only a matter of time. When they did make a move, the Prince of Dragonstone would be ready to counter it.
However, Aeonar had more pressing concerns to deal with at the moment. The Triarchy had been routed and the Stepstones held. He knew that Corlys and Daemon would be thirsting for more victory in the wake of their conquest. Keeping his uncle sated was easy enough. But House Velaryon was a different task. He had made promises to them and if he didn't keep those promises then the bedrock of his power base could crumble.
♪ How many eyes does the Young Dragon have? ♪
♪ A thousand eyes and two! ♪
♪ Blackfyre and Yi Tish bow both at his side ♪
♪ There's no place to flee to, no place left to hide ♪
♪ No matter how far you run - No matter how far you run ♪
♪ How many eyes does the Young Dragon have? ♪
♪ A thousand eyes and two! ♪
♪ So better be loyal, be honest, and true ♪
♪ Or one day his eyes could be searching for you ♪
♪ And the King of Dragons will see you burn! And the King of Dragons will see you burn! ♪