The Crownlands ― Kingswood...
By daybreak, people had begun to awaken. The royal huntsmen, however, were the first to leave their tents with their hounds. Today was the commencement of the grand hunt in the kingswood where knights, lords, and King Viserys were to track down suitable prizes for their respective houses. Since the second nameday of Prince Aegon passed last week, today was also a day of celebration for Viserys's firstborn grandchild, Prince Jaehaerys. In addition, with his brother Daemon and eldest son Aeonar returning from their victorious campaign against the Triarchy in the Stepstones, the king vowed to make this day all about family.
Alicent, upon having sunshine peak through her tent, rubbed her eyes. As she yawned, she saw Aeonar at her bedside with Jaehaerys babbling on his father's shoulder. "Well, there are the two most important men in my life," Alicent yawned. "How did you sleep, darling?"
"I've been up for some time with our son, but yes I slept very well. I've just been watching you sleep," Aeonar replied. He leaned down to kiss his wife on the lips. "Did you know your eyelids flutter whenever you dream?"
"Really? Well, I don't see what you see. Therefore, it must be untrue... or you're simply making fun of me."
"Oh, so on the second day of our reunion, my consort hurls accusations at me?"
Alicent chuckled. "Now I know you're making fun of me," she shook her head with amusement. Rolling out of her cot, Alicent dressed in a comfortable silk gown. "We should probably get moving soon. I hear the hunt is set to begin in a few hours."
Aeonar hummed. "Which means we'll have plenty of time on our hands before then. I'm told the realm's nobility has been requesting an audience with me."
"Then I suppose we mustn't keep them waiting. It would be seen as disrespectful, but more importantly, you should use this opportunity to consolidate and expand your power structure."
"Good idea."
"But don't worry. I'll be with you."
Aeonar nodded and extended his hand, to which Alicent took in hers. As the three emerged from their tent, the campsite was covered in different banners depicting the various houses assembled in the kingswood; Targaryen, Lannister, Hightower, Redwyne, Strong, Darklyn, Buckler, Tarth, Celtigar. To their left, they saw Rhaenyra walking out - overslept, but uncaring. Daemon was nearby, already sharpening Dark Sister in preparation for the grand hunt. But to their right, Aeonar and Alicent noticed Viserys emerging with Beatrice and Aegon. Aeonar had not spoken to his father since his return. Despite the king wishing to interact with his firstborn son, the prince was not interested. Nevertheless, now that the War for the Stepstones was over, Aeonar could redirect his attention more towards his responsibilities as well as his own family.
More nobles began corralling around the royal family, applauding them. Aeonar and Viserys both waved towards the cheering assembly as Otto stood between the king and prince, joining the crowd in clapping his hands ceremoniously.
"Hail, hail Aegon the Conqueror-Babe, Second of His Name!" one of the lords called out.
'Conqueror-Babe'? You seem to have forgotten yourself, my lord.
"All hail Jaehaerys the Second Coming of His Name!" Lord Hobert called out. "Here's to the prince on his second nameday!"
Well, at least this one remembers his manners.
"Hail to the Young Dragon, the Conqueror Reincarnated!" another chimed.
Ah, Seven hells...
Aeonar was visibly discomforted at the nicknames being hurled at him nor did he appreciate being compared to his legendary ancestor, Aegon the Conqueror. He was no Aegon. He did not wage war against the Triarchy simply to conquer the Stepstones. All he did was for the benefit of House Targaryen, for the political and economic stability of the realm, because to him it was the best course of action to counter the Crabfeeder's incursion into their shipping lanes. Not for power, not for glory, not for the sake of ambition, but for what he believed to be right. To make House Targaryen a force to be reckoned with once more. Any consequence would lie solely on his shoulders. As Prince of Dragonstone, he would bear that burden until the time came for his inevitable ascension. But as he turned to his left, Aeonar noticed his sister Rhaenyra to be dispirited.
Rhaenyra wore a mix of strong and feminine elements. The color of the outer tunic is a soft gray, but the weave of the fabric gives off a sheen. On the front, there were layered petal-like dark red and gold appliques that extend down to the bottom of the tunic, on the sleeves, and the back at the waist. The appliques had a gray border layer around them, the short sleeves were wide, stiff, and open. The collar is a thin mandarin that is trimmed with dark red piping. The front closures are ball-shaped gold shank buttons. Under her tunic, she wore a long sleeve dark red shirt with a woven texture with a gold line running down the sleeve with gold embroidery at the cuff. She also wore a long leather belt, trousers, boots, gloves, gold stud earrings, and a ring. Why must it always be about you? Don't you even know how I feel? She noticed Aeonar glancing in her direction, a hint of resentment in her eyes. I stood up for you for a long time, brother. So why aren't you sticking up for me this time?
The Kingswood ― Royal pavilion...
Within the royal pavilion, Rhaenyra sees the noble ladies converging over Aeonar. Possibly gossiping nonsense into his ears as they did with her for months. Alicent was with them as well, occasionally bouncing Jaehaerys on her lap. For a two-year-old, her nephew was surprisingly well-behaved. Some of the nobles often fawned over the young prince. She glanced to her right and noticed her father glancing in her direction, along with the wandering eyes of Lord Jason Lannister. There was an aura about the Lord of Casterly Rock that bothered the Targaryen princess, so she simply avoided them.
"So it was true that Lady Johanna was abducted?" Ciera Lannister inquired. "But we last heard she was on one of Lord Swann's ships―"
"Through the Stepstones, yes, my lady," Aeonar confirmed. "Once my spies discovered what the Triarchy had in store for her, it was imperative my men lead an expedition to get her out of there and bring her home."
"My word, what were those savages planning to do to her?"
"Unpleasant as it sounds, but upon interrogation, we learned they planned to sell Lady Johanna to a pillow-house in Lys."
"By the Gods," Joslyn Redwyne gasped. "At least we heard she's made it back home safe and sound."
"Yes, my lady. We weren't going to allow a woman like her to suffer such a fate. Doesn't matter which house anyone is born into; the crown will not abandon one of its own."
Larys, limping over with only his cane to support him, stood over them. "Mind if I join you?" he asked. "I fear the gods did not make me for hunting."
"But of course. Please join us," Alicent nodded. She turned to Aeonar. "My love, this is Larys Strong, second son of our Master of Laws Lord Lyonel. "
"Yes, I know who he is," Aeonar replied. "Please be seated. You must be uncomfortable having to stand in your condition."
"I thank you, my prince."
"My lord husband says that no king has even been able to tame the Stepstones for long," Lynesse Hightower gossiped. "It's an inhospitable place suited only for savages."
"Perhaps the prince might offer some insight?" Ciera inquired. "You were, after all, at the Stepstones for some time."
Aeonar hummed. He noticed Rhaenyra nearby but swiftly redirected his attention to the Lannister noblewoman. "Each island chain was notorious for being a haven for pirates throughout the years, often raiding merchant ships passing through the Narrow Sea. This can affect trade routes, which therefore triggers an economic ripple effect not just throughout the Free Cities but across the Seven Kingdoms as well. Had the Triarchy not simply increased the passage tolls and attacked one of our ships in the first place, we might never have needed to retaliate."
"Your dear uncle is the great mind behind this war. Was he not?"
"It was a joint effort collaborated between Daemon, me, and Lord Corlys. No credit can be claimed by a lone man. My uncle led our armies, the Sea Snake commanded our fleet, and I oversaw our intelligence agents. Overall, it was a team effort that helped turn the tide. Had it been managed by someone else it would have taken years."
"I've not spoken to Daemon in years," Rhaenyra interjected. She soon had their attention. "I meant to congratulate you and our uncle on your victory, brother."
"I appreciate it, Rhaenyra," Aeonar acknowledged.
"After what happened last time on Dragonstone, you two looked like you were ready to kill each other. Who would have thought you'd end up working together? Did you both make nice or something when I wasn't looking?"
Ceira, Lynesse, and Joslyn all looked at each other in confusion. Alicent shifted in her seat, visibly uncomfortable at the reminder. Aeonar, however, noticed the tone in his sister's voice. Rhaenyra, I know that voice.
"Daemon made his choices, Lady Ceira," Alicent quickly intervened in a diplomatic tone. "My husband was more suited to be the king's heir since His Grace made it official ten years ago."
Thank you, Alicent. "The seat of Dragonstone is traditionally held by the king's heir. One day, Dragonstone will be passed down to my son Jaehaerys and his sons after him. But I must admit... I was not in the most stable mind after my mother died. So, when I heard of the occupation, I did my duty as anyone would when someone squatters in another's home. Thankfully, tensions died down pretty quickly."
"But if you had to, would have killed our uncle?" Rhaenyra raised a brow.
"If he left me no choice? Then yes."
"He's made a mess and the king must put an end to it," Jocelyn advised.
Rhaenyra looked at her. "But we weren't at war. Not during the occupation, and not at the Stepstones," she said.
Excuse me? Aeonar raised a brow as if offended by the notion.
"The crown... was at war, princess. Though your father refuses to admit it, we've been dragged into it by your uncle and the Sea Snake."
"The Triarchy started that war the moment Craghas Drahar sunk our ships and mercilessly executed our men. Nailing them to the stakes at low tide to drown or leaving his crabs to eat them alive," Aeonar was quick to remind them. "If the crown continued to do nothing, the long-term repercussions would have made a lasting impact on our ports and made us look weak. Passive. We did not start that war in the Stepstones. We ended it to ensure that it would never happen again." He then shook his head at Rhaenyra.
Larys sat in the distance watching the conversation, listening closely. He could detect the growing internal squabble in House Targaryen. Who knows? This could one day be useful to him. He just had to remain patient until his agents deployed to the Starry Sept delivered the results in time.
Growing angry at their denigration and the perceived lack of familial support, Rhaenyra exits the pavilion.
"Rhaenyra?" Alicent tried to call out.
"She'll be fine. Just give her some space and she'll eventually calm down," Aeonar said.
"And if she doesn't?"
"Then I'll take care of it."
The Kingswood ― Grand Hunt Main Camp...
Rhaenyra stormed out of the pavilion to rid her mind of the resentful thoughts. She needed to get away from people, just like her brother did a long time ago. Especially from her father and stepmother who both tried to arrange a betrothal for her against her wishes. Servants nearby rotated pigs on a spit over one of the makeshift firepits, another started filling her basket with fresh fruit. Daemon was nowhere to be seen, probably off on a hunt of his own. The princess shook her head as more courtiers gossiped amongst themselves.
"I wonder, princess," Lord Jason approached, "was your second nameday as grand as this?"
Ah shit, it's you again. "I honestly don't recall, and neither will Aegon or Jaehaerys."
"I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Lord Jason Lannister of Casterly Rock, Lord Paramount of the Westerlands, and Warden of the West. We met during your brother's wedding to Lady Alicent."
"Yes, I gathered that from all the lions." How long are these people going to make me put up with all this? "Your twin serves on my father's council now."
Jason smirked with a hint of a pompous arrogant nature. "Tyland is... frightfully dull, gods bless him," he poured honeyed wine in two cups before handing one to Rhaenyra. "The finest honeyed wine you'll ever taste. Made in Lannisport, of course."
Rhaenyra begrudgingly accepted the cup, but still kept a composed facade. "Of course," she slowly took a sip.
"Ah, the kingswood, it's a fine hunting ground. But the best sport is to be found at Casterly Rock, near my home. Have you been there before?"
"Um, once... on tour with my mother when I was young, and honestly can't recall much of that either. I doubt my brother could say the same."
"Ah, so both of you have been to the Westerlands before. That speaks of wonders! I imagine things have grown to be frightfully dully these days." Jason continued smirking. "The Rock is three times the height of the Hightower in Oldtown, taller still than the Wall in the North. It's been said that if one were to stand in the tower... on a perfect day, one could see clearly across the Sunset Sea."
Rhaenyra cringed. Seven hells how long are you going to keep talking?! "It must be quite something."
"Hm, still I don't have a Dragonpit, of course, but... I do have the means and resources to build one."
Excuse me? "Why would you need a Dragonpit?"
"To house dragons, of course," Jason answered. "I'd do anything for the princess... or... my lady wife."
So that's your intention. A prize for you to snatch away, a broodmare to further extend your bloodline. You... pompous, arrogant swine. Rhaenyra faked a smile. "No thank you," she rejected. "Thank you for the wine, my lord." Nearly returning the honeyed wine into Jason's hands almost forcibly, she turned around and rushed back to the pavilion to confront her father.
The Kingswood ― Royal pavilion...
"The crime rate since I assumed command of the City Watch has declined by approximately 2 percent these last few months, my prince," Ser Harwin reported. "Although there are still a bunch of rabbles out in the squallers and alleyways in King's Landing, I recommend we double our patrols and keep a close eye out for any suspicious criminal activity."
"I agree," Aeonar nodded. "Even during times of peace, the gold cloaks must ever remain as vigilant as they are persistent in upholding and enforcing the king's laws."
"There will be some murmuring, but we won't be turning a blind eye to pesky vermin."
"How fares my brother, Ser Harwin?" Alicent inquired.
"Ser Gwayne has been adjusting well to his new role. His injuries since the tourney have healed, and he's due for observation for a promotion. If he passes, he'll be a lieutenant in no time."
"The Felwood reports that various lumber has grown a rather fascinating pair for the upcoming ceremony before you depart for your royal tour of the realm, my prince," Lady Fell reported. "If we might be as curious, where do you intend to name as your first stop?"
Aeonar pondered. "Hmm. I believe my first visit would be the Eyrie, my lady. My mother was an Arryn, and I have distant relatives there. So, I'd like to pay my respects to them first."
"Understandable, my prince. Please be sure to say hello to Lady Jeyne for us."
"I will."
"Bitterbridge stands ready for whatever assistance we could muster," Allun Caswell reported. "If I may one day be of service, my prince..."
"The day may yet come, my lord," Aeonar acknowledged. He then turned to Lord Merryweather. "We've just received a batch of fresh crops from Longtable, Lord Merryweather. The fruits and vegetables were rather delicious."
The Lord of Longtable bowed. "House Merryweather is delighted to hear that, my prince."
"When my ascension comes, can I continue on Longtable for support?"
"Yes, my prince. We are not oathbreakers. I was there when we swore our vows the moment His Grace named you his heir. House Merryweather will stand with you."
Aeonar nodded. Good. Then it's all going accordingly to plan. "I may call on you all when the time comes," he informed them. "You're all meant for greater things. Ser Harwin, Lord Caswell, Lady Fell, Lord Merryweather... though I'm stricter than my father, I think you'll find that to loyal followers of House Targaryen, I am not ungenerous. With me, you will ascend to even greater heights."
Harwin 'Breakbones' nodded. "You won't be disappointed," he replied.
"In that case, I think we will have a very fruitful relationship. Now, I need you all to be my eyes and ears out there. Keep a close watch for any suspicious activity, report back to me through my agents, and we will discuss your place in my power structure."
As the group was busy conversing, Aeonar caught a glimpse of Rhaenyra re-entering the tent and heading straight toward Viserys. "Is that what I am to you?" she bitterly demanded. "A prize to proffer about to the Great Houses?"
Viserys shook his head. "You are of age, Rhaenyra. And Jason Lannister is an excellent match," he insisted.
"He's arrogant and self-serious!"
"Well, I thought you might have that in common." The whispering match between Viserys and Rhaenyra steadily grew louder in the middle of festivities before the grand hunt could begin, which was slowly getting everyone's attention. "Since you came of age, I have been slowly drowning in a lake of parchment flung from every corner of the realm. Marriage proposals, all. And I have tried often to discuss it with you, but you've refused me at every turn."
"That is because I do not wish to get married!" Rhaenyra shouted.
"EVEN I DO NOT EXIST ABOVE TRADITION AND DUTY, RHAENYRA!" Viserys angrily shouted back.
Otto quickly intervened. "Excuse me, Your Grace," he interrupted.
Viserys turned to Otto but soon noticed the rest of the nobles staring at them awkwardly. Off in the far-right corner of the pavilion, the king could see his son staring at him with disappointment in his eyes as if he had already known about the little stunt he and Beatrice tried to pull on Rhaenyra. For a moment, there was silence. Before long, the king shook his head and turned back to his daughter. "You must marry. Just like your brother," he firmly insisted before redirecting his attention toward Otto. "Yes?"
"The royal huntsman has sent a report, Your Grace. There's been a sighting of a white hart," Otto informed. "The stag is 'The King of the Kingswood,' Your Grace. A regal portent for Prince Aegon and Prince Jaehaerys's nameday." Even if he wanted the celebration only for his grandson, Otto knew that Queen Beatrice would throw a fit until Viserys gave in to her demands.
Viserys nodded until he noticed Rhaenyra was missing.
Nearby, Aeonar and Alicent were watching the whole spectacle as Rhaenyra stormed out. Then came the thundering hooves and neighs of a horse, before they heard another horse's hooves stomp onto the ground as a second voice called out.
"Princess! Princess, wait!"
Alicent recognized that voice. "That was Ser Criston Cole," she said. "He's going after Rhaenyra."
"Yes, I know," Aeonar watched through the opening.
"Shouldn't we go after her too?"
"Mmm. Too many witnesses. Such a scene will cause tongues to start spewing unfounded scandals," Aeonar turned back to Alicent. "We'll wait until nightfall, and I'll go find her."
"You sure that's wise?"
"Trust me. I have a backup plan just in case. I'll get her back. But for now, we wait until everyone goes to sleep." For the shadows are our friends.