Author's Notes: To be honest, I had a hard time making this chapter. I was trying to pick if I want to have an Aerys POV or to have one of the Kingsguard have a POV but nevertheless, I've picked Harlan.

So as always, enjoy the chapter.

Harlan I – Second Month, 258 AC

Harlan is many things but the one thing that can be defined about him is being a Kingsguard. He still remembered the day when he was elevated into the ranks. Serving under King Aegon the Fifth was an interesting experience. Sure, he had his doubts when he saw the King being chosen under the Great Council but as time went one, King Aegon proved to himself that he was a dutiful king that was only forced under circumstances. The only short failings that he has was his 'love' for the smallfolk. Many lords griped about his enacted words and as such, tends to ignore it. Before he would've joined on the discontentment of the lords but since becoming a Kingsguard, his views tend to share that with the King these days.

And all of that is because of Duncan.

Meeting the famous Duncan the Tall is one of the most humbling events that could've happened in his life. Duncan would always tell to his brothers-in-arms that he's a thick-headed person but his eyes would always betray the words that he spouts. The way that he would look at people with such intense gaze is one proof of it and the stories he tells when he and the King were traveling across Westeros was highly entertaining to learn about.

The one thing that could be shared about him and the Lord Commander is that they're both getting older as time passes by, Currently, he has experienced five-and-thirty name days and there are only five people under the Kingsguard and two remaining slots are open for the White Cloak. That's why when the King ordered Aerys to travel towards Summerhall for the preparation of the yearly break, he requested Duncan to accompany Aerys in order to travel towards tourneys that would have up-and-coming knights to appear. The Lord Commander agrees with and as such, he accompanied Aerys during the past month.

Harlan's first impression of Prince Aerys was that he's vain. He always noticed him dallying with the Red Keep's servants and even though he hides it very well, the same can't be said towards the servants that he copulated with. That said, he was still young and attitudes can be remedied if guided properly. Besides, he was squiring under his Grace's son, Duncan the Small and he's certain that prince Duncan would be able to get rid of Prince Aerys' behavior.

Then his wedding with Rhaella was announced. For most people especially the nobility, being married into one of the Great Houses is a boon but for prince Aerys, he seems to detest the marriage that his father arranged for him. He didn't know why Prince Aerys and princess Rhaella seems to have always argued with one another but it was rather sad for him to see a marriage that is set to fail, for he had not known much people who have the same issue that prince Aerys and princess Rhaella have.

But once again, it seems like prince Aerys wouldn't stop surprising people at every turn. For how could one explain the sudden shift of personality prince Aerys experienced and it seems like the rest of the Royal Family was surprised also.

Nevertheless, he did his duty but his interest towards prince Aerys is regained once more and in under a month, his previous demeanor seems to have been gone altogether!

Previously, he didn't take his duty of being a squire under prince Duncan seriously but in under a month, he managed to improve his skill with numerous weapons but prefers to fight with a sword and seems to be more recipient towards prince Duncan's teachings. He's humbler and more generous than he was previously, that's for sure.

Prince Aerys' tends to carry more books than he would've back then. From what he'd heard when he and Tywin Lannister, King Aegon's cupbearer and one of his friends with the other one being Steffon Baratheon, are having a private discussion about books, he said back then that, "Books are more useful to wipe your arse than to learn with." So, imagine his surprise when he was trying to read and write with both hands!

And finally, his relationship with princess Rhaella changed. Drastically.

It was after the wedding that he noticed the changes that the two have. For one, prince Aerys is actively trying to fix their relationship and so far, it seems to be working with prince Aerys making her giggle at every turn. There's also the fact that the princess was confirmed to be pregnant. The announcement caused jubilation at the Royal Family with King Aegon declaring a celebration for the blessed union causing prince Aerys' delay for his travel towards Summerhall. Prince Aerys seemingly didn't mind considering that he's busy celebrating the results of his union with princess Rhaella.

And all of that happened within a month. A month! The people of King's Landing say that it's the Targaryen madness revealing itself in the most of interesting ways but for the rest of the Royal Family, it seems like that Aerys is only growing up as an adult and he agrees with the statement.

That is why they're ambushed on the road by bandits near Summerhall, he was surprised when prince Aerys took the lead of the situation.

"Ser Harlan," Prince Aerys voice was very commanding, fit for a king, "Lead the men, I'll lead the rest of the cavalry and have someone take command of the archers, it seems like those bandits prepared well with their ambush." Harlan only nodded at his words, determined to kill the bandits that dare tries to kill a Prince of the Realm!

"Men, with me! Let's take care of these bastards that dare to kill a Prince!" Many of his men cheered at that. He can't blame them for most of these men are smallfolks who were allured with King Aegon's words.

Even though these bandits have set up a pretty elaborate ambush, it seems like they weren't skilled at using their swords. They were quickly mauled down, with archers supporting the rear and with Prince Aerys leading the charge, it's only a matter of time before they break down. And break down, they did with most the stragglers running being killed by his appointed man who's leading the archers. He would definitely recommend the man for the Gold Cloak.

After the battle, Prince Aerys ordered the men to round up the bandits who surrendered and to scour the bodies in order to give them a proper burial and if they're to find gold within the bodies, they can keep it. The men cheered at his words.

Seeing the men that surrendered rounded up, prince Aerys nodded at proceeded to glare at them before shoving his hand into one of the bandits and yanking him forward.

"So, why in your little addled brain decided to attack me? Hmmm?" The prince's face is snarling as he said his words.

"W-we were h-hired, mi 'lord." The bandit quaveringly replied, his pants slowly being soak with his own piss.

"By who?" Prince Aerys flatly asked.

"W-we don't know, m-mi 'lord. We were only g-given coins and w-were asked to not question." Prince Aerys hummed at that before ordering one of the men to give him a coin. After receiving it, his visage turned murderous.

"This is not Westerosi coin." Harlan heard the prince mumbled before returning his gaze towards the bandit, "Tell me, did the man that gave you his coin has any sort of color within his face?"

The bandit hesitated slightly before giving a nod, "Yes. I've not seen the whole face but he has a green beard, m-mi 'lord."

Here, the Prince cursed. Intrigued at the reasoning, he asked the Prince, "What is it, your Grace?" Prince Aerys threw the coin towards Harlan to which he caught. Taking a look at the coin, his brow furrowed.

"Your Grace, this coinage isn't one of Westerosi design," Harlan said, "This coin belongs to that of Tyrosh."

"I've noticed, Ser Harlan. The blazing tower is definitely a sign for one because it doesn't represent the Hightower but more likely, the blazing tower represents the R'hllor."

"But why would they try to kill you, your Grace? Do they want to invite war with the whole of Westeros?" Harlan questioned, causing prince Aerys to snort.

"That's a leap of logic if I've ever heard one, Ser Harlan," Harlan sputtered at his words, "But no, I fear that it isn't the Tyroshi that wants me dead. For one, if they did, it would ruin their city and they also have Myr and Lys to contend with."

"If it isn't the Archon itself, then who would be bold enough to do this?"

Prince Aerys stayed silent at his question before giving a question, "Tell me, Ser Harlan. Who is the House that is exiled to Essos?"

Harlan took a moment to respond but not without his face paling, "Don't you mean to say that the Blackfyres are responsible for this?!" Prince Aerys shrugged at his words.

"Maybe, maybe not. To be honest, I wish that it wasn't them and that it was someone random noble that wants me kidnapped for ransom but my guess with it being the Blackfyres is slowly becoming the reality." Prince Aerys then gestured to the captured bandits. "Send them to King's Landing and have them given a fair trial. We shall continue on our travel towards Summerhall. This whole event tired me and I need to send a letter to grandfather."

Harlan only nodded and proceeded to send off the bandits towards King's Landing.

He only hoped that Prince Aerys' words aren't true for if it is true, then War would come again in Westeros.