Chapter 48: Prince of Dragonstone
"Dragonstone was originally an outpost in the Valyrian Freehold. I think it was founded by a man named Daeron Brighthair, so named because his hair was an unnatural colour of silver even for our people." Aemon said as he and Jocelyn walked arm in arm through the hallways of Dragonstone. "When he founded it, it was little more than a volcano with a few inhabitants who marvelled at the presence of a man with a dragon. He was worshipped as a God and went a bit mad."
"Didn't he declare himself Emperor of Dragonstone?" Jocelyn asked.
"He did. The Freehold sent Aegor Targaryen to defeat him. Aegor brought some twelve dragons with him and took over the castle." Aemon replied.
"Thus making it his seat. How come he didn't get delusions of grandeur then?" Jocelyn asked.
Aemon looked at his wife and grinned. "Because his wife would've hit him on the head if he had. And he didn't like that."
Jocelyn laughed. "Smart man." they continued walking for a time and then his wife asked. "Why did your father tell you to go to Dragonstone now? You've been the Prince of this place since birth."
Aemon took a deep breath. "Because we are married now and because things with the Faith look as if they might get warmer now. Garibald is old but he has some interesting ideas, and my father wishes for me to be here."
"Why?" Jocelyn asked. "Is he worried you might do something rash?"
Aemon shook his head. "I don't think so. I think it's more the fact that I'm his heir and there are portions of the Faith that are getting quite rowdy. He wants to make sure that they do not try something."
"Ah. So, they might come after you as the future of the dynasty." Jocelyn said. "And me because I am your wife and will bear your children in the future."
"That and they're terrified of you." Aemon said.
"Me? Why?" Jocelyn asked surprised.
Aemon stopped and his wife stopped as well. He looked at her and smiled. "Because you are simply brilliant, Jocelyn. You are smart, kind and caring. And most importantly you don't give a shit about their rules."
"So, they think me what? A bad influence?" Jocelyn asked.
"Something like that." Aemon replied.
Instead of the comment making his wife laugh, it instead made her frown. "Do you find me a bad influence?"
The question surprised him. He knew by looking at her that joking about it would not help the matter, and so instead he said. "I find you to be the most wonderful person in the world."
"Aemon, I'm being serious." Jocelyn replied.
Aemon pulled her close. "So am I." he said.
"Why?" Jocelyn asked.
Aemon looked into his wife's eyes and said. "I think you're brilliant. I think you're kind and caring and generous. You make me laugh, I can talk to you about things I can't talk to anyone else about. Why would I not think you anything less than wonderful."
Jocelyn said nothing but she leaned forward and kissed him. He kissed her back and for a moment they were lost in one another's embrace. A cough pulled them apart. Aemon looked around and found a bashful Ser Addison Hill looking at him. "I am sorry Your Royal Highnesses, but you need to keep walking."
Aemon instantly tensed. "Why, what has happened?"
Ser Addison looked around and then whispered. "Not here, Your Royal Highness."
Aemon nodded and walked on with Jocelyn walking alongside him. They took the quicker route back to the solar, and when the door was locked, Aemon looked at Ser Addison and Maester Gaemon and demanded. "What has happened?"
"The High Septon has died, Your Royal Highnesses." Maester Gaemon.
"He was murdered." Ser Addison said.
Jocelyn gasped and Aemon asked. "By who?"
Maester Gaemon shot Ser Addison a look and then said. "By followers of Septon Moon, Your Royal Highness. They accused him of being an agent of the Stranger and decrying his ties to the throne."
Aemon sighed. "So, the war has begun."
"Yes, Your Royal Highness." Maester Gaemon replied. "His Majesty the King has written to say that you should strengthen the garrison and the defences. And keep an eye on the Septons on the isle."
"How many men are there?" Aemon asked.
"Two thousand right now, Your Royal Highness." Ser Addison replied.
"How soon can we raise another thousand?" Aemon asked.
"In a two weeks' time, Your Royal Highness." Ser Addison responded.
"See it done." Aemon commanded.
"Yes Your Royal Highness." Ser Addison replied.
Jocelyn looked at him then and asked. "Do you really think so many men will be required?"
"I do not know. I hope not. But we cannot be too careful. The Faith is in limbo now. Moon will no doubt be chosen as the new High Septon. Which means he will try and bring war." Aemon answered.
"He wouldn't be so foolish, would he?" Jocelyn asked. "There are five dragons with riders about."
Aemon sighed. "Only four of those are big enough to ride into battle. Maegor has only just started riding his dragon and his beast is too small for war."
There was a pause and then Jocelyn said. "I can check with Septa Ceryse about the other members of the Faith on the island. She knows everything."
Maester Gaemon spoke then. "That would be wise, but phrase it in such a way so as not to raise suspicion."
"Of course." Jocelyn said.
"Was there anything else from the King?" Aemon asked.
"Something from Her Majesty Queen Rhaenys." The Maester said.
"And what did it say?" Aemon demanded.
"Simply that she wishes you to stay strong." The Maester replied.
Aemon nodded and took Jocelyn's hand. His wife looked at him and said. "We will."
Aemon looked at her and nodded, his heart was racing but having her at his side made him feel a lot better. "Aye," he said. "We will."
