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Chapter Thirteen

295 AC

Arthur Dayne

Today had gone better than Arthur could have hoped. His king had accepted him into the fold without question, and both he and the prince were clearly getting on. Seeing Rhaegar's sons smile and laugh together had been wonderful, and he only hoped that it would last.

Now, sitting at the dinner table, he looked around it at the people sitting there. Aegon was sitting at the head of the table, with Jae sitting to his right and Jon on his left. Arthur had taken the seat to his prince's right, and Ser Rolly Duckfield sat on his other side. Haldon, a man who served as Aegon's tutor sat beside Rolly, and the seat to Jon's left was taken by septa Lemore.

"How are you finding the duck?" Aegon asked, looking at his brother. Arthur saw the prince smile as he cut another piece of meat on his plate.

"It's good," He said in answer to his brother's question. "It tastes a bit like chicken."

"You think so?" Aegon looked thoughtful. "Well...they're both birds, I suppose."

"That they are." Jae nodded, and the room was quiet again.

"How was your journey from the North, my prince, Ser Arthur?" The septa asked, speaking for the first time.

"It was pleasant enough," Arthur answered. "The seas weren't too bad."

"That is good to hear," She said, her gaze turning to the prince. "Was it your first time at sea my prince?"

"It was septa," Jae admitted politely. "It was...an experience."

"Oh, did you not enjoy it?" Aegon asked, and Arthur winced internally. Jae had been very sick on the boat, he doubted he wanted to be on another one anytime soon.

"I...no," He admitted, flushing slightly. "I prefer land travel, I think."

Sensing the need for a subject change, Arthur glanced at his king. "Jon tells me that you learned Valyrian Your Grace," He said. "Can you speak it well? I remember your father having some books written in the language, they might still be on Dragonstone."

"I remember those too," Jon said. "I think he was planning on translating some of them."

"Really? Well...I can speak it fairly well," Aegon said with a small smile. "Haldon says all Targaryens learned Valyrian because it is our mother tongue."

Beside him, Arthur noted Jae's slight shift. He didn't speak Valyrian, he remembered, but they could certainly change that.

The prince seemed to be following the same line of thinking. He looked across at Haldon, his face unsure. "Do you think, in that case, that you could teach me as well?"

"Of course my prince," Haldon said, smiling kindly. "I'd be happy to."

"I'll help you as well," Aegon assured him. "I'm sure you'll pick it up easily enough. It's in our blood, Jae."

"Thanks, brother, I'd like that," He smiled. "And I hope you're right."

"I am, trust me," Aegon said. "Ser Arthur, do you speak Valyrian as well?"

"No," Arthur chuckled. "Rhaegar offered to teach me once, but languages were never my strength."

"Nor mine," Jon agreed. "I did always like history though, and swordplay."

"Not that you ever won when you, Rhaegar and I sparred." Arthur said lightly, and Jon laughed and rolled his eyes.

"It wasn't a fair competition," He countered. "No one but Ser Barristan and the Kingslayer could keep up with the two of you."

"True enough." Arthur smiled.

"What is Ser Barristan like?" Aegon asked, turning his gaze on Arthur.

"Barristan is a good man," Arthur told him. "An honourable man, too."

"Then why did he join the usurper?" Aegon asked, frowning.

"From the stories, Robert saved his life," Jae answered before Arthur could think of what to say. "And if he hadn't knelt to him, then I suppose he would've been executed
"The other kingsguards died for their loyalty to our family," Aegon pointed out. "If he was as honourable as he claimed to be, wouldn't he have done so too?"

"I don't know," Jae admitted, frowning slightly. "Maybe he thought he'd be in a position to help our family somehow if he joined him. He probably decided that he'd be more useful to us alive than dead, even if he did swear to someone else."

The reasoning seemed sound, even if Arthur didn't really agree with it.

"So, if Ser Barristan knew we were here, what would he do?"

Arthur knew the answer to this one, or at least he thought he did. "I don't think he would fight either of you." He said, looking between them.

"So he would join us then?" Aegon asked, and Arthur hesitated.

"No," He said at last. "Well, actually I don't know. He may well join us, but then again his honour might compel him to keep to the usurper."

"But he made oaths to house Targaryen first," Jae pointed out. "Surely he'd keep to that."

"Again, he might," Arthur said. "He was fond of Rhaegar, and he fought alongside him. Robert did save his life though, so I really don't know."

There was a thoughtful silence then. They ate, and then Aegon spoke once more. "Would you have done what Barristan did, Ser?" He asked, looking at him. "Would you, Jon?"

"No," Arthur said at once. "I'd never have bowed before that...man. My loyalty was to Rhaegar then, and it's to the two of you now."

"Arthur's right," Jon said firmly. "The usurper would have had to take my head, because I would have rather run him through than bowed to him."

Aegon nodded, and smiled at both of them. "You see? You are both what I would call honourable, Barristan...well he might be a good man but his loyalty seems changeable."

"What do you think you will do if he does join us?" Jae asked, looking sideways at his brother.

"That really depends I suppose," Aegon mused. "If, when he found out about us he came to us then I'd accept his loyalty. If, however, he waited until the war was all but won and supported the usurper during the battles, then I'd take his head for treason or send him to the Wall."

That was a good decision, Arthur thought. Aegon might be forgiving, but it was clear he was not stupid.

"I think I would do the same," Jae said. "If he proved untrustworthy, then having him alive would be a risk. We couldn't afford that."

Aegon nodded, seemingly satisfied. Once more, the table was quiet and they finished their dinner with little more discussion.

"Will you show me your egg?" Jae asked, looking at his brother.

"Egg?" Arthur asked curiously, looking between the two of them.

"Aegon has a dragon egg," His prince told him. "Just like me."

"Really? Where did you get it Your Grace?" Arthur had seen Jae's egg during their journey to White Harbor. It was a beautiful thing, and Arthur had been shocked to feel the heat and movement that were inside it when Jae touched it.

"My uncle Oberyn brought it here a long time ago," Aegon explained. "It's not just like yours, Jae, yours has different colours."

"Where did you get your egg, my prince?" Jon asked, looking curious.

"My father left it with my mother for me," Jae explained. "My uncle brought it, along with my father's harp and Dark Sister to Winterfell."

"Oh," Jon said, realising. "That's why you have it. Wait...Dark Sister? Where did Rhaegar get that? I never knew he had it."

"That's a good question," Aegon nodded. "you never told me the details, brother."

"Only because I don't know them," The prince admitted. "My uncle didn't say. Ser Arthur, do you know where my father got the sword?"

"I do, actually," Arthur admitted. "It was sent to him by your uncle."

"Our uncle?" Aegon asked, sounding puzzled.

"Yes, Your Grace, your uncle Aemon," Arthur explained. "He'd apparently been hiding it for many years."

"The maester at the Wall?" Jae asked, looking confused. "But why would he have the sword?"

Before he could explain, Aegon answered. "Oh, I think I know why. Aemon was the brother of Aegon V you said, isn't that so?"

"Yes," Jae nodded, still confused.

"Well, he must have gone to the Wall with Bloodraven," Aegon said excitedly. "Bloodraven wielded Dark Sister, but he was lost on a ranging. He must have given the sword to Aemon for safe keeping. Am I right, Ser?"

"You are, Your grace," Arthur said, nodding. "He kept it for many years, but a few moons before the war started Aemon sent Rhaegar the sword."

"Then why didn't Rhaegar take it with him?" Jon asked quietly. "It could have made all the difference..."

"I don't know Jon," Arthur admitted. "I asked him to. Lyanna asked too, almost pleaded with him. He would not, he said the sword had to stay with her and their unborn son. I didn't understand it then, nor do I now. He was certain of it though, and so the sword stayed."

"And now it's here," Aegon said softly. "And my brother will wield it. Perhaps that's what father wanted."

"I do not know, Your Grace," Arthur said. "But mayhaps he did."

There was quiet once more, but then Aegon turned to his brother. "Come Jae, I'll show you the egg now if you like. Then maybe we should sleep, it's getting late."

It was getting late. It was dark outside, with only the moon lighting the sky. Arthur hadn't noticed it, but now he thought about it he realised that he was tired also.

"Good idea," Jae rose. "And I...have something else to tell you about as well before bed."

"Come on then." Aegon said, and the two of them, and Ghost of course, left the room after wishing everyone a goodnight.

"I'm pleased the king and the prince are getting on," The septa said with a soft smile. "I know that Aegon was anxious about meeting his brother."

"Jaehaerys was worried too," Arthur said. "When we were pulling into the docks, I thought he was ill he'd gone so pale. Jon, he saw you on the docks and I wasn't sure if he'd get off the boat or not. He was scared, he thought he'd be turned away."

"Aegon would never have done that," Jon told him, shaking his head.

"No, I can see that," Arthur smiled. "Our king is a good lad."

"That he is," Haldon said. "And a clever one. Our prince seems to be as well."

"He is," Ser Arthur said. "Rhaegar and their mothers would be proud, that's for certain."

The others nodded, smiling in agreement. Arthur sat with them for a while longer, but finally he decided it was time to retire. He bid them goodnight and went to his room. He fell asleep, much more confident about the future that was in store for him and for Rhaegar's sons.

Jaehaerys Targaryen

"You're right about the egg," Jae said, his hand lightly touching the silvery scales of his brother's egg. It was warm like his own was, and the blue swirls caught the light and sparkled.

"You see? It's our Targaryen blood." Aegon told him, eyes bright. "That's what uncle Oberyn said."

"I think he must be right," Jae smiled. "I can't think of another explanation. What's your uncle like, anyway?"

"He's a warrior," Aegon said and Jae could hear the admiration in his voice. "I find him quite funny, but Jon...well I don't think they like each other. Uncle Oberyn likes to smirk at him, the way he does when he's trying to annoy someone."

Jae actually laughed a little. "He sounds interesting," He said. "Does he visit often?"

"He does sometimes," Aegon said. "he hasn't in a while though, so hopefully he will soon."

"I'll look forward to meeting him," Jae said, but then he hesitated. "He won't...be angry that I'm here, will he?"

"No, he won't be," Aegon insisted. "My mother had letters sent back to Sunspear with Ashara Dayne. My uncles know the truth of things, they know that my mother bore our father and your mother no ill will. Uncle Oberyn will be happy that I have family here with me all the time now, and he certainly won't blame you for anything."

"You're sure?" Jae asked. "I could always make myself scarce when he's here if that would be easier. I wouldn't mind."

"I would mind," Aegon told him. Jae looked up, meeting his brother's gaze. Aegon's violet eyes were steady, he meant what he said, Jae could see that. "I'll not have you hiding away as though you don't belong. You're my brother, Jae, a prince of house Targaryen. I need you to remember that, all right? You have as much right to be seen, to be valued, as anyone does, and if I hear anyone say differently well...they'll have me to deal with."

Despite himself, Jae smiled. Aegon sounded so sure, so firm in his conviction that Jae found himself believing him. Yes, he did deserve to be valued, and his brother saw that. That meant a lot to him, and he suddenly found it hard to speak.

"Aegon I...thank you." He finally managed. Aegon placed a hand on his shoulder, eyes softening.

"For what? It's the truth, brother." He said, and Jae smiled.

"I just...it means a lot to hear you say it. I don't think anyone has said that to me before."

"Well, I meant it," He said. "Now, you said you had something else to tell me about?"

"I did," Jae said, swallowing nervously. "In my chest, the one with the egg and the harp inside there were two letters. One from my mother, and another from our father."

"A letter from father?" Aegon asked, eyes wide.

"Aye," Jae said. "In the letter, he said to tell you and Rhaenys something. I can't tell her of course, but I can tell you."

"What was it?" Aegon asked, and Jae swallowed hard. Just thinking about the letter made his vision blur, but he ignored this and spoke quietly.

"He said to tell you that he loved you, Aegon," He said. "And he told me that we should love and protect each other, and that we were to stand together as siblings should."

He dared a glance at Aegon, and saw the tears that were welling up in his brother's eyes. He wasn't sure what to do, so he did what he would've done if this were Robb or Arya. He gave his brother a hug, and to his relief Aegon hugged him back tightly.

"He said all that?" Aegon murmured once they'd broken apart.

"He did." Jae said softly. "I'll show you if you'd like."
"I'd like that," Aegon nodded a little shakily. "Are you sure though?"

"Of course." He said, and he went and got the letter. When he returned, he handed it to his brother and watched as he read it. More tears fell, and Jae placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I miss him," Aegon said at last. "I didn't know him I know that, but I miss him. Is that foolish?"

"No," Jae said, shaking his head. "I miss him too, and my mother, and Rhaenys. I just keep thinking...what would life have been like if they had lived. Would father have sparred with us? Would Rhaenys be more like Sansa or Arya? I thought about so many things."

"I wish we knew the answers," Aegon said, handing back the letter. "But we'll never have them, will we?"

"We won't," Jae admitted. "But we'll have each other. And that's something, isn't it? It's everything really."

"It is," Aegon gave him a small, sad smile. "We'll always have each other, won't we? I mean, I know we've only known each other for a day, but I already feel like I know you. We're family like you said, like father said too."

"Aye, we are," Jae said, smiling back. "And we'll always have each other. I promise you brother."

"And I promise you the same." Aegon said, and Jae nodded. "Now, I suppose it's getting late," He sighed. "We should sleep, hopefully Ser Arthur will train with us in the morning."

"I'm sure he will," Jae smiled. "All right, goodnight then brother."

"Goodnight Jae." Aegon replied, and Jae left the room and went into his own. He put his father's letter away and went to bed, falling asleep with a smile on his face.