Chapter 5
"This is the stuff Lyonel. Lads that learn together, train together, push each other, beat each other up will certainly form a life long bond; wouldn't you agree…?" King told his lord Hand. His voice perfectly portraying the enthusiasm of a naïve child who either could not see the actual scenario or deliberately refuses to look at it.
"That is the hope, your grace." Taking a quick breath, the Hand of the King responded.
On her father's lap Aemma turned and cocked her head at the man standing, to study him. His face lacked the King's enthusiasm. Unlike the latter he was seeing the scene unfold differently. Simultaneously, in his mind hoping and praying for the King's naïve assumptions to be true.
The King then turned to his daughter and kissed the crown of her head.
"Lyonel seems hesitant, but you agree with me, don't you Aemma?"
The girl in question switched her attention from the Hand of the King to the King. And instead of answering she put the sapphire pendant, which she has been fiddling between her fingers all this time, into her mouth and began suckling on it. A habit she picked up anytime she did not wish to speak to an individual.
This time it happens to be her father. Actually… last time it was her father as well.
Truth is, Aemma never quite enjoys her father's company. It is especially worse recently. His blatant favours over his eldest daughter's family and lack of interest in his younger children is only making the gap wider between him and his younger children. Although Aemma's situation vastly differs from her siblings; still, it does not change the resentment she formed in her heart towards the man who is causing her own blood to be hurt. Also, the man's ageing, sickly and ugly (in Aemma's own words) appearance is definitely not helping the situation. She prefers to be around her mother who is youthful and beautiful look wise.
However, if being in her father's company means she can use it as an excuse to skip her lesson with her Septa then be it! Which is precisely the reason she is here today— on the terrace above the courtyard.
Seated on her father's lap and wiggling her legs freely, Aemma was overlooking the training ground. Watching her brothers and nephews train under the supervision of Ser Cristen Cole; with absolute disinterested eyes.
Disinterested, mostly due to Daeron's absence from today's training. The boy has been suffering from upset stomach due to over indulging in apple pies last night.
Aemma contemplated on leaving. As the plan to sneak into Daeron's chamber and check on him tantalize her mind. But she decided against it for two reasons:
One- She did not want to be caught by an angry Septa Lyra, who in Aemma's opinion is the absolute worst. The older woman would certainly not hesitate to viciously drag her back inside and assign her additional task of sewing. Subsequently complaining to her mother adding details that would only get her grounded.
Two- when a supposedly passing by Ser Harwin Strong stopped to offer some advices to her nephews. The scene peaked Aemma's interest as she recalled the excitement in her mother's face when she told him about the man accompanying Lucerys that day, when he gave her the flowers.
Let it be known that Aemma's decision to stay worked in her favour. Rapidly things got interesting on the training ground. Ser Harwin soon questioned Ser Criston's method of training, accusing him of not paying proper attention to his younger pupils. Aggravated by the Commander of the City Watch, Ser Criston changed his tactics. The boys were paired up. Elder brother against elder brother and younger brother against younger brother. The first one to go up against one another were Aegon and Jacaerys.
Just as they engaged, Aemma clapped her hands, cheering for her brother excitedly.
Her choice certainly left her father flabbergasted. But he did not dwell on it much longer, just kissed her temple affectionately and refocused on the courtyard. After all, Aemma was free to support her choice of opponent.
What began as friendly sparring rapidly changed. Encouraged by Cole, Aegon began taking more aggressive approach. Even Aemma was left a bit startled when he kicked Jacaerys to the ground and continued on with the attack. If not for Ser Harwin's intervention, Aegon would have seriously injured the younger boy.
Her father even scolded Aegon for going hard on Jacaerys.
The King, his little princess, and the Hand of the King continued to watch. The former two remained oblivious to the increasing tension between Criston Cole and Harwin Strong. But the Hand of the King could sense it.
In a way, he saw it coming.
The pendent dropped from Aemma's mouth as it parted aghast the moment Harwin Strong tackled Criston Cole to the ground and began to throw series of hard punches.
Not willing to expose his daughter to senseless violence and further terrorize her, the King commanded the closest Kingsguard to take Aemma back inside.
Much to her disappointment, she did not get to see the end of it.
On the bright side, whatever little bit of the embarrassing scene she missed, were filled upon by the gifted story tellers— the gossiping maids. Their narratives were far more entertaining than her brothers, who witnessed the whole thing unfold firsthand.
As an aftermath of the incident at the courtyard, by the King's command, Ser Harwin Strong has been stripped off of his position as the Commander of the City Watch.
It was the first and only official information to break out following the scandalous incident.
However, the unofficial ones were plenty. Many were saying Harwin Strong would be banished from King's Landing and sent to the wall. Some argued that, it simply would not end with his removal. Even his father's position as the Hand of the King, now stands on shaky ground. Despite the King's reluctance to notice it. Some courageous ones were also whispering that he should be executed for tarnishing the Princess's reputation.
Regardless of the side, the whole Red Keep has been bussing with gossip since. Various versions of the event is being retold by people over and over. Now, more people felt bold enough to discuss the Princess's boys resemblance to the banished commander of the City Watch.
It was no different for Queen Alicent Hightower and her children.
The most interesting aspect of their private dining time inside the Queen's quarter was that - it always began with a prayer and ended with talking shit about Rhaenyra.
Tonight was no different.
"Princess Rhaenyra laid a proposal today, at the small council." Alicent broke the news. Her eyes settled on the her two children seated to her left hand side — Helaena and Aegon. To her right, were the other three — Aemond, Daeron and between them Aemma - gobbling down everything in her plate like she hasn't eaten in days.
Under normal circumstances Aegon would never sit beside Helaena. But due to his late arrival, he was forced to take the only remaining seat. Which unfortunately happened to be the one beside his unfavourite sister. Begrudgingly glaring down Aemond for not taking his usual spot tonight, Aegon slumped down on the chair and drained the wine in his cup in one long sip.
"She wanted to betrothed you to her son, her heir, Jace." The Queen told Helaena, grimacing at the thought of having her other daughter also betrothed to a bastard. As if one isn't enough.
"To alley ourselves once and for all. And for the two sides to rule together." Alicent put on a smile that looked painfully forged. Soon the smile was wiped off making her face contour in rage.
Heavy silence descended upon them. Out of five, four of the children were now staring at their mother with bated breath - like strings pulled taut. Only Aemma sat quickly scarfing down her carrot cake, while she was also greedily eyeing the portion sitting on Aemond's plate. Daeron had swiftly finished his, so point looking there. But Aemond… by the time Aemma finished her cake, Aemond still had not finished half of his.
She studied him carefully. Pondering, if he would mind, before carefully extending her spoon towards his plate as he remained distracted.
A flicker of gold moving in the periphery of his vision caught Aemond's attention but before he could react his mother spoke up gaining his attention back again on her.
"Your father thinks it's the most judicious proposition." Alicent snarled.
Aemma successfully got to put her first scoop in her mouth and savoured its taste.
"Everything that involves her is judicious to him." Aemond retorted, not noticing Aemma had dipped her spoon into his carrot cake for the second time— this time she dug out a bigger scoop.
"Wait till she starts squeezing out Strong girls. I bet, she and father will betrothed them to us to strengthen our bloodline." Said Aegon putting his cup, emptying it for the third time waiting for the fourth refill.
"I won't allow that to happen. Just like I did not allow this match to happen." Their mother reassured. "I rejected Rhaenyra's offer. Privately of course."
"Then why don't you also break Aemma's betrothal…?"
Alicent stared at her second son for a long moment, assessing whether it was a question he asked or suggestion he made. As it could be perceived both ways. Then sighed, rubbing her hands on her face before they slid up to firmly press against her temples.
"It is above me…" She admitted trailing off uncomfortably. Ashamed to be in a position where as mother she had no say in decisions regarding her youngest, supposedly insignificant child. The one who shouldn't have been of much importance.
"…as your father refuses to listen to anyone else's suggestions besides himself, when comes to taking decisions about Aemma."The bitterness lacing her tone was unavoidable.
Aemond gulp, dissatisfied.
And in order to eat out his dissatisfaction he absently dipped his spoon down to scoop out his dessert, only for the spoon to clank against the ceramic plate. Immediately looking down the young Prince was baffled to find just leftover crumbs — the carrot cake all gone!
He snapped his head at the only possible suspect and was able to catch a glimpse of the last piece on Aemma's spoon before she quickly stuffed it into her mouth.
Leaving him with naught.
"Aemma!" He exclaimed, outraged. "You ate my cake!"
She denied nodding her head. Unable to speak due to having her mouth full.
From the other side of the table Aegon laughed. Following him Daeron laughed as well.
Alicent turned to her hand maiden. "Are there more Talya?"
The woman nervously shook her head. "No, your grace. The cakes are all finished for tonight."
Frustrated, the Queen turned her gaze to her youngest and scolded. "Must you be this selfish!"
The little Targaryen's lips formed a pout. Huffing and puffing, she refused to consider it was a mistake on her part.
That is where Aegon came in,
"Why scold her, when it was his fault?!" He jumped to defend Aemma. Pointing the blaming finger toward Aemond. "Only an idiot would leave something so delicious in open display and not expect others to snatch it." The emphasized words so delicious sounded lewd in his voice.
A cold stare was shared between the two brothers, glaring daggers at each other. What no one knew in that moment was that Aemond took this incident as a lesson and vowed to never repeat this mistake again.
Daeron and Aemma snickered. Helaena chuckled with them. Soon Alicent joined, only smiling and Aegon also laughed. Just like that the environment in the room changed from a glooming mood to a lighter one.
And Aegon took this opportunity to share the news he had heard from the maid he took to bed this afternoon.
"A very reliable bird whispered to my ear today that the Hand of the King has resigned from his position. He is taking his son and leaving for Harrenhall."
"He wanted to resign." Alicent was quick to correct him. "Desperately tried to. Who can blame him. If I were in his shoes, I would have done the same. However… your father refused to accept his resignation. According him removing Harwin Strong as a commander of the City Watch is punishment enough. Having given no other option, Lyonel Strong decided to take a leave in order to take his disgraced son to Harrenhall and set him up as the lord there."
"Our sister will be heartbroken then." Aemond taunted. "Just as her son's will be fatherless."
"Don't worry about her. She is an experienced whore, it wouldn't be much longer till she finds another man to produce bastard with." Aegon said putting down the cup he just emptied.
"Aegon!" His mother scolded, but it was clear from the tone of her voice that she was nowhere near serious. If anything, it could be interpreted as being subtle-secret encouragement.
Viserys was left heartbroken when Rhaenyra informed him of her finalized decision — she and her family would move to Dragonstone.
It was never going to be an acceptable decision for the old King. But he understood the importance of it. As it was for the best. Best for her and her children. At least, her boys will be spared from the cruel whispers of the gossipers. They would not have to grow up under the scrutiny of the court constantly questioning their legitimacy; suspicion of which only grows by day. And ever since the incident at the yard, things have gone from bad to worse.
"Father…?" Rhaenyra's call interrupted the King's line of reasoning. "…there is something I would like to ask for… while being fully aware, how much of a difficult decision it will be for you."
He observed her fiddling with the skirt of her dress. Hesitation clouding her mind deeply, possibly for what she is about to ask. Viserys already made up his mind, he was not going to judge her and possibly not deny her, her request.
"Be that as it may, ask away child." He cupped her face.
"I…" she trailed off momentarily rethinking her words. "I would like to take Aemma with me."
The King frowned. "To Dragonstone?"
His daughter only nodded, confirming.
"But—"
"It is for the betterment of their future." Rhaenyra clasped her father's hands, signs of desperation portrayed on her face which she did not bother hide.
"For her and Luke's future, together." She specified.
"Aemma will be Luke's wife there is no going back on that." He reassured.
"Her mother and brothers are jointly poisoning her against my sons. Aemma has already grown distant from them. And it is starting to seem like she cannot even bear to be anywhere near them."
"But Aemma is too young to—"
"Father! Just like you, I know it isn't Aemma. Its the people she is surrounded by are the ones pulling the strings of manipulation. They have already successfully put a distance between them. And this distance cannot be bridged if live so far apart."
Viserys felt his heart clench. Horrified at the prospect of not having his little one around anymore. What motivation would he have to awaken from his sleep if Aemma is not there, running around in his chamber creating havoc. It is her innocent disturbance that keeps him going.
"If you want a future for them, then please father, allow them to be together from now."
King appeared to be in deep thought. Of course he understood Rhaenyra's reasoning. Her intention is good. Like him, she also wants the family to remain united. However, question remains how strongly would Aemma's mother react to this? Would she be able to understand?
She should. Alicent is an intelligent woman after all.
The disturbing news was put into Aemma's mother's ear by none other than the Lord Confessor himself.
She was about to head to bed, already changed into her sleeping clothes when the Clubfoot showed up at her doorstep. Alicent was more than willing to send him away, but the look he wore on his face, told her, she would regret not listening to him.
So she invited him inside.
The information that left Larys's mouth numbed Alicent, freezing her completely on the spot. It felt as if the world around her came to a complete stop.
She stared at the man in disbelief.
No! No! No! It cannot be true. There has to some misunderstanding. Viserys would never agree to such proposal. There's no way he would agree. Seven hells he cannot live with seeing her! It is next to impossible.
Initially her head and heart both were in agreement. But then, one began to deter…
It was her head.
Coming up with logic that presented the scenario in different prospect.
Nothing is impossible when it involves Rhaenyra. She has her way into her father's head. The man will do anything for her.
Alicent felt her anger rise tenfold.
Just as her senses returned she was up on her feet. Storming out of her chamber, heading in the direction of her husband's.
Her steps were quick, strides long with heart beating tremendously on her throat. Her mind could only wonder how cruel her husband could be to separate a child from its mother...
She barged into the King's chamber even before the guard could finish announcing her arrival.
"Tell me you did not agree to this, lord husband." She demanded. Manners be damned.
"Alicent—"
"Viserys, please tell me you refused her." She pleaded, utterly desperate. A part of her wanted to deny, refusing to believe her husband could be so…
He swallowed, hard, closing his eyes momentarily.
Her heart dropped. She got her answer.
Alicent shook in anger. Gathering all her strength to remain on the spot, resisting the intense urge to march over to her husband and strangle him with her bare hands.
"How could you be so cruel? To even think of taking a part of me away from me."
"Rhaenyra told me—"
"RHAENYRA DID NOT BIRTH HER! IT IS I WHO GAVE BIRTH TO HER! ME! I AM HER MOTHER!" She roared. Chest heaving up and down, fists clenched together hard enough for a dull ache to settle in her muscles.
She did not care that it was the King she was screaming at and the fact that she could be punished. She did not think straight that moment. Nor did she possess the ability to. The mother in her could only act on instinct. King or father matters not. No one should dare separate a child from its mother.
"WHO IS SHE TO DECIDE MY DAUGHTER'S FATE?!"
"Calm down Alicent! You're not thinking clearly."
"My youngest child, the one who still insists on sleeping with me is being taken away from me. OF COURSE I AM NOT THINKING CLEARLY. NO MOTHER CAN!"
"Wife."
"Why don't you try taking away one of her boys and see how she reacts?" The Queen challenged, looking at the King directly in the eyes. He maybe the King but she's the mother refused to accept the fate the father-daughter duo decided to bestow upon her.
"I bet you, she'll loose her ability to think the same way." She scoffed.
"I'm doing it for Aemma. For her betterment." Viserys sighed and hung his head between his arms.
Disregarding all her shame Alicent dropped down to her knees and pleaded before her husband.
"Viserys, please… do not do this to Aemma and I."
"Tell me dear wife, have you ever fallen in love? Or even been fortunate to experience it?"
Alicent bit her lower lip frustrated. Why was he asking her questions he knew she had no answers no. How would she know what love feels like? Has he ever shown her what the feeling of love is? This marriage is nothing but duty on her shoulders imposed by her father right when she got out of childhood.
"I have experienced love. I am well aquatinted with its bliss. It is a magnificent feeling. A gift from the Gods, some may say." He said gently pulling his wife up and wiping away her tears. "Dear wife, I want our little Aemma to experience this beautiful feeling. At least one of our children deserves to be free from the burden of duties. I want our daughter Aemma to live the life my wife Aemma couldn't."
His honey dipped words fell into deaf ears. A mother who is about to lose her daughter understood none of those philosophical sentiments. All she knew is that her child will soon be taken from her forcefully.
More importantly the hypocrisy did not go unnoticed in all these. Viserys talked about freeing Aemma from burden of duties — and yet, he is coaxing her to be with a boy of his choice. An alliance that will serve no benefit to her but certainly a lot benefit to that bastard, when his legitimacy will be put to question in the future. Even here he is trying to pave an easy route for Rhaenyra and the byproducts of her sins.
"I'm begging you, Viserys… don't… don't do this." She pleaded once more. But it was for the final time.
"Trust me my Queen, that boy will grow up to be a good man. He will love her… cherish her… keep her happy. And I assure you, he will always choose her above everyone else." He argued, gently so. But at the same time made it clear with his firm eyes that there is no plan to back down. The decision is final— Aemma will go to Dragonstone with Rhaenyra.
However, he massively underestimated the emotions of a mother. In his defence, as a man he was not even expected to understand.
The Queen huffed, blowing a stray curl from her forehead. "Perhaps you're right. With Rhaenyra's guidance Lucerys Velaryon will grow up to become a good man. Such pity, that our daughter will never know…"
The King frowned, detecting how his Queen's voice suddenly became so calm.
"…for I will put an end to her life; followed by my own, before the night ends." She growled, turning on her heel and storming out of there. Not even able to relish the sheer shock and fear that begun to form on her husband's face.
Viserys shouted, ordering the guards at his door to stop her. But his order came a little late. Alicent was gone too far by then.
Meanwhile:
Aemma was in her chamber with Daeron as her company.
Post supper, the two had returned to her chamber, been tucked under the covers by lady Lyanne and had been cuddling since.
Daeron was trying to read her a story while she kept on disturbing him by tickling him on the neck. Something she has leaned from Aegon few days earlier when he did he that to her.
Unpredictably, however, this blissful moment was put to an abrupt end when the door suddenly burst open and their mother rushed in. Her appearance disheveled— hair loose in wild curls. Strange glimpses in her eyes that were already red and puffy, indicating she had been crying. She looked every bit like a mad woman described in the tales as she approached the bed, coming around the side Aemma was on.
Confused, the two children sat up. Clueless to the impending danger.
Instinctively, Daeron tightened his hold on Aemma. Still, he failed to match his mother's strength in that moment as she yanked the little girl out of the bed and took her in her arms.
"Mother!" Daeron gasped, confused and frightened. As he watched his mother as swiftly climbed onto the open window. Aemma still tightly tucked below her arms.
Her intention became clear to both the children— she was planning to jump.
It was the combination of Daeron's screams and Aemma's lungs bursting cry that had their older brothers and Ser Criston Cole running in within the next few heartbeat.
The knight quickly grabbed hold of the Queen's leg, securing her, so that she does not fall. Aegon went to Daeron and Aemond climbed onto the window. He tried to reason with his mother while trying to pull Aemma out of her arms. But did not have much luck. His mother's grip on his sister only became painfully tight.
The King came in shortly after. His full weight on the pair of guards that almost carried him since he could not match with the pace of his young wife.
What he saw, made Viserys feel like the ground beneath him has crack opened. He audibly gasped, eyes turned so wide that on lookers feared it would pop out of its socket at any moment.
"STOP THIS MADNESS ALICENT! YOUR KING COMMANDS YOU!"
"NO!" She roared spitting at the man in disgust. "I SHALL FINISH US BOTH! AND YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS, LORD HUSBAND."
Aemma's shrill cries tried to cut through in between causing Aemond to wince. He looked back at her and found her pale chubby face to be turning dangerously red due to how loudly she was crying and the lack of air she was breathing. And their mother's iron grip in addition was making everything worse.
"Mother! Mother! Aemma can't breathe. You're suffocating her!" Aemond had to shout to hear his own voice over his mother's screams and sister's her wails.
"SHE DOESN'T NEED TO BREATHE. NONE OF US WOULD HAVE ANY USE OF IT SOON! WE SHALL BE DEAD!"
Just then, Princess Rhaenyra and her husband hurried into the room.
Baffled, the couple cursed in unison. "Seven hells!"
Only Helaena and Rhaenyra's children remained absent from this ordeal.
"Alicent please… do not do this." The King called out to his wife softly. His tone this time was humble and voice came out as a plead. "Our daughter deserves to experience life, don't deprive her off of it."
"If so, then should she not experience life with us? Her mother… her father… her siblings."
Rhaenyra opened her mouth to protest but her husband gave her wrist a tight squeeze, signalling her to be quiet. Because even a word out of her mouth could further aggravate the Queen. And at the position the latter stands, if she goes down Aemma and Aemond both will go down with her. Three lives will be lost. Two without even being given the chance to fully live it.
"She does, she does my Queen." Desperate to calm his wife down, Viserys agreed to whatever she said.
"Then assure me husband, give me your word, that my daughter will not leave for Dragonstone."
"She's going nowhere!" He promised. "I give you my word Alicent; as your King and as your husband that our daughter is not going to Dragonstone. She will remain here… with us."
Gradually, the tension on Alicent's face faded away, but she remained unmoving.
Accepting defeat, Rhaenyra closed her eyes and let out a sigh of relief when Alicent's hold on Aemma became loose enough for Aemond to successfully pull her out.
The room descended into silence, except for Aemma's loud wailing which still continued in the background. Natural reaction for a child who received the trauma she just did.
Criston Cole helped the Queen down while another guard rushed to help her two children.
The decision made that night was finalized. Aemma would remain in King's Landing. But the King gave Rhaenyra his words that he would make arrangements for frequent visits between the betrotheds, for them to get to know each other better.
As much as Rhaenyra liked to trust her father, taking into account the current circumstances, she has her doubts on how much of it would actually come to fruition.
The King sent all of his children to bid farewell to Rhaenyra and her sons.
The three brothers just gave their nephews a pat on the back and left wishing them the very best in their new beginning. But Helaena stayed back, waiting for Aemma to finish her turn. The latter's shortest exchanges were with Ser Leanor and Jacaerys.
Rhaenyra took her time with Aemma.
She sat with her youngest sister on her lap. Cup, caressed and kissed her face like an affectionate mother. Gave her advices, told her to never to stop writing and never hesitate to reach out if she needed anything. And left only when her betrothed arrived to say his farewell.
Lucerys stood silently basking in her presence for as long as he could. Then gathering as much courage as he could he leaned forward and softly kissed both her cheeks. An act so adorable that it melted the heart of the onlookers, Helaena being one of them.
Awkwardly Aemma mimicked his action. And complied when he pulled her in for a tight hug. She even felt kind enough to return the embrace with equal measures.
"I will write to you." The silence was broken with Lucerys's promise. "Will you also write to me?"
Aemma pulled out of the embrace.
When people have spoken about how silence can be so deafening, it can probably hold true for this little pair.
However, this time, instead of a screeching roar of silence, it was more of a harmonized symphony reaching a rising crescendo and then gradually calming to a trailing falsetto until it reaches a sustained melody.
"I will." Her delicate hands tightened onto his wrist in a reassuring gesture. She gave him another kiss before releasing her grip.
Then, they parted once again as silent farewells were exchanged through melancholic smiles.
The young brunette boy helplessly watched her leave. Uncertainty of not knowing when they will meet next was eating him up inside. A part of him hopes that his mother would change her mind and ultimately end up staying in King's Landing.
.
.
.
Later, Jacerys finds his brother hiding in a corner of their chamber, quietly weeping. And quickly rushes to his side.
"What's happen...? Luke?"
The younger boy said nothing initially, just wiped away the tears with his sleeves.
Then murmured. "Do we have to go?"
"Yes we do. Mother and father thinks it would be better for us to stay there."
"But I don't want to go… I don't want to leave Aemma behind." He quietly admitted. Looking the other way shyly. "I will miss her so much."
Hearing his brother Jacaerys frowned.
"Luke… do you like Aemma that much?"
Lucerys closed his eyes and nodded affirmatively.
"Then stop liking her." Jacaerys advised, grabbing his brother's wrist and pulling him up.
"Come now, we must finish packing."
Rhaenyra overheard the conversation between her boys. Her heart clenched. If only Alicent Hightower came down her high horse and understood the value of her boys than just look down on them and judge them for their parentage.
Then perhaps, she would have taught her daughter to appreciate her betrothed better.
Either way, nothing can be changed now. Soon they will leave for Dragonstone. And by the time they meet again, chances are, a lot would be different by then.
Few days after Harwin Strong's departure from the capital, Princess Rhaenyra, with her family also left.
During those early days the royal wing of the Red Keep felt empty. The absence of the heir to the Iron Throne and her three young boys was felt throughout; especially by the King.
But for most people, things went back to normal pretty quickly.
A week later:
"I have news," Aegon declared, striding into Aemond's chamber with the air of authority as if it was his own. He kicked the door shut, sauntering towards the bed where Aemma was and plopped down, resting his head on her lap.
"Otto Hightower will return to court and resume his position as the Hand of the King."
"Who is Otto Hightower?" Aemma asked. Proceeding to tuck the leftover lilies from the basket onto Aegon's head. Daeron's head already covered with them.
Aemond and Helaena were spared since they were sitting further away from the bed, below the window. Aemond reading to her while Helaena played with the butterfly on her palm.
Whilst the youngest two never met the mentioned man, Aemond and Helaena barely remember him. Making Aegon the only one in the group with some recollection of the man.
"Our grandsire."
Aemond answered Aemma's question, pausing his reading and looking up from the book. In doing so, he watches Aegon pull out a small packet from the pocket of his breeches and hand it to Aemma.
A smile made it to her lips as she gladly accepted the present. Then, unwrapping the packet swiftly she began feasting on the given pie. Aegon has built this habit of frequently bringing Aemma small gifts and treats from outside. A special treatment that he had only reserved for her.
Daeron wanted a bite and Aemma was more than happy to share.
Aemond furrowed his brows and clenched his jaws as concern grew at the pit of his stomach. Aegon brought her those nasty food items from the markets of Flee Bottom again. The berry cake he fed her last time, made her stomach upset. She threw up day and night and was barely able to eat anything for two consecutive days. Their mother gave him an earful. Forbidding him to bring anything from Flee Bottom into the castle.
Turns out, their mother's scolding went through his one ear and out of the other. Clearly Aegon did not learn the lesson. Otherwise he would not be bringing her a pie from the same rotten place just three weeks after her recovery.
"You shouldn't be feeding her those. Mother would be upset if she found out." Aemond warned.
Only to get mocked by Aegon in return. "Then don't tattle on us, you twat!"
Aemond gritted his teeth but said nothing more. There was no point. The very person he's trying to protect did not seem to appreciate his help.
Unbeknownst to the boy, envy shined upon his gaze.
"What happened to the current hand of the King?" It wasn't just a curious inquiry. It was Aemond's another attempt to blend in with the other group. To keep the conversation that initially started, going.
"Mother told us, father did not accept his resignations. Therefore, he is due to return soon."
"That was his plan. But Gods certainly had another— they're dead!" Aegon said chuckling. His face made it seem like he was telling a joke.
"They're dead?!" Aemma was dumbfounded.
"What?" Daeron's eyes widened.
"How?" Aemond was confused.
The three of them focused on their eldest brother who was now elaborating.
"News arrived this morning, the Hand of the King and his son both perished in fire at the cursed castle. What a tragic twist of fate— he went to become a lord, but got roasted like pig instead!"
Silence followed after Aegon's conclusion. Only Helaena's voice playing in the background muttering her usual cryptic message which none present there understood.
"Could somebody have had them killed?" Daeron asked putting an end to the silence.
Taking in a big bite of her pie, Aemma allowed her gaze to slide towards Daeron. Then moved to Aemond as he asked.
"Who would dare kill the Hand of the King?"
The answer was not so simple: His own son.
The following afternoon, after lunch, the Targaryen children were summoned to their mother's quarter.
The Kingsguard who came to fetch them, informed, their mother wanted to introduce them to someone special.
The walk to the Queen's quarter was a short one.
Leading the way, Aegon walked forward. Staying unusually quiet for the talkative person he was, who generally disliked complete silence and often filled it with meaningless talks. Behind him, his two lackeys— Daeron and Aemma. Behind them was Helaena. And at the very back was Aemond.
Unsurprisingly, their mother's hand maiden was already waiting for them at the entrance. Talya held the the door for them and gestured inside with her hand. ''Right this way please."
Entering the room, Aemma immediately spotted their guest — an ageing brunette man in dark clothes. Engaged in conversation with her mother. Only then, her gaze fell upon the golden bronze broach- symbol of the Hand of the King pinned to the right side of his chest. Immediately Aemma understood, it was her grandsire, whom Aegon mentioned few days ago.
"Children come," Alicent ushered them to come forward.
They did!
Unplanned they stood following the order of their age— from the eldest to the youngest. In a straight line.
"I am sure you remember these three." Alicent motioned her hands toward the direction of Aegon, Helaena and Aemond.
"These two," The Queen then pointed towards her younger ones, "Daeron and Aemma, were born during your time away."
Otto Hightower stood and closed in towards the children. He barely glanced at the younger children. His focus was solely on Aegon. As he stopped in front of the adolescent boy, who almost reaches his shoulders now, to silently study him. His last instruction to Alicent before his exile was to prepare Aegon for the Iron Throne. But judging by what he could see, it was easy to conclude she did a pathetic job. Now that he has returned, things could be changed, he thought patting Aegon's shoulder and address him as the future King.
Aegon grimaced, not yet ready to accept the fate his mother has been hammering in his head. His younger siblings however did not even bat a lash. Their mother's words is their belief — as the King's eldest son, Aegon will one day be the next King.
Leaving Aegon, Otto Hightower then moved to Helaena. He pulled her into an embrace and gave her a tender kiss on the forehead.
"How you've grown darling!"
"Thank you grandsire." Helaena replied politely. Then mumbled something below her breath. As usual her strange ramblings were overlooked by everyone.
Next was Aemond's turn. The older man shared a long eye contact with him before softly petting his head and addressing him as the dragon less Targaryen.
Alicent's eyes widened and her smile died for a moment. Whether her father was sympathizing with her son or taunting him, was hard to guess. She did not appreciate it nonetheless. But was too afraid to let him know.
Aemond bit down the inside of his mouth and balled his hands to fist on his side. Having used to being bullied by his brothers and nephew, he already knew it was a taunt. But what hurt him more was he expected better from his grandsire. Unsure of how to respond, Aemond continued to search for the right words to reply with. But before he could have luck finding it, another voice spoke up.
"I'm also a dragon less Targaryen."
All head turned to the smallest person standing in the room. Yet it did nothing to deter her boosting confidence. If anything, it added more.
"Mine died few days after hatching. His name was Arryron—" She paused unexpectedly, and cast her eyes down in deep thought.
Was her dragon a he or she? Aemma racked her brain to remember but couldn't. Therefore out of desperation she decided to seek help.
"Was Arryron a he or she?" She whispered into Daeron's ear. But her loud whisper was more or less heard by everyone.
Otto Hightower exchanged a glance with his daughter from the corner of his eyes.
"Maybe she." Daeron hesitated. He was also as uncertain as she was.
"Arryron was a he-dragon." Aemond answered, rolling his eyes at the irony. The girl who mourned her dragon for days and nights already forgot the gender of the dragon.
Aemma looked at him for a moment. Surprised, that he knew more about her dragon than she did.
"Oh! Anyway…" Her faltering confidence bounced back immediately as she met her grandsire's gaze once more. Pretending the little discrepancy did not even take place.
"He has a dragon." She pointed towards Daeron. "But tiny. She can barely breathe fire. Aegon says she as useless as a lizards. If you step on her she'd be dead."
Otto Hightower danced his head between his daughter and her youngest. Then deciding to skip Daeron, leaving him forgotten, Otto closed the distance between himself and the little girl.
Picking her up cautiously he placed her on his hip.
"I have been told the King has a precious gem now, could that be you?"
Aemma opened her mouth to respond to the compliment but was cut off by her mother.
"She definitely is. And with Princess Rhaenyra gone, she is all the King searches for."
"Taking in her father's undivided attention… Impressive." Otto mused. "Perhaps you shall achieve a lot more than what your mother did."
Alicent exhaled deeply, feeling anxiety prickling under her skin and an uneasy feeling settling in her stomach. Knowing her father's nature she could only dread the plans he has up his sleeves for her children. One of which is already set to motion.
"Think we should let them know as to why they have been summoned here." She meekly suggested. Her voice was low, still it managed to earn the attention of all her children.
"Would you break it down to them or should I be the one to do it." Her father asked. Indirectly imposing the task on her.
Alicent sighed. It certainly was no easy decision for her, as it goes against all her beliefs. However, her father somehow managed to put it into her head that following the Targaryen queer custom is necessary in their dire situation to strengthen their blood.
"As you already know, earlier, Princess Rhaenyra placed the proposal to have Helaena betrothed to her son Jacaerys. Which I turned down. However… now…" She darted her tongue out and licked her dried lips to moisten them. "…after a through discussion with your grandsire and with the King, we have jointly come to the decision to have Helaena betrothed to Aegon."
"What?!" Aegon exclaimed immediately. His jaw almost dropping to the ground. He was appalled by idea. And no, he has no issue with the concept of intermarriage. His issue lies with the person chosen.
Helaena stayed quiet. She may have no opinion but was content with the idea that she would not have to leave behind her home, her family and the life she knows.
Aemond appeared unimpressed and angry. Aegon was not good enough for Helaena. She deserved much better than she was being offered.
Aemma pulled the 'Hand of the King' broach off of Otto Hightower and tossed it onto the ground. Startling him beyond belief. Furious, the man was about to react but Alicent came quick to her daughter's defence and pulled her out of his grip.
"Don't mind her actions father! She tends to do that occasionally. A bad habit you could say. Even the King's crown was not spared."
Ironically, in the room full of angry and upset people, only Daeron looked genuinely happy and confused simultaneously. Happy because the news was certainly a joyous one. And confused because his innocent mind could not comprehend why the rest (Aemma included) looked so disturbed after hearing such happy news.
Should we not be celebrating?
The same night, much later in the evening, past the witching hour, the raven arrived bearing the tragic news: lady Laena Velaryon, wife of Prince Daemon has died. Set ablaze by her own dragon.
The environment turned tense from then onwards. No one in the Red Keep slept that night as preparations for the royal family's journey to Driftmark began.
And at the break of dawn Aemma and Aemond found themselves on board the ship with their parents and other important members of the court. While Aegon and Helaena took to the sky flying above the ship on their dragon backs. Daeron sharing the ride with Aegon. Aemond was also offered by Helaena but he turned her down out of shame and to avoid further mockery by Aegon.
A.N. Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed. Feel free to point out if you notice any errors. I'll have them corrected. Also, for those of you wondering why Aemma was upset hearing Aegon and Helaena's betrothal- because she does not think Helaena deserves to become the queen like her mother. I'm sure you noticed she doesn't like Helaena much, basically she sees her through the same lens as Aegon.
Next chapter is basically events of episode 7. Depending on the length might come in two parts.