Aegon could feel the boiled eggs and leek soup move around in his stomach, he carefully leaned over the edge of the railing, prepared to discard his breakfast into the sea's abyss. Aegon had never once gotten sick on a ship before, he thinks the reason for his upset stomach has more to do with what he was asked to do than the sea's turbulence.
Days ago his father had informed him of their new plans.
"We will make our way to the Stepstones. You will lead a group of men and your siblings through the Stepstones and into Dorne. Your uncle, Prince Doran, will be awaiting you there." Aegon remembers how enthusiastic he had been when his father told him about the plans. I will be in charge of my siblings and the soldiers. This eagerness was short- lived however as his father told him the next part of the plan.
"The rest of us will make our way to Dragonstone." Rhaegar had told him. Aegon felt his heart drop at that moment. "Wait— you won't come with us?" He asked his father, slightly terrified at what his answer might be. His father looked at him with pity.
"Aegon, you will be King someday. You must learn how to lead. You will be fine." His father tried to reassure him gently.
"But— how will I get across the Stepstones and make my way into Dorne?" He asked. Despite all the traveling he did when he was younger, Aegon knew nothing about sea travel. His father pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a sigh. "Aurane Waters will help you make your way to Dorne. All you need to do is listen to his advice and you will be fine." His father replied, only this time he wasn't as gentle. Aegon could feel his father starting to get annoyed with him and so he spoke no more. Instead he left his fathers chambers in Tyrosh and sought his brother out.
His brother, Aemon, didn't see why Aegon was so concerned.
"Father trusted you enough to lead us to Dorne, Egg. You will be fine, I promise." His younger brother had reassured him though Aegon was still worried about getting his family to Dorne safely.
Aegon had followed his father like a lost pup, after learning of his duty, hoping to learn everything he could so that he would be able to lead his people safely to Dorne. His father had been patient with him, as was Ser Arthur. As the days passed, it was finally time for Aegon to make his own venture with his siblings and men.
Rhaegar and the kingsguard watched as 'Red Viper' left the port and set sail west, to Dorne. After days of spending morning and night with his father, Aegon felt strangely lonely without his fathers presence.
"You don't look well brother." Aemon said in a playful tone as he came to stand next to Aegon. The half-dornishman turned to face his younger brother, annoyance written plain on his face. "If you have come here to tease me, leave. I have no time for you or your teasing." He spat out. Aemon only let out a laugh, Aegon shot him a glare. The younger boy shot his hands up. "I have not done anything brother."
Aegon rolled his eyes and remained hunched over the railing. As the minutes passed, Aegon could feel himself getting better. Soon enough he was able to step away from the railing and not fear spilling his food out. Aegon turned to look at his brother, curious as to why Aemon came from the gallery to see him.
"Why are you here?" He questioned his brother. "I only came to check up on you." Aemon answered but Aegon could see that his little brother wished to say more. And so Aegon went to stand next to his brother. They both looked out into the blue sea, watched as the ocean made waves; Aegon waited for Aemon to speak up. He didn't have to wait long at all.
"Are you excited to see your mothers family?" Aemon finally asked. Aegon thought for a moment before answering him.
"I am." He tells his brother. Aegon could feel Aemon's stare, but the older boy ignores it. "That's it. That's all you're going to say." His brothers said in disbelief. This time Aegon turns to face his brother.
"What else do you want me to say? Of course I'm excited to see my mother's family." He finds himself repeating once again. "Though I am more excited to see my uncle Oberyn than anyone else." He continues.
"Of course you are." Aemon playfully rolls his eyes which causes Aegon to shove his shoulder. "What?It's no secret Oberyn is my favorite uncle." Aegon shrugs. From the moment he had met his Dornish uncle, Aegon had felt a connection between the two. There were moments where Aegon swore that his uncle was his most favorite person in the world. The Red Viper just seemed to understand him in a way no one else could. His uncle was always kind and understanding to him even when Aegon was being cruel and ignorant.
He instinctively thinks back to the talk he and his uncle had before Oberyn left Pentos.
"Do you really have to go?" Aegon couldn't help but ask. They were walking in the large garden his grandmother had planted, the sun shined splendidly and the wind blew in cool breezes. It was a good day and Aegon didn't want to soil it by being stubborn but he could help himself. He grew irritated at the thought of his uncle leaving back to his home.
"You know I must return." His uncle answered gently but firmly. Aegon huffs at his answer. "Why can't you come with us to Tyrosh?" The silver haired boy questions.
"My brother has asked for me to return to Dorne. I cannot deny my prince." Oberyn says.
"And what about me? Am I not your prince as well?" Oberyn lets out a chuckle. "You are my prince, nephew." He confirms. Aegon feels a swell of pride as his uncle reaffirms his allegiance towards him.
"Then why must you leave me?" Aegon's voice comes out softer than he had wanted it to. Oberyn stops walking and places his hand on Aegon's shoulder. "I do not wish to leave your side, Aegon but there are things that must be done if you wish to see yourself on the Iron Throne." The Prince of Dorne says. Aegon could not argue with that and so he said nothing more.
"I overheard father speaking with mother." Aemons voice draws Aegon back. His brother's words had completely drawn his attention. "About what?" He heard himself ask. Aegon saw the way his brother hesitated to speak.
"Promise you won't laugh." Aemon said solemnly, Aegon quickly assured his brother that he won't laugh at him. The younger boy took a second to finally speak up.
"I am to marry." Aemon said so solemnly that Aegon fought to keep his laughter at bay. "It's not funny." Aemon rounded up to him, his purple eyes scared.
"Aemon, marriage is just part of life and besides you said you were a man grown." Truth be told, Aegon could not imagine Aemon being a married man. Aegon had his fair share of trysts with numerous girls but the same cannot be said for Aemon. His younger brother was much too shy to speak with whores, or any girl for that matter.
"Aegon it's just— I would have to marry your cousin, Princess Arianne. '' He whispered as though she would appear in their ship in the middle of the ocean.
Aegon knew about Arianne from his uncle. "And? I heard she is beautiful and powerful. What more do you need?" He tried to reassure his younger brother. Aemon lowers his head seemingly deep in thought. Aegon waited for his brother to speak.
"I suppose you're right brother." Aemon said after a few moments of silence. Aegon smiled at his brother. "Aren't I always?" He said cockily as he placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. The younger boy immediately shrugged Aegon's hand off and scoffed but Aegon could see him fighting to keep a smile from forming on his face.
"Come let's see what our sisters are up to." Aegon suggested.
Most of their ship voyage proved to be calm and Aegon was eternally grateful for that. He did not know if he would have been able to deal with any kind of disturbance, be it from sea or land. Luckily they pass through the Stepstones without any delays or problems. But as 'Red Viper' grew closer and closer to the land of Dorne, he couldn't help the nervousness that took over him. Aegon had not been particularly nervous about meeting his Dornish family but as the coast of Dorne became more visible, a wave of uneasiness began to grow in the pit of his stomach.
His siblings could tell that he was on edge but he told them nothing about his worries about meeting his family. Aegon loved his siblings but they wouldn't understand him, not with this at least.
"We will be arriving soon, Prince Aegon." Aurane Waters spoke. Aegon could only nod his head for he could not bring himself to say anything else. A small part of him thought that if he spoke, his inner turmoil would slip out.
As the ship approached Sunspear, Aegon could see the silhouette of the castle and the surrounding city against the backdrop of the afternoon sun. It was aptly named. He felt a rush of nervousness as Aurane announced their arrival. His siblings giddily got off, tired from the long voyage and excited to rest on an actual bed. The ship was docked and they soon came face to face with several dornish guards all with their faces covered with cloth to protect them from the heat and sand. Each of the men sat on a sand steed and Aegon saw that some of the guards had a free sand steed they were holding the reins to.
"Welcome, Prince Aegon," the man drawled with a thick accent. "We hope that your journey was safe and pleasant"
"Uh— yes, thank you," Aegon blushed at his stuttering. "We look forward to seeing the great city of Sunspear." He said politely. The man who had welcomed him guided Aegon and his group towards the steeds. As they rode towards the palace Aegon was aware of the stares coming from the Dornish men.
Aegon rode in the front with Areo Hotah, who was the first one to have welcomed him. His siblings were far back riding with the rest of the men that had been traveling with them. The ride to Sunspear was quiet. The silence did nothing to calm his nerves and instead allowed his uneasiness to grow.
They rode into the city gates. To Aegon's surprise he found groups of smallfolk gathered around the streets, they gawked at him as he rode past them. Shouts were heard from all around and Aegon couldn't contain his smile as he heard what the common people were yelling.
"Prince Aegon," Some shouted at him while others yelled, "young prince." But the yells that he was more surprised to hear came from a man who looked no older than his uncle Viserys.
"The sun has returned to us." The man shouted and those around him cheered in agreement. Aegon has never been referred to as the sun. No, he was always a dragon. The dragon prince, the young dragon or the dragon knight is what people had always called him, never had he been called the sun. And a part of him basked in joy at being called the sun, for no one could live without the sun.
The shouts continued as they grew closer to the palace and as they entered the gates that separated the city from the castle, he could still hear distinct shouts from his people. Aegon looked back towards the direction he had just come from and admired the city and its people. His admiration was cut short as Areo Hotah called to him in his deep and commanding voice. "Prince Doran is eager to see you." The man said. Aegon felt more confident at the prospect of meeting his mothers family when he heard the common folk cheering for him but now with Aero's revelation, Aegon could feel his nerves all but disappear into obscurity.
Aegon could see the Martell family lined up on the steps that lead to the castle. His attention immediately fell to the man who appeared to be seated on a wooden chair with gigantic wheels. He saw a woman standing besides the man but Aegon could only focus on the man who sat idle on his chair. Uncle Doran, he was sure that the man was his uncle. Once they were only several feet away from the Martells, Aegon was the first to dismount and he gingerly made his way towards the family. As Aegon walked closer the man who was sat on the chair rose with the help of the woman standing next to him. With his arm still linked to the woman, the man came closer to Aegon.
Aegon stared at the man's dark eyes, so similar to Oberyn's yet so different. His hair was gray and long as well as was the beard that grew on the man's face. They both stared at one another's eyes, completely forgetting the people around them.
"Uncle." Aegon said with a smile on his face that put on display the one dimple that adorned his face. Prince Doran lifted his hand and rested it on the young boy's face. A haunted look was clear in his uncle's eyes but as the older man spoke a smile formed softly on his aging face. "You have your mothers smile." He said softly. Aegon's smile faltered slightly before a sad smile made its way back onto the young boy's face. Prince Doran brought Aegon into his arms, much like Oberyn had done when they first met. Doran hugged him tightly, making the young prince's eyes water slightly. How long had it been since his own father held him in his arms? Aegon welcomed the warm embrace gladly. As they pulled apart from one another he was suddenly aware of the presence of his siblings. Aemon and Viserra stood next to him a short distance away but Visenya stood further behind. But before he could introduce his siblings a silky voice rang through his ears.
"Cousin, it is good to see you, so well and healthy." The woman in front of him said. Her hair was long and dark, her soft curls fell freely onto her back. What caught Aegon's attention was the two golden vipers that were clipped on top of her hair. Aegon was caught off guard, in his mind he had expected his cousin Arianne to be younger despite knowing that she was several years older than him, he had expected a girl. But the person who stood before him was a woman, a grown woman. He instinctively looked to his left and was met with Aemons worried eyes. Perhaps his younger brother expected a young girl as well. Ignoring his brother's worried gaze he greeted his cousin warmly.
"I am pleased to meet you, cousin." He said with a charming smile. Arianne returned his gesture with a small smile but Aegon did not miss the hint of irritation in her eyes, the sudden emotion caught him by surprise and he tried to hide his annoyance at his cousin's seemingly unfounded irritation.
Aegon looked around and finally noticed the absence of his uncle Oberyn. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Where is Prince Oberyn?" Aegon questioned his uncle. Prince Doran took a moment before answering.
"My brother is not here, he was needed elsewhere." The Prince of Dorne said. There were vague hints of annoyance in his tone but Aegon could not figure out why.
"Oh." He tried to hide his disappointment as best he could. No one said anything for a few seconds.
"Dorne is as beautiful as Ser Arthur claimed it to be." Viserra's cheerful voice cut through the growing silence. Both his cousin and uncle turned their attention to her, as did Aegon. The sudden attention made Viserra flush red.
"Yes, Dorne is beautiful and charming. I am sure you will come to enjoy your stay in Sunspear." Prince Doran said politely and offered the silver haired girl a small smile but Aegon saw how stiffly his uncle stood when speaking to Viserra and the irritation in Arianne's eyes grew more clear. An uncomfortable silence followed until Aegon stepped forward and broke it by introducing his siblings to the Prince and Princess of Dorne. The introductions to his siblings did very little to wave away the air of awkwardness that flowed in the hot air of Sunspear and Aegon's charisma could not make the uncomfortable situation melt away. Suddenly desperate to get away from the tension, Aegon voiced his tiredness out loud.
"The journey has been long, uncle." His comment had prompted his uncle to call forward an older lady. "Flora please show our guests to their rooms." He ordered the woman. Aegon gave his uncle one last smile as he and his siblings followed Flora to their accommodations.
Aegon was not surprised to learn that his siblings were given rooms all the way at the end of the hall, in complete opposition to Aegon's room. Though at least they were all on the same floor, he did not think he could bear being further away from them. He settled down into his room nicely, he enjoyed the privacy of having his own room for much of his life he had shared a room with Aemon, it felt nice to have his own space though he did miss his brothers company at times.
Aegon rested for a couple of hours, he had been truthful when he told his uncle that their journey had been long and tiring. While he was lounging around in his room with his brother, Flora came back and told him to prepare for the feast. Aegon nodded politely at the woman. This was the first time he heard about the feast and he smiled at his brother as he thought about how fun a feast would be here in Dorne. Though his brother looked slightly put off by the idea of a grand feast.
"I feel a bit sick. Maybe it would be best if I stayed in my room." Aemon said through his teeth.
"You look well enough to me brother." Aegon said slightly teasingly. The little jest did nothing to cheer his little brother up and so Aegon just asked Aemon what was bothering him "Tell me brother, why don't you want to go to the feast?" He asked softly. Aemon hesitated before responding. "We aren't wanted here."
Aegon's confusion was clear on his face. "We have been welcomed warmly by both the small folk and my family." Aegon has no idea why his brother felt as if they weren't welcomed in Dorne. The Martells had welcomed them with open arms, sure there was some awkwardness with his cousin and uncle but they had done nothing to suggest that they were unwanted. Aegon saw a flicker of annoyance in his brother's eyes. "Yes. You were welcomed warmly but not us." Aemon said in a hushed tone. Finally understanding what his brother meant, Aegon tried to reassure him but could not find the right thing to say. Growing more frustrated, Aemon stood up suddenly from the couch he had been sitting on. "Even you can't deny that we have no love here."
"Aemon—- they simply do not know you, that's all." He reassured his brother. Aemon scoffed at his words. "And they know you?" Aemon said harshly. Growing frustrated at his younger brother, he too, stood up. "They knew my mother and that is enough for them." He said. Both brothers stood silent. Aemon made his way to the door but before he left Aegon called out to him.
"You must come to the feast. It will be disrespectful to not join a feast thrown for us." Aegon said sternly. "I feel unwell." Aemon's anger was clear now.
"I don't care. This is an order from your prince." Aegon said much more harshly than he had intended to. Aemon huffed and rolled his eyes before leaving the room. Aegon felt guilty for ordering his brother to join the feast but he knew that if Aemon had not come to the feast it would only cause more hostility from the Martells and Aegon did not want to offend his family.
He got ready quickly. And left to meet up with his siblings.
"My sweet sisters, yellow is really not your color." He winced at the state of his sisters. Visenya scowled at him fiercely. The bright shade of the yellow clashed horribly with their pale skin. "We know more than anyone, Aegon," she snarled. "This washes us out"
"Do be quiet, Senya." Viserra shushed her. "Princess Arianne herself picked out these gowns for us." Oh did she now, Aegon thought to himself. Arianne did not make her distaste for him and his siblings hidden and just the thought of that was making him dread coming here.
"It would be rude not to wear them," he said reluctantly, agreeing with Viserra. They met with a dour-faced Aemon wearing an itchy woolen doublet, which Aegon doubted would help in this blusterous heat of Dorne. "Before we go in there, I need all of you to promise that you will behave." Aegon said sternly to his siblings. Visenya snorted in amusement.
"I am serious, this is important for us, especially for our father." He said "After this we can return home."
"Alright," Aemon softly agreed, making him smile. Together as one, they all pushed past the large oak door where the feast lied behind. Uncle Doran spared no expenses. The large table was filled with an extravagant selection of delicacies, including a rich array of stuffed olives, marinated artichokes, spiced plums and salted cod.
Arianne noticed them first and she came gliding over as though she was flying. She was as devastatingly gorgeous as when they first met in the morning and wore a vibrant orange gown with her long curls put down. He could feel Aemon breaking out in cold sweats and Aegon could not blame his dear brother.
"Cousin," She drawled out in a sickly sweet tone. Aegon could only muster a wry smile, trying to not show his anger at her ignoring his siblings. "I am glad you were able to come to the feast"
"Yes, thank you." He gritted out. "It is very beautiful"
"Come, I will introduce you to our other cousins," She said. "Oh I did not see you children there"
Visenya's eye twitched as Viserra tried to keep her smile on. Aemon could barely look at Arianne in the face, his eyes stared promptly on the floor. "Both of you look lovely." She smirked and then dragged Aegon to where the infamous Sand Snakes sat.
He could not help but feel nervous. He was a boy of seven and ten while his cousins were women grown. He tried to quell it, after all they are his uncle Oberyn's daughters.
The women sitting before him could not be more different than the man they called father..
"This is Obara," she pointed to a scowling woman. Dark hair and dark eyes, viper eyes that were identical to Oberyn's but on her they looked more dangerous. Aegon shifted uncomfortably as he felt Obara's intense stare. "Cousin, I am pleased to meet you. Oberyn has told me about your skills with a spear, I look forward to seeing them." He said politely. Obara only offered him a simple smile that looked more like a sneer to him. Next to him, he could feel the twins' palatable excitement as they heard him mention Obara's skill with the spear. Not knowing to contain herself, Visenya spoke up.
"It would be an honor if you were to teach us how to use a spear— My Lady." Visenya said optimistically. Immediately, Aegon knew that her request would be denied at the violent sneer Obara's face pulled.
"I am no lady." She said, "And besides, I have better things to do than babysit a pair of children." Obara said scornfully. Aegon balled his hand into a fist, he could feel his nails dig into the palm of his hand, surely leaving behind crescent shaped moons behind. Visenya's face was red with embarrassment and anger, her face pulled a scowl that Aegon had to admit looked pitiful against the vicious scowl Obara pulled. Probably sensing a disaster coming, the beautiful woman sitting next to Obara placed a tentative hand on her shoulder. The effect was immediate and Obara's face relaxed but her eyes glared steadily at Visenya, his sister met her eyes fiercely.
"Cousin, I am pleased that you have joined us here in Dorne. We have anticipated your return." The brown haired woman said. Her cheek bones were high, lips red and plump, and just like the girl sitting next to her, had eyes like a viper. He could recognize this woman as one of the Sand Snakes but could not make out which one.
"I am happy to be here cousin. I have long looked forward to meeting you all." Aegon said. Before she could reply though, Princess Arianne's silky voice cut through. "Nym, where is Elia?" She said casually. Aegon felt his breath hitch, his sibling stiffened up besides him as they heard that name. The name seems to have no effect on Nymeria and she waved her hand. "You know how our Lady Lance can be, she's probably off dancing somewhere." Arianne let out a small laugh before turning to look at him, her eyes expressed concern as they fell on his face.
"Cousin are you alright? You look pale." She said, her face was pulled in a concerned expression but her voice sounded condescending. Aegon tried to smile at her false concern but he's sure his face looked more like a grimace. "Just hungry." He waved her concern off. Nymeria let out a relieved laugh that sounded suspiciously patronizing to his ears. "Good, I thought we had scared you off." Nymeria said in a light tone.
"Come let us eat." Arianne said and he was caught by surprise as she grabbed a hold of his arm and dragged him along to the empty seats next to their cousins. His sibling followed him though he could hear them drag their feet, except for Aemon who appeared to be eager to sit down and eat. Aegon was shocked to see that his Uncle Doran was already at the feast and seated, he hadn't noticed his uncle at all when he entered the hall probably because all his attention had been on his cousins. The Prince of Dorne greeted him.
"Ah, it is nice of you to join us, Aegon." He said. Aegon smiled at his light teasing. "Apologies for our lateness Uncle Doran." His uncle merely waved him off and began greeting his siblings.
"I am happy that you joined us for the feast." The dornish prince said. "I have never been to a feast of this size, it is most impressive." Aemon replied politely.
"We have many grand feasts in Dorne but never one of this size. The coming of Aegon is a most joyous celebration for all of us." Arianne said. "I doubt you will ever see another feast as grand as this one." She continued. Aemon blushed as Arianne spoke to him.
"I am sure that the feast my father throws when he becomes king will be grander than this." Visenya said with a teasing smirk.
"Oh, I am sure it will be." Arianne replied with a conceding smile. Sensing the tension between his daughter and Visenya, Doran called for the servants to begin serving their food. Aegon sat to the right of Doran while Arianne sat to his left. Nymeria and Obara sat next to him. He watched as Arianne pulled Aemon to sit next to her, the twins followed them reluctantly.
Uncle Doran stood up unsteadily with Arianne holding onto him. He had his goblet raised in preparation for a toast.
"It is with immense elation that I, at last, can welcome my dear nephew into Dorne. The years have not been easy since the death of my beloved sister but for this night, at least, we can say that we are one step closer to victory." A mummer of cheers was heard.
"Thank you, uncle" Aegon held up his goblet and smiled sweetly at the Prince.
Their food was served on white porcelain plates with golden silverware accompanying it. He chewed on his bite of pork silently while Obara and Nymeria conversed amongst themselves. He didn't pay any mind to their talking, instead focusing on his porcelain plate in front of him. It wasn't until Nymeria let out a sudden shriek from beside him that he finally paid attention to what it was his cousins were saying.
"Look at her, her hair is a mess." Nymeria said. Aegon did not know who his cousin was talking about, surely gossiping about one of the many Dornish ladies present at the feast. Obara laughed at Nymeria's statement. "I thought you said you had braided her hair, it looks like she fell asleep on a clump of hay." Obara said.
"Knowing her, she probably did." Nymeria said, almost playfully. Both of his cousins laughed at the jest.
"Oh look, here she comes." Obara informed her sister. Aegon could finally see who it was his cousins had been gossiping about. A girl, no older than four and ten, came bursting through the crowd of people and, much to Aegon's shock, climbed up the raised steps that the main table was on and made her way around said table to plant a kiss on Prince Doran's cheek. His shock was no doubt noticeable and he could see from the corner of his eye the shocked expressions from his sibling's face. But what took Aegon more by surprise was his uncle's reaction. His uncle let out a quick chuckle before greeting the girl. He could not imagine himself or his siblings going up to their father and kissing him.
"And where have you been? I thought your mother had told you that you must be early to the feast." Though his uncle was chastising the girl, there was no anger in his voice. The girl only let out a slight laugh. As if noticing his confusion, Doran began introducing the girl.
"Aegon, this is Elia Sand. She is the daughter of Oberyn and Ellaria Sand." His uncle said. Suddenly understanding the interaction, Aegon felt slightly embarrassed for not being able to recognize the very clear viper-like eyes and widow's peak the girl had. Elia Sand looked very much like her father, more so than Obara and Nymeria. She had dark hair and onyx eyes, her lips formed a permanent pout on her pink lips.
Elia turned her attention to him. "Cousin, I am pleased to meet you." She said as she went over to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. Taken aback at the sudden gesture, he sat there silently for a moment.
"Elia, he does not know you. Why would you kiss him?" Obara scolded the girl.
"But he is our cousin. I kiss Quentyn and Trystane on the cheek all the time." Elia said innocently but Aegon could see the mischief in her eyes. "I do not mind." Aegon heard himself say. He coughed before continuing. "Elia is my cousin, an innocent kiss on the cheek is nothing to be concerned about." Aegon watches as Elia childishly sticks her tongue out at her older sisters. Obara scoffs and Nymeria only smiles. Elia settles down next to Obara.
Aegon watches Elia and her sisters as they talk amongst themselves. Next to him Doran and Arianne talked in hushed tones. His siblings, further down the table, seemed to be in a better mood and they laughed together at something Aemon had said. Aegon is hit with a strange sense of envy, for the relationship between father and child. He watches the way Doran and Arianne interact, he looks at his daughter as if she is the most precious thing. Aegon looks away quickly once he realizes Visenya is watching him.
"Aegon," Obara calls out to him. He turns to look at her but is surprised to see that she is not looking at his face, instead her eyes were throwing daggers at his hand. Aegon is confused and so he looks more intently at his hand and feels himself grow pale as he recognizes why his cousin was throwing daggers at him through her eyes. He had gotten ready in such haste that he didn't even see what tunic he had thrown on himself, the gray tunic had been a gift from Lyanna. She had a direwolf embroidered at the hem of the sleeve.
"You are as much my son as your siblings, never forget that Aegon." She had said. Aegon had been so happy at the words Lady Lyanna spoke to him. He wore the tunic only on special occasions, as it was one of the only nice tunics he had but now he wished he had worn a shaggy tunic; for that would have been a much less offensive thing to wear in front of his Martell family.
Aegon tried to clumsily hide the direwolf but that was fruitless as his cousins had already seen it. Not knowing how to explain himself, he replied with simple words. "It was a gift from Lady Lyanna." The mention of Lyanna had gotten the attention of most people sitting at the table, his siblings turned to look his way as they heard him mention their mother. Doran and Arianne stopped talking and turned to look at him as well.
"And you kept it." Obara sneered at him. Aegon felt the need to defend himself but before he could say anything, he heard Visenya's cool voice.
"Why would he throw it away? It was a gift from our mother." Visenya said. Aegon watched as Obara and Nymeria glared at Visenya, his sister's word had angered them more than the tunic Aegon wore.
"Our mother? Pray tell little girl, when did that whore give birth to Aegon huh?" Obara said harshly. "Last time I checked it was my aunt who did."
Doran sighed. Arianne looked angry as well, only she hid her anger better than her cousins. Aegon was shocked at the harsh words his cousin used, he was speechless. Unable to say anything.
"My mother is no whore." To his surprise it was Viserra who spoke this time. Her voice was firm.
Nymeria chuckled at his sister's words, Arianne grinned and Obara let out a false laugh. Nymeria was the one who spoke this time. "Running off with a married man who had children, no less, seems like an unladylike thing to do, don't you think?" Her voice was condescending. Aegon watched as all of his siblings blushed red with anger. Visenya stood up with Viserra following her up as well. Obara stood up, her eyes beckoning the twins to do something.
"I dare you to say that again!" Visenya screamed out, flushed with anger.
"Your mother is a whore." Obara said like she was describing the weather. Like it was obvious to anyone with eyes. Elia tried to hide her snort behind her hand. "You want me to repeat that?"
"Sit down cousin. We wouldn't want to ruin the feast with any unbecoming behavior." Arianne's silky voice sounded calm. Obara and Arianne stared at one another, they seemed to be communicating with their eyes. Obara gave in and sat back down, Nymeria whispered something into her sister's ear that caused Obara to roll her eyes but she didn't seem to be as angry anymore.
They ignored Visenya and Viserra, seemingly unaware of their fury. They were women grown, as well as impeccable warriors. They had no reason to fear two girls of four and ten.
"You will not speak of Lady Lyanna like that, cousin." He said, trying to make his voice as stern as possible. This did very little to intimidate someone like Obara. Nymeria laughed in the background while Arianne did a poor job of hiding her smirk.
"Do you not feel ashamed of having to save her honor?" Nymeria said. "Are you her dog to be defending her like that?" Aegon felt his face grow hot with anger. How dare they insult his mother and question his honor? He stood up abruptly, knocking over his wine goblet in the process.
"I will not tolerate such disrespect towards my mother or myself!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the hall. "I am not a dog, nor am I anyone's puppet. And Lady Lyanna Stark is a noble and honorable woman, not a whore!"
"You're pathetic, Aegon" Obara hissed at him, her beady black eyes burning into his. "Do you have any idea what that bitch has done?"
"Girls, that is enough." Uncle Doran put a stop to it. "You are all family. Do you think Elia would want you to be acting like this?"
Aegon watched as Visenya huffed at their indifference towards her and stormed off. Her twin followed her quietly. Aemon and Aegon looked at each other, both brothers unsure of what to do. Aemon stood up and turned to address Prince Doran. "The feast has been amazing Prince Doran but I must excuse myself, I am feeling a bit unwell." Aemon said.
"Yes, I hope you feel better come the morning." Prince Doran said. Aemon rushed away once the prince had dismissed him.
Aegon stayed at the feast. He only spoke when his uncle addressed him.
The sun bathed Aegon as he laid on his soft bed. The silky red curtains that covered the windows were pulled open by him last night when the room grew hot and stuffy, the night air had cooled him down satisfactorily. But now that the bright sun stood in place of the low-lit moon, Aegon regrets opening the curtains and window to let the air in, because now the blinding light of the sun hurt his freshly opened eyes. He let out a low groan. Wanting nothing more but to lay in his bed but he knew that he would seem spoiled and unlordly if he stayed in bed any longer. From beyond his chambers he could hear the flurry of steps walking around the hall and low voices talking to one another. He halfheartedly lifted himself from his bed and began to get ready for the day.
He broke his fast with his siblings in the great hall that Sunspear provided, they tried not to notice the inconspicuous stares they received. To his surprise neither his uncle or cousin were in the hall. The sand snakes were also absent and he was undoubtedly grateful for their absence. He had no desire to deal with the chaos that the bastard daughters of Oberyn Martell brought, especially so early in the morning. The terrible feast that had only happened last night was remarkably fresh in his mind and from the sour looks that were plastered on his sister's face, he knew that they too remembered last night quite well.
He had just finished eating his bacon when Floria, the maid that had been attending to him since he arrived, came to him. She greeted him and placed a piece of parchment onto his hand. Aegon opened the folded paper hurriedly, curious as to its contents.
"Meet me at the steps of the castle after you are done eating.
Prince Doran."
The letter was not what he had been expecting but he was happy to receive the letter nonetheless. Aegon couldn't help but wonder why his uncle wanted to see him so early in the morning. He could feel his siblings' curious glances and explained what the letter was. "My uncle wishes for me to meet him by the steps." He explained.
"What for?" Visenya frowned. Aegon shrugged in response. He drank a sip of wine before standing up. "I should go now. I don't want to keep him waiting. "
He met his uncle and his personal guard, Areo Hotah. "Uncle, goodday." He leant over and hugged him. "Goodday, my sweet boy." Doran said. "I know yesterday was not as ideal as we all wanted it to be."
Aegon blushed in embarrassment. "No! It was my fault, I should have held my composure"
"Aegon, you are only a boy of seven and ten," Doran chuckled. "Your uncle Oberyn has done far worse when angered"
"I hope you can find it within yourself to forgive Arianne and my nieces. They were the most fond of your mother." He continued.
"If they were so fond, then why do they dislike me so much?"Aegon could not hide the bitterness in his words. Prince Doran only gave him a weak smile. "Your cousins are… complex. I can not claim to know how their minds work, Aegon. But know this, they do love you." He highly doubted that but decided not to say anything, not wanting to hurt his uncle's feelings.
Aegon walked as his uncle was wheeled beside him by his guard. Aegon was curious as to where they were going but kept his question to himself. He walked for some time, they stopped once they were at a distance from the castle. They stood outside what seemed to be a garden. The only thing he found odd was that no one was walking around in the garden. The day was sunny and not too hot. It seemed peculiar to him that no one wanted to take a walk through the garden. As they entered the garden's greenery he noticed something at a distance. Further into the garden stood an erect building that resembled the minor buildings that he sometimes saw in Pentos. "A sept," his grandmother had called it. "It is where those who follow the Seven go to pray." He used to go with his grandmother to pray when he was younger but as he grew up he lost interest in the Gods of the west.
As they drew closer to the building Doran signaled his guard to stop prompting Aegon to stop as well.
"Uncle, what is this place?" Aegon said nervously and his breath hitched when he saw a statue of a woman, made of expensive white marble and surrounded by a colorful array of flowers.
"What is that?" He asked, pointing at the statue that stood at the center of the sept. His uncle looked at him with uncertainty before turning his full attention to the statue.
"No. I suppose you wouldn't recognize her." Doran whispered. "It is Elia." He said, his uncle's voice wavered a bit as he spoke the name of his long dead sister. Aegon looked at the statue again, this time examining the marble stone more intently. "I come here when I want to clear my mind and also to remind myself of why I am fighting for your father," Doran said, his voice suddenly melancholic. It was so similar to the way his father spoke about Rhaenys that it made him sick.
"Father does not speak of her" Aegon said, his gaze fixed on the face of his mother. She had a pretty face.
"I am sure he does not," Doran sneered. "Make no mistake about it, your father may not care for her but your mother is very much loved by us and the people of Dorne all weep for her. That is why they were so happy to see you. You have her face." He added.
Aegon felt strange at this revelation. All his life, he was seen as Rhaegar Targaryen's eldest son and heir. A part of him was ashamed that the thought of him also being the son of Elia Martell never crossed his mind. It seemed foolish to think that now, Elia was his mother and yet he never thought of himself as her son. How could he?
"You know, I was your age when Elia was born," That made sense. Aegon did not wish to be rude but Uncle Doran was a lot older than he expected, seeming to be more around his grandmother's age than Uncle Oberyn.
"I waited for her to die in her crib." Shame filled his voice, but his eyes remained on the frozen image of his sister. Aegon was horrified. I thought Uncle Doran was the only normal one here.
Doran chuckled at the look on his face. "I am sorry but before Elia, I had two brothers, Mors and Olyvar who died in their cradles. Though my mother never said it, I knew that she too was waiting for my sister to succumb to her weak health. My mother simply got up from her birthing chamber and continued her duties as the ruler, not even bothering to name her. She did not have much hope that her only daughter would fight her way through the clutches of the Stranger."
"How could she—"
"My mother was a strong woman but even she was distraught at the sudden death of her children. She could not bear to open her heart to another child. But Elia went on to live. She was sickly and weak but she was the happiest child I had ever met." A ghost of a smile painted its way on Dorans lips, as if reminiscing his sister's childhood days. "Unlike me, she had the same charm as Oberyn, that is why she made so many friends despite her ill-health. I always did feel envy on how those two seemed to draw people in so effortlessly"
Aegon found himself captivated, transported to a world so far gone and about a mother he never knew. He did not know what to think. He never asked about his mother from Uncle Oberyn. He did not lack for any mother figures, he had gotten plenty of love from Lyanna and his grandmother. He told himself that he did not want to subject his uncle to pain, making his uncle remember a sister who he loved dearly seemed cruel given the fact she was dead. But listening to this made him wonder how much sweeter his life would have been if he was raised under his real mother.
"She defied death from the moment she was born and yet the lions and the stags murdered her so viciously, so far away from home." Doran clutched the handles of his wheelchair until his knuckles turned white. "It was a relief my mother died after my sister married your father. I cannot imagine what she would have done if she were alive, she would have made war with the Stranger itself to keep Elia safe and alive."
"Uncle, is that why my cousins were so wrought at my father and Lady Lyanna?"
"Like I said, Aegon, she was a very loved woman." Doran smiled "You see those flowers there, Aegon, the orange ones?"
"Yes, they're Dornish sunbursts"
"I fear I was not as close with Elia like Oberyn was," he said sadly. "I had assumed these were her favorite flowers so I had sunburst trees planted around her shrine. It was only until Oberyn walked up and demanded there be moonflower bushes to be planted as well."
"Oh, I heard they glow in the moonlight"
"Those were her actual favorite flowers. She changed it to that after she got married. Do you know why?"
"Why?" He heard himself ask.
"Because they were the same color as the eyes of her most loved ones"
"She liked moonflowers because of my father." Aegon would never say this but his father had beautiful eyes, a rare shade of purple. He was not surprised that Elia Martell was so struck by it.
"No, my dear boy, they were the same color as your eyes," Doran said with a hint of sorrow.
"Oh" His uncle's revelation had left him speechless, he was unsure of what to say. So instead of replying he continues to look at the white marble statue of his mother and finds it to be more beautiful than before. A strange sensation passes through him, he is unsure of what it is but it makes his heart ache.
"There is something that we must discuss, Aegon." The older man says, his eyes still ever so focused on his sister's statue. Since first laying eyes on the statue, Aegon looks away and faces his uncle, curious as to what he has to say.
"I know that you were not raised amongst us and that you may not love us in the way we love you but there is something I must tell you. I just want you to know that this does not come from a place of envy but rather from a place of love." Doran's voice was calm. "You must begin to distance yourself from your siblings and Lady Lyanna and embrace us, your Dornish family." Aegon looked at his uncle, both of them were silent. The words his uncle had spoken finally settled and Aegon felt the anger from last night bubble back up.
"You cannot expect me to distance myself from them, they are my family, just because you tell me too." Aegon said angrily. "They are as much my family as you are."
"Yes, I am aware of that." Prince Doran sighs, almost in disappointment. "But you must see where I am coming from. You are to be King, Aegon, a king born from a Targaryen father and Martell mother, and yet when I see you, all I see is a Stark boy. I love you Aegon but I will not support the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, especially not when I am forsaking my sister's only daughter to support you." Doran lets out a deep sigh. "If you cannot embrace your Dornish side, then I'm afraid that you are as much as Lyanna's son as Aemon is and I cannot grant you any of my aid."
"They say your sister is Martell and Targaryen. She has fire. You, sweet boy, have ice. I am forsaking her to put you on the iron throne, a throne that belongs to her husband and would someday belong to her son. Do you understand what I am saying Aegon?" His uncle's voice is steady. Aegon feels his hands tremble. It always comes back to her. Aegon wants to scream at his uncle for being foolish and believing that Rhaenys was Targaryen and Martell. She grew up surrounded by Baratheons and Lannisters and Arryns, she was no dragon nor was she the sun. She was no more Martell than he was. Why can't they see that?
"Yes, I understand." Aegon says, his voice unwavering.
"Good. You must do well to remember all that I am giving up to put you on the throne." Doran said as he stared at the marble statue. Aegon balled his hands into a fist. Anger and envy ran hot through his veins.
Night came and Aegon found that sleep was evading him. After the conversation with his uncle he found his mind full of thoughts. But at last he was able to settle down and fall into his bed where his dreams awaited him.
Aegon stood in an open field, a great pyre stood at a distance. The night sky did not allow his eyes to see the figure that stood idle by the pyre. It was as he looked around that he finally noticed the figure standing a few steps away from him. The figure did not notice him.
A sudden orange glow encased the night sky, the pyre had been lit, giving much needed light to the darkness. He walked closer to the figure closest to him. It was a woman. She had long brown hair, it fell in ringlets against her back. She wore a white gown, her feet were bare, she wore a lone ring on her finger. Aegon walked closer, wanting to see more of the woman's features but he hesitated slightly.
With a firm decision, Aegon advanced towards the woman and bridged the distance between them. The woman, however, was oblivious of his presence. Her indigo eyes, much like his own, remained fixated on the crackling flames in front of them. Her nose was small, her lips were red and pouty, and her cheeks were high. She was beautiful. Despite being surrounded by a raging fire, Aegon could not take his eyes off of her and his gaze remained transfixed on her as the flames intensified. He followed her as she walked close to the pyre. She was like a moth to a flame, and he found that he was much the same. But instead of gravitating towards the fire, he followed her. He was her fire.
It was as he walked beside her that he heard it. A roar echoed through the vast field. His eyes glanced at the woman next to him but was disappointed to see that she gave no inclination of having heard the roar he had just heard.
Aegon looked around, trying to find the source of the sound. The burning flames in front of him gave him enough light to see what had made the monstrous sound. He gasped as he made out the figure flying in the sky.
Brown and shaggy was the only way to describe the creature. Large and long, Aegon stared in awe as he saw the brown dragon fly across the night sky. The dragon let out roars that shook the ground below him. Hardly believing what he was seeing he turned to the beautiful woman once more but her eyes continued to stare into the fire. Suddenly Aegon watched as a small dragon flew from out of the flames, red and black it was. It flew many times over before finally letting itself be seen clearly. He heard the woman gasp and then suddenly, she disappeared. Aegon looked up at the sky again, the dragon let out a final roar before Aegon too, disappeared