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Red Keep ― Tower of the Hand…

The journey back to King's Landing from the kingswood was brief, but Aeonar and Alicent were overall relieved that the grand hunt was over. Since returning with a rare white hart and a monstrous wild boar, in addition to his successful military campaign in the Stepstones, word had begun to spread throughout the capital about the crown prince's reputation as a skilled archer and cunning strategist. As a result, his power and influence increased significantly. In a contest pitting the new generation of lords and knights from each corner of the Seven Kingdoms, it was Prince Aeonar Targaryen whose flames burned the brightest. Even so, the royal family was not given time to rest on their laurels.

Aeonar stared out the window, taking in the scenery of the night skies above or the candles lighting the interior houses on the streets below the Red Keep from Aegon's High Hill. The Hook, Eel Alley, Muddy Way, Flea Bottom, the Dragonpit… all seemed so different as the years passed yet somehow remained the same. He glanced over his shoulder to see Alicent reading a bedtime story to Jaehaerys, stopping only to see the little prince yawn and rub his eyes.

"I think it's past someone's bedtime," one of the handmaidens commented. "Come, sweet prince. Let's give our prince's royal consort some peace."

Alicent watched as her handmaidens took her son out of the room. "He's such a sweet boy," she spoke softly.

"That's because he has a good mother who nurtured him well these past two years," Aeonar commented. "Any children you raise will be smart, perceptive, intuitive, and have a good conscious."

"Hmm? I do not think I would be the only good influence on them. Though it is not as easy as it looks, Aeonar. Every day has its moments and I often question if I'm doing the right thing. But I do appreciate your words. We could teach them history, literature, philosophy… Our children will be given the best of everything."

Indeed. Now that I know for certain Alicent wants more children with me. With the royal bloodline propagated, it ensures our dynasty's continuation and overall survival. "I love you, Alicent."

"I love you too, sweetheart."

Just then, the doors opened – allowing two Kingsguard knights to stand aside when a visitor approached. Ser Otto, the Hand of the King, had arrived not only from attending his functions but also to check on the young couple. He waited until his daughter's maids left with his grandson and once the doors were closed, it allowed some privacy between the three of them. "Did you enjoy the hunt?" he asked.

Alicent nodded. "Well enough," she answered.

"How fared my grandson?"

"The ladies Lannister and Redwyne were quite taken with him."

"As they should be. He is the future of the realm," Otto stated as he sat down. "Well, you witnessed the scale of the celebration, how the white hart has shown who the gods favor."

"To you, it might seem that way," Aeonar replied. "But for us? It was a gift in celebration of Jaehaerys's second nameday. It's something any father would want for their child."

"Of course. But by retrieving a rare, yet nearly mythological creature, it demonstrates that Jaehaerys, like his namesake, was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms after you and His Grace."

"Unless certain elements were lurking in the shadows seeking to undo my great-grandfather's legacy."

Otto raised an eyebrow. "You suspect treason?" he inquired.

"I may no longer be the crown's spymaster, but my network of agents remains intact. They've proven instrumental in ending the war in the Stepstones so quickly."

Alicent suspected there was going to be more going on between Aeonar and her father. She instinctively wanted to remain, but the look on Otto's face was a domineering one. It dawned on her that even after everything she's done for him, her father still has a commanding aura – a hold on her. Only her husband was the only one unfazed. "I can see this discussion is solely meant between you two. Aeonar, I am going to take a bath and check up on our son. I will see you later tonight?" she notified.

"Yes, you do that. I will catch up with you shortly," Aeonar nodded.

Alicent curtsied to her father and left. Now it was merely the Prince of Dragonstone and Hand of the King alone in the chamber.

"You, Daemon, and Lord Corlys have started that war without His Grace's leave," Otto informed. "Were he to intervene, it would have made the crown appear weak."

"And if the crown continued doing nothing, then we look weak," Aeonar replied.

I can see a trace of Prince Baelon in you. But you are not him. "Given the circumstances of what had transpired, I find it difficult to imagine the Triarchy would wish to sue for peace at a time like this. We have already made efforts to establish diplomatic relations at His Grace's behest and dispatched several emissaries to Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh to bring an end to hostilities without the need for bloodshed."

"Diplomacy is effective but it only works under a variety of circumstances, and difficult when everyone already perceives you as a threat. Show too much kindness, people won't take you seriously unless you crack the whip."

"Then you would risk imposing such brutality as Maegor the Cruel would. Is that what I'm hearing from you?"

"Come now, father-in-law. You and I know better. We've tried it your way three years ago, and it didn't work. Peace never lasts for long, even after more than half a century. I won't wait while the malcontents run amok, with or without father's approval." Aeonar drank some wine from his chalice before placing both palms on Otto's desk, leaning slightly forward. "Besides, I'm not the same boy you occasionally liked to portray me as. I am only just getting started. The seeds of corruption have been supplanted in this castle and were left to spread for a time. Not from outside, but from within."

"And what sort of evidence do you have to support these accusations?"

"I had my suspicions, but like any other investigations, I needed proof. Yet whoever is making their move, they are intent on making it painstakingly certain to throw my agents off their trail to avoid receiving unwanted attention. That only confirms my suspicions, especially if someone tripped over my spies in Oldtown." Aeonar then slid a pile of documents in front of him.

Otto raised an eyebrow at the mention of his home. The Hand then proceeded to take the documents and look them over, his eyes tracing over every report. "And you are certain your spy's reports are as accurate as you claim them to be?" he inquired.

"Information is my specialty, father-in-law. It's good. So, instead of raising suspicion at me or my uncle, I highly recommend you instead look more inward. Father is too amiable, open-handed, and eager to please. He'll never see it coming until it blows up in his face."

Otto had his doubts, but with the reports being given to him, even he had to second guess himself on such rare occasions. Yet it's not what caught his attention. By looking into his son-in-law's pale lilac eyes, Otto studied Aeonar long enough to notice there was not only seriousness in his tone but also a distinct gleam in his eyes, like that of a predator stalking its prey. Now the Hand couldn't tell who was more dangerous than the other: a violent, impulsive, and quick-to-anger Daemon? Or a calculating, secretive, and informative Aeonar? Both Targaryen princes were ambitious, but their methods were different.

"Now," Aeonar slowly stood up, "I've got plenty of loose ends to tie up before I leave for my royal progress tomorrow evening. After all, I am the Prince of Dragonstone. When I'm king, I will create a new order. One where trust is earned based on the individual's performance, not automatically given; an order where tradition is respected but not fearful of change; and one where past wrongs are righted but not avenged. Call it heresy if you will, father-in-law, but the House of the Dragon will not tolerate such disrespect from anyone. Not while I'm around." He turned to leave, stopping before briefly glancing over his shoulder. "I trust you'll make the right choice. Good day, Lord Hand."

Before Otto could respond, Aeonar was quick to leave and close the door behind him, escorted out by the Kingsguard. In and out, leaving no room for error. The Young Dragon was flexing his political muscle and expanding his influence wherever and whenever he saw an opening. Otto again looked down at the documents in front of his desk and examined them more closely. The mere mention of Oldtown, words of treachery lurking within the Red Keep's halls, a likelihood of political backstabbing from the inside… Otto had a lot to investigate based on the small amount of information provided to him. No. You are not like your grandfather, Aeonar. You're bolder than Baelon was, or even your granduncle Prince Aemon. But what are you up to? And how far will you go before your ambition is satiated?

Red Keep ― Maegor's Holdfast…

Aeonar arrived at one of the apartments granted to him during his stay in the Red Keep, though he needn't request one since this was his birthplace. Following the recent conversation with Otto, the Young Dragon was certain he made his point get across and followed it up by indiscreetly slipping some information that could potentially sway the Hand of the King. King Viserys was still a no go for him, so Aeonar planned to let Otto keep an eye on things in the capital before he left for the royal progress. The Vale of Arryn would be his first stop, then the North, followed by the Riverlands, Iron Islands, Westerlands, Stormlands, and the Reach. As was customary since King Aegon I the Conqueror, a reigning monarch or a member of the royal family would tour the Seven Kingdoms to make themselves known, loved, and respected by their subjects, or to be feared if necessary.

Once he opened the door to the room, Aeonar closed it behind him and laid eyes on Alicent who was busy brushing her hair. It was safe to assume that the princess consort, wearing only a white nightgown, had finished bathing and was getting ready for bed yet was only waiting for her husband. The night sky unveiled the full moon to emanate a shining light to permeate the room and the stars burned bright. As soon as the door mechanisms clicked, Alicent saw in the reflection of her mirror Aeonar removing his shirt before approaching her.

"Hello, husband. How did it go?" Alicent inquired.

Aeonar shrugged. "The same as usual. It is no different than my days in the council chamber," he answered. "How fares our son?"

"He's all right, Aeonar. Jaehaerys is fast asleep. Ser Steffon and Ser Arryk are standing guard outside his room."

"Erryk."

"What?"

"That's Ser Erryk, Arryk's twin brother."

"Oh, twins. Ah, I can never differentiate those two."

"That's all right, neither can the other Kingsguard."

"I spoke with His Grace earlier."

"Oh? And what did you and my father talk about?"

"It was… difficult, to say the least. Mostly because I think he drank a little too much wine during the hunt. But I could see that he missed you terribly."

"Of course, he'd say that. The king would say or do anything to keep his precious heir close by."

"Aeonar, you know one of these days you'll have to talk to him. Otherwise, you will never end up healing the wound in your relationship. I know he made a mistake, but Aeonar, he wants so badly to reconcile with you. You could at least give him a chance."

"Alicent―"

"Please, Aeonar. Do not leave it like this. You'll never forgive yourself and will only end up succeeding in inflicting self-harm even more."

"Ugh! Fine, if it makes you feel better, I'll talk to father tomorrow morning," Aeonar said before resting his chin on her shoulder. Alicent smelled nice, like a sharp sweet fragrance of fresh peaches with a hint of vanilla dabbed behind each ear, under her chin, and then lightly on her collarbone. "I'll never understand how long it takes for you to do your hair like that."

Alicent glanced over her shoulder. "Excuse me but cleansing and drying my hair requires a delicate touch to ensure proper skin care as well as removing any unsanitary substance in our scalps. Besides, you're one to talk since yours is almost as long as mine," she mocked.

"Okay, you've got me." Aeonar pecked Alicent's cheek. "You know, I thought about you every day when I was out there in the Stepstones."

"As did I. We all did. Farris kept me informed about your situation, especially your well-being. But you came back home safe and sound." Alicent then felt Aeonar sidle up behind her, one arm wrapping around her midriff while a hand was holding tight to her waist, pulling her close to him. "Aeonar! Hehee! I know you missed me, but I didn't know you missed me that much." She feigned feeling powerless in his grip.

"When every day without you feels like an eternity." The Young Dragon planted several gentle kisses along the exposed, pale flesh of the nape of his consort's neck, moving up to her ear. "While I did appreciate the letters, I prefer having close physical contact with my childhood sweetheart and wife. I wanted to see her again. I wanted to tell her in person how much she means to me, shower her with so much affection she could drown in it." Aeonar smirked when he noticed a bright flush spread across Alicent's cheeks. "Hmhmm. My, my, Alicent. Are you blushing?" he teased.

"You're such a sweet talker. I… Mmmh, by the gods.~" Alicent's back stiffened as she felt Aeonar leaning against her, shuddering as goosebumps prickled up her neck. "Why… must you torment me like this, Aeonar."

"Because I know you too well, Alicent. What you like, what you hate, your hobbies… and especially your weak spots. Besides, I'm not forcing you to remain here against your will, am I not? Your hands are free. You can stop me at any time you want. Does this displease you?"

"N-no. That's n-not what I…" Alicent soon found herself raising her neck to give Aeonar better access. "Don't―Mmmh!―don't you… dare stop."

Aeonar's hands roamed over, one drifting lower and trailing across Alicent's navel as it slipped into her nightgown. Her skin was so warm and soft, her body shivering at the contact of skin on skin. Alicent bit her lip to try to contain the moan that nevertheless seeped out. The Young Dragon felt a sense of confidence, amused at his consort's failed attempt to hide her growing arousal from him. Studying the pressure points in the human body as well as anatomy and physiology was proving incredibly useful. As prim and proper as she was due to her social upbringing, Alicent felt desire as well; and the fact it was with her childhood sweetheart and husband, made their emotional bond stronger. Aeonar continued to plant soft kisses down the length of Alicent's unguarded neck, her breaths grew both shorter and shallower, her skin flushing red.

"Aeonar… I missed this."

"As did I, prūmio ñuho (my heart). Perhaps if I were to do this, would it be better?" Aeonar slid his left hand to caress Alicent's thigh while he moved his right up her stomach until he found her right breast. His hand caressed her breast, her nightgown slightly hanging from her shoulder before falling off. His fingers brushed across her nipple, eliciting a soft, low moan. Sliding the hand on her thigh inward, he gently rubbed his fingers in a circular motion against her wet sensitive clitoris. "Does this please you?"

Alicent's breaths remained short and shallow. "Nnnnn… Y-Yes, it does," she panted. "Ohhh yes…~" But she was not going to allow Aeonar to take advantage of her like this. If he was willing to tease her like this, then by all accounts she was well within her right to tease him back. Pressing her ass backward, Alicent retaliated by grinding on Aeonar. She smiled when she heard him groaning and felt him bulging beneath her.

"I want you, Alicent," Aeonar groaned in a low growl, his voice filled with desire.

"I know, sweetheart," Alicent replied, her voice trailing in a low, sexual coo. Making their way towards the bed, she gently pushed Aeonar onto the mattress. "I still remember our first night together two years ago. You were so gentle with me but didn't ask for anything in return. This time, however, it's my turn to please you." She knelt in front of Aeonar and undid the laces of his trousers before freeing his growing erection. He must have been in such distress. Don't worry, Aeonar. I will make you feel better. Grabbing Aeonar's cock at the base, Alicent's fingers smoothly glided along the top of his shaft, reaching the end, and circling the glans. She repeats this process, on the under part of the shaft this time until she wraps her hand around his erection and gently works on the length in smooth, familiar strokes.

"Q-Qogralbar… (F-Fuck…)" Aeonar cursed under his breath in High Valyrian.

Alicent giggles. She leans closer to plant a small kiss on the tip of her husband's cock before her lips flow over the crown, engulfing it. Once she took the head of his cock into her mouth, Alicent suckles on it gently while continuing to stroke the shaft. Her tongue slid slowly along the length as she rhythmically bobs her head up and down. Aeonar groaned as his cock throbbed in Alicent's hot, wet mouth and pulsed at the sensation of her tongue caressing him and began to subconsciously move with her. Alicent moaned in response to Aeonar's reaction and continued sucking him, taking in more. Before long, his cock was covered in saliva.

"Sh-Shit, Alicent…" Aeonar shuddered again. He placed his hand on her head. "Just like that, prūmio ñuho (my heart). Just like that…"

Alicent squirms, continuing to plunge Aeonar's cock deeper into her throat. Gagging slightly, she stopped momentarily to adjust her throat to accommodate her husband's girth before resuming her oral performance. She felt it swell, twitching, and growing thicker. Her tongue then wrapped around Aeonar's pulsing cock, licking at it in a frenzy.

"Alicent… I'm so close."

Hearing this, Alicent was determined to get Aeonar to orgasm. She bobs her head frantically, occasionally driving her husband's cock to the back of her throat which causes her to both gag and moan, her eyes watering and her throat muscles vibrating, sending shivers up Aeonar's spine. Before long, he felt his core tighten and knew his imminent release was coming.

"A-Alicent!" Aeonar shut his eyes tight and threw his head back gasping for air as his cock shoots his seed into Alicent's mouth and throat, twitching with every pulse. He soon hears his wife choke and gulp before her breathing slows down. Alicent tries her best to swallow as much as she could before she licks him clean and pulls his cock out of her mouth.

"Hah… hah… H-How was it?" Alicent asks. Before she could get an answer, her eyes glanced down to see Aeonar's erection still pulsing. "Wha…? You're still hard?" she sounded surprised.

"You… you have that effect on me…"

"Pervert. Though as long as it's coming from you, then I suppose I can let it slide." Alicent crawls seductively onto the bed and traces her fingers across his abdomen, feeling each muscle. "We haven't made love in so long, Aeonar. I was hoping to prepare myself properly for you in a more romantic setting but considering how you took advantage of me… well, I hope you can make it up to me."

Aeonar rolled his eyes. "Think you have enough stamina to keep up?" he dared.

Alicent shook her head with amusement as she raised her hips slightly before grasping Aeonar's still-erect cock and guiding it toward her wet opening. She gasped as she lowered herself onto it, engulfing it completely. "Oooh, Aeonar, yes…~" she shuddered while placing her hands on Aeonar's chest to steady herself as he grasped her hips.

"Sīkudi nopāzmi… (Seven hells…)" Aeonar groaned. So tight, and warm. "Ah, Alicent… Your cunt feels so good."

"I-I'm glad… Mmm…~ Oh Aeonar, your cock feels so good inside of me." Alicent's brown eyes glimmered with a burning, aching need as she slowly moved her hips up and down before increasing her pace. The subtle bounce of her breasts and the sounds of their skin smacking against each other were enough to captivate Aeonar. She begins to rock her hips against his waist, causing her breasts to sway as she rides him. "I love you, Aeonar. Ever since we were children, I've loved you so much…" she panted.

"I… love you, Alicent. Now… now you're all mine."

"I am―nnnh!―yours, and you… are mine―oooh! From this day, until the end of our―aaah!―days. Whatever may―ooooh!―come!"

Aeonar gripped Alicent's hips and moved his up to meet hers, causing her to gasp and softly shout. His hands cupped her waist and ran down the length of her creamy thighs. His eyes drank in the feminine touch, the delicate sweetness that threatened at every moment to consume him, to send him careening over the edge.

Alicent gasped again and shuddered atop Aeonar, her ass bouncing with hot, wet slaps against his groin, his cock poking at her innermost sensitive walls. A quiver went up her spine, like stricken with a sudden chill she shuddered and tightened around his cock, enjoying every act of lovemaking more than the last. She did not wait for the trembling ecstasy to pass and filled the room with her moans as she climaxed.

Aeonar felt his balls tighten once again. "Ngh, A-Alicent, I'm getting close again," he warned through his gritted teeth.

Alicent knew he was about to explode at any moment. She bit her lip and rode him faster and harder, wanting to finish with him as she too felt another orgasm approaching. "M-me too," she panted. "C-Cum inside me, Aeonar. Please, put another baby in me. Cum inside me, please…! Fill me up! Ahh!"

Her encouragement arouses Aeonar even more and he could not contain himself any longer. He moved his hips briskly, plunging and receding his cock in and out of Alicent's cunt madly, ready to fill her womb to the brink. Her cunt clenches tightly around his pulsing manhood as he burst his potent seed deep inside her with a long groan just as she orgasmed again. He felt the white, hot white jets continue spurting with each pump tingling with the aftershocks of that final penultimate moment before satisfaction, the clenching tightness of her womanhood keeping their bodies in place to unite them. Alicent eases limply and collapses on Aeonar's chest, cooing in his ear even as she still sat with his cock still buried deep inside her feeling his warm essence flowing into her.

"Aeonar… oh, my dearest love… That was… amazing. Thank you…"

Aeonar kissed Alicent with the kind of longing that could only come from those who had been missing out for so awfully long. And then, like a dam breaking across the years they had been away, Alicent gasps in a muffled surprise when Aeonar spins her around, pinning her against the bed with her lips still against his.

Wha…? A-again?

Aeonar wrapped his hands around Alicent's back and pulled her close to him. She quickly caught her breath as the feel of her soft breasts dug against his chest, his seed leaking out of her cunt, and her arms and legs trembling. It was not long until Alicent felt her husband's manhood hardening inside her once again. They clung to each other, like flotsam in the sea, like two souls adrift with naught but one another to turn to. When he looked into her eyes, he felt a wave of emotion rise in his chest. She was his everything. Their own family was his everything. And he had given nearly everything he had to get them back. Yet, somehow, despite being caught off-guard, Alicent could sense it too. Aeonar, still buried within her, thrust again and she let out a gasp followed by a soft moan, a quiet admission from him. He kissed her again and she returned the gesture, her legs wrapping around his waist as his hips gyrated before fucking her cum filled pussy again in earnest. Their tongues entwined in each other's mouths, breaking the kiss to stare into each other's eyes.

"Aahh! Ughh! Uh, uh, uh!" Alicent moaned as Aeonar pounded into her, stirring himself as if to savor every inch of her folds. "Oooh! Yeah, oh yeah! Aaah!" Their lovemaking turned to an unabashed fucking, their bodies moving in sync as he reacquainted himself with that slick, wet place between her legs. "Harder! F-Fuck me harder!" Alicent's brow knitted together, biting her lip to contain her erotic cries Aeonar loomed over her, sweat pouring down his brow as he hilted within Alicent and humped against her groin. She was slick with sweat by now, her breasts bouncing up and down with each thrust. The sloppy sounds of their union and heavy breathing were all that filled the room.

Again, Aeonar was nearing his limits. With one final shout, he thrust hard into Alicent and spurt another load into the woman below him, more powerful than the first. His thrusts steadily subsided with each spurt as the two of them stayed still, except for a twitch here and there. He barely heard Alicent's whimper under him, his cock twitching as it continued to spurt. When he was done Aeonar pulled out of Alicent, watching as his seed leaked out of her cunt. Before long, they both collapsed onto the bed utterly spent, panting heavily, and worn out from having sex. They sat there for a while, harsh breathing in the quiet night before Aeonar pulled Alicent close into a hug, nuzzling her once again.

"*Hah* That… that was *hah*…" Alicent panted. "You *hah*… you really ravished me…"

"Shit," Aeonar panted. "Two years without sex… and this is what happens…"

"Well, according to… to you, perhaps… But by the… by the gods, I think I'm… going to have a hard time walking." Alicent groaned as she rolled over. "I'm just glad I could keep up."

"Wait until next time. I'll make certain to put you to sleep."

"Pffft, haha! Pervert."

"Only if it's with you, Alicent. Only if it's with you."

Both cuddle in silence, drifting off to sleep in each other's arms. As Aeonar held Alicent, he stayed awake for a while longer. Listening to the quiet exhalation of breath from her, he brushed his fingers through her hair. Before he could doze off, he felt as if he were somehow dreaming. Memories of the past, a cryptic future of events uncertain or things yet to come. Crackling, rippling sound of a great flame. Dragons burning the landscape. A dynasty torn asunder from within. Betrayal and corruption. One shall fall, yet another will rise from the ashes… Aeonar shut his eyes and pushed these thoughts to the back of his head. No! Get that foolishness out of your head, Aeonar Targaryen, otherwise you will just end up going insane. Remember Grand Master Azdez's teachings. There is only the Lykirī Mēre.

Red Keep ― Royal apartments…

"The time has come to set our motions in plan, daughter," Lord Unwin Peake advised. "Our contacts in Oldtown came through with their end of the bargain. But it won't be long before our enemies start to take notice."

Beatrice groaned. Her swollen pregnant belly was making moving around difficult for her. "Then we could only hope that our house gains the recognition it so rightfully deserves, father," she said. Once the queen received the reports, her eyes traced over every word. "And what of my husband's son?"

"That little spectacle in the kingswood strengthened his cause, but the rift between His Grace and his heir has yet to be mended. If we act fast, then it must be now. The road ahead is uncertain, but the end is clear: Aegon will be king. You must guide His Grace towards reason before Prince Aeonar catches wind of our plot."

"I'll manage my stepson, father. For now, it's best if our allies keep a low profile for a while." Beatrice turned to leave her room and enter Viserys's chamber. She could see that the king had been in his cups for a while but groaned as he held his head. Ah, drunk again. "Is there something troubling you, husband?" she feigned concern.

Viserys slowly lifted his head. "You know, I…" he slurred. "When Aeonar was a small boy, we used to… build this model of Old Valyria together," he pointed at the detailed recreation. "He would always come into my room, like a small puppy, asking me if he… as if he was begging to help me. I'd sit him on my lap, get the tools ready, and we'd… we'd begin crafting from dawn 'til dusk he was so eager to spend time with me," he chuckled sadly at the faintest memory.

"That sounds so sweet of him."

"The Valyrian capital was built… into a volcano, much like Dragonstone. And the dragonlords, the highest of the nobility, lived here… at the volcanic face, closest to the source of their magic and power. And this was the Anogrion… where the bloodmages worked their craft." The king looked down; his chalice was empty. "Then came Aeonar's tenth nameday. I named him heir… my firstborn son. It was just like in my dreams… As vivid as the flames in this hearth. A male babe born to me… wearing the Conqueror's crown… the sound of thundering hooves, splintering shields, and ringing swords, and I placed him upon the Iron Throne… as the bells of the Grand Sept tolled, and all the dragons roared as one." Viserys wobbled. "Aeonar was my first child. My first son. Then came along Rhaenyra… but then, but then I started having trouble keeping our line propagated…"

"What do you mean?"

"Many in my line have been dragonriders. But very few among us have been dreamers. What is the power of a dragon next to the power of prophecy? It is something only those of pure Valyrian descent experience. And that's only exceedingly rare… Much of our history was lost when the Doom wiped out the Valyrian Freehold."

Beatrice rolled her eyes, away from his sight. "The hour is late, husband," she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I saw it again in my dreams. One where my children would stand together and usher in a new age for our house," Viserys continued, "And I so wanted it to be true, to be a dreamer myself. I sought that vision again, night after night… but it never came again. I poured all my thoughts and will into it. Aeonar and Rhaenyra warned me over and over that it would only endanger their mother, my first wife, Aemma. They pleaded with me to stop, but… but I kept pursuing that dream. And my obsession… my obsession killed her." His throat tightened at the memory of his deceased wife. "Our whole family had fallen apart." Viserys shut his eyes. "I'd give anything to take it back… but I can't."

He is still in love with her. I am a living girl, yet Viserys prefers a dead one.

"I never imagined I would remarry… that I would have another son and another child on the way."

"Viserys," Beatrice interrupted impatiently. "I know this is something you don't wish to hear at this hour, but I'm afraid I have concerns regarding your son."

"Aeonar? What… what happened?"

"Look," she handed her reports over to him. "I just received word from an old friend in Oldtown. The Faith has received a formal request for a dissolution of the marriage pact between your brother Prince Daemon and Lady Rhea Royce of Runestone on the account of the marriage itself remaining unconsummated. Upon further investigation by the Council of Faith, the Most Devout, His Holiness the High Septon will reach a formal decision on whether to issue an annulment within the week."

"What?" Annulment? Why? Viserys took the document in his hands, which was a copy of the annulment, signed and sealed by the High Septon himself. The marriage between Daemon and Lady Royce was initially arranged by their grandmother, Queen Alysanne. House Royce was an ancient, honorable, and powerful family, and marriage to them firmly secured the Vale's loyalty to House Targaryen in combination with Viserys's first marriage to Aemma. The only two who objected to the arranged marriage were Daemon and Rhea. Neither of them had liked the other and all attempts to foster love between them had failed. But the Old King had commanded Daemon and Rhea's father Lord Yorbert had commanded her. Viserys recalled the wedding being joyless and stiff. When Viserys sat on the Iron Throne, Daemon had all but begged half a hundred times that he use his influence to have the High Septon set the marriage aside. Each time though, he refused. He would not offend the Vale and he would not undo the works of his grandparents simply to satisfy Daemon's pride and lust. But it seems someone went over his head. Aeonar… do you hate me this much that you would spite me this way? It was a few good minutes of cold silence before finally Viserys rolled up the parchment he had been reading. "I'll need to speak to him in the morning," he said firmly.

Beatrice smirked. Her plan was going smoothly. When the time was right, her children would rule the Seven Kingdoms. She simply had to get the Young Dragon out of the way.

Chapter End

Author's Note: As the grand hunt winds down to a close, we begin to see power plays in the shadows between Aeonar Targaryen and Beatrice Peake being carried out. If not by themselves, then by a third party. Either way, Aeonar is making it clear to Otto that he's not the same as he once was before. The Young Dragon will be exercising his political muscle before departing for his own royal progress throughout the Seven Kingdoms. But Beatrice isn't intent on letting things remain the way they are and seeks to sow further discord within the royal family. Surprisingly, as one agent trips over another, it seems Aeonar has for the first time a challenging adversary regarding being a spymaster. How will the Young Dragon meet the challenges before him? Find out soon.

Moran: I hope whatever treachery Aeonar notice will push him to prepare Alicent (probably during the royal tour) for what's to come, elevating her from an unwitting pawn to a formidable player in her own right, as she did in canon. And the same for Rhaenyra.
While I support neither the Blacks or the Greens, I couldn't help but feel sympathy for Alicent. She's like a more smarter Sansa, more sympathetic Cersei and more ruthless Margaery. And probably my favorite character in HotD.
In the royal court, she's neither a player or pawn (not yet anyway), but a bystander. Most of her benefits stems from her father being the second most powerful man in the realm and as the princess' childhood companion.
After the Aemma's death, Alicent moves from bystander to pawn for he family's ambitions by marrying Viserys. And Rhaenyra, who Alicent might turn to for emotional comfort & support, shunned and grew distance from her over something Alicent didn't even know she was a part of, She is then left behind, trapped, helpless and alone in her duties as queen (or to putting it crudely, as a glorified broodmare).
But despite this, she displays hint of her potential as a player and her self-confidence grew over time because of it; for instance, rather than convincing Viserys to name Aegon heir as her father suggests, she convinced the King cast aside his pride and send reinforcements on the war on the Stepstones, and that Rhaenyra should chose a husband on her own.
After Otto is dismissed as Hand because Alicent choose to believe Rhaenyra, She is left with no allies in court. After learning the truth from Larys and then Criston, Alicent is upset and harden by the lies and what it cause her. She realize she could no longer count on Rhaenyra, who's willing to lie when sworn in her mother's memory that she's not, and decided to establish her own power.
Hence, her big entrance on Rhaenyra's wedding. The event is supposed to Rhaenyra's moment; to solidify her power and claim to the throne. But instead, Alicent uses it to make a big political statement.
As someone put it, "Alicent never wanted to play the game, but instead it found her."

Rhaenyra, on the other hand….. She's has Arya's tomboyishness, Daenerys' sense of entitlement, Cersei's impetuousness and Stannis' bluntness. Many of her triumphs mostly happened in private (even her wedding), and in Westeros, appearance means everything. And she is not someone I look up to. Yes, we feel sympathy for her plight in the patriarchal society, but she's had made many political mistakes that it is almost mind-boggling and often used as ammunition against her.
Besides the obvious:
-She insults Lady Redwyne for criticizing Daemon instead of rationalizing.
-Her dismissing the Blackwood boy was needlessly cruel.
-She didn't stop him and the Bracken from fighting, outright ignoring them, leading the latter's death, escalating their families' blood feud
-Leaving King's Landing to hold up on Dragonstone, giving the Greens unimpeded time to consolidate their power and support.
Hopefully, Aeonar would make the time to teach her how to 'quench her fire' and avoid her becoming his 'Daemon'.

If the annulment is falsified by the Peakes, Aeonar could use it to his advantage; gain some goodwill from Daemon and support of House Royce in the long run. He could lie to Viserys by saying that Daemon might be considering killing Rhea to leave the marriage and he request the annulment to prevent that.

Despite her brief appearance, I like Lady Rhea.

I apologize about Vaelor's color bring unspecified comment. I didn't notice it's on the AN. But I still stand by my preference though.

BIRD0FHERMES: Im really hoping that Aemond is born to Alicent and Aeonar. He's my favorite character from the show alongside Corlys. Corlys just because he's not only a great warrior and leader, but because he's also a decent husband who actually listens to his wife. Aemond isn't my favorite for anything he's done, but more so because of the actor. Ewan Mitchell just has this smug look to him, almost like he's always plotting something.

FireKing500: Hope Viserys listens to Aeonar and doesn't reprimand Aeonar from the incorrect information Beatrice gave him. Maybe Aeonar can tell his father that Daemon and Rhea came to him for support in the annulment of their marriage. Did the Peakes falsify that it was Aeonar who submitted the request? If so, hope Aeonar will tell his father he has done no such thing. With Aeonar going to the Vale, he can tell Viserys he can stop at Runestone and ask Rhea if she agrees with this.

I hope you show the Peakes plan fall apart and we see them scrambling to try to pick up the pieces. This way they will be a few years behind in their plans.

C.E.W: Nice to see that Aeonar Targaryen and Alicent Hightower have done some 'reconnecting' in the time years since Aeonar left for the Stepstones. Like how Alicent is keeping Aeonar from turning totally tyrannical. I also like how Viserys drunkenly poured out his heart about his part in Aemma's death destroyed his family, and ruined his relationship with his eldest son and heir. Alicent is trying to fix it, but some wounds heal slower than others.

I was wondering when Aeonar was going to find some competition in the field of spies. There is also Larys Strong to consider. Aeonar is focused on so many things right now, that he overlooks Larys which gives Larys Strong an advantage for the time being.

Clever move, and thinking outside the box with Beatice and the Peakes making it look like Aeonar made the request to the Faith to annul the marriage between Daemon and Rhea Royce. Given that it is unconsummated, no children and estranged over the years, as well as their dislike if not, hatred for each other, the marriage stands a good chance of being annulled. No doubt Daemon and Rhea would be overjoyed for that to happen.

Questions:

Will Rhaenyra accompany Aeonar and his family on the royal progress? It might give a chance to search for a suitor and for Aeonar to make sure she doesn't misrepresent herself or House Targaryen. Plus, it might do her good to spent time with Aeonar and Alicent away from her ambitious stepmother.

―Tempting, but Aeonar and Rhaenyra will each go about their separate ways, though they might coincidentally meet up again in a random location during their tours.

Which place Aeonar and his family are going to go to first on his royal progress trip?

―First stop is the Eyrie in the Vale of Arryn.

Will any Kingsguard be accompanying Aeonar on the royal progress?

―Two - Ser Steffon Darklyn and Ser Erryk Cargyll.

Guest #1: I was wondering when Aeonar and Alicent would make up for lost time. So that's Beatrice plan make it look like Aeonar put in a request for an annulment of Daemon and Rhea's marriage, I'm kinda glad I was afraid she was going to try to get Aeonar and Alicent's marriage annules . though I don't think this is gonna go the way she thinks. Question Did you mean to make Beatrice like a mini cersei (Although I'm not complaining I actually like) ? Are we gonna have any Beatrice and Aeonar one on one battle of wills next chapter or anytime soon? Who do you think would portray Beatrice?

―I imagined Beatrice Peake would be portrayed by Kate Beckinsale.

jojoboy914: The game of wits has begun. I'm liking what I see. An alliance between the Seasnake, the Rogue Prince and the Young Dragon would be a strong faction. The legacy of House Targaryen would be defined by the choices of Aeonar and his family. If Aeonar has an adversary in the shadows, I would love to see how he'd face them. Perhaps a deal could be made for a shadow alliance.

Can't wait to see what happens next