King's Landing, 128 years after Aegon's conquest
What I said, before you attack always direct the shield first. Look at Aegon and Aemond," said Anduin pointing at Callan's best friends, who were being handled by Sir Criston and Ambassador Bronzebeard
Yes father - Callan lowered his violet eyes, exactly the same as his mothers.
Well for today that's enough boys - decided his father shaking his head
Aegon and Aemond put away their training things and walked over to them. Ambassador Muradin and Sir Criston were having some kind of animated discussion. Judging by the white coat's indulgent smile, again the dwarf was trying to convince him of the innate superiority of the hammer over other weapons.
Come on boys, your mothers and sisters are waiting," Callam's father said, and they set off towards the royal gardens.
On the way they met Prince Daemon. Callan noticed that his father didn't react as badly to anyone as he did to the king's brother. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that his brothers of choice reacted similarly to their uncle.
And Sir Anduin, along with my nephews," began Daemon nonchalantly
Prince - Sir Anduin nodded slightly
It's a pity you've already finished. I was hoping to join you. I wanted to see how my nephews' fighting skills develop under the tutelage of a legendary warrior like you," the Dark Sisterhood's owner said with a dangerous glint in his eye
Aegon and Aemond under my tutelage, and that of Muradin and Criston will undoubtedly go far in the craft of war. There is no reason to worry
Mhm, and your son - the Prince looked at Callan mirroring him with his eyes
The same
I understand nevertheless maybe it would be good if I joined - suggested Daemon
I can't forbid you from doing so, prince. Now if you'll excuse us, we're in a hurry," said Callan's father.
They moved even more briskly to the gardens. Not a long moment passed and they arrived. It was easy to see when they were spotted given how his mother looked at his father and somewhat more discreetly his foster aunt. His attention was immediately drawn to Helaena, who was chatting with his sisters and surprisingly Jaina, who had turned a leaf into an ice version of him probably as part of some demonstration. With amusement, he saw that Aegon puffed out his chest and walked proudly after spotting Jaina. As with Helaena, it was impossible not to notice her. Both were characterized by phenomenal beauty and a charming disposition which allowed them to win over almost anyone. Jaina was still approached with a distance because of her great magical potential, but for so many years most of Westeros had managed to get used to it. Callan noticed that Aegon had already taken the time to disengage to compliment Jaina's abilities, who only blushed and mumbled something hurriedly.
Are you amused by something Callan?
Callan turned his head and saw that Helaena had managed to sneak up on him with a playful smile. He had always been struck by how Aegon and Helaena resembled their queen mother. Helaena was a Valyrian copy of her and Aegon, in addition to his facial features, also inherited much of her character. Callan sent Helaena a smile
Absolutely not," Callan replied
I would hate to tell my father that you are so amused by the awkwardness of others, where you yourself are not much better with women," Helaena stated with a gleam in her eye and her face dangerously close to his
He remembered how much of a problem this was. When his adoptive siblings got away with it a few times. He was young at the time but understood that the king did not spend any time at all with his second wife's children or his wife herself. It was during a dinner they had started eating together for some time and Daeron used the term father in reference to his father. Everyone held their breath, especially the queen. His father sent Daeron a sad smile, explaining that he wasn't his biological father and couldn't say that when they weren't alone, but otherwise he would be honored when he referred to him that way. Daeron was a bit too young to grasp such things right away and looked confusedly at his mother for an answer. She explained something very quietly and he nodded his head again cheerfully. From then on, Queen Alicent happened to look at his father with something like adoration. It didn't anger him considering that even then Aegon and Aemond were his best friends and Daeron was never seen in a category other than sweet little brother. Callan never saw his father treat them any differently from his children, although it was Helaena who definitely enjoyed special attention and devotion from Callan's father. At times, he wondered if she received more than his biological daughters Baela and Rhaena. His father always looked at her the way only a father can look at his daughter. Callan sensed that it was the same the other way around. Helaena often looked at his father as if he were the most important person in her life. She always seemed to compare every man to him without even realizing it.
You drifted away," Helaena laughed, putting her silky hand to his cheek
Callan frantically shook his head and flushed. Being close to Helaene didn't make things any easier. Since his last name day, he had begun to see Helaene differently from his sister and didn't know how to deal with his thoughts and, worst of all, his lusts. He would have asked his father what to do but was afraid of the disappointment he might have in his face, which Callan sometimes witnessed.
It's nothing important," he tried to say carelessly, but judging by the way those soulful lavender eyes he so idolized mirrored him with their gaze, he failed.
I will forgive you now, but later you are to tell me," said Helaena firmly
In moments like this, he could clearly see that Helaena had a lot of her adoptive father's character. Especially the tone of the commander to whom you had to submit.
That's right," Callan replied automatically which lit up Helaena's face.
Helaena kissed him on the cheek and went to her father who was talking to her mother and Aunt Alicent. He always admired the synchronicity of the two, another proof of their unique bond. He didn't even have to look at her and he had already opened his arm so that she could rest her head well against him and put his hand on her hair to stroke it.
The way you look at her is quite disturbing brother. One could say that you have disturbing intentions towards the princess of the kingdom," Aegon said conspiratorially near his ear
My intentions towards Helaena are no more disturbing than those you have towards Lady Jaina dear brother," replied Callan sending Aegon a communicative smile
Aegon rolled his eyes then grimaced
What is it? - Callan squeezed Aegon's shoulder
Maybe your and Helaena's marriage would at least make you stay here. I know that you will probably return to Azeroth again soon. It would be nice not to lose everyone, and besides, we would become brothers in the eyes of the gods as well.
Callan didn't know what to say so he remained silent as he watched Daeron try to climb on his father.
Alicent was walking to the small council meeting. She was in a good mood and let's hope this session doesn't spoil that. The queen entered and saw that she was the only one missing. The session, as usual, dragged on and nothing productive happened.
Let's finish for today husband," she said to Viserys
Yes - he began to rise
Just a moment, I would like to say something
Viserys looked at everyone
Sit down
I am aware of the rift that has arisen between our houses. If I have offended you in any way I apologize. I propose to betroth my son Jaecerys to your Haelena. And I think it is high time to make an offer of betrothal to Lord Daelin Proudmoor. The union of Lucerys and Lady Jaina will bind together the two greatest sea powers in the world," Rhaenyra finished pleased with herself and looked expectantly at Viserys.
This is a wonderful proposal my dear," said her husband jovially
Alicent looked at her father
Yes it's a great proposal," Otto paused, "however Daelin has made it clear that he wants an engagement between Aegon and Jaina. I didn't talk about it because I wanted Aegon and Jaina to be able to get used to each other without worry. Judging by how happy they are in each other's company it was a good decision," Otto concluded
Rhaenyra looked like she swallowed a lemon
Even so, she would have been better off with Lucerys. Aegon does not inherit anything, he can bring nothing to this union - Rhaenyra explained emphatically
Although I and Daelin... we do not like each other a merger of such a power would be highly desirable," Corlys added
Rhaenyra nodded, considering the matter closed, and looked at Alicent expectantly
Although I know Helaena would be a great queen I'm afraid I must decline," Alicent said with practiced contrition
Why. You don't want your daughter to become queen," Daemon asked as if she was about to admit he was right.
She is my only daughter and the most important thing for me is her happiness. And I know that she will only find it by the side of her love.
She will find it by the side of Jaecerys," Rhaenyra concluded.
Alicent felt like kicking her decently between the legs.
He loves another - she lied easily
This declaration got her all the attention in the room. Even her father looked at her with a subtle smile wanting to know what she was up to.
My daughter loves Sir Anduin Lothar's son Callan with reciprocity. I have already spoken to Anduin about a possible match," Alicent hoped that if they were questioning Lothar on the matter and she didn't manage to get to him first, she would be making it up
How do you know? Unless they've told you directly it's just conjecture. And if even they are too young to see what love is," Rhaenyra quipped
They didn't say but the mother sees such things. Besides, all who look at them will be able to tell without hesitation. That's why I'm forced to reject your proposal princess - Alicent replied diplomatically
That's all right. To tighten ties you can give Lucerys away to one of Laena's daughters - Daemon interjected with a wolfish smile
Yes, good idea Daemon - Viserys said
Yes, and if Lord Daelin is not interested in Driftmark, then maybe he will be interested in the Iron Throne, since the option with Helaena is not an option. Father I think you should rest now," replied Rhaenyra wanting to have the last say
Yes, you are right Rhaenyro," admitted Viserys repeatedly winking
Alicent, after escorting her husband, went to the governor's chambers. She found her father mirroring the hearth.
I am glad that Helaena has been saved," her father began
For now - Alicent stated
Are she and Callan really close. Have you considered marriage between them - her father looked at her
Sometimes - she admitted - Callan is the grandson of the sea serpent and nephew of the king of Stormwind. The advantages are many. It is impossible not to see how Callan idolizes her. He would make a good husband for her.
The father nodded
Well, to tell the truth Callan has the most rights to Driftmark so...
Father, let's not touch this for now," Alicent asked
Otto raised his hands defensively in a defensive gesture
What about Kul Tiras?
Daelin is my friend and I can assure you that he will not give his daughter away for some bastard, We have agreed that Aegon will become king and Jaina will become queen. But we should think about some marriages among the great houses of Westeros. Not everyone is happy with our proximity to Stormwind and Kul Tiras.
Father since two of my children will have the partners they want I wouldn't want to condemn the rest to a worse fate," Alicent said with difficulty refraining from picking at her nails.
I know daughters. For now it's a proposal. You can write to Lord Borros to send one of the daughters as a lady of the court, and in the case of the Lannisters, who must be kept on our side. If they do not have any daughters in stock one would promise Tyland the position of governor," explained Otto
You would give up the position you are so fond of - Alicent wasn't sure if she heard correctly
Once it may have been so but now," the father sighed and looked into the campfire, "I am here to take care of our affairs but to tell you the truth I would visit Kul Tiras again. Boralus is very beautiful.
Alicent nodded uncertainly and left, leaving her father with his own thoughts