114 AC
Kings Landing
Aerion entered the tent, and united his hair, letting the silver-gold locks cascade down to his shoulders. He proceeded to unbuckle his gauntlets and toss them onto the bed before immersing his hands into a bowl of water, watching as the clear liquid turned crimson.
Rodik, his face etched with a mix of anguish and restrained emotions, couldn't help but inquire "What happened out there?" his hand clenched tightly around the hilt of his sword.
"I emerged victorious." Aerion stated plainly, shrugging his shoulders as he filled a cup with wine and took a measured sip. "Now, all that remains is the duels."
"You lost your composure out there, Aerion." Rodrik shook his head, remarking solemnly, his voice tinged with worry "You let your anger get the best of you."
"I will not allow myself to be disrespected in the presence of anyone, Rodrik." Aerion declared firmly, setting the cup down on the table and clasping his hands behind his back "He should count himself lucky that I settled for his arm, for I had half the mind to claim his head." he added, a hint of determined edge in his voice.
Rodrik moved closer, offering his assistance in the removal of Aerion's armour. As he worked, he spoke thoughtfully, his fingers deftly fiddling with the shoulder plates.
"I can understand your reasoning, Aerion." he began, his tone carrying a note of understanding "Though you must consider the consequences. The man you injured was not an ordinary knight of House Bracken, he was its heir. And your mother does not need enemies."
"I know… it's just the way he spoke. The words got to me." he admitted, fiddling with the golden clasps of his gambeson and opening it up, revealing his sweat-drenched tunic. "What if it is true? That I am destined to remain forever without a dragon."
"Is that truly your utmost desire?" Rodrik replied earnestly, his gaze locked onto Aerion's "Is it not better to be celebrated as a great warrior, rather than solely defining your worth by becoming a dragonrider? As many have in your line."
"I want to be both!" he exclaimed passionately, his eyes alright with determination "I want there to be absolutely no doubt that I am the greatest dragonrider these lands have ever seen. To be skilled as both a formidable warrior and masterful rider." he declared "my name will resound through the ages for the next hundred years, up there with Aegon the Conqueror."
"Keep a grip on your passions, and I see no reason as to why that will not be." Rodrik stated, patting him on the shoulder "Take some time to rest, I need to deliver a letter to the maesters, we shall meet up on the morrow."
Aerion nodded in acknowledgment as Rodrik departed, removing his tunic and making his way to the edge of the bed, sitting down and running a hand through his hair, leaning backwards and planting his head down.
His reverie was abruptly interrupted as he jolted back to attention, the sound of a woman's voice catching him by surprise.
"You've certainly left a lasting impression on my father." his gaze shifted to the entrance, where the princess stood. His eyes flickered up and down her figure, admiring how the fabric of her black dress clung to her and how well she suited the dark red embroidered flames that ran up her sleeves "I do believe he has not spoken to a single lord without mentioning your name."
"I wasn't anticipating your presence, Princess." Aerion responded, rising from the bed and offering a respectful bow of his head. He couldn't help but notice the teasing smile on her lips, and became aware that her eyes were directed towards his bare chest, a hint of playful intrigue dancing in her gaze.
He moved towards the table once more, grabbing his cup and filling it with wine. "I thought I might speak with the man who won my favour." she said.
Aerion looked back, daring to meet her eyes once more; a darker violet than his, with an unsettling fire behind that he recognised.
She crossed the tent and reached for the cup, swiping it from his hand. Rhaenyra kept her eyes on his as she sipped the wine sweetly, her pink tongue darting out to catch a drop of wine. He was mesmerised by the movement and took a hesitant step back as he felt a flush of arousal.
He cleared his throat and smiled back at her. Her mouth had tilted into a smirk at his awkwardness "You honour me, princess. Though I do fear for your reputation, to think people may get the wrong impression of you being here."
Aerion felt he was regaining his usual confidence; slipping easily back into the cocky facade he so often wore. "Scandalous." he smirked.
Rhaenyra scoffed. "It is hardly scandalous. We are family, after all. I have waited so long to meet my cousin in the Vale."
He raised an eyebrow. "You have?"
Aerion was surprised by her comment; he had never imagined that she had thought of him as he had of her. King's Landing had always seemed so far from Runestone; so much more glamorous.
Rhaenyra had grown up a dragonrider, the youngest ever in their family and he had grown up the overlooked son of parents who had hated one another. What cause would she have had to think of him?
"Am I as you expected, cousin?" he questioned, moving past her to reach for his belt and sword.
"I don't know you well enough to answer that." Rhaenyra turned to watch him and his actions stilled as their eyes met once more. He inhaled, trying to clear his head, and caught the scent of roses that she must have applied that morning. Aerion found himself unconsciously leaning towards her and bit his lip. He needed fresh air; he needed time to think.
"I hope to get to know you better during my stay, princess. I understand why I have heard you named the Realm's Delight; your beauty could make a man forget his own name."
"You flatter me, cousin." she said, and broke eye contact. She did not otherwise react to his comment. She glanced back towards the entrance "I must get back to Ser Laenor; he no doubt is wondering where I have wandered to."
"It was a pleasure, Princess." he replied, bowing his head.
"I shall see you tonight. My father is very happy to have you join us for dinner." With that, she swept from the tent, glancing over her shoulder at him before disappearing through the tent flaps.
"Fuck," he sighed, slamming his fist down on the table. Why had he complimented her in such a way? The last thing he wanted was for Rhaenyra to dismiss him as just another of the pig-headed men who saw nothing beyond her face. He"d regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth but was unable to recall them from the stillness between them.
Something was different about her. She was beautiful, of course, but there was something almost otherworldly about the way she moved, the way her words ensnared him. It was as though a thread joined them together, and when she was near he could almost feel a tug towards her.
He hated that he knew nothing of what drew him to her.
Back at the Red Keep, he returned to his chambers to bathe again and dress for dinner, outfitting himself in a fine black tunic with matching trousers and boots. A large ruby gleamed on his finger as he was escorted to the King's private dining chamber within Maegor's Holdfast.
The doors opened to reveal Princess Rhaenyra seated to the right of the King's chair, goblet in one hand and weathered book in the other. She had changed since he saw her last, and now wore a dark red dress with a golden dragon curling around the base.
"We need to stop meeting like this, princess." he spoke as he stalked towards her, the doors closing with a boom behind him.
She arched a delicate eyebrow at him, unimpressed. Closing her book, she leaned back in her chair and sipped her wine. "Whatever do you mean, cousin?"
"Only that we are alone, once more. Where is the King?"
"He will be here shortly, Aerion. You are rather early. Sit, tell me about Runestone; I am keen to hear of the place my uncle so dreads."
He took a seat next to her and filled his own cup with Arbor gold. "I do hate to disappoint, but it is one thing my father and I can agree on. It is nothing but sheep and shit as far as the eye can see. Runestone itself is an impressive holding, but in truth I dread the day my mother passes and the Valemen look to me as their lord."
"Do you not feel capable of being their lord?"
"Nothing like that, cousin. I fear being tied to a place I have longed to leave my whole life. I have always known my destiny was greater than the valleys and mountains of the Vale, yet how can I achieve it when I am trapped there?"
As he spoke, he barely noticed that his hand was spinning the goblet on the table in circles until Rhaenyra pointed it out.
"Do I make you nervous? How is it that you, a ruthless warrior, are made uneasy by your princess?" She leaned over and rested a hand on his wrist, stilling his movements.
Aerion was even more confused than he had been just a few hours ago in his tent. For all intents and purposes, the Princess was betrothed. Did she know what she was doing to him? He couldn't help his heart beating faster at her touch; he was hyper-aware of the skin she was touching.
"You are heir to the Iron Throne; I doubt there is a single man who has never been on edge in your presence."
Rhaenyra scoffed and let go of his hand. "Those men do not take me seriously. No matter that I sit on the Small Council, that I am the heir to the Iron Throne, they will never see me as anything more than a naive girl and a pretty face."
"I believe you will make a great queen, Rhaenyra. The first queen in our Kingdom's history; you have a unique opportunity to create change in Westeros. I will support your cause always, this I swear." He bowed his head as he spoke.
She grinned at him and sipped her wine once more. "Kind words, cousin. Thank you."
"That being said, I worry your father will want to engage in conversation about my own."
"Father prefers to avoid any topic that might involve Daemon, now more than ever."
A faint smile graced Aerion's lips and he turned his head as the doors opened and the guards announced Viserys as he strode into the room.
Aerion remained seated as the King walked past him, Queen Alicent on his arm. Otto Hightower, former Hand of the King, brought up the rear.
He had never seen the Hightowers before, and as little as he disliked them on principle, he could not deny that the Queen was a beautiful woman, wearing a deep green dress that accented her auburn hair. She was of an age with Rhaenyra, perhaps one or two years older, yet next to the Valyrian beauty, she paled in comparison.
He managed to contain a sneer as he noticed the Seven Pointed Star she wore around her neck; he had never had much respect or understanding for the Faith.
"Nephew, I am pleased to see you here; you have been absent from the Keep for far too long."
Aerion nodded, "I quite agree, uncle. I have been away from our family too long."
Viserys smiled at that, and gestured for him to approach.
"Allow me to introduce your queen, Alicent Hightower."
She stretched out a hand and he lifted it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles.
"A pleasure to meet you, your Grace. Truly, the bards do not do justice to your beauty." Alicent smiled and thanked him.
"And you, Prince Aerion. I have been most curious to meet Daemon's son, and I can see you are his spitting image."
"As I am often reminded." Aerion replied.
She moved to her seat on Viserys' left and her father sat opposite Aerion.
"Of course, her father, Lord Otto Hightower." The two men simply nodded to one another, and Aerion took a long sip from his goblet. He had a feeling it would be a long night.
He watched as the servants brought out the first course, a roasted duck surrounded by various vegetables and covered in seasonings, accompanied by a variety of potatoes and breads.
"A prayer before we begin, husband?" Alicent looked to Viserys, who nodded. The Hightowers closed their eyes, and the King bowed his head. Aerion and Rhaenyra shared an amused glance, and he realised she too must follow their Valyrian gods.
"May the Mother shine down on this gathering with love, may the Warrior protect Aerion in the duels to come, and may the Smith forge a bond among us that will remain unbroken for years to come." she finished, opening her eyes and smiling at Aerion.
"Your words move me, my queen, I am sure after that prayer, the gods will carry me to victory." he said with a touch of sarcasm, sharing a grin with Rhaenyra.
"I shall pray for your victory, nephew, although I saw today that you possess great skill with a sword." she returned graciously, gesturing for a servant to fill her plate.
"How fares the Lady Rhea, my Prince?" his head turned to look at Otto, and Aerion stood, grabbing his knife and leaning forward to carve a piece of the duck for himself.
"My mother is well, though I am afraid that is all I know of her.." he carved a small chunk off the duck he had gathered, took a bite, and continued to talk while chewing "We are in disagreement with each other over a certain matter."
His answer seemed to have satisfied Otto, who only nodded in response.
He looked back towards Alicent, who looked just as irritated as he was, conversing with the king, he could not hear what they were speaking about, but if he had to guess, it was not anything good.
"I don't think she likes me." he whispered, gazing at the Princess who had an amused smirk on her face, and he took another sip of his wine.
"My King, I wondered if it would be possible to take the Princess away from her duties for a few hours a day while I am here - I have longed to learn more about our culture and language, there are only so many books at Runestone."
The prince looked towards Viserys, a broad smile on his lips "Plus, it would be great to get to know my cousin and future queen."
"I can't think of anything better, nephew." Viserys responded, and Rhaenyra looked pleasantly surprised "What do you say, Rhaenyra? Will you teach your cousin? You are the finest in King's" Landing."
"I would be more than willing to assist Aerion, Father." she responded, smiling at Aerion.
Alicent was quick to intervene, disagreeing with the arrangement and intertwining her fingers with Viserys "Husband, do you think this is appropriate for them to be alone?" she shared a look with Aerion "I mean no offence, Aerion, but the princess is to be married in a few weeks time, it would not be appropriate to be in the company of a man who is not her betrothed."
Rhaenyra looked furious, rising from her chair "I will be in the company of whomever I choose, and no one will dictate otherwise, especially not you." Aerion slouched down into his chair, you could cut the tension between the both of them with a knife.
He looked to the King, who seemed to be close to snapping, looking pale as a ghost "ENOUGH!" the both of you, I do not remember inviting children to this table, you have been at each other for weeks, and I care not as to why."
"My dear wife, you know better than to insinuate that something was to happen between them; Aerion is not his father, I trust him to act with honour in the presence of my daughter." Aerion looked down to lap, letting out a small chuckle, covering his mouth.
Viserys soon directed his anger towards Rhaenyra "Sit down, Rhaenyra; such a comment did not need the outburst." and she shook her head, giving Aerion a slight glance before looking to the floor "I apologise, Nephew; I had hoped to bring you here would give me a peaceful meal with my family, that they may set aside their differences for the night."
Aerion could not believe what he was hearing; he bit his lip, holding himself from saying something he may later regret; the king admitting to using him to save bickering between a mess he otherwise started.
"My queen, I swear on my honour, nothing is to happen between me and Princess, we are kin afterall." he heard Otto scoff at the response, turning his attention to him.
"Honour…you know not what it is." Otto replied, turning his focus to Viserys
"Your nephew is causing problems among the houses, House Bracken wants to see his head on a spike for what he has done to Ser Tristan." he shook his head "I urge he be eliminated from the duels."
"Otto..that won't be happening." Viserys decided "While I must admit, I was disgusted at first glance, I am sure it was all a misunderstanding; let them know it was mishandling of the blade and that gold will be given."
"Your Grace, you know they will not go for that, surely if -" Otto stopped as he was interrupted by Aerion.
"I believe the King has made up his mind, Ser, best not dwell on the issue."
Before Otto could respond, he was then interrupted by Viserys "That's enough…we have spoken of this, Otto, you are no longer my hand, it is for Lord Lyonel Strong to advise me, and not you." Viserys looked disgusted as he peered across the table.
"I seem to have lost my appetite; I was foolish enough to think my family could set aside their differences to welcome my nephew to Kings' Landing." he shook his head, rising from his chair "Come see me at dawn, my boy, I wish to break fast with you."
"As you command, uncle." he smiled, remaining seated as the others rose from their chairs and bowed their heads as he left, the queen followed shortly after him, not bothering to utter a word as she pouted, with her father behind her.
Only he and Rhaenyra remained, and he continued as he was, cutting another small chunk from his duck "And here I thought the meal would be dull..and didn't even get past the first course." he chuckled "I am assuming by the kings" comments, this is a frequent occurrence."
"She poisons my father with her words, trying so desperately to replace me as heir in favour of her son." she pursed her lips, rising from the chair, turning to face the window that overlooked the blackwater.
Aerion joined her, clasping his hands behind his back as he looked up at the dark-clouded skies and he imagined himself up there on dragonback, he wondered often what it would be like to look upon Kings" Landing from the skies.
It was a beauty only a few had ever witnessed, and while he had read some accounts from previous dragonlords, none could ever write down truly what they experienced, the very thought brought a joyful smile to his lips.
"What are you thinking about, Princess?" Aerion straightened his back, gazing from the skies back to what mattered, Rhaenyra, who was looking to the seas, and appeared to be in deep thought, he nudged her slightly, gaining her attention, looking at him.
"I am thinking of this marriage that I am soon to be trapped in." she shook her head "I do love Laenor, we grew up together and if it had to be anyone; I am glad it is him, but I do not love him as a wife should; and I believe he may feel the same."
"I am sure that in time those feelings will come, as it does with some marriages." it saddened Aerion to hear that she may be stuck in the same situation his mother was when marrying Daemon, it would not be a life he"d want for himself.
Perhaps, though I have my strong doubts." Her frown shortly returned to a broad smile as she continued to look at him "So tell me, why did you insist on lying to my father?"
"I suppose not many can fool you, Princess" He looked back through the window, staring across the blackwater into the fog. "It is true, I told lies to the king, but trust I have good reasons to do so."
When he spoke their ancient tongue, he was met with a surprised look from the princess as he turned back to her. "It would be an insult for a Valyrian not to know the language of our ancestors - would it not?"
"I suppose it would be, though I do not understand why you wish to be alone, do you not wish to learn?" the princess replied in their tongue, her voice sounding beautiful in Valyrian, spoken as a true Valyrian of old.
"I wish to know you, the real Rhaenyra - and not the facade you put on when others are around, perhaps I will know more than your future husband." Aerion replied, and Rhaenyra was silent after that, and he smiled softly.
"Very well, meet me by my chambers before the feast tomorrow." she responded, and as she departed, there was a huge smirk on his lips as she watched her leave.
