"And this one has-"
"60 lines and two pairs of legs on each, Helaena. We already know." Baelon rolled his eyes as Halaena winced.
Baelon Targaryen loathed bugs but, quite a contradiction to his sister's affection for bugs. Unfortunately, it was either spending time with Helaena and her bug friends or his tiresome brothers and nephews, and it was safe to say that Baelon preferred the former.
"Be quiet, Baelon." His mother, queen Alicent said sternly, "Helaena, continue."
"Thank you, mother." Helaena said as she tried to ignore Baelon's glare, "That'd be 240."
"Yes, it is." Alicent nodded, "Isn't it correct, Baelon?''
"...Yes, it is, mother." He hesitated before answering.
"It has eyes…" Helaena paused for a moment, "Though…I don't believe it can see."
"Like grandfather!" Baelon exclaimed loudly before snickering.
"Baelon!" Alicent glared at him before turning back to Helaena, "And why is that so, do you think?"
"It is beyond our understanding." Helaena shrugged.
"I suppose you're right. Some things just are." Alicent said softly while reaching for Helaena's arm.
"Your Grace." A guard suddenly entered the room, dragging Aemond–Baelon's younger brother with him.
"Aemond." Alicent rose up from her spot. "What have you done?"
"He did it again." Baelon's and Helaena's voice overlapped with each other as they both spoke at the same time. Though, Baelon's voice was more jovial than Helaena's.
"After how many times you've been warned, must I have you confined to your chambers?" Alicent scowled, promptly ignoring Baelon and Helaena.
"They made me do it!"
"As if you needed encouragement."
"Don't bother arguing with him, mother." Baelon smirked, "His obsession with dragons goes beyond understanding."
"You don't get it!" Aemond yelled, looking directly at his brother, "They gave me a pig!"
"A what?" Alicent questioned–her voice was soft but had an edge to it.
"They said they found a dragon for me."
"The last ring has no legs at all" Baelon, now bored with Aemond's problem, turned back to his sister, deciding to inspect the creature in his sister's hand closer.
"But it was a pig." Aemond scoffed.
Baelon already knew their mother's response.
"You will have a dragon one day."
Yup.
"He'll have to close an eye." Helaena's voice interrupted Baelon's line of thoughts. Frankly, he had no idea what his sister was talking about but he nodded nonetheless.
"I know it."
"They all laughed." Aemond murmured as their mother hugged him.
But their mother was wrong, Baelon was sure of it. If Aemond was meant to have a dragon, surely his egg would've hatched, right? He just hoped that his mother and Aemond would accept this truth sooner.
"Bael…"
"Baelon."
"Baelon."
"Baelon, wake up!"
"I'm awake, I'm awake!" Baelon jumped from his bed as he awoke. "What has happened?"
His mother was sitting at the other end of his bed, wearing a troubled expression. She carefully sized Baelon up for a few seconds before sighing, looking almost…relieved?
"I'll ask you this once, Baelon," Alicent said sternly. "And I wish for you to answer me truthfully."
Baelon gulped as he looked his mother in the eye. He could never read his mother; her expression was always stoic as far as his memory could guide him. Looking back at it now, Baelon has never seen his mother express any sign of joy.
"I will, Mother."
"Did you plot against Aemond with your brother and nephews?" Alicent said each word slowly, with a controlled breath.
Baelon and Alicent had a staring contest before he sighed, knowing that lying to his mother would be no use.
"I…I might've talked about it once or twice but-"
"Baelon!" His mother stood up, her stoic face transformed into a scowl, an expression Baelon was very familiar with. "I can not believe you! Aemond is your brother."
"Mother! Mother! Please!" Baelon tried to plead. "I've only joked about it with Aegon. I never thought he'd actually do it."
"We are a family, Baelon." His mother's voice was stern. "I've already talked with Aegon, but I believe you're not as short-sighted as him. You already know the threat you pose to Rhaenyra's reign–you, Aegon, Aemond. Even Daeron is a threat!"
That's true. Baelon already knew this but still couldn't help loving his half-sister dearly, more than his full siblings. He doesn't know how this came to be, but his relationship with Rhaenyra was far better than with Aegon, Aemond, Dareon, and even his twin, Helaena. Despite their enormous age gap, Baelon found a friend in Rhaenyra. However, he couldn't bring himself to like his nephews Jace, Luke, and now Joffrey.
He always stood out within the family due to his strikingly unconventional appearance for a Targaryen. Unlike the typical silver-haired Targaryens, his hair was a mix of traditional Targaryen silver with distinctive auburn streaks. His eyes, a deep lilac colour, were the only other feature reminiscent of his Targaryen lineage; otherwise, his entire facial structure mirrored that of his mother, Alicent. That might explain why Rhaenyra had a closer bond with him compared to his siblings. He understood that his mother and Rhaenyra had been close friends in their youth, with some even suggesting they were lovers. It seemed likely that he reminded Rhaenyra of Alicent.
"Mother, I do know that." He cleared his throat. "But Aegon doesn't want to be a king, neither do I. Surely if we–"
"Do you really believe the world cares about your desires?" she yelled, her voice dripping with venom. "Please, Baelon, think about what I'm saying. You know I always have your best interests at heart."
Alicent caressed Baelon's cheeks, looking deep into his eyes.
"Please." she begged, her voice full of pain.
"I will, Mother."
"Good."
Baelon observed his brothers as they attacked the dummies in the yard. There was a stark contrast between his brothers' attacking styles. Aegon's strikes were powerful and flamboyant, clearly relishing the opportunity to spar against defenceless opponents. Meanwhile, Aemond's attacks were calculated, despite his lack of physical strength hindering execution. His nephews were, of course, present as well, seemingly always within his sight or nearby. Their attempts at attacking were far from effective; in a real battle, they would have likely met their demise swiftly.
His father and Ser Criston were also watching from a distance, though Ser Criston bore the main responsibility for their training. Baelon had managed to evade Ser Criston's grasp a few times in the past, slipping out of training sessions. However, this time, he couldn't avoid it. Now, in the chilly yard, he found himself reluctantly observing his siblings and nephews making a spectacle of themselves, while he stood by, idle and detached.
Criston approached Aemond silently, his expression stern as he scrutinised him closely.
"Soften your knees."
Aemond's strikes were still feeble, though marginally improved from last time.
"Feet light," Criston commanded. "Keep your feet light and hand heavy."
"Baelon!" His father's shout made Baelon jump, nearly causing him to drop his sword. "Move, boy! Join your brothers. It's been too long since I've seen you spar."
Baelon glanced around awkwardly before meeting his father's gaze, attempting to reason with him. "Father, I'm rather tired. Perhaps I should–"
"Nonsense!" His father interjected firmly. "Nothing can invigorate a young man like sparring. Ser Criston, see to Baelon as well."
Baelon sighed in resignation as he watched Criston approach. Glancing around, he searched for something to divert Criston's attention, but before he could settle on a plan, Criston seized his arms firmly.
"You can't hide from me forever, Prince Baelon."
"It was worth a try, Ser Criston," Baelon scoffed as Criston lightly tossed him into the training area. Regaining his stance, Baelon was caught off guard as Luke immediately launched an attack on him. "Hey, hey!" Baelon yelped in surprise.
"This is the stuff, Lyonel!" His father exclaimed, turning to smile warmly at Lyonel. "Lads that learn together, train together... Knock each other down, pick each other up!" His laughter was a clear invitation for Lord Strong to join in as well. "They will certainly form a lifelong bond, wouldn't you agree?"
"That is the hope, Your Grace," Lord Strong replied casually, clearly not in agreement with his father's statement.
Baelon attempted to evade Luke's strikes, but it had been a while since he had moved his body, and it was clear his skills were rusty. Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—Aegon came to his defence, knocking Luke's sword out of his hand and sending him scrambling away.
"Do not fret, Lady Baelon." Aegon snickered. "You're finally safe from that scoundrel."
"Not funny, Aegon." Baelon scoffed. "You know I have no interest in silly sword play."
"But, brother," Aegon said in a sing-song voice, sweeping Baelon's legs out from under him and causing him to fall. He pressed his sword directly above Baelon's throat. "The very thing you dismiss as silly may one day save your life."
"You're the worst, Aegon," Baelon groaned, though he took Aegon's hand with a begrudging smile and pulled himself to his feet.
"Don't stand too upright, my Prince. You'll get knocked down." Criston completely ignored them, focusing once again on Aemond.
Aegon's attention soon shifted to the servant girls passing by with towels, which didn't surprise Baelon in the slightest. Aegon had a habit of leering at any girls he encountered, though it was embarrassing for Baelon to notice a noticeable bulge forming in Aegon's trousers.
"Aegon, Baelon," Criston called out, trying to get their attention. Baelon turned to look at him immediately, but Aegon took a few seconds longer before smiling and casually strolling over to Criston.
"I've won my first bout, Ser Criston," he joked, dropping an arm over Baelon's shoulder as they walked together. "My opponent sues for mercy."
"You'll have a new opponent, My Lord of the Straw." Criston smiled as he walked towards his sword. "Let's see if you can touch me. You and your brothers."
Baelon gulped as Aegon's smile slowly faded. He couldn't even best that small child, Luke. How was he supposed to spar with a member of the Kingsguard? Sure, he'd have Aegon and Aemond by his side, but none of them were as experienced as Criston.
Aegon gestured for Aemond to join them as Criston adjusted his gloves. Baelon stole a glance at his father, searching for any sign of approval or disappointment. He often wondered if his father saw him as a disappointment compared to his namesake, Prince Baelon, renowned for his bravery and valour.
Criston braced himself as Aemond charged at him with a battle cry, swiftly followed by Aegon. Their attacks were straightforward for Criston to block—almost too easy. Aegon glanced at Baelon and signalled for him to advance. Timing their strikes simultaneously, Aegon and Aemond aimed to create a distraction, allowing Baelon an opportunity to overpower Criston. With a sweeping motion of their swords, they attempted to force Criston off balance, but he adeptly evaded, their blades meeting the ground harmlessly. Baelon seized the moment to thrust his sword towards Criston's back and it almost worked…almost.
Criston swiftly sidestepped, manoeuvring Aegon into his place. Aegon narrowly avoided Baelon's blade, stumbling to the ground in an attempt to regain his balance.
"You're gonna have to do better than that," Criston taunted, poised and waiting for their next move. Aemond took the bait, lunging forward, but Criston easily deflected his attack. In quick succession, Aegon thrust towards Criston, who swiftly sidestepped and then used a swift motion to knock both Aegon and Aemond to the ground with a kick. Seeing an opening, Baelon seized the moment, preparing himself for a powerful thrust as he charged at Criston, eyes locking with him. However, Criston was quicker. He swiftly deflected Baelon's sword and surprised him with a well-placed kick, sending Baelon tumbling to the ground.
"Weapons up, boys." Baelon could hear Commander of the City Watch, Ser Harwin Strong, speak to the Velaryon boys. "Give your enemies no quarter."
Harwin's eyes met Criston's.
"It seems the younger boys could do better with a bit of your attention," Harwin noted. "Ser Criston."
"You question my method of instruction, Ser?" Criston questioned
"Oh, I merely suggest that method be applied to all your pupils." Harwin said, circling Criston.
The boys now stood in front of Criston, with Baelon and his brothers looking more battered than Jace and Luke. Luke stood near Aegon, teasing him lightly, which prompted Aegon to push him away.
"Very well." Criston walked towards Jace calmly before grabbing him by his breastplate and dragging him to the centre of the yard. "Jacaerys , come here. You spar with Aegon."
His brothers chuckled, and Baelon couldn't help but join in. The Velaryon boys were younger, smaller, and less experienced than his brothers, giving Aegon a clear father frowned, likely realising this wouldn't be a fair contest. However, in Ser Criston's defence, nothing in life is ever entirely fair.
"Eldest son against eldest son."
Harwin's relentless circling of the yard persisted. Jace watched him with growing unease, his eyes darting nervously. Aegon sauntered past Jace, pushing Jace's shoulder as a devilish grin spread across his face.
"It's hardly a fair match." Harwin noted.
"I know you've never seen true battle, Ser, but when steel is drawn, a fair match isn't something anyone should expect." Criston said pointedly.
"Blades up," Criston commanded, his voice cutting through the tension as Aegon and Jace squared off against each other. Aegon's stance clearly outshone Jace's, underscoring the Velaryon's' inexperience.
"Engage."
Aegon's attacks were relentless and unpredictable, overwhelming the younger Velaryon boy. Though Jace managed to block many of Aegon's strikes, Baelon could see his stamina waning. His ability to fend off Aegon's assaults seemed more due to luck than skill. Finally, Aegon broke Jace's defence with a long strike and then pushed him to the floor, as expected from Aegon. Baelon knew it would be an easy win for Aegon but he didn't think it would be this easy.
However, Aegon's moment of victory was short-lived when Jace suddenly leaped from the ground and charged at him as he turned to walk away. Aegon reacted swiftly, managing to block Jace's initial attack, but Jace persisted with a flurry of hasty strikes, driving Aegon backwards. Their swords clashed and locked briefly, before Aegon finally managed to push Jace away.
Quickly taking cover behind a dummy, Aegon narrowly avoided Jace's intended strike aimed at his neck, instead causing the blade to slash the dummy's neck. Seizing the opportunity, Aegon shoved the dummy onto Jace, prompting the Velaryon boy to retreat hastily. His action prompted Harwin to step in.
"Foul play." He pointed at Aegon.
"I'll deal with him." Criston intervened.
Criston and Harwin both went to the opposite side of the yard, giving their respective champions advices.
"Isn't this getting a bit too serious?" Baelon asked Aemond. "It's just supposed to be a simple sparring session."
"No." Aemond shrugged. "You just don't understand, brother."
His answer elicited a sharp glare from his brother.
"It seems like you think I don't understand much, Aemond," Baelon scoffed. "Care to explain why?"
"No." Aemond answered without hesitation.
"Oh, you are unbelievable-"
"You!" Aegon's scream interrupted Baelon as he marched towards Jace.
Jace quickly pushed Harwin away, successfully blocking Aegon's attack.
"Close with him," Criston commanded as Aegon forced the younger boy to retreat."Press him backward!"
As expected, Aegon was overpowering the younger boy, making him drain all his stamina.
"Stay on the attack!"
Jace stumbled backwards, nearly falling, causing his guard to falter and leaving him open to attack.
"Use your feet!" And use his feet, Aegon did, causing Jace to drop to the ground. "Don't let him get up."
Aegon relentlessly pressed his advantage, raining down strikes with his sword, leaving Jace scrambling to pathetically block each attack while trying to get up.
"Stay on the attack!" Criston's voice was all the permission Aegon needed to bring his sword above his head, preparing to deal the final blow to Jace.
"Enough." Harwin finally intervened, forcefully grabbing Aegon and pushing him aside.
"You dare put hands on me!" Aegon screamed at Harwin.
"Aegon!" Their father yelled weakly, but Aegon paid no heed, as his father's commands never held sway over him.
"You forget yourself, Strong." Criston said calmly. "That is the Prince."
"This is what you teach, Cole?" Harwin kneeled down to grab the swords on the ground. "Cruelty to the weaker opponent?"
Criston dropped his sword for Harwin to pick up, but Harwin simply pushed it away with his foot.
"Your interest in the princeling's training is quite unusual, Commander." Criston said coolly as Harwin completely ignored him, continuing to pick up the fallen swords.
"Most men would only have that devotion toward a cousin…"
Nothing.
"Or a brother…"
Nothing.
"Or a son,"
Oh, it finally got good.
Harwin punched Criston with a grunt. The swords that were previously in his hands fell to the ground, omitting a rattling sound. Criston, strangely made no efforts to defend himself as Harwin kept punching him with his gauntlet, making Criston fall to the ground. The kids scrambled backwards, trying to avoid being caught in the middle of this.
Harwin's fist punctuated Criston's skin, causing blood to pour out of Criston's skin. Hariwn let out a loud roar before landing his punches.
"Get back!" The Kingsguard finally arrived, forcefully removing Harwin from Criston."Get back!"
"Say it again!" Harwin roared, trying to break free from the Kingsguard grasp.
Aegon's snickers drew Baelon's attention to him. Baelon would have joined in if the scene before him hadn't been so barbaric
.
"Say it again!" Harwin roared a second time, louder than the first time as four Kingsguard tried to restrain him.
"Thought as much." Criston stayed laying on the ground, giggling before spitting some blood on the ground.
Well, that was fun.
When Criston had forced him to attend this training session, he never imagined it would end with Harwin finally admitting that Rhaenyra's sons were his. Yet, here he was.
Despite everything seemingly working in their favour, Baelon couldn't shake the feeling that life was about to get harder from here on out.
