The following morning…
Aerion sat at the table of the royal dining hall, reserved for the royal family and their guests, eating a small bowl of oats and goat milk.
His mind was set elsewhere, it was preparing for the melee that will decide if he wins the tourney over the renowned knight of the Kingsguard, Ser Arryk Cargyll.
Another thought was on his mind, the offer to become an advisor to the King, it certainly had its benefits but would he really want to spend hours discussing the petty squabbles between feuding families, when he could be out conquering lands and making a name for himself.
While he was envisioning the destiny that he intended to carve out for himself, the door to the corridors of Maegor's holdfast opened, and his sworn shield, Ser Rodrik, appeared with the maester beside him, carrying a few cloths, with needle and thread.
"I was told you were here." Rodrik spoke.
He ordered the maesters to come close, but Aerion pushed the small man away with a nudge of his shoulder, raising his brow to Rodrik.
"If he tries to touch me, I will gouge his eyes out." Aerion said, turning back to look at the maester intensely, causing him to back up further.
"Show the cut, my prince." Rodrik said, crossing his arms "We need to make sure it is not infected for your melee, it could cost you much more than just the win."
"Fine." Aerion replied, rolling his eyes.
The prince lifted the sleeve to reveal the cut that lay on his arm in a horizontal position across the forearm, and the maester took hold of it after placing the supplies down on the table.
"Why did you not say anything?" Rodrik demanded "Must I seek to know everything from servants?"
"I didn't even notice till I got back to my chambers, I am fine, it doesn't even hurt.." Aerion shrugged, then flinched as the maester ran his finger across the cut, and the prince gritted his teeth.
"What was that?" Rodrik scoffed.
"Shut it." Aerion mumbled, leaning back on the chair and closing his eyes, attempting to shut out the pain as the Maester began to close the wound with the needle, his fists clenching tightly with each time the needle penetrated his skin.
"That should do it, my prince." the maester said, wiping around the scar with a cloth "The wound will heal nicely, though do not put so much strain on your arm for the next few days."
"If only I would listen to your advice, maester." Aerion grinned, receiving a look of annoyance from Rodrik "You're dismissed."
"Are you prepared for today? You can always call it quits should this be too much for you. There'd be no shame in someone your age to do so." Rodrik asked, finally taking a seat opposite the prince, resting a hand on the sword that dangled from his belt.
"I am going to imagine that you did not ask that question, for you know it is not in my nature to do that." Aerion pointed out, taping his finger against the arm of his chair "I need to come out on top, by any means necessary."
"This need to prove yourself wouldn't have anything to do with the princess, would it?" Rodrik asked, a small frown on his lips "I know you don't want to hear this, my prince, but this infatuation that you have towards her will lead to no good, if I have noticed it, others will as well."
"Rhaenyra has been a good friend to me, she has made me truly belong in this gods forsaken capital." Aerion said "You have not noticed anything, for there is nothing to see. By the end of the day, she will be wed to Laenor Velaryon and I will be one step closer to making a name for myself. Do not bring this up again."
"As you say, my prince." he nodded.
"Did you find out who the other six knights I will be facing that aren't Ser Arryk Cargyll?" Aerion asked, taking the spoon of oats to his mouth.
"That I did. You will be facing Ser Jory of House Manderly." Aerion was glad his friend made it into the final melee, it may serve him well to team up with him "Ser Borros of House Baratheon, Ser Edgar of House Darklyn , Ser Cedric of House Reyne, and Ser Steffon of House Connington."
"A fine selection of knights, what are their weaknesses, apart from Jory?" Aerion questioned.
"Unfortunately, that is unknown to me, my prince, they do not appear to be hurt from any previous melees or bouts they have had, nor have they shown any weakness in their training." Rodrik answered.
"That is certainly most unfortunate, but it is what we will have to deal with." the prince shook his head.
Once Aerion had broken his fast, they headed out from the chambers and made their way to the courtyard, the nobles had their eyes on him as they passed, whispering to each other, no doubt discussing his bout with Gwayne Hightower.
"What became of Gwayne, Rodrik?" Aerion asked, looking back at his sworn shield, who walked a few steps behind.
"I am told he will not make a full recovery, it is safe to presume that the damage done to him means the end of his days as a tourney knight." Rodrik replied "I don't need to tell you that you've made a few enemies, my prince. You know that already."
"Enemies that have not been emboldened enough to attack me. The Queen has power, however I have the King's ear. His offer to become his advisor proves as much." Aerion responded, grabbing the gloves that tucked into his belt and slipping them on.
"He did?" Rodrik questioned "I wondered why Lord Strong requested your presence, tell me your thoughts on it."
"I am torn between rejecting such an offering, and accepting it." the prince admitted, stopping in his path and looking back at him "What should I do, Rodrik? This is a chance to be closer to my family, the one I had always dreamed of being a part of."
"That is not a decision I can make for you, my prince, this is something you must decide yourself. However, I will tell you now that when I see you, I do not see someone who will be able to remain in one place for too long, it will eventually bore you, no matter who or what is here."
"If only you could make it easy for me, Rodrik." Aerion smirked, continuing onto the courtyard. When they reached the steps in the corridor, a voice called out to him.
"Prince Aerion."
He turned his head, and Rhaenyra was walking down the hallway towards them, he shared one glance with Rodrik before nudging his head to go on without him, before clasping his arms behind his back and bowing his head to the princess.
"Princess Rhaenyra." he replied, keeping his eyes from anywhere else but her own so as to not get the wrong impression from the nobles that surrounded them.
"Might I speak with you…privately." she lowered her voice, leaving no room for him to answer as she walked back from where she came, and Aerion followed on after her.
They didn't stop until they reached her chambers, where Ser Erryk stood guard outside, lowering his head in respect as the prince and princess came through, with Rhaenyra then closing the door slowly behind them.
Aerion folded his arms, watching as Rhaenyra began to pace across the room, and he looked back at the door for a brief moment, thinking about the possibility of Ser Erryk knowing more than one of his positions about their affairs.
"Is everything alright?" Aerion asked.
"I.." she began to speak, however quickly swallowed her words. The prince stepped closer towards her and placed a hand on her arm, rubbing his thumb across the fabric of her dress. "I am worried that the queen may suspect us… especially after your bout with Gwayne."
"What has given you that impression?" he asked "Did you overhear something?"
"She made slight indications while I broke fast with my father, had I known she would be there, I may have avoided it all together." she shook her head "Maybe… perhaps I am just paranoid."
"There is nothing to worry about, especially on a day such as this.. The queen would not act against anything without solid proof, it would be foolish." Aerion said, cupping her neck with his hand "Where is Laenor?"
"I do not know.. It is likely that he is by Joffrey's bedside, and will remain there until the moment we are set to marry in the sept." she frowned. "I think we should tell him of us, it will benefit us both if he knows of the arrangement."
"If that is what you wish, though, I believe it may be a little soon to tell him of this. After all, Ser Joffrey was almost killed by Ser Criston less than a week ago." he pointed out.
"You are not him." she reassured him "Laenor will understand, we shall tell him tonight after we have been wed, you will meet us in my chambers."
Aerion nodded in agreement, and then wrapped his arms around her, placing his chin upon her head "I shall see you in the arena." He soon placed one of his hands on the pendant around her neck "You shall be with me on the field, in my heart."
The prince was never one to show affection, choosing to shield himself against those that would use him for their own gain dissipated in her presence, perhaps it was that she was of a higher status, or that he cared for her like no other in his life.
After sharing a small kiss with the princess, he left her chambers in haste, avoiding acknowledgement with Ser Erryk, and making his way down to the courtyard to meet Rodrik.
His swornshield had a look of grief that washed over his face, as if he had just heard some terrible news. His hand was trembling ever so slightly, but enough for Aerion to notice and he held a piece of parchment in his hand, its seal broken.
"Rodrik?" Aerion said, his brow raised "Has something happened?"
"No, everything is alright." he said, as he then brushed a tear from the corner of his eye "I must be coming down with illness."
Aerion knew Rodrik was not speaking the truth, and that it was something to do with him, however decided upon brushing it off for the meantime, he wanted to prevent anything else taking priority on such an important occasion.
The prince unsheathed his blade and dragged it against the dry dirt into the center of the courtyard, then twisted it around.
Something hung over them as they trained, Rodrik did not utter a word as their swords clashed, and neither did Aerion, although he felt the tension in the air.
It became too much, and he stepped away from Rodrik, and moved over towards a wooden table, laid with wooden swords and shields, and a small jug of water and a cloth. He swept the cloth across his forehead, removing the sweat.
"You are keeping something from me." Aerion looked back, pointing towards Rodrik "Tell me what you have learned."
Rodrik reluctantly bit his lip, shaking his head before straightening his back and clasping his arms behind his back.
"An envoy arrived bearing a message from Runestone." Rodrik pulled one of his arms from behind his back, and passed along the piece of parchment Aerion saw him reading earlier, Rodrik continued "Your mother has passed.."
Aerion scoffed in disbelief, shaking his head as the entirety of his body trembled "What?... no, this is a lie." his eyes squinted as he attempted to take in the news.
"I only wish that were the case, Aerion… truly." Rodrik replied.
"What does it say?" he asked, refusing to unfold the letter to see for himself "How did she pass?"
While the prince never had the best of relationships with his mother, and was banished from Runestone. It came as a shock that she had passed, he didn't want to believe it, and stepped away from Rodrik, turning away, and allowing himself to grieve, planting his hands on the stone wall, a tear trailed down his face.
"The letter mentions that it was a riding mishap, that she fell during one of her regular hunts, her head and skull both crushed in the fall." Rodrik explained, his voice remaining sombre.
"That is not possible." he shook his head erratically, then slapped his hands against the wall "My mother was the finest rider there was in the Vale."
"My prince, I know this is -"
"You don't know anything, if this is true, if my mother is… dead… then it was no accident, Rodrik." Aerion interrupted him, as he turned to face him once again, taking a deep breath and regaining his composure "There is no way it could have been."
"I will begin making plans to leave for Runestone immediately, my prince." Rodrik replied "Can I expect that you will be removing yourself from the final melee?"
"We leave on the morrow." Aerion said, gripping tightly onto his blade as the pit of sadness turned into an intense anger and hatred "I can not be seen to step away from this challenge, Rodrik. I will still fight in the melee."
"Just don't do anything foolish, Aerion." Rodrik pleaded "I know you may be saddened by this, but do not use it to justify killing anyone on that field"
"I won't.. I swear it." he shook his head, looking down at the floor to hide his emotions from any onlookers.
THE FINAL MELEE
The crowd excitedly cheered as the combatants made their way into the arena until they reached the centre and looked in the direction of the King and Queen, Aerion's attention was set on the princess, and as the other combatants bowed before their king, he bowed to her, placing a hand on his chest while the other had a tight grip on the hilt of his blade.
"Lords and Ladies of the Realm, the moment is finally upon us." The herald roared "After days of tournament, this final melee will determine the champion, and walk with a prize of twenty thousand gold dragons."
The herald went on to introduce each of them.
"Ser Borros of House Baratheon, Ser Edgar of House Darklyn , Ser Cedric of House Reyne, Ser Steffon of House Connington, Ser Jory of House Manderly" he paused for a moment, widening his arms up in the air as the crowd cheered on. "And then we have two that have stood out in this tourney above all others.. Ser Arryk Cargyll of the Kingsguard, and Prince Aerion of House Targaryen."
Squires quickly rushed into the arena to do their final checks on the combatants. Aerion was passed a shield, which he strapped on his forearm, and then finally placed his iconic helmet with a dragon's head over his head.
"Good Sers." the herald spoke, bowing his head to Aerion "My prince… this melee is to a yield, when the two remaining competitors are left, if neither of the two men yield, then the king shall declare a winner or call for a draw." the herald explained, before turning to leave the arena.
The knights spaced out across the arena, and Aerion kept his eyes on the man he needed to defeat, Ser Arryk. He took a deep breath, thinking of his mother for a moment, and unsheathed his blade, pointing it out towards Arryk, who's gaze also appeared to be on the prince.
Aerion knew that Ser Arryk was technically not allowed to harm him as a member of the royal family, though hoped that the knight would forego this sacred duty, despite having made a vow for life when swearing in as a Kingsguard, though he suspected the king would allow it, so long as it only leads to a yield.
"Begin!" the herald announced, and the crowd's cheers only grew as each of the knights charged each other, Aerion looked around the field and saw Ser Borros engage Ser Cedric with his warhammer, while Jory and Ser Edgar fought as well, each with a sword and shield in hand.
Aerion ducked as he heard the swing of the blade beside him, it missed Aerion's head only by inches, the prince stumbled sideways and turned towards his foe, Ser Steffon Connington, who quickly retreated into a defensive position.
"I look forward to seeing your skill for myself, Prince Aerion." Ser Steffon said, nodding his head to the prince. "
Aerion didn't utter a word and attacked, Ser Steffon was slightly taller than he was, and more bulkier, though he has faced much worse, and the prince tricked the knight, faking an attempt to strike him in the right arm, though swiftly changed position to strike him in the lower right leg, causing him to stumble back.
Steffon returned with his own attack, though Aerion brought up his sword to parry it, then quickly pulled back the blade and struck another blow at the man's shoulder, catching him. As Ser Steffon attempted to recover, Aerion used his elbow to smack him in the face and make him fall down.
The prince held the sword at the knight's throat as he struggled to pick himself back up, raising his brow waiting for him to yield.
"I yield." The man loosened the hold on his sword and it remained laying in the dirt.
Aerion patted Ser Steffon's breastplate and soon scanned the battlefield, Ser Borros had already accomplished by making Ser Cedric yield and was now engaged in combat with Ser Arryk.
Jory looked to be having trouble against Ser Edgar, as their duel seemed to have turned into a scrap, each of them fighting it out on the ground.
He made his way towards Jory, thinking of how he could use him as an ally against Arryk when the time comes, he gripped the back of Edgar's gorget and pulled him from the northman, dragging him against the dirt and dropping him, before retreating back as the man was swift to pick himself up.
Jory nodded to Aerion, and then they both turned to Ser Edgar, who looked between the two "My prince, if you have any honour, you will not involve yourself in our duel any longer." he said desperately, removing his helmet and throwing it on the ground.
"Aerion, I have this handled. Thanks" Jory nodded to him, and the prince stepped back and made his way towards Ser Arryk as he battled against the Stag, only looking back briefly as the two knights engaged each other once again.
Where the battlefield was usually where he would feel the most alive, there was now nothing. He usually lived for the thrill of being only inches away from death, but it was just a sad pit in his stomach that now remained.
Why was he feeling this way? He had never experienced such a feeling with his mother before, but now her death affected him more than anything. She was one who banished him, sent him away when she should have been there above all others.
It was the maids that bathed him, played with him, and practically raised him to become who is now. Rodrik placed a sword in his hand, and trained him up to be a warrior. But his mother was always distant, choosing her duties to Runestone and her hunting sports above him. Aerion should not be feeling the loss he is right now, and it angered him that he was.
He paused in the middle of the field, looking towards his blade and then back over to Rodrik standing at the edge of the arena, who seemed to know what he was feeling, the dreaded look said as much. He pulled at the chains of his pendant, and dragged it out from beneath his breastplate.
The crowds were nothing but a mumble in his mind as he blocked them out, turning his attention towards Rhaenyra as she clutched at hers as he did. His eyes closed as it tried to clear his mind of the thoughts of his mother, bringing only his mission to the forefront, and what he set to accomplish.
By the time his eyes widened again, Ser Arryk was headed towards him, with Boros now lying on his back, Aerion rested the flat side of his sword on the shield as he prepared himself, placing one foot in front of the other.
"Prince Aerion." the Kingsguard bowed his head.
"Ser Arryk." the prince returned a nod of respect "I certainly hope you do not allow your vows to get in the way of our bout, my victory against you will surely strengthen my name. I don't need people thinking you allowed me to win."
"If that is your request, my prince." he punched his fist against his breastplate, over his heart "I will be sure to give you the challenge you are expecting."
Arryk struck at the prince, each slash from his blade chipping away at the shield, Aerion pushed his shield forward, staggering the kingsguard. Unstrapping his shield and throwing it to the ground, and flourishing his blade.
The Kingsguard was just as skilled as the prince expected him to be, their blades smacked against each other with each blow as they each swiftly blocked their opponent's attacks, he knew Ser Arryk was not holding back the moment he slashed at the prince's head, though he quickly blocked the blow and sent a return swipe at Arryk's chest.
Aerion smacked Arryk's sword with his gauntlet as they came in close, sending it a short distance into the dirt, though his own blade was caught in between them as the kingsguard quickly took hold of his hilt, fighting for control over it.
They each tugged at the blade, with Arryk throwing a powerful headbutt and sending the prince backwards onto his arse, he had to swiftly twist to the side from his own blade, that was now wielded by his opponent, it missed his chest but sliced along his arm, protected by armour.
The kingsguard came in too close, and Aerion used it to his advantage to kick him hard in the leg, causing him to fall over him, and turn this from a duel of swords to one of fists. Arryk delivered a clean right hook into the prince's cheek as they began to wrestle for dominance in the dry dirt.
Arryk was strong, and the struggle was enough to make Aerion almost accept defeat, though the Kingsguard was suddenly booted in the face from an unknown foe, and fell off from him. When Aerion looked up, he knew it to be Jory, his face bloodied and bruised.
His opponent was now close enough to his blade to grab it, and Jory engaged him as the prince attempted to pick himself up, his helmet falling in the process. He gripped his blade tightly and used it as a cane to get up off the ground, barely being able to focus from the pain he felt.
Ser Arryk must have taken the wind out from Jory, or atleast what was left of it, by the time he turned back around to face his opponent, the northman was lying on the ground with a sword at his throat. Aerion stood up straight as he regained his breath.
"This can all end, my prince, you only need to yield." Ser Arryk smiled "Haven't you already had enough?"
Aerion shook his head, gripping his sword firmly, soon having to duck under a swinging cut, though managed to return with a stinging blow against the Kingsguard wrist, causing him to drop his weapon.
The prince used this moment to his advantage, blocking out the pain and swiftly sliding behind his opponent, and sending a powerful strike towards his right leg, it didn't draw blood but was enough to send his legs out from under him, and Arryk hit the ground hard, grunting in pain.
Aerion stepped over him, panting out of breath as readied his sword, holding it to his throat "Yield." he commanded.
"I.. I am impressed, my prince." Ser Arryk chuckled. "Congratulations, my prince. I yield."
The prince forced a half-hearted smile, throwing his blade to the side, and offering his hand to Ser Arryk, which he accepted and used to pick himself up, and then balanced on his left foot.
Aerion patted his shoulder, and the Kingsguard gripped tightly his wrist tightly and lifted his arm into the air, and finally, the crowd's cheers grew and Aerion noticed them once again, though he wished he did not have his mother's death overshadowing this great victory, otherwise he may actually bask in it.
"Your graces, My Lords and Ladies, I announce to you the winner of the tournament, Prince Aerion Targaryen, The Bronze Prince!" the herald shouted across the arena.
He looked over as his horse was brought into the arena, soon freeing his hand from Arryk and taking a step over to it, running his hand across the horse's mare.
The prince struggled to climb onto the saddle, but managed it without falling off. Rodrik passed him his lance and patted him on the leg, smiling up at him with pride, though there was the looming sadness that came with it.
Aerion made his way to where the garland was laid out, watching as the squires placed it on the end of his lance. It was then that he rode towards the royal box and stopped in front of Rhaenyra, and held out the lance and allowed the garland to fall into her lap.
"Princess Rhaenyra, it was your favour that has won me this tournament, and now I name you my Queen of Love and Beauty, in celebration of this union between yourself and the Ser Laenor Velaryon." he spoke, looking to Laenor, who had taken the time to remove himself from Joffrey's bedside, and bowed his head.
The crowd erupted in cheers as she smiled and placed the crown upon her head. After they shared a smile, Aerion made his way across the arena towards Rodrik, who assisted him down from the horse, and followed him as he made his way from the arena, unable to celebrate any further.
When he reached his pavilion, he practically fought himself to remove his armour, each piece carelessly falling to the ground. His heart was pounding like it hadn't done before, and he waved his hand across the table, sending the plates and cups across the floor.
"Calm yourself, my prince." Rodrik said, keeping his hands clasped in front of him.
"I don't understand.. I have wished for her death before, why am I feeling such things?" he replied, taking deep breaths "It distracts me in the middle of battle., nothing has done that before."
"Because despite your differences, my prince, she was your mother, no matter how you felt for her while she lived." Rodrik spoke words Aerion knew to be true, deep down despite not wanting it to be true.
"Who else knows?" Aerion finally calmed, turning to face his sworn shield.
"The king and his council, I'd wager." Rodrik guessed, placing Aerion's sword down onto the bed, having picked it up from the arena.
"I suppose this has made the choice of becoming the King's advisor for me, I will have no choice but to refuse him." there was a hint of relief in Aerion's voice "I must now do my duty as Lord of Runestone."
Some time later…
Aerion found himself walking the godswood, an acre of land with a mix of elm, alder and black cottonwood trees, overlooking the Blackwater. In the centre sat a great oak with limbs overgrown with smokeberry vines, called the heart tree.
It was there that the prince stopped and knelt down, he didn't believe in the seven as most of Westeros did, it was the gods of his ancestors, The Fourteen Flames, that answered him when he most needed them, and it would be their favour that would soon be how he claims a dragon.
"The godswood of Kings' Landing never fails to impress me." a rough voice said from behind, causing the prince to turn, surprised to see the Sea Snake standing before him.
"Lord Corlys, what brings you here? Should you not be preparing yourself for the ceremony?" Aerion asked.
"I should be asking the same of you, but I know what brings you here" Lord Corlys responded, keeping his commanding posture, his hands clasped behind his back "I was sorry to hear your mother's death, my prince, Lady Rhea was said to be a good woman, shame I did not meet her. The gods are indeed cruel."
"That they are, Lord Corlys, I thank you for your apologies." Aerion said, suspiciously looking at Corlys as he wondered his true intentions.
"Though it is a good thing that she and Daemon produced a fine heir to inherit Runestone, a part of you must be looking forward to this new challenge, despite the loss." Corlys continued, further raising Aerion's suspicions.
"What exactly are you getting at, Lord Corlys? I am not one for these mind games." Aerion raised his brow "Just speak it."
"I am simply here to offer my services, my prince, allow me to take you back home aboard my flagship, The Sea Snake, and perhaps we will have many things to discuss on the way." Lord Corlys said "You will find no faster ship in King's Landing, we can be in Gulltown within four days."
"I thank you for your offer, Lord Corlys, I will discuss this with my sworn shield, should we accept, be ready to leave on the morrow." Aerion rubbed his head "If you'll excuse me, it's probably high time I prepare for the celebrations myself."
Aerion dreaded this day, he didn't want to imagine the princess being married to any other, but there was no choice in the matter, they both must fulfil their duty, and always choose that above themselves.
He decided upon wearing the colours of the house of the dragon, Black and Red, tidying himself up neatly as to make an impression while wearing the pendant he and Rhaenyra shared above the jerkin. The streets were filled with commoners from across King's Landing, cheering for Ser Laenor and Princess Rhaenyra.
The sept was one he had not visited before, not that he had any reason to, but he understood why many referred to it as the Grand Sept, Aerion had taken a seat in the front row beside the young Aegon, who was distracted with one of his father's stone dragon figures.
He looked around and saw Rodrik standing at the far back near the large ornate doors, and there was a moment of silence before the drums began to beat. Laenor was the first to enter, and stood in front of the septon.
Though his eyes remained on Rhaenyra as soon as she entered, with the King beside her, walking down the aisle, she was absolutely breathtaking, with a dress of white, with gold lining, matching the luscious platinum-blonde hair perfectly. Her shoulders remained bare underneath the maiden cloak, he was completely enamoured by her.
He spotted the look to him that she gave at the corner of her eye, she was every bit the Valyrian goddess he had always thought she was. The dress only intensified that belief, she had never before looked so elegant, the dress was made exquisitely.
Aerion imagined himself in Laenor's position, and was only more reason to be jealous of the man, he had what the prince sought, and yet did not want it as Aerion did.
The King removed her maiden cloak and took his cloak off to drape her. Aerion leaned forward in his seat, biting his tongue as he continued to look, imagining himself in Laenor's position.
"The love of the Seven is holy and eternal. The source of life and love." the septon began "We stand here tonight in thanks and praise to join two souls as one."
Laenor moved closer, and the septon wrapped a ribbon around their hand. The prince shook his head, and looked to the ground, refusing to look as they spoke their vows.
"Father… Mother… Warrior… Smith… Maiden… Crow… Stranger. Hear now their vows."
"I am yours, and you are mine. Whatever may come." Laenor said.
"I am yours, and you are mine." Whatever may come." Rhaenyra repeated.
"Here, in the presence of gods and men, I proclaim Laenor of House Velaryon, and Rhaenyra of House Targaryen to be man and wife." the septon proclaimed "one flesh… one heart… one soul… now and forever."
"Now and Forever." they each repeated in unison.
The doors opened once more, and as Rhaenyra and Laenor walked out of the sept, the streets erupted in cheers for the new couple as they made their way to the hall for the grand feast to end the celebrations. However Aerion was not feeling it, remaining seated as everyone left.
Rodrik moved to take a seat behind him, and rested a hand on his shoulder, possibly feeling the pain the prince held in his heart.
"No one will blame you for missing the festivities, Aerion, Princess Rhaenyra included. They understand that you are grieving." Rodrik said.
"I am sure they will." Aerion replied, and rose from his chair. He ran a thumb across his lips and nodded to Rodrik as he began his walk from the sept "I just need some time to myself. Prepare to leave for tomorrow, we will travel with Lord Corlys."
"As you say, my prince." Rodrik responded.
Aerion found himself wanting to head to the nearest tavern and drink himself into a hole, but ended up back at the Red Keep, awaiting Rhaenyra in her chambers, holding a goblet of wine and a few bottles at his side.
Unfortunately, he hadn't managed to drink himself into a hole, on a day that was meant to be the most important, one that he should be celebrating. Instead he wanted to rid himself of feelings that he would rather do without. Could it get any worse.
He had expected a bedding ceremony to take place, but was surprised to see Laenor and Rhaenyra come through the doors alone, he made sure to hide himself behind a divider near to the door, not alerting them to his presence.
"Laenor…" he heard Rhaenyra, and he peeked through a hole in the divider, watching as she placed a hand on his forearm.
"It's just too much, Rhaenyra." Laenor inhaled sharply "I.. I can't do it. The very thought of it makes me sick, especially when Joffrey is still fighting for his life."
"And I hadn't expected you too, but they will be sure to check there tomorrow.." Rhaenyra said, and Aerion heard a blade unsheathe, and it caused him to reveal himself.
"Don't do anything like that." Aerion spouted, holding his hand out, and immediately received a look of confusion from Laenor.
"Aerion?" Laenor raised his brow in confusion "Why.. What are you doing here?"
"I wanted… needed to see you, princess." Aerion admitted, turning his gaze from Laenor as he ignored his questioning. Rhaenyra placed herself between the two as Laenor appeared to have an anger about him.
"You will answer me, Aerion." Laenor demanded "What has brought you into my wife's chambers?.. How did you even get in here?"
"That is not a way to speak to the man that saved Joffrey's life, Laenor, you should know better." Aerion acknowledged him, though kept his eyes on Rhaenyra, smiling gently.
"Please calm down, Laenor, I can explain everything." Rhaenyra urged him, returning a smile to Aerion before drawing her attention back to her husband. "We were going to tell you anyway.. The truth is that we care deeply for one another, he is to me what Joffrey is to you."
"You and him? But I thought Ser Criston was…" he shook his head slightly, confused about the situation "How long exactly has been going on?"
"Shortly after I arrived at the capital." Aerion responded, stepping towards Rhaenyra and placing his hands upon her hips. They both looked at Laenor "Something drew me to her, that even I can't explain."
"This was a part of our arrangement, Laenor." Rhaenyra said.
"Rhaenyra, we agreed to do our duty so that our houses may combine their strength." he took a deep breath "What of our families? We should have at least tried.. Have you both laid with each other?"
"We have." Rhaenyra answered truthfully, nodding her head "Shortly before the wedding."
"What would people think should this ever get out? This could be a storm waiting to happen that neither of our families may be able to prevent." Laenor sighed "What if you are with child? Was this not thought of beforehand?"
"Laenor, if I am with child, then it works out for the both of us. You will not be forced to bed me, something you have already expressed may never happen, and we would find no enjoyment from it." Rhaenyra smiled.
There was an odd feeling that came along with being spoken about as if he was not in the room, Aerion could not put his finger on it, especially a matter as important as putting a child in her, something he'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought of in great length.
"You know.. Laenor, Are you sure you are just not feeling a little left out?" Aerion chuckled, sipping down his wine, this might be the first moment he has actually enjoyed today, though he received an angry glare from the pair.
He removed himself from the princess, and stepped towards Laenor, running a finger down his chest with a broad smile on his lips.
"You are free to join us in the act, if that is what you wish, especially with Joffrey out of action for a while, no doubt it can get very lonely." The shield he lifted when others were around began to reveal itself, replacing his vulnerability with whimsical jokes.
"Leave him be, Aerion." Rhaenyra asked, and Aerion took a step back behind her, nodding his head.
Laenor appeared to have blushed from his comment, causing the prince to have a quick chuckle at the display, seeing as he bit his lip.
"What of the children?" Laenor asked, pretending as if his previous remark did not happen "You would gladly have them be bastards? Despite whether they have my name or not, you can not hide that truth forever."
"Bastards they may be, but they'll have our blood, more than Alicent's brood ever will." Rhaenyra said, and Aerion raised his brow.
"Rhaenyra, we have never spoken of children." he interrupted their plans, taking a serious demeanour once more "I ask to be involved in these decisions that you are making, that may very well affect me."
"We love each other, do we not?" Aerion hadn't said the words out loud, but was surprised to hear her say as such "They will have the Velaryon name, but they'll be yours just as much as mine."
"Rhaenyra, do you know what you're asking of me? My mother has passed, and now I am being asked to stand aside as my children are raised without knowing me, I know how that can feel, Daemon left me in the Vale, alone and surrounded by sheep." he sighed "I cannot…will not, sit back and watch my blood be raised by another man."
"Do not ask this of me." he whispered faintly.
"If you are together, then this must be done. I agree with Rhaenyra." Laenor responded, and Aerion focused turned to him "We need to secure her succession of the Iron Throne, and the succession of Driftmark. This is just as important a decision for me, as it is for you, Aerion."
"I don't know." Aerion shrugged.
"There are other deals we can make should you agree to this." Laenor added.
"What do you mean?" the prince asked.
"When our firstborn reaches their sixth nameday, you will foster them at Runestone, so that you may grow a bond with them, as will the second." Laenor explained "They may never know you as their father, but you'll have just as much a role in their life as a father would, they'll look up to you."
Aerion was intrigued, as was Rhaenyra. It was certainly turning into an excellent proposal, one he could agree to.
"And I will speak with my own father about securing a trade deal between our houses, one that they benefit you more than it does us." Laenor continued.
"That will look awfully suspicious, do you not think? If you begin to favour me with these agreements." he looked between the two "What would our enemies think? We may be giving them ammunition to act against us."
"I doubt it will. You are our blood and therefore nothing will appear out of the ordinary." Laenor said "It will just look as if we are favouring a cousin."
"Are you okay with these conditions?" Aerion said, turning his focus towards Rhaenyra.
"I am." Rhaenyra smiled, placing a hand upon his cheek, which he gripped tightly with his own hand, bringing her knuckle up to his lips.
"Then I agree, I will father the children." Aerion said, much to the delight of both Laenor and Rhaenyra "Can you ensure this trade deal?" he asked.
"You have my word as a Knight, I will see it done." Laenor nodded "It is the least I can do for the man that saved Joffrey's life. I will forever be in your debt, this will go a long way to paying it." he clapped his hands.
"May I speak with you alone, Princess?" Aerion asked.
The princess nodded, and he led her through the secret corridors, and shut the passage on them, probably much to the confusion of Laenor.
Aerion pushed her gently against the wall, and captured her lips with his own, using one of his hands to run up her neck, and the other down into her dress, rubbing against her breasts softly "You don't know how I longed for you during the melee, and then the tourney."
"I am sure you'll show me just how much." she smirked, though they came to halt as it turned into a frown, and she placed a hand on his cheek "I was sorry to hear of your mother's passing, I know how it feels to lose one so close to you."
"Unfortunately, I did not have the relationship a child desires with their mother, especially not the one that you probably had with yours. But her death lingers in my mind." Aerion admitted.
"Does this mean you will need to return to Runestone?" Rhaenyra asked.
"On the morrow. I have no choice, it is time I take my rightful place as Lord of Runestone before any foolish relatives appear to challenge my claim." Aerion explained, smiling as she planted her head on his chest.
"I understand; perhaps we can take a ride before you leave, a ride in to the Kingswood perhaps? Just the two of us." she smirked, embracing him.
"I'd like that very much." he said, placing his chin atop her head, tightening his hold, not wanting to let go.