THIS IS A REMINDER THAT I IGNORE NEGATIVE COMMENTS (FEEDBACK AND CRITICISM IS NOT NEGATIVE)
WARNING: SEXUAL CONTENT
Aerion made his way through the Red Keep, and into the courtyard just as the sun was revealing itself, he spotted Rhaenyra near to the stables, stroking the mare of a fine black stallion, wearing her usual riding leathers when riding upon her she-dragon, Syrax.
The prince had already taken her for a ride of his own the night before, taking the place of Laenor in the famous bedding ceremony, and even made the poor man watch before he could even think of making his leave.
The princess's hair was thrown back in a knot, and while she always made sure to look elegant, Aerion had decided upon a simple white tunic and a pair of black trousers, with boots to match, his sword dangling from its usual place on his belt.
He made his way over to Rhaenyra, placing his hand on her lower back.
"You look beautiful as ever, Princess, you must let me in on your secret of how you manage to look more like a goddess with each passing day." he smirked, removing his hand as the stablemaster brought out another horse.
Its hair was white as the northern snow, and its mare draped down its long neck, one could almost be blinded looking at it. Aerion ran his hand across its back and turned to Rhaenyra.
"I know you have a horse of your own, but I thought you may enjoy this one.. As a gift before you are set to leave, so at least now, you have another horse for when you return to King's Landing." Rhaenyra explained.
"He is very handsome, princess, does he have a name?" Aerion asked.
"No, he had only just arrived from High Garden, and is free for you to name him yourself." she smiled, and Aerion wanted nothing more than to kiss her, though refrained from it until they were alone.
He assisted the princess as she pulled herself up onto the horse, making herself comfortable in the saddle, and holding the reins.
"Well… what should we name you, boy?" he said, stroking around the muzzle. There was a long pause as he thought "Frost" he finally answered, for it was what the horse reminded him of from home, the snow atop the highest peak of the mountains, shining just as bright.
Aerion stroked along the horse's back, to which it was startled for a moment, though he awaited until it was calm once again before lifting himself up onto the saddle, resting easily into it. He had experience riding horses in the Vale, which was expected of him as a Knight of the Vale.
"A fine name." she grinned "Now, let us leave this place before one of my father's kingsguard decides it is their duty to protect me from the dangers of the Kingswood."
Her horse set off quickly as she tugged at the reins, kicking the horse with her heel, and Aerion followed after her.
They travelled south of King's Landing along the Rose Road, many traders travelled along the route back and forth from the Reach to buy and sell their wares. They came across a trader standing beside a broken-down carriage, the wares scattered across the ground.
"You there! Would you be so kind as to help me?" the older man said, attempting to lift up the single sack of grain that remained.
Aerion dropped down from the horse, and held his hand out to Rhaenyra before she could do the same, gesturing for her to stay put.
"What happened?" Aerion asked.
"Bandits! That is what, boy, if you can not see." the man did not start off their interaction on a good note, though Aerion understood the outrage and allowed the disrespect "Come.. come, help me already, place it on the back of my horse." he said, practically throwing the sack into his hands.
"Alright." the prince nodded, he was surprised the man had no awareness to who he was talking to, given their unique features, Aerion threw the sack over the back of the horse behind the saddle.
"Miserable old cunt." Aerion mumbled, rolling his eyes as he left the man and walked back over towards Rhaenyra and his horse.
"What was that, boy?" the man grumbled.
"I wish you luck on the remainder of your journey." Aerion said, albeit not the words he truly said.
"Oh.. yes.. Well…" the man mumbled to himself as he looked back at the debris.
"Shall we continue, my sweet?" Aerion looked to Rhaenyra as he pulled himself back upon the saddle of his horse.
"We shall." Rhaenyra giggled, and it took them under an hour to reach the edge of the Kingswood, setting off along a dirt path that led directly into the forest; it was quiet, with only the wind brushing against the trees.
They each removed themselves from their horses and began to walk side by side with each other, holding onto the reins and leading the horses, while Aerion's other hand rested comfortably on the pommel of his blade, looking out for any potential trouble.
"Our men come through this route often, it should be safe enough to travel without being weary the entire time." Rhaenyra smirked.
Aerion took in the woodland's fresh air, and looked up at the trees as they blocked the sun from shining across their faces, it wasn't until he had truly left the city that he realised just how bad it stunk there.
"One must always be weary, princess, especially in an unknown environment." Aerion responded.
"I understand." Rhaenyra replied "Does Runestone have woods such as these?" she asked.
"Certainly not as grand, that is for sure." Aerion replied "There is a large forest between Snakewood and Coldwater, though that is far north of Runestone, and I can not say I have been before, and if I had, I don't remember."
Have you been to the Vale, besides going there to choose your match?" Aerion continued "As your mother is an Arryn, I would have assumed you went there often."
"We spent time there often before my father was named Prince of Dragonstone and Heir to the Iron Throne at the Great Council, and we travelled at another point on tour with my mother, but I do not remember it." there was frown as Rhaenyra spoke of her mother. "I do hope I can visit the Eyrie again, the mountains were beautiful."
"It is still unlike any other place I have been." Aerion smiled "There is nothing as spectacular and wonderful as the Eyrie"
"How would you know the Eyrie is the most magnificent place in this world, if you've never left the Vale until now?" she giggled.
"I just know, princess." Aerion replied.
"Come, I want to show you something." she beckoned him as she led them off the beaten path "This is why we have gone this way." Aerion followed, patting Frost's neck to ease him.
"We should remove ourselves from the path, Princess." Aerion urged "What if we were to get lost?"
He looked back as they got further away from it, causing him to tighten his grip on his blade, feeling uncomfortable about not knowing his surroundings.
"Isn't this what you have wanted? The sense of adventure, and exploring the unknown." she looked back at him "Should we happen to get lost, it will just give us reason enough to spend more time together before you leave."
She led him further away, and they came through the trees into a clearing, with a small waterfall that connected to a river that led towards the Blackwater. Aerion smiled at Rhaenyra as he took in the beauty. They tied their horses to the tree and Rhaenyra led him by the hand, gripping onto it tightly, closer towards the waterfall.
It was not as grand as the waterfalls that scattered the coast near to his home, however he never had a Valyrian goddess to keep him company, so it beats them all in comparison.
Rhaenyra brushed her hand away from his, and stepped closer to the waterfall. Aerion removed the sheath from his belt and placed it against one of the man rocks that scattered the lake.
"This is truly beautiful, Rhaenyra, just as you are." he smirked as he noticed her blush at the compliment "How did you come across this?" the prince asked, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.
"The days after the death of my mother, I found it impossible to remain within the confines of the Red Keep." Rhaenyra paused, a tear falling from her eyes "I just… couldn't remain near the vultures who sought to replace her so soon after her death, and that is when I stumbled upon this place, I must have remained here for days, father sent a search party after me."
Aerion planted a small peck on her neck before placing his chin upon her shoulder.
"I should not have asked, princess, I can feel that it brings up unwanted memories for you, Queen Aemma was loved by all. I still remember the day the news of her death reached the Vale, we all mourned her." he hoped her words would bring her great comfort, and she placed her hands atop of his.
"Your words move me deeply, Aerion, more than you know." she spun around to face him, placing a hand over his heart as he cupped her neck with his hands, wiping away the tears "I only wish you did not have to leave me, the court will not be the same without you by my side, protecting me."
"You were doing well before I came here, you'll do well long after I leave." he said "But I am forever with you… I love you." the words that had never before left his mouth felt like that of a stranger, but he truly meant them.
"I.. I love you too." she said, and they leaned in towards each other, and Aerion captured her lips, remaining gentle while he hungered for more.
Aerion felt as Rhaenyra's hand slivered down across his stomach and then tugged at his belt, causing him to break their kiss and raise his brow.
"Right here?" he said, scanning the area for a moment, knowing that anyone could appear at any moment.
"It is a better place than most, my love." she whispered in his ear "Are you not wanting to explore me?" he could not help but chuckle at her comment, never guessing the princess would recommend such a place.
"You are right.." he smirked. "There will be no one here to save you as I take you completely, not your handmaidens, nor your father, and especially that bitch of a queen." he gripped tightly at her waist.
"Only you and I matter in this moment, creating the future King." he said, receiving a smirk, and she moved to unbuckle his belt.
"The future king, you say?" she raised her brow "And how do you know it won't be a girl, hm?"
"I will bet my entire purse on it being a boy, princess. All twenty thousand gold dragons." he smiled, biting at her lip as they joined them once more. His belt dropped to the grass, and he ran his hands down the clasps of her riding coat, unbuckling them one by one.
The princess bit back at his bottom, causing a small cut.
"That was mean, princess. A wise man may have half the mind to deny you what you clearly want." he smiled smugly at her. "Luckily, I am not such a man, and cannot seem to deny myself the realm's delight."
Aerion lowered his eyes and watched as her coat was removed, she was so brave as to not wear any smallclothes beneath, this being her intention from the beginning. He looked at her with a wry smile, watching as her chest rose and fell, her teats on display before him.
She assisted in lifting his tunic, and throwing it down onto the grass. He shivered slightly as her nails ran down his chest, planting small pecks with her lips on his scarred skin, working her way down onto her knees.
The prince almost jumped out of his skin as she traced her hand over his bulge, tightly gripping a hold on it and looking up at Aerion with a flirtatious smirk "It doesn't take much to please a man, does it?"
He licked his lips in anticipation, his length wanting to escape while she playfully untied the laces to his breeches as one would a gift, though she took her time, torturing him.
"Only with you." he said, breathing heavily. His engorged manhood finally being released as the Princess pulled his breeches down to the knees. He tangled his fingers in her silver hair, as she took to moving her hand up and down his length.
He ran his fingers through her hair, releasing it from the knot and allowing it to fall down past her shoulders. Aerion soon shuddered as she wrapped her sweet mouth around his shaft, working it as if it was what she was born to do.
The prince took a firm grip of her hair, and pulled on it as she worked her magic, her head bobbing up and down his shaft, she tensed up for a moment, causing him to soften his grip.
"Oh.. that's it.." he whispered faintly, groaning as he was about to reach his climax, forcing his eyes shut as he attempted to keep from spilling into her mouth.
She released his manhood and looked up at him with a smirk of her own. Stepping back up onto her feet and ferociously capturing Aerion's lips, causing a dance of their tongues. He guided her down softly onto the grass, slipping off her boots and riding breeches, letting his gaze fall and mouth water at the sight of her sex.
He couldn't hold himself back any longer, he needed to have her, and he pulled her legs apart, brushing his hand across the little pearl of flesh above, and Rhaenyra gave a little gasp of pleasure.
"You're the finest girl at court. No one matches you in beauty, my love." he ran his thumb across his lips as he looked at her entrance, and then slowly guided himself to her, planting small kisses upon her stomach, and then on her breasts as he made his way up towards her, his shaft going deeper with each passing moment.
Aerion snuggled his head in her neck as he began to thrust his hips slowly back and forth, feeling the warmth of her breath against his skin, listening to her shortness of breath as it breaks with the her little whimpers of pleasure, and then he let out a cry of pleasure as he reached his climax, his body trembling against hers.
He spilled his seed inside of her, almost collapsing if it wasn't for arms on either side sustaining his weight. The prince lifted his head up, gazing into her eyes as he slowly removed himself from her, and took a deep breath as he laid down beside her.
"We are now one.." Rhaenyra whispered, pulling herself onto top of him, resting upon his stomach "I am yours.. You are mine." their lips met once more, and she planted a hand upon his heart.
"I am yours.. You are mine." Aerion repeated.
They remained with their gaze fixated on each other for what seemed like an eternity. They soon dressed back into their clothes, and as they made their way back to the horses, they intertwined their fingers, smiling to one another.
"Will you tell me your secret?" Aerion smirked.
"And what would that be?" Rhaenyra asked.
"Where did an innocent princess such as yourself learn how to pleasure a man." she stopped, and looked him in the eyes, and he saw the flames behind those violet eyes.
"The tapestries of the Red Keep. Gifts from the free cities that reveal much when it comes to pleasuring a man." she giggled, pressing a hand upon his chest once more before continuing the walk over to the horses.
Aerion pulled at her arm, turning her towards him and pushing her against the tree, catching her lips, wishing they could stay in the clearing for an eternity, outside the troubles of their lives, with only the wind brushing against the trees and the waterfall to disturb them.
"I hope that one day our son learns that his parents did love each other.. When he comes to an age where he understands that it must remain a secret." Aerion brushed his hand across her fringe.
"They will." she smiled.
Aerion took a step back and began to prepare the horses, then assisted the princess in lifting her up onto the saddle, immediately noticing the discomfort on her face.
"Is everything alright?" he asked.
"Yes, the grass does not do well for the back, it seems, how I long to lay in my own bed." Rhaenyra giggled. Aerion lifted himself onto his own horse.
"Well, you should learn to get used to it if we are to return here." Aerion smirked "Let us head back before his grace gets worried and has someone come and look for you."
They arrived back at the Red Keep shortly before noon, managing their way out of the Kingswood easily and without any fuss. Though their arrival didn't come without its onlookings, the nobles that filled the courtyard were whispering amongst each other as the two dismounted from their horses.
Aerion assisted Rhaenyra as she struggled to dismount, gently holding her forearm and avoiding any touch that may appear to be strange to the onlookers.
"They're speaking about you." Rhaenyra mentioned "You must be the only one who has won a tournament and hasn't celebrated with a hundred whores in your bed."
"Who needs a hundred whores when you have a princess." he smirked back at her "You are more than enough for me."
Aerion's attention was pulled to the Kingsguard, Lord Commander Westerling, who made their way towards the pair from the shadows of the Red Keep, bowing his head in their presence.
"Princess, his Grace has called a meeting with the small council."
"Thank you, Lord Commander." Rhaenyra responded, turning her head back to Aerion "Prince Aerion will also join us, that is if he does have to be elsewhere until his departure.."
"Your wish is my command, Princess." Aerion bowed his head.
They made their way through the Red Keep, many of the lords and ladies offered their sympathies to him as he travelled past, though he ignored them.
The doors opened to the council chambers and they were the last to arrive, the King sat at the helm of the table, while the Master of Ships, Ser Tyland Lannister sat opposite, on the left to him sat Lord Jasper Wylde and Lord Lyman Beesbury, the Master of Laws & Master of Coin respectively, with Grand Maester Mellos, and then on the right sat the Hand of the King, Lord Lyonel Strong, along with two empty seats.
"Your Grace." the prince bowed his head, watching as Rhaenyra left his side to seat herself next to Lord Lyonel.
"It is good to see you, my boy." The King rose from his chair and made his way across the room towards him, planting his hands upon Aerion's shoulder "I was very sorry to hear of your mother's passing."
"Thank you, your grace." Aerion stepped away from his uncle's comfort "I apologise for making the princess arrive late for this meeting, she was so kind as to go on a ride with me, to clear my mind." he lied.
"Nonsense, the princess did not miss much in truth." the king made his way back to his seat "We were just about to discuss the unfortunate situation that happened at the opening to the celebrations with Ser Criston Cole. Take a seat, nephew."
Aerion took a seat beside Rhaenyra, looking up at the cupbearer as he filled up his goblet with wine.
"As I was saying, your grace, Ser Criston Cole's actions were appalling, however I do not believe we can judge him harshly until he is properly questioned on the matter, what would lead one of our finest knights to commit such depravity? there must be a reason behind it." Lord Jasper Wylde said.
"I would agree. Criston has done much as a Kingsguard, and should be allowed to speak for himself." King Viserys replied.
Aerion took a sip from the wine.
"His thoughts in this are irrelevant, your grace." The council turned to him as the prince spoke "He has angered House Velaryon, they will want him to be punished for what he has done, despite his reasons behind it."
"Aye, but to commit him to death is unreasonable. Ser Joffrey is not dead, he is very much alive, and from all accounts, will make a reasonable recovery." Wylde argued.
"Reasonable? Ser Joffrey is now without an eye." Rhaenyra said "I am sure you will not need to be told how that can affect a knight, my lord."
"This is getting us nowhere." Lyonel interjected "Ser Criston enjoys to take part in the tourneys, I would suggest we ban him from this, that is punishment enough for a knight, I agree with the Master of Laws, there is no reason for an execution."
The King nodded in agreement.
"If I might offer another suggestion, your grace." the prince asked.
"Ofcourse, my boy." Viserys smiled.
"Ser Criston has served as Rhaenyra's sworn shield for many years now, for her safety, I would recommend that another Kingsguard take over those duties, his actions tell us that he may not be suited to guard the heir to the throne."
They spoke for a while longer, there were no objections and they came to the conclusion that banning him from competing and removing him from the Princess's service was punishment enough. Aerion excused himself from the meeting after the decision was made to prepare for his voyage back home.
"I have sent a raven back to Runestone, informing them of our immediate return to put your mother to rest." Rodrik informed him. "If there were any goodbyes you needed to say, now is the time, we depart within the hour."
"What are your thoughts on Ser Jory?" Aerion asked, scratching his neck as he looked towards the map that had been laid out on the table within his chambers.
"The northerner? He is arrogant, your grace, and does not respect authority, though that can be said for many northmen." Rodrik answered honestly. "Why do you ask?"
"I need loyal men like you by my side as Lord of Runestone. I am just thinking whether he may be the warrior I am in need of." Aerion said, pondering on this decision.
"He can very well be loyal. He assisted you in your bout against Ser Arryk in the Melee, but would he die for you? That is the question you must ask." Rodrik added "Bring him along with us to Runestone, and we shall see if he can prove his worth.."
"Good, I will speak with the Commander of the City Watch to see if I may be able to take him into my service." Aerion replied.
"I want to warn you, my prince, there is a high possibility that you may face opposition when we return." Rodrik noted.
"Like who?" Aerion raised his brow.
"Your cousins may well use your forced banishment from Runestone as a reason to go against the claim you hold upon it, many did not accept your mother at first, I remember well, though I suspect you'll have an even harder road, since you do not hold the Royce name." he warned.
Aerion scoffed in response. He was the blood of Old Valyria, no one with a brain would openly act against him, to do so would risk the wrath of House Targaryen.
"If that is what they want, then by all means, anyone is welcome to try. I care not that they are blood relatives, I will kill them if they oppose me." the prince responded, the grip upon his own blade tightening.
"Let us hope it does not come to that, to be branded a Kinslayer is to be looked down upon, by both the realm and the faith, no matter your prior accomplishments, that above all, is what you'll be remembered for." Rodrik told him.
Aerion moved across the room and sat at the edge of his bed, contemplating what he would have to do to secure his claim, and whether he would even want to fight for it, but his duty was one of the most important things to him, that and his image, what would the realm say if he allowed it to be taken from him?
"Is there something on your mind, my prince?" Rodrik asked.
He was always there when Aerion had questions, or needed advice. Aerion knew how important his sworn shield was to him, while his father was not there to teach him what he needed to be taught, Rodrik was.
Aerion looked down to the ground for a moment, an image of Rhaenyra in his mind when he closed his eyes, but only for a short moment, it was overshadowed by his mothers voice, speaking of the promise to Lady Jeyne, something he had no choice in.
"The princess.. You were right. Though it has grown into more than just an infatuation. She feels for me as well." Aerion admitted.
The prince let out a sigh of relief, it felt strange to finally admit it to someone but he was glad that he did. The thought of keeping it buried and telling no one of their relationship would have broken him eventually.
Aerion did not feel guilt for his actions, his and Lady Jeyne's marriage was set to be purely political. The only way to secure the Vale from further conflict, yet he was unsure whether he could come to love her in the same way he did Rhaenyra, was he set to become just as his father was? A wife and child at home while he had someone else.
"I feared as much." Rodrik nodded, tilting his head slightly and then crossed his arms at his chest "Has this feeling you have grown for each other become physical?"
Aerion nodded, and Rodrik returned with a scoff, turning from him and scratching his head.
"I did not teach you to be this foolish, Aerion, you know the consequences should this ever be found out." Rodrik said, looking across to the window "It is good we are returning to Runestone, you will forget this affair you have had with the princess, you must, or it will be your head."
"I can't do that." the prince returned.
"And why is that?" Rodrik had only ever been so furious when they were training, before Aerion swore his vows as a knight, never after.
"I made a pact with both of them." Aerion looked up, with Rodrik turning back towards him "Laenor and Rhaenyra, I will father their children. In return, I get a favourable trade agreement with House Velaryon, and a chance to know my children."
"Have you lost your mind?" Rodrik's brow rose, and he sighed "You will be wedding Lady Jeyne before the year is over, and you have decided to make an arrangement that would mean being unfaithful."
"I cannot choose who I am drawn to, Rodrik!" the prince raised his voice, standing from the bed "I will do my duty when it comes to Lady Jeyne, make no mistake about that. The succession will be settled, House Arryn will continue.. My own legitimate line will continue."
"You are a man now, Aerion, not a boy. I cannot keep you from falling into these temptations, nor can I rid you of the consequences should they be found out." Rodrik straightened "I can only protect and advise you, as your sworn shield."
"I need you to trust me." Aerion asked.
"Always, my prince. I only worry for you. This is not a path that I would advise, but the decision is yours alone." Rodrik nodded his head, turning back to face the map "I will go ahead and speak with Lord Corlys, meet us on the docks." and then he went to leave.
Aerion did as he planned, and left the Red Keep, making his way to the City watch barracks that was situated beneath Visenya's hill. The compound was large, as it should be. It was where they trained and properly equipped two thousand gold cloaks enforcing the law of the city.
He was led from the main gate into the training grounds, there must have been more than fifty men training at that given time, all wearing the distinct armour of the city watch, and their revered golden cloaks draped across their shoulders.
A large portion of them stopped with their training and looked his way almost simultaneously, some with impressed looks on their faces, and others looking weary, Aerion came to the immediate thought that it must be rare for them to see a Targaryen since his father was Lord Commander.
Aerion was soon approached by a bulky and unusually tall man, he had a bushy white beard with spots of brown, his hair hidden from his helmet, though the prince suspected the same could be said for that.
"What can we do for ya', lad?" the man asked casually.
Aerion's eyes wandered around the courtyard, not having to utter a word before the man knew who he was, his back immediately straightening as if the power dynamics had suddening switched for him.
"You can ease yourself, ser. I am not here on official business." Aerion chuckled, comfortably resting his hands on the pommel of his blade.
"Apologies, my prince. I didn't know we were in the presence of Prince Daemon's son. I just.. I can't believe it is actually you." the man looked as if there was a familiarity between the two "The resemblance is eerie."
The prince was suddenly being looked at from every direction, and the courtyard had turned quiet, no longer were there the sounds of steel touching or weapons being repaired, he felt that he had been put on display.
"I want to speak with your commander." Aerion said, ignoring the man's comment "Can you bring me to him."
"You are currently speaking with him, my prince." the man finally bowed his head "I am Luthor, I served under your father while he was Lord Commander, and now it is I in that position, though we remain loyal, I can assure you that." the commander lifted his chest high, proudly saying those words.
"I see." Aerion clasped his hands behind his back, nodding his head "Perhaps then, we can speak elsewhere with fewer ears." he looked around once again to those that surrounded them.
"At your command, my prince." Luthor bowed his head, and then gestured for him to follow as he led them through the courtyard.
"Alright, get back to training, you useless shits." he yelled at the men who still looked their way, and the crowd immediately dissipated. The barracks were not what he had expected, rooms were filled with beds, and there was hardly any room to walk except from the hallways.
"You appeared eager to follow my commands, ser, even if I am a part of the royal household." Aerion pointed out as they reached the man's solar.
Luthor went straight for the bottle of Arbor Red stored atop the fireplace, moving past a heap of mess to get to his chair.
"Prince Daemon would have my head if I did anything else, you are his son after all." he poured the bottle's contents into a mug, downing it entirely and smacking it on the table.
"Right." Aerion looked around the solar, the commander's desk was covered in a lake of parchment and dry ink, with scrambled up pieces laid on the ground. He moved past this to take a seat opposite Luthor, leaning back on the chair.
"I would have tidied up had I known I would be receiving a prince of the realm." he chuckled "Drink?" the man offered, raising the bottle in the air.
"I have seen worse, believe me." he said, nodding his head to the man's offer, and kept a watchful eye as Luthor dispensed the bottle's contents into another mug, and slammed it down next to him "I saw my father a few days ago, has he been here?" he asked.
"Aye." Luthor poured himself another mug of Arbor red, downing it once again and smacking the mug down onto the desk, then wiping his lips "We shared a few drinks in the street of silk, we hadn't gotten that drunk in years."
Aerion scoffed, shaking his head in disappointment, he will never understand why his father is so obsessed in acting like a fool, going into brothels when enough of the girls in the Red Keep would happily give their maidenhood.
"This is not what I came here to discuss." he said "I want to take Ser Jory Manderly into my service, I need good men, he is such a man."
"I thought that the royal family looked to the Kingsguard for protection, or have finally come to notice that they aren't exactly to be trusted, I have been told of Ser Criston Cole and his outburst by your father.."
"Nevertheless, I am not sure if I can spare him." Luthor shrugged.
"You have thousands of men under your command, and you are telling me you can not spare a single one of them?" Aerion raised his brow.
"We have a troubling rise in crime as of late." Luthor tapped his fingers against the arm of his chair.
"Don't start messing with me, Luthor, you will give me Jory Manderly." he ordered "Not only because I am your prince, but as you have said yourself, I am Daemon's son."
"I could be persuaded." Luthor said, alluding to a payment.
Aerion rose from his chair, and stepped towards the fireplace, removing a gold purse from his belt and placing it on top "This should suffice, it is more than enough to train his replacement, and another."
Luthor stood from his chair, grabbing the pouch from the fireplace and then walking over towards the door, placing one foot outside the solar.
"Oi! One of you shits get Jory Manderly, he is wanted in my solar, NOW!" he yelled.
Aerion awaited Jory's eventual arrival, twiddling with his fingers as they sat in absolute silence, a part from the sounds of Luthor gulping down the Arbor Red, the prince was surprised the bottle still had some wine in it.
"You requested my presence, commander?" Jory asked as he knocked on the door, taking a step into the solar, then sharing a gaze with the prince, widening them "Aerion?"
"You're no longer my problem, Jory." Luthor smirked "Our prince seems to have taken a liking to you, and you'll be in service for the foreseeable future, and will be venturing to Runestone."
"Very well, commander." he turned his attention to Aerion, and smiled.
"It won't be a long journey there.." the prince assured him "We'll be travelling by ship to Gulltown, and then will continue from there onto Runestone, where I will take my rightful seat as Lord."
"I will leave you both to discuss your departure." Luthor said, rising from the chair and grabbing another bottle, stumbling slightly, and he could be heard through the halls "Oi! WHY AREN'T YOU ON DUTY?!"
"You asked for me specifically?" Jory folded his arms.
"That I did. I never thanked you for your actions at the tournament yesterday, you distracted Ser Arryk, when I most needed you to, and for that I will make sure you are rewarded." Aerion lowered his head in respect to him.
"What are friends for?" Jory smirked "When do we depart?"
"We depart shortly, I must speak with my uncle and say my final goodbyes before we leave. You will meet with my sworn shield, Ser Rodrik and Lord Corlys Velaryon aboard his ship immediately." he grabbed Jory's hand, and placed some gold in the palm "Buy some meat for the journey, I will not survive on fish." he chuckled.
"I will." Jory nodded, and they left the barracks together but soon went their separate ways in the city.
Aerion made his way down the corridors of Maegor's holdfast towards the King's private chambers, where two of the Kingsguard, Lord Commander Westerling and Ser Lorent Marbrand were stationed outside.
"I came to say my farewells to the King, is he currently here?" Aerion said, a broad smile upon his lips.
"He is, my prince." Harold Westerling replied, turning to the side and then opening the door, and Aerion followed him in "Prince Aerion, your grace."
Viserys was chipping away at his model of Old Valyria, forming what appeared to be another structure, and there were a few servants along with the young Prince Aegon, distracted with another one of his dragon figurines.
"Here to say your farewells, my boy?" Viserys asked, placing down his tool and slowly standing up, Aegon's face lit up as soon as he saw the prince, and he rushed to hug his leg, causing Aerion to stumble back slightly.
"That I am, uncle." he chuckled, placing his hands between Aegon's arms and picking him up "Calm yourself, little man."
Aerion ran his hand through the young prince's long hair, scruffing it up.
"I am glad to see you have come to me." Viserys said "I must say it is hard to see you go, your very presence has reminded me of days when I was a boy, how exciting the Red Keep was back then."
Aegon wrapped his hands around Aerion's neck, holding him for dear life as if he didn't want to let go
"Those are kind words, your grace.. Truly, you have made me feel at home here, and that is more than I could have ever asked for. I cannot thank you enough." Aerion said.
"Do you have to leave?" Aegon asked, a saddened expression on his face.
"That I do, little man. I have responsibilities back home, but this is not the last you have seen of me." he responded, rubbing away a tear that formed on the boy's cheek.
"But… but who will teach me to wield a sword?" Aegon whimpered, hardly being able to form the sentence.
"Why don't I make you a promise?" Aerion said, lowering Aegon back down onto the ground, and squatting down to his level, and holding his hand "Should your father allow it, we shall train each and every morning together upon my return."
"You promise?" He asked "I want to become a great warrior like you."
"I swear it." He pulled Aegon's hand towards his heart "There are very few things to stay true to in this world, but a man's word is sacred."
Aerion rose back up to his feet, and Aegon turned around, snuggling between his legs as he continued to speak with the king, his hands resting on the boy's shoulders.
"It has warmed me to see how close you have grown with my children. Aegon has often been shy around people, but you have brought out the best in him." Viserys mentioned.
"Aegon is a fine lad, and is set to grow up to be a fine knight, maybe even the greatest amongst us." he complimented him.
"The same can be said of your friendship with Rhaenyra, I must say, you both remind me of the bond I once had with your father when we were young, my only hope is that it does not grow sour, as ours did." Viserys frowned, reminiscing on old memories.
- We're closer than you think. - he thought to himself, forming a slight grin on his lips.
"I shouldn't keep Lord Corlys waiting any longer." Aerion said, running his hand through Aegon's hair one final time before bowing to the king and setting off.
Aerion travelled to the princess's chambers but was informed that she had gone riding atop of Syrax and decided to leave a small note he had kept in his pocket by slipping underneath the door.