"We join today at the Seat of the Sea to commit the Lady Laena of House Velaryon to the eternal waters, the dominion of the Merling King, where he will guard her for all the days to come."
The ropes were finally attached to Laena's grave, ready to lower her into the sea. Baelon didn't know Laena Velaryon personally. He knew she was his uncle's wife, but it had been a long time since he'd seen him. He'd heard about their two daughters, Baela and Rhaena Targaryen, but he only saw them for the first time at their mother's funeral. They were both clinging to their grandmother with tears in their eyes.
"As she sets to sea for her final voyage, the Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the shore." Vaemond directly looked at his grandnieces, sparing Daemon a single glance.
"Though their mother will not return from her voyage," Baelon tore his eyes away from his cousins, looking at his other family members. Jace and Luke looked uneasy, held in place by their mother. Laenor, his half-sister's husband, was barely holding it together. Aegon looked like he couldn't care less, which earned him a glare from their mother. The other members of his family weren't doing anything noteworthy.
"They will all remain bound together by blood." His grandfather's brooch grabbed his attention next. After Lyonel and Harwin's tragic passing at Harrenhal, his father decided to appoint his grandfather as the Hand of the King. Some called it the Curse of Harrenhal, but Baelon did not believe in curses. Harwin has a fight with Criston, admitting that he's the father to Rhaenyra's bastards and then he and his father urgently leave for Harrenhal, just to die days later? Awfully convenient.
"Salt courses through Velaryon blood." Vaemond's gaze was set on Rhaenyra's family, mostly Jace and Luke. "Ours runs thick. Ours runs true."
He began shaking subtly.
"And ours must never thin." Jace looked down, silently watching the tranquil waves, as if he understood what Vaemond was implying.
Daemon suddenly started giggling, drawing all eyes to him.
Baelon couldn't understand how a man could giggle at his wife's funeral, a wife he supposedly loved dearly. He tried to put himself in Daemon's shoes, imagining what it would be like to lose his own wife, but he couldn't see himself laughing at her funeral. Even if there wasn't much affection between them, Daemon still could have waited until after the ceremony to laugh all he wanted.
The Velaryon men pulled the ropes attached to Laena's coffin, slowly moving her closer to the sea. Vaemond took a handful of salt from a pot held by a nearby guardsman, preparing to scatter it over her.
"My gentle niece, may the winds be as strong as your back." He scattered the salts as he spoke calmly. "Your seas as calm as your spirit, and your nets be as full as your heart."
Aegon audibly sighed and fidgeted next to Baelon, accidentally hitting him with his arm. In response, Baelon stomped on his foot, almost making Aegon yelp, but he held back under their mother's watchful gaze.
"From the sea we came. To the sea we shall return." As these solemn words were spoken, Laena's coffin was lowered into the water. The waves embraced it, and within moments, it disappeared beneath the surface, swallowed by the depths of the sea.
Baelon watched Laenor from the corner of his eye, noticing his subtle shaking as a single tear rolled down his cheek. Laenor kept reaching out his hands, searching for someone to hold, but the one he used to hold hands with was no longer there.
Baelon didn't know what he'd do if Helaena or one of his siblings died one day. Sure, they didn't hold that much of a sibling love for each other, but it was hard imagining his life without them. Without Aegon constantly annoying him, Helaena wanting to show her bug-like creatures to him and Aemond chewing his ears off talking about dragons. The only one he could probably do without was Daeron. It wasn't like he'd seen him much and he had almost forgotten what his younger brother looked like.
It was finally time for them to head to the funeral reception, held in a small, rocky area dotted with tents. It was a small area for a large number of people.
Baelon and his siblings decided to stay close together, mainly because they had no one else to talk to. Helaena knelt beside a small pile of fish waste, examining a spider in her hands.
"Hand turns loom; spool of green, spool of black; dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread." Helaena quietly mumbled to herself, completely unaware of her surroundings. "Hands turns loom; spool of green…"
"Good luck with that witch, brother," Aegon said, hitting Baelon on the back with a snicker. "At least we can ignore her whenever we want. You have to share a bed with her for the rest of your life."
Oh, right. Baelon had almost forgotten about that.
Their father had betrothed him to Helaena. He knew about the family's history of incest, but he never thought he'd be the one marrying her. Aegon always seemed the obvious choice, being the eldest and second in line to the throne if Rhaenyra's children were excluded. His chances of becoming king would be higher, and if Helaena married him, she could easily become queen—again, assuming Rhaenyra's children were not in the picture.
"Remind me again, why didn't father betroth you to Helaena?" Baelon asked.
"Because we have nothing in common," Aegon said, placing his hands on Baelon's shoulders and pulling him closer. "And I'd much rather be betrothed to you, brother," he added with a smirk.
Baelon and Aemond both gave Aegon a side eye.
"I know you like to refer to me as a lady, Aegon." Baelon cleared his throat. "But I'm being serious."
"Oh, so am I." Aegon clarified. "I've dreamt about you every night, wishing you were beside me–"
"I think it's because grandfather wants him to be betrothed to Baela." Aemond chimed in, which Baelon silently thanked him for. Aegon had a tendency to become intense, especially when he was drunk, and judging by the cup in his hands, it was clear he was already intoxicated despite the reception having just started.
"Yes, that's true." Aegon glared at Aemond. "But as I was saying, that's not the only reason."
Aegon glanced at their sister before continuing.
"If you were a girl, Father would've surely betrothed me to you, Baelon."
"What about Helaena?" Aemond questioned.
"You'd marry her." Aegon scoffed. "Though, I think you like this idea quite a lot."
"I'd perform my duty." Aemond said confidently
"I'll be sure to tell mother about it." Baelon rolled his eyes. "Who knows? Perhaps she'll betroth you to Helaena instead of me."
Aegon suddenly burst into laughter, drink spurting from his nostrils, even though Baelon's comment wasn't particularly funny
"It would strengthen the family," Aemond said proudly, glancing at Helaena, who was oblivious to the conversation. "Keep our Valyrian blood pure."
"She's an idiot." Aegon scoffed. "You'd want your lady wife to be an idiot?"
"She's not," Aemond replied, looking offended, as if Aegon had called him an idiot. "And even if she were, Baelon would still be more of an idiot than her."
"Hey!" Baelon hit Aemond in the back of his head. "Are you on my side or not?"
"I don't know." Aemond shrugged. "Perhaps."
"Oh, you're so funny, Aemond." Baelon scoffed before turning to Aegon. "So, Baela Targaryen? Why so?"
"Mother mentioned something about getting closer to the Velaryons," Aegon said, gulping down another cup of wine. "Though honestly, I wasn't really listening. It could be something else entirely."
"Of course you weren't." Aemond scoffed. "You never do."
"You're talking an awful lot for a Targaryen without a dragon," Aegon said venomously, his eyes narrowing. "I'd watch my tongue if I were you."
"You—" Aemond started to respond, but Aegon promptly cut him off, eyeing the serving girl nearby him
"On second thoughts, Helaena and I do have one thing in common." Aegon snickered Almost taunting Aemond. "We both fancy creatures with very long legs." And with that he departed, following the serving girl. "Wench! Another!"
"Aegon." Aemond shook his head. "He's ill in the head."
"I don't think he's the only one." Baelon said, glancing at Helaena who was still examining the spider in her hands. "How did you know about Aegon and Baela?"
"Mother told me."
"Why?" Aemond just shrugged, as always.
"Please take care of Helaena," Aemond said softly. If Baelon didn't know better, he might have thought Aemond was on the verge of tears.
"You don't have to tell me, Aemond." Baelon replied plainly.
Aemond observed Baelon for a moment before silently departing, leaving Baelon feeling dumbfounded
He watched as Aemond approached the Velaryons, specifically Jace. Aemond stood before him, opening and closing his mouth several times, clearly uncertain of what to say, while Jace simply stared back, too drained to jest at Aemond. After Aemond closed his mouth for the seventh time—yes, Baelon counted—Baelon decided to step in and assist him.
"I believe what my brother is trying to say is, I'm sorry for your loss," Baelon said, patting Aemond's back and offering a fake sympathetic smile to Jace. "Lady Laena was truly a wonderful lady. She didn't deserve to leave us so soon." Aemond eagerly nodded at his words.
"Thank you-"
"But she isn't the only one who has moved into the afterlife, is she?" Baelon's sympathetic smile remained, though his voice carried a lighter tone now. "Ser Harwin's passing must've been difficult for you too. I know how dear he was to you–almost like a second father."
Jace's hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He took a few deep breaths, visibly trying to calm himself down. Baelon felt a twinge of disappointment, but he chose to let it pass for the moment.
"Thank you, Baelon. You're so kind. Please excuse me." He left hurriedly before Baelon could reply.
"What was that?!" Aemond cried out. "Why did you do that?!"
"Because it was funny, Aemond." Baelon informed. "Learn to have fun."
"What if he tells father?" Aemond panicked.
"He won't," Baelon assured Aemond firmly. "You need to stop worrying about what a bastard does."
Aemond furrowed his eyebrows, pondering Baelon's words, clearly conflicted.
"But–"
"Baelon!" Aemond was once again interrupted by Aegon from across the area. "Come here!"
"I will!" Baelon replied, then playfully placed two fingers on either side of Aemond's lips, gently stretching them into a smile. "That's better."
"Leave me alone!" Aemond harshly pushed Baelon's hands away. Baelon raised his hands in surrender and walked over to Aegon.
"Here," Aegon extended one of the cups in his hands towards Baelon. "Drink."
"I think it's too early for me," Baelon gently declined Aegon's offer, which earned him a scoff from Aegon. "It's all yours."
"Oh, please." Aegon groaned, holding the cup closer to Baelon's lips. "Just one sip."
Baelon looked around him nervously, trying to spot his mother in the crowd, wanting to see if she was watching him or not before gulping.
"I suppose one sip can't hurt," Baelon conceded, taking the cup from Aegon's hand and taking a slow sip.
It burned. It damn well burned. Aegon was wrong—it hurt like hell. Baelon resisted the urge to cough, not wanting to attract attention. All he could do was endure it silently.
"So?" Aegon asked eagerly.
"It… burns," Baelon finally managed to say. "How can you drink this stuff?
"Practice," Aegon smiled. "You'll have to finish that whole cup."
Baelon groaned.
"Can't I just throw it all into the sea?"
"It'd be an awful waste of good wine, don't you think?" Aegon said, tracing his fingers around his cup. "Certainly, Lord Corlys wouldn't approve."
"Who cares what he thinks?" Baelon scoffed. "He's an idiot."
Aegon snorted.
"Perhaps, but do you think Daemon would be pleased with you throwing wine into his wife's resting place? You've heard the stories about him."
Baelon cast a glance at Daemon, who leaned against the parapets, his eyes fixed on someone—perhaps a servant. Whatever his interest, it was of no concern to Baelon.
"You don't expect me to believe a man who giggled at his wife's funeral would care about me spilling some wine into the sea, do you?" Baelon arched an eyebrow, his tone tinged with amusement.
Aegon laughed.
"I don't think he truly cared for Laena," Aegon said, draining his wine in one gulp and staring down at his feet. "Look at him, he's already eyeing the next person he wants to bed."
Baelon turned around, expecting to see Daemon eyeing a servant girl, but instead, he found him fixated on their father as he limped closer towards Daemon—wait… his father?!
"Daemon wants to bed… father?" Baelon questioned slowly, his words drawn out, prompting a loud cough from Aegon that drew confused looks from nearby guests.
"What?!"
"You said he's eyeing the next person he wants to bed, and he's eyeing father, so—"
"Seven hells! You're as stupid as Helaena!"
"It's not my fault you speak in riddles!"
"Why would he want to bed father?!"
"I don't know!"
Aegon motioned for the serving girl to come closer and took another cup from her tray.
"Can you hear what they're talking about?"
"No," Baelon shook his head. "But Daemon seems angry."
Daemon's gaze caught Baelon's, a piercing look that made Baelon hastily avert his eyes. He counted the heartbeats—one, two, three, four, five—before daring to glance back. This time, he saw that Daemon's intense focus wasn't on him, but on Aegon.
Baelon wanted to alert Aegon, to tell him that Daemon's gaze was fixed on him, but Daemon left hurriedly before he could.
"I'm sorry for your loss, my Prince." Their grandfather said, stopping Daemon in his tracks.
Daemon turned to look directly at their grandfather, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"No matter how fat a leech grows, it always wants for another meal."
And with that, Daemon Targaryen officially left the reception, not before casting one final glance at Aegon, a glance that Aegon remained oblivious to.
"Heh. Look at those twats," Aegon sneered, pointing at the Velaryon boys who were standing with their mother. "I bet Rhaenyra is telling them to go to bed."
"Sleeping early is healthy." Baelon noted.
"Not this early." Aegon scoffed.
Rhaenyra left soon after, taking the same path Daemon had taken, leaving her sons behind.
"Just give it to me if you don't want to drink it." Aegon said, pointing at the cup in Baelon's hand.
"Here," Baelon complied, handing the cup to his brother, who promptly gulped it down, now holding two cups in his hands.
Their father limped towards the entrance with Ser Harrold trailing behind him. People bowed as he walked past them. He halted before Alicent, his eyes filled with sorrow.
"I'm going to bed, Aemma."
Alicent remained impassive, meeting his gaze without showing any emotion.
"Shall I see after Queen Alicent, Your Grace?" Ser Harrold asked, his disappointment evident.
Viserys looked at Alicent, a realisation dawning upon him. He finally understood that it wasn't Aemma he was speaking to, but Alicent.
"No, Ser Harrold."
Baelon turned to Aegon, unwilling to endure this embarrassment any longer, but Aegon was gone, following after another serving girl.
He sighed as he turned around, deciding to watch the sea. Hours passed and the guests started to depart one by one. Alicent urged him and Helaena to go to sleep, but only Helaena complied, since Aegon requested Alicent to let both Aemond and Baelon stay with him. Even though he was obviously drunk, Alicent still accepted his request.
"Want any wine?" Aegon slurred, sinking down near a parapet.
"I'd rather not." Baelon coughed, still feeling the burn in his throat.
"Fair." Aegon shrugged. "Aemond?"
Aemond shaked his head quickly.
Soon after, Aegon passed out with a cup still in his hand.
"He could get killed if he continues like this," Aemond noted grimly.
"Since when do you care about his well-being?" Baelon replied, his tone edged with scepticism.
"Since mother talked with me."
"What did she tell you?"
"She-"
"Aegon!" Their grandfather suddenly appeared, delivering a swift kick to Aegon's groin and lifting him up by the neck.
"Brothers?" Aegon panickedly asked
Their grandfather did not spare Baelon and Aemond a second glance, only focusing on Aegon as he dragged him away.
"Get to bed."
"You're not the only one worried for his well-being, it seems," Baelon turned around to speak with Aemond, but found him already rushing down the stairs. "Aemond?! Where are you going?"
Aemond did not answer him, only quickened his pace. Baelon didn't know why, but he decided to follow him. If something happened to Aemond, Mother would surely blame him.
Baelon followed Aemond down the stairs, arriving at the beach, but Aemond only quickened his pace, occasionally breaking into a jump.
"Wait, Aemond! It's dangerous!" Baelon called out, but Aemond either didn't hear him or chose not to comply.
They ran around the entire beach before Aemond finally came to a stop, attempting to hide himself among the sparse grasses that dotted the shoreline. Baelon finally caught up to him, although he was a bit out of breath.
"Aemond-"
"Shh. You'll wake her up."
Wake who–
Oh.
Oh.
At first glance, it seemed like Aemond was hiding from a rocky mound, an odd but typical behaviour for him. However, if you squinted your eyes enough, you could see the mound breathing and occasionally snoring.
It was in fact not a rocky mound, but Vhagar.
"Have you lost your mind, Aemond?" Baelon hissed. "She'll eat you. We need to leave."
"Leave me alone!" Aemond hushedly said. "I need to claim her."
"She'll burn you!" Baelon tried to hold Aemond's arm to lift him up and drag him away, but Aemond wriggled himself out of Baelon's grasp.
"Then I shall burn!" Aemond hissed. "I rather burn to ashes than live a dragonless life."
"You're mad!" Baelon exclaimed, watching as Aemond slowly descended from the dune, taking careful steps to avoid waking Vhagar.
Baelon wanted to act, to grab Aemond and run as fast as possible, but he was terrified—so fucking terrified. He had his own dragon, Stormcutter, so dragons weren't new to him, but Stormcutter was like an ant compared to Vhagar.
Aemond touched the ropes on Vhagar when he got close enough. He didn't pull them; he just touched them, and that very action made Vhagar wake up. Her orange eyes were the only source of light in the cold night. Aemond took a few steps back but maintained eye contact with Vhagar. Baelon did not dare to move, fearing that Vhagar's attention would turn to him if he so much as twitched a finger. Vhagar brought her head closer to Aemond, sniffing him a few times before going back to sleep.
Baelon breathed a sigh of relief, expecting Aemond to run back to him after this interaction. But no. Aemond always had to do the stupid things. Instead of retreating, Aemond walked up to Vhagar again and touched the ropes on her body.
Vhagar was not so kind this time. Her eyes shot open again, somehow more orange than before. She growled at Aemond and opened her massive mouth, revealing teeth larger than Aemond himself, dripping with saliva. Her throat began to glow with a bright yellow and orange light, preparing to incinerate Aemond. Baelon knew he had to move, he had to save his brother, but he couldn't. He was frozen.
"Dohaeras!" Aemond yelled, bringing one of his hands up in front of Vhagar. "Dohaeras, Vhagar! Lykiri!"
Vhagar began to calm. Her massive jaws slowly closed, the menacing glow in her throat diminishing.
"Lykiri! Lykiri."
Vhagar closed her jaw completely this time. Her massive head moved toward Aemond, nostrils flaring as she sniffed him once more. Each breath from Vhagar was a gust of hot wind, ruffling Aemond's hair and clothes.
Aemond took this as a sign to proceed. He moved cautiously closer to the ropes and began to climb. Each movement was deliberate, his breath ragged as he ascended. Vhagar's massive form loomed below, her eyes fixed on Aemond.
"Soves! Dohaeras, Vhagar! Soves!"
Baelon half-expected Vhagar to devour Aemond, or at least shake him off her back, but instead, the dragon readied herself to take flight. Each movement of her massive legs sent tremors through the ground, as though she could crack the earth simply by standing upon it. Her powerful wings stretched wide, casting a shadow over Baelon as she prepared to launch into the sky.
She began to shake herself vigorously, likely to dislodge the dust and ropes clinging to her scales. The sudden movement nearly threw Aemond off balance, but he managed to cling on at the last moment. Unfortunately, before Aemond could fully regain his stability, Vhagar surged into the air with powerful beats of her wings.
Aemond clung desperately to Vhagar's scales as she gained speed with each powerful beat of her wings. Just as Aemond seemed to regain control, Vhagar abruptly dove downwards. Baelon braced himself, expecting to witness a catastrophic crash into the grassy hill ahead. Instead, Vhagar and Aemond vanished from sight behind the hill.
"Aemond-"
Suddenly Vhagar burst forth from behind the hill with a mighty roar, her enormous wings beating against the night sky. Her talons inadvertently scraped the hilltop, destroying it. Aemond clung to her scales, his heart racing with exhilaration and fear in equal measure.
They soared past Spicetown. Vhagar's powerful wings carried them effortlessly over the Driftmark lighthouse, casting a fleeting shadow over its beacon. Aemond leaned forward, urging Vhagar higher into the night sky. The wind whipped around them, tousling his hair and chilling his skin. He felt a surge of adrenaline as they ascended, higher and higher until the sea below appeared as a distant, shimmering canvas beneath them.
Baelon scrambled to his feet, dusting off his clothes as he sprinted back toward Driftmark. His eyes remained fixed on Vhagar and Aemond in the distance. He had never run so fast in his life; it felt like his legs might give out at any moment. Just when he thought he might be too late, Aemond suddenly veered over Spicetown, allowing Baelon to arrive just in time to witness the thunderous impact as Vhagar landed on the reception area, nearly destroying it.
As if running the length of the beach hadn't been enough fun, now Baelon had to climb up to reach Aemond.
"How wonderful." he muttered bitterly to himself.
Aemond dismounted from Vhagar just as Baelon completed his arduous climb up to them.
"Aemond, wait!" Baelon hesitated, taking a moment to steady himself, but Aemond strode ahead, disappearing into the entrance of the reception area.
Despite feeling like he could collapse with every step, Baelon found himself trailing after Aemond.
"I can't believe it, Aemond. You claimed Vhagar!" Baelon exclaimed as he caught up with Aemond. Just then, Aemond tossed his ropes towards Baelon, who barely managed to grab hold of them before they hit the ground.
"It's him."
A foreign voice broke into Baelon's ears, drawing his attention away from Aemond's ropes to the speaker. Looking up, he saw Jace and Luke exchanging something with each other, though he couldn't make out what it was. Alongside them stood Rhaena and Baela at the entrance. Though he recognized Jace and Luke by their voices, he took a chance and assumed the speaker must be Baela.
"It's me." Aemond confidently replied.
"Vhagar is my mother's dragon."
"Your mother is dead though, isn't she?" Baelon knew he had to tread carefully, sensing the tense atmosphere. But sometimes, he couldn't resist the urge to provoke a reaction.
"And Vhagar has a new rider now," Aemond continued after Baelon
"She was mine to claim." Rhaena interjected with confidence
"Then you should've claimed her." Aemond hissed. "Maybe your cousins can find you a pig to ride."
"It would suit her." Baelon murmured under his breath, ensuring his words were for his ears alone.
Suddenly, Rhaena charged at Aemond. He swiftly grabbed her before she could harm him and hurled her in Baelon's direction, causing both of them to tumble to the ground.
Baela charged at Aemond next, landing a successful punch to his cheeks.
Baelon quickly pushed Rhaena off of him, punching Baela in Aemond's stead, which made Baela fall flat on her back. Baelon clenched his fist, shaking it as the impact reverberated through his knuckles, causing even his own hand to ache from the force.
"Come at us again and we'll feed you to our dragons." Aemond yelled,
"That's a little extreme, don't you think—" Jace's fists cut off Baelon mid-sentence, delivering a sharp blow to his jaw. It was evident Jace had learned a thing or two from his sparring sessions with Aegon; he unleashed a barrage of punches, aiming to overwhelm Baelon. With quick reflexes, Baelon managed to dodge some and block others. When Jace attempted a punch aimed at his nose, Baelon seized his arm and twisted it, causing Jace to cry out in pain as his guard faltered. Seizing the opportunity, Baelon delivered a retaliatory punch to Jace's nose, the impact sending him sprawling to the ground, blood streaming from his broken nose.
Baelon spun around to witness Aemond gripping Luke by the throat, nearly strangling him and hurling a rock toward his eye. Rhaena and Baela rushed to Luke's aid, launching themselves at Aemond and overwhelming him. Meanwhile, Jace struggled to regain his footing, his head spinning from the earlier blow. Seizing a nearby large stone, Baelon swung it with force, connecting solidly with Jace's head and sending him crashing back to the ground once more.
Rushing to Aemond's aid, Baelon seized Rhaena by her hair, almost tearing it from her scalp.
"Get off my brother!"
"Get off my sister!" Baelon realised how severely he underestimated Baela's protectiveness over her sister when Baela's fist struck his stomach hard, causing him to release Rhaena's hair. In retaliation, Rhaena landed a punch squarely on his jaw. With Aemond momentarily forgotten, the two sisters redirected their fury towards Baelon.
Baelon deftly dodged one of Baela's strikes, seizing her hair to manoeuvre her into the path of Rhaena's attack. Rhaena's punch landed solidly on Baela's cheek, sending her sprawling to the ground. Seizing the momentary opening, Baelon swiftly delivered a powerful punch to Rhaena's jaw, knocking her onto her back.
"You will die screaming in flames just as your father did!" Aemond threatened, gripping Luke by the neck and holding a rock above his head. The little Velaryon boy sobbed uncontrollably in fear. "Bastards."
"My father's still alive," Luke managed to choke out between sobs, his voice barely audible.
"Aemond, perhaps we should stop." Baelon pleaded earnestly. He knew that Luke was not like Jace; one wrong word could lead to repercussions from their father.
"He doesn't know, does he, Lord Strong?" Aemond disregarded Baelon entirely, shifting his gaze to Jace who was still on the ground. Despite his injuries, Jace had managed to prop himself up into a sitting position, one hand clutching his head and the other gingerly touching his broken nose.
Jace conspicuously avoided meeting Aemond's gaze, seeming to disregard him and almost daring him to come closer. It was a trap, Baelon realised.
"Aemond, don't!"
But it was too late, Aemond had already started going towards Jace, dropping Luke almost instantly.
Luke suddenly pulled a knife out of his sleeve, charging at Aemond with startling speed.
"Luke!" Baela and Rhaena yelled at the same time, forgetting their brawl with Baelon which gave him the opening to run after Luke.
Baelon pounced on Luke, his weight instantly overwhelming the younger boy, making him drop the knife. Aemond turned around, startled by the noise This distraction allowed Jace to weakly stand up and deliver a blow to Aemond's head.
Aemond retaliated by striking Jace with the stone he held in his hand, knocking him to the ground on his back.
Luke, fueled by adrenaline, sank his teeth into Baelon's hand with such force that it nearly broke his finger bones. Baelon cried out in agony, his grip on Luke loosening, which allowed Luke to wriggle free and snatch up his knife.
With what little strength he had left, Jace scooped up a handful of sand and hurled it into Aemond's eyes, causing him to turn back and cry out in pain. Seizing the opportunity, Luke swiftly struck Aemond's right eye with his knife.
Aemond collapsed onto Baelon, his face buried against his brother's chest. Blood streamed from his injured right eye, staining Baelon's clothes crimson red. Baelon did not know what to do. Aemond's once fierce demeanour vanished completely as he cried and sobbed in pain and despair. Unable to do much else, Baelon gently stroked Aemond's hair with his uninjured hand.
"Shh, shh. Don't cry. You're going to be fine."
…He tried his best, that's all that matters.
"Cease this at once!" The Kingsguards finally appeared. "Get away!"
"My Princes, My Princes. Let me see." Harrold urged as he gently removed Aemond from Baelon's grasp. Another guard stepped in to assist Baelon to his feet. Baelon could now take a good look at his right hand. It was bruised and bloodied. Seven hells, just how hard did that bastard bite him?!
"Gods be good." Harrold muttered in horror as his eyes landed on Aemond.
The guards guided the princes and princesses to the Driftmark hall. Aemond wept the entire way, his cries echoing in the dimly lit corridors. Luke clung to Jace, his grip tight and unwavering, as if fearing his older brother would collapse without his support. The only ones who managed to walk unaided were Baelon, Baela and Rhaena.
Maester Kelvyn quickly took hold of Aemond when they arrived, guiding him to a stool near Alicent. He then gestured for Baelon to sit beside his brother. Alicent reached out and caressed Baelon's bloodied finger. Kelvyn began sewing Aemond's stretched eyelid almost immediately, his hands steady and practised. The Velaryon boys stood close together, Luke clutching Jace's arm with a fierce grip, as if he feared his older brother might crumble without his support.
Baelon glanced around the hall. His father, King Viserys, sat on the Driftwood Throne, looking as if he had just been roused from a deep sleep. The King's face was drawn with exhaustion and worry, his eyes red-rimmed and sunken.
"How could you allow such a thing to happen?" His father breathed. "I will have answers."
"The princes were supposed to be abed, My King." Ser Harrold said, his voice thick with shame. He stood stiffly, his gaze fixed on the ground, unable to meet the King's eyes.
Aemond winced as Kelvyn continued sewing his eyelid, each stitch a fresh jolt of pain. Alicent's comforting caress would turn into a firm grasp whenever Aemond flinched, and this reflexive tightening of her grip made Baelon wince as well.
"Who had the watch?" Viserys questioned sternly.
"Young Princes were attacked by their own cousins, Your Grace." Criston informed.
"You swore oaths to protect and defend my blood!" Viserys yelled, rising to his feet. His armless sleeve flapped wildly.
"I'm very sorry, Your Grace."
Baelon felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Helaena standing behind him, her eyes wide with worry. Behind her, Aegon stood with his gaze fixed on the ground. Baelon couldn't tell if his brother was truly distraught over the night's events or merely too sleepy to lift his head.
"The Kingsguards has never had to defend Princes from Princes, Your Grace–"
"That is no answer!" Viserys yelled, his voice echoing through the hall as spittle flew from his mouth, landing on Criston's face.
"It will heal," Alicent urged, her gaze shifting between Kelvyn and Aemond, her hands now gripping Baelon's finger firmly. Yet Baelon suppressed a wince, not wanting to disturb his mother. "Will it not, Maester?"
All eyes in the hall turned expectantly toward Kelvyn, waiting for his response.
"The flesh will heal." Kelvyn confirmed, his voice calm and measured as he neared the end of his sewing process. "But the eye is lost, Your Grace."
Alicent gasped quietly, her hand releasing Baelon's finger. Viserys sighed heavily, closing his eyes in a moment of resignation. Throughout the hall, the attendants either stared in stunned silence or whispered among themselves. Alicent stood up and went towards Aegon.
"Where were you?"
"Me—" Alicent abruptly slapped Aegon across the cheek, cutting him off. "Ow! What was that for?"
"That was nothing compared to the abuse your brothers suffered while you were drowning in your cups, you fool." Alicent shook him forcefully, her words tumbling out without pause.
The sound of the door being slammed open echoed through the hall as Corlys and Rhaenys Velaryon ascended the stairs.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Corlys demanded
"Baela, Rhaena! What happened?" Rhaenys rushed to her grandchildren, enveloping Rhaena in a tight hug.
The main door of the hall swung open. Rhaenyra entered first, followed closely by Daemon.
"Luke? Jace!" Rhaenyra rushed towards her children and kneeled in front of them. "Show me. Show me."
Jace groaned as he gingerly removed his hand from his nose, blood still dripping from it, which caused Rhaenyra to gasp in shock.
"Who did this?" Rhaenyra demanded, her gaze sweeping over his family. Baelon instinctively looked down, refusing to meet Rhaenyra's eyes.
"They attacked us!" Aemond shouted, prompting Baelon to silently curse him in his mind.
"Baelon attacked Baela!" Jace shouted back.
"He broke Jace's nose!" Baela yelled.
Things were not looking good for him, were they?
"I didn't-"
"He pulled a knife!"
The children started shouting over each other, with Baelon occasionally joining in. Daemon watched over them with a hint of amusement, leaning casually against the door.
"He stole my mother's dragon!" Rhaena yelled, her voice rising above the others', but it was quickly drowned out in the cacophony.
"Enough." Viserys attempted to command the room, but his words went largely ignored.
"He was going to kill Jace!" Luke yelled, accusingly pointing a finger at Baelon.
"I didn't do anything!" Baelon yelled back. "You bit my finger!"
"Enough..." Viserys tried once more, but to no avail.
"It should be my sons telling the tale!" Alicent cried out, tears streaming from her eyes as she pointed to herself.
"He called us-"
"Silence!" Viserys roared, slamming his cane on the ground, cutting off Jace.
Viserys finally succeeded in silencing the room.
Baelon observed Jace whisper something to his mother, noting the widening of her eyes as she abruptly stood and shielded Jace behind her.
"Aemond, Baelon, I will have the truth of what happened" Viserys said sternly, limping towards them.. "Now." He added after seeing neither of them were answering him.
"What else is there to hear?" Alicent said coolly. "Your son has been maimed. Her son is responsible..
"It was a regrettable accident." Rhaenyra commented.
"Accident?" Alicent questioned. "The Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush. He meant to kill my sons."
Rhaenyra countered defiantly, her hands clutching both Jace and Luke protectively, afraid of letting them go. "Vile insults were levied against them."
Baelon gulped.
"What insults?" Viserys questioned.
"The legitimacy of my sons' birth was put loudly to question." Rhaenyra affirmed firmly, her hand gently rubbing Luke's hands.
"What?" Viserys exclaimed, looking confused.
"He called us bastards." Jace informed, casting a glance at his mother for reassurance.
Alicent's gaze shifted from Rhaenyra as she mulled over this new information. Aemond smirked, proud of his actions. Baelon felt an urge to wipe that smirk off of Aemond's face, to tell him it was not the right time. But, Rhaenyra intervened once more, before he could speak.
"My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, Your Grace. This is the highest of treasons."
The only person who seemed to be enjoying the turmoil was Daemon. He remained leaning against the door, his smirk now even more pronounced when Baelon glanced at him.
"Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders." Rhaenyra demanded.
Baelon did not like this. Baelon did not like this at all.
"Over an insult?" Alicent questioned, her voice tinged with pain. "My son has lost an eye."
"Tell me, boy. Where did you hear this lie?" Viserys asked Aemond, holding his gaze steady. Aemond's eyes briefly met Baelon's, who silently pleaded with him, urging him not to answer their father. Aemond chose to look down, remaining silent.
"The insult was training yard bluster." Viserys turned around to face Alicent. "The lot of boys. It was nothing."
"Aemond," Viserys ignored Alicent as he turned back to Aemond. "I asked you a question."
Aemond looked up again, meeting Baelon's gaze. Baelon shook his head, silently urging Aemond not to speak.
"Where is Ser Laenor, I wonder?" Alicent interjected, likely noticing Baelon silently pleading with Aemond. She attempted to divert Viserys' attention, for which Baelon was grateful. "The boy's father? Perhaps he might have something to say in the matter."
"Yes." Viserys nodded, making Baelon sigh in relief. "Where is Ser Laenor?"
Corlys looked at Rhaenyra expectantly.
"I do not know, Your Grace." Rhaenyra hesitated. "I…could not find sleep. I had gone out to walk."
Baelon noticed Daemon glancing away from Rhaenyra, whom he had been observing closely just moments before.
"Entertaining his young squires, I would venture." Alicent commented coolly.
Criston let out a single giggle, but quickly stifled it when he noticed Harrold glancing at him.
"Aemond, look at me." Visery commanded. "Your king demands an answer. Who spoke these lies to you?"
Aemond could no longer avoid addressing their father. He glanced at Viserys, then at Baelon, and finally at their mother. The room fell silent, everyone waiting for the young prince's response. Aemond exchanged another look with Baelon, then with Aegon, before finally answering.
"It was my older brothers."
That twat-
Viserys looked first at Baelon, then at Aegon, disbelief plain on his face.
"Me?" Aegon and Baelon exclaimed simultaneously. Baelon feigned disbelief, though it seemed likely that Aegon genuinely had no idea.
Visery forcefully yanked Baelon from the stool with one hand and shoved him towards Aegon with his cane.
"And you, boys?" He questioned sharply. "Where did you hear such calumnies?"
Both of them refused to meet their father's eyes. Aegon stared straight ahead, pointedly ignoring Viserys, while Baelon suddenly found great interest in the floor beneath him, studying it intently.
"Both of you!" Viserys yelled. "Tell me the truth of it!"
"We know, father." Aegon answered slowly. Baelon sighed in relief, grateful that it wasn't him responding to Viserys. Aegon then discreetly stepped on Baelon's foot, just as Baelon had done earlier that day, signalling him to continue.
"Everyone knows." Baelon added, tearing his gaze from the floor to meet their father's eyes. He gulped nervously before continuing, "Just look at them."
The silence was deafening. All eyes were fixed on them. Baelon could feel Rhaenyra's intense gaze on him. If looks could kill, Baelon and Aegon would have been long gone.
"The interminable infighting must cease!" Viserys yelled once again as he slammed his cane to the floor, addressing everyone in the room. "We are family! Now make your apologies and show good will to one another."
As if an apology would bring back Aemond's eyes, Baelon thought bitterly. Though, after what Aemond said to their father, Baelon wasn't entirely sure that he deserved it back. He fought for him and that was how he repaid him? By ratting him out?
"Your father, your grandsire, your king demands it!" Viserys flapped his armless sleeves around before hitting his cane on the floor once again.
He began to limp away, the sound of his cane hitting the floor echoing through the hall. All eyes were fixed on him, but he ignored everyone, continuing on his way until Alicent intervened..
"That is insufficient."
Viserys turned around, facing Alicent.
"Aemond has been damaged, permanently, My King." She lamented. "Good will cannot make him whole."
"I know, Alicent." Viserys said desperately. "But I cannot restore his eye."
"No, because it has been taken." Alicent said pointedly, stating the obvious.
"What would you have me do?" Viserys asked, his voice still tinged with desperation.
"There is a debt to be paid."
Rhaenyra visibly tensed.
"I shall have one of her son's eyes in return." Alicent ordered, prompting all eyes to turn to Rhaenyra, who held her boys protectively
"My dear wife." Viserys pleaded, eyes on Rhaenyra.
"He is your son, Viserys," Alicent said, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Your blood."
"Do not…" Viserys stepped forward, coming face to face with Alicent, his expression almost threatening as he looked her up and down. "Allow your temper to guide your judgement."
Viserys began limping away again. Ignoring Alicent yet again.
"If the King will not seek justice, the Queen will." Alicent declared confidently, causing Viserys to turn around. once more "Ser Criston, bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon."
Criston fixed his gaze directly on Luke as he took a step forward. The sight of him must have been intimidating for the young boy.
"Mother!"
"Alicent."
"He can choose which eye to keep," Alicent added, eyeing everyone present in the room. "A privilege he did not grant my son."
"You will do no such thing." Rhaenyra answered immediately, holding Luke closer than before.
"Stay your hand." Viserys ordered Criston.
"No, you are sworn to me!" Alicent yelled, her gaze fixed directly on Criston.
Baelon could see Criston wanting to move, to grab Luke by the neck and thrust his sword into his eye socket. However, he restrained himself, under Harrold's stern gaze that dared him to make a move.
"As your protector, my Queen."
"Alicent, this matter is finished." Viserys pronounced the last word firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.. "Do you understand?"
Alicent remained silent as Viserys walked away. Baelon felt a pang of sympathy for her—always being unheard was a punishment worse than death. Luke interpreted the echoes of Viserys' cane as a signal to step out from behind his mother.
"And let it be known," Viserys faced the crowd, daring them to move. "Anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons should have it removed." He looked at Alicent, Aegon and Baelon directly after saying the last part.
"Thank you, Father," Rhaenyra said, smiling, clearly pleased with herself.
Both Rhaenyra and Viserys turned to leave, though the matter was far from over. In a swift, desperate motion, Alicent seized Viserys' knife, and sprinted towards Rhaenyra.
"Your Grace, stay with the King!"
"Alicent!"
"Hold your approach!"
Fortunately, Rhaenyra turned just in time to catch Alicent's hand, stopping the blade from finding her back. Gasps echoed through the hall as everyone surged forward, some eager to witness what was happening, others desperate to prevent the Queen from murdering the heiress to the Iron Throne. Baelon and Helaena were the only ones who stood back.
"Do not, Ser Criston!"
"Alicent!"
Luke's screams began to fill the room. It was the last thing Baelon wanted in this already volatile situation. The shrill cries grated on his ears, making him wish he could block out the sound entirely..
"Do not, Ser Criston!"
"Alicent!"
"No!"
Daemon seemed to take this as his cue to act. With a swift, decisive motion, he grabbed Criston, preventing him from moving.
"Stay your hand, Cole!" Harrold warned.
"You've gone too far." Rhaenyra stated, her voice steady despite the chaos. She held Alicent's hands firmly, preventing her from coming any closer.
"I?" Alicent cried, her voice breaking as she finally succumbed to her emotions. "What have I done but what was expected of me? Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law. While you flout all to do as you please."
"Alicent, let her go!" Viserys ordered, his voice carrying authority but lacking the power to enforce it.
"Where is duty? Where is sacrifice?" Alicent snivelled, her voice thick with emotion as she maintained unyielding eye contact with Rhaenyra. "It's trampled under your pretty foot again."
"Release the blade, Alicent." His grandfather spoke, his voice clear. Baelon had completely forgotten that he was here as well.
"And now you take my son's eye," Alicent continued, her voice trembling with accusation as she ignored everyone else in the room, her focus solely on Rhaenyra.. "And to even that, you feel entitled."
"Exhausting, wasn't it?" Rhaenyra finally spoke out, her voice trembling as a tear slid down her cheek. "Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. But now they see you as you are."
Alicent finally overpowered Rhaenyra, driving the knife deep into Rhaenyra's palm as they both staggered apart. Alicent quickly regained her balance, while Corlys rushed to support Rhaenyra, preventing her from collapsing. Blood streamed from Rhaenyra's wounded hand, staining the floor crimson. The knife slipped from Alicent's grasp, clattering to the ground. All eyes turned to Alicent, but the focus shifted as Aemond strode to the front of the room, standing beside her.
"Do not mourn me, was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye…" Aemond hesitated. "But I gained a dragon."
"This proceeding is at an end." Viserys declared firmly, his tone brooking no opposition. He turned and limped wearily towards the entrance door, exhaustion etched on his face.
Daemon shoved Criston aside as he moved to stand beside Rhaenyra, his hand protectively on Luke's shoulder. Aemond hurried to his mother's side, embracing her tightly, while Criston retrieved the fallen knife and positioned himself beside them. The two factions locked eyes.
Aegon walked towards Baelon and Helaena mindlessly, before standing beside Baelon.
"Aemond's such a cunt, ain't he?"
"He is."