King's Landing, The Red Keep - 125 AC
As we rode towards Kingslanding, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the Crownlands, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving Winterfell behind. For two years, it had been my home, and Cregan, my closest friend, had been by my side through it all.
Despite the impending separation, Cregan and I found solace in each other's company, our banter and laughter echoing through the wheelhouse as we journeyed southward. As Cregan and I exchanged stories about our adventures in Winterfell, Wintertown, and the Godswood, the memories of our time in the North made me feel warm from the inside.
"I'll never forget the time we climbed to the top of Winterfell's walls," Cregan reminisced, a fond smile playing on his lips. "The view was breathtaking, wasn't it?"
I nodded in enthusiastic agreement, the memory of that climb still vivid in my mind. "Absolutely," I replied, a grin spreading across my face as I recalled the exhilaration of gazing out over the vast expanse of the North. "We could see for miles in every direction. It felt like we were on top of the world."
Cregan chuckled at my excitement, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And what about the Winter Solstice Festival in Wintertown?" he continued, his voice filled with nostalgia. "The food was unlike anything I've ever tasted."
The memory of that feast flooded back to me, the savory aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked breads still lingering in my mind. "Oh, yes," I exclaimed, my mouth watering at the thought. "The kidney pie was delicious! It will take me a while to get used back to the food of the royal court."
As we continued to reminisce about our adventures in Winterfell, Cregan's eyes lit up with excitement as he recalled another memorable moment. "Do you remember the hunt in the Godswood?" he asked, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
I nodded eagerly, the memory of that exhilarating experience still fresh in my mind. "How could I forget?" I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "That was our first hunt, led by Lord Rickon Stark himself."
Cregan nodded in agreement, a hint of nervousness creeping into his expression. "I was so nervous," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I had never been on a hunt before, and I wasn't sure what to expect."
I couldn't help but echo his sentiments, remembering the butterflies that had fluttered in my stomach as we ventured into the Godswood. "I was nervous too," I confessed, a nervous laugh escaping my lips. "But once we got started, it was exhilarating."
"We did!" Cregan agreed, his voice filled with excitement as we recalled the game we caught. "We even feasted on the spoils of our hunt that very same day."
As we neared the gates of King's Landing our conversation was cut short and my foster father, Lord Rickon Stark, joined us in the wheelhouse. As we crossed the busy streets of my home city, I couldn't ignore the subtle changes that had taken place since my departure. The air was cleaner, the streets less crowded, and the smallfolk seemed to wear smiles more readily upon their faces. It was a stark contrast to the King's Landing I remembered, a city plagued by poverty and despair. And though I knew that much work still lay ahead to improve the lives of its inhabitants, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the future.
"Jacaerys, my boy, I see that look of surprise on your face," Lord Rickon said, his voice warm with affection as he noticed my reaction to the changes in King's Landing. "Let me fill you in on what's been happening. With most of the Flea Bottom small folk relocating to the North, the city seized the opportunity to revitalize the area. They've gentrified Flea Bottom, spruced it up with flowers, and even planted many around the streets and other neighborhoods, which is why the air smells much sweeter now."
"Your mother has been working tirelessly to make these changes happen," Lord Rickon continued, a fond smile gracing his lips. Listening to Lord Rickon's explanation, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for my muña. Her tireless efforts to improve the lives of the people of King's Landing were clearly paying off. "And from the looks of it, her hard work is really starting to show."
I nodded, a sense of admiration swelling within me. "She's truly remarkable," I replied, my voice filled with pride. "I couldn't be prouder of her."
Lord Rickon's smile widened at my words, his eyes reflecting the same admiration I felt. "You have every reason to be, my prince," he said warmly. "Your mother is making a real difference here in King's Landing."
His words only served to strengthen my resolve to support my mother in her endeavors. Together, we would continue to work towards a brighter future for all the people of the realm. And though I knew that much work still lay ahead to improve the lives of its inhabitants, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the future.
Cregan's question brought me back from my thoughts, prompting me to ponder his words for a moment. "Happy to be back home?" he asked, his expression curious.
I couldn't help but smile at the thought of seeing my family again. "Of course, I'm happy to see everyone," I replied honestly, my gaze drifting towards the familiar faces around me. "But I'll admit, I also feel a bit nervous and already tired by the mess I will be greeted by."
"Tired?" Cregan asked, his confusion evident in his furrowed brow.
I nodded, sighing softly. "Tired of it all," I admitted, my voice tinged with exhaustion. "The Red Keep's court is nothing like Winterfell. It's a viper's nest, filled with deceit and treachery at every turn."
Cregan looked taken aback by my words, his brow furrowing even further in confusion. "But why?" he asked, genuine puzzlement in his voice. "Shouldn't lords and ladies be working together for the betterment of the realm?"
I couldn't help but laugh sadly at his naivety. "I wish it were that simple, Cregan," I replied, shaking my head. "But unfortunately, people are not always as noble as they should be. Greed and ambition often cloud their judgment, leading them to betray even those closest to them."
Rickon sighed, a weary expression crossing his features as he spoke. "It's a sad truth, son," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "Not everyone has the same values as you do. Some people are driven by their own desires, and they'll stop at nothing to achieve them."
I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at his words. In a perfect world, everyone would be as honorable and selfless as my foster brother Cregan. But alas, reality was far more complicated than that. At least, I know that when I am King and need a loyal hand, I will only need to look North for him.
As I glanced around the crowded court of the Red Keep, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle over me. But the moment my eyes landed on the sight of my family waiting for me, I was filled with a sense of warmth and belonging. Muña, kepa, Grandmother Rhaenys, Grandfather Corlys, Lucerys, and Joffrey stood there, their smiles lighting up the courtyard as they caught sight of us. I couldn't contain my excitement as I rushed forward to greet them, enveloping each of them in tight hugs, and being showered with kisses in return. Even with the continues visits from my parents on Syrax and Seasmoke, it's been ages since I had last seen them.
"I've missed you all so much!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with happiness.
Their laughter and warm embraces washed away any lingering fatigue or apprehension I had felt earlier. Here, surrounded by my family, I felt safe and loved, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With smiles and laughter, we walked together towards our quarters in the Red Keep, chatting animatedly about my journey down South.
As we reached the apartment that House Stark would be using, muña extended a warm invitation to Lord Rickon and Cregan for supper, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. "We would be honored if you joined us," she said warmly, her voice filled with genuine hospitality.
I couldn't help but feel a swell of excitement for tonight's supper. As we made our way towards our family apartment within the Red Keep, my muña turned to me with a tense smile. She relayed that King Viserys apologized, explaining that he couldn't personally greet me due to the bustling preparations for his upcoming wedding. Lords and ladies from all corners of Westeros have come to King's Landing for the wedding of my uncle Aegon and Lady Cassandra Baratheon. No wonder the king and the Small Council were so busy.
I waved away the apology with a smile, understanding the demands of court life all too well. "It's quite alright, muña," I reassured her. "I'll see Grandfather when he has a free moment. I'm just glad to be home with all of you."
Her smile returned, a mixture of relief and affection evident in her gaze. It was moments like these that reminded me of the unwavering support and love of my family, even amidst the chaos of court politics. As we continued our walk, I couldn't help but notice the presence of two ladies dressed in Baratheon colors, trailing behind my little sister, Lucerys. Curiosity piqued, I turned to my mother for an explanation.
Muña's expression softened as she glanced towards Lucerys and her companions. "Those are Ellyn and Maris Baratheon," she explained, her voice tinged with warmth. "They've recently become Lucerys' new ladies-in-waiting."
I nodded in understanding, recalling the names from previous conversations with Grandmother Rhaenys. "Ah, I see," I murmured, a small smile playing on my lips. "And their betroths are now squiring for kepa, right?"
My muña nodded in confirmation, her eyes reflecting her pride. "Yes, Ralph Buckler and Selwyn Tarth," she replied, before turning to me with a serious expression. "Jacaerys, you will be squiring beside them, under Laenor. You've made an ally of the North and for that I will forever be grateful, but you will need allies in the other kingdoms if you wish to excel as the future King of Westeros. Forming a friendship with two prominent future Lords of the Stormlands, who will be in-laws with House Baratheon, is very important."
The announcement took me by surprise, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of finally becoming a squire. To train alongside my kepa and two heirs my age was an opportunity I had long awaited, and I was eager to prove myself worthy of the honor.
"I'm thrilled, muña," I exclaimed, my voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I can't wait to learn and spend more time with kepa."
And that was true. Even after all these years the Greens keep on spreading malicious rumors about my and Joffrey's possible bastardy. They might not get much tracking at court, but they still hurt whenever I hear the courtiers discussing it. Out of the three of us, Lucerys was the only one who was not scrutinized. She had the Velaryon eyes, and you only had to see her standing side by side with Grandmother Rhaenys to realize her parentage. As for Joffrey, before leaving for Winterfell, I noticed that the King's favorite had started to shift from my sister to my brother. Muña explained to me that Grandfather Viserys saw his first wife in Joffrey, even Uncle Daemon spoke about how Joff had Queen Aemma's eyes. And during their time at the Eyrie, I had noticed that Joffrey was starting to look like the portrait of Lord Rodrik Arryn.
But me… well, I do not look Velaryon like my sister, or Arryn like my brother. Staring at muña's sworn shield, trailing behind us, I could say with assurance that I do not look like a Strong either. Not counting my coloring, I was the one who looked the most Targaryen from my siblings. The one who took after muña the most. As for my coloring, it was easy to disguise as Arryn like Joffrey, as neither of us had the onyx curls of a Baratheon like our sister. However, the shading of my hair and eyes was too light to be Arryn. It did match perfectly with…
No! I won't think about it! I will squire my kepa and prove to him that accepting me and loving me as his blood son was not a decision he would ever need to regret.
My muña, then interrupted by thoughts, by sharing the news that Ellyn and Maris Baratheon will be attending Lucerys until they reach marriageable age, and they will follow my sister to the Driftmark court to be taught there. I hadn't realized that Lucerys would be leaving so soon, and the thought of her departure left me feeling unexpectedly melancholic.
"Lucerys is leaving so soon?" I asked, my voice tinged with surprise as I glanced towards my sister, who walked nearby laughing with her ladies-in-waiting.
Muña nodded, her smile tinged with sadness. "Yes, sweetheart," she replied gently. "But it's important for her to familiarize herself with Driftmark. After all, she is the next Lady of the Tides, and she needs to know her future home."
I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret at the thought of Lucerys being so far away. She's my sister and we've always been close. Even while I was in Winterfell, we exchanged letters every fortnight and our parents brought me presents from her and sent my presents for her with them. The prospect of her absence weighed heavily on my heart.
"But she'll only be gone for two years," muña reassured me, her voice soft yet firm. "And then she'll return to the Red Keep full-time until she comes of age."
Her words offered some comfort, but the sadness lingered, nonetheless. "I suppose Lucerys could visit us on Ghost," I mused aloud, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "And Vermax is big enough for me to ride now. I could even go to Driftmark if I ever start missing her too much."
Muña's smile widened at my words, her eyes reflecting pride and affection. "That's the spirit, Jace," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Lucerys will always be a part of our family, no matter where she may be. And with your bond with Ghost and Vermax, you'll never be too far apart."
Her words filled me with a sense of reassurance, and as we settled into our family apartment within the Red Keep, I found solace in the knowledge that no matter what the future held, we would always be there for each other.
Later that day, as I readied myself for dinner, adjusting my attire before the mirror, kepa approached with a curious expression on his face. "Jace, how was your time in Winterfell?" he inquired, his voice gentle as he straightened my collar and smoothed out the folds of my clothing.
Turning to face him, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of my kepa's caring demeanor. "It was incredible, kepa," I replied, excitement evident in my voice. "The people, the scenery, the adventures—everything was unlike anything I've ever experienced before."
Kepa's eyes sparkled with interest as he listened intently, his hands deftly adjusting my garments with a practiced touch. "I'm glad to hear that," he said warmly, a proud smile gracing his lips. "It sounds like you had quite the adventure."
As I shared tales of our time in Winterfell, kepa's laughter filled the room, his genuine interest and affection evident in every word he spoke. Despite the distance that had separated us, our bond remained as strong as ever, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for my kepa's unwavering support. No matter what anyone said, I was Laenor Velaryon's son and that's all I cared about.
With a final adjustment to my attire, kepa wrapped me in a warm embrace, his gratitude and affection palpable in the gesture. "Thank you, Jacaerys," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth. "For sharing your adventures with me."
Returning the embrace with equal warmth, I smiled up at my father, feeling a deep sense of love and appreciation for him. "Anytime, kepa," I replied, my voice filled with sincerity.
The dinner with House Stark proceeded smoothly, not that I ever worried about it. Lord Rickon and Cregan were wonderful people, and I knew that my family would be as impressed with them as I was. Questions about my time in Winterfell flowed freely, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as I shared tales of my adventures in the North. The time spent in Winterfell had indeed worked wonders for me. I now stood taller, with a newfound confidence and security that I had previously lacked. The challenges I had faced and the friendships I had forged had shaped me into a stronger, more resilient person.
The night ended in a high note, and the following day, I found myself strolling through Aegon's gardens with my betrothed, Helaena, by my side. Despite the presence of chaperones, the air was filled with a sense of warmth and camaraderie between us.
I couldn't help but express my gratitude to Helaena for the letters she had sent me during my time in Winterfell. "Your letters kept me company in the cold North," I said, smiling warmly at my aunt.
Helaena's eyes sparkled with affection as she nodded in understanding. "I'm glad to hear that," she replied softly. "I missed you terribly while you were away."
As we continued our leisurely stroll, Helaena's curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to me with a question. "Did you see any new insects up North?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her inquiry, shaking my head in amusement. "I'm afraid not," I replied, my tone lighthearted. "The North is too cold for bugs and insects to thrive, so I didn't see many of them during my time there."
Helaena's disappointment was evident, but she nodded in understanding. "That's a shame," she said softly, her gaze lingering on the colorful flowers that adorned the gardens. "But I suppose it makes sense, considering how cold it gets up there."
As we continued our walk, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and affection towards Helaena. Even though our betrothal had been arranged, I was quite fond of my aunt. She was beautiful and kind, and I cared not for what others thought of her quirks. Yes, she spoke in riddles at times, but if you truly listened to her words, one could find wisdom in them. During my time at the Red Keep she was my principal advisor, and I hope that once we marry such a partnership will continue.
We walked hand in hand through the tranquil gardens, only stopping when Helaena handed me a delicately embroidered handkerchief. My eyes widened in admiration at the intricate black spider design sewn into the rich red silk. "It's beautiful," I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Helaena smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I'm glad you like it," she replied softly. "It's a wolfspider. I made it so it would remind you of your time in Winterfell."
The thoughtful gesture touched me deeply, and I couldn't help but beam at Helaena as I carefully tucked the handkerchief into my pocket. "Thank you, Hel," I said sincerely, my heart swelling with gratitude.
In return, I presented her with a bracelet crafted from intricately carved weirwood wood, adorned with rubies that gleamed in the sunlight. The design depicted the heads of a direwolf and a dragon, their maws meeting in the middle with a larger red ruby between them.
Helaena's eyes widened in delight as she admired the bracelet, a smile spreading across her lips. "It's exquisite," she breathed, her fingers tracing the delicate carvings. "Thank you, Jace. I'll treasure it always."
Later while I made my way back to my chambers after my time with Helaena, my thoughts were filled with warmth and affection for her. The exchange of gifts had deepened the bond between us, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for our future together. However, my reverie was shattered as I neared my uncle's chambers, the sound of raised voices echoing through the corridor. Curiosity getting the better of me, I paused to listen, my heart sinking as I realized the nature of their argument.
As I lingered outside Aegon and Queen Alicent's chambers, the intensity of their argument only seemed to escalate. Aegon's voice rang out, filled not only with frustration but also a sense of triumph that sent chills down my spine.
"You've lost, Mother," Aegon's voice carried a note of triumph, his words dripping with disdain. "Rhaenyra has won, and I couldn't be happier. Marrying Cassandra ensures that our children will never sit on the Iron Throne, and I'll be free from the burdens of kingship."
The venom in his words cut through the air like a blade, leaving Queen Alicent stunned and speechless in his wake. Aegon's hatred for his mother was palpable, and it fueled his desire to see her brought to her knees.
"You need to sit on Iron Throne, Aegon," Queen Alicent's voice trembled with emotion, her words a desperate plea for understanding. "For your safety, for your brothers' safety!"
Their safety? What did the queen mean by that? I wondered confused. Was someone targeting my uncles?
A cruel smirk played across Aegon's lips as he turned to face her, his eyes alight with a fierce intensity. "Seeing Rhaenyra's victory brings me immense satisfaction. You'll never see me outside of obligatory events again. I'll go to the Stormlands and never return."
With those final words, Aegon stormed out of the chambers, leaving Queen Alicent alone in the wake of his triumph. As the door slammed shut behind him, a heavy silence descended upon the corridor, broken only by Queen Alicent's anguished sobs.
I couldn't help but sigh heavily as I continued on my way, the peace and quiet of Winterfell now nothing more than a distant memory. As I reached my chambers and closed the door behind me, I couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that settled over me like a dark cloud.
I was already missing the North and it's only been a day.
