King's Landing, The Red Keep - 127 AC

The Red Keep was in an uproar as everyone rushed from one side to the other. My grandfather, Lord Corlys Velaryon, was finally returning to the Red Keep after two years absent. Not only was he coming back, but so was my little sister, Lucerys, and my uncle, Aemond. Helaena and Daeron were as happy to see their brother Aemond as I was to see Lucerys.

In those two years, Helaena, Daeron, and I had visited Driftmark for Aemond and Lucerys' namedays. Aemond and Lucerys had visited the Red Keep for my nameday, as well as those of Helaena, Joffrey, and Daeron. But seeing each other around only two moons in the last two years had not been easy, especially since none of our dragons were big enough to fly.

Well, Dreamfyre and Ghost were big enough for Helaena and Lucerys to fly from Driftmark to King's Landing, but the adults in our lives did not trust them to travel on their own, even if the distance was not that great. The safety precautions were understandable, but it didn't make the separations any less difficult.

The excitement in the castle was palpable. Servants scurried about, preparing for the arrival, ensuring that every detail was perfect. I could barely contain my own excitement. Lucerys and I had always been close, and even though we wrote letters often, it wasn't the same as seeing each other in person.

Every corner of the Red Keep was buzzing with activity. The kitchens were in full swing, preparing a grand feast to welcome them. I could smell the roast meats and freshly baked bread wafting through the halls, mingling with the scent of spices and herbs. The head cook was barking orders, her voice cutting through the clatter of pots and pans. The air was thick with anticipation and the delicious aroma of what promised to be a lavish banquet.

The servants were decorating the Great Hall, their movements swift and efficient. They were hanging banners of House Velaryon and House Targaryen, their colors vibrant against the stone walls. The deep blues and silvers of Velaryon intertwined with the reds and blacks of Targaryen, creating a tapestry of unity and strength. I watched as they draped the long tables with rich fabrics and placed fresh flowers in vases, their petals adding a burst of color to the grand room.

Muña was in her chambers, overseeing the final touches of her attire. She always made sure to look her best for such important occasions. Through the slightly ajar door, I could hear her giving instructions to her maids, her tone brisk but excited. She had a knack for balancing her regal presence with a touch of warmth, and today was no different. The maids fluttered around her, adjusting the intricate details of her gown and arranging her hair just so.

Kepa was in the courtyard, making sure everything was in order for the welcoming procession. He had always been meticulous, and today was no different. I saw him directing the guards, ensuring they were perfectly aligned and ready for the arrival. His voice carried over the courtyard, firm and commanding. The guards straightened their spines under his watchful eye, their armor gleaming in the midday sun.

As I moved through the castle, I noticed the anticipation in everyone's faces. The guards stood a little taller, their hands steady on their weapons. The maids worked a little faster, their movements precise and purposeful. Even the courtiers seemed to be in higher spirits, their usual airs of aloofness replaced by genuine excitement. It was a rare day when the Red Keep felt so united in its purpose.

The corridors echoed with the sounds of hurried footsteps and hushed conversations. Servants exchanged whispers about the returning guests, their eyes alight with curiosity and excitement. The atmosphere was electric, a palpable sense of something significant about to unfold.

I paused for a moment, taking it all in. The Red Keep, with its towering walls and imposing architecture, often felt cold and unyielding. But today, it was alive with the promise of reunion and celebration. The anticipation was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile as I made my way to join my family.

The grand doors of the Great Hall loomed ahead, and I could already hear the faint strains of music starting to fill the air. Today was a day of joy and togetherness, a brief respite from the usual tensions and conflicts. And as I stepped into the hall, ready to welcome our loved ones back home, I felt a surge of pride and happiness swell within me.

The five of us were being reunited, and I couldn't be happier about it. I'd always adored my little sister and doted on her. Since she'd been gone, I had grown closer to our younger brother Joffrey, doting on the boy in place of Lucerys, who used to spoil him. But even with how close Joffrey and I had become, I could see that other than Lucerys, the one he was closest to was Daeron.

I turned to my uncle Daeron, who had Joffrey cuddled on his lap. Daeron had a tender look on his face as he hand-fed Joffrey grapes from the fruit platter. That look on Daeron's face—I'd seen it on Aemond's many times before. Daeron was in love with Joffrey. The blood of the dragon was calling to each other quite strongly.

As much as I hated to admit it, even if only in my own mind, Queen Alicent was right: Targaryens had some queer customs. I was betrothed to my aunt Helaena, Lucerys to her uncle Aemond, and now Daeron was in love with his nephew Joffrey. What a mess we all were.

I sighed internally, pondering the complex dynamics of our family. Despite the oddities and challenges, there was an undeniable bond that tied us together. Our shared blood, our dragons, our heritage—it all created a web of connections that were both beautiful and burdensome.

I watched as Daeron's fingers gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Joffrey's forehead. The young boy giggled, looking up at Daeron with pure adoration in his eyes. Their bond was strong, and it was clear that Daeron would do anything for Joffrey. It reminded me of how Lucerys used to coddle him, always making sure he was happy and cared for.

Daeron caught my gaze and smiled softly, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes as if seeking my approval. I gave him a reassuring nod, silently telling him that I understood and accepted the strange but strong bond they shared. Family, after all, was complicated, and ours even more so.

I looked over at Helaena, who was still quietly embroidering. Helaena glanced up and caught my eye, giving me a small, shy smile. I returned it, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Despite the chaos and peculiarities of our family, moments like this reminded me of the love and loyalty that bound us together.

"Jace," Daeron said, snapping me out of my thoughts, "do you think Lucerys will like the dress I picked for her?"

I smiled at my uncle's earnest expression. "I'm sure she'll love it, Daeron. You've always had a good eye for these things."

Joffrey looked up from his position on Daeron's lap, his eyes wide with excitement. "When will they get here?"

"Soon, little brother," I said, ruffling his hair. "They're almost here."

"I can't believe they're finally coming back," Helaena said with a soft smile. "It feels like it's been forever."

Daeron, who had paused in feeding Joffrey to make a snide comment, added, "I'm just glad that for once, Mother and Rhaenyra are working together to welcome their children back to King's Landing."

We all shuddered in agreement. The past couple of years had been hard on everyone. Alicent and Rhaenyra had been at each other's throats, and their disputes had grown even more vicious in recent months. No one could get them to calm down and act accordingly to their stations. Aemond and Lucerys had been the only ones able to level things out, but without them at court… things had gone to shit.

Joffrey whined, clinging to Daeron's shirt and pouting, making Daeron smile fondly. He resumed feeding fruit to his beloved Joffrey. Wanting to lighten the mood, I said, "Selwyn and Ralph were panicking earlier, trying to find the perfect outfits to greet their betrotheds. They're acting like it's the most important thing in the world."

Daeron laughed, agreeing with me. "Those two are ridiculous. It's just garments, not a jousting tournament."

Helaena hummed quietly as she continued her embroidery, her usual choice of weird insects replaced by delicate blue roses and silver butterflies. I recognized the gesture immediately; it was a gift for Lucerys. Helaena and Lucerys had always gotten along well, and I felt a warmth in my heart seeing Helaena's effort to make something special for my sister. I smiled fondly at my future wife, appreciating the quiet strength and kindness she possessed.

I turned my attention back to Daeron and Joffrey. Daeron was talking softly to Joffrey, explaining the significance of the banners that were being hung in the Great Hall. Joffrey's eyes were wide with fascination, absorbing every word his uncle said. The bond between them was strong, and it was clear how much Daeron adored our youngest sibling.

The sound of footsteps in the corridor drew my attention, and I glanced toward the door, half-expecting to see the returning party. But it was only a servant, rushing past with a bundle of linens. The anticipation was getting to all of us.

"When they arrive, we should take them to see the new gardens first," Helaena suggested, her needle pausing in mid-stitch. "Lucerys will love the new flowers mother requested to be planted."

"That's a great idea," I agreed. "She always loved spending time in the gardens."

Daeron nodded, still focused on Joffrey. "And Aemond will probably want to see the training yard. He never could stay away from it for long."

We all chuckled at that, knowing how true it was. Aemond's dedication to his training was unwavering, and it was one of the things we admired most about him.

As the minutes ticked by, the excitement in the room continued to build. The Red Keep was ready for the return of our loved ones, and so were we. The past two years had been a test of patience and endurance, but now, at last, we were about to be reunited. The thought filled me with a sense of hope and happiness that had been missing for far too long.

As we talked and laughed, the sense of impending reunion grew stronger. The tension that had gripped the Red Keep began to ease, replaced by the comforting thought of having our family together again. We were a mess, yes, but we were also bound by ties that went beyond blood—ties forged in love, loyalty, and shared history.

The anticipation made the minutes stretch into what felt like hours, but finally, the sound of approaching carriages signaled their arrival. I made my way to the balcony overlooking the main gate, hoping to catch the first glimpse of their arrival. Daeron joined me in the corridor, his face lighting up when he saw me. "Jace, do you think they're here yet?" he asked, his voice full of anticipation.

"Not yet, but soon," I replied, ruffling my hair. "It won't be long now. We better make our way to greet them."

Helaena appeared next, her usual serene smile in place. "It feels like a lifetime since we've all been together," she said softly, her eyes distant. "I can't wait to hear all about their adventures."

"Neither can I," I agreed, my heart swelling with anticipation. "There's so much to catch up on."

Joffrey bounded down the stairs, his youthful energy infectious. "Do you think they'll bring gifts?" he asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Knowing grandfather, he'll have something special for each of us," I said with a grin. "But the best gift is having them back."

The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the city. Finally, the horns sounded, signaling their approach. My heart leaped in my chest as I leaned over the balcony, straining to see. The gates opened, and the familiar banners of House Velaryon came into view, leading the procession. The sight of the banners fluttering in the breeze filled me with pride and a sense of homecoming.

"Here they come," I said, turning to Joffrey, Helaena, and Daeron. "Let's go meet them."

We hurried down the corridor, our footsteps echoing in the halls. As we reached the main entrance, the courtyard was filled with people, all eager to welcome our family back. The gates swung open, and there they were—grandfather, Lucerys, and Aemond, looking weary but happy. Ellyn and Maris Baratheon only a few steps behind them.

Seeing Lucerys' face light up when she spotted us made all the waiting worthwhile. I rushed forward, pulling her into a tight hug. "Welcome home, Luce," I whispered, feeling the weight of the past two years lift off my shoulders.

"It's good to be back, Jace," she replied, her voice filled with emotion.

Aemond and Helaena embraced, and then it was Daeron's moment. Grandfather stood tall, his eyes shining with pride as he took in the scene.

"Welcome home, all of you," I said, my voice loud enough for everyone to hear, as Joffrey jumped into Lucerys' arms. "The Red Keep has missed you."