King's Landing, The Red Keep - 127 AC

I laughed as I watched Aemond, Helaena, Lucerys, Joff, and Jace enjoying our little picnic in Aegon's garden. The place looked absolutely stunning today. Mother had recently planted new rose bushes that she had imported from Highgarden. Their sweet scent filled the air, adding a touch of elegance to the vibrant scene, with petals in shades of pink and red that seemed to glow under the sun.

The spread of food in front of us was nothing short of a feast. There were gingerbread cookies, lemon cakes, duck sausages, fermented crab, candied almonds, and my favorite, candied plums. The rich aromas wafted through the air, making my mouth water. Since most of us were underage—except for Aemond and Helaena—the drinks were non-alcoholic. We had refreshing pomegranate juice to sip on, and it was just perfect for the warm afternoon. The juice was cool and sweet, a burst of flavor with every sip.

The atmosphere was filled with joy. It felt like a perfect moment, surrounded by friends and family, with the beautiful garden as our backdrop. The new roses, the delicious food, the shared stories—it all came together to create a memory I knew I would cherish forever. Helaena was picking petals off a rose and making a little crown, while Lucerys and Joff tried to sneak extra pieces of gingerbread without being noticed.

I took a deep breath, letting the scents and sounds of the garden wash over me. This was what happiness felt like, I thought. Simple, shared moments with the people I loved.

"I swear, the wind was against us the entire time." Lucerys was in the middle of recounting how Corlys had once let them sail The Black Pearl on their own. "But Aemond here, he was determined. We were out there for hours, tacking and jibing, trying to get the hang of it."

Aemond chuckled. "And then the sail tore," he added, eyes sparkling with the memory. "We thought we were done for, but we managed to get back with a makeshift repair."

"You should have seen their faces when we returned," Lucerys said, laughing. "Covered in salt and sunburned but grinning like fools."

Meanwhile, the rest of us caught Aemond and Lucerys up in the latest court gossip from the Red Keep. Jace had a particularly funny story about something that happened on the last tourney father had arranged.

"There was this knight," Jace began, barely able to contain his laughter. "Ser Garibald, who's always so serious. He was in the melee and doing quite well, but then he got distracted. You'll never guess by what."

We all leaned, even those who already knew what had happened, eager to hear the punchline.

"A squirrel!" Jace exclaimed, bursting into laughter. "A little squirrel darted across the field, and he tripped over his own feet trying to avoid it. Went down like a sack of potatoes."

Helaena laughed so hard she nearly spilled her juice, and Joff was clutching his sides, trying to catch his breath.

"And the best part," Jace continued once he could speak again, "was the look on his face when he got up. Like he couldn't believe what had just happened. Everyone was laughing, even the King."

The tourneys have been happening less as time proceeded. My father has been getting worse with each passing moon. The last time I saw him, he had lost four fingers to necrosis and wore a half mask to cover the disfigurement of his face, which was now missing an eye. It was a shocking sight, to say the least.

I might not be close to my father. Viserys was never present in my life, and half of the time, he forgot that I even existed. But that didn't stop me from feeling pity for him. It was heartbreaking to see him falling apart before the court, vultures circling, waiting for the right time to strike. I could tell that even Aemond, who was mostly apathetic towards the king, felt bad for Viserys. Aemond's shock at seeing our father for the first time in two years had been clear to anyone who knew him. When he got back from Driftmark five moons before, he had confessed to me that if it weren't for the crown on Viserys' head, he wouldn't have recognized him.

Aemond's shaky words echoed in my mind. "He's not the same man, Daeron. He's... he's barely holding on."

I shook my head, trying to push those gloomy thoughts away. I wanted to focus on the good things in life. After years of the Targaryen children being at odds with each other, we were finally allowed to be friends without mother or Rhaenyra getting in the middle. It was a small blessing, but a blessing, nonetheless.

Joff was adding his own tales from the last tourney, his voice animated as he described another amusing incident. "There was this one knight," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Sir Perkin the Flea. He's not really a knight, just some bloke who managed to sneak in. He got knocked off his horse in the first tilt, and his helmet got stuck on his head! They had to pry it off with a crowbar!"

The image made us all laugh again, the somber thoughts of our father momentarily forgotten. Joff had a way of lightening the mood, his infectious laughter spreading through our little group.

Helaena finished her flower crown and placed it gently on my head. "There, you look like a proper prince now," she said with a sweet smile. My older sister truly had a way of always knowing what I was thinking. Her kindness was a balm to my troubled mind.

Jace and Joff continued their playful antics, now challenging each other to see who could eat the most lemon cakes. Filling the atmosphere with laughter and mock accusations of cheating.

I took another deep breath, letting the scents of the garden fill my lungs. The gods gave as much as they took from mortals, I thought wistfully. They had taken my father's health, but they had given me moments of peace and joy with my family. I looked around at my siblings, each one of them lost in their own happiness. Aemond was still talking to Lucerys, their bond seemingly stronger than ever. Helaena was braiding flowers into her own hair now, her eyes sparkling with contentment.

For now, we were free from the weight of our titles and the burdens of the court. For now, we could just be siblings, enjoying a simple picnic in a beautiful garden. And for that, I was grateful.

"Speaking of fools," Lucerys continued, turning to the rest of the group, "Ellyn and Maris are having the time of their lives with their betrotheds, Ralph and Selwyn. Jace helped organize a chaperoned outing to the city for them. Heard from Grandfather Corlys that merchants are bringing all sorts of interesting things to King's Landing."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Those boys are so whipped," I said, shaking my head. "Selwyn and Ralph would do anything for the Baratheon girls."

Lucerys nodded, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "You should have seen them, Daeron. Ralph practically tripped over himself trying to carry Ellyn's things. And Selwyn? He was trying to impress Maris by haggling with a merchant over a piece of jewelry. You could tell he had no idea what he was doing."

Jace laughed, adding, "Selwyn ended up paying twice what it was worth. But Maris was so charmed by the gesture that she kissed him on the cheek. Poor boy looked like he might faint."

We all laughed at the image, the camaraderie between us warming the afternoon. I picked up a candied plum and handed it to Joff, who accepted it with a radiant smile. His beautiful, honest face made my heart skip a beat. His eyes lit up with delight, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of affection.

Joff then moved closer to cuddle up with his sister Lucerys. I watched them for a moment, feeling a mix of warmth and something deeper that I didn't quite understand. Aemond leaned in closer to me, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"So, you've finally figured it out, have you?" he teased quietly. "You're in love with Joffrey."

"Keep your voice down," I hissed at him, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "And how is it that you figured out my feelings before I did?"

Aemond laughed softly, his tone gentle. "It's because I've been through the same thing, little brother," he said, his gaze shifting to Lucerys. There was a longing in his eyes that mirrored the feelings I was just beginning to understand. "You're not alone in this."

I looked at Aemond, seeing the depth of his emotions laid bare. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from my usually stoic brother. I felt a pang of empathy, realizing how much he must have struggled with his own feelings.

Joff's laughter brought me back to the present. He and Lucerys were now playing a game, trying to toss candied almonds into each other's mouths. Their joy was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile.

Aemond clapped me on the shoulder, his expression softening. "Don't worry, Daeron. Love isn't always easy, but it's worth it. Just take it one step at a time."

I nodded, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. The garden around us was alive with color and laughter, the roses blooming in vibrant shades of pink and red, the sweet scent mingling with the aroma of our feast. Once the picnic was over, the laughter and joy of the afternoon began to fade into the quiet of the evening. Jace, Lucerys, and Joff were escorted to their mother, who had called for them. I watched as they walked away, their voices mingling with the soft rustle of the leaves and the distant sound of the castle settling into the night. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that the warmth of the garden would soon be replaced by the cool, stern atmosphere of the queen's quarters.

Aemond, Helaena, and I started to make our way back to our chambers, our footsteps echoing softly on the stone path. None of us truly wanted to go back. Our rooms were at walking distance from the queen's quarters, and at the moment, none of us were in good relations with our mother. The air between us was heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension.

I glanced at Aemond and Helaena as we walked. Aemond's face was set in a thoughtful expression, his eyes distant as he stared ahead. Helaena walked beside him, her usually serene demeanor marred by a hint of sadness. She hadn't been the same since our mother had tried to turn her against Jace, calling our nephew a bastard. The hurt was still fresh, and it was clear that she wasn't ready to forgive Alicent for that betrayal.

As for me, I carried my own weight of discontent. I had always been taught in Old Town about how women were not meant to rule, and that skipping the first male son over an older sister was against the will of the Gods. But the teachings of the Seven had never been more than empty words to me. I had seen enough of their so-called divine will twisted and bent to suit the desires of those in power.

No, I had my own beliefs, grounded in the true legacy of House Targaryen. We followed the Fourteen Flames, ancient and powerful, and they did not care about gender. They were not bound by the whims of the Seven. In my heart, I knew that Rhaenyra was not meant for the Iron Throne, but neither was Aegon. If it were up to me, I would have gathered the support of the great houses and held court at Dragonstone. I would have crowned Lucerys, for she was the only one truly prepared for the burdens of rulership.

But Jace was not without merit. Under Princess Rhaenys's tutelage, he was becoming a good second option. I knew that if I had to withstand a few years with Rhaenyra on the throne before Jace was ready to claim it, then I would. I would bear it, for the future of House Targaryen depended on it. Aegon, with his reckless ways, would only lead Westeros to ruin, drinking and reveling until nothing was left but ashes.

As we walked, the weight of our mother's recent actions hung heavily over us. I still remembered the day Aemond came back from Driftmark, his face pale and his voice steady as he accused Alicent of treason. He had stood there in the throne room, his eyes blazing with anger as he declared that he would never betray Lucerys' family. The sight of our mother's fainting form as Aemond's words struck her like a physical blow was a memory that lingered painfully.

As we approached the entrance to the queen's quarters, I could feel the chill of the evening seeping into my bones, a stark reminder of the cold reality that awaited us inside. Aemond's hand brushed against mine, a small, reassuring gesture. I looked up at him, meeting his eyes. There was a silent understanding between us, I could see the same storm of thoughts swirling behind his eyes, and it was a comfort to know that I was not alone in this struggle.

Helaena walked slightly ahead, her gaze fixed on the path before her. She seemed lost in her own thoughts, the weight of her recent decisions evident in her stiff posture. I wanted to reach out to her, to offer some kind of solace, but the words felt too inadequate to bridge the distance that had grown between us and our mother.

We reached the doors to our chambers, the familiar, worn wood a small comfort. I pushed open the door, and the warmth of the interior embraced us, a stark contrast to the cool evening air. I stepped inside, feeling the weight of the day settle on my shoulders.

Aemond and Helaena followed, and we gathered in the center of the room. The silence between us was heavy, filled with the unsaid and the unresolved. I sat down on one of the chairs by the hearth, the flames casting flickering shadows on the walls.

"Do you think there will be a chance for things to change?" Aemond asked, his voice almost lost in the crackle of the fire.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I don't know," I admitted. "I hope that things will get better, but it's hard to see how right now."

"We have to keep believing that there's a way forward. If we give up hope, then we're lost." Helaena answered, her eyes were glazy, as if she was seeing something in the flames.

Aemond nodded slowly, though his face was still troubled. "But how do we keep hope alive when everything seems so dark?"

Helaena's gaze turned to us. "By holding on to the moments like today," she said softly. "When we're together, when we can find joy in the small things, it gives us strength to face the bigger challenges."

The fire burned low, casting a warm, steady glow over the room. The evening was far from perfect, but it was ours, and for now, that was enough. However, our moment of respite was short-lived. As we were settling into the room, lost in our thoughts and the comfortable warmth of the fire, a servant came in with a somber expression. "The Queen has summoned you," the servant said quietly, eyes flicking nervously from one of us to the other.

We exchanged weary glances, each of us silently weighing the implications of this unexpected summons. I could see the tension in Aemond's shoulders, the way he clenched his fists at his sides. Helaena's face, usually so serene, was clouded with unease. The servant's words hung in the air like a heavy fog, and I could tell that none of us were eager to face the queen after the confrontations we had had with her recently.

With a resigned sigh, we followed the servant through the winding corridors of the Red Keep, the silence between us broken only by the echo of our footsteps on the cold stone floor. The walk felt longer than it was, our steps dragging as we made our way to the queen's chambers. The flickering torchlight cast shadows on the walls, and the solemnity of the moment made the journey feel like a march to our doom.

When we finally arrived at the door to the queen's chambers, the servant knocked softly and then stepped aside. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever was about to come. I could sense Aemond's tension beside me, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the closed door. Helaena seemed to brace herself, her usual calm demeanor now a mask for the worry that was evident in her eyes.

The door swung open, and we stepped inside.

Queen Alicent was seated in her usual place by the window, a position that allowed her to gaze out over the gardens. Her green dress was as regal as ever, but it was the addition of the black veil that caught my attention. The veil was new, a stark contrast to the vibrant green of her dress, and it draped over her shoulders like a shadow. It was as if she was in mourning, though the three of us were still very much alive. I couldn't help but roll my eyes mentally at the dramatic display. My mother could be quite the actress when it came to her own perceived suffering.

"Children," she began, her voice smooth but with an edge of cold authority that made my skin prickle. "Please, have a seat."

We took our places in front of her, the room feeling suddenly too small under the weight of her gaze. I could see the flicker of candlelight reflected in her eyes, casting an eerie glow that seemed to emphasize the veil she wore. She looked at us with an expression that was a curious mix of hauteur and something softer, perhaps regret.

"I have summoned you here to share some news," she said, her tone carrying a hint of expectation. "In five moons, your elder brother Aegon is coming to court with his wife."

The words struck us like a physical blow. I glanced at Aemond, whose eyes widened in surprise, and then at Helaena, whose face was a mask of steel, not revealing what she was feeling. Aegon had not been seen in King's Landing for years; he had renounced his Targaryen name to take his wife's Baratheon name and had remained in the Stormlands ever since. None of us had expected him to return, especially not now.

I leaned forward, unable to hide my curiosity. "Why is he coming back now?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the whirlwind of questions in my mind.

Alicent's gaze sharpened as she met my eyes. "He and his wife are coming to present their son and heir, Orys Baratheon, Second of His Name."