King's Landing, The Red Keep - 128 AC

As Princess Rhaenyra and I walked through the halls of the Red Keep, the faint echo of our footsteps seemed to carry the weight of our conversation. The grand tapestries and gilded decorations did little to mask the tension that lingered in the air.

"I'm disgusted by the way the Queen's already started spreading rumors about Orys," I began, unable to contain my frustration. "It's despicable."

Princess Rhaenyra scoffed, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "It was to be expected. Alicent is a bitter woman. She'll use anything to try and undermine us."

We continued walking, the silence between us comfortable yet heavy. Princess Rhaenyra sighed deeply, her expression softening as she glanced at me. "You know, Lord Borros, many believe that the reason I'm not close to my half-siblings is because Alicent never allowed us to spend time together when we were younger. But the truth is, I didn't care much about them."

I looked at her, surprised by her candor. "What do you mean?"

She hesitated, her steps slowing as she gathered her thoughts. "I never meant to harm or mistreat them, but I was indifferent to Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron. I was so caught up with being a mother and a political rival to Alicent that most of the time, they were an afterthought. It's a shameful thing to admit, but for a few years, while Daeron was in Old Town, I even forgot that I had a third brother."

The sadness in her voice was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her. "That must have been difficult to realize."

"It was," she said quietly. "When I finally saw how absent the king was in their lives, I tried to do better. I started having tea with Helaena, helping Daeron with his High Valyrian, and sharing books with Aemond. But by then, Aegon had married Cassandra and moved to Storm's End. I felt like I had lost the chance to make things right with him."

I nodded, understanding her regret. "Aegon has changed a lot since then. He's found a sense of purpose and belonging in Storm's End."

Princess Rhaenyra's eyes brightened with curiosity. "How is Aegon doing?"

I couldn't help but smile as I thought of the boy who had become like a son to me. "He's doing wonderfully. He's the son Elenda and I never had. Elenda loves gossiping with him, though the two of them call it 'intel collection.' Aegon respects that Cassandra holds the power in the Stormlands and never tries to speak over her. It's refreshing to see a man who truly supports his wife's leadership."

Princess Rhaenyra smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "I'm glad to hear that. It's comforting to know that he's found good parents in you and Elenda, even if the bond was made through marriage and not blood."

I felt a swell of pride at her words. "We're proud to have him as part of our family. He's a good man, and he's done a lot to strengthen our house."

As we walked on, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the sense of camaraderie between us remained. Despite the challenges and the political maneuvering, there was a sense of hope. Perhaps, with time, the bonds between the Targaryen family could be mended and strengthened, leading us to a brighter future.

As we reached the royal nursery, I couldn't help but notice the transformation of the room. The once pervasive greens and seven-pointed-star motifs were replaced with red and black, dragons adorning every corner. It was Princess Rhaenyra's doing, reclaiming the Red Keep for House Targaryen. I also spotted the yellow and stag motifs that I had requested for my grandson. Gods, the Targaryens were finally taking back their legacy.

Princess Rhaenyra stood by my side, eyes softening as she took in the sight of Aegon cradling Orys. "He's very beautiful," she said, her voice gentle. "And fatherhood suits you."

Aegon beamed with pride. "Thank you," he said, his gaze fixed on his son. "I can't get enough of seeing this adorable face. Call me smug, but I swear he's got my smile."

Princess Rhaenyra laughed, a warm, genuine sound. "I can see that. He also has the shape of your eyes."

Aegon's smile faded a bit. "Others don't see it, though. They believe he's not my son. I wouldn't be surprised if Mother spreads those rumors."

My blood boiled at the reminder of the rumors besmirching not only my grandson, but daughter as well. How I wanted to run the queen through my sword, but that was treason. So, I took a deep breath, trying to reign in my fury and focused on the conversation between siblings.

"Been there," Princess Rhaenyra replied, her tone heavy with the weight of her own experiences.

I watched as Aegon held Orys closer, a fierce protectiveness in his eyes. "How do you do it? How do you deal with people who question your children's legitimacy?" he asked her.

"It's not easy," she admitted. "I remind myself that I'm their mother, and I must be strong for them. If I react violently, it would only fuel those claims. Maintain a strong front, and always remind yourself and your son that you are his father. As long as you have that bond with him, nothing will tear it apart."

"Thank you, sister," Aegon said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Princess Rhaenyra stared at Orys for a long moment, a soft smile on her lips. "He looks exactly like Lucerys when she was a baby. I could have sworn I was seeing her in your arms."

Aegon's eyes widened. "You think you could say that again at tonight's banquet?"

Princess Rhaenyra smirked. "Of course."

"And bring Lucerys," Aegon added. "If they are seen beside each other, people will see the resemblance."

"Your mother will not be happy," Princess Rhaenyra said, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Even better," Aegon replied, his grin matching hers.

Standing there, observing this rare moment of understanding between them, I felt a sense of pride. Aegon had changed so much since leaving King's Landing. He was no longer the wayward prince but a father, a Baratheon by choice, and a true ally to his sister. The bond between them was growing, and it was a sight to behold. This was the unity our houses needed, a show of strength and solidarity against those who sought to tear us apart. As they shared their plans and reassurances, I felt a sense of vindication. This was the future I wanted for my daughter, my grandson, and our family.

Later that day, we were all in our quarters, getting ready for the banquet. I couldn't help but smile as I watched Ellyn and Maris coo over little Orys, while Cassandra paraded him around like the proud mother she was. My heart swelled at the sight. I had missed my middle daughters dearly, but I could see that their time at Driftmark and King's Landing had done them well. They stood with more confidence and grace than ever before. I just needed to make sure those Selwyn and Ralph boys were treating them right.

What can I say? I'm an overprotective father.

I turned to where Elenda and Aegon were chatting animatedly. When I first met Aegon, I didn't know what to expect. I thought I'd have to keep him in line, worrying he might try to usurp his sister Rhaenyra. But Aegon didn't care about power or the Iron Throne. Once I realized that, I was simply happy to have another man in the family, someone who gave me a grandson to carry on the Baratheon name.

Elenda had taken a real liking to him, and it was easy to see why. Aegon was completely supportive of our daughter without a trace of ambition for himself. He wanted Cassandra to succeed, and that was enough for me. Now, watching them share the gossip and scandals they'd gathered since stepping into the Red Keep, I couldn't help but chuckle. Those two tag-teaming were a riot, a nightmare for all their enemies.

"Did you hear about Lady Margaery?" Aegon said, leaning in with a conspiratorial whisper.

"Oh, yes!" Elenda replied, her eyes gleaming. "I heard she was caught sneaking out of Lord Tarly's chambers last night."

They both burst out laughing, and I shook my head, amused. It was good to see Aegon so at ease, so at home with us. The bond between him and Elenda was something I hadn't expected, but it was a pleasant surprise.

Once we were all dressed in Baratheon black, with accents of yellow just to spite Queen Alicent, we finally made our way to the banquet. The king was absent, his health too poor to attend. At the high table, Queen Alicent sat with her father Otto and uncle Hobert, who she had invited to meet Orys. I found it amusing that neither Otto nor Hobert had requested to spend time with Orys, and even Queen Alicent hadn't shown any interest.

Seeing Aegon in his Baratheon black with yellow accents, the looks of anger on their faces were priceless. Princess Rhaenyra, her children, her husband, Ser Laenor, and her half-siblings were also at the high table. Since this banquet was in honor of Aegon, Cassandra, and Orys, House Baratheon was invited to sit at the high table as well.

As the evening progressed, Princess Lucerys held her baby cousin Orys, and everyone remarked on the resemblance, noting how they looked like siblings. Princess Rhaenyra and Aegon exchanged a triumphant fist bump, and I couldn't help but laugh at their antics.

The banquet continued, and Aegon showed just how petty he could be. At one point, a Green sympathizer approached him with a sneer. "Oh, it must be terrible, my prince, to be forced to be subservient to a woman," the man said.

Aegon, with a deadpan look on his face, responded without missing a beat. "Bitch, I am not required to attend meetings. I actually enjoy going to the training yards now, mostly to stay in shape. I have no say in governing. I am borderline pampered like a Braavos mistress. She can step on me, and I'd say thank you. Now leave me alone unless you want a blow-by-blow account of my son's conception."

The look on the man's face was priceless, and I couldn't contain my laughter. Cassandra, always in control, ordered Aegon to stop before he would start oversharing, and he immediately complied, much to the chagrin of the Greens. Their fury was palpable, not only because Aegon was spitting on their preaching about women not meant to rule but also because he was clearly showing that Cassandra was the one wearing the pants in the relationship.

Seeing the Greens' faces contorted with anger and frustration, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. This was our night, a night to celebrate our family and our unity. And as I looked around at the smiling faces of my loved ones, I knew we had won this round. Aegon's antics, Princess Rhaenyra's support, and the sheer joy of seeing our enemies seethe made this banquet one for the ages.

We were House Baratheon, and we were here to stay.