King's Landing, The Red Keep – 129 AC
One year has passed since the fall of the Hightowers, and as I look back on everything that's happened, I can't help but reflect on how much has changed. I remember the day Otto Hightower was burned alive by Syrax. I stood among the onlookers, watching from the royal box, and even though I knew he deserved his fate, there was a flicker of respect for the man in the way he met his end. He never begged for mercy, never faltered in his defiance. It was a bitter reminder of the strength it took to stand up to a dragon, even if that strength was misguided. It was a strange moment, feeling that respect for the very man who had caused so much pain.
House Baratheon left King's Landing soon after the Hightower fall, taking Vigilance with them. Maris and Ellyn, who had been fostered with us, returned with them. Their time away from home had come to an end after three years. It saddened my little sister, but their departure was inevitable.
But there was a silver lining. Ralph and Selwyn stayed behind, to finish their squiring period with my kepa. I was glad about that. Ralph and Selwyn had become good friends, almost like brothers to me, and their presence was a comfort. With them, Daeron, Lena, Luce, and Aemond, I had a solid group to rely on.
I was proud of my parents. They stepped up to the challenge of ruling Westeros while Grandfather Viserys's health continued to deteriorate. My muña, took on the role of regent with the same fierce determination she had shown all her life. And seeing kepa beside her, supporting her in every way, made me proud. They made a great team, and though my duties had grown, I felt a deep satisfaction knowing that they were leading us through this time.
Now that muña was acting as queen, my own duties had expanded. As the future Crown Prince, there were meetings to attend, decisions to make, and a constant barrage of papers and reports. It was more than I had ever imagined, but I had a strong group of people around me to help.
Looking to the future, I had begun to think about who part of my Small Council would be when the time came. I was already planning for the future, preparing for the responsibilities that would eventually be mine to bear. Selwyn would make a perfect Master of Coin—he had an uncanny knack for numbers and strategy. Ralph, with his calm demeanor and sharp mind, would be an excellent Master of Laws. Aemond had the experience and the presence to handle the Master of Ships, while Luce would be a keen Mistress of Whispers, keeping an ear on the ground for the secrets of the realm. My little sister has always had a knack for knowing everything.
And Daeron—Daeron would be my Lord Commander of the City Watch. I knew he had the skills for it, but I also knew I couldn't chain him to King's Landing forever. My kepa will never get that chance, not when he will become the Prince Consort of the Seven Kingdoms. Just like him, Daeron's interests were not the norm in Westeros, and I had learned from past mistakes that it was better to allow him freedom. Daeron had his own path to walk, and once Joffrey came of age, I suspected Daeron would head to the Narrow Seas, seeking out the adventures and companionships that suited him best. I was prepared to offer him that freedom, understanding that his happiness was as important as any political role.
As I sit in the chamber that serves as my study, the weight of the crown upon my brow feels heavier than it did before. I am still young, but I am learning, growing into my role as the future King. The people around me are more than just allies—they are friends and confidants. I am fortunate to have them by my side, and I hope I can live up to the expectations placed on me.
In these moments of quiet reflection, I think about the years to come. I think about how I will be tested, how I will need to balance the burdens of leadership with the desire for a peaceful life. I think about the future of Westeros and what kind of ruler I want to be. I hope to be wise and fair, to guide the realm through the challenges that lie ahead with grace and strength.
As I look out the window of my chamber, I see the city of King's Landing sprawled before me, a living, breathing entity full of hope and strife. The sun is setting, casting a warm, golden light over the rooftops, and I am reminded of the beauty that still exists amidst the turmoil. It is a hopeful time, and though the shadows of the past linger, there is a bright future on the horizon.
This is my time to grow, to learn, and to prepare for the role I will one day assume. I know there will be trials and hardships, but I am ready to face them, to take on the mantle of responsibility and lead Westeros into a new era. I am Jacaerys Velaryon, the future Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, and I will do my best to honor the legacy of those who came before me while building a future for those who will come after me.
I stood from my study, my thoughts still wrapped around the weight of my responsibilities. The quiet hum of the city outside seemed to drift through the room as I made my way down the dimly lit corridors of the Red Keep. Ser Steffon Darklyn, my loyal sworn shield and member of the Kingsguard, followed closely behind. His heavy armor clinked softly with each step, a constant reminder of the protection he provided, even if I hardly needed it now. The attack on Orys a year ago had been a harsh wake-up call for all of us, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked even in the most seemingly secure places. Muña's anxiety had only increased after that incident, and now, Ser Steffon was by my side almost constantly.
As we approached my chambers, Ser Steffon's presence seemed almost unnecessary, but I understood my mother's fears. The guards stationed outside my door were more than enough to keep anyone from entering uninvited. I nodded to Ser Steffon. "Thank you, Ser Steffon. You may go now." I could see the hesitation in his eyes, the desire to stay close and protect me, but he bowed and stepped back, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Inside the room, kepa was already waiting for me. The scent of tea and lemon cakes filled the space. Kepa looked up from the small table where the tea was prepared, his eyes warm with affection. "Come, Jace," he said with a smile, motioning for me to sit. "Let's have a moment to ourselves."
I settled into the chair opposite him, feeling the tension of the day start to ease as I took a sip of tea. The warmth of the cup against my fingers was soothing, and the lemon cakes were a small pleasure that never failed to lift my spirits. Kepa's eyes followed my every move, a mixture of pride and concern etched into his features.
"How are you holding up with all the extra duties?" he asked, his voice gentle but earnest.
I took a bite of the cake, the sweetness mingling with the tartness of the lemon, and looked at kepa. "It's been hard, kepa," I admitted, my voice slightly muffled by the cake. "There's so much to manage, and it feels like there's always something new to deal with. But I've had help from my friends, and I'm loving the challenge. It's pushing me to grow in ways I never expected."
Kepa laughed softly, a sound that was full of genuine relief. "I'm glad to hear that, Jace. It comforts me to know that the future of Westeros is in such capable hands." His words made me blush with pride, the warmth of his approval wrapping around me like a comforting cloak.
But then kepa's expression grew serious, his eyes meeting mine with a mix of hesitation and resolve. "Jace, about Criston Cole…"
The name hung in the air between us like a ghost from the past. Criston Cole, the shamed Kingsguard who had been sent to the Wall a year ago, was a dark chapter in our family's history. I knew this conversation was coming. Kepa had been holding onto this secret for so long, and now, it seemed he was finally ready to speak about it.
I took a deep breath and looked at kepa, my heart heavy but steady. "I know, kepa," I said gently, my voice steady despite the emotional weight of the moment. "I've always known."
Kepa's eyes widened in shock, and I could see the pain and regret there. "How?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
I gave a sad smile, my own heart aching as I remembered how I'd pieced together the truth over the years. "Children see and hear more than adults think possible," I said softly. "Even if you tried to shield me from it, I knew the truth. But it never mattered to me. Criston Cole is nothing to me. You, on the other hand, are my father. No matter what anyone says or believes."
Kepa's eyes filled with tears, and he moved to stand beside me. His arms enveloped me in a hug that was both comforting and sorrowful. I felt the strength of his love and the weight of his regrets all at once. "And you are the most perfect son anyone could have asked for," he whispered into my ear, his voice breaking slightly. "You are Jacaerys Velaryon, and don't ever let anyone make you doubt that."
I held on to him tightly, letting the emotional release flow through me. His words, simple yet profound, were a balm to my soul. I buried my face in his shoulder, feeling the comforting strength of his embrace.
"I'm proud of you, Jace," kepa continued, his voice thick with emotion. "I see the way you handle your responsibilities, the way you rise to the challenge. You are becoming the leader we hoped you would be, and more."
I pulled back slightly to look at him, my eyes meeting his with a mixture of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, kepa," I said, my voice steady despite the tears that threatened to spill. "I will do everything I can to be worthy of the trust you have in me."
Kepa nodded, his own tears spilling over as he reached out to brush them away. "I know you will," he said softly. "You are strong and kind, and you will be a great king one day. I have no doubt about that."
As we finished our tea and the last crumbs of the cakes disappeared from the plate, I felt a renewed sense of hope. The future was still uncertain, full of potential pitfalls and challenges, but I was not alone in facing them. I had my family, my friends, and the strength of my own resolve to guide me.
When the time came for kepa to leave, he stood and pulled me into another embrace. "Remember, Jace," he said softly, "you are loved. You are never alone, and you have a future that is full of possibilities."
I nodded against his shoulder, feeling a sense of calm washing over me. "I will remember," I said, my voice steady and sincere. "Thank you for being here with me."
That night, as I sank into bed, I couldn't help but let a smile spread across my face. There was a lightness to my heart that I hadn't felt in a long time, a hopeful anticipation for what the future might bring. The day had been filled with moments of connection and understanding with Kepa, and as I drifted into sleep, I was comforted by the warmth of those feelings. I knew that the challenges ahead were many, but for the first time in a long while, I felt ready to face them.
Morning came swiftly, the soft light of dawn filtering through the heavy curtains of my chamber. I stretched lazily, savoring the moment of peace before the day's demands began. I had been excited for today for weeks, and now that it was finally here, I could barely contain my enthusiasm.
The grandeur of the upcoming wedding was more than just a personal milestone; it was a symbol of House Targaryen's strength and unity. After the chaos of the past year, muña wanted to show the realm that we were more than just survivors of the storm—we were a force to be reckoned with, standing proud and resolute.
Helaena and I had been given the task of greeting the many lords and ladies arriving from every corner of Westeros, a daunting and tedious chore that was supposed to reinforce the idea of a united front. The hallways of the Red Keep were filled with the sounds of bustling activity, the air thick with the scents of exotic perfumes and the chatter of nobles eager to make their presence known.
As I pulled on my finest attire for the day, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—a young man on the brink of a new chapter, dressed in the finest silks and gems that had been prepared for this occasion. I tried to ignore the gnawing pressure in my chest, the reminder of the Song of Ice and Fire and the heavy mantle of responsibility it implied.
Helaena was a vision beside me, her calm and graceful presence a soothing balm for my nerves. I couldn't help but admire her as we walked down the grand corridors together. Her smile was as radiant as ever, and her eyes sparkled with excitement and hope for the future. Despite the endless parade of nobles and the relentless etiquette of it all, she made it bearable. Her gentle touch on my arm when my patience wore thin, her reassuring glances, all of it helped me keep my composure.
"Are you holding up okay?" she asked softly, her voice like a breeze through a summer garden.
"I'm doing alright," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "It's just a lot to take in. But I'm glad you're here with me."
The weight of the prophecy that had been shared with me that morning seemed lighter when I thought of us facing the future side by side. Muña had told me about the Dream of Aegon, the prophecy that from my line, the Prince that Was Promised would be born. It was a burden I had struggled to come to terms with, a pressure that made my heart pound with anxiety. But with Helaena's hand in mine, I dared to hope that we might find a way to make that dream a reality.
As we greeted the incoming guests, the crowd of nobles, lords, and ladies from across Westeros surged around us. They came with their finery and their airs of importance, all eager to be part of the great event. It was a parade of opulence and grandeur, and I was both overwhelmed and fascinated by it all.
The procession was endless, with each new arrival bringing a new wave of greetings and small talk. I caught myself glancing at Helaena frequently, our eyes meeting in silent communication as we navigated through the sea of faces. There were moments when I wanted to shout for a break, to escape the endless politeness and the parade of pretentious smiles, but Helaena was always there, a steadying presence at my side.
In the midst of the chaos, a familiar figure appeared in the doorway, and my heart leaped at the sight. House Stark had arrived, and there, leading the delegation, was Lord Rickon Stark with his heir, Cregan. My old friend and I exchanged a look of pure joy and relief, a silent recognition of the years that had passed since we had last seen each other.
I stepped forward, unable to contain my excitement. "Cregan! It's been too long."
Cregan's face lit up with a grin that mirrored my own as he moved to embrace me. "Jace, it's good to see you again. It feels like ages since we were last together."
We clasped each other's shoulders, the warmth of our friendship a stark contrast to the formality of the event around us. I could see the same camaraderie in Cregan's eyes, the same bond that had held us together through the years of separation.
"It's wonderful to have you here," I said, pulling back from the hug but keeping a hand on Cregan's shoulder. "I hope the journey was kind to you?"
"As kind as it could be in winter," Cregan replied with a chuckle. "But it's all worth it to be here for your wedding."
I turned to Helaena, who had been watching with a gentle smile. "Cregan, let me introduce you again to Helaena, my future wife."
Helaena stepped forward, her grace and poise evident as she extended her hand to Cregan. "Lord Cregan, it is a pleasure to see you once more. Jacaerys has told me so much about you."
Cregan took her hand and bowed slightly, his expression respectful and friendly. "The pleasure is mine, Princess Helaena. I've heard nothing but good things about you from Jace."
The interaction was smooth, and I could see the easy connection between Helaena and Cregan that I had hoped for. With a few more pleasantries exchanged, we led Cregan and Lord Rickon through the grand halls of the Red Keep. The castle was bustling with activity, the air filled with the murmur of conversations and the occasional burst of laughter.
As we walked together, I couldn't help but think about the future. Cregan had been my foster brother and closest friend, and I knew he would be a vital part of my future plans. When the time came to choose my Hand of the King, I could see no better choice than Cregan. His wisdom, his loyalty, and his understanding of the ruling over hard times made him the ideal person for the role. I simply hope he will accept the pin when I offer it to him.
As the day progressed, the formalities continued, but with each new arrival and each new conversation, I felt a little more prepared for the future. By the time evening fell and the first stars began to twinkle in the sky, I was filled with a deep sense of contentment.
The wedding was just around the corner, and with it came a future with my beloved.
