"Aegon, please. You are not in your right mind at the moment."
"On the contrary, Mother, I think my mind is working just fine," As I watched Alicent try her best to try and persuade Aegon to leave, I couldn't help but wonder just where he went wrong.
I mean, I tried my best in the past three years to try and push him into becoming more like his ancestor and namesake, but no matter what I tried, he just didn't care for learning to be a leader.
So, I tried to get him to pursue different things, from becoming a well-known knight to becoming tactician to even trying and helping him learn from one of the Masters on the Small Council.
Unfortunately, he did not care, becoming more like his counterpart in the show that only cared about women, wine or whining about how he doesn't want to be king.
His sight was not set on anything that was meant to shape him into more than the boy he insisted on being, watching as he pulled his hand away and gave me a sneer.
While I didn't mind him becoming insulted or angry, I was wary because even with him being drunk, he could start a war with his words, a war I don't think anyone else wanted.
"Tell me Torrhen, do you truly believe yourself worthy of riding on one of our dragons? Was Vermithor just so desperate for company that he took pity on a wolf from the snow because he was rotting away on that gods-forsaken rock?", I didn't say anything, simply staring him down as I saw Helaena's subtle frown.
"Or...is there Targaryen blood in you after all?"
'I know what he's going to say and I really hope he doesn't.'
"What are you insinuating, Prince Aegon?"
"I'm simply asking if there is dragon rider blood in your veins and if so, perhaps you are not as much of a Stark as we all thought."
"Aegon, careful with your words," Alicent spoke up, everyone already realizing what he was trying to say as we watched him chuckle.
"Oh, don't worry, mother. I am careful, but it's just weird. Did Father perhaps have a feeling that the wolf he wanted to marry my sister to is perhaps not a wolf, but perhaps a shunned dragon? After all, he thrives in the South not unlike a dragon."
"Apologies, Prince Aegon, but I do not understand what you are implying."
"Oh, are we playing fools now? Very well, I shall simplify it so that even you can understand. Is your father truly Rickon Stark and if so, is your mother truly Gilliane Glover?"
"...Are you claiming me to be a Targaryen bastard, Prince Aegon?"
"I never said those words."
"But it is what you are insinuating, yes?", I asked, pressing with it as Aegon shrugged with a smirk.
"It is simply strange to me that the dragon of our former king would be so eager to join the side of a Stark that has no relations to our family. Unless, of course, there is the chance that you do," No one dared to say anything, Otto barely restraining his fury while Alicent looked stunned at what her son said.
Helaena looked as if she wanted to tear into her brother herself, but as I caught her gaze, I simply smiled and shook my head before looking at the waiting Prince.
"You accuse me of bastardy, Prince Aegon. That is a grave insult to my father Rickon Stark, who had been loyal to crown and realm his entire life, an insult to my mother Gilliane Glover, who has never once faltered in her duty as Lady of the North.
It is an insult to House Stark, who has gone above and beyond in our duty to uphold our vows to House Targaryen and an insult to the North itself, who does not need to but still stays loyal to House Targaryen unlike many other houses."
"Do not mistake me, Lord Torrhen. I simply wonder. It is the right of a prince to wonder about the mysteries of blood and lineage, is it not?"
"Enough, Aegon!", Otto cut in, his cane striking the floor as I stayed quiet.
"What you have just spoken is not curiosity but an accusation meant to shame Lord Torrhen, his house and all who stand with him. Those words would have sparked rebellion! Have you no sense at all?"
"Aegon, you will apologize now! To Lord Torrhen and to your family for shaming us all with your tongue!", Alicent agreed, her face pale as Aegon scoffed.
"You think yourself a dragon, Aegon?", However, before he could say anything, Helaena cut in, her eyes meeting his.
"And what if I do?", He asked and she surprised everyone as she let out a soft giggle while resting a hand on my chest.
"A dragon has no need to boast. It burns, it soars, but most importantly, it simply is. Smoke, however...smoke drifts until the wind scatters it and then, there is nothing left of it.
So, which are you brother? Are you a dragon...or are you smoke, waiting for the wind to disperse you and leave nothing of you left for others to cherish?", She asked, Aegon's smirk faltering for the first time as he tried and failed to come up with a retort.
"Even your sister sees the folly in your words, boy. Apologize."
"Wh-"
"Now!", Otto cut him off with a cold, sharp look, Aegon glancing between us all before he turned and left the room with a scoff, stumbling about as Alicent followed after him.
"Torrhen, on behalf of my house and as Lord Hand, I beg your pardon for my grandson's indiscretions.
"There is no need, Lord Hand. I understand that this was nothing more than the words of an intoxicated young man," I spoke with a smile, to which Otto gave a thankful nod before he and Larys left the room, leaving Helaena and I alone.
As they did, a snarl spread across my face as my hands trembled, wanting to reach for my wand and go show that fucker what it means to shame the names of my deceased parents.
I may be a reincarnated soul, but those people showed love to me despite my weirdness and there was no way that I was going to let a spoiled, degenerate, arrogant, narcissistic, incompetent fool like Aegon slander their name.
"Torrhen, calm," Helaena whispered, my trembling subsiding as I felt her lying her head on my shoulder and her presence enveloping mine.
"If I wasn't in the care of your father..."
"I know, and that's why it's not time yet. The wolf that loses control of his fangs in the dragons' den does not walk out again. Let him choke on his own smoke," She murmured and I smiled, wrapping an arm around her as I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"You're...you're right. I'll have my chance."
"We'll have our chance and when it appears, we make sure he regrets drawing the ire of us for what little of his life remains," She spoke and I caught a glimmer of anger flashing in her eyes as I smiled and closed mine.
Yeah, he'll regret it for the rest of his short life. That, I'll make sure of.
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"Father, Aegon is-"
"A fool. That is what he is. A fool," I watched as Otto paced around in his office, Alicent looking hesitant to say anything other than agree with the man.
"Who would go and tell someone that you believe them to be a bastard? He can be glad that I've quarantined him to his room for the previous moon cycle to make him clear his head or else there would have been war."
"I agree with you, Father, but he...may have had some good points."
"You agree with his ludicrous thought that Lord Torrhen is a bastard?"
"Not in the slightest. What I do agree with is that there may have been a chance of Lord Torrhen having Targaryen or Dragonrider blood in his veins. After all, who is to say that only the Targaryens survived."
'That...might not be such a farfetched thought except for one simple thing.'
"The Targaryens made sure that no other dragonlord from Old Valyria other than their family made it to Westeros."
"And you believe them?"
"I believe them because I would have done the same thing. After all, I would not want the threat of potential dragonriders at my back," I had to agree with Otto as while it is ruthless, it is also the right move. Dragons are basically nuclear weapons if used correctly and I'd rather take out anyone else that could have them than let them live.
"Besides, if there were any other dragonlords that survived the Doom, they would have escaped with their dragons and those are hard to hide from sight."
"But what if they were not a dragon rider? What if they were sailors who could bond with dragons like Helaena before she bonded with Silverwing? After all, Valyria was as much of a trading powerhouse as it was a slaver's central playground," Alicent spoke and both Otto and I paused before I watched as the older man rubbed his chin.
"For now, we shall investigate further into how Lord Torrhen is able to bond with a dragon in secret, but our first priority is making sure that Lord Torrhen does not feel insulted by Aegon's words.
The royal family have already slighted him once when Jacaerys almost killed him. If word were to get out that Aegon tried to imply that he was a bastard, you can be sure that the North would rather install a new royal family than follow the rulings of its current one."
"I understand," Alicent said as she stood up, my gaze following her as she left the room before I turned to Otto as I saw the man sitting back in his chair with a weary sigh and a grimace.
"Why did you have to become sick, Viserys? I never thought that I would say this, but your help is needed now more than ever," The man murmured, a soft squeak escaping my lips as I watched Otto stand up and leave his room.
Closing my eyes, I disconnected the link and opened my eyes again, founding myself lying with my head on Helaena's lap as the two of us sat under the heart tree in the godswood of the Red Keep.
'Warging is such a cheat code,' I thought as I let out a soft sigh, signalling to Helaena that I was awake before I looked at her as she softly ran her fingers through my hair.
She just raised an eyebrow in response, giving a knowing smile when I shrugged and turned my gaze back to the skies that I could make through the foliage of the godswood.
Up above, I watched as Silverwing and Vermithor danced with Vhagar in the air, their roars making me smile as I could feel the joy through the link with Vermithor.
"I see you enjoyed your nap?", I heard Aemond ask, looking over to see him looking at me with a smirk before Helaena giggled as I nodded.
"I had quite the comfortable pillow."
"Please, do not talk about my sister's lap like that in front of me. I'd rather spare myself the nightmares."
"You say that now, but when your beloved appears, your heart will find itself longing for her attention," Helaena spoke with an amused smile, a chuckle escaping my lips when I saw Aemond's grimace.
"Spare me. There are not many that I would give the time of day."
"Well, I was going to suggest Baela or Rhaena, but...", I trailed off, smirking when I saw the glare he aimed at me as Helaena giggled.
"No."
"You were children when it happened."
"You nearly died as a child."
"And I forgave them for it. It doesn't mean I forgot about it."
"Well, that does not mean I will. Now, let us move onto a different topic."
"Ooh, what of the Four Storms, the four daughters of Lord Borros Baratheon?", Helaena proposed and I nodded in agreement as Aemond narrowed his eyes in thought.
"Any of the four are good choices as that would bind House Baratheon and the Stormlands to the Crown by marriage, which would help strengthen our house's position."
"Your position. Do you know them beyond just their names?", I asked lightly, Aemond simply giving a shrug as he crossed his arms.
"I know enough."
"Enough to know which one wouldn't try to claw your eye out at night?"
"Careful there, wolf," He warned, though I smirked as I saw the corners of his mouth twitching even with the frown on his face.
"Oh, don't act like that with him, brother. Marriages are not just contracts of land and titles, but also beds shared and futures entwined. You need to choose the one that would endure your silences, calm your temper and not flinch at our scars."
"What scars? The only scar he has is when I smacked his ankle in training," I teased, sitting up with laughter when Aemond rolled his eyes while Helaena just swatted my shoulder with a cute glare.
"But she is right."
"So, I should look for someone that would have a relationship with me as well as yours?"
"Oh, no. What Helaena and I have is something that is very rare and far in-between. Instead, ask of Lord Baratheon if you can interview his daughters one by one and then choose the one that compliments you the most."
"I would say it's the one that can be as quick with responses as he is," Helaena chimed in and I nodded as I saw Aemond nod.
"I suppose it would not hurt, but I will only do so when you two are busy with your marriage to care for me. Speaking of which, when is the wedding exactly?"
"The day before the next moon cycle."
"What?/ What?", Both Aemond and I asked in surprise, his sounding more confused while mine was filled with panic. Helaena seemed to catch my look as she blinked before she gave me an apologetic smile.
"I wanted to tell you earlier, but I had my first blood last night. Mother found out and so, our wedding is before the start of the next moon. Surprise~"
"I do not envy you," Aemond spoke with an amused tone, Helaena patting my arm as I just looked out in front of me.
'...Holy shit. I'm actually getting married.'
"Um, apologies for interrupting, Lord Torrhen, Princess Helaena, Prince Aemond," I snapped out of my stunned state as I looked to the side, Aemond tensing for a moment before relaxing when we watched Ser Erryk step forward.
"What is it, Erryk?"
"It's King Viserys."
"What happened to Father?", Aemond asked immediately with a frown, Helaena looking just as concerned before they looked relieved when Erryk smiled.
"It is nothing of concern. I am simply here to say that King Viserys has called the royal family to come to the Throne Hall as he has an announcement to make."
"Oh, well, I suppose you all should go," I spoke before blinking when Helaena grabbed my hand and stood up, making me smirk as I stood up as well.
As the three of us followed Erryk out of the forest, I watched as our three dragons caught sight of us and flew overhead, each letting out a loud roar as they began to orbit the sky.
"Do not worry. It is most likely simply a meeting," Helaena spoke in High Valyrian, making Silverwing relax while Vermithor calmed down when I gave a nod.
Vhagar on the other hand didn't look as if she cared as she flew to the outside of the city, the three dragons following after her while I turned to Aemond with a smirk.
"Don't. Say. Anything," He grumbled as he lowered his hand, making me chuckle as we continued to follow Erryk.
Well, time to see what the king wants.
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Viserys was a sight to see, the usual rotund man now nearly a third of his width as he looked to be almost skin and bones. His clothing sat loosely on him now and his face gaunt as we entered the throne room.
Yet, the joyful aura the man radiated was still there as he smiled, showing off a few missing teeth even as I returned his smile with my own and a wave.
That made him chuckle as well as Alicent smile slightly as she nodded in thanks, to which I nodded back before I looked over and my smile fell at the sight of Aegon standing with his arms crossed.
Helaena and I simply didn't say anything as we walked over to the opposite side, surprising Rhaenyra as well as everyone else as we stood beside her while looking to the king.
What surprised everyone more was when Aemond joined Rhaenyra's other side, standing beside Daemon who raised an eyebrow with an amused smirk before he looked back to the king.
"The Second Son, the Second Daughter and her betrothed support Rhaenyra," That was the message we all agreed upon during our time in the godswood and it worked, Aemond and I sharing an amused smirk as we heard the whispers.
"I thank you all...for coming at such short notice," Viserys began, seemingly ignoring what just happened even as Alicent narrowed her eyes at us.
"It is not everyday...that I am cognitive enough to make any important decisions, but today is such a day and thus...I have made a decision to lead our kingdoms in the right direction. First, Aemond, step forward," Aemond narrowed his eyes even as he did as Viserys asked, stopping in front of the throne before kneeling down.
"Aemond, you along with a royal progression are to make your way to Storm's End, where you will choose a bride from one of Lord Borros Baratheon's four daughters," Those from the Stormlands let out pleased whispers while Helaena and I shared a knowing look when we saw Aemond glancing at us with a smirk.
"I shall do my best to return with a bride, Father."
"One that you believe to be a match to you...and if you cannot find one, do not feel disheartened," Viserys rasped, Aemond nodding as he stood up and walked back to his position.
"Now, my daughter Rhaenyra. Please, step forward," That made everyone pause and grow silent as Rhaenyra walked forward, her steps measured and precise as she walked over and curtseyed in front of the throne.
"Father, what do you require of me?"
"...The last time we met, Rhaenyra, we parted on bad terms. I admit that I was in the wrong for the things I said just as you were in the wrong for the things you said.
However, in my times of illness and pain, I have come to learn...that there are many things more important to me than being king and maintaining power.
You, my daughter, are all that I have left of my first wife Aemma and I...wish to do good by her. Therefore..."
'Is he going to do what I think he's going to do?', I thought with wide eyes as I looked to Helaena, who had a smile on her face as she nodded.
As I turned back, gasps echoed in the hall and Rhaenyra looked stunned as Viserys removed his crown, Alicent looking as if her world was crashing down when Viserys smiled and held the crown out to his daughter.
"From this day forth until your last, you are now Queen Rhaenyra. Long may you reign."
A/N: ...Hey, cliffhanger? Yeah, cliffhanger~! We started off strong with Aegon's insults and we ended it strong with Rhaenyra now queen.
What does that mean for the realm? Find out next time.
A/N: ...Hey, cliffhanger? Yeah, cliffhanger~!!! We started off strong with Aegon's insults and we ended it strong with Rhaenyra now queen.
What does that mean for the realm? Find out next time.
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