Aemon Targaryen

-Chapter 35-

-POV Viserys Targaryen-

"You seem tense, my love," my wife said as I looked at myself in the mirror.

The years were taking their toll on me more and more, and I lost a bit more vigor each year since Aemma's death.

"I'm worried," I said.

"Worried about what?" Alicent replied, catching my gaze in the mirror.

I lowered my eyes and added, "About the future of my House, my succession, Rhaenyra's future, so many things."

Alicent pulled away from me, and realizing I had made a mistake, I quickly turned around and said, "I also care about our children, but Rhaenyra is so reckless that it haunts me day and night. I'm afraid she'll clash with her cousin."

Alicent took my hands and said:

"What happened in the courtyard was an accident that Aemon handled quite well, if you ask me. He could have demanded Ser Harwin's head for that disrespect."

"And I should have demanded his head and that of his dragon for what he dared to do, accident or not," I said, clenching my fist.

"But you can't do that," Alicent said.

"I can't do that because I don't have the strength, and Daemon would never forgive me. The relationship he has with his son is special, but nonetheless indestructible; it's his greatest pride," I said. As his older brother, I knew Daemon well enough to understand that Aemon was his favorite and that it wasn't going to change.

"Soon, you will be able to," Alicent said, placing my hand on her already well-rounded belly.

I smiled, and she added, "We already have three children; with this fourth, we will have the advantage in the number of dragonriders."

"Aemon will have his own children too," I said, not reassured in the least by my dear wife's reasoning.

"Just like Rhaenyra," Alicent added.

"You'd be willing to work together with her?" I said, surprised, as I was aware of the simmering tensions between her and Rhaenyra.

"I'll be ready to do whatever my king orders," Alicent said, gazing into my eyes with her beautiful hazel eyes.

"I love you," I said, placing my hands on her cheeks before kissing her gently.

---

-POV Laena Velaryon-

Annoyed by the task my father had given me, I went to my future husband's quarters. In front of the door, Ser Arnold Arryn and Ser Gunthor Royce stood guard.

"Ser," I said in greeting.

Both lowered their heads, and Ser Gunthor opened the door, announcing loudly:

"Lady Laena Velaryon is here, my prince."

"Let her in," Aemon replied.

I walked past the two knights before coming face to face with Aemon, who, shirtless, was trying on different outfits in front of a mirror.

"You still haven't chosen what to wear for the feast?"

"Laena," he said, turning around before quickly putting on a random outfit while adding:

"I thought the ceremony would be on the first day, so no, I didn't plan for the rest."

I rolled my eyes and then said, "I'm here on behalf of my father, so let's keep this as simple as possible."

He nodded while continuing to get ready:

"Until the end of your stay in the capital, House Velaryon would greatly appreciate it if you didn't interfere with the good mood of the Princess Heiress."

"I don't understand," Aemon said calmly, without looking at me.

"You understand perfectly what I'm trying to say," I said, convinced he understood but was trying to regain control to negotiate.

He took several seconds before finally turning around, fully dressed, and said with a big smile:

"You're right, I'm a terrible liar, but I'm not inclined to obey your snake of a father."

"You know my father is proud, and if you don't do what he asks, he'll make you pay sooner or later," I said, raising an eyebrow at Aemon.

Aemon nodded and said:

"I understood the message well, and you can tell your father that I'm neither at his service nor yours, and if you don't want to marry or he wants to marry you to someone else, he's free to do so."

The polite smile I always wore froze. Then, as he walked past me, he looked me over before finally saying: "You truly are blessed with a ravishing beauty. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a banquet to attend."