Chapter 442: Maelor
(Third Person POV)
In the Throne Room of Harrenhal, the Drakkengard was gathered for a small party, in which they had some tables set up with food and drink. They had some traveling singers performing, having music for the children, and even the famed painter, Roland, was there.
He was commissioned by Mya to make portraits of all of the children. This is something that he was more than willing to do, even asking Drakken for a bit of help since Drakken's painting skills were on par or greater than his.
Drakken refused and simply sat on his throne, the massive portrait of Daranne visible behind him. He only watched as his eldest sons were standing in the corner, speaking with one of the Duskguard Knights who was posted as a guard.
Normally, the Knights shouldn't be ignoring their duties so carelessly, but on this occasion, Drakken allowed it. He was curious to see what his sons would be speaking about with him, overhearing some war tactics and fighting techniques as usual. His two eldest sons were always interested in fighting, which is something Drakken doesn't disapprove of.
He looked to the side, seeing Saera sitting down in front of Roland, who worked on a portrait of her. Astorias was sitting down next to her, a serious frown on her face. The girl was not a fan of sitting for a long time, waiting for a painting to be finished. Saera had a smile on her face, one that Drakken fancied; it made her look rather beautiful.
He noticed that Mya and Maegelle were sitting at a table, speaking with smiling and laughing, Vaella sitting down next to them, while Viserra was showing her something in a book. Drakken stared at his wives for several seconds, taking in their beauty and wondering to himself how he even managed to get to that point in his life.
Before anything else, he noticed a small glint of white hair going towards Riktor and Sylas. Drakken turned to see the little Maekar, wearing black attire, reaching his brothers as he had a serious look on his face.
Sylas noticed him and waved at him, but Maekar didn't react, simply stared at the two boys who were speaking with the Knight. Drakken realized that Maekar was quite intrigued by whatever they were discussing and deduced that Maekar would be constantly doing this, following his older brothers around.
"Hello, Maekar." Sylas said with a slight smile, "What is it?"
Maekar blinked, merely looked at the Knight's armor, "I want it."
"The armor?" Sylas said, "Oh, well....you're too small for it. And this one belongs to him, so it's his."
"Hmph." Maekar said, "I want it."
Riktor looked at him, "Don't be spoiled like Astorias." He said, "You need to learn patience."
Maekar frowned, "Patience?"
"Yes." Sylas said, "One day, you'll be big enough to wear armor."
Maekar looked at his hands, "Big enough?"
"Yea, that's right." Riktor said, "One day, though. You're too young."
"Big....." Maekar said, "I will fight you."
"Fight me?" Riktor asked, "Haha, brother, you're funny. I will never fight my brothers, you're too important to me."
"For fun." Maekar said, "I fight you for fun then."
Sylas patted his head, "Ah, you're quite cute sometimes." He said, "I don't think we'll fight at all, brother."
"Don't do that." Maekar frowned
"Haha, why not?" Sylas said, "Lighten up, little one."
As this happened, Drakken simply stared without saying much, taking in the sight of his sons socializing. In the centuries of his life, Drakken never thought he'd experience this. Even if it was for a greater purpose than himself, he never thought he'd start a family and have as many children as he currently has.
He has always held himself back when it came to procreation. Some relationships of his were ruined cause of it, even inciting the wrath of some powerful factions. Many have wanted the seed of the God of War and Death, but none of them could ever achieve that.
But now, Drakken was looking at the result of his finally choosing to have children.
"Only missing one....." He thought to himself, "Shame."
His daughter, Nymeria, stays at Dorne at all times. This was due to the deal he had with House Martell, regarding the plans he had with the Desert God. Despite this, Drakken occasionally visits to see the girl and even takes his wives to see her.
Drakken then noticed something out of place; Maelor.
The boy was standing in front of the singers and musicians who were performing, staring right at them with an awestruck look.
Drakken narrowed his eyes, "Hm...."
From where he sat, he saw that Maelor was wearing black and red attire, and his hair was longer than Maekar's, his left eye slightly covered.
It was as if he were mesmerized by the music, his visible eye widened completely as he looked at the instruments the bards were using. This was the look of a very impressed child, looking at something beautiful for the first time in his life.
"What is it, boy?" Drakken said as he appeared next to him, "You like the music?"
Maelor then looked up at him, staring at Drakken with his wide, purple eye. He said nothing; his mouth was simply agape while he looked at his father.
Drakken looked at one of the instruments that the bards were using, "You like the lute?" He asked, "Or is it the lyre?"
Maelor slowly pointed at the lute, saying nothing else.
"Hm." Drakken pointed at the lute, "You. Bard. Hand me that."
The musician stopped playing, "M-My Lord?" He said, a bit worried, "Did I do something wrong?"
"I will return it, worry not." Drakken said seriously
The musician stepped forward and handed him the lute, immediately stepping back in caution.
Drakken then crouched down and showed Maelor the lute, "Is this what you like?" He asked, "Music?"
Maelor gently touched the lute with his small hands, "Yes....." His voice was soft and barely audible, "I like....."
Drakken looked at the lute, "I see." He said, "But this one won't do."
He straightened up and gave the lute back to the musician who took it immediately.
Maelor didn't look away from the instrument, simply gulping slightly.
"So...." Drakken said as he crossed his arms, "You want to be one?"
"A singer?"