House of The Dragon-A God Amongst Men

(Drakken's POV)

"What is it you were so interested in, my love?" Maegelle asked Maelor as she sat him on her lap, "You were staring at the singers with such a curious face." 

Maelor looked ahead of him, saying nothing as Astorias was running around while holding a wooden sword. 

I was going to say something when I heard Riktor shout out, "Dammit, Astorias!" He shouted, "Quit hitting me with that!" 

I was standing in the middle of the room, seeing the girl running towards Riktor, smacking him on the back with the sword. I couldn't get a word out since I kept getting interrupted by her shouting. 

I saw that Vaella was sitting down while holding Maekar on her lap, gently combing his hair as he frowned seriously. 

Sylas was sitting down on a chair, reading a book, showing no interest in the chaos that was currently happening. 

"Hm." I said

"What is it?" Maegelle asked

"Nothing." I said as I looked around, walking towards her, "Children." 

She smiled, "You're not used to it, right?" She asked, "They're growing so fast." 

"That, they are." I said as I pointed at Riktor who kept stepping away from Astorias, "Especially that one, he's getting taller." 

"He is." Maegelle chuckled

"Astorias, quit hitting your brother." I called out

Astorias stopped and looked at me, "Why?" 

"Because I said so." I told her, "Come here." 

I gestured her over, and she ran towards me, jumping up in my arms while giggling. Her hair was messy and all over the place, courtesy of her constantly running around recklessly. She was wearing a white dress to complement her hair and red eyes. But even the dress was a bit messed up. 

"Papa...." She said while pouting, "You need to let me have fun." 

"Having fun and beating your brother are not the same thing." I told her

"It is to me." She said

I ran my hand through her hair, "You need to look after your hair." I told her, "It's all messy and all. Do you want me to cut it short?" 

"No!" She said, "I hate it short!" 

"Then be careful. Don't mess it up this badly." I told her, "You don't let your mothers comb it in peace, you little rascal. Constantly jumping about." 

She frowned, "Are you mad at me?" 

"Of course not." I said, "Just behave, alright? You're a handful." 

She hugged me, "I love you, Papa~~" 

"I know." I said as I patted her back

Maegelle was smiling warmly, "These kids." She said, "They're something alright." 

I noticed that Maelor had his hands lifted up in front of him, his fingers moving strangely as he looked at them. 

"Hm...." I said

Maegelle noticed this, "Oh?" She said, "Maelor, what are you doing, dear?" 

Maelor didn't respond, he simply kept doing what he was doing. It looked as if he was mimicking the movements of the musicians. 

"Interesting." I said, "Seems your boy has taken an interest in music." 

"Is that so?" Maegelle said while patting his head, "My beautiful boy wants to play music?" 

Maelor ignored her and kept doing the mimicking movements, staring at his hands with nothing but focus. 

It was quite interesting how my son was taking an interest in something other than fighting at such a young age. Riktor showed a casual interest, and so did Sylas, but they were in fact interested in it. They were more than willing to learn how to wield a sword or a spear at such a young age, and I was obviously going to teach them. 

Vaella is different; I don't expect her to take an interest in violence. But Astorias is obviously not the case; she is very interested in violence. Her antics with Riktor are displaying that. 

I can see that Maekar will show the same interest as the eldest boys, but Maelor? He doesn't seem to show that. I don't know about Nymeria, I don't spend much time with her regrettably, but Maelor is clearly not interested in fighting. 

He has obviously taken a liking to music. 

And I find that interesting. 

Is he the black sheep?

He was hidden from me during Maegelle's pregnancy; it was Maekar whom I sensed all those months. And I couldn't sense Maelor until it was already close to the due date. And even now, two years later, he is quiet and reserved, almost never being part of the group whenever the children get together. 

I don't worry about it but it is quite the intriguing thing. 

"Drakken?" Maegelle spoke up

"Hm?" I asked

"You spaced out for a bit." She said, "Is everything okay?" 

"Yes." I said, "Maelor, don't worry. I'll build you a lute and soon, you'll be able to play it." 

"It's quite surprising." Maegelle said as Maelor looked at me with a serene and calm look, "How you're supportive of this. I find it adorable yes, but I didn't think you'd allow it." 

"Why wouldn't I?" I asked, "He's my son." 

"Right...." Maegelle smiled

"What's that smile?" I asked, "Do you want me tonight?" 

She blushed, "Oh, Drakken..." She said softly, "Stop it." 

"Let's make another one." I told her

"No." She said, "My hands are full with all of these children. Especially the one who isn't mine...." 

"Me?" Astorias pointed at herself

"Yes, you." Maegelle chuckled, "You're something else, my dear." 

"You love me." Astorias pouted

"I do." Maegelle smiled at her, "I definitely do." 

I sighed and sat down next to Maegelle, "I would prefer it if Nymeria is here too." I told her as Astorias sat on my lap, "But a deal is a deal." 

"Perhaps one day we should all go and spend some time in Sunspear." Maegelle told me, "She deserves to spend time with her family." 

"Hm." I said, "Well-" 

I was cut off by Maelor harmonizing out of the sudden, his soft voice filling the air as he was still doing the mimicked movements. The sound was a bit long, and it was as if he was trying to find his tune. I hadn't heard someone sound like that in a while, and obviously, it wasn't perfect because he was a mere toddler. 

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked over at him, a bit taken aback by the sound. I don't blame them, this was quite surprising and unexpected. 

I raised my eyebrow when he stopped, "Maelor.....?" 

"I like it." Maelor said out of nowhere

Maegelle smiled warmly, "Singing, huh?" She kissed the top of her head, "My love, you can do whatever your heart desires. I will support and love you, don't you worry about it." 

"We all will."