NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 2: The Royal Hunt
[A/N: Will not update this story much until I've advanced The Black Lord significantly into the desired Acts. So for now, it'll be like 1 or 2 chapters. And a little fyi, the first couple of chapters in general will be in third person. I will have Aerion's POV chapters start when he's significantly older.
This chapter takes place during the Royal Hunt episode of House of The Dragon when Aegon II is two years old and Aerion is currently four.]
(Third Person POV)
King Viserys chugged wine from his cup as he sat down, the tent full of Lords and Ladies in front of him, celebrating his son's second name day. It had been a stressful day for the King, considering all the talk about the war in the Stepstones and his issue with his daughter, Rhaenyra.
He placed his cup down and looked around, looking for Rhaenyra, "Otto." He called for the Hand
Otto Hightower walked up to him, "Your Grace?" He said
"Where is Rhaenyra?" He asked
"After your quick conversation, she stormed out of the tent and spent a couple of minutes pacing back and forth outside." He told her, "Then, the Royce convoy arrived and she had went to greet the Lady Rhea."
Viserys looked at him, "Lady Rhea is here?" He said, "Where? Where is she?"
He looked past him and towards the crowd of socializing lords, seeing his son Aegon being held by the handmaidens as he played with a toy. He noticed his wife, Allicent, sitting down and speaking to some Ladies.
"She..." Otto said as he turned, "She has just arrived, Your Grace."
Viserys saw as Lady Rhea Royce, wearing a simple yet eye-catching dress walked up to them, holding the hand of a young toddler. He had white hair, courtesy of his father. It was cut short, to much of the King's surprise. He wore a simple black and bronze attire, symbolizing the colors of his houses.
She had a humble smile as she bowed slightly, "Y-Your Grace." She said, "I am grateful to be invited to the Prince's Nameday. I didn't think I was worthy of consideration for such a thing."
Viserys smiled, "Nonsense." He said, "You are the mother of my nephew, come here young Aerion."
He gestured at the boy to come to him with a smile.
Lady Rhea looked down at Aerion, "Go on, love." She said with a smile
Aerion slowly walked over to the King as Viserys patted him on the head, "Look at you, boy." He chuckled, "You are growing bigger and stronger by the day, eh? Soon, you and Aegon will be able to play and train together. In just a few years, You'll have a pick of your own dragon, Aerion."
Aerion silently looked at him and then back at his mother who smiled.
Otto looked at Lady Rhea, noticing faint scars on her face and on her neck. It unsettled him, to be reminded of a cruel truth about the boy's father.
The Hand cleared his throat, "Have you had any word of the boy's father, Milady?" He asked
Rhea's face changed to a much more serious one as she gulped slightly, "N-No." She said, "Last I heard of him, he went to the Stepstones, that is all. He hasn't contacted me since...."
Viserys looked at her, "Hm." He said, "Well, Aerion, go and meet your cousin, no? Lady Rhea, help yourself to anything you wish. It is always a pleasure to have you here."
Rhea bowed slightly, "T-Thank you, Your Grace." She said as she reached for Aerion's hand
As they walked away, Otto took a step towards Viserys, "He should at least send a letter." He said
"He's in a War." Viserys said
"He has a son waiting for him in the Vale. The first two years, he didn't even acknowledge him." He said, "That fiasco at Dragonstone was an insult to Lady Rhea and the Lord Aerion."
"Not now, Otto." He said, "I know, about Daemon and his situation. But he's in the Stepstones and we're here. Let us not discuss it. It's my son's nameday and Aerion is here as well, we should celebrate."
"If you say so, Your Grace." Otto said as he nodded and walked away
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"Lord Lyonel." Viserys said as he hung his head while holding the wine cup
Lord Lyonel Strong walked up to him, "Your Grace?" He said
It was shortly after Rhaenyra, out of anger, rode out into the Kingswoord, Ser Criston Cole chasing after her while a search party soon followed. This was due to their argument about Rhaenyra's marriage.
The King was beginning to get more stressed, not knowing what to do about this. It had to be on Aegon's name day of all days. Especially with many Lords waiting on him to name him Heir to the Throne.
"Daughters, am I right?" Viserys chuckled, "Rhaenyra has been....defiant to say the least."
Lyonel chuckled slightly, "It is to be expected." He said, "King Jaehaerys had a peaceful reign but I hear it was his daughters that caused him the most trouble."
Viserys chuckled, "Otto...." He said, "He told me to wed Rhaenyra with Aegon....a traditional Targaryen Marriage....the boy is two, Lyonel."
Lyonel nodded, "That may be true." He said, "It's not a terrible idea, but like you've said, Prince Aegon is but a boy."
"And do you have a better idea?" Viserys asked with a raised eyebrow
"I...." Lyonel said, "Well, I wouldn't have suggested Prince Aegon, but rather Lord Aerion. To further build a strong connection to House Royce and the Vale is not a bad idea. However, Aerion is but two years older than Prince Aegon so I have doubts that it will be acceptable for you."
"Aerion, hm?" Viserys said
"That'll have him come to court and as a result.....have Daemon interact with him." Lord Lyonel continued, "But.....I have another suggestion; Laenor Velaryon. My reasoning is the same as when Lord Corlys presented his daughter to you. He is of great Valyrian Stock, has Targaryen blood through Princess Rhaenys and it'll mend the rift between your two Houses. House Royce is a strong ally, yes, but House Velaryon will be even stronger."
Viserys looked away, "Aerion or Laenor....huh?" He said
"It is completely up to you, however." Lyonel said, "But between us, Your Grace. The boy....Aerion....I believe he'll be the better choice."
"But it is my opinion, of course."