House of The Dragon-The Beauty, The Bold, And The Black Dread

[A/N: Due to a certain comment, I would like to point out something; sometimes the chapters have repetitive themes or topics.....and well, I apologize. I understand that you guys wait a while before getting a chapter and all of a sudden, the plot doesn't move forward and things are somewhat the same. 

It's about perspective and that is my fault, as the Author. Thing is, from MY perspective, it was not a problem because I pumped out the chapters on Patreon within a day or so....and I did not think the repetitive things were a problem because hey, the readers there can easily read it within that day and not have an issue.....

Well, I didn't take into account of how dreadful it could be here. 

So I apologize. If you think things are the same and so on...that is why.]

(Baelon's POV)

"Gatherings like these are dreadful..." I muttered as Aegon stood next to me

"I've gotten used to them." Aegon said

We were standing outside of Aemond's chambers, waiting for him to walk out so we headed to the Feast that was already going to commence. 

"Of course you have." I crossed my arms, "You spent so much time here at court." 

"Trust me, I would rather be where you were.....quiet...peaceful.....lonely Dragonstone." Aegon told me

"You and me both. I want to be there, with Helaena. But she misses Mother so I have to do what she desires." I told him

The doors opened and Aemond walked out, "Brothers." 

"Took you long enough." Aegon said with a scoff, "What were you adding special oil to your hair?" 

"It does look shiny." I said to Aemond

"As a matter of fact, I was." Aemond said as he walked past us, "Enough jokes, let us go." 

As he walked away, I looked at Aemond, "This one's changed a lot more." 

"What are you saying? He's always been that way." Aegon told me, "He just got taller." 

We began to walk and follow Aemond. 

"This is some sort of important event, Brother." Aemond said, "Some lords are going to get drunk and slip up." 

"Slip up?" I said with a raised eyebrow

"You must pay attention." He said

"This one is being ominous." Aegon said, "What do you mean, Aemond?" 

"Baelon knows exactly what I mean." Aemond said

"Hm." I said, "Very well." 

"Lord Celtigar is here." Aemond said

"Celtigar?" I stopped, "Is that piece of shit, Trevor, here?" 

"Not from what I know." Aemond said as he stopped and looked at me, "Our sister brought Aemma only. So Trevor is back at Claw Isle with the boys. For some reason, he did not want to show his face here." 

"Tch..." I said

"The reason is because he is 'scared' of you, saying that you will do something rash." Aemond said

"What a cowardly cunt." Aegon said, "I never liked that guy." 

"Neither have I." I muttered

"Regardless of what the true reason is, he's not here but his Father is." Aemond said, "So we can only expect some sort of conversation." 

"Whatever he wants to say to me, he best watch his tone." I said, "I am in no mood for any of this shite." 

"When are you?" Aegon chuckled

I gave him a scowl, saying nothing. 

"Alright, alright..." He said as he raised his hands, "Sorry." 

"Best keep yourself composed, Baelon." Aemond said

I looked at him, "Oh, is that so?" I said with a raised eyebrow, "Composed, huh?" 

"Look at how mature our little brother is." Aegon said, "Ah, they grow up so fast. When I was his age-" 

"Shut up." Both Aemond and I said in unison

"Man, what happened to my brothers?" He shook his head, "Cannot joke even a little with them." 

"Let's go." I said as I walked past them

***********

"Someone get me out of this wretched place...." Daemon muttered as he reached for the jug of wine, "I would rather be in Pentos, fighting off the Triarchy..." 

"You and me both." I said as I drank from my cup

We were at the feast, many Lords and lordlings were in attendance. Apparently, Father had invited them so we have a good time. It wasn't unusual for him to throw feasts and any sort of festivities, it was pretty normal of him. What wasn't normal was me attending them because I typically ignored such things. I would rather be somewhere else than interact with these people. Not like it's a bad thing, it's just that their talks are all boring. 

I wasn't the only one who felt this way. 

Uncle Daemon was already on his third jug of wine. 

"Uncle, you should refrain from drinking further," Aemond told him

"And you should refrain from opening your mouth." Daemon told him with a smirk

"Very well, if you trip and fall on your way back to your quarters, I'll be there to laugh at you." Aemond said 

The table was long and everyone was having conversations of their own. I saw that Aegon sat on the other side, speaking with some River Lords who made the trip over here. He was apparently quite popular over at the Riverlands due to his connections with the Blackwoods. I wonder if they're proud, that one of their girls married a dragonlord. 

Well, it shouldn't matter to me. 

I tuned in to what some lords were saying. 

"All I am saying is that Lord Trevor should not be afraid of coming here." One of Lord Caswell's nephews said, "The Prince was simply overreacting. It was his wedding day, after all." 

I noticed Lord Celtigar was drinking from his cup, "That is what I am saying." He said as he cleared his throat, "It was all a misunderstanding." 

I narrowed my eyes but said nothing, pretending to not hear. 

"Terrible thing, what happened to Lord Corlys." He said, "But to think that Trevor would be involved? That is madness!" 

"shhh, what are you saying?" another Lord said, "The Prince is sitting right there!" 

They had too much to drink, apparently. Well, it did not matter to me. If they were so foolish to speak such nonsense while drunk in front of the King and the Princes, well, they are not fit to be in court. Fucking imbeciles. 

Aemond glanced at me and gave me a nod. 

This is what he meant. Someone was going to slip up. I do wonder what they were going to say, though. There was so much slander in the past few years that I have clearly heard but paid no attention to. I didn't want to go around putting heads on pikes just because I was being slandered. 

Some reprimanding was acceptable, however. 

"I do wonder..." Daemon spoke up and called their attention, "If it is wise to continue running your mouth, My Lords...." 

"Prince Daemon...." Lord Celtigar said, "He means nothing by it." 

"Sure sure...." Daemon said, "Go on and speak your mind about that day. The day my precious Niece was married....and my father-in-law died.....go on....." 

"Calm down, Daemon." I said without much of a reaction

"No, I will not calm down." Daemon said with a chuckle, "I have been itching for some fool to speak out of line." 

"My Prince...." the Lord said

"Enough, Uncle." I said as I patted his shoulder, "It is okay." 

*****************

After we ate, we were up and conversing, most of the lords were merely drinking as we were scattered about the dining hall. 

Aegon, as usual, was conversing with many Lords and Knights in the corner. He seemed to be enjoying himself, the little rascal. Good for him. 

Aemond and I were standing in the corner, cups in our hands when Daemon wobbled over. 

"I am going to bed." He said as he wiped his cheek, "Your Father has.....ordered it....too much to drink, apparently." 

"Is everything alright, Uncle? This is unlike you." Aemond asked

"Ah, it's fine." Daemon said, "I'll see you two tomorrow. Much to discuss...." 

I nodded, "Have a good night, Uncle." 

As he walked away, Aemond nudged me in the shoulder. He then gestured over at a group of Lordlings who were talking a bit too loudly

I tuned in to what they were saying. 

"It's been two years, the marriage is probably barren...." One of them said, from House Beesbury, "What do you think it is? Is it her or him?" 

I frowned, "The fuck?" I muttered

"This is what I speak of." Aemond said, "Must I do something about this?" 

"No." I said as I chugged the rest of my wine, "I'll handle it." 

"Don't overdo it." He told me

"Yea yea." I said as I walked over

As I reached the group, one of them looked at me, his eyes widened slightly. 

"P-Prince Baelon!" He said

I stopped and placed my hand in front of my hands, "Hello....." I said as I looked at them all, "I could not help but overhear what you just said. Care to repeat it?" 

"Uhm..I...." He started

"Brother...." Aemond reached me, "Easy...." 

"T-The thing is....my Prince....it's been two years...." The lordling said, "And well, we have just been wondering that..." 

"If my marriage is barren, is that what you said?" I asked as my eye twitched, "What are you insinuating?" 

"Well, the thing is...ha..." He said nervously

"Tell me...." I said with a serious tone

"Brother.." Aemond warned

"Some were saying...." The Lordling gulped, "If the Princess Helaena is barr-" 

I smacked him across the face, stumbling him to the ground as the others took a step back. The smack was so loud that everyone went quiet and I could feel their eyes on us. 

"Hells, Baelon..." Aemond said, "I meant for you to speak to them..." 

I glared at the Lordling as he grasped his cheek, "That is the only warning you will receive." I said seriously, "Insult my wife again and your ass is going to be shipped to the Wall. And anyone else that has a problem with me not having children yet, speak up! I will give you a piece of my mind. And don't worry....the flames of Balerion will be the least of your worries.....right here right now, man to man.....come now..." 

Otto walked over, "Baelon, what are you doing?" He said as he pulled me aside, "Are you drunk?" 

"No no." I said as I shook him off, "I want everyone to speak their mind. There's no women here, just all of us. Or are you cowards?" 

"Baelon!" Father was walking over, "What has become of you?" 

"They insult my wife, behind our backs...." I said with a serious tone, "And you expect me to stay quiet.....listen up, all of you....I have no obligation to tell any of you why we have no children yet. It is none of your fucking business! I am the Heir, yes. But the King is alive and healthy, there is no rush, is there? Unless you are planning something..." 

Everyone stood there, quiet, shifting nervously. 

"Wouldn't that be something...." I said, "To plan something horrible....like...say poison your own fucking Prince at his wedding...." 

"Baelon, enough." Father said

"You are drunk, Baelon." Otto said, "Aemond, take him to his quarters." 

"I am fine." I said as I looked at the Lordling who was in the ground, "You speak about my wife in any manner, I will have to challenge you to a duel. And the same goes for all of you! I don't need my dragon to put any of you in your place." 

"Enough, Baelon!" Father exclaimed, "Go!" 

"Fine." I said as I turned around

"Brother." Aemond started

"Let me be." I said, "I am not drunk." 

"I will walk by myself."