Violent Tides - Chapter 12: A Second Brown-Haired Babe

120 AC (Eight Moons Later), King’s Landing  

“Dragon eggs, Lora! Dragon eggs!” Jacaerys exclaimed, pointing to the two eggs that their mother’s dragon, Syrax, had recently laid. 

Aelora smiled, “I see them, Jace.” 

Rhaenyra’s water had broken that morning as the family had sat down to break their fast, the princess was immediately carried to bed by Harwin while Laenor went to inform the midwives. 

Once they were told of the princess’ condition, the group of women immediately went to work, and Laenor and his children along with his wife’s sworn protector were pushed into the parlor of Rhaenyra’s chambers. 

“What’s wrong with mama?” Jacaerys asked worriedly, staring at the door in which his mother’s cries and groans were emanating from. 

Laenor’s eyes widened as he stared at Jacaerys, trying to figure out just how to explain everything to him. 

Luckily, Aelora saved him, “Mother is giving birth to our baby brother or sister.”

Jacaerys looked at Aelora confused, “But why the floor wet and why is she hurt?”

“It takes a lot of energy to bring a babe into the world, so mother has to work really hard.” Aelora explained.

This placated the young boy, “She’s not hurt?”

“No, it won’t last long.” 

“Perhaps I should take Princess Aelora and Prince Jacaerys to the Dragonpit? Their new brother or sister will need a dragon egg of their own, as is their birthright.” Harwin spoke up, not wanting Jacaerys to be around as the child’s arrival grew closer and Rhaenyra’s cries grew louder. 

“Of course!” Laenor agreed, before looking down at his children. “I have faith you two will pick the best egg for the babe.” 

“We promise, father.” Aelora replied. 

And so, the two children had gone to the Dragonpit with Harwin to pick out an egg for their soon-to-be born younger sibling. 

Just like the last time Aelora had picked an egg, the dragonkeepers had brought out all the available eggs in the city to be present to the royal children. 

The first of the two eggs was a bright orange color, looking like the color of the sky when the sun would set and was larger than the one next to it, being more robust in size. The second egg was covered in more scales than the first and was smaller, with a more oval shape to it and was a dark yellow color. 

Just like the other times that Aelora was around dragon eggs, she was able to notice the strange and whimsical song that only she could hear. 

When Aelora had gone with Aegon, Helaena, and Ser Arryk Cargyll to pick out Daeron’s dragon egg shortly before he was born, Aelora had told her aunt and uncle about the song she heard emanating from the royal blue egg that was among the group. 

But both Aegon and Helaena claimed that they heard nothing from the egg, and Aelora realized that not even her fellow Valyrians could see the difference between eggs that were meant for a specific rider, those that were meant to hatch, those that were never meant to and turned into stone, and those that were cold, holding hatchlings that were destined for terribly short lives. 

This time, Aelora felt the call coming from the large orange egg, the sound growing louder the longer she stared at it. 

“Will the baby like the egg?” Jacaerys asked, finally calming down as nervousness came over him. 

“The baby will love it, and it’ll hatch into a beautiful just like Vermax.” Aelora said reassuringly. 

“What about yours?” Jacaerys asked, referring to the fact that unlike his own, Aelora’s dragon egg had yet to hatch. 

Aelora looked at her brother mischievously, “That’s because I didn’t have a great older sibling to pick my egg like you did.” 

This caused Jacaerys to laugh and move his body closer to his sisters. 

“Go pick the egg, Jace.” Aelora told him. 

“Really?” Jacaerys asked, staring up at his sister wide-eyed. 

Aelora nodded her head, “I picked yours, it's only fair you pick the baby’s.” 

Jacaerys grinned, running forward and standing directly in front of the two dragon eggs, as serious as a look could be on a two-and-a-half-year old’s face appeared as he looked back and forth between them. 

I hope he picks the orange one. Aelora thought, quickly realizing that she would not be able to easily make a switch if Jacaerys were to pick the yellow one, not without hurting his feelings. 

So, the princess felt relieved when Jacaerys pointed to the orange dragon egg, “That one! I want that one!” 

“Good pick.” Aelora said, returning the smile that her brother gave her. 

“Of course, my prince.” One of the dragonkeepers said before moving with the others to place the egg inside of a cauldron for transport. 

Jacaerys rocked on the soles of his feet, excitedly watching the dragonkeepers at work, proud of himself for picking the egg that would be going in the cradle of their younger sibling. 

Harwin smiled at the sight of the prince before walking to Aelora, “That was very kind of you, princess.” 

“I didn’t do anything, Jace picked on his own.” Aelora said. 

Harwin’s eyes sparkled, “Of course not.” 

Aelora started at him more closely, noticing that when Harwin smiled, it caused his eyes to light up, reminding her of the way Jacaerys’ did when he was happy or amused. 

“You’re strange, Ser ‘Win.” Aelora said softly. 

Harwin let out a boisterous laugh, causing eyes to dart in their direction for a moment. “You wound me, little one.” 

The conversation ended when Jacaerys ran into his sister, causing Aelora to quickly grab him to keep them from falling to the ground. 

“Let's give the babe the egg!” Jacaerys exclaimed as he began pulling his sister towards the exit. 

Aelora only giggled as she allowed herself to be pulled along, not minding her younger brother’s forcefulness.

~X~

Rhaenyra smiled as she stared at her newest child. Her son had just been cleaned and wrapped in a black blanket before the head midwife had placed him in her arms.

Rhaenyra cooed when her son opened his eyes and took in the brown color that was staring back at her, the smile on her lips growing when she used her thumb to caress the side of his face.

My sweet boy. Rhaenyra thought lovingly.

The quiet moment was ended when the door to her bedroom opened, but Rhaenyra relaxed when she saw that it was Laenor who entered.

“I hear we have another son.” Laenor grinned as he stood next to the door, leaning over to get a look at their child.

“We do.” Rhaenyra replied.

“And have you picked out a name?” Laenor asked.

Rhaenyra turned to look at her husband, “No, I have not, I was waiting for you.”

A tentative and hopeful smile appeared on the Velaryon’s lips, “Well then, perhaps we could name him-”

“We are not naming him Joffrey.” Rhaenyra said strongly, her eyes losing the warmth they held only a few moments ago as she stared her husband down.

“Why? I am his father, should I not have a say in what he is named?” Laenor asked, incensed that he could not give his child the name he wanted for a second time.

“You know why you cannot give him that name, Laenor. Our son is a Velaryon, in the line of succession to both of our houses, he cannot have such a common name.” Rhaenyra stressed, hoping that he would drop the issue.

Laenor did not, only becoming angrier, “No one will care! It will not matter, our son is our third child, so long as Aelora and Jacaerys remain alive and healthy, he will hopefully never have to sit on the Iron Throne or the Driftwood Throne.”

“It does matter, our family is already under enough pressure and scrutiny, we do not need to add to it. And while we hope that is the case, we have no way of knowing if Aelora and Jacaerys will live to succeed us.” Rhaenyra argued.

Laenor turned away, his glare burning falling to the floor, “Fine. Since he is above such common names, how about we call him Lucerys?”

Rhaenyra sighed, knowing that Laenor would hold on to this for a while, “Lucerys is a good name.”

“I’m glad you approve.” Laenor said sarcastically.

Before she could respond, the door to the room opened and Harwin walked into the room with their children in tow.

“Your Graces, your children and I have returned from the Dragonpit.” Harwin said to the couple.

“The Dragonpit?” Rhaenyra asked aloud, realizing that a servant had followed the trio, pushing a cauldron into the room before taking their leave.

“I sent the children with Ser Harwin to get a dragon egg for their sibling after you went into labor.” Laenor explained, his expression becoming happier, but Rhaenyra knew he was faking it as to not show Aelora and Jacaerys his anger.

“We got an egg for the baby!” Jacaerys exclaimed, pointing to the cauldron, “Lora let me pick the egg.”

“You did, my brave storm?” Rhaenyra asked her daughter.

“I picked Jace’s egg, it was only fair.” Aelora answered.

“Can we see them?” Jacaerys interjected, bouncing on his feet.

Rhaenyra smiled, “Come meet your new brother.”

Aelora and Jacaerys walked towards the bed, allowing Laenor to lift them onto it and the two carefully leaned over to see their new brother.

“He’s small.” Jacaerys said, staring at the baby with wonder.

“You were just as small when you were born, my fiery prince.” Rhaenyra told him.

“No way. I’m big.” Jacaerys argued, offended that his mother would say that he was ever as small as the baby in her arms.

“Yes, way.” Laenor smiled, “Your sister even said that you looked like a roll of bread.”

Jacaerys quickly turned his head towards Aelora, “I do not! I’m not bread!”

Aelora ignored Jacaerys’ ranting as she continued to stare at her youngest brother, “What’s his name?”

“His name is Lucerys.” Rhaenyra answered softly.

Aelora reached her hand out, rubbing her fingers against the side of his head. Lucerys leaned into her touch, turning his head as he stared at her.

“We can call him Luke.” Aelora whispered.

“Luke?” Rhaenyra asked amused.

Aelora nodded her head, “We all have nicknames, so we can’t leave him out.”

Rhaenyra smiled, “Of course not.”

“Can we give him his egg?” Jacaerys asked, giggling when him poked Lucerys’ cheek and felt how soft and squishy it was.

“Later, my little prince. When he is put down to rest in the nursery, you can put his egg next to him in his cradle.” Rhaenyra said.

Harwin then stepped forward, looking at Rhaenyra and the princeling in her arms lovingly, “Could I-”

“Where is he, my newest grandchild?” Everyone in the room jumped when the door swung open and Viserys walked in, his large smile growing even larger as he moved towards his daughter and grandchildren.

“Your Grace, your daughter has given you another grandson.” Laenor remarked, stepping aside, and allowing the King to take his place.

“Father, this is Lucerys.” Rhaenyra said as she allowed Viserys to hold her newborn.

Viserys smile grew again, “A grandson, another strapping lad for our house.”

“Husband,” Alicent said, gracefully gliding into the bedroom, “You have left me behind again.”

Viserys laughed, “Apologizes, my dear. I just wanted to meet Lucerys as soon as possible.”

Alicent walked towards her husband, looking down at the newborn in his arms. She raised her hand and gently pushed back the blanket that was swaddling him, allowing her to look at the top of his head.

The Queen already knew that the child in the King’s arm was not a trueborn child of Laenor, she knew this just by looking at Lucerys’ pale skin and large brown eyes, but she checked the color of his hair as a final confirmation, feeling vindicated when she saw the short brown strands.

“Congratulations on the birth of Prince Lucerys, princess.” Alicent said, her eyes lacking the warmth that her words implied.

“Thank you, my Queen.” Rhaenyra said tersely, wanting Alicent to remove her hands from her son’s head.

“We’re calling him Luke now, Ali.” Aelora said to the Queen.

Alicent turned to Aelora, smiling genuinely at the girl, “Are we?”

Aelora nodded, “So he can have a nickname like the Jace and I.”

Alicent hummed, “And I am sure Luke will prove to be just like his older siblings, and especially his older brother.”

Aelora did not understand what Alicent was implying with her sweet words, but her parents and Harwin did, each tensing and staring pointedly at the woman.

“I hope so too.” Aelora agreed, going back to staring at Lucerys as the adults around her talked.

Why do Jace and Luke look more like each other than I do? The princess thought.

Aelora had wondered for a while why there were only small similarities between herself and Jacaerys, and why Jacaerys looked nothing like their father.

She could see some shared physical traits in Jacaerys and Rhaenyra; the shape of their eyes, the paleness of their skin, their smiles, the shapes of their faces, their noses.

But Aelora could not say that same about her brother and their father, seeing no shared traits between them. And now the newborn Lucerys was added to this, looking just like Jacaerys and nothing like Laenor.

It only added to this feeling of otherness that had begun to brew inside the young princess, like she was the one something was wrong with.

Rhaenyra may have had a different mother than them, but resemblances could be found between her, Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron, all of them having the traditional Valyrian silver white hair and purple eyes along with some traits they all shared which they recieved from Viserys.

The same could be said with Laenor and his own sister, both him and Laena looking more like twins than an older sister and a younger brother. 

Then she started thinking of Baela and Rheana, and Daeron and Daemion, Harwin and Larys, Erryk and Arryk, and how they all looked like their siblings.

Why am I the only one who doesn’t? Aelora continued to think about this, trying and failing to not let it bother her.

~X~

Alicent gripped the chalice in her hand tightly as she watched the nobles of the court giving their congratulations to Rhaenyra and Laenor.

Three days had passed since Lucerys’ birth and the court had convened in the castle’s garden for a feast held in the newborn’s honor.

It disgusted the Queen to her core to watch as the Crown Princess and her consort paraded the child in their arms around, maintaining the façade of legitimacy.

It went against the will of the Gods and yet they all had to pretend not to see what was blatantly obvious because their King was a complacent and willfully blind man.

This is why Aegon must become King; he would not dare to have bastards, let alone lie and say that they are trueborn. My son will save the realm from the perverseness of the current generation of Targaryens. Alicent thought to herself.

Alicent turned away from the scene in front of her, looking towards one of the food tables where her children were standing, her handmaidens were with them, overseeing the group.

Aemond and Daeron were sitting on the ground, the two boys playing with toy model dragons. Aegon stood over them, but his attention was firmly on a pitcher of wine that was sitting on the table. 

I will have to nip that before anything can start. Alicent thought the only thing keeping her from reacting was that Aegon did not try and drink from the pitcher, seeming to be curious about the drink that he had seen the adults around him drinking.

As her gaze moved to her daughter, Alicent noticed that Aelora was standing next to her. This did not surprise her as Aelora was a constant presence in her children’s lives, it was common to see a tiny head of silver with skin of bronze amongst them.

And Alicent’s lip curled up in distaste when she saw the brown hair of Jacaerys, the young boy clutching his sister’s dress as he stood behind her, smiling as he shoved sweets into his mouth.

Alicent inwardly scoffed, the future Lord of the Tides, and possibly the next King of the Seven Kingdoms should Aelora die prematurely and without issue.

She already had a terrible image of what Rhaenyra’s reign would be like if she were to succeed Viserys, she could only imagine how the realm would suffer if a bastard took the throne right after that. It was maddening to know that this is what her children were being overlooked for, what their birthright was being stolen for.

Alicent eyes widened slightly as she watched Helaena pick up an apple tart and instead of eating it herself, she shoved it into Aelora’s unsuspecting mouth while the younger girl was talking. 

Aelora’s eyes widened, taking a step back due to the forceful way that Helaena had put the tart in her mouth. She stared at her aunt confused as she began to eat the apple tart. 

Alicent inwardly sighed, making where way to the two girls. “Helaena, don't shove food into your niece’s mouth.” Alicent told her daughter.

“Sorry, mother.” Helaena said softly, her eyes still focused in Aelora.

“Good morrow, Ali!” Aelora greeted the woman once she was done chewing.

“Good morrow, Aelora. Are you all, right?” Alicent asked the child.

“I’m fine. I think Helaena just thought I was hungry.” Aelora replied.

“Still, you could have choked.” Alicent said as her gaze drifted to the boy behind Aelora.

Jacaerys looked upwards, feeling the Queen's eyes on him. The young boy tilted his head to the side as he met her gaze.

Alicent had gone out of her way not to be around the so-called Velaryon as much as she could. Although this proved difficult, he stayed at the nursery with her children, and with Aegon and Daeron taking a liking him.

Alicent’s eyes moved upward when Jacaerys was lifted off the ground. Laenor was now holding him, barely hiding the glare he was giving the woman in front of him.

“Your Grace.” Laenor greeted tersely.

“Ser Laenor.” Alicent said just as irritated.

Laenor looked down at his daughter, “Come along, Aelora. Your mother wants you and your brother.”

Aelora nodded her head before turning back to the Queen and her children, “Bye Ali, bye Helaena, bye Egg, bye Aemond, bye Dae!”

The four Targaryens returned the goodbye just as enthusiastically.

“Goodbye, Aelora.” Alicent said, giving the girl a small smile.

Laenor took Aelora by the hand and took them in the direction of his wife.  Alicent watched coldly as Laenor kissed the top of Jacaerys’ head. 

The Queen quickly turned away, needing something to hold her attention, to push away the righteous anger she felt.

Alicent moved to her eldest son's side, pulling him away from the table. “Do not touch that.”

“Why?” Aegon asked, “Everyone else is drinking it.”

“Wine is not for children, Aegon. I do not want to hear of you drinking it.” Alicent said.

Aegon nodded his head, his eyes flickering between his mother and the pitcher.

Alicent’s eyes narrowed, “Aegon.”

Aegon sighed, “Yes, mother. I won't touch the wine.”

“Good. Alcohol is not a something for you to indulge in, it is a terrible vice to have.”

Aegon still felt the desire to drink the wine, his mother telling him not to only made his desire stronger.

~X~

Days Later  

“Grandsire!” Aelora cheered, throwing herself into the man's arms.

Corlys laughed, raising Aelora higher and throwing her into the air a few times, his smile growing as Aelora giggled. “Ah, my little sea snake, I have missed you.”

“I missed you too. Where’s grandmother?” Aelora asked as she noticed that the black-haired woman was not with them.

“Oh, well, she went to go check on your mother and father. And she wanted to meet your newest brother.” Corlys answered.

“She did?” Aelora asked, surprised that Rhaenys wanted to do so before seeing her first.

Corlys had let out an awkward chuckle, “Uh, yes, she’s very excited.”

Corlys disliked lying to his granddaughter, but it was not as if he could tell Aelora the truth, about how Rhaenys truly felt about her brothers.

I do need to talk to Rhaenys about her coldness. Aelora, Jacaerys, and Lucerys will not remain children forever, they will notice her attitude, and this attitude will cause the realm to talk. The Sea Snake thought.

They needed to show a truly united front to their enemies, to not allow them to find anything that could divide them.

“I’m excited too, Jace and I just got Luke an egg and I know it will hatch soon.” Aelora said, wrapping her arms around her grandfather’s neck.

“Is that so?” Corlys entertained, moving Aelora closer to his body, holding her properly as he walked back to his good-daughter's chambers.

Aelora nodded her head, “Yes, but we’ll have to wait for Dae's egg, it'll hatch before Luke's.”

“Dae? The King's youngest?” Corlys asked, remembering that the third son of Viserys and Alicent had the same name as his nephew.

“Mmhm! Dae's egg will hatch very soon.” Aelora replied.

“I’m sure it will, perhaps you could paint the little hatching when it does.” Corlys said, smiling as a look of realization appeared on Aelora's face.

“You got me the painting kit?!” Aelora exclaimed, staring at the man wide eyed.

In her last letter to her grandparents, Aelora had asked for a set of different colored paints, brushes, and canvass for her to use.

Corlys’ smile grew, “Of course, anything my granddaughter asks of me I shall acquire. I left it with your grandmother when I came to find you.”

Aelora bounced in his arms, “Let’s go! We have to find grandmother!” 

“You were not this excited to see her before. Your grandmother might be offended that your paint will receive a better reception than her.”

Aelora’s expression became serious, “Grandmother will understand; this is of the greatest importance!”

Corlys let out a bellowing laugh, imagining what his wife's expression would be like if this were to happen.

“But I won't want to her feelings, so I’ll wait till she leaves before using my new paints.” Aelora decided.

Corlys shook his head amused, “And she will undoubtedly appreciate that.”

It did not take them long to reach Rhaenyra’s bedchamber. Aelora greeted Harwin who was standing guard outside, while Corlys only gave him a quick glance as Harwin opened the door for them.

As they entered the parlor, they saw that Rhaenyra and Rhaenys were sitting on couches across from each other.

Laenor was holding Lucerys in his arms, standing in the space between the two couches, looking at the two women with a look of nervous caution, but his smile became a grateful one when he noticed Aelora and Corlys.

“Aelora. Welcome back, father.” Laenor greeted.

“It took me some time to wrangle this little snake.” Corlys said, using his free hand to tickle Aelora’s stomach, his smile growing as Aelora giggled and tried to push him away.

Rhaenys gracefully stood, making her way to the pair, taking Aelora into her arms and hugging her tightly. “I have missed you terribly, my darling.”

Aelora returned the hug just as strongly, “I missed you too, grandmother.”

Rhaenys looked into Aelora’s eyes, she always felt pride when she saw her granddaughter’s light lilac eyes.

They were the same shade as her own, as Laenor and Laena's, and the sane shade of purple as her father, Aemon Targaryen.

“Your grandsire told you about the paint, didn’t he?” Rhaenys asked knowingly.

Aelora looked away from Rhaenys sheepishly, “Yes, but I am more happy to know that you are here.”

Rhaenys dryly stared at Aelora letting out a hum, ignoring the sound of Corlys snickering in front of her.

“Then I suppose that you would rather paint than go on a ride with Meleys and I?” Rhaenys asked, slowly bending down as if she was going to put Aelora down.

Aelora’s eyes widened, and she tightened her hold on Rhaenys. “No! I want to go flying with you, painting is not as fun as a dragon!”

Rhaenys leaned back so she was standing upright, “That is what I thought.”

“Will it just be us?” Aelora asked, wondering if her parents would come with them.

“Yes, your mother has a small council meeting, and your grandsire has business with the council. Your father will also be going with them.” Rhaenys answered.

Laenor sighed, “It’s going to so much fun.”

Corlys had given his son a look when he and Rhaenys arrived, and he told Laenor and Rhaenyra that he needed to speak with the council.

Laenor knew that Corlys was expecting him to go to the meeting, not caring about his lack of interest when it came to governance.

If Rhaenyra was a part of the small council, then Laenor had to be as well, but Corlys was not able to control what Laenor did when he was not there to enforce his will upon his son.

“You act as if you are walking to your death.” Rhaenyra said playfully.

“I might as well be.” Laenor muttered.

Corlys stared at Laenor pointedly, “You are a man grown with children of your own. When are you going to take your role as my heir and your wife's consort seriously?”

“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn't taking this duty that has been forced upon me seriously.” Laenor argued, glaring at his father.

The room became silent as the two men stared each other down.

“Father?” Everyone turned to look at Aelora.

The young girl did not understand why her father and grandfather were fighting, but she hated it whenever she witnessed the people that she loved arguing with each other.

Rhaenyra stood made her way to Aelora, cupping her face. “Your father has just had a long day, my brave storm. He gets cranky when he is tired.”

Aelora wanted to argue with her mother but was stopped when Rhaenys began to speak. “Let us go to the Dragonpit, Aelora.”

Aelora pouted as Rhaenys swiftly carried her out of the room, the girl still watching as Laenor and Corlys glared at each other while Rhaenyra tried to speak to them.

It was only when she and Rhaenys reached the hall and Harwin closed the door behind them that she was unable to watch them any longer.

~X~

Viserys smiled as he watched his daughter, and two grandsons enter the small council chamber.

Jacaerys immediately broke away from his parents and ran towards Viserys, allowing the man to lift him up and place him on his lap.

“How are you doing, my dear boy?” Viserys asked.

Jacaerys smiled, “I’m good!”

Viserys then looked towards his daughter, “And where is my eldest grandchild?”

Rhaenyra handed Lucerys to a maid who carried the infant out of the room as she took her seat. “Rhaenys has taken Aelora on a ride on top of Meleys.”

“Did she?” Viserys asked aloud, turning in his chair, and looking out the windows behind him.

Through the glass he could see the outline of the Red Queen in the distance, the scarlet dragon had done a few spins and twists as she flew through the sky. Viserys could only imagine the joy on Aelora’s face at the moment.

Jacaerys’ smile fell away and turned into a frown at the mention of Meleys. “It's not fair!”

Viserys looked down, “What is not fair, Jacaerys?”

Jacaerys pouted and swung his arms, “Grandma never takes me on Meleys. She only takes Aelora!”

Viserys froze and he quickly looked up, staring at the others who no doubt heard the boy's exclamation.

Rhaenyra’s jaw was clenched, clearly angry over her good-mother's indifference towards her sons while Laenor looked uncomfortable as he pointedly did not make eye contact with anyone.

Corlys was annoyed, daring anyone who met his eye to say anything damning about his wife and grandson.

Alicent appeared amused as she smiled, acting as if she were laughing at a joke that only she knew. The rest of the small council looked as uncomfortable as Laenor, but each made the point of looking towards their King, waiting to see his reaction.

Viserys cleared his throat, “My boy, your grandmother simply does not want you to get hurt. She is undoubtedly waiting until you are older.”

“But mama and papa let me ride on their dragons. I’m big enough!” Jacaerys responded, growing more frustrated.

“Well grandmothers are known to be quite protective over their loved ones, especially their grandchildren.”

“Like dragons?” Jacaerys asked.

“Yes, just like dragons.” Viserys replied, smiling as this answer placated the toddler.

The King then looked towards Corlys who was sitting across from him at the other end of the table. “What is it that you have come to discuss with my council and I, Corlys?”

Corlys stood as he now had the room’s attention, “I came to discuss the recent activity on the Narrow Sea. A large congregation of pirate ships have been spotted and rumors of kidnappings and theft have followed them.”

“And why does this require an audience, Lord Corlys? You own the largest fleet in Westeros, why is it that you cannot do anything about it?” Mellos asked.

“The problem is that the Lannister fleet keeps hindering my ships while I try to do just that.” Corlys stated, turning his gaze towards Tyland Lannister, the man who replaced him as Master of Ships after he resigned.

Tyland bristled under the accusation, “That is a bold claim to make. From what I heard it is your ships that have been interfering with protecting Westeros’ shores.”

Corlys stared at the man blankly, “Is that so? You believe that my fleet which has been protecting Westeros longer than you have been alive is the one hindering the protection of this kingdom?”

Laenor inwardly sighed, knowing better than anyone that his father never took the criticism very well.

I wish mother were here, she would be able to keep father from exploding. 

Lyonel drew the room’s attention to himself, “Let us not throw accusations at each other. If we implement proper coordination, then the threat can be taken care of.”

Corlys looked towards the Hand, his glare intensifying, “That would not be necessary. All I ask is that the Lannister fleet back off.”

“Ser Tyland is the Master of Ships, Lord Corlys. You cannot ask that he not have a say of matters such as this.” Alicent said.

Corlys did not look in the Queen’s direction, acting as if she had not spoken at all, “Too many ships would simply draw the pirates into hiding, Lord Strong.”

Alicent visibly glowered, offended by the blatant disrespect that he was showing to her, the Queen Consort of Westeros. Her anger only growing as she looked towards Viserys, seeing that he was not going to reprimand Corlys.

Jasper Wylde, the Master of Law, cleared his throat. “A stronger force would show that we take these pirates seriously, it may draw them into hiding, not acting as a deterrent against future action against us.”

“Or it would lead to these criminals to becoming more secretive and putting more planning and caution into their crimes.” Rhaenyra interjected.

“You are giving these pirates too much credit, Your Highness. They are not that big of a threat, especially not one that requires Lord Corlys' intervention.” Tyland said to Rhaenyra.

Corlys scoffed, “I would not have come here if that was the case.”

Viserys cleared his throat, “Let us calm ourselves, there is no need for fighting.”

The council turned towards the King, waiting for his decision on the matter.

“Ser Tyland and his fleet will handle the threat of the pirates.” Viserys declared.

Corlys glared at Viserys, “ Your Grace, as I have already said-"

“You gave up your position as Master of Ships, Corlys. The Lannister fleet is now the royal fleet of Westeros and is thus their duty to protect Westeros from navel threats.” Viserys stated, staring the other man down.

“My King, while that may be true, Lord Corlys and the Velaryon fleet do have more experience with these matters. Cooperation would be the best way to go about this.” Lyonel explained, thinking about what would happen if the pirates were more cunning than their compatriots, as Rhaenyra had suggested.

Alicent turned towards Lyonel, “And has Lord Corlys not made it clear today that he will not work with the Crown? I fear such squabbling will become frequent.”

Corlys clenched his jaw, trying to keep his opinions of the Green Queen from spilling past his lips.

“Father, we have no way of knowing that. I am sure my good father would not act in such a manner when the safety of the realm is at risk.” Rhaenyra argued.

“No, my wife is right.” Viserys said, looking back at Corlys, “Such fighting would be counterproductive, it is not what is needed.”

“So that is it?” Corlys asked rhetorically, glowering at the King and Queen.

“Call your ships home, Corlys. They are not needed.” Viserys answered, "And keep them there, for they will not be needed to protect Westerosi waters."

Corlys stood, “Is that all, Your Grace?”

Viserys waved his hand, “You are dismissed.” 

Corlys spun on his heel and stalked out of the room, the sound of his angered and furious footsteps echoing with each step he took.

Laenor stood up as well, bowing to the King and Queen before following his father. He knew that his father was feeling downright murderous and that he would need to stay with him until Rhaenys returned with Aelora.

The small council meeting when on for another hour before the King had dismissed them.

Rhaenyra turned to Viserys, “Father, may I speak with you?” She then looked across the table and at Alicent, “Alone.”

Alicent opened her mouth to fight against the notion of Rhaenyra trying to dismiss her.

“Alicent, my dear. Please leave us.” Viserys said immediately.

Alicent pursed her lips, standing to her feet and giving Rhaenyra a nasty glare when the other woman smirked at her. Alicent kissed Viserys' cheek before leaving the chamber.

“What is it that you need, Rhaenyra?” Viserys asked, pushing his fingers through Jacaerys’ hair.

The young boy was able to distract himself when the toys he had brought with him, focusing on that as the meeting occurs around him.

Rhaenyra leaned forward, “It is about the Velaryon fleet-"

Viserys sighed, squeezing the bridge of his nose in between his thumb and index finger. “There is nothing to discuss. Corlys is not willing to work with the Crown to deal with this issue, he still believes that he has any say here, that he can command Tyland not to do the job that he himself gave carelessly.”

Rhaenyra frowned, “Corlys quit because he felt that he had been slighted and humiliated. Is that why you refused him; to assert your dominance over him and show him that you stand above him?”

Viserys' eyes narrowed, he then stood and placed Jacaerys into Rhaenyra’s arms, “This conversation is done.”

“But father-” Rhaenyra called out as she watched him began to leave.

Viserys turned his head towards his daughter, “It is over, Rhaenyra. I will hear no more of this or Corlys’ hurt feelings.”

Why am I not surprised? Rhaenyra thought not surprised but disappointed by her father. 

“Mama?” Jacaerys asked, seeing the annoyance and anger on his mother’s face.

Rhaenyra forced a smile, “There is nothing to worry about, little one.”

Jacaerys rested his head against Rhaenyra's shoulder as she stood and left the small council chamber.

~X~

Aelora was in a trance as she moved the paintbrush in her hand across the canvas in front of her.

Aegon had been trying to get Aelora’s attention ever since Rhaenys had dropped her off at the nursery and she began painting but nothing had worked. Even when he knocked the canvas to the floor, Aelora did not look in his direction, simply bending down and picking it up before going back to painting.

Eventually Aegon gave up, angrily walking to the couch and throwing himself against it, pouting as he watched his niece.

Her art can't be more interesting than me, right? Aegon thought, afraid that this new obsession with art would become a common occurrence.

“This is the worst.” Aegon mumbled, crossing his arms as he pushed himself deeper into the couch.

“Lora needs to paint; it relaxes her mind.” Helaena said aloud, her eyes focused on a spider crawling on the floor in front of her.

“What are you talking about?” Aegon asked, frowning as he looked at his sister.

“It takes away the pain.” Helaena replied.

Aegon sat up, “Pain? What pain?”

Helaena did not respond, her face emotionless as she continued to stare at the spider, unbothered as it began to crawl onto her leg.

Aegon scoffed, “Why am I even listening to you?”

Time passed by tortuously slowly for Aegon as he waited for Aelora to finish. When Aelora finished her drawing, she placed her paintbrush down on the wooden stretcher.

Aelora rubbed her eyes as she blinked, “When… when did I finish?”

She remembered starting to paint but not anything in between then and now.

“Finally, you’re done!” Aelora jumped when she heard Aegon’s exclamation and when he hugged her from behind.

“Wow! That’s a pretty dragon, Lora" Aemond cheered when he made his way over to the pair. 

“A dragon?” Aelora asked, looking back at her painting.

On the canvas was a blue dragon with cobalt wings, the scales of its stomach, claws and crest were the color of beaten copper. They were flying through a dark sky, releasing a torrent of cobalt blue flames from its mouth.

Tessarion… Aelora thought, recognizing the she-dragon from her dreams.

“I've never seen this dragon before; did you make it up?” Aegon asked as he looked at the painting.

Helaena stood up from the floor and walked towards her siblings and niece. “They haven’t hatched yet.”

“Hatched?” Aegon asked.

“It’s Dae's dragon.” Aelora answered.

Aegon looked in between his sister and niece, a doubtful expression on his face. “Sure, it is.”

Aemond turned to Aelora, his expression was a mixture of hope and awe. “Can you see what my dragon will look when it hatches?”

“No, not yet.” Aelora replied, feeling guilty when she saw Aemond's expression fall.

“But I'm sure I will soon, ‘Mon.” Aelora reassured, not wanting her uncle to stay upset.

Aelora had not dreamed of dragons when it came to Aemond or Helaena, but she knew that she could not tell Aemond that she had her doubts about his egg.

Aemond's white dragon egg felt just like her own, cold, and empty. And she knew that telling him that would crush Aemond, the boy who loved dragons more than anything.

He'll claim a dragon. Aelora thought, hoping that Aemond would be satisfied with that.

~X~

The Next Day  

“The egg! Daeron’s egg hatched!” Was the first thing everyone in the nursery heard early that morning.

As they entered Daeron's room, they saw Aemond standing over Daeron as a blue dragon crawled into the younger boy's arms.

Aemond smiled when Aelora stepped forward, “It looks like your panting, Lora!”

Aegon’s eyes were wide as he stared at Tessarion, “It really does.”

Aelora smiled as she looked at Daeron, “Congratulations, uncle.”

Daeron giggle, patting the dragon’s back, “I love them so much!”

“We can fly our dragons together!” Jacaerys added, enthralled by how beautiful his uncle’s dragon was.

Aelora started walking towards the door, “Stay here, I’ll get our parents.”

The princess knew that the adults would be able to summon the dragonkeepers to take Tessarion.

She remembered Alicent’s reaction when Vermax hatched, so she knew that her reaction would be even worse since the dragon belonged to one of her children and would want the dragon to leave the Keep even faster.

“Does your head still hurt?” Aelora jumped, turning around, and seeing that Helaena had followed her.

How is she so quiet? “My head?”

Helaena stared at her blankly, walking past Aelora and into the hallway. Aelora quickly caught up to her, and the two walked side by side towards the Queen’s chambers.

“You've been having headaches.” Helaena answered.

“But I didn’t tell anyone, why do you know that?” Aelora asked, looking at her aunt suspiciously.

Aelora did not know why, but lately whenever she had her strange and realistic dream, she would have terrible headaches.

They lasted for a few hours, and she would feel the most pain emanating from her left eye. There were even a few times when her left eye would start to bleed, just like it did that night after the tourney.

“Did the painting help?” Helaena asked knowingly.

“It-it-it did.” Aelora stuttered, shocked that Helaena knew so much.

Helaena smiled, “That’s good. I don’t like it when you’re in pain.”

Before Aelora could respond, they had reached Alicent’s bedchamber and Criston, who was standing guard outside it, called out to them.

“Princess Helaena, Princess Aelora. What is wrong?” The Kingsguard asked, knowing that the two should not be awake so early in the morning.

“Dae's dragon egg hatched.” Aelora replied.

Criston’s eyes grew slightly, “Wait here.”

The man knocked on the door before letting himself in. A few moments passed before the door swung open and Alicent stepped out, moving frantically.

 “Daeron’s egg has hatched?” Alicent asked the two girls in front of her.

“Yes, mother.” Helaena replied.

Alicent turned to Criston, “Ser Criston, call a servant to summon the dragonkeepers. And be sure that they bring a crate for the little beast.”

Criston bowed to his Queen before leaving to carry out her order.

Alicent walked ahead of Aelora and Helaena as they made their way back to the nursery.

Aelora turned her head to look at Helaena, but the other girl kept her gaze forward as they walked, appearing to nether not noticing or caring about Aelora’s intense staring.

Aelora hated how people would speak about Helaena, calling her strange, weird, and empty headed.

But to her, Helaena was the kindest and sweetest person she had ever known, it did not matter that Helaena was different. But now Aelora began to question just how deep Helaena’s differences truly went.