#aegon's threads

[goldaegontargaryen]

Fear and Accusation: with @alicenthightowerrp

Barging into his mother’s chambers was a move that lacked subtly, but Aegon was desperate.  Once the shock from realizing his elder sister had been poisoned dissipated, the first thing his mind had turned to, as had many others he assumed, had been to who the perpetrator had been.  Aegon’s personal list of suspects was short and his mother’s name was at the top of the list.  He’d thought she had been acting oddly during the conversation they’d had in the Sept.  She’d been speaking of her own imminent death and had seemed evasive to some of his questions.  He had assumed it was simply his father’s death that had made her seem introspective and nervous, but it could have been something more sinister occupying her thoughts.  Hells, Aegon had even offered her wine.  Had she thought up the plan as Aegon handed over the wine goblet?

Aegon knew he did not look well.  The funeral had taken its toll on him and the stress after the poisoning had already compounded his strained emotions.  He slammed the door shut behind him, already speaking before his mother could say a word.  “Tell me it was not you.  Because if it was, nobody will believe I knew nothing of the plan.  Please mother,” Aegon practically begged.  Deep down, he didn’t truly believe his mother could have done such a thing, but he feared that was a remnant of childhood naivety, the part of himself that would forever be a small boy thinking his mother was the most perfect person in the world.  

Aegon started to pace the floors of his mother’s chambers, thoughts racing and speaking almost as quickly as they came into his head.  “If you did it, they will find out soon enough.  You were a fool not to try and poison Daemon as well.  He will tear this castle apart to find the culprit.  You’ve doomed us all.”  Aegon knew there was no mercy where Daemon was concerned.  If he believed there was even a chance Aegon had known and allowed Rhaenyra to be poisoned, the best he could hope for was to be sent to the Wall.  The reality was likely to be much less pleasant.  Gods and if Rhaenyra died?  Aegon was fairly sure the last bit of Daemon’s humanity would die with her.    Aegon resisted the urge to shudder and forced his mind away from the topic.  It would do him no good to think about right now.  

“I can get all of us out through the tunnels.  You’ll have to ride with either Helaena and I, which I know you won’t like but it’s our only option.  We’ll have to get to Dragonstone as quickly as possible.  Hells, I do not even know where all of my siblings are.”  Rhaenya was likely to be in her chambers, but Daeron and Aemond could be anywhere.  His siblings were less likely to be targets than his own family, but Aegon didn’t plan to leave them to Daemon’s mercy.  Getting their support also helped to guarantee their safety.  Between Vhagar, Dreamfyre, Tessarion, and Sunfyre they would be able to adequately defend Dragonstone until they could perhaps organize an escape attempt to Essos.  

Finally, Aegon paused to take a breath only realizing as he did so that his hands were shaking.  It was like his worst nightmare was coming true.  Even though he was far from next in line to the throne and Rhaenyra’s entire army of children stood between him and kingship, it wouldn’t matter.  Everyone would judge him guilty before he could even open his mouth and defend himself.  There was every chance that the poisoner, if it wasn’t his own mother, was someone who desired his ascension over Rhaenyra’s, which would only make things worse for him when they were caught.  Aegon’s very existence would be causing trouble as it always had.  Though anyone who knew him should have known he wasn’t guilty because Aegon would have never only poisoned Rhaenyra and left Daemon alive and well.  Anyone with a bit of sense would have attempted to assassinate them both instead of leaving Daemon alive to seek vengeance. 

[goldaegontargaryen]

It probably did little to teach his daughter the important lesson of empathy, but Aegon couldn’t help but chuckle at Jaehaera’s words.  He hadn’t heard any news of a sailor losing one of his hands to Morghul, but if it had happened, he thought anyone stupid enough to put their hand within biting distance of a dragon deserved what happened to them.  Despite their bonds with their riders, dragons were far from well trained pets.  In most ways, they were still wild, untamed creatures who only consented to be in partnership with their chosen rider.  

“He didn’t necessarily have to lose a hand to scream.  Most people are quite afraid of dragons,” Aegon replied.  He supposed he couldn’t blame them.  There were even some dragons he found intimidating, such as Vermithor or Caraxes.  Tiny Morghul didn’t cause much fright in him, but to the common sailor he might inspire true terror, who knew?  

Aegon looked over the city along with his daughter.  It was strange to think Jaehaera wouldn’t grow up with the same sense of familiarity to King’s Landing as he’d had in his youth.  In some ways, he was thankful for that.  Dragonstone was a safer place for a young princess to grow up and she would be separated from the grasping ambitions of the politically minded nobles who went in and out of court.  Jaehaera being only a child wouldn’t stop them from trying to sway her to their side or into their favor.  In other ways though, it made him a bit sad.  There was a dark wonder in King’s Landing’s chaos and revelry that existed nowhere else.  

“We left for Dragonstone about a year and a half ago, but your mother and I rarely took you into the city when you were younger.  It’s not particularly safe for a princess like yourself.”  Aegon knew he was a bit paranoid when it came to his children’s safety, but he’d been through more than one attempted kidnapping attempt while walking through the streets of King’s Landing when he was a teenager.  Thankfully, none of those attempts had come even close to being successful, usually having been carried out by opportunistic peasants hoping to ransom him back to his father.  One well placed stab from the knife he always carried had usually done the trick.  Still, the idea of danger remained and Aegon had been insistent that the only trips into King’s Landing that he would allow for his children were ones where they were heavily guarded.  

Aegon followed his daughter into the Dragonpit and to her dragon.  He would probably take her with him to visit Sunfyre right before they left.  His dragon adored all his children, but he seemed to have a particular fondness for Aegon’s daughter.

“He is lovely, but be careful that you don’t cut yourself on his spikes,” Aegon said, a soft smile on his face.  It made him proud to see the strong bond his daughter clearly had with her dragon.  In that regard, she was incredibly like him.  She treasured her dragon and their relationship dearly.  Aegon knew he should probably try to push her towards human friends while they were at court, but he had found human friendships to be much more fickle than the loyalty of a dragon.  He kept a respectful distance from the pair.  Though Jaehaera was his daughter, Morghul was young and not as well trained as an older dragon would have been and he didn’t always take kindly to human presence that wasn’t Jaehaera.  “We’ll stay here for a bit.  I want to make sure the journey didn’t stress him out too much.”  Dragons were incredibly adaptable, but Aegon still knew the presence of his bonded rider would help soothe any anxiety the dragon might be feeling.  Staying here also had the added bonus of delaying their arrival to the Red Keep.

The Dragonpit with: @goldaegontargaryen

Jaehaera kept following her father, she knew that her father had skipped the reception and the girl was glad of it. Jaehaera wasn't exactly fond of change, her purple eyes got wider when she noticed that King’s Landing was louder than Dragonstone. She wasn't very keen on making friendship, afterall why would she exchange her dragon for a childhood companion she barely knew?

Even though Jaehaera was young, she knew Aegon wasn't a typical father. Most nobles, prefered sons. Boys were precious. Boys were heirs, lords, knights and heros. They bring glory, status and good fortune to their houses.

They would sire even more boys to carry on their ancestral bloodline. And girls…were well girls. Most of the time they were just exchanged for a political alliance. Even with two sons, Aegon always made time for Jaehaera.

His only daughter.

“I think Morghul ate one sailor's hands. There was some yelling during the night.”, Jaehaera said calmly as if it was expected. “Mayhaps he was hungry.”, the girl continued.

Jaehaera's eyes were too busy studying the change of scenario, the Red Keep looked far more vivacious than Dragonstone. Almost everyday it seemed like there was something new and exciting to do. It seemed exactly like the history books described how the court was like. Although, she was clearly too young to join the court, probably. Even tho, one decade seemed like a long time for Jaehaera. She would get to meet the rest of her extended family.

Her aunt or…half aunt, Jaehaera could never recall, would be queen.

“Yes, I am excited to be here. Wait, when was the last time I was here, father?", Jaehaera asked, confused as she didn't have a singular memory of the damned city.

As they entered the dragonpit, Jaehaera quietly walked until she reached Morghul. Morghul was dark as a nebulous night. She carefully went to pat his scales and wrapped her arms around his neck. Or at least she tried to. It didn't seem like a very wise thing to do.

“Isn't he lovely?”, Jaehaera asked her father.

[godofstory]

Jacaerys tweets, a thread💫

💫💫

💫💫

[banefort]

larys torturing aegon 'for his own good' in a sadistic phantom thread-like way to exercise complete dominance over his health and recovery, but also as a means to perversely unpick his stitches and remake him in his own image. much to think about

[goldaegontargaryen]

Safe Harbor: with @thedaringprince

It had taken some time, but celebrations had slowly crept their way back into the Red Keep.  There were namedays to be celebrated and many lords felt it was a blow to their egos to let the day go by uncelebrated.  Many of the events had been made smaller than usual in “concession to the Queen’s recovering health,” but that had seemed to simply mean there would be two cakes served instead of three.  In truth, once the castle had recovered from the shock of the poisoning and the other lords had decided they weren’t in harm’s way, many of the Red Keep’s daily activities had gone back to normal.  

For once, Aegon wasn’t in the mood for a party.  He didn’t want to pretend to care that some random lord was a year older or resist the urge to tell said lord another nameday simply meant he was a year closer to being dead.  But already, his absence to the returning events at the Red Keep had been noticed.  Some chalked it up to simple anxiety because of his sister’s poisoning, but others whispered it was a sign of guilt.  As baseless as the rumors were, Aegon didn’t want to continue to feed them so he forced himself to dress up and make an appearance.  

The moment he stepped into the room, however, the lights and the people seemed to make his head spin.  He did not want to be here.  He had not been feeling well.  Ever since the poisoning, he’d been carrying around the weight of unceasing stress on his shoulders that only seemed to get worse the longer the poisoner evaded capture.  Aegon didn’t feel particularly charitable to any of these people and didn’t want to spend time socializing with them.  What he wanted was to be curled up under the covers of his bed with a glass of wine close at hand to help him think and worry about nothing at all.  

Just as he was about to truly despair over his situation, he spotted Daeron across the room.  Aegon let out a sigh of relief, quickly pushing through the crowd so he could reach his brother.  “Daeron,” he said, his voice holding a tinge of desperation, uncaring that he had interrupted whatever conversation his brother had previously been having.  “I need something to drink.  Desperately.”  He quickly looped his arm through his brother’s, tugging him in a random direction with the hope that was where the refreshments table was located.

[goldaegontargaryen]

Aegon enjoyed parties, but the kind of events that were held in the Red Keep certainly didn’t deserve that title.  Drinking excessively was frowned upon, all the singers were instructed to play quiet, respectful tunes, and all the guests were too busy projecting an aura of regalness to actually be open to having any true fun.  The only purpose to these kinds of events in Aegon’s eyes was the opportunity for the lords and ladies to mingle, gossip, and attempt to form political alliances with one another.  This often meant people endeavored to seek him out in an attempt to gain his favor, which could be tiresome.  If the person was interesting, Aegon sometimes granted it, but most people were dreadfully transparent in their attempts to manipulate him.  His reputation preceded him and many believed him to be politically inept and irresponsible, which led them to putting very little effort into hiding their intentions.  

If Aegon had a choice, he would have skipped tonight’s gathering and instead had a quiet night with his family to rest from the chaos they’d endured after their arrival to King’s Landing.  However, with his father’s failing health and the new status of his position on Dragonstone, he knew securing alliances and favor from various lords was important.  Aegon hardly intended to be a major political player, he would leave those types of decisions to Rhaenyra, but the wellbeing of his family was always at the forefront of his mind and having strong allies was important in keeping them well protected.  He could be charming when he wanted to be, and he intended to put that on full display tonight.

But his own distaste for the upcoming event didn’t come close to his wife’s clear uneasiness.  He’d watched Helaena flutter about the room, attempting to fix things that were already in perfect position and habitually checking over all the gifts she’d either made or acquired for their family members.  Aegon knew these types of events were hard for her, though he didn’t quite understand why they made her so nervous.  He knew Helaena hated being near strangers, but with her lovely smile and sweet personality, he couldn’t imagine anyone could help but feel endeared to her.  In his eyes, there was no need for her to feel nervous about impressing people.  

He approached her and took her hand, gently brushing his thumb over her knuckles in an attempt to try and soothe some of her nerves.  “Would you mind braiding my hair for tonight?  I suppose I should attempt to put forth some effort in my appearance.”  

Truly, Aegon cared little about what his hair looked like, but he knew having something to do would help distract his wife from her anxiety and allow them to talk while she worked.  He let go of her hand and moved to sit on a stool to allow Helaena an easier time reaching his hair.  “We don’t have to attend tonight.  I can always claim I have a horrible headache and insist I need your help to tend to it.”  Despite his plans, Aegon would always put Helaena and her comfort first.  

An Anxious Beginning to the Night

Part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

( Starter with @goldaegontargaryen )

Greetings were said, hugs were given, love was shared. The Targaryen family was reunited. That was how things had gone once Aegon and Helaena had come to Kings Landing with their children. The heavy cloud of Viserys’ illness hanging over everyone’s heads was still there, but made lighter and bare-able by their shared bonds. Everything was pleasant, nothing could possibly go wrong, Helaena had thought to herself. That was until she unfortunately remembered it was time to prepare herself for the gathering being held this night.

Pacing around her and Aegons chambers, Helaena looked for something, anything, to do to forget the upcoming gathering. Something that would help someone, something to look at, just anything. Her outfit was already prepared, her hair done, all of the gifts she had made for her loved ones finished. There was nothing to do but wait, and waiting made her more anxious than she already was.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see everyone, she was more than happy to talk to her family members. It was that there were more than just her family members coming, people she didn’t know. People who would look at her, stare at her, expect a response when they asked a question. Even when she’d practice talking to others by staring in the mirror and pretending her reflection was someone else, it never worked. Helaena would mess things up, become tongue tied, and embarrass herself every time.

She knew hiding behind her husband wouldn’t be an appropriate way to present herself at this event, but it was appealing nonetheless. She continued to move from place to place in the room, looking at every detail, brushing away any small amount of dust, moving any item that didn’t look quite right where it was.

She had almost forget Aegon was there with her, when she felt his presence next to her. “Oh! Husband, is there anything you need me to do for you?” She smiled big, but didn’t quite look him in the eyes. “I just finished getting ready, can I help you prepare?”

[imsorryimlate]

[garnsdotbackup]

aegon & aemond's dynamic

1. i gave you all, mumford & sons / 2. the plagues, ralph fiennes & amick byram / 3. the family jewels, marina / 4. two birds, regina spektor / 5. cain and abel, orazio riminaldi, c.17th / 6. moses 5:34 / 7. rule #4 - fish in a birdcage, fish in a birdcage

[evagreen-stories]

Broken Bonds | Maelor x f!highborn!reader x Aemond x Aegon

Moodboard for upcoming One-Shot (dropping this weekend!)

Summary: Betrothed to Prince Aemond before the war and having fallen in love with the one-eyed prince, the young lady Celtigar’s heart would shatter into pieces as she learns of his betrayal in taking a mistress and siring a bastard with her while away at war.

Unable to cope with being forced to marry him anyway, she chooses to run away, using the chaos of war to disappear forever, or so she thought.

When fate sends her into the town of Bitterbridge one day, she finds herself caught up in the chaos of a giant riot, sheer terror overwhelming her when she spots a familiar toddler screaming amongst the greedy crowd.

Barely escaping the scuffle alive, she takes the boy in as hers, living as mother and son ever since.

The duo grows inseparable until a decade later, when an unfortunate coincidence would result in the two torn apart forever.

Word-Count: 15k

[dreamedfyre-a]

I'm eating so well today thanks to ramses..

[greenbloods]

aegon not dying in the riverlands like every targaryen man during a war is supposed to is the dark timeline. he split the timestream and now everything that came afterwards is us paying the price.

[goldaegontargaryen]

To say that his imminent return to King’s Landing was making him nervous was an understatement.  As the days passed and the date loomed closer, Aegon’s anxiety only grew.  He had fallen into a stable routine governing on Dragonstone, but he wasn’t sure how he would fare being exposed to all the nobles of the realm who would be called to King’s Landing to witness his sister’s inevitable coronation.  The only time Aegon had felt remotely calm was when he was sufficiently distracted, so he’d thrown together a last minute going away party to celebrate his departure from Dragonstone and to keep himself from thinking about the way he was certain to make a fool of himself once he reached King's Landing.

He was drunk, which was a relief.  Aegon had many different kinds of ways of being drunk, but tonight the drink had made him feel light and happy, like none of his problems could bother him.  It was that feeling he chased every time he drank and he was relieved it had decided to visit him now when he needed it most.  He stumbled slightly as he reached out for the door of his chambers, banging his shoulder against it roughly.  He internally winced, hoping Helaena wasn’t asleep yet and opened the door as delicately as he could manage, which was not very delicately at all.  

Inside, the room was not at all as he expected.  Instead of his chambers and his wife Helaena, he was met with the shocked face of his youngest sister, Rhaenya.  Aegon’s mind spun quickly, finally coming to the conclusion that he’d gotten turned around in his drunken state.  The idea seemed terribly funny and he laughed. “Rhaenya!  How is my dearest sister?  Well besides Helaena, but she’s my wife so I don’t think it’s fair to compare you both.”  

If he had been more sober, he might have noticed the strained look on Rhaenya’s face, but instead he happily allowed his sister to lead him over to the couch in her room.  “Why not?  I’m having a delightful time right now.”  Aegon swung his legs up onto the couch, dropping his head against the arm.  “I think I’ll sleep in here,” he declared.  He didn’t feel like trying to figure out his way back to the right chambers. 

“You should have come to the party, Rhaenya.  I knocked over an ice sculpture of a dragon, though I don’t feel guilty because it was quite ugly.  The man who made it had clearly never seen a real dragon.”  Aegon could become quite chatty when he was drunk.  Usually, he found himself feeling a bit awkward and at a loss for how to speak to his younger sister, but the drink had made that awkwardness fall away as Aegon related everything that came to his mind. 

a starter for @goldaegontargaryen + @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

“You're my brother, until the end of times. Even after that.”

It was a cold night in the castle of Dragonstone, the Princess Rhaenya sighed as she lit another candle as she wrapped herself in another blanket. Her nightgown dragging across the floor. She sat down on her bed as she lifted her little small puppy to cuddle with her. The young princess slightly shivered as she held herself close to her bed and puppy, who was now slowly falling asleep. Rhaenya held herself tightly as she watched her little spaniel sleep in her arms. It was quieter than usual… she thought, well she should never assume the castle was quiet. There possible could assume that there was a party, she didn’t know about. Although she never understood why her brother threw so many parties. It never made sense how he could get drunk, over and over again. She worried for her own brother seeing how drunk he always got. She stared her ceiling as she tried her hardest to sleep. She was so tired, but nothing could seem to get her to sleep. She was quiet as she liked the silence and had her little puppy Dreamer snoring. There was a bang outside her door… Rhaenya jumped as she reached for her dagger that inside her nightstand. The door busted open waking Dreamer who started to bark. Rhaenya put her hands over her dog’s mouth as she realized who it was.

“Aegon!” she snapped, her voice had a slight relief. She could tell he was drunk, the way that he smelled. Alongside with his stumbling around, and Rhaenya let her puppy go.

Dreamer fell asleep in the corner of the bed, as Rhaenya got up and she tightly wrapped her robe around her and linked arms with her brother to support him, to sit him down onto the couch.

“Aegon, you do know, I do not like seeing you this drunk…” she whispered, sighing as she put on an apron over her nightgown.

[halfyearsqueen]

in every no dance au she goes on progress the following year after her ascension when things have mostly settled down, and does go all the way to the north

[demongemz]

Aegon knew nothing but death and fire growing he’d weathered so much loss that it forever tainted his happiness and joy he was well known for never smiling or giving way to any form of entertainment simply because he didn’t believe he deserved it. This world offered him a chance to be free, to no longer be tied down to the path his family had put him on regardless if he wanted it or not. He could walk the streets without being stopped and worshiped, he didn’t have to worry about people vying for his attention as it was clear they only wished to talk to him to gain favor with the king. He had so much placed on his head and back that he feared he would crack under all the weight. His mind has been broken since he was but a child and endured the harshness and loss of his family members one by one. The sight of brown curls pulled him out of his darkening thoughts as he tried to blink back the tears he knew were threatening to fall. “Jacaerys” He mused in a soft voice from illuse. “Brother, is that you?” @furyfms

[banefort]

what does it all mean

[goldaegontargaryen]

Aegon had thought he had done a good job of choosing the tavern they were currently sitting in.  It was crowded enough that he and Lucerys could blend into the crowd, but not so crowded that it would be overwhelming.  At least, that was what Aegon had thought.  Instead, he was starting to get the feeling he could have taken Lucerys to a tavern with only one other patron and he would have still be on edge.  When he had decided to invite Luce out with him, it hadn’t been something he’d thought about deeply.  He found the atmosphere of the Red Keep stifling and while he was aware the last time he had seen Lucerys that he wasn’t fond of going out, he thought that his presence by his side would help to calm him down.  

Clearly, he was wrong.  

Lucerys’s eyes were scanning the room rapidly and every loud noise seemed to unnerve him more.  “None of them are going to attack you, nephew,” Aegon promised.  “I give too much gold to the owner when I’m in town for her to let anything too deadly happen to me or one of my companions.”  Aegon knew he had been recognized the moment he walked in, but he wasn’t sure if the same could be said for Lucerys.  He supposed that relied on how often he showed his face to the public.  Considering his reactions now, Aegon had a feeling he rarely did.  

Seeing the disgusted face Lucerys made after taking a drink of ale pulled a laugh out of him, though it also made him wonder why Lucerys had agreed to come out with him tonight.  They weren’t close enough for Luce to do something uncomfortable just for Aegon’s sake, at least he didn't think they were.  His awkwardness almost reminded Aegon of Helaena and the way new environments made her nervous.  The comparison made him feel slightly more protective of his younger nephew and Aegon motioned to the woman behind the bar and ordered a goblet of Arbor Gold.  Once it arrived, Aegon pushed the cup across the table to Lucerys.  He’d seen the younger prince drink it when the family dined together, so at least he knew it was something he could tolerate.  

The use of High Valyrian slightly surprised him, but it shouldn’t have.  Almost all of his relatives were fluent or at least passably able to speak the language.  Beyond the few basic words and phrases Aemond had taught him and the dragon commands taught by the dragonkeepers, Aegon was lost when it came to the language.  His mother hadn’t known it and his father hadn’t cared to teach him.  Aegon could acknowledge his own faults in not pursuing the study himself, but still, it made him feel sad in a distant sort of way to not be able to connect to his heritage the way his nephews and cousins could.  Thankfully, Aegon knew the word Lucerys had used.  Uncle, specifically a mother’s younger brother.  That, at least, was fairly simple.  

“I always feel calmer outside of the Red Keep.  I thought it would help us talk more freely, but…I can see that might not be the case.”  Aegon took a sip of his own ale, leaning back against the wall behind him, trying to think of a way to make Lucerys more comfortable.  They could always leave, but something had made Lucerys agree and it surely wasn’t a want for Aegon’s company.  That meant he wanted to be here for some reason, even if it intimidated him.  “Are you worried about your mother’s opinion?”  Aegon hadn’t cared about that in his youth, but it had certainly been on his mind. He knew Rhaenyra and Luce specifically had a close relationship, so it seemed logical that he might be worried about his mother’s disapproval. 

Qȳbor & Trēsy: A Night Out

A Starter with @goldaegontargaryen

The tavern in Flea Bottom was a far cry from the opulent halls of the Red Keep. Flickering candles cast a dim, uneven light across the room, revealing the worn wooden tables and benches that have seen countless patrons over the years. The air was thick with the smell of cheap ale and roasted meat, mingling with the sweat of the tavern’s rough clientele. Lucerys sat uncomfortably at a table in the corner, his cloak pulled tight around him as if it could shield him from the unfamiliar surroundings. Although a tiny voice in the back of his mind reminded him that it was not like anyone would recognize him.  

Just another brown hair, brown-eyed bast-. Lucerys stopped the thought with a deeper-than-usual swig of ale. 

Lucyers had never been one for the noisy, boisterous environment of taverns. Honestly, sometimes dinner with the whole with all the Targaryen, Velaryon, and Hightower family was too much for him. He preferred the quiet solitude of his chambers, the vast expanse of the open sea, or the sky above on dragonback. Tonight, however, was different. He was here, in this crowded and bustling tavern, because his uncle, Aegon,  had insisted they meet away from the prying eyes of the court. Luce had agreed, wanting to prove to himself that he could handle such situations, that he was more than just a sheltered prince. He agreed because this was something that he would regularly avoid. He agreed because he thought his fathers would be happy to see him on such an outing and his mother would be displeased. But now, sitting in the dimly lit tavern, he couldn’t help but question his decision. 

Between the clamor of laughter and clinking of tankards, Lucerys felt out of place. He notices the curious glances from the other patrons, their eyes lingering a moment too long on him. He wondered what was catching their eyes. Is his clothing too nice? Is his decorum too noble? Luce didn’t know. He didn’t have the white hair or violet eyes that clearly marked him of noble blood, but that does not mean he was not recognized. Every look at him, followed by a hushed rush of voices, set him on edge. He knew of the numerous rumors that swirled around him, whispers about his parentage to his lack of interest in women. 

It wasn’t that he wasn’t interested in women; he just was not interested in visiting Silk Street like his uncles and his father did in his prime. He was also somewhat terrified of what his mother would do if she heard whispers of his presence in brothels. Yet he found himself almost wanting to test her anger. He had always been close to his mother, Princess Rhaenyra, heir to the Iron Throne, Hand of the King, but with her impending ascent to the throne, he felt a growing distance. His older brother Jace was her heir in turn, leaving Lucerys as little more than a spare. His title as the heir to Driftmark felt hollow, a place he barely knew compared to the familiar of King’s Landing. He loved his mother and his sibling dearly, but he was beginning to understand that his future lay outside of King’s Landing and beyond his parents and siblings. 

He took another sip of the ale and tried to hide his grimace. Luce had ordered the ale to better fit into the setting, but he preferred Arbor Golds or northern meads. 

In contrast, Aegon had always been a bit of a wild card. He was known for his unpredictable nature and love for revelry, although he mellowed in recent years since his marriage to Helaena. Aegon was the antithesis of Luce. Outgoing where he was reserved, extroverted where he was introspective. Earlier, Aegon had seemed determined to pull Lucerys out of his shell to show. It seemed that tonight Aegon wanted to show him a side of life he had always avoided. But as Lucerys sat in the corner, he found himself overwhelmed by the noise, the smells, and the scrutiny of the tavern’s patrons.  

Beside him, Aegon sat nursing a tankard of ale, his movements languid and unhurried. The lights from the candles highlighted the sharp angles of Aegon’s face, casting shadows that made him appear both regal and roguish. He seemed perfectly at ease in this setting, as if the noise and chaos of the tavern were a familiar friend.  He embodies a confidence that Lucerys envied.

Taking a deep breath, Lucerys decided it was time to break the silence, to voice the question that had been swirling in his mind since they sat down. 

“Qȳbor,” Uncle, he said hesitantly, his voice barely above the din of the tavern, “What do you truly want from me tonight? Why bring me here, away from the prying eyes of the Red Keep?”

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