The Godswood, The Red Keep.
The afternoon sun was generous, bathing the Godswood in a golden warmth. Birds sang among the leaves, and the air carried the scent of late-blooming flowers.
In the distance, young lords and ladies of the Crownlands strolled along the galleries, their voices hushed to a respectful murmur.
Nearby, handmaidens and stewards moved with practiced quiet, setting out tables and chairs for a royal tea.
Viserys, I sat in his chair, watching his youngest son, Baelon, crawl across his lap.
The boy was only a year old, a bundle of silver-gold curls and boundless energy that shimmered in the light.
"To be young is a gift," Viserys murmured, a trace of regret mixing with a quiet sense of peace.
Aelyn stood to the side, her smile nearly cracking under the weight of her hidden grief.
She looked at Baelon, at little Daena, and at this facade of a harmonious royal family, and felt a cold void in her chest.
Her family was under siege in Lys; her husband lay mangled in his bed; and her mother-in-law was weaving a tapestry of lies to blind the King.
"Where is Aemond?" Viserys asked suddenly.
Hearing the name felt like a needle pricking Aelyn's heart. Aegon was the eldest. Aegon was the Heir.
Why was the second son the first one the King asked for?
Alicent, cradling Daena, answered softly, "I have sent for him, Majesty. He has just returned from the Dragonpit. He will join us once he has changed."
At that moment, footsteps echoed from the garden entrance.
Aemond Targaryen arrived. He had changed into a high-collared black doublet, the three-headed dragon embroidered in gold thread glinting in the sun.
Helaena walked beside him, dressed in pale blue silk, her silver-gold hair styled in intricate braids.
She wore a gentle smile as she looked at her parents.
The two approached Viserys and bowed in unison.
"Father."
Viserys looked at them and beckoned with a shaky hand.
"Come. Closer to me."
Aemond stepped forward. He was tall, so Viserys reached out. Aemond knelt, lowering his head so his father could touch his silver hair.
Viserys's hand, thin and trembling, rested on Aemond's head.
"My son," Viserys smiled weakly.
"Prince of Rook's Rest... what do you think of that?"
Aemond looked up, his violet eye meeting his father's clouded gaze.
"I am grateful for Your Majesty's grace."
Viserys shook his head. "It is not grace. It is earned. As a second son, you must be the pillar that supports your elder brother."
He turned to Alicent, his voice thin but carrying an unquestionable authority.
"Proclaim it to the Seven Kingdoms. Aemond Targaryen is, from this day forth, the Prince of Rook's Rest. He shall enjoy all the status and honors of the rank."
"I will see to it, Majesty," Queen Alicent nodded.
Viserys looked back at Aemond, his expression turning serious.
"He is your brother. He is the Prince of Dragonstone and the future King. Do not be too impulsive. Think before you act; there is no harm in deliberation."
Aemond lowered his gaze. "I will, Father."
Viserys stared at him for a long time. Finally, he let out a sigh so soft it was almost lost to the wind.
"You are more inscrutable than even my brother, Daemon. We Targaryens have produced many a madman, have we not?"
The words felt like a chill running through the gathered family. But Aemond's expression remained a mask of calm.
"I will guard House Targaryen well, Father. It has always been my responsibility."
Viserys seemed to accept the answer. He turned to Helaena.
"Helaena, my sweet daughter."
Helaena knelt beside her father, taking his hand. Tears pooled in her eyes.
"Father, you look... You look so tired."
"Silly girl, why cry?" Viserys wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb.
"I am well. Seeing you all grown is enough for me."
He looked between Aemond and Helaena, his gaze shifting back and forth. Then, he spoke slowly.
"Aemond... Helaena... you are both of age now. Aemond turned sixteen just last week, did he not?"
Aemond nodded. "Yes, Father."
"I remember..." Viserys closed his eyes, drifting into memory.
"I remember everything. Rhaenyra's name-day is the seventh day of the third moon. Aegon's is the twelfth day of the ninth moon. And yours..."
He proceeded to recite the birth dates of every one of his children, without a single error.
Alicent's eyes filled with tears.
She remembered that years ago, Viserys had been like this—able to recall every favorite food, every first word, every first step of his children.
"I have always remembered," Viserys said, opening his eyes to look at everyone in the garden.
"I keep you all in my heart. You are my blood, my continuation. Fire and Blood... they come from the same source, children."
Aemond felt an uncharacteristic stir of emotion in his chest.
"I wish..." Viserys continued.
"I wish to preside over a Targaryen wedding for the two of you."
The Godswood fell so silent that the sound of a falling leaf could be heard. Alicent held her breath. Aelyn's eyes widened.
A blush crept across Helaena's cheeks. Aemond's expression did not change; he nodded.
Viserys smiled. Behind the gold mask, the expression felt profoundly tender.
"Good. Good. Then let it be soon, while I can still stand to witness it."
He paused, as if remembering a final piece of the puzzle. He turned to Alicent.
"Invite Rhaenyra and Daemon as well... and little Aegon, and little Viserys. I want to see them. A family should be together."
Alicent's face went deathly pale. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words were caught in her throat.
Aelyn watched her with bated breath, while Aemond remained stoic, and Helaena looked at her brother with worry.
"What is it?" Viserys asked, sensing the shift.
"Is it inconvenient for Rhaenyra to come?"
"No... no," Alicent managed.
"It is just... they are in Tyrosh. The journey is long. It will take time to arrange..."
"Then send the messengers. Send the swiftest ship. I want to see them... while I still can."
Queen Alicent forced a brittle smile. "I will arrange it all, Majesty. Do not worry."
Viserys seemed satisfied. He leaned back into the cushions and closed his eyes as the poppy finally took hold, pulling him into a deep sleep.
Alicent signaled for the children to withdraw.
Aemond helped Helaena to her feet.
They offered a final bow to their father and exited the garden in silence. Aelyn rose to leave as well.
The attendants lifted the chair to carry Viserys back to Maegor's Holdfast.
Alicent remained alone in the Godswood, watching them go.
The sun was bright, and the birds were singing, and for a fleeting moment, everything looked perfect.
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