It was a dark night as some mercenary sailors began to come up some ships that bear the Velaryon sigils. The mercenaries were on one of the ships and began to sabotage all of the equipment to sail the ships, but they soon began to notice that there were no men on the ships.
"Where are the Velaryon men?" one of them asked.
"Must have abandoned ship when they saw us." Another said.
"But how did they know we were coming?" A third said.
Just then, they began to hear gusts of wind in the air as if there was something moving in the skies. They all looked up in the night sky, but they didn't see anything. The mercenaries looked around and soon they began to hear a soft growl, "The Night's Terror!" A sudden scream came from the other mercenaries that where on the other ships. Soon all of the men began to jump off ships however a large black dragon made an unearthly shriek as it began breathed fire on all the ships as it flew by, burning some of the mercenaries with it. There were some who were in the water while the flames were glowing in the night as it burns the ships and some of the mercenaries that couldn't escape, causing them to scream in agony. The dragon began to circle back and breathed fire again, but this time at the mercenaries who were swimming in the water. The dragon flew low at the water and burned the men who were swimming with flames so hot, it was as if the water itself was burning. The dragon came back again and again as it burned all of the ships that were decoys to let the mercenaries in and kill them.
The dragon then flew high in the sky and began to make its way to land where there were many more mercenaries and dead bodies that were staked to the ground while having crabs eat the corpses alive, along with a blood red dragon with a long neck crawling around wormlike. Its rider was a man with armor on as he was calling out their foe. Just then, flaming arrows then rained down on the rider as his dragon lifted its wings to cover him, but not before an arrow hit him in the should causing him to shout in pain. The dragon then screeched in pain as if it was hit with the arrow as well. When seeing this, the black dragon then descended into the ground. The rider that was riding The Night's Terror gave the command as the beast began to breath a trail of fire at the crossbow men from one side of the mountain to the other. It then began to cover the battlefield in flames to burn the rest of their enemies. Meanwhile, the blood red dragon started to fly to the skies with the black dragon following it as they flew away from the battlefield into the skies.
The two dragons then landed on an island that was filled with tents and Velaryon ships. The two men dismounted their dragons and made their way to the camp where soldiers were greeting them. The men were Daemon and Aegon of House Targaryen. It has been three years since the War of the Stepstones began. They allied themselves with Lord Corlys Velaryon to drive out their enemy, known as the Crabfeeder, to rid their realm from piracy of the Triarchy. Aegon then made his way into a large tent where Corlys Velaryon, his brother Vaemond and Donoros Sorren were waiting for them.
When Corlys and Daemon convinced Aegon to join the war, Corlys also saw an opportunity to have House Sorren involved. The Sorrens were a prominent and influential family in Braavos with great wealth from trade with weapons and money to fund the war. Corlys and Areqo Sorren spoke together and agreed to help one another as the Braavosi merchant saw the Triarchy as a threat to his house if the trading routes continued to falter. The whole family then relocated to Driftmark with all their riches. Members even left their positions in the Iron Bank, got together, and formed their own, the Sorren Bank, receiving many services from other merchants on the island Driftmark. Meanwhile, per Aegon's request, his son Aeron has been appointed as a ward of House Velaryon while having his mother, Melina stay with him, wanting to stay at her son's side.
"Did they fall into our trap?" He asked as the two men took off their helmets.
"Yes," Aegon answered as his whole face was covered in ash from the smoke, "Every one of them were burned. On the ship and in water."
"We still haven't found Draehar." Daemon reported, "He's hiding somewhere in the caves with the rest of the men.
"Doesn't matter," Corlys said, "The more men we burn, the more desperate he will be."
"He may be losing men, but the Triarchy will be resupplying them soon enough." Donoros said, "We need to find a way to drive him out of the caves."
"Maybe we can draw him out by using bait?" Aegon suggested.
"Right now we don't have men who would be willing to step forward." Daemon said, "At the moment, we have too many wounded to do so."
"We don't have men to step forward, because they don't think we can win." Donoros corrected, "We have been at war for three years and some of the men are questioning whether they should continue or not."
"Are you questioning our cause Donoros?" Corlys asked sternly.
"I am stating that the morale is low, and we are not giving the men the reason to continue in this war." Donoros answered and then implored, "Some of the mercenaries are leaving in droves as we speak."
"The Sorren Bank cannot buy more sellswords?" Vaemond asked.
"Our coffers are beginning to strain from all the gold we already been spending for the sellswords, weapons, and mercenaries that we already have." Donoros replied.
"Perhaps we can send a letter to the crown." Aegon suggested reluctantly, "The king has the means and resources to do so."
Daemon stared at his brother and said, "I do not believe our brother is willing to send aid. Which we do not need."
"We have been fighting for three years Daemon," Aegon reasoned, "If we send a message to Viserys, he might give us the help we need and-"
"We need nothing." Daemon answered again and then left the tent, leaving his brother with the other men.
"The king had many opportunities to send aid." Corlys said, "He won't send aid now." Seeing how his suggestion was declined, Aegon then left the war tent to go after his brother to try again to convince him.
As Aegon was chasing after Daemon, he passed by many soldiers. He saw what the effect of war had on them. As he passed by, he saw some men coming back with missing limbs, screaming in agony. There were others who came back who were so wounded to even move, all they could do was moan in pain, however, there were more men who came back dead. The maesters and other soldiers were piling up the corpses as the stench of dead bodies filled the air. Aegon was able to get to Daemon and forced him to stop. "Daemon, look around us." he pleaded to his brother, "We have been fighting and making no progress in our favor. We need help."
"And you believe the right course of action is pleading to our big brother for help like children." Daemon replied bitterly.
"The mercenaries are abandoning their post, and the men who are staying are dying. Giving their lives and for what?" Aegon pressed again, "We need Viserys to help us. Dragons or no, without it, we might not win this war."
Daemon looked intently at Aegon, saying nothing and then pushed him aside and walking away. Aegon, sighing in frustration, then went back to his tent. He was sitting in a cot at his tent as he finished taking his armor off. The War for the Stepstones has not been going well as of late. Daemon and Corlys has been driving the men hard, but the men are beginning to question their leadership. When Aegon joined the war effort, it was because he wanted to prove his worth, but now, after seeing the costs of war, he was tired of the fighting and wants this war to end which is becoming pointless. There were times, when he was a child, he wanted to fight in battle as his father did during one of the Dornish Wars, but now that he was actually fighting and seeing how many lives are being lost, he just wants it to end. Just then Ser Vaemond Velaryon came inside the tent, wishing to speak with Aegon.
"You know as well as I do that, we need help from the king." Vaemond said to the prince.
"Tell our that to our brothers." Aegon replied, "We are barely making any headway on Bloodstone. We need more men and aid, but Daemon won't listen."
Vaemond then had an idea, "Corlys is sending home some men who are too wounded the fight. Tell them that you will escort them back to Driftmark in case of any ambush from the Triarchy. Once on Driftmark, you will send a message to the king."
Aegon thought about it. At the moment, he probably can't send any message without Daemon and Corlys finding out, knowing that they would die before asking for help. But if he was at Driftmark, he could send the message to Viserys and tell him that they need help without Daemon and Corlys knowing. "I suppose I could then ask the king for help."
"Don't ask." Vaemond corrected, "Tell."
Aegon nodded, knowing that this was not a matter of asking. He hasn't spoken to Viserys for three years, but right now he can't allow grudges to stop him. They need help and Aegon believes that he can go to his big brother for help, despite their falling out years ago.
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It was a bright sunny day as the seagulls were flying around High Tide. The castle was built from pale stone and had slender towers that are crowned with roofs of beaten silver shining from the sun. Connected High Tide to the island of Driftmark was a causeway that had a large market town called Spicetown and in the harbor there was a six-year-old boy with brown eyes and brown skin, wearing a hood on his head, sitting on one of the stone railings to look at the sailors who were carrying cargo out of the ships and waited in anticipation to see what's inside them. He always loved looking at the ships, wondering where they went and what the sailors where bringing back. There were times when he wants to be in those ships and see what they carry from outside of Driftmark.
Just then the boy looked to his side and saw some Velaryon guards looking around as if they were searching for him. Not wanting to be caught, he jumped off of the railing and started to run. As he ran, however, he bumped into one of the sailors who was walking by and fell to the ground causing his hood to fall back showing his silver gold hair. One of the guards then saw the small boy's hair and immediately recognized who he was, "There he is!" he exclaimed, "After him!" yelled another. The boy then ran away and went deeper into Spicetown as the guards tried to chase him. He went to the marketplace, hiding himself through all of the people who were passing by to make himself unseen. He continued running until he soon came to an alley where he saw wooden boxes stacked together. He heard guards coming his way, causing him to go into the alley and climb on the boxes up to the top, and crossed over to the other side until he saw his father on the other side, giving him a serious look while having his arms crossed.
"Aeron, what are you doing?" his father asked sternly.
"Climbing?" Aeron sheepishly smiled.
"Get down before you hurt yourself." Aegon told his son, who then climbed down the boxes until he was on the ground, standing in front of his father, "How did you find me?" Aeron asked.
Aegon looked down at his son and said, "Well I came to High Tide and your mother said you were supposed to be at your history lessons, but you never came. I figured you were at the docks looking at the ships again."
"Are you mad?" Aeron asked worriedly.
Aegon sighed and said, "No. I did the same as you did when I was your age. Come on." He then wrapped his arm around his son as the father and son walked out of Spicetown and made their way to High Tide.
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Melina was upstairs at the Hall of Nine looking out of the window, waiting for Aegon to bring their son back. She was hoping nothing happened to Aeron, but she wasn't surprised that he snuck off again. Recently, Aeron has become restless and started to sneak out of High Tide and going off to Spicetown to look at the ships. It seems he takes after his father and refuses to sit still. She made her way downstairs where Princess Rhaenys was with a guard to get any report on the boy's whereabouts. The guard finished giving the report as Melina made it to the bottom of the stairs. "Any word?" She asked the older woman.
"The guards found him at Spicetown and ran off when he saw them." Rhaenys told her, "But Aegon was there, and they believe he saw where he went." The Queen Who Never Was saw the mother still nervous for her child. Being a mother herself of a son who was fighting at the Stepstones, she could understand how Melina was feeling. "Aegon was restless when he was Aeron's age. There was a time when he disappear for almost an entire day before he was found."
Melina gave her a small smile and said, "Yes, but that's also how he got a dragon."
Rhaenys gave her an understanding look. She remembers the time when Aegon left the Red Keep to Dragonstone all on his own. She remembers how worried prince Baelon was and how furious he became when he found out that Aegon went to Dragonstone on his own and claimed Nightwing, one of the most dangerous wild dragons that nested at the Dragonmont. Just then Aegon and Aeron came through the doors, entering in the Hall. Melina then walked quickly to them and hugged her son tightly, and then let go of him, "Aeron, why did you sneak off to Spicetown?"
"I just wanted to see the ships" Aeron said softly.
"We know Aeron, but you can't keep running off like this." Aegon lectured.
The boy looked up at his father and said, "You told me stories about how you did the same thing."
Aegon sighed, knowing what he said was true. He then got down on his knee and told his son, "And there were times I got into trouble when I didn't need to. I'm not saying you can't go out and see the world, just be patient. A time will come when you can go out the world as much as you can when you are older. Promise me, no more running off." Aeron looked to the right and mumbled, "Promise."
Aegon, however, didn't believe him and said, "You know you always look to the right when you're lying."
Aeron then gave a small mischievous smile, knowing he was already caught in a lie. Aegon couldn't help but smile at his son and ruffled his hair and said, "Go, your septa is waiting for your history lessons." He got up as Aeron ran off to go to his lessons.
"He's very much like you cousin." Rhaenys smiled, remembering Aegon when he was a child.
"Too much like me." Aegon said as he saw his son leaving. He then went to his room and began to change his clothes since he just returned early this morning from the Stepstones, only to find out his son ran off again. According to Melina, it has been happening more often. It reminded him of all the times he ran off when he was a child. He admits that his adventures puts him in a lot of trouble, especially with his father.
"Thank goodness found him." Melina interrupted his thoughts as she came into the room.
"Any longer and he probably would have gone onto one of those ships and sailed away." Aegon commented.
"Hm. He's becoming more bold lately." Melina said. "They might name him the Bold after your father."
Aegon chuckled, remembering that his father was called Baelon the Brave. It was said that they called him that when he smack the snout of Balerion the Black Dread himself. Many called him foolish or mad or both for doing that. Does Aegon believe the story. Yes, he does. "Bold is one thing, restless is another." Aegon corrected.
"He's like you that way." Melina said smiling.
"Yes well, it might get him more trouble." Aegon said as he sat on the bed.
Melina couldn't help but agree, however, they both knew that they could not keep their son in place forever. She then sat next to Aegon on the bed and said, "How was the fighting?"
Aegon sighed and said, "Men are losing faith. We are losing our rations. Some are suggesting of abandoning their posts. We thought dragons would help us, but they found a way to blunt them."
"How?" Melina asked in surprise since they have dragons as weapons of war.
"Using guerrilla tactics and hiding in the caves like the Dornish did while fighting the Conqueror during the First Dornish War." Aegon answered, "I wouldn't be surprised if the Martells are helping them in some way."
"What about my brother." Melina asked worriedly, knowing her older brother is out fighting with them while her father and younger brother are at Spicetown at the moment.
"They haven't killed him yet, and I don't think they will." Aegon said, calming her down, knowing that Donoros was not a man who can be easily killed.
"My father has been funding for men and weapons, but he admits, the war is starting to strain our coffers." Melina stated. "He doesn't believe that the Sorren Bank will keep funding for long.
"I was thinking on sending a message to the king." Aegon contemplated.
Melina was surprised that he was thinking of that, considering the current situation he has with his family. "Do you think he would help?"
"I honestly don't know." Aegon admitted. "But if you saw what I've seen. Men dying all around you. We need help, and Viserys might be the only one who can."
"Maybe your son, Baelar, could speak on your behalf," Melina stopped him from getting up from the bed, "It's been three years since you spoke about Baelar." Melina can tell that Aegon missed his older son and has been trying to get him to reconcile with him, "I know you miss him."
Aegon paused as he thought about his son. They haven't seen each other for three years and it kills him that he and his son are not speaking. There were times when he wanted to go to the Red Keep but he was too afraid of what Baelar's reaction would be. A few months ago, he received word that Baelar married Leah Lannister, he sent a letter congratulating his son on his marriage but got no reply back. Weeks after, he then got word that Leah is with child. He wants to be there for his son and be present for the birth of his first grandchild, but Baelar not replying back to his message made him know his presence was not wanted. "I can't think of that right now." Aegon said quickly as he got up to leave the room, "Right now, I need to send a raven to court and tell Viserys what happened."
"Aegon wait," Melina called, but he was already gone. She can tell how much Aegon wants to reconcile with his son. He was just too afraid to get rejected.
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In the Red Keep, there was laughter and merriment as the royal court celebrated the second name day of prince Aegon Targaryen with a feast and then a hunt. The firstborn son of Viserys Targaryen by his second wife Alicent Hightower. All gathered around the two-year-old babe who blabbered on while his nurse held him with his parents close by.
"He has your hair, Your Grace." One noble said as all the other nobles laughed.
"He does have my hair." Viserys said happily.
"He had your eyes, Your Grace." Another noble observed.
"Yes, he does." Viserys agreed while looking at his sons' purple eyes, "And you have my nose, don't you?" He then tapped the babe's nose as all the other nobles laughed.
"He seems so happy." A pregnant Leah Lannister observed the king fondling over his first-born son. The one he waited for so long.
"In a couple of months, we will be that happy." Baelar replied with a smile while rubbing his wife's belly. Baelar Targaryen and Leah Lannister have been married for over a year now and already expecting their first child in a half a year, although Viserys and Alicent are expecting their own second child in a couple of weeks. Everyone was having a good time as they centered their attention on the babe, until Tyland Lannister came with reports that could not wait. Tyland Lannister was Leah's cousin from Casterly Rock and had taken over the office of master of ships, after Lord Corlys's abrupt resignation.
"Your Grace." Tyland greeted the king, "A message came from your brother prince Aegon with urgent news in the Stepstones." Viserys stopped for a minute after hearing that there is a message from his youngest brother. The king did not speak to his two troublesome brothers for the past three years, so receiving a message from one of them was conflicting. Baelar and his mother Claryssa heard that his father sent a message, but he did not want to know. He never spoke about his father since their fall out despite the many attempts Leah made to have her husband reconcile with his father. "The Crabfeeder has dug in for the siege on Bloodstone while his men sabotage our fleet under the cover of dark," Tyland continued.
"Not today, Tyland," Viserys smiled dismissively, not wishing to speak about this subject when he wants to celebrate his son's name day.
"The matter of the Stepstones is regrettably urgent." Tyland reluctantly implored.
"It's been three years." Viserys reasoned, "It can wait another three days, and my brother has his dragon Nightwing who can hide in the dark," Viserys replied, "I'm sure he can rectify the problem. Come, eat. Fortify yourselves for the journey." He walked away to the table that was filled with food for all the members of the court as they made their preparations for the hunt. "Is the baggage train ready?" He asked Lord Lyonel Strong, Master of Laws.
"It is presently massing at the River Gate." Lord Lyonel answered while drinking wine. "Lord Jason expect us in the Kingswood before midday."
"Have you seen Rhaenyra?" Viserys asked.
"I have not, Your Grace." Lyonel answered.
"With the Triarchy now sheltering in Bloodstone's caves, any threat The Night's Terror and the other dragons can bring has been blunted." Tyland tried again to make the king understand the predicament of the situation of the Stepstones.
"They don't have foot soldiers." Viserys guessed, not wishing to discuss further.
"Many of them have been slain and too wounded to fight, their sellswords have been withdrawing in droves, Your Grace." Tyland reported from Aegon's letter, "Even the mercenaries can see that it is a losing effort."
"Where's Rhaenyra?" Viserys then asked to Ser Criston Cole who was nearby.
"I cannot be sure at present, Your Grace." Criston replied.
"The Velaryon forces have suffered heavy attrition, Your Grace," Tyland implored again.
"Doesn't Driftmark have a new bank that has the money to replace losses." Viserys said in annoyance as he knew all too well about the Sorren Bank that was created by the family of Aegon's mistress.
"The Sorren Bank are contributing much and more, Your Grace, however, their coffers are beginning to strain as well in the process." Tyland explained as Baelar started to listen after hearing about the other family his father has, "The seeds of dissent are sown amongst the rank and file. Daemon has driven the men hard, but they have begun to question his command. Too many men are dying from the battle. Prince Aegon implores that this war can end quickly-"
"Tyland" Viserys warned the master of ships, wishing to end the conversation.
"If the crown were to intervene." Tyland finished quickly, noticing the king's tone.
"Daemon, The Sea Snake, and The Dragon of the East started their war without His Grace's leave." Otto dismissed, "Were he to intervene now after so long, it would make the crown appear weak."
"Can someone tell me where in the Seven Hells Rhaenyra might be!" Viserys demanded. Alicent and Leah had a feeling where Rhaenyra was.
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Rhaenyra, in her dragon riding clothes, was in the godswood sitting under the weirwood tree reading a history book, while a mummer was singing about Princess Nymeria and how the legendary woman came to Westeros with her ten thousand ships. Leah and Alicent both came to the godswood and approached Rhaenyra as the mummer stopped singing to give respect to the queen.
"Did I tell you to stop?" Rhaenyra asked, not looking at her friends, mainly Alicent. She was still angry by the turn of events of Alicent marrying her father. "From the beginning", she said as she flipped through the pages of her book as the murmur slowly sat back down and played again.
"Rhaenyra?" Alicent called her friend, who was also her stepdaughter.
"Yes, my Queen?" Rhaenyra asked, not looking at Alicent.
"Your presence is wanted in the outer courtyard." Alicent said, "The royal hunt readies to depart."
"I've decided to remain here and read instead." Rhaenyra dismissed rudely to the queen.
Alicent, not wanting to be ignored, told the murmur, "You may go Samwell."
"You are to stay by order of the Princess." Rhaenyra demanded. The murmur looked back and forth to the queen and princess, not sure what to do.
"The Queen commands you to leave the godswood at once." Alicent commanded with more authority in her tone as Leah cringed slightly from her pulling the rank card. The murmur, having no choice but to obey the queen, bowed his head and left the women alone.
"The king wishes you to join us." Alicent said as she walked a few steps closer to Rhaenyra.
"The king has much to celebrate." Rhaenyra said, still looking at her book, "He does not need me."
"Rhae, we can't go without you." Leah said, "He wants us all to be together."
"Perhaps the hunt could be fun." Alicent added, nervously.
"Is it the kings command?" Rhaenyra asked.
Leah and Alicent looked at each other and then back to Rhaenyra as Alicent says, "Yes, but it-"
"Then at once, Your Grace." Rhaenyra replied as she shut her book closed and got up to walk away to get dressed for the hunt.
"But it shouldn't be," Alicent says, "None of it needs be this way in truth, Rhaenyra," she tried again, but Rhaenyra ignored her as she passed by her, "I don't know what to do."
"Well what would you expect, Alicent." Leah said as she look at her friend, "You lied to her, to both of us."
Alicent looked down and then back at Leah, "Leah, I told you of the circumstances of why Viserys choose me as his wife," Leah looked at Alicent, remembering what they spoke about, "You know that I was doing what my father expected me to do, what my duty expected me to do."
Leah sighed, knowing that this was not all Alicent's doing. Alicent was not the type of girl to be ambitious and take advantages for power in court. Her father on the other hand was, and she had a feeling that Otto Hightower was responsible for all of this mess. Leah then wrapped her friend's arm as they walked together, "I'll try and speak with Rhaenyra. Maybe try to get her to see your side." Leah assured her as Alicent gave her a thankful smile.
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The entourage was leaving King's Landing as they made their way to the Kingswood. It was a forest that was besides the city which allows nobles and the royal family to hunt and hawk for celebratory occasions. The royal family were in the royal carriage as they were waiting to reach their destination. Viserys and Alicent were sitting in the back seats with their son in between who was being entertained by his nurse. Meanwhile Rhaenyra was sitting in the front seat with her cousin Baelar, Leah, and his mother Claryssa Hunter.
"Well isn't this splendid," Viserys began to say, "The whole of our family off to celebration and adventure in the Kingswood." Everyone in the carriage smiled as he said those words, except for Rhaenyra who gave a halfhearted smile. Suddenly a huge rattle was felt as the carriage shook from the road, causing Alicent and Leah to be shaken a bit considering the state they were in, especially Leah. Leah was only five months pregnant, but it was already taking a toll on her. Recently she has been getting headaches and started to have some sort of swelling in her hands, ankles and face, but the maesters assured her and Baelar that it was just pregnancy symptoms and nothing more. Although she has been getting short breath whenever she tries going up some stairs. Rhaenyra saw Leah and Alicent in their discomfort and asked them, "Should you both be traveling in such condition?"
"The maester said that being out in nature would do us well." Alicent replied as she tried to get more comfortable.
"Is that so Leah?" Rhaenyra then asked her friend, "You've become more uncomfortable as of late."
Leah looked at Rhaenyra and said, "I'm sure I'll feel better once we get to the hunting grounds." She replied, although Rhaenyra doesn't seem to convince.
"The maester believes that surrounding herself in a calming environment might ease her condition." Claryssa said as she rubbed Leah's arm, "Soon your discomfort won't matter when you have your child is in your arms." She remembered when Baelar was born. It was a painful three days of labor, but it was all worth it when she had her newborn in her arms and Baelar and Leah would have that feeling soon enough.
"Well, Rhaenyra will be with her own child sooner than late," Viserys said as he gave baby Aegon a drink, "and make me a proud grandsire."
Rhaenyra gave her father a disbelief look as Alicent said "It's not so bad. The days are long, but Aegon came quickly and without fuss."
As soon as she said those words, Rhaenyra then looked away from Alicent as tension then filled the air. Everyone looked at each other, realizing that this was a sensitive topic for Rhaenyra since her own mother, Aemma Arryn, died a few years back from childbirth. Viserys then said, "You should ride out with me and Baelar today. Join in the chase."
"It'll be fun," Baelar agreed, "You never know what animals are in those woods."
"I'd rather not. The boars squeal like children when they're being slaughtered." Rhaenyra answered, "I find it discomforting."
"It is a hunt Rhaenyra," Baelar then replied, "screaming boars are expected when they are being hunted."
"Well, I'm glad you'll be entertained then, Baelar." Rhaenyra shot back.
"How would you like to participate?" Viserys then asked.
"I'm not sure why I must." Rhaenyra replied with an annoyed tone.
"Because you are my daughter, the princess," Viserys reminded, "And you have duties."
"As I am ceaselessly reminded." Rhaenyra grumbled softly.
"I'm sorry?" Viserys asked, as the others were awkwardly hearing the passive argument.
"As I am ceaselessly reminded." She repeated again with a louder tone.
"You wouldn't need to be reminded if you ever attended to them." Viserys said in a firm voice.
"No one's here for me." Rhaenyra finished to conversation as Viserys stared at her.
The carriage then made its way to the Kingswood and entered to the camp where many more nobles clapped at the site of the royal carriage. The Lannisters, Hightowers, and Strongs were among them. The carriage stopped as the king and the rest of the royal family came out as the crowd cheered for them. Although Rhaenyra stayed in the carriage for a bit. She heard the people shouting for joy as they praised prince Aegon's name as if he was the next king.
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Everyone was inside the tent conversing about all sorts of subjects. Rhaenyra was walking around and seeing how everyone was ignoring her presence. Viserys and Baelar were at the front of the tent where they could see everyone before them. Viserys saw Rhaenyra walking and then looked at Jason Lannister who was staring at her intently. When Rhaenyra came of age, there had been many suitors requesting her hand, but she has not been cooperating or took them seriously.
"What has Leah told you about Jason Lannister." Viserys asked Baelar who looked at the golden-haired lord.
"She told me that he is proud and arrogant." Baelar answered, "Why do you ask?"
"I was thinking of choosing a suitor for Rhaenyra." Viserys told his nephew.
"And you believe that Jason Lannister is the right man for her." Baelar asked with curiosity, "I don't believe that Rhaenyra will be pleasant with that particular choice."
"She must marry regardless." Viserys said, he then thought of asking Baelar of a particular question, "Did you received any message from your father as of late?"
Baelar paused as he looked at Viserys and curtly said, "No." He then walked away to the table with food, not wanting to discuss about his father any further. Baelar hasn't spoken to his father for three years and not wanting to talk to him now. At the moment, all he wanted to think about was the child he and Leah are having. Words couldn't describe how happy he was when Leah told him, and he wanted to make sure that he was going to be there for their child, boy or girl, not like his father who comes and goes whenever he pleases. He then looked at his wife who was sitting with his mother and Queen Alicent as they were surrounded by all of the other ladies of the court who came for the celebrations. He has to admit that he was a bit worried for his wife. When word was first announced that Leah was a child weeks after their wedding, it was a happy time, but recently she has been having headaches and getting a little bit fatigued. Not to mention that there has been a bit of swelling in her hands and face. The maesters said it was nothing, but he couldn't help but worry, considering that women mostly die from childbirth.
Rhaenyra was walking around and began to hear the ladies of the court sitting together and gossiping about a recent event that involves the Triarchy. The woman who started the gossip was Lady Ceira Lannister, Leah's great aunt, "Lady Johanna was reported to have been abducted when one of Lord Swann's ships sailed through the Stepstones."
"What will happen to Lady Johanna?" Alicent asked.
"She is to be sold to a pleasure house in the Free Cities if you believe the rumors." Ceira said.
"How old is she again?" Claryssa asked, mortified of a young girl to be abducted and sold like property.
"She was five and ten years of age." Ceira answered.
"Is Lord Swann going to rescue her?" Leah asked.
"It seems stingy her uncle refuses to ransom her, I'm afraid." Ceira answered.
"Is the crown going to send any ship or aid to rescue her?" Leah asked again, not understanding why no one seems to help the poor girl.
"It doesn't seem like it." Claryssa said as she drank her wine, "It would not be wise to send ships to the Stepstones at this time." The women then saw a man with a cane and a clubfoot come forward to then meekly who said, "I fear the gods did not make me for hunting. Might I sit with you, my ladies?"
"But of course. Please join us." Alicent said as the man began to sit down with the women, "Larys Strong, the youngest son of our Master of Law, Lord Lyonel."
"Welcome Lord Larys." Leah greeted him with a smile, "We were just conversing of a noble lady being captured in the Stepstones and no one is willing to do anything."
"Leah, at the moment, the Stepstones is a dangerous place to sail," Claryssa reasoned. She had no ill will to her daughter by law, but there were times she spoke out of turn and gave her opinion when it wasn't her place to speak on certain matters.
"The Stepstones have always been a thorn to the realm and it's not the first time they stolen victims for slavery," Leah said, "Isn't it time for the King to put down the savages there?"
"My Lord husband says that no King has ever been able to tame the Stepstones for long." Lady Hightower interjected, "It's a hospitable place suited for those savages."
"Perhaps the Princess can give us some insight." Ceira said as she saw Rhaenyra eavesdropping on the conversation.
Rhaenyra then came out of hiding with a sheepish chuckle and said, "I'm not sure how I could. I've never been to the Stepstones."
"Your dear uncles are the great mind behind this war, are they not?" Ceira asked while raising a brow. Leah started to shift uncomfortably, and Claryssa started to glare at Ceira, wondering if she was going to make a jape at her because of what her husband Aegon is doing. When she first heard that Aegon has joined Daemon and Corlys for the Stepstones, she was astounded, never thought in a million years that her husband be willing to go to war.
"I wouldn't know." Rhaenyra answered while fidgeting her fingers, "I've not spoken to Daemon or Aegon in years."
"Since you supplanted them both as heir." Ceira japed as she drank her wine.
"Daemon and Aegon made their choices, Lady Ceira." Alicent defended, "The princess was more suited to the role."
Rhaenyra gave a somewhat smile at Alicent, but still looked away. Deciding to change the conversation, Leah said, "Well, whoever started the conflict, I do believe it is the realms best interest to end it once and for all."
"I believe Lady Leah is right. There is a mess, and the King must put an end to it." Joselyn Redwyne announced, "Send fleets and men and clear out the Triarchy for good."
"But the crown is not at war." Rhaenyra said in confusion to why her father should do that.
"The crown is at war, princess." Lady Redwyne corrected as she patted her dog that was on her lap. "Though your father refuses to admit it, we've been dragged into it by your uncles and The Sea Snake. I'm sure Lady Claryssa can agree."
"We would like to hear your opinion on the matter. There had been gossip that your husband has his mistress and bastard are being housed at High Tide." Ceira said to Claryssa, "Along with her family who newly formed the Sorren Bank, who are funding the war."
All then looked at Claryssa waiting for her input on the subject. While taking a sip of her wine she said, "I do not keep up with my husband's affairs with his Braavosi Whore and his baseborn bastard child, if he wants to degrade himself with those leeches, let him. As for the Stepstones, I wasn't particularly shocked that my husband had decided to fly to war. He always did run straight to trouble without any regard of the consequences to others, which seems to be the realm. So it wouldn't be surprising if the king needs to go and clean up another mess that he caused."
Rhaenyra, annoyed at Claryssa talking about her uncle that way, then replied, "And how have you served the realm as of late, Lady Claryssa, by drinking wine?"
Claryssa looked at Rhaenyra with an eyebrow raised and shot back at her by saying, "Well, you are the heir to the Iron Throne, princess. If anyone has the king's ear on how to deal with the Stepstones and how to act in the realm's best interest, it would be you. So how exactly have you been serving the realm as of late?"
All the women then went silent as they looked at Rhaenyra, waiting for her answer. Embarrassed, Rhaenyra then left the group while Claryssa drank her wine. Leah looked at her friend leaving after being humiliated and decided to go after her. The two girls went outside of the royal tent as they saw people walking around the campsite with smaller tents and long tables filled with food and meat roasting around the fire. Rhaenyra was walking around as the people bowed their heads and greeted her. Leah was able to catch up to Rhaenyra.
"Claryssa was always insufferable." Leah said to Rhaenyra.
"I am not sure how she must be as your mother by law." Rhaenyra replied back with a small laugh.
"Well, Alicent has been some sort of comfort for me in that regard." Leah replied back to the princess who then stared at her, from the mention of the one who used to be her friend. She then looked away, not wanting to talk about Alicent. "Rhae, you know that it wasn't Alicent's choice to marry your father."
"Are you now defending her?" Rhaenyra asked sternly, slightly hurt that the only friend she has left was now defending Alicent.
"Try to see it from her side." Leah answered, "she told me her father was the one who told her to go the king. You know the world we live in. We women barely have any voice of who we marry."
"And yet, you married the one you desire." Rhaenyra shot back as she then left Leah alone.
Leah sighed, not knowing how to make Rhaenyra understand the situation. Just then a dull, throbbing headache started to pound her head. It has been happening a lot recently and has not been getting better. More sever as a matter of fact. She hasn't said anything yet, but recently she has been vomiting too. She was vomiting when she first found out she was pregnant and eventually stopped. However, it's been starting again a couple days ago. She went back inside of the tent, but then the pain from her headache got worse. Baelar was conversing with some lords and nobles and saw her rubbing her head and realized something was wrong. He excused himself and went straight to Leah.
"Are you ok?" Baelar asked as he started to rub her arm.
Leah looked at him and said, "My headache is back."
Without saying another word, Baelar took Leah out of the royal tent and got to a smaller tent that they were going to spend the night in. As soon as they went in, Baelar helped Leah down on the bed they were going to sleep in and made sure she was comfortable.
"How are you feeling?" Baelar asked her as he got a rag, dipped it into a nearby bowl of water and then placed it on her head to relieve her of some pain.
"A little bit better now." Leah answered as she laid down.
"In a couple months, this will all be over." Baelar assured her, "and then we will have our child." Leah smiled as she gently rubbed her belly. She was excited for the baby and didn't really care if it was a boy or girl as long as it was healthy, although she can guess that everyone is waiting for a boy. "So what were you gossiping about with the other ladies?" Baelar asked to take her mind off her headache.
"We were talking about the Stepstones." Leah answered reluctantly, knowing that this would bring up a subject that Baelar did not wish to speak about.
Baelar looked at Leah and asked, "Did my father's name came up?"
"Yes." Leah said reluctantly. They had many fights about Baelar's father. Leah felt like Baelar should reach out to his father and make things right between them, believing that he should have his father with him, and their child should have a grandfather. Baelar, however, did not want to. "Baelar, I understand your anger at your father, but it's been three years, since you last spoke."
Baelar, not wanting to have this conversation, then started to get a cup of water for Leah to drink, and said, "Now is not the time to speak about him. You need to rest."
"Baelar," Leah stopped him by placing her hand on his arm, "Can we please discuss this?"
"Right now, you need to rest." Baelar insisted. "I'm going to get the maester and see if he can give you something for your headache." He then got up and left before Leah could say anything. Baelar did not wish to talk about his father. There was that one time when his father sent a message after his wedding ceremony, saying how happy his father was for him and hopes that he had a happy marriage with Leah, however, Baelar never replied back. There were times that he wants to reach out to his father, but at the same time, he doesn't want to.