บท 13: Betrothal
(Third Person POV)
"I cannot believe you've gone ahead and done that." Alicent said as she and King Viserys walked up to the stairs, "You could've disclosed that with me! You and I agreed that one of my young cousins was going to be wed to Lord Aerion, not Rhaenyra."
They were followed by Ser Harold and Ser Criston as the King so painfully walked up the stairs, following the Queen.
"I have changed my mind." Viserys said, "Aerion is of Targaryen blood, he is my trueborn nephew. I want his line to be of pure Targaryen heritage."
"But Rhaenyra? Is she not too old for him?" Alicent said
"Was I not too old for you?" Viserys chuckled
"I still do not agree with this." she replied
"What is the problem? When Aerion was betrothed to Lady Moore at your behest, I had previously wanted him to wed Helaena but you refused." Viserys said, "Yes, they were children but it did not matter, they were going to be of age when it happened. You refused me, saying that you did not wish your blood to be mixed with Daemon's, your words. And when Rhaenyra just recently offered to wed Jace and Helaena, you've also refused. So forgive me, My Queen, I cannot seem to understand your wishes."
"Helaena is one thing. Rhaenyra is another." Alicent said with a scowl, "You and I still agreed on my cousin. We had agreed that another Targaryen would have been good company for your son, Daeron, in Oldtown."
"Rhaenyra is my daughter." Viserys said as they stood there, "She is still fertile, she will give me more grandchildren with Aerion. I wanted Helaena to be his since she was younger but since her mother is so viciously defending her hand, I suppose I will not get what I want. And I suppose you won't get it either."
Queen Alicent shook her head and scoffed, "Ser Criston, escort me to my daughter, please." She said as she stormed off
Criston Cole nodded and bowed slightly, "Your Grace." He told Viserys
Viserys waved him off, "Go on." He said
As he followed the Queen, Ser Harold looked around, seeing that the hall was empty.
"What does she want from me, Ser Harold?" Viserys asked, "I cannot seem to please that woman. Are the Hightowers so power-hungry they dare think I won't see their claws all over my only nephew?"
"Your Grace?" Ser Harold said
"Aerion is a powerful asset." Viserys said, "I may be ill-stricken, but I am not blind. Everyone will want him, especially Alicent's family."
"Of course, Your Grace." Ser Harold said
Viserys sighed, "Aerion will do his duty." He said, "Not because I commanded it, but because I asked him to."
"He's that kind of man."
**********************************************
"You're leaving, Lord Hand?" Aerion asked Lord Lyonel as he leaned on the wall in the Hand's chambers
It was the following day after Harwin Strong had attacked Criston Cole in the training yard, leaving many people to start rumors in the Red Keep.
Lyonel nodded, "Yes, the outburst of my son Harwin was unfortunate." He said, "I am to escort him back to Harrenhal, and have him assume his duties there."
"You will return, though?" He asked
"I will." He said, "Why do you ask?"
"Besides Ser Laenor and my Uncle, of course...." Aerion said as he looked around, "You were the only one I seemed to tolerate, your sons, not so much."
Lyonel smiled slightly, "I am grateful for that."
"I need your advice, Lord Hand." Aerion said
"Is that so?" Lyonel said
"My Betrothal to the Princess." Aerion said, "What do you make of it?"
Lyonel sighed, "I do not know." He said, "The King was adamant about it. I....have shown my support to the Princess over the years, despite my initial protest of her being made Heir. But now, she seems to be alone in this place now that her husband died. I believe the King wishes for a strong man he could trust to support her."
Aerion crossed his arms, "And that man is me?" He asked, "I'm significantly younger than her."
"That may be so, but you are Targaryen blood, it's thicker than your Royce blood, I can guarantee you that." Lyonel said as he walked over to him, "The King loves you like his own son, that much I know. Between us, Milord, your first betrothal wasn't his intention....it was the Queen's."
"I know." Aerion said, "I've known for a while."
"Whether you like it or not, You are Targaryen." Lyonel said, "You must do your duty, I suppose."
"Yes, I suppose...." Aerion said as he sighed, "Thank you, Lord Lyonel. May you have safe travels, give my regards to Ser Harwin."
Lord Lyonel nodded, "Of course, Milord." He said as Aerion patted his shoulder and walked away
*****************************************************
"Cousin." Aegon said as he walked next to Aerion who made his way to Vermithor, "Leaving already? Do you want to race?"
"Not now, Aegon." Aerion said, "I am going back to Runestone."
"Ah, is that so?" Aegon said with a chuckle, "Shame. I wanted you and I to have some fun with the maids when we're done racing."
Aerion stopped and looked at him, "Fun?" He asked, "What do you mean, fun?"
Aegon gave him a smirk, "Oh you know, fun with wome-"
Aerion grabbed him by the shoulders firmly which startled the prince, "Listen to me, Aegon." He said seriously, "If I hear that you're out there, putting your bony little fingers on defenseless women who cannot fight back due to your position, I will break every single bone of your body."
"W-What?" Aegon said with a surprised face
"You are a Prince!" Aerion said with a scowl, "You will act like one, one with dignity and respect!"
Aerion then pulled away as he composed himself and turned around, walking away as Vermithor slowly woke up.
"You don't have to be such a twat about it." Aegon said
Aerion stopped again and looked at him, "The only twat here is you, cousin." He said, "And for fuck's sake, do something about that stupid uncombed hair."
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