Chương 14: The Wild Wild West
At the behest of Viserys and Aemma, who had insisted on spending 'quality time' with the twins, Rhaenyra and Aegon found themselves free for the journey into the King's Wood. Though their parents had lavished as much attention on the infants as any royal couple could, they still craved every moment they could spare with their grand children. This offered a rare opportunity for Aegon and Rhaenyra, one they seized without hesitation. With a wordless understanding between them, they saddled their horses and rode out, leaving the slow procession behind.
The wind brushed against their faces as they galloped ahead, the capital shrinking behind them. The air was the definition of purity, far from the crowded streets and the ever-present linger of half a million souls pressed into King's Landing.
Ser Harold, ever the diligent protector, called out from behind as he rode after them, his voice tinged with concern as the royal couple raced ahead. For all his concern, however, he knew they were more then capable against most threats, however heedless they remained despite all that had transpired in passing years. Though respectful of their protector, the twins paid him little mind, their hearts longing for freedom, and the wildness of the open road brought long desired adventure and intrigue, however short-lived.
They rode in silence, the rhythmic pounding of hooves their only accompaniment as they journeyed through the forest paths. It wasn't long before they reached the campsite, a clearing nestled deep in the woods. The space had been cleared and maintained specifically for occasions such as these since long before their time, but somehow still presented a feeling of being untouched, pristine, a world away from their own.
Rhaenyra inhaled deeply as she dismounted, her eyes closing briefly as the rich scent of pine and damp earth enveloped her senses. "This is a gift in itself," she murmured, her voice soft with appreciation. The forest was a stark contrast to the capital, where stone walls and bustling crowds pressed in on all sides. Here, the trees loomed high, their leaves whispering secrets in the wind, the air crisp and cool against her skin.
Aegon, his heart lighter in the presence of the wild, slid from his saddle and came to stand beside her. "That it is," he agreed, his gaze sweeping over the verdant landscape. For a moment, he allowed himself to be lost in the serenity of the scene, though his thoughts strayed far from Westeros. "It reminds me of the Stepstones in a way," he said, a subtle sadness threading through his voice. "Those few days without fighting, when all was calm." The memory lingered in his mind, the brief respite from war, a rare moment of peace amidst the bloodshed. The sea had been calm, the sky a brilliant blue, and for a fleeting time, they had known something other than the chaos of battle.
"We will return there," Rhaenyra replied, turning to him with a determined smile. "And we will make it that place of escape" Her words were filled with a quiet resolve, a promise that they would reclaim that fleeting peace, and perhaps even build something more enduring from the ashes of war.
Aegon smiled at her words, his heart swelling with affection as he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her in a firm embrace. For a moment, he let the warmth of her presence calm the worries that always lingered at the edges of his mind. He had something special planned for her tonight, something he knew would brighten her spirits further, and the adventure that lay ahead would surely banish the weight of their concerns, if only for a time.
But as he stood there, holding her close, something shifted. A shiver ran down his spine, and though the air around them was crisp and clear, a strange chill settled deep in his bones. He pulled back slightly, his brows furrowing as he cast his gaze beyond the campsite, into the dense woods that surrounded them.
"Do you feel that?" he murmured, his voice low.
Rhaenyra looked at him, her brow arching in question. "Feel what?"
Aegon's eyes narrowed as he scanned the treeline. There was something there, an uncomfortably familiar presence. It was subtle, barely perceptible, but it was enough to send a cold prickle through his skin. It was as though the shadows themselves had taken form, something lurking just beyond their sight, watching. It was cold, not in temperature but in essence, a chill that cut deeper than the autumn air. The trees seemed darker, the spaces between them deeper and more foreboding.
"The dream..." Aegon mumbled his thoughts outload, his voice tightening as his hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword. "There's something in the forest. A presence. Cold and... shadowed." His instincts, honed by years of war and training, told him to be wary, though it was not fear that gripped him. It was curiosity, a strange pull that beckoned him to seek out the source of this disturbance.
Rhaenyra followed his gaze, her eyes narrowing as she, too, surveyed the surrounding woods. Though she could not sense what Aegon did, she trusted him implicitly. She knew well that his instincts were rarely wrong. Still, she laid a hand on his arm, her touch grounding him.
"What is it?" she asked quietly. "Should we be concerned?"
Aegon hesitated, his mind racing as he considered the possibilities. But instead of retreating as he did that night, the presence only intrigued him more. Whatever context such things had to present themselves here, he would investigate, for it could very well be the beginning.
"I'm not sure," he admitted, his voice low but steady. "But I don't intend to leave without finding out."
With a final glance at Rhaenyra, who gave him a nod of silent approval, Aegon gently released her from his embrace and turned toward the forest, his hand never leaving his sword. The shadows ahead seemed to deepen, the trees swaying ever so slightly as though they were whispering secrets to one another.
This presence, this thing that lurked in the depths, was calling to him, and he did not intend to hide, but to answer.
Later that afternoon.
The sun radiated over the dense forest as the royal and lordly host settled in. It had taken until the early afternoon for the retinue, assisted by Aegon, to set up the royal tents and prepare for the coming festivities. Around them, the woods whispered with a life far removed from the noise and bustle of King's Landing. Rhaenyra and Aegon sat with their family, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility. They longed for it to be just the seven of them, their parents, the infants, Alicent and the two of them.
However, duty called, and with it came the parade of great houses who had traveled to pay their respects to the Targaryen heirs. Some lords had come in person, while others sent their regards and gifts with messengers, whether it be from individual strife, such as the Riverlords holding off an Iron Born raid, or preferring the safety of their own halls. The twins cared little for the formality of it all, but for Viserys and Aemma, it was a necessary part of the royal routine.
Kevin Lannister, the first to arrive, was as ostentatious as ever. His gilded hair caught the light as he swaggered into the tent, a smile plastered on his face that screamed of self-importance. If the word 'pompous' had an older brother, Kevin Lannister would be their liege lord.
"My King, Queen, Prince, and Princess," he began with a sweeping bow that felt more rehearsed than sincere. "I come to say congratulations on not only growing strong but also on the sparkling new heirs. They appear magnificent." He glanced briefly at the children, though his attention was clearly elsewhere. "Now then, to what I've brought as tribute." With a snap of his fingers, his servants came forward, bearing his gifts.
Before them was an ornate jewelry box made of gilded oak, a dagger in a scabbard of gilded steel, and a spear as finely crafted as any Rhaenyra had ever seen. "My dear princess," Kevin continued, puffing his chest out with pride, "I present to you a necklace crafted by the jewelers of the Rock, a lion's tooth set in a gold chain" He smiled with a subtle glint in his eye when presenting it to Rhaenyra. "And for you, Prince Aegon, a dagger of gilded steel, forged alongside this spear in the Golden Gallery. It is the finest craftsmanship you will find in the kingdoms."
"Oh he has no idea..." The heir thought to himself.
Rhaenyra and Aegon exchanged a look, the barest flicker of shared amusement passing between them. Kevin Lannister's arrogance was matched only by his ignorance. They could see through his pretense, knowing full well that his gifts were not about generosity but about flaunting the wealth and power of his house.
"Wonderful gifts, my lord," Rhaenyra replied with a gracious smile, though her tone carried a subtle edge. "You flatter us with their thoughtful care."
Kevin beamed, clearly oblivious to her veiled impatience. "The tooth was from one of my finest hunts," he said, his voice filled with pride. "A she-lion with two cubs. They now fight in the pits, a sight to behold, I assure you. Their ferocity is only bested by the many tales of dragons and their unfortunate would-be claimants." He gave a chuckle, as if he fancied himself a great warrior.
Rhaenyra's smile tightened. "Perhaps I could lock him in a cage with one...now there would be some fun", she thought, her mind already wandering to how amusing it would be to see if his 'skill' and smirk would persist. She glanced at Aegon, and in that brief moment, they exchanged a wordless agreement, as was their way as twins, but a like-minded couple.
As Kevin continued to prattle on about his hunting exploits, Aegon's mind drifted to the hunt they'd soon embark on, or lack there of. The thought of slipping away from the noble procession and venturing deeper into the forest with Rhaenyra and possibly Alicent was far more appealing than entertaining the Lannister. The presence he had felt earlier in the woods, cold and shadowed, intrigued him still. He was determined to explore it once this tiresome business with the lords and ladies was over later that night.
But for now, they endured. There were more visitors yet to come, and Aegon braced himself for the next in the endless line of sycophants eager to present their tributes and claim some small favor in return. He could only hope that none would be as tiresome as the Lannister.
Later that night.
The royal pavilion buzzed with the presence of lords and ladies, their elaborate gifts presented to the heirs of the realm. The day's assembly had seen many marvels, each more extravagant than the last, and as Aegon wrapped one of the two small the Stark-gifted cloaks of Direwolf fur around his arm. The cloak's mythical warmth, even against the biting autumn breeze outside, was no mere tale, and he knew its significance was more than just its beauty, fit for Baelon and Visenya, who they were intended for, to one day weather the North or any Winter that came calling. It was a reminder of the ancient bond between House Stark and the Targaryen's, two powerful forces standing at the edge of knowing what waited.
When Lord Garland Tyrell approached, his offering brought a hushed reverence. A bonsai Weirwood, an offshoot of High Garden's Heart Tree, was a rare sight indeed. Its pale bark and blood-red leaves rustled faintly in the breeze, even though they were indoors. It felt alive, ancient, and undying, much like the stories of the Old Gods themselves. Rhaenyra, entranced, placed a gentle hand on one of the snow-white branches adorned with crimson leaves, sensing the mystery that it carried, a quiet smile curling at the edges of her lips. It was a token of peace, strength, and enduring legacy, a connection to something deeper than politics.
Then came Borros Baratheon, stomping forward with his usual bullish confidence. Aegon could barely suppress the smirk that crept onto his face. After the display at the last tourney, seeing Borros carry himself so grandly only fueled his amusement. The warhammer he presented was as brutal as it was exquisite, mounted with a deer skull in replace of a hammer head, antlers twisted like a crown of bone, with every detail carved with an artistry that belied its grim appearance. It was not a weapon for battle, but rather a symbol of Baratheon strength and stubbornness. Aegon admired the grim spectacle, appreciating the balance of elegance and raw, primal power.
Kermit Tully's approach was more solemn, his father's absence explained with words heavy with duty and care. While his gift, a story told through the Tully banner and their proud but humble presence, lacked the grandeur of the others, they deeply connected with the twins. Two matching bracelets of pitch black leather, each stitched with well designed dragons curling around each, Aegon's red, Rharnyra's gold. Symbolically clutched in their mouths, presented the main feature for both. Flawless river pearls that gleamed like gem stones gifted from the deep, both rotatable for a well-implemented fidgeting tool for assisting in distracting themselves.
The Tarlys, however, caused quite unexpected stir. The Goldenheart longbow they presented was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, its elegant limbs inlaid with gilded filigree that shimmered even in the muted light of the tent. Rhaenyra could not help herself; she leaned forward to inspect the bow more closely. "I could strike a cup from across the camp with this," she quipped, her voice light but confident. Aegon chuckled at her remark, watching as she turned the bow in her hands with a practiced eye. He knew she meant every word, for archery was one of her main talents alongside the dagger, one born from his encouragement at a young age, and the bow, so perfectly balanced, seemed as though it had been crafted just for her.
Lady Jeyne Arryn's arrival brought with it a warmth that had nothing to do with the gifts themselves. Aemma's face lit up as her cousin approached, the two of them exchanging affectionate glances as though no time had passed between their last meeting. Jeyne's gift, a majestic Gyrfalcon, was a creature of beauty and precision, its keen eyes taking in the royal tent with a predator's grace. It was no mere decoration; it was a hunting companion, a symbol of the Vale's nobility and their long-standing traditions. Rhaenyra, enchanted, watched the falcon with a sense of awe. The bird was regal, like herself, a symbol of freedom and fierce loyalty.
"They've certainly gone out of their way this year," Rhaenyra whispered, her breath brushing against Aegon's ear as they both stood before the gathered crowd, cloaked in the richness of their gifts.
Aegon leaned closer, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Do you think it's a... sword-measuring contest?"
Rhaenyra's laugh was soft but genuine, her eyes sparkling as they exchanged a look that held more than just humor. "Oh, most definitely," she replied, her voice filled with the shared understanding that even amidst the grandeur, these lords and ladies were all trying to outdo one another in the eyes of the crown.
Their private joke was well-concealed amidst the bustle of the crowded tent, a moment of levity between the twins in a day filled with politics and formality. Yet, despite the pomp and ceremony, Aegon and Rhaenyra felt themselves removed from the world of courtly games, united by something far deeper, something that the lavish gifts and grand displays could never touch.
As the night descended, the twins quietly retreated to their temporary quarters, where the King's Guard stood vigilant outside. Within the confines of their room, the atmosphere was warm, filled with the soft sounds of the King, Queen and newborns as Rhaenyra nursed them tenderly for the last before they slept for that night, how long was left to Visenya's discretion.
The glow of the firelight danced across her face, but something mischievous lingered in the air, an unspoken understanding passing between her and Aegon. When Rhaenyra shot a glance at Alicent, who stood nearby with a subtle expression only she could decipher, one that alluded to a plan hatched days ago. Yet now, seeing Alicent's forlorn face, a ripple of concern passed through the couple.
Once Rhaenyra finished her motherly duties and handed the twins to Viserys and Aemma, the three slipped outside under the pretense of retrieving more wine. Viserys cautioned them, particularly Rhaenyra, not to stay out too long, knowing her tendency to join Aegon in every escapade, no matter how grand or taxing the hunt would be on the morrow.
Outside, away from the warmth of the hearth and the scrutiny of the court, Aegon and Rhaenyra's concern for Alicent deepened. They could see that something weighed heavily on her heart. When they reached the cool night air, Rhaenyra was the first to speak, her voice gentle but firm. "Alicent, what is troubling you sister? You haven't been yourself this evening. Have you cold feet for the plan?"
Alicent hesitated, her eyes shifting to the shadows of the trees, as though she feared the weight of her words. But at last, with a resigned sigh, she broke the news. "My father is arranging a marriage for me...I am to be wed to Lord Kevin Lannister." Her voice trembled, and the gravity of her words settled over them all like a wet blanket.
Aegon and Rhaenyra exchanged a sharp look, the realization hitting them both. They knew what this meant for Alicent. She was destined for a life of comfort, perhaps, but not one filled with love or passion, and to such a gods-damned tool of a Lord none the less...It was a fate too common for the daughters of great houses, marriages arranged for political gain rather than affection. The sorrow in Alicent's eyes spoke volumes, and their hearts ached for her.
"I need to speak with you both in private, away from prying ears. There's something I need to ask of you, both of you, and it's...selfish nature could jeopardize not only our...friendship, but the stability of the realm itself"
Aegon placed a comforting hand on Alicent's shoulder, the strength of his presence meant to reassure her. "Then we will make our escape now," he said with determination. "Meet us across the stream once you're ready."
Alicent nodded, her expression still heavy, but now there was a flicker of resolve. "I will change and do my best to meet you there."
As she slipped back into the quarters to prepare for their clandestine rendezvous, Aegon turned to Rhaenyra with a glint of mischief in his eyes. He had a gift for her, something perfect for their daring adventure ahead, a token of their shared bond and the wild spirit that always united them. He leaned in close, brushing a kiss to her temple before whispering, "I have something for you, my love. Something that will make this night unforgettable."
The excitement in the air was palpable, the adventure awaiting them just beyond the veil of formality, hidden in the shadowed woods where their hearts could run free, at least for tonight.
Only minutes away from enacting their plan, the wins slipped away into the privacy of the secluded forest path, cloaked by the night and the soft rustling of leaves. The campfire's glow flickered in the distance, barely visible through the thicket. Aegon, casting a final glance over his shoulder to ensure they were truly alone, reached into the satchel he had mysteriously brought, his fingers brushing the cool metal of the Valyrian steel necklace.
He pulled it free, the firelight catching its polished surface, and presented it to Rhaenyra with a knowing smile. Her lips curled into a smirk, the heirloom glinting in her hand as she admired the craftsmanship, a symbol of their ancient heritage. The weight of it felt significant, not just the metal, but the shared history it represented, stretching back to their ancestry like so much else did, reminding her almost daily. Without a word, she stepped closer to him, closing the distance, and their lips met in a long, passionate kiss. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, of love, unity, and the bond they had forged through fire and blood.
As Aegon softly broke the kiss, he leaned forward, placing the necklace around her neck, the cool metal resting against her warm skin. Rhaenyra's fingers brushed it, feeling the intricate design, before she looked up at him with a questioning gaze. She knew there was more. She could sense it in the way Aegon's eyes glimmered with anticipation.
With a teasing smile, he turned his back to her, reaching for something else, larger from the satchel. When he turned around, her breath caught in her throat. There, in his hands, was something far more than a mere garment, it was a battle coat, crafted from the remains of Balerion the Black Dread himself to which he informed. The black scales, gleaming faintly with a dark iridescence, shimmered as they caught the faint light of the moon, and the weight of its legacy seemed to press upon the air around them.
For a moment, Rhaenyra stood frozen in shock, her eyes wide in awe and quick realization. She understood immediately what it was. She had seen tapestries and ancient scrolls depicting the mighty creature, but this... this was something entirely different. The battle coat wasn't just an heirloom, it was a testament to the strength and power of their bloodline, a boon of the greatest dragon to ever live in their known histories.
"How...?" she finally breathed, her voice soft with disbelief. "How did you come to possess such a thing?"
Aegon's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes locking with hers. "You know my words, my love. True creation..."
"...requires sacrifice," Rhaenyra finished, her voice laced with both understanding and admiration. Her hand reached out to touch the coat, her fingertips brushing the smooth, ancient scales that still held the warmth of Valyria's flame. She smiled, a reassurance in her eyes as she met his gaze again, appreciating the depth of his words, and his actions.
"Come then," he said with a playful glint in his eye, stepping closer to her. "Try it on. I want to see it in the only thing that can realize it's full glory"
With a soft chuckle, Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, catching the teasing tone in his voice. But she didn't resist. Slowly, half-seductively, and half-playfully, Aegon began to help her undress, his hands lingering as he slid off the light layers of her clothing. She felt his touch, both gentle and deliberate, as the night air kissed her skin. Piece by piece, he removed her garments until she stood before him, bathed in moonlight, before teasingly putting her under gown back on, securing it into a belted tunic.
Rhaenyra took the coat from him, its weight surprising her as she slid her arms into it. It fit her perfectly, perfect in comfort wether done up or undone. The scales and leather molding to her body as though they were made for her alone. Despite having given birth months before, the coat seemed to accentuate her form, lending her an almost otherworldly beauty. She ran her hands down the sleek, smooth scales, marveling at the way it moved with her. It was as if Balerion himself had bestowed this gift upon her from the beyond.
"How did you get my measurements?" she mused aloud, turning to face him with a sly smirk. She knew the answer, of course, but couldn't help but tease him. The thought itself amused her, her own unclean thoughts momentarily betraying her as she imagined how he might have done so.
Aegon chuckled softly at her question, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I have my ways," he replied, his voice low and intimate as he took a step closer to her. "The form of the Black Dread truly becomes you, and one day..." His gaze flickered to her stomach, hinting at something far deeper, "...it will become our children as well."
Rhaenyra's eyes widened slightly at his words, caught off guard by the implication. Aegon's voice, though soft, was filled with conviction. He wasn't merely speaking of the present, he was looking to their future, as he tended to do often. Their children would inherit not just the crown, but the power and fire of the ancients. There were many more poetic things that came to her mind, but she simply decided to live in the moment, letting herself ponder another day.
"One day," she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper as she closed the distance between them. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close as their foreheads touched, no words needing be spoken.
The distant sound of thunder rumbled in the distance, a storm brewing on the horizon. It seemed fitting, a storm to herald the coming of something new, something powerful. Aegon and Rhaenyra, clad in the remnants of the greatest dragon and rider known.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: Hey, just curious. Does anyone want Rhaenyra to also gain Firebending? There is space for me to write something akin to a subtle ritual next chapter, so I thought I'd put the question across to see what you lot thought. And apologies for 2nd chapter yesterday. Work's a bitch!
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực