"Surprise! I'm Half a Green Party Member"

Before reaching King's Landing, Aemon had agreed to behave himself.

But as soon as he disembarked, his resolve was tested.

It was midday, and the sea was calm.

The Prince Aemon glided across Blackwater Bay. Standing at the bow, Aemon could see the grand Mud Gate from afar.

"So many people!"

Leaning over the rail, he stood on his tiptoes, marveling at the bustling port where countless "ants" swarmed back and forth.

The Vale knights stood ready, awaiting the ship's docking.

The voyage had gone smoothly.

BOOM!

Suddenly, a golden blur shot over the towering city walls, piercing the scattered white clouds in the sky.

In an instant, the thin mist was blown apart.

Screeeee!

Before the ships on Blackwater Bay could react, the golden blur plummeted, its massive wings skimming the water's surface.

Waves exploded in every direction, rocking nearby vessels.

"Dragon! Protect the prince!"

Ser Laen Shett, the Seagull Knight, shouted in alarm, throwing himself over Aemon to shield him.

Aemon's vision went black as the knight's bulk pinned him down. Beneath him, the ship heaved violently.

Splash!

The sea churned, waves crashing against the hull of the Prince Aemon and the surrounding ships, shaking the knights to their cores.

As quickly as it had come, the golden shadow soared back into the sky, disappearing beyond Blackwater Bay.

"What just happened? Was that a dragon?"

Aemon, undeterred, stuck his head out and asked eagerly.

Ser Laen, still scanning the skies warily, finally relaxed when the dragon vanished. "Yes, it seems to be the princess's dragon."

He had seen the golden beast from a distance in Gulltown before, but experiencing it up close left his back soaked with cold sweat.

"Ser, could you move? I can't breathe."

Aemon struggled out from under him, gasping.

Laen immediately stood and checked the boy over. "Are you hurt, my prince?"

"Thanks for protecting me, Ser Laen," Aemon said, brushing off his clothes and smiling to show he was fine.

Inwardly, however, he thought, It's grown so much.

It was just a dragon. He'd seen plenty before.

The brief commotion passed, and the ship quickly docked.

Surrounded by his three guards, Aemon leapt down from the gangplank and set foot in King's Landing.

Looking around, he scratched his head in confusion.

There was no welcoming procession, no royal escort, and no carriage waiting for him.

Mud Gate, as the city's main port entry, teemed with merchants and fishermen. Among the crowd were commoners and nobles alike.

The Vale knights raised the Royce banner, joining the sea of other flags fluttering nearby.

There was the roaring lion of House Lannister and the crowned stag of House Baratheon.

Compared to the banners of these ducal houses, the Royce sigil seemed insignificant.

"Let's move."

Aemon frowned slightly, his mood souring.

Gonsor Royce led the way, his massive frame plowing through the throngs like an unstoppable bulldozer.

Aemon followed, heading toward the gates.

Lady Rhea had stayed behind to arrange lodging and would not accompany him to meet the king.

Of course, it was also possible she simply didn't want to see the king.

"Make way! Make way!"

As Aemon's mind wandered, the sound of rolling wheels reached his ears.

A luxurious white carriage drawn by several strong white horses came into view, blocking the street.

Clang, clang!

Two bronze gongs sounded as a group of royal guards carrying the three-headed dragon banner of House Targaryen approached.

A knight clad in silver armor and a white cloak dismounted from the carriage and bowed low.

"Apologies for the delay, Prince Aemon. There were some unexpected issues on the road."

Aemon's violet eyes flicked toward the scene, his mind racing.

Did they forget about me and send someone at the last minute?

"The king is busy?" he asked, tilting his head skeptically.

The knight, bowing even lower, replied earnestly, "His Grace is currently in a council meeting. Her Grace, the queen, will receive you."

"I see."

Aemon clasped his hands behind his back and nodded graciously. "Very well, lead the way."

"Your Highness, it is my honor," the knight said with impeccable etiquette.

He helped Aemon into the carriage before mounting the driver's seat and taking the reins.

Additional horses were provided for Aemon's guards.

Under the royal banner, the white carriage moved leisurely toward the Red Keep.

Curious townsfolk lined the streets, their interest piqued by the unfamiliar prince.

In the Red Keep's Maegor's Holdfast, Aemon followed the knight through the busy outer ward into the more private inner quarters.

"Thank you," Aemon said softly as the knight departed to tend to the guards.

Now alone, the boy stood in the dimly lit hallway with its pale red walls.

Knock, knock.

He rapped on a door, announcing his arrival.

Inside, Queen Alicent Hightower stood by a window, cradling an infant in her arms. She hummed a soothing tune to calm the child.

Hearing the knock, she turned, puzzled.

To her surprise, a tiny boot appeared through the door, followed by a pale, cherubic face with silver hair and purple eyes.

The boy grinned mischievously and waved. "Alicent, hello!"

Alicent's tired expression melted into astonishment, then joy. "Aemon, is that you?"

She handed the infant to a waiting maid and stepped forward, her pace light with excitement.

Seeing her delighted reaction, Aemon puffed out his chest and said proudly, "I'm back from Runestone!"

Before he could say more, Alicent clasped his chubby cheeks in her hands and dragged him into the room, where he landed on a soft black-and-white carpet.

She studied his face intently, her expression full of concern. "How have you been at Runestone? I heard Lady Rhea is very... proud."

Her hands were gentle as she pinched his soft cheeks, finding them well-fed and healthy.

Aemon, his words muffled by her grasp, mumbled, "It's fine. She's my mom, after all."

"That's good to hear. I was worried you wouldn't adapt to the Vale's harsh climate."

Alicent's tone was warm, her radiant smile lighting up her face.

It was no wonder she had been chosen as queen. Her beauty was captivating, her demeanor graceful and soothing, with a soft maternal aura.

Her hair, slightly curled, framed her delicate features, falling over her modest but elegant gown.

Her smile alone could melt the harshest winter.

Aemon rubbed his nose, catching the faint floral scent he remembered so well. As they talked about their lives since parting, she even seated him on her lap like an affectionate older sister.

Spotting the embroidered green bag he carried, her smile deepened, a fond warmth in her eyes.

Aemon and Alicent had always been close.

Their bond dated back to when she had cared for him as a baby while her father served in court.

With his parents too wrapped up in their own issues to raise him, Aemon had been doted on by his great-grandfather, King Jaehaerys I.

Alicent, then a young girl, had been tasked with looking after both the aging king and his infant great-grandson.

Their closeness was well-known throughout the court.

Even after Jaehaerys passed away in his sleep when Aemon was three, the bond between the two had remained strong.

"You've got kids of your own now, Alicent," Aemon teased, pointing at the maid holding the crying infant.

Alicent laughed, her radiant expression making the room seem brighter.