Chapter 136: Daemon’s Reappearance

"Eeeeee..."

As the cool air touched her skin, Baela's movements became more animated, her tiny mouth forming bubbles of excitement.

"Quite amusing," Rhaegar remarked with a chuckle, unable to contain his amusement.

Turning his gaze to Rhaenys, he offered a smile. "Consider it done, Aunt."

"Thank you, Rhaegar," Laena expressed her gratitude with a warm smile.

Rhaegar waved off her thanks, his expression somber. "There's no need for thanks; the child is innocent."

"Let me have a look too," Rhaenyra chimed in, joining Rhaegar's side to inspect the infants.

Rhaegar exchanged a meaningful glance with Rhaenyra, their unspoken agreement reaffirmed.

They had already discussed their strategy and were both committed to it.

...

Night had fallen.

Rhaegar was lying on the bed in a sumptuous guest chamber at High Tide, idly thinking as he closed his eyes for a moment's rest.

"We need to get ready soon; we can't be late for dinner downstairs," Rhaenyra said, carefully putting on her clothes at the dressing table.

"I can get ready faster than you," Rhaegar said, his restlessness preventing him from moving as quickly as she wanted.

His thoughts turned to the day's discussions—the tentative alliance between the royal family and the Sea Snake.

Not only did he agree to give the two babies their legal rights, but he also forgave the mother.

It was a gesture of goodwill and favor from the crown towards the Velaryon Hous, It is now the Sea Snake's turn to reciprocate..

Only one thing remained, both sides avoided mentioning Daemon, Laena's husband, the father of the two babies, seemed to have been forgotten.

Rhaegar had a feeling that Daemon's involvement in their lives might soon change.

"Come now, there's much to discuss at dinner; we cannot dally," Rhaenyra interjected, interrupting his reverie and coaxing him out of bed with a gentle tug.

"Fine, fine, I hear you," Rhaegar said, reluctantly getting up from his bed.

"You're not a child anymore; behave accordingly," Rhaenyra admonished playfully, delivering a light swat to his shoulder.

"It's still early," Rhaegar said, hugging her back. He didn't want to let go of this moment.

The weight of his responsibilities as heir weighed heavily on him, overshadowing his youthful spirit. Sometimes he wished he could be an explorer, not worrying about what others expected of him.

"Rhaegar, I know it's been tough for you, but you must remain resilient for both me and Father," Rhaenyra offered comfort, tenderly caressing his head.

Rhaegar was only thirteen years old, but he was already bearing a weight far beyond his years. 

Every night when she woke up, she could hear Rhaegar's struggles and it ached her heart.

She often wondered if she would be able to withstand the pressure if the burden of the heirship were still on her shoulders.

...

The castle hall exuded an air of grandeur and festivity.

A long table took up most of the space in the center of the room, with the Sea Snake, Lyonel, and Aegon sitting around it, chatting away as they waited for the other guests to arrive.

Rhaegar made his way down the stairs, Rhaenyra and Laena flanking him. Each was holding a swaddled infant.

"Come, join us for tonight's feast; we're indulging in a golden lobster—it's quite the delicacy," Rhaenys said, her eyes sparkling with joy as she welcomed them to their seats.

The day had been pretty good, all things considered. There had been a reconciliation of sorts between the Houses, the royal family had recognized Laena's daughters, and Rhaenys's upcoming nameday celebration was on everyone's mind.

As the guests settled into their seats and toasts were made by the Sea Snake and Rhaenys, the feast started.

Rhaegar and Rhaenyra found themselves seated across from each other, right before Laena. They were laughing together and seemed to be enjoying each other's company.

Before them, each had a plate of marinated lobster, a testament to the culinary skills of a House with a close connection to the sea. Rhaegar's eyes lit up as he enjoyed the delicious flavors.

"Rhaenyra, you must try this plum cake—it's divine," Laena offered, extending a slice to her childhood friend.

Graciously accepting the gesture, Rhaenyra's taste buds were transported to the days of her youth as she relished the sweet flavor of the cake.

"Here, Rhaegar, have a taste," Rhaenyra said, playfully offering him a bite of the delicious dessert.

As the evening wore on, the feast continued, with laughter and conversation filling the hall with joy.

Meanwhile, outside High Tide, the Cannibal was lying on the cliffs, blending into the shadows.

But as the wind howled and dark clouds gathered ominously overhead, the creature's eyes snapped open and it fixed its gaze on the approaching storm with intensity.

...

The party kept going, with lots of laughter and good cheer in the hall.

Laenor and Aegon were having a great time, drinking and singing and eventually dancing.

Meanwhile, Corlys and Lyonel engaged in amiable conversation, exchanging drinks and sharing stories.

Rhaegar was enjoying the show, amused by Laenor and Aegon's antics and relishing the moments of closeness with Rhaenyra as she fed him.

Despite the calm atmosphere, there was still a sense of unease.

Out of nowhere, a loud bang reverberated through the hall as the door swung open, admitting an unexpected guest.

The sudden gust of wind that accompanied the newcomer's entrance caught everyone's attention.

"Daemon?"

Laena was the first to react. She looked at her husband standing in the doorway and her surprise was clear.

As the others turned their attention to him, Daemon, dressed in his distinctive garb, greeted the assembly with a casual grin.

"Hey there, Laena. Are you missing me already?"

His nonchalant demeanor belied the gravity of his unexpected return.

"Daemon, who invited you back? Have you forgotten our agreement?" Laena's composure faltered, her urgency clear as she urged him to leave.

Daemon, however, seemed unfazed by her concern, his gaze sweeping over the gathering.

Before anyone could interject, Rhaegar's hand slammed against the table, his expression darkening.

"Rhaegar, calm yourself," Rhaenyra urged, her voice low as she attempted to defuse the tension.

Undeterred, Daemon sauntered further into the hall, his tone mocking as he addressed his great-nephew.

"Well, well, everyone's here. Missed me, dear nephew?"

Rhaegar's icy glare pierced through Rhaenyra's attempts to restrain him, his voice laced with contempt.

"Uncle, do you dare to show your face here?"

With swift strides, Rhaegar rose from his seat, his demeanor rigid as he advanced towards Daemon.

Unfazed, Daemon met his gaze with a sardonic smirk, his stance defiant.

"What, only my wife is welcome home? Can't I come back for a visit?"

(Word count: 1,111)