Ser Crabb

Baelon watched as his youngest son carried out his first training match since his awakening; he watched as Daemon swerved an attack by the Kingsguard member, Clement Crabb, before blocking the next attack with his tourney sword and trying to strike at the knight.

Ser Crabb, skilled as he is, however saw the attack soon and swatted away the strike before hitting him at his side. Daemon stumbled away, clutching at his ribs. From his seat in the yard he could see the sweat dripping from his son's forehead and hear the heaviness of his beath.

"Again, Prince Daemon." Daemon nodded his head, gripping his sword and taking up a stance, almost lacking the confidence that Baelon had seen Daemon exude before.

Daemon strikes first, Ser Crabb blocks, Daemon steps back and blocks an attack before blocking another one, then another one before finally trying to attack.

He's far more defensive.

The Daemon prior to the accident would have tried to land far more attacks on his opponents, trying to overwhelm them through sheer gusto, speed and skill. He strikes at Ser Crabb who easily blocks the attack, disarms Daemon and pushes him down to the ground before pointing his blunted sword in the direction of his head "Yield." he commanded

Daemon nods his head "I Yield." Ser Crabb places his sword at his side and helps Daemon back to his feet.

"It seems time away from the yard as dulled your skills, my Prince." Ser Crabb comments "I mean no offence of course."

"It is fine, Ser." Daemon says, not being able to hide his grimace.

Baelon gets up from his seat and walks towards them "You are still recovering, a dulling of your skills is natural."

"Indeed, my Prince." Ser Crabb said "Many a man have been worse off after suffering from injuries on the head and skull, you will find your feet in time."

"I hope I find it soon." Daemon said, Baelon noticed his eyes wonder into the sky.

"Come my son, get washed and dressed into new clothes, I wish for you to attend lunch with your brother's family and myself soon."

Daemon bowed his head "Of course, father." Daemon placed his tourney sword back onto the rack and walked back inside.

Baelon breathed in deeply before letting out a loud breathe "He is doing well, all things considered, my Prince." Ser Crabb commented. "I have known many a man who was skilled with a blade struggle with their return after an injury." Baelon nodded his head "It will take time."

"Yes, I am aware."

"It seems the memory is all there." Ser Crabb said "I believe he will just need to trust his body once more."

"Indeed, good ser." Baelon said "You have my thanks."

"I live to serve, my Prince." Clement Crabb bowed his head.

In his own apartment, a table had been laid out in the main hall; a spread of small foods from fruits and berries, bread and slices of ham and cheeses were awaited him and his family. Viserys, his eldest son, Aemma his good-daughter and his darling granddaughter Rhaenyra were the first to arrive.

"Prince Viserys, Lady Aemma and Princess Rhaenyra, my Prince." One of the servants announced as his son entered with his family.

"Father." Viserys said with a smile as the two shared an embrace, laughing with each other.

"Viserys, my boy, it is always good to see you." Baelon greeted him, while he understood his duties and responsibilities as heir to the throne, Baelon did dislike how it had kept him from his family over the last few years. Despite being in the same castle he would go days without see either of his sons.

He truly treasured these moments with them.

He turned his eyes to Aemma, carrying Rhaenyra in her arms, even as maids followed her; she was always so close to the new babe and Baelon could understand why. Both her and Viserys had lost children in their cots.

He walked over to her and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek "Good-daughter, you look as beautiful as ever." He complimented.

"Thank you, my Prince." Aemma said smiling, Baelon could have sworn he had seen Daella standing before him for by a mere moment.

Baelon smiled warmly before turning his attention to his granddaughter looking up at him as she rested her head on her mother's chest. "And who is this?" he said playfully "Are you not the fairest girl in all the Seven Kingdoms?" he tapped her on the nose ever so lightly.

The doors to his apartment opened again.

"Prince Daemon, My Prince." The servant announced.

Baelon looked up to see his youngest son enter through the doors; his eyes looking around the room, taking everything in. "Daemon." Baelon called out as he greeted his youngest son with open arms.

Daemon smiled and the two embraced "Father."

"Brother!" Viserys greeted Daemon with a wide smile and a strong embrace, knocking the wind out of his younger brother who laughed wheezingly as wrapped his arms around him too. It truly warmed his heart to see his family, to see his sons care for each other. Viserys pulled back from the embrace "Look at you, walking around the Keep now."

"And getting his hide tanned by Ser Clement Crabb." Baelon laughed as he patted him on the back. Viserys laughed with him as Daemon smiled, looking almost sheepish.

"Aemma, good-sister, you look as beautiful as ever." Daemon greeted him, taking her hand and placing a gentle kiss on it.

"You are too kind, prince Daemon." Aemma replied.

"And Little Rhaenyra, still as precious." Daemon said he gently tapped at her cheeks. Suddenly he stepped back from them, closing his eyes and clutching at his chest.

"Daemon?" Viserys said, quickly moving to his brother's side, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"My boy, are you well? Baelon asked, trying to mask the fear in his voice.

Daemon swallowed "I am well, just a slight ache, nothing more and nothing I had not experienced." He looked at them with a smile.

"Do you need to rest?" Baelon asked. "Should I call for Maester Allar?"

"No please, I am well, father." Daemon said. "I promise all is well."

"We should sit down." Viserys said, taking his hand off of Daemon's shoulder and escorting his wife to their seat as one of the maids was handed Rhaenyra.

Baelon patted Daemon on the back and showed him to his seat.

The four of them all sat down at the table, his eldest son and good-daughter on one side and his youngest on the other as they took to the dishes already laid out on the table before them as more food was served; a veritable feast of meats from chicken, pork, pheasant and salmon with side dishes of carrots, leaks, lettuce, potatoes and bowls of fruit. Viserys was eager to eat and enjoy himself with his wife Aemma, likely he did not get the luxury of time with her since Baelon had been made heir with Viserys being his.

They had all been so busy, the realm never rests and it seems neither does the king, the small council or even my own family

Viserys fed Aemma a grape from the bowl and his good-daughter giggled at the gestured. Baelon smiled at them, his heart aching for a memory of himself and Alyssa.

He glanced over to Daemon, holding a piece of bread in one hand, feeding himself as his other hand rubbed his chest, rotating it in circles.

He must be recovering from the yard.

"Viserys, how was the council meeting this morning?" Baelon asked.

"It was insightful, father." Viserys replied "His Grace and the small council had gone over the recent events over the Stepstones."

"Once more?" Baelon said as he picked up a chicken leg.

Viserys nodded his head "There is some growing concern regarding the tariffs being placed by the Triarchy from some of the lords and merchants, it's their belief that that the payment to pass through the islands is becoming far too exorbitant; some even wish the islands had returned to piracy."

Baelon sighed "Perhaps we will need to negotiate with the Triarchy for fixed tariff." He said "Ryman Redwyne will need to speak with their council and magistrates."

Viserys grimaced "If I am to speak freely."

"Of course."

"I believe that his grace is losing patience with Ryman Redwyne as his hand." Viserys said, Baelon grimaced yet even he was aware of the truth in those words "I mean this in no offence to the Lord Commander of course, but I sometimes think that the duties of being hand are far past him."

"I do not know what my father was thinking when he had appointed Ryman as his hand after the tourney." Baelon said "I have nothing but respect for Ser Ryman, however I don't not think he is suited to the duties of being Hand."

"I think even Ryman would agree." Daemon added. "Being skilled with a sword does not mean they'll be a good administrator." He saw Daemon's fingers press into his chest once more after the comment yet he did not show off any pain from it. "I think it takes certain kind of temperament to govern."

"Septon Barth was a difficult man to replace, I think anyone would fail to imitate the role he did in my father's small council." Baelon said.

 "I've heard from others in court that his Grace is considering others for the position as Hand." Viserys said "Some in court suggest that Corlys would be a good choice as hand, having served on the small council and will likely be an offer of friendship to him and Rhaenys."

"Corlys will only be satisfied if and when he believes his blood will sit the Iron throne, until then he and Rhaenys will likely be content to remain in High Tide." Baelon said, it pained him to see Rhaenys; she was so much like her mother Jocelyn yet he would see glimpses of Aemon in her and her children.

His eldest son looked to him "I hear that his Grace may ask you to be his hand, father."

Baelon chewed into his chicken leg as he considered Viserys' words; he had known that his father was considering for a position in the small council as a way of preparing him for rule as he had done with Aemon when he had been Master of Laws but he never considered the position of Hand.

"If my father wishes for me to take the role as his Hand than I feel I would have no choice but to accept the position." Baelon said.

"I think you would make a great hand, my Prince." Aemma complimented him.

"He will make an even better king!" Viserys said, raising his cup to him, both Aemma and Daemon followed his example.

"I am confident that you will follow me in greatness, Viserys." Baelon said, prompting a laugh from his son.

"And Daemon will serve as my Hand no doubt." Viserys said. "Or any position he wants on my small council; perhaps Master of laws or maybe coin?"

Daemon smirked "I don't believe coining count would be a task to be fond of, sounds far too dull." Viserys laughed "Truly could you imagine having to count every coin in Westeros? I would go mad before the year's end, maybe even before then!"

"That's why I would rather it be you than me." Viserys laughed. "Still though brother, I would like you on my small council."

Daemon chuckled "I am flattered brother, truly, though I would need to consult with my wife at Runestone before joining your future council."

"Ah yes, the last thing we would want to do is upset our wives!" Viserys laughed, putting his arm around Aemma and bring her close to him.

"How is your lady wife responding to the news of your recovery?" Aemma asked.

"She had sent a raven saying she is glad to hear from me and that she awaits my arrival soon." Daemon replied, yet Baelon knew the mummery behind any kind words between them.

"We will miss you greatly brother, but know you will always have a place at court." Viserys said as he picked up a cherry from a bowl in front of him.

"Thank you, brother."

"Please give send dear cousin Jeyne my love when you reach the Vale, Gods knows she will need it." Aemma said.

"Of course, good-sister." Daemon said "It is horrible what had happened to her family, I will do what I can to support her."

"Her poor father and brothers, slain by those savages in the mountains." Aemma lamented.,

"What had happened to Lord Arryn and his sons was horrific; leaving a girl of only five name days to rule an entire kingdom." Baelon said "The years ahead will be trying time for the Vale of Arryn."

"I'm sure Yorbert Royce will do good work in keep the kingdom stable until she reaches her majority but can we really trust her to govern the Vale, a woman as warden of the East?" Viserys said.

"I think she will do a fine job once she reaches her majority." Daemon said "There have been ladies governing lordships since before the Conquer, my lady wife will become the Lady of Runestone after her father."

"Yes a lordship, but never an entire kingdom." Viserys pointed out. "It is without precedent."

"Who is to say there might not be a Queen sitting on the Iron throne one day." Daemon commented.

"A Queen of Westeros?" Aemma asked. 

"Yes, who knows, it might even be our delightful Rhaenyra who becomes it." Daemon smiled and for a flicker Baelon could see some of Daemon's old self. "Rhaenyra, first of her name."

Baelon rubbed his eyes, the mention of this only reminded him of Rhaenys.

Viserys let out a loud laugh "Ah yes, our sweet Rhaenyra would make a great queen." He said "But that will be as wife to my son or maybe even a son of yours! She had be a Lady Royce!"

Daemon smiled at that, however Baelon noticed he lacked the mischief as did previously. Daemon placed his hand over his chest again "I would be honoured, brother." He replied.

"Speaking on a son, I would be honoured if you would allow me to name a future son of Aemma and mine's Baelon." Viserys said.

Baelon felt his heart melt "I would be more than honoured, my son."

Viserys lifted up his cup "Here's to a future Baelon, second of his name!" he proclaimed as a jape.

The other members of his family raised their cups to that.

 For the rest of the meal he and his family chatted, japed and reminisced amongst themselves of simpler times before he became heir.

I will miss these times when I am king.

When the meal had been finished he made sure to embrace each one of them before they parted ways from each other once more to their own responsibilities. Baelon then headed to his own solar; inside his office was an ironwood desk carved with the images of dragons along its legs with a polished table surface. A low fire was burning in his stone fire place keeping the office cosy and comforting, the walls were decorated with the banners of House Targaryens along with the laurels of his victories at tourneys gone and the stone floor was partially covered by a large Myrish carpet.

One that had been picked out by Alyssa when she had spotted it at a market place in King's Landing; enamoured with the patterns of red dragons on the rims of the carpet. He remembered how she would watch and play with their boys in his solar every so often.

He sat in a chair, covered with large furs, by the fire place.

He reached for his head and removed the thin golden crown that had rested upon his head. The symbol of his status. As he held it, Baelon glimpsed at his own reflection within the crown, even now he still could not be rid of the thought of Aemon, how he wished it was his brother who was still here, still heir to the throne and the one to be king.

How I still wish you were here, brother.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Enter." He called out.

The door opened "My Prince." A servant said "His Grace requests your presence at the Throne room.

Baelon sighed "I shall come at once." He said, standing from his chair. The servant bowed his head, outside of his door was ser Robin Shaw.

"My Prince." He said with a bow "Allow me to escort you."

"Lead the way, Ser Shaw." Baelon said, the two made their way to the red keep until they reached the large doors of the Great Hall. The doors opened before them; the polished marble floors, white towering columns and large banners of his house decorated the hall yet at its centre was one thing.

The Iron throne.

There is two other members of the Kingsguard stood guard as his father Jaehaerys sat upon the mountain of swords.

"You may enter." His father spoke, the two walked towards him, the looming figure of the tower almost overshadowed them. Both he and Ser Shaw bowed their heads before him.

"Your Grace." Baelon spoke.

"My son." Jaehaerys slowly got up from the throne, his steps were laboured and tired, Baelon fought back the urge to run to his father and help him down.

One day, you won't be able to climb those steps.

Jaehaerys reached over to Baelon and embraced him. "My son, my heir." He said patting him on the back. His father had made it a point to refer to him as such, like carpenter using nails he wanted to hammer in his decision to those around him that he had chosen Baelon. Even when it had caused a rift between him and his wife.

"Father." Jaehaerys pulled back and looked at Baelon's face with a smile. "May I ask why you have summoned me?"

"Can't a man, a king, ask to see his son?" Jaehaerys asked in the manner of a jape. He breathed in deeply as he looked towards the throne

"Have you heard back from mother?" Baelon asked. "How is Gael? Has she…"

His father was silent, hesitating to answer "You're mother is doing well, so is Gael." He answered "And no, she has not given birth to her child yet." The last part has almost come out as a groan, he knew his father's feelings around this.

Baelon thought of Gael; his little sister who had always clung to his mother's skirts, even now she had been almost connected to their mother by the hip, she had reminded him so much of Daella. He could not begrudge his mother of trying to protect her; the loss of so many of his sisters had taken a toll on all of them.

Sometimes he contemplated inviting Sera back home once he became King, he would hope that his mother would still be alive to see that.

"I'm sure she will give birth to a healthy son." Baelon added. "Another addition to our family."

The old King sighed, his father could never truly accept it; this scandal and Daemon's injury and near death had drove them apart once more as their mother declared to him that she would 'save him his pride, as that is all he cared for.' When he had refused acknowledge Gael's child as a member of their royal family.

"I believe that I am not long for this world, Baelon."

Baelon grimaced "Do not speak as such, there are still many more days ahead of you, many more years to come."

"Years maybe, but not so many." Jaehaerys countered. "Soon you will take your place at this seat… and I fear I have placed far too much on your shoulders." He turned away from the throne and to Baelon "I know that you have the bravery to take on anything yet I fear it will be too much, even for you my dear boy."

"Whatever comes our way, we shall face it together." Baelon said, placing a hand on his father's shoulder. "I shall face it with my sons."

His father sighed "Family can be the end of us as well as what makes us." He warned, Baelon eyed his father "Maegor, mine own uncle, betrayed his brother and killed two of my brothers to usurp and keep the throne. And Rhaenys resents me for passing over her." Baelon swallowed slightly at the mention of Rhaenys "Her boy has a dragon, House Velaryon has a dragon now, and who's to say they will not have more? Who is to say that her son does not harbour dreams of kingship?" Baelon opened his mouth "And who is to say that Daemon does not either."

Baelon clenched his fist "Daemon would never betray his family."

"He is ambitious, perhaps too much for his own good." The King said "Yes he may play the good Prince now but what in five years from now? Maybe ten? Who is to say that he would not believe his sons should inherit more than Runestone? Yes I forbade him to give dragon eggs to his children but even Aerea had stolen Balerion and took off to that forsaken land… and Balerion and other dragons are still untamed." Jaehaerys shook his head "And then there is the Triarchy, who knows what may become of them, for their control over the Stepstones and growing power in Essos may threaten stability on our shores."

"You make it sound as if my reign will be one fraught with peril."

"I fear that there is still so much for me to do and yet I do not have the strength to do so." His father lamented "I had hoped for you to inherit a realm in peace, a united realm, instead you are left with challenges."

"What you leave to me is leagues better than what you had inherited, father." Baelon assured him "We shall be well, I promise."

Jaehaerys nodded his head as he smiled softly to his son "Yes, our house shall be in good hands."