Chapter 38 : The Red Keep

Aemon Targaryen ( 109 A.C. Ninth Moon)

Road to Kingslanding

He had ridden in the carriage with Rhaenyra, his mother, and Visenya. He had rather a road on a horse, but Shadow was still in Little Tyrosh and would arrive in another two moons with the rest of the cargo, spoils, and his men. But having Rhaenyra snuggled against his chest made the ride more than doable.

He enjoyed the closeness, which he missed. He might have had Corlys, Laenor, and Criston. Yet it wasn't the same as having Laena or Rhaenyra at his side. The scent and her warmth made him happy, and dragons are attracted to other dragons.

Then peace was broken as the stench of Kingslanding reared his ugly head. "Yes, that is Kingslanding, son," Lyanna said with a chuckle. A grumble escaped him, "Well, I say it shouldn't be, and I tell you, Little Tyrosh doesn't smell like that."

"That may be, but it's home." His mother argued. "Not for me, it never was. I always felt more at home on Dragonstone, Winterfell, or Seadragon Point." He said. 'Oh, it was not, nor would it ever be. Kingslanding was a city where part of his family was. Yet it held memories of a past he still tried to forget, yet in nights, he was pulled back to his death, the shock in the eyes of Daenerys when he stabbed her in the heart. The damn screams of the burning people, even now he had done something similar, yet the desolation of Bloodstone wasn't seen as a bad thing, just a warning for those who wished to oppose his rule in the Stepstones.

What Daenerys had done was the understatement of what did not have needed to happen. The damn city had fallen, and yet she attacked, and the troops, even his own, had gone into a rampage. It had partly made his decision to kill her, yet his talk with Tyrion had broken him out of his shock. What made him do what he did and die three moons later, killed by the fucking Night King.' He thought

"Aemon?" It was Rhaenyra's soft voice that had broken him of his thoughts. "Sorry, I was lost in a memory." His mother gave him a questionable look. "It's fine. Just something about Kingslanding hasn't made it feel like home." He said, stopping the questions.

"Hmm, well, since my mother isn't here anymore, I can relate to that," Rhaenyra added, her voice tinged with melancholy. "Without your mother, it certainly has lost some of its warmth. Even if her daughter has plenty of her own." He said as he kissed her, pecking her sweet lips.

The carriage finally entered King's Landing, the city walls looming high above them. The clatter of the horses' hooves on the cobblestone streets echoed through the narrow alleys.

The Queen's chambers.

Aegon giggled as he played with him, holding out a wooden dragon and hiding the toy, springing it forward as a small game. The boy seemed to enjoy the game, his eyes getting big every time he brought the dragon forward. As he disappeared, he seemed to search, his purple and grey, seeking the dragon with intent. His eyes they were, and he knew for sure when he had seen the boy, Aegon was his. He would try and protect the boy as best he could.

"You are good with him, better than his father, Aemon. Although he is rarely close to the boy, I can't remember the last time he played with Aegon." Alicent voice cut the playfulness. He smiled at Alicent, gave Aegon the toy, and picked him. Aegon looked at him, giving him a bright smile and holding the dragon close.

"What father wouldn't want to hold his child close." He said as he sat down on a chair where Alicent was sitting. Alicent seemed to swallow hard, and a sadness was on her face. "Are you content, my Queen? Soon, if the gods are good, you will have two healthy children, which is a great source of pride for any mother."

"I have been happy enough. Yet, I feel more alone than before. I see myself perhaps as the Lady Alicent, but everyone else sees me now as the Queen." The sadness in her voice was a sad thing. " I can still see the Lady Alicent. I can still see a wonderful young woman who holds my friendship. Who has given me something special?" He said as he looked at Aegon and stroked Aegon's hair.

"So, have you." Alicent looked at him and seemed to have some glistening tears in her eyes. "Yes, well, it was worth it for me. I only hope it is still for you." Aegon made words like 'dragon, fly,' and other words. "For me, no regrets, only ups from it, and wises, I suppose." Alicent voice did sound longing so.

'He wasn't sure what he should say to that. The words of his mother were in his head. Yet, even when he had slept with Alicent, it wasn't only because of political uses. He had partly done it for his friend, someone he cared for, and he had made her happy then. Seeing her again, seeing Aegon, it had made the damn lines blurry.' He thought as he looked at her and Aegon

He placed Aegon in his play corner and walked over to Alicent. He looked into those big brown eyes. "I don't know if there can be more between us than there is now. Would you want more?" He question.

She swallowed hard as before she spoke. "I would wanted more. I have never stopped wanting more Aemon, but what about Rhaenyra and Laena? Rhaenyra is my friend, and perhaps Laena is too." It was a question he expected. "Alicent, does Rhaenyra know about your feelings for me." He said as he held her cheek. She leaned into it.

"She knows, but not about Aegon or what happened before you married her," Alicent confessed. Then perhaps there was a slight chance. Suppose Laena and Rhaenyra would allow him to love her as well. There would be a change in the family, and Alicent would never have to fear for her children, nor would Rhaenyra and Laena. Otto might think about doing the same if he ever wanted to crown Aegon, killing his future children.' He thought.

So, he asked to reaffirm his thoughts. "Would you enjoy us being together again?" He spoke softly in her ear. 'He could have kissed her then to make her sure of him, that he wasn't playing with her. But he couldn't kiss her without Rhaenyra and Laena's consent. Before, he betrothed, and what he had done was already partly a betrayal of their trust. Now, being married, he couldn't act like that again.' He thought as she spoke, "Yes." She whispered, her voice barely audible. 'They had been intimate before, a choice Alicent made, breaking free from her duties for once. She yearned for that sense of agency again. What else did she have now? She was the Queen, but her marriage to Viserys was far from happy. It was a union conceived by Otto Hightower's ambitions and fueled by his brother's desires.' He thought of why Alicent wanted this.

"I wish for it to. I thought it over sometimes during the war, thinking of you and Aegon, and I still care for you. I think we could be happy together under certain circumstances, but if Rhaenyra and Laena can't accept me being with you, I can't go behind their backs to be with you. I will have to be your friend. Perhaps we are more than that now. I will always be there for you and Aegon or any other children you might have, be they mine or my brothers." He said as he held her hands.

"I know you are a good man, Aemon, and understand that without you can't give more than you already have. Nor do I think I could. Rhaenyra has given me more support than expected, and Laena has been nothing but kind to me. I also know you would also care for your blood. I have seen it with Aegon and even Daemon, although the man doesn't deserve it." Alicent answered her voice, sounding less saddened.

"Good, just don't forget it." He said as he stood up and kissed the crown of her head. "Good night, my Queen." He said as he started to leave. "Goodnight, Aemon," Alicent said as he left her chambers.

Rhaenyra Targaryen (109 A.C. Ninth Moon)

Kingslanding – Rhaenyra's chambers

'To say she was happy and perhaps a little lustful was an understatement. Aemon had stirred a passion in her that she hadn't felt since he had left. She had anticipated she wouldn't enjoy the feast and the hunt. Yet, with Aemon there, she could relax, and the hunt was something else. Seeing the White Hart and Aemon and killing the boar up close were amazing moments. So, feeling this lustful idea had formed in her head.' She thought with a grin as she stared at her balcony.

She stood up and went to Aemon's room, somewhere she had slept for the years he had been gone. There were no Kingsguard stationed, so Aemon was yet to arrive. He wanted to see Aegon and Alicent, but he couldn't speak to her and see Aegon alone at the hunt. 'Seeing him with Aegon at the feast was something. Aemon seemed to enjoy playing with the boy. Her hands went to her belly at the thought of Aemon as father. It was one thing she didn't worry about: Aemon would be a wonderful father.' She thought happily as he arrived.

She opened the door with her own key and entered the room. It wasn't furnished. Most of Aemon's belongings were in Little Tyrosh. She had already planned on going into marked on the morrow and buying some furnished for Aemon's room.

The hearth was already lit, and she went on striping herself of her clothes. She would welcome her husband naked as her nameday. 'It was the first time she would do this. She felt giddy either time. I hope he likes the surprise,' she thought. As she expected, not much later, the door opened. Aemon walked in, coming straight toward her, where she sat on her knees. "Husband, goodnight." She said lustily.

"Rhaenyra," His eyes were large and traveled down her body. "This welcome surprise for any man." He said after some time, he just stared. She smirked at his reaction and felt happy her body gave him such a reaction.

"Aemon, now, do you like this?" She said, then she went to lie on her back and spread her legs. Aemon swallowed hard.

"Bye the all the gods, you make a man kneel," Aemon said, his voice a half annoyance and admiration. A blush crept up her face as she sat back up. "Well, my dragon, perhaps you can rid yourself of those ugly clothes. Then I can also admire my husband."

Aemon did what he was bid and did all hasty. He was on her the moment he was done. His lips found hers, and his tong seeking entry. She opened her mouth and met his tongue with her own. His muscular body was pressed against her, the warmth of it a welcoming embrace. Dragons don't mind the heat, especially that of their own. 

Her hands found his already hard manhood. "Rhaenyra," Aemon murmured as she stroked his manhood. "Fuck me, Aemon. I need you inside me." She purred in hunger. "As my Princess commands." Aemon cock found her cunt. She felt his manhood stork the lips of her cunt, yet he teased her, not going inside her. 'Oh, I don't have time for that'. She thought. "Don't play," she half begged.

Aemon didn't need much more encouragement as she felt him enter. She moaned as he said, "Prefect," Aemon said as he slowly increased his pace. "Faster, you would make scream in pleasure, remember." There was then a small, hungry glint in Aemon's eyes as she said the words. To her dissatisfaction, he pulled out of her. "What?" She asked.

He lifted himself, and she found her leg being pulled up to his shoulders, and he entered her with a hard thrust. "Oh," She moaned, then his dragon was unleashed. It was perfect, his thrust, his lute words, the occasional pinched of her nipples. She moaned as he fucked, her with passion. Words came flooding out of her mouth. 'Yes, Aemon! Kessa, Fuck, Bye the Gods, and more.'

"Come for me, my lustful princess." He said with a grin, and she did as he pounded into her slick channel. "Kessa, Fuck Aemon." She moaned as she came, and she felt her clenching around his cock, and her body shook.

"Fuck, that flees good," Aemon moaned as he continued to fuck her through her climax. He seemed not done with her yet, as she felt herself flipped around. "On your knees, little princess. Your wolf wants to fuck you like bitch." Aemon growled in her ear, and she obeyed his command.

She found herself being entered again. His hand gripped her ass tightly enough that she suspected it would bruise, not that she cared. Then, the pace of his movement increased, and it was quicker and rougher than before. 'Her dragonwolf had stamina.'

"Fuck," She moaned as she found herself getting close, as Aemon relentlessly pounded her. "Does the royal princess like being fucked like bitch." He growled as she found herself being pulled up to his face. His strong hands were now at her breast, and his lips connecting with her neck.

She swallowed as she answered exhaustedly. "Yes." She did not find any of his words offensive. They just excited her more. The sound and feeling of him clashing against her made her feel connected with Aemon. He was deep inside, his cock sliding up and down her cunt, each thrust causing her moans.

It wasn't long before she came again, her cunt clenching around his cock. She felt herself shudder in pleasure, moaning his name. he held her as she did, "My goddess," He moaned, and he thrust hard and deep, and she felt his seed shoot out of him. Her cunt received it all.

They both fell over then, and Aemon lay against her and partly on top. His cock was still buried inside her, not she minded she enjoyed the fullness of it. "Did that suffice for your needs, dear wife?" Aemon questioned as he interlocked his hand with hers.

"I guess it did, and you were vigors. Very commanding, and I did might that at all. You were a wolf and dragon." She said as she kissed him. "Well, as long as you are fine with this. I'm more than happy to be of service to my wife. If she surprises me like that." Aemon growled as his mouth connected again with hers.

"Mmm, it was fun for me to wait. All longing for you to find me and claim me like you did. Sometimes, I can believe you, my husband. I spoke about with Alicent often, the bad luck of you already going marry Laena." She said. 'She was in love with him when he was betrothed.' She thought back to that time.

"I'm yours and Laena's," He said, and she felt his cock rise inside her. "Aemon, my love. My dragon, make love to me again. Fuck again." She said lustful.

"As my wife commands." From that moment, she lost herself in him once more.

Council Chambers

Her Aemon had walked in earlier. There wasn't anybody else yet. "This place hasn't changed except for this chair," Aemon said as he stood behind hers. "Well, you said I had taken up your role in the council. I sit now on my father's left side, yet where you will sit, you are the Prince of Dragonstone." She asked him with a smirk on her face.

"Dear niece, you know where I will sit. I'm your father's heir and, by all accounts, second in command. Even if many still think it's the hand, I had all the authority in the Stepstones." Aemon said, walking over to where Otto always sat.

"A bold move, husband." Aemon only huffed. "Come Rhae, bold is something I have always been. I don't coward for hightower. A dragon can fly higher, after all." Aemon said with a smirk as he sat down.

Then the door opened, and her father walked in, followed by Ser Steffon. "Morning father," "Moring daughter, earlier, aren't you?" He questioned.

"My husband is an early riser. We had breakfast together and went here right after." She tilted her head toward Aemon. "Aemon?" "Brother," Aemon said with a smirk as he rose from his seat. "I thought wise to sit at your right hand, Your Grace. I'm your heir, after all." Aemon said.

"I think there is no problem. Please be seated while we wait for the rest." Her father said as he sat down. "You look radiant this morning, daughter. I hope having Aemon by your side again did you well?" He questioned.

"Very having him back has been quite a delight." She said happily. "Good, I'm glad for it. I also enjoy having my dear brother back." Her added.

Not much later, the other council members entered the chambers. Seeing Aemon sitting in his seat, Otto was surprised, and a slight grimace grazed his face. 'well, at least what man will have said,' she thought.

"Your Grace may ask why Prince Aemon has taken the seat primarily meant for the King's Hand?" Otto questioned her father. "Aemon is my heir. He has the right to sit on my right side and where he should be. In his absence, Otto, you can take that seat again."

"Don't worry, Otto, I don't mean to replace you. I have tasks that would allow me to stay in Kingslanding all the time. As of now, you have always been a good administrator for my Grandfather and brother and have taken good care of the kingdom by their side." It was a compliment, yet it was laden with the undertone of I don't Handship to exert power.

"My Prince, I didn't mean any insult by asking. Thank you for your words. I only live to serve." 'Yes, your House and your pride, you mean. Perhaps some for the good of the realm, too.' She thought as she heard Otto's words.

"Well, good," Her father said, breaking the silence after Otto had taken his seat beside Aemon. "To start, I wish to congratulate my heir on his stelling of the Stepstones. It took less time than many expected, and you did well in your command. Many lords and knights sing your praiser of accument during the campaign." Her father said, and Aemon nodded. "Thank you, brother, for your words."

"Yet, with the campaign complete and Triachry forced into a treaty with us. I would like now the details, as the royal hunt wasn't the time for that." Her father finished.

Aemon cleared his throat before he started. "The Triarchy has settled, and all the territories under our control are now ours, and they accept our hold over these lands. As well as parting parts of the disputed lands to us." That raised eyebrows around the council. "Yes, it was something I wanted to obtain. The land holdings are that land Vilibosh, which is an outward piece of land. With only one city and a few minor holdings because of the constant eruption of violence in the disputed lands." Aemon said he pointed to parts of the land map, describing where to lay.

"Further, any captives taken during their piracy the time are to be returned and war indemnity paid. However, I did not agree with the Triarchy itself, but the Free Cities invidiously, as I anticipated with the war's failure, they would soon start to blame each other, and Triachy would break apart, leaving us with no one to pay us. So, Lys, Tyrhos, and Myr will pay 100.000 gold dragons each to us." Aemon ended. 'She had briefly heard some of what he gained, as Aemon had told some of it, but 300.000 gold dragons was a heavy sum, and the expansion of lands into Essos itself was boon.' She thought in amazement.

"My Prince, I can only say this masterful treaty you have crafted. It will strengthen our control in the region and weaken Triachy's." Lord Strong said, his voice a awe to it. "Yes, truly, brother, you have acted well and are interested in the realm. Yet, knowing you have plans for who will do it," Aemon smirked.

"That is correct. I have thought about it before. I want to create a new paramount ship under the crown's direct command. It will encompass all the islands in the Narrow Sea under the lordship of the Seven Kingdoms." That left gaps, yet she already knew of it. She fully endorsed the plan.

"Your Grace, going through with a plan like that will strip vassals of the current lords-paramount. The Vale and The Stormlands both have Vassals that are island-based." Otto said, gassed. "I see your point, Otto, as both Vale and Stormlands were admirable contributors to the war effort. I propose sending both 50.000 gold dragons, although I suspect the Vale being indebted to my wife for her effort in crushing the tried usurpation of Lady Jeyne Arryn. They will be more forthcoming in giving up control of these lands." Aemon finished, counterarguing Otto.

"What of the Baratheons? They have Estermonts, Tarths, and others. Are they just going to lose vassals?" Otto questioned. "Well, I think we can make a compromise on that. As we know, there are nine significant islands in the Stepstones. I have already been thinking about who to grant these possible lordships to. To make Storm's End come to the table, I am willing to grant the lands to one of the younger sons of lord Boremund. With the granted gold, I can see them agreeing, and my relationship with both heir and Lord of Storm's End is good." She had given it to Aemon. He was always good at seeing problems and seeing ways to fix them.

"Hmm, you have given it much thought. I can see it working. I'm right in assuming this new paramount-ship lands would fall under the jurisdiction of Dragonstone, and you?" Her father questioned. "These lands would fall under Dragonstone, its most direct principal seat. It has deep water ports for ships, making easy access for the vassals' lords to come." Aemon answered. Otto and Melos seemed to have swallowed lemons.

"Your Grace would be wise to grant that much land under the command of the Crown Prince. The Crown itself could take command." Mellos questioned. "Grandmaester, I understand your doubt, although you are mostly only voice doubt. Yet, I already have a solution, and I also want to appoint a warden or lord admiral to take control part of the management of the region. To share the burden, and I already have someone in mind." Aemon retorted.

"Well, dear husband, please tell us. However, I suspect I know you have it in mind already." She said with a smile. "Lord Corlys, he was already instrumental in the campaign, he knowledge of ships, and the seas that he is a man I do trust, without a doubt. Plus, it would give Lord Corlys a role, considering Lord Tylan already fills the current position of master of ships." Aemon answered.

The council chamber nodded in agreement, even Otto and Melos. "I see. It would lessen your duties and would align the Valeryons further with us than they already are." Her father said, and she could disagree. Corlys was a good choice because of his connection and experience commanding at sea.

"Your grace, before the hunt, I asked questions about the troops and ships currently stationed in the Stepstones. Many are men sent from houses across the realm. What will be done with them now?" Tyland questioned. She hadn't heard this before. Was this during the meal before they all went hunting?

"Yes, well, with war finished, most of the men will return. I have made offers to those who are wise to stay. They will join the current garrisons and later swear to lords that will become lords of them. As for others who still wish to fight, I plan to use Vilibosh as a staging ground for a sellsword company. To build a base for them, we could earn wealth for the crown, with wars that are fought in Essos." It was an intriguing idea, and it would grant an experienced army to call upon, even though he was already starting up with Oathmen and Oathguards.

"I think that is a reasonable plan. It will give grand possibilities to men who have fought in the campaign." The master of laws said. "The idea of the sellword company can work your grace. It will also grant those across the realm an outlet to join if they want to earn gold and fight. The sellsword company then earns gold for the crown, as Prince Aemon said." Master of coin added.

"Lord Tyland, does that answer your questions about the men." Her father asked, and Tyland nodded. "Brother, what about the ships currently stationed? Most I know are your own, and the Velaryons do with those who will but. Other lords, our master ships complained about increased reaver activities in the Sunset Sea. Because of the absence of the ships patrols in that reason." She darkened at those words, as did Aemon. 'she had heard those complaints before and grumbled internally at Tyland Lannister.'

"Lord Lannister, please tell me how many ships your brother sent to campaign?" Aemon spoke in a low, authoritative voice. Tyland looked pale, then. "My Prince?" Tyland squeaked. "You heard Me, My Lord, now say how many. Then write to your brother, and speak to him because he is still in the capital. Now answer me that he sent out his ships and men against the ironbron." Aemon growled almost.

"Four your grace, with two more of house Farman." The master of ships said, his voice now trembling. "Yes, six ships form the entire Westerlands. So now get out, and clean up your reaver problem on your own, with your brother." Aemon ordered, and Tyland hurried out of the room. 'What surprised her was that one act against it.' She thought as looked as Tyland left the room.

"My Prince, was that necessary? Tyland did bore genuine concern. About the welfare for the Westerlands seas, perhaps he and his brother overestimate the reaver threat of Iron Isle." Otto said, yet it was a weak argument.

"Otto, House Mallister has sent eight ships alone. As you once said, they are the realm's prime defense against reavers of Iron Isle. House Redwyne even more, and the Shield Isle's did also sent ships. Again, those isles are basically fortified to defend against Iron born invasions. So don't bring flimsy excuses for our master of ships and lord paramount of the west." Aemon bit back, and his mood was considerably soared. '

"Also, most ships will return, and yet around one-third, all vessels of my own, and lord Corlys will say. Also, Lord Desmond has agreed to grand ship leave ships in the Stepstones. That is the situation with the ships, and I hope that alleviates the concerns of this council." Aemon questioned, and the council nodded in agreement.

"I'm sorry, brother. I understand your frustration." Her father said. "Now, let's discuss possible rewards for those who contribute to the campaign, such as granting lordships," he concluded.

Otto Hightower (109 A.C. Ninth Moon)

Kingslanding – The Queens Chambers

He enters his daughter's chambers after the damn disaster of the small council. 'What happened? Over the past two years, he has been able to guide them toward his wishes. On the occasion, the others also pushed forward their own agendas. Yet still, he held power to guide the meetings. One meeting was all taken, and Aemon had taken control. Even being able to dismiss the master of ships, he had not even been able to speak against it. Because of his irrational nature, Aemon wasn't Daemon. Aemon was cutting. He still had the Targaryen temper, but he had an edge to it that made it lighting strike then, a wildfire.' He thought with a grumble.

"Father, everything alright? You seemed angry. Did the meeting not go well." Alicent questioned, as down at the other end of the table.

"Aemon, daughter Aemon is a problem. He already ruined your son's nameday. The lords spoke more of him and his damn White Hart than Aegon, the King's firstborn. Now, he has control of the council. I'm the King's hand, yet the man leads the damn meeting." He said in anger.

"I don't see why it's a problem. Aemon is a good man. He cares for his nephew. I saw that much during the hunt and the previous evening. Not only that, but he is also the heir to the throne, our King, and my husband also made it so." Alicent said. 'Was she so stupid that man will kill her children the moment he takes power? A damn son comes before a brother. It is worse than if Rhaenyra was the heir. He will always have challenges against his line.' He thought with a sigh.

"Daughter, your son, is being robbed. He was born to be the King. If we ignore the certain truth, if Aemon takes the throne over your son, he will act against us." He didn't think his daughter would appreciate him telling her Aemon would kill her children.

"Aemon, wouldn't he see my son and me as family, as does Rhaenyra? He won't do anything. He will already be better with Aegon than my husband." Alicent countered against his worst. 'Oh, that clever, faking attachment to his nephew, a potential rival.' He thought as he listened.

"Don't you see, daughter, it is all an act. A vail, to lead us to think he won't, but he will come for us when he is King or has the power to act. He is already trying to consolidate his conquest to fall under Dragonstone under his rule. He gathers power, so he will crush his opponents when the time is right. We are that, and I wouldn't be surprised if he also does so against Daemon." He said, trying to make him see sense. 

"Father, Aemon is the crown. It is not his duty to make sure everything goes smoothly, such as having good relationships with members of the royal family, such as Aegon." He groaned at her words. "Daughter, you are blinded by suppose it friendship with those people. Soon, you will have to wake up. The moment Aemon has a son, with either of his wives, you, Aegon, and the child you gray will matter little." Hmm, there it was, a little frown on her face.

"Aemon won't do that. I know better than you." She said, yet there was some doubt in her voice. He pressed on, "Wait then, daughter, and when a son is born to him, and he leaves you to the side, remember my words so that we can start our work." He said and stood up, leaving her with his final words.

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