The Heir // King Viserys Targaryen // Daemon Targaryen

53. Protector

''Has anybody ever told you you're nearly as pretty as your brother?'' Daemon said as he danced around Laena

''Well, you flatter me, my Prince.'' Laena told him ''I was sorry to hear about your lady wife.''

''Don't be, I wasn't. My lady was never very kind to me.''

''I know who it is.'' Joffrey mused to Laenor

''Hm? The handsome paramour. Who?''

''Ser Criston Cole.'' Joffrey remarked

''Her sworn protector?'' Laenor countered looking across the dance floor to him.

''Look at him. The man is fully cunt-struck.'' Joffrey agreed

'A Targaryen prince, a dashing knight, and a dragon rider. You appear to be every young maiden's dream.'' Laena remarked to daemon

''That's only because you don't know me yet.'' Daemon countered

''I believe Ser Criston has bloodied that white cloak of his with your bride's maidenhead.'' Joffrey sniggered

''Oh, keep your voice down.'' Laenor hissed

''Perhaps that is something we might remedy, my Prince.'' Laena offered moving around him her hand trailing down his chest.

''Perhaps it is.'' Daemon agreed walking off.

''This is a good thing. She knows your secret... and now you know hers.'' Joffrey offered

Viserys watched as Avalon spun Aegon around, Aegon had the biggest of smiles on his face. Avalon looked as gorgeous as ever and Viserys still found it hard to believe that she was his but she smiled back at him and he welcomed forever time and time again.

''They make a handsome match, don't they?''

''What?'' Criston questioned turning to Joffrey.

''Well, the Princess and Ser Laenor.'' Joffrey told him smugly. ''Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, or the Knight of Kisses, they call me, though I don't know why.'' He introduced.

'' I'm on watch. What's your business?''

''You don't know me, Ser Criston. But we are both deeply invested in this union.''

''If you have something to say, Ser Joffrey, speak it.'' Criston hissed

''Ser Laenor is quite dear to me. As I know... the Princess is to you. We should swear to each other to guard them, and their secrets, because if those are kept safe... then so are we all'' Joffrey told him.

''May I, Ser Harwin?'' Daemon said stepping into his place on the dance floor.

''Of course, my Prince.'' Harwin remarked stepping away immediately. He moved to Avalon, he picked up Alyssa she smiled up at him.

"You are good with them." Avalon told him.

"I like children." Harwin agreed.

"Why is it that you are not wed Ser Harwin?" Avalon questioned holding onto Aegon's hands as she swayed to the music.

"I haven't been as fortunate as you and the king or the princess and Ser Laenor I'm afraid." Harwin remarked.

"You know." Avalon began with a chuckle. "I wanted you for Rhaenyra but your father turned that down."

"He did?" Harwin questioned. "You did?" He countered.

"I thought you two would get along... but too late for that." Avalon remarked and Harwin nodded slowly. Alyssa yawned in Harwin's arms reaching for Avalon.