Mastermind // Aemond Targaryen (1)

14. Aegon

Out of the woods // Ned Stark out now!

"I brought her here immediately. She's seen no one else, Your Grace." Talya remarked.

''Come here, sweetling.'' Alicent said to the girl before her she was crying softly, the door closed after Alicent. ''Tell me your name.''

''It's Dyana, Your Grace. If... i-if it please you.'' She answered nervously.

''Dyana. What a pretty name. I understand you've found yourself in some trouble.'' Alicent said innocently.

''I was fetching the Prince his wine, and I put it on his table, and when I turned... I didn't see him. I asked him to stop, Your Grace. I did, truly... you must believe me" Dyana said through crying breaths.

''Shh. Thank you for telling me, Dyana. I know it wasn't your fault.'' Alicent assured framing her hair around her face. Dyana stared back at her.

''Hm?'

''I believe you.'

''Y-You do?'

''I do. But what I worry about... is what others might believe.' Alicent told her calmly. ''You were alone with the Prince, were you not?''

''Yes, I...'' she stammered out

''And no one else saw what happened between the two of you. If anyone else were to hear about this...'' Alicent reminded her calmly.

''I haven't told anyone.'' Dyana assured.

''You told Ser Erryk and Talya and now me. And though I believe you are not to blame, others might not be so trusting. They might think you were trying to besmirch the Prince, or worse... that you're the sort of girl that might have enticed him in the first place.'' Alicent told her and Dyana stared up nervously at her. ''And you know what happens to girls like that.''

''I, I wouldn't dream of breathing another word to anyone, Your Grace. I, I swear it on my life.'' Dyana begged through shuddering breaths.

''I know you won't.'' Alicent assured putting a pouch of coin in her hand ''For your troubles.'' The door opened and closed and a small soft smile appeared on Alicents face

''The tea, Your Grace.' Talya said holding it out. Alicent poured it in the cup.

''It's best to be certain.'' Alicent told her holding it out. Dyana stared at her a moment before taking the tea and drinking it down.

+

''Get up.... Aegon!" Alicent shouted. ''Get up!''

'' Mother? What is it?'' Aegon hissed rolling over still hung over his head in the pillow his ass hanging out.

"What is it? What is it? What is it?" That's all you can say for yourself?'' Alicent hissed.

''Has something happened?' aegon said turning around pulling the sheet with him

''Dyana.''

''Mm?'' aegon said confused. Alicent hissed out a breath, Aemond was her good and reliable son. He wasn't off fucking every woman in sight. If only Aemond was the first born then maybe her children would have a chance at claiming their true crowns.

''The serving girl.'' Alicent hissed aegon still didn't understand. ''Oh, for the gods' sake. The girl, Aegon. The one you sent fleeing from your company.'' Aegon got up stretching out his arms.

''Oh, it was just harmless fun. She didn't need to go and get upset about it.' Aegon remarked nonchalantly.

''Think of the shame on your wife, on me. How can you keep carrying on like this, especially on a day like today?'' Alicent countered

''Why? What is it today?'' Aegon asked pulling on his pants.

''You are no son of mine." Alicent hissed marching around the room

''I did not ask for this. I've done everything you've asked me to, and I try so... I try so hard, but it will never be enough for you or father.'' Aegon called after her as Alicent stormed out

''Have you seen Dyana? She's supposed to dress the children.'' Helaena asked coming into Aegon's chambers. Alicent didn't answer. She just hugged her daughter.

+

''He looks like a different person. I believe we should also consult Maester Gerardys. Perhaps if he could see the King, he'd suggest a different..."Rhaenyra began but the door opened and Alicent approached.

'Princess Rhaenyra. And Prince Daemon.'' Alicent remarked.

''Hm.' Daemon chuckled

''It has been so long since we were granted the joy of your presence.'' Alicent remarked.

''Indeed, Your Grace.'' Rhaenyra agreed

''Though not long enough to merit a greeting upon our arrival.'' Daemon added smugly

''I'm sure the Queen had pressing business, my love. What can either of us know of ruling a kingdom?'' Rhaenyra offered kindly.

''I do not rule, as you well know.'' Alicent told them ''My father and I are mere stewards of the King's will and wisdom.''

''And how exactly is that wisdom expressed... hm? In blinks and wheezes? I'd be surprised if he could remember his own name. Or if you could.'' Daemon remarked snidely.

''King Viserys's condition has worsened since you saw him last.'' Alicent informed them

''Hah.'' Daemon spat

''It subjects him to considerable pain.'' Alicent went on ''On the advice of the maesters...''

''Ah, the maesters. Of course. It is they who keep him... addled on milk of the poppy while the High towers warm his throne.'' Rhaenyra added stiffly and Alicent let out a hot breath

''Rhaenyra, if you would see him without it, almost blind with suffering.'' Alicent informed them

''Oh, Alicent, I have no doubt it was... an act of the purest mercy, but tell me, for the King's suffering, did the maesters also prescribe the removal of Targaryen heraldry and the installation in its stead of various statues and stars?'' Daemon agreed

''The emblems of the Seven serve only to guide us on an uncertain path. To remind us of a higher authority.''

''And on the morrow, which authority will sit in judgment of my son's claim on his own inheritance?'' Rhaenyra asked

''That would be mine... and the Hand's.'' Alicent agreed

'Ah." Daemon answered glaring back at her.

''But be assured, the Father is just and commands me to forget the accusations you have hurled in this room today.''