The Second Son | Aemond x Reader

03 | Long may he reign

Warning: this chapter contains HOTD spoilers, violence and mature language.

THE CELEBRATIONS FOR the new King lasted a fortnight. For the duration, I tried my best to stay close to the young Helaena, who was now Queen, and keep her company through the trials and tribulations of the ordeal while her husband, drank his fill. I did not exactly blame him... if I had been named ruler of mankind I too would wish to drown my new responsibilities in wine and mead. I did not see much of Aemond, nor did I wish to. I found myself avoiding any glance of white hair, any slightly familiar face. He made me angry with his indecisions, around him I never truly knew how to feel or where I stood. It was exhausting and best avoided.

There had been an endless stream of feasts, of high lords and ladies coming to visit, of tournaments and trials - of banners and crowds and celebrations. It was, admittedly, an increidble spectacle. At present, I found myself sat with the lady Helaena watching a jousting tornie between Houses I had never heard of. They ambled back and forth on horse back, striking one another down, again and again. I couldn't understand why people found it so entertaining? Beside me, Helaena was mumbling something under her breath as she picked at the hem of her needlework hoop.

"What is it, Helaena?" I ventured, concerned for her. These past months... I couldn't deny my fondness for her. I felt protective of her somehow, more so now than ever... now that she was being watched by all the realm.

"You will loose one, to gain another." She mumbled, a little louder than before. Her words struck a cord in me... and I felt myself become all at once afraid. I knew those words, I had heard them before.

"What does that mean, Helaena?" I asked, cautiously though I was not entirely sure I wanted an answer. But Helaena's expression was blank, her eyes looking over my face as if I spoke in tongues.

"What?"

"The words you just spoke to me... about loosing someone, gaining someone? You've said it to me before - when we first met."

"... I did?"

"Yes... what does it mean?"

But she went silent, looking out across the people and the scenery as though nothing had been said. I chose not to press any further... but I couldn't help but worry. Her ramblings seemed so directed towards me, was she perhaps a Seer? Her brother-husband often told me to ignore her "incessant ramblings" whenever he would overhear them, and it was true that her mother too ignored them. I wondered if I should do the same... but what if it were a warning?

As another nobleman was plunged into the dirt by his opponents lance, the drunken King stood and clapped loudly, jeering and shouting. His crowd of onlookers and loyal servants all followed suit, applauding until the match was cleared and made ready for the next. Aegon fell down into his seat, jolly and completely haggard as he took another sip from his goblet. I tried not to watch as the wine poured down his chin, sullying his white collar.

"Sister-wife." He called and Helaena looked up from her needlework with reluctance. "Do you... enjoy— these fine games?"

"... yes, husband. Very much." She lied, trying to escape back into her embroidery. But the King was as persistent and stubborn as ever.

"Why not come watch from up here? The view sitting atop my lap would be a great one—"

"— and how are you enjoying the games, my King?" I interrupted, in attempt to save her. Luckily, Aegon seemed to take the bait. He slumped back in his chair and swirled the contents of his drink.

"As much as any other, I suppose. Though I wish my brother had not refused my insistence that he partake—" he paused, swallowing the last of his drink, clicking his fingers at the nearest cup-bearer for a refill. "—but I don't imagine these young squires would be much of a challenge, for my dearest brother."