Aella Targaryen wed on the anniversary of her father's death. To her cousin, nonetheless, continuing the long-standing tradition of her family to marry their relatives. It was a day that was meant to bring joy and overshadow the sorrow that had purs...
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In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you
°•~━━✥❖✥━━~•°
101 AC
His father looked absolutely radiant with the Hand's pin fastened to his doublet, that was the first thing Rhaegon noticed when he strode into the small council meeting. It was the first time he had seen him grin so widely since Aemon was born. Something like warmth burned in the pit of his stomach at the thought.
Baelon Targaryen's appearance had always been well-kept, but that day he looked especially well put together. His beard was carefully trimmed to his jaw, his hair brushed and glistening silver in the light as it always had. As always, he was dressed in Targaryen colours. A silver ring glittered on his finger. The wedding band symbolised his marriage to Rhaegon's mother. He had long learned to not feel nauseous whenever he looked at it. The mere act of his father never taking the ring off was a clear message to all. He was still mourning his wife, the spirited Alyssa Targaryen who had died birthing his youngest son. It was almost enough to fight off any lords attempting to sell their daughters to him for marriage. Almost.
Most of the small council was already present. King Jaehaerys sat at the head with his eldest living son sitting to the right. Then to his left was a seat reserved for Rhaegon – the only one of Baelon's sons to bother showing up regularly. Other than that, the Master of Coin, Lyman Beesbury was already present. Rhaegon could never recall a time he had come to the council room before Lord Beesbury did. The Grand Maester, Runciter, was already there as well, draped with his chain as he always was.
The only members missing now were Corlys Velaryon, who served as Master of Ships, and Lord Alyn Penrose who served as Master of Law. Lord Corlys served begrudgingly, if Rhaegon was being honest, but he could not say he blamed the man after his wife was replaced as heir. Simply for being a woman. It made Rhaegon sick to think about it, but unfortunately, he could not find himself supporting her. Because it was his father who had been named heir. And after him his brother. He did not think he could stand against them to support his cousin, although he did so silently and with a few biting remarks. He still remembered the look of disdain King Jaehaerys had thrown him when he had made an off-handed comment about the dishonour of it. In contrast to him, his grandmother had looked at him proudly.
Lord Alyn had been sworn into his position in the aftermath of Prince Aemon's death at Tarth nine years prior, and he had served well. Rhaegon recalled the first few months of his service, the man would often be found in the library, pouring over Prince Aemon's notes and other books about laws. He took his role seriously, and Rhaegon respected him greatly for it.
It was when Rhaegon had just settled into his seat beside his grandfather when the two remaining lords strode in, seemingly deep in conversation. If he had to guess, it would either be something philosophical or pure business. Lord Alyn was a well-educated and cultured man and Lord Corlys loved a good debate every now and then.
