The Banished Blood

Chapter 9

I had awoken by the sound of a bell, and a splitting headache, how did Aegon drink every 'night? I asked myself, I got out of bed, still in my clothes from the night before. I turned to see Dyana standing there, with a neat pile of clothes. She washed me, and dressed me in my fighting attire. Finally brushing my hair. I stared at myself in the mirror. It's getting so long. I thought to myself. I'll need to cut it soon.

I left for breakfast, swinging the doors open to the hall. Not a single piece of food sat on the table, no one was there. How odd, where was everyone? Was breakfast cancelled? I turned, walking down the halls, I began to turn a corner, as voices arose.

"Aegon, get up." Alicents voice spat. "I said get up!"

The sounds of the sheets ruffling stirred. "Whaat?" Aegons voice groaned.

"What did you do to her? Did you defile her?! How can you keep doing this?" Alicent snapped.

"Me? Defile her? You should be asking brother dearest about that one."

"What? Aemond would never." Alicent retaliated.

"Why did he propose to betroth her then?" Aegon mumbled once more, I heard Alicent let out a sigh, the sound of her boots clicking came closer, as I ducked behind a corner. Watching her dart down the hallway. I poked my head in to glance at Aegon, as he sat upon his bed, buck naked, sheets draping him. He looked like a sort of god in a way. But he looked dishevelled, taking gulps from a jug of wine like a wild beast. How was that a prince? I shrugged it off, following the queen. As I stepped behind her silently, I looked at the back of her, the way her pretty green dress complimented her hair, how she held it up as she marched forward. But we didn't even make it to Aemonds room, he made it to us. He turned the corner, as Alicent did. I ducked behind a pillar so he wouldn't see me.

"Mother I can explain I-" Aemond began, but the sound of skin hitting skin echoed throughout the halls. Did she just slap him?

"Why am I hearing tales of you and Aegon dishonouring that girl? Whilst drunk?" She snapped.

"It's all lies mother, nothing happened." Aemond begged. "Who spoke of this- and don't say Aegon, we all know what he's like- Why don't you ask Y/N?"

Alicent scoffed. "You know why I can't. I could scare her off, she could turn on us. We need her on our side.. Now get down to the dragon pits and get her trained, we need her if the time shall come. I need you to be safe if Rhaenyra comes for us, all of us." Alicent pleaded, as I heard her walking away. I heard Aemond let out a sigh, as I slinked down the back stairs. To the courtyard. I began to spar with myself, checking my stance and posture. As my mind wandered to the king. How sick was he really? How long has he been like this? With the mask? To be so, bedridden. Something wasn't adding up. It seemed to be Alicent and her father overlooked everything, if they wanted to control me so badly, what are they in fear of?

"Fancy seeing you here." A voice spoke, I turned expecting Arykk or Aemond. But my eyes were met with Prince Aegon. He held a sword. I held mine, as memories of last night washed over me, but I felt no shame now. He smirked at me, tapping the end of my sword. "Know how to use that?" He asked, walking in circles around me with a hand behind his back.

"I'd like to think so.." I started, as we paced each other, I lunged forward, catching him by surprise. For a moment or so, we were like cat and mouse, but I was still nothing compared to him. He swept his foot beneath mine, I fell on my back, as I swung my sword up, not giving second thought. Aegon smacked the back of my hand with his sword, making me drop mine, it panged to the ground, now, my eyes were looking up, to a blade that could have easily pierced me as his eyes were doing to me now. I didn't think Aegon was that powerful, then again, Aegon and Aemond trained together after all.