The Dragon-Tamer

09

*THREE YEARS LATER*

Little Aegon laughed as Feyre tickled his sides. Today was his second nameday and King Viserys was celebrating his son by hosting a hunting party in the Kingswood.

Feyre smiled at the little boy in her arms, "You're getting so big, sweet Aegon!"

Aegon and babbled what sounded like her name, making Feyre's heart melt.

Someone knocked on the door, and a heavily pregnant Alicent walked into Feyre's chambers, "Is my little Prince in here?"

"Mama!" Aegon beamed at the sight of his mother and climbed off of Feyre's lap.

He stumbled over to Alicent and hugged her legs, making both women laugh. Alicent picked up her son and walked them both over to a couch.

Feyre looked at her friend with concern, "Are you sure you should go? You're so far along."

"I'll be alright, Feyre," Alicent soothes her friend, "I want to celebrate my son and spend time with the people I care about."

Feyre smiles, but it goes away as a thought pops into her mind, "So, have you talked with Rhaenyra yet?"

Alicent tensed and ran her fingers through Aegon's hair to comfort herself, "She will not want to speak with me."

"You say that, but have you actually sought her out?" Feyre sat next to Alicent on the couch, "You two used to be friends; it pains me to see you grow apart."

Aegon, sensing the change in mood, began to whine and reach for Feyre. The mage took the boy in her arms and rocked him gently. Alicent watched her son and her friend with a fond smile.

Alicent sighed in defeat, "I'll try to speak with Rhaenyra before we leave."

"That's all I ask," Feyre placed a kiss on Aegon's head as he lulled off for his nap.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rhaenyra was in the Godswood, reading underneath the tree, while the bard, Samwell, sang to her.

Samwell was singing the same tune for the third time when he noticed Alicent.

He stood up in respect, "Your Grace."

"Did I say to stop?" If Rhaenyra noticed Alicent, she didn't acknowledge her.

When the bard did not continue, Rhaenyra clicked her tongue, "From the beginning."

"Rhaenyra," Alicent called after the bard started the tune over.

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes, "Yes, my Queen?"

Alicent let out a nervous breath at the Princess's tone. She had a right mind to just turn the other way and leave Rhaenyra, but then she remembered Feyre's words.

"Your presence is wanted in the outer courtyard," Alicent told her, "The royal hunt readies to depart."

Rhaenyra turned the page in her book, "I've decided to remain here and read instead."

Rhaenyra's insolence and the music playing over them was getting on the Queen's nerves, "You may go, Samwell."

The bard stood up but was stopped by Rhaenyra, "You are to stay by order of the Princess."

Having had enough, Alicent decided to test her authority, "The Queen commands you to leave the Godswood at once."

Not wanting to lose his head, Samwell bowed his head towards Rhaenyra and quickly left the Godswood, leaving the two girls alone.

Alicent stepped toward Rhaenyra, "The King wishes for you to join us."

"The King has much to celebrate," Rhaenyra said, "He does not need me."