Better Man // Helaena Targaryen // Peter Parker

30. Toast

The Lucky One / Rhaenys Targaryen / Taelon Targaryen 

Peter wasn't invited it to supper. Of course not but he did spend the evening with little Benjen and the twins. That was until Helaena came in beaming back at him. 

"Mother said you can come to supper!" Helaena declared. 

"I'm not dressed for family supper Helaena. I will just embarrass you." Peter corrected. 

"Aegon is an embarrassment just by breathing." Helaena corrected "And I really, really want you there. Mother gave the go ahead, please dont make me suffer alone." So Peter headed down to the last supper. 

''Prayer before we begin?'' Alicent offered

''Yes.'' Viserys agreed as they held hands.

"Sorry, we are late. Peter didnt realize he was invited." Helaena remarked annoyed she didnt get to sit beside him but instead by Aegon. But there was a seat beside Alicent and Helaena hoped her mother would be kind. 

"Sit, please." ALicent agreed. "Your grace, you remember Helaena's friend Peter?" 

"Peter." Viserys repeated with no recollection. 

"Parker. A no body." Aegon assured and Helaena flicked at his leg. Peter offered ALicent a smile as she reached for his hand for grace. 

''May the Mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the Smith mend the bonds that have been broken for far too long. And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest." Alicent said clearly before looking up at Daemon.

''This is an occasion for celebration, it seems. My grandsons, Jace and Luke, will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhaena, further strengthening the bond between our houses. A toast to the young Princes... and their betrothed". Viserys declared

''Hear, hear!''

''Well done, Jace. You'll finally get to lie with a woman.'' Aegon sniggered. Helaena was right, Aegon just being Aegon would embarrass himself more than Peter ever could. 

''Let us toast as well Prince Lucerys... the future Lord of the Tides.''

''Hear, hear.'' Each time peter lifted his glass of wine to which he assumed cost more than what him and aunt May would have to spent on food for a moon and took the smallest sip. He was going to savor this meal and every drop of wine. may would like this wine, she would love this food Peter thought as he kept trying to eat but people kept toasting. 

''You'll be great. You do know how the act is done, I assume? At least in principle? Where to put your cock and all that.'' Aegon went on.

''Let it be, cousin.''

''You can play the jester if you wish, but hold your tongue before my betrothed.'' Luke told him stiffly.

''Mm-hm.'' Aegon mused taking another drink. Peter brought a forkful to his mouth when Viserys spoke up and he put his hands back in his lap. The food looked so good. 

''It both gladdens my heart and fills me with sorrow to see these faces around the table. The faces most dear to me in all the world... yet grown so distant from each other..."Viserys told them solemnly. "in the years past." Viserys removed his mask with a thud it landed on the table. ''My own face... is no longer a handsome one... if indeed it ever was. But tonight... I wish you to see me... as I am. Not just a king... but your father. Your brother. Your husband... and your grand sire.'' Viserys said kindly. ''Who may not, it seems... walk for much longer among you.'' Viserys gasped for breath as his chest felt heavy. ''Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances. If not for the sake of the crown... then for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly." Viserys requested. Alicent helped him fix his mask back to his face. Peter wondered if this thing he was cursed with could help save the king, he didnt know, didnt know what his blood did to others, never tested it.