𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 | 𝗮𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗲𝗻

Chapter 8: the beetle's scheme

119 d. C

It was not meant to end like this. It was supposed to be a training session like the ones they had everyday. With ser Harwin teaching them how to wield their swords and how to defend themselves if they were left without a weapon. Shiera seated at the side listening to them and basking in the sun. The king had tried to make her sit beside him but she preferred to be closer, she felt less alienated from the rest.

And, of course, it had to be Criston Cole the one to ruin the fun. He walked in as he did everywhere, with a sense of superiority just because he was the sworn shield of the queen.
It was known that he disliked Rhaenyra's kids and took advantage of any occasion to make mean comments about them.

The children were training with the dummies, trying to get a compliment from ser Harwin. They knew he didn't say things without meaning them ,and because Aegon, Aemond and Daeron received none from their mother, it meant the world for them.

Just as Luke made a move to hit his dummy ser Criston decided to make a comment.

"If you were in battle you would be dead." Criston said with a smirk on his face.

The moment he said it the rest came to a halt. Ser Harwin, who had seen him coming, moved a little closer to Luke while the rest of the children stepped aside near where Shiera was seated in case things went wrong. It was known that Criston had a habit of getting violent with people who he didn't like.

"It's a good thing that the prince is not in battle and he won't in the near future. And besides, I would make sure he isn't alone " Harwin didn't want to start a row, and even less knowing that the king was just some meters away watching it all happen.

"I know you've never seen true battle, ser, but when steel is drawn and soldiers are swarming you, hiding behind others is not quite as simple." He knew he was taunting him and he didn't let that bother him. He had a duty to Rhaenyra, to protect their, her children so if it meant being subject to comments from the dornish knight he would bear it.

"Well then we will make sure you know how to fight so you don't have to repeat that tragic moment of your life" However that didn't mean that he couldn't hit him back.

Even if it wasn't proper for them to laugh, the children couldn't help it. Even the king and the hand who were a little further away could help but laugh.

Feeling the eyes of everyone at the training yard Criston turned red with fury. He hated being made fun of. But he also knew he couldn't really do anything with the king watching.

"Your interest in the well being of the prince is quite unusual, Commander," At this everyone stopped laughing and waited to see what he was going to say next. "Most men would only have this kind of devotion toward a cousin... or a brother... or a son."

With that the last of ser Harwin restrain evaporated. All he could think about was the children and Rhaenyra. How these words would surely travel around the court and torment them further with whispers of bastardy.

After he delivered a punch on Criston's face he could listen to the kids screams of surprise. As well as the king ordering peace at the yard. He could see Criston on the floor knocked out so, before he got into more trouble, he apologized to the king for his behavior and exited the yard.

Some hours later the children would learn about his removal as Lord Commander and his return to Harrenhal. The news left the kids heartbroken and all of them begged the king to prevent him from leaving, even Aegon. It didn't work, so that night, after everyone had eaten dinner, he said goodbye to Rhaenyra and the children in their chambers.

Jace, who after the fight had understood his kingship with ser Harwin, was the most shattered along with Rhaenyra. And made sure to listen carefully to the words of the one he now knew was his father.

"Be good to your mother and sister lads. I'll visit when I can. But that may be some time." As he said it to Jace and Luke, Shiera stood by Rhaenyra and Joffrey's side. She tried not to cry as she felt her mother shaking, she knew she was also holding her tears.

Then Harwin stood from where he had crouched to talk face to face to the boys and made his way towards where the other half of the family stood waiting for him.
He crouched again in front of Shiera and whispered, making sure only she heard him.

"I will return. I promise. But I want you to promise me that you will also take care of your brothers. We both know they can be quite a lot." She may not be his, but Harwin always loved Shiera as his own and parting from her also hurt him.

Shiera also knew she wasn't his but with Laenor doing the bare minimum of his chores as father and husband Harwin had become the father that she always wanted.

"I promise," she said. Then, taking his hands in hers she also got closer and without caring much if her mother listened she told him what she had seen that night in her dreams. "But you should be careful where you are going. Fire is coming for you and the night is when it will try to catch you. Don't sleep when you arrive and the strong will survive."

With that she released his hands and motioned with her head to her mother, who after listening to her words seemed even more concerned. Giving a soft hum he then stood up and faced Rhaenyra.

He hated seeing her like this, sad and trying to keep it together for the sake of the children. He just wanted to take them all to Harrenhal and spend the rest of his days training the lads, making Shiera laugh and growing old with Rhaenyra.

He then looked at Joffrey and could help but say a few words for him and Rhaenyra.

"I will be a stranger when we meet again," With that he gave Joffrey a kiss on his head and took a step back. "Princess"

Giving a final look at Rhaenyra he took his sword and left the room, leaving behind four crushed hearts.

Sensing her brothers' distraught, Shiera walked carefully towards where she thought they were and, once she made sure she was right she embraced them in her arms, letting them cry. 

Some days later when Harwin arrived at Harrenhal he made sure of following the princess' warning. He stayed awake until suddenly he saw a fire start in one of the wings of the castle. Waking up everyone and making sure they extinguished the fire he sent a raven to Rhaenyra informing her of the events and the correct hunch of the little princess.
At the same time a filthy beetle cursed the outcome of his scheme.