Rich Man / Tyland Lannister / Aislynn Hightower

47. Final Tribute

''Prayer before we begin?'' Alicent offered

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

''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.

"That was beautiful!" Aislynn decided. 

''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.

"That was surprising," Aislynn countered as the group echoed out. 

''Hear, hear!''

"I mean what a manipulative move." Aislynn went on. "Blackmailing Rhaenys into siding with you. By giving her a future queendom. I'm impressed didnt think you had it in you." 

''Well done, Jace. You'll finally get to lie with a woman.'' Aegon sniggered

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

''Hear, hear.''

"Who, who?" Aislynn mused. "Of what?"

''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.'' Baela demanded. 

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

''Mm-hm.'' Aegon mused taking another drink.

"Thats adorable, I see they are still as charming as their father was before he burned." Aislynn added. Viserys choked out a breath. Aislynn's head turned to him. "Something to say?"

''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. "in the years past." Viserys removed his mask with a thud it landed on the table.

"Gross." Tytos declared. "Whats wrong with him?" He questioned tyland while Tyland tried to hush him. 

 ''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.

"Was it ever handsome?" AIslynn teased. Tyland grabbed her thigh hoping to silence her too. But their children certainly had Aislynn's blunty tongue. 

 ''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.

"Like a good queen, helping you put your face back on." Aislynn remarked giving alicent a little clap. 

''I wish to raise my cup to Her Grace, the Queen. I love my father. But I must admit that no one has stood... more loyally by his side than his good wife." Rhaenyra remarked, she could be civil for her fathers sake. ''She has tended to him with... unfailing devotion, love, and honor. And for that, she has my gratitude... and my apology.'' Alicent and Aislynn shared a look and Tyland begged Aislynn to be quiet for once in her life, they were going to make amends, it was long over due.