.INDOMITUS. | Jacaerys Velaryon x OC x Cregan Stark |

Chapter Fifteen: A Dinner To Remember

{King's Landing}

King Viserys had clearly attempted to freshen up before gracing his family with his presence. His clothes had been changed, his gold mask shining with polish and the smell of perfume replaced the stench of rotting flesh. Rhaenyra smiled at her father softly as he took deep breaths. Queen Alicent adjusted him in his chair and ensured her husband was content.

"How good it is...to see you all tonight... together" Viserys rasped, glancing at the long table of Black and Green. "Where is... where is Rhaenys?" He questioned, straining to locate the younger woman. Alicent held her husband's hand and paused his movements as she spoke gently in his ear. "The Princess Rhaenys is feeling unwell, my king, but she sends her apologies" the explanation was deemed good enough as Viserys ceased his struggle and sat normally. "Pray before we begin?" Viserys grunted at Alicent's request, closing his eyes and clasping his hands.

The majority followed suit, despite not following the Faith of the Seven. Even Rhaenyra and Daemon closed their eyes in respect. "May the mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the Smith mend the bonds that have been broken for far too long" as Alicent spoke the prayers, Rhaenyra took the chance to look around. It was an odd sight, seeing so many familiar faces in one place. Her sweet boys with their betrothed, her husband, her half brothers and sweet sister, her former childhood companion, and her father. Rhaenyra's heart swelled as she thought of what could have been, and the fact that her eldest child was not present.

The Heiress closed her eyes once more and prayed to whichever God's would listen that this night would be a fresh start for everyone, and that her sweet Rhaenys would forgive her in time. "And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest" Alicent finished, and Rhaenyra gave Daemon an elbow as he sniggered quietly.

"This is an occasion for celebration it seems" The withering King seemed to liven up, raising his cup without assistance. "My eldest grandchild, Rhaenys, will marry Warden Stark and secure ties with the North. My grandsons, Jace and Luce, will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhaena, further strengthening the bond between our houses" Everyone raised their cups along with the king and Rhaenyra glowed with pride. "A toast to the young Heiress, the princes and their betrothed" cheers were loud and cups were drained at the King's heartfelt speech, and smiles were all exchanged.

Jacaerys looked to Baela and sent her a reassuring smile, receiving one back as she squeezed his hand gently. Their mutual understanding of their situation allowed the pair to look past the discomfort, especially after receiving Rhae's blessing. Luce and Rhaena shared lovestruck glances with each other, theirs was a match made in Valyria indeed. Aegon leaned towards Jace and the latter took a breath in preparation. "Well done Jace, you'll finally get to lie with a woman" Baela gripped her cousins hand tighter, silently urging him to not cause a scene.

"Let us toast as well to Prince Jacaerys, the future Lord of the Tides" Daemon announced with his cup raised, and Jace smiled and nodded his head gratefully as he was applauded. "You will be great" Rhaenyra assured her son. Jace drained his cup once more and attempted to ignore as Aegon continued to muttered in his ear. "You do know how the act is done, I assume? At least in principle?" Jace huffed and filled his cup once more to ignore the drunken fool beside him. "What am I talking about? Of course you do, darling Rhaenys has been a willing hole for your cock for years hasn't she?"

The mention of Rhaenys caused Baela to speak up before Jace could. "Let it be, cousin" She warned him in a hiss, glaring at him. "You can play the jester if you wish, but hold your tongue before my betrothed. And do not slander my sister's name or reputation with lies" Baela was inwardly proud of her cousin for keeping his cool, knowing that Rhaenys was his one weakness. Aegon hummed, seemingly put off by their reactions, and slouched back in his chair. Jace let out a deep sigh and began to fiddle with the ring on his pinky finger, Rhaenys's ring that she had made for him.