The Grey Wolf & The Golden Dragon | Aegon Targaryen II

Rook's Rest

Aegon

As he made his way down the stairs and out into the yard, Aegon felt like invisible binds were constricting around him like some kind of poisonous viper, stealing the breath from his lungs.

Gods, the keep, and the crown were toxic. Alysanne hadn't even looked at him; she hadn't looked at him in weeks, not since that moment in the throne room. While he saddled his horse, he wondered if he had truly lost her for good.

"The soldiers should be there already. Do you think they'll be ready for us?" Aemond asked him.

"If that bitch has any mind for strategy, she'll send a dragon to defend Staunton." Aegon replied tightly, his mind still stuck in Alysanne's chambers. She'd looked beautiful in the low light, with her hair braided back; she always did. He only wished that she still loved him the way she used to; the way he still loved her. In losing their son, they'd each lost a part of themselves; it was more prominent in Alysanne than ever, and he couldn't help but feel that he was to blame. He was the one who'd asked her for another child. In that moment, he'd seen the light fading from her eyes again; it hadn't returned since.

"Mayhaps we can use that to our advantage?" Aemond asked.

"What do you have in mind?" Aegon countered, as he swung himself up into the saddle.

"We let the soldiers handle the battle until we know for certain," Aemond explained, "Ser Criston will burn the crops if Staunton still hasn't complied. If they send dragons, we will see just how powerful they are; if they don't... We simply burn all of Rook's Rest until Staunton surrenders, or it lies in ruin." Aegon nodded, unable to formulate a better plan than the one his brother had already devised. "What do you dream about, Aegon?" Aemond asked suddenly, a contemplative look forming on his face as he leaned against the horse's saddle. "What do you miss the most?"

"Her smile..." Aegon replied, remembering how brightly Alysanne once shined. It was enough to make his heart stop beating in his chest.

Aemond paused, staring at Aegon for a moment, before pulling him into a fierce hug. Aegon blinked, startled by his brother's show of affection.

"The sun will shine on us again, brother." Aemond assured him, squeezing him tightly. Aegon wished, with all his heart, he could believe his brothers words.

As they donned their armor in the Dragonpit and readied their saddles, Aegon's thoughts remained in the Red Keep; with Alysanne. "Aegon," Aemond gripped the sides of his face, shaking him, until Aegon met his eyes. "I need you focused, brother." The young King could only nod, sucking in a harsh breath to try and steady himself. Still, the empty look in Alysanne's grey eyes haunted him long after they had lifted off, leaving King's Landing behind them.

Aemond

Aemond could tell that his brother was distracted by whatever had taken place before they left the keep. While Aegon had agreed that he was focused, Aemond could see the distant look in his eyes, certain he was lost in his thoughts; worrying about Lys. In truth, Aemond worried about her, too. The way she had transformed from mournful and silent to furious and bitter in the blink of an eye had shocked him. He didn't blame her for hating him; he had brought about the murder of her son; it would be a lie to say her resentment did not hurt. But neither of them had time to be hurt; neither could afford to be distracted. Aemond had been distracted in Storm's End and Vhagar had killed Lucerys as a result. They could not afford such a mistake in the heat of battle.

The moment their army came into view, Aegon and Aemond lifted higher into the sky, concealing themselves in the sparse clouds that lingered over Rook's Rest. There, they waited. Ser Criston led the siege on the ground, the sounds of steel clashing and screams echoing across the battlefield. The smell of burning fields and flesh alike was enough to turn even the strongest stomach. When a great roar sounded in the distance, Aemond couldn't help but smirk. Rhaenyra, indeed, had come to Lord Staunton's aide. Sharing a nod, Aegon and Aemond dropped from the sky in unison, emerging from the clouds to find the Red Queen setting their men ablaze. So, Rhaenyra had sent Rhaenys... The craven. She couldn't be bothered to defend her own people herself.