𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 15

Aegon's first sensation was a dull, throbbing pain that seemed to resonate from every part of his body. His eyelids felt heavy, as if weighed down by lead, and it took a monumental effort to pry them open. The world came into focus slowly, the blurry shapes solidifying into the familiar contours of his bedchamber.

A soft rustling sound reached his ears, and he turned his head slightly, wincing at the effort. There, seated beside him, was Laena, her brow furrowed in concentration as she pored over a book. Her presence was a comforting anchor in the disorienting fog of his awakening.

"Laena?" His voice was barely a croak, dry and raspy from disuse. The sound startled her, and she looked up, her eyes widening with a mixture of surprise and relief.

"Prince Aegon! You're awake!" Laena's voice was filled with a joy that warmed his heart. She closed the book and leaned forward, her face lighting up with a smile. "I'll go get your family. They've been waiting for this moment for days."

Before he could respond, Laena was already on her feet, moving towards the door with an urgency that belied her usual grace. He watched her go, his mind still sluggish and foggy. How long had he been asleep? What had happened to him?

Moments later, the door swung open, and his family streamed into the room, their faces a tapestry of relief and concern. Viserys, his older brother, led the way, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and worry. Vaerla, his daughter, followed close behind, her small hand clutched tightly in Rhaenyra's. Rhaenyra's face was pale, her eyes red-rimmed from worry and sleepless nights.

Behind them, he could see the figures of Rhaenys and Corlys Velaryon, their expressions a mirror of their children's concern. Laenor, Laena's brother, stood with them, his face a mixture of awe and gratitude. Outside, Aegon caught a glimpse of Otto Hightower, his eyes sharp and calculating as he watched the scene unfold from a distance.

"Aegon," Viserys said, his voice thick with emotion. He stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Aegon's shoulder. "We were so worried. You've been unconscious for two weeks."

"Two weeks?" Aegon's mind reeled at the revelation. It felt as though only moments had passed since that fateful night on the docks, yet here he was, surrounded by the concerned faces of his family.

Vaerla stepped closer, her eyes brimming with tears. "Father, we thought we had lost you," she said, her voice trembling. "Thank you for coming back to us."

Rhaenyra, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Aegon, you saved me and Laena. I don't know how to thank you enough." Her voice was steady, but he could hear the undercurrent of fear and gratitude that ran through her words.

Rhaenys and Corlys moved forward, their faces a mixture of gratitude and solemnity. "Aegon, you have our eternal thanks," Rhaenys said, her voice soft but firm. "You saved our daughter from a fate too terrible to imagine. We owe you a debt we can never repay."

Corlys nodded, his expression serious. "You have shown the courage and honor of a true knight. Thank you for saving Laena and Rhaenyra."

Aegon felt a swell of emotion at their words, his heart aching with a mixture of pride and sorrow. He wanted to assure them that he had only done what any honorable man would do, but his body betrayed him, the effort of staying awake sapping his strength.

Viserys placed a hand on his arm, his expression gentle. "Rest now, brother. You have done more than enough. We will speak more when you are stronger."

One by one, they filed out of the room, their expressions a mix of relief and lingering worry. Rhaenyra lingered behind, her eyes locked onto Aegon's with a fierce intensity.