Like Father, Like Son | House of the Dragon

Fire & Blood

The feast was already in full swing when Aerion and Laenor arrived, the Velaryon's extended family and their guests sat down at three long tables on either side of the aisle, and his father and Lord Corlys sat atop the long table at the end of the hall, separated with by a few steps, joined by Rhaenys and Laena to the left of them, and two empty seats to their right.

Aerion moved to the edge of the table beside his father, and Laenor came to join them, sitting between Daemon and Corlys. The table was filled with fish from across the seas, with a mix of beans, onions, spinach, and carrots, accompanied by slices of fresh bread.

He expected the tables to be filled with meats and exotic fruits from across the narrow sea in Essos, as it was in King's Landing, however the food set out before him was modest and not extravagant.

"Glad for you to join us, my prince." Corlys said, raising his cup to him. "Quite the feast we have here, would have been shame for you to miss it."

"I expected nothing less from House Velaryon, my lord." Aerion nodded his head, positioning himself comfortably.

"Did you get lost, my son?" Daemon smirked, leaning back on his chair with a goblet in his hand and an arm wrapped over the back of his chair "Had you left it any longer, we would have sent a search party, isn't that so, Corlys?"

"Indeed." Corlys added "If only you knew how many guests found themselves falling from a high place during their stay." He chuckled, and hit the table a few times, while Aerion rolled his eyes. "I jest of course, boy."

Aerion paid them little attention, and lifted his goblet, watching as a servant girl made her way to him and began to pour the wine from a jug. Her hands were trembling with nervousness, and she spilt a drop of the red liquid onto his wrists.

"Sorry, my prince."

Instead of causing a stir, the prince smiled warmly at the girl and began to wipe his hand against the stain on his clothes, shaking his head "It's quite alright. There is no need to be so nervous, I don't bite." He smirked, and grabbed the jug from her hands and filled his own cup.

She bowed her head respectfully and took hold of the jug once more, making her way back down the table towards Laena and Rhaenys, though Aerion kept his eyes on her, watching as she moved, which gained the attention of Daemon.

"Do you want to have her?" he grinned, leaning in close to him and whispering in the ear "I'm sure Lord Corlys would not mind if you were to have his servant for the night. I can make it happen if that is what you wish."

Aerion threw his father a menacing look "To take that girl to bed would lower myself to your standards, father, it is you who has had so many women that I am sure you can not even count the number, I intend to be better."

"Is that so?" Daemon scoffed, and grabbed a piece of bread from his plate and ate as he kept eye contact, watching him as if he knew an unspoken secret.

Aerion raised his brow, and went to question him further, though Corlys tapped his utensil on his goblet to gain everyone's attention in the room.

"I am pleased to see everyone is enjoying this marvellous feast, but I want to dedicate it to someone who has recently came into immense power." Corlys rose from his seat "Prince Aerion Targaryen! I congratulate you on your claiming of Vermithor, the mount of the beloved Old King, Jaehaerys, and I am honoured to dedicate this feast to you, my prince, for pledging your support as we prepare for war with the triarchy!"

"Prince Aerion!" Daemon echoed, rising from his seat and raising his goblet. The rest of the room followed suit, standing and raising their cups as well, repeating the same words in unison.