Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? / Aemond Targaryen / House of the Dragon

46. Life Line

"What is this?"

"It's a reminder of yesterday, I think." Arryk answered looking to his muddy cloak. "The procession was muddy. I'll replace it hence."

"Do it now."

"The night was long, Ser Criston," arryk informed him "and I had not eaten..."

"You defy my authority, Ser Arryk."

"I do not."

"The white cloak is a symbol of our purity... our fidelity. Kingsguard are a sacred trust. Will you so easily sully our ancient honor?" Criston demanded. He thought of where he was instead of with maeve. Instead of protecting her. But she hated the guards lingering. They were still supposed to be there. They could have been killed or bribed. The man blood was part of the guard he could have easily switched places saying he would take the night shift. Which gave criston an idea.

"Where were you when Jaehaerys was murdered?" Criston questioned following him

"With King Aegon" arryk answered

" And you were not in the private quarters where you might have prevented the crime" criston realized.

"His Grace wished to entertain his companions in the throne room." Arryk answered

"But if you had thought to go upstairs..."

"Where were you, Lord Commander?" Arryk challenged "And why has maeve the queen been granted no sworn protector? Surely once she ascended, she..."

"Your brother is a thief and a traitor to the crown!"

"Thanks for the meal. It feels like the last supper." Vaera admitted.

" I wish you weren't leaving. It's so lonely here."

" I have a fiancé to get back to."

" that's right Cragan." Jace agreed.

" I don't know your betrothed very well Jace but you do and she seems lovely."

" you know, I had irrational thought that one day we would marry."

" that is quite irrational." Vaera teased kissing his cheek. " we will see each other soon."

" hopefully not on opposite ends of this war."

"Jace... look out for my father, please." Vaera requested. " your mother doesn't know what to do with him and I'm worried about what he has planned."

" I will try my best, but you know your father."

" I do." Vaera agreed hugging him again. "goodbye Jace."

"Bye vaera."

"I see all your great adventures have done nothing for your looks." Addam remarked. "Well met, brother, after many months away." Alyn hugged his little brother.

"I missed you."

"Did you slay many pirates?"

" Oh, more than you, to be sure." Alyn assured.

"" Ha, a jest. One you may regret as you're supping alone tonight."

"I regret it already." Alyn agreed.

"mother misses you. Forget the seas for brief moment and visit her." Addam added. " you know she makes the very best stew."

"I've broken my teeth on hard tack, Addam. Say mother has got a pot of your goat stew simmering at home."

"You're in luck. In more ways than one." Addam agreed. "I hear Lord Corlys himself commended you for your service to him."

" He did."