Castles Crumbling / Helaena Targaryen/ Taelon Targaryen

29. Quick Like Lightning

''The Conqueror and his sisters sailed with a great army.'' Jace repeated

''Se Blakuata Rasho dranot vilinio viartis." Maester Gerardys told him in high valayian. Jace let out a sigh as he tried to remember the right translation.

''And landed at the Blackwater Rush." Jace told him

"Dranot." He corrected and Jace's face pinched

'Dranot, Dranot, Dranot.'' He repeated again and again.

''At the end?'' Gerardys urged. Jace closed his eyes as he paced.

''The mouth.'' Rhaenyra told him as she walked forward.

''Mouth!'' Jace agreed. "Mother..."

"Yes?" 

"I got a letter from uncle Taelon again." Jace told her. 

"Oh? What did he say?"

'He misses us. Elio and Corey got so big and want to know their cousins."  Jace admitted. "We still havent met his kids with Helaena... they had twins. They are two years old, dont you think-" jaces words faded off at his mothers shaky breath. 

Rhaenyra sighed shaking her head. It was Daemon that didnt want to go back, he was mad Viserys chose Taelon over him. Their baby brother over himself. 

Taelon had an impossible time unraveling Helaena from him in the morning. Viserys had been attending less and less meetings so Taelon took charge, sitting his spot at head of the table. VIserys knew he would do good he was the best choice. Taelon today however was struggling to get out of bed. 

"Helaena, sweetheart." Taelon whispered kissing her head. She mumbled wrapping her arms tighter like an octopus.  "Baby," he said against her, the vibrations of his voice making her smile. "I have a meeting, I need-"

"You can go." Helaena agreed kissing along his chest. 

"I will need to put pants on first." Taelon countered. Helaena blushed into him. 

"I should get the children up, I suppose." She agreed. 

"I will come check on them and you soon." Taelon assured as he quickly got changed. Helaena watched him move so effortlessly, like he was gliding around the room. He smiled looking her over as she let the blanket fall at her hips. 

"Come back soon." Helaena requested and his gaze shifted shamelessly back to her eyes. 

"Quick like lightning."  

''We have continued to enjoy improved customs duties since the settling of the Step stones. And the extent to which we exploit those is contingent on the harbor master's receipts. Of which, um, uh, the, uh, septons have requested half that again for a bronze bust they wish to co... to commission for the, the Festival of the Mother, which I would not recommend." Beesbury said to the council.

Taelon held back a yawn, he left his comfy bed, Helaenas body pressed snugly up against him for this? Step Stones.  Taelon was exhausted just listening to that.

'Thank you for that exhaustive accounting, Lord Beesbury." Alicent told him. Taelon gave a tight nod. 

''I remind you...'' but the door opened and Alicent turned to the guard.

'' Your guests have arrived, Your Grace.''

"oh, is that today?" Taelon questioned looking to Alicent. "I forgot." 

"You were tending to your wife and children, a much better use for your time." Alicent assured honestly. She was gladdened every day for Taelon finding love with Helaena. 

''I trust they've been welcomed as befits their station.'' Otto remarked stiffly.

''As you instructed, Lord Hand.''

"Oh heavens, Otto." Taelon murmured rising up. 

'' It was my understanding Lord Corlys wished for his grandson Jacaerys to succeed him as Lord of the Tides. The boy has been raised most of his life away from Driftmark. He can fly a dragon, yes, but can he command a fleet?'' Grand master Orwyle reminded them.

''Ability does not alter his claim.'' Taelon corrected. 

''The Sea Snake has never formally named him as heir, if it comes to that. The crown must choose what is best for the realm.'' Otto cut in, Taelon stared back at him as Alicent's lips pursed. 

'' He is Laenor's son. What grounds could there be...''

''What indeed, Lord Beesbury. What indeed.'' Otto agreed.

''We shall hear what they have to say, all of them." Taelon assured. "I see no reason for a full petition it is a waste of everyones time but Vaemond demands-" Taelon laughed. "he makes demands of the crown and we listen." a scoff filled his throat. ''I do beg your pardon, my lords. I must greet my brother and niece, its been a great while since i have had the pleasure of seeing them." 

''Shall we levy a tax on the sale of new wool?" 

"You can handle this, right Otto?" Taelon added offering his hand to Alicent giving her a silent exit from this meeting. 

"Thank you." Alicent agreed as they walked. "I couldnt handle another moment."

"It should be a crime to waste the queens time." Taelon agreed, half teasingly.