Castles Crumbling / Helaena Targaryen/ Taelon Targaryen

31. Intimate

"Thank you for joining me in more intimate setting." Taelon remarked as they sat around the council table. "I know you have concerns about the future of driftmark with Lord Corlys departure to the seas." Taelon told Vaemond. "And yet princess Rhaenys has been tending to driftmark diligently. Lord Corlys had wanted driftmark passed down to his son, but seeing as though Laenor has long since passed," Taelon went on calmly. "His son Jacaerys should inherit driftmark. I do not see why a petition is needed." 

"Because he is no blood of mine!" Vaemond shouted. 

"I would request you calm yourself, we are right here, no need to shout, Lord Vaemond." Taelon requested. Rhaenyra smiled softly at Taelon's support. 

"Driftmark-"

"Driftmark's fate-" Taelon cut in. "has been in Rhaenys hands for the past few years since Corlys left. I think it is up to her to decide what comes of the future of her husband-"

"She is not-"

"I will ask you not to interrupt me again, Vaemond." Taelon instructed. 

"Yeah, shut up bitch." Tommen demanded. 

"Tom." Taelon drawled. 

"SOrry." Tommen agreed standing straight again. "Bitch." He whispered looking to Vaemond. 

"Princess Rhaenys?" Taelon questioned. 

"My lord husband wanted it passed onto his grandson, Jacaerys. That never changed." Rhaenys admitted. "But I would like Baela to run driftmark." She admitted. Rhaenyra gaped back at her. Vaemond hesitated before laughing out. 

"A woman?"

"I have run-" Rhaenys cut in. 

"A woman! Lord of the tides!" Vaemond shouted. 

"A lady of the tides." Taelon corrected. "I think its a good idea-"

"You protect your blood but her children are bastards and a woman should never run driftmark!" Vaemond shouted. Taelon opened his mouth to speak but Tommen was trigger happy and chopped Vaemond's head off. It rolled onto the table landing before Rhaenyra. Taelon looked back at Tommen. 

"Oops. My hand slipped." Tommen offered innocently. 

Daemon chuckled leaning back in his chair, Tommen Strong, who would have thought?

"Lets get him cleaned up... and sent to rest." Taelon added after a long moment of staring at the severed head. "Tom... you will see to it." 

"Sir yes sir!" Tommen agreed saluting him. 

XXX

''It both gladdens my heart and fills me with sorrow to see these faces around the table. The faces most dear to me in all the world... yet grown so distant from each other..."Viserys told them solemnly. "in the years past." Viserys removed his mask with a thud it landed on the table. Helaena sat beside Taelon his hand stroking over her thigh sending a deliciously wonderful feeling though her. Taelon's fingers trailed up higher on her thigh trailing over the delicate detailing of her dress. Helaena did all of her dresses embroidery and she was skilled in all she did.   Daphne's little dress had daphne flowers all over it. It quickly got potatoes on the little flowers but the twins outfits were usually a mess within a few hours of eating or wearing. 

''My own face... is no longer a handsome one... if indeed it ever was. But tonight... I wish you to see me... as I am. Not just a king... but your father. Your brother. Your husband... and your grand sire.'' Viserys said kindly. 

Corey poked Daphne's nose and she laughed out swatting at his hand before grabbing it touching his hand to her nose again. Helaena smiled as she watched them. Her hand rested atop Taelon's holding it close, his hand turned palm up and her fingers interlocked with his effortlessly. 

''Who may not, it seems... walk for much longer among you.'' Viserys gasped for breath as his chest felt heavy. ''Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances. If not for the sake of the crown... then for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly." Viserys requested. Alicent helped him fix his mask back to his face. Taelon couldnt help but stare at his brother and picture what he used to look like before this mystery disease took over. 

''I wish to raise my cup to Her Grace, the Queen. I love my father. But I must admit that no one has stood... more loyally by his side than his good wife." Rhaenyra remarked, she could be civil for her fathers sake. ''She has tended to him with... unfailing devotion, love, and honor. And for that, she has my gratitude... and my apology.'' Rhaenyra looked to Taelon. "I'm so sorry we stayed away for so long Taelon, I have missed you dearly and hope we can see more of each other in the moons to come. "

'As do I." Taelon agreed lifting his glass to her. "As do I." Taelon looked to Daemon but he was focused on his meat loaf, stabbing into it not looking up. Taelon sighed remembering when him and Daemon were so close. It all changed when he became heir. He didnt think they would ever get that closeness back. 

''Your graciousness moves me deeply, Princess.'' Alicent rose her glass as well. ''We are both mothers... and we love our children. We have more in common than we sometimes allow. I raise my cup to you... and to your house..'' Aegon cleared throat a mischievous look on his face.

"No." Taelon corrected, shutting it down before it began and Aegon silenced chugging back his drink. 

"Good dog." Elio agreed smirking at Aegon. 

"Woof." Aegon agreed. Cyrus laughed out tipping back in his little high chair. Helaena thought he might fall with how much he was laughing but Aemond reached out holding him in place. 

''To Prince Aegon and... Prince Aemond. We have not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies. To you and your family's good health, dear uncles. To you as well.'' Jace offered stiffly.

''Well done, my boy.'' Viserys said nodding to him

''I would like to toast to Taelon, my wonderful husband." Helaena declared. "And our four wonderful children, all of which I can't imagine life without." Helaena declared. Taelon leaned over kissing her. Daemon groaned, but Alicent's heart melted. 

"And to my amazing and unique wife," Taelon agreed. "You always said I was the stronger one, but it was you who gave me the strength I needed. Having you for a wife is the most priceless treasure I could ever ask for, besides the kids." Taelon added looking to the two sets of twins.  "I have your undying love, faithfulness, patience, and understanding and you have mine."

''Good. Let us have some music.'' Viserys requested. 

"That was more than good." Helaena assured kissing him. 

"I love you." Taelon whispered against her lips. 

"I love you." 

'' Excuse me.'' Viserys said as he started to cough and choke out for breath.

''Guards." Alicent called out as Viserys groaned

'' Please, sit down.'' He said thickly as he was carried away.

"I will walk with you brother." Taelon offered. "I will be right back." Taelon assured pulling away. 

"You will do well, dont let them leave again." Viserys begged. 

"I can't control Daemon." Taelon countered. 

"Try." Viserys chuckled. "I wish to rest..."

"Night brother."

"Goodnight, Taelon." 

WHen Taelon got back the kids were screaming, Aemond had a shiner growing on his cheek, Jace was snarling like a dog.

"It wasnt me." Tommen assured. "I came to help not stir up trouble." He assured.  Helaena got up grabbing Cyrus and moving to him 

"I think its time for bed." Helaena decided. 

"What happened?" Taelon countered. 

"Brother, its time we take our leave." Daemon decided giving his shoulder a squeeze. 

"You just got here." Taelon countered. 

"We will visit soon, when..." Rhaenyra hesitated pulling Jace into her chest. "When fires die down."

"Viserys didnt want you to leave again."