Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

06. The Will of the King

When Aegon called Daemma a 'witch,' Aemond felt the urge to laugh but quickly restrained himself, maintaining his composure. His parents, however, shot stern glances at their eldest son. Alicent appeared on the verge of slapping him, while Viserys muttered wearily and noticeably annoyed from his seat.

"Do you have a problem with your cousin, Aegon?" Viserys inquired, his tone tired yet firm.

"None, just ignore it" Alicent interjected, fixing an inquisitive gaze on her son.

"Yes, father... just ignore me" Aegon replied, recovering from his surprise and returning his attention to his wine cup, which he promptly refilled upon noticing it was empty.

Queen Alicent stood before her family, biting her lower lip briefly before deciding to completely ignore her son and continue speaking.

"His father has already sent a letter to request the presence of his uncle; Prince Aegon will arrive at the Red Keep soon. Once everything is in order, we will begin with the wedding preparations" she announced with a slight smile, her eyes scanning those present and pausing for a moment on Aemond, who remained silent. When she noticed Princess Helaena's enthusiasm, her gaze softened, and she sweetly asked her daughter, "Are you happy about the news, dear?"

Viserys also smiled warmly as Helaena murmured with genuine happiness, nodding in agreement.

"Yes, we hold Lady Daemma in high regard, and I am glad she will be living with us. She will be pleasant company" Helaena replied.

"She undoubtedly will be" Viserys murmured with a hint of hoarseness in his voice before he began coughing heavily, drawing compassionate yet impassive looks from everyone.

"Is there a set date, approximately?" Aemond finally interjected, drawing all eyes towards him. Viserys continued coughing, prompting the Queen to speak again.

"If all goes as planned, it will be in three or four moons. We are speaking of members of the royal family, so it must be a marriage befitting such an occasion."

"I understand" the prince replied, returning to his cold and distant demeanor, disappointing those who expected more from the "groom."

Prince Aegon broke the tension with mocking laughter as he stood up with a glass in hand, ready to make his usual sarcastic remarks.

"Well, since it's a cause for celebration, we should toast. Here's to my little brother, who's finally become a man!" he exclaimed dramatically, covering his eyes with his fingers.

Aemond briefly considered pouring wine over his head but chose instead to calmly rise, serving himself more wine and raising his glass high. Though his expression remained serious, his tone was calm.

"My brother is right. Since it's such an "important" event, we should toast."

Aegon seemed about to make another of his jokes, but Alicent's threatening expression stopped him. Everyone present raised their glasses, and when Helaena noticed she hadn't been served wine earlier, she stood up to pour it herself. At first, she had a faint hope that her husband would assist her, but as always, he ignored her, disregarding her advanced state of pregnancy. So she stretched towards the center of the enormous table, took a glass, and the red wine pitcher.

Once ready, she smiled innocently and raised her glass, prompting smiles from her parents.

"I wish for this family union to be filled with blessings, for the gods to grant us days of joy, unity, and abundance... for the legacy of our blood to thrive and our heritage to prosper forever... I toast to your happiness, my son, and also to my new 'daughter,' Lady Daemma," Alicent dedicated with a soft laugh. Helaena and Viserys felt slightly moved by her words. Aegon made a wry face and muttered ironically to himself, "So I'll have a new 'sister'... how adorable." Although Prince Aemond heard him, he chose to ignore it and responded to the Queen's congratulations.