Heir of the Dragon

Abandonment

Jessica was still staring at the pair, mouth agape, silently judging.

"Jess, you're beginning to scare us." Criston went over to her as Alicent quickly dressed and attended to Helaena and Jaehaera.

"Sweet Girl, come on snap out of this." Criston Cole knelt down in front of her and began assessing for injuries.

When he couldn't find any visible markings, Criston stood and took Jessica's face in his hands. "One word. Just one word Jessica. Something's got to come to mind."

"Hypocrisy." Jessica finally spat out. "Hypocrisy comes to mind."

Criston Cole closed his eyes and took a breath before placing a kiss on her lips, sweet and chaste. "She's fine."

Jessica folded her arms. "I would ready the small council. I'm getting dressed then I'll be down."

Alicent finally stood and acknowledged her. "Sweet Girl...you are not of the small council."

Jessica looked at Alicent blankly then simply shrugged. "Fine, I'll let you deal with Aegon on your own." She walked out of Alicent's apartments and headed to Aemond's chambers.

Jessica was halfway through dressing when one of Aegon's maids came into her chambers. "Princess...he's - he's....your father's model I do apologize."

"Shhh, shhh." Jessica shushed. "I'm dressing as fast as I can, and I will be down to handle things."

Jessica made sure she was at least presentable before walking into the council chambers. And as she expected, no one was taking the news well.

"This is war!" Aegon screamed. "I declare war!"

Otto sighed. "The gates have been shut. The search progresses and the villain will be found. We mustn't be shaken by this."

Jessica quietly made her way up to the table, and took a seat at the end. Her and Otto shared a look, then just simply gave her a nod.

"This act. The child." Alicent sobbed.

"The child is dead." Otto stated simply. "His pain has ended."

Alicent shook her head. "But what they've done...to-to-to my girl...The Gods punish us. Punish me."

Aegon had been pacing back and forth, agitated. "And where were the members of this council while the murderer threatened their king?!"

One of them had the audacity to speak up. "We're you threatened, Your Grace?"

Aegon grabbed the cup and threw it. "I COULD HAVE BEEN!! My son is my legacy! My son is heir to the Iron Throne!"

Otto crossed the table to Jessica. "Daughter...please."

Jessica took a breath and stood up. Her and Otto shared a look. He leaned down and kissed her forehead before Jessica crossed the room.

Aegon was still throwing anything he could get his hands on. Jessica came up behind him while his back was turned.

Aegon sensing someone there quickly turned, hand raised as if to hit whoever was behind him. "I told you -"

Aegon stopped his hand from coming down onto Jessica's cheek and for a moment neither of them spoke a word.

Then Aegon pulled her into his arms kissing her temple and cheek. "You were in the nursery. I let you go into that fucking nursery."

"Shhhh Aeg. I'm fine." Jessica's arms reached up and wrapped around his neck.

Aegon laid her head on his chest, his chin resting on top of her head. His eyes focused on Criston Cole. "And where were you? The Lord Commander of my Kingsguard."