A Dance of Hearts and Dragons | Aegon II Targaryen

A Moment in Pentos

"OW!" Alysanne yelled as she fell to the ground. She lifted herself up with a growl of anger as she raised her hand to seek revenge.

"No, no, no," Daemon hurriedly grabbed her arm, preventing her from lashing out. "You mustn't hit," he chastised.

"But you pushed me!" Alysanne retorted.

"It did not," he smirked as he lowered himself down to the level of his fiery daughter. "I bumped you. It's not my fault though, you were standing on one leg."

"But that is because we were having a balancing competition," Alysanne scoffed loudly as she rolled her eyes.

"I guess I won then."

Alysanne's scoffing stopped as her jaw fell open. "You cheated!"

Daemon chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Oftentimes the big dragon beats the little dragon."

"But not always," Alysanne pointed out.

"Not always," Daemon agreed.

Lady Laena, visibly pregnant, watched them from a shaded corner of the courtyard, a gentle smile on her lips as her first daughter played on the ground beside her. "You two are quite the pair," she called out.

Alysanne glanced over at her distracted father and quickly gave his leg a weak shove before she ran over to her stepmother. "Laena, did you see? Kepa (father) cheated!"

Laena laughed softly, stroking Alysanne's hair. "Your father does not like to lose does he?" she taunted her husband as he walked over to join them. 

"How are you feeling?" he asked her.

"Tired," Laena sighed. "Childbearing is a tiresome task."

"Is she moving? Can I feel?" Alysanne's eyes widened.

"Come," Laena held her hand out, gesturing Alysanne to move closer.

"Come Baela," Alysanne grabbed her younger sister and dragged her closer so she could feel her mother's belly also.

"Careful," Daemon cautioned. Baela was not the kind of child who complained often, but he was sure she wouldn't appreciate being pulled around.

Alysanne ignored his words though as she lay her hand against Laena's pregnant belly, placing Baela's hand beside hers.

"I can feel her!" Alysanne gasped in excitement.

"You don't know it's a girl," Daemon smiled down at his family. "It could be a baby brother."

"I hope not," Alysanne frowned. "Boys are gross."

"I'm a boy!" Daemon gasped in feigned shock.

"No you're not silly," Alysanne shook her head. "You're a kepa."

"Speaking of men," Laena sighed as she reached down beside her. "A letter arrived," she held it out for her husband.

"Who from?" he inquired.

"Ser Tyland."

"Ew," Alysanne immediately sneered.

"That's rude Alysanne," Laena scolded.

"Why? Kepa told me to say ew."

"I also told you not to tell your stepmother about that," Daemon tapped her lightly over the head with the letter.

"Oh I forgot," Alysanne smiled innocently. Liar.

Daemon unfolded the letter and began to read. As he did, his brow furrowed. "Ser Tyland has received word from the king," he began, glancing at Laena. "He is to collect Alysanne within the fortnight and bring her back to King's Landing with him. He hopes this news doesn't cause any distress," Daemon read with a scoff. "Pompous cu..." he cut himself off when Laena cleared her throat, giving him a stern look. She didn't like him swearing in front of the children.