The unwanted princess - H.o.D.

Strong boys

After that, dinner had been surprisingly pleasant. Valora, in spite of the uncomfortable movement of the babes in her belly, was having a good time, talking to Aegon and Helaena, eating and even, sometimes, chatting with her nephew Jace and his betrothed. The older adults seemed to be having a good time and the one time Valora had bothered looking over at her father, the man seemed to glow in happiness. It was almost... nice.

At some point, her father did have to be carried away and back to his chambers due to his sickness and, apparently, Viserys seemed to be the only thing keeping both parts of the family together because, as soon as he left and more started to be brought in, it all changed. As soon as one of the maids placed on the table a roasted pig, the atmosphere seemed to change. Especially when, looking straight at Aemond from over the pig, Lucerys started to snicker, memories of the day the boys had teased Aemond with the pig while he still didn't have a dragon as a child.

As it seemed, Aemond had had enough of the teasing and Valora jumped when the plates and cutlery shattered with the force with which Aemond stood up from his seat.

"Final tribute." He said, as all eyes turned to him. "To the health of my nephews: Jace, Luke and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise... And strong."

The word was heavy in his tongue and it landed the expected effect since, not only did their nephews stiffen in their seats, so did Rhaenyra and Alicent.

"Aemond." His mother reprimanded, but Aemond paid her no mind.

"Come..." He continued, lifting his cup as Aegon followed suit, a shit-eating grin on his face, far too eager to tease like a fucking child. "Let us drain our cups to these three... Strong boys."

"I dare you to say that again." Jace challenged, standing up as well as Valora sent a glance over at Ser Dalt, who was standing by a wall, from over her shoulder. The man sent her a nod, already prepared to intervene if needed.

And gods, would it be needed.

"Why?" Aemond smirked at Jace. "'Twas only a compliment. Do you not think yourself Strong?"

And that was when the inevitable happened. From across the table, a very angry Jace lunged at Aemond, pushing him back as the two of them engaged in a fight. As both Rhaenyra and Alicent tried to contain his children, Heleana and Valora were helped up to their feet and away from their table by some of the men in their own guards.

"Come, princess." Ser Dalt kept a steady arm around Valora as she waddled her way closer to a wall.

Valora widened her eyes when she saw Aegon stand up and head straight over at Luke when the younger boy stood up as well, presumably, to help his brother. Aegon was quick on his feet, however, grabbing Luke by the arm as he slammed the boy against the table with a thud so loud it made Valora place a hand over her belly, almost instinctively.

The commotion continued, Baela and Rhaena joining in as Rhaenyra and Alicent tried to get the boys to stop. Helaena seemed slightly overwhelmed, grabbing at Valora's arm as she hung onto her and stood as close to her half-sister as she possibly could, Ser Dalt keeping a careful eye on the both of them. The boys' own guards tried to intervene as well, but it wasn't until Daemon stepped up that they managed to separate the boys.

While Rhaenyra and Daemon's kids stayed off to one side of the room, behind Daemon, Aegon and Aemond were pushed closer to Valora and Heleana.

"Why would you say such a thing before these people?" Alicent hissed at his younger son as she held tight into his arm.

"I was merely expressing how proud I am of my family, Mother." Aemond responded, unbothered. "Though it seems my nephews aren't quite as proud of theirs."

And the jest seemed to be enough to reignite the flame of rage in Jace as he made to get at Aemond again, only to be stopped by his step-father stepping in front of him.

"Go to your quarters." Rhaenyra said, glaring at her kids before sending Alicent's children a look as well, making it clear her order was to be followed by them all. "All of you go, now."

And, even if annoyed, Rhaenyra's kids and Aemond obeyed, each heading over to their chambers on opposite sides of the castle. Untangling herself from Valora, Helaena walked off with her guard as well while Aegon took her place by his wife, grabbing her arm as he helped her walk over to their chambers as well.

"You are petty, Aegon." Valora said, walking down the hallways with her husband and their guards a few steps behind them. "And you're a fool. Insinuating something like this... And in front of Rhaenyra of all people? Aemond is reckless."

"Yes." Aegon shrugged, unbothered. "He is. But what does that have to do with me?"

"You know what you did, Aegon." Valora rolled her eyes. "Indulging your brother when he gets like this. It's stupid. And mean."

"Mayhaps." Aegon smirked. "But it doesn't make it less true. And besides... The look on their faces..."

"You're still a fool." Valora said, though her words were laced with amusement this time. "I hate that I'm married to you."

"You do not." Aegon shook his head, ever the confident little shit he was. "We make a pretty strong pair, I reckon."

Valora laughed then, her elbow hitting Aegon on the ribs as he huffed at the impact. He smiled down at her as she giggled, though. Jest or not, in the end, he and Valora did make a pretty strong match.