GODS AND MONSTERS

THE SMALLFOLK

"Darling I would like you by my side as I talk to the smallfolk." Aegon clutched Daella's hand lightly as they went closer to his chambers.

"Whispers will rise at the sight of my by your side and not your wife." Daella gulped quietly and walked into the chamber.

"Fuck the whispers. You are my sister and the person I trust the most." Aegon watched as she turned her head to look at the window ledge, spots of blood from a nasty scrape she took on her arm. He sighed and came behind her to hold her hips softly and sway them slightly as he leant his head into the crook of her neck and kiss it softly.

"The smallfolk enjoy you. You're the Angel of the Red Keep."

She sighed softly then turned to face him and leant her forehead against his. 

"I will. I shall stand by your side...through all." her voice cracked as she spoke. Aegon grinned then leant in and kissed her lips softly, something they hadn't done since that fateful day. She kissed back gently as he wrapped his arms around her lower back and trailed one hand up to her hair. She broke away after a few moments and smiled at him.

"They are awaiting your presence, my King." she kissed the back of his hand and led him out of the room to where they met with his other acquaintances.

Aegon stood at the front with Daella slightly behind him to his left. Leon Estermont was behind her with the other opposite. The doors open and they all walked in.

"All hail King Aegon!" Leon announced. "Aegon the Magnanimous, Second of His Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm. Hail King Aegon!"

"The magnanimous?" Aegon sighed as Daella stifled a chuckle and held her conjoined hands in front of her. Aegon walked towards the throne and Daella went to follow the two men who joined them but Aegon held her hand and stood her next to their grandfather.

"Your Grace." Otto slightly bowed. "My princess." he nodded tightly as she joined his right.

"Let's have the first petition, my good Lord Hand." Aegon said and turned swiftly and sat on the throne.

A frail man stumbled to the throne and played with the cap in his hand as he dared not to meet the King's eye.

"Good morrow, my, uh, Your Grace." he stuttered.

Laughter filled the hall at the man's fear.

"It's alright." Aegon comforted and leaned forward to smile at the man. "There's no reason to be nervous. What is your name?"

"Gr...uh, Jerard, Your Grace."

"Good morrow, Jerard. And how might your King be of service?"

"'Tis my flock. uh a-a-a tenth of them taken by...the Crown on..." the crowd murmured at his point at the Crown. "...on the cusp of winter. If I'd time to plan-"

"We should return them." Aegon spoke gently as to win favor.

"Your Grace?" the man paused.

"Well, you need your goats for the winter, don't you?"

"Sheep, Your-Your Grace."

"Sheep, even better. I shall make your flock of sheep whole." Jerad laughed at the King's statement in gratitude.

Otto quickly walked to the throne leaving Daella to herself as she  smiled at the smallfolk who some she had seen many times during her visits.

"I'd like my sister's input." she heard Aegon say. She picked up her skirts and walked up the steps to the throne. Aegon held her hand and played with her rings with a finger.