Heir of the Dragon

The Hands We Are Dealt

Aemond and Jessica were just on the verge of sleep when Aemond's doors flew opened.

Aemond let out a low guttural growl, "This had better be important."

The young lad bowed his head. "Forgive me My Prince, but His Grace...the Princess..."

Jessica sighed and sat up. "I'm awake Tylar, send Jeyne in."

As soon as Tylar left, Jessica forced herself out of Aemond's arms and tossed on the base layer of her dress.

"My Love, come back to bed. There's no need to be at Aegon's beck and call."

Jessica smiled and sat on the edge of their bed. Her hand gently cupped his cheek. "At least let me go and make sure nothing is on fire. I'll return quickly."

Jessica leaned down and kissed him as Jeyne came in. Jessica was laced up quickly and she headed off.

When she finally found Aegon, she was surprised to see both Otto and Criston Cole with him.

"Daughter!" Otto turned to Jessica. "Make him see sense!"

Jessica was over to Aegon. "What's wrong?"

"The ratcatchers!" Otto exasperated.

Aegon smiled down at Jessica. "Oh...I had them hanged. The maggot who took my son confessed to an accomplice. He could not say for certain which man it was so..."

Jessica wrinkled her eyebrows in confusion. "All of them?"

Aegon beamed, squeezing her shoulders.

Otto Hightower threw his hands in the air. "Idiot!"

Criston was immediately on the defensive. "Beware how you speak to your King, my lord."

"The king is my grandson, and my grandson is a fool!"

Jessica took Aegon's hands in her own. "And what of the rats?"

Otto wasn't done. "He's worse than a fool! He's murdered innocent men -"

"And one guilty one." Aegon interjected.

Otto began pacing. "And hanged them from the walls of the city for all to see!"

Aegon glared at Otto. "Plot against the king, and I will pay it back a hundred fold."

"Aeg." Jessica gently took his face in her hands. "Those were fathers and brothers, and sons. And now I can only assume their wives and children will gather at our gates to weep. Or worse, curse your good name."

Aegon turned and kissed her palms. "You've always possessed a kind and gentle soul Jess. So really, what do you have to say on this matter?"

Jessica rested her forehead against his chin and closed her eyes. "It was with Jaehaerys' blood we bought their approval. And it was with Alicent's tears, we made a bitter sacrifice against the deprivations to come. It was -"

Otto cut her off. "And you've thrown it away! After all I've done for you! Thoughtless, feckless...self-indulgent -"

Aegon kissed her forehead  then looked over and interjected Otto once again. "At least I did something. I have not answered injury to the crown with what? Wailing and currying favor with the fishwives? I will not be thought weak."

Otto began pacing. "Even now Rhaenyra's monstrous crime spreads through the realm. The great houses falter. The cannot but come to our side."

Jessica felt Aegon tense as his voice rose. "I wish to spill blood, not ink! We must act! Ser Criston Cole has acted."