Heir of the Dragon

The Burning Mill

Jessica was still laying in bed, watching the young lads dress Aegon. She woke up not feeling the greatest, and decided to lay in bed for as long as she possibly could.

Aegon turned back to look at her. "I could call Master Orwyle to look in on you Jess. You don't look well at all."

Jessica smiled and shook her head. "I'm just tired Aeg. I'm simply trying to soak up all the sleep I can before you depart for this council meeting."

Aegon came over and settled next to her, taking her face in his hands, and pressed his forehead to hers. "I want you there."

Jessica closed her eyes. "I'm not of the council, Aeg. It isn't my place as a Princess of your court. Not to mention your mother -"

Aegon pressed his lips to her. "I'm appointing you to my council. I want your opinions. And no one knows our enemy better than you."

Jessica sighed and sat up. "Aeg. The sacrifices that were made to put you on the throne were done so with the intent to uphold a tradition that has lasted since the Conquest. Giving me any sort of power would undermine all that you have gained."

Aegon kissed her neck, trailing down her chest. Jessica closed her eyes, running her fingers through his hair. Aegon smiled against her skin. "I could stay here. We could have a repeat performance of last night."

"Mmm." Jessica squirmed as Aegon's hands began to roam. "You have responsibilities to the realm."

Aegon chuckled, two fingers slipping in, eliciting a gasp from Jessica. "I have greater responsibilities to you."

A smile played on her lips. "Such as?"

Aegon kissed her. "Giving you and I an heir. Our son could one day sit the Iron Throne."

Jessica smiled as Jeyne came in with her dress. She rose, leaving Aegon to flop down onto the bed. "We have a council meeting."

Jessica and Aegon sat across from one another as the council filed in one by one. Alicent barely gave the pair a second glance before sitting down. She was followed by Lord Jasper Ironrod, Master Orwyle and Lord Tyland Lannister.

Jessica felt Aemond approach before she saw him. Without even looking, she reached up and took his hand. She took a breath and turned her head towards him.

Aemond leaned down and kissed her before looking her over up and down. He sighed, sitting next to her and slipping into High Valyrian. "Did he hurt you?"

Jessica shook her head no and spoke in kind. "Just lack of sleep, My Love."

Criston Cole came through the door. "Good morrow Your Grace, my lords."

He glanced over at Jessica, who in turn gave him an expectant look. Cole rubbed the back of his neck. "Forgive my lateness."

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Important business no doubt."

Cole sat down and addressed Aegon. "You've appointed new knights to the Kingsguard, Your Grace."

Aegon smiled. "To replace those we lost."

Lord Jasper Ironrod scoffed. "The last one needlessly, some might say."

Ser Criston interjected. "Ser Arryk was awarded the great duty of ending Rhaenyra's challenge. He failed to discharge it."

Jessica shook her head. "He failed because the scheme was rash."

Cole looked over at Jessica. "Perhaps, Princess, but we cannot all hide in our castles waiting for war to come."