Heir of the Dragon

The Prince That Was Promised

Jessica had taken Alicent's seat at the small council, since her absence was noted. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, listening to Aegon go on a tangent.

Aegon was pacing back and forth at the head of the table, glaring at Larys Strong. He stopped and pointed at the map. "Fuck you. I told you we should have sent our dragons. And now look what's happened. Daemon, of all people, has taken Harrenhal. I gave you a job, and now you just sit there. It's your fucking castle!"

Larys leaned against his cane. "Well that castle is more crippled than I am."

Aemond, Aegon, and Jessica scoffed simultaneously.

Larys paused, looking at the three Targaryen children. "It's like to drive Daemon to madness as he attempts to make use of it. It is beyond his faculties. It is also penniless, as I happily control all of its gold. So, as Harrenhal saps Daemon's resolve, the false queen remains trapped on her island, and Ser Criston continues felling castles in the Crownlands."

Jessica now opened her eyes, and stared Larys down. As did Aemond.

Aegon gripped the back of his chair and stammered. "Wh...I I need to be informed of these things if I am to make informed rulings. I will not be made to look a fool in front of my allies and enemies."

Aemond reached over and took Jessica's hand. "Harrenhal must wait. Ser Criston is marching on Rook's Rest."

Jessica looked at Aemond in confusion. "Rook's Rest, My Love?"

Aegon shook his head. "A pathetic prize. I gave no such command."

Aemond gave Jessica's hand a kiss before he crossed over to the map. "The castle is small, weakly defended, and Lord Staunton sits on Rhaenyra's council. After Cole smashes it, we'll have Dragonstone effectively cut off by land. This war will not be won with dragons alone, but with dragons flying behind armies of men."

Aegon quickly was at Aemond's side, tapping at the map. "No! Have them turn about. I want Harrenhal back."

Jessica was now up and over to Aemond's other side, moving thr pieces Aemond just laid out. "Better idea, send me and Starfyre to reclaim Harrenhal."

Both the boys gave her the exact same expression. It was quite for a minute, but ultimately it was two against one. Jessica huffed in defeat. "And I suddenly don't have the need to go to Harrenhal."

Aemond beamed at her, leaning down, he kissed her. Aemond went to escort her back to his side of the table, when Aegon took her hand, placing a hand on her back and guiding her to his chair. Aemond took a breath. "Cole is already preparing his attack."

Aegon scrunched his nose, pulling Jessica close. "Uh, how-how do you know this?"

Aemond sat down, keeping his focus on Jessica. "He sent word to me."

Aegon placed his hands on the table. "To you? The two of you have been plotting...without my authority?"

Aegon sat down, and pulled Jessica onto his lap, his arms locking tightly around her waist.

Jessica could see the anger flash in Aemond's eye.

But as quickly as it came, it left. Aemond smiled and slipped into High Valyrian. "You had more pressing matters to attend to. Such as attending court, choosing your sobriquet, and naming imbicilic lickspittles to your Kingsguard. Hm. Do you have a wiser strategy, my king?"

Aegon took a drink, pulling Jessica closer to him.

Aemond didn't seemed phased. "If so, you should voice it to the council. We all await your answer."