𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 44 What a surprise

Six months had passed since Aegon had left Westeros with the intent of finding a bride, but instead, he had returned to King's Landing without one. His journey had taken him across the world where he had forged alliances that would strengthen his position in the realm, though his heart remained tied to a different purpose.

Aegon stood on the deck of the ship as it sailed towards King's Landing, the familiar sight of the Red Keep looming on the horizon. The cool sea breeze whipped through his silver hair, and he gazed ahead, lost in thought. His dragon, Tharion, had flown ahead, soaring high above the ship as if heralding Aegon's return.

The ship finally docked in King's Landing, and Aegon stepped onto the pier, followed closely by Darvon. The city was bustling with activity, and Aegon's return had not gone unnoticed. People whispered among themselves as they saw the prince disembark.

Aegon and Darvon made their way through the streets, heading towards the Red Keep. As they approached the gates of the Red Keep, Aegon noticed that the guards were unusually alert, their eyes scanning the horizon as if expecting something. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, thinking it was perhaps just the usual caution that surrounded the royal family.

Aegon continued through the Red Keep, his steps echoing softly off the stone floors. The tension in the air was palpable, a strange contrast to the usual calm that enveloped the ancient fortress. He exchanged a glance with Darvon, who seemed equally on edge.

As they turned a corner, Aegon suddenly heard a familiar voice call out, "Father!" Before he could react, Varla came running toward him, her face lighting up with joy. She flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly, as if she never wanted to let go.

Aegon smiled warmly, returning the embrace with equal affection. "I missed you too, my sweet girl," he said, gently pulling back to look at her. "You've grown taller in just six months."

Varla giggled, though her expression quickly turned serious as she remembered what she had to tell him. "Father, you're back just in time," she began, her voice a mix of excitement and worry.

Aegon frowned slightly, sensing something significant was about to be revealed. "What's going on, Varla? The whole keep is buzzing with activity."

Varla bit her lip before answering. "The King is having an engagement party. It's all being prepared for tonight."

Aegon's brow furrowed deeper. "An engagement party? For whom?"

Varla hesitated, knowing this would be hard for him to hear. "For Alicent," she finally said, her voice soft. "She's engaged to Jason Lannister."

Aegon stopped in his tracks, shock spreading across his face. "Jason Lannister?" he repeated, almost as if he couldn't believe the words. He had expected to hear many things upon his return, but this was not one of them.

Varla nodded, her gaze filled with concern for her father. "Yes, it was announced recently. Everyone's been talking about it."

Aegon felt a sharp pang in his chest. He had known Alicent would eventually be betrothed, but to hear it was to a man like Jason Lannister, it was like a blow he hadn't prepared for. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in check in front of his daughter.

Varla tugged at his hand, pulling him gently. "Come on, Father. I'll show you the ballroom. They've been decorating it all day."

Aegon allowed himself to be led by Varla, though his mind was still reeling from the news. As they approached the ballroom, he saw the servants bustling around, hanging banners and arranging tables with fine linens and golden candlesticks. The room was being transformed into a grand space, befitting a celebration.