𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 48 Baby Aegon

The first light of dawn filtered through the heavy curtains of the chamber, casting a soft glow over the three figures lying in the tangled sheets. Aegon was the first to stir, his hand brushing against the warm skin of Rhaenyra on one side and Alicent on the other. He smiled to himself, feeling a sense of contentment he hadn't known in a long time.

Rhaenyra blinked her eyes open, stretching languidly before turning to Aegon with a sleepy smile. "Good morning," she murmured, her voice still husky from sleep.

"Good morning," Aegon replied, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her lips before turning to Alicent, who had just started to wake up. "And good morning to you as well."

Alicent, who had been resting her head on Aegon's chest, opened her eyes slowly. A small, shy smile played on her lips as she looked up at him. "Good morning," she whispered back, her cheeks flushing slightly as the reality of their night together set in.

The three of them lay there for a few more moments, savoring the quiet intimacy of the morning before the demands of the day would inevitably intrude. But it was Alicent who eventually broke the silence, her voice filled with the uncertainty she had been trying to suppress.

"What happens now?" she asked, her gaze shifting between Aegon and Rhaenyra. There was a slight tremor in her voice, betraying the anxiety she felt.

Aegon sat up, the determination in his eyes clear. "We must marry," he said firmly. "I will take both of you to Dragonstone, and we will wed in the traditional Targaryen way. No one will be able to stop us—not the King, not the Hightowers, no one."

Alicent's brow furrowed with concern. "But what if my father convinces the King to disinherit you? What if when my sister has a son. What if he is named the heir instead?"

Rhaenyra, who had been listening quietly, let out a soft scoff. "My father is weak, Alicent. He won't do anything. He's more concerned with peace and avoiding conflict than with challenging us. Besides, you know as well as I do that Aegon is the rightful heir, with or without your father's meddling."

Alicent bit her lip, clearly torn. "But my father... he's very persuasive. He won't give up so easily."

Aegon reached out, gently taking Alicent's hand in his. "I'm smarter than your father, Alicent. And more importantly, I love you both. We'll protect each other, and together, we'll be unstoppable. No one—not Otto, not even the King—can change that."

The conviction in his voice seemed to reassure Alicent, at least for the moment. She nodded, though the worry in her eyes didn't fully dissipate. "Alright," she said softly. "I trust you, Aegon. Let's do this."

With that decision made, the three of them reluctantly rose from the bed and began to dress. As they pulled on their clothes, Rhaenyra paused, her thoughts turning to the outside world. "We need to be careful," she said, lacing up her gown. "We can't let anyone know what's happened—at least not yet."

They moved quietly to the door, Aegon opening it a crack to peer out into the hallway. It was early, and the castle was still waking up, but the air was already buzzing with activity. He could hear the distant clatter of servants and the echo of hurried footsteps in the corridors.

Rhaenyra stepped out first, followed by Alicent and then Aegon. They moved quickly through the winding halls, careful to avoid any prying eyes. But as they approached the main corridor, they saw a maid rushing past, her face flushed with excitement.

Rhaenyra caught the maid's arm, stopping her mid-step. "What's happening?" she asked, her tone commanding yet calm.

The maid, recognizing the princess, dipped into a quick curtsy before responding. "Your Grace, the Queen has given birth to a son. The bells rang out in the night, and preparations are underway to celebrate the birth of the new prince."