𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 58 Family Dinner

The gentle crackle of the fire filled the room as Rhaenyra stood next to Alicent, stealing glances at her and struggling to hide her smile. Alicent, maintaining her poise yet equally thrilled, adjusted her gown while keeping her eyes on the door. An air of quiet excitement enveloped them as they eagerly awaited Aegon's arrival.

"I don't think he suspects a thing," Rhaenyra said, her voice low but filled with excitement.

Alicent nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "He's been so focused on his duties, I doubt he's paid any mind to what's going on."

The door creaked open, and Aegon stepped into the room. His silver hair caught the firelight, giving him an almost ethereal glow as he looked between the two women, curiosity evident in his expression.

"You called for me?" he asked, a playful hint in his voice as he shut the door behind him.

Rhaenyra straightened, her smile growing wider as she glanced at Alicent, who nodded subtly in response. "Yes, we have something important to share with you," Rhaenyra said, her tone mysterious.

Aegon raised an eyebrow, moving closer. "Important? Should I be concerned?" he asked, trying to sound casual, though the curiosity was clear in his eyes.

"Not at all," Alicent replied smoothly, motioning for him to sit. "In fact, I think you'll be quite pleased."

Aegon took a seat, still unsure of what to expect. His gaze darted between Rhaenyra and Alicent, suspicion creeping in. "Alright then, I'm listening."

Alicent exchanged a quick look with Rhaenyra, and together they fought back smiles. This was the moment they had been waiting for.

Rhaenyra, barely able to contain her excitement, spoke first. "We wanted to give you something special," she said, her eyes gleaming.

Aegon's brow furrowed, his intrigue deepening. "A gift, you say? What sort of gift?"

Alicent reached for a small wooden box that had been set on the table earlier. The polished surface gleamed in the firelight as she pushed it toward him, her fingers trembling slightly. "Go on, open it."

Aegon took the box, his expression skeptical but amused. He hesitated for a moment, glancing at Alicent before carefully lifting the lid. Inside, a delicate silver baby rattle, engraved with the sigil of House Targaryen, rested atop soft velvet.

For a moment, Aegon didn't understand. He stared at the rattle, confused, before looking up at Alicent. "What is this?" he asked, his voice almost unsure.

Alicent's smile widened, her eyes soft as she met his gaze. "I'm with child, Aegon."

Aegon blinked, his breath catching in his throat as the realization hit him. "You're... you're with child?" he repeated, as if needing to hear the words again to believe them.

Alicent nodded, her hand resting on her stomach. "Yes. You're going to be a father again."

Rhaenyra couldn't help but laugh at his stunned expression, clapping her hands together in delight. "Surprise!" she declared, her voice filled with joy.

Aegon slowly stood, the weight of the moment settling over him. He took a step toward Alicent, his eyes searching hers, and then a wide, disbelieving grin broke across his face. "Alicent... this is—this is incredible," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Alicent reached for his hand, her smile soft and full of love. "I wanted you and Rhaenyra to be the first to know," she said quietly. "We'll tell everyone else soon, but for now... it's just us."

Aegon gently pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "You have no idea how happy this makes me," he murmured, his voice full of wonder.

Rhaenyra stood off to the side, her heart swelling at the sight of their joy. "I told you he'd be thrilled," she teased.