𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 59 Leaving

Two weeks had passed, and Viserys sat in his chambers, discussing matters of the realm with Lord Drevyn. The room was filled with the scent of old parchment, and the large oak table held various maps, models, and documents. Viserys, ever proud of his projects, leaned over the table, pointing to a detailed model of Old Valyria.

"Look here, my lord," Viserys said, his voice filled with admiration. "The towers, the great halls... Imagine walking through such a city."

Lord Drevyn nodded politely, though his interest seemed elsewhere. Just then, the heavy doors to the chamber opened, and in walked Aegon. Aegon walked in the room, his expression was serious. Viserys took notice at once and waved a hand to dismiss Lord Drevyn.

"Leave us," Viserys ordered. The lord bowed, quickly excusing himself as Aegon approached the table.

Viserys smiled and gestured to the model before him. "Aegon, what do you think of this? Old Valyria, as it once was. A masterpiece of our ancestors."

Aegon gave the model a fleeting glance, his mind clearly on other matters. "It's impressive, brother, but that's not why I've come."

Viserys' brow furrowed slightly as he sat back in his chair. "Then what brings you here? Speak freely."

Aegon straightened, his tone firm. "We're leaving for Dragonstone, Viserys. Alicent's pregnancy is advancing, and I don't want her traveling when she's further along."

Viserys frowned, trying to hide his disappointment. "Leaving? So soon? Wouldn't it be wiser to remain here, in King's Landing, until the child is born? The Red Keep offers the best care for her, and I'd feel better knowing you're nearby."

Aegon shook his head. "No, brother. Dragonstone is where she will give birth. It's the seat of our house, and I believe it's safer there. The air is cleaner, and the peace will do her good."

Viserys drummed his fingers lightly on the table, his mind racing. "And yet, you know how much it would ease my heart to have you stay here. You've been my closest ally since Daemon left for war, and this... distance will be hard to bear."

Aegon's expression softened, but his decision was firm. "I'll return when necessary—royal business, council meetings, important matters—but we must go now."

Viserys studied his younger brother, searching for any sign of doubt. Finding none, he sighed deeply. "Very well. But know this, Aegon: you and your family will be missed in these halls. Take care of her, Rhaenyra and yourself."

"I will, Viserys," Aegon assured him, his voice steady. "You have my word."

Viserys nodded, though the weight of the separation hung between them. Without another word, Aegon turned and left the chamber, leaving Viserys alone with his thoughts and the model of a distant, forgotten city.

Rhaenyra stood in the courtyard of the Red Keep, arms crossed, her gaze fixed on the group of guards gathered before her. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the stone, and the air was filled with the clanking of armor and the steady thud of boots. Today was the day she'd choose her new sworn protector—a decision that weighed heavily on her.

Ever since Ser Criston had been dismissed by Sylvina, Rhaenyra had felt vulnerable, exposed.

Now, the task of choosing someone to replace him, someone she could trust, was more daunting than she'd expected.

She sighed, watching the guards with careful eyes. Each one looked eager, their hands gripping the hilts of their swords tightly, their armor polished to a shine. But Rhaenyra wasn't just looking for someone who could swing a sword—she needed someone loyal, someone she could trust with her life. Her sworn protector would have to be more than just a warrior.