Baelon King of all Dragons

Chapter 35

115 A.C.

Baelon Targaryen had been away from King's Landing for three years. In that time, much had changed for him and his sister, Rhaenyra, though the capital itself remained almost entirely the same—largely unchanged by the passage of time or the fortunes of those who ruled it. Now, as Baelon and Rhaenyra returned for the second nameday of their younger brother, Aegon, they found themselves walking familiar streets and revisiting old memories, though a sense of distance lingered between the place and the people they had once known so well.

They had traveled back on dragonback, as was their way. Baelon's dragon, Arrlithox, had grown far too large for the Dragonpit in King's Landing, undoubtedly making him the largest living dragon in Westeros. Even Syrax, Rhaenyra's dragon, though smaller in comparison, had refused to leave Arrlithox's side, their bond seemingly as strong as the one between Baelon and his sister. Knowing that their dragons' presence might cause panic within the city, Baelon had decided it would be wiser to land them outside the city gates. The dragons, wild and untameable despite their loyalty to their riders, would be an intimidating sight for the smallfolk, and Baelon, mindful of their safety, had chosen caution over spectacle.

As they approached the gates of King's Landing on horseback, escorted by a contingent of the City Watch and three knights of the Kingsguard, Baelon couldn't help but notice the attention they were drawing. The people of the capital still remembered him—how could they not? Though three years had passed since his departure to Dragonstone, Baelon had not been forgotten. He had taken in many of the smallfolk from the overcrowded and squalid streets of the city, offering them a chance at a new life in Dragonstone and Harrenhal, where they had found work and dignity in his projects. For that, the people loved him. The banners of House Targaryen were waved with vigor as the crowd surged to catch a glimpse of their prince, cheering as he and Rhaenyra rode past.

"Baelon! Rhaenyra!" The cries of adoration followed them through the streets, and though Baelon nodded in acknowledgment, his expression remained stern, composed. He had long since learned that the favor of the smallfolk could shift like the winds; it was best not to revel too deeply in their cheers. Still, he could not deny the pride that stirred in his chest. He had done much to earn their respect, and their loyalty was a currency he valued.

Rhaenyra, riding beside him, gave a small smile in response to the crowd's enthusiasm. She had grown more comfortable in her role as a Targaryen princess over the years. Since they had moved to Dragonstone, she had found a certain freedom in the relative isolation of the island, away from the ever-watchful eyes of the court. But now, returning to King's Landing, she felt the weight of that scrutiny once more. Her father's court was full of schemes, whispers, and endless politics, and though she had been born into it, she had never cared for the games that were played in the shadows of the Iron Throne.

"Do you think they've changed much?" Rhaenyra asked quietly as they rode through the gates of the city.

Baelon glanced at her, his eyes flicking from her face to the city ahead. "The people? Perhaps. But not the place. King's Landing remains the same—full of life, full of filth. The city always endures, no matter what happens within its walls."

Rhaenyra nodded thoughtfully, though her thoughts were more focused on what awaited them in the Red Keep. Their brother Aegon's second nameday celebration was the reason for their return. Viserys had insisted on throwing a grand event, as he had done for Baelon and Rhaenyra when they were young, and though Baelon respected his father's wishes, he could not help but feel some unease. The court was different now. The marriage between Viserys and Alicent Hightower had created new alliances and new tensions, and Baelon wondered how much of that change would be felt during their visit.

As they rode deeper into the city, the crowd thinned, though the cheers still echoed in the distance. The towering walls of the Red Keep came into view, looming over them like a fortress of power and secrets. The knights of the Kingsguard rode ahead, signaling their arrival, and soon enough, the gates to the keep were opened to receive them. Baelon and Rhaenyra dismounted their horses and were greeted by a retinue of servants and courtiers, each eager to welcome the prince and princess back to the capital.

"Prince Baelon, Princess Rhaenyra," Ser Harrold Westerling, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, bowed as he stepped forward to greet them. "The king awaits you in the throne room. He has asked that you be brought to him at once."

Baelon nodded in acknowledgment. "Very well. Lead the way, Ser Harrold."

They were escorted through the winding halls of the Red Keep, passing familiar faces and opulent tapestries that lined the walls. Though the keep had not changed, Baelon couldn't help but feel the weight of time pressing down on him. The last time he had walked these halls, the world had been different. His mother had still been alive, and the court had been simpler, less entangled in the ambitions of the Hightowers. Now, the presence of Alicent Hightower as queen loomed over everything, her influence spreading like roots through the court.

As they entered the throne room, Baelon's eyes were drawn to the Iron Throne, where his father, King Viserys, sat with a warm smile on his face. The king rose from the throne as they approached, descending the steps to greet his children.

"Baelon, Rhaenyra," Viserys said, his voice full of fatherly affection as he embraced them both. "It's been too long since you've been here. I'm glad you've returned for Aegon's nameday. He'll be delighted to see his brother and sister."

Baelon smiled, though it was a guarded expression. "It's good to be back, Father. I see the city is much the same as we left it."

Viserys chuckled. "King's Landing has a way of staying the same, no matter how much the world changes around it. But enough about that. I'm sure you're eager to see Aegon and... the queen." There was a pause as Viserys mentioned Alicent, as if he sensed the unspoken tension between his older children and their new stepmother.

"We are eager to meet our brother," Rhaenyra said, carefully avoiding any mention of Alicent herself.

As if on cue, a door opened to the side of the throne room, and Alicent Hightower entered, cradling the young Aegon in her arms. The queen's face was calm, serene, but there was a distance in her eyes as she looked at Baelon and Rhaenyra. She approached them with careful grace, her every movement measured and deliberate.

"Baelon, Rhaenyra," she said softly, inclining her head in a polite but formal greeting. "It's good to see you both again. I know Aegon has been looking forward to this day for some time."

Baelon's gaze shifted to his young brother, who was now two years old. The boy was a sweet, innocent child, his silver-gold hair a clear sign of his Targaryen lineage. Though Baelon had been wary of Alicent and the influence she held over his father, he could not help but feel a surge of affection for the boy. Aegon reached out with his tiny hands, giggling as Baelon gently took him from Alicent's arms.

"He's grown," Baelon remarked, smiling down at his brother. "He looks strong."

Alicent nodded, her smile faint but present. "Yes, he's healthy. The maesters say he'll grow to be as tall as his father."

"Aegon is a sweet boy," Rhaenyra said, her voice neutral. "I'm sure he'll make Father proud."

Baelon, sensing the tension between his sister and Alicent, handed Aegon back to his stepmother. "We'll be sure to spend some time with him during the celebrations," he said, hoping to defuse the situation. "For now, though, we'll take some time to settle in after our journey."

Viserys, ever the peacemaker, clapped his hands together. "Of course! You'll have your old chambers prepared. I want you both to feel as welcome as you always have. This is your home, after all."

Baelon inclined his head. "Thank you, Father. We'll see you at the feast tonight."

With that, Baelon and Rhaenyra took their leave, making their way through the corridors of the Red Keep toward their chambers. As they walked in silence, the weight of their return began to settle on them. Though the city and the keep were familiar, the dynamics of the court had shifted. Alicent's presence was like a shadow that hung over them, subtle yet undeniable.

"It's strange, isn't it?" Rhaenyra said quietly as they reached their chambers. "Being back here. It feels... different."

Baelon nodded. "It is different. The court has changed. Alicent has changed it."