𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 61: 2 years later

The grand hall was filled with laughter, and the long tables were adorned with a feast fit for royalty. Lords from all over the Seven Kingdoms gathered to celebrate baby Prince Aegon's second name day. The air buzzed with conversation as nobles stood around King Viserys, baby Aegon, and a heavenly pregnant Sylvina, who watched her young son with pride.

A noble leaned in and commented, "He has your hair, Your Grace."

Viserys chuckled, the sound lightening the already joyous atmosphere. "He does have my hair."

Another noble added with a smile, "And he has your eyes, Your Grace."

"Yes, he does," Viserys agreed, laughing heartily. "And you, my boy, have my nose, don't you?" He grinned down at baby Aegon, whose curious eyes peered up at him.

Sylvina watched fondly as the midwife held their son. Her gaze softened as she smiled at Viserys' playful banter.

Lord Hobert, standing near the end of the table with Otto Hightower, remarked, "Two years old, and already our boy has a kingly presence."

Otto, though more reserved, smiled faintly. "He may, brother, but this morning he insisted on eating porridge with his hands."

Lord Hobert laughed heartily, his voice booming over the conversation. "He will grow. We've quite the gathering assembled in his honor. And surely, by the end of this hunt, we shall have more to celebrate."

Otto raised an eyebrow, curious. "And what might that be, pray tell?"

Lord Hobert leaned in slightly, his voice lowering, "It's Aegon's second name day. His infancy's behind him. It only remains for Viserys to name him heir to the throne."

Otto's expression darkened slightly. "I wouldn't be so sure."

Lord Hobert frowned. "He's the King's firstborn son."

Otto glanced toward Viserys, his voice thoughtful. "I don't know that His Grace sees it so clearly."

Lord Hobert edged closer to his brother, his voice full of conviction. "Then it lies with you to make him see it... Lord Hand."

Meanwhile, Viserys smiled warmly, his attention drawn to Tyland Lannister, who approached and bowed.

"Your Grace," Tyland began, his tone urgent, "I bring pressing news from the Stepstones."

Viserys' brow furrowed slightly, his mood shifting. "The Crabfeeder has dug in for siege at Bloodstone. His men sabotage our fleet under the cover of night."

Viserys sighed, looking away before shaking his head. "Not today, Tyland."

"But the matter is urgent, Your Grace," Tyland pressed, unwilling to let the situation go.

Viserys' tone was dismissive as he waved a hand. "It's been three years. It can wait another three days." He cast a glance toward Sylvina and baby Aegon, then walked back to the table where the feast continued.

Tyland bowed once more, exchanging a look with Sylvina, who watched him with calm curiosity before returning her gaze to Viserys.

"Come," Viserys called to the gathered lords, "eat and fortify yourselves for the journey."

As he approached Lord Lyonel Strong, Viserys asked, "Is the baggage train ready?"

Lord Lyonel nodded. "It is presently massing at the River Gate. Lord Jason expects us in the Kingswood before midday."

Viserys' face grew more serious. "Has my brother responded to my letters about the party?"

Lord Lyonel shook his head. "He has not, Your Grace."