𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 62 They are here

Aegon moved through the chilly stone passages of Dragonstone, the noise of his boots echoing in the calm of the night. His last meeting had his brain racing with thoughts about tactics and what he had to do, but now, as he approached his quarters, another issue was weighing on his mind.

In his hand was a letter, its wax seal bearing the sigil of House Targaryen. He paused just outside his chambers, breaking the seal with a swift motion. The letter was from his brother, Viserys, an invitation to attend Prince Aegon's name day celebration at King's Landing. The words were formal yet carried the undertone of a personal appeal, a reminder of the family bonds that still held them together despite the distance that had grown between them.

Aegon stood still, eyes lingering on the parchment. His mind wandered to the nephew he had barely seen—another Aegon, a child with a name that was his own, but one he hadn't yet embraced. He wasn't sure how he felt about it all, the politics, the family dynamics, the future. As he turned the letter over in his hands, he noticed Darvon approaching.

"Darvon," Aegon called, his voice laced with uncertainty as he folded the letter. "What do you think? Should I attend my nephew's name day?" There was hesitation in his tone, a rare show of vulnerability.

Darvon paused for a moment, thinking carefully before he spoke. "It could be an opportunity, Your Grace. An opportunity to gain more allies, to strengthen your position for your claim to the throne. If you attend, it will show your willingness to stay connected with your family. That could go a long way."

Aegon nodded, running his fingers over the edge of the letter. "I know you're right, Darvon. But the last thing I want is to create any bad blood between my nephew and me. The future is uncertain, and I don't want him to think I've come to contest him or to stake my claim in a way that pits us against one another."

Darvon stepped closer, his voice calm and steady. "Your Grace, now is the time to start making amends. They are your family after all. And if the future does test your family, it's better to build a bridge now than to let a divide fester. Attend the name day. Go in peace and with good intentions. It's a chance to show your loyalty to your brother and to your nephew."

Aegon sighed, weighing Darvon's words carefully. He didn't want to appear too eager to claim anything yet, but he also understood the importance of maintaining relationships, especially with Viserys and the rest of his family. After a long moment, he looked up, his decision made.

"You're right," Aegon said, his voice firmer now. "We will go to King's Landing. I'll attend the name day, and I'll do what I can to ensure that things go smoothly. Let's prepare for the journey."

Darvon nodded approvingly, bowing his head slightly. "As you wish, Your Grace."

Aegon stepped quietly into the nursery, where Alicent and a midwife were tending to Jaehaerys, who was resisting sleep. The soft glow of the firelight flickered against the stone walls as Alicent, weary yet patient, rocked the restless boy in her arms.

"I don't want to sleep, mama," Jaehaerys fussed, his small face scrunched in defiance. Alicent sighed, continuing to walk the room in soothing motions, while the midwife adjusted the prince's bed.

"You must, Jaehaerys," Alicent said gently, though there was a trace of weariness in her voice.

Aegon's presence filled the room, and the midwife, upon seeing him, immediately bowed in respect. Alicent turned towards her husband, offering a small smile as he approached. Aegon's eyes softened as he took in the scene before him—his wife calming their unrest child.