Two weeks later, when Ceryse Hightower had finally recovered from the birth, Queen Visenya decided to go to the Red Keep.
- It's time for Aegon to see our granddaughter with his own eyes, - she said.
Maegor shared his mother's opinion completely. It was wrong for all the attention to go to Aenys's son. Three days before Ceryse's birth, they received news that Alyssa had gone into labor. A little later, word came of the birth of a boy, whom the bitch proudly named Aegon. The teenager was sure that it was Alyssa's idea, because Aenys had thought of another name - Aerion, in honor of their grandfather.Because of her condition, in which she had difficulty sitting in the saddle, Maegor's wife decided to sail to the castle on a ship. He fully approved of her decision. Yes, Ceryse was not a romantic love for him, but she was his wife, the mother of his child, and her life was of great value to him.He was just about to board Vhagar when his mother stopped him.
- No, dear, you will sail with your wife and daughter on the ship.
- What? But why?
- Everyone must see what a close-knit family you are. Enemies never sleep, and you know their names very well.
The Velaryons were among the first enemies. Especially Alyssa. Surprisingly, despite their kinship, she hated him. And he answered her in kind.
- Good. And I think Rhaenyra will enjoy sailing on the ship. It will be her first time.
Meanwhile, the entire castle was full of life. The servants were preparing for the arrival of the queen, the prince, his wife and daughter. Many were curious to see the child of the gloomy Maegor.Did she inherit her father's appearance or is she more like her mother? How does the prince feel about her?Especially awaiting their arrival were not only the curious servants, but also Lord Hightower, who, upon learning of their arrival, quickly arrived at the castle with his brother, the High Septon, and Crown Prince Aenys. The latter was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his brother and his child. He often asked the servants if they had already arrived at the castle.
- Prince Maegor is lucky, just look at what a caring brother he has!
- Love between brothers is a rarity.
Aenys, hearing the whispers, smiled sadly. He was not the ideal older brother. When Maegor was still growing up in the castle, he did not pay much attention to him. And when they were left alone together, each was busy with his own affairs. And if not, then they were sure to quarrel or fight. In fact, Aenys envied his brother. He looked like his father both in appearance and was an excellent swordsman. And he had both parents. Only later did he notice how indifferent his father was to Maegor. He rarely heard a kind word from him about his brother. Even when he did everything perfectly.Only the realization that he and Maegor were alike - he had no mother, and his brother had almost no father in his life, made him change. Finally get closer to his brother.Here he was tugged by his pant leg. Lowering his head, he saw his little daughter Rhaena.
- My dear, why are you without a mother or maids? - the prince asked, taking her in his arms.
- Plah!
- Do you want to play? Well, until your uncle arrives, that's possible.
"I hope Rhaena likes the girl."
Because the girl was not happy at all about the birth of her brother.When she saw him, she burst into tears and ran to her nurse.
***
- Your Grace, Queen Visenya's dragon was seen flying over the kingdom.
- But she hasn't landed yet?
- No.
- Very well, go. As soon as she lands, report to me immediately.
No one knew that Aegon was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of his sister, son, and granddaughter. He may not have loved Maegor as much as he did Aenys, given how he was conceived, but he was still his son. His blood. The girl he had given birth to was also his granddaughter, just like Rhaena. In her letter, his wife only wrote about her gender, but did not mention her name at all.
"You will know when we meet. Fourteen - no respect for her king husband."
But that's Visenya all over. Does whatever she wants.
A few hours later.
- Your Grace, the Queen has landed in the dragon pit, and Prince Maegor and Lady Ceryse with their daughter have arrived by ship
.- Very well, inform Prince Aenys and his family.
***
Quite a few people came out to greet Queen Visenya, Prince Maegor and Lady Ceryse with their daughter, among whom Hightower, smiling Aenys and the king were most visible. Maegor was surprised by his father's presence. He thought he would be waiting for them in the throne room.
- Visenya.
- Aegon.
They were silent for a while, looking into each other's eyes. And then they hugged, and if he hadn't known them, Maegor would have thought they were genuinely happy to see each other.
- Welcome back, brother! And congratulations to you and Lady Ceryse on the birth of your daughter!
-Thank you, Aenys.
- Maegor. - Aegon came up to him.
His heart sank in his chest. His father rarely addressed him.
- Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. May I see her?
- Of course. - and he carefully handed the daughter to her father.
Everyone watched the king's reaction very closely. At Princess Rhaena's birth, he had cried, but at Prince Aegon's, he had smiled proudly. What was his reaction this time?
To Maegor's relief, his father smiled at his daughter.
- She looks like Rhaenys.
- I noticed that too, when I first saw her.
- That's why we decided to name her Rhaenyra. In honor of the late Queen Rhaenys.
Aenys's eyes welled up with tears, but Alyssa, who stood next to him, frowned.
- Rhaenyra, eh? A beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Lord Hightower, I thought you wanted to see our granddaughter.
- Thank you, my king.- Manfred Hightower said, carefully picking up the baby.- Seven, she has your nose, dear daughter!
"That's not true. I've seen my daughter, and I can tell you for sure that she has my nose." - Maegor thought.
- Oh, let me see my niece. - Aenys approached them. - Seven! She's a perfect combination of both parents!"
"That's a lie. And you too, brother."
- Well, let's go to the hall. The cooks have everything ready.
The dinner started off quite well and calmly. The Hightowers were asking about Ceryse's health and offered one of their relatives to look after Rhaenyra. Aenys was giving Maegor advice on fatherhood, while Alyssa was eating silently and listlessly, and Visenya was exchanging glances with Aegon.But then, after the king, queen, and lord with the septon suddenly left to resolve important matters, everything changed. Velaryon put down her utensils and tapped her finger on the table, asking:
- So Rhaenyra, huh?
- Yes, in honor of Queen Rhaenys. - Ceryse answered her with a smile.
- It's too similar to our daughter's name.-
- My dear, we named Rhaena to honor my mother's memory. Of course they are similar.
- Yes, dear, and if you'll excuse me, I think that name is inappropriate. We have already honored the queen's memory by naming our daughter Rhaena. Perhaps, before it's too late, you should give her another name?
- What did you say?
Maegor was ready to kill her with the fork he held in his hands.
- Alyssa. - For the first time in his life, Aenys addressed his wife sternly.
- My brother has every right to honor my mother's memory. Rhaena and Rhaenyra are not the same name. So that's enough.Forgive her brother, good sister, my wife is not herself after giving birth. Is that right, dear?
- Y-yes. - the woman answered, looking at her husband with some disbelief.
Maegor couldn't help but grin. Alyssa had obviously not expected his brother to shut her mouth. In fact, he hadn't expected it either. Aenys had never taken his wife's words seriously. At least until today.
"Perhaps the dragon still lives in you, brother."
After dinner, they ate in silence.
