Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 9

"Aemond, look at me," Viserys demanded, his voice low and simmering with fury. "Your king commands an answer. Who told you these lies?"

Aemond's fingers tightened around Aenyra's, conflict raging behind his eye. His lips parted before his mind could catch up.
"...It was Aegon."

Aegon's face twisted in disbelief. "Me?" The shock was fleeting—quickly replaced by dread as Viserys turned toward him.

"And you, boy?" Viserys snarled, striding closer. "Where did you hear such calumnies? Aegon! Speak the truth!"

Aegon hesitated, shoulders stiffening. He exhaled a sharp breath, as though the truth had been suffocating him.
"We all know, Father. Everyone does. Just... look at them."

The room fell into stunned silence until Viserys's voice rang out, thunderous and final.
"This madness must end. The infighting, the whispers—it must cease! You are family! All of you! You will make your apologies and show goodwill toward one another. Your father—your grandsire—your king demands it!"

Alicent stood rigid, disbelief and rage washing over her. An apology? That was all?

"That is insufficient!" she snapped, her voice trembling with fury. "Aemond has been maimed, my king—permanently! 'Goodwill' cannot mend what has been lost."

"I know, Alicent," Viserys replied wearily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "But I cannot give him back his eye."

"No," she hissed, barely containing her rage. "Because it has been taken."

Viserys met her eyes, worn and heavy. "What would you have me do?"

Alicent's voice was cold and resolute. "There is a debt to be paid. I shall have one of her son's eyes in return."

Gasps echoed throughout the chamber. Aenyra instinctively stepped in front of her younger brothers, horror flashing in her eyes.

Viserys paled. "My dear wife..."

"He is your son, Viserys. Your blood!" Alicent cried, her composure unraveling. "And yet you do nothing?!"

Viserys's gaze darkened. "Do not let your anger rule your judgment."

"If the King will not seek justice," Alicent said coldly, her voice cutting through the hall like ice, "then the Queen will."

She turned to Ser Criston.
"Ser Criston... bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon."

"Mother?" Lucerys cried out in terror, stumbling back as Rhaenyra immediately stepped in front of her sons, shielding them with her body.

Aenyra leapt from her seat, moving to her mother's side, her arms out to protect Jace and Luke, placing herself firmly between them and the oncoming danger.

"Alicent..." Viserys breathed in disbelief.

"He may choose which eye to keep," she said through clenched teeth. "A privilege he did not grant my son."

Ser Criston drew a step forward to obey, but Viserys was faster—his hand shot out, grabbing Criston's arm.
"You will do no such thing. Stay your hand!"

"No!" Alicent shrieked, eyes wide with fury. "You are sworn to me!"

Criston faltered, caught between oaths and the crown.

"As your protector, my Queen," he said carefully, stepping back—bound by the King's command.

"Alicent," Viserys said sharply, turning on her. "This matter is finished. Do you understand me?"

He raised his voice for all to hear.

"Let it be known: any tongue that dares question the legitimacy of Rhaenyra's children... will have it removed."