Corruption

Chapter Fourteen

Rhaenyra's POV

He storms from the room. What the fuck? I just got him down and comfy. I groan before pulling myself from bed. I grab a brush and run it through my messed hair, still in a tangle from our consummation. I braid it down my back before putting clean smallclothes on and a slip. I throw on a simple gown over it; I just need to be dressed enough to find him. I grab stockings and yank them on before grabbing shoes, stuffing my feet in them to brisk out the door. "Aegon!" I call as I try to look for him. I look at my guard, who avoids my eyes. "Which way did he go, Set Erryk?" I ask and he sighs. "That way, my Princess." He says, pointing to the left corridor. I rush down it and look for him in every crevice as I go.

He's gone. I see him no where as I search the castle grounds and insides. I even check the Sept, peeking under the table holding candles and souls of the lost as well as between the empty rows of church pews. How could he have disappeared so quickly? Heleana is walking the halls as well, and she stops to greet me. "Sister! Did you enjoy your wedding?" She asks, stopping to stand beside me. I stop walking as well, maybe she could've seen him. "Yes, quite. Did you get to dance?" I ask and she nods. "Yes, I met a few interesting people." She says and I smirk at her playfully. "Any good men?" I tease and she frowns uncomfortably. "N-no, I do not wish to dance with men." She says and I shrug. "Women are good dancers as well." I say and her eyes widen as she glances around.

I do hate that the Septans disdain such activities so. There is no need for her to be ashamed, as she could not help such a thing as much as I cannot help but to enjoy duck over pork. I make a mental note to remind her of this the next time we are in private, where she could not be exposed in front of eager ears. "Tis only musings. Have you seen Aegon, perchance?" I ask and she seems grateful for the change of topic. "He will appear in gardenias." She says and I frown. Gardenias? The flower? That makes no sense. "Pardon?" I try to ask, but she rushes off with her guards and lady in waiting. I shake my head to clear it of confusion and push on, walking towards the courtyard.

A few nobles and highborns are scattered about, but they're scarce as of the late hour of day. I search through the yards and find nothing. Where could he have gone? Perhaps Ser Cole should know? I will look out for him as well. I go back inside the castle to search the rooms once more. The hour is getting late and I yawn softly as I notice moonlight bathe the floor from a window. I very badly wish to be in bed with him. I am so tired after all that has happened today. I take a deep breath before deciding to check the wine cellar. A few other servants reside, yet they report no sight of Aegon. I sigh in relief before ascending the stairs.

I go to search the Gardens again, even checking up in the trees' foliage. I run into a soft chest as I'm looking up. "Excuse me!" She says and I look down to see Alicent. "I apologize. Have you seen Aegon?" I ask and she quirks an eyebrow. "No, I had assumed he would be in your chambers after that disgraceful exit from the reception." She says, crossing her arms and distancing herself from me. I fight the urge to roll my eyes. "I am blessed to have a husband so enthralled by my company." I say, and I know my Father's dissatisfaction of her cuts deep.

As it should. She will never replace my Mother. "Oh? Where is your dear husband then?" She says, looking around pointedly. Oh fuck her. "Fetching me wine. He insisted on a surprise." I snap and I feel my shoulders tense. I wish so badly he'd step out of the bushes holding a bottle now more than ever. She smirks and cocks her hip slightly. How were we ever friends? "I suppose he does fetch wine often. I hope your wedding night fares well, Princess." She says and I bite my lip. We both hear a crash from the row of plants behind her and she gasps as I reach for the dagger at my thigh. It's not there. I have yet to put it on during the rush of getting dressed to find Aegon.

She looks at me, panicked and in fear. I hold a finger up to my lips and creep closer. I hear soft mumbling from the white flowers next to a tree and I peek around the foliage best I can. I spot of a shock of white hair. I walk closer and the branches of the gardenia bush shake as he crashes through them holding a bottle of wine. Alicent scowls and he grabs to my shoulder desperately as he whines, "Nyra, I made a mistake, can we go to bed?" Alicent walks closer to look at him with disappointment. "You're like a whimpering pup, son. Sober up and act with dignity for once." She says and I glare at her. Aegon laughs, wrapping his arm around me.

"You act with grace, Queen Mother. To act with dignity commands respect." He says and I quirk an eyebrow. "Yet you act with neither, stumbling about drunkenly like some peasant." She says and I wrap my arm around his waist to steady his unstable posture. "At least I do not hide my fangs behind an innocent face." He responds with a grin, and she rolls her eyes. "As I said, my Queen. Fetching a bottle for us. Thank you, dear husband. May we continue our wedding night?" I say, looking into his eyes and away from Alicent. "Oh, we shall. I would be honored to put an heir in your womb." He says, turning to meet my gaze as Alicent gasps, covering her mouth in her shock.

"I'll leave you now. May the Seven forgive your sins." She says, storming away from us as Aegon leans closer. I assume to complain go my Father. He tucks his face in my neck and I wrap my arms around him. "Aegon, what is the meaning of this? Why have you gone behind my back to drink?" I ask sharply, but allow him to lean into me and keep my arms around him. He shivers and I hear a soft hiccup against my skin. He pulls his face away to stare at me suddenly, and I notice the tear stains burning his face and his red, watery eyes. "I shouldn't cry in front of the likes of you." He whimpers and I frown and cup his face. "You did this because you didn't want to cry in front of me? I'm supposed to be the one person you can cry with." I say softly and his bottom lip quivers as he avoids my gaze.

I pull him to my chest and he curls into me. "Would you like to retire for the night?" I ask softly and he nods. I guide my arm around his hip and he loops his arm over my shoulders. He hiccups softly, keeping his eyes on the ground. He seems lost in thought. I begin to help him towards our new room and he shambles along with me. "I suppose we could retire for the night..." He mumbles and I sigh. I've got to stop these fits of his. They're not only inhibiting his ability to rule, they're also fucking annoying. As soon as we step foot in the room, I can feel his attitude change once more. "What is it, love?" I ask, trying to be gentle. His shoulders stiffen and he turns from me. "Don't spout such nonsense at me, Rhaenyra. We both know the qualities a man ought to possess. Crying would not be tolerated." He says and I feel the tension building in my chest snap. My patience is gone. I can endure him no longer.

"Look at me when I am speaking to you for I will say this once more and never again. Sober your mind, Aegon." I say, leaning back on my right leg for support and crossing my arms. He rolls his eyes but turns to meet my gaze. I meet his eyes and stare for a moment in attempts to get my point across. He's seen I'm serious in how I treat him many times. His expression drops as I don't look away, and his shoulders droop as he gulps. "You are no less fit to be a husband than a king consort. I can guide you, in both rights, if you'd only allow it. If you'd only attempt with me, I could build us a good life. I swear it." I say and he frowns. "And what am I supposed to do when your puritable words are vile towards me? Am I to lay down dignity and whimper at your feet like some slave?" He says and I take a deep breath to steel myself.

"You are supposed to talk. However vile my words may appear, I swear my intentions are not so. Speak to me of your squals and we will arrange a solution between us. You do not need to throw tantrums." I insist and place my hand on his arm. He looks distraught, glancing at my eyes, then away, then back. "I have something to tell you... I require the trust you ask of me in return." He says and I nod. "Anything, Aegon." I promise and he glances at the door. "Otto. He's planning to send an assassin for you after our consummation has been confirmed. He believes it will lead to me being named as uncontested heir. I had planned to detest you publicly to bide myself time to prepare." He says, moving to hold my hips gently to emphasize his point. My heart drops. Whatever I had expected him to say, that was not it. "When were you going to tell me?" I ask and he shakes his head.

"Never. I was going to kill them myself and hope Otto realizes I was not bluffing when I said I'd not allow it." He says and I nod slowly. Of course he would. Never wants to talk. "Does Alicent know?" I ask, unable to stop the words pouring from my mouth. "Sometimes I believe your own affection for the Queen Mother runs deeper than her own children. She knows. She contested it, yet she will not stop Otto." He says and I huff. "Of course. We will stay silent about this and gather evidence to convict him as soon as the attack happens." I say and Aegon nods. "Or..." He says slowly and I quirk an eyebrow. "Or?" I ask and he smiles.

"We could do something fun."