SHADOWS OF THE PAST //HOUSE OF THE DRAGON//

Chapter 11

Rhaegar gripped Aegon by the shoulder, steering him firmly out of the brothel. The young prince stumbled a little, glancing up at his older relative with frustration and curiosity. The two walked silently through the darkened streets of King's Landing, the chill of the night air doing little to cool Rhaegar's simmering anger. Aegon kept casting furtive glances at the bloodstains on Rhaegar's hands, face, and clothes.

After several tense minutes, Aegon broke the silence. "What happened to you?" he asked, his voice low. "You're covered in blood."

Rhaegar's jaw tightened. "It is none of your concern," he replied coldly, not sparing the boy a glance. His grip on Aegon's shoulder did not relent, as if to silently convey that the young prince had no choice but to follow him back to the Red Keep.

Aegon frowned, his tone defiant. "It's not normal to walk around covered in blood in the middle of the night," he retorted, frustration seeping into his voice. "You could at least explain—"

"There is nothing to explain," Rhaegar interrupted sharply, his eyes narrowing as he glanced down at Aegon. "There are things you are not yet old enough to understand. Nor should you wish to."

The boy fell silent, his expression sullen but also tinged with a trace of fear. Rhaegar's words and tone left no room for argument, and the sight of blood only deepened the sense of danger that now clung to him like a shroud.

As they approached the Red Keep, the towering castle loomed over them like a silent sentinel. The torches lining the entrance flickered in the night wind, casting eerie shadows across the stone walls. Rhaegar marched up the steps with Aegon in tow, his eyes catching the figure of Criston Cole standing watch near the entrance. The guard's sharp gaze settled on them, his brows knitting together in confusion.

Rhaegar's steps echoed in the dimly lit corridor as he turned back to Criston Cole who followed them behind, his expression a mask of icy indifference. "And you are?" he asked, his voice low and measured, eyes assessing the knight standing before him.

"Ser Criston Cole, my lord," the knight replied, his posture stiffening under Rhaegar's scrutiny.Rhaegar's gaze bore into Criston Cole, his silver eyes gleaming with a dangerous edge. "Tell me, Ser Criston," he began, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife, "how is it that a sworn knight of the Kingsguard allows a prince of the realm to wander freely into brothels? Or is your vigilance as lax as your tongue?"

Criston's face tightened, but he kept his composure. "My lord, I had no knowledge the prince had left—"

"Then perhaps you should spend less time making excuses and more time doing your duty," Rhaegar interjected sharply, his voice dripping with disdain. "Your purpose is to guard Aegon, not to sit idly while he ventures into the gutters of the city."

The knight's jaw clenched at the rebuke. "And the blood, my lord? What transpired?" Criston challenged, motioning to the crimson stains on Rhaegar's hands and clothes.

Rhaegar's lips curved into a cold smirk, his tone lowering to a menacing calm. "Tomorrow, Ser Criston, you will find out. I suggest you concern yourself with matters you can manage—if any exist."

He didn't wait for a response, gripping Aegon's arm and dragging him away. As they moved through the halls of the Red Keep, Aegon stumbled, trying to keep pace. Rhaegar stopped abruptly outside the boy's chamber as Aegon instructed him and turned to face him, his eyes hard and unforgiving.

"If I ever see you in a place like that again," he said in a voice as cold as the winter winds, "I will not be as merciful as I was tonight. Do not mistake my restraint for leniency."

He shoved open the door, releasing Aegon with a final glance that spoke of unyielding authority. "Go on now."

After he waited for Aegon to get in and close the door, Rhaegar turned and strode down the corridor, the echoes of his footsteps fading as he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Aegon to contemplate the weight of his words.

I know its short but I'm working on a longer chapter VERY soon to be published after this one so stay tuned!!