𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 - 𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔

21

Rhaenyra walked into the room, and Daemon appeared shortly after.
"Jace, Luke," Rhae exclaimed, rushing to her sons' side, "show me, show me. How did this happen?" She scanned the room.

"He attacked me," Aemond said, turning so Nyra could see his injured face.
"He attacked Baela," Jace said sharply.

Voices rose as the children started yelling at one another. Viserys rose from his seat.

"Enough," he said, but no one listened. "Enough," he repeated, louder. Then he finally screamed, "Silence!" The room fell still.

"He called us bastards," Jace whispered to Nyra and Daenaera, who stood nearby.

Rhaenyra straightened, anxiety creeping into her expression, as the king stepped toward Aemond.

"Aemond, I want the truth of what happened," Viserys said sharply. "Now."

"What else is there to hear? Your sons have been maimed," Alicent said. "My son is responsible."

"It was a regrettable accident," Rhaenyra defended.

"Accident?" Alicent sneered. "Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush—he meant to kill my son."

Ivar whispered in Daenaera's ear, "Is she always this overdramatic?" making Daenaera grin.
"You wouldn't believe it," she whispered back, folding her arms.

"It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves," Rhaenyra said. "Vile insults were hurled against them."

"What insults?" the king asked, turning to face Rhaenyra.

"The legitimacy of my sons' birth was questioned," Rhaenyra explained. Viserys frowned.

"What?"

"He called us bastards," Jace said, looking at his mother.

"My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, Your Grace," Rhaenyra said firmly. "This is the highest treason. Prince Aemond must be questioned sharply—he must explain such slanders."

"Over an insult?" Alicent scoffed, and Daenaera's face showed shock and confusion. Is she serious right now? echoed in her mind. "My son has lost an eye."

"You tell me, boy," the king said, directing his gaze at Aemond. "Where did you hear this lie?"

"The insult was just training yard bluster—the lot of boys. It was nothing."

"Aemond," the king said, ignoring his wife. "I asked you a question."

"Where's Ser Criston, I wonder? The boy's father?" Alicent pressed.

"Yes. Where is Ser Criston?" Viserys echoed, frowning. That imbecile, Daenaera thought.

"I don't know, Your Grace. I... could not find sleep. I went out for a walk."

"Entertaining his young squires, I'd venture," Alicent said with a sly smile, as Criston chuckled lowly.

"Aemond," Viserys stepped closer, "look at me. Your king demands an answer. Who spoke these lies to you?"

Alicent's breath hitched; it was clear she had told him what to say.

"It was Aegon," Aemond said as soon as he saw his mother's face.

"Me?" Aegon asked, confused.

"And you, boy," Viserys turned to his elder son. "Where did you hear such calumnies? Aegon!" He screamed at the prince's face. "Tell me the truth."

"We know, Father. Everyone knows. Just look at them."

As Viserys turned, he saw the sadness on Rhaenyra's face.

"This interminable infighting must cease! All of you!" Viserys shouted, his voice booming through the hall. Daenaera's eyes flicked toward her husband, her expression saying Seriously? Is this really happening?

"Your father, your grandsire, your king demands it!" Viserys slammed his cane onto the floor.

"That is insufficient!" Alicent said, glaring at Viserys's back. "Aemond has been permanently damaged, my king. 'Good will' cannot make him whole."

"I know, Alicent," Viserys replied. "But I cannot restore his eye."

"No, because it's been taken!"

"What would you have me do?" the king asked, turning.

"There is a debt to be paid."

Daenaera's heart tightened—she sensed something foul in Alicent's words. She knew the queen well enough not to believe she hadn't thought of something despicable.

"I shall have one of her sons' eyes in return."

"My dear wife—" Viserys started to calm her.

"He's your son, Viserys! Your blood!" Alicent cut him off.

"Do not... allow your temper to guide your judgment." Viserys said, stepping toward her slowly.

"If the king will not seek justice, the queen will. Ser Criston... bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon."

"Mother!" Luke exclaimed, terrified.

"Alicent!" Viserys shouted, but Alicent stood unmoved.

"He can choose which eye to keep—a privilege he did not grant my son."

"You will do no such thing," Rhaenyra said, pulling her sons close.

"Stay your hand," Viserys said, furious.

"No—you're sworn to me!" Alicent yelled.

"As your protector, my queen."

"Alicent, this matter... is finished. Do you understand? And let it be known: anyone whose tongue dares question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons shall have it removed."

The room fell silent once more.

"Thank you, Father," Rhaenyra said.

As the princess turned, Alicent seized Viserys's dagger and stepped toward Rhaenyra—only for Daenaera to act quickly. She stepped between them, halting Alicent.

"Alicent, stay with the king!" Viserys commanded.