Great Bastards

BLACKFYRE

MYA I

182 AC

Half the realm had gathered outside King's Landing for the Maiden's Day squires' tourney. In a grand, black and red pavilion beside the tourney grounds, King Aegon IV sat sprawled upon a mass of cushions, greedily clutching onto a bejeweled goblet.

"Look at them all, my children," Aegon gave Mya a harsh pat on the head, ruffling her dark hair as she tried to wrestle herself free from his sweaty grip. "She's feisty, that one," he laughed as Mya went to join her half-siblings Daenerys, Daemon, Aegor, and Shiera, who was being coddled by Gwenys and Brynden.

The King pulled the honey-haired woman who was lounging beside him closer, now spilling his wine over his doublet and coughing violently. "The bastards...ahem...they're the fiery ones, the ones to look out for...that prick couldn't even be bothered to show...too busy fondling that Dornish slut's teats on Dragonstone..."

Mya grinned as she locked eyes with her brother Brynden. As usual, he was stone-faced, and simply turned to Daemon expectantly. In times like these they always turned to Daemon. "Aegor, Bryn, help me put my armour on," he said, almost with an air of authority. "Mya and Gwen will join Daenerys in the stands."

The Unworthy roared with laughter, and Mya could've sworn that the entire pavilion shook. She noticed the pair of Kingsguard knights beside him exchanging a nervous look, but they made not a move nor a sound. Mya watched how they always kept one hand on the hilt of their swords, alert and ready to protect their liege in the event of danger. She wanted to be just like them, she had told Gwen and Daenerys the other day at court, but they had just laughed in her face.

"The bastard thinks he's in charge now!" The King struggled to rise from his throne of pillows as he pointed accusingly at Daemon. "I'll tell you what, boy. If Daeron thinks he is above me, the king, then he is no son of mine. If you win this tourney today, I'll make you a knight. I'll even give you that." He gestured to the greatsword Blackfyre, mounted ceremonially behind him, its ruby hilt shining invitingly.

"The Conqueror's sword!" Mya gasped. She had never seen it used, other than when the King - who could hardly lift it - wielded it to knight someone who had proved their worth in the throne room.

Aegon took another hearty swig of his wine. "That's right. The lot of you are still young. Remember that you are my children, and you will be rewarded. Many a boy shall be knighted on this day. Cheers to the vigour of youth!" He raised his cup before squeezing the poor woman's breasts tightly. Mya grimaced, covering Shiera's eyes when the toddler began to giggle uncontrollably.

The pavilion entrance rippled with the restless sound of wind as Elaena Targaryen arrived, approaching her cousin. "I've never seen you so eager to bond with your own children before, Your Grace," she remarked, impressed by the assembly of youths before her. Clad all in black riding clothes, Elaena nonchalantly batted a golden streak of hair away from her face, giving Mya a sly wink.

Aegon gave his lady companion a forceful slap, sending her fleeing nervously from the pavilion, barefoot and scantily dressed. "What can I say, I'm starting to grow fond of my smattering of bastards over here. Why, I much prefer them to trueborn children. Well, I prefer making them, anyway."

Mya noticed as Daenerys, the King's only legitimate daughter, shrank away from her father in despair. Daemon placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder before gesturing for Aegor and Brynden to join him in preparing for the tourney. Meanwhile, Elaena approached the King, placing herself between him and his daughters. "You don't have to remind me. I have two bastards of my own, remember, but that doesn't mean I would ever treat Jon or Jeyne differently from Viserys."