Chapter Text
Aerion was smirking with his usual arrogance when his father yanked him of his chair pushing him past the accused night into the hall.
"Idiot" Maekar called him as he guided the princeling to his room.
Maekar turned to son with disgust hoping for some kind of remorse on his face, anything to redeem his acts of the night but all he saw was a spoiled prince who apparently got off on others misery.
Aerion heard the slap before feeling the sting. his face whipping to the side by the force. to Maekar's satisfaction the smile was finally gone replaced by shock on his face.
Aerion touched his reddening cheek he couldn't believe what was happening, seven know it wasn't the first time he got the backhand of his father he just couldn't for the life of him understand why everyone was taking the oaf's side.
Maekar sighed, pinching his nose, then said softer "Aerion I wanted one just one fucking event without trouble, I warned the 3 of you when we started this journey. then I have two missing sons and the one causing the most trouble isn't even one of them."
Aerion was about to retort when the door opened and Baelor walked in. One look at his face and for the first time tonight had the good sense to swallow his tongue and avert his eyes.
Baelor Targaryen was known to be a kind and righteous man but he was also responsible for his brother's children discipline as was the tradition of their house.
Maekar took another look at his son and then rocked towards the door. "I leave him to your care" he said, storming out.
Baelor looked him up and down waiting for his nephew to look at him. As he anticipated it took Aerion several moments to finally look up. despite his attitude towards others Baelor knew who his nephew really was.
For Aerion the look of utter disappointment on his uncle's face was worse than the slap he just received. after a long pause which made Aerion fidget in his place the heir to the throne finally spoke.
"Do you have any idea what you have done boy"
Aerion finally found his courage "why does a dirty hedge night matter so much? he will be dead tomorrow and we can put this behind us."
"He defended an innocent" said Baelor calmly which activated the princeling even more.
"He attacked me, a prince of the realm, your family. I know none of you really care for me but I thought our house would mean more than a fucking giant."
With a speed Aerion wasn't expecting, Baelor took his chin in his hand, turning his head up so he could look into his eyes. "Our house, our family, is the reason I'm here tolerating you"
He cupped Aerion's face softly then "you know, I was going to let it go. despite my warnings and your earlier punishment for your disgrace on the tourney I was going to leave you be"
He slowly moved his hand to the back of Aerion's neck. Waited until Aerion leaned in to his touch. "The ordeal with the puppeteer was unseemly. you shouldn't have done that. but I understood little dragon, I understand your care and desire for the symbols of our house. You are not the only one who feels empty without them."
He let go of him and turned around "I was the one who told Ser Duncan about the trial by comeback. expected you to take back your claim then"
His voice took on a sharp tone then which made Aerion step back instinctively and look at his shoes.
"But you had to go and invoke the trial of seven. Your father and brother would have to take your side, that's three Targaryens on a field which any night can hurt or kill."
Aerion's breath hitched "I didn't..."
"No, you didn't think you just acted like always looking for attention"
Aerion clinging to his last shreds of arrogance replied "it doesn't matter he won't find six men to fight for him."
Baelor laughed at his stupid Nephew "you prove to be even more stupid than I thought. not many people may like him but most hate us. they will take any opportunity they can find to kill us, and you just gave them their best chance."
Aerion stepped back until you reached the bed and sat upon it. Looking more defeated than ever.
Baelor cleared his throat "on the morrow you will take back your claim in front of everyone."
Aerion wanted to argue his pride still fighting.
"You will take your desire for his head back boy. or seven help me Aerion, I will take his side, and if any of this family gets hurt it will be on your hands"
Finally it looked like all the fight has left Aerion's body. He looked up from his hands "yes kepa."
Baelor somewhat satisfied called to the door "come in"
Aerion's eyes widened as Valarr walked in. Proper as ever, Aerion thought with envy.
Baelor looked at his nephew and addressed his son "40 lashes with the belt"
"But uncle" Aerion started, but with a raised hand of the heir, he closed his mouth.
Baelor turned to his son like Aerion wasn't even in the room with them. "40" he repeated. "Don't hold back. make sure that if he is stupid enough to not head my words, he will not be able to sit on his horse without squirming in front of every lord here." He walked out without another glance.
After the door closed, Valarr took his belt off and looked at Aerion with a smile "well cousin, let's see who is going to embarrass who."