Chapter Text
(Aerion)
Aerion wakes up from his slumber slowly. Looking around the colorful room, he spots a servant freshening up his bath water. He blinks slowly and gets up from his bed to go to the hot water. As he gets in, he lets out a satisfied groan. The water is scalding hot but that’s how a dragon like him prefers it anyway.
After having a heartly breakfast in the big mansion his lord father had so graciously granted him. He starts getting dressed. Aerion is supposed to meet with the mercenaries known as the second sons today. For the past months the prince had been enjoying everything the city had to offer, including the sweetest wines and the prettiest slaves. But he is a restless young man and he has been getting bored lately. So, in his need for action and bloodshed, he decided to join the second sons. He gets to earn money and have fun. What else could he ask for.
As he is about to leave for the day, a servant approaches him. My prince, there is a visitor wishing audience. Aerion despite his confusion tell him to let in whoever it is.
In the time it takes the visitor to get to his presence. A thousand guesses go through his head as who it could be. He does not have any friends here and the second sons’ company would never come to him even if he is a prince. Then maybe someone from Westeros? But who could it be, his family has abandoned him. His lord father after the trial could not even look at him and sent him away the first chance he had. As he was contemplating, ser Roland walked in. he bowed his head. “My prince”
Aerion gave a half smile. Thinking that maybe his father regrets sending his only good son away after all. “What brings a kingsguard here?”
“The king’s order my prince.”
Aerion arched a brow waiting for him to continue. The knight gave him a sealed letter.
“King Vallar, first of his name, king of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm has ordered that the exile of prince Aerion be over and that I am to escort you to the red keep.”
Aerion narrowed his eyes and read the letter. Aerion had heard about the passing of the king and queen due to the spring sickness and the ascension of his oldest cousin to the throne. But even then his father had not allowed Aerion to return, not even for the funeral. Why would the newly appointed king ask for him. Why was it so important as to send a kingsguard?
“You must be tired ser. I’ll have the servants show you to the guest room.”
“Thank you, my prince. But the king insisted. I take you back to Kingslanding as soon as possible”
Aerion gave him a blank look.
“I can’t just leave good Ser. I would need to sort my affairs here, and pack my belongings. That would at least take a day. So, I suggest you listen and do as you are told.”
Ser Roland bowed his head once again. “Yes, my prince. Thank you”
After Ser Roland left, Aerion started contemplating. What could Vallar possibly want from him? There was nothing on the letter to indicate the intent. Of course, it is possible that he just wants Aerion to bend the knee and swear fealty, their reign is considered weak after so many of their kin died this year. And Vallar is young and if you asked Aerion, he is weak and not fit to rule. But Aerion would never betray his house like that. He is not a traitor.
He could just ignore the letter and join the second sons as previously planned. The stupid guard would never guess and would never find him.
But he misses home. He misses his family. And he misses the luxuries that come with being a prince of the realm.
In the end the exiled prince gathers his belongings and they depart from Lys towards Kingslanding that very same day.
They reach Kingslanding in a week. Aerion has become quite restless on the sea. Over thinking everything. Usually the best outcome, which is being welcomed home and allowed to stay. Maybe even have a position in the young king’s rule. But sometimes he can’t help but think that it is not a welcome he is walking towards. Maybe it is another punishment, maybe the king wants revenge for what happened to his father. Will he lose a limb? will he be sent to the wall? But then he remembers his simple cousin, sweet dutiful Vallar. The perfect prince and the perfect son. He is too noble to do anything like that. So, Aerion dismisses the notion.
When they reach the keep, they are guided to the throne room to see the king. The throne room is full with nobles and small folk. The new king sits on the iron throne.
He looks older. That’s the first thing Aerion notices. Seems like the difficult year has worn him down.
They stay in the back of the room until the person addressing the king is done. When king Vallar notices them, he motions them forward. It’s like his eyes brighten after seeing them. When they get close to the throne. The king finally speaks.
“Welcome back cousin, I have been anticipating your return and the completion of our family for some time now.”
Aerion kneels down.
“Your grace”
“Rise dear cousin”
Then the king speaks louder for everyone to hear.
“Let it be known, the exile of prince Aerion Targaryen is over. And he will stay by his family’s side, my side, in the red keep.”
Everyone claps. Aerion could hear the voices.” what a merciful king.” “Daeron the good has been reborn”
But as he looks at the king. He swears he can see a dark look in his eyes. Like predator waiting to attack.
After, he is lead to his new room, he takes a much-needed bath, wears his bright red tonic with dragons on it and joins the royals for supper.
When he gets there, he can’t help but notice that there are only two dining sets. He fidgets in his place for a moment but then the servant that had escorted him, motions him forward. Have a sit my prince. The king will join you shortly. Aerion does as he is told.
How odd that only him and Vallar are dining. But perhaps Vallar wants to discuss Aerion’s new position with him.
It doesn’t take long for the king to join him.
He takes the sit prepared for him.
“Your grace”
“The formality doesn’t much suit you cousin. Even if it pleases me that you have learned some manners in your exile”
They start bringing the food in.
Aerion bites his tongue to not retort to that. whether he likes it or not he need the new king’s approval.
“It indeed has cousin. I wanted to thank you for allowing me to come back”
Vallar waves his hand as to dismiss the notion.
“Nonsense, uncle should never have sent you away. In fact, I told him not to, all those months ago but he would not listen.”
Aerion relaxes a little bit at that.
“Let’s first eat our supper. I am starving. You know they never tell you how demanding it is to run a kingdom” and they both let out a chuckle.
As they are dining, Aerion sometimes would ask a question and they seem to have a pleasant conversation.
“Why did no one else join us?”
“My queen is heavily pregnant and prefers to dine in her room. Uncles were busy with their families tonight.”
“Oh, I understand.”
“Do you know where my father is?”
“Uncle is in summerhall but he will visit kingslanding until the end of the year I’m sure”
“That reminds me your grace. I wish to visit my father and siblings. If you would allow”
The dark look in his eyes that Aerion had seen in the throne room returns.
“Perhaps later” he gives a predatory smile. “I have a new position for you here, and it is important you take on the responsibility right away.”
“Oh, I, sorry I don’t know what to say…”
“Yes, your grace is a good start”
“of course, your grace”
Aerion could not believe the turn of event. A week ago, he was in exile and trying to join mercenaries and now he is back at court and soon will have an important position, where he can prove himself.
As they are finishing the food, Aerion feels unusually tired and relaxed. Maybe he had been tired from the journey more than he anticipated.
As they finish their dessert, Aerion can barley keep his eyes open.
He is about to excuse himself and retire to his room when Vallar speaks.
“You know cousin, you never apologized for causing my father’s death”
“I, …, I”
“it’s okay. I know it is hard to speak right now. You will have time to apologize. Of course it would not matter much. You can’t bring him back”
He sounds so sad and so angry. But Aerion can’t seem to respond.
Vallar gets up from his seat. Hugs him in his chair and kisses his head. “You will make it up to me forever. Won’t you sweetling?”
For the first time since the trial Aerion feels real fear. And then his vision goes black.