The Prince of Whispers Chapter 4: Gael's knightly lover (Patreon)

Aegon flipped a page of his book as he reviewed some of the recent notes he had made while studying some of the sacred scrolls in the secret vaults. Waves crashed noisily into the shoreline of Dragonstone, and the salty scent of the sea was ever-prevalent. While Dragonstone was a dreary place, Aegon found some appeal to the ancient outpost of the Freehold.

It was his family's true seat of power in Aegon’s mind. No Targaryen worth their blood would ever say otherwise after they look upon the might of Dragonmont. The Iron Throne, the Red Keep, and the surrounding city were illusions of power. Those who commanded the Dragonmont commanded the true power in House Targaryen.

Unfortunately, the rest of the family didn’t share Aegon’s views. It was understandable, considering he was the only one gifted with magical powers in the family. His pyromancy only became strengthened near the Dragonmont.

Viserys thought it was a punishment or a test of some sort that landed him and Aemma in Dragonstone. Aegon didn’t wholly disagree as there was most likely an element of a test of competence involved courtesy of their grandfather.

Ever since their uncle Aemon died and their grandfather denied the throne to Princess Rhaenys, the post of Master of Ships had been left vacant in the Small Council. Lord Corlys had resigned from the post in protest over the insult to his wife. King Jaehaerys left the post vacant all these years for reasons beyond Aegon at the moment. It was almost as if his grandfather had a grudging respect for Lord Corlys but was too prideful to reconcile with the Lord of the Tides.

But his grandfather was not the only one with pride. Lord Corlys had refused to grace the seat of Master of Ships so far. This left the King in a bit of a quandary. The Royal Fleet had gone into disrepair in the absence of a Master of Ships. It was a serious oversight on the part of his grandfather. Now, Viserys was saddled with the responsibility of rejigging the Royal Fleet and the maritime commerce in Dragonstone. Both had suffered with the absence of the Master of Ships and a diligent authority in Dragonstone.

Aegon didn’t envy Viserys's job, but his elder brother had managed to do some serious work on the island so far. Together, they visited all the shipbuilders and port facilities. They had taken stock of the workers, the state of the ports, and the resources available the moment they set foot on the island. Many renovation works were discarded, and as a result, some of the ships anchored at Dragonstone were nearly useless.

The ports were no better. Without an iron hand to oversee their functioning, the officers on port duties were siphoning off funds that should’ve gone into Dragonstone's coffers. Aegon also learned that the officers tolled ships from Pentos and Myr while giving them free run on the ports during less favourable weather conditions. Aegon had investigated the nexus of guards and officers on the payroll of Myrish and Tyroshi captains. He had even run into a slave ring, but he had yet to move against them.

He was only charged with finding out all the information by his elder brother. As the eldest son of the Prince of Dragonstone, it was Viserys’ duty to discharge any punishments. Aegon suspected his brother was discussing the next course of action with maester Gerardys at the moment.

Letting out a sigh, Aegon admonished himself for getting lost in thoughts. He flipped the pages of his diary until he finally came to the last page, where he kept tabs on the sheep he fed to Sheepstealer. The bleat of the sheep made him look back, and he saw the four sheep he had secured for today were restless. But he also saw Aemma coming towards him with Rhaenyra in her arms.

“Aemma.” Aegon stood on his feet and acknowledged her with a nod while dusting off the sand that clung to his clothes.

“Aegon.”

“I see you had to bow to the whims of the little dragon.” Aegon amusedly noted, tickling the little bundle of joy in Aemma’s arms.

His niece giggled and tried to hide in the arms of her mother.

“So, no duck-watch today?” Aegon asked with a grin.

Watching ducks swimming in a nearby pond close to the Dragonmont was Rhaenyra’s favourite pastime in Dragonstone.

“Unfortunately, no. They didn’t come today.” said Aemma.

“Wave-watch!” Rhaenyra clapped her hands excitedly as a large wave crashed into the shore.

Aegon chuckled, seeing his niece’s excitement.

“Keep a close watch on the waves ‘nyra. Maybe a sea turtle might come ashore like last time.” Aegon said, petting her silver locks before eyeing his horse and the sheep.

“I apologise, goodsister. I must visit the Dragonmont.”

“Aegon, Viserys was asking for you.” Aemma said.

“I’ll visit him immediately after I try my luck with Sheepstealer.” he promised.

Aegon climbed on his horse while holding on to the ropes tied around the sheep's necks. Slowly, they made their way towards the eastern side of Dragonmont, where plenty of caverns lay. In one of those caverns, Sheepstealer would be resting. While Sheepstealer was a wild dragon, it was also harmless, as it had never attacked anyone on the island. It had an obsessive taste for mutton, but other than that, Sheepstealer was harmless.

It was still dangerous to try bonding with a wild dragon as old as Vermithor. But Sheapstealer was one of the largest dragons comparable in size to Vermithor. Aegon hoped to build a connection with the wild dragon, and someday, he hoped the dragon would choose him as its rider.

At the foot of the Dragonmont, Aegon jumped down from his horse. After tying it nearby, he climbed the rocky terrain of the Dragonmont with the sheep. There were small hot springs as he climbed higher, and he could see smoke coming out of the vents. But he neither felt any heat nor did he sweat. His unique magic was at its peak whenever he was at the Dragonmont. Here, his magical powers were tenfold strong, which allowed him certain leeway. Any kind of heat didn’t bother him the slightest. After all, he could hold the hottest flames in the palm of his hands.

A low growl came from one of the caverns, making Aegon pause. The sheep began bleating when the ground beneath them shook as the Sheepstealer crawled out of a cave. The dragon's muddy brown scales were covered in ash and soot as it fully emerged from the cave.

“I’m a friend. I brought you food.” Aegon said in High Valyrian, pointing to the sheep.

The enormous dragon blinked at him and then turned its full attention to the sheep. It snatched three sheep between its jaws in a single pass. Sheepstealer lazily munched on the sheep while keeping a wary eye on him. Aegon didn’t understand why the dragon was afraid of him of all people. If anything, he should be in fear as he took an enormous risk trying to bond with a wild dragon. He tentatively moved closer towards Sheepstealer after it became sufficiently distracted by gorging itself on fresh mutton. As he touched the scales of the muddy-coloured scales of the wild dragon, it let out a low growl in warning.

But Aegon didn’t move an inch back and continued to pet the dragon's scales as it devoured the sheep. Feeling a bit confident, Aegon moved closer to the head of Sheepstealer. Step by step, he came close, and Sheepstealer kept a close eye on his movement.

“I’m a friend,” Aegon softly said in High Valyrian and tried to touch the dragon's lower jaw.

But the moment his fingers grazed the scales, Sheepstealer let out a growl and turned his head away. Aegon moved back slightly as the dragon picked up the sheep and crawled back into its cave.

“At least I managed to touch the scales. That’s an improvement.” Aegon muttered before turning away from the cave.

When he returned to the castle, he found Viserys sitting on a chair in grief.

“Brother?” Aegon called tentatively while looking at askance at maester Gerardys.

“A raven came from the Red Keep, my Prince. Septon Barth has passed away in his sleep.” maester Gerardys said.

Aegon was struck by the news like any self-respecting Targaryen born during the reign of King Jaehaerys.

“We must make arrangements for our departure to the capital. Septon Barth deserves a proper and respectful burial.” Viserys said softly.

“Of course, brother.” Aegon said, placing his hand on his elder brother’s shoulder. “I’ll have our ship ready by tomorrow morning.”

****

The bells tolled throughout the capital as the entire city mourned the passing of Septon Barth. All colourful banners were lowered, and black flags were raised to represent the city’s mourning of the longest-serving Hand of the King. Some had credited King Jaehaerys’ prosperous reign to the guiding hand and wisdom of Septon Barth.

Septon Barth was the architect of reconciling the Faith with House Targaryen. His masterstroke, the Doctrine of Targaryen Exceptionalism, snuffed the flames of war that damaged the Seven Kingdoms. The rebellion of the Faith Militant and Maegor’s tyranny were the dark history of Westeros, and it was Septon Barth who helped King Jaehaerys solidify the hold of the Iron Throne.

But to Aegon and the rest of the Targaryen family, Septon Barth was more than just a political figure. The man was like an uncle to most of them. The close friendship between King Jaehaerys and Septon Barth was such that the Hand of the King became a part of the Targaryen family. It was Barth who gave Aegon the knowledge of letters. He learned the Common Tongue from Barth, as did Viserys and Daemon.

“Septon Barth, my best of friends, was a man of great wisdom and humble beginnings. He was born into this world as the son of a blacksmith. And now we honour him as the man who helped to bring peace to the realm, a trusted friend and revered spiritual man.”

Aegon watched from the sidelines as his grandfather delivered a moving eulogy to honour his friend before covering the body of Septon Barth with a Targaryen cloak. He supposed his grandfather likely saw Septon Barth as a brother rather than a friend in his later years. The silent sisters folded the cloak neatly and kept it close to the body before they began their prayers. It wasn’t long before Septon Barth was interned according to the last rites offered in the Andal fashion. The body was buried near a small sept on Rhaenys’ Hill.

Condolences had poured in from most lords of the realm, but they all had an ulterior motive as well. With Septon Barth’s passing, the office of the Hand was now open. Perhaps his grandfather foresaw Lords of the realm pouring into the capital to make their play for the office. The next morning, ravens flew from the Red Keep to all corners of Westeros, carrying the news of Ser Ryam Redwyne’s appointment as Hand of the King.

There were some disgruntled murmurs in court about Ser Ryam’s ascension. Some believed the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was not a good candidate for the post. After all, if Ser Ryam were to assume the Hand's duties, who would guard the king?

But for reasons unknown to most, including Aegon and the rest of the family, King Jaehaerys went ahead with his decision and pinned the badge of the Hand on Ser Ryam’s in full view of the court.

Aegon could only stare at his grandfather in stunned silence like most, but he supposed the man had been making such decisions for a few years. The decision to force Daemon to marry Rhea Royce was one such decision that, to this day, baffles Aegon. He found no political advantage in the match. Sure, having relatives in one of the prestigious great houses of Westeros was a boon, but there were other great houses. Besides, Viserys had already married Aemma Arryn, which gave them familial connections in the Vale. House Arryn was now married into House Targaryen, and one day, Viserys would sit on the throne, and after him, a king with Arryn blood would sit on the throne. Under such circumstances, forcing Daemon to marry Rhea Royce simply didn’t make sense.

Aegon shook his head before turning away from the court proceedings. If the court was filled with this level of drama, he couldn’t wait to see what kind of drama awaited him at the family dinner tonight, especially with his uncle Vaegon also arriving from the Citadel.

When the night fell, Aegon received the invitation to dine with the king. It was more of a direct order than an invitation, and Aegon attended like everyone else. When he arrived at the dining hall, he found his grandfather conversing with his uncle Vaegon.

“Grandfather. Uncle.” Aegon nodded respectfully at the two elders.

“Come sit by my side, Aegon.” Jaehaerys directed him to a seat immediately to his left.

“Umm…” Aegon was immediately wary as the spot was usually reserved for his grandmother.

“Is there a problem?” Jaehaerys asked upon seeing his hesitation.

“No. Not at all.” Aegon shook his head and slipped into the seat next to his grandfather.

“Vaegon was just telling me of your progress in your studies. Maester Alyn only had high praises for your talent to grasp the subject of medicines and poisons.”

Aegon nodded at his uncle, but he highly doubted that was the case.

It had been barely a month since he started his journey on the subject. It was not enough time for anyone to make a judgement, much less about a complicated subject like medicine. He had barely started to learn about anything with Maester Alyn. In the last month, he had made more strides in magic than in any other field of study.

“Now, tell me about Dragonstone. What have you found?”

“I thought Viserys had told you…”

“I’m asking you, Aegon.” Jaehaerys smoothly cut in with a frown.

“Our fleet is in disrepair, and we’ve been identifying the men responsible. The funds we’ve unceremoniously been dumping into Dragonstone had all gone down the drain. It’ll take much time and effort to retrieve even a portion of what we lost.”

“What about our ports itself?” Jaehaerys asked, his frown only intensifying with every second.

“The port officers are corrupt to the core. They’ve been taking bribes from Essosi captains in return for avoiding port duties. The revenue loss is incalculable since the books kept in Dragonstone are obviously fake. Some port officers have also used your decree of granting fee relaxation to Manderly ships to line their pockets.”

“How so?” Jaehaerys asked curiously.

“They’ve been falsifying records in our ports by marking certain ships as Manderly ships. When, in fact, Manderly ships rarely make their journey this far south.”

“How do you know they don’t?” Vaegon asked, breaking his silence.

“I’ve managed to contact the captains of Manderly ships prowling the Narrow Sea. They prefer Driftmark over Dragonstone as their preferred trading port.” Aegon answered truthfully, “The fact that you don’t know this is concerning, your grace.”

There was an awkward moment of silence between them, which was broken by his uncle Vaegon.

“Lord Corlys exacts a steep price on port duties.” Vaegon commented.

“Yes, he does.” Aegon nodded at his uncle, “But Lord Corlys hosts some of the best merchants and their wares in Driftmark. Why would any Northern ship looking for supplies to stave off the hunger brought forth by winter sail anywhere else?”

For a moment, his grandfather and uncle engaged in a silent conversation between themselves. But whatever their response was, he never heard a peep of it as the rest of the family started to walk in.

The dinner was a silent affair, and the tension at the dining table was so thick that you could cut it with a knife. His grandmother chose to sit close to Aemma and put Gael in between Aegon and herself. Ever since their spat, his grandmother hadn’t spoken a word with him or sent a letter. He had sent a note of apology after sense returned to him once he was in Dragonstone, which remained unanswered to this day.

“I've heard you and your brother have done splendid work finding the corruption among the Dragonstone garrison and our ports. Now, what do you hope to do to restore Dragonstone to its former glory?” Jaehaerys asked, steepling his fingers while pinning Viserys with a stare.

‘Former glory?’ Gael mouthed at him with a roll of her eyes.

Aegon struggled to laugh at her blatant insult. He doubted his grandfather didn’t see what his youngest daughter was doing, but Gael could get away with almost anything. She was the golden child of his grandfather and grandmother, who could do no fault.

But Gael was not wrong. There were no glory days for Dragonstone in the last five decades. Maybe there was in the time of the Freehold, but after that, Dragonstone was never a hub for trade in the Narrow Sea. The island could’ve been a trade hub had Maegor and the Faith Militant not wasted the formative years of King’s Landing by waging a destructive war. The war in the continent had devastated the confidence of merchants from across the Narrow Sea and drowned the Iron Throne in debt with the Iron Bank. Even House Velaryon held outstanding debts with the Iron Bank despite their rising wealth. It won’t be long, however, when Lord Corlys removes the debts of his family owed to the Braavosi. It was the same case for the Iron Throne, but the good thing was that the royal coffers received gold and silver from the Seven Kingdoms through taxes. These taxes played a crucial role in settling the debts with the Iron Bank and other local creditors.

But the woes of the Iron Throne were hardly over. Even though there were decades of peace under his grandfather’s rule, much of the wealth of House Targaryen was spent on restoring order in the realm, building the Kingsroad and completing the works in the city. Amidst all that, Dragonstone had gone unattended for years. Even though Prince Aemon served as the Prince of Dragonstone, he spent most of his time in the capital. The same was true for Prince Baelon.

The only piece of glory in Dragonstone was the Dragonmont and the dragons, who called it their home. There were no other grand symbols of power in Dragonstone that anyone outside the Targaryen family could possibly see.

Aegon paid only half an ear to the answer Viserys gave to their grandfather. Instead, he focused on the steak pie on the table. He looked at Gael and nodded at the pie on the table. They made a quick game out of it as they competed to see who could consume a larger portion in a short time. While the rest of the table descended into talks of politics and whatnot, they were competing with gusto.

But their game came to an abrupt halt when their grandfather turned his attention on Gael.

“My daughter is ten and nine. In a few months, she’ll be a woman of twenty namesdays. It’s time that she marry someone of suitable standi…” Jaehaerys started to say but was abruptly cut off by none other than his wife.

“No! You’ll not touch my daughter and use her for your political gains. Never again.” Alysanne almost snarled with a feral expression that shook everyone at the table.

“Alysanne!” Jaehaerys slammed his fist on the table.

Not to be outdone, Alysanne did the same by slamming her hand on the table, making Aegon flinch.

“Jaehaerys! I hope you hear me true and well. I’ll not let you or anyone else use my daughter in your schemes. She’ll marry when I say so, and that’s final.” Alysanne growled in anger as she stood up from her seat. “If anyone likes to think otherwise, they’ll find how hot Silverwing’s flames are.”

“Come, daughter. You’ve dined enough.” Alysanne said imperiously, dragging Gael out of the dining hall after delivering her threat.

“I won. You were too distracted, Gael.” Aegon shouted at her, showing his clean plate while her plate had some pie left.

He could hear Gael complain loudly to her mother for making her lose another one of their games.

When Aegon turned his attention back to the table, he was the recipient of several incredulous stares from Daemon, Viserys and his father.

“Your ability to engage in the most childish games while serious matters are being discussed astounds me, Aegon.” Baelon said reproachfully.

“Discussion? I only heard shouting instead of a civilised discourse. When there is a civil discussion in the family, I’ll be mindful not to bother the adults with my games father.” Aegon promised with a faux serious face.

“Enough, Aegon.” Jaehaerys warned, and that dissuaded him from making any more snide comments.

Having the king of the Seven Kingdoms annoyed at you was not a good prospect, especially when he had no dragon under his command.

Even though the dinner ended on a sour note, King Jaehaerys called Aegon and Viserys into his office after the dinner. Aegon noticed the presence of Ser Ryam Redwyne and maester Vaegon in the office.

“Sit.”

Aegon and Viserys followed the command and sat across from the table of their grandsire.

“The situation in Dragonstone is perilous, and I can no longer tolerate it. Therefore, I’ve decided on a punishment fitting for those corrupted men in Dragonstone. Hang half the corrupt men you found and leave the rest to confess their crimes. Their ill-begotten wealth must be seized, and Dragonstone must rise in stature with Driftmark.”

Aegon gaped at his grandfather as if he was seeing the man for the first time.

“Did you just tell us to kill half a hundred people and also revive Dragonstone to match the grandeur of Driftmark while we are at it?” Aegon asked incredulously.

“Are you telling me two dragons are no match against a sea horse?” Jaehaerys asked airily.

Aegon and Viserys remained in stunned silence at what was being asked of them.

“Your grace. How are we supposed to match Lord Corlys in wealth so suddenly? It’s impossible.” said Viserys.

“Shall I send Daemon to Dragonstone if you fear failure this much?” Jaehaerys asked innocently.

“Twenty thousand gold dragons and ten thousand silver stags must be sent to Dragonstone monthly for the next two years. We’ll also need two hundred trusted men and a proportionate number of knights to command those men. They must be loyal to the crown, preferably from the Crownlands.” Aegon immediately said before Viserys could ask for Daemon’s presence in Dragonstone.

“What? Aegon… I don’t…” Viserys spluttered.

“I assume we also have the power to make administrative decisions in Dragonstone?” Aegon asked, avoiding his brother’s eyes and focusing solely on his grandfather.

“Yes. Maester Gerardys will keep me informed of your decisions. If I find anything I disagree with, I’ll let you two know.” said Jaehaerys.

“The coin and the men that I asked?” Aegon looked expectantly.

“The coin will be ready by the time you’re ready to sail. The men will be ready by the end of this month.”

“Good. Then I give you my word we’ll match Dragonstone’s stature and wealth with that of Driftmark within two years.” Aegon promised with a straight face.

“You’re bold, Aegon. I’ll give you that. But many men have made promises before me. The question is, can you keep your promise?”

“I gave you my word, your grace. You’ll understand the value of my word within two years.” said Aegon with his head held high.

****

Jaehaerys watched his grandsons leave the room. Once the door slammed shut, he turned his attention to his newly appointed Hand and his son Vaegon.

“What do you think Vaegon?” Jaehaerys asked, looking curiously at his son.

“I think Baelon is as stupid as I remember him. Viserys is a lazy man content with the trappings of opulence, Daemon is an overexcited child, and Aegon is the only one with a drive for excellence and learning.” said Vaegon with a snort.

“Prince Viserys is also a kind and merciful soul who even tamed the Black Dread. Prince Daemon is a puissant warrior. It’d be unkind to overlook the princes’ other attributes, your grace,” Ser Ryam Redwyne reminded him.

“Maegor also rode the Black Dread. Did that make him a good king? King Aenys was merciful, but did that stop people from rebelling?” Vaegon asked, glaring at the Kingsguard knight, who looked abashed.

“Baelon and many in the family coddle Viserys and Daemon too much. Aegon’s strength comes from his self-reflection that he must make something of himself. That’s an admirable trait lacking in my brother and his two children. They thrive in knowing they will succeed my father without any challenge.”

“I agree with Vaegon. They do not give due diligence to the threat posed by Lord Corlys and his children. They’re self-assured in their positions save for Aegon.” said Jaehaerys with a thoughtful frown.

“Then perhaps, your grace should speak with Prince Baelon. Your guidance would surely help the prince.” Ser Ryam advised.

“Baelon is no longer a child. He must learn from his mistakes. The only thing he has done well so far was keeping Aegon at arm’s length.” Vaegon said with a snort.

“You seem to like Aegon, yet you’ve hardly spoken to the boy. Perhaps you’d take up an interest in passing your knowledge to…”

“Spare me your plots, father.” Vaegon immediately cut in before he got saddled with his nephew's education.

“Then I’ll trouble you with the matter of Gael’s marriage.”

“You shouldn’t. I have no interest in testing the heat of Silverwing’s flames.” Vaegon deadpanned.

“Have you taken leave of your senses like your mother, Vaegon? Your sister is old enough to give me grandchildren. How long do you reckon a noble lady of a great house remain unmarried?” Jaehaerys thundered.

“Fine!” Vaegon huffed. “If you want my suggestion, then here it is. Have Gael betrothed to Lord Rickard Redwyne’s heir, Ser Alfred Redwyne.”

“Alfred Redwyne?” Jaehaerys frowned thoughtfully before turning his sights on his Hand.

“What is your opinion, Ser Ryam? After all, he’s your nephew.” Vaegon posed the question with a pointed look.

“My nephew is an accomplished Knight and a leal man, your grace. He is two and twenty and he served as Lord Hightower’s squire. House Redwyne would be blessed and honoured to accept Princess Gael as the future lady of the Arbor.” Ser Ryam said with grace.

Jaehaerys frowned thoughtfully into the distance.

“Lord Rickard also has a daughter, doesn’t he?” Jaehaerys asked as a plan started to form in his mind.

“Yes, your grace. My niece Alicia is a sweet girl.”

“Age?”

“Your grace?” Ser Ryam blinked in surprise.

“Your niece’s age, Ser Ryam.”

“Four and ten, your grace.”

“Hmm…” Jaehaerys hummed thoughtfully.

“Your father was a loyal man, Ser Ryam. He served faithfully in the Small Council and built the Royal Fleet from nothing after Maegor gutted it. If the Shiver hadn’t taken him, your father might’ve been sitting in the Small Council as my Master of Ships.”

“My father was an honourable man, your grace. He and my elder brother passed away before their time.” Ser Ryam said, nodding at the King graciously for his kind words.

“Yes. I propose another betrothal between Aegon and your niece, Alicia Redwyne. Two royal marriages shall bind House Targaryen and House Redwyne in their destinies for generations to come.” Jaehaerys declared. “What say you, Ser Ryam?”

****

Aegon celebrated his fifteenth namesday in the Red Keep instead of Dragonstone. He should've left for the island, but the unexpected delay in procuring the coin from the treasury facilitated an extension of his stay in King’s Landing. It also helped that he got the time to recruit a couple of knights from the city for what was to happen in Dragonstone. The city being host to many knights of the Crownlands made it easier to recruit some fresh blood for what was undoubtedly a bloody and dangerous campaign at Dragonstone.

If a Targaryen started fearing for his life in Dragonstone, of all places, their tenuous hold on the island was quite apparent. It was a shame that most of his family had written off Dragonstone as a dreary place. It was not as populous as King’s Landing or bustled with foreign merchants like Driftmark, but Aegon loved it all the same. Perhaps he loved it far better than the capital. The smell alone strongly motivated Aegon to love Dragonstone over King’s Landing.

Even his namesday celebration didn’t brighten up Aegon. The tension in the capital was thick as the king and queen were at odds once again. Therefore, any celebration had gone out of the window. Still, his grandfather had ordered a feast to celebrate Aegon’s namesday.

But Aegon was content with the gifts and even a rare smile his grandmother had reserved only for him when she gifted him a handmade cloak. Despite the thaw in their relationship, he had made up with his grandmother.

There was a time when he could remember spending his birthdays all by himself in a dark corner of a cupboard. Compared to that, he felt like he was having the time of his life. Sure, there were disagreements and rivalries within the family, but he’d take a dysfunctional family over not having one at all.

Suddenly, a handful of seawater splashed on his face, making him cough and splitter.

“What was that for?” Aegon yelled between coughing and spitting out the salty water and sand that went into his mouth and nose.

“You were brooding again when you should be happy today.” Gael huffed, splashing more seawater as another tide came forward to wet their feet.

“All right. I’ll be happy from now on.” Aegon raised his hands in surrender and began laughing exaggeratedly.

“Hmm… I’ll be the judge of that. Now, help me collect more seashells. I want to make a necklace for Rhaenyra and Aemma.”

“Yes, my queen. Your words are my command.” Aegon performed an exaggerated bow, making Gael giggle.

Gael suddenly stopped laughing and assumed a serious look. Her eyebrows scrunched together, and her lilac eyes suddenly became sharper.

“Mother says I don’t have to listen to father, and I can marry anyone I like.” Gael suddenly said, making Aegon blink a few times at the sudden tangent their conversation went.

“I assume she also said you can pick someone within reason.” Aegon said tentatively, knowing this was a delicate matter.

The last thing he wanted was for him to get involved in the tug-of-war between his grandfather and grandmother.

“Within reason? What do you mean?” Gael asked, tilting her head to the side.

“You can’t obviously marry a commoner. I don’t think grandfather or grandmother would stand for that. So, the least worthy candidate would be a landed knight, and that’s being generous. I suspect they’ll both search for a man from one of the great houses.”

“I see. What if I already love a knight? He has no substantial lands to his name, but his family is wealthy and powerful. But most importantly, I know he’d never mistreat me, and he makes me happy.”

“Then I suggest that you inform grandmother about this mystery knight. She might approve of this knight once she meets him, and we can leave her in charge of convincing grandfather.” Aegon suggested.

“That’s sound advice.” Gael said brightly before a shy look graced her delicate features. “There is one other thing, Aegon.”

“What’s it? Do you want me to accompany you to inform grandmother about this mystery knight?” Aegon asked.

“No. I’ve already told mother about the knight, and she approved.”

“Oh! So, do you need me to support your choice before grandfather? I can do that.” Aegon nodded, but Gael shook her head.

“I’ve yet to tell this knight of my love for him.” Gael said with a blush.

Aegon started laughing hard upon hearing that.

Suddenly, a pair of lips smashed against his own, forcing Aegon to go silent. He stared into Gael's lilac eyes as she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her body. She took turns to nibble at his lower and upper lips. His hands were now suddenly on her waist on their own accord, and it was only then that he realised he was enjoying the kiss just like Gael, who had her eyes closed in bliss. Her fingers were now threading through his hair while their lips were engaged in a sensual battle that neither of them was willing to concede.

It felt like his lungs were burning, and his heart was ready to break out of his ribcage and fly away to the distant stars. With a gasp, they separated for some much-needed air.

Gael was smirking at him even as she struggled to breathe after they broke apart.

“Gael…” he started to say, but she immediately clamped his palm over his mouth.

“I know what you’re going to say. You’ve made your thoughts known about the incest in our family many times. But be sure to keep this in your mind, Aegon. If I’m to marry someone, it’ll be you and no one else.”

“Gael, I don’t think everyone else will approve…”

“My mother approves, and I know you love me.” Gael said, cutting him off.

“How do you know I love you?”

“I know.” Gael said softly, touching his lips tenderly while gazing into his eyes with an intensity that made him forget himself.

Soon, they were kissing again, and this time, it was Aegon who pulled Gael into the kiss.