Chapter 10: Reunions

[Allicent Hightower]

"Your grace... it seems that in the Training Grounds... Prince Aemond is having a duel with... his highness, Prince Baelon."

Instantly a frown appeared on my face. Baelon Targaryen. How in the seven hells did he not die? Larys had assured me that my father had already plotted his ploy.

While I could have changed it initially it was too late and the boy was poisoned. Due to this, I took the opportunity of making a will... and even comforted him in his last moments.

How is he still alive?...

I peeked a glance at my father. He was as shocked as me, although able to control it better than me. However, the question that reverberated more in my mind was- Just how did he find the strength to walk such a long distance? His body is supposed to be weak...

Daemon was quiet but Rhaenrya was not. She looked at Ser Harrold and spoke in an authoritative manner.

"While I do not doubt you, Ser Harrold... are you sure of the authenticity of this?"

Ser Harrold bowed slightly.

"No, your grace."

Yeah, Rhaenyra... that was obvious was it not? But then again, she has a lot of reasons to tread carefully. After all, she was to be the heir in his place.

Has he healed though? Or maybe struggling to walk just like the day prior? In that case, there is not much to worry... however that 'will' may be raised in court... and it would be easy to guess who wrote it, in case Baelon denies it.

It was stupid to leave the will there... I expected him to be dead.

Raising my hand, I chewed my nails lightly. This was turning out to be extremely difficult. Wait he is dueling with Aemond... Aemond!

I looked towards Viserys and bowed lightly.

"Husband, I believe we should visit the training grounds in person to witness the truth."

Viserys did not reply to me, he seemed to have gone into a daze instead. I snapped my fingers in front of his face.

"Viserys-"

He turned around to look at me with a smile. A genuinely excited one. It was different from all others I had seen, in a long while.

"Ah, yes. Let us."

It was annoying. Shaking my head, we followed Ser Harrold to the training ground.

~

My son was kneeling. Not just him, Lucerys, Criston... everyone around him was kneeling. My eyes shifted to look at the person in the center.

A silver mane, paler than all Targaryen combined, and ghost-white skin that seemed as smooth as ice.

For some reason, his eyes were closed but his figure was impeccable and tall. A domineering aura overflowing from him... a very dangerous one.

Was this Baelon Targaryen? He looked beautiful yet manly... almost as if an exquisite jewel but in a human form.

I glanced over at Viserys, his face was filled with a grin from ear to ear and his eyes twinkled similar to stars in the sky.

My face immediately scrunched. Baelon Targaryen is an enemy... to me and my children. I will protect them at all costs, whatever the price may be.

People think I yearn for the Iron Throne. No, I do not. Everything is for my children. Yes, everything. All pity I had for Baelon disappeared replaced with caution.

Yes, I felt shame at first for reaping out of a dying man but now... he clearly seemed healthy. The way he walked, the carefree smile on his face... Prince Baelon is healthy and it is a miracle.

I remember thinking the night before, if Prince Baelon Targaryen was groomed well, he would be a heart-throb. It seems I was correct.

Especially considering the looks, the maids have been sending him... gods be good... even Talya is gawking at him.

I shook my head lightly. It seems another player had entered the game. My plans would need a level up, from the corner of my eyes I glanced at my father, he did not look back, his gaze set on Baelon deeply.

Even Rhaenyra was silent and Daemon seemed to be having a small smirk. While all the other lords had contemplative expressions.

At that moment, I knew one thing. The entire board had been flipped. Baelon Targaryen was a third-party variable that we all considered would die.

A foolish thought.

My thought process was instantly broken as the constant cheers resounding throughout the entire area got even longer.

"Long Live Prince Baelon!! Heir to the Iron Throne!!"

"Long Live the Prince!! Long live the Targaryens!!"

The prince waved his hand, hushing everyone in weary silence.

"Rise."

His gaze passed through everyone as they stood up before lingering on me for a few seconds before widening into a disgusting smirk.

He turned to look around Criston Cole, his gaze similar to a predator as he circled around my kingsguard.

His voice trailed off, exaggerating the tone at its greatest.

"Ser Crisp Roll, if I remember correctly... did you not call my nephew... A Bastard?"

***

Gasps could be heard across the area. Calling, Rhaenrya's children was an offense towards the crown and the Velaryons, questioning each Valyrian House's dignity.

Ser Criston Cole froze for a moment before denying Baelon's claims.

"No your grace, I would not dare to do such dishonor."

Baelon raised an eyebrow, amused. He walked towards Rhaenyra, his smile ever present.

"How are you sister? I trust you have been well? Was dragonstone as warm as they tell it to be?"

Rhaenyra did not seem to be in the mood to talk. Her gaze fixed on Ser Criston Cole. At this point, it did not seem as if Baelon would need to use a dragon to burn him to a crisp.

"I have been... fine."

Baelon chuckled lightly.

"That is... good to hear. However, I will be taking Dragonstone back from today onwards. You do not need to be heir regent any longer, dearest sister. Thank you for your services in my stead."

Rhaenyra upon being double attacked simply did not know how to react. On one side was the Iron Throne she had always vied for and on the other the dignity of her children.

However, Baelon did not care what she thought. He treaded carelessly towards the kingsguard.

"If not for the fact that you have sullied your honor before I would think, you were telling the truth."

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Silence filled the area. Many were clueless about what this meant, after all, Ser Criston Cole was seen as quite an honorable man.

However, the real players knew and were astonished at the direct attack.

"Do not lie to me, Crisp. I want the truth."

The knight was unbudged. He looked down at the ground.

"I do not lie, your grace."

Baelon shook his head at Ser Criston Cole's stubbornness and walked over to Lucerys now as everyone observed his every moment, wanting for the drama to unfold.

"-And nephew, did he or did he not? Call you a bastard?"

Lucerys nodded lightly.

Criston Cole froze stiff. Even Daemon and Viserys were silent. I was simply dumbstruck.

"Yes your grace... he did."

Viserys walked into the drama, looking deeply at Lucerys, blind rage flowing behind his two orbs.

"Boy, are you sure?"

Lucerys nodded.

"Right before pushing me into the ground."

Baelon clapped lightly, he turned to glance at Ser Criston Cole.

"There you have it. Even Prince Lucerys admits it."

He then trudged towards Viserys, hugging him instantly.

"I missed you father."

Viserys's eyes got a little teary forgetting the drama unfolding in front. Maybe his dreams were not a lie. All hope was not lost yet.

"I missed you more son. Nothing gladdens my heart to see you healthy."

Baelon dipped. As he pointed his sword at Ser Criston's face and then cock.

"Say, father... should we have his tongue for spewing lies or cock to have him think with his head?"

Just as Viserys was about to answer, Rhaenyra stepped in. Her eyes brimming with hatred towards Ser Criston Cole. In the end, she chose her children and peace rather than the Iron Throne.

"I say your grace we take his head and pike it at the Red Keep's entrance."

Everyone gasped.

"You would do it? In front of everyone?"

Rhaenyra glared at him, her voice cold.

"In front of everyone. That is the only way."

Baelon chuckled. "Stop scaring Ser Criston Cole, sister. I feel, we should have him fed to our dragons."

Allicent's face went pale. She screamed, losing her sense of self.

"You would have dragons chew him alive?! My kingsguard?!"

Baelon smirked coldly.

"Well I meant to burn and then chew later but we can do the opposite for you. Goodmother."

Allicent grabbed her fists right. Aemond shot her a look she did not notice. He then glanced at Ser Criston with visible sadness.

"Maybe we should have Ser Crisp gelded? Hmmmm and fed to the pigs... OH WAIT! We could have a green viper bite it off instead!"

Daemon smirked. Finally making an appearance.

"That seems fitting."

He looked at Otto from the corner of his eyes before repeating.

"Conspicuously appropriate."

Baelon did not react to Daemon's comments. A nostalgic expression came over his face as the vampire prince spoke.

"It has been a long while since I saw you, uncle, last I remember you stole my dragon egg... after that you were exiled if I recall."

Baelon chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. Once upon a time, he was infuriated by this fact. Hoping a bond with a dragon would help him heal.

In the end, the egg  remained dormant. Baelon had always found his uncle a little interesting and impulsive.

Daemon shook his head, his nephew reminded him of a young Rhaenrya. Straightforward and sharp tones.

"I remember you refused autopsy the last time I saw you."

Baelon smiled. A kind and warm one.

"Afterwards remember... you were removed as heir and I was made in place."

Daemon's smile slipped but Viserys's did not. His eyes wandered over to Criston, his eyes darkening at the sight of the knight.

Baelon too turned around. Done with the farce small talk. He walked towards, Ser Criston Cole, pointing his sword at him.

"So Crispy, tell me... what way would you prefer to meet your end?"

Ser Criston Cole shook his head.

"I would like my head kept intact, your grace. I DEMAND A TRIAL BY COMBAT!

***
A/N: Why should you send me power stones? You should because, more readers motivate me and the easiest way to get more is by attracting attention and that can be attracted if you send power stones.

So let's milk them out good yeah?

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