In the courtyard of the red keep were two young children. While the wind blew terribly, for a little girl of three years old, the child of Viserys ran around shouting to her uncle to try and catch her in joy.
The older of the pair smiled at the young girl's excitement. Same as the little girl, he had light blonde hair nearly white. Unlike her purple eyes, his were lilac. Unlike three years prior when the girl was just born, the boy now started the path of manhood, further taller and stockier.
Servants would giggle seeing the pair play. Aegor, the quiet child, didn't act like his usual self in front of the girl. Seeing the blushes of embarrassment that would come to his face when she would pull on his hand, gave me amusement to them.
Little Rhaenyra Targaryen only had this effect on him. This would have brought many awes if anyone outside the red keep saw the interaction. He was known to be silent and stoic.
When the girl was birthed. It was unlikely you ever saw Aegor without Rhaenyra near him even as a toddler and baby. When she came to six months old, she always cried out seemingly for no reason, Viserys and Aemma attempted everything. But to no prevail.
Both of them found it astonished when Aegor entered once, and despite Rhaenyra crying the whole day crying, she halted and simply looked curiously at him with her doughy little purple beady eyes, reaching out to him to be picked up and fussed.
End of the day, Rhaenyra went asleep in Aegors arms after playing for half the day entirely.
Since then she didn't leave his side, when he was there she screamed and cried for her uncle to play with her. As annoyed as her parents were about it, they found it quite cute seeing their child so close to Aegor.
She was a great effect on him as well as most of the family thought. Everyone tried to get the boy to open up but it was as though the thought of showing weakness was impossible.
It was a relief seeing Aegor act his age even if only one person could get them kinds of reactions.
"Hwurry up Aegor!" Little Rhaenyra shouted behind her. Small giggles came out of her mouth when she saw his face.
"H-how long do I have to do this?" He asked embarrassingly, a small tint of redness to his cheeks.
"Never!" Left to his fate of running after the energetic niece of his, Aegor simply played with her.
After ten minutes of constant playing until finally, opening the doors was most of his family except the king and Daemon. His father had a black and red tunic vest with their house symbol on it like Viserys. As for Aemma, she had a red and white dress, completing her white long hair that went to her mid-back.
Like her mothers, Rhaenyra had her hair patterned on either side and her unique red dress. As for Aegor, he went simply standard. A black vest, underneath a long-sleeved shirt and leather black pants. To top it all off was the carved three-headed dragon on the back of his vest.
"Rhaenyra darling come here." Aemma gushed to her daughter. Rhaenyra ran to her mum and hugged her lovingly.
Baelon and Viserys smiled at the mother and daughter before walking slowly to their other family member. Aegor looked up at them. On the oldest son's face was a smile.
"Did she force you to play again?" A grin came to his face soon after seeing his younger brother blush. "You must have a sof-"
"Viserys leave the boy alone, can you not see you're torturing him." Thankfully, Aegor was saved by his father however on his father's as well as that same smile.
Swallowing the lump in the back of his throat, Aegor spoke for the first time. "I-Is the Tourney ready?"
Both the father and son decided not to confront the subject change, yet Viserys smiled knowingly. "That's why we've come for you," Baelon said to him. Aegor nodded and before he knew it, he heard an exciting scream.
"AEGORRR!" Rushing towards his abdomen was the familiar small form of Rhaenyra. With the help of his training, he was able to catch her.
Although he was five foot and three inches, he was able to perfectly pick her up snuggly in his arms. They all started to laugh at the situation Aegor was in. Rhaenyra latched her arms around his neck for a loving hug.
He loved the girl dearly as a little sister however sometimes he did find it annoying. Only the cute face of her's kept him from not putting her down. Strolling from her previous spot, Aemma look at them, her eyes overflowing with care at that moment.
"She loves you Aegor. Don't you, my little flower?" A strong nod, a big smile, and her hand in the air were her reaction.
"Of Course! I love him!" this made Aemma smile widely including Viserys her enthusiasm.
Aegor's father, on the other hand, seemed to stiffen. Which Aegor noticed, yet he stayed quiet. They all almost seemed to forget about the tourney.
"Viserys can you take Rhaenyra from Aegor and start heading to the Tourney? The king is most likely waiting for us. Tell him we will be coming soon. There is something of importance to speak with Aegor privately."
Although Rhaenyra with all her effort fought back, she as well as the couple started to make their way to the tourney box. Now it was just Aegor and his father.
He knew where this going to go, there were whispers in court about Daemon and him being available to marry, but not just yet. He wasn't old enough to wed, unlike his brother. Betrothal although wasn't out of the realm of possibility. He didn't want to be betrothed, as much as he wanted to keep on training without a second thought of taking time out of it. He had a duty as a Targaryen prince first and foremost.
"You may already know what I'm going to speak of but it's of total importance. There has been talking of the prospects that may be your future wife. As much as I know you want to simply focus on your martial. It can not be left forever. Even Daemon had to marry someone despite his... Protests..."
Aegor knew of his massive outbursts, he had faced them more than once and many of them had been because of this subject. The number of times he argued and fought caused he decided to try extra hard in sparring.
He bested all the squire's King's Landing had available. Daemon still bested him in combat, and Aegor hated the feeling of his arse on the dirt. He grew to hate losing, especially to his brother who liked bragging to him about them. As much as Daemon was good at hiding his thoughts, as his brother, Aegor saw the anger boiling in him when he seemed not to care.
He'd best him one day. Aegor made that a promise. Then he'll become one of the best swordsmen to breathe in Westeros. It wasn't for his satisfaction, but to lessen the chance of his loved ones and himself dying a preventable death.
"I understand father. But can this be prolonged further maybe when I'm one and three name day? I want to focus on my prowess and martial before becoming a man." Aegor asked, trying to get more time for training. Baelon didn't respond straight away, obviously thinking about it.
Soon he decided after a long silence.
"Fine. But when you do, you'll be betrothed. It isn't decided to whom but I'll give you the candidates to become your possible wife... Laena Velayon and Alicent Hightower. While both are 5 and 7, the sooner you start courting them, the better the outcome for children. Fortunately, both of them will be in attendance with their respected house."
The way Baelon spoke seemed there was nothing to say about the subject, he was being stubborn again. Aegor only was able to nod, he got the hint his father meant. He will be expected to get to know them and start a relationship.
"Keep this in mind before you meet them. Anyway, come along, we can't delay or the king may have something to say." Baelon said looking down at him.
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It was the day of the tourney. Many lords and ladies were in attendance. Their respectful house symbols flew over the top of the tourney. In the center between two stands was the area where the knights would take part in melee and Jousting. Another area altogether would be the archery contest.
The viewers whispered to one another in anticipation. This was what many came for, seeing the best knights in all of Westeros fighting against each until only the best stood.
The children in attendance, simply looked on in awe, especially seeing many knights come from places they only wished to go to.
There wasn't a surprise when multiple whispers came from new nobles alike and small folk seeing for the first time, House Targaryen. Some were stunned. Not every day did someone see a family and many of that sporting white-blonde hair with a set of unique purple or lilac eyes.
When two new figures came from the doors behind the king further whispers of gossip set onwards. One of the figures all knew of, Prince Baelon 'the brave', Heir to Dragonstone and The Iron Throne after his brother's sad demise. However, whispers were the cause of a boy seemingly the age of twelve nameday.
Not many had seen the third son and prodigy of Prince Baelon's. Only the small council and Noble houses like Hightower, Velaryon, and Baratheon had been blessed with his presence.
Nothing was known of the boy except the praises from houses that had a close tie with the Targaryen house and the basic information such as the boy being reclusive.
The boy of said subject glanced around before continuing to follow his father seated right next to Rhaenyra. Even further gossip came from it after they saw the girl hold onto the boy seemingly shy yet excited about what was happening.
No later after the appearance of father and son, The king stood up gracing them with his presence, and shouted. Everyone was quiet laying in wait for his word expectantly.
"I welcome you all to this joyous moment in time. The best of the best that Westeros can offer will be partaking in the contest for the set of prizes. Bringing glory to their house and name. No doubt there will be many good moments awaiting us... Nevertheless! I hope you enjoy the festival, and the many more to come. Now let's get on with this Tourney!"