(Aerion's POV)
"Oh, Princess...My Lord." Lord Caswell said as he walked down the steps and towards us to greet us, "My, what a wonderful and big family this is..."
I watched as Lord Caswell grabbed Rhaenyra's hands, giving her a smile.
"Lord Caswell." Rhaenyra said with a slight smile, "It's good to see you."
"My apologies, Princess." He said, "Your Father is currently bed-ridden and everyone is too busy to greet the Heir and her family."
"Hm." I said simply while holding Aegon in my arms, "Is that so?"
Lord Caswell looked at me, "My Lord." He said as he took a step forward, "It is good to see you. Every time I am in the presence of The Aerion Targaryen, well, let's just say I am honored."
I nodded, "I am flattered." I said, "Where is the Queen? Why hasn't she greeted us?"
"Queen Alicent is busy with dealings of the Court." he said
"Ah." I said as Aegon leaned his head against my chest, "Well, I suppose that makes sense."
"Please, come in. I will make sure your children's chambers are prepared." Lord Caswell clapped his hands and took a step back, "I am overjoyed to have you back in the Red Keep after so long. Oh, if you're worried about that incident happening again, well, worry not. Although, you may not be too happy about it either."
"What do you mean?" Rhaenyra asked
"Well you see..." He said with a serious look on his face,
"Prince Daemon is in King's Landing."
***********************
After the children were settled in their rooms, Rhaenyra and I walked down the hall to go and see her Father. I wanted to see if he was in condition to greet the children, if not, I'd have Rhea taken to him so he can meet her.
It's strange, he was in good health for a while and suddenly, it waned and he was back in bed. Occasionally, he'd be up and walking but his leprosy was gone. I do wonder what it is, whatever he has. I hope he recovers.
"Your Father is here." Rhaenyra said seriously
I nodded, "Yea." I said
"What does he want?" She asked, "This cannot be good."
"I don't know." I said, "I hope he doesn't start any trouble, I cannot deal with that headache today."
"Oh, if it isn't my dear sister and beloved cousin!" I heard a voice say
Ahead of us, I saw Aegon The Older walking towards us with a grin on his face, wearing a dark green outfit outlined in gold. His hair was neatly combed as it reached his neck, I saw some bags underneath his eyes and a bit of red in his cheeks. I can only assume he's been drinking excessively as of late.
Rhaenyra and I stopped, "Brother." Rhaenyra said as she placed her hands in front of her, "Good to see you, I suppose."
"Ah, she's cold this one." Aegon said with a smile, "Where's my nephew? The Younger? I wish to see him."
"In his chambers. Worry not, you'll see him soon." Rhaenyra said
Aegon looked at me, "Ah, cousin. As big and strong as always." He chuckled, "How you been, Aerion?"
I nodded, "Aegon, you look good." I said, "Aside from whatever you got under your eyes."
"Ah, haven't been able to sleep." He said as he wiped underneath his eyes, "You know, spending time with....well, you know....Oh, look, you guys wore black today. Is it a funeral?"
He pointed at our outfits. I wore the usual black and bronze garments I wore and Rhaenyra wore a black dress with some dark red lining.
"No." I said, "What do you mea-"
I did a double take, not noticing my wife's dress since it was covered by a coat earlier. The top of it looked like it was cut rectangularly, exposing her clavicle while leaving her shoulder covered. (a/n: you know the one. ;) the one in the show. I love that dress on Rhae)
Needless to say, she looked stunning in that dress, I had a hard time taking my eyes off her and Aegon noticed it.
"Ah, you like the way my beloved sister looks in that dress, huh?" Aegon giggled
"Are you drunk, brother?" Rhaenyra asked
"No." Aegon said before clearing his throat, "Maybe.....Okay, I am."
I looked at Aegon, scratching the back of my ear as I tried to focus from Rhaenyra's dress, "Hm." I said, "Where are the children, Aegon? Jaehaerys and Jaehaera."
"They're with Helaena." Aegon said, "You can go and see them if you'd like. Oh! How about this! We all gather round after this entire petition business, have your kids with mine play while we sip tea and eat sweets, eh?"
I saw Rhaenyra roll her eyes, "Quit being a jester, Aegon." She said with an annoyed tone, "Is Father well?"
"Father's been in bed for the past week. He's in pain but he's going to be okay." Aegon cleared his throat, "Don't you think it's funny, though? I'm wearing green, you are wearing black....It's like we're on different sides against each other."
I sighed, "Shut up." I told him as I grabbed Rhaenyra's hand, "Let's go love, let's see if your Father is awake. Good seeing you, Cousin."
I pulled Rhaenyra alongside as I walked past Aegon who merely giggled.
He was definitely drunk. I wonder what's going on with him. I'll talk to him later.
"Go drink some water, brother." Rhaenyra said
***********************
"You look good." I whispered to Rhaenyra as we approached the King's bedchambers
"Huh?" She said with a look of surprise
I nodded at the top of her dress, "Never seen you in that one." I said with a slight smile
She blushed, "O-Oh, yes, right." She said, "Yes, I knew you'd like it."
"I do." I said, "I can't take my eyes off you."
"Stop that." She said as she tucked her hair behind her ear
I lifted her hand and kissed it, "Tonight, eh?" I asked
She gave me a slight smirk, "Sure."
"Princess." I heard an irritatingly familiar voice, "My Lord."
I stopped and saw Ser Criston Cole standing guard outside the doors to the chambers. He didn't have his helm on and I saw a significant scar on his forehead, above his left eyebrow. It was the one from Visenya's tourney years ago.
"Mm." Rhaenyra said as she looked at me without acknowledging him
I nodded, "Ser Criston." I said, "Am I right to assume my aunt is with the King?"
He nodded, "Yes."
"Can we go in?" I asked
He nodded again, "Of course."
"Thank you." I said as I gestured Rhaenyra to pass me
She walked past him and opened the doors as I looked at him.
"Good to see you, Ser Criston." I said before walking past him
"Likewise." He said simply
I followed Rhaenyra inside, closed the doors behind me, and walked past the massive stone replica of Old Valyria that Uncle had in his chambers.
Rhaenyra stopped before the veil that led to the bed, glancing at me.
Through the veil, I saw a King Viserys laying in the bed as Queen Alicent leaned over, her hand on his chest.
"Are you well?" She whispered
Viserys had one eye closed and looking at her, "For now, yes..." He said weakly
I cleared my throat, "Your Grace." I spoke up
Queen Alicent looked up in surprise, "A-Aerion....Rhaenyra...you've arrived..." She said as she straightened up
She was wearing a dark green dress, which was a funny coincident, considering what Aegon had said.
"Father?" Rhaenyra called for Viserys
I saw Viserys's pale face while he looked at her, "R-Rhaenyra....?" He said, "Oh....my sweet girl, come here."
Rhaenyra walked over to the bed as Queen Alicent stepped away, placing her hands in front of her and looking down awkwardly.
I walked forward, "Aunt." I greeted
"Aerion." She said, "How was the trip?"
As Rhaenyra leaned over Viserys, ignoring Alicent, I walked over to the Queen, "It was good." I said, "The children didn't complain much."
"Hm, where are they, I would like to see them." She said
"I'll bring them soon, I wanted to check on Uncle's condition." I said, "He needs to meet the babe."
"Of course." She said with a slight smile
"Aerion." I heard Uncle's weak voice, "Come, my boy."
I turned to see Rhaenyra step back as Uncle gestured me over.
"Of course." I said as I walked over to him, "Your Grace, you look....well, you used to look worse."
He chuckled, "It's something inside, my boy. I feel something in my chest...it hurts sometimes....burns my body up..." He said with a slight smile, "But it's fine, it goes away with the tonics the Grand Maester gives me..."
"Good." I said
"I would like to know, My Queen." Rhaenyra started, "Why a petition is to be heard regarding my son's inheritance."
I turned to see Rhaenyra looking at Alicent who merely shifted awkwardly.
"Rhaenyra." She said, "Lord Vaemond came to us without warning. We hear petitions nearly every day."
"And this afternoon, you would choose to hold one for the fate of my son's future." Rhaenyra said, "You know what that entails, Your Grace."
"Rhaenyra." I said, "Not now."
She looked at me, "No, I need to know." She said, "Why would he be heard out when Luke is clearly Lord Corlys's heir, being Laenor's son."
"I understand." Alicent said, "But-"
"Formalities." I turned to see uncle waving them off, "I don't give a shite about what Vaemond has to say. I'll hear him out but will deny him, plain and simple. Lord Corlys won't die, that much is clear to me."
"Of course, my love." Alicent said, "The King would love to see his grandchildren, Princess. I'll be on my way, leave you two to introduce him to your new daughter."
"Well...." I started, "I-"
"Yes, bring me my girl. And Visenya too." I heard Uncle say
"I want to see my precious girls."