(Baelon's POV)
I sighed, "Aemond..." I said as I stood next to the bed where he lay, sleeping, "You fool.....my brothers are fools.....I hope you don't turn out like them."
I looked at Daeron, who was standing next to me. He was so small, the boy. That is all that he and Aemond were, boys. I never once meant to get them in harm's way, especially Aemond who rides Vhagar and has more confidence than your normal prince.
Daeron nodded, "I...." He said, "I won't, brother. I will listen to you no matter what."
I patted his head, "You are a good kid." I told him, "You'll stay here with him?"
He nodded, "Mother will come soon." he told me
As he said that, the doors opened and she walked in, almost like saying her name summoned her. She stopped right in front of the door and looked at me, gesturing at me to come over to her.
I looked at Daeron, "I will see you later, Daeron."
I then walked over to her, she stood there with her arms in front of her.
"So, it's done?" She asked
I nodded, "Yes."
She looked at me, "You did what had to be done." She said softly, "I understand. Taking lives...it's...."
"Hm." I said as I glanced to the side, "Mother, I am so-"
"Stop it." She cut me off, "I will not hear it. But I want you to understand, Baelon. These children look up to you. They always have. So please, from now on, think about what your actions will lead. It is not your fault. But at the same time, it is not Aegon's fault either. They want to prove themselves, that is all."
I nodded, "They're not ready." I told her, "Not for this."
"I know." She said as she reached for my cheek and patted it, "But you have been for a long time, haven't you? Baelon, The Bold. The Crown Prince of The Seven Kingdoms. You know every child in the Realm knows your name? Every time I look at you, I cannot help but feel happy. Baelon, make them ready. Nurture them into the Princes they are meant to be."
"Mother....." I started
"I love you." She said as tears formed in her eyes, "All of you. I cannot bear the thought of losing any of you."
I gently grabbed her hand, "You won't." I said, "Do not worry."
She smiled, "Okay." She said softly
I turned back to look at Aemond, "I hope this is a good lesson for him." I said, "To improve his skills."
"I hope so too." She said, "Aegon too."
I looked back at her, "I will go and speak to him."
**********
"You are a fool." I told Aegon as he sat on the bench, his head hung down
"I did not intend for this to happen." He said
"Well, it happened." I said
"I am sorry, Baelon." He told me
"What's done is done." I said as I looked to the side, seeing the flowers in the garden, "All that mattered at that moment is that the two of you were safe. Even if you were nowhere near the danger. Aegon, you do realize that I never once wanted any of you to get in the way of serious harm, right? Yes, I always convince you to go out and fly around but that's just harmless fun, away from danger."
He looked at me, "I..."
"This is different, brother." I said seriously, "This is war, this is battle. The power of life and death is in the palm of our hands. We ride Dragons, for crying out loud. Aemond and I ride the largest dragons in the world! I wield the greatest power in the Realm! Do you understand the meaning of that? Until you do, you will never be fit to do something like that!"
"Baelon..." He said, "So that's what this is...."
I walked up to him and grabbed him by the shoulder, "You and I....we are brothers...." I told him, "I love you, Aegon. I truly do. But I want you to understand something. You have to be ready for something like that, should it happen again! You and I, we're the eldest! Those two boys, they look up to both of us! Not just me. Whatever you say, they will do!"
"I'm sorry, Baelon, I thought-" He started
"Enough." I told him, "I just want you to understand. I am not angry, not anymore. I am sorry for striking you, brother. I was caught in the moment."
I let go of him and stepped back, letting out a sigh.
"I will get better. I promise." Aegon said, "From now on, I won't let anything else happen to my family."
"I hope so." I said with a slight smile
"I always dreamt of the three of us...no, the four of us....flying into battle together and striking fear in the heart of our enemies..." Aegon said, "I just....I didn't think Aemond would take my joke so seriously..."
"Let's hope it never gets to the point where all four of us brothers have to fly into battle." I told him, "Chin up, Aegon. Everything will be well."
************
I walked up to Helaena who sat at the base of the tree, reading a book.
She looked so beautiful, wearing her nice and pretty white dress. Her hair was flowing slightly in the wind, some of it was getting in her face and the way she moved it out of the way so awkwardly was adorable.
"Helaena..." I said as I stopped in front of her
She looked up from her book, "Baelon...."
"I have returned." I said with a slight smile
"I see." She said, "Have you seen Aemond?"
I nodded, "He's strong, he will be fine." I said, "The moment I saw Vhagar above the island, I couldn't help but worry sick about him. If something had happened to him..."
"Aemond will live a long and healthy life." Helaena said suddenly, "His appearance will be intimidating, but his heart will stay the same."
I looked at her, "Huh?"
She looked back down to her book, saying nothing else.
So, she's seen it, huh? Well...
"Did you miss me?" I asked her
"Every time you leave my side, I miss you." She said softly
I walked up and sat next to her, looking at the book she was reading, "Is that so?" I asked
She nodded, "Yes."
I wrapped my arm around her and leaned in, kissing her on the top of her head, "I am glad." I said as I gently rubbed her shoulder, "Going to battle makes me think...."
"Yes?" She said without looking at me
"I cannot wait to marry you." I said
She was flipping a page when I said this and the moment those words came out of my mouth, she stopped midway.
"E-Eh?" She looked at me
"What? Do you not feel the same?" I asked her
Her face went slightly red, "W-Well..." She stammered
I smiled slightly, "You and I will be husband and wife." I told her, "We will be one. Like we were meant to..."
"Baelon..." She said
I leaned in and kissed her briefly on the lips, something that surprised her. She looked at me with a soft gaze, her beautiful eyes staring deep within me.
"I only wish to make you happy." I said, "If I can't do that..."
"I am a failure."