(Baelon's POV)
"What you did with Skagos was unforeseen, My Prince." Lord Darklyn said, "But necessary. The Skagosi are nothing but crude savages, worse than the wildlings."
I sat down at the table, which had some meals prepared for us. Lord Darklyn sat across from me, drinking wine from his cup. Uncle Daemon sat next to me, and the servants occasionally came and served us more wine and food. This was a separate table, away from the rest. Only we sat here while my Father was in the privy.
I nodded as I drank wine, "I suppose that is true."
Daemon scoffed, "You're damned right it is." He said, "What is that tradition they still perform? The one where the Lord can fuck any man's wife?"
Lord Darklyn nearly spat out his wine, "Fuck....I forgot about that." He said, "My father once told me about that custom. I have always found it unsettling."
"Either way, what's done is done." I said, "They learned their lesson and even if they are still angry, they have to focus on rebuilding. As a gesture of goodwill, I sent them a few ships with supplies. I told them if the ships and their crews were harmed, I would go and finish the job."
Daemon chuckled, "Attaboy."
Lord Darklyn looked around, seeing that the main hall of Duskendale was filled with nothing but nobility. Off in the other side, Mother and Helaena were sitting at another table, speaking with other Lords and Ladies. Well, Mother was. Helaena was focused solely on her book.
"I have to say, My Prince." Lord Darklyn said, "That act really sent a message across the Realm. Now, everyone wishes to remain in your good graces. They know that the Heir means business."
"Good." Daemon said, "They should know my Nephew is not someone that should be taken advantage of."
Lord Darklyn nodded, "House Darklyn remains loyal to the Crown. To your Father, to you." He told me, "I know that my son is but a loyal member of the prestigious Kingsguard and my House will continue producing worthy Knights for that order."
I gave him a slight smile, "Of course." I said, "The Crown appreciates House Darklyn."
He drank from the cup before wiping a bit that spilled on his mouth, "I will say something. In confidence. The Heir and Prince Daemon....you should be the ones to know about it." He said, "There is trouble brewing. The people talk."
I glanced at Daemon who looked at me for a second before looking back at him.
"We know." Daemon said, "And I would appreciate it if you don't speak too much of it."
"Ah." Lord Darklyn said as he nodded, "Well, I think it's rubbish. I shall not speak of it. Accusing Royalty of Treason is a vile crime, after all. But...I suggest you look into it. When discord is caused, panic ensues. And amidst the Chaos, bad things could happen."
I looked at him, "What else do you know of this?"
He glanced behind him, seeing Lord Corlys sitting on a table, drinking wine and looking at us, "That man is one of them." He said, "Either you punish him, My Prince or you go to the ones behind him. Sooner or later, things are going to happen. We all know this."
Daemon cleared his throat, "Lord Corlys is the head of a valuable House." He said, "Accusing him of something like that is not something we want to do."
"All due respect." Lord Darklyn said, "Word spreads fast. I know that Prince Baelon placed him before the Black Dread. I respect that, Young Prince."
I chuckled, "yea, well he gave me names." I said, "But....enough of this.....will you attend the wedding, My Lord?"
"Of course!" He said as he raised his glass, "I am literally right here, around the corner. I should be there for sure. I wish you and your betrothed a great future. May she provide you with many children as beautiful as hers."
I nodded, "Yes."
******
"I am bored." Helaena said as she sat next to me on the bench, "I want to go home."
I sighed, "You and me both."
She reached for my hand, grabbing it tightly, "Do not leave me alone again." she said softly
I looked at her, her beautiful eyes staring right at me, "Alright..." I said, "Do you want to stay here? Sit here for a while?"
She nodded, "That sounds lovely."
"Not as lovely as you." I gave her a smile
She blushed slightly, "Stop that."
I leaned in and kissed her on the forehead, "But my dear Helaena, you look beautiful today." I told her, "Don't ever change."
"I do not plan to." She said softly
"Hm." I said as I raised her hand and kissed it as well, "The time is near. How are you feeling?"
"I...." She started, "It feels surreal....I am excited....but nervous..."
"Why are you nervous?" I asked
"I do not know." She said, "Will it be okay? Our wedding?"
"It should be." I said
"What if something happens?" she said with a sad frown, "I.....Baelon, what if I fail you?"
"Relax." I said with a smile, "You will not."
"I am still unsure about having a ch-" She started
"I told you, didn't I?" I cut her off, "I will not force you. That's not who I am. We will marry and when you are ready, we will start a Family."
"T-Thank you...." she said as she looked down, "I...I do not deserve you...."
"Helaena...." I said as I patted her cheek, "You could be right. You do not deserve a fool like me. And I do not deserve a sweet and gentle soul like you, so kind and perfect. I made you a promise. I will keep it. We will grow old and happy together, it matters not if we're King and Queen or just some Prince and Princess. As long as we are together, we will stay strong. I give you my word."
She grabbed my hand and gave me an even sadder frown, "But...." She started, "What of her?"
"Her?" I asked
"Our Sister...." She said softly
"What about her?" I asked
"I have seen it." She said as a tear ran down her face, "The two of you will have a fight....it gets so ugly....and you will not speak to each other...."
"I..." I said, "I...I do not know...what?"
"I do not want you two fighting...." she said softly, "Please, don't fight."
"No..." I said softly, "We won't fight. I promise. Nothing will happen between Rhaenyra and I...."
"I know about it, Baelon...." She said, "What happened in the North...."
"Nothing happened." I insisted, "If you saw it, you should know."
"It's not what happened outside...." She said before turning away, "It's what happened inside....both of your hearts...."
I looked at her, "Helaena..." I started, "That's...."
"I'm sorry.." She said, "I should not have mentioned that..."
"It's fine." I said as I looked down, "I....that's different, Helaena. You are the one I want."
"You know that...."