(Baelon's POV)
"Baelon..." I heard a voice call me
I opened my eyes, "Hm..?"
I was lying down on Helaena's bed, holding her from behind as she was still asleep. I felt the nice warmth of her body as my arms were wrapped around her waist.
I looked up to see Mother standing next to the bed, she was looking at me with a concerned look.
"W-What is it?" I asked as I lifted my head up
"I looked for you in your chambers, you had me worried." She said softly
I placed my head back on the pillow and hugged Helaena tighter, "I was with my wife." I said as I closed my eyes again, "I would appreciate it if we were left alone for a few more hours. She needs this."
"I understand..." she said, "Is she okay?"
"She will be." I said
I opened one eye to see that she had leaned closer to Helaena and patted her cheek, "My sweet girl...." She said softly, "She was so happy....I have never seen her smile so much in a single day. It was pure.....she....loves you, Baelon."
"I know." I said, "And I love her too."
"I will leave you two alone then." She said before turning around and walking away
"Hm...." I said
She stopped and turned to face, "W-Will I expect a grandchild soon?" She asked
"I do not think so." I said, "It is her choice. I will not force anything on her."
"Right.." She said, "When she wakes, tell her that breakfast will be ready soon. I would love to have the two of you with me."
I nodded, "Of course."
She smiled and walked out of the room, leaving us alone.
I let out a sigh and kissed the back of Helaena's head, "I'll be here....." I whispered, "With you...."
I closed my eyes and drifted back to sleep.
***********
"So we are going to pretend like it's over?" I said with a serious frown, "Father...."
"For now." He said, "When we root out the scum that planned all this, we'll strike."
We were sitting on a table, being served food. Otto sat next to Father as Daemon sat next to me. Servants walked in and out, serving us food and wine. I was supposed to go and eat with Mother and Helaena but the King called for me.
"This is the best course of action." Otto said, "We pretend like we are weak for the time being. Of course, we already handed out well-deserved punishments. We make them feel as comfortable as they felt when they thought of this."
"Quite a risky plan if you ask me, Otto." Daemon said with a serious frown, "How long until they try to target other dragonriders? Myself, my wife, my daughter?"
"If that comes to be, Prince Daemon, you are free to retaliate how you wish." Otto said as he drank wine from his cup
Daemon looked at Father, "Is that so?"
Father nodded, "The execution of Willem Blackwood is tomorrow. And an example must be made." he said, "But we still need to investigate the rest."
I sighed, "Okay."
"Nothing will happen to you, My Prince." Otto told me, "If anything does, it will not go unpunished."
"Just know that when I find ironclad proof of who is truly responsible, I will act." I said seriously, "Father....."
"I gifted you Blackfyre." He said, "As a result, I made you a symbol of Order. You ride Balerion and wield Blackfyre. The message has been sent. You are the King's Sword, Baelon. When I pass, you will ascend the Throne. That is what these mongrels do not want. But I will make sure that it is what they will get."
I nodded, "Yes." I said
"What is it?" Daemon asked me
"I just wanted to eat with Helaena, that is all." I said as I looked down
"You can have supper with her, My Prince." Otto said, "But speaking of the Princess, should we expec-"
"No." I said, "I won't speak of it."
"Very well." Otto said, "You should be aware that Aegon is next in line until you produce a son."
"Good." I said, "Nurture him well. Should I die, he's on the right track to being an almost-decent King."
"Do not joke like that." Father said, "You will not die."
"Hm." I said, "I know."
**********
"And I tried to claim Vermithor!" Aemma said as she stood next to me as I sat in my chair, "He was about to breathe flames when Uncle Daemon came in and pulled me away! It was that time when he and Lady Laena came to visit us!"
I blinked, "Huh?"
She nodded, "It is true, I tried to!"
We were in my chambers, Helaena had wanted to spend some time with us but our Niece had joined us when she stuck to her side sometime this morning. I had no idea where her Mother or Father was but I was not going to complain. My niece is lovely company when she gets excited about things.
I looked at Helaena who was sitting down on the couch, smiling sweetly at this, "Vermithor?" I said before looking at Aemma, "What child of ten tries to claim the Bronze Fury? What, do you think you're Mighty or something?" [a/n: ;) ]
"Aemond claimed Vhagar at my age, no?" Aemma frowned
"Vhagar is an old hag whose mood always varies." I said, "Yes, she can be a grouch and very irritable but when Aemond claimed her, I was there with him. She was docile, well as docile as Vhagar can get. She did open her mouth and it glowed but Aemond stood his ground. But Vermithor? That one is always angry. You need to be older to try to claim him."
"But I want my own dragon!" She frowned
"Sweet Aemma, dragons are not the only wonder of this world to experience." Helaena said, "But I understand your desire to have one."
"You will get your own dragon one day." I patted her head, "Do not fret."
"Easy for you to say....you claimed Balerion when you were younger than me...." She said softly
"Not all Targaryens claim their dragons so young like your Mother and I." I told her with a smile, "It comes with time. Where is your Father, by the way?"
"I have not seen him since it happened." Aemma said, "I am worried."
"Hm." I said, "Worry not, he will be fine."
As long as he's innocent, that is.
Aemma walked over to Helaena and sat next to her, "Do I have to marry Aemond?" She asked her
"It is decided." Helaena said
"But...." She started, "He's my uncle."
"He is kind." Helaena said, "With time, you will understand."
I heard the doors open and I saw that Rhaenyra walked in. She was wearing a black dress and had her hair loose, draped on her shoulders.
"Aemma." She said, "You are here. I looked for you everywhere."
"I was spending time with my aunt." Aemma said with a smile
"That is good." Rhaenyra said, "You will spend more time with her. Helaena, my sweet sister, may I borrow your Husband? I require to speak to him."
Helaena looked at me, "Uhm...." she said, "Sure....is everything alright?"
Rhaenyra gave her a smile, "Everything is fine."
Helaena stood up and grabbed Aemma's hand, "I will be in my chambers, Baelon." She told me, "I expect to see you there soon. Come, Aemma."
I nodded, "I will be there, love."
Helaena walked out of the room with Aemma and the doors were closed behind them as they left.
Rhaenyra looked at the door for a few seconds before looking at me, "We need to talk. Seriously." She said with a sudden change of tone
I leaned my head back and let out a sigh, "That, we do." I said as I looked at the ceiling, "There is much I need to ask you."
"Look at me." She said
I looked at her, she was giving me a serious frown, "What?"
"Do you have something to say? An accusation?" She asked, "I heard that you tried to arrest Trevor."
I narrowed my eyes, "Where is he?"
"I do not know." She said, "But I am sure that your actions must have scared him off. He knows the kind of man you are, Baelon....and frankly, I am not sure if I know my own brother that well..."
"When you have someone trying to kill you, Sister....you're bound to act hastily as I did." I said
"You drew a knife at me!" She exclaimed, "Held it at my throat!!"
"And I apologized for it!" I said
"No, Baelon! It does not work like that!" She said, "You....you are my brother!"
"Yes, Rhaenyra!" I stood up, "I am your brother. And your brother was targeted by your very own husband in a conspiracy! I do not have the proof I need but when I have it.....mark my words...."
"Trevor Celtigar will be brought before Balerion."