-Chapter 26-
Facing Prince Aemon, rider of Urrax and not Lord of Runestone, was very different.
As Lord of Runestone, he exuded something unique, a peaceful, pacific, and amiable temperament, far from the current dragonrider brimming with confidence and arrogance before the most powerful lord in the realm.
Some might even say that I am the most powerful man, even above our king, His Grace Viserys Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men.
'Certainly the only thing he inherited from Daemon besides his blood,' I thought, disdainfully recalling the dog without pride that Daemon was, who preferred to wag his tail before his brother rather than keep his crown and exploit it properly.
'For I have a wife and two magnificent children who have proven to be blessings from the gods, whoever they are, and protective talismans like no other,' I thought, allowing a smile to appear on my stoic face.
I inclined my head slightly in recognition and said:
"I apologize if I have shown you any disrespect, my prince."
"There is nothing to forgive. Whatever my name and the vague title it bestows upon my birth, the respect I receive will come from my actions, and it so happens that I am quite young and inexperienced."
I nodded, surprised by his magnanimity despite all the power he had wielded since birth, and said:
"I judged you too quickly, but it seems that even if the scales of your armor are made of bronze, I am indeed facing a dragon."
"I must admit that I am in the same position as you. Never would I have thought that a man such as yourself, so powerful and respected, would be capable of admitting a mistake so easily and even less of showing such humility by bowing his head and asking for forgiveness," said the young prince, who already looked like a young adult.
'Never would I have believed, without knowing him, that he is only twelve years old. He looks sixteen or even seventeen,' I thought, extending my hand to the young man who quickly shook it, the atmosphere now relaxed enough for us to speak more calmly about my daughter's hand.
"I am pleased to see that we have all been able to move past our common prejudices to become the family we are meant to be," said my wife, linking her arm with mine.
Prince Aemon nodded and said: "I never had the chance to tell you in person, but I want to say that I am sorry for having inadvertently participated in your deposition."
"I wasn't…"
"It was theft, and everyone knows it. I'm not saying this because I am dissatisfied with my uncle or my position, or to flatter you, but because I believe it. You would have surely made an excellent queen, perhaps that's why they didn't choose you. You would have been too good for this kingdom where interests outweigh family ties," said the Prince, and I don't know why, but I instinctively knew he was telling the truth. His gaze and his calm, unshakeable tone convinced me of this.
Rhaenys smiled, and I, who knew her well, could detect her true mood: she was happy and even slightly moved.
'She has always considered him as a member of our family because of the promise she made to the late Queen Alysanne.'
'I feared that the old queen had idealized her grandson by transferring all the love she felt for her son Aemon onto her great-grandson, but it seems that this is not the case and that she had a unique vision capable of piercing the barriers of time. Given the right time, the kingdom will witness the birth of a miracle.'
'Or a monster for his enemies,' I thought, trying to overlay the servile image I had seen of Aemon at the tournament with that of the indomitable and confident Prince before me.
"Darling," said Rhaenys, bringing me out of my thoughts.
"Yes?" I asked, bewildered as I had lost track of the conversation.
"We were waiting to hear your decision," said Rhaenys.
I observed the young man before me one last time, then sighed:
"If my daughter is happy with this union and desires it, I will not oppose her wishes."
The smile of relief that spread across his face was genuine, but I couldn't help but feel a small pang deep inside as I handed my daughter over to a man like him.
'A man like me, capable of selling his own children to climb the ladder of power,' I thought.