After three more dances and songs, Aegon finally led Helaena back to the high table, where the royal family rose to applaud their performance. With everyone's attention on him, Aegon paused on the floor to make an announcement.
"Your Grace," he said, bowing his head toward the king, "Ladies and lords of the realm, please enjoy yourselves. I've taken enough of your time this evening, so I'll join my family now, and the King and Queen, at their table." His words appeared courteous, but there was a subtle edge to them. Otto Hightower and his daughter, Queen Alicent, caught this nuance, realizing that Aegon did not truly include the king and queen in his sense of "family."
As Aegon walked back to his seat, he briefly locked eyes with the High Septon. To Aegon, the man's aura resembled that of a schemer rather than a spiritual guide. *Is this what they meant by "teach"?* he thought. *The book of the Seven is flawed—more of a manual on submission, one that upholds the nobility while disregarding the poor and the bastards. This is not the way of the true Seven.* Aegon resolved that the faith, like much else, would have to change. If I am here to teach, then I will start with this.
Later, in the King's Quarters
Reflecting on the evening, King Viserys was impressed. "Talented" barely scratched the surface of Aegon's abilities; he possessed the grace and presence of a figure touched by the divine. Viserys had noticed how attentively Aegon regarded Helaena and didn't object to the idea of joining his family more closely with his brother's. He then turned to his wife, "How is Ser Criston Cole faring?"
"He suffered no lasting injury and should be fully recovered by morning," Alicent replied with a tone of cold disapproval. "But his behavior was disgraceful. His monstrous appearance speaks of something darker than a mere deformity."
"'Deformity'? You call that a deformity?" Viserys replied, almost amused. *If that's a flaw, it's one I'd gladly bear.* He admired Aegon's unique strength and resilience—how quickly his wounds healed and the raw power he carried. "He'll demonstrate his flying abilities tomorrow. It seems he can ride any dragon he chooses—something worth seeing."
Alicent's expression darkened. "Will you intervene in Ser Criston's trial?"
"There's no need to intervene," said the king with a note of finality. "The boy may have overstepped, but a duel to the death would be absurd. I expect the boy will apologize to Ser Criston once they've exchanged blows."
---
Alicent's Thoughts
*Does he really think that creature will apologize?* To Alicent, Aegon's striking appearance and disregard for her presence were unsettling. Criston had assured her he'd only been caught off guard; had he been prepared, he would have defended himself better. But Aegon's disdain for her and her father was clear. *This wasn't just about Criston. He's making it plain that he only respects those he considers family.* Alicent's fear grew as she wondered if Aegon might stand with Rhaenyra in the succession, simply because she was "family."
Otto's Thoughts
Criston's matter can be handled through conversation, Otto mused. He wasn't sure why Aegon had insisted on challenging Criston, but he sensed there was more to it than met the eye. Aegon was sharper than many gave him credit for, and Otto recognized his own underestimation of the boy. The quiet disdain Aegon harbored was almost certainly inherited from Daemon, and yet the boy hid it well when addressing Viserys. But Otto's concern lingered: Aegon's growing influence would likely interfere with his plans to see his grandson on the Iron Throne after Viserys's death.