•──•─•──•✦•──•─•──•

The high waves of the seas crashed against the cliffs, washing over their stony edges, singing a mournful song for one of their daughters. The news of Lady Laena Velaryon's death, who, struggling with a difficult childbirth, chose the death of a true dragon rider, leaving in flames, quickly reached King's Landing.

Gathered by the seashore, the mourners listened in silence to the words of Vaemond Velaryon, the deceased woman's uncle, who spoke in Valyrian.

"We join today at the Seat of the Sea to commit the Lady Laena of House Velaryon to the eternal waters, the dominion of the Merling King where He will guard her for all the days to come."

Maegelle clung tightly to her mother, burying her face in the folds of her gown, seeking refuge in her arms. She felt the comforting warmth emanating from the queen's body, which gave her a measure of solace.

"A she sets to sea for her final voyage, the Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the shore," Vaemond continued. "Though their mother will not return from her voyage, they will all remain bound together in blood. Salt courses through Velaryon blood."

Maegelle lifted her tear-filled eyes and glanced towards her grandfather, Otto, who proudly wore the Hand of the King pin on his chest once again. Her thoughts drifted to memories of the former Hand, Lyonel Strong, who perished with his son Harwin in the flames that consumed the cursed walls of Harrenhal.

She looked towards Rhaenyra, who held her sons close with maternal love. Hearing Vaemond's accusatory words, the woman hugged her boys tighter, shielding them from his gaze.

"Ours runs thick," Vaemond continued. "Ours runs true. And ours must never thin."

A chuckle escaped from Prince Daemon, the king's younger brother and the deceased's husband, drawing the mourners' attention.

The knights tightened the ropes, preparing the coffin bearing Laena's likeness to be lowered into the sea's depths. Maegelle felt tears stream down her cheeks. Alicent gently rubbed her back, trying to comfort her.

The princess sniffled and grabbed the hand of her brother standing beside her, who seemed bored by the entire ceremony. Aegon looked at her in surprise but did not push her away, allowing this small gesture of support.

"My gentle niece," Vaemond began for the last time, "may the winds be as strong as your back, your seas as calm as your spirit, and your nets be as full as your heart. From the sea we came. To the sea we shall return."

The stone coffin slipped over the edge, falling into the salty waters of the sea. Maegelle watched as the coffin sank into the depths, feeling a profound pain and longing in her heart for her deceased cousin.

Just as Lady Laena had emerged from the sea's depths to enter this world, she now returned to her original home, welcomed with honors, as befits a true daughter of the sea.

The air was filled with the scent of salt and mourning.

***

"What's wrong, my angel? Why don't you go to your siblings?" Alicent asked, concerned about her daughter's behavior.

Maegelle nestled against her side, seeking solace in her mother's arms. "I want to be with you," she replied softly, snuggling closer. "I don't like it here."

Alicent looked at her questioningly, seeing the sadness etched on her face. "Why, sweetheart?"

Maegelle lifted her tear-filled eyes to her mother, her gaze shimmering with tears. "Everyone here is so sad," she said, feeling the overwhelming sorrow around her. "Why do people have to die?"

Alicent knelt, lowering herself to her daughter's height. She placed her hands on Maegelle's shoulders, looking directly into her pain-filled eyes. Maegelle was innocent, having never experienced grief before, and it was difficult for her to remain composed when confronted with the death of a family member.

"That's just how the world is, Maegelle. People are born and people pass away. One day, the Stranger will come for each of us."

Maegelle looked at her with fear, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "I don't want you to die," she whispered in a trembling voice, and Alicent sighed softly, hugging her tightly.

"And that won't happen for a long time," she said, trying to wipe the tears from her daughter's flushed cheeks.

Maegelle sniffled quietly and nodded, feeling a bit of relief in her mother's embrace. Alicent gently stroked her hair, afraid that she might shatter in her hands like a fragile rose.

"Do you see those two girls?" she asked, pointing to two figures sitting together, nervously glancing around at the gathered mourners. Maegelle followed her mother's gaze. Two girls, Baela and Rhaena, sat side by side, holding each other's hands. "Those are Lady Laena's daughters," Alicent explained. "Your cousins have just lost their mother. Go and offer them some comfort."

The queen gently nudged Maegelle, who obediently approached her cousins. The twins looked up at their relative, and Maegelle felt her heart race, unsure of what to say.

"I'm sorry for your loss," she said quietly. "Lady Laena was dear to all of us." The twins glanced at each other and nodded in thanks for her words. Maegelle forced a smile. "Again, I'm truly sorry," she whispered, turning to leave. That's when she met Jacaerys's gaze, who had come for the same purpose. Jace, like the twins, had just lost one of his parents. Though he couldn't publicly mourn Ser Harwin, his grief was just as deep.

Maegelle touched his arm, and the boy looked at her in surprise. "I'm sorry for Ser Harwin. He was a good man," she whispered, so those around them couldn't hear.

Jace nodded, grateful for her words. The princess stepped away, heading towards the stone railing to take a moment to breathe in the fresh sea air. She leaned against the cold stone, watching the foamy waves crashing against the shore. She felt the weight of sorrow bearing down on her heart.

Suddenly, a tall shadow fell over her as someone stood beside her. Maegelle looked up with curiosity to see her uncle, whom she had not yet had the chance to meet. Daemon Targaryen, known as the Rogue Prince, sensed her gaze and turned towards her.

Maegelle nervously fiddled with her fingers, glancing at him repeatedly, unsure whether to speak. Finally, she broke the silence.

"My deepest condolences for the loss of your wife, my Prince."

Daemon regarded her with interest, casually leaning against the stone wall.

"And you are...?"

Maegelle straightened up. "Princess Maegelle, my Prince. Your niece."

The Rogue Prince scrutinized her with a piercing gaze, making Maegelle shiver. Daemon looked over her shoulder towards her mother and then at his brother. There was no mistaking she was their daughter.

Feeling uncomfortable under his stare, Maegelle averted her gaze, preferring to return to her contemplation of the sea. Daemon did the same.

Meanwhile, Aegon and Aemond stood side by side, occasionally glancing between Maegelle, standing next to Daemon, and Helaena, who was playing with a spider.

"Hand turns loom; spool of green, spool of black; dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread. Hand turns loom; spool of green..." Helaena mumbled repetitively.

Aegon grimaced in disgust. "We have nothing in common," he scoffed contemptuously.

"She's our sister," Aemond reminded him, briefly glancing towards Maegelle, who was staring out at the sea.

Aegon followed his gaze, returning his focus to Aemond's face. "You marry her, then."

"I would perform my duty, if Mother had only betrothed us," Aemond replied firmly.

Aegon snorted, lifting his cup to his lips. "If only."

"It would strengthen the family. Keep our Valyrian blood pure," the younger prince added, continuing the argument.

Aegon laughed, pointing his cup towards Helaena. "She's an idiot. I don't understand why Mother betrothed me to her." His gaze involuntarily shifted towards Maegelle, her silver hair fluttering in the wind. "I'd rather have her. Surely, when she grows up, she will be more... beautiful, with her 'womanly attributes.' "

Aemond frowned at his comment. "Mother would never give Maegelle to you. She'd be too afraid of what you might do to her."

Aegon laughed at the remark, mockingly observing his brother's serious face. "And you think she'd give her to you?" he added with scorn. "Don't play innocent. You couldn't even look at her before, and now you've only recently started associating with her." He laughed. "What women can do to men..."

Aemond lowered his gaze, falling silent. Helaena continued to whisper to herself, oblivious to the outside world. The spider crawled freely on her hand.

"Hand turns loom..."

Aegon rolled his eyes and looked at Aemond with undisguised amusement. "We actually do have one thing in common," he said, reaching for a new cup from a serving tray, which the servant quickly withdrew under the force of his gaze. "We both fancy creatures with very long legs," he joked, taking another sip of wine. He then turned with a flourish to leave. Spotting another servant with a new tray, he called out, "Wench! Another!"

Aemond watched his departing brother, then shifted his gaze back to Maegelle, who was looking his way. Their eyes met for a moment, and Aemond's heart fluttered. He shook his head, tearing his gaze away, and glanced at the sun, slowly sinking below the horizon.

***

The sun had long disappeared below the horizon, and night had taken its place. A quiet had settled over the beach, interrupted only by the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The guests present at Lady Laena Velaryon's funeral had dispersed to their rooms, preparing to drift off to sleep. However, not everyone found solace in the arms of Morpheus. Aemond, as soon as he was sure no one was watching him, slipped out of the castle and ran deeper into the beach. His heart raced, fueled by desire and determination.

After Laena's death, Vhagar was left without a rider, and Aemond, who did not have a dragon of his own, wanted to claim her before one of her daughters did. He trudged resolutely through the dunes, his boots sinking into the loose sand. In the darkness, a bright point in the distance caught his eye. He made his way towards it, and with each step, the view became clearer.

Maegelle was sitting with her back to him, leaning against a large black rock, which reflected the silver glow of the moon. Her hair fluttered in the wind, making her seem like the daughter of the moon itself. Aemond took a few steps closer, but suddenly he stopped in fear. The rock he had initially mistaken her for shifted slightly, breathing steadily.

Squinting his eyes, Aemond could now clearly see the curled-up Gaelithox, Maegelle's dragon, sleeping peacefully with her resting against its side. The dragon's scales shimmered silver in the moonlight, and the shadows cast on he's head made his horns appear even sharper.

"Maegelle?" Aemond asked quietly, stepping a little closer.

The girl jumped and turned towards him in alarm. Gaelithox immediately opened its eyes, alerted by her cry. Seeing the intruder, the dragon raised its head, opening its mouth full of sharp teeth and hissing warningly. A glow of fire appeared in his throat. Maegelle quickly jumped in front of him, positioning herself between the dragon's mouth and Aemond.

"Ȳdra daor, Gaelithox! Aemond iksis iā raqiros," she shouted, and the dragon calmed at the sound of her words. The fire vanished, and Gaelithox rumbled, allowing her to stroke its nostrils. ("No, Gaelithox! Aemond is a friend.")

Maegelle looked over her shoulder at Aemond, who was watching her with fear. "You can come closer now. Gaelithox won't harm you."

Aemond hesitantly approached, keeping a safe distance. Maegelle smiled slightly.

"I'm sorry about him. Sometimes he's too overprotective of me and treats everyone as a potential threat," she explained, gently petting the dragon.

Gaelithox rested his massive head on the ground, but his orange eyes still carefully followed every movement of Aemond. Maegelle smiled widely. "See? He likes you. Go ahead, touch him."

Aemond shook his head. "I'm not sure..."

Maegelle interrupted him, taking his hand. Without hesitation, she guided it to the dragon, pressing it against the warm scales. At first, Aemond was intimidated by the beast, but soon he ran his hand over the black, tar-like skin of Gaelithox with fascination, and the dragon closed his eyes in response to the pleasant touch.

"It feels wonderful, doesn't it?" Maegelle asked tenderly.

Aemond smiled to himself and nodded. "Yeah," he replied.

Reluctantly, he pulled his hand away from the dragon and looked at Maegelle, who was watching him intently.

"What are you doing here? Alone. And in the middle of the night?"

Maegelle raised her dreamy gaze to the starry sky. "I was watching the stars. They look beautiful tonight, don't you think?"

Aemond followed her gaze but soon returned to the present. "And what's the real reason?"

The girl sighed. "I couldn't sleep after today, so I came to Gaelithox. He always listens to me. And besides..." she pointed to a spot in the distance. "Over there, behind that dune, Vhagar is sleeping. Since Laena's death, she's been suffering terribly and crying. It breaks my heart. Gaelithox knows it too; he senses that she is alone, but he's afraid to approach her because Vhagar doesn't know him."

Aemond looked in that direction, and the wind ruffled his hair. Maegelle scrutinized him closely.

"I know you, Aemond. Better than you might think. I'm not stupid; I know you wouldn't pass up such an opportunity."

Aemond looked at her with determination. "And what will you do? Stop me?"

Maegelle shook her head, smiling slightly. "On the contrary, I want to help you claim Vhagar."

The boy looked at her in disbelief but saw the truth and determination in her eyes.

"What are you waiting for? Go, before I change my mind!" she urged him, playfully pushing him. "If anything happens, Gaelithox and I will step in, so don't be afraid."

The prince nodded and hurried towards where the old dragon lay.

Maegelle watched him until he disappeared behind the sandy dune. She glanced at Gaelithox, who raised his head and leaned over her.

"Ūndegon, Gaelithox? Mirri gierion issi nēdenka dārligon iā zaldrīzes... iā doru-borto." The dragon rumbled in response, and Maegelle patted him on the snout. ("See, Gaelithox? Some people are brave enough to tame a dragon... or stupid.")

In the distance, a loud roar echoed. Maegelle instinctively placed her hand on the dragon's neck, trying to see what was happening beyond the dunes. Suddenly, the massive form of Vhagar rose up, preparing for flight. The girl followed her with her gaze until she soared into the sky.

Maegelle's mouth dropped open in disbelief. "He did it," she whispered, then laughed. "He really did it! He got the dragon!"

Vhagar let out a prolonged roar in the background, and Gaelithox answered in kind. Maegelle looked affectionately at her dragon, stroking his snout.

"I think it's time for us too, don't you think, my friend?" Gaelithox rumbled quietly, and Maegelle took it as a sign of agreement.

She quickly grabbed the protruding horns, pulling herself up to the saddle on his back. The dragon crouched on the sandy ground, assisting her in the process. Maegelle settled comfortably in the saddle and looked at Gaelithox, who turned his head toward her.

"Sōvēs, Gaelithox!" The dragon needed no further encouragement.

He immediately surged forward, taking to the air. Maegelle laughed joyfully as they ascended. The moon shone brightly in the sky, reflecting off Gaelithox's body. His black skin covered in shimmering scales glistened like bright silver. The princess closed her eyes, letting go of the reins. Riding the dragon was an incredible experience. It was only during these moments that she truly felt free, soaring like a bird across the sky.

Gaelithox roared loudly, seeing Vhagar flying just above the waters of the Blackwater Bay. He promptly folded his membranous wings, diving down towards the sea. Maegelle grabbed hold, leaning forward, knowing what her dragon intended to do. At the last moment, Gaelithox pulled up before hitting the water's surface, splashing it with his tail and clawed feet. Maegelle giggled, feeling pure joy in her heart.

Gaelithox ascended, getting closer and closer to Vhagar. The old dragon turned her head upon seeing the approaching dragon, and a rumble escaped her throat. Aemond immediately turned his head, seeing Maegelle who had aligned Gaelithox next to Vhagar and waved at him.

Gaelithox gracefully weaved around Vhagar, flying around her body. The dragon performed aerial acrobatics, spiraling and circling, trying to coax the older she-dragon into playing. The princess snorted with laughter at his antics, comparing him to a playful puppy teasing its mother by nipping at her tail.

Though Gaelithox was growing at a terrifying pace, it would still be many years before he approached Vhagar in size, as was clearly evident to the eye. However, his smaller size had its advantages: he was much faster and more agile. Maegelle winked at Aemond, and before he realized it, she had dived down with great speed on Gaelithox, overtaking the old dragon.

Gaelithox directed himself towards the beach near the terrace where the wake had earlier taken place, slowing down in a cloud of sand. Maegelle quickly dismounted, running towards the castle. She climbed the stone steps just as Vhagar took to the air, leaving Aemond on solid ground. The princess reached him.

"You did it! You have a dragon! I always knew you could do it!" The boy turned towards her, and before he could respond, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Aemond stiffened for a moment but returned the embrace, pressing his face into the crook of her neck.

The prince pulled away from her and looked at her with a remorseful gaze. "I'm sorry."

Maegelle furrowed her brow. "Sorry for what?"

"You always told me I'd get my own dragon, and I never believed you. I was jealous because you had everything I secretly wanted, and now... I'm sorry for all the harm I've caused you."

Maegelle smiled, taking his hand.

"I was never angry with you, Aemond, so there's nothing to forgive. Come on, before someone realizes we're missing."

Maegelle tugged on Aemond's hand, leading him towards the castle. Their footsteps echoed off the stone walls of the corridor, illuminated only by a few lit torches. Maegelle chuckled softly to herself, still unable to believe that her brother had obtained a dragon. Their hands remained linked, neither of them willing to be the first to let go.

Suddenly, Baela appeared around the corner with Rhaena and the boys. Baela's face was contorted with rage.

"It's him!" Baela shouted, pointing at Aemond.

Aemond looked at her unfazed. "It's me."

"Vhagar is my mother's dragon," Baela said, her eyes blazing with anger.

"Your mother's dead," Aemond replied unemotionally. "And Vhagar has a new rider now."

"She was mine to claim!" Rhaena screamed.

Maegelle released Aemond's hand, crossing her arms over her chest. "Dragons are living beings, not objects to be claimed."

Jace looked at her in disbelief. "Why are you helping him?"

Maegelle met his gaze, her eyes resolute. "My brother didn't have a dragon, and Vhagar needed a rider. So he was chosen. I don't understand what your problem is."

Aemond looked at Rhaena, a mocking smile on his face. "If you want your own mount, let your cousins find you a pig to ride. It would suit you."

Rhaena charged at Aemond, but he pushed her away. Immediately after, Baela, with fury in her eyes, punched him in the face. The boy quickly got up from the ground and retaliated. Maegelle stepped back in fear, unsure of what to do.

"Come at me again and I'll feed you to my dragon!" Aemond yelled.

Jace and Luke lunged at him. The former tried to hit him with a fist, but Aemond shoved him aside. Lucerys, seeing this, ran to his brother's aid.

Maegelle knew the situation was beginning to spiral out of control. When the twins joined the fight, beating on Aemond, Maegelle ran between them, trying to separate them. Suddenly, she felt a powerful kick that knocked her off her feet. She fell, scraping her hands on the cold stone, drawing blood.

Seeing this, Aemond grabbed Lucerys, who had charged at him, and lifted him off the ground by the neck. A stone appeared in his hand.

"You will die screaming in flames just as your father did! Bastards."

"My father's still alive," Luke cried.

Aemond smirked derisively and looked over Luke's shoulder at the boy's older brother. "He doesn't know, does he, Lord Strong?"

Jacaerys's chest began to heave rapidly, and the boy pulled a small dagger from his pocket. Seeing the flash of the blade, Maegelle scrambled to her feet and dodged everyone, running for help.

She sprinted down the empty, dimly lit corridor, her heart pounding wildly. Finally, she encountered Harrold Westerling, one of the Kingsguard. The older man looked at her in astonishment.

"Princess, you should have been in your room by now."

"There's no time for that, Ser Harrold!" Maegelle replied breathlessly. "Come quickly, before they hurt each other more!"

Before the knight could react, Maegelle disappeared around the corner.

When she reached the spot where she had left the others, time seemed to stand still. In slow motion, she saw Jacaerys, lying on the ground, throw sand in Aemond's face. The sand obscured her brother's vision, and then Luke grabbed Jace's dagger and, with a scream, slashed the prince's right cheek. Aemond's scream pierced the silence as the boy fell to the ground, holding his hand to his eye.

Maegelle rushed to her brother in terror.

"Aemond!" she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her voice trembled with pent-up emotion, and her hands shook as she tried to assess whether his eye was intact.

At that moment, Harrold Westerling burst into the corridor, leading several guards.

"Cease this at once!" he shouted. Seeing Maegelle leaning over Aemond, he approached closer. "My prince. Let me see," he said gently, trying to assess the boy's condition.

When he saw Aemond's bloodied face, his eyes widened in horror. "Gods be good!" he whispered.

***

"How could you allow such a thing to happen?" King Viserys roared as everyone was roused from sleep and gathered in the Great Hall after the nighttime incident. His voice echoed off the stone walls. "I will have answers!"

"The princes were supposed to be abed, My King," Ser Harrold explained, trying to remain calm.

Maegelle, sitting next to Aemond, held his hand as the maester stitched his eye. Each pull of the needle through his skin caused her pain, as if she had lost the eye herself. Her other hand was being gripped by Alicent, whose face expressed deep despair.

"Who had the watch?" Viserys continued, his burning gaze piercing everyone present in the hall.

"Young prince was attacked by his own cousin, Your Grace," Criston Cole explained, his tone somewhat cooler and more measured. Viserys, leaning on his cane, looked around at the faces of the guards.

"You swore oaths to protect and defend my blood!" the king shouted, his expression of anger almost palpable.

Harrold Westerling bowed his head in contrition. "I'm very sorry, Your Grace."

Ser Criston Cole looked at the king. "The Kingsguard has never had to defend princes from princes, Your Grace," he explained calmly. His words only further enraged Viserys.

"That is no answer!" Viserys screamed, his face contorted in pain and fury.

Alicent, with tear-filled eyes, looked at Aemond. "It will heal, will it not, maester?" she asked, her voice trembling.

The man looked at the trembling queen with a heavy heart.

"The flesh will heal. But the eye is lost, Your Grace."

Upon hearing these words, Maegelle tightened her grip on her brother's hand, her heart breaking at the thought of his suffering. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she tried to remain composed.

Alicent immediately turned to Aegon, rising sharply.

"Where were you?" she screamed.

Aegon looked at his mother, surprised and somewhat frightened. "Me?"

Alicent slapped her son, the sound of the blow resonating in the hall. "Ow! What was that for?!" Aegon shouted, clutching his stinging cheek.

"That was nothing compared to the abuse your brother suffered while you were drowning in your cups, you fool!" Alicent yelled, her voice breaking with emotion.

"What is the meaning of this?" asked Corlys, full of surprise and concern, as he and his wife came down the stairs. Rhaenys, seeing her granddaughters, immediately rushed to them, hugging them tightly.

"Baela, Rhaena! What happened?"

Lord of Driftmark looked around the crowd, trying to understand what had happened. Just then, the doors creaked open, and through them walked Rhaenyra, followed closely by Daemon.

"Jace? Luke!" The princess rushed to her sons, examining them closely, her heart pounding with worry. "Show me. Who did this?"

Aemond immediately turned in his chair. "They attacked me!"

"He attacked Baela!" Jace responded with frustration. "And he broke Luke's nose!"

"He stole my mother's dragon!" Rhaena screamed.

Viserys looked around at their faces, trying to calm them down. "Enough," he said quietly, his voice trembling with emotion.

"He was gonna killed Jace!" Luke shouted.

"I didn't do anything!" Aemond denied.

Maegelle felt her emotions boiling over. "It was Luke who tried to kill Aemond!" she screamed, her voice breaking with anger and despair.

Viserys leaned heavily on his cane. "Enough."

Alicent looked at the children on the opposite side, her eyes full of anger and despair. "It should be my son telling the tale!"

"He called us..." Jace began, but Viserys cut him off.

"Silence!" the king roared, and everyone fell silent. Jace leaned toward his mother, whispering something in her ear. Rhaenyra straightened up, her face hardening.

Viserys approached Aemond, tapping his cane on the stone floor.

"Aemond, I will have the truth of what happened. Now."

Alicent looked at her husband in disbelief, her eyes glistening with tears. "What else is there to hear? Your son has been maimed. Her son is responsible."

"It was a regrettable accident," Princess Rhaenyra replied, defending her son.

"Accident?!" Alicent shouted, her face contorted with pain. "Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush. He meant to kill my son."

"It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves. Vile insults were levied against them," Rhaenyra said firmly.

"What insults?" Viserys asked, his voice trembling with anger.

"The legitimacy of my sons' birth was put loudly to question," Rhaenyra briefly explained.

"What?" Viserys looked at Jace, his face full of disbelief.

"He called us bastards."

A heavy silence fell over the hall, the only sound being the crackling of the fire in the hearth. Maegelle glanced at Aemond's face, which was slightly smiling with pride despite the throbbing pain where his eye used to be. Her heart ached with pain and worry seeing her brother in such a state, but she also felt pride in his bravery.

"My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, Your Grace," Rhaenyra continued. "This is the highest of treasons. Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders."

Alicent looked at her with doubt, her face filled with despair and exhaustion from this entire facade. "Over an insult? My son has lost an eye."

Ignoring both women, Viserys approached Aemond.

"You tell me, boy. Where did you hear this lie?"

Alicent interrupted before Aemond could speak. "The insult was training yard bluster," she quickly explained. "The lot of boys. It was nothing."

"Aemond, I asked you a question," Viserys repeated sternly, his resolve unwavering in the situation.

Aemond glanced at Maegelle standing next to him, then both turned their gaze to the panicked mother, who immediately changed the subject. "Where is Ser Laenor, I wonder? The boys' father? Perhaps he might have something to say in the matter?"

Viserys nodded. "Yes, where is Ser Laenor?"

Rhaenyra hugged Luke, soothingly patting his back. "I do not know, Your Grace. I... could not find sleep. I had gone out to walk."

Alicent snorted softly, rolling her eyes.

"Entertaining his young squires, I would venture."

Criston chuckled quietly at the queen's comment but stopped when faced with Ser Harrold's gaze.

Viserys looked seriously at his son.

"Aemond. Look at me. Your king demands an answer," he commanded. The boy looked at him with his one good eye, his face contorted with pain and determination. "Who spoke these lies to you?"

Aemond glanced over at his mother, and Alicent clenched her lips nervously, her eyes glistening with tears. Maegelle squeezed his hand, and he looked at her out of the corner of his eye, seeing her silently shake her head, signaling him not to speak.

Aemond looked at his father with resolve.

"It was Aegon."

Aegon's eyes widened in surprise. "Me?"

Viserys turned to his eldest son, his face a mix of anger and disbelief.

"And you, boy? Where did you hear such calumnies?" The prince did not answer, prompting the king to shout at him. "Aegon! Tell me the truth of it!"

Aegon stood rigid, too afraid to even move a step for fear of angering the man.

"We know, father. Everyone knows. Just look at them."

All eyes turned to Rhaenyra, who was holding her sons close. The appearance of Jacaerys and Lucerys starkly differed from the Valyrian beauty of their parents, and everyone could see it, but no one wanted to admit it aloud for fear of the king's reaction.

Viserys surveyed their faces, and furrows of anger creased his forehead.

"This interminable infighting must cease! All of you! We are family! Now make your apologies and show good will to one another. Your father, your grandsire, your king demands it!"

Tears welled up in Alicent's eyes, streaming silently down her pale cheeks.

"That is insufficient," she replied, trembling. "Aemond has been damage, permanently, My King. 'Good will' will cannot make him whole."

Viserys looked at his wife helplessly. "I know, Alicent, but I cannot restore his eye."

The queen swallowed the heavy lump in her throat, her eyes blazing with pain. "No, because it's been taken."

"What would you have me do?" Viserys asked, no longer knowing what he should do.

"There is a debt to be paid," Alicent replied firmly. "I shall have one of her sons' eyes in return."

Whispers spread through the crowd, shadows of fear and uncertainty flitting among the gathered. The king looked at her in shock, trying to calm her.

"My dear wife..."

"It is your son, Viserys," Alicent wept. "Your blood."

Viserys sighed deeply, moving closer to her.

"Do not... allow your temper to guide your judgment."

Alicent shook her head in disappointment.

"If the King will not seek justice, the Queen will." Her gaze fell on Ser Criston Cole. "Ser Criston, bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon." Panicked, Luke hid behind his mother, trembling with fear. "He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son."

"You will do no such thing," Rhaenyra said.

Viserys looked warningly at the guard. "Stay your hand."

"No, you are sworn to me!" Alicent cried hysterically. Her desperation was evident in her stance.

Criston glanced between her and the king, uncertainty etched on his face. "As your protector, my Queen."

"Alicent, this matter... is finished. Do you understand?" Viserys said, then turned to the other onlookers. "And let it be known: anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons should have it removed."

Maegelle felt a wave of nausea pass through her stomach as she heard Rhaenyra thanking their father. The king's firstborn daughter had always been his top priority, no matter what she did. Even now, with Aemond having lost an eye, only Rhaenyra and her children mattered. Maegelle grimaced, digging her nails into a freshly healed scratch on her palm. She felt as though her heart was about to break in half.

She felt a grip on her injured hand, which straightened her fingers to stop her from causing more harm. She looked at Aemond, who only shook his head.

No one expected what happened next. Alicent rushed toward her husband, grabbing the Valyrian steel dagger attached to his belt. Seeing the approaching queen, Rhaenyra stepped forward, grabbing her hand that held the dagger, trying to prevent her from reaching her sons. Maegelle screamed at the sight, and Aemond, standing nearby, shielded her from view.

"You've gone too far," Rhaenyra hissed through clenched teeth.

Alicent gasped, doubting her words.

"I? What have I done but what was expected of me? Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law! While you flout all to do as you please!"

"Alicent, let her go!" Viserys tried to reason with his wife.

Tears of anger streamed down the queen's cheeks. "Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It's trampled under your pretty foot again!"

"Release the blade, Alicent!" her father shouted, trying to end the madness.

"You took my son's eye, you wanted to take my daughter by marrying her off to your loathsome son, and to even that, you feel entitled!" Alicent screamed. Her anger mixed with pain.

Rhaenyra looked at her scornfully.

"Exhausting, wasn't it?? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. But now they see you as you are."

The blade fell, and the silence was broken by the sound of Valyrian steel slicing. Rhaenyra fell back against Lord Corlys, who caught her, and Alicent stumbled into her husband. Rhaenyra looked down at her arm, and the queen followed her gaze. A thick, red stream of blood flowed from the princess's sleeve. The dagger clattered to the ground, having fallen from Alicent's hand.

Maegelle broke free from her brother and ran to her mother, who embraced her with her left side. Aemond stepped forward, looking at the queen.

"Do not mourn me, Mother. It was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye, but I gained a dragon." The boy said, approaching her right side and wrapping her in his arms, resting his head on her shoulder. Alicent stroked his hair.

Viserys looked at them, shaking his head.

"This proceeding is at an end," he said, and, leaning on his cane, he left.

Maegelle lifted her gaze, hearing the clink of armor as Ser Criston stood behind her, placing his hand on her shoulder. She looked to the other side, seeing Daemon, who had stopped by Rhaenyra and her children.

If there had ever been a slim chance for a truce between their families, it had now vanished. The House of the Dragon had never been so deeply divided. The colors green and black stood out starkly against the backdrop.

***

Maegelle knocked softly on the chamber door, but only silence responded. With a slight sigh, she slipped inside, closing the door behind her with a quiet click.

"Aemond, are you awake?" she asked softly.

The boy, hearing her voice, turned on the bed towards her. "No."

Maegelle shifted from foot to foot, shyly glancing down at her feet.

"Can I sleep with you? I'm scared to be alone after everything."

The prince nodded, and Maegelle quickly jumped onto the bed, crawling under the warm blanket next to him. Her eyes fell on his wound, now covered by a bandage.

"Does it hurt a lot?" she asked.

Aemond shook his head. "Not as much as before. It's probably the milk of the poppy the maester gave me starting to work."

A silence settled between them, broken only by the soft whisper of the wind outside the window. Moonlight fell on Maegelle's face, streaming through the uncovered window. Her light hair shone like silver threads, creating a halo around her head.

"Aemond?" she spoke again quietly.

"Yes, Maegelle?" the boy replied, looking at her with his one eye.

"You'll never leave me, right?" her voice carried a quiet fear.

"No, never," Aemond answered firmly.

The girl smiled softly. "That's good. Because I'm not going to leave you either," she said, grabbing his free hand and snuggling up to him, seeking warmth. Aemond followed her example, closing his eye as he began to feel drowsy. Before they knew it, sleep claimed them both.

Alicent quietly entered the chamber to check on her son, and when she looked at the bed, her heart stood still. Maegelle and Aemond were asleep, cuddled together, unwilling to let go of each other. Not so long ago, one couldn't stand the sight of the other, and now they held onto each other as if they couldn't live without each other. With a trembling heart, Alicent approached them, planting tender kisses on their foreheads, careful not to wake them. She stepped back to a safe distance, watching them.

"Oh, my sweet children," she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

In the moonlight, their golden-white hair and milky-white skin made them look like real angels. Alicent smiled lovingly, realizing that Maegelle was not just her guardian angel but also Aemond's. Her gaze shifted to her son, who even in sleep seemed to protect his sister, indicating that it worked both ways.

Alicent quietly retreated from the chamber, wanting them to rest for a moment before they returned to King's Landing in the morning. The door closed behind her with a soft click.

It was evident that Maegelle and Aemond weren't so different after all. They were simply misunderstood souls seeking understanding and found it in each other.

Because she was the one who wanted to love, and he was the one who wanted to be loved.