The afternoon sunlight was gentle, and the entire godswood was suffused with warmth.
There was birdsong in the godswood, the scent of flowers, and young noble men and women of the Crownlands strolling along the distant corridors, speaking in low voices.
At this moment, maids and attendants carefully carried over tables and chairs, preparing this royal afternoon tea.
Viserys sat in his chair, watching his youngest son, Jaehaerys, crawling about on his lap.
The child was only one year old, at the most lively and active age. His silver-gold curls shimmered under the sunlight.
"Youth is truly a fine thing," Viserys said, with a trace of regret and a certain kind of relief.
Alyn stood to the side, the smile on her face barely holding.
She looked at Jaehaerys, at Ysera, at this outwardly harmonious royal family, yet her heart was ice-cold.
Her family was under siege in Lys, her husband lay injured in bed, and her mother-in-law deceived the king with lies.
"Where is Aemond?" Viserys suddenly asked.
At the sound of that name, something stabbed into Alyn's heart.
Clearly, Aegon was the eldest son. Clearly, Aegon was the heir. Why was the king's first concern his second son?
Alicent, holding Ysera, replied softly, "Someone has already been sent to call him, Your Grace. Aemond has just returned from the Dragonpit. He will come after changing his clothes."
Just then, the sound of footsteps came from the entrance of the garden.
Aemond had arrived.
He had changed into a black garment, with a three-headed dragon embroidered in gold thread faintly reflecting under the sunlight.
Helaena walked at his side, wearing a pale blue long dress. Her silver-gold hair was braided into an intricate style, and a gentle smile rested on her face as she looked toward their parents.
The two walked up to Viserys and bowed at the same time.
"Father."
Viserys looked at them and beckoned. "Come here, to my side."
Aemond rose and walked before the chair.
He was too tall. Viserys extended his hand, and Aemond lowered himself into a crouch, bowing his head so that his father could reach his silver hair.
Viserys's hand came to rest upon Aemond's silver hair. That hand was still trembling as it touched him.
"My son." Viserys forced a faint smile. "Prince of Dragon's Roost… what do you think?"
Aemond raised his head, his violet eyes meeting his father's clouded gaze.
"Thank you for Your Grace's gift."
Viserys shook his head.
"It is not a gift. It is what you deserve."
"As the second son, you must assist your elder brother well."
He looked toward Alicent. Though his voice was weak, it carried unquestionable authority. "Announce to the Seven Kingdoms: from this day forth, Aemond Targaryen is formally granted the title of Prince of Dragon's Roost."
"He shall enjoy all the status of a prince…"
Queen Alicent nodded. "I will make the arrangements, Your Grace."
Viserys turned back to Aemond, his expression growing stern. "He is your brother, the heir. One day, he will be king."
"Do not be too rash. Think things through before acting—there is no harm in that."
Aemond lowered his gaze. "I will, Father."
But Viserys looked at him for a long time.
At last, he let out a sigh, his voice so soft it was nearly inaudible: "You are even harder to fathom than my brother Daemon…"
"We Targaryens have produced quite a number of madmen, have we not?"
Those words were like a needle, piercing into the heart of everyone present.
Yet Aemond's expression did not change. He merely replied calmly, "I will guard House Targaryen well, Father."
"That has always been my duty."
Viserys seemed to accept this answer.
He turned to Helaena and beckoned. "Helaena, my dear daughter."
Helaena stepped forward and knelt before the chair. She took her father's hand, tears already welling in her eyes. "Father, you look worse and worse."
"Foolish girl, why are you crying?" Viserys used his thumb to wipe the tears from the corner of her eyes. "I am well. Seeing you all grow up—I am well…"
He looked at Aemond, then at Helaena, his gaze moving back and forth between the two.
Then Viserys spoke slowly: "Aemond… Helaena… you are no longer children… Aemond, last week… you turned sixteen, did you not?"
Aemond nodded. "Yes, Father."
"I remember…" Viserys closed his eyes, as if recalling something. "I have always remembered… Rhaenyra's nameday is on the seventh day of the third month."
"Aegon's is on the twelfth day of the ninth month, and you…"
Next, he recited all of his children's birthdays in one breath, without a single mistake.
Tears welled up again in Queen Alicent's eyes.
She recalled many years ago, when Viserys had been the same—able to recite each child's birthday, their preferences, even the day they first walked and first spoke.
"I have always remembered…" Viserys opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping across everyone in the garden.
"I have always kept it in my heart. You are all my children."
"My flesh and blood, my continuation—blood and fire share the same source, my children…"
Aemond could feel that inexplicable stir of emotion in his heart.
"I wish…" Viserys continued.
"I wish to preside over a Targaryen wedding for you."
In that instant, the garden fell so silent that one could hear leaves falling.
Alicent held her breath.
Alyn's eyes widened.
A blush rose on Helaena's cheeks.
Aemond's expression did not change; he simply nodded.
Viserys smiled. That smile, seen through the golden mask, appeared unexpectedly gentle.
"Good, good. Then as soon as possible, while I am still able to preside."
He paused, as if remembering something, then turned to Alicent. "Summon Rhaenyra and Daemon as well… and little Aegon, little Viserys…"
"I wish to see them. A family should be reunited…"
Alicent's face instantly turned pale.
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but her throat seemed blocked.
Alyn looked at her nervously. Aemond remained composed, while Helaena looked at him with concern.
"What is it?" Viserys sensed something amiss and asked in confusion. "Is it inconvenient for Rhaenyra and the others to come?"
"No… no," Alicent said.
"It is only that Rhaenyra and Daemon are in Tyrosh… the journey is long… it will require some time to arrange…"
"Then send a message."
"Send the fastest ship…"
"I want to see them… while I… while I still can…"
Queen Alicent forced a strained smile. "I will arrange it, Your Grace."
"Rest assured."
Viserys seemed satisfied.
He leaned back into the chair again, closed his eyes, and his breathing grew steady and long.
The medicine had taken effect; he was about to fall into a deep sleep once more.
Alicent signaled for the children to withdraw.
Aemond helped Helaena to her feet. The two bowed to their father and silently left the garden.
Alyn also rose and took her leave.
The attendants lifted the chair and carried Viserys back to Maegor's Holdfast.
Alicent stood alone in the godswood garden, watching those departing figures. The sunlight was warm, birds sang, flowers bloomed—everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful.
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