The tragic love story of Prince Aerys of House Targaryen and Lady Alicent of House Hightower was a well known tale told by mothers to their children and to their grandchildren for centuries to come. The story had been heard from so many mouths that...
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Dragonstone was a dark and grim place. Built by fire and sorcery, the Castle was full of dragon imagery making the members of House Targaryen at home. Children's laughter filled the Great Hall, and sweet whispers leaked into the brimstone hallways from Aerys and Rhaenyra's chambers.
Aerys stood in the Chamber of the painted table, a room his family had made their main gathering area. Across from the Prince of Dragonstone stood his eldest son, translating what Aerys said in High Valyrian to the common tongue.
"And landed at the Blackwater Rush..." Jace trailed off trying to remember what Aerys had said.
"Dranot." Rhaenyra spoke, appearing at the base of the stairs and walking to where her son stood.
"Dranot, dranot." Jace repeated. "At the end?"
"The mouth." Aerys corrected.
"Mouth!"
Aerys watched as Jace began to beat himself up over being unable to translate.
"Perhaps we shall take a break." Aerys suggested as Rhaenyra greeted their third son.
"No, no. I want to keep going." Jace begged. "Please father."
At Rhaenyra's nod, Aerys continued. "Guesi misenakson Aegon undas."
"Aegon ordered that the trees should be... killed." Jace raised his arms in victory at translating the final word.
"Felled." Rhaenyra corrected, rounding the table and standing by her husband's side. "It is a related word. We don't expect you to learn High Valyrian in a day, Jace."
"A King should honor the traditions of his forebearers."
"Well, unless you're planning to depose your own father, you have plenty of time to study."
"You will get it, son. It takes time." Aerys smiled at Jace, not liking the downtrodden look on his face.
The sound of doors opening, caused Aerys and Rhaenyra to look to the top of the stairs. Maester Gerardys rushed down the stairs, walking briskly til he stood in front of his Prince and Princess.
"A raven has just arrived from King's Landing." The man huffed, handing the small scroll to Rhaenyra.
Aerys pressed against his wife's back as Rhaenyra read the scroll, resting his chin on her shoulder. "What does it say, my love."
"My father is not doing well, Lord Caswell writes to say he may not have much time."
Rhaenyra choked out.
Aerys placed a kiss to the skin of Rhaenyra's shoulder. "To King's landing then."
...
The royal carriage was full with Aerys and his family. The man sat beside his wife, their youngest Viserys II sat in his lap while Aegon III sat on the lap of his wet nurse. Across from their parents sat the three eldest children.
