Chapter 14: Tourney of Heirs and Love

Alicent Hightower (106 A.C. Nineth Moon)

Kingslanding - The Tourney grounds

She stood waiting next to Laenor, Laena, Visenya, and Rickon and awaited Rhaenyra and Aemon's arrival. They were late. Of course, they were late. If someone could make Aemon late for something, it was her. But her attention was pulled away from her missing friends as the King began to speak.

"People of King's Landing and Westeros, be welcome to the Games of Love and Heirship. In honor of my soon-to-be-born heir and my brother, Prince Aemon of Seadragon Point, and his marriage to Lady Laena Velaryon," the King spoke, and applause resounded throughout the entire jousting arena.

"I know many of you have traveled long distances to be at these games, but I promise you will not be disappointed. When I look at the fine knights on these lists, I see a group without equal in our histories." It was true that many had come, but she doubted it would be as great as the one at the Golden Wedding.

"And this great day has been made more auspicious," then she saw Rhaenyra quickly walking past her, but Aemon was nowhere to be seen. "By the news, I'm happy to announce Queen Aemma has begun her labors. May the luck of the Seven shine upon all combatants!" The King ended, and the arena erupted in applause, as did the people in the pulvinus.

"Where is Aemon?" she asked Rhaenyra, and Rhaenyra gave her a broad smile and answered, "You will see." What had they planned now? Damn, those two sometimes. Then, the first horse clashed as a knight of the House of Cole threw the Tarly knight off his horse. 'Being the Hand's daughter helped a lot, as she had seen many letters from her father when she knitted her showings while in his chambers with him as he worked.' She thought proudly remembered the sigils.

"Another mystery knight?" Rhaenyra asked as the Cole knight rode up and bowed toward the main viewing box. "No, a Cole, a knight of the Stormlands," she answered. 'What did she mean by 'another'? Was there a true mystery knight?' she thought as she pondered the question.

"Lord Stokeworth's daughter has been promised to that young Tarly squire," Rhaenyra spoke up as she nodded toward the squire who helped his knight off the arena. "Lord Massey's son." and Rhaenyra nodded at her response. "Best get on with it," she said with a pause. "I heard that Lady Elinor is hiding a swollen belly beneath her dress," she said with a smirk, and Rhaenyra also looked at her with a smirk. Their conversation was interrupted when Borumund Baratheon rode up toward the main viewing box.

"Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, I would humbly ask for the favor of the queen who never was and the mother of Laena Velaryon, the bride-to-be," the Baratheon lord was still sore about the decision of the Great Council but also honored Laena.

Rhaenys smiled at her cousin and threw her favor onto the lance. "Good fortune to you, cousin." "I would gladly take it if I thought I needed it," the Lord of Storm's End said as he rode to his starting point.

Then the lord and the House collided with the Cole knight, but on the second tilt, the Stormlord was thrown off his horse, groaning as he did. He received a smirk from her and Rhaenyra and many laughs from the crowd.

Rhaenyra looked toward her sworn shield and asked. "What about this Ser Cirston Criston Cole, Ser Steffon?" "I'm told that Ser Cirston Cole is a minor lord's son of lord Dondarian steward. But other than that, he unhorses the Lord of Strom's End and the Tarly Knight. I really couldn't say." Ser Steffon replied before walking away.

Then the Targaryen banner was unveiled as Daemon the Cunt came riding in, smirking all the way. The announcer proclaimed him to the audience. "Prince Daemon Targaryen, the Prince of the city, will now choose his first opponent." Daemon rode past the opponents and chose her brother. 'Damn the man,' she thought as Daemon chose her brother. "For his first challenge, Prince Daemon Targaryen chooses Ser Gwayne Hightower of Oldtown, the eldest son of the Hand of the King." Her brother rode up to the dais, bowed, and then rode to his starting position. She bit her fingers, a habit she always seemed to do when she was nervous. Yet she couldn't stop. Rhaenyra grabbed her hand in support and smiled at her.

Daemon and her brother clashed into each other, with Daemon getting the worst of it. But in the second tilt, he used his lance in a dishonorable way, making her brother's horse fall, sending them both to the ground. Everyone gaped in shock at the scene.

'Damn that fucking cunt,' She thought, and even the crowd seemed to protest Daemon's actions. Then, the man rode up toward the main viewing box. Rhaenyra walked up toward the railing. "Uncle, an interesting way of winning, but I suppose nicely done," Rhaenyra said, her voice half-mocking. "Thank you, Princess," he said with a smirk, a smirk she hated with a passion. "Now, I'm fairly certain I can win these games, Lady Alicent," he looked at her, and she had no choice but to say yes or cause a public spectacle by saying no. She walked over to where her favor was, and her father gave her a knowing look that still gave her shivers. She put it nervously around his lance and spoke timidly, "Good luck, my prince," and he rode away.

Aemon Targaryen (The Knight of the Laughing Tree) - (106 A.C.)

Kingslanding - Tourney grounds

His heart was pounding with adrenaline when he unhorsed his first opponent. It was a Mallister knight whom he helped up and acknowledged his riding skill. After that, he unhorsed a knight of House Farmen. 'To be honest, the cheers in the arena made him feel good. He had never experienced that kind of adoration throughout his previous life, except when he was named King in the North and Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. However, when he returned with an army to protect the North, those cheers had turned to ungrateful insults. Let wildings through the wall that would otherwise turn into their undead foe.' He thought as he waited for his next challenger.

Then came the challenge he had eagerly awaited, the first reason he had decided to participate in the tourney. 'Ser Criston Cole, the kingmaker, a member of the Kingsguard who had crowned Aegon II, and if the rumors were true, had been involved with the princess. He had slandered her at the Green Council when they had gathered. By all historical accounts, he had persuaded Aegon to claim the crown. Though living through that history, he knew much of what had been written was untrue. Perhaps Ser Criston Cole was the same.' He thought as he rode toward his opponent.

He rode his horse, Raven, his companion for five years, a gift from his uncle. He had raised the horse from a foal, and having predicted the jousting in the North, he felt more than ready for it. It seemed to be a specialty of both his mother's and father's lines, and he wanted to honor their legacy and make them proud.

He had been lucky and was not yet in the mood to unhorse his brother, even if he could. He had never sparred with Daemon, so he couldn't measure his skill. However, seeing Daemon knock Gwayne Hightower down dishonorably and his brother's earlier dismissal of his gift left him feeling agitated toward Daemon.

But he focused on his ride as he approached, and his and Criston's lances broke on each other's shields. The second bout he won, the third went to Criston, and the fourth and final bout was his as he sent Ser Criston flying off his horse. He hoped that with Ser Criston not winning his clash with Daemon, he would remain out of the public eye. Being beaten by a mystery knight might not draw too much attention to him, he hoped.

Still, he dismounted his horse and helped Ser Criston up. 'He was an honorable man, and he believed in sportsmanship until Criston Cole proved himself a traitor. There was no doubt that Ser Cole was a formidable fighter. Perhaps there was a chance for redemption for him.' He thought as he helped the man up.

"Thank you, Ser. It was the best joust I have had in my life. Good luck in the rest of the tourney," Ser Criston said. After they were both standing, he patted the man on the shoulder and mounted his horse again, ready for his final tilt against his brother. However, he noticed that his other brother was now gone. 'Aemma,' he thought with a shiver.

Viserys Targaryen - (106 A.C.)

Kingslanding - Aemma's Chambers

"Aemma... I'm," he spoke hurriedly as he walked into the room, the smell of blood thick in the air. "Viserys, help me, please..." Aemma spoke up, her voice full of fear and heavy with pain. He took her hand in his, which was full of sweat. On the other side of the bed was Lyanna, holding the other hand. "I'm here. It's all right," he said as he held her hand, where her golden and Valyrian steel ring was. He gave Lyanna a look, and she gave him one that didn't promise anything good.

"Do something for her!" He shouted in anger. "Viserys, the babe, he or she is in breach. Aemma has worked hard, but the babe won't come. They also can't give her more milk of the poppy as it would be dangerous for the child," Lyanna said, her voice full of grief.

Aemma gave another wail. "It's all right. Be strong, my love." "I don't want to do this," Aemma sobbed in pain. He tried to console her, but she was in so much pain. Seeing his wife like this made his heart ache.

An hour later, Aemma lay in her bed, utterly exhausted. He looked to where Otto and Melos were speaking. "Melos," he spoke, his heart full of hope. "Your Grace, if you would," Melos said as he looked at him and gave him a sign to come over.

"Your Grace, during a difficult birth, it sometimes becomes necessary for the father…" Melos paused for a moment, and there was hesitation in his voice. "To make an impossible choice." What was the man saying? "Well, speak it," he said in anger. "To sacrifice one... or to lose them both." "No, please, there must be something else." He said in terror. "There is a chance that we can save the child. The method is taught at the Citadel, which involves cutting directly into the womb." Mellos said, his tone even. 'No, damn the gods for doing this.' He thought in anger and grief. "Seven hells, Melos." But then he spoke the words, looking from Melos to Aemma. "You can save the child." He asked with slight hope. 'It had to be his dream coming true. The child would live. He had seen it.' He thought as he made his decision.

"Lyanna, I need you to leave," he said as he walked toward the bed. "What? Why? I'm here for my gooddaughter and friend," her voice was defiant as she held Aemma tightly. He sighed and asked her to come aside.

"The babe won't come, Lya. There is nothing to be done. Oh, it makes my heart break to say the words. But they can save the babe." He said to her face, and she stared at him in shock. She knew what they were going to do. "At least tell her before you cut my friend open. Don't make that decision alone. I tell you, you will regret it. Rhaenyra, if you do, will not forgive you. I don't think any of the family would." Lyanna said, her voice full of scorn.

"You tell her what you are going to do. Or you are going to have to drag me from this room, kicking and crushing you." Her voice was full of defiance. Even if he was a dragon rider, he felt fear then. He swallowed and nodded. "Stay, then help me and Aemma through this. I would like to have you by her side." Lyanna gave him a weak smile, nodded, and walked with him to the bed.

"Aemma, my love," he spoke softly. "There is something that can be done, my love, but..." He choked up, and tears welled in his eyes. Aemma looked at him with glassy eyes. "What is it, my love? What can be done?" He held her hand tightly. "They can save the babe, but..." He choked up. "You, my love, would not survive it. I'm sorry for doing this to you. I should have listened to Aemon, Lyanna, and you." He sobbed through what he said. 'Yet he still felt some relief as he knew it would be worth it, what would happen. A son, like in his dream.' He thought in despair and hope.

"The child would live, our child?" She asked, and he nodded weakly. "Then it's okay. Aemon reminded me that the last time we spoke. He spoke of the fact that it isn't the heir. He or she is just our child. Let the child live. I love it all the same. Take care of them, my babes. You and Lyanna. I'll meet the rest of our children that the Mother already summoned." She said, and Aemon's words had given her that thought. 'It was true. He had been too focused on the fact he would have an heir. But it was only their child, and he had focused too much on the wrong thing and the damn dream.' He thought on his stupidity.

"Aemma, I love you. I will take care of them, my love. Wait for me, okay?" He said, giving her one last kiss. "I love you too, my love. Lya, thank you for being here. Tell Rhaenyra I love her. Tell Aemon thanks for giving me clarity." She and Lyanna kissed her hand. "I love you, Aemma. I'll see you later in Heaven of the Seven." Lyanna said, sobbing, and after that, he gave the go-ahead to start.

Rhaenyra Targaryen (106 A.C.)

Kingslanding - Tourneygrounds

The tourney had been excellent, except for those two knights killed in a melee brawl. It wasn't the first time she had seen someone die, but the sight of so much blood was something she hadn't witnessed in that way before. A man's head getting crushed with a mace was a gruesome sight.

"Prince Daemon Targaryen will now tilt against the knight of the laughing tree, the mystery knight of the tourney," the announcer boomed, though she knew who the mystery knight was. It was Aemon, and she had helped him get the shield and gear in a rush, almost arriving late for the tourney.

Aemon had ridden well and became one of the day's two finalists. Her two uncles were against each other. Daemon was in black and red, the other in plain colors, with the only distinguishing mark being the shield – a haunting laughing weirwood tree.

The first tilt was a spectacle, with both riders crashing their lances into the other's shield. In the second, Daemon gained the upper hand, making Aemon unsteady, but he managed to stay on his steed, winning the crowd's admiration. Aemon's chivalrous acts throughout the jousting made him popular with the audience, and it also brought a smile to her face, creating a flutter of excitement in her stomach.

On the third tilt, Aemon unhorsed Daemon, making him slide over the railing, being dragged by his horse, and falling to the ground. "Sword!" Daemon shouted, unsheathing Dark Sister. "Prince Daemon wishes to continue with a contest of arms," the announcer proclaimed, and cheers erupted from the stands.

Aemon then made a surprising move by unsheathing two longswords. He was going to dual-wield, and she was gasping, as was everyone in the stands. The blades clashed, and Dark Sister chipped the other blades, but Aemon pushed Daemon's blade aside.

Aemon started his offensive, launching a continued assault of combos, attacking from all directions. The speed at which he attacked and the skill he displayed left everyone in awe.

Daemon managed to block one attack, making Aemon fall back, and as he did, he tackled Daemon with his feet, causing Daemon to lose his balance. Aemon quickly regained his feet and crashed both blades against Dark Sister, making Daemon lose his grip.

Daemon tried to pull out his dagger, but Aemon trapped Daemon's arm with his foot. Aemon held his blade at Daemon's neck, opened his visor, and spoke something too soft to hear. Daemon growled as he realized who had defeated him.

Daemon dropped his dagger, and Aemon removed his helmet, revealing his curling silver-blond locks. The crowd was initially shocked, but then cheers erupted. "Yes, that's Aemon!" Little Visenya spoke up in delight. Alicent said, "Oh, Rhaenyra, you knew, didn't you? That's why you were late," she gave her friend a wide smile.

Ser Harrold then walked up toward Aemon. "Lords and ladies, I think it's time we knight our prince here today," he said, cheers all around the arena in sight of the spectacle. "Kneel, my prince," Harrold said proudly, and her heart fluttered as she watched Aemon smiling brightly.

Harrold unsheathed his sword, and the arena went quiet and said, "In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave," as he tapped Aemon on one shoulder. "In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just," he said, tapping Aemon on the other shoulder. "In the name of the Mother, I charge you to protect the innocent," he said, tapping Aemon on the shoulder one last time. "Arise, Ser Aemon Targaryen, a knight of the Seven Kingdoms," and Aemon did so, with cheers and applause ringing throughout the arena.

She felt proud, happy, and elated. It had turned out to be a wondrous day. Aemon then walked up to the dais. "Princess Rhaenyra, thank you for your help today," he said, giving her a little bow.

He then walked over to Laena. "My Lady Laena, may I have your favor for the rest of these games? It would honor me greatly as my betrothed," he said, his face filled with admiration for his bride-to-be. Though it stung a bit, she was happy for Laena and Aemon. "Good luck to you, my betrothed," she said, throwing him her favor.

Soon, Otto returned, his face grim, and all the council members' faces changed from joyous to dread. A sense of fear began to build as they wondered what was going on. Then Rhaenys walked up from her children. "Princess, I have some sorrowful news for you. Your mother has passed," Rhaenys said, embracing her, and she cried into her shoulder. Alicent held her, supporting her the entire time.

A day that had started so joyously had ended in dread.

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