Fire on Fire // Aegon II Targaryen

TWENTY

As they stood together at Vaenya and Jaehaerys' funeral, surrounded by mourning guests clad in somber black attire, Alyssanne clung tightly to Aegon's hand. His whispered words in High Valyrian, "Drējior jorqaot, Allie," offered a quiet reassurance amidst the grief. 

In the solemn atmosphere of the funeral, Aerion, just a year old, remained with his wet nurse, while Gael, only a few days old, was cradled in the arms of her grandmother, Alicent. Visenya stood beside her parents, her eyes betraying no emotion despite the loss of her twin sister.

"Dracarys," Alyssanne uttered, her eyes red with grief, prompting Vermithor and Silverwing to unleash torrents of Dragonfire upon the funeral pyres. Aegon, though mentally overwhelmed, knew he had to be there for Alyssanne. Both she and Helaena were consumed by their sorrow. Aemond, as usual, wore a stoic expression, yet the pain in his eyes was unmistakable, a testament to the loss of their children.

As the flames of the funeral pyres consumed the remains of their beloved children, Aegon's grief overflowed, tears streaming down his face. He couldn't fathom the reality that his daughter had passed away before him. In the depths of his sorrow, he couldn't help but ponder the potential she held, imagining a future where she could have ascended to the throne as queen.

Alyssanne clung to Aegon's hand, her grip tight with sorrow as tears streamed down her cheeks. Visenya, too young to comprehend the full extent of the tragedy, sensed the somber atmosphere surrounding her, understanding that Vaenya and Jaehaerys would not return. Helaena wept inconsolably in Aemond's arms, their shared pain palpable. Meanwhile, Daenara, held by her wet nurse, witnessed the solemn scene of her brother and cousin's funeral pyres with innocent eyes, too young to grasp the magnitude of the loss.

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Aegon confides in Alicent, expressing his worries about Alyssanne's grieving process. "Mother... Alyssanne is grieving a lot," he sighs heavily. "Am I a good husband to her?" he mutters, his voice laced with uncertainty and concern.

Aegon's tear escapes, a rare display of vulnerability that he seldom shows, especially to Alyssanne, who is already overwhelmed with emotions. The loss of their firstborn weighs heavily on him, compounded by the cruel intentions behind the assassination attempt. The notion of "daughter for a daughter" strikes him deeply, stirring questions about Rhaenyra's motives and the extent of her vengeance. The absence of a daughter in Rhaenyra's lineage adds another layer of confusion to the tragedy, highlighting the senselessness of the violence that has befallen their family.

Alicent places a comforting hand on Aegon's shoulder, her heart heavy with sympathy for her son's pain. "You've been a steadfast husband, Aegon," she assures him, her voice gentle yet firm. "Alyssanne knows you love her deeply, even if you struggle to express it in times like these. Your strength and support mean everything to her, especially now." She offers him a reassuring smile, hoping to ease some of his burden with her words.

Aegon sniffles, his voice choked with emotion. "She's the reason I found the confidence to embrace my role as king," he admits, his words heavy with gratitude and sorrow.

Alicent sighs, her expression filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. "You don't know the sacrifices that were made to install you as King of the Seven Kingdoms," she says solemnly. "She sees that, Aegon. Alyssanne understands the weight of the crown and the burdens you bear, perhaps more than anyone else." She pauses, her gaze softening as she continues, "But she also sees the man behind the crown, the husband who loves her deeply."

Aegon's words carry a heavy weight as he expresses his inner turmoil. "I can't understand. She thinks too highly of me," he admits, his voice filled with self-doubt. "I know I've been a bad son to you, Mother, but I won't be a bad husband and a bad father like Father was."

Alicent reaches out to gently grasp Aegon's hand, offering him a reassuring squeeze. "You have grown into a fine man, Aegon," she says softly, her eyes reflecting both pride and compassion. "And you are already a better husband and father than you give yourself credit for. Alyssanne sees the goodness in you, just as I do. Learn from the past, but don't let it define you. Your love for Alyssanne and your children will guide you to be the man they need you to be."