Chapter Text
“Who are you referring to?” Alicent narrowed her sharp eyes to her pathetic fool of a son who is cowering in front of her as he dragged him in his room to be disciplined again.
“Rhaenyra” Aegon whispered like a prayer, a name whom so holy for him to even say that bought his mother’s face to greater disgust and scorn. Not so long ago, she stared at her son like a whimsy dirt on her shoe and now her glares landed as if he is a worm that she’s ready to stomp on right then and there. Surely, this isn’t what she expect her firstborn son to become, she mean it blatantly that she didn’t have high hopes on the prince given that he didn’t even excel on anything but his nature right now is the least she could ever hope for. This is not what she and her father originally planned Aegon to become, he’s the firstborn son of the king with the name of a conqueror—meaning like what his namesake behold it should be him who shall succeed the king to rule the seven kingdoms not the vixen she believed who does nothing but spread her legs left and right! Sometimes the queen wonders if they dreamed too high that it pains her to see all of her sacrifice crumbles and bears into nothing.
“And why would I care about her?” Alicent tested, her patience is quickly running out, not that she ever have patience for her son to begin with. “Are you blind or just dumb? Can’t you see that she’s just nothing but a good-for-nothing spoiled little who—"
“BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT HER!” Aegon finally burst hindering the queen from finishing her sentence. He kept his tears at bay avoiding them to glide down from his glistening eyes. He heard enough of his mother’s insults towards his beloved wife, he can endure it only if those words are directed to him but never to Rhaenyra. “MORNING! NOON! AND NIGHT! I CARE ABOUT HER!” His mother almost look at him as if he just said something despicable to hear. Aegon never dared to raise his voice when talking to her, but whenever it comes to his wife, it's a different case cause he would show her great defiance only to protect his older sister.
Alicent glared at him with the look that he became a stranger to his mother's eyes. This isn't the same son that came out from my womb. Certainly, not anymore!
It doesn’t really bother him, it’s not like his mother ever looked at him with love or care anyway. In all of his 21 years of existence, there’s nothing he can remember of Alicent being a normal mother—maybe when he’s just a year of two or three that his mother is good but when his younger sister was born she already left him in the care of his wet nurses. All he get as parental love is beating, it even got worst to the point wherein the slap that she gives including cursed and degrading words that showered Aegon while growing up became normal. It’s as if his mother’s day will never be complete without her beating the shit out of him. It became Alicent’s disturbing hobby to slap him whenever she feels to, even without any reason. Maybe for her it's her way of protecting Aegon, but the prince sees it as the opposite. “And you hurt her.” He added, his chest is heaving. He knew he cannot stop his mother from jeopardizing the princess by just letting her know that her son is head over heels towards her ex-best friend, but at least Aegon still protects Rhaenyra’s dignity both in public and behind-closed-doors.
“Ahh, you care about her? Really? More than the woman who bore you to this world?” His mother challenged. “So if I would let you choose between your mother and her, you will not hesitate to choose that wench over me, is that it?” Aegon knew what he’s about to receive if he will give his answer, yet he went for it anyway.
“Yes.” He replied without any guilt nor hesitation. Besides both of them knew that he’d be lying if he said no, so he just set the truth free.
PACK. “You pathetic worthless piece of shit!’
Alicent’s high pitched shriek pierced straight to his eardrums plus pain begun to spread across his face coming from the side of his cheek that met the queen’s palm. The stinging pain made his eye twitches, blood drawing out from the flesh that was cut with his mother’s long and sharp nails. “Are you done?" he asked while he tried soothing the pain with his palm pressed on his cheek. "Cause if so, I would like you to know that I will not stand here doing nothing, while you insult my wife right in front of me.”
“Those aren’t insults Aegon. It’s the truth, it’s the true nature of your wife! Those children are evidence of it, they’re not yours!” The queen spat grabbing him, squeezing both of his shoulders digging her nails into his skin once more. “If you cannot stand here while I insult your wife, well I also cannot stand and do nothing while I see our house and bloodline perish with the pups of house Strong! Do you understand me?!” she shake the prince with all of her strength trying to wake him to reality. Trying to make some sense to him.
“Jacaerys and Lucerys are my sons. Jacaerys will succeed the throne before his mother while Lucerys will inherit Oldtown once he comes of age.” Aegon replied firmly. He does know fully well what his mother is trying to imply and he cannot blame her for that. If he is in her situation, he would do the same but unfortunately for the queen, Aegon decided to excuse the case because of love.
“Ha! You see, that is exactly what I meant!” Alicent laughed venomously. “I see no Hightower blood on that bastard to inherit any inheritance. Your brother Aemond is the rightful heir who must become the Lord of Oldtown!” She shouted even if they are close to one another. “Aside from that Jacaerys is also the same, may I remind you that a bastard inheriting the Iron Throne is the highest treason to the Seven Kingdoms! And what did you say? Inherit the Iron Throne before his who? His mother?” She act as if she haven't heard her son loud and clear. “Do you really think the Seven Kingdoms will accept a female ruler?! Quit dreaming and wake up Aegon! This is reality!” it’s as if she’s talking to another person who’s miles away from her with the volume of her voice.
Aegon let out a dry sigh, “You can complain all you want mother, but the lords of the seven kingdoms bowed their knees to Rhaenyra as the heir and the king have already affirmed Jace and Luke’s inheritance. There’s nothing you can do about it.” the prince said trying to withstand his mother’s fury. “And know this,” he looked at the queen holding her deadly glares. “That it doesn’t matter if they are my real sons or not, what’s important is Rhaenyra birthed them. Her children are my children.”
His mother let go of him and walked back. He thought it's the end of it, yet the next thing he saw is the vase came flying to his direction. He didn’t dodged it, he could’ve if he wanted but he just gave his mother her own deprived satisfaction. It broke hitting his head as he was knocked down to the ground while his beloved mother starts to kick him repeatedly. Aegon just took all the blows without any resistance. Alicent’s beating may not that strong but alas, it wounded his son emotionally. The prince cannot do anything but wait, until his mother got tired and exits his room slamming the door. Aegon just laid on the hard-cold floor, staring at the ceiling, later on his right eye’s vision became blurry as blood covers it. Pain spreads across his body, until then he’s crying like he always do.
This is nothing compared to what will happen if my wife leave me. He thought. I’d rather let mother beat the hell out of me every single day, than seeing Rhaenyra and the children leave.
----
“Father? What happened to your face?” Luke asked while the prince sat next to him, yet before answering he picked the 3 year-old-prince to sit on his lap then starts turning the page that the charming princeling is reading. The cuts on his face is covered with bandages, he doesn’t know what happened soon after when unconsciousness fully engulfed him yesterday. All he remembered is that when he woke up, he is tucked in bed with all of his bruises and cuts cleaned and bandaged.
“Nothing, young lad.” Aegon smiled to his son reassuring shuffling his locks. “ Your father is just clumsy as always and slipped down the stairs.” He tried laughing it off, but his son didn’t buy it. Staring back with concerned look.
“Are you really sure you’re okay father?” The little one asked with his brows furrowed, placing his small hands on his father’s face. Examining Aegon’s reaction who’s been at awe the entire time at how Luke is so unease with his well being. “I could fetch the maesters, if you’re not feeling alright.”
“Of course, I’m alright,” He said trying to sound energetic. It’s already given to him that the child he's holding may never be his. He already expected that, since the beginning of their marriage that Rhaenyra will never love him the way he does to her. They were betrothed since he was 2 years old, and they wed when he turned 15. He really tried to exist to his older sister, but she never let him and he fully understood and accepted that with no hard feelings. They never consummate their marriage, in fact on the night of their union both of them shared same room yet never on the same bed. Aegon slept on the floor while the princess is on the bed, all he felt is sorry towards his sister.
Sorry to see how tight his sister clutched on both of her arms while she’s dressed on that thin satin dress, where everything is see through underneath. Maybe his sister believed that Aegon will not hesitate to take her against her will. He has the opportunity and all right on their patriarchal fucked up system since she is his wife, and wives are supposed to subject themselves to their husbands but Aegon can do no such thing. He may be the lowest of the low, but he can never hurt her not in a million years. During those time, Aegon hates himself even more, he hates to see his sister trembles like a scared wild kitten yet there’s nothing he can do, in the eyes of all people they are now husband and wife. Nevertheless, he hates himself even more— the fact that he really wanted them to get marry, and he doesn’t even at least pretended that he is against the proposal since the day he learned about it.
Of course, their father never want his favorite child to marry his least favorite yet Viserys’ hands were tied, it is the least he can do. If he prolonged their marriage any longer, his rogue deranged of a brother planned to steal the princess to wife on Dragonstone. Viserys’ loves Rhaenyra, yet on the scale of how much he loved his first born that is also how he hated his first born with Queen Alicent. Aegon was never loved by both of his parents, but thankfully the abuse didn’t materialized and manifested to his persona especially on how he treats Rhaenyra’s children. In fact when they are born, it’s Aegon whom waited outside the princess’s birthing bed. It is him whom first to held Jacaerys, Rhaenyra is reluctant about it but for the show she just let her husband display so much affection to her firstborn.
It is not Ser Harwin who was with her during those times, it’s none other than the pathetic and weak husband of hers. During both baby Jace and Luke’s very tender years, it’s Aegon who stayed up all night cooing them, always volunteering himself to take care of the princes even their nurses as well as Rhaenyra said no, yet still he insisted. His wife is still cold and a stranger towards him but it doesn’t bother him, all that matters is that at least he is helping her raise her children without that much of suspicion. Alicent weren’t pleased of his action of course, it’s nothing new all she did when they’re alone is to question him if he is indeed the father when they never even shared bed together in 6 years of their marriage. She knew they’re not her grandsons, but she can never prove it since her son never confessed nor decline that the children weren’t his and their appearance weren’t helping as well. Unfortunately for the queen, it marches Aegon’s who has midnight brown colored soft curl hair and amethyst eyes. Although, the children’s has dark brown locks it is still not enough evidence to prove that a Hightower genes and Strong genes are different. All she did is spread rumors to the court that they are bastards as to which the King brushed off.
Aegon loved the princes as his own, although he really wished on the back of his head that his theirs but that’s not what matters, what’s important is that he is the one they’ll grow up and recognize as their father. And he will never let them be deprived of love and care opposite to what his parent did shown him when he’s growing up.
“Father!” A more energetic and excited voice pulled him out from his thoughts and his eyes landed to where that came from and saw Jace running towards him dressed on his protective training gears, a wooden sword is hanging on his belt.
“Jace!” See Harwin comes after him, who’s worried the prince would just ran off out from his training session. But stopped his tracks as soon as he met Aegon’s eyes, which instantly gave him cold glares. “Your grace” the Lord Commander just bow at him in respect. Aegon did not respond, why would he? Every time he sees the knight all he can muster up is envy, what did his wife saw in him that he lacks. Sure, Harwin is a built up man like a bear but hell, Aegon is a dragon! He just gave the knight grimace. However, when the little prince dove on his arms, the prince consort let his guard down laughing with the children which he both scooped on his arms. He shuffled both of their hairs as they giggle, they grew up so quickly it’s as if yesterday the boys are just little tiny creatures on his arms and now they are growing to be fine lads.
“Running off from your sword classes again?” He asked the firstborn who’s clutching on his right chest while his right arm secures the prince and the other arm secures the younger one.
“I don’t want to attend anymore, uncle Aemond always beat me.” He whined. Aegon just smiled and answered, “Which is why you need to practice swinging your sword and defend every strike that he makes using your shield.” Offering advices.
“But-“
“Hmmm, no more buts for you young lad.” Aegon lowered the young prince to the ground. “If you beat Aemond, I’ll give you a present isn’t that exciting?”
“Really?” Jace eyes lit up.
“I want a present too!” Luke exclaimed wiggling out of his father’s arm to go down. Because of the reward, now he also want to enter the training grounds even with his tender age— ignorant of what awaits him. If Rhaenyra ever discover this, she’ll beat the shit out of Aegon for sure.
Aegon bends so that he will have the same eye level with his son “Yes, Jace.” Cupping his chubby cheeks with one of his palm while the other holds Luke’s wrist, to prevent him from attempting to follow his older brother. “Now go back on the training grounds and put all the lessons you are learning here,” he points his finger on the prince’s forehead. “And here.” Moving his finger to place on the little boy’s chest then smiled.
“I will, father.” Jace grinned then he immediately runs back to the training grounds passing by the Lord Commander. Before the knight left, he bowed down again to the prince as to where this time he gets the prince cold and regal look as he nod permitting his leave.
“Father, I want to go too!” Now Luke is the next one to whine, he tries pulling his father but to no avail with those cute little hands of his. Aegon just smiled and sighed to the boy then scooped him back up to his arms. “You will get a present too, if you behave well.”
“Not by going to the training grounds?” He asked his father dumbfoundedly.
“You are still young to hold wooden sticks and train, my boy. But if you complete all the books the Septa told you to read and… Also you need to behave well, I’ll give you one okay?” Aegon answered the little boy pinching lightly his nose which cause Luke to smile, immediately agreeing then they continued reading the pages where he left.
Rhaenyra watches them from afar, she got lost in the scenery that feds her eyes where the two are just happily reading under the Weirwood Tree, without any care in the world. A hidden smile slip from her lips, warm is spreading on her chest. But all faded when her eyes spotted Alicent and Ser Criston from a balcony also watching her boys with sharp and judgmental glares. The princess pressed her lips on thin line and left.