"Shut up! You were caught in the act—there's no room for excuses!"
Viserys glared angrily and rebuked him.
Regardless of the circumstances, for a prince to flirt with a noblewoman was an absolute disgrace to the royal family.
Aegon was on the verge of tears, filled with grievance.
He didn't even dare to touch a handmaiden—how could he have the audacity to harass a noblewoman?
And of all people, it had to be a Hightower!
Alicent stood to the side, looking at her son with a guilty expression.
Unconsciously, she dug her fingernail into her finger.
Her original plan had been to let Aegon observe and select a suitable fiancée.
If no suitable candidate was found, she intended to drug him with a sleeping potion and fabricate a scenario where he and Serayna were discovered alone in a room together.
She would then personally "discover" them and discreetly handle the situation.
Who could have expected Harwin to show up out of nowhere and completely derail everything?
And then there was that cunning Ulwyn Peake.
The drug he gave Aegon wasn't a sleeping potion—it was a stimulant from Lys.
A disaster was barely avoided!
"I swear I didn't touch Serayna—she ran into me!"
Aegon was utterly frustrated, desperately trying to explain himself.
"Enough! Who else are you going to accuse?"
Viserys immediately scolded him.
He was truly furious, seeing his younger son as a disgrace.
Liking women wasn't wrong—it was human nature.
But a man should have character, responsibility, and dignity.
His eldest son had slept with the Duchess of the Vale, and no one could find fault with that.
But his second son? Drunkenly losing control and harassing the daughter of a great noble house? That was pure recklessness.
Even Harwin Strong forcing himself on a servant girl was easier to cover up—at least, as a father, Viserys could suppress the scandal.
His chest rose and fell violently with anger as he turned his gaze toward the Hightower brothers in the hall.
Otto remained calm and silent.
Mundon, however, wore a sullen expression and paced back and forth restlessly.
But if one looked closely, there was something unusual about their reactions.
Otto's deep eyes concealed a hint of calculation.
Mundon, despite his apparent frustration, had a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
His true goal was to secure another marriage alliance between House Hightower and the royal family, strengthening their ties to the Iron Throne.
Over time, he wanted the Hightowers to follow in the footsteps of the Velaryons, Baratheons, and Arryns—establishing a lasting tradition of intermarriage with the Targaryens.
That way, House Hightower could maintain its firm hold on King's Landing, staying close to the center of power.
Aegon making advances on his foster daughter, Serayna, played right into his hands.
Viserys frowned, sensing that something was off.
He thought for a moment but couldn't find any solid clues.
Turning back to Lyonel, he softened his tone and said, "Young men make mistakes. Let him go reflect on this for now."
Lyonel, sharp as ever, understood that the king was offering both sides a way out.
He raised his head and shouted at his eldest son, "Get out of here and sober up!"
Then, moving his heavy frame, he personally helped the crying handmaiden to her feet and solemnly assured her, "Don't worry, I won't let this go unanswered."
His every word and action showcased the Prime Minister's unwavering fairness and integrity.
The handmaiden nodded vigorously like a pecking chick, her voice trembling with emotion. "I don't expect anything—I'll be obedient..."
"Don't be afraid. I'll make sure you receive justice."
With a sympathetic heart, Lyonel instructed the other handmaidens to take her away.
This was no place for a lowly servant girl.
A Kingsguard stepped forward, grabbing the despondent Harwin and dragging him out the door.
Just like that, this scandal—one that had stirred up so much commotion—was swiftly brushed under the rug.
Lyonel secretly breathed a sigh of relief, shooting the king a grateful glance.
As long as the royal family didn't press the matter further, his eldest son would be safe.
At least he wouldn't be thrown into the dungeons—or worse, have his manhood taken from him.
Alicent's eyes flickered as she pleaded, "Your Grace, Aegon didn't mean for this to happen."
Now that things had reached this point, the only thing to do was try and set everything back on the right track.
Viserys, still fuming, retorted, "His disgrace was witnessed by many. Do you still see him as a child?"
Who knew what kind of rumors were already spreading outside about this royal scandal?
"Your Grace, Prince Aegon is young and reckless—there is still a way to fix this."
Lyonel, ever humble and pragmatic, spoke at the perfect moment.
The Prime Minister's own reputation was already in tatters—he had to do everything he could to protect the king's.
As long as Serayna's chastity remained intact, there was still room for negotiation.
Viserys listened carefully, finding himself in agreement.
Otto finally stepped forward and said with a serious expression, "Rumors are dangerous. This concerns the dignity of the royal family—it must not be taken lightly."
"What do you propose?"
Viserys asked.
Otto pretended to consider before saying, "Serayna was already a candidate for Aegon's marriage. If they are wed, the rumors will collapse on their own."
"Another marriage alliance?"
Viserys was surprised.
Alicent held Helena tightly and interjected, "Serayna is a girl, and the victim here. This would protect her reputation."
Helena, looking dazed, stared at her mother, her big eyes full of confusion.
She discovered a blind spot.
Glancing at Aegon, she silently lowered her head.
Saying even a little might cause trouble.
Viserys also sensed something was off and asked, "Does Aegon strongly reject the Hightower girl?"
Otto immediately added, "Aegon's maternal family is the Hightowers."
Viserys narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze shifting between Aegon and Otto.
At this moment, he had already identified the flaw.
Aegon showed no interest in Hightower girls, his words full of impatience.
And yet, the one he drunkenly harassed just happened to be a Hightower girl—what a coincidence.
Looking at his wife and Otto's attitudes, it seemed they were eager to arrange a marriage between the two families.
Viserys was momentarily stunned, as if he could see a vast net ensnaring his child.
Otto cleared his throat and persuaded, "Your Majesty, if Aegon and Serina are engaged, both families will rejoice."
It would cover up the scandal and forge a powerful alliance.
Surely, the King had no reason to refuse.
Viserys hesitated, contemplating. "It's a good proposal. I will think about it carefully."
Though he felt a strong aversion to it, he couldn't deny it was a reasonable plan.
Lyonel opened his mouth but ultimately closed it in frustration.
His eldest son could barely protect himself, and he couldn't think of a better solution.
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense as the situation pushed toward an arranged marriage.
Just as Viserys was about to agree—
"No!!"
Aegon suddenly erupted, shouting in agitation, "I don't want to marry Serina! I didn't take her virginity!"
Seeing things spiraling in the worst direction, he could no longer hold back.
He feared his mother and loathed being controlled and instructed at all times.
The Hightower girls were just like his mother—carved from the same mold. He would never marry one!
Alicent turned sharply, scolding, "Aegon, this is not your place to speak!"
"You're discussing my marriage!"
Aegon flailed his arms in protest.
Alicent ignored him and firmly stated, "If you don't marry Serina, how will you restore her reputation? What nobleman would be willing to take her as his wife?"
At the tournament, there were already few suitable noblewomen for Aegon to marry.
Westerosi nobles were well aware of the conflict between the Blacks and the Greens—and even more aware of the Greens' weaker position.
As the firstborn son of the Queen, Aegon was naturally branded as a representative of the Greens.
No major noble family was willing to offer their daughter to him.
Compared to daughters of minor houses, an alliance with the Hightowers was far more advantageous, strengthening ties between them and the royal family.
Aegon shook his head frantically and refused. "I won't marry her! You can't force me!"
"Aegon, this is a great opportunity! Why are you refusing?"
Otto strode forward, grabbed his grandson by the collar, and asked in a deep voice, "Unless you can find a better match—tell me, can you?"
He was still unaware of the scheming behind this matter.
Alicent had kept it a secret from everyone.
But as a seasoned politician, Otto's instinct was always to seek benefits and avoid harm.
Aegon's eyes filled with helplessness. He had no counterargument.
The only women he knew in King's Landing were prostitutes.
Otto released his grip and reprimanded in a low voice, "If you have no alternative, then keep quiet."
Watching his second son being lectured, Viserys felt uneasy. He muttered, "In that case, let's arrange the engagement as soon as possible."
"Good. I'll inform Serina—she's been crying terribly."
Alicent finally felt a weight lift off her chest and immediately agreed.
The marriage was hastily set.
Aegon stood there, dumbfounded, nearly in shock.
He had just had a few drinks—what had he done wrong?
Why did he have to marry a Hightower woman he despised?
His chest tightened with anger, swallowing his resentment.
Clenching his teeth, Aegon stormed toward the great hall.
"Where are you going?"
Alicent quickly asked.
"I'm returning to Twin Towers—it's my fief."
Aegon's steps were quick, his tone filled with displeasure.
"You're engaged! You're not going anywhere!"
Alicent called after him anxiously.
Aegon forcefully pushed open the doors, turned back, and complained, "You arranged this marriage. Then you can host the wedding yourselves! No one cares about my opinion anyway."
With that, he stormed out without looking back.
In that moment, he felt oddly relieved.
At least his father had given him a fief, and Rhaegar had built him a castle.
Otherwise, he wouldn't even have a place to go—just rot away in a brothel.
Alicent watched her son leave in frustration, calling his name repeatedly.
The more she called, the faster Aegon walked.
"Mother, he's terrified of you."
Helena, who had been silently observing the entire time, made a calm remark.
"What did you say?"
Alicent was stunned, thinking she had misheard.
Helena shook her head. "You have expectations of him that are too high."
Introverted people are often more sensitive.
She saw this entire farce with absolute clarity.
"Mother, I won't attend the engagement banquet either."
Breaking free from the embrace, Helena's voice was soft.
Alicent felt unfamiliar with her daughter and instinctively said, "You didn't come to the banquet this afternoon."
"I'm still underage. Let's talk about it when I turn sixteen."
Helena's eyes were clear as she sneaked a glance at her heavily pregnant elder sister.
Rhaenyra, with one hand supporting her belly, silently observed their dispute.
"I'm going back to rest now."
Helena gave a graceful bow and excused herself.
Based on her guess, her brother was unlikely to return to King's Landing anytime soon. She planned to ride Dreamfyre to Harrenhal tomorrow morning and stay there temporarily.
The reason was simple: to avoid her mother and steer clear of her elder sister.
"They all left?"
Viserys frowned deeply, almost losing his balance.
"Your Grace!"
Fortunately, Ser Erryk, standing nearby, reacted quickly and steadied the greatly shaken king.
Rhaenyra's expression changed slightly as she stepped forward to support her father.
With Rhaegar absent, she had to take responsibility.
"I'm fine. That's settled. Everyone, go rest now."
Viserys forced a smile and left with Ser Erryk's assistance.
Rhaenyra's gaze grew complicated as she gently caressed her belly.
She, too, sensed the undercurrents brewing beneath the argument.
Letting out a soft sigh, she thought to herself that she would return to Dragonstone as soon as this was all over.
At this point, counting Rhaegar and Aemond, who were away, it seemed that among the six Targaryen children, only little Daeron hadn't yet considered leaving.
What was supposed to be a safe haven had become a place people were eager to escape from.
The royal family members gradually left the hall, followed closely by the council ministers.
In the end, only three members of House Hightower remained in the chamber.
Lord Hightower smiled, pleased with the renewed marriage alliance for his family.
Up until now, House Hightower had no way to rise above the Tyrells, the current overlords of the Reach, except through royal marriages.
Alicent stood frozen, dazed and heartbroken.
She had never expected both of her children to abandon her simultaneously.
Had she known this would happen, perhaps she shouldn't have held the exhibition, nor schemed for a marriage alliance with her family.
Perhaps arranging a marriage between Aegon and Helena, following tradition, would have been the better choice.
Otto sighed, stepping forward to pat his daughter's shoulder. He spoke softly, "Don't be sad. Young dragons will always grow up. You are still their mother."
"Father, I just want what's best for them," Alicent murmured.
"I know," Otto said. "I once thought the same way. That's why you became queen."
"Is that so?"
A sudden pang struck Alicent's heart, and her gaze turned distant.
(End of Chapter)