[a/n: Probably back to a hiatus since I have not worked on this story in a long while. these past few chapters were stockpiled chapters that were just sitting there. I am currently working on "A God Amongst Men" fulltime since I am very invested in that story for the time being. Idk when I'll return to finish this one up but don't think I've abandoned it.]
(Aerion's POV)
"I should have cut him down where he stood." I said as I clenched my fists, "He does not deserve to walk away with breath after what he said."
"You should calm down." Rhaenyra said
I looked at her, "Did it not bother you?"
"Of course it did." she said as she walked up to me, "But....Father is right, we should comport ourselves. He gave him a second chance.....and well, I am glad you set him straight."
"I will not allow such insults be thrown at you and my daughter." I said seriously, "You should not be this calm."
"I am angry." She grabbed my hand and smiled slightly, "Well, not anymore....but seeing you act in our defense....it makes me more happy than anything."
"Of course." I said, "What kind of man would I be if I do not defend my wife, the single most beautiful woman in this world?"
"Oh?" She said, "Do you wish to earn yourself some intimacy, my Aerion?"
"Hm?" I said, "I merely speak the truth."
"I know." She patted my cheek, "We came, peacefully, to enjoy the Tourney. Let us not get distracted, alright?"
There was a knock on the door, "Princess, Lord Aerion." I heard Ser Criston Cole call out, "Her Grace, The Queen wishes to see you."
Rhaenyra stepped to the side and cleared her throat, "Of course, let her in."
The door opened and Ser Criston walked inside, stepping to the side as Queen Alicent Hightower walked inside.
"Hello, Rhaenyra, Aerion...." She said as she looked around, "I hope it is not a bad time."
"N-No, Your Grace." Rhaenyra said, "It is not. Visenya has been put to sleep."
"Ah." She said, "That is who I wished to see. Forgive me for not being involved as of late, I have been dealing with my own children."
"It is fine." Rhaenyra told her
She walked up to us, "You won't mind if I see the child?"
"No, Of course not." Rhaenyra said, "Right, Aerion?"
I was staring at Ser Criston, who was awkwardly standing there, looking away, trying not to make eye-contact with me.
"Aerion." Rhaenyra nudged my elbow
"Hm?" I said as I looked at the Queen, "No, Your Grace, go ahead."
"How much you have grown, Aerion." She said with a slight smile as she walked over to the cradle, "Oh, look at this one. She is quite beautiful, such a pure soul."
"Yes...." Rhaenyra said
"A Tourney is to be held for her." The Queen said, "Viserys's first grandchild.....how special....I take it that you will participate, Aerion?"
I nodded, "That is correct."
"That will light a fire in other Knights, for sure." She said as she looked at me, "They want to test the mettle of Aerion The Bronze Dragonlord."
"Hm....." I said
"Aerion of Bloodstone...." She said, "Red-Hair Aerion, The Hundred-Manslayer, The Crimson Dragon....I cannot believe there is so many names for a single boy...."
"It was....." I started, "It was quite the eventful war."
"I am sure it was." She said as she eyed me up and down, "You must have been through a lot. So much death, so much blood....."
"Hm....." I said as I felt my face harden
"H-How are my siblings, Your Grace?" Rhaenyra spoke up, "I had hoped to at least see Helaena."
"She is asleep." The Queen said, "And Aegon, well, he is mad about the fact that he spilled wine on the stairs and he slipped and fell. He is a tough boy, so he should be fine. He blames the stonemasons who built the steps and wants them hanged, can you believe that? The castle was built during Maegor's reign, I am sure those stonemasons are long dead."
"That is true." I said as I looked down
"I wish you good fortune, Lord Aerion." She said as she began to walk away, "On the Tourney, that is. And Rhaenyra, it is good seeing you. I hope that the two of you give Viserys more and more beautiful grandchildren, it puts him in a good mood. And surprisingly, it makes Daemon tolerable."
"Of course...." Rhaenyra said
She then walked out of the room and Ser Criston followed, closing the door behind him.
Rhaenyra then let out a sigh, "It is quite tense whenever she approaches me..." she said, "After the fight we had...."
"I heard." I said simply, "And to think that he would be allowed near you."
"Criston?" She asked, "Aerion I-"
"I do not care enough to speak on it." I said, "You were a girl. It is over."
"Right....." she said as I walked over to the cradle, "You are right, we should not speak on it...."
I looked at Visenya, she was asleep, curled up in some blankets. Her face was so innocent and so pure.
"Hm...." I said, "She looks so peaceful...."
"Yes." Rhaenyra said as she walked up next to me, holding my hand, "She is ours."
"Yes, ours...." I said, "I suppose it is a good incentive to put effort in this foolish joust."
She chuckled, "I am glad you finally decided that." She said as she leaned against me while hugging my arm, "Should we make another one?"
I looked at her, "Huh?"
"Another child." She said softly, "I want another one."
"Rhaenyra, you just had her." I said, "You should at least have some time in between, no? Your body will be tired if you constantly strain yourself that way, it is not safe."
She looked at me with a smile, "Is that what you think?" She said, "You care about me that way?"
"Of course I do." I said, "This is a serious matter, I will not force you to pop out children like you said you didn't want to."
"Oh." She said, "You remember that."
"Of course I do." I said, "You told your Mother that you would rather die than breed for some Lord..."
"You are not some Lord." She said with a chuckle, "You are my Husband, Aerion. If there is anyone I would pop children out for....it is you.....imagine the beauties we can make....the perfect little Knights and Ladies..."
"That is what you want?" I asked
She nodded, "Yes." She said, "We can create such a big family, restore House Targaryen to it's former glory."
"Hm...." I said, "You should wait, however...I mean, she is not a month old."
"I know." She kissed my shoulder, "I just want you to know that I am more than eager. I want to give you a son, one that you can train to be as perfect as you. A Dragonknight that will inherit your prowess, your sword, your.....well, everything...."
"A son....." I said as I looked at Visenya, "Well, you gave me a daughter.....a son would be nice....."
"What do you say?" She asked
"I am serious." I said, "You should wait. We should wait until she is a bit older, alright? I want you to enjoy your life as a Mother without having to worry about another one in your belly?"
"You say that." She said with a chuckle, "But perhaps you just want me in this condition to have me every night in bed."
"T-That's...." I said as I looked away, "That did not cross my mind."
"Well...." She said while blushing,
"It crossed mine."