Chapter Text
Year 123 after the Conquest
In the corner of his eye, Aemond sees his Mother's right hand twitching, a muscle memory he supposes. Aegon, his elder brother had just suggested naming his son 'Aegon' after himself. As if there aren't enough Aegons running around.
The whore had pushed out another whelp the year before and named him after their worthless father.
Mother has been moodier and angrier than ever.
He understands her frustration really, Aegon is naturally annoying and off-putting in way that is so unlike Targaryens. At times, he has caught himself imagining smacking the attitude of his brother.
A soft but slurring voice spoke up, "No, my son will be called Jaehaerys, after the Old King. After all, Mother always did regale stories of him when we were young and not easy to put to bed."
Queen Alicent lets out an unsuspecting laugh at that, which immediately turns into a rivulet of tears.
Aemond is not the only one stunned, Daeron and Aegon's mouths are wide open. She rarely shows her feelings, all cold and closed off to the world under an armor of false meekness. A statue of queenly grace, one might say.
His elder brother, the future King regains composure and nonchalantly says, "Shaera then for the girl?"
Helaena shakes her head once again and shift the downy head of the boy to her breast. He wants to look away, either in deference or to control the desire in him.
"Jaehaera, they are twins after all. They should have the same name. Don't be asynchronous." she chides, shifting her sweaty silver-gold hair from her pink mouth.
"What do we do about the extra...stuff?", Daeron, sweet but young and uncouth, enquires.
There seems to be an awkward pause before Aegon barks out a laugh.
"We do nothing brother! Hopefully he turns out to be left-handed, my boy could excel in swordplay with an additional finger helping him. And as for the feet, well, he could plant his feet on the ground more firmly I imagine! Why one day, my heir could beat Aemond to become the realm's deadliest knight!"
Aemond wishes nothing more than to see his nephew, Helaena's son, to grow up and take the throne. He would gladly teach the boy everything to make sure he is defended against their enemies.