Chapter Text
He had refrained from whoring and drinking excessively the previous night in preparation. Helaena had welcomed him in her bed, their bed, with a tired smile and a goblet of sweet wine. She did really know how to settle him, it was easier this way to reign himself in, with some alcohol in his system and a willing audience who wouldn't chastise him or judge him for his thoughts, being deemed too stupid or too crass for polite society.
The morning came too soon, the opening of their door was the first sign alerting him it was time to start to break free from the sensual arms of sleep. The new weight on their bed and sudden jumping what finally did it. He was dazed and a bit hazy, yet he still did his best to rise to a sitting position and grab the rambunctious twins.
"Wake up wake up! Did you forget?" they both chanted incessantly.
He pulled them both close, lest they hurt their pregnant mother by accident with the jumping.
"Of course, I did not forget. Happy Nameday!" He said kissing both of their heads and releasing them to Helaena's already open arms.
"Happy Nameday hatchlings!" She said, hair dishevelled and with a sleepy smile.
Sometimes it surprised him how affectionate his sister was with their children. Where she refused their mother's hugs or flinched at her brothers' touch, she let the twins free reign of herself, not even flinching when they tugged at her hair. Perhaps it was because they were of her flesh and her blood, or perhaps something in her had awakened when she birthed them, something their own mother first two babes had failed to ignite.
The servants readied the table with fruits, cakes, juices and milk. Quite the extravagant breakfast, one they had asked for on account of the special day. While Jaehaerys basked on his mother's attention Jaehaera ran to the table to scoop the best portions, always the one with a healthier appetite. Aegon got up to supervise, knowing if he let her roam free, they would be dealing with a tantrum soon enough, yet laughing at the comical scene. His girl still too short to fully reach, but still trying her hardest to peer at the table from her tip toes, a frown on her face deciding which plate to try first.
He nudged her a bit and indicated a chair besides his own, she climbed without difficulty, and he pushed it closer to the table. Jaehaerys did not fail to show right after, getting the chair at his other side and leaving one in front of Aegon for Helaena. They had discovered this was the best way to keep them content, equal distance from mother and father and away from each other to avoid infighting. Truly, sometimes he marvelled at how alike war and having children was, both requiring from exhaustive strategizing and knowledge of your enemy to be victorious. Divide and conquer had never rang so true.
Their mother arrived in the middle of breakfast, already dressed and ready for the day. Her entry caused a ruckus, but she didn't even flinch when the twins ran to hug her, mouths and faces stained with white cream and jam. In their childhood she would have given them a stern scolding but to her grandchildren all she bestowed were kisses and hugs, going as far as to kneel on the floor to allow for better access. Her dress would probably have to be changed and washed but she did not seem to care, joyous to congratulate them on their special day.
"It is not every day one turns six!" She said and laughed at her children’s incredulous faces.
A servant graciously moved another chair to Helaena's side for the Queen to sit, an action that prompted the children back to their seats and a tight smile from his wife. No doubt she would have preferred to have her queenly mother sitting a bit further away as she would probably be fusing over Helaena's state soon enough.
"I've already pushed two, how hard can a third be? " His lady wife would say nonchalant. But their mother would continue fussing, never satisfied with the situation. Aegon thought it must be prompted by how alone their mother must have been during her pregnancies, when she had him grandsire had been by her side, but after Aegon's second name day Alicent had been completely alone.
Presents were brought after breakfast. Helaena and himself gave them new dragon riding leathers, kids grew too damn fast and theirs were already too tight. A book with pictures for Jaehaerys, a wheeled wooden horse for Jaehaera and a pair of wooden swords both painted the same so neither cried. It was a present they would probably regret giving, already expecting a lot of crying in the future, but one they had been asking for incessantly. Their grandmother came next, having sewn two dragon plushies, caricature depictions of the twins’ dragons, Shrykos and Morghul. It was an instant hit, both of them elated by having a replica of their beloved friends so close. They named them Morghul the second and Shrykos the green and proceeded to formally present them to the rest of their toys.
"Can we get in leathers and present them to our dragons?" Jaehaerys asked, brandishing his puppy eyes.
"Muña, Kepa, Kostilus!" Jaehaera added for extra effect.
"We shall see the dragons later, but now we must get ready for the day." Aegon said before Helaena could be persuaded to give in.
"I shall do the same and meet you at the top of the serpentine steps." Alicent announced a jolly air still surrounding her.
Aegon was the first to be ready with the kids being helped by Diana and Helaena by a lady in waiting, an Redwyne or a Bracken he did not know, having promised his wife to stay far away from her lady's skirts. Once the children came galloping out, dragons firmly clutched by their side he made a questionable suggestion.
"Why don't you take your swords with you? Perhaps if we find your uncle you can show them to him." And so, he found himself using his own belts to fashion some sort of hold for the wooden swords, tying them around their small waits and leaving too much loose material behind them. It did not look princely, but the kids were happy and that should be enough for today.
Their next stop was the tower of the hand, Aegon having to haul both kids up the stairs one under each arm, he was breathing heavily by the time they even made it there. They weighted more by the day and at this rate he would have to go back to the yard if he wanted to keep picking them up.
Otto was surprised but happy enough to see his greatgrandchildren as well as Helaena. Aegon would rather never have to enter that room again, his ass hurt just by the memory of the birch rod hidden somewhere behind the many books. Otto Hightower was a no-nonsense kind of man and was more than willing to answer misbehaviour with correcting violence, not that it had done Aegon any good. Alicent looked nervous as well, with that smile they both shared, one that did not reach their doll like eyes. He was sure she had most likely been equally punished as he had, at least before she became queen. His grandsire gifts for the twins were of the useful nature, always the utilitarian, a big blackboard and carefully pressed colourful chalk so the twins could exercise their writing. It would probably be used to draw animals and bugs, but he would let the man dream. After expressing their thanks and getting another sugary treat they managed to get the twins out before they could break something of importance.
Next stop was the yard, Ser Criston and Aemond fought valiantly in a secluded corner while squires and knights alike trained in the rest of it.
Helaena was quick to grab both of their hands, successfully preventing them from running into someone's sword. Their mother elected to stay in the balcony, not looking forward to having to change for a third time if the dirt got into her dress. It was Cole who bid to stop the duel once he saw them approach. Aemond looked with a frown that turned into a tight-lipped smile once he spotted their sister. Aegon wasn't so lucky as to receive any kind of preferential treatment.
"Brother, does my eye deceive me or is it you standing on the courtyard?" Aemond teased.
"I, like always, have been dragged here against my will." He responded with a sigh.
"Are you sure you do not wish for a match?" Aemond kept his mocking tone.
"I certainly do not, but I do bring two new challengers." He said signalling to the twins, and with a smirk he dealt the final blow. "And I fear, my children, you might have to remind your uncle Aemy what day it is, as I do not see any presents on him. He might have forgotten!"
Helaena’s warnings to be gentle were ignored as both of them unsheathed their wooden swords and ran to their uncle roaring their battle cries.
Shins were wacked and legs were poked until Aemond managed to reach the table and get a wooden sword to defend himself from the onslaught.
Aegon cheered from the side-lines, Helaena giving an apologetic smile and Criston looking proud.
"Perhaps we shall soon have another Lord of the Straw." The knight announced once the kids tired themselves from hitting Aemond and demanding presents.
Aegon ruffled Jaehaerys head. "Perhaps we will, although I'm sure your shins will regret ever wishing for another one."
Ser Criston gave a gruff laugh and ascended the steps to briefly talk to the Queen.
"Bath and then presents, if you have not forgotten." Helaena ordered their brother.
"How could I forget the Nameday of my favourite nephews." Aemond declared almost offended by the doubt.
Aegon put his fingers over his nose making a face of mock disgust as his brother approached, to the twins’ delight, receiving a punch to his shoulder for his troubles.
Back in their room while they waited for their little brother Aegon was hit by a wave of realization that had him scrambling to a big trunk topped with insect books, a place neither of his children would look. Daeron had sent his gifts a week ahead, and he surely would have killed him if he hadn't given it to the children before Aemond delivered his own.
The bounty was a couple of additional picture books, and a wooden bucket filled with coloured wooden pieces, perfect to build whatever their little hearts desired. Jaehaerys vowed to draw his dear uncle a picture in thanks and Jaehaera very much agreed with the idea.
Aemond came a bit before lunch with his presents, it was obvious he brought them more thinking on how much pain they would cause Aegon than anything else. Because what other reason is there to gift children tambourines and some kind of small drum if it is not to torture their parents. He would have to misplace the blasted things soon if he ever wished to visit his children while hungover.
"Just so you are aware, I liked Dareon's gifts more and he shall remain my favourite brother." Aegon complained.
"Why should I care when I'm mother's favourite?" Aemond countered.
"Mother should have left you in the dump where she found you as a babe."
Aemond just smirked as Jaehaerys shook the tambourine vigorously. Aegon swore he would ambush his brother while he slept with the fucking tambourine one of these days, to see how much he liked it.
Their mother and grandsire joined them for a lavish lunch. Meats, fish and even seafood was served alongside roasted fruit and vegetables all accompanied by flavourful white and red wine. As a desert they had another big cake the kids gorged themselves on and a Nameday song to celebrate. Truthfully Aegon would have immensely enjoyed the day if he were not dreading what came after their lunch. It revolved his insides and closed his stomach with only thinking about it.
So, like lambs to the slaughter their mother guided his wife, his children and himself to Viserys’ room. Their presence was announced to the rotting man lying in bed. Aegon hated that room, from the depressing ambiance to the smell that clung to your clothes for hours after you left, it sickened him. Sometimes he thought picking up a pillow and putting it over Viserys' head until the man stopped moving would be a mercy, but alas, a war would start if he did and he was not eager for that, so the man could keep rotting. It was quite impressive how all their behaviours changed as soon as they were in the King's presence, mother and Helaena straightened up, their smiles fading from their faces. Jaehaera and Jaehaerys quieted down and stopped fidgeting and moving around, no doubt having picked up their wary behaviour by now. He picked Jaehaerys up and held him close, letting Jaehaera hide behind her mother's skirts, sometimes he doubted the man even knew there were two of them.
"Husband, I hope you are well. We thought it would be good for you to see the children on their nameday." Their mother enounced with fake enthusiasm.
"Ahh, they grow so fast, don't they? How old are they now?" Viserys rasped with a smile that looked more like a grimace. Aegon bet he would remember if they were Rhaenyra's children.
"Six, father." Helaena answered, voice quiet like when she spoke her prophecies.
"Gods, so old already. Was it a good day?" Viserys asked, grasping Jaehaerys boot lightly with his hand. The boy stiffened looking at the talking corpse, frightened.
"They had a lot of fun and received many presents, your grace." Aegon answered for his child. It was the least he could do, the only thing that would not get him punished. Since batting the hand away and ordering the man to stay away from his children was not an option. He hugged Jaehaerys tighter as the man patted his grandson's leg with a wheezy "I'm glad" followed by coughs their poor mother did not fail to attend to.
Seeing his opportunity Aegon said with an incline of the head. "We shall not bother you for longer. Farewell your majesty."
He let Jaehaerys back on the floor with a whispered. "You were very brave" and a kiss on the head before nudging him to Helaena and Jaehaera to make their way out.
Since Viserys had not produced any presents for his grandchildren Aegon thought it fair to swipe two dragon statues from his model for his children to play with. Once upon a time Aemond and him had been fooling with it and broken something, the canning they received after had made him detest the damn model forever. It's not like there had been any love between him and his father even before that, so Aegon did not feel any guilt for taking them, even if it was the only thing Viserys loved besides Rhaenyra. Their mother would surely be scandalized, but at least Aemond might find some joy in the action.
After the strenuous visit, the children were left to play until dinner. Helaena took advantage of the free time to clean the insects’ enclosures and feed some of them while Aegon tried to have a nap. And by tried he meant closed his eyes and resisted the increasing urges to find his dear brother and put the tambourine up his arse.
Dinner was sparse, the children were already mostly full of cake by then and neither him nor his wife would push them to eat lest they had an accident in their nightly activity. Meister Orwyle had assured them that night would be the start of a meteor shower that would prolong itself four days. Helaena had been the ones to suggest going to the countryside to see them, Aegon had tweaked the idea. The blackwater was as dark as the night sky and it would surely reflect the stars, to go flying during the event would surely be more exciting.
Helaena struggled a bit with her leathers, having to finally give up with her beautiful blue jacket and put on Aemond’s loose grey coat. It made her look a bit ridiculous since her shoulders were definitely not as wide and it almost touched the floor. The children giggled and delighted themselves as their mother put her most scary faces trying to imitate their beloved uncle Aemy. Once the wheeled house arrived they made sure the children took their dragons and they took the harnesses before entering.
The dragonpit was always quieter during the night, neither of the siblings was accustomed to take night flights anymore, each having found a weird sort of balance choosing to fly at different hours during the day. Aemond went the first hours of the morning when not even most of the smallfolk was fully awake, Aegon preferred to go after lunch when the sun shone brightest and Helaena enjoyed the last hours of the day with the orange skies and golden warm light.
The torches gently lit the sand as Morghul and Shrykos were brought up while the two fyres were saddled.
The children greeted their dragons, showed them their cloth replicas and gave them a few pats for good measure before the dragon keepers took them away and gave them a small lamb as a treat.
Helaena got the golden dragon, Jaehaera always chose tails and Jaehaerys heads, whoever luck decided to favour would ride Sunfyre while the other would have the privilege of riding Dreamfyre. Jaehaerys was victorious this once, but there was no pouts or angry stomping for they both loved each dragon very much.
The left King’s landing behind with it’s torches and it’s shining lamps, going east. The skies were clear and the warm breeze of late summer slid gently under their dragon’s wings. There was no moon and soon the darkness enveloped them, it would be a risky move if they didn’t know the area so well. After flying for a while it started.
The children gasped awed as the stars fell from the sky leaving bright trails behind. The lost a bit of altitude to soar above the calm Blackwater which reflected the sky perfectly, it was as if they were soaring trough the starry sky, stars falling all around them. Even Aegon marvelled at the beauty.
Jaehaerys lifted his arms as if to graze the sky with tiny fingers, the tears of the maiden they called the annual event. White as diamonds and bright as thunder yet incredibly gentle as they coursed briefly trough the darkness. Sometimes their light even reflected in Dreamfyre’s pale blue scales, making the she dragon look covered in stray shooting stars. They ascended then, closer to the skies. He mourned the fact they could not ride with Helaena, as she knew the names of all the constellations and the stories of their creation. He remembered how she would whisper it to the three of them, before Daeron had been taken. They used to sneak out to the top of Maegor’s Holdfast to stargaze when the moon slept and the guards changed shifts. It was a peaceful time then, they all laid on the cold red stone floors in their white sleeping clothes, Daeron would lay his head over Aegon’s stomach and laugh at the funny sounds it made while Helaena softly spoke of stolen maidens, carts and dragons that flew too high never able to return.
He did not remember anymore which one was the dragon and which one the cart, but he promised himself to take the children at least once up there so Helaena may teach what he lacked. So they may dream of soaring the skies and visiting far away beacons in a sea of darkness.
Jaehaerys did not seem to mind the fact he could not explain which stars were which, content enough to let his fingers dance around him as if to catch a straying star to keep just for himself. It was peaceful. Another small moment of happiness, a memory to cherish and draw in the dark days that were surely coming.
“Mazverdagon iā jaelagon.” He softly whispered, chin resting over the boy’s soft locks. (Make a wish)
Jaehaerys looked back up at him uncertain.
“Close your eyes and make a wish. The shooting stars will listen and carry it away so it can be granted.” He explained as the boy obeyed, tightly closing his eyes and wearing the little frown that indicated he was thinking really really hard.
“Once you have it do not tell me, do not tell anyone, or wont come true.” He said enjoying the marvel of a young naïve mind.
“I have it!” He exclaimed.
“Sȳz.” Aegon said giving Jaehaerys a kiss on the top of his head.
“When will it come true?” The boy asked eager, his eyes reflecting the falling stars above.
“That is not for us to know, it is up to the stars.”
“Won’t you make a wish Kepa?” Jaehaerys asked with that innocent sunny smile he brandished with impunity.
Aegon closed his eyes briefly with a smile and thought. If he could wish for anything in the world it would be to let there be peace, so next year they could have another night like this on the twins seventh nameday. Then he would know the constellations, he would tell Jaehaerys the stories of old and point which was the cart and which one the dragon. It would be colder because Autumn would come soon but they could be happy soaring trough the celestial sphere alongside the stars, Targaryen after all were closer to gods than men and it was only fitting for them to sail the heavens.
He opened his eyes and smiled at his son, a great weight pushing at his very soul. If only the stars were so merciful.
Dreamfyre was turning around, and Aegon followed her trail, they came back like two intertwined comets, one of silver blue and another of gold.
The twins fell asleep in the wheeled house and Aegon had to carry them both, he definitely would need to start training soon. He did not let his mind wander anymore, focusing instead in how Jaehaerys drooled all over his leathers and Jaehaera’s head lolled against his shoulder fighting sleep still, his strong willed daughter.
They got them in their sleeping clothes and into bed between the two of them, making sure they both had their plushies close and were tucked in tightly. The windows were open, and stars still fell from the sky. They would guard them tonight.
With a kiss they both retired to their rooms.
They did not speak much before they both fell to their bed exhausted, but Aegon remembered just before falling asleep.
“You must remind me which stars were which, I want to know for next time.” He murmured.
Helaena stiffened a bit and held his hand.
She did not give an answer.