XXIV

Three years later
After the events at Driftmark, Maekar took his wife and children to Dragonstone, insisting that some time away will do both conflicting family's some good. In that time much had changed.

Aegon and Aliandra got closer as time went, and any day now they'd be returning to King's Landing for their wedding. Aegon hit a growth spurt on his thirteenth nameday, and now at ten and five he stood at six foot one, not quite his father's height of six foot five but there was still time.

His hair had grown out too, and Maekar was proud when Aegon would lead groups of Dothraki on search parties for hunting criminals. His father assured him that these were worthy accolades and so Aegon began braiding his hair in Dothraki fashion.

Baelon, like his twin, stood at six foot, but his hair was kept short and neat. Baelon was skilled with a blade like Aegon, but he spent his time in the Chamber of the Painted Table with Maesters and his mother, Alicent. All though Maekar was far from dying, Aegon had promised Baelon that he would be his Hand when he ascended the throne, and Baelon wanted to make sure he was a good, fair Hand of the King.

Baelon had his own bride to be. Lady Evelyn of House Stark. The two had met when Lord Jason held a tourney at Lannisport and were completely smitten with each other. They were set to marry two moons after Aegon at Dragonstone. It would be a smaller affair compared to Aegon's wedding but they didn't mind.

Rhaegar and Moira grew into beautiful young adults too. Like Maekar and Alicent predicted, the two had asked if they could marry in the tradition of House Targaryen on their thirteenth name day. Maekar had been right that day when Moira lost her eye to the bastard, news spread that Moira had been mutilated and the letters asking for betrothal stopped. Moira didn't care though, she wore her eyepatch with pride.

Visenya was the biggest change in all the children. At seven years old she was a tall girl, and she excelled in all her studies and sword fighting. She had ditched dresses after that night on Driftmark, and as soon as she reached Dragonstone she started training with her father and her brothers, to make sure something like what happened to her older sister wouldn't happen again.

At seven years old she could already beat her brothers in a duel.

Alicent's and Maeker couldn't be prouder of all their children.

—————

The morning of Aegon's wedding to Aliandra was filled with nervous anticipation. The entire family had returned to King's Landing for the royal wedding, and fifteen-year-old Aegon couldn't help but feel the weight of the occasion. As he paced anxiously in his chambers, his father, Maekar, and Aliandra's father, Prince Qoren, entered the room.

Maekar placed a reassuring hand on Aegon's shoulder. "My son, there is no need to be nervous. Today is a joyous celebration, a union of two great houses. You are ready for this step."

Prince Qoren, a wise and kind man, nodded in agreement. "Prince Aegon, my daughter is lucky to have you as her husband. You will make a fine match, and I have no doubt that you will bring happiness to her life."

Aegon's twin brother, Baelon, and their younger brother, Rhaegar, couldn't resist the opportunity to lighten the mood. They burst into the room, their mischievous grins evident. Baelon, always the joker, quipped, "Brother, don't forget to practice your vows. You wouldn't want to mix up your words and end up marrying the wrong girl!"

Rhaegar, the youngest of the three, chimed in, "Yes, and remember to keep your nerves in check. We wouldn't want you fainting at the altar, now would we?"

Aegon couldn't help but crack a smile at his brothers' playful banter. Their jests were a welcome distraction from his nerves, and he felt a surge of confidence. "Thank you, brothers, for your words of wisdom," he replied sarcastically. "I will be sure to remember everything you've said and make this the most memorable wedding in history."

"Just remember when you marry Evelyn and Moira, I will be there and I will be teasing you," the brothers shared a laugh again. Maekar and Qoren smiled at the sight.

As Aegon's family continued to share lighthearted moments, the door to the chamber slowly creaked open, revealing the figure of a frail and aged man. It was King Viserys, Aegon's grandfather, who entered the room with the assistance of Ser Harrold. The once strong and regal ruler now appeared worn and feeble, his hair thinning, his fingers missing, and his skin bearing the marks of illness.

Maekar heart sank at the sight of his father's deteriorating state. He hurriedly approached him, a mix of concern and respect reflected in his eyes. "Father," he whispered softly, taking King Viserys' trembling hand in his own. "You honor us with your presence on my son's special day."

King Viserys managed a weak smile, his voice barely a whisper. "Aegon, my dear grandson. Today is a day of celebration, a day that marks the beginning of a new chapter for our family. I may be old and weak, but I am filled with joy to witness your union."

Aegon's eyes welled up with tears as he realised the significance of his grandfather's presence. Despite his condition, King Viserys had made an effort to be there for his grandson, a testament to his love and commitment to his family.

Aegon and Prince Qoren approached King Viserys, their expressions a mix of concern and reverence. Aegon spoke gently, his voice filled with admiration and gratitude. "Your presence here, grandsire, is a great honor. Your wisdom and strength have guided our family for generations. We are forever grateful."

Prince Qoren nodded in agreement, his voice filled with a new-found respect. "King Viserys, your legacy will continue through Aegon and Aliandra. We will ensure that their union brings prosperity and harmony to the realm."

King Viserys raised a trembling hand, motioned for everyone to gather closer. "My family, listen closely," he rasped. "Love and unity are the foundations of a strong dynasty. As you embark on this journey, remember to cherish and support one another. Together, you will weather any storm that comes your way."

Aegon's heart swelled with a mix of emotions – love, admiration, and a sense of responsibility. He vowed to honor his grandfather's words and carry the torch of their family's legacy with pride.

As they prepared to leave for the wedding ceremony, Aegon felt a surge of determination. With his family's support, his grandfather's wisdom, and the love of his soon-to-be wife, he knew that he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

—————

The Sept of Remembrance was once again decorated for a royal wedding, with Lords and Ladies of the realm entering trying to ensure they had a good seat. The last royal wedding to take place here was Prince Maekar's to Lady Alicent's nearly sixteen years prior.

The one side held the Martell family. Princess Elia Martell stood with her two sons followed by other Dornish nobles.

On the other side was the Targaryen family. Maekar stood tall with the ancestral Targaryen sword, Blackfyre, strapped around his waist and a golden crown sat on his brow. Next to him stood his wife and future Queen, Lady Alicent, in a dress of vibrant green and gold. Baelon, his future wife, Lady Evelyn, Rhaegar, Moira and Visenya stood next to their mother.

Next to her was King Viserys, the weak and feeble old man sat in a chair as he wheezed heavily.

Behind them was the estranged family. Maekar's sister, Rhaenyra stood with her three bastard children, Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey, and next to them was Rhaena and Baela next to their father, Daemon. After Ser Laenor's suspicious death merely two nights after Laena's funeral, Rhaenyra and Daemon married in a Valyrian ceremony.

Maekar and his family hadn't even looked at them since their arrival in the capital after what happened on that night in Driftmark.

Moira had glanced at them from time to time, showing the family that despite Jacaerys mutilation of her eye, that she was a strong girl and the fact she was an eye short didn't affect her in the slightest.

Aegon stood at the alter, nervously playing with his tunic as he watched the doors.

The doors swung open, revealing Princess Aliandra, her arm interlocked with her father's. Aegon's breath caught in his throat at the sight of her ethereal beauty. She wore a white gown with golden embroidery that shimmered like moonlight, her veil cascading down her back like a waterfall of dreams, and the cloak of Martell sat on her shoulders.

Aliandra's eyes met Aegon's, and in that moment, all the nerves and doubts melted away. The love and adoration in her gaze filled him with a sense of purpose. This was the woman his father had chosen, the woman who had captured his heart.

As Aliandra and her father began their slow walk down the aisle, Aegon's gaze never wavered. His heart swelled with anticipation and love, knowing that soon she would be standing by his side.

"You look beautiful," Aegon whispered when Aliandra stopped beside him.

"And you, handsome," Aliandra whispered back as the septon appeared in front of them.

"You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection," the septon spoke over the deafening silence. Aegon and Aliandra faced each other, small smiles on their lips as Aegon reached up and unclasped the cloak of House Martell, folding it over his arm and handing it to Prince Qoren who retook his spot beside his wife and sons.

Maekar then approached, handing Aegon the black cloak bearing the three headed Targaryen sigil. The Prince placed a hand on both their arms, smiling widely at the pair before retaking his place by his wife, who nearly sobbed into Maekar's shoulder. Aegon put the cloak around Aliandra's shoulders, clasping it around her neck, bringing her under his protection.

"My lords, my ladies, we stand here in the sight of gods and men to witness the union of man and wife. One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever," the septon announced to the gathered crowd of Lords and Ladies from all corners of the realm.

Aegon gently grabbed Aliandra's hand as the septon tied a ribbon around their intertwined hands. "Let it be known that Princess Aliandra of House Martell and Prince Aegon of House Targaryen are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder," the septon began unraveling the ribbon. "In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity."

"Look upon each other and say the words" the septon commanded, and Aliandra and Aegon turned to face each other again.

"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger..." they said simultaneously.

"I am hers and she is mine. From this day, until the end of my days."
"I am his and he is mine. From this day, until the end of my days."

"With this kiss, I pledge my love," Aegon announced, gently cupping Aliandra's face. Aliandra leaned into his touch as unshed tears gleamed in her eyes.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in each other's embrace. Their hearts beat in sync as they leaned in, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of love, desire, and a deep connection.

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