She could not bring herself to tell him.

The castle had been so quiet the following day, when Rhaenyra had packed her little bastards and taken them with her back to Dragonstone. As it turned out, Princess Rhaenyra had been concealing her own pregnancy when she'd come to visit, and as it came to light upon her departure, it was expected she would remain on her island until she'd given birth. Then, perhaps, she might yet come again.

Rhysaenya did not wish to bring Aegon any unrest. If she told him she loved him, he'd scramble to think of a response, he'd feel guilty if he did not have the same sensation for her, he'd feel too giddy if he did and possibly sour relations with Aemond. It was too complicated– she wanted him to have peace.

She had asked him that day if there was anything that could be done to grant him access to the Small Council chambers. He needed to learn, to be there and prepare for the day Rhaenyra's status as heir was truly called to question. Rhysaenya wondered if a new Great Council could be called. If there were any other preparations to be made. Surely, her father had something up his sleeves. Him, Otto, the rest of the Green Council. Aegon could not form part of that yet, in the end, it seemed the change would be made once progress was.

"It will be your responsibility to help him be King," said Karrhys when she and her parents met in the afternoon. He would be leaving the following day for Tarth, as the trial had come and gone with no consequence. She hoped her mother would still go with him once she told them of her new pregnancy. However, she feared she'd want to stay.

Rhysaenya watched the way her mother rocked Jaehaera so gently. She wondered if she'd ever shown her such warmth. "I know that. He has not been prepared the way he should have been."

"A lack of proper oversight," agreed Karrhys. "I told Otto many times that the boy should have been tutored, however privately. But it was difficult to do when he was dismissed, even more difficult when Queen Alicent was responsible for it all– the woman is cunning but not quite as much as she thinks. No one prioritized teaching the boy. In fact, when we took you to Tarth, I hoped I could convince Alicent and Viserys to let Aegon be fostered at the Phoenixfort for the remainder of his adolescence. I thought he could benefit from our instruction in all things, return to this castle a man. Instead, they let him sink into cups. He's not particularly good with his sword, I've been observing him."

She had to agree in that– it probably would have been better for someone to actually show Aegon what he was expected to do. He hadn't learned well, not really. Queen Alicent had not attended to her children well and it showed. Helaena had no responsibility, Aemond had his own ambitions, but if Aegon was meant to be King, should he not have been raised as closely to the role as he could? He was not what she'd imagine in a King. He could get himself hurt if he was not careful.

"You must protect him," said Rhaelyn quietly, caressing Jaehaera's face. "As Visenya protected Aegon the Conqueror. You must use your words to persuade him, as Rhaenys did. You will know what course to steer him down. Convince him to listen. Involve Aemond, if you can. What progress have you made with what we instructed you to do with them?"

Her cheeks reddened, embarrassed to have to admit it. But she knew they would have expected an answer when they had asked her to do it in the first place. "It's done," she said simply. "Aegon and Aemond are both... wrapped around my finger."

"How wrapped?" Karrhys eyed her closely. "For example, if there was need for you to convince Aemond to kill his brother and take you to wife, would he do it?"

The question was absolute insanity to any normal person. For Ignividosi, it was only a normal chat about power and games. "Yes," she said, though a little doubtful. "I can sense his jealousy still, animosity that has not left since they were children. He has been jealous the entire time that I am Aegon's wife and not his. He thinks the children are his, though I am fairly convinced they are all Aegon's at present."

Rhaelyn looked up. "All?" Rhysaenya gave her a nod, placing her own hand over her stomach. "I am with child again. I know it is rather soon after these two were born... the maester told me to wait at least half a year and we only made it four moons after."

"That is wonderful news, my daughter," said Rhaelyn. She seemed so genuinely happy, Rhysaenya found it odd. "Ignividosi women have found it nearly impossible to conceive again so quickly. Few have managed children so close in age. You are truly breaking our curse. Oh, I must stay to take care of these little ones while you focus on the one in your belly."

Gods, Rhysaenya hoped she wouldn't do that. Before she could argue, her father said, "There is a decision to be made, then. Will you wed Jaehaerys to Jaehaera?"

"I thought it should be so," she admitted. "To keep the blood as pure as possible. But I was also considering my nephews. We may yet replenish the blood in our own house using my girls. Given they are so much older, I want the same to be done with my daughters... let them reach eight-and-ten before they are wed. But when they start to bleed, let them be fostered at Tarth to become acquainted. Jaehaera could marry Eilryd's eldest, Aelwyth. Aegon wants this babe to be a girl he will name Rhaelana. She could marry Eilryd's second boy, Kitwyth. Any other daughter could marry Aithryd. It is better this way, that they wed their cousins. Keeps them from diluting dragon blood into other houses and gives us a chance at replenishing the branches of our house."

Karrhys nodded his head, leaning back in his seat as though he was glad she'd thought of it to this extent. Simply say you are proud and let me move on, Father. "Good," he said. "Then we are in agreement. As for Jaehaerys, who should be his bride?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "Perhaps if Eilryd can get a daughter in Bea Tarth. That would be my preference." She gave him a look, knowing that it was he who might try to get a daughter in Bea. "Ask the phoenix what might make that possible, now that they got their boys. If not... perhaps one of the Lannister girls. Lord Jason does not lack for daughters, and I believe he had one born last year."

"A fine solution," he said. You can say I am clever, you know, you are already instructing me with making Aegon a good King although it is something he should know and not I. You are asking me to steer him quietly towards greatness, you can say it means I am great. "Very well, then, it is settled. I am pleased to hear that you are performing your marital duties and still doing your family service."

All I've done is serve my family, for all my life, she thought to herself. But he would say it was expected of her– that would never be impressive to him. What would be? She did not know.

She was eager for his departure as she went to bed that night. Aegon had come to stay with her again, leaving the twins between them. Gods, what a beautiful thing it was. She smiled, looking at him as he curled up, one hand between the twins, both wiggling around and grabbed at his arm.

The following morning was strange. Rhysaenya found it was much later than usual when she woke, the sun usually lighting only the top half of the room when her handmaiden would come in to take the children for a bath. Instead, she opened her eyes to see the sun had moved further down– it had to be nearly afternoon and no one was here.

"Aegon." She tapped him, urging him to wake. "Aegon, something's wrong." She sat up as he started to groan and stretch. The babes began to wail, that familiar sound that told her that they were hungry. She sat herself back down, propping up the pillows and bringing them to her breasts– she might wean them off once her belly began to swell again, if she could manage them. "Can you hear me?"

"Yes, Rhysaenya, I can," he said tiredly, rubbing his eyes. "But whatever is the matter?" He probably didn't notice the sun's pattern the way she did.

"No one has come for us," she said. "The hour is late." She rocked the babes desperately, hoping they would drink quickly and be done. "Something is wrong, I am telling you."

"Your instincts are better than mine," he relented. "Very well, I'll see what it is." He started to get dressed, reaching for his sword. It made her heart beat anxiously– if something terrible was happening, what use would she be with two babes attached to her breasts and another inside her? She could not fight the same way. She'd returned to her training as soon as she could after giving birth, but if someone were to come upon them now in her chambers, what would she do?

Aegon opened the door and quickly shut it. "You're right. There is no guard posted. The hall is empty." He furrowed his brows, beginning to pace. "They may have locked down Maegor's Holdfast. If someone is to come, I would be safe here, but Aemond and Helaena..."

Rhysaenya's heart was beating faster. That was true. Her chambers weren't where the royals were housed– if someone were targeting them, she would be spared, but not Aegon and his siblings. "Helaena, if she is alone she must be frightened. Her routine, it is necessary for her."

There came a knock on the door, so sudden they both flinched. "Lady Rhysaenya," called the voice of the Kingsguard Ser Criston Cole. "Is Prince Aegon here with you?"

"Yes," replied Aegon. "Do not enter, my lady is with our children. Give her a moment." Rhysaenya was quick to bring the sheets over her breast. Then, Aegon opened the door for Ser Criston.

He bowed hastily. "My Prince, Her Grace your mother is requesting your presence in her chambers at once. Your brother is already there. It is a matter of the utmost importance."

Aegon and Rhysaenya shared a look. "There is only one thing that would merit such urgency," whispered Rhysaenya, her stomach dropping. It has happened, the King is dead. She hoped Aegon would understand what she meant.

He did, he must have. "My lady will go with me," said Aegon. "Give her a moment to dress. Where are her handmaidens?"

"The staff is otherwise occupied," said Ser Criston carefully. Rhysaenya took it to mean, Anyone who may send word to Rhaenyra is being held. "If it is your wish that your lady wife join you, we must go now."

Aegon nodded. He shut the door again, and went to Rhysaenya. "Give them here," he said, having her hand him the children. She did, quick to rise and dress. On the both of them, she smeared oils that would make them smell like they hadn't barely left bed without a bath.

Carrying their children with them, they followed Ser Criston into Maegor's Holdfast, to the Queen's chambers. Aemond was already there, seated by the window and staring out at the city. He rose as soon as he realized Rhysaenya was there– a look passed between them; he must have wondered where Aegon was. Surely he was noticing that Aegon was spending more and more entire nights with her... prohibiting him from coming by.

"Aegon." Queen Alicent offered Rhysaenya a tight smile. "Lady Rhysaenya." She came to Aegon, taking his hands. "Your father is dead. I was there, in his last hours. He changed his mind. He named you heir." The smile was less tight now– her eyes were shining with glee. "Plans have been laid for a long time, my son. By your grandsire, the Hand, by Rhysaenya's father, Lord Karrhys. All will bear fruit now."

She knew that if Aegon had been told such a thing before their wedding, he might have said he didn't want it. That he would not steal his sister's birthright– he would not believe his father had changed his mind. But she saw ambition in them now, curiosity. "Remember this, My Prince," said Ser Criston when he noticed his silence. "Whilst any trueborn Targaryen yet lives, no Strong can ever hope to sit the Iron Throne. Princess Rhaenyra has no choice but to take your heads if she wishes her bastards to rule after her. Your brothers, your sister. Your children. Even your lady wife, none are safe."

"I know that," he said quietly. He looked up at his mother. "What has been done, then? Where do we stand?"

His mother's lips curled up. "As soon as we learned of your father's death, the Council met. We ensured Lord Larys Strong and Lord Karrhys were part of it, as they have made their own contributions to our planning. We have chosen not to ring the bells... we have the advantage so long as Rhaenyra remains in the dark about it. We discussed until dawn... not all members were in agreement. Young Orwyle needed to be reminded of his loyalties, and it seems Lord Beesbury would stubbornly continue to speak on behalf of Princess Rhaenyra.

"Ser Tyland and Lord Jasper reminded everyone of how stale the oaths sworn to Rhaenyra are. And your grandsire the Hand reminded us all that even if Rhaenyra should ever sit the Iron Throne, it will be Daemon who rules us in truth. Daemon and Rhaenyra will kill you all. You must remember what one of those Strongs did to Aemond. He was a boy, aye, but the boy is the father to the man, and bastards are monstrous by nature."

She looked to Ser Criston, who spoke, "And should she rule, we reminded all that Jacaerys Velaryon would rule after her. Seven save this realm if we seat a bastard on the Iron Throne. Rhaenyra has demonstrated her wanton ways, and we have not forgotten the infamy of her husband. They will turn the Red Keep into a brothel. No man's daughter will be safe, nor any man's wife. Even the boys... we know how Laenor was."

"It will lead to war," affirmed Alicent. "The Princess has dragons. Blood has already been shed." She side-eyed ser Criston. "Lord Beesbury is dead."

Aegon blinked. "What did you do?"

"It was an accident," said Alicent dismissively. "He would not be quiet and Ser Criston only meant for him to seat himself. At any rate, we must lead House Beesbury to believe he has been imprisoned with any other traitors. Your grandsire is questioning now the lords and ladies that are guests here... having them declare either for you or Rhaenyra."

Rhysaenya had to speak, had to know, "What will happen to those who speak for Rhaenyra? Will they be executed?"

"They will be," she said. "Such men as bend the knee and swear fealty to Aegon shall suffer no harm at our hands, but traitors must die a traitor's death. Your father has mentioned that, should we do such a thing, we will save the meat of their corpses for the dragons. He believes it will prime them for battle. Daemon and Rhaenyra have Caraxes and Meleys, both of whom have seen battle. We've only Vhagar with such experience. Lord Karrhys thinks that Sunfyre and Skyfall should taste human meat to prepare themselves, should it be necessary."

She felt she had to agree. In all her simulated battles with Skyfall, they'd never spared a man for her to eat. She had felt that hunger, that bloodlust, but only when she mirrored Rhysaenya's emotions on the days they taught her to kill. The dragon herself had never been pushed that far... and she would need to be prepared for it, so Rhysaenya might keep her in her control when the moment came.

"Your Council has made a blood oath in your support," finished Alicent. "Ser Criston Cole is Lord Commander of your Kingsguard. We will find now those loyal to us amongst the City Watch, we will name commanders we can trust. Lord Larys is searching now for any whispers that may be of use. In Lord Beesbury's stead, Ser Tyland has been named master of coin. He will seize the royal treasury at once, it will be divided into four parts– one to the Iron Bank of Braavos, another safeguarded to Casterly Rock, and a third will go to Oldtown. Should Rhaenyra take the city, she will find little coin for her here."

Rhysaenya was still eager, she had to ask the questions Aegon would not think to. "What will the remaining coin here be used for? Who are our allies?"

Alicent seemed to look at her in a new light– one with admiration. She must have still been seeing her as the same little girl she used to walk to her parents' apartments. Now, she truly acknowledged her as a woman grown... in support of her son. "Bribes, gifts, hiring sellswords, there is no telling what may be necessary. Alliances are many. We have the Lannisters and the Hightowers, both of whom are a great might. Daeron and Tessarion must prepare at once to take to the skies; they will march with our men when the time is ripe. The Lord Hand has already dispatched a raven to Dalton Greyjoy, the Lord Reaper of Pyke. We've need of the Greyjoy forces to match the Velaryons at sea. He's been offered Helaena's hand in marriage and a seat on the Council as Master of Ships."

She furrowed her brows at once. Dalton Greyjoy was called the Red Kraken. He was only sixteen, but bloodthirsty and daring. He would be a terrible husband for Helaena, Rhysaenya knew. "My sister won't like that," said Aegon, as if he knew what she was thinking. "Was there no other way?"

"It is what is most like to achieve his support," said Alicent. "Ravens will fly to where we believe we'll find lords and ladies sympathetic to you, Aegon. Let us act as we must. Prepare yourselves, all of you. Everything is about to change."

She left them to return to their chambers. Aemond walked with them as they left, the three quiet as they'd cleared Maegor's Holdfast– both men were escorting her back to her own rooms, she knew. She kept rocking Jaehaera in her arms, Aegon holding Jaehaerys.

"Well, then." Aemond was the first to break the silence. "It seems we won't be kneeling to kiss the old whore's cunny. You knew, did you not, Rhysaenya?"

"I knew plans were being laid for years," she muttered. "I didn't know what they were or how they'd be carried about. I didn't entirely expect a usurpation. I sort of imagined they'd call another Great Council or make the King spurn Rhaenyra as heir publicly."

Aegon snorted. "Do you believe that he changed his mind? He had twenty-three years to and he never did. My father never wanted this... he didn't like me."

"Tell yourself whatever you wish, brother," said Aemond. His eye glimmered as if he wished Aegon could say he did not want this duty. You'd like that, wouldn't you? You as King, me as your Queen. She was thinking she might have underestimated Aemond's own thirst for the throne. "In the end, you are to be our King. For now, let them plan as they wish. You'll be part of the Council the moment you are crowned."

He looked back at his brother, saying, "As will you, Aemond. I intend to name you Hand." His brother blinked, confused. "The dragon has three heads. The three of us need to be there. If this is to happen, I'll not have those old fucks telling me what to do."

"You intend to rearrange your Small Council?" asked Rhysaenya. "What of your grandsire?"

"He may remain... as may my mother, for their counsel. But I intend for Aemond to be my Hand. You, my Queen Consort. Your father, I will bring as Master of War. Now, that will certainly be a fearsome council. Until Dalton Greyjoy states what he wants, I say my grandsire should be Master of Coin once Tyland has done whatever he intends to with the royal treasury. He's been Master of Ships until now, let him stay so while he wait for another. The Lannister Fleet will be of importance, too."

Rhysaenya started to smile, thinking perhaps he might not need so much of her help. He was trying, he really was, all to be a good King that would ensure the throne could pass to their son. "It is official, then. Our son is the Crown Prince."

She saw the greed in Aemond's eyes, surely thinking Jaehaerys was his son, and as such, his blood would take the throne after Aegon. Both men seemed proud as they looked at the boy, still wiggling around and fussing as though he wanted more milk.

She reached for Aegon's hand when she saw him picking at his fingers, a habit he had when nervous. "Don't be afraid. They've been planning for so long. We'll work together... it will be alright. You will be King, and we will support you."

Rhysaenya did not mean to kiss him in front of Aemond, but Aegon leaned in, cupping her face and pressing his lips to hers. She did not draw back until he did, whispering for her to hear, "I will do anything if it means making you a Queen."