TRIGGERWARNING: Infant loss, discussion of SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome)

THE NEXT DAY, KINGSLANDING, 45 AC.

The meeting had finally ended the night before. Jaehaera sat in her chambers, eating a bowl of grapes. Maegor had just come over to her.

"Did you hear them laughing?" He asked her, still sounding annoyed from the events of last night.

"Yes." She replied, eating a few more grapes.

Maegor then intercepted. "I am surprised you were laughing as well, were you not offended? That they would question you?"

"There's worse things to happen. I'm pretty mad that they accused Kathryn though." She said.

"That is true. She did not deserve to be questioned like that." He sat down on the bed and ate two grapes.

Jaehaera could see that he was still seething and mad about last night. Even though most of the other members of the Council thought it was comical, Maegor was quite irritated.

"Like she already has a lot on her plate, afterall, i don't imagine pregnancy after a loss to be easy." She munched some more grapes.

"I agree, I cannot imagine how much stress she must be under right now." He took a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm down.

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

"No, these grapes are just really tasty." She paused. "Anything new about the faith militant?"

"Actually," He said as he got up and turned to walk to look out the window. Maegor now seemed a bit calmer. "There was some new news."

"Tell me." She asked instinctively, eating some more grapes.

"The Faith Militant have been growing more bolder in Kings Landing. They have even gone so far that they have been attacking nobles who are known for not being devout enough to the Seven." He seemed to look out the window for a minute before continuing. "They are even starting to question me about my polygamy."

"Oh for fucks sake, do they realise not everyone believes in their stupid religion? For my part, I often resided in Pentos as a child, so i feel more connected to their gods than whatever the faith is." She said as she ate some more fruit.

"Yes, I believe their religion is a load of horseshit as well. I do not believe in the Seven, and if their Faith Militant cannot see that then they are fools. However, we must tread carefully as to not escalate the situation and give these zealots a reason to attack the Red Keep. I do not want any reason for war." He sat back down next to her.

Jaehaera laughed at that. "My love, we've been at war with them since your accession."

He sighed as he took another grape and ate it. "Yes, I suppose you are right."

He looked at the large bowl of grapes before looking at Jaehaera. "My love, why are you not currently concerned about the Faith Militant? You are a foreigner to them, you believe in a foreign religion, of course you would be in more danger because of it."

Jaehaera shrugged confidently. "I am a foreigner with a dragon, as are you. They don't stand a chance against both Balerion and Snowsong, I don't think their gods made them flame resistant."

"Yes I suppose you are correct." Maegor paused. "Still, I do not want to give any reason for the situation to escalate further. Even though I do not care about the Seven, as they do not care about me, I do not want them to have a reason to attack us in general. Even though Balerion and Snow would most likely turn them to rubble, I would prefer to not deal with that hassle."

"Fine, council is soon, shall we get ready?" Jaehaera changed the topic.

He looked at her as he took another grape. "Yes, we should." With this they got dressed.

Today, Jaehaeras choice was a beautiful wine-red, Qohorik style dress. "Shall we go pick up Kathryn now, or is her pregnancy too advanced to join us?" Jaehaera asked as she finished the final touches of her appearance.

"Her pregnancy has not gotten to the point where she needs constant rest, However I am sure that she won't object to us letting her rest." Maegor said as he looked at her dress before looking back at her. "You look quite lovely."

"Thank you, my love." Jaehaera smiled. "Now, let's see who murdered good old Dorian."

"Yes, let us see if anyone can solve this wretched crime." Maegor said as he opened the door to leave the chambers.

At council, Maegor quickly sat down at the round table and looked at the other members as they glanced at Jaehaera's foreign attire.

Lyman and Martyn both looked at her with an intrigued expression, while the other members seemed to be somewhat taken aback by her clothing.

"Well, let us begin this meeting then." Lyman said.

"Yes, first we should decide which individuals are the most suspicious and who should be interrogated." Martyn stated.

However, Lord Hubert Arryn continued to look at Jaehaera very funny. "I didn't know a foreigner joined us?"

Martyn's eye twitched slightly as he glared at Lord Arryn.

Maegor spoke up. "My wife has joined us because she is a member of the Small Council, my lord. Is there any problem with that?"

"She looks foreign. What if she is suddenly spying on us for the prince of Pentos?"

Jaehaera was quickly pissed off. "Listen up, dunce, my mother was the Visenya Targaryen, my father was Aegon the conqueror, I was raised on Lys and I am NOT associated with the pentoshi Monarchy. Are you really that bigoted towards supposed foreigners, my lord?"

"My point. You were raised in Lys mostly. You know foreign customs, so it is reasonable for me to suspect you of spying." Arryn said, seemingly not intimidated one bit by her.

Maegor was not going to let this comment slide. "You are saying my wife, who is a member of the Small Council, is suspicious because she was raised abroad."

"Gods forbid I see the world.." She sighed. "Back to the murder. Afterall we're here to find Dorians killer and not to dissect my history."

"Indeed, back to the murder. Thank the Seven, we have moved past such a childish topic."

Martyn spoke up. "Shall we focus on those who had the motive and access to kill the former Hand?"

"Maybe his ex-wife, you know, lady Mya certainly did not like him, neither did house Bracken." Jaehaera shrugged.

"There had been rumours about Lady Mya and Ser Dorians marriage." Lyman added.

"It is true, she seemed to hold some grudges against her ex-husband. And her family is known for being ruthless." Maegor said.

"Maybe he killed himself?" Rhaella interjected.

"I'd say Lady Mya Bracken has the biggest motive right now... speaking of Mya, Maegor, is It true that you are entertaining her in your bedchambers while Kathryn and I are unaware?" Jaehaera tilted her head, subtly accusing him of cheating.

"I-... I... " Maegor started to get defensive when he heard this.

Jaehaera could see Maegor was still quite angry from last night's events, so this accusation was not helping.

Maegor's face went as red as a tomato, as he finally replied, "No, it's not true. I mean... well, she did come to my chambers, but nothing happened between us."

"Alright.. I feel like at this rate we're never solving the murder. We have no witnesses, barely any evidence and no culprits. I shall take care of my sons." Jaehaera shrugged and walked out.

"Indeed, this murder is much more difficult than the usual murders we deal with." Lyman said as she left.

"So, should we put the topic to a close, and reconvene at the next Small Council meeting?"

Before a conclusive answer could be made, Jaehaera ran back in, coughing and choking from running so fast.

"Jaehaera, what has happened?" Maegor asked as he got up and went up to her, as he saw that she was coughing.

"I.. You.." Jaehaera was still breathing heavily, now with tears in her eyes.

In that moment, Maegor felt his heart drop, fearing the worst, he pulled her close in an embrace and said, "What's the matter, my love?"

"Aegon.." She paused, trying to compose herself. "Our boy.. he is.." She broke out crying now.

Maegor felt as if he could collapse at any moment. He dreaded to finish Jaehaera's sentence, he was afraid what she was going to say.

"W-what about our son, my love?"

"He's dead." She said in a quiet voice.

Maegor thought he was going to vomit. He suddenly felt all light-headed and was struggling hard to remain upright.

"N-no." He said as he clutched the table to prevent himself from falling as he felt his knees shake.

"No... No! How? How? Is this some sort of evil joke?!" Maegor said as tears started streaming down his eyes.

"I wish it was." She took a seat and sobbed into her hands.

Maegor now felt a rage like he never felt before consume him. He started to shake violently as his wrath was uncontrollable.

He slammed his fists onto the table multiple time, causing a huge shockwave that knocked over several pieces of furniture around him.

"I- I- Who did this?! I will find the one responsible for this, even it if means burning down the entire Seven Kingdom to do it!"

"Calm down, please.. I beg you.." She sighed. "There is no evidence that he was murdered."

"I will NOT be calm until I find the bastard who took our son from us!" He yelled as he continued slamming his fists into the table. He was convinced someone murdered the boy, despite what Jaehaera said.

Lyman, Martyn and the others watched helplessly as Maegor went on his rampage.

Jaehaera just kept sobbing while most of the council starred at her with pity and sorrow, however, this was not the case with her eldest daughter, she was just as furious as her father.

Maegor then looked back at everyone in anger. "Why are you all just sitting there?! Why are no of you moving?! I want the guards to turn this entire city's house upside down! I want every single person living in King's Landing to be questioned! Someone is responsible for this, and the Seven Hells are coming for their sorry asses."

Rhaella now stood up with a booming voice aswell. "EXACTLY YOU LAZY FUCKS, GET UP AND FIND MY BROTHERS KILLER. HE WAS SUPPOSED TO OUTLIVE ME, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND, IM THE ELDER."

He heard his daughter scream and immediately felt some kind of happiness that she was just as furious as him.

"You hear that!" He yelled at the rest of the council. "You all are worthless and lazy, useless and despicable, but our daughter is just as furious as us and yet, she is still just a girl! If she can try and do something, what is your excuse, huh?!"

"NOT GET UP AND FIND THAT BASTARD." Rhaella just sounded exhausted and at the verge of tears now.

Maegor felt tears well up in his eyes again as he looked at his daughter yell, she really did care for her family.

"Damn right!" He said as he wiped his tears. "Everyone, move! I don't even care about the damn murder, I want the guards to arrest at least ONE person by tomorrow morning!"

Lyman and Martym nodded at that, while the rest of the council looked quite frightened and nervous by Maegor's outbursts.

Maegor then looked back at Rhaella, he felt terrible as he watched his daughter's shoulders shake uncontrollably as her tears continued to fall.

He quickly closed the distance and pulled his daughter into his embrace and held her tight.

"WERE GOING TO WAR. I DONT CARE." She yelled in madness.

"THESE BASTARDS IN OLDTOWN DEFINITELY HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT. I WANT EVERY LAST MAN OF THE FAITH MILITANT DEAD BEFORE THE FUCKING MOON TURNS."

Maegor held his daughter tightly as he listened to her screams. She was absolutely furious and he was proud of her, but seeing your own daughter crying with tears and yelling with a hoarse throats wasn't something a parent should endure. He tightened his hug some more as he began to feel more tears roll down his cheeks.

"Alright... Alright. If the Faith Militant has any part in this, those fools are surely dead."

"THEY DID, IM TELLING YOU." Rhaella barked.

"I believe you." Maegor replied as more tears rolled down his cheeks. He held on tight and didn't dare to let go as he listened, allowing his daughter to yell and scream and cry all she wanted.

"It should've been me, not sweet Aegon, he was just a baby.." Rhaella wept.

"No... No, no... Do not say that!" Maegor said as he held his daughter tighter, his own tears rolling down his cheeks as he listened to her words.

"I'm sorry father.. it's just.. I'm so angry and confused.. Aegon was a babe who couldn't even defend himself.." She sighed.

Maegor listened to his daughter as he continued to hug her, giving her as much comfort as he could. "I... I understand how you are feeling... I share your anger."

He took a break to continue crying, as his face twisted up into a mixture of anger and despair. "Gods have mercy... My son..."

"I'm never letting any of my brothers or sisters out of arms reach again." Rhaella exclaimed. "It's no longer safe for them here."

His heart ached so hard it felt like it might pop. His son was gone and he was gone because the Faith Militant was allowed to grow.

"You are right, daughter." He said in a determined tone. "We should have destroyed this so called 'Faith Militant' the moment they raised their stupid banner. But I was stupid, and now my own son has paid the price. I was a fool, but no more. I swear to every god you can think of, the Faith Militant will pay."

Jaehaera finally spoke up again. "Can you two please stop conspiring murder.. Aegon wasn't murdered, he died of natural causes in his sleep." She sobbed.

Maegor's face twisted in rage. "Do not try to tell me that!" He yelled. He quickly spun around to face her.

"My own son, he was only three! He was happy and healthy! Babies at his age don't just die from natural causes in their sleep!"

"He died in his sleep, he went out painless, his tiny body just couldn't take on the cruel world we live in. Now please stop claiming he was murdered." She sighed, still wailing.

"No! You speak treachery!" Maegor exclaimed, seething with rage. "Babies don't just die without a reason!" His eyes were red and puffy from crying, his clothes were unkempt and he just overall looked a mess.

"I don't believe these lies for one second! I know the Faith Militant had something to do with his death!"

"Please, you are going to make it worse.." Jaehaera said, this situation was too much for her.

"Make what worse?! The death of my son?! Nothing could make this worse than it already is!" He yelled.

"I don't need this from you." He spat angrily. "I don't need your lies, or to hear you try to tell me that my son died from natural causes!" He yelled as he continued pacing the room, still fuming.

Jaehaera continued to sob, she just wanted all of this to stop, why couldn't Maegor and Rhaella just accept the fact that her son wasn't murdered, when was this torment going to end?

The king just continued to fume as he yelled and cursed at Jaehaera. He wasn't listening to what she was saying, too consumed with rage to think straight.

He continued to spew venom at her. "You're a fool! How could you not see that it was the Faith Militant that killed our son? Have you not been paying attention? Have you not seen how they have become more brazen and defiant these past few months? How they have been flaunting their weapons? How these bastards have been taunting us? How they have been praying for our downfall... "

Jaehaera quickly retaliated. "THEY DIDNT KILL OUR SON, HOW WOULD THEY EVEN HAVE GAINED ACCESS TO THE NURSERY?"

"By sneaking in, you imbecile! The Faith knows how to deceive!" He yelled as he continued his rant. "Why would our son die of natural causes? His death was so sudden and unexpected. He was perfectly healthy and then, just like that, he's dead!?" Maegor shouted back.

"YES. EXACTLY. AEGON WASNT KILLED, I CAN FEEL IT." Jaehaera sobbed again, her voice breaking.

"Then you are a fool, just like any and everyone who believes in those damned septon's lies!" He spat as he continued marching around. "Our son was just perfect and now, he's gone! Just like that! How can you tell me with a straight face and say that he died of natural causes!? What kind of mother are you!?"

He yelled and spewed venom at her, he was furious and blinded by his anger.

Jaehaera suddenly calmed down. "What did you just say to me."

Maegor looked at Jaehaera and replied in an angry and defiant tone. "You heard me." He spat, "How can you sit there and say that our son died of natural causes? You speak as if you do not even care about our child!"

He continued to march around the room, as his anger and hatred just continued to consume him. "You are a lousy wife and an even worse mother!" He yelled.

Finally, the normally collected Queen snapped.

"HOW DARE YOU? AEGON WAS MY SON TOO, I OF COURSE LOVED HIM. YOU KNOW WHAT, IF I AM SUCH A BAD WIFE AND MOTHER, THEN FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO ANNOY WITH YOUR INSUFFERABLE CONSPIRACIES."

Maegor's face twisted in fury at her words. "You want to know *why* you are a terrible mother? Because you don't care enough about your own son to even *suspect* that someone had a hand in his death!" He yelled as he glared at her.

"You just accept the lies fed to you by the septons. It's a wonder you even have any children still alive at all. You were never fit to be a mother!" He snarled.

In her rage, Jaehaera began to throw stuff at him, including some heavy books.

Maegor just continued to yell as Jaehaera began throwing things at him. He continued spewing venom with each word.

"You... You pathetic... Pathetic... Woman! Why did I even marry you!? I should have just married your sister to begin with instead! At least she has some backbone!" He spat in her direction.

This broke Jaehaeras heart and she suddenly paused and replied in a calm voice. "You know, maybe you are right, maybe you should've."

Maegor felt his heart drop as she said that. He had never expected to hear her say that. He tried his best to come up with a come back, only to come up empty handed. He stood his ground and just glared at her as his breathing continued to get heavier.

"Maybe you really should've married Alyssa.." Jaehaera continued.

Maegor felt a sting in his heart as she continued spewing her words. He felt so mad and at the same time, so hurt.

"How dare you... After everything we've been through, how dare you even utter those words!" He growled as he clenched his fists tightly.

"Because we obviously don't work. Aenys and Alyssa had a child die in the cradle, yet they didn't even argue half as much as we are doing right now." She responded in a hoarse voice.

Maegor stared at her as if he wanted to strangle her. He had never felt anger like this before. He was fuming as he thought about how she could possibly say these terrible things.

"This... This is all your fault." He said coldly. "If you had only listened and thought about what could have actually happened to our son, we wouldn't be having this argument right now! This is on you!"

"It's not my fault stop it." She cried again.

"Stop it!? Do you think I want to be having this argument? I wish my son was still alive more than anything in this world and yet you keep insisting that he just died for absolutely no reason! Don't you think it's logical to assume he was killed!? He was healthy and then, he's dead! Just like that!" Maegor snapped, as he continued to hurl accusations at her.

Jaehaera then spoke again with a shaky voice. "You know how small and sickly he was from birth, I'm surprised he didn't die sooner."

"Small and sickly? Are you actually insane? He was perfectly healthy! Healthy as most babies are! You are delusional and just want to blame his death on something other than natural causes so that you feel better about not being able to figure out what actually killed him!" Maegor snapped back furiously.

She let out a dry chuckle at that. "Healthy? Maegor, the boy couldn't even sit up straight without almost choking on air."

"That doesn't mean anything! Babies are supposed to cough and choke on air, that's how they breathe! Do you not remember the last five babies you have given birth to!? They were also coughing and choking and yet they survived! What makes our son so different from the others!?" He fired back, continuing to spew his words of rage.

"That he was premature and also extremely small compared to his siblings." She shrugged.

"So are hundreds of other children in the kingdom and yet they survived to adulthood! How is it that our strong, Targaryen son died and yet weak, pathetic bastards and lowborn children are able to live!? Do you have an answer for that, hmm?" He fired back hotly, glaring at her as he continued his barrage of accusations.

"Life works in strange ways." She paused. "Also drop that accusatory tone. I miss Aegon too, trust me, with all my heart I do. I am angry with the gods for taking my boy from me but I accept that blaming others won't bring him back and that I need to focus on my other living children while still allowing myself to grieve."

"You might be content with just accepting the death of our boy without a second thought, but I won't." He said through clenched teeth. "I *will* get to the bottom of this, and if the Faith Militant had any part in the death of our son, there will be *hell* to pay. Nothing will stop me from seeking justice."

"Seek your justice however you want, I will leave you to it, I shall plan the funeral in the meantime." With that, Jaehaera walked out.