Aegon came clean.

As clever as maesters were, they didn't seem to know much of what it was like to be a young man– a prince, even– who was curious about the body in non-erudite ways. Maester Gorfin had come back empty-handed after a day. There was nothing he could say to confirm if Aegon had or had not been with a girl.

It left Amalia no choice but to question her son herself. She dreaded it, truly. She'd taught her children not to lie, and the lot of them were so talkative she doubted they'd ever even thought to lie unless it was to do childish mischief. Never had they lied over something so serious. They trusted her wholly, for even when she was worried for them, she did not chastise them for being children. Children made mistakes, children didn't think the way adults did. She had never scolded them so soundly for something they did in innocence.

This, of course, if true, was far from innocent. Amalia had had stern talks with all her children about the importance of respecting their own and others' bodies. Not because she wanted them to be chaste and holy– though, if one of her sons became a septon, she would be very proud– but because it was a matter of security.

Time and again she'd reminded her oldest sons that they were princes. Handsome ones, at that. Girls of the court and otherwise were bound to want their attention. While she preferred for them not to indulge until marriage, both to protect the girl from scrutiny and teach the boys to assume responsibility for adult decisions, she had shown them what to do if they decided to pursue this curiosity prior to a wedding.

If this had really happened, if Aegon had truly bedded a girl, he'd have done the right thing trying to protect her from any consequences. Of course, Amalia feared that might've all been for naught if it was part of a plot against him. He might not have considered that could happen– why would he? He knew of the whispers that surrounded Rhaenyra's imminent ascension, but what reason had he to think of the manipulative tactics that could use him as a pawn against his sister?

She dreaded asking him, not because she was afraid that he'd been irresponsible, but because she was afraid of what truths this might bring. If Aegon could identify this girl, then it would leave Amalia to investigate who was doing all this plotting. Surely, if it was a plot, they would not think Aegon capable of divulging the truth to his mother.

The boy loved to talk, however, and had been telling her for quite some time already that he wanted to marry for the purpose of indulging. If anyone had ever paid attention to how much her children trusted her, they'd know this was all for naught.

"Mother." Aegon seemed nonchalant as ever as she entered his apartments. He was alone, for once, usually surrounded by his flock of friends. Boys from the court, some sons of lords or knights. A few were servants she'd taken under her wing as children, and had grown up alongside Aegon despite their low status. Aegon was fond of everyone and anyone who could joke with him, run with him, and talk at length about the number of things he enjoyed. That was what sometimes concerned her– he could trust too easily.

"My boy," she said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "I've not seen you."

"I've been keeping my distance," he replied simply. Truth, yes, but to hide a lie, perhaps? "How is Daeron?"

"Your brother is managing as best as he can, but it is clear he is deeply troubled. He took Jaehaerys and Tessarion out. Helaena and Dreamfyre have made them company."

Aegon raised his brows. He knew as well as she that it was uncommon for Helaena to like sharing her time in the sky, but it all spoke to the gravity of what Daeron was feeling. "I didn't think he would like to be surrounded. You know how he is, he prefers the company of books to us."

"I know, my love," she said, beckoning for him to sit with her by his window. Aegon's room looked right on to the Dragonpit, his favorite view from when he was a little boy. She remembered how Aemond complained and complained that this should be his room, though his own view was perfectly fine, if only not as angled. "It is difficult to know what to do in situations such as these. Some people don't like to be smothered and grieve alone, others need company. I've yet to determine which sort Daeron is. But, perhaps, you might invite him to join you and your friends one of these days. Let him know he has you to talk to."

He shrugged, perhaps thinking if Daeron wanted to talk to anyone about his feelings, it would be Helaena. She had a way with those things, she knew exactly what to say to soothe someone. Jaehaerys and Aegon had never been the best at serious conversations, both more suited to distracting someone from pain and the older. Even Aemond was the awkward sort there, though he did know how to comfort those who followed the Seven– he knew all the prayers to soothe and would always offer to pray for the needs of those who mentioned anything.

Amalia pursed her lips, unsure how to begin the conversation. "What have you and your friends been up to? I imagine you've all taken advantage of how quiet the castle is."

Oh, he certainly knew she was hinting at something. His eyes darted away, as they used to when he was a boy trying to pretend he and Aemond hadn't been tugging at Ser Harrold's cloak and running away before they could be caught. "Mother," said Aegon, "did you... hear anything about me?"

"I did," she said. No sense in pretending that wasn't true. "But I don't want to make assumptions, Aegon. I'd prefer to hear the truth from you. You can tell me anything, you know? If it is about a girl... I know I've neglected giving into your wish to marry someone; I've been so preoccupied with your father I haven't interviewed suitable candidates. You've been very disciplined, but I understand how temptation can feel..."

Gods, he has no idea how much I understand the struggle, in the end we're all human. Viserys has told me time and again how restless those with the blood of the dragon can be. If I had a hard time resisting Daemon, I can only imagine how difficult it would be for a dragon to hold back any urges.

"I didn't do anything," he swore. "I promise you, I swear to all the Seven. The tea wasn't for a girl I was with."

This made her all the more curious, and especially relieved to hear it. "One of your friends got into a spot of trouble, I take it?"

"We were discussing things of that nature... they've been to brothels and they said I would like it. I told them you didn't believe it was a good idea, that my reputation could suffer, that I might leave some poor girl with a babe in her belly. It would reflect poorly on our house if I were to be seen there. I wanted to try, I did, but I told them no, that I am named for the Conqueror and I doubt he ever stooped so low."

He scrunched up his face, muttering, "No one cares when a man does it, I know that, but... it annoys me how they still speak of Jace and Luke. How they sneer at Ser Laenor and how they used to whisper about Ser–Lord– Harwin. I don't want to bring a babe into the world and have people talk about them like that, ever. So, I said to them I'll marry soon and that I would not leave anyone with a bastard in their belly. It isn't fair to the child, nor to the mother."

It made her smile, though the situation was not one for smiling. "That's a very good way to think, Aegon. I am proud of you for thinking more broadly... some boys and men don't think like that. It is easy for them to be rid of any consequence in the matter, and so they don't tend to mind what becomes of the girls and women they lay with."

"That's sort of how my friends are. I don't think they have sisters, because I think in those moments, what if someone did that to Helaena? Left her with a babe and ruined her life? I'd be furious with that person. I'd probably feed them to Sunfyre if they tried to avoid responsibility."

She cupped his face gently. "I'm sure Sunfyre would be very glad to help you, though I hope it would never come to that." Daemon once told me the story of what happened to his Aunt Gael, who was only a year older than him. How she drowned herself in Blackwater Bay after she was seduced and impregnated by that singer. How she didn't think life was worth living after she had her stillborn son. I fear my Helaena would react that same way. She could not handle it.

"Anyway," said Aegon, "we were discussing all that about the brothel. Then, someone was trying to open the passage into my room." He spoke quickly when he saw her eyes darken and glance at his garderobe, which was no longer blocking the entrance, "Well, I still had the garderobe in front of it when it happened, but I could hear someone was trying to access it. My friends and I moved it and we were going to attack the person, but it was only a girl. She said her sister trapped her in there and she was trying to get out."

Amalia narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. Who else would know about those hidden passages? Daemon told me about many and several of those in my network have been tasked with exploring them. Larys Strong would've known... would he have told others on the Council? Could Ironrod know? Tyland? Ser Criston? "And who was this girl?"

"She's one of the Baratheon girls," said Aegon. "Her father is visiting and he brought her and her sister. She's... beautiful. Dark hair and a kind face. She got along well with all of us, really, she teased the way we do and we spoke for a while."

The night Daeron and Jaehaerys were with me, I think that's why Aegon was so preoccupied. "What happened afterwards?" asked Amalia. "Did she try anything inappropriate with you?"

"Well, one of my friends asked her if she'd answer any question asked. She said she would. He asked her if she'd lost her maidenhead and she said she hadn't, but she wanted to. My friends all joked I should take her maidenhead so she could take... well, mine. They thought it was great fun and she started... to lean towards me. My friends decided to leave for the brothel and left me alone with her. We kept talking and she started touching me. I was interested, but she's a girl of high birth, I wouldn't have dared to lay with her. In the end I asked her to leave the way she came. The next morning, one of my friends said he took her maidenhead and that he needed moon tea. I asked Maester Orwyle to make it and keep it a secret."

"You did the right thing, Aegon," she said. Cassandra was the girl's name, even if Aegon tried to omit it for her safety. Amalia knew Borros's daughters, having heard much and more about them from Rhaenys. This one, the eldest, seemed particularly resentful of not being as pretty or clever as other sisters of hers. Not to mention she knew she would not be her father's heir once he had a son.

She had reason to want to rise high in the world, but would she not sympathize, then, with Rhaenyra? Well, Amalia realized she didn't know how Borros felt about that situation... he had made a particularly strange comment to Rhaenys at the Heir's Tournament, according to Rhaenyra and Alicent. This was the sort of thing Rhaenys would know more about, Amalia would have need to write to her. But perhaps, to avoid trusting words on a raven, she could ask Laenor first. He might have heard a thing or two about his cousins. If not, he might be willing to fly with Amalia, a reasonable excuse to see his mother.

"You still look upset," said Aegon cautiously. "Is there more to all this?"

There was no sense in lying or omitting the truth to protect him. "I believe so. It is odd to me that such a highborn girl would happen upon your chambers with these intentions in mind, right after Lord Beesbury's passing. Perhaps it is all a distraction for something else, perhaps you are the target."

"Me? Why would–?" But he'd figured it out before he finished his question, she saw the recognition in his eyes. "Gods, it never ends, does it? One thing after another, all to undermine Nyra. That must mean the Baratheons have forgotten their oaths."

"I fear the same," said Amalia. "I wish to give you an out, Aegon, if you should want it. You need not worry about what is to come... I could arrange for you to marry someone far from here, a kind and adventurous girl who can help you explore another part of the Realm. Arranged marriages can be difficult, but I will find someone worthy of you who will help you feel free of all this. Aliandra Martell is not much younger than you. You and Sunfyre would like Dorne, their culture and climate. Maester Gorfin has been and enjoyed it greatly."

He put his hand over hers, that boyish grin never leaving him. She wondered if he would always be this carefree. Maybe not when the war comes. But I hope when that happens, I've done enough as a mother to prepare him, to protect him, to ensure he can find happiness again even in the aftermath. "Don't worry about me, Mother. You always worry about us. But me, Aemond, and Hel are adults now. As long as you tell us when we might be in danger... we can handle ourselves, too. It doesn't all need to fall on you."

To have her son say that meant the world, and he had no idea about it. Amalia felt herself swelling with pride. Not only was Aegon ever still the kind boy she raised, but even more he was well-aware of others' feelings in a way that most around her hadn't been when she'd needed them to be.

She felt his admiration for her, something she wished she'd shown more often to her own mother. Something she didn't think most people realized they had for their parents. I did well with him, I think. My first child, not quite the one I learned to be a mother with, but still the one I had the greatest hand in raising, and I believe I helped him become a good man.

The wall opened so suddenly, both Aegon and Amalia jumped. They collided as they tried to shield one another— she reaching for a candle holder and he drawing his sword. When they saw it was Aemond poking his head in, Aegon let out a huff of exasperation.

"I could have killed you," said Aegon in disbelief. "I didn't tell you I moved the garderobe so you could do that."

Aemond gave them both a judgmental look, his body still hidden in the passage and his eye scanning the room. "You, killed me? You flatter yourself, big brother." He smirked when he saw Aegon roll his eyes. "Which guards are outside, Mother?"

"Both are mine," said Amalia. In my network, those I trust, that I had to ensure if I was coming to have this conversation with Aegon. "What is it? Why—?" Rather than answer, Aemond swept in with a girl, whose mouth was covered and whose hands were bound. "Aemond! What have you done to this poor girl?"

"I had to keep her quiet," he said. "And still." He gave her a firm little shake when she made a face and muttered something against the cloth over her mouth, likely something foul considering how red her face became. Amalia threw her hands up. "Release her! When have I ever taught you to behave this way towards anyone?"

"You won't want her talking when you hear what she has to say," said Aemond. He dodged a kick as the girl made another attempt to escape. "This is Rose Caron, granddaughter of Lord Royce Caron of Nightsong. Lady-in-waiting and cousin to Lady Cassandra Baratheon. Aegon, would you care to tell me why I overheard this girl saying Cassandra might be carrying your child?"

"Gods be good." Amalia turned away, frustrated, rubbing her forehead as the girl began to whine in protest. Aegon was scoffing loudly, shaking his hands and telling Aemond frantically, "No, no, that is not even possible considering I never bedded her. She couldn't even possibly be with child after three days, not unless she lied about having her maidenhead intact that night."

"A lie it easily could have been," said Aemond, prompting Rose to sit by the window and untying her hands. "Seeing as Lady Cassandra 'happened' upon my chambers yestereve and failed to seduce me."

Him, too? This is no coincidence, the girl must be involved. To try and seduce one prince could be a matter of self-ambition and lust, but to try and seduce two is a power move prompted by something deeper. Amalia watched how Rose avoided both boys glances. She knew more than she was willing to admit, but of course, anyone could be made to talk... they need only find out what it is she wanted.

"Failed to seduce you?" said Aegon. "What did you do to make her leave, pray at her?" He smirked and leapt out of the way as Aemond tried to smack his arm. "I jest, I jest!"

"She did interrupt my prayers," grumbled Aemond. For a boy so eager for a good fight, he remained one of Amalia's most devout children. He liked to keep Helaena company if she ever went to the sept alone, though he didn't often like anyone knowing he believed so strongly in the Seven. "As soon as I realized what she was there for, I told her I'd have her turned into a Silent Sister. She excused herself and left. Then she went to gossip with this one."

Rose flung her hands up in protest, as if upset about how she was being referred to. "Very well," said Amalia, turning towards the girl. "It is up to you to tell us what you know. It is not my desire to punish you for things which are not your fault. However, if I feel you are lying to me and jeopardizing the safety of my children, then I act as I see fit. Do you understand me?"

She nodded her head quickly. Amalia reached over gently to remove the gag Aemond placed on her. Rose's face was freckled, and her pale hands reached up immediately to caress her cheeks. Her hair was nearly as dark as that of the Baratheons, long and thick and coiled into several layered braids that had been securing the gag in place.

She was pretty, something that did not escape Amalia's notice. Aegon's eyebrows had risen upon seeing her full face, and Aemond certainly wasn't hiding how he stared at her. Perhaps if the girl proved cooperative, something could be arranged for her... particularly considering that Amalia was now in need of allies in the Stormlands. "Lady Rose," said Amalia, "if you would please tell me the truth in Lady Cassandra's statement."

"Your Grace," said Rose softly– her voice was delicate, surprising considering the way she'd been trying to scream in protest against Aemond. "Your Grace, please, I do not know enough to tell you what you wish to know. I only know Cassandra wishes to marry Prince Aegon. She told me that she lost her maidenhead to him and that she could be carrying his child. That is all."

"How long since she lost her maidenhead?" asked Aemond bluntly. When Amalia gave him a reproachful look, he shrugged, "It is a reasonable question, given what she told Aegon. If she is indeed with child, she could only be so if she bedded someone weeks prior to this."

Rose's face turned a deep red, a bright contrast to her cloth-white skin. She seemed to want to say something in retaliation, but held her tongue before Amalia. "From my understanding, she had saved her maidenhead for Prince Aegon."

"Perhaps there is a better question to be asked," said Aegon. "How long has she been telling you about this plan to marry me?"

"Before we came here. She said it was why her father was bringing her, so she might become acquainted with you, my Prince." Her tone with Aegon was so different, but of course Aemond was not the sort that would inspire amiability after the way he brought her in for questioning. Aemond liked to tease that he could be off-putting to everyone because he was too honest and if he were to hate anyone, he would hate them all equally, regardless of who they were. He liked to say that in front of Amalia if only to see her narrow her eyes at him. How he'd laugh when she did.

Amalia made her decision then; this girl did not know enough, or if she did would not be willing to divulge enough, not even before the Queen. Still, what she had said spoke to some plan having been in place. How could Borros have been planning to introduce his daughter to Aegon when he hardly even greeted Amalia with any warmth? The stench of treachery was all over this, undoubtedly a way for some alliance brokered between the Baratheons and someone who wanted Aegon on the throne. That could be anyone, and this girl could not possibly help her determine who.

"I thank you for your honesty, Lady Rose," said Amalia. "Should you recall anything else, I ask you to seek me out directly. I would appreciate if none other was told of this conversation. Additionally–" She eyed Aemond, who already knew what she would ask of him, "I ask that my son apologizes to you for the way he brought you here. I am sure he acted out of concern for his brother and did not think of how inappropriate it would be to seize a lady so."

Aemond did not look entirely pleased to be apologizing, but said in a genuine-sounding tone, "I apologize for my actions, my lady. I only wished you be brought before my mother before anyone else had a chance to hear what you knew. I will not do it again."

"Thank you, my Prince." She did not sound thankful in the slightest, but faked a smile in his direction. "I will maintain secrecy out of respect for Your Grace. If I may say, Cassandra can be a bit... ambitious. I do not believe she realizes the implications of a marriage between herself and Prince Aegon." She looked at Amalia directly, and for a moment the girl's eyes spoke of fear. "The rightful Heir still has friends in the Stormlands."

She knows what might go wrong about this, she only doesn't know why and how it is being implemented now. Regardless, she has confirmed for me what I already feared. "The Princess and our family thank you for this," said Amalia. "Aemond, if you would please show her back to her rooms." Rose walked ahead, ensuring he could not grab onto her this time. Even when he attempted to re-open the passage for her, she reached out to do it first, striding ahead and expecting him to follow. It almost made Amalia smile.

From the sound of it, the Stormlands had shifted their loyalties– saddening, really, for the promises Boremund Baratheon had made were now forgotten. Something was stirring, a strange storm brewing in Shipbreaker Bay that had likely started first in the Blackwater. Amalia pursed her lips, staring out at the Dragonpit as two dragons made their way back. Helaena, Daeron, and Jaehaerys were returning from their flight. Good, for Dreamfyre would need her rest.

She decided then and there that she had to speak of this with their truest allies– in person. With this level of plotting, a raven could not suffice. Nor could Ser Laenor even be spared as she was hoping, for he would need to be here monitoring the children while she was away. She could not deprive Rhaenyra of her husband at this moment, not when the storm was growing.

She would write to Daemon first, and ask him to meet her at Driftmark. Then, to Rhaenys, who she hoped remembered all their gentle conversations over the years as they realized that though many years separated them, they remained united in their loyalty to the true succession and in their love for all the women here and gone.

"Mother?" Aegon saw her pensive face and gently touched her arm. "What are you thinking?"

Amalia sighed, offering him a weary smile. I think always of the things I can do to protect you, my boy. "I am thinking that I will need to brave the skies again. I must ask Helaena to take me to Driftmark on Dreamfyre. These things, I need to say at once to Princess Rhaenys and your uncle Daemon. We must prepare a response to this plotting, an answer to what I am now even more sure was a murder. And... I must see if your uncle is willing to come back to the Red Keep at last. We are in need of a Master of Coin."

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A/N: Happy 300 pages! Comment for more :)