Game of Thrones: The King of Bronze and Fire

The sun had set.

A small figure emerged from the queen's pavilion.

"Ah, serving people is no easy task," Aemon muttered with a soft sigh, stretching his arms wide.

His face was streaked with tear marks, proof of a recent emotional exchange.

"What did you say?"

Alicent followed him out, bending slightly to exit the tent.

Aemon immediately backtracked. "I said serving the queen is really easy!"

"Is that so?"

Alicent's expression softened into a chuckle, her tone amused.

This little one certainly had a silver tongue.

Aemon grinned cheekily, knowing better than to push his luck.

Still, women were mysterious creatures, especially beautiful ones. How could she go from crying her heart out to acting as if nothing had happened?

"Your Grace, the king has returned from the hunt. He seems to be in low spirits," reported Ser Arryk Cargyll, bowing respectfully.

"Thank you, Ser," Alicent replied politely.

Aemon glanced over, quickly interjecting, "You go ahead. I'll look around a bit more."

There was still work to be done—this time with Rhaenyra.

"Very well. I'll see you later."

Alicent nodded lightly.

Yet, she didn't move. Instead, she tilted her head, studying Aemon intently as though trying to see right through him.

Aemon felt a chill run down his spine, worried his grand plans had somehow been uncovered.

Just as the tension peaked, Alicent spoke seriously:

"Don't trust Rhaenyra. She's selfish, foolish, and only looks out for herself."

Her voice carried a sharp edge.

"If you stay too close to her, you'll only invite misfortune and come to a bad end."

Aemon froze, stunned.

The warning was so direct, so nakedly protective—and yet, uncomfortably laced with a grain of truth.

"Do you understand?" Alicent pressed.

"I understand," Aemon replied with a quick nod.

"Good."

Alicent's lips curved into a faint smile, though her expression remained stern.

"King Jaehaerys entrusted you to me. I want you to be happier than I am," she said, her tone softening.

"Of course! You and I are the best duo ever!" Aemon chirped, nodding vigorously like a little bird pecking grain.

Satisfied, Alicent finally turned to leave, her graceful figure disappearing into the distance.

Aemon let out a long sigh of relief once she was gone.

That was close.

If he wanted to navigate the stormy waters between Black and Green, he couldn't afford to be tied to just one side.

Life is a stage, and acting is the key to survival.

"Goodnight, Ser Cargylls," he said with a friendly wave to the twin knights outside the pavilion.

Both nodded back, admiring the young prince's charm and knack for earning the queen's favor.

Later That Evening

Under the growing night sky, bonfires blazed brightly as nobles gathered for a celebratory feast.

Aemon strolled through the camp alone, stopping briefly by the stables to wash his face in a water trough.

Can't have tear streaks ruining his composed appearance.

"Aemon, over here!"

Rhaenyra's cheerful voice rang out.

Seated on a tree stump, she waved enthusiastically, her silver hair glinting in the firelight.

Seeing his next target, Aemon perked up and made his way over.

As he approached, he noticed she wasn't alone.

Seated beside her was Laena Velaryon, wearing a flowing blue gown and exuding an air of quiet elegance.

Her demeanor was poised and her smile warm, perfectly embodying the image of a kind older sister.

Aemon adjusted his tone, offering a polite greeting. "Good evening, Lady Laena."

Laena rose gracefully, returning the courtesy with a slight bow. "Good evening, Prince Aemon."

Her formality caught Aemon off guard, and he waved his hands dismissively. "No need to be so serious."

After all, they were distant relatives.

Laena's mother, Rhaenys Targaryen, was Aemon's grandaunt. Their shared lineage made them closer than their titles suggested.

"If you insist," Laena said with a small laugh. "Shall I call you cousin, then?"

"Just call me by my name," Aemon replied, hoping to keep things friendly.

The more allies, the better. No need to let formalities get in the way.

"Very well, Aemon," Laena agreed, her smile never faltering as she sat back down with an air of refined composure.

Aemon frowned slightly, realizing her presence made it harder to talk openly with Rhaenyra.

Before he could come up with a plan, Rhaenyra spoke up.

"Aemon, I've made up my mind."

Her declaration caught him completely off guard.

"What?" he blurted out. "What have you decided?"

Rhaenyra's eyes shone with determination as she took his hand in hers.

"Thank you for standing up for me earlier," she said sincerely.

Aemon was too stunned to respond.

"Your words reminded me of something important," Rhaenyra continued, her grip tightening. "There are still people who support me, who believe in me. I can't give up."

Her voice was filled with resolve.

"I'll fight back. I'll prove to everyone that I'm not just a cupbearer for the king. I'm the rightful heir to the Iron Throne."

Aemon's thoughts raced.

This wasn't supposed to happen. He was the one who was supposed to inspire her, not the other way around!

"What do you think, Aemon?" Rhaenyra asked, her eyes searching his face for approval.

He hesitated, then nodded. "You're absolutely right."

Her newfound determination was a good sign.

It meant he didn't have to work as hard to keep her on track.

For too long, Rhaenyra had struggled with feelings of inadequacy. Her sudden rise to heir had left her doubting her own worth.

But if she could channel that doubt into ambition, she might avoid the mistakes that had plagued her in the original timeline.

The key was to focus her energy on building her claim, not squandering it on reckless alliances or scandals.

Still, her sudden clarity was unexpected.

Aemon glanced at Laena, wondering if she had a hand in this.

She caught his gaze and winked playfully, her expression unreadable.

Aemon froze. She's up to something, isn't she?

"I should head to bed," he announced abruptly, standing up.

Better to retreat while he still could.

"Wait," Rhaenyra said, grabbing his hand again.

Aemon forced a smile. "What is it?"

Her expression turned serious.

"Stay away from Alicent," she warned. "She's deceitful and selfish. She betrayed me—she'll betray you too."

Aemon's heart sank.

Not this again.

"Promise me, Aemon," Rhaenyra pressed.

He nodded quickly, putting on his most trustworthy face. "Don't worry. You and I are the best team ever."