Everyone had been in the hall arguing about the incident. Alicent blamed Aegon for not protecting Aemond, Viserys blamed Aegon for calling Rhaenyra's children bastards. Attention finally shifted when Alicent demanded revenge, jumping at Rhaenyra with a Valyrian steel blade. In the end, no one was punished for Aemond losing an eye, and Viserys called Alicent back before everyone returned to bed.

Aegon slammed the door shut behind him, the echo bouncing off the stone walls. His cheek still stung where Alicent had struck him, but the dull ache in his head from the wine overpowered it. He let out a bitter scoff, running a hand through his tangled silver hair before dropping onto the bed with a groan.

"Fucking ridiculous," he muttered, staring at the ceiling.

He had done exactly what was asked—stayed in bed—yet he was the one sent away like a child. The one scolded. The one slapped. Meanwhile, Jace and Luke had been out fighting over dragons, and somehow he was the one who had failed? Alicent's words still rang in his ears: "You're the eldest son. Where were you?" As if he had any say in what happened.

And Viserys... Gods, his father had looked at him like he was the problem. As if speaking the truth about Rhaenyra's bastard sons made him the villain. Aegon had simply said what everyone knew but wouldn't dare admit. Cowards.

He grabbed the nearest cup, sniffed it—empty—and let out an irritated sigh. He thought about getting up for another bottle, but just as he sat up, he heard the door creak.

A shadow slipped inside. A small figure, careful, but not afraid.

Aegon huffed. Of course.

"Oh, look who decided to visit. Here to lecture me too? Or just make sure I'm still alive?" His voice was rough, laced with exhaustion and annoyance, but there was no real bite to it.

His twin sister closed the door behind her, stepping further into the dimly lit room. He could barely make out her face in the flickering candlelight, but he knew her well enough to see past the shadows.