(Third Person POV)
The King announced that Prince Baelon and Princess Helaena are to expect a child soon. The news took King's Landing by storm and eventually, word reached all corners of the Realm. To say that the majority of the people were excited would be an understatement.
The streets of the capital were filled with celebrating smallfolk who were overjoyed at this fact. They loved their Princess and respected their Heir. Baelon had always had the admiration of the people and Helaena had their love. Whenever either Dreamfyre or Balerion would be spotted in the sky, the smallfolk would always stand and watch in awe.
While this was great news for the Crown; Baelon soon getting an heir of his own, the eventual news of him taking a second wife would overshadow the fact.
It was unheard of and while Viserys and the Grand Septon had worked it out, it was doubted that the entirety of the realm would keep those sentiments.
The King wanted people to know that Helaena was going to bear Baelon's child before he announced Rhaenyra's marriage to Baelon. And while Baelon was against it, he did not want to protest much anymore. At this point, he was already tired of constantly fighting against his father and his orders that he simply wanted to go on with his life.
Baelon had done so much for the sake for the Realm that he felt like he should take things slowly. The threat had momentarily passed; Trevor of Claw Isle was already dead and Baelon had obliterated the majority of his allies in Essos.
Or so he thought.
But that is besides the point.
Baelon simply wanted to get on with things so he would return back to Dragonstone and wait for his child quietly.
Obviously, things are not that simple.
************
[The Red Keep, A Couple of Days After The Marriage's Announcement]
There was a small event that gathered many of the Lords of the Court inside a hall with a banquet in it. It was unknown what the event would announce since King Viserys had told many that there was many things he would do since the Marriage Announcement.
Some speculated that there was more marriage announcements while other said that there would be Celebrations being planned.
The Trial by Seven was still fresh in people's mind despite being nearly a month prior. Balerion destroying the fleet of enemies in Essos was also pretty prominent so all they spoke about was Baelon's exploits during this said event.
Some of the Lordlings were gathered in front of the table, drinking wine as they spoke about what this event could be about.
"I hear we might get some excitement back on the table." one said, "My father overheard the Lord-Hand speaking about Tourneys."
"A Tourney?" another said, "Celebrating what? Princess Helaena being with child? That is very possible."
"Heh, more like Rhaenyra being married to Baelon." a third one said with a scoff, "Everyone knows that she is favored by the King. I do not understand it, though.....she was married to a traitor. Maybe she was fucking Ba-"
"Keep your fucking voice down." The first of the trio said with a scowl, "Do not let the guards hear you. His Grace already declared that if anyone speaks ill of Rhaenyra and her daughter, tongues will be cut off! And with Prince Daemon in the capital, do you really think that threat is empty?!"
"Why must everything be so negative?" the second one said, "The gods watched over this Trial, it is by his right that Baelon takes her as a second wife. They are Targaryens, they are above us mere men."
the third one shrugged, "Don't you find it strange, though?" He said as he took a sip of the cup, "That shortly after Helaena is with child, Rhaenyra is going to be married to him?"
"What?" the first one said, "What does that mean?"
"Strange, two years without a child, that is all. Prince Aegon had one before Baelon." he replied
"Do you truly think Prince Baelon would force a child into his wife?" the second said, "Maybe she was not comfortable. You don't know how much he loves her..."
"I say he was cuckolded...." the third one said, "And he found out and now he wants to get reven-"
"Shut your fucking mouth!" the first one said with a serious scowl, "Do you want to fucking die?!"
"W-What? I am just speaking my-" he started
"Ahem." a voice said behind him
They all turned to see Daemon Targaryen standing there, a couple of feet away from them. Their faces went pale, especially the third lordling. Daemon was giving them a slight smile as he let out a sigh, almost disappointed that they were so foolish to say something so ridiculous.
Behind Daemon, Baelon was seen sitting on a chair, his valyrian steel dagger in hand as he was slicing an apple with it.
"M-M-My princes!!!" the first one said as he immediately got on his knees, "Forgive him! He is drunk! He does not know what he is saying!!"
Daemon looked around, "In a hall full of ears?" He said, "Are you really that stupid?"
The third one was frozen, his eyes on Baelon who was nonchalantly slicing his red apple. There was nothing but fear in his eyes.
"You are correct." Daemon continued, "There is a Tourney in the future, but not about Helaena or Rhaenyra. It has nothing to do with Baelon. In fact, it has to do with Daeron and his nameday. But you decided to run your mouths."
"F-Forgive me...." the third lordling said, "I....I..."
"Nephew?" Daemon said
"Not here." Baelon said as he nodded at the guards, "The floors were barely cleaned. I hate to do that to our hard-working servants."
Daemon chuckled, "Get this fool outside."
**********
"My Prince, I apologize!!!" the Lordling cried as he was dragged outside by the guards, "Please, mercy!!!!"
They had taken him to the training yard, the entirety of the lords that were in the hall had gathered outside. It was only them as King Viserys and his Small Council had not arrived there yet; they were currently in a meeting that did not need Daemon and Baelon.
Daemon chuckled as he walked over to the weapons rack, "What a mouth this one has." He said, "He insults the royal family and now he pleads for his life."
Baelon was seen casually tossing the sliced apple pieces into his mouth as he slowly walked down the steps, saying nothing.
The Guards tossed the Lordling into the ground as he immediately scrambled back up to his feet. In a swift motion, the guards immediately grabbed him again as he had tried to run away. One of them immediately punched him in the gut, stopping him from squirming.
"Easy!" Daemon said, "We need him fresh for the punishment."
The guards held him in place as everyone watched from a distance, murmuring amongst themselves.
Suddenly, a man walked out out from the group, "My Princes!" He said, "Please, I beg of you, spare my nephew's life!"
Daemon looked at him, "Lord Caswell." He said, "This one is yours?"
"Yes, My Prince." Lord Caswell said as he bowed frantically, "He is but a fool, does not know when to keep his mouth shut."
Daemon walked over to him, "Does he speak for your House?" He asked, "Are his words your words?"
"N-No!" He said, "I would never insult the Princesses!! I have known Rhaenyra since she was a girl! My House adores them, both Princesses! When we heard of the tragedies that happened to her, we mourned along with her!"
"Hm." Daemon said, "And this one?"
"H-He...." Lord Caswell said
"Hold him steady." Baelon suddenly said as he walked past them
"My Prince!" Lord Caswell started, "I-"
"Don't move." Daemon warned
Baelon walked over to the Lordling being held by the guards and sheathed his blade.
"My Prince, I am sor-" he started but Baelon had already swung his fist
Baelon struck the lordling in the mouth so hard that there was a loud crack that could be heard. The Lordling's head jerked backwards violently and would have collapsed to the ground were it not for the guards holding him in place.
Baelon then punched him in the face again, this time a bit higher, breaking the lordling's nose instantly. Blood poured down his face as he hunched over, his eyes nearly white as he tried to stay conscious.
Baelon sighed, "I fought....and fought....." He said, "To keep the Realm safe.....to keep everyone in it safe....I killed for the sake of The Realm.....and this is how I am treated? I have to listen to insults thrown at my wife?!"
The guards let the lordling go and he collapsed to his knees.
"Uhh...." He said
Baelon looked around, "Let it be known!" He said, "Any slanders towards my wife and my elder sister....would be punished severely. And the details of the punishment would be decided by His Grace, Prince Daemon, and myself. Do I make myself clear?"
The Lords murmured among each other, nodding in agreement.
"If anybody has a fucking problem with His Grace's decision, step forward. Now!!" Baelon shouted, "I will indeed show mercy and punch you once. But that punch will be remembered for the rest of your lives."
Nobody stepped forward.
"I don't want this to be a case that you did not want to be punched." Baelon scowled, "I better not hear shit from anyone in here! Do I make myself clear?! Whatever the King decided, it will go through!!"
They all nodded as they murmured among each other.
"Good." Baelon said, "It does not take an imbecile like this to know that I love my wife! And I will defend her honor with the utmost ferocity. And any insults at my Sister will be punished the same. I will not stand for it!"
"Y-Yes, My Prince." Lord Caswell said, "Please, forgive our House. We will take any punishment.....Just show me-"
"Take this idiot to the Wall." Baelon cut him off as he pointed at the lordling, "That is all."
"Let us enjoy the festivities again."