(Baelon's POV)
"I know it bothers you." I told Mother as I sat in front of her, "This is going to happen."
We were under the gondola in the Secret Gardens, looking at the Blackwater as a maid was pouring wine in our cups. Helaena was spending time with Aemma in her chambers, reading books from what I last heard. I hope they are alright together, I get a bit anxious when she is alone without me for the majority of the day.
"I asked your father if this needed to happen." She said as she looked at me, "He is adamant about it."
I nodded, "He is the King." I said, "And I suppose I cannot be defying his orders that much."
"I am really surprised that the Faith is going to allow it." Mother told me, "I really hoped that it was going to be opposed because...I don't know, I cannot seem to like it....."
I looked at her, "You were also the one who was telling me about her feelings and how I should look out for her." I said, "To keep her safe and whatnot."
"Because she is your sister, Baelon." She said, "Because you care about her. If something happened to Rhaenyra, I know it would eat you up inside and Helaena would also be sad. I know about her feelings for you, I really do...but the thing is, I did not expect this."
"Neither did I." I said, "But the truth is, I don't care."
"What?" She asked, "It doesn't bother you?"
"Of course it does." I said, "But now, My wife is with child. I will be a father soon, I am focusing all of my attention on that. Everything is and will always be about Helaena, Mother. None of that will change, I love her with everything I have."
"I see..." She said, "I understand...."
"You got what you wanted." I told her, "A grandchild through my that is your blood. Are you not happy?"
"Of course I am." She said
"Then let us just forget the little things and focus on what is most important." I said with a chuckle
"You keep telling yourself that but you do not like the fact that things are happening against your will." She said, "Think of how I feel, Baelon. A woman that is my age is about to marry you, how is any of that...how is any of that acceptable."
"I know, Mother." I said, "But.....well, I do not know.....I do not wish to think about it too much...."
"All of you are growing up." She said, "Daeron will soon be married, as will Aemond. But those two will have more leisure than you and Aegon considering they're the younger brothers. I know Aemond will not force Aemma to give him a child and Daeron, well, I cannot be too sure if he would be interested.....I could be wrong."
"Perhaps you are." I said, "Let us just wait and see what the future has in store for us."
"Right...." she said as she stood up and walked over to me, "My beautiful boy..."
She leaned down and kissed me on the cheek.
"Mother?" I said
"I am proud of the man you've become." she patted my cheek, "Take care of my girl, please?"
I nodded, "I will." I said,
"There is nothing you should worry about."
*************
"Here." I said as I placed a book down in the table in front of Helaena, "Father had to pull it out of his personal shelf."
It was a massive black tone with valyrian inscriptions on the cover of it.
Her eyes lit up and leaned forward, "Is this about the direct history of House Targaryen and the other Dragonlord Houses????" She said as she gently ran her fingers on the cover, "Father still had it?"
I nodded, "Apparently, it is one of the few tomes that still remain." I said, "But I am not sure if you would find what you are looking for."
She opened it, "It matters not." She said with a smile, "To read about our heritage is a fascinating thing. House Targaryen was one of many Houses that were dragonlords...can you believe that? Other Valyrian houses that have dragon's blood...."
I sat next to her and wrapped my arm around her waist, "Yes.....it is something, alright." I said with a chuckle, "We are the last of our kind...."
"Makes you think...." She said softly
"What?" I asked
"What it would be like if that were not the case..." She said, "If there was another House, that is not Targaryen and shares no blood with us, that were dragonlords....and could claim dragons...."
"It is a terrifying thing to even fathom." I said, "We are so used to being the only ones, the ones at top....that the mere thought of that is unheard of."
She looked at me, "Baelon...." She said as she scanned my face, "Who were you with?"
I frowned, "Our Mother....." I said, "Why?"
She leaned in closer to me, "Are you certain?"
"I....I am." I said
She sniffed my neck, "Hm...."
"Helaena?" I said, "What is it?"
"Nothing." She pulled away, "I just...that is strange...."
"What?" I said while blinking, "What is it?"
"Forget it." She said, "Must have been a dream..."
"Is everything alright, love?" I asked as I embraced her, "You almost had me worried there."
"I hope so." She said, "The inevitable is nearly upon us. We will return to Dragonstone afterwards?"
"Yes." I said, "Unless you wish to spend more time here...."
"If you wish to return home, then it is fine." She said, "I do not think that there is any danger that lurks out there. I feel comfortable now."
I kissed her cheek, "I am glad to hear that." I said, "Here's a thought; after our child is born, we should fly around the Realm, no? Travel, how does that sound? We should visit the Reach, see all the fields of flowers they have."
"Hm..." She said, "Would that be right? Do we take our child with us or....?"
"Whatever you desire, love." I said with a smile, "What do you say?"
"I am not certain..." She said, "It requires thought."
"Very well." I said, "Listen, I am going to be as blunt as possible. None of this situation matters to me at the moment....you are my wife, my love....."
"I will only look at you."
****************
[Some Time Later....]
I walked down the street of silk, looking around and trying to spot Daemon. Apparently, he had called for me here and told me that something had happened.
I was not sure if it was the right call to come alone in the middle of the night, but I did not wish to alarm anyone. Hopefully, nobody realizes that it is me, even with this cloak on.
"Hm....." I said as I stopped, "Where is he?"
"Hello Prince." a voice said
I turned to see a man in raggedy clothes walking towards me and handing me a piece of paper.
I took the paper, "huh?"
The man then walked past me and I turned to see him disappear into the shadows of the night.
"Hey, what the...." I started before looking at the paper, "What in the hells....?"
The paper was folded and I began to unfold it, noticing that there was writing on it.
It read:
"Come to the docks in an hour. I wish to speak to you."
I frowned, "What....?"
I did not recognize the handwriting, it looked well-organized and dignified, as if it belonged to somebody who was highborn.
They wanted me to go to the docks? What for?
This reeked of a trap.
I sighed, "I need to know where Daemon is...." I said, "Something must have happened to him..."
"I need to find out what this is..."