HOTD : Reborn as Spring Prince

As Aemon and I stepped into Alyssa's chambers, the room was bathed in the soft golden light that slipped through the small crevice between the curtains. The warm glow contrasted with the cool dimness of the room, casting long, gentle shadows across the space.

Outside, birds perched on the Red Keep's roof, their songs drifting in through the slightly open window. The pleasant scent of freshly laundered sheets lingered in the air, mixing with the faint aroma of lavender from a nearby bundle of dried flowers. The stillness of the morning was only occasionally interrupted by the distant murmurs of the castle's waking inhabitants.

It was the perfect setting for a peaceful slumber, and Alyssa had every intention of continuing hers. Even as the door creaked open, she remained still, shifting slightly beneath the covers in an attempt to feign sleep. But I had no intention of letting her win this battle.

I approached her bedside, stepping lightly over the thick rug that muffled my movements. Leaning over her, I gently brushed a few strands of her silver hair from her face.

"Sweet sister, wake up," I murmured playfully, my voice teasing as I ran my fingers through her silky locks.

Alyssa groaned, squeezing her eyes shut even tighter. "Hmmm, lēkia, it's too early," she mumbled, her voice still laced with sleep.

"I suggest you wake up, haedar," I warned in a mock-serious tone. "Otherwise, I might have to use my own methods."

"Lēkia, please," she whined, pulling the blanket over her face and rolling to the other side. "I didn't get enough sleep last night. Let me rest."

I sighed dramatically, shaking my head. "Very well," I said, flexing my fingers. "It must be done."

Without another word, I launched my attack, my fingers darting to her sides as I mercilessly tickled her. Alyssa shrieked, her laughter bubbling out uncontrollably as she writhed beneath the covers.

"Ha ha! Lēkia, please—haha—stop! I'm awake! Wait—I'm awake!" she cried, kicking off the blanket in her struggle.

Satisfied, I relented, stepping back as she sat up, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. Her cheeks were flushed pink, her hair adorably disheveled from sleep. She shot me a mock glare, trying her best to look angry, though her lips twitched with amusement.

"Brother, that is not a proper way to wake a lady," she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest in anger.

I chuckled. "Then it is a good thing my sister does not consider herself a lady, but a warrior." I smirked, throwing her own words back at her. "You find this method acceptable when waking sweet Maegelle, do you not?"

Alyssa huffed again, but the corners of her lips betrayed her. "That's different. Sweet Maegelle is—well, she's sweet. And are you saying I am not?"

I grinned. "No, my sister is a warrior—just like Queen Visenya." I knelt beside her bed, wrapping my arms around her in a warm embrace. "And today is your special day. Happy Name-day, sister." I pressed a light kiss to her forehead.

"Happy Name-day from me too, sister."

Alyssa's head snapped up at the sound of the familiar voice. She had been too caught up in our usual antics to notice Aemon leaning casually against the doorframe. He was watching us with an amused smile, his arms crossed over his chest.

For a moment, Alyssa froze. She had always admired Aemon, but unlike with me, she never quite knew how to act around him. It wasn't that she disliked him—far from it. But Aemon, with all his duties and responsibilities, often felt like a figure to be revered rather than simply an older brother.

Their interactions were limited, usually confined to formal greetings during family meals. Unlike me, Aemon was always occupied with training, council meetings, and his duties as heir. Servants and courtiers spoke of him with admiration, and Alyssa, like the rest of sibling, respected him immensely.

But right now, she looked positively horrified that he had seen her in such a state—her hair unkempt, her clothes rumpled from sleep, her face still rosy from laughter.

Immediately, she began fussing with her hair, her hands smoothing over her wrinkled nightdress as she attempted to compose herself. "B-brother Aemon, I didn't know you were here," she stammered. "I— I am sorry—"

Aemon chuckled, pushing off the doorframe and stepping into the room. "There is no need for apologies, sister," he said, his voice gentle. "I am your brother, just as Baelon is. You don't need to be so formal with me."

"But you are—"

He shook his head, cutting her off before she could protest. "It doesn't matter," he said simply. "Sometimes I wish I could play those games with you all, but my duties often keep me too busy."

There was something wistful in his tone, something unspoken yet understood. Aemon had always carried the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. While we had spent our childhood running through the halls of the Keep, playing at knights and dragons, Aemon had been training, studying, preparing for the throne he would one day inherit.

Alyssa's expression softened, her initial embarrassment fading as she took in his words. "You should, brother," she said earnestly. "Even a great warrior and future king needs to laugh sometimes. Right?" she said looking me to support her.

"Our sister speaks truth, that I have told you many times over. Maybe it can finally make it through your thick and dumb skull." Said in the same playful tone to Aemon.

Alyssa looked slightly surprised every time she saw me speak to Aemon this way. Maybe even the most powerful lords would dare not. But it's not I cared, its between us.

Aemon smile lightly twitched at my words but didn't reply, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "Perhaps you are right, sister." He ruffled her hair affectionately, much to her horror. "But for now, we have a Name-day to celebrate."

I knew Aemon missed our older sister Daenerys who passed when he was just five.

She was someone I barely remember, but I have heard about her from Aemon. Her passing let a mark in Aemon's heart, leading him to mature quickly and realize the harshness of life. Hearing about her made me even more determined to prevent such deaths in the future.

Alyssa pouted, swatting my hand away. "That was uncalled for and I am not a little child anymore."

I laughed, again placing a hand on her shoulder. "Come now, sister. The day is still young, and we have many things planned. Let's not waste another moment."

Alyssa sighed dramatically but relented, her lips curling into a smile. "Fine, but only if there's lemon cakes."

Aemon chuckled. "I am sure we can arrange that."

"Very well, you should get ready, sister. We will be going ahead.

And with that, the two of us left the room, the morning's laughter still lingering in the air.

…

The Great Hall of the Red Keep shimmered in the glow of hundreds of candles, their flickering flames casting golden hues upon the deep crimson banners of House Targaryen. The hall had been transformed into a spectacle of red and gold, befitting the grandeur of the royal family and the special occasion at hand.

At the top table, seated on an elevated dais overlooking the revelry, the royal family watched the festivities unfold. Alyssa Targaryen, the center of the evening's celebration, sat between me and Aemon, her violet eyes alight with excitement.

She was resplendent in a gown of deep red embroidered with golden dragons, her golden-silver hair adorned with delicate pearls and a slender circlet.

Envoys from every corner of the Seven Kingdoms had come bearing gifts for the princess who had just turned eight. A beautifully wrought gold necklace adorned with rare jewels from the Lord of Storm's End, a silk gown imported from Yi Ti courtesy of the Lannister, a small carved dragon made of obsidian from the Lords of Dragonstone, and countless other tokens of goodwill and alliance lay upon the grand oak table before her.

As the evening progressed, laughter filled the hall. Jokes and stories flew between the siblings as they watched the lords and ladies dance.

I teased Alyssa about her newfound status as rich lady with all the gifts, while Maegelle gently chided him for his mischief asked Alyssa to hold her necklace to which agreed with a smile.

Even Vaegon, usually reserved, still a child allowed himself a small chuckle at one of my remarks and awe with Aemon. The warmth of family and celebration wrapped around them like a comforting cloak.

The entertainment for the night included a troupe of mummers performing a lively play depicting the conquest of Aegon the Conqueror, much to the delight of the gathered nobility. As the actors exaggerated their gestures and spoke in grand tones, even King Jaehaerys allowed himself a smile at the tales of his grandfather.

Then came the ballads, sung by a renowned bard who regaled them with tales of past Targaryen glories, his voice smooth as silk, the hall falling into reverent silence as he sang of Balerion, Meraxes, and Vhagar soaring over Westeros.

As the final notes of the song faded and the evening drew toward its end, King Jaehaerys turned toward Alyssa, his expression warm with fatherly affection.

"My sweet daughter Alyssa," he said, his voice carrying over the gathered court, "tonight, we celebrate you. I haven't given you a suitable gift. Speak your wish, if it is within your best interest and my limits I will grant it you."

Alyssa hesitated for a brief moment, her fingers twisting the embroidered sleeves of her gown. Then, as if steeling herself, she turned her gaze toward me. Our eyes met, and in that silent exchange, I gave her a small, reassuring nod.

Taking a deep breath, Alyssa looked back at her father. "I wish for the chance to claim a dragon and to learn to fight with big brother Baelon and Aemon."

The hall fell into stunned silence.

I and Aemon immediately straightened in their seats, both turning toward their father with tense expressions. Jaehaerys, however, frowned deeply, his silver brows drawing together. The merriment of moments before dissipated like mist under the morning sun.

"No, you shall ask for something else." he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for debate.

Alyssa's joy wavered, replaced by a look of confusion and hurt. "Why?" she asked, her small hands clenched into fists upon the table. "Why will you not allow me, Father?"

Queen Alysanne reached for her daughter's hand, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Alyssa, sweetling, this is not—"

"Why?" Alyssa demanded again, her voice rising with emotion. "Why were Baelon and Aemon allowed, but not me? Am I not a Targaryen as well? Baelon always said it is right of every Targaryen to have a dragon."

At those words every eye turned to me and I was not happy that this topic was even up for debate.

"When does our house started treat its daughters as the barbaric customs of the Andals do? Do you think valyrian women are weak? Did we forget out of three heads of the Dragon for our banner, two were women?" I said saying my true thoughts.

Jaehaerys had a stern look while Alysanne had a smile on her face.

A ripple of unease swept through the gathered lords and ladies. The Grand Maester, who had been sipping from his goblet of wine, lowered it carefully, his gaze flickering toward the king.

"Princess Alyssa," he interjected in a placating tone, "you are a lady of House Targaryen. It is unbecoming for a princess to speak so. Fighting is the duty of men, not women."

Baelon's expression darkened. He sat forward, his sharp gaze locking onto the Grand Maester. "and Grand Maester," he said, his voice calm but edged with steel. "It is unbecoming of you to speak in the matters of Royal Family. So, I suggest you remain quiet."

"My prince, I jus-" But shut up by a quick look from father.

A tense silence followed his words. The Grand Maester swallowed, clearly unnerved by the prince's rebuke, and wisely said nothing further.

Jaehaerys, however, remained silent, his expression unreadable. The lack of an answer—of any explanation—only fueled Alyssa's frustration. Her lips trembled, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Seeing their father remain impassive, Maegelle and Vaegon shifted uncomfortably in their seats, as if unsure where to look.

Then, as though the weight of injustice had become too much for her young heart to bear, Alyssa abruptly pushed away from the table. A choked sob escaped her lips before she turned and fled the hall, her skirts billowing as she ran past the startled nobles and out into the dimly lit corridors of the Keep.

For a long moment, no one moved. The joyful atmosphere had crumbled into uneasy silence, the echoes of Alyssa's departure lingering in the air.

I exhaled sharply, gripping the edge of the table. His gaze flickered toward Aemon, who seemed deep in thought, his usual composed expression now slightly troubled.

It seems Aemon still haven't got out of his shell, which is made up of something even more harder than Valyrian steel, expectation of King Jaehaerys. He still felt fearful and self-doubt questioning any decision of father.

Queen Alysanne turned to Jaehaerys, her eyes filled with a mixture of disappointment and concern. "You should have answered her, husband," she said softly. "She deserved that much."

Jaehaerys closed his eyes briefly, as if gathering his thoughts, before opening them again. "She is still a child. She does not yet understand not it is a place or time for such discussion."

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep myself from speaking too hastily. My mind was already racing with what his plan. Alyssa would not simply let this go, and neither would I.

No today is a perfect time and place for this discussion.

"If she does not understand," Aemon finally spoke, his voice thoughtful, "then it falls to us to teach her."

It seems my brother had still chosen to keep father's favor, instead of doing right by his siblings. I looked at Aemon who diverted his eyes from me.

A heavy silence followed his words. Jaehaerys said nothing, merely gazing down at his goblet, his thoughts his own.

I slowly pushed his chair back, rising to his feet. He had heard enough.

"Excuse me," I said, inclining my head toward mother, lightly kissing her cheek and whispering something before striding off in the same direction Alyssa had fled.

'Bring father there now.' I whispered and mother hummed.

Somewhere in the Keep, my little sister was crying. And if our father would not help her, then I would.

…

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