The Prince of Whispers

His decision to embark on a path of self-imposed exile was met with predictable disapproval from Viserys, Aemma, and Gael. 

But Aegon's mind was resolute. He had pondered over the matter extensively and was convinced that remaining in Westeros was a recipe for disaster. His volatile temper could easily lead to a catastrophic event, potentially turning him into a kinslayer. His actions in the capital had brought him perilously close to earning that dreaded title. Moreover, he yearned to carve his own path, to amass his own wealth and reputation, free from the shackles of the Iron Throne's patronage.

Gael was inconsolable when he made his decision known. She insisted on coming with him, but he talked her down from doing so for the time being. Instead, he promised to take her away once he properly settled in Pentos. It was a convenient lie, and he doubted Gael believed his lie. When she realised she couldn't change his mind, she spent her time sending messages to the capital to convince the Queen and the Small Council to override Prince Baelon's edict or order Aegon to go against his vow. Viserys was also trying the same as he had immediately sailed for the capital to have a word with Prince Baelon.

Yet, Aegon remained steadfast, disregarding their futile attempts. His mind was made up – he was leaving Westeros. The more he contemplated, the more it resonated. The prospect of liberating himself from the constraints imposed by the Iron Throne would be realised in his exile to Essos. This was the freedom he craved, an opportunity to construct something solely through his own endeavours.

With his family's futile attempts to change his father's mind in vain, Aegon turned to his Pentoshi contacts from Dragonstone. He sent a message to the Prince of Pentos seeking asylum, but he also subtly hinted at a potential outreach to Volantis. This strategic move would surely pique the Prince's interest. The intricate political dynamics between the Free Cities would never allow Volantis to gain the allegiance of a dragonrider. With his aunt's presence in Volantis and ties to the Triarchs, Aegon was confident that the Pentoshi wouldn't want him to settle in Volantis.

With that out of the way, Aegon left Dragonstone on Fiendfyre to visit his friends in the Stormlands and say his goodbyes. 

His first stop was Storm's End, the stronghold of House Baratheon. Lord Baratheon was furious with him for his decision to exile himself to Essos, but the man was also astute enough to recognise the futility of changing Aegon's mind. Borros was even more challenging to handle and insisted on coming along with him across the Narrow Sea.

"I'll come along, and so will Jon and Hector." Borros argued as they threw stones into the crashing waves beneath the walls of Storm's End.

"If you three come with me, who'll be left to crush the heads of the Dornishmen?" Aegon asked amusedly.

"Bah! Stormlanders have been killing Dornishmen for thousands of years. I'm sure they could do without us three for a while." Borros said, waving his hand dismissively.

"Borrows is right. Besides, spending some time in Essos might be the best thing that happened to me in a while." said Jon Tarth.

"But it won't be for a while. I don't plan to return anytime soon." said Aegon.

"All the more reason we should come with you." said Borros, throwing a stone with more force into the water below, making a substantial splash.

"And do what? There is nothing for you to do in Essos." said Aegon.

"We could form a sellsword company and fight the slavers and the Dothraki. We'll have battles every day." Borros said with an excited smile.

"That's a fantastic idea!" Jon said excitedly. "Just think about it. All the glory in the world will be ours to claim. Our names will be written in gold, especially with that dragon on our side."

Aegon couldn't help but chuckle at his friends' romanticised outlook on what he should do on Essos. But he gave the idea of creating a sellsword company some serious thought. It was not a bad idea, considering all his training so far had focused mostly on warfare. The business of war was highly profitable in Essos as the Free Cities were always waging proxy wars. He was no master of spice trade to make an honest living in Essos, nor was he a banker.

Besides, the greatest market in Essos was the slave trade, and he had no intention of getting entangled in it.

"You know, Jon. You might be onto something." Aegon grudgingly admitted.

While being a sellsword was not an honourable profession, it was better than being a slaver.

"You're giving it serious thought." Jon looked at him in surprise.

"Hmm. It's not a bad idea considering my options." Aegon admitted with a sigh.

"This coming from the man who thought killing is bad…" said Jon with a chuckle.

"I have changed my position on that. There are many people on both sides of the Narrow Sea that need killing." said Aegon.

"That's true, but none are more deserving than the Dornishmen. I could kill a thousand of 'em with my bare hands, and that's still not enough." Borros muttered darkly.

Aegon eyed his friend, who nursed a burning hatred for all things Dornish. But having seen the depravities the Dornish were up to at the border, he could understand Borros somewhat. It was an essential aspect of a Stormlander to hate the Dornishmen – a tradition the Baratheons were thrust upon from the time of Orys Baratheon.

"My father might not allow me to travel to Essos, but you can take Jon with you," said Borros, patting Jon's shoulder, "He is loyal and a good swordsman to have. You'll need a trustworthy man to watch your back, Aegon."

"Borros is right. You'll need someone you can trust. Let me come with you." Jon piqued in with determination shining in his eyes.

"But what about your family? Lord Tarth might not…"

"My uncle?" Jon asked with a derisive snort. "He is the man who refused to help my sister when Lyseni slavers captured her. I care not one whit for his opinions."

Aegon had nothing to say to that. Compared to the suffering of his friend who lost his sister to Lyserni slavers and had to live with the knowledge that she was serving in a pillow house, Aegon's troubles were peanuts. He remembered the blasted incident where everything changed for Jon Tarth as well as House Targaryen. While Jon lost his sister to the Lyseni invasion of Tarth, House Targaryen lost Prince Aemon to a crossbow bolt.

The slavers were routed from Tarth by Prince Baelon, but many wounds and losses remain to this day. Aegon supposed he could take Jon along, who disliked Tarth, haunted by the memories of a sister he couldn't save.

"I'll be honoured to have you by my side, Jon. But we must take permission from Lord Boremund." Aegon eventually caved in.

He spent almost a week in the Stormlands, mostly visiting his friends like Hector Swann of Stonehelm and some of his acquaintances among the lords and knights of the Stormlands. When he was finally done, he returned to Storm's End and picked up Jon along with him to Dragonstone.

But his return to Dragonstone was ripe with new developments.

****

Aegon looked on in wonder as he stared at the bright blue dragon lounging on the beach lazily. Its bright blue scales with specks of silver in between gleamed under the sun as it snored peacefully while coiling around a boulder. The dragon was sleek and beautiful. Dreamfyre – the dragon of the late Rhaena Targaryen, was sleeping soundly on the beach near the entrance to the castle. He had landed Fiendfyre on the beach instead of inside the walls of the castle upon noticing the dragon's presence.

"Whose dragon is that?" Jon asked, trying to smooth out his hair and clothes after a long ride on Fiendfyre.

"That is Dreamfyre." Said Aegon, frowning at the she-dragon as it slept peacefully.

"I thought it was one of the riderless dragons." Jon whispered to him.

"She is. I don't know how she could've come to Dragonstone. She is supposed to be bunkered in the Dragonpit."

Fiendfyre let out a low growl as he pinned his green eyes on the sleeping Dreamfyre.

"Peace, Fiendfyre."

Aegon patted the snout of his dragon to pacify its temper. His dragon had grown up tasting dragon meat and bones. Ever since Fiendfyre bonded, Aegon had constrained his dragon to a strict diet of oxen, pigs and goats. Even so, he knew Fiendfyre yearned for dragon flesh from time to time, especially when he saw smaller dragons.

Fiendfyre let out a disgruntled roar and turned his head away from the sleeping dragon.

Aegon chuckled, seeing Fiendfyre's antics. He also saw Jon looking between the two dragons with a sense of loss.

"That is a dragon coming close to pouting. You're lucky to witness this rare occasion, my friend." Aegon patted Jon's shoulder with a grin.

"Uh-huh. But I think you might be interested in seeing that." said Jon, pointing into the distance further north.

When Aegon cast his sight to the north, he found two horses riding towards him in the distance. But the most peculiar thing was he could see Gael and his grandmother riding those horses.

"Have you ever met the queen, Jon?" Aegon asked his friend.

"Only from a distance."

"This is indeed your lucky day. Get ready to meet her up close." Aegon muttered and waited for the horses to draw near.

He stared at the placid expression on his grandmother's face as she stopped her horse a few paces across from his position.

"Don't just stand there like a mule. Help me down, grandson." Alyssane snapped at him.

Aegon immediately sprang to action and helped his grandmother carefully down the horse. He kept a hold on the horse's reins, while his grandmother smoothed out her riding leathers.

"Who is this young man?" Alysanne asked, scrutinising his friend.

"Jon Tarth, your grace. I'm most honoured to be in your presence." Jon fell to a knee and bowed his head.

"He is my friend. He has pledged his sword in my service." 

"Is that so?" Alysanne gave his friend an appraising look before turning her old, wisened eyes on him. "Come with me. We have much to discuss."

Aegon found himself sitting across from his grandmother inside the castle with Gael by his side. Aemma was sitting beside his grandmother, cradling Rhaenyra in her lap.

"What have you decided, grandson? Will you stay and fight your father's decision or comply with exile as you vowed?" Alysanne asked without any reservation.

"I do not want a conflict, and the longer I stay, the greater the chance something untoward might happen. I have made arrangements with Pentos." Aegon informed his grandmother firmly brokering no room for any opposition.

"I see. You are adamant in this course of action?" Alysanne asked with a frown.

"I have thought long and hard, grandmother. I cannot live close to my father. Exile is the best option before me." he said after sighing.

"I agree." Alysanne said making Aegon's eyes wide briefly at his grandmother's approval.

But then again, he shouldn't have been that surprised. She was the one who suggested Pentos in the first place.

"But you'll not go to Essos alone. You'll take Gael with you…"

"What?" Aegon gasped.

"Your grace!" Aemma also looked shocked.

"You'll take Gael with you to Pentos as your wife. You'll marry my daughter here – on the land of our ancestors in the traditions of the Freehold." Alysanne said rather firmly.

The only ones in the closed room who were immediately happy upon the Queen's declaration were Gael and Rhaenyra. Gael was obviously pleased with having both of her desires met, while Rhaenyra was delighted because she was chewing on the doll Aegon had gifted her without Aemma stopping her.

"Thank you, mother." Gael sprang from her seat, discarding all decorum, and hugged the queen with a wide smile and tears running down her cheeks.

Seeing Gael's reaction killed some choice words Aegon had in store for his grandmother for butting into his life and making decisions that radically changed the entire situation. How was he supposed to care for Gael in a foreign city? How was he even supposed to act as a husband? He didn't know the first thing about a married life! To make it all worse, he would instantly become a sworn enemy in his grandfather's eyes more than he already was. Just thinking about the colossal pit of hell he was falling into made Aegon sit up straight and try to talk himself out of the noose tightening around his neck without offending the woman he loved.

"Is this really wise?" Aegon tried not to blanch at the glare Gael was directing at him.

Heedless of that, he prowled on.

"Pentos is a foreign city, and it'll take time for me to set myself up. The situation there will be volatile and untoward for Gael, and I have no idea about marriage. We'll be alone and unsupervised in an unknown land." Aegon said in a rush before anyone could interrupt him.

When silence greeted his comment, he looked to Aemma to speak some sense.

"Aegon speaks the truth, my queen. He might be a knight, but he is still young." Aemma spoke in his defence.

But that wall of support was easily shattered by the shrewd mind of the queen of Westeros.

"Aegon is as old as you were when you birthed Rhaenyra. Is marrying my daughter such a hardship that you'd elevate it above the pain you suffered in the birthing bed, dear Aemma?" Alysanne asked sharply, and Aemma bowed her head in defeat.

Aegon could feel the situation getting out of hand. Seeing his primary ally folding so easily before the cutting words of his grandmother, he knew he was losing ground and had to somehow rescue himself.

"Just think of what grandfather will do. He'll already be mad about what I did, and Gael claiming Dreamfyre without his consent won't calm him down. Is it wise to make him madder by this marriage and talking Gael across the Narrow Sea? He'll send Daemon and my father with an army to bring us back." Aegon tried to reason.

"I see. What do you suggest, Aegon? Tell me of your plan." said Alysanne, leaning forward in her seat with her lilac eyes glaring into his mismatched eyes.

"I say Gael stay at Dragonstone by Aemma's side as her lady companion. I'll remain at Pentos in exile and establish myself within the city in a year's time. It'll be more than enough time to accumulate some wealth and familiarise myself with the city. Then, we could speak with the king and gain his blessings for the marriage."

Aegon gulped as he became the recipient of an unimpressed stare from his grandmother and Gael.

"I see. This plan of yours is not to my liking, so this is what you're going to do…"

Aegon held back the urge to sigh as his grandmother outlined her wish and what she wanted to happen.

****

The sun dipped low in the horizon, almost partially leaving the sky while darkness started to creep in from the east. Twilight settled on the shores of Dragonstone while a chilly sea breeze swept into the land.

Aegon stood on the beach dressed in the finest fabrics he owned. The heraldry of House Targaryen was stitched near the chest, while the rest of the doublet was black with some gold trimmings. His attire was reminiscent of the Targaryen heraldry – a three-headed dragon on a field of black. This particular attire was something he had reserved for meeting dignitaries from the Free Cities, but now it served as his wedding attire.

He saw the lost cause from a league away after seeing the resolve of his grandmother. Of course, he had the power to reject his grandmother and do as he pleased, but making enemies left, right, and centre was political suicide. His grandmother was one of the best voices he could count on in the royal court to support his side of the story. He'd be mad to spurn the sole support he has in his grandfather's court over the issue of his marriage to Gael.

He had some time to think things through, and outside of his own misgivings, the idea of marrying Gael was not as bad an idea as he initially thought. Sure, he was stepping into the unknown when looking at uncertainty in an unfamiliar land. He could not divine the future in Pentos, and bringing Gael into that uncertain future was dangerous for her and himself.

However, Gael was now a dragonrider, making it all the more important to tie her close to the Targaryen family. It was a pragmatic move on his part, but he had seen what had happened to Princess Rhaenys. He had no interest in seeing the same happen to Gael.

The last but most important point of consideration was Gael's own desire to marry him. It was her wish to marry him, and that made a world of difference despite his concerns about leading a married life this early. As long as Aegon could remember, he couldn't think of denying anything Gael desired. She was always his best friend and closest confidant. Spending the rest of his life with her as her husband was not that much different. After all, he had seen many women in the capital and the Stormlands. None of them had attracted him like Gael, and that's how he knew she was the woman for him despite the icky feeling of marrying his aunt by blood.

Taking a deep breath, he watched Ser Reginald and Maester Gerardys whispering quietly by the side, making the preparations as ordered by his grandmother. He didn't know why his grandmother insisted that the marriage was conducted in the Valyrian tradition, but he could guess one of the reasons.

Lately, his grandmother developed a dislike for the Seven. It was a gradual dislike that built up after the tragic passing of Aunt Maegaelle. The abrupt arrival of Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys was also a surprise. Lord Corlys stood a respectful distance away, whispering with his nephew Vaemond Velaryon.

"My Prince."

"Maester?" he nodded at the maester and Ser Reginald.

Both men sported grave faces, and he already knew what they would say.

"This marriage could be officiated in the sept. Having the Faith to recognise your marriage would be essential to ensure your position in the succession." said Maester Gerardys.

"I understand. Please tell this to the woman who organised all this." Aegon said calmly.

"My Prince, this is something that'll affect your future. King Jaehaerys might strike you out of the succession and even the family." Ser Reginald said gravely.

"I know. But I'm hoping my grandfather understands my situation." Aegon said, knowing there was nothing else for him to do but face the consequences of today's actions. 

"I suppose the substantial dowry the queen brought in her ship is something that ought to be some help." Ser Reginald grouched.

Aegon had to admit that was the only piece of good news his grandmother brought. He didn't know how, but his grandmother had arranged for a substantial sum of gold and other gifts for Gael. It was unnecessary with his current arrangement with Pentos, but it'd undoubtedly come in handy for an extended stay in Pentos and some of the plans taking root in his mind.

Further conversation came to a halt as his grandmother, Rhaenys, and Aemma came escorting Gael. Gael was dressed in a cream-coloured dress, which highlighted her gentle features. Her eyes were drawn with kohl, and so were her eyebrows. It had something to do with Valyrian tradition, but most of the marriage talk with Gael flew over his head as he was busy with other matters. The only thing he had to do was to prepare a hearth on the beach, and he did so by collecting some firewood and firebricks.

Gael stood across from him while his grandmother started applying kohl below his eyes and eyebrows as well.

"It's for Balerion to look favourably on your union." Alysanne said.

Aegon smoothed out his expression as something must've shown on his face. His right hand was taken by his grandmother, who made him take Gael's hand.

"Call your dragon and light the hearth, daughter." 

"Dreamfyre." Gael called loudly.

The blue dragon, observing everything from a corner, stood up and approached them on its hind legs. Gael directed her dragon to light the hearth, and the dragon lit it by breathing bright blue fire from its mouth.

"I call for the night and dawn as witnesses. I call forth darkness and light as witnesses. I call forth the sea and the land as witnesses. I call forth the Fourteen as witnesses. I call forth all mortal eyes present as witnesses. With the sacred fire as witness, I declare my daughter Gael Targaryen wedded to Aegon Targaryen."

The bright blue flames of the hearth cast its blue shade on the beach as the tides gently crashed into the shore. Aegon could see the beaming smile on Gael's face.; He couldn't help but return the smile despite the circumstances.

"Walk fourteen steps around the fire, and then you may kiss." Alysanne directed them.

Together, they walked around the fire, paying respect to the Fourteen Flames and the gods of Valyria. When they finished the last step, Aegon gently brushed his lips against Gael's, sealing their marriage. When he pulled back, he could see the elation in Gael's lilac eyes and the beaming smile on her red lips. He felt lighthearted watching her face and all the other faces witnessing their marriage.

Aegon hoped he could preserve that happiness throughout the rest of their life.

Alysanne came and hugged them both.

"It's my heart that I have given to you, Aegon. Promise me that you'll protect and love her." Alysanne whispered. 

"I promise." Aegon vowed.

****

Night fell across Dragonstone, and all that Aegon could see when he looked out from the window of his room was darkness. He could hear the lull of the sea even as light rain started to fall from the night sky. The air was becoming chilly, but he left the window open.

He could hear a pair of footsteps and giggling coming from the corridor. He waited patiently until they finally reached his doorstep. It was none other than Aemma and Gael.

"I'll leave you two to it then." Aemma grinned goofily before leaving Gael at the doorstep.

Aegon took in the shy-looking Gael, which was a rarity in and of itself. He couldn't remember a time when Gael was this shy. He had to admit he was also in a similar state of mind, but he projected confidence and maturity while keenly aware of just how ignorant he was of what was about to come. He had an entirely awkward talking given by Maester Gerardys, Ser Reginald and even his good friend Jon. The maester's talk was fairly technical on the bodily relationship between a man and a woman. Ser Reginald talked more about the need to treat the bride gently and what women, in general, expected from their wedding night. Jon, on the other hand, talked and talked about his many trysts with women and how to pleasure them. Aegon suspected his friend was exaggerating a few things, but he wasn't sure. 

"Why are you just standing there? Come in." Aegon offered his arm to Gael.

When she took it, he led her inside while closing the door. A small fire burned in the chimney, casting moderate light in the room.

"Are you tired? If you are, we can just rest and leave everything for tomorrow…" Aegon awkwardly suggested.

His feet hurt a bit after all the dancing he had to endure. There was not a large guest list owing to the urgency and secrecy of their wedding, but all the women present in the castle had danced with him in the evening.

"No!" Gael immediately said with wide eyes before redness returned to her cheeks, "I… I wouldn't wait for tomorrow…"

He didn't know who started it first, but they were kissing the next moment while tearing away the clothes they had on their body.

** Lemon scene begins **

Aegon's hands filled themselves

with Gael's delectable ass as he lifted her up as if she weighed like a

feather. The gasp of surprise and her look of sheer wonder and excitement could

be seen as clear as day when he did that.

Immediately, a pair of lips

slammed into his own. Passion burned between them as their lips danced in a

frenzy while he was aware his fingers were sinking into Gael's soft ass. Gael

let out a moan in his mouth while her slender arms wrapped around his neck,

pushing him against her lips. 

When they finally pulled apart,

they were breathless and staring hungrily into each other's eyes.

"To the bed… now!" Gael demanded,

her amethyst eyes darkening with lust.

He had no inhibitions in denying

his wife's demand.

Aegon dropped his newly wedded

wife into the feather bed on her ass and left a trail of kisses along her neck

and shoulders.

Gael let out a girlish squeal

when his lips brushed against her bountiful breasts. Gael panted breathlessly

as his lips and teeth raked across the contour of her breasts. 

Suddenly, Aegon found himself on

his back against the bed with Gael pushing him into the bedding. His eyes

widened when a warmth embraced the tip of his cock as she eased in herself

across his length. He could see her eyes widen, and a muffled moan escaped her

soft, puffy lips as she sank in.

He helped her take it slow as she

rolled her hips against his and made herself familiar. But she started to pick

up the pace and slam herself back into his cock repeatedly.

He traced his hands resting on

her hips upward, enjoying every moment of it as he enjoyed the softness of her

nubile body until they rested on her supple breasts. 

"Oh, Aegon!" Gael let out a cry

as his fingers dug into the expanse of her breasts while riding him.

Gael pressed herself against his

palms, mewling as he rolled her nipples between his fingers. Her long silver

hair danced behind her as her hips danced against his in passion.

He could see a sheen of sweat

clinging to her body as Gael picked up the pace. He could feel her walls clamp

down snugly against his length, and that made him realise she was near release.

Gael's nails dug into the skin near his chest as she pressed herself against

his body while calling out his name. When he also neared completion, he pulled

out of her before spraying her hips with his seed.

Gael fell into his arms and

rested her head against his chest as they panted and tried to capture their

breaths.

Aegon wrapped his arms around his

wife's nubile body and let his fingers trace circles on her naked back. He

could feel Gael's lips brushing against his skin while they stayed silent and

listened to the rain outside and the faint fire crackling in the hearth.

"Do you think we'll spend every

night like this from now on?" Gael murmured against his chest.

Aegon chuckled upon hearing that.

"If that is my lady wife's wish,

I shall make sure to bed her every night without fail." Aegon answered while

pressing a kiss against her silver hair.

Gael nuzzled into the crook of

his neck and pulled the covers over their body. That was the last thing he

remembered before he fell asleep.

** Lemon scene ends **

The following day, the ships were ready to set sail for Pentos. It was decided that they'd take the ship the queen gifted them while the dragons flew on their own. He suspected his grandmother had been saving herself with all of this for the right moment. Aegon also started to suspect whether his grandmother had the power of dragon dreams or if she was just well-planned for the future of Gael.

The sailors were all from the Driftmark courtesy of Princess Rhaenys. There were also some trusted knights and servants accompanying them to Pentos on the queen's orders. But before he boarded the ship, his grandmother had some choice words to say.

"I wish this could've been avoided, Aegon. No mother likes to part with their children." Alysanne said, her eyes fixated on Gael, who was laughing at something Rhaenys was whispering into her ear.

"But perhaps this is for the best. I have lost many daughters, and all of them have stayed in Westeros. Only Saera survived, most likely because she is in Essos. Keep her in Essos and never let her set foot in this cursed land."

Aegon looked at his grandmother, who now had a mad gleam in her eyes. He knew what it was—paranoia at its height.

"But grandmother…" he started to protest.

"No, Aegon. Don't let her come here even for my funeral. Please keep her away from this land. The knowledge that my Gael is safe is all that I ask of you. Please promise me that, Aegon."

The earnest look in his grandmother's eyes was compelling, and Aegon knew he couldn't convince her otherwise. So, he made the promise to allay her fears about Gael's safety, knowing full well that they were in more danger in Essos. 

"Then perhaps, one day, you could visit us in Pentos. She'd like that, as will I." he suggested tentatively.

"Yes. Something like that could be arranged." Alysanne nodded, a small smile gracing her lips.

Aegon and Gael said their goodbyes to the rest of the family before they boarded the ship. Two Velaryon ships sailed with them as escorts courtesy of Lord Corlys. Aegon and Gael stood on the ship's stern and watched their loved ones until Dragonstone disappeared in the distance. 

AN:

To read ahead of the update schedule;pat(r) eon. C (O) M/Dragonspectre

For artworks: https://discord.gg/Nw2JH25fJf