Chapter Text
Perhaps a part of him wanted to die in Starpike. In reality, he wanted to die ever since that fateful day in Ashford. He became king, but it never felt earned. How could it when Baelor should have been the one to sit on the Iron Throne? He didn't want to worry Aegon and so he sent him away to King's Landing where he'd be safe with Ser Duncan by his side. I never deserved your worry, sweetling. Just as he finally loses consciousness, Maekar saw a light that Daeron often described in his dreams. A green light, like fire. He remembers the interiors, for it was Dyanna who decorated it. And yet, the palace no longer felt like summer. There was something fraught with doom in how everything was. An unbearable silence. He saw people gathered in the hall with seven dragon eggs placed carefully in a crate. The same dragon eggs he gave all his children with the exception of one. He watched as a man emerged from the crowd. It is Aegon. It dawned on him what his son was about to do for he recalled what he and Aemon used to get up to with their eggs. Maekar stepped forward, scrambling to get to his son. Once the maesters torched the eggs the room was engulfed with green flames.
Then merciless life.
"Father," he recalls Daeron's voice. "Father." the voice adds as it shook him awake.
He opens his eyes to meet his son's, surprisingly sober. They were inside a pavilion.
"Daeron," he acknowledges his son who looked younger and healthier than when he last saw him in Dragonstone.
"Father, I know what you're thinking." he began without hesitating. "I'm sorry about what happened to Uncle Baelor, I'm sorry I lied." Daeron sounded like he was about to cry.
"Daeron," he repeated. "Where are we?" he asked.
"On our way to Ashford." Daeron answered. "Again."
Ashford. Where it all began, the source of his regret and guilt. He sat up while Daeron sat by his side.
"Where is Aegon?" he asked fraught with worry.
"He's with Uncle Baelor," his son replied, placing a hand on Maekar's shoulder.
"Baelor," he said his brother's name after a long pause.
Daeron sighs, pulling Maekar back to reality and up to his feet. His son rises from his side just as he puts on his clothes over his tunic and boots. Afterward, Maekar began to make his way to the other pavilion but before he could step out Daeron called to him.
"Father," his son began. "I gather you've seen what happens to Egg?" he asked this time.
"I did," Maekar replied. "I won't allow it."
He loved Aegon - his favorite son, but he also felt a hanging regret with Daeron. He didn't regret that he was ever born but that he regretted how dismissive he was of him even before Ashford. Daeron predeceased him well into his ascension as king.
"Nor will I," Daeron agreed with him for the first time. "What's the plan?"
Maekar blinked. It was the first time Daeron relied on him for something other than the comforts that came with being a prince.
"I suppose we have to go looking for Ser Duncan earlier than we anticipated," He replied. "I think it's best you search for him while I speak with your uncle and brother."
Daeron's expression is that of disbelief.
"Are you sure about trusting me with that?" He asked with a hesitant expression.
"Take two of the guards if you wish," Maekar said, comforting Daeron's lack of confidence in himself. "But don't tell them what you're up to."
"What will you tell Uncle Baelor and Egg?" his son inquired.
"None of what we're discussing, surely." Maekar replied. "I wonder if there are rules to this." he said. "Things we could change and things we couldn't."
It was Daeron who checked the exterior of the pavilion where they opted out of it while Maekar trailed behind.
"I can go with you to Uncle Baelor,"
"No, it's best I do this alone." he told his son who looked like he was being judged by him. "We don't want them to be suspicious of anything." he added.
Daeron nodded in agreement and they went their separate ways.
Maekar sighed heavily before entering Baelor's pavilion. He looked younger just as he did all those years ago, but his memories remained the same. He could hear Baelor's jokes and Aegon's laughter. When he finally entered the pavilion, the pair turned to him and the latter went silent. Aegon went up to him, small for his age but Maekar knew all children grow up. The boy smiled shyly at him and Maekar didn't know how to respond.
"Brother," said Baelor. "You're uncharacteristically late."
"I need to speak with you," Maekar said brushing aside his jest and told his brother who arched up his brows. "I'm taking Daeron and Aerion off the lists." he informed. "Is there a precedence for this?"
"I'm sure something can be arranged." Baelor replied reassuringly. "The tourney is a day's ride away and we can have one of the men inform them in advance."
Maekar sighed in relief and sunk down on the chair facing his brother.
"This is unlike you," said Baelor who was concerned. "I thought you wanted your sons in it."
Not if it costs me my brother or one of my sons, Maekar thought.
"Aegon," he turned to his son. "You'll no longer be squiring for Daeron."
Aegon - nicknamed Egg turned to Maekar and beamed at him. The child couldn't contain his happiness that he ran up to his father and wrapped his arms around Maekar's neck. He could've melted there and then, instead he chose to return the hug.
"Thank you, father." said Aegon who looked up at him with eyes as huge as saucers. "Thank you."
"An interesting turn of events." Baelor remarked.
Maekar chose not to comment while he basked in his son's attention.