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Chapter 19 - Chapter 17

(Third Person POV)

"I do not think so." Aerion said as he stood in front of Rhaenyra, "Back up." 

He was speaking to his Father, who was approaching them. This was right after the wedding and the night was in the middle of its span. Everyone was curious about the bedding ceremony and when the King himself told Aerion and Rhaenyra to perform their duty, some were following them to their chambers. 

It was not just Daemon, but other members of the court who were wanting to know the truth; if Rhaenyra was a maiden. Otto Hightower was among those men, but he hung in the back of the group, merely watching. 

Rhaenyra stood behind Aerion as he stood in the middle of the hallway, "Aerion...." 

Daemon sighed, "You need to understand one thing, son." He said, "We need to con-" 

"I understand this; Rhaenyra is no longer a girl to be controlled and harassed by you or other men." Aerion said with a serious look in his face, "I do not speak to you as your son, Father.....I am speaking to you as her husband. Do yourself a favor, and back up. And tell these men to do the same." 

Aerion placed his hand on the handle of his newly gifted Valyrian Steel blade. The moment he did this, everyone there including Daemon himself knew that he was not bluffing. Aerion was serious, more than serious. 

The Rogue Prince smirked slightly, "Heh...." He said as he took a step back, "If you say so." 

"What is the meaning of this?" Viserys's voice said

The group parted and allowed The King to walk through as he had a scowl on his face. Behind him, Ser Harold and Ser Criston Cole of the Kingsguard followed. 

"Brother... " Daemon said

"Seriously, Daemon?" Viserys said as he reached his younger brother, "On my daughter's wedding night? On your son's wedding night? You dare cause a scene? What, do you think because you sweetened them up with Valyrian steel, you can intrude on a special moment such as their bedding? If Aerion does not wish for anyone to invade their privacy, you will respect his choice. All of you!" 

He told the other Lords who simply looked away in a bit of shame. 

Daemon looked around, noticing that there was not a lord that did not need to be there. They were members of the Court, even members of the Small Council. 

"Well..." Daemon said, "Forgive me if I needed to confirm my concerns. I did not want a scandal to arise. If the wrong people find out about the unwanted truth...." 

"That is my daughter." Viserys said with anger, "You will respect her. She is not just a girl, she is the Heir!! All of you will show her respect!" 

"Your Grace, Rhaenyra and I will go to our chambers." Aerion said, "There is no need to place a Kingsguard outside." 

Viserys looked at him, "What?" 

"I am more than enough to guard your daughter." he said with a serious look

"Someone will need to be outside to keep any intruding swine from getting in." Viserys said as he looked around, "We will respect the newlyweds, do I make myself clear? Go on about your business, all of you!" 

As they all began to walk away, Viserys pointed at Otto, silently telling him to stay. The Hand of The King slowly walked over to them as the Kingsguard stood in the distance. 

"Brother, you know full well why I am doing this." Daemon leaned to his brother and whispered, "Dismiss the dornish one." 

"Enough." Viserys said as he walked over to Aerion, "Listen....my sweet girl..." 

"Father...?" Rhaenyra said

"I will not have these scoundrels intrude you two." Viserys said, "But I am afraid that there is no other choice. Aerion, you will bed her. The Crown requires the two of you to provide a child, an heir. We will stand outside until the deed is done. I am sorry." 

Aerion slightly narrowed his eyes, "Your Grace...." 

"The line must continue." Otto explained, "It is inevitable. The Princess is significantly older and she has not had any children.....she must begin to bear at least one." 

Aerion glanced at Rhaenyra who was looking down. 

"The King commands you to do so." Viserys said, "Reluctantly and regrettably, that is. We need to please the Realm. This marriage was something everyone looked forward to...and now, we need the Heir's line to continue." 

Aerion turned around, "Very well." 

He began to walk, gently grabbing Rhaenyra's hand and pulling her alongside as she looked at her father with a frown. 

Aerion opened the door to their chambers and as they both walked in, he looked at them, "I warn you, Your Grace." He said, "Anyone intrudes, I will act in defense of my wife's dignity." 

Viserys nodded, "I understand, Aerion." He said, "Nobody will dare do that." 

Aerion then closed the door behind him. 

***********

The door to the chambers opened and Aerion walked out, holding a sheet in his hand. It had been almost around two hours after they had begun their bedding, the sounds of the deed were heard through the door. 

Viserys, who was sitting in a chair across the hall, looked up with a bit of surprise, "Aerion...?" He said as Ser Harold and Ser Criston stood next to him, "Is it done?" 

Aerion stood in front of the door and looked at his Father, who was leaning against the wall, "Hm...." He said as he tossed the sheet at his feet

Daemon looked at the sheet, seeing that there was a small stain of bright red blood on it. Otto, who was standing a few feet away, looked at it as well with a neutral look on his face. Everyone else that looked at it knew exactly what it meant. 

Daemon then looked at Aerion, who was staring at him with a serious expression. He noticed that Aerion was sweating, clearly indicating that he was indeed "working hard". 

"Has your obsession been satisfied?" Aerion said seriously

Daemon merely crouched down and picked the sheet up, examining the blood, "Hm...." He said

Viserys sighed, "That is good." He said as he looked down, "I am sorry about this, Aerion." 

"With respect, Your Grace." Aerion said, "We would now like permanent privacy throughout the Night." 

"O-Of course." Viserys said, "I would have someone-" 

"No." Aerion said, "No Kingsguard. I will lock the door. When I say privacy, I mean that the both of us to be alone." 

Viserys nodded, "Very well." He said, "If that is what you desire." 

Aerion turned around and walked back inside, shutting the door behind him, and locking it. He then made his way towards where Rhaenyra was, sitting on the side of the bed, her hair and face sweaty. She was holding a small sheet in front of her, her body was completely bare. 

Aerion reached her and grabbed a blanket, proceeding to place it over her as he sat down next to her. 

He gently moved some hair out of her face as she looked at him without saying a word. 

"Forgive me." Aerion said, "For all of this." 

Rhaenyra shook her head, "No." She said, "I do not hold it against you." 

"You are beautiful." Aerion said, a serious look on his face

"Thank you." Rhaenyra said

Aerion, with the blanket, wiped some sweat off her face, "We do not need to continue." He told her, "I finished once, that is enough. We can sleep now. I will take the couch if you need me to." 

"No..." she said softly, "Sleep with me....." 

"If that is what you wish." Aerion told her

Rhaenyra placed her hand on her chest, "D-Do you have any idea how much this means to me?" She said softly, "To finally be a woman....?" 

Aerion nodded, "I understand." 

"Thank you, Aerion." Rhaenyra said softly, a tear running down her cheek, 

"For all of this." 

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