The Champions II

(Baelon's POV)

"What?" Mother said, "You're mad, Aemond!" 

"I am not mad." Aemond told her, "I mean it. I will not stand by and watch my own brother fight by himself. I owe my life to him, I will do this one thing." 

I looked at him with a frown, "Owe me your life?" I said, "What do you mean?" 

He placed his finger on his eyepatch, "I lost my eye that day due to my foolishness, but if it were not for you, I could have been my life." He said seriously, "I have been in your debt for years, Baelon. It is about time I pay up." 

"You are not in debt, brother." I said, "I did what any older brother should have done. I fought and killed for you, you owe me nothing." 

"Nevertheless, I will fight for you." He said seriously, a look of conviction in his eye, "The Gods will it, the Trial by Seven will take place. I will not allow this filth to get what his wants." 

"This is too reckless, even for you, Aemond." Mother walked up to him, "You cannot be serious. Baelon is one thing, but I will not allow another of my sons to take part in this." 

"Mother." Aemond said seriously, "You insult the pride of a Prince, the pride of a warrior, by denying me this. Aegon and Daeron will stand by because Father will need an heir, should we both die. But make no mistake, that will not happen." 

"I...." Mother started

"Very well." I said seriously, "Have it your way, Aemond. I trust that you will keep up, then." 

He nodded, "Of course." He said, "I will not get in your way, Brother. Together, we will fight to make them pay." 

I felt Helaena's hand hold mine, "Baelon....." She said, "About Rh-" 

"Enough of that." I cut her off, "I won't speak about that any longer. It has been decided, I will take part in this Trial By Seven. Aemond and Daemon will fight by my side. Whatever happens to our sister, I will have no say in it." 

I gently pulled away and began to walk past Aemond as Mother looked at me. 

"Where are you going?" Mother asked

"To speak with the King." I said

It didn't matter what they said to me; I really did not want to think about what would happen to Rhaenyra should all of this pass. All I cared about at the moment was passing judgment on that piece of shit who had tried to ruin my Family. Do the Gods want a Trial by Seven? So be it. I will ensure that nobody who sides with Trevor survives. I will personally ensure that he does not live to see another day. 

If it is the last thing I do. 

 **************

"Laenor, you are not going to do this." Rhaenys told her son, "I won't allow it!" 

"It is a good thing that you are not the Lady of Driftmark and cannot allow me to do anything." Laenor told her, "I will do this. That bastard has spat in the face of our House as well, Mother." 

I had walked into the King's Quarters, Rhaenys and Laenor were there, speaking with Father who was sitting in his chair. Otto was standing next to him as well, looking at Laenor who had a serious look on his face. 

"What is going on?" I asked as I walked up to them

Rhaenys looked at me, "Baelon." She said, "It appears that your acceptance of the Trial has lit a fire inside my Son. He wishes to join you in the Trial By Seven." 

I looked at Laenor, "I appreciate the offer, but in placing too many dragonriders in the fray would risk giving Trevor and his allies what he wants." I told him, "He wants the dragons freed up." 

"That is assuming that we die." Laenor said before looking at Father, "Your Grace, I seek leave to take part in this. I need to fight for the honor of my house, the honor and integrity that my Father has tarnished by conspiring with the Traitorous scum...." 

Father looked at me, "Done." He said, "I am fine with you fighting alongside my son." 

"V-Viserys..." Rhaenys said, "You..." 

"Lord Laenor wishes to prove to the Crown that House Velaryon is on our side, Princess." Otto spoke up, "I don't see an issue. However, we have to warn you, Lord Laenor, that the risks are way too high. Even I am worried about the Heir's safety." 

"I will be fine." He said, "Even if I die, so long as it is fighting on behalf of the Crown, I could not ask for more."

"Then it is decided." Father said, "There are four champions on our side for now. My two sons, my brother, and my cousin's son. I think that is more than enough when it comes to family." 

"I do not agree with this, Viserys." Rhaenys said, "Baelon, you have to think of som-" 

"I am sorry, Princess." I said seriously, "It has been decided." 

She let out a sigh, "So be it." She said, "You men will always make the most rash decisions." 

"The gods have made their will known, Aunt." I said as I looked at her, "We have to prove to the realm that we will abide with them. Even if we Targaryens are viewed as larger than Men, akin to Gods, we cannot place ourselves above the Laws that much." 

"Which brings us to our next topic of discussion." Father said, "Rhaenys, Laenor.....may I have the room with my son?" 

Laenor nodded, "Yes, Your Grace." 

Rhaenys looked at me, "Good fortune to you, Nephew." She said softly

I nodded, "Thank you." 

After they both walked out of the room and the doors were closed, I looked to both Father and Otto, their eyes on me. 

"Accepting the Trial like that was foolish, Baelon." Otto told me, "We had the opportunity to end him once and for all." 

"But in doing this, we could root out any other traitors. Harwin Strong has been named Trevor's fellow champion. We need to find out who the other Five are connected to and when everything is said and done, we take care of loose ends." I said as I crossed my arms, "Is that so wrong? I wish to ensure a peaceful reign for my Father. Treason is not to be tolerated, I figured you'd agree with that." 

"I do." Otto said, "But you are putting yourself in a very stupid position." 

I frowned, "How so?" 

"You are the Heir." He said, "Rider of Balerion, our greatest weapon. Placing yourself in combat risks your death which will do exactly what Trevor wants. Not only that, the succession will befall on Aegon." 

"Is that a problem?" I asked

"Yes." Father said, "I have no doubt that Aegon will be a decent ruler should he succeed me. But what does worry me is how easily he could be exploited. He is not you, Baelon. He's matured yes, but when it comes down to it, he will not be able to make the proper decisions to push the Realm forward." 

"And..." I said, "Look, I understand. But I have to do this, I have to. I need to do this, he insulted me, my wife, my Family, and everything that we stand for. I cannot just let anyone else get the satisfaction of plunging a blade through him." 

"Hm...." Otto said

"I understand, son." Father said, "But understand that we are taking the future of the realm in mind." 

"Yes. But he insulted Helaena...." I said 

"Speaking of her....." Otto said, "We hate to do this, Baelon. We have respected both your decisions long enough.....but it must be done." 

I looked at him, "What?" 

"Before the Trial....." Father said, "I need you to put a child in her. I am sorry. I know you don't want to force her but I am afraid it will have to happen. Baelon, it is an order." 

"Why?" I said with a scowl, "Why do I have to do that?" 

"Should something happen to you, we can at least ensure that you have an heir." Otto told me, "That child will hopefully, in the future, claim Balerion. I have no doubt that you will survive, but should you not, at least you have left a son or daughter behind." 

I looked at Father, "You cannot be serious...." 

He nodded, "I am." He said, "And I am sorry." 

"Do what must be done, Baelon."