Maegor: The Terrible

Later that evening.

The scent of lavender from Maegor's recent bath lingered in the air, though the room was dominated by his presence, as solid and unyielding as the stone walls of the Red Keep. He sat by the fire, Blackfyre resting against the arm of his chair, its pommel catching the flicker of the flames. His freshly trimmed hair and beard framed a face of harsh angles, his scowl deepening as his suspicious eyes fell on Aenys.

Aenys hesitated at the doorway, his lilac eyes wide with apprehension. Clad in a lilac velvet robe trimmed with cloth of gold, he seemed out of place in the austere chamber. His delicate features and soft curls contrasted sharply with Maegor's bull-like bulk.

"You've grown fond of silk," Maegor remarked, his voice low and sharp as the edge of a blade. "Did you come to dazzle me with your fashion or to say something of substance?"

Aenys flinched but composed himself quickly. He stepped further into the room, though his slender hands wrung the fabric of his robe nervously.

"Brother," Aenys began, his tone conciliatory, "I've heard troubling whispers. People are afraid—"

"They should be," Maegor interrupted, his voice rumbling like a storm. "Fear keeps them in line. It ensures their loyalty."

"But fear without love can lead to rebellion," Aenys countered, his soft voice gaining an uncharacteristic firmness. "Father—"

"Do not speak of Father to me," Maegor snapped, rising to his full, towering height. His shadow fell over Aenys, a reminder of their stark differences. "Aegon ruled with fire and blood, not sweet songs and mummers' tales."

Aenys held his ground, though his pale fingers trembled slightly. "Father united the realm because he showed strength, yes, but also fairness. You execute men without trial, Maegor. That is not strength; it is cruelty."

"Cruelty," Maegor repeated, the word curling in his mouth like venom. "And what would you do, Aenys? Offer them a song? A dance? Would you sing them into submission while they plunge a dagger into your back?"

"I would find another way!" Aenys exclaimed, his voice cracking slightly. "You don't have to rule through fear alone, Maegor. There's more to being a king than swords and fire."

Maegor's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, he said nothing. The flicker of the firelight played over his heavy features, making him look even more fearsome. But beneath the surface, a different battle waged. A small, childlike part of him—lonely, aching—wondered if Aenys might be right. Yet his pride crushed the thought as swiftly as it had arisen.

"You speak as if you understand what ruling is," Maegor finally said, his tone colder now. "But you don't. You dream, Aenys. You dream of a world where songs and kindness bring peace. I live in the real world—a world of treachery and steel. Remember that, brother, before you lecture me again."

"I've come to see how you fair, brother. You are to be king, surely the stress of-"

"I'm fine Aenys. I'm in no need of coddeling."

Aenys bit his lip, visibly deflating. He nodded, his lilac eyes brimming with emotion. "I only want what's best for you...and for the realm."

"What's best," Maegor muttered, almost to himself. He sank back into his chair, his massive frame tense with the effort of suppressing his rage. "The best for the realm is a king who cannot be challenged. That will never be you, Aenys."

Aenys bowed his head, his curls falling forward. He turned to leave, his steps light and uncertain. At the door, he paused, glancing back at his brother. "You are stronger than me, Maegor. But strength is not the only thing that makes a king great. Perhaps...one day, you'll see that."

"Just... Just remember I'm here for you Maegor"

The door shut softly behind him. Maegor sat staring at the fire, his hand gripping the pommel of Blackfyre. His brother's words lingered, unwelcome ghosts haunting the edges of his thoughts. For a brief moment, his scowl softened, and the lonely child within him surfaced. Then, with a growl, he pushed the thought away.

"Strength," he muttered, gripping Blackfyre tighter. "Strength is all that matters."