Discovery of Magic
Chapter 3: Discovery of Magic
The air in King’s Landing felt heavy with tension as Lucerys walked through the godswood, his steps quiet but deliberate. He had begun to notice things—small things—ever since Draco’s presence had become part of him. Draco’s influence was subtle but profound, a steady stream of knowledge and instinct that now guided Lucerys in ways even his family had yet to realize. Magic, for one, was beginning to manifest itself in strange, unexpected ways. It wasn’t the magic of wands and words, as Draco once knew, but something quieter, more instinctual.
Lucerys knelt beside a patch of wildflowers near the weirwood tree, his fingers brushing over the delicate petals. In his mind, Draco’s voice spoke of the properties of each plant, whispering their uses in potions and healing salves. He had become adept at identifying ingredients wherever he walked, his young eyes sharp and eager, but careful not to draw attention.
The godswood was secluded enough for experimentation, and Lucerys had been gathering ingredients in secret for days now. He gently plucked a handful of leaves from a nearby herb, already imagining how they could be brewed into something useful. His collection was growing, and soon, he’d have all he needed to start working on his own potions—once they reached Dragonstone.
Lucerys paused as he heard a rustle in the distance, freezing momentarily before relaxing as the familiar figure of his older brother, Jacaerys, emerged from the trees. “What are you doing out here, Luke?” Jace asked, his tone more curious than accusing.
“Just looking around,” Lucerys replied, tucking the leaves into his pocket. “The godswood is peaceful. And it helps me think.”
Jace nodded, stepping closer. “I’ve noticed you’ve been different lately. You seem… older. Wiser, maybe.”
Lucerys gave a small smile. “I’ve been thinking a lot. About us, about what’s happening with the queen’s children.” He hesitated, then added, “We have to be prepared, Jace. They’re not going to stop.”
Jacaerys frowned, glancing around to ensure they were alone. “I know. Mother’s been upset ever since Daeron was sent to the Celtigars. Alicent is furious with Grandsire for agreeing to it.”
Lucerys nodded, already aware of this from Draco’s quiet observations of the political landscape. “She’ll try to undermine us. But Daeron… Daeron is in a place where we can watch him. Where he can’t harm us.”
Jace tilted his head, looking at his brother with a mixture of confusion and admiration. “You’re thinking like a lord already.”
Lucerys grinned. “Someone has to.”
They stood in silence for a moment before Jacaerys placed a hand on Lucerys’ shoulder. “We’ll be leaving for Dragonstone soon. Mother’s almost finished arranging everything. It’ll be safer there.”
“Good,” Lucerys said, his mind already shifting back to his plans for the greenhouse and menagerie. Dragonstone would offer the perfect opportunity for him to cultivate what he needed, and away from the prying eyes of the court, he could continue to experiment with his newfound powers.
As they walked back toward the Red Keep, Laenor was waiting for them near the entrance, deep in conversation with a servant. He waved the boys over when he spotted them. “Lucerys, Jacaerys,” he called, his face softening at the sight of his sons.
Lucerys could see the strain in his father’s expression, the weight of recent events heavy on his shoulders. “We’ll be leaving for Dragonstone soon,” Laenor said, repeating Jace’s earlier words. “Your mother wants everything in place before we go. I’ve sent word to your grandparents, informing them of the move. I’ve also sent a raven to your Aunt Laena about the incident. She’ll want to know what happened.”
Lucerys nodded, his mind already moving to other matters. “What about Ser Harwin? Will he come with us?”
Laenor’s face tightened slightly, his gaze drifting toward the distant horizon. “We’re working on that. Harwin… he’s important to all of us. He’s been with us for a long time. But his duties in King’s Landing make it difficult for him to leave. We’ll find a way to make it work.”
Lucerys exchanged a glance with Jace, both of them understanding the unspoken weight of Harwin’s role in their family. He was more than just a protector; he was a piece of their lives, filling a space that neither Lucerys nor Jacaerys fully understood but sensed deeply.
“I hope he comes with us,” Lucerys said softly.
“We’ll see,” Laenor replied, giving a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Now go inside. Your mother’s been asking for you both.”
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In the dim candlelight of her chambers, Alicent sat, hands twisting in her lap as she stared into the flickering flame. Across from her, Larys Strong watched her closely, his gaze calm and unyielding, but his fingers tapped lightly against the arm of his chair in rhythm with her anxiety.
“They sent Daeron to the Celtigars,” Alicent murmured, her voice barely steady. “I had everything arranged for him to go to Oldtown, to be under my father’s care, to learn from him.” She exhaled sharply. “Now he’s been sent to an unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers with ties to… to Rhaenyra.”
Larys tilted his head, his eyes narrowed. “You suspect Rhaenyra influenced the king’s decision?”
Alicent’s jaw tightened, her fingers twisting tighter. “Who else could it be? It’s her doing, I know it,” she replied. “Her sons are underfoot every day, they’re in his ear, making him believe he’s being a good father and grandfather, a good king, with these… gestures. As if Daeron wouldn’t be safer and better prepared under my father’s guidance!”
Larys studied her quietly, allowing the tension to settle before he spoke again. “But this is not a complete loss, Your Grace. If Daeron is among the Celtigars, he remains close to King’s Landing—and he will, undoubtedly, hear from both sides. In that, he may become a valuable asset.”
Alicent looked at him sharply, her brow creased in worry. “And what of Rhaenyra’s sons? What if they whisper poison in his ear, filling him with doubt about my family?”
Larys smiled softly, an expression that almost appeared sympathetic. “Then we must ensure our own words are there to counter them. Distance can work in our favor as much as it may work against us. We’ll know what Daeron hears, what he believes—and we’ll be ready to answer.”
The queen looked away, her hands still. “I just… I only want them safe. I want Daeron safe.” She leaned back, her eyes reflecting the shadows cast by the candlelight. “Rhaenyra has no limits, none at all, and I fear she’ll stop at nothing to secure the throne.”
“Fear has its uses,” Larys replied calmly, “but remember that strength also lies in patience. Rhaenyra may push, and those at her side may posture, but we must ensure that we are not provoked into rash action.” He leaned forward slightly, his voice low and firm. “The king’s will may falter, Your Grace, but our plans must remain steady.”
Alicent’s gaze hardened, though her voice remained soft. “Then I must be patient.”
Larys nodded, his eyes catching the gleam of understanding. “Yes, and observant. Rhaenyra may have the king’s ear for now, but time will show us the paths she has left open. All it takes is a moment of vulnerability for us to act.”
Alicent finally released her hands, resting them in her lap, fingers unclenched. “Then we’ll wait,” she said, though her words carried a hint of resolve she hoped would steady her.
Larys rose, bowing low before her. “You won’t wait alone, Your Grace.”
As he left the room, Alicent felt a chill despite the warmth of the candlelight. Though her heart was heavy with fear for her children, a small spark of determination glinted within her. She would protect her family, and if that meant waiting in silence, so be it. But she would not rest easy—not while Rhaenyra held sway over the king.