Possibly an #UnpopularOpinion because “the septons say we must love our brothers” has seemingly become the Baelor/Maekar rallying cry but in the novella I think it functions in large part as an introduction to the most significant conflict in their relationship. For reference:
“I hate Aerion,” Egg said with vehemence. “And I had to run for Ser Duncan, uncle, the castle was too far.”
“Aerion is your brother,” the prince said firmly, “and the septons say we must love our brothers. Aegon, leave us now, I would speak with Ser Duncan privately.”
In the private conversation with Dunk which follows, we learn that one of Baelor’s own fraternal relationships is troubled in turn, albeit far less severely…at least for the time being; and the show largely omits the relevant lines:
“Maekar would never admit as much, but I believe it was his secret hope that his sons might outshine mine in this tourney. Instead they have both shamed him, but what is he to do? They are blood of his blood. Maekar is angry, and must needs have a target for his wrath. He has chosen you.”
“Maekar will likely agree [with Aerion’s claim that the puppet show was treasonous]. My brother has a prickly nature, and he has placed all his best hopes on Aerion since Daeron has been such a grave disappointment to him.”
I said “for the time being” because, of course, Maekar’s one-sided rivalry culminates in his accidentally killing Baelor not long after. Personally I don’t think Baelor knew precisely why Egg hates Aerion, and while his attitude toward this was overly dismissive nonetheless, it also makes the whole thing deeply ironic—he’s blissfully ignorant of the horrors which can be inflicted by one’s own brother, but he will soon learn!
In conclusion, have another classic line from the novellas (best accompanied by the radio edit of “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” by Lana del Rey): “when I said Prince Maekar loved his brother Baelor, Ser Addam’s squire said he loved him to death”
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