Chapter One: Viserys I

King Viserys Targaryen looked around the Small Council chamber and took a deep breath.

To his right, was his ever trusted Hand, Ser Otto Hightower. To his left was the Master of Laws, Lord Lyonel Strong. Then Mellos, the Grand Maester, and Lord Lyman Beesbury, the Master of Coin. Directly across the table from him was the Sea Snake, Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Master of Ships. And standing in the corner of the room next to the Ser Harrold Westerling, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, was his Viserys' daughter, Princess Rhaenyra.

For a moment, he locked eyes with Rhaenyra, who gave him a slight smile and a nod of approval.

She gave her approval yesterday. What are you nervous about? Viserys thought.

The previous night, he had finally gotten a chance to speak to Rhaenyra, who he'd been avoiding for the better part of a year. Viserys had always found it difficult to speak to his daughter, even before Aemma, Rhaenyra's mother and Viserys' wife, had died.

Rhaenyra looks so much like her mother today.

It was only at the encouragement of the Lady Alicent Hightower, the daughter of Viserys' Hand Ser Otto, did Viserys decide to go and speak to her.

If only I could just marry Alicent.

If I only could marry not for duty.

Viserys and Alicent had become acquainted over the past moons, with the young lady showing a keen interest in his hobbies.

I barely know the Lady Laena, he thought. Laena Velaryon was terribly young, and being made to marry for duty instead of love. At least we have that in common.

"Your Grace?" Lyonel Strong asked.

Seven hells.

Viserys breathed in, and began.

"My lords, you may be wondering why I gathered the Small Council here today," he announced. "I have decided to remarry."

Otto looked at the Grand Maester, who looked back at him nervously, while the Sea Snake leaned forwards with a smug grin on his face. Rhaenyra smiled, but the smile had an air of sadness in it. Lyonel Strong had a neutral look on his face, while Lord Beesbury looked to be falling asleep.

"The lady I have chosen to take for my wife is…"

Viserys took another breath.

The words stuck in his throat for a moment.

"The Lady Laena Velaryon."

"An excellent decision!" proclaimed the Sea Snake, beaming.

Otto almost choked on his breath in that instant.

"Do you have an objection, Ser Otto?" asked the Sea Snake, proudly.

Otto's face displayed a smile that couldn't be more forced and eyes that stunk of disappointment.

"Absolutely not, Lord Corlys. I am extremely happy for His Grace." He replied calmly, before turning towards Viserys. "Your Grace, I know this choice was not an easy decision for you. When do you... plan on marrying, Your Grace?"

"Thank you, Otto, I plan on marrying before spring is over."

"And what a wedding this shall be!" declared the Sea Snake. "This marriage shall unite our two great Valyrian Houses once again and prove to the Triarchy that we do not fear them, and remind all those who seem to have forgotten that the Iron Throne and House Targaryen remains the strongest power there is!"

"Lord Beesbury, this marriage shall surely be an extravagant affair, with guests from all across the Realm and outside too, and as Master of Coin, I expect you shall begin planning the financing of this event soon."

"Ab-Absolutely your grace," coughed Lord Beesbury.

"Excellent news. That will be all, everyone. The council may be dismissed now. Rhaenyra, you may stay for a moment."

The council members all got up and made their way out of the Small Council chamber. Lyonel Strong was the first to exit the room, while the Grand Maester and Otto followed, already in conversation with one another. Lord Beesbury hobbled after them, and Corlys gave Viserys another smug smile before proudly walking out of the room.

"Thank you, daughter, I couldn't have done it without your approval."

"I'm happy for you father," replied Rhaenyra. "I hope Lady Laena will bring you a happy marriage."

"I do hope so too, Rhaenyra." Viserys said, smiling. In truth, however much happiness the Lady Laena Velaryon would bring him, it would never replace the hole his first wife, Aemma, had left behind.

"And I hope she brings you a male heir, since that's what you've always wanted."