Chapter Twenty-Three: Viserys V
"Ser Harrold Westerling was a true knight and an excellent Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. His passing shall affect us all. May the Seven rest his soul." The High Septon announced, in his cream robes and tall crown, as he concluded the funeral service.
Viserys looked towards his daughter, who wore a black dress studded with black gemstones and a sheer black veil covering her head and face and had a downtrodden look on her face.
I feel for her, I truly do. Ser Harrold was her sworn protector for so many years, and for him to pass away on the eve of her wedding, a wedding that I forced her into, is a cruel jape by the Gods.
Ser Criston Cole, the new Lord Commander, informed Viserys of Ser Harrold's passing the from the moment he woke. Before he woke Viserys, however, it was custom for the brothers of the Kingsguard to choose their new Lord Commander. Ser Criston was supposedly a unanimous decision from all the other members, Ser Erryk Cargyll, Ser Arryk Cargyll, Ser Rickard Thorne, Ser Willis Fell, and Ser Steffon Darklyn, likely due to Ser Harrold's own wishes that Ser Criston would succeed him.
And why wouldn't he have wanted Ser Criston to follow him as Lord Commander? His skill with a sword and flail and mace is unmatched in the Seven Kingdoms, almost on the level of the likes of Ser Ryam Redwyne.
As the attendees of the funeral dispersed from the royal sept, Viserys walked over to the small crowd of people gathered under the statue of the Warrior. There stood Lord Roland Westerling, the nephew of Ser Harrold; Lord Roland's daughter, Lady Johanna; as well the twins Jason and Tyland Lannister with their mother Lady Ceira.
They all wore black doublets and dresses, and Lady Johanna wore a thin black veil over her face. When Viserys approached the group, they all moved to make space for Viserys in their small circle and bowed their heads to the King.
"Lord Roland, I am very sorry for your loss. We all are certainly... grieving for Ser Harrold in this time." Viserys said gently, putting his hand on Lord Roland's shoulder.
"Thank you, Your Grace... for your kind words... it means a lot to us..." Lord Roland said, before wiping his eyes with his hand, unable to contain his grief for his late uncle.
"It is such a shame that my grandfather did not travel with us to see his brother one last time, that is what I am upset about the most." Lady Johanna said.
"Life can be cruel sometimes... but some day they shall be reunited in the seventh heaven." Lady Ceira responded. "And there is at least solace in that Ser Harrold passed peacefully in his sleep."
"Ser Harrold was an exemplary role model for us all." Ser Tyland said, solemnly.
"He was one of the greatest knights of his time, an excellent example of true Westerland chivalry and honour." Jason Lannister proudly said, in his black leather doublet, with a golden chain studded with black gemstones hanging from his neck.
"You have the truth of it, Lord Jason." Viserys gently replied. "Ser Harrold's body is to leave for the Crag after the wedding, and soon he shall return to his home."
Kingsguard members' remains usually were sent back to their home castle, if they had one, whilst their white cloak would be hung eternally in the chambers beneath the White Sword Tower. Then the final chapter of their life would be written by the incumbent Lord Commander.
"Yes, Your Grace." Lord Roland smiled, before taking his leave. His daughter and Ser Tyland accompanied him as they went to speak to the others in attendance. Once they were out of sight, Lady Ceira, in her long flowing black dress and black hairnet, turned to Viserys.
"I do truly feel for Roland and Johanna, with the entire kingdom celebrating the Realm's Delight's wedding, they are busy mourning their kin..." She said.
"The whole realm is mourning Ser Harrold, Lady Ceira." Viserys responded, curtly.
"That is true, Your Grace."
"Your Grace..." Jason Lannister began, not after taking a glance at his mother. "About the vacancy in the Kingsguard now that Ser Harrold has so sadly passed..."
"I plan to appoint someone to the position following your wedding."
"Yes... I do have some... suggestions as to who should replace Ser Harrold, though it shall… of course… be a momentous task for whoever does... I thought it would be fitting as to have a Westerlander knight to replace Ser Harrold..."
"I shall consider all the options later, Lord Jason, thank you." Viserys bluntly replied.
The man could not even wait until Ser Harrold's body was cold before trying to further his political ambitions.
"Absolutely, Your Grace. If you allow, might I bring my list of suggestions to you tonight when we sup?"
I had almost forgotten that I would have to dine with him tonight, Seven spare me.
It was an old Andal tradition that that groom would have supper with the bride's family the evening before the wedding, so Viserys and Laena would be hosting Lord Jason in their quarters later that day. Rhaenyra would also be doing the same that night, having a meal with the Lannisters before she married.
Let us hope she enjoys the company of Ser Tyland, Ser Tommen, and Lady Ceira, and that I do too with Lord Jason, though I doubt either of us shall.
"That would serve, Lord Jason." Viserys said, smiling before leaving Jason Lannister and his mother to go and speak to Rhaenyra.
Viserys' daughter stood beneath the statue of the maiden. Her purple eyes and pale skin seemed to glow against her black attire and made her seem something of a ghost. As Viserys approached her, she smiled gently at her father, but Viserys knew there was sadness behind her eyes.
Sadness that Ser Harrold passed, or sadness that she must marry tomorrow, or both, or some entire other reason?
Viserys embraced his daughter, then looked at her, unsure of what to say.
"Ser Criston is to take Ser Harrold's position, is he not?" Rhaenyra asked.
"Yes, the Kingsguard brothers chose him this morning." Viserys replied.
"He shall make a good Lord Commander." Rhaenyra laughed, as if it were a jape.
"He shall indeed." Viserys sighed.
"I take that the wedding shall still take place." Rhaenyra said.
"Yes, it shall. You know that daughter. Do not look for a way out, you have done so for long enough."
Rhaenyra gave a small chuckle and nodded.
"I shall do my duty, rest assured, father." She replied, before promptly walking away and going to speak with Lyonel Strong and his son, Ser Harwin.
I would rather the wedding does not take place tomorrow either. Seven hells, I would rather it not take place at all, considering how much Rhaenyra is against marrying. But we must all do our duties.
After the funeral, before Viserys' evening meal with Lord Jason, he was in his chambers adding to his model Valyrian city with Larys Strong, son of his Hand, Lord Lyonel. The two had grown acquainted as of late, with the Clubfoot also sharing a keen interest in the histories. The man sat there, in his grey and blue doublet, with his wooden cane adorned with a golden firefly leaning on his seat. He was quietly polishing one of the buildings with a small brush, engrossed in his task, staring at the smooth stone with his brown eyes.
"This area is said to be the holdings of the Targaryens, Your Grace, is it not?" Larys asked, gesturing to a small castle (small for the standard of Old Valyria, though it was still twice the size of the Red Keep) on the edge of the city, far away from the Fourteen Flames, as well as the Anogrion. Above it sat a large stone dragon the size of a cat, which towered over the model.
"Yes, according to old texts, it would have been far from the centre of the capital. And I doubt we had dragon that big, too." Viserys laughed.
"Was that not the model of Balerion that Lady Alicent gifted you for your wedding?" Larys asked.
"Yes, that is correct. You have a keen eye, Larys" Viserys replied.
Larys simply smiled and continued with polishing one of the towers. The Clubfoot was not a man of many words, he mainly preferred to listen while Viserys rambled on about Old Valyria and the Targaryens of the past. He had a good memory, though, and he often remembered conversations that they had many moons ago. Sometimes Viserys would just talk on end, venting his frustrations and feelings to him, because he had no one else to tell.
My wife scarcely talks to me, and my daughter scarcely talks to anyone. And would I truly talk about my weaknesses and worries to anyone else? Most people would spread these rumours around the Red Keep and offer their unwanted opinions on it. All Larys does is nod and listen, and the poor man barely has any friends at court to share secrets with.
Viserys had no reason to doubt the Clubfoot's loyalty. Lyonel Strong served Viserys loyally as Master of Laws and had done well as Hand for the short time that he had currently served as. That was not to mention Ser Harwin too, who had reduced crime by almost half since he took over as Lord Commander of the City all those years ago. Larys had also mentioned that he had set up a network of spies in the capital, and had discovered the manse that the so called Shephard, who had amassed a moderate sized following over the past few years,lived in.
"My men burnt the manse, and though we did not find the body, it that may still dissuade his followers from... trying anything… unwanted in the coming days." Larys Strong told Viserys a few nights prior.
Burned the manse? That was extreme, but the Shephard has definitely plagued King's Landing for a while now, and in truth, we should have really flushed him out sooner.
"Your... devotion to the realm has not gone unnoticed, Larys. I ask, is there any reward you desire for your efforts as repayment?" Viserys asked the Clubfoot after that.
It is always advised to reward the people most loyal to you.
Larys pondered Viserys' question for some time, looking at Viserys, then down at his clubfoot, and then back at Viserys before making his answer. "No... Your Grace... I only serve for the realm... my family are Lords of Harrenhal... a noble title... we have gold... though not as much as the Velaryons of Lannisters... but gold is gold."
"I insist, Larys, you along with your father are some of the only people I can trust these days."
Larys refused again, but the next day, Viserys met with Lyonel Strong and arranged for Larys to be installed into the small council, as Master of Whispers, a role first created under the rule of Maegor the Cruel, but not as much since.
Let us hope I am not remembered as a second Maegor however.
Just before Larys took his leave, after Viserys finished talking about the different Valyrian families and the mythic founder of House Targaryen, Viserys told him to wait.
"One... other thing, before you leave, Larys." Viserys said. "I made this for you."
Viserys took out a small marble ball and handed it to Larys. It was all white, with streaks of red and blue running through it.
"Your Grace, I am flattered." Larys replied, calmly.
"For your devotion to the crown, first as a Confessor in the dungeon, then as Lord Confessor. It is only fit that you must be rewarded for your work."
Larys gave a small smile and nodded before hobbling out of the room, playing with the marble ball in his right hand and leaning on his cane with his left.
Later that evening, Viserys and Laena were preparing for their evening feast with Jason Lannister. Viserys opted to wear a black and red doublet, that was stitched with cloth-of-gold, and had a three headed dragon on each shoulder, made with silk and leather. On his back draped a black and cloth-of-gold cloak, and on Viserys' neck was a golden chain, with the likeness of a dragon etched into the shiny metal. Viserys also chose to wear his crown, the circlet of gold with the seven coloured gemstones.
I must show Jason Lannister that I am the King.
Meanwhile, Laena also wore black and red of House Targaryen. She wore a red woman's dress with long sleeves and a flowing skirt. Her chest and shoulders were covered by fine Myrish lace, and on the bodice, seven black gemstones were studded onto it. She also wore a silver necklace, that had rubies and black gemstones set into it. On her ears were small ruby studs and her silver hair was let loose onto her shoulders.
She does look so womanly now.
Back when Viserys and Laena wed, he did his duty in the bedchambers for a while. Though she was flowered, Viserys did not take much pleasure in the action, as she still looked half a girl. Now, Laena was ten-and-eight, and did truly look beautiful in the red dress she chose.
"You are looking comely, today, my lady." Viserys said to his wife, smiling.
Her eyes lit up at the compliment, and she smiled back at her husband. "I-Thank you, my lord, you too are... certainly... looking as befit a king tonight." Laena replied.
Though she appreciated my compliments, even I can see that she feigns all of her compliments towards me. I know that I disappoint her.
"Gods, I would rather have supper with just about anyone else in the Red Keep than Jason Lannister." Laena said, rolling her eyes.
Anyone else may not include me either.
"On that we can agree on." Viserys laughed, pouring himself a glass of Arbor Red.
Viserys had finished his second cup of wine when Jason Lannister arrived. Ser Criston Cole announced the Lord of Casterly Rock's entrance, and Jason Lannister came swaggering in. He was wearing a cloth-of-gold doublet, with a long silken maroon cloak draped on his shoulders. His doublet was decorated with small golden lions on it, and his neck boasted three golden chains, all decorated with dark red rubies.
"Your Grace, Queen Laena." Jason Lannister said.
"Lord Jason! It is such a pleasure to host you tonight!" Viserys lied.
"Oh, I thank you, Your Grace. It is a pleasure to be invited, likewise." He replied, sitting down on the long oak table, opposite Laena, and to the right of Viserys. "I cannot be more excited for the morrow, it shall be such an excellent few days for the realm, I can truly sense it."
The reason you cannot be more excited is because you are to become consort to the future queen.
"Yes, the coming week shall be splendid, and I am just as excited for it too." Viserys said, continuing to lie.
The first course was a soup of cream and seafood, with chunks of lobster, crab, and saltfish. It was seasoned with saffron from Qarth, as well as cracked Volantene black pepper, and was served with a sour, crusty bread. Viserys only ate a little, finding the pepper too spicy, whilst Laena wolfed the entire bowl down.
"One thing, I wanted to ask, Your Grace… after me and Rhaenyra are to have a child, is he to take the Lannister or Targaryen name when he ascends the Iron Throne?" Jason Lannister asked, cautiously.
Surely, he cannot think me fool enough to let the Targaryen name on the throne die off with my daughter.
"The children are to take the Lannister surname, but when the oldest child ascends, they are to take the Targaryen name." Viserys responded.
Jason Lannister nodded and helped himself to a cup of Arbor Red.
After that was the second course, a roast boar with buttered carrots, neeps, and onions. On the side was a selection of cheeses and dried fruits.
"So... Your Grace..." Jason Lannister began. "About the open space in the Kingsguard that I mentioned earlier... I had a few names in mind..."
"Go ahead." Viserys said, through a mouthful of crispy boar, as the fat from the pig dribbled down his chin.
"I did have a few names in mind... Ser Lorent Marbrand is the finest knight that the Westerlands currently have. There is also my old squire, Ser Marlon Crakehall, he is one of the few men I'd say who could rival Ser Harwin Breakbones in strength. His younger brother Ser Allan is also a great knight, and Ser Alyn Brax and Ser Denys Swyft must also not be discounted..."
"Are you going to suggest knight from outside the Westerlands, Lord Jason, or are they not worthy of being a Kingsguard?" Laena scoffed, with a smirk on her face.
"Thank you, Lord Jason, I shall consider all those options well." Viserys replied, quickly.
"And are you to not consider any non Westerlander knight, Lord Husband? There are plenty of other fine knights in the realm to consider."
"Your Grace, I would love to hear your suggestions. After all, Kingsguard members must be made up of the best knights in the kingdom." Jason Lannister, replied, in the friendliest tone Viserys had ever heard the man speak in, slightly back in his seat.
"Lord Husband, Lord Jason, my cousin, Ser Daemion should be on the shortlist. He is one of the finest knights in the Seven Kingdoms. His unmatched Velaryon grit would make him an excellent contender for a member of the Kingsguard."
"With all due, respect, My Queen, but isn't Ser Daemion still a young lad? Would the Kingsguard not require a man with more... experience. Ser Lorent was known for his domination of the tourney lists back in the Westerlands in his youth..."
"Ser Daemion is young, that is true, but if we are discussing the achievements of tourney knights, Lord Jason, in the last tourney back at Goldengrove, I distinctly remember my cousin knocking Ser Lorent off his horse so badly that he could not walk for three days." Laena retorted, smiling, as she threw a handful of almonds in her mouth.
Jason Lannister simply smiled, and slunk back in his chair, not replying to Laena this time around.
"Do not fret, both of you." Viserys said. "The next appointment shall be reserved for only the most deserving."
They moved onto other topics of discussion as the third course arrived, which was a pie of lamprey, served with a thick gravy and mashed neeps.
"This pie is good." Viserys said, through a mouthful of it. "I do hope it shall be on the menu for the wedding this coming week."
"Mayhaps it will, but I am not sure. It is my mother who is handling the organisation of the foods and beverages. There shall be a large selection of food, that I am sure of, Your Grace, and I doubt you will be lacking for choice." Jason Lannister, replied, proudly.
"How many courses shall be served in the main feast, Lord Jason, might I ask?" Laena asked, leaning onto her arms on the table, and looking at Jason Lannister with her lilac eyes.
"As I said, Queen Laena, my mother is handling the feast arrangements, but I sure there will be many dishes." Jason Lannister said, glaring at Laena. He paused for a second to take a drink of his Arbor Gold. "But it likely shall not be as much as the amount of courses served at your wedding, Your Grace, for no wedding feast shall ever match the level of that."
"It certainly was a gigantic feast, Lord Jason." Viserys replied, trying to remember all nine-and-ninety dishes that were served in his wedding all those years ago.
I do not remember most of it, as I was in my cups or asleep throughout it.
"Yes... it certainly would not have been possible without the generous funding of Lord Corlys. Speaking of, Your Grace, is Lord Corlys nor the remainder of the Velaryon household not attending the wedding? I have not seen them arrive in the city yet. Mayhaps Her Grace would know why Lord Corlys has not attended the marriage ceremony. It is the wedding of the heir to the throne, after all." Jason asked, licking his lips to wipe away the gravy on them.
Viserys could see Laena clenching her fist from the side of the last. "I do not know why, Lord Jason. Is that all?"
Jason Lannister smiled, taking another spoonful of the pie.
The fourth and penultimate course were pork ribs, smothered in a meaty gravy, and sprinkled with parsley, served on a bed of black rice from Astapor.
"I heard, Your Grace, Prince Daeron's egg has hatched some weeks ago. I cannot wait to see the beautiful dragon; they always fascinated me. What was the name that your son chose for it?" Jason Lannister asked Viserys, while holding a rib in his hands.
I did not realise Jason Lannister was interested in dragons.
Viserys' mind then went back to a few weeks ago, when Syrax was said to have taken a liking to the lion.
Now that one dragon likes him, he pretends to love all of them.
"My son has chosen the name Tessarion for the hatchling, Lord Jason." Laena curtly replied.
"That is a lovely name, Your Grace." Jason Lannister smiled. "There are so many dragons these days, I forget who rides who! I know that it is Prince Daeron who riders Tessarion, and Princess Rhaenyra rides Syrax. And His Grace was of course the rider of Balerion, who can forget that? What dragon belongs to you, Queen Laena?"
Laena finished all of the wine in her cup and placed in down on the table before looking directly at Jason Lannister, her veins seeming to pop out of her head.
"I do not yet have a dragon, Lord Jason." Laena replied, trying desperately to hold herself back from leaping across the table and attacking Jason Lannister.
"Oh. My apologies, Your Grace, but I did not know that. Please forgive me." Jason Lannister said, solemnly.
"It is no worry." Laena replied, much calmer than before. "Though, my mother does have a dragon, as does my brother, and of course my children do as well. That is still a lot of dragons belonging to my household, is it not, Lord Jason?"
Viserys hastily stood up.
"Gods, isn't it late? We do have a long few days ahead of us, so why don't we call this a night? Lord Jason, it was a pleasure to host you for supper, and I do hope we can enjoy more of these once you marry my daughter." Viserys announced.
Before they start bloody attacking each other at the dinner table.
"Are there to be no sweets served, Your Grace?" Jason Lannister asked.
"No, not today unfortunately. But I do hope you did enjoy this supper. But of course, before you leave, Lord Jason, let us make a toast for your marriage." Viserys hurriedly said.
"A splendid idea, Your Grace!" Jason Lannister replied, standing up, holding his glass of wine.
"A toast to you and my daughter, for the hope that your marriage is long and happy and bears many children!" Viserys declared.
"To the brilliant Lord Jason!" said Laena, who was also standing up now.
"And of course, to my future wife, who is likely busy with my siblings and mother right now. To Princess Rhaenyra, the heir to the throne!" Jason Lannister toasted, pointing the glass directly at Laena.
"To my step-daughter." Laena responded, smiling, before rolling her eyes.
After the toasts, Jason Lannister was the first to depart, and then Laena did so swiftly after him, and Viserys was left alone in his quarters.
Viserys changed into his smallclothes and filled another cup of wine and drank it all in one gulp before lying down on his bed and closing his eyes.
Thank the Gods this is over… no… it isn't actually. Next is a whole week of the bloody wedding, and then a whole lifetime of Jason Lannister married to my daughter once that is done.