Otto Hightower, the formidable and respected Hand of the King, was pacing inside his luxurious chambers. His excitement was so big he couldn't just sit on a chair. His army of snitches had finally brought him some good news, the Princess of Westeros and heir to the Iron Throne had made a grave mistake. By losing her maidenhead before her marriage Rhaenyra left her father no choice, the King had to disinherit her and name Aegon his heir. It was the culmination of a promise he had given many years ago to his own father and himself.

The Hightowers were an old and noble family, their men were smart and cunning and their women were beautiful and strong. Yet, they had no real power. Without intimidating dragons, a powerful fleet or large sums of money their only option was to step aside, watch deranged, incompetent and arrogant men fight for ultimate power and hope that they'd chosen their allies wisely enough to avoid destruction. It was unfair. That's why one day Otto Hightower stood before his father and gave him a promise, that one day a Hightower offspring would sit on the Iron Throne and give their House the glory and respect it deserved.

Troubled times are always the best opportunity to earn what was never yours so, when Baelon Targaryen complained of a stitch in his side all Otto had to do was finding someone like him, an ambitious man who was sick and tired of being ignored, to finish the job. He found that man in a Maester named Mellos. Otto promised him respect and power if he agreed to help him and he kept his promise, after Baelon's unexpected death of a burst belly and Otto's appointment as Hand of the King, Mellos became Grand Maester and the third most powerful man in the realm.

It wasn't only honoring a pact that made Otto keep his promise though. He knew it wasn't of no use having someone with a direct access to the royal family's health. Grand Maester Mellos helped him get rid off of five of Viserys's heirs against his will, he had no choice but to collaborate or else the King would learn who was responsible for his father's death. Mellos sure paid dearly for trusting Otto Hightower. And the Gods claimed another male heir in the cradle which Otto took it as a clear sign that he had the blessing of the Seven.

Ironically enough, Rhaenyra was the only child of Viserys whose life the Hand tried his best to protect as he thought she was his access to the Iron Throne. From early on Otto encouraged Alicent to spend time with the Princess and become friends with her. He wanted Rhaenyra to feel safe and open around his family, let her guards down and he wanted so because his ultimate goal was to marry the Princess to his son, Gwayne. It was an almost stupidly ambitious plan, there were far more powerful men for the girl to marry, but Otto knew how to read people. The Princess was a true Targaryen, stubborn, hot-headed and chaotic, if she fell in love she would turn the whole world upside-down to marry the man she wanted. A Hightower wasn't the best match but it wasn't the worst either and Otto was sure that eventually Viserys would concede to such marriage, probably thinking that he still had a chance at a male heir himself. Then, all the Hand needed was Mellos's intervention and the throne would be empty and available and if it went down to it there was no sane person that would prefer Daemon, the only male Targaryen heir, as a King over Gwayne. His son would sit on the Iron Throne and Rhaenyra was free to play the Queen as much as she wanted. Otto Hightower had calculated everything.

Until Aemma died. He had to admit he hadn't predicted that. Queen Aemma was a young healthy woman who had survived six childbirths by then and she would have delivered six possible heirs if it wasn't for Mellos, Hightower had no reason to assume she wouldn't make it through another one nor he could ever guess that the sentimental Viserys would sacrifice his beloved wife to chase a son that might not even be there. Otto himself was surprised and appalled by the King's decision and he never considered himself the sentimental type.

But, the King did it and for the first time Hightower's long ignored daughter became useful to him. Alicent was a beautiful girl and she shared many of the King's qualities, she was good-hearted, patient, mild and caring. That's why when the Hand sent her to the mourning King to help him through his grief he knew it was only a matter of time before she'd become necessary to Viserys. He was right like always. If it was for another King his plan would be too risky, the politician inside him knew that what Lord Strong suggested, a marriage with Laena Velaryon, was the best option for the Crown, but he also knew that Viserys would never marry a girl younger than his own daughter no matter what the political benefits were and combined with the King's romantic wish to share his life with a woman he actually liked pretty much guaranteed his plan's success. Good people are so easy to predict. So, before long the King announced his wedding with Alicent surprising everyone that didn't know him. Alicent Hightower became the most powerful woman in the Seven Kingdoms and the Gods blessed her with two healthy male heirs.

Everything seemed ideal but Otto knew it wasn't over yet, he had two big obstacles on his way to make his grandson King, Rhaenyra and Daemon. It was like an unexpected present that they had managed to destroy themselves so spectacularly in a single night. Daemon was quite low in the line of succession but that didn't mean he was neutralised, he was called Rogue Prince for a reason and there wasn't a single depravity he didn't think him capable of. Seven Hells, seducing the heir to the throne in a brothel for everyone to see was a brilliant move, strategically speaking. He had destroyed her for every nobleman in the realm and the people of Westeros would be much more content with a Targaryen couple in charge than with a sole Queen. Daemon had only to persuade his brother to let him marry his niece and it was over. Yes, the Hand had understood what the Prince's intentions were the moment he heard the news and he had to do his best to make sure that would never happen. But still, Daemon was only the minor of the obstacles.

Otto had been near the King long enough to know that he would never love another woman the way he loved Aemma and Rhaenyra was her only child. The Princess was like her mother in both physical appearance and character, strenghtening the bond between them. Viserys always favorited her over Alicent's children, it was as if he knew they were more Hightowers than Targaryens. Or maybe it was guilt for leaving her an orphan. Rhaenyra, their child, was the only thing that was left from the woman he loved, she was the King's only consolation and a bitter reminder of the fact that his pride was responsible for Aemma's death, no surprise he was always so defenseless against her.

Otto wasn't a stranger to the sentiment, he himself often searched for his dead wife in Alicent, that's why he knew it wasn't a feeling you could beat. After Alicent's first son was born he had considered killing Rhaenyra too, the biggest obstacle would disappear and if Viserys died of grief like his grandfather Jaeherys then his two biggest problems would be solved at once. Only it was impossible. After Aemma's death Viserys became paranoid with Rhaenyra's safety. Otto doubted that the girl knew how well protected she was with all the spies guarding her, people trying her food and drinks before her to make sure they weren't poisoned or the cruel punishment that waited the ones putting in danger his daughter, even the Maesters themselves weren't excluded. The whole castle lived in a constant state of fear regarding Princess's health. Since getting rid off of her wasn't an option Otto attempted a more direct approach and tried to make the King betroth Aegon and Rhaenyra, it would be a harmless and definite ending to all of his problems, Aegon would sit on the Iron Throne as King and Rhaenyra was free to play the Queen as much as she wanted. However, as easy as it is to manipulate good people it becomes nearly impossible to persuade them to do something they think it's wrong. Viserys was adamant, he wasn't betrothing his almost adult daughter to his two years old son.

He had to be very careful. It was a one in a lifetime opportunity to put an end to Rhaenyra's dreams of sitting on the Iron Throne, he couldn't afford to waste it. He didn't hope for a beheading as tradition would request but he'd settle for the King forcing his daughter to publicly refuse the throne. He waited a bit more and when he managed to supress the huge grin that was pinned on his face from the moment he heard the news he left the room.

…...

King Viserys woke up from a knocking on his door. He watched his young, half-naked wife questioningly but she returned his stare equally clueless. He left his warm bed and put hastily his robe while the Queen hid behind a wooden screen.

''Come!'' invited the King when he made himself presentable. The door opened revealing his Hand, dressed in his formal attire and with an ominous expression on his face. He felt a knot in his stomach. When your second in command comes into your room this late and looking like this it only means troubles.

''I apologise for the early hour, your Grace'', said the intruder.

''What happened?'' the King cut to the chase, he wasn't in the mood for formalities, he was scared to death.

''I'm afraid I'm not a bearer of good news'', Hightower continued in the same careful way.

''I asked you what happened'', the King was growing impatient.

''Forgive me for my bewilderment, it's never easy speaking to a father about his daughter's exploits.'' Otto responded at last to his King.

''Rhaenyra? Is she hurt? Tell me!'' he demanded. His blood had drained completely from his face leaving him as pale as his long hair. Alicent felt a knot in her stomach too and moved closer to hear better. If she wasn't so worried she'd be mad that Viserys's mind jumped straight to Rhaenyra when her father mentioned his daughter, they had a daughter together too! Although Alicent doubted her husband remembered even Helaena's name.

''Don't worry my King, the Princess is safe on her chambers,'' the Hand assured him.

''Then what are you doing this late in my bedroom?'' the King asked confused.

''I just received some disturbing news regarding the Princess's behavior, earlier tonight'', he confessed hasitatingly. He had to give the performance of his life to achieve his goal.

''What kind of news?''

''She was seen beyond the walls of the Keep, many hours past the sunset, disguised as a page, drinking, dancing and attending crude performances in the streets of King's Landing.'' he explained. The King shook his head and looked his advisor helplessly.

''Alone and outside the castle after dark? That girl has no limits. I don't know what else to do with her!'' He was desperate. Every attempt to persuade his daughter to behave was fruitless, you couldn't teach Rhaenyra how to be a proper lady more that you could teach a dragon not to fly, it just wasn't in their nature.

''She wasn't alone.'' the Hand corrected him, ''Prince Daemon was seen with her''.

''My brother? Not that it comes as a surprise. They share the blood of the dragon, they're both reckless and impulsive. At least, with Daemon around she was safe from the worst.'' His brother and his daughter always shared a strange bond. They were too similar and the poor Viserys had spent his entire life cleaning up their mess.

''I always found your dedication to him admirable. Prince Daemon has betrayed and let you down countless times and yet you always find the kindness to forgive him and accept him back hoping he'll repent. It's such a shame that people like him only change for the worse.'' Otto's remark came out of nowhere. It wasn't a secret that the Hand and the Prince never liked each other and they had tried over the years to keep the King away from the other man but it was the first time he was so explicitly vocal about it.

''It's my brother you're talking about!'' he warned him. Rogue or not he was his brother and what was left from his family.

''It's not without a reason I speak like this. I had my fair share of betrayals and backstabbings myself, it happens when you're involved in politics, but what Daemon did was so vile and despicable it makes me sick'', the man defended himself. His words only enraged the King further.

''Otto, stop playing with my patience. You come to my room, you say vague things, you accuse my daughter, my brother, tell me what happened! Now!'' he demanded.

''Your daughter and brother's journey ended up in a pleasure den, in the Street of Silk'', the Hand said in one breath, Rhaenyra's misstep was very convenient but Otto was a father of a daughter himself, he fully understood the pain Viserys was about to feel upon learning that his precious Rhaenyra had the same lustful desires as everyone else and that she was destroyed forever.

''What? You're coming before me and accuse my daughter, the heir to my throne for something like this? Have you lost your mind?'' the father yelled covering the loud gasp that left Alicent's mouth behind the screen.

''It's not easy for me either, your Grace, but I couldn't hide something like that from you'', he tried to appease him. It didn't work.

''Hide? Seriously? Will you pretend that you wanted to save Rhaenyra's reputation? Will you pretend that you weren't spying on my daughter wishing to find something to destroy her? You want to see your blood sit on the Iron Throne so badly that you're willing to destroy my own!'' he accused him maniacally. Alicent was so devastated from the news herself she didn't bother to be mad that her husband, the King, had just insinuated that he didn't think Aegon as his blood.

''Princess Rhaenyra is the heir to the throne and as your Hand my job is to keep her safe. I have people watching her day and night, making sure she won't be harmed or misbehave'', he gave a believable explanation for his actions trying to seem hurt and offended at the same time, ''The Princess's honor was impeccable until your brother game back to town,'' he added.

''And what exactly your people saw that would stain my daughter's honor?'' the King asked for more details, he wasn't convinced yet.

''Must I say more, your Grace?'' Otto had made numerous despicable things during his life but even he was feeling awkward from this conversation.

''You're accusing my daughter and doubting her honor, I want to hear what you have against her, plainly.'' He was still trying to find excuses to save his daughter.

''Princess Rhaenyra was seen in the bowels of a pleasure den, engaging in behaviors unbecoming of a maiden. Coupling with her uncle'', Otto confessed the whole truth waiting for the storm that was about to break.

''That's a lie!'' Under normal circumstances Alicent would never appear in front of her father wearing only her nightgown. Her presence in the King's chambers this late and the light clothes they were both wearing indicated what they had been doing. They were a married couple but it was still inappropriate, although she doubted her father would be more disgusted with her marital duties than she herself was.

''Alicent'', Otto exclaimed surprised, he didn't know someone was listening.

''That's a terrible lie! Questioning the Princess's honor is a crime and whoever started this gossip must be tortured and executed'', the Queen continued her rampage passionately taking her husband's place who was now sitting shocked and broken on the edge of his bed.

''I wish it was only a gossip my Queen but my source is trusted, it has never led me astray before'', her father assured her and gave her a warning look that if things were different it would have been enough to froze her in her place but now the rage that was boiling inside her veins was hot enough to melt the eternal ices of the North.

''Then your source have mistaken. There's no way Rhaenyra would do such thing. Viserys, tell me you don't believe this monstrosities'', she begged the old man who hasn't said a word in a while. This time his advisor's words had gotten him, leaving Alicent alone to defend the Princess's pride.

''Your loyalty to your childhood friend is touching but it doesn't let you see thing clearly. Several of the servants have admitted to seeing her creeping through the gates from King's Landing, disguised as a page during the hour of the owl. I didn't come here to share rumors, I've done my research'', her father insisted on his shameful accusations.

''The only thing you have is that Rhaenyra was outside the castle during the night. It's not sensible but that doesn't mean her virtue was compromised'', she argued stubbornly, Rhaenyra's virtue wasn't a fight she was willing to lose.

''Rhaenyra was taken by her uncle for a night out filled with alcohol, food and music, a night that ended up in the bowels of a pleasure den, do you really trust Daemon's self-restrain?'' Otto answered sarcastically quitting for the first time his formal attitude. He was furious with his daughter for defending their biggest enemy and for sabotaging her family, he was trying to make her son a King! His argument was what finally shook the King out of his passivity, at least he thought his brother capable of every depravity. Walking past his wife he approached his trusted Hand.

''Find him!'' he hissed, ''Tell your men to search the whole city. I want Daemon before me before dawn.'' he commanded and it was the first time ever Otto Hightower saw all the Targaryen legacy of madness and violence in the eyes of the sensible and mild King. Viserys left barefoot and wearing only his robe without waiting for a confirmation from his Hand, he wanted to stay alone.

''Is this how you plan to make Aegon the King? By spreading lies and staining the reputation of a young maiden?'' Alicent attacked her father. His words may were enough to beat the King's resistance but the Queen was a much tougher rival to conquer.

''Rhaenyra made a mistake and she'll pay the price. She had everything but she chose to trust Daemon of all people and lost them all. She only has herself to blame'', he stated cynically but accurately.

''Very touching speech but I'd be more willing to believe your words if I didn't know that you'd stop at nothing to make the King disinherit Rhaenyra and name Aegon his heir instead!''

''I won't apologise for wanting to see my grandson a King!'' he said indignantly.

''My son will not steal his sister's right!'' Her father knew her opinion on the matter but of course he ignored her like always.

''Rhaenyra stole your son's birthright! Tradition states it clearly that the eldest son is the heir to the throne!'' he reminded her angrily. He was tired of explaining the same things over and over again only to be ignored.

''The King's word is the only law and if Viserys deemed Rhaenyra more fit for the throne then we'll accept it'', the Queen said valiantly.

''Well, it's not anymore about what you will accept or not. Rhaenyra condemned herself tonight. No Lord will marry her and she won't have children to strengthen her claim to the throne, frankly she'd be lucky enough if Daemon hasn't already told everyone just to torment his brother further. She left her father no choice, disinheriting her is the sensible thing to do.'' The clinical and detached way he talked about the doom of a girl he knew since the day she was born and practically grew up with his daughter made her shiver.

''I don't remember you caring about sensibility when the King decided to marry me instead of Laena though'', she commented mimicking his tone.

''You can't seriously be blaming me for taking care of you the best I could?'' he asked incredulously.

''What you did was selling me to a man old enough to be my father just to fullfil your ambition to see someone from your House sit on the Iron Throne. You know what, on second thought your tonight's acts shouldn't come as a surprise, you've already proven you have no problem ruining a maiden's life, why won't repeat it then?'' she spat bitterly. It was something she wanted to tell her father for years but never found the courage.

''I made you a Queen and I certainly didn't tell the Princess to follow Daemon in a pleasure house'', he kept defending his actions, refusing to feel an ounce of remorse or apologise to her for the misery he put her through.

''Even now you keep lying. That's disgusting!'' Otto had enough of her behavior.

''You seem more disgusted from the truth than by the fact that Rhaenyra lost her maidenhead by her own uncle in a brothel like a common wh...''

''Don't you dare say that'', Alicent warned him icily.

''I don't understand what kind of spell that witch has casted over you and the King and you refuse to see reason when it comes to her but I hope you'll find a way to break it. We're at war! Stop fooling yourself, your childhood friend is gone and in her place there's an ambitious, ruthless, two-faced woman who knows the whole world is against her as she tries to take a throne it was never supposed to be hers in the first place. She won't show the same courtesy you do, if the only way to achieve her goal is to kill you and your children she'll do it without a second thought!'' he told her cruelly. Someone had to shatter her illusions and bring her back to the vicious reality of royal succession. Having nothing else to add he left the room too in order to execute the King's orders.