Ch 1: A Start

King Viserys Targaryen, first of his name was King of Westeros. King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men Lord of the Seven Kingdoms Protector of the Realm. He was twenty-six-name days old when crowned king. Ever since he has sat on the Iron throne. And now his daughter was his heir at only 17 name days.

He had many duties to uphold as king, husband, and father. Though recently he has found his duties as a father most difficult to handle as of late.

He loved his daughter more than anyone in the entire realm. The moment he first held her in his arms his smile shone brightly and tears fell down his cheeks. His beloved Aemma, despite being tired and bedridden held the same sentiment. She was bound to be their entire world. His love for his daughter held no bounds. And though his love for his Aemma was true, it held only a flicker to the flame of love that consumed him when gifted with a daughter.

His love for her seemed to grow if even possible at the reminder that she was all that was left of his beloved wife.

However, he found himself as of late unable to placate her.

Nothing he seemed to do was enough in her eyes.

Every word seemed to inspire her ire. And every action held her disappointment.

Therefore he was surprised when a piece of parchment was placed in his hand by the Commander of the GoldCloaks. He found himself graced with a quiet morning and decided to venture out to the training yard to watch as some of Kingsgurds trained with their swords and bows. He did not hear the commander approach him until the words, "Your Grace" slipped from his lips and a hand approached his own.

He was alone at the time though he did not give it much thought. No, his words were focused on the words on the parchment.

He feared what missive he was being passed. However, his fear was relieved when seeing the familiar script of his daughter. The letter simply stated that Rhaenyra wished to meet with him in the Godswood at noon while everyone was feasting.

He wondered why she didn't simply seek him out on her own. Though the emphasis on while everyone was feasting was clear that she simply wished for it to be the two of them. However, he tried not to read too much into it. He was simply thrilled over the prospect.

When he saw her in the Godswood. He found her standing up straight with her hands folded behind her back. He noticed that she had some parchment held in her hands. Normally she would be sitting with a book in hand. A Kingsguard was stationed outside and outside of earshot.

She was wearing a dark red dress. Almost the colour of blood. Covering it was a black coat. Its collar stuck out and matched the same shade as her dress. There was gold intricate vine detail and gold buttons. She looked ethereal. Truly dressed in Targaryen colours and representing the ruling house.

She looked more like her mother the more she grew. Her eyes were the exact same shade as her mother's. And though her hair was the same silver as his and her mother's, it was braided in intricate braids that Aemma used to wear before she grew weak with each child.

He couldn't decipher the expression on her face. She was clearly waiting for him but showed no emotion when he stepped up closer to her.

"Daughter, why have you taken such lengths only to speak with me?" He asked in concern though he was pleased to see her. Especially after seeking him out.

She looked at him with narrowed eyes. Looking behind him for something or someone. Before they softened. "I fear it was the only way I could speak with you father."

She spoke with such elegance and grace. "Tongues tend to wag in these walls and I feared I wouldn't be able to speak to you alone." He could barely believe the change in her since the last time they had spoken.

But he also lost the smile he had on his face.

"What is this about Rhaenyra?" he asked eagerly, fearing harm had come to her.

"I would first like to ask that you not only speak to me as your heir but also as your daughter. For this matter, I wish to speak to you about requiring the council of both." Her shoulders were tense though not from standing so tall.

"Of course. Rhaenyra what has happened?" His eyes grew wide at her diplomacy and her request. He had not realized how often he would speak as one or the other. Nor if this situation called for strictly one. He would nonetheless head her request to the best of his ability. She sought him out, the first time since Aemma's death, he would not begrudge her for doing so.

Now that she had deemed to have his attention she gave him a small smile in return. "Nothing bad. In fact, this should be good news to you and yet I find myself recognizing that to you would instead be a reason for concern and ultimately anger." Viserys couldn't seem to reconcile her words. She didn't seem distressed. And though she remained passive and indifferent, her eyes did seem to light up with glee. "I have given thought of the future and ultimately who will one day take the seat of King consort."

Viserys found himself standing taller than he already was. Whatever he expected to come out of his daughter's mouth, this was not what he expected. Nonetheless, he couldn't deny the joy it brought him to hear such news. "That is wonderful news, my dear. And have you found yourself a match?"

"I have indeed. And in regards to my future betrothal I wish to have no other," she said with such force and conviction. Viserys couldn't help but wonder if perhaps she was on the path of making a love match if she was so set on this match.

She allowed the silence to consume them. Her demand was loud and clear. Even though he was the King. She said this with such authority he didn't dare protest.

She turned away from him and faced the tree. "I considered many things." He was pleased to hear such words. He had hoped and prayed that she would find a match that suited her. "I first had to recognize that all who would seek my hand would also seek the iron throne. By marriage, to me, they will undoubtedly gain power. However, I will not allow any who desire to rule through me."

Her words sparked happiness within him. He knew without a doubt he made a good decision in making her his heir. He knew she carried a burden of the future crown and with her gender would be called into question. But he had no doubt that she would make an excellent ruler.

He watched her with rapt attention. And though his back had recently been paining him, he did not allow it to persuade him in the slightest. "I considered those from the North. Noble and brave fighters who would no doubt defend my claim.

"Though those of different faiths and different realms would have interests outside of that of my house. Which I would not tolerate." She made a good point. He knew that while he and his family followed the fourteen flames that his wife and many in Westeros followed different faiths. He could understand how allowing those of different faiths could interfere with their Targaryen customs. And she did make a good point about how some Houses may not have the same ambitions compared to someone of their own blood.

"My cousin Laenor, I had even considered. A match with him would solidify the rift between us and house Valyrion. I would find myself perhaps a friend as well. Though rumours whisper of his taste lying elsewhere and my own children's claims would undoubtedly be in question as well. I also could not in good conscience bind myself to a man whom I would not grow to love. And do the same to him." He had not yet heard of such rumours, not even from his own hand. However, he doubted his daughter would slander her cousin's good name unless she heard such words from others around the court. In old Valyria such displays of affection were welcomed and accepted. However, the Seven do not seem to agree with such ways. And when Aegon the Conqueror and his sister wives came to Westeros they also adopted some of the Seven's practices. He had no problem if the man laid with other men. And he doubted his reason, thinking such ways of life were an insult. However, she was of the right mind when suggesting the legitimacy of any children would be questioned. And her legitimacy as heir would also be questioned. She was correct in her way of thinking. She was trying to solidify her claim.

"After much consideration and many names crossed off. Ultimately only one name crossed my mind. And forever since has yet to escape me." He waited with bated breath to hear the name of the man who would be his future, Goodson.

"I know what you will say. He is brash and arrogant. He is dangerous and perhaps unhinged in his violence. But he is also fierce and loyal. And towards me only sought my protection and happiness. Dragons are greedy creatures and I seek no other." He couldn't help the feeling of dread that filled his heart. Her words painted an image in his mind that he had no desire to see.

She turned to face him with her chin tilted upwards. Her hands were folded in front of her now. And her eyes blazed with the fire of the dragon. Viserys couldn't help but stare at her with bated breath. "I, Princess Rhaenyra targaryen, heir to the Iron throne and future queen to the seven kingdoms name my uncle Prince Daemon as my king consort."

His breath caught in his throat. He didn't know whether to laugh at such a proposal or to immediately deny it in anger. But whatever he planned on doing he was unable to. She held up her hand to prevent him from speaking.

"Before you speak father. I wish for you to consider not only the logic behind my words but also the feelings hidden in my heart. It would not only be the happiness of your daughter you would be granted but also of your brother. I seek not only a marriage but to be bound in a love match with my one mate. We are both the blood of the dragon and would see the Targaryen line prosper in its rule. I ask for your permission to allow the two of us to be bound in marriage in the tradition of our house."

He was speechless. Any words he wished to say to discourage her and tame her words, he found himself unable to. The way she spoke was unlike anything he ever heard from her. She was composed, and her words were clearly well rehearsed and practiced. He wondered how often she pondered such a thing. He had never seen such seriousness on her face before. Her voice grew but did not lessen in clarity.

"And though I know you eagerly wish to refute my claims. I ask that you simply read these first. And once you are done seek me out to continue this discussion. These are my correspondences with Daemon while he has been fighting in stepstones. I hope they give you clarity." Viserys found himself forced to accept the letters thrust into his hands.

With a bow of her head, Rhaenyra said, "Good night father."

And without a dismissal, she left with her head raised high. Without a backwards glance, she glided out of the garden. Very much a glimpse of the queen she will one day be.

Viserys was left without a word and unable to speak even if he wished to.

He was left in utter silence and stared down at the letters he continued to hold in his hand.