Ch 3: Clarity
Viserys could admit that Rhaenyra was right. There was more to his brother than he willingly gave him credit for.
And it did admittedly gave him pause from once again exiling him.
He could see the friendship Rhaenyra had with Daemon. How she sought him out for guidance when she felt like she had no one else to turn to. How his brother's words not only comforted his daughter but also inspired her rule. His words were not laced with malice and ill content for him but the opposite. His brother placed importance on family and his only desire for power was for the Targarean name to reign for centuries more to come.
Where was the selfish and throne-converted man Otto had told him about? His brother whose power hunger was only matched by his hunger for spilling blood.
Based on these letters his brother did not want power for himself, merely for the family. He craved to be accepted. And the only member who seemed to be of that inclination was his daughter.
How could he have been so blinded by his brother's ambition to ignore the merit of his brotherly bond? How could he so easily forget his brother who always supported him? His brother doted on his daughter and loved his late wife as if she was his true sister.
His fierce and overprotective warrior brother.
His family.
He had been so closed-minded as of late. Only concerned with his goal of having a son he had forgotten what has been most important to him. The family he still has. He did not replace them with his son Aegon but his son did draw most of his attention. He realized that the distance between him and his daughter truly began to grow when he married Alicent Hightower. Her father had been his loyal hand for years. And she was also good friends with Rhaenyra. When Aemma had passed she provided him with much-needed comfort. Therefore when the time came for him to choose a new wife. He chose one he was familiar with and hoped Rhaenyra would be pleased with. But he was wrong. He was just realizing how by doing so he damaged the bonds between them. His need for a son had also blinded him.
Perhaps that is why he did not realize his daughter's sadness and ill contempt in her own house until he read her words on old parchment.
There were things he could read between the lines of those letters. And though it didn't seem to be his daughter's intention she opened his eyes to much more than just her relationship with his brother.
He didn't realize how much Daemon longed for children of his own. He had been married for many years and never once has there been even a hint of a child. Instead, his brother preferred to spend his time in Kingslanding or in Pentos instead of with his wife. He knew that having an arranged marriage to a non-Valyrion wife angered his brother. And resulted in him being drunk and dragged to the sept.
His brother had begged him for an annulment for many years now. But he never considered that it was not for him to continue to shrug off his duty as a Prince but to take responsibility for continuing the Targaryen line.
He preferred the company of whores then his own wife. And perhaps Viserys didn't wish to consider a betrothment for he feared his daughter would experience the same disrespectful treatment.
What would his dear Aemma think if he allowed his daughter to experience such dishonour?
She would have never let him live if he ever attempted such a match.
But….
She once told him when Rhaenyra was young and upset when Daemon was banished for some reason or another, that it was a shame Daemon was already married. Otherwise, she would suggest they betroth him to Rhaenyra to hopefully ease her sadness and temper. It was one of the good days in their marriage when Aemma was not suffering the loss of a babe.
He laughed in good humour along with her. But perhaps she didn't mean it in jest. Perhaps there was indeed truth in her words. Maybe she saw something that he hadn't seen.
She did always defend Daemon. She even attempted to have his father and mother dissolve the betrothal between Daemon and Lady Royce. She said that it was unfair for Daemon not to have the chance to find his own love match. Especially for his bride to be less of his station.
She always saw the good in him. Defended his actions. Explaining that his actions were not done in malcontent but rather the actions of a hurt child suffering the rejection of his family.
He still felt the ache in his heart that only she would be able to fill.
Her screams still haunted him.
He could admit that in the early days of her loss, he avoided his daughter. Every time he saw Rhaenyra he was reminded of his late wife. And how he had failed her.
But he had sworn to himself that he would not fail Rhaenyra. And it seems he has failed.
The thought weighed heavily on his heart.
Perhaps though it wasn't too late.
She made the effort to reconcile things with him. Now it is his move.
He remembered the words he had recently spoken with his daughter.
"Why must every effort on your behalf be resisted as if to the death," he asked in a pleading voice unbecoming of a king. Hoping to once again inspire a connection with his daughter.
"Because you mean to replace me. With Alicent Hightower's son." Her voice was strong and sure. It was clear she had given this much thought. "The boy you always wanted. You have him in your hands now. You have no further use for me." Though tears appeared in her eyes she refused to allow them to fall. She had long since resigned herself to her perceived fate. "You might as well as peddle me for what you can. A mountain stronghold or a fleet of ships."
"You have misjudged me, Rhaenyra," he said in a weary voice. The fact that his daughter thought so little of him saddened him greatly.
"All know it." She protested once more. "Jason Lannister knows it." she twirled the rings on her finger despite sitting up straight and poised. "You said it yourself. The lords of the realm gather like vultures to a carcass, hoping to feast on my bones."
This doubt that Rhaenyra will no longer be his heir is a treasonous thought. And this rumour needs to decease at once.
Otto should have reported this waiver in loyalty.
Otto Hightower was the hand of the king. He had always been a loyal Hand and long friend. But it has become apparent that that may no longer be the case. His hand has overstepped his position if his daughter was to be believed and he was inclined to do so. He has become much too accustomed to power and has even levelled it at those he was sworn to serve.
Him, having spies follow his daughter was a sinful act. But having his daughter isolated and alone was the breaking point.
He will be punished in due time.
His attempts to separate his children and allow rumours to prevail are a result of his own ambition. He will have to affirm his heir to the lords once more if they still question his judgment.
His words were spoken with truth. "I do not seek to replace you, child. You've been much alone these past few years Alone and angry."
And now he knew why. He was just beginning to see it. But he wondered if others see it as well.
He made his way out of his room. He knew that whatever he was searching for wouldn't be in his room. He was pleased to find which guard was posted outside his room this evening.
Commander of the Kingsguard Harrold Westeling.
He had been his loyal guard during his entire tenure. His most trusted guard. He stood straight with his silver armour worn proudly. His white cloak flowed to the ground in pureness and lightness. He was once his daughter's sworn shield before he rose to the ranks of Commander. He was a similar age to himself. But that didn't dissuade his history of accomplishments and his skill with his sword.
He stood outside his door with read attention and his hand on the hilt of his sword at the ready.
"Commander." Viserys addressed in greeting,
"My king, is something wrong?" the commander asked in concern. though he was prepared for any scenario. He did not address the king until he was spoken to.
The man was a good companion. And Viserys was pleased that he was here this evening. "No. No, I find sleep escapes me and not even my model aids me this early morn. Would you mind accompanying me as I walk along the keep?"
The guard was already standing in attention. But he made his way to stand behind him. "It is my duty."
"Perhaps alongside me," Viserys suggested.
Commander Westeling looked at him in mild confusion though he did not express it. "Your grace," he replied. Though a question seemed to be on the tip of his tongue though he did not voice it.
Together the two men made their way through the keep. They walked in silence as they passed by endless stone. Their footsteps echoed throughout the air. It was late and the only people still awake would be the guards. The light from the various torches lit the endless darkness.
He found himself leading his way away from his Hand's quarters. He couldn't bare the thought of seeing him right now without doing something reckless and in haste due to his anger.
He walked by several arches and stained glasses. But he couldn't bring himself to marvel at the architecture and stone craftsmanship of the keep. Instead, he watched as their shadows danced along the walls and followed their steps.
They passed by several guards who were stationed outside of his family's bed chambers. Aegon should be sleeping soundly and if not the nursemaids would be attending to him. He wondered if the guards who watched his son too thought that they were guarding the future king. No, they would not dare to question his word; they were loyal to the king after all.
The pair followed along the corridors and passed by several more guards. Including Cristin Cole who guarded his daughter's chambers.
For a second he considered waking her and speaking to her about the letters. But he found himself hesitant to wake her when his thoughts were not yet coherent. Instead, he continued making his way forward. It wasn't until he turned the corner and was out of ear's reach that he spoke to his companion.
For as long as they walked the Red Keep his companion had not broken his silence. Instead, it was Viserys who spoke first. "I hope you will be relieved to find that the letter you gave me from Rhaenyra was successfully received."
He wasn't sure how long Commander Westeling was in his daughter's confidence. But he was grateful for it nonetheless.
"I am glad to hear it," he said in a gruff voice.
"Were you aware of what our meeting was about?" He was curious about just how close his daughter was to the commander. Just how much had she divulged to him? Either answer would cause him sadness. For him Rhaenyra did not confide in him then she was truly alone. But if she did speak to him then she felt more comfortable talking to the night rather than to her own father.
"No, your grace." He couldn't stop the small smile that spread on his face.
He was the epitome of propriety. "But you had wondered."
The commander remained silent. "Speak freely, my lord commander," Viserys said not in a command but as a wish. "I find myself seeking your counsel this morn."
The commander was silent for a moment before he spoke. "I have watched the princess as she had grown your king, from the post as lord commander of the white cloaks. I have no children of my own as you are aware. However, I have found myself becoming fond of the princess."
He was not surprised by the admission. He was a gold cloak when Rhaenyra was just a child when he was crowned as King. He had been ordered to protect her and watch over her while she grew. The only time she wasn't in his presence was when she was with a member of the family or out on dragon back. "She has that effect on people." there was no wonder as to why the common folk called her the realm's delight. Her beauty was unparalleled. But those that were in her close acquaintance were perfectly aware of the joy her smile inspired in others, and the laughter her mischief can cause.
"I have seen her during all stages of life." Viserys understood what he meant by that. He did not just watch from a distance as she grew but also had seen her during her most happiness and darkest of days.
"And as of recent years?" He couldn't stop the nervousness from seeping into his voice.
As Viserys feared. "She had not seen content as she once was."
"When Daemon was present?" Viserys asked. Keeping his voice as neutral as possible.
The commander faltered when replying. The silence though was telling. And Viserys found himself sighing. "Nor when the late queen was present."
He was correct that everything had changed when her mother passed. He found himself drowning in his own grief and unable to face the one person he was meant to comfort. But no words came to mind. Especially when he was faced with eyes that mirrored his dear Aemma.
"She does not hold much company as of late," the commander pointed out. Despite being expected and reassured that his daughter's words stood true. It brought a heavy weight of sadness on him. Especially when he spoke the words, "Not even from her own father."
Such words would anger a king. But Viserys found the words he desired this evening. "I see." He may have failed her as a father these recent years but perhaps if there was still time of his reign there is still time for him and Rhaenyra. "And do you think that a father could fix his misgivings?"
The commander remained silent for a moment. He was not used to being addressed on such matters. "You had agreed to meet with her."
Such simple words seemed to spark hope within him. And a small smile grew on his face. "Yes. That is indeed a start.
He had much to ponder and much to do it seemed. He had a feeling that sleep would continue to evade him until the next evening. Hopefully, the silence of the early morn would allow him the peace of mind to make some decisions.
But first, he needed to start with Rhaenyra.