Ch 5: Call the Ravens

Viserys was seated in the small council room. The chamber contained a long table. Which he was seated at the end of. The chamber was richly furnished with a Myrish carpet, a carved screen from the Summer Isles, and tapestries from Lys, Norvos, and Qohor. The chamber's door was flanked by two Valyrian sphinxes. And currently, it was being guarded by Commander Westeling.

He had asked his guard that he wished to be undisturbed. Especially from his hand. He hoped that Otto was busy with whatever he was doing these days and wouldn't come barging in for an audience. He had no time to deal with his musings. Nor did Viserys think he had the restraint to keep his temper in check. He wondered if the spies he had followed Rhaenyra had reported to him that the two of them had been meeting more as of late. the audacity of his once-called friend.

He had a quill in hand scribbling on a piece of parchment.

He needed to make a plan.

He started to scribble his ideas down. He wasn't sure if he would enact all of them. But he was well aware that things could no longer continue as they once were.

He realized now how foolish he had been in believing that everything was all and well within the realm. The war at the Stepstones was the first indication. But hearing how his daughter was affected by his own inactivity and passiveness was the driving sword.

It was fitting that he sat within the council's chambers.

The small council was made up of seven other lords other than the King himself. The hand of the King, his chief advisor. Otto Hightower held this distinction, however, he wasn't sure how long that would remain true. The Grande Maester served as a representative for the Citadel. There was Master of Coin taken by Lyman Beesbury. And Lyonel Strong was Master of Law. The role of the Master of ships was upheld by Tyland Lannister. And Larys Strong was the Master of whispers. There was also a seat for Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Harrold Westeling.

The men who sit at this table have served him faithfully over the years.

But if he was just being made aware of several severe matters going on not only with his daughter but also with his hand and his brother. Perhaps changes should be made.

He was considering expanding the roles of the small council. There were several holes in his opinion. And he valued various advisors.

The Grande Maester did not just serve the seven, he also served as a form of governance. But that also included education as well as healing. That was too many tasks for one man. Perhaps he should consider dividing the role. The Grande Maester could strictly be involved with healing and governance. While a separate role could be given to education. Not only with the education of the houses in power but also with helping the common folk as well.

He was initially concerned with Rhaenyra's education from her septa but perhaps this was not just an isolated incident. Much of the education is given by those who follow the Seven. But perhaps an unbiased teaching method would be more beneficial not only for his daughter but also for the people of the realm.

The Master of Whispers spoke of those who engage in treason but when war is upon them there is no leader. No one person to help rally the lords of the seven kingdoms and call their bannerman to arms.

Daemon and Corlys Velarian took it upon themselves to lead the war on the Stepstones. Even against his wishes to remain ignorant and in peace. He had forgotten that war was inevitable. And thus should be prepared for such. He thought he was living in a time of peace and prosperity. He had been compliant to the will of the lords around him. When instead he should have been making his reign great. He should have been making progress in the lands of Westeros.

He had forgotten that he was a dragon. Instead, he acted as if he fish.

And as a dragon, he needed to decide what to do with Otto Hightower.

Otto Hightower was a second son and the younger brother of Lord Hobert Hightower. Ser Otto was named Hand of the King by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, following the death of Prince Baelon Targaryen. And when Viserys was named King, Otto continued to remain the Hand of the king.

He was family through marriage.

He did not blame Alicent for undoubtedly following her father's orders. She has provided him with much comfort these past few years. Without Aemma he was lost. But as King, he had a duty to the realm and to house Targaryen. He did not love Alicent as he loved Aemma but she provided him with a friend he desperately needed.

He did not question the lack of propriety and the rumours that could have spread when she dressed in her mother's gown and entered his chambers unaccompanied at night. He was still lost in his grief and forgot himself.

But now he could see her actions for what they were. The actions of a man who converted power and wished to see his daughter as Queen consort.

She was just a puppet of her father's ambition.

And perhaps so was he.

He now realized he needed the advice of someone who never yielded to the opinions of other and who in their own right would have made an excellent queen. Perhaps a better ruler than even himself. Though he couldn't change the results of the Great Counsil. He knew he could still rely on the familiar ties shared between him and his cousin.

It had been some time since he had spoken in Valarian let alone written in his ancestor's language. But the need for secrecy was too great now.

He scrawled in a simple script on a separate piece of parchment.

Dear Cousin,

I wish time and insults did not part us and yet they do. I wish at your earliest convenience to fly to King's Landing. For I wish to seek the counsel of my favourite cousin.

I long for the talks we once engaged in.

Perhaps your daughter and mine may experience such joy as well.

I believe it is time for amends to be made.

Viserys.

He hoped that his cousin could aid him in deciding what to do with his Hand. But he knew in his heart only one person would give him sound advice.

For years his brother spoke of how his Hand was a serpent whispering in his ear. How he throught the targarean house and attempted to surplant their power. How he has attempted to divide the family and implement himself into Viserys' council. How he commanded the power of the king as if he himself was king. His brother could see the truth of it.

While he was blinded.

For his entire reign Viserys was under the impression that Otto was doing an excellent job as Hand. But recent revelations have caused him to ponder the past.

It was Otto who pushed for him to name an official heir. And was the one who suggested Rhaenyra be named heir. At the time he was in full support of his daughter. But he also encouraged Viserys to name her to throuat his brother from being King. Now he questioned what his true intentions were.

He was the one to first deny the threat the Triarchy posed to the Stepstones and its trade. If his memory served him well he was the one who insisted he have a tourney for his new heir and hopeful son. Before the day had turned into a tragedy.

When Daemon was commander of the City Watch he was too violent. That his actions during raids were too excessive and that he cannot be allowed to act with such impunity. Every position Daemon upheld whether it be Commander or Master of Coin, Otto always found some flaw in his brother that was worthy of exile. Even though in some cases it was Otto's idea

When Daemon was Viserys's heir, Otto treated him as if he was below his station.

How could Viserys allow that to stand? Such words were borderline treasonous. And yet he turned a blind eye to each slur and insult. All in the name of peace and his brother's on instigation.

But now he learned the truth. Though that did not make the path infront of him any clearer. He yet had a discovery in regards to his Hand, a way to undo all of his mistakes.

But perhaps the opinion of others may help him solve this problem.

Dear Brother,

Much time has passed since we last spoke. In words of anger, we were parted. I wish that was not the case.

I find myself wishing for my family to be reunited and in good faith once again. On its way is a reinforcement of men and food so that your endeavour in this war may quicken in its success. I long for you to return to court once you have prevailed.

We have much to discuss.

After discussing with Princess Rhaenyra it has come to my attention that she wished the two of you to enter into a betrothal. I do not give my consent to this request. However, if when you come to Kingslanding you kneel before the court and swear fealty, not to me but to Rhaenyra as heir to the throne. Then you have my blessing to enter into a six-month courtship with the princess.

In good faith, I sent along with this letter proof of your annulment to the lady Rea Royce in the name of the king.

I pray to see you soon.

Viserys.