Ch 7 Cousins and Advice

When his cousin Princess Rhaenys's presence was announced Viserys immediately stood to greet her. Though it was not necessary, he longed to see her. He wished that it had not been years since he saw her. But his own stubbornness prevented him from reaching out to her before now.

She was exactly as he remembered. Though a few more lines graced her face. Though he didn't doubt time has aged hum as well. Her silver Targharean hair was long and half braided up so that no strands fell in her face. She wore a long dark blue gown that mirrored the colours of the tides. Though she glided across the floor as if it was no bother.

It didn't take long for him to regain his seat and for Rhaenys' to take her place across from him.

They were sitting out on the balcony in his chamber. Overlooking the courtyard. Enjoying the air and admiring the colors of the flowers and leaves.

Once the pleasantries were exchanged, the pair had fallen into an awkward silence. Though it did not last long. His cousin was always willing to speak her mind despite propriety.

Which right now was greatly appreciated. "Cousin, may I ask what you wish to speak of?" He knew she was suspicious. He did not blame her for it. He has insulted her and wronged her family much these past few years. But hopefully, this meeting will be a start in regaining her confidence once more.

"Many things," he sighed wearily. The past several days though enlightening had been quite taxing on his mind and body. Though there would be time to discuss such matters. "First, has your daughter made her presence known to Rhaenyra?"

"Yes." A smile overcame her face. "The two united in the dragon pit and I believe took to the skies immediately after."

Hmm, No doubt the two would be gone for some time. It had been many years since Rhaenyra had company when flying. And he wondered if his great niece longed for her own flying companion closer to her own age with her brother gone to war. "Good. I fear in my haste marriage I tore my daughter's one friend away from her. And she had no other since," he admitted. It was the first time he publicly questioned his second marriage. Though he knew he was just admitting what everyone else already know.

"A pity indeed. Girls her age require socialization from others."

"Perhaps there may be a chance for their friendship to flourish while also benefitting the both of them.

She looked at him with suspicion. Her eyes narrowed in worry. "What do you have in mind?"

"I suggest that Laena becomes one of Rhaenyra's ladies in waiting." Her brows raised in surprise. "She has started the task of making a list and though she is hesitant about sending ravens to some of the girls ' fathers. She does not hesitate in naming your daughter as one."

Rhaenyra seemed surprised though not displeased. In fact, she seemed impressed by the request. "I will discuss it with Laena though I have doubts it will be a problem." It was an honour for any lady to be accepted in his daughter's court. And any misgivings she may have for him she could recognize such a fact.

"Good. good," He said, tapping his hand against his armrest. Letting his metal rings cling loudly as he allowed his voice to trail off.

With an inquisitive eye, Rhaeny's observed him. "What troubles you?"

He sighed wearily. "I have agreed to the courtship of my daughter and Daemon."

For a moment he kept his eyes averted and downcast, afraid of her reaction. But to his surprise her laughter caused him to seek her eyes out. "You do not seem disappointed in such a match," he said, unable to keep the surprise from his voice.

She gave him an amused look before speaking. "If Rhaenyra is to indeed be the first queen of Westeros then she will need the best support she possibly can for her claim. And Daemon is undoubtedly one of them."

He found himself sighing. He didn't expect her to agree with him. "I figured you would be disgruntled that I had not considered Laenor."

"My husband will be. But I as a mother recognize where his heart lies. And it is not at court." He could read between the lines of what she was saying. He had the feeling that the rumours over her son's preferences were true. And that by keeping him out of court she would be able to protect him. And by extension securing Rhaenyra's reign when she has her own heirs.

It made sense but it didn't mean that he wasn't slightly disappointed. And he hoped he had over Laenor, being his Goodson went out the window. "I see," he said slowly. It was not the answer he was hoping for. But it will be the one he accepts. He will most likely in the end find himself agreeing to the betrothal match. He never expected himself to say such a thing.

She gave him a knowing look as her eyes passed over him. "You almost seem disappointed."

"Any choice is better than the prospect of my brother marrying my daughter." He stated. Though logically he knew the two would make a strong claim it didn't mean he wanted to see the two of them together in such a capacity.

His cousin seemed to understand his plight. "Hmm. but you forget that he rallied an army in support of your claim to the throne. He would no doubt do the same for your daughter."

She did have a point which did not help him in the slightest.

"What else ails you, cousin?" He could never get anything past her. He was pleased that she had agreed to ignore proprietary. Manners were all and well but sometimes as King pleasantries are too overwhelming. And right now he was not willing to deal with such formality. Especially with what still weighs him down. And one of the main reasons he called for.

"My hand." He was pleased that he was alone and not too out in the open. He wondered who would be trying to listen in to a conversation like this. "I have finally come to see what Daemon has spoken of these past years."

"You are king, you could simply eliminate his position," she said with a neutral passivity that was expected of her.

"I fear what repercussions might occur by doing so." He was woefully unprepared for such a predicament. He looked at her half in pleading and desperation. "What would you do in my place?"

"You are asking for my help?" She asked with an arched brow. Though she was surprised she hid it well. Instead trying to decipher what his ulterior motive is. Though he had none.

"Simply another perspective." He sighed and grabbed her hand gently. And he was pleased that she did not try to take hers away. "Though the world was not ready for you to be queen. One day my daughter will be. And I can only pray that with some better actions on my part, Westeros will be better prepared to accept her. But that also means in such subjects I am woefully unaware. I may sympathize with my daughter's struggles with her sex. Though I do not truly understand them. But you do. Regardless, you were never the queen. You were still taught how to rule. Perhaps you would be willing to talk with Rhaenyra about such things."

It had been much too long since he and his cousin were simply able to talk without politics and precedence getting in the way of such things. As children, they often found themselves in each other's company. And when he was elected as king he found that no longer to be the case. Despite that, he missed her companionship. "Though I know time and actions, many of my own have slighted you, cousin, if you are unable to prepare Rhaenyra for the realities of our world then perhaps you could at least discuss with her and even ease her fears of childbirth and marriage.

"I will think about it." It was the best answer he could hope for in such a haste meeting. He did not know how long she planned to stay at the Red Keep though she would be welcomed for however long. Though he knew that with Lord Corlys at the Stepstones, she had taken up the position at Driftmarrk as Lord of the Tide.

She sighed wearily. "It is high time I discuss with Laena more thoroughly such inevitabilities of womanhood. Perhaps Rhaenyra could join us in such lessons." The weight of parenthood seemed to be reflected in her eyes. No doubt she was reminiscing about when her daughter was born and the years of memories the two shared. As Viserys also thought about the same.

"Thank you. I fear in my blindness I did not realize how much of an effect my late wife's passing would have on Rhaenyra's own views of the marriage bed and childbirth." but he should have. Rhaenyra witnessed her mother suffering the loss of each pregnancy and grew weaker before her eyes. And the fate that Aemma had fallen to no doubtedly haunted Rhaenyra. No wonder she fought so hard against the idea of marriage. For she believes that would be her own fate if she were to wed. He should have seen it. The failure was his alone.

After noticing Rhaenys curious question. He explained, "Her septa are ill-prepared for her."

She gave out a puff of air at the notion. Clearly, she too was of the same opinion. "Hmmm. I shall speak to her about such matters."

"I am the most thankful cousin." He was not sure how he would be able to go about having such a conversation with Rhaenyra. He internally shuddered at the thought. No doubt it was better coming from a woman. And though he wished Rhaenyra and Alicent were close once more to be able to discuss such things. He knew that Rhaenyra would not wish to hear such things since Alicent's own experience concerns her father.

"And in regards to your hand." Viserys found himself sitting up straighter in his seat. Even though his back pained him. "Otto Hightower is a second son and yet has risen to the ranks of Hand of the king. For two generations. His ambition certainly holds no bounds." Any redeeming qualities he may have found in his Hand were gone now that another person has confirmed what he longed to ignore. "Perhaps it should be put into check. Keep him close. Ambition can be dangerous when left unchecked. But do not allow him to wield such power."

He found himself breathing out a sigh of relief. He was glad to be given such guidance during such a trying time. It was not only gratefully needed. But greatly appreciated. "Thank you. You have given me much to think about."