Ch 8 Family

Viserys had found that he had been rethinking and contemplating much as of late. Everything he thought he knew was twisted by perception. But his daughter has opened his eyes to such deception.

And he would be eternally grateful to her for that.

He knew that he was not a perfect man. That he had flaws and has made many mistakes over the years.

His most regrettable has always been how he treated Aemma in her final moments. It wasn't fare to her what he did. Even though at the moment he thought he was doing the right thing for the realm. He knew ultimately he was wrong. And he would live with that guilt and regret for the rest of his days.

But he has since learned his lesson. And he would not bestow the same fate on his second wife.

He decided that it would be a good idea to speak to her. Not as they have of late when they merely discuss their children. But talk as they once had before they were man and wife. When there was merely friendship between them.

He found her sitting in the nursery.

She was reading out loud. Whether or not it was to Aegon who sat on the floor playing with his toy dragon and not paying attention to the world around him or to their unborn child. Whichever one it was, it was a beautiful sight.

She rose to stand though he halted any movement with a lift of his hand. There was no need for her to stand in her condition. Though she still had a moon and a half to go. He still feared that any strenuous activity would induce an early delivery.

He pulled up his own chair and sat across from her. "I would like to have a word with you Alicent."

"Of course my king," she said dutifully in a well-practiced verse.

"Are you well? Do you and the child fair?" He asked as his eyes glanced down to her large stomach.

"I believe so." She gave him a fond smile before rubbing her stomach in a circle. Unlike the first I find myself experiencing less nausea. And though I fear since the child did not move as much as the first, the maester has eased these concerns."

Her smile seemed to fade slightly and she bit her lip in hesitancy. "The Maester believes that the calmness may be an indication of a girl."

A smile broke out over his face. "How wonderful." He did love Rhaenyra and Aegon and regardless of the baby's sex, he would love the next one as well. Though he couldn't help the thrill of excitement over the prospect of Rhaenyra getting the little sister she always wanted. He knew that she had reserved the name Visenya for such an occasion. Though he may leave that name for her to use for her own children. The idea alone that his daughter was at a marrying age and of course the impending motherhood that would follow shortly after left a mix of excitement and dread within him. He prayed she would not suffer the same fertility issues as her mother. And prayed that one of the main causes was due to Aemma being so young when they married. So far Alicent has not yet had to suffer such a loss. Though he could only hope his daughter had the same fortune.

He was broken out of his thoughts when he looked into Alicent's eyes. They were the exact same shade as Otto's and her hair colour was a similar shade in color as well. That was the only physical similarity between the two. She must have favoured her mother. Though Viserys did not know her personally since she passed so long ago.

But he was now reminded of why he came to speak with her in the first place.

"I fear I have some saddening news for you my dear." She looked up in alarm no doubt fearing the worst. Though he did speak quickly to try and placate her concerns. "Soon I will be sending your father away on a mission for the king. The stepstones will soon once again be safe and this war will end. However, the area will need to be further secured to ensure the Triarchy does not try such a thing again. I will be sending your father there after the war is done to oversee such things." She seemed contemplative for a moment. No doubt her fears of his safety have been slightly lifted. Though she still considered the meaning of such an act. Though she was often more on the quiet side. She was smart when she allowed herself to be less timid. Eventually, she nodded in understanding and hopefully acceptance. It would not do well to work her up. "I do however wish to surprise him with the role due to his many years of service to the realm." He said with a smile. Assuring her that her father was still in his good graces. Despite the fact being far from it.

He had considered Rhaenys words at length before coming to a decision. She was correct in her assessment that he should limit Otto's power. But also keep him on a leash. And though this position may be temporary. It would still take years for him to complete his task. He would also be sending loyal guards to keep an eye on him to ensure he did not do anything malcontent. This would allow him some more time to consider what to do with Otto. Hopefully, once Daemon is back. The two of them along with Rhaenyra can discuss a more permanent solution.

And though he did not voice it or show it. Every time he saw his Hand an anger boiled up inside him. And he had to use all of his control to not let it show. Some distance would be good for him at least.

"I am sure he will be delighted and take up the position with grace," she said with a smile.

"As I hope he will." Though he sincerely doubted it. He would no doubt take it as a slight. Though there was a reason Viserys was talking to Alicent first. This way she would see it as a good thing before Otto attempted to twist his words. He was also ensuring that every word concerning Otto's deployment was spoken with words like honey. To show that he is still in the Grace's favour. And in fact, this should be considered an honour. Though it will noticeably be a step down in his position. "And of course, the position will not be permanent, perhaps only several years. You are of course able to write to him and we can summon him annually to visit you and the children."

He knew how close Otto and his daughter were. But now he began to wonder just how much influence he truly has on her despite her being a woman grown, a wife, a mother, and the queen consort. He wanted to allow her a chance to flourish without his influence.

"I would like that." A nervousness once again cast a shadow over her face. "Does that mean he will no longer be hand"

"Indeed it does." He said with feigned sadness. Though he does remember the friend and companionship Otto has given over the years. The years have also been twisted with his ambition. He found that this would be the most suitable course of action. Otto Hightower could no longer be the Hand of the King.

"He has served me well over the years, do not mistake that," he said in a pleading tone. "What he will be doing is securing a keep worthy and fit for Aegon as his inheritance." He hoped that acknowledging their familiar times would help in his endeavour. "I know how much he dotes upon his grandson."

"Speaking of the children." Alicent's ears seemed to perk up. "I would like to discuss with you the future of our children"

She seemed confused though he did not blame her. "Of course. If you wish."

"With Rhaenyra as my heir, it has come to mind what Aegon and the next shall inherit. As I said a keep will be built at the stepstones once my brother and Lord Corlys have become victorious. However, I also wonder if Storm's End will be better suited for Aegon." He wanted his other children to inherit something as well. Though he knew it would never be as of considerable size as the Iron Throne. But he still wanted them to know their importance.

"You ask my opinion."

"Of course." He often sought Aemma's opinion in his spare time. And he wished for her to be as involved as much as she desires.

She seemed surprised by the request though quickly took action. "I believe that having a new keep built in his name would ensure a long legacy. And if this is a second son perhaps if lordship is what he desires, Storm's end will be more suited for his liking."

He rubbed his jaw. Thinking more about his son. Who continued to play and babble with his toy dragon. Having no idea that his parents were talking about him and his new sibling. "Perhaps now that Rhaenyra has joined my council when Aegon is older he can be my new cupbearer. And one day maybe even sit on Rhaenyra's council."

Alicent's eyes lit up at the thought. "I think that is a wonderful idea."

Once again she bit her lip. A nasty habit she has developed when having an idea but not feeling free to speak. H4e hoped that one day she would lose such a habit. "I also wonder if perhaps you would be willing to consider the idea of fostering."

He frowned only slightly as he considered such an idea. It wasn't one he had considered until now. His many attempts of having children over the years and only having two and a third on the way made him quite protective of those he had. And any thought of sending them away never was an option in his mind. "Though I was technically not fostered here. My time here did allow my companionship with Rhaenyra which I truly cherished. Though we may have become estranged as of late," her voice trailed off as she further explained her reasoning.

It was definitely an idea. And would no doubt be a good opportunity for further house connections but also friendship. The idea had merit no doubt. And it was something to consider when the children were older. At least 10 name days old.

Though his wife's sadness was brought to attention he hoped now after talking with Rhaenyra that perhaps he could ease her sorrow. "I have spoken to her and I hope in the next few moons the broken bonds between you two will mend."

He had always spoken that Rhaenyra would just need time before she and Alicent mended their broken bond. But now after speaking to her and making plans. He felt as though he could confidently say that change would occur between the two. "I pray for that as well," she said in a hopeful voice.

But her hopefulness didn't seem to last long as she stared at her protruding stomach. "And if this one is indeed a girl?" she asked in a worried voice.

He did understand her fears. Many lords of the realm only hoped for sons to bear their name. He however was just grateful for any children brought forth."I would see her happy." he said strongly. Ensuring her that her fears on this matter were not necessary.

"Very well,": she said with a sigh of contentment.

"Have you considered in the future if you desire more children?" She opened her mouth to speak but he silenced her with a hand. He knew exactly what she was going to say. That it was her duty. And he applauded her for her devotion. But that was not what he wanted to hear. "I will not force you to bear children. I will not see you suffer the same fate as Aemma. He gave her a small smile.

She pondered the question for a moment. Looking across the room as Aegon squealed in joy. And then looked down at her own stomach. Caressing it with a smile on her face. "I found myself enjoying motherhood more than I expected.

"Though of course, the carrying of each child is no doubt strenuous," He jested.

Causing her to laugh. "Indeed it is but it is my burden to bear."

Maybe. But that was not the entire truth. "Not alone, I assure you."

"I'm content regardless of the number of children I have." It took him a while to see it. To get past his own dreams and enjoy the children he currently has. And unfortunately losing Aemma was what pushed him to see it. That was now his burden and regret to bear. And he would bear it. But he has come to appreciate what he has more than ever. He never expected to take on a second wife after Aemma passed. But he did. And though some days he struggles with his own guilt and the feeling of betraying his love. He had appreciated the comfort and friendship Alicent had given him. And though they were already wed. He does consider her his family. And now more than ever was he giving his undivided focus to his family.

"Perhaps a few years to give my undivided attention to my children before considering more," she said after pondering the idea some more.

A crooked smile spread on her face. "And no doubt without bearing a child I will be able to move more freely indeed," she jested in kind.

He watched as Aegon stumbled towards him in half a crawl and half walking. Him waving his toy dragon in his face. Even as a child, it didn't deter the fact that he was a Targaryen. He couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm as he babbled on. His egg cracked while in the cradle. And even though Sunfyre was too big now to remain by Aegon's side. He could still feel the bond between them.

"Have you considered which egg to be placed in the cradle?" Alicent asked as she watched Aegon with a fond smile on her face as he ended up tumbling onto his bottom and sat in the space between them. His nursemaid should be in shortly to tend to him. But it was nice for just the two of them to spend time with their son.

"No I have not," He said as he continued to watch his son fondly. Sometimes it astounded him how similar he was to Rhaenyra when she was his age. "Aegon was lucky his cracked." Somedays before the birth it was something he truly feared. "More and more dragon riders have found their dragon later in life to claim."

Alicent watched him and listened intently. "It is not a shame if an egg does crack in the cradle. Mine did not nor did my brother's. Nor does claiming a dragon weaken the bond between a dragon and its rider." He sighed while giving her a small smile. "I am sure you know all about the bond."

"Not well my king. Rhaenyra tried to explain it when we were young, however, I find myself struggling." She admitted with a crooked smile.

"It is alright my dear. It takes one to experience a dragon's bond to fully understand." He also doubted that his daughter, while in her excitement that was often laced in her voice when she spoke about Syrax, was coherent enough in her descriptions.

"The best way to explain it is if you consider a dragon and its rider as a set of twins. They may be different forms but they are still bound together regardless. They may not necessarily be the exact same but perhaps mirror images or even complete opposites. But nonetheless, together they are tempered and together a flame burns within them." Alicent watched as she spoke with rapt attention and even awe on her face. "Magic exists in our veins. And binds us with creatures of old magic."

"The bond though needs to strengthen. It needs to be structured. To prevent a dragon and its rider from being in each other's presence can have negative effects." He didn't mean to say it to upset her. But he knew that she was still apprehensive about Aegon going to the Dragonpit because of how young he was. But it was a right of passage for any dragon rider. And it could do more harm than good. Even though he knew she was doing it with good intentions. He hoped this would change her mind in the future. "Flying on a dragon, escaping all grounds of logic, the feeling is indescribable and the beauty of feeling the clouds against one's fingertips, well there is nothing quite like it.

"Rhaenyra describes it as being free."

"Yes. In a way it is." He may have only been bonded with Balerion for a short time and only flew on him once. But the feeling would never be recreated.

"I would like for you to pick the child's egg along with Rhaenyra. And Aegon too if he is up for accompanying you. They are Targaryen's and through marriage so are you. It would be good to be more accustomed to the dragon pit. And perhaps for you and Rhaenyra to mend broken bonds." Her eyes shined with hope at the possibility. But also there was a peaceful expression on her face at the idea of being included. "She would perhaps be better at explaining such things."

"I think I would like that," Alicent said with much enthusiasm. For the first time, she felt hope that they would one day be a proper family.