Ch 9 A Return of a Father

The meeting this morn had gone very well. The council had been quite supportive of Rhaenyra's ideas. And though the lords have yet to arrive to fill their new rules. The council meeting had continued without a hitch.

Viserys could not be more proud of how Rhaenyra has flourished in the meetings. Without Otto's presence, all of the masters seemed to be much more productive and happier for it.

She had many plans in regard to aiding the small folk. And though she eventually wishes to help all of the seven kingdoms she is willing to test its efficiency and cost here in King's Landing.

Her first plan of action was to discuss with the council the most dire need for the small folk. Eventually, she would like to set up a healing center, a food center, an orphanage, as well as an education center. She knew that only one project should be undergone at a time. It was merely a discussion of precedence.

After looking over a map of King's landing as well as several buildings already owned by the Crown. They decided that the first task to undertake was an orphanage. There was an old building quite large that used to be two brothels that were combined together. And though it no longer serves this purpose. The combined building was quite large and already had many rooms set up that could be used to house the orphans. Due to its location, it would also help in keeping some of the children away from more of the dangerous areas of King's Landing. This also allowed some of the buildings more run down that the crown owned for future endeavours that would serve the entirety of King's landing.

Rhaenyra was ambitious in pursuit of having this project up and running. Her pre-planning had won her favour from the other members. And with the aid from the other members, it seemed that this orphanage would be up and running in a week's time. Especially since she had already spent the last several weeks already working on the legislation and management of the orphanage.

He knew though that she would not stop with just this. He had overheard her talking with Lord Beesbury about financing a healing shelter. And was wishing to do a trial of having a healer come once a week to heal the small folk to get an idea of how much of an undertaking a center would be.

He couldn't help but just sit back in his chair and admire her as she worked. Watching her as she leaned over some building plans and pointing to various drawings of buildings. She looked beautiful.

Her dress was red and gold with gold embellishment on it. And her hair was pulled back in a braid. But some of her silver strands fell into her face as she leaned over the table. There was a glint in her eyes. Not of mischief or happiness. Something unnamable in moments of seriousness. A determination to complete every task to the best of her ability. She held herself with confidence. Not from a child being used to receiving everything she wanted. But from a woman who was sure of her actions and ideas. The thought of her as a woman and not just a child was something Viserys struggled to deal with. But he found in moments of proudness it was easy to accept.

And he was incredibly proud of her.

She was born for this. She was born to rule.

Her precision and carefulness with detail. Reminded him when he built his model. For the first time in her life, he saw parts of himself in her. And it made his heart soar. He always saw Aemma in her. But now he is beginning to see the best parts of himself in her. And it brought so much emotion that it threatened to fall from his eyes.

He was snapped out of his musing when he heard his daughter speak loudly. Commanding the room as a whole once more. He was so preoccupied with his thoughts he had missed how his cupbearer had rolled up all of the parchments and all of the members had reclaimed their seats.

"I also wanted to take the time to inform the council that I will be extending my court by inviting several ladies of the realm to join me as my ladies in waiting." Though his daughter had mentioned that she was actively searching for several ladies. She had asked him several questions regarding some of the other Houses in the realm. He was pleased that she indeed took the task to heart and completed it.

"Excellent idea Princess."

"Thank you, Lord Strong," Viserys appreciated the sentiment. Though she was well on her way to gaining Lord Beesbury's favour. It was clear that Lord Strong was his daughter's biggest and most unwavering supporter. And on top of that, he was a good man who gave sound advice.

"I have already sent out the letters."

"May I ask who?" Mellos asked. And he too was quite curious about his daughter's decision.

"Laena Velaryon." She would be a good friend to his daughter from what he had seen after their first flight together. The Velaryons were strong allies. That he had dismissed on several accounts. But now his daughter was the one who was going to mend the bond.

"Maris Baratheon." Though Borros Baratheon would be sitting on this council. He and Rhaenyra both knew that he was a strong and stubborn man. He would be hesitant of having a woman on the throne. And anyway, they could bring him firmly on their side was a win.

"Lyra Strong and Lynora Strong." If they gave even half the sound advice as their father did then they would be very good allies. Having them here would also be a good way to honour Lord Strong for all of his hard-earned success.

"Elinda Massey." House Massey has always been supportive of House Targaryen. "Della Buckler." House Buckler was also a noble house in the Stormlands. And he believed his daughter was honouring those who have given their support. Something he did not always do. He was pleased that she was not simply following in his footsteps but also paving her own path.

"Cerella Lefford." House Lefford was one of the principal houses sworn to House Lannister of Casterly Rock. The castle controls the main entrance to the Westerlands from the east. This was a very good strategic choice.

"Rowena Templeton and Jonelle Hornwood." Viserys couldn't help but think how well his daughter has done for herself. Many names were not only from Higher houses but some of the smaller ones as well. All from across Westeros. She was on the right path to securing many allies.

Lord Strong seemed to lose his composure at first. Before he stuttered out his gratitude. "You honour me princess by considering my daughters. I will send them a letter informing them of my hearty consent."

Viserys couldn't help but be impressed by how well Rhaenyra was doing when it came to politics. He knew she often found the tasks boring as a child. But now he wondered how she changed her mind. Perhaps she simply found a new appreciation for governing. Though he couldn't help but wonder if perhaps she had just learned how to play the game. And now that she knew she was winning she didn't want to stop. Nonetheless. He couldn't help but marvel at her maturity.

In a way, it also helped him realize in what ways he was lacking in his own rule. She not only encouraged and inspired him to be a better father. But also a better king.

"Before we bring this meeting to a close. I would also like to discuss the matter of who will take place as the new hand." There was much murmur as he brought this topic to discussion. No doubt everyone would have an input as to who should carry such an honour.

Especially now that Otto was gone. Though he was still in the castle packing up his belongings. From Viserys' understanding, he was going back to Oldtown until confirmation that the war in the Stepstones was complete.

"Your grace," Rhaenyra asked with her hands folded on the table. Looking poised and much more comfortable in her seat than when she first took it. "Perhaps I may be allowed to speak."

"Of course," he encouraged.

"As it is very much possible that the hand may also be serving during my reign I would like to nominate a candidate," she said with poise.

"Who do you suggest, Princess?" Mellos asked. He had been much quieter as of late. Most noticeably when it was announced that Otto had been asked to step down as Hand.

"The Princess Rhaenys."

Mellos scoffed at the suggestion. "The kingdom would not accept a woman as hand."

Before Viserys could speak. Rhaenyra cut him off. "Then how are they expected to accept a woman as queen?"

She effectively cut off any more talk of disregarding Rhaenys based on her sex. Though he had some inquiries of his own now that the room has silenced once more. "May I inquire on why you would believe she would be a good fit? If it is simply a way to mend the slight against House Valyreon."

"It is not," Rhaenyra said strongly. It was clear she had given this some thought. "She was raised from birth as an heir. She was raised to rule. And though she was the queen who was not? It does not diminish those lessons. She is politically adept. She is incredibly wise. And in Lord Corly's absence has ruled Driftmark with much success. She would be wise and sound advice I am sure."

His daughter was no doubt right. However, he found himself hesitating for one reason. "I must admit I had also considered such a decision. However, I have resisted filling the position as of yet since I wished to speak to Lord Strong if he would be willing."

He turned towards the Master of Laws who seemed utterly surprised by the offer. Though the council communes to discuss various topics. He was ultimately the King and had the final word.

Lord Strong sputtered at the offer before managing to get a hold of himself. The sight was quite humorous. "You honour me with your grace. And though I would love to accept such a position. I have a keep of my own to attend to and find myself much more comfortable in my current seat as Master of Law. I am an old man with two fully grown sons and two daughters." It was clear with the way he swallowed thickly. That he wished for forgiveness. Though none was needed. "There is not much more I wish to seek in this life. And though I am truly honored by the offer. I would have to respectfully decline. If I may, though, I would like to nominate Princess Rhaenys in my place."

"Very well," he said with a nod of a head. He did not blame the man for backing out of the position. In fact, he respected him more for it.

"It seemed without further adieu. Princess Rhaenyrs Valyreon will be the new Hand of the King."

He knew without a doubt that this conversation would be much easier to have, than the one he had with Otto. Telling someone they were demoted from such a high and pristine position was going to be difficult regardless of who it was. But Otto was a special case. And he did not disappoint.

He could remember the barely contained anger as Otto's voice lowered from between his and how his face turned redder. He was seething. Though he did not express it. "Have I done something to displease you, your grace?"

"Not at all. This is not a punishment for you Otto," Viserys said as kindly as he could. As if he was placating a child. "This is a reward for all of your hard work in the realm over the years. I know you would never accept an early retirement. You work too hard just to settle down. After all these years of friendship and loyalty, I would not insult you by ordering you to do so. Instead, I am giving you the important task of securing my son's future. By building a keep and securing the Stepstones, Aegon will have his own legacy waiting for him." He knew he had to be very careful and delicate when he spoke to Otto from now on. Ever since he read Rhaenyra's letters he knew he had to treat them lightly. Once the decision was made that he was going to let Otto go with his hand, he knew he would have to be sure of his wording beforehand. He decided it was best to try and soothe the wounds he was causing him by reminding him of his grandson. And though Viserys was not going to let Aegon inherit the Iron Throne. That didn't mean his son was going to be left with nothing. And this was a good way for Otto to be informed of such.

"You will no longer be my hand. But I will always head your council," he assured the man while placing a hand on his shoulder. Even though that was not the whole truth. Though he did not need to know that.

"I am honoured by this position, your grace," Otto said dutifully, though it felt strained.

"I know it may feel like a step-down. But truly you are doing me a great service in preparing my son to one day rule." Viserys internally winced at the statement. He could see the gleam in Otto's eyes at the word rule. And he knew he may have made a mistake. When he said rule he meant ruling the Stepstones. Though he knew Otto misinterpreted.

"Of course your grace," Otto said, slightly chipper. "I will begin packing. And once word is given of the success in the Stepstones I will leave at once."

"Excellent," Viserys said with a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He knew that this would not be over. But for today the matter could be put to rest. "You have been a loyal companion. I know I can count on you."

He was pleased with how despite his conversation with his hand went and how he took his dismissal. It did not affect his relationship with Alicent. She took his decision well in stride. Though he reminded her on several occasions that his decision had no bearing on her. It seemed to put her mind at ease. Though that may be that her smile is once again shining brightly now that a companion has joined her.

He had made his way to the Godswood after noticing Allicent and Aegon playing out on the grassy knoll underneath the weird tree. To his utter delight, Rhaenyra had decided to join them.

There was an awkwardness when Rhaenyra and Alicent greeted one another. However, that awkwardness was overshadowed by Aegon's squeal of delight as he threw himself at his older sister. Rhaenyra was undoubtedly surprised but to her credit took it all in good stride. And held him in her arms as babbled about nothing in particular.

Though he was still too young to say her name. He has now adorned her with the name Nyra which she seems not to mind. In fact, it was a sentiment they all felt endearing.

They were a family. And it was high time they all started acting like one.

He was well aware of the harm he had caused to their friendship. He had been blindsided by the idea of his wife being someone he was already fond of. And whom his daughter was close to. He was not aware of the harm he was doing and how she perceived him to be taking her friend away from her. Which in a way he did.

He had hoped by finding a friend for the both of them then neither would feel like they were replacing her mother. But he was mistaken. And though he often wished for the two of them to mend their friendship it was only until now he realized he needed to be the one to do so. It wasn't up to them to fix what he had broken.

Now he knew better.

And hopefully, now they could try and be a single family.

No doubt there should be peace between them. But also a dragon was protective of its own. He hoped now they would all be more willing to defend one another instead of being the ones leading the charge.

A dragon's roar was heard overhead.

The sight of blood-red scales cast everything underneath it in a dark shadow. The Blood Wrym was in King's Landing. Which only meant one thing.

Daemon was returning home.

Even after the dragon had long overpassed them and made its way to the dragonkeep. Aegon's squeals of delight were heard.

He turned to look at his daughter. And found that her eyes were trained on the direction he had flown in. A smile was on her face and her eyes were lit with a lightness that he had not seen in many years.

He may not be happy over his daughter's possible future match but that doesn't mean he wasn't glad that his brother could at least inspire happiness in her.

It was a father's greatest joy to see his daughter happy.

And he prayed to see her happy for a long time.

Author's Note:

Well everyone this is the end of this stoy. My first time writing for a fandom other than Harry Potter and once I am less familiar with but nonetheless still was captivated by.

But don't worry.

This story might be done but not the series.

Part 2 of Fathers and Daughters will be posted in the upcoming months

The title will be A Daughter and Heir

Hope all of those who have read and enjoyed this will stick around