Driftmark ― High Tide…
The funeral for Laena Velaryon was a somber event. Aside from a few sniffles from her daughters, Baela and Rhaena, everyone else lowered their heads in a respectful silence… well, at least most did. As per the customs of House Velaryon, unlike the Targaryens, they perform sacred rites for a sea burial at their ancestral seat of Driftmark before joining their ancestors who remain buried beneath the ocean's waves. The top of her sarcophagus was carved to match the exact detailed depiction of Laena herself – face and body all. While a few soldiers raised House Velaryon's banner, others slid strands of strong rope through the loops of Laena's sarcophagus in preparation for the sea burial.
Ser Vaemond, Laena's uncle and Lord Corlys's brother was tasked with delivering the eulogy in honor of his late niece. "Tubī Velario Lentro Ābrāzme Laene iēdrarta mōrqittot, māzīlarē tubirri Elēdrion ziry umīsilza luo dāriot, hannagon Embrurliot gierūlti. (We join today at the Seat of the Sea to commit the Lady Laena of House Velaryon to the eternal waters, the dominion of the Merling King, where He will guard her for all days to come.)" he recited in High Valyrian.
Among the mourners in attendance, King Viserys I Targaryen and his entire royal court rode to Driftmark to attend her funeral, along with the devastated members of her family. Lord Corlys hung his head low over the loss of his daughter. Since Laena's marriage to Daemon Targaryen, the Sea Snake had not seen or heard from her in over ten years, and only now he learns the tragic news of her death. Like any parent, Corlys believed Laena would be the one to see him off to the dominion of the Merling King, not the other way around. But all that was left of Laena was the two granddaughters he was now meeting for the first time. Princess Rhaenys, on the other hand, kept her eyes locked on her only daughter's sarcophagus. Although greatly heartbroken over Laena's death, the Queen Who Never Was couldn't help but bear a burning resentment to her cousin and former son-in-law Daemon who took her child away from her for ten years and gave her back as a pile of ashes. Her granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena, stayed close to Rhaenys as they grieved during the funeral service.
You took her from the only home she's ever known, Rhaenys thought bitterly, her throat tightened. You took our only daughter away from us, Daemon. From Corlys, from Laenor… from me. We will never see Laena again. But I won't let you deprive us of our granddaughters like you did their mother. Not if I have anything to say about it.
"Solion tolijor zijosy pradarose, Ābrāzma Laena rāeniot hen eglio ilvot lanto taloti hembis. Pōja muña hen zȳho solio āmāzīlus daor, yn ānogrosa gierī ozletaksi humbilza. (As she sets to sea for her final voyage, Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the shore. Though their mother will not return from her voyage, they will all remain bound together in blood.)"
Laenor stared blankly at Laena's sarcophagus before tearing up. He was beside himself with grief over the death of his beloved sister. Laena was his sister! He was supposed to protect her! But how could he when she was so far away across the Narrow Sea while he was in King's Landing? How could Laenor protect anyone if he couldn't even protect his family? I'm… I'm so sorry, Laena… I-I failed you… I was your brother. I wanted to protect you. It was my responsibility to protect you! You trusted me! A-and I failed you…!
Lord Unwin Peake stood in attendance with his daughter, Queen Beatrice, and his grandchildren - Prince Aegon the Elder, Princess Helaena, and Prince Aemond, after being summoned by the Queen. He was proud, hard, and ambitious, lord of three castles in the Reach. His family's ambition was to accumulate more power and political influence, starting from the wedding of Beatrice to King Viserys. Upon receiving word of Lord Lyonel's death, Unwin expected to be named the new Hand of the King. However, it was not to be. Unwin glanced at the Caltrops' rival faction, the Blacks, staring silently to his right.
Ser Otto Hightower, the former Hand, had arrived at court a few days ago from Oldtown. He had spent the last decade quietly accumulating support in the Reach on the Young Dragon's behalf, alongside his daughter Alicent and his grandchildren - Prince Jaehaerys, Prince Aegon the Younger, Prince Viserys, Princess Aemma, and Prince Daeron.
Both powerful individuals stood beside their respective factions.
Meanwhile, Prince Aeonar Targaryen donned a black tunic with a high collar adorned with red embroidery resembling dragon-scales. The sigil of the three red-headed dragon of House Targaryen was stitched onto the center, and he wore a silver dragon chain around his left shoulder, attached to his charcoal grey belt. He covered his attire with a large, thick black cloak, hood thrown back. His silver Valyrian hair brushed past his face, which he later tucked behind his ear. Otto noticed the Hand's badge of office pinned on his son-in-law's outer layer of clothing, a notable difference. Prince Baelon, his predecessor, was the last Targaryen Hand of the King. Now, Baelon's grandson held the same position. Otto recognized the irony that his son-in-law now held the same position he once did. It seems fate has a dark sense of humor.
ooOoo
Flashback: Three days ago…
Biting his lip, Viserys needed to think fast. He needed a replacement to act as an effective Hand of the King now that Lyonel was gone. Looking at his son, who had so quickly issued orders and taken command of the situation, Viserys had hoped this gambit would at least be the start to mend relations. "Aeonar," he called out.
"What?" Aeonar replied almost annoyed.
"If I offered you the position of the Hand of the King, would you accept it?"
Aeonar immediately turned back to face his father. Now this was not what he was expecting at all. "What did you say?" he asked as if he wasn't sure what he had just heard. Handship? To him?
"I wish for you to serve in Lyonel's place… as my Hand." Viserys presented the badge. "Your grandfather, Baelon the Brave, once held the office… even if his tenure was a short one. It's yours… if you want it."
Others had risen to the task, the latest being Lyonel before his death and Otto Hightower before his expulsion. The last Targaryen Hand of the King was his grandfather, Prince Baelon the Brave… but he only lasted five days on the job before dying of a burst belly. However, the Young Dragon's eyes burned. Others sought the demise of House Targaryen from within. "Very well. Yet I can't help but suspect what had happened at Harrenhal was no accident, but I need proof. So, if you want my support, I need you to work with me on this from here on out… not against me. Never again."
Viserys stared at his son for a long moment, their purple eyes locked. They said nothing at first, but then the king nodded his head in acknowledgment. "Kneel," he commanded in his most imperious tone.
The heir to the Iron Throne took a knee.
"Prince Aeonar Targaryen, I hereby name you Hand of the King." Viserys pinned the badge on his eldest son and stood as he watched him rise to his feet. "If you believe that what occurred at Harrenhal was the work of malicious forces, seek them out and deliver them here to face justice. But until then, have word sent to Driftmark, inform Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys that the crown offers their condolences and shares in their grief. We shall depart on the tide to attend the funeral services."
"Then I hope to serve you well."
ooOoo
After becoming Hand of the King, Aeonar utilized his newfound influence to bring his father-in-law and former Hand, Otto, back to court in an advisory position. This unexpected move allowed Aeonar to set his plans in motion, but some may suspect him of seizing power due to his rapid ascent through the ranks. The Caltrops may even go so far as to accuse Aeonar of being a power-hungry madman and a tyrant. However, the Blacks were heartened by the appointment of their de facto leader after the loss of Ser Harwin, and morale quickly rebounded with Lord Lyonel Strong's replacement.
Vaemond, while delivering the eulogy, could not resist looking at Rhaenyra's alleged sons with Laena's brother Laenor – Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys, and the baby Prince Joffrey. The elder Velaryon knight felt his blood boil and his face twisted in a scowling disgust at the lack of resemblance to Laenor, who looked nothing like him. Disgusting! They are not truly one of us. "Velario ānogro rȳ lopor ojāris. (Salt courses through Velaryon blood.)" he continues. "Īlvo qumblī iāris. Īlvo drējī iāris. Se dōrī vajiñagon īlvo bēvilis. (Ours runs thick. Ours runs true. And ours must never thin.)"
"Hmm-hmm-hmm!" While Daemon is somber at his young wife's death, he cannot help but start giggling at Vaemond's pettiness in bringing this up now of all times. Aeonar, meanwhile, gazed across the sea glancing briefly at his uncle's brief chuckle. Corlys and Rhaenys also noticed the apparent disrespectful behavior during their daughter's funeral.
"Talus mandus ñuhus. Inkoso kostōbāpis aōhis jelmīs sagon, gīso lykāpas aōhas embis, se prūmȳsa lēdāpas aōhas manengīs. Hen embār masti. Va embrot āmāzīli. (My gentle niece. May your winds be as strong as your back, your seas be as calm as your spirit, and your nets be as full as your heart. From the sea we came. To the sea we shall return.)"
Gripping the ropes tightly, the Velaryon men-at-arms began gently pulling backward to slide Laena's stone sarcophagus closer to the edge of Driftmark's coastal cliff before dropping into the sea, to rest beside her ancestors. Before long, the services slowly began to die down.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Following the funeral, the mourners solemnly make their way to the cliffside courtyard of High Tide castle for the wake. Despite the atmosphere being predominantly filled with awkward silences and strained conversations, the presence of thirteen Targaryen dragons currently bonded to their riders soared overhead, including the likes of Aeonar's Vaelor, Rhaenyra's Syrax, Daemon's Caraxes, Rhaenys's Meleys, Jaehaerys's Vermithor, Aemma's Silverwing, Laenor's Seasmoke, Aegon the Younger's Corxes, Viserys's Maelyx, Daeron's Gaemon, Aegon the Elder's Sunfyre, Helaena's Dreamfyre, and Baela's Moondancer. The gathering is a significant event, one that has earned Driftmark the nickname "New Valyria" among observers. The only one that was not present now was Vhagar, the Queen of All Dragons. Many speculated the ancient dragon was not in attendance because of the emotional grief over outliving another rider; others suggest that Vhagar had returned to one of her nesting grounds in the Narrow Sea to live out the remainder of her life as a wild dragon. However, there were sights of Vhagar apparently bereaved near the dunes of Driftmark's sandy beaches.
Due to being in one place, the Blacks and Caltrops avoided each other. Moreover, Laena's death has spurred Daemon to return to Westeros for the first time in a decade, along with both his daughters by Laena who have never met the rest of their family. Yet Aeonar's and Beatrice's supporters were the only ones to have gained from recent events: Larys Strong had been made the new Lord of Harrenhal after secretly having his father and older brother killed in a fire and Aeonar took Lyonel's place as Hand of the King. Having long suspected his stepmother of being involved, the Young Dragon opened a royal inquest into the disaster at Harrenhal. The Clubfoot, visibly unconcerned, would no doubt move to redirect the Blacks' attention away from him to avoid suspicion.
Rhaenyra looked amongst the gathering before finding one of her sons. "Have you seen your father?" she asked.
Lucerys shook his head. "He said he wanted some alone time," he answered.
"Your little cousins have lost their mother. They could use a kind word. Go comfort them?"
"I understand, mother."
Beatrice observed from a distance, fuming that she was outmaneuvered once again… but from her own lord husband this time! No doubt the queen's pent-up frustrations were only increasing by the moment with King Viserys slighting her by naming his son as his new Hand instead of her father Lord Unwin.
"Lyonel Strong's son's been staring at you since the moment we arrived, Your Grace. Unabashedly," Criston informed her.
"It is only a look of pride, Ser Criston," Beatrice remarked coolly. "Larys is the new Lord of Harrenhal."
Viserys, on the other hand, glanced at his estranged younger brother Prince Daemon whom he hadn't seen in over a decade. There were so many things he wanted to say to him. They did not part ways on good terms during the Summer Festival of 116 AC when it became known that Daemon escorted Rhaenyra to a brothel – only for it to be revealed to not be the case. Yes, Daemon did take his niece to a brothel, but he did not have sex with her that night. Someone else did and was punished for it.
Corlys stood close to Rhaenyra's eldest son, Jacaerys. Regardless of what the child looked like physically, the Sea Snake valued names instead of blood as part of a legacy despite what his brother or wife would say to him. "Both my seat," he told his grandson, "and High Tide will be yours one day, Jacaerys. Your cousin will be king, of course. He'll sit on endless councils and ceremonies, but Lord of the Tides rules the sea."
Jacaerys pondered the notion. He may be young, but he was old enough to realize that Harwin was his father. Even if he believed they should be at Harrenhal, his mother Rhaenyra would not allow that and reminded him the Velaryons are their kin instead of the Strongs. "But will I be a good lord one day?" he asked.
"There will be times when you will be tested, lad. The life of a young seafarer can be trying. But to elude a storm, you must either sail into it or around it. Never wait for it to come to you. Once you are given the taste of life at sea, you will understand what it means to be the master of your element. That is what it means to claim your birthright."
"I… understand, grandfather. I won't fail our family."
Corlys nodded in approval. As he watched his grandson depart for his granddaughters, the Sea Snake looked overboard to find a stunned Laenor had waded out into the surf on the beach below to be closer to Laena's resting place. Grabbing Ser Qarl by the collar, Corlys was angry. "Retrieve your patron!" he demanded.
Nearby, Helaena was crouched on the ground infatuated with a spider crawling across her hands. "Hand turns loom; spool of orange, spool of black; dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread," she muttered cryptically. "Hand turns loom; spool of orange…"
Aegon the Elder frowned at the sight. "Ugh, we have nothing in common," he complained. When he turned thirteen, the prince discovered his mother had arranged a betrothal between him and Helaena. Although it was in accordance with Targaryen tradition and customs of keeping their Valyrian bloodline pure by marrying brother to sister, Aegon expressed his great dislike for the match and lamented it was always bound to happen at some point in his life.
"She's our sister," Aemond replied.
"You marry her, then."
"I would perform my duty if mother had only betrothed us." Aemond understood what was expected of him. Taking examples from his mother and older half-brother, the young Targaryen was unlike the elder Aegon and took his responsibilities more seriously. He did hear the proposed match between Jacaerys and Helaena was rejected by his mother, but then again, when a similar proposal between him and Aemma was offered by their father, Aeonar refused as well. Two proposals were turned down by both parties in less than a fortnight.
"Pffft! If only," Aegon sarcastically remarked as he drank his third cup of wine.
"It would strengthen the family. Keep our Valyrian blood pure."
"She's an idiot!"
"She's your future consort."
Aegon the Elder rolled his eyes. "Well, we… actually do have one thing in common," he placed his empty chalice on a serving plate before taking another. "We both fancy creatures with very long legs." He smirked before clapping his hands. "Wench! Another!"
"Aegon…" Why don't you take your duties more seriously?
"Hand turns loom; spool of orange, spool of black; dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread," Helaena continued studying the spider as it crawled into an empty seashell. "Hand turns loom; spool of orange, spool of black; dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread…" Then in an instant, she turns her hands to crush it.
As Jaehaerys contemplated the incidents that unfolded subsequent to the burial rites, he gave much thought to the inescapability of death. He arrived at the realization that irrespective of one's gender or societal standing, every individual is bound to confront this stark reality. During his formative years, he held the belief that death was a phenomenon reserved for the elderly, but he has now come to understand that it can strike anyone, at any given moment, regardless of age or location. Life is born, and life dies. But sometimes… life can either be saved or lost, regardless of circumstance. A family grows, new life is born, and bonds are formed. The pain of losing a life draws people close to honor the ones who died together. I might not have understood the concept of death back then nor could I recall distant memories of you, Lady Laena, but your legacy lives on in your descendants. He glanced through the crowd, noticing a crying Baela and Rhaena. For those who are left behind, we send a message to let them know… they are not alone. "Mother," he said.
Alicent turned to her son. "Yes, Jay?" she asked.
"Our cousins… I can't imagine the pain they must be going through having lost a mother. They're going to need all the support they can get."
Such a good boy. "I agree. Why don't you take your brothers with you? And your sister too. I'm sure Baela and Rhaena will appreciate having some company. They shouldn't be going through this alone so young."
"Of course. We are a family after all." Jaehaerys nudged his brothers. "Aegon, Viserys, Daeron. Come," he motioned. "You too, Aemma," he called out to his sister.
"Comin', Jay," Aemma delicately trotted over with her other brothers in tow. Like Jaehaerys, Aemma couldn't possibly imagine how devastated her cousins must be right now. They had only met for the first time, but her intuition served as her guide. Noticing that Jacaerys and Lucerys were nearby, Aemma knew they were thinking the same thing.
Baela and Rhaena, both emotionally distraught over losing their mother, sat off in the far corner of the courtyard. But they weren't alone for long. Noticing a multitude of young adolescents and other children coming their way, they presumed they were their other Targaryen cousins – although two of them had brown hair and brown eyes instead of silver hair or purple eyes.
Jaehaerys was the first to approach them. "Hey," he spoke softly. Lowering himself to meet them at eye level, he didn't want to intimidate them. "Baela and Rhaena, was it?" he asked. Once they nodded affirmatively yet cautiously, he decided to introduce himself rather slowly and patiently. "I… I'm your cousin, Jaehaerys Targaryen. I'm so sorry for your loss," he consoled.
That seemed to settle the two girls.
"Hi. I'm Aemma, Jay's sister," Aemma moved closer to Rhaena. Placing one hand on hers, the princess dabbed Rhaena's face with a handkerchief to wipe away her tears. "Now, now. It's okay. Don't cry," she said softly while wiping.
"I'm Aegon. Some people call me 'Aegon the Younger' or 'Egg' for short," Aegon the Younger introduced himself.
"I'm Viserys, after our grandpa," Viserys stood before them.
"Daeron," Daeron replied simply. Despite his demeanor, the youngest Targaryen prince was trying to socialize with his newfound relatives he had never met before.
"I'm Jacaerys Velaryon," Jacaerys introduced himself. "You… you can call me Jace if you want."
"Lucerys. People call me Luke," Lucerys chimed in.
Rhaena sniffled and turned to Aemma, Aegon the Younger, and Viserys. The latter two tried telling jokes to cheer her up and lift her spirits. Although initially confused and unsure, Rhaena gradually let her guard down. Baela, meanwhile, unsure what to say, instead held Jaehaerys's hand seeking comfort. The prince traced a thumb across her knuckles to soothe her. For now, despite the unfortunate event leading to this familial welcome, both Baela and Rhaena spent their company with Jaehaerys, Aegon, Viserys, Aemma, Daeron, Jacaerys, and Lucerys. No matter what else may come, they never left the girls' side and stayed with them in their hour of need.
Rhaenys arrived shortly after and greeted her two granddaughters with a warm embrace. Though the Queen Who Never Was briefly glanced at Jace and Luke, who she knows are not her biological grandsons, she showed no signs of disapproval towards them.
"Oh, grandma," Rhaena choked. "I don't want mother to be gone…"
Rhaenys nearly choked. "I know, sweet girl," she brushed her granddaughter's cheek.
Jaehaerys kept a respectful distance but remained standing next to Baela. Once he saw the way Princess Rhaenys looked at them, he understood the message and gave her a wide berth. He and Jacaerys then noticed Aemond's approach, showing a rare hint of sympathy for the Velaryon side of the family when he briefly glances over at the grieving Baela and Jaehaerys before he silently backs away. Jaehaerys then noticed Aegon the Elder consuming more wine from Driftmark's servants. He shook his head in disapproval. Unbelievable. Disgraceful. This is a funeral, Aegon, not a tavern on the Street of Silk. Have you no shame or decency to the people around you? To House Velaryon?
Daemon remained by himself. Not comfortably expressing grief, the Rogue Prince noticed how much Westeros had changed while he was away. He noticed his daughters and Aeonar's children standing with them. Before long, he noticed his older brother weakly approaching him.
"Your girls are the very image of their mother," Viserys commented. "A comfort and anguish, as I well remember. I know how you feel, Daemon. All too well, after so many years. The gods can be cruel…"
Daemon noticed Viserys steadying himself on a cane, his missing left arm, thinning hair, and blotches of spots along his skin. "It seems they've been especially cruel to you," he remarked.
"I… yes. Well, I suppose I deserve that. But Daemon… I'm sorry for how things turned out between us. How I reacted and said all those awful things to you. You were telling the truth the whole time."
« You are no conqueror. You are a plague… sent to destroy me! […] Go then. Strive to restore whatever scrap of honor remains in you. Or don't. Matters not to me. As long as you are gone from my sight for good. »
"What do you want from me this time, Viserys?"
"You should return with us to King's Landing. It's time that you came home."
"Pentos is my home… and that of my children, or at least until it was."
"Daemon…" He's still so stubborn. "I know we've had our differences in the past but let them pass with the years. There's a place for you in my court if that's something you should need―"
"I need… nothing," Daemon cut him off, refusing his older brother's offer. The Rogue Prince had been slighted quite enough in his lifetime. He needn't endure any more of this and have his contributions going unappreciated.
"Brother―"
"Father," Aeonar calmly yet coolly called out. "Let him go."
Rhaenyra watched Daemon go past them. You abandoned us for ten years… and this is what you must show for it?
"I'm sorry for your loss, my prince," Otto said.
Daemon scoffed with laughter. "Ah, Otto… still the same old, self-serving cunt," he remembered. "No matter how fat the leech grows, it always wants another meal. Except… you're not Hand of the King anymore now, are you?"
"Uncle," Aeonar said sharply. "Enough."
Daemon and Aeonar stared at each other. Ten years passed, but the rivalry still lingered between uncle and nephew. The Rogue Prince and the Young Dragon reunited once more. "You've gotten taller, but you're still all bones. You've been eating right, boy?" He noticed the badge. "So… you're the new Hand, huh? Well, good for you for making it this far in life."
"More than could be said about you… given the mess you left for me to clean up."
Daemon didn't even bother to respond to that comment and turned to wander the beach of Driftmark.
"He still hasn't changed in these past ten years," Otto remarked.
Aeonar shook his head. "No. He hasn't," he seconded. "The only difference is my uncle has two girls who just lost their mother… almost the same as mine."
"Except I'm told that Lady Laena deliberately chose her fate. A different tale than how your mother, the late Queen Aemma, had."
"Except she wasn't given a choice, father-in-law. It was made for her."
"Given the state Alicent had to endure when she was pregnant with Daeron, if I remember right, I at least believed you would be more sympathetic to His Grace and the situation he was in fourteen years ago. Now is not the time to be at each other's throats when there's an even greater threat lingering in the shadows."
"The Caltrops," Aeonar stated.
Otto remained stoic. "With Laena Velaryon gone, that means Vhagar is now without a rider. Should we be to lose her to one of them, it could be a recipe for disaster."
"I know. But it's a discussion we're to have with Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys tomorrow morning. It's all included in the accord we signed ten years ago."
"And what would that be?"
"That Vhagar would be passed down onto Laena's daughters and their children after them. From what my agents have informed me, Baela has a dragon of her own. Moondancer. So… that leaves Rhaena without one." Yes, she will do quite nicely.
"Yet I'm to understand this pact of yours also mentions bringing the Velaryons closer to the Iron Throne as you once did with my house, was it not?"
Aeonar gave a small, cold smirk. "Funny. I don't ever recall telling you my plans," he noticed.
Otto sensed the Young Dragon knew more than what he let on. "Part of the benefits of being Hand of the King gives me leeway in accessing information that was not meant for others to see. An assurance should the worst happen," he mentioned.
"Which is why I brought you back to court, Otto. To serve as my advisor. But so long as you understand that I'm Hand of the King. You will not undermine me or have your spies trip over mine like you did before."
"Of course not. It goes against our shared mutual interests."
"Just so we're clear." Aeonar turned to gaze at the sea. "This proxy war will come to a head soon enough. It all depends on which of us will remain standing."
"Then you see why it's in our best interests to cooperate. I have no doubt the queen is up to something."
"If Beatrice ever tries anything… or if my Lykiri Mere finds something from the investigation, then it is susceptible to treason." And we both know how treason is dealt with. The House of the Dragon will never let treason go unpunished.
As the skies began to darken with the arrival of dusk, King Viserys, like everyone else, began to retire for the evening. Ever exhausted with each step he took and Laena's death in childbirth clearly reminding him of his first wife's similar death years before, Viserys couldn't help but think of Aemma Arryn again. Oh, by the Gods, the king missed her so much. "I'm going to bed, Aemma," he accidentally said to his second wife.
"Yes, grandpa?" Aemma approached, thinking the king was addressing her.
Beatrice looked quietly unnerved. "What did you just call me?" she said offended.
Ser Harrold intervened. "Shall I send after Queen Beatrice, Your Grace?" he gently corrected.
Viserys now realized who he was talking to. Trading glances between his second wife and granddaughter, he swears he was losing his mind. Aemma, now realizing the awkward situation, silently returned to her family's side. Aeonar glared daggers at his father for bringing up his dead mother's name as he too remembered her similar fate years ago. "No, Ser Harrold," the king declined and returned to the castle for a night's rest.
"Very well, Your Grace," Harrold acknowledged. "You have the night's watch, Ser Criston," he instructed his subordinate.
Criston noticed the awkwardness as well. "Lord Commander," he acknowledged.
Beatrice, however, curled her fists into a ball. How dare Viserys call her by his late wife's name? She was a living girl, and the king was still in love with a dead one! She was not going to forget such an insult!
Chapter End
Author's Note: We've finally returned to Driftmark, but for the funeral itself. As the Caltrops and Blacks are gathered in one place, Otto Hightower and Unwin Peake acknowledge each other's presence as threats to their ambitions of securing their blood on the Iron Throne. Daemon returns... still his usual self. As for Baela and Rhaena, they meet their cousins for the first time. What are your thoughts as we take the next step into the inevitable conflict? Let me know.
garrysprawson123: I have this Question will Aeonar relegitemise Jace, Luke and Joffrey to change their name Strong and to take Harrenhal since their Harwins kids and the whole court knows their bastards
―They were given the surname Velaryon upon their birth. Not sure how that would work out, but it sounds like a complicated process.
SupremeWarwick14: Now Laena's remains have been put to rest by burial at sea. One thing I noticed in the series is that Vaemond and Laena were apparently close, so it makes sense he gives the eulogy. However it is disrespectful throwing dabs at Laenor's "children" during the funeral of his niece. I would be angry as well over the situation, but it's not the right place nor the right time. Likewise Daemon laughing on his wife funeral. Very disrespectful. Same with Aegon the Elder, he has no sympathy for the Velaryons. Have some respect, boy!
I liked how even in the funeral, you can see the Royal Family is divided, unlike in the Royal Hunt, they don't even try to project unity. It shows that everyone can see the division. It was cool to see Unwin and Otto sizing each other up in the funeral. They are the perfect foils, marrying their daughters to a current or future King to have their blood on the Iron Throne, and being willing to do everything to reach their goals. However, in my opinion, Unwin is more ruthless than Otto and I can't wait to see him in action. I really didn't expect Aeonar becoming Hand of the King. Viserys, you managed to make a good decision for once. I understand why Daemon rejected the sympathy of everyone, he doesn't like to be pitied, plus he still he feels unappreciated. In addition, it was very heartwarming that Aeonar's children and Rhaenyra's children gave their support to Baela and Rhaena. The two girls may feel alone, but that gesture shows them otherwise.
I am not surprised Aeonar rejected the proposal of marrying Aemma and Aemond. There are two big differences between Jaehaerys I and Aeonar. First difference, Jaehaerys I was forgiving most of the time, except when you seriously hurt him (remember he killed those who interrogated his brother); Aeonar doesn't forgive (I don't mean that he should forgive Viserys). Second difference, Jaehaerys I often tried to use diplomacy to solve issues; Aeonar almost never negotiates, his style is to destroy his enemies either with brutal force or assassinations.
I think Farrier or maybe Larys (I'm more inclined towards the latter) will become the next Master of Whisperers.
Cool chapter. I hope you are doing well and I await the next chapter.
Questions:
- Is Unwin Peake staying on court?
―Yes.
- Why didn't Aeonar told his brother Aegon to quit drinking in a funeral? I get he means nothing to him, but I am surprised he simply lets Aegon the Elder give bad image to his House.
―He's a busy guy now that he's Hand of the King.
- How do Jaehaerys, Aemma, Alicent and Rhaenyra feel about Aeonar rejecting the betrothal between Aemma and Aemond?
―They weren't surprised.
- Why did Aeonar rejected the mentioned arrangement?
―One, he loves his daughter; two, he refuses to tie any of his children to Beatrice's.
- How do Aeonar feel about Lyonel's and Harwin's deaths?
―Lyonel was a powerful ally, and Harwin was his right-hand man for years. So of course Aeonar would feel some sense of emotion over their deaths.
Moran: Aeonar's new position is an expected surprise.
In canon Rhaenyra refuse to pay Aemond's "debt".
I kind of hoping Aeonar would pay it himself with his own, as a form of PR move to show his "devotion" to his family. It also show how opportunistic Aeonar can be, that even he's not above taking advantage of a family tragedy.
Or he could reveal the court of the pact he made with the Velaryons, by extension regarding the ownership to Vhagar, and remind them that Aemond violated that pact by claiming Vhagar at the dead of night and hours after Laena's funeral, which is an insult. So losing an eye seems a small price compared to whatever wrath Aeonar is feeling.
Or After Baela told Jaehaerys of Vhagar's thrift, he goes or sends Daeron to tell Aeonar what happened, and by time Aemond return to High Tide, Aeonar is waiting for him seething.
Question(s):
1. Who would be Aeonar's successor as Master of Whisperers, or if that person is MoW in name only?
―He'll make a list of replacements when they get back to King's Landing.
2. Would some future generations of House Targaryens be completely different from canon in this AU (e.g. Baelor the Blessed will be a septon instead of a king or Daena the Defiant becoming a paramour to some dornish lord)?
―I think so, yes.
3. Is Aeonar is as skinny as Daemon claims or he's just being sarcastic/insulting?
―Sarcastic. Reference to Aeonar being tall and slim.
C.E.W: So everyone gathered at the funeral, the king, the Blacks and the Caltrops all conveniently together at Driftmark. The funeral of Laena Velaryon, the grief of her family her parents, her brother, her daughters and Daemon even though he wouldn't admit it. The Caltrops are mainly there out of formality in order to keep appearances. Aegon the Elder a disappointment as ever, doesn't even have the decency to show manners at a funeral.
Aeonar Targaryen being named Hand of the King, I did not see that coming. I sure he'll serve well in the post, and will not allow anything like those child fighting pits to flourish in King's Landing. This might complicate the situation things where Vaemond petitions for lordship over Driftmark.
Nice to see Aeonar's children as well as Rhaenyra's sons bonding with Baela and Rhaena, they need it after what happened to their mother, and their father can't really step up the plate. Jaehaerys and Baela seem to bonding already. Aemma seems to have taken with Rhaena, perhaps Aemma can take Rhaena on a ride with Silverwing.
Aemond bonds with Vhagar, although Aeonar no doubt will disapprove at least, once a bond between a dragon and rider is made, it can only be severed by the death of either the rider or the dragon.
Questions:
Now that Aeonar is Hand of the King, whose going to be the new Master of Whisperers?
―He'll make a list of replacements when they get back to King's Landing.
I take it Aeonar will make sure his father is better taken care of with his condition getting worse?
―He'll have to.
I assume Aeonar's meeting with Mysaria is coming soon?
―Soon.
Will Rhaenyra still meet with Daemon on the beach?
―Yes.
I assume one of Daemon's daughters marrying Jaehaerys will come up in the talk between Corlys and Rhaenys? Unlike Daemon, Aeonar can be trusted by Corlys and Rhaenys.
―At some point.
mpowers045: Oooh boy I bet the incident is going to be different if you know what I'm talking about?