Driftmark ― High Tide…
Yesterday's events were still fresh in Otto's mind as he compiled his reports for his contacts in King's Landing. The theft of Vhagar, the altercation between the royal children, and the queen's bold attack on Alicent and Rhaenyra, which Aeonar, the current Hand of the King, fortunately, thwarted. As he walked down the main hall, Otto unexpectedly encountered Jaehaerys, his eldest grandson. Judging by the troubled expression on the young prince's face, Otto sensed that he was still affected by the previous night's events. "Jaehaerys," he noticed.
"Grandfather," Jaehaerys acknowledged.
"How is Aeonar?"
"He's… all right. The maesters assure us that, although the blade went deep, father's injury could have been worse."
"I'm not surprised. Your father has always been stubborn about someone other than himself, much like His Grace."
"How… How is he? The king, I mean."
"His spirit is very low. His Grace has always been a man of peace, a father who wants what is best for his children. But he could not have anticipated that relations between his children would gradually worsen, nor would the queen's reckless attack on his heir. I fear this will have a serious effect on his health."
Grandfather… Jaehaerys thought about King Viserys. This all had to be taking a toll on him in ways he couldn't come close to comprehending. There must be something he could do for him. But how? "Would it be possible for reconciliation? Between father and grandfather?" he asked. "I fear for the future should the worst come to pass. Not just for the realm, but our family as well."
"That is my concern as well," Otto observed. I believe Laena's funeral and learning how she died only brought forth bitter memories of the past. That could explain Aeonar's indifference to the king. And stubbornness. "It's been fourteen years since your grandmother's passing. No one should hold a grudge for this long; it only adds to His Grace's troubled soul."
"Surely something can be done to resolve this."
"The future is always uncertain, Jaehaerys, which is why I called in a few favors. For now, I thought you might go to him. Lift his morale. He could use a visitor." Otto then eyed his grandson up and down. "I'm sure if any are up to the task, it would be you. When the crown organized a royal hunt eleven years ago, the gods favored you over Aegon the Elder after your father returned from the war in the Stepstones; presented a rare white hart in your name where none succeeded. You, my grandson, are the future of House Targaryen. When your time comes, the realm will be in your hands. Just be certain the path you walk is the right one."
As he pondered the task at hand, Jaehaerys couldn't ignore the weight of his family's legacy. Being the first son of the Young Dragon, he was born into a world of immense responsibility and expectations. Though he never asked for it, he dutifully carried the blood of Old Valyria within him, just like his father, aunt, grandfather, and forefathers before him. Despite this, Jaehaerys found himself carefully considering the words of his maternal grandfather. Stubborn, huh? Mother has mentioned that to me on more than one occasion. But if that's the path I must take to reunite my father and grandfather the way they used to be, then that is the path I must walk. "I will do what I must, grandfather, for the sake of the realm and our family," he said collectedly. "It is of utmost importance for the House of the Dragon to unite as a united front during these troubled times. Hope, grandfather, is a good thing, maybe even the best of things, which can bring us together again. I am confident that we can still achieve our goal of reuniting our family. Mother shares this conviction with unwavering faith. She believes that there is still good in father. As do I."
As his grandson went down the main hallway to see the king, Otto couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement. Despite inheriting his Valyrian features from his father, Jaehaerys Targaryen had his mother's sense of hope, optimism, and stubbornness. Although some may consider reconciliation foolhardy, Otto had to give his grandson credit for being willing to try, so long as he wasn't harming himself. Approaching the door to his son-in-law's room, Otto motioned for a handmaiden to open it.
"Ser Otto Hightower, my Lord Hand," the handmaiden announced.
"Send him in," Aeonar acknowledged.
Otto entered to see Driftmark's maester, Kelvyn, tending to the stab wound on Aeonar's left shoulder. He noticed the Young Dragon's seemingly unflinching reaction to the needle and thread sewn through each end of his flesh to close the wound. No matter how often the sharp end penetrated his skin, Aeonar displayed no pain or discomfort.
"How bad is it, maester?" Alicent asked.
"He will scar, but the wound will heal. Until then, I recommend not applying too much pressure or strain on that shoulder for a few weeks," Kelvyn applied disinfectant ointment as he finished sewing the wound closed. "Valyrian steel cuts clean." He looked up at Aeonar. "Are you in pain?" he asked.
"No," Aeonar replied. The Young Dragon's shoulder was wrapped in bandages – stained with dried, yet still warm blood – held together by the cloth wrapped around his waist. He then noticed his father-in-law entering. "Leave us," he commanded. Once the servants obliged the Young Dragon's request, the three of them remained. "Now you have seen what we've seen, Otto. The events that transpired in your absence. You've seen Beatrice for who and what she is."
"So it would seem. But for the queen to conduct herself in a matter unbecoming… is unheard of," Otto said.
"Or any other," Alicent shook her head. Still, although she somewhat held herself partially responsible for her actions in escalating the conflict, she remained by her husband's side when he defended her and their children from Beatrice. "We all lost our composure, but Her Grace Queen Beatrice assaulted my husband, the Prince of Dragonstone. Already the word is spreading, the gossip speculating that she has gone mad," she speculated.
"All true. And yet… I've never seen that side of you, my daughter. The way you handled yourself in protecting your children. I even doubted its existence."
"Huh," Aeonar rolled his eyes. "Alicent is as capable as any other, Otto. How unfortunate that you haven't been paying much attention. The wisdom, the patience, her talents… it's always been there, lying beneath the surface, just waiting to come out. I've seen it. And now, so have you."
"Perhaps so."
Alicent shook her head. Regardless, she did appreciate Aeonar's encouragement. "That does not make it better, though. I laid a hand on the queen. Not once, but twice," she reminded them.
"We play an ugly game," Otto reminded his daughter. "And now, for the first time, I see that you have the determination to win it." He moved next to the fireplace. "And what the king's stubbornness has wrought."
"One could say the pendulum swings both ways."
Aeonar suspected the little jab was aimed directly at him. For months, years now, Alicent and their children have tried persuading Aeonar to reconcile with King Viserys, but he wouldn't budge. The funeral only brought back bitter memories of Queen Aemma's funeral. No matter how hard the king tried to make amends to his heir, the Young Dragon would not have it and further distanced himself from his father. But Alicent and their children kept up their long-term goal of seeing them get along again.
"I understand that, as a mother, you have the right to care for, nurture, and in most cases, defend your children. So long as you keep a grip on your passions. And I promise you, in time, we will prevail together," Otto advised. "Yet what that rogue Aemond has done in winning Vhagar to the Caltrops' side… in tactical terms, the boy was right. It's worth a thousand times the price he paid." He turned back to Aeonar. "But it does present us with an opportunity to return the favor. Your agents, Aeonar, do you still have their reports? The ones surrounding Aegon?"
Aeonar reached over to the nearest table. In his hands, he laid some documents that his spies were able to gather. "Here. See for yourself," he presented.
After receiving the papers, Otto appeared to take his time reading through them. His facial expression suggested he had been presented with a wealth of information collected over several years. The evidence revealed that Prince Aegon 'the Elder' of House Targaryen was actually a bastard, born from the affair between Beatrice Peake and Hugh Hammer, a dragonseed from Dragonstone who had been seen delivering equipment to King's Landing thirteen years prior. Further investigation revealed that dragonseeds were the illegitimate offspring of pure Valyrian lineage, belonging to Houses Targaryen, Velaryon, or Celtigar. For generations, the common folk had almost worshipped their foreign rulers as gods, and many willingly gave their daughters to be 'blessed,' resulting in lavish gifts for the children born of such unions. Despite King Jaehaeyrs and Queen Alysanne abolishing the lord's right to the first night, dragonseeds and their sons remained abundant on Dragonstone and the surrounding areas. As per the dossier, Hugh Hammer was a tall, imposing figure with strong hands and a penchant for wielding a warhammer. However, he was unable to read or write. Pitiful. What a poor choice. Talk about a poor sense of judgment. "Interesting."
"The math doesn't add up, Otto." Aeonar glanced up at Alicent and then back to his father-in-law. "When Alicent gave birth to Jaehaerys thirteen years ago, the time of Aegon's conception left many questions needing answers back then. Sure, they are of the same age – but how could it have been so unless Beatrice had an affair with Hugh Hammer before the wedding without anyone noticing and passed off her bastard as my father's legitimate offspring? Huh. In a way, I almost feel pity for the man. Marry her for 'preserving her honor' only to end up dishonoring himself and our house." Aeonar shook his head in annoyance. "But yes, in tactical terms, having Vhagar does give the Caltrops an opening. We will need to set our plans into motion sooner than expected."
"However, this new revelation should help to even the odds."
"Yes, father-in-law. It should." Be ready, Jaehaerys. Your training will intensify once we return to King's Landing. I'll see to it… personally.
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Unwin stood with his arms crossed, watching as his servants tended to his daughter Beatrice's broken wrist, which she had sustained during a dangerous stunt involving Aeonar. Initially, the Lord of Starpike was skeptical that his daughter would engage in such behavior in broad daylight. However, with Aeonar's involvement, House Peake found itself at the center of controversy, and no attempts at appeasement could repair their relationship with King Viserys. Moreover, as the firstborn son and heir to the Iron Throne, Prince Aeonar's safety was paramount, and Lord Peake's years of careful planning could be undone if any harm happened to him became fatal. Therefore, attempting to snatch the Valyrian steel dagger from the king's belt and attack Alicent and Rhaenyra, ultimately stabbing the Young Dragon, would be a disaster. "You had one task, Beatrice. One simple task… and you and your son's actions have threatened to undo all of it," he sternly scolded her. "I had to hear from our servants instead of you." He towered over his daughter.
Beatrice said nothing, only averting her eyes to avoid her father's gaze. Her throat was still sore from when Aeonar nearly strangled her; her wrist remained broken from when the Young Dragon snapped it when he had her in his grasp.
"I sent you to win over His Grace and produce suitable heirs. I gave you real power and authority. But, instead, I've come to find you spent most of your days, as you always have, making a fool out of yourself and disgracing our family name."
"Father―" Beatrice finally spoke up, her voice hoarse and low. As a queen, she felt powerful. But before her father, she felt like a small, helpless child quivering in fear, knowing they had done wrong.
"You've conducted yourself in a manner… unbefitting your station. Or any other. You lost composure; assaulted the prince. You disgraced yourself and ensured His Grace's favor would forever be lost to us. Do you even hear what the Blacks are whispering behind our backs? That you have gone mad. If it weren't for Lord Corlys's maester assuring us the Young Dragon's wounds were not fatal, you would have faced the King's Justice long ago."
"I am the Queen, not a―"
Unwin's voice was strong and commanding as he declared, "YOU ARE MY DAUGHTER!" Beatrice fell silent once more, knowing he was serious. "You will do as I command and fix the situation you have put us in! I do not care how you do it; I don't care how long it takes; I don't even care if you must grovel and beg for His Grace's forgiveness. But you will go to him and confess the harm done to your son." He moved to the nearest open window. "And one more thing, you will tell your… benefactor, or whoever you call the Clubfoot, to end these disgusting rumors surrounding Aegon for good." You had plenty of opportunity to seize the advantage, Beatrice. Only you were up against a foe more experienced in playing the game of thrones. Must I do everything for you?
Unwin took hold of a report from one of Larys's agents, which detailed the current location of Driftmark's heir, Ser Laenor Velaryon. The new Lord of Harrenhal's information stated that Laenor was last seen in Spicetown, where he drowned his sorrows over losing his sister. However, amidst the information provided, something caught Unwin's attention. It appeared that a fair was taking place in the town, and one of the merchants had spotted Laenor in Spicetown. According to the merchant, Laenor had been enamored with a new, younger male companion he had led into a brothel. The following morning, Laenor was seen leaving the establishment without most of his clothes, and the room he had rented out reeked from the scent of sex and cheap ale. Unwin knew that Laenor was married to Aeonar's sister, Rhaenyra, and yet, none of their three sons bore any resemblance to him. Rumors floated around that Laenor preferred the company of men, and his latest paramour was Ser Qarl Correy. Unwin realized that if this information were passed along to the right person, it could trigger a chain reaction that would devastate House Velaryon and level the playing field.
The elder Lord of Starpike would have to step in now.
Soon, all the pieces will come tumbling down.
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Rhaenyra and her sons Jacaerys and Lucerys were in their rooms reflecting on last night's incident. The brawl with Aemond had caused her sons to get involved in a physical altercation with their uncle and her youngest half-brother over Aemond absconding with Vhagar and assaulting their cousins Baela and Rhaena not long after their mother's funeral. Luke was already treated for his broken nose, so the youngster would recover quickly within three days and fully heal after three weeks. She disapproved of how her sons handled the situation with Aemond. However, Rhaenyra was grateful her nephews intervened when they did. If they hadn't, Aemond would have more than likely killed them despite being outnumbered. But once again, nearly every consequence Rhaenyra faced ended up being inflicted upon her older brother Aeonar. He threw himself between her and Alicent to prevent Beatrice from stabbing either of them with that Valyrian steel dagger, the blade once belonging to Aegon the Conqueror himself. Again, her brother had to pay the price for it.
The way Jace and Luke sang praises for their cousins spoke volumes. To Rhaenyra, her sons and nephews were undeniably close. Likewise, how Jaehaerys, Aegon the Younger, Viserys, and Daeron instinctively protected her sons demonstrated their strong bond.
"Mother," Lucerys spoke softly, "is uncle Aeonar going to be okay?" he asked.
Rhaenyra turned to her second son. "Your uncle will be fine, Luke," she reassured him. "He's tougher than he looks. It'll take more than that to take him down."
"How can you be so sure?" Jacaerys asked.
"He's had more training and fighting experience before you and your brothers were born. All those stories about your uncle in the Stepstones? Mostly true."
"Really?"
"Mm-hmm. Ser Harrold, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard? He trained Aeonar since he was your age."
"Now he's training Jay."
"Mother, when will we―"
Laenor immediately came into the room. He looked haggard; his clothes were misaligned, and his silver Velaryon dreadlocks were undone. But, as he saw the dried blood on Jace and Luke's faces, Laenor was visibly appalled. "Gods," he silently gasped. "Jace, Luke… is everyone all right?"
Jacaerys and Lucerys both looked at each other. "Y… Yes, father," they answered.
Rhaenyra somehow didn't believe them. "Luke has a broken nose, Laenor," she told her husband. "Boys, leave us. I need to have a word with your father."
"But mother―"
"No buts. You've already found enough trouble today. We'll be with you shortly."
"Yes, mother…"
Laenor stood ashamed of himself. Brushing past his boys, he couldn't bring himself to look at Rhaenyra. "I should've been there," he lamented.
"Those should be our house words," Rhaenyra commented.
"Huh. 'The Old, the True, the Brave.' These are my house's words. Not like 'Fire and Blood,' I'm sure. Some true or brave knight I am. Old, maybe. Haaah… I have fought dreadful enemies but could not defend my dear sister far from home and in agony. I could not defend you. I could not defend your brother. I could not defend our sons."
"Laenor… please sit."
Laenor silently complied and sat across from Rhaenyra.
"Aemond called our sons bastards. Jace and Luke. He would have killed them if Jaehaerys, Aegon, Viserys, or Daeron had arrived moments too late."
Laenor couldn't even imagine what would have happened if those boys had been killed. Even though he knew Jacaerys and Lucerys weren't his by blood, he helped raise them as if they were his own. If his nephews hadn't arrived when they did, Laenor would have spiraled deeper into further depression than he already had. He must thank them for keeping them safe where he couldn't. "I… I have failed you, Rhaenyra," he choked. "Our marriage… I tried. I really did. Our boys… I do love them. Deeply."
Oh, Laenor… Rhaenyra looked away, feeling a twinge of shame and regret for her part in this. "I know…" she replied. But, despite her husband's misgivings, she knew Laenor was a good father.
"But I have not, maybe… loved them enough. More than I should have."
Rhaenyra placed her hand on his knee. "I had hoped to bear your children. The few times we lay together," she consoled. "Maybe if one or two had the same features… things might have been different if that had been the case."
Laenor bit his lip. Shaking his head in shame, he cursed himself. "I hate the gods for making me as they did," he said.
"Don't be. I'm not. Laenor, you are an honorable man with a good heart. A good, kind, gentle heart. It's a rare thing to find these days in the current world we live in. So don't be ashamed of who and what you are."
That seemed to cheer Laenor up, but he was still feeling low. "Do you remember…? We made an arrangement all those years ago to do our duty and… yet explore happiness. But sometimes I think these things cannot mutually exist," he stated. Although he was depressed, Laenor returned his gaze to meet Rhaenyra's. "I'm sending Ser Qarl away. He will return to the fighting in the Stepstones to help my father finish off the Triarchy remnants. I've decided to stay here."
"Laenor…"
"You deserve better than what I have been. You deserve a husband. I will rededicate myself as Captain of your brother's Honor Guard. I will recommit myself to you and our marriage. To strengthen our houses as we prepare for Aeonar's ascension. And I will raise our sons to be princes of the realm just like their trueborn cousins. I swear to the Old Gods and the New. I will not fail you again."
In usual circumstances, Rhaenyra would have felt reassured by Laenor's words. But they both acknowledged that his renewed commitment wouldn't suffice. He would still suffer. Rhaenyra didn't want to subject Laenor to perpetual anguish. However, she was constrained by Aeonar's refusal to permit an annulment and Corlys' potential sense of betrayal. Ultimately, Rhaenyra had to prioritize her family's future. But the challenge remained: how could she bring joy to Laenor when she felt incapable of doing so?
Chapter End
Author's Note: Well guys, here comes the fathers of House Hightower and House Peake: Ser Otto and Lord Unwin. We each see how each patriarch from the Reach houses interacts with their daughters and their plans for the inevitable future. What were your thoughts on Otto's and Unwin's dialogue with Alicent and Beatrice? Let me know because we're about to intensify the next chapter. Care to guess why?
KingInTheNorth27: Damn got some Tywin vibes from unwin. Great chap.
I have a request can you make a list of the sizes that the dragons are at the end of season please.
―I'll have to look them over again so I don't get things mixed up.
Guest #1: Unwin is invoking the spirit of Tywin long before he is born
Moran: Well, this chapter certainly shows Aeonar, Otto and Urwin possess some qualities of Tywin Lannister. Which of those qualities presists in them however as the story progresses remains to be seen.
Given the amount of headaches Rhaenyra had cause, there are times I wish to see Aeonar's thoughts on canon's future Targaryens, especially Aerys II, Rhaegar, Daenerys & Jon.
C.E.W: Aftermath of the incident regarding Vhagar and Driftmark's Great Hall. Conflict between the Blacks and the Caltrops have been laid bare before the realm, and its only going to get worse in the coming years. Aeonar sees civil war coming, and he is preparing his children for it, as well as those who follow the Blacks. The Blacks hold the lead now, but both parties will look for anything to gain advantage over the other.
It'd break the hearts of the Old King Jaehaerys, and Good Queen Alysanne if they'd see what a mess House Targaryen has become, and embarrassment they are to the sacrifices it took to make the realm prosper and House Targaryen at the height of its strength. Not to mention the late Queen Aemma's.
Otto Hightower uses manipulation and some control, with some father love with Alicent. Didn't really have to use much manipulation given Alicent was already into Aeonar as he was with her. Unwin Peake on the other hand rely solely on control with Beatrice. Given the Queen's poor performance and Aegon the Elder it is only going to get worse.
Questions:
Will Aeonar meet with Corlys and Rhaenys before leaving to see the current status of betrothal between one of Laena's daughters and Jaehaerys?
―At some point.
Where is Hugh Hammer, and does Aeonar tend to deal with him? Unless the Caltrops get to him first, after Aeonar is still unaware of Larys Strong's involvement yet?
―Currently, Hugh Hammer is on the run. After his agents uncovered clues from the Harrenhal disaster, Aeonar is now suspicious of Larys Strong and is already investigating him.
Did you see new cast for Season 2 of House of the Dragon, five characters have been cast including Alyn of Hull and Alys Rivers?
―Yes, I did.
SpartanWolfj6: Oh boy this not going to end well, is it?