The King's Feast 35: Viserys VIII
"All the preparations are in place for the feast tomorrow." Lyonel Strong said to the Small Council.
"If the crown's coffers need assistance, I still do recommend that Casterly Rock can finance the celebrations." Jason Lannister added, leaning forwards.
"The treasury can handle it, Lord Jason; it is no matter. We have gone over this previously." Viserys smiled.
"Oh, Your Grace... I must insist; I plan for my wife's name day's celebration to be as special as possible, and how else for me to pay for it?" Jason Lannister countered, looking at his wife.
"You are too kind, Lord Jason." Viserys relented, before Lyonel Strong could say anything. "We all thank you for your generosity."
Jason Lannister leaned back and grinned, proudly taking a drink of his wine.
I'll let him show off the power of his house if it means that Rhaenyra's name day can go as smoothly as possible.
The next day was his daughter's name day, and she would turn five-and-twenty. It would be the first of five days of celebrations, and Jason Lannister would make sure he would spare no expense. He had organised all the dishes that would be served, arranging for the best cooks from Casterly Rock to travel all the way to King's Landing to make the finest meals. He also organised an entire day of tourneys, as well as hiring musicians from Volantis and Braavos and Qarth. The celebrations were set to be grander than even a royal wedding.
And he shall be able to display his immense wealth in front of the entire realm.
In truth, Viserys did not mind whoever would be paying for all of it. He was instead looking forwards to all the celebrations of the coming days. It had been too long since the royal wedding between Rhaenyra and Jason Lannister, and he did not get to have any celebrations for his fifth anniversary of marriage to Laena, since he had just dismissed her father back then.
Hopefully, the celebrations shall brighten up Laena's mood.
Viserys knew that she would certainly be feeling low following the death of Vhagar, considering how low he felt following Balerion's death all those years ago. He did not even punish Laena for escaping the Red Keep the night she tried to mount the old she-dragon for one final ride.
"I know first-hand the pain of losing a dragon... anyone would have done the same," Viserys told Jason Lannister, who suggested that she face harsh consequences for breaking her curfew.
Even Rhaenyra spoke up in Laena's defence after that, understanding the pain of her stepmother, since she was a dragon rider too and shared a strong bond with Syrax. Jason Lannister promptly calmed down with his protests and offered his condolences to the Queen afterwards. When he did, Laena surprisingly smiled and even thanked him for his kind words.
I was half expecting Laena to spit on his face.
It had been a few weeks since then, and Viserys had yet to truly speak to his wife, their only interactions being small greetings towards each other in passing. Whenever he did see her, she did seem downtrodden, but she had been spending more time outside her or the children's chambers. Often, Viserys saw her talking with some other Lords and Ladies in court, and she watched Daeron every day in the training yard.
She certainly does seem upset at it all, but not as much as I had thought. I thought she would retreat to her rooms and refuse to talk to anyone, me especially. That is what she has done to me before.
"Are there any other matters that concern us, or are we all free to go about the remainder of our day?" Viserys asked, tired of how long the meeting had gone on. They had been sat for hours now, and his legs and back began to ache. It seemed as though everyone else there also wanted to leave, considering Lyman Beesbury was quietly snoring in his chair; Rhaenyra played with the little marble ball on the table, and even Larys Strong's smile had gone from his face.
"Yes... there is one last thing I would like to mention." Grand Maester Orwyle softly said, as the council all groaned.
"It must be important, or else make it bloody quick." Jason Lannister groaned.
"Saera Mykaris, daughter of the current Pentoshi Prince, is to marry." Grand Maester Orwyle replied.
"Is that all?" Jason Lannister asked wearily.
"Wasn't she the one that was to marry the son of the Sealord of Braavos?" Jasper Wylde asked.
"That is the same one. But now it seems that she is now betrothed to Prince Daemon Targaryen." Grand Maester Orwlye said.
Daemon?!
Everyone at the table seemed to perk up at that revelation.
"I presume the alliance between the Pentoshi and Braavosi has fallen through, then?" Jasper Wylde asked.
"On that, I am unsure about. The marriage to the Sealord's son did not take place not because of any political disagreement but..." Grand Maester Orwlye sighed.
"But what?" asked Lyonel Strong, raising an eyebrow.
The Grand Maester shifted in his seat, before looking nervously at Rhaenyra and then Viserys before taking a short breath.
"Prince Daemon only was able to marry Saera Mykaris because the Sealord's son was no longer… available. Prince Daemon challenged the Sealord's son to a duel... and gutted the Braavosi in the process..." he quickly said.
"Gods be good…" Jason Lannister whispered.
"Surely this... complicates things now." Lyonel Strong sighed. "We must send envoys to treat with both the Pentoshi and Braavosi to avoid this escalating."
"Why would that matter?" Rhaenyra interrupted. "We have nothing to do with my uncle's adventures across the Narrow Sea."
This should not ruin my daughter's celebrations tomorrow. In truth, the matter does not affect us in King's Landing.
"That would be the case, Princess, but Prince Daemon is merely exiled, not disinherited." Jasper Wylde explained. "He is, by all intents and purposes, still a member of the royal family. Both Free Cities would be offended if we were to ignore what happened."
"Yes... I shall send some diplomats to treat with them..." Viserys sighed. "But only after the days of feasting are completed. Tomorrow, the focus shall be on positive events."
"Absolutely… Your Grace." Jasper Wylde responded, before looking to Grand Maester Orwyle with his eyebrows furrowed.
"If that is truly all, then we may end here!" Viserys announced, finally able to go to his chambers to rest. "The council is dismissed!"
Viserys returned to his chambers and changed into more comfortable clothes after a long bath. He wore a loose red doublet, quilted black breeches and boots. After that, he treated himself to a cup of Arbor Gold before going to his chambers to take a good look at his Valyrian model city.
It has gone so big now. I remember when it was the size of a small table. Now it takes up an entire chamber.
He looked at all of it, from the massive volcano in the middle, to the many pantheons scattered around the city, to the Targaryen manse towards the edge.
The Valyrian cities of old were so large, it would take me years to finish. I can only wish my successors finish what Larys and I began with this.
After admiring the stone city for a few minutes, he hobbled over to his solar, a cup of Arbor Gold in hand, to look over and admire the late afternoon. From the balcony, he could see the Blackwater out in front of him. Dark blue waves gently sloshed against each other, whilst ships sailed to and from the city. Out towards the horizon was a small group of grey clouds, but other than that, the pale blue sky was clear. The air had started to become slightly cooler, and a slight breeze tickled Viserys' thin silvery gold hair.
It was almost sunset, and Viserys had planned to have supper with Rhaenyra, along with Baelon and Jason Lannister, on the eve of her name day. They all arrived together, and in matching cloths. Rhaenyra wore a loose red dress that had gold and maroon roses stitched on, as well as a line of dark rubies along the bodice. The dress displayed her shoulders, and her sleeves had flares made of cream Myrish lace. Baelon wore a small red doublet, which had two tiny golden dragon pins on the chest. He also wore maroon breeches and boots and a silk maroon hat on his head, covering his long golden hair. His father wore a similar doublet, but his golden hair was let loose, flowing onto his shoulders like a river of honey. He also opted to wear a bright golden cloak, with rings of gold on his fingers and a heavy golden chain studded with emeralds hanging from his neck.
"Oh, daughter, you look beautiful today," Viserys said, embracing his daughter warmly. "And Baelon... my grandson! You look like a proper prince, lad!"
The three-year-old ran up to Viserys and hugged him. Viserys pulled Baelon up with his hand and gave him a small hug, in which he giggled and shouted until Viserys put him back down.
"Your Grace." Jason Lannister nodded with a smile on his face.
"Lord Jason." Viserys smiled in return.
Over time, Viserys had come to take a liking to Jason Lannister. At first, he could not stand his boasts or japes that were made at the expense of everyone else, but ever since he fathered Rhaenyra's son, the Lannister Lord mellowed down, and Viserys' opinion of him went up. Viserys even started to find some of his japes funny and realised that he was an excellent person to drink wine with. However, as much as Rhaenyra had come to respect her husband, Viserys still found him untrustworthy.
As long as Rhaenyra is happy, that is the most essential part.
They all sat down at the table to eat. Viserys sat at the head, Jason Lannister sat at his left, and Rhaenyra and Baelon sat to his right. The first of the three rounds to be served was a selection of oranges, grapes, and melons, all of which were too cloying for Viserys' liking. There was also a lamprey pie, served with a thick brown gravy, as well as neeps, carrots, and onions that were roasted over a fire. Along with the pie and fruits, a salad of spinach, red cabbage, and almonds sprinkled with lemon juice was served, which Jason Lannister made sure Baelon ate.
"You're going to need to have this to help you become big and strong." He said to his son, who was most excited about the sweets at the end.
"I want the honey cakes and the sweet cream," Baelon complained, crossing his arms.
"You must eat your greens, lad." Jason Lannister replied, putting a helping of the salad on his plate. "There will be enough cakes for you on the morrow."
"When I'm bigger, I will outlaw greens!" Baelon replied, much to the laughter of Viserys. "I want to have cakes now."
"It's no matter, Baelon." Rhaenyra laughed. "If you promise to finish the salad on your plate, you can have as many cakes as you want today."
"Really?!" Baelon jumped, his green eyes glowing at the prospect of having as many cakes his stomach to take.
"If you promise to have your salad, yes." Rhaenyra smiled.
"I promise then!" Baelon cheered and began shovelling the salad into his mouth with his fingers.
"See? I knew you would eat your greens." Rhaenyra said to him, stroking his head.
Viserys looked on at the exchange, and a small tear started to bubble in his right eye.
Gods... she reminds me so much of how Aemma used to be when we tried to make Rhaenyra eat her greens.
"It won't be long until Baelon is in the training yard, and then soon riding his own dragon." Viserys mused, wiping away the tear with his sleeve. "Time does pass by so quickly. Speaking of, lad, while your father and mother were busy with me in council meetings, how was your day? Didn't you go to the Dragonpit?"
"They took us all there! Me, Daeron, and Baela! We went to take Sunfyre there, and then we got to see Daeron ride his dragon!"
"Sounds like you had a good day, then."
"I did, grandsire! The Dragonpit is so big, and Sunfyre ate a goat today! His wings are so shiny! And then I told him to serve me, and he did!" he exclaimed, with bits of spinach flying out of his mouth and lemon juice dribbling down his chin and onto his shiny new doublet. "I want you all to see Sunfyre. You, mother, father, grandmother, everyone!"
"Oh, I definitely want to see him. I am sure he is a beautiful dragon. He must be, being named after the Valyrian god of riches." Viserys replied, whilst Baelon burped loudly, releasing a smell of cabbage across the table.
Viserys had only seen Sunfyre's egg but was undoubtedly looking forwards to seeing him in person. The egg was a piece of art in itself, with its metallic gold and pale pink swirls that shone in the sunlight. The dragon was said to be twice as beautiful as the egg, and the dragonkeepers described it as the most beautiful dragon ever seen.
The next round of meals to be brought was a roast leg of mutton that was spiced with mint, parsley, and coriander. The skin crackled as Viserys cut it with a dagger, but the inside was fatty and pink, which melted in Viserys' mouth. Along with crab cakes fresh from the Blackwater and the many selections of cheeses, Viserys had no room left for the sweets afterwards. Baelon seemed to be, too, after eating more pieces of orange cheese than he could count. He also liked the look of the bright maroon of the Dornish Red in a jewelled glass pitcher, so his father gave him a small cup that was heavily diluted with water, which he then spat out because of how sour it was.
After the mutton, the sweets were served, but Baelon's stomach was too full for him to enjoy it. He took one bite of a honey cake before putting it back down and groaning in agony. Before long, he started snoring in his chair, so a handmaiden carried him away to his bed whilst Viserys, Rhaenyra, and Jason Lannister helped themselves to the sweets Baelon so eagerly wanted to eat.
"It seems that no one from House Velaryon has decided to turn up to the capital for tomorrow's celebrations. Unless they thought it was next week." Jason Lannister scoffed.
"Ser Vaemond is present at the Red Keep, is he not?" Viserys asked.
"Yes, but he is just here to arrange a dowry with Lord Harte regarding his son's impending wedding." He replied, shaking his head. "It's no matter. Let them seethe back at Driftmark, whilst the entire realm celebrates without them."
"Mayhaps Lady Alicent is in no shape to travel at the moment. Having twins cannot be an easy thing..." Rhaenyra said, with sadness in her purple eyes.
"That would not require the rest of the family to remain there with her. And how did she even manage to have children with Ser Laenor?" Jason Lannister snorted.
Viserys and Rhaenyra just looked at each other before he helped himself to another honey cake.
I cannot eat anymore, but these are too good... poor Baelon is missing out.
"On the topic of children, when is Baelon going to get another brother or sister?" Viserys laughed, with cake crumbs littering his patchy beard.
"Oh... Your Grace, soon I hope..." Jason Lannister laughed nervously. "If the gods are good... I shall soon have an heir to the Rock..."
"Yes, if the gods are good," Rhaenyra said to Viserys whilst staring at her husband.
"This one would have to take the Lannister name, though, since the babe would be a Lannister. I have always wanted to name him Joffrey if it-" Jason Lannister added.
"When the time comes, we shall cross that bridge, Lord Husband." Rhaenyra curtly said.
"Yes." Jason Lannister replied, his smile turning into a slight scowl which he hid by taking another drink from his wife.
"Well... it won't be easy... if Lord Jason keeps spending all of his time with his new paramour!" Viserys jovially declared, which Rhaenyra chuckled to. "This one's Dornish, isn't she? Will she be at the name day celebrations tomorrow, I ask?"
"No... I did want her to be present, but Rhaenyra spoke against it..." Jason Lannister replied, sadly.
"A shame for her, then. It is known around court how much she loved the extravagance of balls and feasts. I see her wearing more finer silks than even you, Lord Jason."
"That is because my Lord Husband buys her all of these fine silks you speak of, father. She is of common birth, in truth."
"Yes... she is of common birth." Jason Lannister quickly interrupted. "Gods... the hour is bloody late, we must leave now, we have a long day of feasting ahead of us... though I doubt how much more I can eat after this..."
"I just hope I can fit into that new red dress I had sewn for the morrow." Rhaenyra japed.
"I hope the same for me. Well, Your Grace... it was a pleasure, but I shall see you on the morrow..." Jason Lannister said, before standing up.
Viserys nodded and smiled at him, before giving Rhaenyra a long embrace.
"You are five-and-twenty, now, daughter. My, how you have grown. I remember when you were smaller than Baelon." Viserys smiled, before she exited with her husband.
The next morning, Viserys did not eat much to break his fast, only one oatcake and a cup of warm hippocras to wake him up. He'd stayed in his bed for much longer today, as there were no council meetings nor any court sessions to attend in the morning. After that, he spent twice as long as he usually did in the bath until the water became cool. He shivered once he got out of it, so he quickly put on his undergarments. By the time he had gotten dressed, it was already afternoon, and it was time for the celebratory feast.
Gods, I have missed this feeling of preparing for a grand feast. Today shall be brilliant; I can feel it.
For the feast, he wore a long sable fur cloak over a black doublet that had a three-headed dragon embroidered onto it in brilliant cloth-of-gold. Across the doublet were golden patterns stitched into the fabric, along with a black leather belt studded with black gemstones tied on his waist. On his neck hung the golden necklace showing the sigils of the Great Houses, and he wore the crown on his balding head.
He sat on the raised dais slightly to the side of the dais. On Viserys' right, directly below the throne, was an empty seat reserved for Rhaenyra. To her right was Baelon, who eagerly nibbled at the honey cakes on the table. After him was Jason Lannister, who leaned back in the chair, admiring the decadence and extravagance of everything. At the end of the table sat Lyonel Strong, looking rather bored. Baelon and his father were wearing matching cloths, both in a rich red silken doublet that had cloth-of-gold stitching on the sleeves, neckline, and down the body. They both wore a long cloth-of-gold cloak, and both had a bright golden chain around their necks that had rubies studded onto it. Baelon's was shaped into a dragon, whilst his father's was wrought into a lion.
"Where is Her Grace?" Jason Lannister asked, nodding at the three empty seats to Viserys' left.
"I understand that she is still readying herself." Viserys smiled.
"This is men wage war... because women would not be ready for the battle in time!" he replied, laughing to himself. "But in all seriousness, Your Grace, she must ready herself faster; the feast is to begin very shortly."
Viserys sighed to himself and took a drink of his cup of Arbor Gold. Then, the drums started beating. Everyone quickly shuffled back to their chairs and finished their conversations.
"All stand for the Princess..." the royal steward announced. "Rhaenyra Targaryen, the Realm's Delight, Princess of Dragonstone, and Heir to the Iron Throne!"
Everyone stood for Rhaenyra and broke out into applause, Jason Lannister and their son most of all. She calmly walked down the stairs and past all of the standing guests. She wore a red dress that was so long that its silken skirts dragged along the floor. The bodice was decorated with black and gold flames, and bore her collarbones and neck. The dress' shoulders were raised to look like dragon fangs, and covering her pale neck was a golden necklace that was wrought into a three-headed dragon, with shimmering rubies for its eyes. Her silvery gold hair had one braid running down her back, but was otherwise let loose and flowing behind her. She gave her husband and Viserys small embraces, and showered Baelon with kisses on his cheek before taking her place on the table.
Next, guests from around the Seven Kingdoms came to offer their congratulations to Rhaenyra. First were the Lannisters of Casterly Rock, the family of Rhaenyra's husband. They all were all dressed in rich golds and greens and purples and crimsons, and walked proudly to the royal dais. At the front of the group was Ser Tyland, Jason Lannister's twin; accompanied by his wife, Lady Johanna Westerling; and they each carried a young infant in their arms. Also with them were Ser Tyland's mother, the old Lady Ceira; his youngest brother Ser Tommen with his wife, Lady Genna; and their young son, Gerion. Along with the Lannisters were two other golden-haired men of age with Ser Tyland, who must have been his cousins, Ser Tion and Ser Lancel, who were also Lady Genna's older brothers.
"Princess Rhaenyra. My biggest congratulations to you on this brilliant day. My best wishes are with you, as well as Prince Baelon." Ser Tyland smiled.
Ser Tyland looks and sounds just like his twin brother, but is only half as proud as him... which is still more proud than most people here.
"But not with me?" Jason Lannister japed.
"It is good to see you too, Jason." Ser Tyland responded gracefully, a small grin on his face.
"Can't you just look in a mirror to do that?" Lady Johanna asked, much to the laughter of everyone at the table.
Ser Tyland rolled his eyes and smiled, and then presented the two young babes to Viserys and everyone at the table.
"Your Grace, Princess, Jason, I believe you have not been formally introduced to my two daughters. And they are your cousins too, little Prince." Ser Tyland said. "Our twins. This one is Tyshara, the elder."
"And this one, is Cerelle, the younger." Lady Johanna said, showing the girl in her arms. Both girls had dark blonde hair, and their eyes were a mix of their father's bright green and mother's bright blue.
"Such beautiful girls." Viserys mused.
"You are too kind, Your Grace." Ser Tyland replied before going back to his table.
After the Lannisters offered their congratulations, next came the Hightowers.
It seems that they have not gone the route of the Velaryons.
Coming to the table to greet them was Ser Ormund Hightower. He was a young man, no older than Rhaenyra. He had short chestnut hair and a close-cropped beard. With him came his mother, Lady Lynesse, and his wife, Lady Ceryse. And also with them were his and Lady Ceryse's four children, the oldest no more than five and the youngest still a babe.
"Your Grace. Princess. Prince Baelon. Lord Jason." Ser Ormund nodded. "My father, Lord Hobert, apologises for not being able to attend. He is unfortunately in no position to travel due to his health. Though, he said that he offers his best wishes upon the Princess on her name day, as do I, along with all of my family."
"Thank you, Ser Ormund." Rhaenyra replied.
"Make sure to send Ser Otto my regards. I have not seen him in a while. I hope he is doing well." Viserys said as Ser Ormund departed.
Sometimes I regret dismissing him; his work ensured the realm was stable and prosperous for a great many years... but what he did was unforgivable.
After all the other Lords and Ladies came up to the table to offer their best wishes, the ever-expanding Tyrell family; the tall Borros Baratheon with his four daughters; Lord Denys Arryn and his daughter, Lady Jeyne, who was also Rhaenyra's cousin; the new Lord of Riverrun, Elmo Tully; and everyone else, Viserys stood up to make a speech to all the guests.
Viserys stood up, a cup of Arbor Gold in his hand.
"I thank you all for attending this feast, held for my heir-"
He was interrupted by the massive doors of the throne room slowly creaking open.
When they finally did, standing silently at the entrance was Laena Velaryon, along with Daeron and Baela, and the entire audience let out a small gasp.
She wore a blue dress.
It was a simple dress, that was made of shiny blue silk, but it was even longer than Rhaenyra's and also dragged along the stone ground when she walked down the steps. The dress had little waves across its skirts and silver Myrish lace sleeves that reached the floor. Her neck was borne by the dress, and a silver necklace set with sapphires was resting on it. Her silver hair was tied into a bun, and small silver earrings set with a sapphire gemstone hung from her ears whilst she kept her hands on the bump on her belly. Even though she was halfway across the room, Viserys could feel her lilac eyes staring at him with malice.
The first person in the crowd to stand for her was Ser Vaemond. Then the Hightowers also quickly stood up, followed by the Masseys, Bar Emmons, and Mullendores. Eventually, everyone there stood for her, but the Lannisters were the last to.
Slowly, Laena; Daeron; and Baela walked across the throne room, every step echoing across the silent throne room. Daeron, wearing a blue doublet stitched with cloth-of-silver waves and a silver chain studded with sapphires, nervously looked around the room whilst he walked, but Baela, in a similar blue dress to her mother's, marched proudly down the walkway.
"Gods..." Jason Lannister whispered.
He had a look of bewilderment on his face, while Rhaenyra's barely concealed the look of disgust, and she whispered something to her husband before silently turning to face Laena. The two locked eyes and continued to stare at each other until Laena walked up to her seat on the royal dais. Suddenly, a sick feeling came to Viserys' stomach.
"Congratulations, stepdaughter. What a splendid day this is for you." Laena said, hardly louder than a whisper, but full of venom still.
They all then sat down at their seats, and Viserys looked at his cup of wine on the table. Usually, the sight and smell of wine would make his mouth water, but this time it just made his stomach churn.
The first course to be served was a pigeon pie, along with a side of mashed neeps, grilled peppers, berry tarts, and a soup of lentils and leeks. Viserys just stared at the selection of meals and slumped back in his seat, groaning.
Baelon ran to where Daeron and Baela were sitting to exchange berry tarts and secret japes, but aside from that, everyone else at the table sat in silence.
The feast had just begun, but Viserys was not hungry.
He looked to either side of him. To his right was his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, in red, and to his left was his wife, Queen Laena Velaryon, in blue, all of them beneath the looming shadow of the Iron Throne.