Aemon Targaryen (106 A.C. Ninth Moon)
He walked over to the skull of Meraxes, a beautiful shrine built for a fallen legend. Sometimes, he felt he walked among legends; her skull was a massive thing, a favorite spot of his when he was a kid, quite a peaceful place. Balerion had spoken much of his mate, the hurt he had felt when she died. His brother was standing there, moving his hands over flames, not being burnt. Targaryens seemed to have some fire resistance.
"Brother," he spoke softly. Then he looked to the other door, where Rhaenyra came walking in escorted by Ser Ryam. "Uncle, father," Rhaenyra asked, confused about why she was summoned.
His brother soon turned to them both but turned back toward the shrine before them. "Balerion is the last living creature to have seen Old Valyria before the Doom, its greatness and its flaws," his brother said, considering Balerion more a treasure and a great friend. Viserys turned around and looked at his daughter. "When you look at the dragons, what do you see?"
Rhaenyra looked at him and her father in confusion. "What? You haven't spoken a word to me since Mother's and Baelon's funeral. Now you summon me here escorted by your King…" But his brother cut her off. "Answer me. It's important. What do you see?" He asked his daughter, giving him a look.
Why was he asking this? What he saw in the dragons was themselves. Balerion was his family as much as the rest of his family was. Still, he wouldn't agree with the fact they were considered to be gods, as he knew their history, that without the dragons, they eventually fell from grace, and the Targaryen dynasty was toppled. He walked over to Rhaenyra and took her hand as she spoke. "I suppose I see our family." She said, glancing toward him and her father; his brother urged his daughter on. "Many believe us closer to gods than to men, but that is only because of our dragons. Without them, we are just like the rest of the people." She finished hesitantly and squeezed his hand a little. His brother smiled and looked at him. "Your turn, brother. What do you see?"
"I see wonder and power that we have to respect, and as my niece said, family as well. I know my bond with Balerion. I do not have control, only a bond," he said.
His brother looked at them both with pride. "The idea that we control the dragons is only an illusion. They're a power man should not have trifled with. One that brought Valyria its doom. If we don't mind our own histories, it will do the same to us." He then stopped mid-stride to stand directly in front of them. "Targaryens must understand this to be King and Queen Consort."
"What?" The word was out of both their mouths before they could comprehend it. His brother looked at them with a sad and regretful expression. "I have wasted the years since your birth wanting for a son when the whole time, you both stood before me. You two are everything I wished in my successors, and you, Aemon, if I ever had a son of my own. I see you as one, even if we are brothers. You and Rhaenyra are the best of our blood, our hope for the future."
"What? You want me as heir and marry Rhaenyra." "Father, you can't. Aemon is already betrothed to Laena; it would cause a rift between House Velaryon that could never be healed," Rhaenyra said, half in shock.
Viserys looked at them, nodding. "I understand, but this way, Aemma's legacy is protected. I have seen how you care for my daughter. There is no one I would place more trust in to care for her than you. As for Laena, I'm taking a page out of the book of conquerors, and because of Jaehaerys, there is the doctrine of exceptionalism." His brother said, his voice low.
"You wanted me to, like Aegon did, have two wives. But what about Corlys and Daemon?" He knew Corlys would never expect his daughter to be one of the queens. He looked at Rhaenyra, whose hands he still held.
"I do have plans for the succession and what to give Corlys as recompense," His brother said. "Daemon was not made to wear the crown. But I believe you two were." He looked at them both with a smile. "This isn't a trivial gesture or a thought I had on a whim. A dragon saddle is one thing, but the Iron Throne is the most dangerous seat in the realm, Aemon. For you as well, my daughter." He looked at both seriously and with some pity. "There is something else that I need to tell you both, something I shared with your mother when I was made heir. What I'm about to tell you both might be difficult to understand."
Viserys said, looking toward the skull of Meraxes. Was he going to speak of the Prophecy, the one grandfather told him about? Prophecy is the bane of his existence. "Our history tells us that Aegon looked across the shores of the Blackwater and saw a rich land ripe for the capture. But ambition alone is not what drove him to conquest. And just as Daenys foresaw the end of Valyria, Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men." His brother paused and looked at their faces. He got the expected reaction from Rhaenyra but not from him.
"Aemon, why don't you look surprised?" "I already know. Grandfather spoke to me before the Great Council. I'm sorry for what I'm about to say, but as your heir, I have a duty to inform you. He wanted me as heir back in the day, but I was too young; a regency would have taken hold, and we both know Daemon would never accept the decision. Grandfather also had another plan, that at least one of my children would marry your future heir." He said. Rhaenyra looked at him shocked, but Viserys, his face seemed to fade to some form of relief.
"Yes, it is true. I intended to marry one of your future children to my heir, but fate had other plans it seems. Although, I feel more steadfast now in my decision to name you. This way, I hold both my promises. So if you will, please tell my daughter of the prophecy." His brother said with a smile. To be honest, it was a reaction he expected; deep down, he knew Viserys never wanted to be king. He was always happy before, being named heir.
"Great grandfather wanted you as heir. But why not try and say that before? Why not try and take it after you gain power?" Rhaenyra questioned. "Family, niece, family. That is all. That's all I ever wanted." Rhaenyra frowned but nodded. "You should know, daughter, yesterday, he recommended you as heir. That is why I chose him and for his temperament and selflessness. I wish him to marry you, for the very same reason. To keep you safe and to honor your mother." His brother spoke, his tone soft. Tears appeared in Rhaenyra's eyes, and then she walked over to him and cried into his chest.
All but a simple "Thank you" came out of her as she sobbed. She had been strong these past few days dealing with heartbreak. Now it all came out; as she calmed down, to be honest, looking back almost fifteen years ago, he hoped for a similar reaction from Daenerys. His love, aunt, and other hopes he had. But she only said. "That makes you the last male heir to House Targaryen; you would have a claim to the Iron throne." She wasn't happy she had more family and that she was no longer the last. Or for the fact he wasn't a bastard anymore, something that haunted his entire life. No, she only cared for his claim, not family. And in the end, she drove him to become a kinslayer.
"Aemon? Everything alright." Rhaenyra asked after she had calmed down, still in his arms. "Yes, sorry I just was lost in a memory." His brother smiled at them, taking satisfaction in their bond it seemed, trusting he made the right choice. He wasn't sure how his love Laena would react to all of it, but for now, he vowed a second one toward Rhaenyra; he would protect her until his dying breath.
"Alright, what your father was about to tell us. It is, to begin with, a terrible winter, a gusting wind will come from it, and Aegon saw absolute darkness riding on those winds. Whatever is inside those winds will destroy the world of the living." His brother paused, thinking back toward those haunting blue eyes that killed him and so many others.
"If our world is to survive, all of Westeros must stand united against it and a Targaryen must be seated on the Iron throne. As I'm correct, it has been passed from heir to heir since Aegon's time. He called it a song of ice and fire." His brother nodded. "I shared it with Aemma; she knew about it. So that is why I shared it with you both. As you will share the burden together." His brother said and seemed to be pained as he thought back toward the memory of Aemma. "I need you both to promise me you protect this secret."
"I promise father, as your daughter and future wife of King Aemon." She said with full conviction. It made his heart beat a little faster, at the words of King Aemon, and his future wife. "I already swore it once toward grandfather, but I will swear it again to you, my brother and king." He said and paused for a bit. "I, Aemon of House Targaryen and Stark, promise to keep and protect the song of Ice and Fire so we may one day protect the world against the coming dark." He said as he knelt toward Viserys.
"Good, I know you both will do your duty. As for another thing, I won't yet announce the marriage between you two. I have to wait until the right time to approach Lord Corlys; now it isn't. As he has been more upset about the delay of your marriage to Lady Laena." His brother said, to be honest, he wanted to marry his love, but for now, first, the realm needed stability after him being named heir.
"I understand, but we can't wait too long. I'm not sure for how long Corlys will be patient to wait. Although the thought of his daughter as a future queen would satisfy him. I don't feel okay for keeping it from them; I have made a vow toward Laena. I will tell her if she asks me about it, but before I do, I will make her swear not to reveal the arrangement before speaking of it." He said, his voice firmer than he intended.
"I will also hold my word for now Father. But just like Aemon said, we can't keep this arrangement secret for too long." Rhaenyra said. "I understand; it seems we have to inform the kingdoms of the decision. I summon a council meeting for tomorrow. Aemon, I also need you to draft an agreement for Corlys. I speak with you later for the details. You both are dismissed." His brother said, and he and Rhaenyra walked toward the door.
Otto Hightower (106 A.C.)
He waited in the council chamber. Last night, he was informed of Daemon's dismissal and banishment to the Vale. His daughter wasn't sent away by the king when she had stayed there. A good start, all he needed was for her to gain the king's affection. So his daughter would be queen, and if everything went well, a son, a true heir for the throne.
If his daughter had a son, there was no way Viserys would keep his daughter as heir. He would choose her as a better substitute to take the role instead of Daemon. If the king wasn't thinking of marrying his daughter, he had two sons, one not yet married, so a son of the hand would make a great King-Consort, still a way to get Hightower blood on the throne. He also knew that Viserys never would disinherit Daemon for Aemon. He wouldn't risk it.
"My lords, as you all might have heard last night, I banished Daemon to Runestone. As punishment for the words he spoke about my heir and family," Viserys said when everyone entered the room and took their seats.
"Your grace, what was being said, when you banished the Prince," Corlys questioned. "He wasn't apologetic; no, he was rather uncompromising in his belief. Not only did he disrespect Aemon and Visenya, but he also insulted my stepmother." He didn't know, Daemon sometimes is too proactive for his own good. Although he didn't mind any bad words spoken about Aemon the better.
"He insulted my future in-laws," Corlys said as he looked at Aemon with some affection. The man seemed to really like his future husband of his daughter. "Thank you for your support Lord Corlys. I'm as disappointed at my brother as you, if not more. Still, he is a prince, even one that has many flaws," Aemon said and looked at Corlys. It was one thing with Aemon; he was very tempered, someone who didn't reveal his cards.
"My brother is right; we aren't here to discuss my brother. He is gone until he can show duty toward my family. But I called you here to discuss the future of the realm. It still hurts me to say it." King looked pained toward Aemon and Rhaenyra. "The passing of my wife and son, with Daemon disinherited, I have need of a true heir," the king said.
There it would come, Rhaenyra as heir, and Alicent a future queen. "I have come toward a decision. I have decided to name my brother Aemon Targaryen as heir," Viserys spoke and looked toward Aemon. His mouth fell open. "Your grace, If I may have a word," he spoke up.
"No, you may not." Viserys' tone was firm. "I have made my decision. At the end of the year, the lords will come to swear fealty to my chosen heir and me. After that, on the second moon, on the name of my brother, the wedding of Aemon will be held. I already explained earlier why I postponed the wedding," Viserys said to explain the plans.
"A wise choice, your grace. Aemon has proven his leadership in his Lordship of Seadragon Point. As well as having brought an invention back into the world that was lost. The trade taxes that the crown has received from the Sunset Sea have increased greatly. I delight to start working with your chosen heir, your grace," Lord Beesbury mumbled; the man got far too excited about coins.
"You have my full support uncle; my mother loved you, and my brother was cared for by you in his living days. You also have brought me much comfort these last few days in my grief," Rhaenyra, and there went the only one beside Melos he hoped would over some discomfort toward Aemon being named heir.
"You have my full support; may you hold the standard high for all heirs to come," Lord Lyonel said, a bright smile on his face.
"Thank you, grace. I am glad to become the future father-in-law of the Prince of Dragonstone. Although the delay of the wedding is a sad thing, though I respect the decision," Lord Corlys said, his face a full grin. Oh, that arrogant man.
"My Prince, I congratulate you. If I may ask as prince of the realm, would you allow the learned men of the realm. To also learn the craft of your inventions. It would greatly benefit the realm if the Citadel would be allowed to learn from you. It would be a great loss for the realm if the knowledge you have were to be lost. If you were to lose," Melos, oh the dolled of a man. He thought as he kept himself from sighing.
"Grandmaester Melos, as my brother explained before, as will I, the crown will not reveal the secret of our heritage. We already have given you the opportunity to learn High Valyrian; do not presume to ask for more," Viserys hissed.
"Lord Hand, I have yet to hear you congratulate my uncle. Stability of the realm is something a hand should strive toward," the princess spoke up and addressed him. "I know you wanted a different heir Otto, but command you to accept it. For the good of the realm as you always put it," Viserys spoke his voice low and hard, which broke no argument. He wasn't able to change this decision, but still, a son comes before a brother.
"My prince, I have had my reservations. As I know your older brother, he has insulted the previous heir; also, he has not been someone who was very law-abiding," he said and tried to make his voice sound not irritated. "I am sure his grace has made the right decision. May I support you in the future, my prince?" Otto said and bowed to both Viserys and Aemon.
"My lords, princess, and my king. I thank you all for your support. I hope to be as great an heir as my father was," Aemon spoke and stood up and raised his glass.
"To the Prince of Dragonstone Aemon Targaryen," Corlys spoke cheerily, raising his own. "Here, here." Was repeated around the council chamber. He did his duty and would bide his time.
Rhaenyra Targaryen (106 A.C. Elventh Moon)
The Throne Room
Rhaenyra Targaryen stood in the grand throne room, a vast space filled with lords and ladies who had gathered to witness a momentous occasion. They had all come to swear their allegiance to her uncle and future husband, Aemon Targaryen. The anticipation in the room made her stomach flutter with nervous excitement. This marriage, denied to her long ago, was finally becoming a reality. She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions, but deep down, she knew Aemon would be a good husband.
Rhaenyra had assisted Aemon in dressing for the occasion, standing by his side as he donned his Valyrian armor. The armor was heavily decorated with dragons and wolves, dancing in intricate imagery on the plating. Black and red were the most prominent colors, with white and occasional gold and silver accents giving the garment its final touch of grandeur.
As the time drew near, Rhaenyra stood beside her friend Alicent, who beamed with pride. Otto, on the other hand, seemed less enthusiastic about the prospect of Aemon becoming the heir. She had once been his chosen heir, and it was a surprise when she heard he had chosen her instead. The Hightowers were known for their religious beliefs and Andal descent, where male claims traditionally held superiority over female ones. So, why had he chosen her? It was a question that had been on her mind since the announcement. She wondered if Alicent had spoken about her to her father.
Aemon had also advocated for her as the heir. Rhaenyra understood his reasoning. He had been raised by Lyanna Stark, a strong and independent woman, and shared a strong bond with Rhaenys, who had the same strong-willed attitude as Lyanna. Moreover, the North, where Aemon had spent much of his life, was generally more tolerant of female rule, especially among the warrior women of Bear Island. It made her feel special and grateful that he had confidence in her to be named the heir. Aemon's loyalty to the crown and his family was unwavering, and she knew she could count on him if she had been named heir. So now she would do the same for him.
The moment had finally arrived. Rhaenyra watched as Aemon, clad in his resplendent Valyrian armor, stepped forward. The lords and ladies in the room fell silent, their attention focused on him. Rhaenyra's heart swelled with pride as she looked at her future husband, knowing that this was a pivotal moment in their lives and the future of their House.
The ceremony began, and Rhaenyra couldn't help but think about the responsibilities that lay ahead. The hall fell silent as all the members of the small council started giving their allegiance to Aemon. Corlys was last as he knelt before the Throne and her uncle and father.
"I, Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." Corlys said, his voice full of pride as he knelt before the betrothed of his daughter who would be king.
Then all the minor lords that had come to pay homage to their new heir stepped forward one by one. Otto's brother stepped forward. "I, Lord Hobert Hightower, Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, and Voice of Oldtown, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." Lord Hobert spoke more strained than most. The Hightowers seemed not to be the biggest fans of both her uncles, it seemed.
Then after all those minor lords had spoken their oaths, the Lords Paramount stepped up to speak their allegiance. "I, Lord Jason Lannister, Lord Paramount of the West, and Lord of Casterly Rock, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." The man spoke with arrogance, and he also gave her a look she did not like.
Then her aunt bowed, being the only woman paramount present. "It was nice to have you here, for a time," she said, speaking about the times her mother and she had caused mischief and of her mother's time in the Vale. She would visit the Vale at some point after everything was settled. It was high time she would visit the other part of her heritage. She was part Arryn, after all.
Then Benjen Stark stepped toward the throne. "I, Lord Benjen Stark, Lord Paramount of the North, and Lord of Winterfell, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir Aemon Targaryen and Stark. I pledge fealty to them by iron, earth, and bronze and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." Lord Benjen spoke with emotion, and a strong, hoarse voice, as he knelt toward his nephew.
Then she was up last, as a royal and second in line after Aemon. "I, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." She spoke without hesitation or anger, just proud of her uncle and happy she would be his wife. Aemon gave her a look full of adoration after that and nodded with a bright smile.
Then everyone had spoken their vows. The grand maester placed a necklace of gold, with seven pieces that represented the great houses of the seven regions of Westeros. Even House Martell was represented in the seven. The eighth piece hung under Aemon's face, the symbol of the three-headed dragon of their house.
Then Aemon turned around and bowed his head toward her father, who gave a nod. Then Aemon, her father began his proclamation.
"I, Viserys Targaryen, first of his name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, do hereby name." Her father paused and spoke the words that would change the world forever.
"Aemon Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone, and heir to the Iron Throne." He finished, then Aemon turned and looked into the room. Everyone bowed their heads, and applause rose around the Throne Room, and Balerion's roar was heard above the Throne Room, announcing to the world that Aemon Targaryen was named heir to the Iron Throne.
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Notes : Well, Aemon is the heir, and I suppose many of you suspected it.
Also, I used the doctrine of exceptionalism to legalize a polygamous marriage, as it was said that Targaryens are to be believed to be closer to gods than to men. I believe Viserys, given his penchant for history, would consider this carefully. Even he would know that introducing polygamy into the kingdom isn't straightforward. In the next chapter, which is shaping up to be a monster at the moment with around 12,000 words, there will be further developments on this as well as some other important events.
Thanks for the read.