King's Landing, The Red Keep – 123 AC
Oh, the fury that burned within Rhaenyra was a sight to behold. As she stormed out of the Grand Hall, her rage palpable in every step, I knew that I had to act quickly to prevent her from doing something that we would all regret. With a sense of urgency, I hurried after her, guiding her towards our chambers before her anger consumed her completely.
Once inside, Rhaenyra unleashed her fury upon the room, throwing objects around and screaming her frustrations into the air. It was a terrifying sight to behold, watching her unleash the full force of her fiery temperament. In moments like this, she truly lived up to her House's namesake, a dragon with flames dancing in her eyes.
As I watched her, I couldn't help but wince, my heart aching for her as she struggled with the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume her. Rhaenyra was a force of nature, her passion and intensity unmatched by any other. But in moments like this, it was clear just how hot her blood could run, how fierce her spirit truly was.
Despite the chaos unfolding around me, I remained by her side, offering what comfort and support I could as she raged against the injustices of the world. For Rhaenyra was not just my queen, she was my friend, my confidante, and I would stand by her through thick and thin, come what may.
As Rhaenyra's screams began to subside, I held her tightly, whispering words of comfort and reassurance in her ear, as she began to sob on my chest. "I'm here, cousin," I murmured softly. "You're not alone. We'll get through this together."
She clung to me, her tears soaking into the fabric of my tunic as she struggled to find her voice. "It's not fair, Laenor," she finally whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "He didn't even ask us. He just...sold her off like she's nothing more than a pawn."
I nodded in understanding, my own anger simmering just beneath the surface. "I know, cousin," I replied, my voice tight with frustration. "But we won't let him get away with it. We'll find a way to make things right, I promise."
As Rhaenyra's tears slowly subsided, I held her gently, feeling her anguish radiate from her trembling form. "Why, Laenor?" she whispered, her voice raw with emotion. "Why does he always treat me like I'm just a pawn in his game?"
My own heart ached at the pain in her voice, the sense of betrayal that colored her words. "I don't know, my queen," I murmured, my voice soft with sympathy.
Rhaenyra looked up at me, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. "I don't know what I would do without you, Laenor," she said, her voice trembling with gratitude. "Thank you for always being there for me, for standing by my side through thick and thin."
I smiled sadly, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "You don't have to thank me, my queen," I replied, my voice filled with unwavering loyalty. "I will always be here for you, no matter what. Together, we will weather this storm, and emerge stronger than ever before."
As Rhaenyra finally succumbed to exhaustion and drifted off to sleep, I carefully disentangled myself from her embrace, ensuring not to disturb her peaceful slumber. With a tender touch, I began to remove her jewelry, each piece a reminder of the weight she carried upon her shoulders. As the delicate trinkets slipped from her skin, I felt a pang of sadness for the burdens she bore.
Once her jewelry was safely stowed away, I gently unmade her braids, letting her long locks cascade freely around her. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for Rhaenyra, her usually fierce facade softened in sleep. With a sense of reverence, I dressed her in a simple nightgown, tucking her in with care before placing her on her bed.
With Rhaenyra settled, I made my way to visit Lucerys, finding her curled up beneath the Velaryon-teal covers of her bed. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I approached, admiring the peaceful expression on her sleeping face. With a gentle hand, I brushed a stray lock of onyx hair from her forehead, marveling at the innocence and purity that radiated from her. Leaning down, I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, a silent promise to protect her from the darkness that lurked beyond these walls. Lucerys was my light in the darkness, my reason for hope in a world filled with uncertainty.
But as I pressed a gentle kiss to Lucerys' onyx locks, I couldn't help but notice the softness of her smile as she stirred awake. Sitting beside her on the bed, I couldn't resist the urge to ask her how she felt about the betrothal to Aemond. Her response was thoughtful, her words measured as she struggled to articulate her feelings.
For a moment, there was silence as Lucerys pondered my question, her brow furrowed in concentration. As I caressed Lucerys' hair and hummed a soft tune, I couldn't help but notice the uncertainty in her eyes as she considered my question. "It's okay if you're not sure, sweetheart," I reassured her, my voice gentle and soothing. "You're still young, and you have plenty of time to figure out what you want."
Lucerys nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful as she absorbed my words. "I like spending time with Aemond," she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't know if I want to marry him. I don't know if I want to marry anyone."
As I continued to stroke Lucerys' hair and hum a soft melody, my mind raced with thoughts of concern for her well-being. A girl of seven namedays should not be burdened with decisions as weighty as marriage. It troubled me deeply to see her struggling with such grown-up matters at such a tender age.
Still, I couldn't help but smile at her honesty, marveling at the maturity she displayed beyond her years. "That's perfectly alright," I said, my voice warm with affection. "You don't have to make any decisions right now. Just focus on being happy and enjoying your childhood."
At my words, Lucerys' face lit up with a bright smile, the weight of her uncertainty momentarily lifted. "Thank you, kepa," she said softly, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "I'm glad I have you to talk to."
Tears welled up in my eyes at her words, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion that filled me. "You will always have me, my pearl," I promised, my voice thick with emotion. "No matter what happens, I will always be here for you, to protect you and keep you safe."
"If ever you decide that you do not want to marry Aemond," I murmured, my voice filled with conviction, "you can always come to me. I will do everything in my power to protect you, to ensure that your happiness comes first." Even as I spoke the words aloud, a part of me hesitated, knowing the challenges that lay ahead. But I was determined to keep my promise to Lucerys, no matter the cost. "I will stop the wedding if I have to," I vowed, my voice firm. "And if that fails, I will take you far away from here, to Essos, where no one can harm you."
To my surprise, Lucerys giggled at my words, her laughter like music to my ears. It filled me with a sense of relief, knowing that even in the face of uncertainty, we could still find moments of joy together. And as I smiled back at her, a weight lifted from my shoulders.
With a final glance at my precious daughter, I quietly slipped out of her room, leaving her to the peaceful embrace of sleep. As I made my way through the corridors of the Red Keep, my steps echoing in the quiet of the night, I couldn't shake the anger that simmered beneath the surface. Viserys stood before me, his smile bright and oblivious, flanked by Lord Commander Westerling. My heart burned with frustration at the sight of him, knowing that he had just made his own daughter cry herself to sleep with his thoughtless actions.
But I knew that now was not the time for confrontation. With practiced ease, I plastered a charming smile on my face, hiding the storm of emotions that raged within me. After all, I was the son of the Sea Snake, schooled in the art of diplomacy and manipulation by one of the greatest seducers of our time. My father did win the hand of a princess, after all.
"Congratulations, Your Grace," I said smoothly, my voice dripping with false sincerity. "You have truly outdone yourself with this match. You seem to have inherited the talent of Queen Alysanne, the Good."
Viserys beamed at my words, oblivious to the hidden meaning behind my shallow praise. Mentally, I couldn't help but draw a comparison to Queen Alysanne the Good, a woman revered for her matchmaking skills. But as revered as she had been, all of the wedding matches she had orchestrated had ended in tragedy. It was a subtle jab, a warning hidden beneath a veneer of flattery.
But Viserys remained blissfully unaware, his smile widening at my words. And as I watched him bask in his own perceived brilliance, a bitter taste filled my mouth. For all his power and authority, he was blind to the pain he had caused his own family, blind to the consequences of his actions.
But for now, I would play the role of the dutiful servant, hiding my true feelings behind a mask of civility. For there would be time enough for reckoning later. And when that time came, Viserys would learn that he could not trample over the hearts of his loved ones without consequence.
As Viserys and I strolled through the corridors of the Red Keep, Ser Harrold dutifully at his side, I couldn't help but seize the opportunity to plant the seeds of my next scheme. With each step, I carefully guided the conversation towards the topic of advantageous matches, knowing full well the power of suggestion.
"It's truly a joyous occasion, Your Grace," I remarked casually, my tone laced with calculated enthusiasm. "Aemond and Lucerys are the perfect match, and I have no doubt that their union will be celebrated throughout the realm."
I could see the wheels turning in Viserys' mind, his thoughts drifting towards the possibilities that lay ahead. And with a surge of determination, I seized the moment, pressing forward with my agenda. "But why stop there?" I continued, my voice brimming with conviction. "Surely there are many more matches to be made, many more alliances to be forged."
As Viserys considered my words, I knew that it was time to strike. With all the finesse of a master manipulator, I subtly suggested a match between House Baratheon and the crown, weaving a web of half-truths and carefully crafted lies.
"After all," I mused, "House Baratheon has not been as close to the crown as they once were. Perhaps a union between Lady Cassandra Baratheon and Prince Aegon could help strengthen our ties with Storm's End. And with Rhaenyra as the heiress to the throne, Aegon would have nothing to inherit. It could be a match made in heaven."
To my satisfaction, Viserys nodded in agreement, oblivious to the strings I had pulled behind the scenes. As he fell into my trap, I couldn't help but smirk internally, knowing that I had once again manipulated the situation to my advantage. And as we continued our conversation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the knowledge that I was one step closer to achieving my goals.
As our conversation continued, I couldn't help but steer it towards the topic of family unity, knowing full well the tension that simmered beneath the surface. With each word, I carefully crafted my argument, weaving a web of persuasion that would ensnare Viserys in my web.
"It pains me to see the rift that has formed within our family," I confessed, my voice tinged with genuine sadness. "But I believe that there is a way to mend the divide, to bring both sides together in harmony."
Viserys' frown deepened at my words, his concern evident as he considered the implications of our fractured family. And with a sense of urgency, I pressed forward, laying out my proposal with all the charm and persuasion at my disposal.
"I believe that uniting both sides of the family would be the best course of action," I continued, my voice steady and convincing. "Helaena, as the daughter of a king, deserves to ascend to the highest position of power. And what better way to ensure her future than by marrying her to Jacaerys, Rhaenyra's heir?"
To my satisfaction, Viserys nodded in agreement, swayed by my sweet words and the promise of family harmony. It was all too easy to manipulate him, to bend him to my will with the promise of a brighter future. And as we concluded our conversation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph at the knowledge that I had once again achieved my goals through cunning and persuasion.
One fortnight later, after receiving a response back from Storm's Endd, as Viserys held court, surrounded by the lords and ladies of the realm, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as my plans unfolded before my eyes.
With a flourish of his hand, Viserys made the proclamation that would change the course of our family's future. "I am pleased to announce," he declared, his voice echoing through the hall, "the marriage betrothal between my daughter, Princess Helaena Targaryen, and my grandson, Prince Jacaerys Targaryen."
The court erupted into murmurs of surprise and disbelief, the news catching them off guard. But as the shock wore off, a wave of excitement swept through the room, cheers and applause ringing out in celebration of the union.
But Viserys was not finished yet. With a regal smile, he continued, "And furthermore, I am delighted to announce the betrothal between my son, Prince Aegon Targaryen, and Lady Cassandra Baratheon of Storm's End."
The court was stunned into silence once more, three royal marriage betrothals announced in less than a fortnight. But as the news sank in, the room erupted into cheers once more, the courtiers eager to show their support for the matches chosen by their king.
As I watched the scene unfold before me, a sense of pride swelled within my chest. For it was I who had orchestrated these unions, manipulating the situation to my advantage with careful planning and cunning persuasion. And as the court cheered and applauded, I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph at the knowledge that my efforts had not been in vain.
My eyes met Queen Alicent's, I could see the color draining from her face, replaced by a look of horror and disbelief. It was a moment of triumph for me, a moment of sweet revenge for all the pain she had caused me and my family. For too long, she had underestimated me, thinking that Rhaenyra's fire was the one to watch out for. Which I liked just fine, because then his enemies never see it coming. Alicent had dared to involve my precious daughter in her schemes, using her as a pawn in her bid for power. And now, I had turned the tables on her, taking both her son and daughter from her grasp. It was a fitting punishment for the woman who had caused so much suffering in my life.
My gaze shifted from Alicent to her sworn shield, Ser Criston Cole, a smirk played across my lips. I could see the fury burning in his eyes, the righteous indignation of a man who believed himself above reproach. But little did he know, he was nothing more than a pawn in my game, a pawn that I would use to exact my revenge.
Criston had taken Joffrey, my beloved lover, from me, tearing him away in a fit of jealousy and rage. But now, I had taken something far more precious from him: his own flesh and blood. Jacaerys would never see Criston as a father figure, for in his eyes, he would always be my son. And as I imagined the moment when Criston would realize the truth, when he would come face to face with the consequences of his actions, a sense of satisfaction washed over me.
For in the end, I had emerged victorious. I had outmaneuvered my enemies, leaving them powerless in the face of my cunning and determination. And as I basked in the glow of my triumph, I knew that no one would ever underestimate me again.
For I was Laenor Velaryon, and I had won.