Viserys' reaction to her request did not surprise Visenya in the slightest. His face had remained serious, his lips parted as if he was contemplating whether or not to tell her what he thought of her plan. But it mattered not.
Visenya bid him a good night and returned to her chambers without discussing the matter further at the late hour. There would be plenty of time for that on the morrow. And the morrow came soon enough.
"Elinda, I will wear the red dress today." The Princess instructed when the woman arrived to help her prepare for her day. With a small smile on her lips, Elinda instantly knew which dress she was referring to.
It was one which her mother, Rhaenyra, had worn on one royal progress, the very one in which she had been first called the "Realm's Delight" by the smallfolk.
Visenya wanted to look her best today. As a force to reckoned with. Not only would she be breaking fast with her brother, the King, but she had heard of a Small Council Meeting planned this very day to discuss the funding of one of the newest ventures of Lord Alyn Velaryon.
The Velaryons had lost most of their wealth after the Rogare Bank had failed many years ago. The many ventures planned by Lord Alyn Velaryon to the Free Cities was an attempt to get House Velaryon back in a position of power in the Realm. The loss of their wealth was a true blow for the Valyrian Houses, especially considering that the Crown had to rely on the wealth of the Lannisters and the Hightowers for the time being.
Visenya was greatly angered by the thought. The two Houses who had traitorously supported the Greens during the war were not allowed to hold this much power in the Realm. That is why there were secret plans put in motion to rectify the situation.
After all, due to their treachery, the Hightowers now owe a lot of gold to the Crown's treasury in compensation for the trouble caused by two of their members. The Bank of Oldtown would not thrive for long.
Aegon's reasons for constantly funding Lord Alyn's expeditions were more personal. He felt guilty for having protected the Rogares when the Realm had risen up against them. Especially due to Larra Rogare's betrayal, when she abandoned his brother and returned to Lys.
He had tried to convince Viserys to consider an annulment so as he could move on with his life, but his brother had always refused. Despite the age difference between them, Viserys had genuinely loved Larra and had always hoped, all these years, that she would return to him. That hope faded when news of Larra's death reached them.
Visenya felt angered by the loyalty Viserys had towards his wife. It was something to be admired, of course, but that woman did not deserve his heart. Visenya was even convinced that what Viserys felt for Larra was not genuine affection. He was the Rogares' prisoner for years, dependent on them and forced at a young age of only three and ten to wed and bed their daughter of twenty years.
Even if Larra would have returned to him, Visenya would have done everything in her power to send her away. She had always felt protective of him, from the moment she first saw him. She could not help it.
A tinge of red appeared on Visenya's cheeks, as Elinda came towards her with the dress. Her eyebrows furrowed as she watched the Princess' face. What had she been thinking of?
With her head down, Visenya turned around and asked Elinda to help her dress.
"You will look most beautiful today, Princess." Elinda complimented her, as she watched her in her mother's red dress, picking out a ruby pendant for her neck to match.
"Thank you. It is an important day." Visenya smiled at her, as Elinda brushed her hair and arranged it as instructed.
"Oh? May I ask why?" Elinda asked, and she noticed how the Princess' smile grew and she gestured for Elinda to lean in close.
Covering her ear with the hand, Visenya whispered, "I plan to have Mother's reign recognized by the Realm. So, she would be remembered as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in the histories."
Elinda's eyes widened, but could hardly hide the small smile appearing on her own face as she thought of her queen finally receiving the recognition she deserves, as the first reigning Queen of Westeros. But something like this would not be easy to accomplish. Even if the King agreed, Elinda knew they would have a very hard time running it past the Small Council.
Visenya's heart was in the right place and Elinda knew her mother would be very proud of her. But she worried for the Princess, and what would happen if she were to be refused. Nonetheless, Elinda offered only encouragement and praised Visenya's decision. This earned her a heartfelt hug from the young girl.
"Thank you, Elinda. I must go. I will be late." Visenya told her, all giddily, making her way out the doors.
Visenya ran through the halls to the King's chambers, in excitement. This earned her lots of disapproving looks from the ladies of Court, as well as from some of the knights. She knew what they were whispering about her.
That she was acting inappropriately for a girl of her station, a Princess of the Blood. That she should be more dignified like the 'little queen' Daenaera. But Visenya did not care.
She was six and ten, younger than the Queen, and unwed. And besides, she is a Princess. The wants of other are of no consequence. But she did her best to control her enthusiasm when she was announced in the King's chambers.
The moment she entered, she was pretty surprised to notice that Viserys was already there. He and their brother, Aegon, were seated at the table, but stood up in greeting.
Viserys was wearing all red this day, and smiled appreciatively when he noticed that he and his sweet sister had similar tastes. Aegon, on the other hand, wore all black, as he always did. The circlet of yellow gold on his head was a constant reminder of his humility. Nothing ostentatious. Always so simple.
Out of the three, the war had affected Aegon the most. Mayhaps because he was the one who was forced to watch their mother's death by dragon fire, Visenya having been but a babe at the time.
Mayhaps because he was locked up in the black cells, threatened and humiliated by his uncle. Or mayhaps because he had never truly forgiven himself for leaving his brother on that ship and flying away on Stormcloud.
Whatever the reason, Visenya had never known Aegon to be anything other than a tired and cold young man. An old man's soul in a young body. He did try. With all his might, he tried to change. Tried to take his own advice and put the past behind him.
There were improvements. After all these years, having his joyous queen by his side helped greatly, as did his brother's presence. Slowly but surely, more and more emotion could be sensed in his voice, and Visenya was glad for it.
Queen Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon certainly wouldn't have wanted to see their son this way. He was the future of House Targaryen. He needed to secure their dynasty. But he would not be alone. For there were more Targaryens now to stand behind him.
"Sister!" Aegon greeted her.
He gestured for her to sit. There was a tinge of excitement in his voice, which comforted Visenya greatly. It was nice to know that she didn't represent a burden for him. That despite his apparent coldness, he loved his brother and sister dearly.
Movement on the right corner, near the balcony, made Visenya turn her head and notice for the first time that Queen Daenaera was standing there as well, with her usual bright smile, and her babe, Baelor, in her arms.
"Brother. My Queen." Visenya responded and formally curtsied for Daenaera, earning herself a pretty loud laugh from the 'little queen', the genuine smile never leaving her face.
"Come now, Visenya. You know there is no need for that."
Daenaera stepped closer, away from the balcony, giving Visenya the opportunity to carefully inspect her dress. Queen Daenaera almost always wore the color of the sea, a representation of her proud Velaryon heritage. And blue suited her well. It complemented her pale winter snow skin and silver-gold hair perfectly.
Much like the sea, Queen Daenaera was calm, confident and poised. She was always there when needed to put out the fire that enflamed the members of the Targaryen family. And she was good for King Aegon.
Daenaera and Visenya's relationship didn't start off too well. The princess was only five years of age when she first noticed Daenaera wearing a particular dress. The color was a combination of blue and green, but unfortunately, much closer to green.
Princess Visenya had heard the stories, despite how much Elinda had tried to shield her from them. She had heard of how their enemies were known as the Greens. And the reason why they were called that.
Visenya had screamed, pointed and cried at the sight of Daenaera's dress. The poor 'little queen', who herself was but a child of seven at the time, did not comprehend that she had done something wrong. After all, the dress had not been entirely green.
The incident was well remembered around the Red Keep, and was the subject of many discussions between the regents ruling at the time in the name of the young King Aegon.
It was also remembered as one of the few moments in the many years of regency, when the King had an opinion on a matter and wanted to be heard.
Although he seemed quite passive and emotionless in front of his subjects, Aegon was himself hurt by the unfortunate situation which had upset his sister and his Queen. At a Small Council meeting, he demanded that the color 'green', having been the color of a traitorous faction, be banned in the Red Keep.
Surprisingly, the Hand at the time, Unwin Peake, had agreed with His Grace. While the regents had deemed this proposal as unnecessary, Aegon had been firm on the matter, and the regents passed on the royal decree. Anyone wearing the color green around Court would be deemed a traitor to the Realm.
Queen Daenaera had never worn such a dress again, and slowly but surely, the fences were mended as the years went by and both she and Princess Visenya matured.
Visenya took a seat at the small table featuring all sorts of delicious foods and deserts. Daenaera took a seat across from her but had not handed Baelor to the wet nurse just yet, preferring to hold him close. The sight was enchanting.
"How fares little Daeron this morning?" Visenya offered to start with a more pleasant topic. Her older nephew was not in the room.
Daenaera appreciated the gesture and responded, "He is just perfect. Aegon believes he is getting a little too loud, however. I am afraid he has upset his father so…"
"I am not upset, Daenaera. I just…prefer the quiet in the mornings." Aegon responded a little too quickly.
There was a small frown gracing his features. He did not like it when his family did not understand. He was trying to change. But it was not easy. It would take more time.
As if reading his thoughts, Daenaera leaned forward and covered her husband's hand with hers, in comfort.
"I understand, husband." she murmured with a small smile.
While he did not return her smile, Aegon took her hand close to his mouth and pressed a small kiss on it.
A public display of affection. Aegon did not do that very often, and the sight was heartwarming. Daenaera was the perfect wife for him.
Visenya could not deny the feeling of loneliness in the pit of her stomach. She had her brothers, she had Elinda…but she still desired something more.
Turning her gaze away from Aegon and Daenaera, Visenya noticed for the first time that Viserys was watching her silently, pensively. What was he thinking of? Was this about what she said the other night? The reason she asked to break fast with them this morning?
Visenya had been excited to openly discuss the subject with her brothers but since Daenaera was joining them, she couldn't help but hesitate. Daenaera was part of their family, of course, but this discussion should have been between the children of Queen Rhaenyra alone.
"Lord Alyn is returning to Court. As are Baela and Rhaena." Daenaera stated, excitedly, while finally handing Baelor to the wet nurse present, so as she could enjoy some of the foods.
"They are?" Visenya quizzically looked between Aegon and Viserys.
"Alyn needs to be present when the Council decides on the costs attributed for his venture in the Free Cities." Viserys explained, while helping himself to berries.
"And Baela and Rhaena want to see the children, of course. I received a raven just this morning." Daenaera responded with her signature smile.
Visenya smiled politely, but chose to focus on the foods on her plate. Of course, Daenaera was excited that her family was coming to Court. Until her marriage to Aegon, Daenaera had been Lord Alyn and Lady Baela's ward. Daenaera had a good relationship with both sisters. Visenya only wished she could say the same.
It was not too obvious to everyone in the Realm, but in their family, it was clear that the relationship between Visenya and her half-sisters, Baela and Rhaena, was quite strained. For reasons unknown to the young princess, her older sisters chose to ignore her the few times they were in each other's company.
Visenya, however, would not stand for it any longer. While she may have accepted it when she was younger, she was now six and ten, a woman grown. And the Keep was her home. If Baela and Rhaena wished to come and visit, they would need to properly acknowledge her, since she is a Princess.
"I am sure Baela and Rhaena will be pleased to be in your company." Visenya told Daenaera.
"And you must join us. It has been so long." the 'little queen' was insistent.
"I would prefer not to. I am certain I am the last person Baela and Rhaena wish to see."
The tone in her voice did not go unnoticed. Daenaera looked confused, Viserys annoyed, while Aegon was focusing on his plate, disinterested in partaking in such a discussion.
"Ah, it seems my sister has chosen the role of jester…"
"Do not act like you have not noticed it, Viserys. They hate me." Visenya snapped at him.
At that moment, Aegon started coughing, immediately taking a cup of wine to calm himself. All the attention was turned on the King, as a tinge of red appeared on his cheeks.
"Aegon…" Daenaera stood up, but her husband gestured for her to sit back down.
"I am fine. Just fine."
With their eyes meeting across the table, Visenya and Viserys were slowly coming to the same realization. Of course. Who else at this table could offer insight on Baela and Rhaena other than Aegon himself, who has spent the most time in their presence? Viserys barely knew them, and Visenya had been too young.
With a small smirk on his face, Viserys turned his head to the King and said, "Brother, mayhaps you could ease our sister's worries."
"I know nothing." Aegon replied instantly and unconvincingly, making Daenaera cover her mouth with her hand, to suppress a smile.
"Brother!" Viserys and Visenya exclaimed at the same time, making Aegon wide eyed and as pale as his hair. He certainly did not appreciate being cornered like that, but his wife was also looking at him expectantly.
Defeated, Aegon finally confessed. "Well…I…I do recall many years ago, when Visenya was born…Father tended to give her more attention than expected. Attention he never gave Baela and Rhaena."
Visenya felt herself swell with pride at her brother's words. Father loved her most. She had always been told of her mother's love for her, but it was the first time she heard anything about how her father felt about her.
Viserys noticed the change in her composure.
"I trust this revelation suits you, sister?"
"Father loved Mother most. It is normal that he should prefer the children she gave him. But Baela and Rhaena are family. If they come to Court, I will treat them as such. But they also have to show me the proper respect." Visenya reasoned.
"I am certain that will not be a problem." Daenaera agreed.
"Good. Now that we have that settled…Visenya. Our brother mentioned that you wished to discuss something with me." Aegon stated and finally looked up from his plate, curiosity in his eyes.
Visenya stopped eating and her eyes met Viserys'. She has yet to learn of his opinion on the matter. When she left the halls abruptly the other night, he had not tried to stop her. He had said nothing.
As Hand, Viserys made a habit of having his opinions known around Court, opinions which Aegon greatly valued. But now, Viserys was choosing to remain stoic.
It was all up to her to sound convincing. And she did hope that the King would hear her plight, and make a decision from his heart, and not his mind.
"I understand you want us to put the past behind us and look to the future, brother." Visenya began and Aegon nodded in agreement. "But I don't believe I can."
"How so, Visenya?" Aegon asked as quietly as possible.
"The war against the usurper and his faction was won many years ago. But we have yet to mend mistakes of the past. We have a responsibility to our House to make things right. Starting with our mother."
"What about our mother?" Aegon asked, quizzically.
Visenya bit her lip and looked hesitantly towards Daenaera. The 'little queen' was now once against holding the babe close to her chest, but hardly paying any attention to him, being more immersed in the conversation.
"I believe it proper to ask of you to issue a decree, by which you inform the Realm of our mother's legitimate reign." The princess finally let loose let lips, and the words came out faster than she intended.
For a moment, Visenya believed she saw Aegon's dark purple eyes light up at the thought. Those dark purple eyes, the darkest shade of purple ever seen on a Targaryen. The smallfolk would always speak of how well Viserys resembled their father, the Rogue Prince, but Aegon and Visenya had inherited the looks of the Realm's Delight.
Visenya could confess that she had never seen Aegon look hopeful before. Always sorrowful, pensive or indifferent. But that look of hope vanished instantly, as he straightened up in his chair and gazed over at Viserys.
"I…well…I…" he was saying, a frown starting to crease his forehead once more, making Visenya's heart shatter. She had hoped.
"You disapprove." she whispered, and noticed the pitiful look Daenaera gave her.
"I did not say that." Aegon eventually regained his voice, and looked to his brother, almost imploring him to intervene. And that he did.
Leaning forward, Viserys told her, "Sister, I believe what our brother is trying to say is that such matters do not concern the King alone. There is the Small Council to consider, as well as the opinions of the great Lords of the Realm."
"I do not believe it to be too complicated. Our mother had been usurped. The Green faction surrounding Aegon the Usurper took the throne by force and plunged the Realm into war. Eventually, our mother's faction won, the usurper's line ended, and now the son of Rhaenyra Targaryen sits the throne. How is it that the usurper is remembered as King but our mother as Princess? She was crowned on Dragonstone and ruled from King's Landing just as much time as the usurper did." Visenya insisted, challengingly.
Sighing, Viserys leaned forward and took her hand in his and offered comfort. She wrinkled her nose in frustration but closed her eyes at the feeling of his palm in hers. The warmth of it was something she never knew she needed.
"We are not arguing with you, Visenya. But it was not our brother who decided that the usurper remain known as King." Viserys replied softly.
Looking into her eyes, Viserys did hope to calm her.
But as headstrong as she was, Visenya would have none of it. As much as she enjoyed his affectionate gesture, her mother's image was of more importance at the moment. Something her brothers refused to understand.
Pulling her hand back, she stood up and faced the three of them confidently.
"Then mayhaps the matter should be brought up before the Small Council on this day. I bid you good day, Your Graces." Visenya addressed both Aegon and Daenaera, before leaving the chambers in a rush.
"Visenya!" Aegon called out after her, as Viserys excused himself from the table as well and went after her.