Arbor gold was incredible. The sweetness of honey and vanilla made Visenya's eyes flutter closed, as Daenaera talked to Baela and Rhaena about her sons.
Although the Crown could afford to spend plenty of gold on drinks and sweet meats with the purpose of entertaining guests at the Keep, Visenya was mostly kept away from alcoholic drinks.
The whole Court knew the story. Two years prior, when she was only four and ten, Visenya had thought it fun to steal the keys to the cellar and sneak in there when the guards were not looking. Sure enough, the cellar was filled with Westerosi strong wine, reserved for a special meeting King Aegon would have with Princess Aliandra Martell, of Dorne.
Sure enough, after drinking to her heart's content, Visenya had been dragged out by the guards and taken to her brother, Viserys, who had just been appointed Hand of the King. The drinks have made her knees wobbly and her head was spinning, but even in the arms of a very angry Viserys, she could not stop laughing.
"Visenya." Daenaera said softly, and Visenya snapped out of her thoughts, noticing that the three women were staring at her.
The 'little queen' made a point of staring at her cup as a warning, which made the Princess sigh and place it down. The constant worrying over what she might do was greatly exaggerated. She had been a child, after all.
No matter how much Visenya tried, it seemed to her that people in the Red Keep tended to pay special close attention to everything she did, no matter how trivial. Aegon, Viserys and Daenaera were no exception.
She had asked Elinda about this once, to which her most trusted confidant had responded with how much she resembled her mother, the Realm's Delight, not only in looks, but in personality as well. It seems that Rhaenyra Targaryen had found herself in quite some trouble herself when she was her age. When Visenya asked Elinda what kind of trouble she was referring to, the lady chose not to respond. But the Princess did not miss the redness that crossed Elida's cheeks as she was making her bed.
It was unknown whether or not Baela and Rhaena knew about Visenya's little wine incident which happened a few years prior. If they did know, they certainly did not show it.
Daenaera continued her excited rant about how Daeron and Baelor fill her life with joy, at which point Visenya noticed the sad smile that Rhaena was giving the Queen. So many years had passed since her marriage to Ser Corwyn. The rumors at Court about how Rhaena Targaryen might be barren did not die out.
Regardless of the tension between the three Targaryen sisters which may have existed in the past, Visenya now found herself feeling a twinge of sadness herself when she looked between Rhaena and the overly enthusiastic Queen Daenaera.
The 'little queen' was full of light and of course, she meant well, but in this moment, Visenya was certain that she did not realize how the subject of children was tormenting Rhaena.
When the opportunity presented itself, Visenya found a way to finally engage one of the Dragon Twins in conversation and skip over the subject of children.
"I meant to ask, Rhaena, how fares Morning? I am very pleased that you have brought her to King's Landing."
Rhaena's eyes widened a little as she diverted her gaze from Daenaera over to Visenya. Mayhaps because she truly did not expect her younger half-sister to try at conversation with her, other than the needed formalities.
The Dragon Twin knew that she and Baela had not been very subtle when it comes to how they viewed their younger sister. It had been difficult to watch their father fawn over her since the moment she was born. Granted, Visenya's birth had represented a bright shining light in the darkness surrounding the Blacks. Mere hours before going into labor, Queen Rhaenyra had learned from Rhaena's grandmother, Princess Rhaenys, of the Greens' treachery and their usurpation of the Iron Throne.
Alicent Hightower had made her preparations while her own husband's body was rotting away in his chambers. Her unfit son was crowned immediately in the Dragonpit. The Greens had forced hundreds of smallfolk to witness the ceremony and bow to the usurper. All of these events had caused the rightful Queen Rhaenyra to go into early labor, frightening even the highly experienced Maester Gerardys himself.
But Visenya lived. When everyone was so certain that tragedy would befall Queen Rhaenyra once more, her daughter's birth had awed every single person who had come to Dragonstone in order to swear fealty to their new Queen.
They saw it as a sign. A sign of the Gods' favor, whether it be the Fourteen Flames of Old Valyria or the Seven. It mattered not. Visenya's birth was cheered across the island, like no other birth of the Queen had ever been before. It was a victory for them. Motivation for the Blacks to fight against the injustice which plagued them. Motivation to win the war.
And for the first time in her life, Rhaena had seen her father's eyes glow with happiness. Despite his previous anger at the situation, despite the threats which followed, promises to put the Greens' heads on spikes and burn Oldtown to the ground, in that one moment, he was happy. Rhaena and Baela themselves witnessed how he held Visenya in his arms and would not let go.
Rhaena could not deny…it hurt. And the resentment she never believed she could have for a baby girl she would call sister, began to surface after their parents died.
After the Blacks won the war and Lord Cregan Stark crowned their brother Aegon, Third of His Name, Rhaena hoped that as the last Targaryens, they would all represent a united front against opportunists who would seek to destroy their family once more. The wounds of the past would heal, but the Dragon Twins found the attempt to forge a relationship with their younger sister difficult.
Rhaena did hope that Visenya would not take their cold demeanor personally, but that had not been the case. For she had hardened her heart against them as well.
But now, mayhaps everything would change. Visenya was older. At six and ten, she was a woman grown. Rhaena did not know about Baela, but she would certainly do her best to be nicer than she had been in the past.
"She is well. Although I think she prefers Dragonstone. Thank you for asking, Princess." Rhaena eventually responded. She smiled in gratitude, understanding how Visenya had changed the subject for her benefit.
The smile was returned by a genuine one from Visenya as well. Daenaera was pleased with the outcome. Baela, on the other hand, had remained silent, focused on the Arbor gold, ignoring both her sisters.
None of the other three women were surprised. Everyone knew of the Lady of Driftmark's temperament. Baela was tough. She never gave in easily.
Putting down her cup, Baela looked towards Daenaera and said, "Your Grace, if it pleases you, I will see to Laena now."
"Of course." Daenaera approved with a smile.
Visenya had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep her temper in check when Baela left without a single word to her.
Despite Rhaena giving her an apologetic look on behalf of her sister, Visenya would not easily forget this. Lady of Driftmark or not, if Baela wanted to remain in King's Landing, she would show the proper respect to a Princess of the Realm. But above all that, they were sisters. They shared the same father. And they were both women grown now. If their family had any hope of starting anew, they needed to be united.
Forcing a smile, Visenya stood up herself and stated, "I must take my leave as well, Your Grace. The Small Council meeting is to start."
"Oh, you are participating?" Rhaena exclaimed, a surprised look on her face.
"I have since I was four and ten. My brothers both agreed that having me assist in Council meetings would be a show of force for us as Targaryens. A small reminder to the other Houses of who rules the Realm." Visenya explained, keeping her head up proudly.
"Of course. And do you have an official position?"
"Not yet. I do hope to become an advisor. It would do the Small Council some good to listen to the opinion of a woman."
At that remark, both Rhaena and Daenaera let out some giggles.
"We hope to hear good news on this day, Visenya." Daenaera finally told her with a small smile, which Visenya returned.
Baela and Rhaena had not been told about Visenya's proposition to have her mother, Rhaenyra Targaryen, recognized as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms in official documentation. Daenaera understood that some things needed to be kept between the children of the late Queen for the time being.
Visenya was not yet aware how Aegon and Viserys were planning to spring this on the Small Council members, but in any case, in needed to be done strategically. And that meant, no outside interference until the meeting is to take place.
If Baela and Rhaena were to know, they would no doubt inform their husbands at once. Despite the fact that the Dragon Twins are Targaryen by blood and name, their primary loyalties now lied with their husbands' Houses, just as their grandmother, Rhaenys Targaryen, protected the interests of House Velaryon.
Visenya could not trust anyone with such an important matter, except of course her own brothers, and Queen Daenaera, who although being Velaryon by blood, now was firmly loyal to the ruling House Targaryen. And of course, there was Lady Elinda Massey, her most trusted confidante.
Curtsying before the 'little queen', Visenya turned to Rhaena and said, "Rhaena, I have enjoyed your company. I do hope you will allow me to visit Morning soon."
"With pleasure, Princess."
"I insist you call me Visenya. We are sisters, are we not?" Visenya replied, boldly.
Rhaena looked a little unsure for a moment, before showing that she was indeed the kinder of the Dragon Twins, and nodded her head in recognition, "Visenya, then."
Wishing them a pleasant day, Visenya turned on her heel and left the Queen's chambers. The reunion with her half-sisters had not been as terrible as she was expecting. Rhaena was surely trying to make amends, which was a good start. With Baela, matters were very different, and Visenya knew that if she was hoping to gain the respect she deserved as Princess of the Realm, she needed to take charge and be firm. Show that she is the blood of the dragon.
On her way to her own chambers, Visenya was intercepted by Ser Raynard Ruskyn, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, who informed her that the Small Council meeting was being postponed. Apparently, the King and Lord Hand had some business they needed to discuss privately with Ser Corwyn Corbray.
"The meeting will still be held this day, Princess. I will be attending myself." he explained.
"Then I hope you would be so kind as to escort me at the proper time." Visenya replied.
"Of course, Princess." The Lord Commander responded with a bow.
Visenya was indifferent to Ser Raynard. His House was of very low standing and had not participated much in the war, therefore it could not be said that his family had sided with the usurper. And during the 'embarrassing secret siege', as Visenya herself put it, Ser Raynard had remained loyal to King Aegon and Prince Viserys and defended the Lysene woman with them. His loyalty had been rewarded, and as such, he had replaced Ser Marston Waters as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
Mayhaps this man was someone their family could trust. But only time would tell.
When she finally reached her chambers, Visenya was pleased to see that Lady Elinda was already there, looking among many of Visenya's mother's dresses, deciding which one would be fitting for the Princess to wear at such an important Council meeting.
"The meeting has been postponed, Elinda. I shall take a hot bath now." Visenya said, and Elinda immediately ordered the maids located in different parts of the chambers to ready the Princess' bath.
…
The steaming hot bath succeeded in relaxing her tense muscles. Visenya leaned back in the tub and closed her eyes, listening to one of Elinda's lullabies. She had been told that her mother would sing it to her all the time. If only she could remember her voice…
A tear slid down Visenya's cheek. She didn't know what this day would accomplish, but she did hope that no matter what, her mother would be looking down on her children and smiling proudly.
Viserys had promised to honor their mother. She could only hope that the King had changed his mind as well.
"All will be well, Princess." Elinda whispered soothingly, as she finally helped the girl out of the tub and helped her dress. Visenya had chosen a dress the color yellow. The patterns made it seem as though she were covered in dragon scales. Another favorite dress of Rhaenyra Targaryen, commissioned in honor of the former Queen's dragon, Syrax. The embroidery was rich, as expected and Elinda helped her accessorize with the proper jewels.
Visenya also chose a crown for herself. Gold, and adorned with rubies. Mayhaps she was dressed a little too extravagant for a Council meeting, but this was no ordinary Council meeting, and as soon as every member would see her, they would know.
A knock on the door was heard and Ser Raynard Ruskyn entered, bowing his head and acknowledging her, "Princess. I have come to escort you."
"Thank you, good ser! I am ready." Visenya replied, and took a deep breath, Elinda squeezing her fingers in comfort one last time. Giving her lady-in-waiting a final hug, Visenya walked out with Ser Raynard following close behind her.
Today, she would be doing precisely as her mother has for many years when she sat in on Small Council Meetings. She would be facing the opinions of proud and angry men.
Visenya had no official position on the Small Council, as she was only six and ten. She was there to learn, and as such, she had barely spoken a word throughout all the meetings which had come to pass the past two years. But this day would be different. If needed, she would speak up and as a Princess of the Realm and the King's sister, these men would not dare say anything.
The doors opened, and Visenya walked in, her head up proud, with the Lord Commander right behind her. Most members of the Small Council were already there. Once they noticed her presence, they immediately stood. Even if she was the only woman present, Visenya commanded the respect fitting a Targaryen Princess.
"Princess!" All three men exclaimed at the same time, and then acknowledged the man behind her, "Lord Commander."
Nodding her head in acknowledgement, Visenya mumbled, "My Lords." as a simple greeting and strode over to her seat, located directly on the left-hand side of the King's. The Hand occupied the chair on the King's right-hand side.
Visenya did not miss the look that Grand Maester Alford gave her. The old man had witnessed the intimate moment between her and Viserys. Regardless of what he believed was happening, the Princess hoped that he would keep his mouth shut.
The Small Council members had a long-standing history of butting in on matters which do not concern them. When would they learn that members of the royal family do not answer to them? They answered to the King alone.
Nevertheless, Visenya acknowledged the capabilities of the Grand Maester. He was wise, talented, and has proven himself worthy of having a seat at this table. And most importantly, a seat next to hers.
The same could not be said about the Master of Ships, Ser Gedmund Peake.
The Small Council had been cleaned up quite nicely since Aegon had become King in more than just name. The men who occupied the permanent posts were men that the Crown could trust, men whose loyalty was to House Targaryen. And most importantly, men whose Houses did not commit treason by fighting against the Blacks during the war. But Ser Gedmund Peake was an exception and in Visenya's view, a thorn in their sides.
House Peake had supported the usurper during the war. She did have this conversation with Viserys once before. While Visenya deemed it an insult to hold a member of a House who fought for the traitors in such a high position, Viserys reassured her that this was a temporary and necessary measure.
After the removal of Unwin Peake as Hand of the King, House Peake needed to be pacified. As such, even though he was completely unsuited, Ser Gedmund Peake had been allowed to occupy the post.
Alyn Velaryon had been enraged at the thought of someone like Peake commanding his royal fleets. Visenya knew that despite Alyn's deep love for adventure and travel across the Narrow Sea, he longed for a way back on the Small Council as Lord Admiral and Master of Ships.
He always believed he was the worthiest candidate, and rightfully so. Despite having been legitimized by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Alyn Velaryon had always felt a need to prove himself as a true Velaryon to the Realm, especially after the succession crisis which had followed Lord Corlys' death.
However, people tended to overlook his accomplishments and instead, focus on the rumors surrounding his parentage. The gossips were never-ending, as were the bets taken: who was Alyn's true father? Laenor or Corlys?
What did it matter? Alyn was a Velaryon by blood, and there were now no doubts as to his capabilities to command a royal fleet.
Just as it did not matter when the parentage of Visenya's older half-brothers came into question. They were Targaryens, and that was all that mattered.
Visenya had never gotten to know her mother's first three sons, Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey. All she knew was what Aegon had told her, that all three of them fought and died as heroes for the future of their House. For that alone, Visenya would always hold them in her heart.
The Velaryons had always been close kin to the Targaryens and despite the few problems in the past, despite Lord Corlys' temporary betrayal, Visenya understood that House Targaryen would always be able to depend on House Velaryon, especially after having brought them into the royal fold for the second time in history. The Realm needed to understand that the unity between the two powerful Valyrian houses would never again be broken.
Queen Daenaera Velaryon was a perfect start. Now, Alyn Velaryon needed to return to Court…permanently.
Visenya watched as Gedmund took the seat on the right-hand side of the Hand. She wrinkled her nose and her fingers gripped the fabric of her dress tightly. This incompetent fool would be removed from Court, one way or another.
Lord Commander Ruskyn took a seat next to Peake, and offered her a small smile, which Visenya politely returned.
Turning her head to the left, and looking over the Grand Maester, Visenya noticed Isembard Arryn, the Master of Coin.
The Princess was pleased to have a member of House Arryn on the Small Council, one of the Great Houses which supported her mother in the war. Even though Isembard believed he had been wronged in the succession crisis in the Vale, he had come to accept Lord Joffrey Arryn as Lady Jeyne's successor and Lord of the Eyrie.
After the disaster which had followed the collapse of the Rogare Bank, Isembard had provided relief for the smallfolk and strategically managed to refill the Crown's coffers. He had more than proven himself fit for his post.
Visenya secretly wished that the Small Council would be filled entirely with members of the Houses who had rightfully supported the Blacks during the war. The chances were great.
There were two vacant positions in the Small Council which needed to be filled, namely the posts of Master of Laws and Master of Whisperers.
The doors opened once more and everyone stood, including Visenya. Aegon walked in first, dressed in his black velvets, as he always was, and with the simple gold coronet on his head. His strides were long, and his eyes looked lost as he hurriedly made his way to his chair at the end of the table. He barely acknowledged the people in the room, even though everyone bowed respectfully.
Right behind him was Viserys, dressed in red and gold, his hands behind his back and walking proudly to his chair, though not as quickly as Aegon did. He took his time to analyze the people in the room, and could not help but smirk when he noticed Visenya was dressed in yellow as well.
Visenya locked eyes with him at that precise moment, but almost immediately looked down to her hands, where they were rubbing against one another due to nervousness. She felt warm. No doubt the tinge of red was on her cheeks.
How was he making her feel this way? It kept happening…more often than expected. She knew she had always been somewhat enamored with him. It was so since the first moment she laid eyes on him, upon his return to Westeros, with the Lyseni woman as his wife. But she never believed that those feelings would ever grow into something more.
She had been but a child of five, but her heart quickened when seeing his charming smile, a dashing figure. A boy of two and ten with the promise of becoming quite a man.
And a man he was indeed. Handsome, charming, witty, and the blood of the dragon. Prince Viserys had become every woman's dream. Despite his wife leaving him, he had remained faithful to her for years and years, until only a short while ago when he learned of her death.
Visenya knew that soon enough, her brother would be receiving marriage proposals from daughters of the Great Lords across the Realm. Eager to mend fences, the Lords of the Realm would not hesitate to put forth their daughters for a chance to elevate their status and join the royal family. The thought greatly worried the Princess.
Turning her face back towards the doors, Visenya noticed Alyn Velaryon taking a seat at the other end of the table, as expected. It was the seat that the former Lord of the Tides, Corlys Velaryon always occupied.
There was a look of arrogance plastered on Alyn's face. His silver hair tied neatly in a low ponytail, as always. His purple eyes narrowing at Ser Gedmund Peake, for obvious reasons.
Visenya's eyes widened a little as she noticed the last person to enter. Ser Corwyn Corbray. The guards immediately shut the doors after him, and the man took a seat between Alyn Velaryon and Isembard Arryn.
The Princess looked over at Viserys, a question in her eyes, but was disappointed to see that the Hand was not looking at her. His attention was on his two good-brothers.
Aegon gave Viserys the signal to begin, and that he did. Standing up, the Hand made the proper introductions before getting to the important matters which needed to be discussed.
Alyn Velaryon made his case and informed the Council of the costs required for his newest venture, promising to triple the amount of gold dragons located in the Crown's treasury upon his return.
When seeing the dissatisfied look on Isembard's face, Alyn made a point of reminding everyone of how the financial strength of House Velaryon had plummeted to ground because of the Rogare family. Aegon's face showed nothing but guilt, whereas Viserys seemed uncomfortable of having been reminded of his connection to the Rogares.
In any case, the Master of Coin had resolved to put together a good proposal and come to an understanding with Alyn.
Aegon had agreed to the sum negotiated by the two, and made it official by signing the document in the presence of the Council members and attributing the official royal seal.
"This pleases me greatly. I thank you, Your Grace!" Alyn exclaimed, looking over the document, and taking a seat.
"We wish you luck on your ventures, Lord Alyn. We are certain that both Driftmark and the Crown will benefit." Viserys told him.
A moment of silence followed, after which Aegon spoke. A little too loudly, as always.
"We have another matter to bring forth!"
Visenya saw that Aegon was eying Corwyn, which made her even more curious as to what her brothers have been up to behind her back.
Taking a deep breath, Aegon got straight to the point. "I hereby name Ser Corwyn Corbray as the new Master of Laws."
A smile crossed Visenya's face as she looked to her left at her good-brother in approval.
"You honor me, Your Grace." Corwyn replied, bowing his head slightly.
"A wise choice, Your Grace." Isembard Arryn stated, and Visenya nodded her head, smiling brightly at her brothers, "Indeed."
Viserys did not hesitate to send another smirk his sister's way. He knew of her desires. For years she had been hoping that the Small Council would be turned into the Black Council. Suitable members who had been loyal to the one true Queen Rhaenyra and whose Houses fought for the Black party. And slowly but surely, the Houses who had supported the traitorous Green faction would be put aside.
The plan was well on the way.
Visenya turned her head to Gedmund Peake and could not help but grin slightly at the critical looks the man was giving everyone at the table. He would not dare question the King's decision, of course, but at the same time, he was beginning to understand what was happening.
Aegon rubbed his hands together on the table, his dark purple eyes completely focused on them, as he addressed Corwyn.
"As the new Master of Laws, Ser Corwyn, I will require you to look into the possibilities of amendments being made to the law of succession."
Clearing his throat, Grand Maester Alford felt the need to intervene.
"Your Grace, forgive me, but the law of succession was put in place not long after you yourself have been crowned King of the Seven Kingdoms. Begging your pardon, but what amendments would it require?"
"I agree with Grand Maester Alford." Gedmund immediately added, straightening in his chair, once again eying everyone as if he had been cornered.
Viserys noticed that Aegon was not going to respond, his brother's face remaining stoic and deep in thought.
"I remind the Council that the law of succession had been decided by the regents put in place after the end of the war. Given his young age at the time, the King did not have an opinion on the matter. As such, the King wishes to make certain changes he deems necessary."
"Right the wrong, one would say." Visenya found herself saying, excitement and nervousness clashing inside her.
The men at the table eyed her with surprised looks. She was not usually one to talk at these meetings, mostly due to her inexperience.
But Visenya was determined to make her opinions known as of this moment. She would take care not to undermine her brother, the King, as Viserys had warned her, but she refused to continue the role of a silent doll. Especially when these kinds of matters concerned her family.
House Targaryen would be ruled by the Targaryens, and as the royal family, matters of State would of course be decided by House Targaryen, not opportunistic lickspittles who sought their own rise. They needed to learn from the mistakes of the past, and no longer let snakes into their midst.
Their House would rise to the strength of Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives. Visenya knew this was what her father had wanted. And she would do everything in her power to grant his wish. And the first step is having her mother recognized as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of her Name.
"It is the King's will that the law is to be amended as to indicate that the first-born child of the ruling monarch, whether it be male or female, succeed him as either King or Queen." Viserys explained.
"Your Grace!" Gedmund Peake exclaimed, standing up and looking directly at Aegon, almost begging him to intercede.
Aegon did look up from his hands at that moment but remained calm, gesturing to his brother to continue, completely ignoring the outburst of the Master of Ships.
Viserys complied, and looked to his good-brother, saying, "Ser Corwyn, make haste and inform the King and I of the possibilities in due time."
"As you will, Lord Hand." Ser Corwyn replied, trying to keep the smile from appearing on his face. He no doubt, had been informed beforehand where all of this was going.
Alyn Velaryon seemed to be completely unfazed as well, and looked his proud and arrogant self at having been informed of the Crown's plans beforehand. Visenya knew how important it was for him to be included in such matters.
Ser Gedmund Peake was not going to let this go on without being heard.
"Your Grace, I must insist that amendments of such important laws be discussed and approved by the Council! I seem to recall that the many regents who have served the Realm during your infancy, Ser Corwyn here included, have agreed on such a law so as to permanently resolve any future succession crisis that the Crown may suffer. We do not wish for the Realm to be plunged into another war!"
Viserys was about to respond, but Aegon cut him off by exclaiming just as loudly, "The stability of the Realm concerns me, Ser Gedmund! Do you question my desire to keep peace among our people?"
The King was now frowning, as he was eying the Lord Admiral, daring him to continue. Despite being hunched over at that table and having let Viserys do much of the talking as always, Aegon was now set on displaying his authority as King. Visenya couldn't be prouder. This is what their parents would have wanted for their heir. Her eldest brother had been named after Aegon the Dragon. He needed to be a dragon.
"Your Grace, I meant no disrespect…"
"I know what you meant, Lord Admiral!" Aegon snapped, and then added, "The war has cost us plenty. I acknowledge the need for stability, the need for peace. But showing ignorance to past mistakes only increases the chances of another war in the near future. The Realm has sufficient experience in having women at the helm. The late Lady Jeyne Arryn would have attested to that. I see no reason as to deny a woman the opportunity to rule the Seven Kingdoms in the near future. And if my mother's own ascension had had a peaceful transition, as wished by my grandsire, King Viserys, First of His Name, and as promised by all the Lords of the Realm, we could have avoided tragedy and heartache!"
Viserys and Visenya were both smiling proudly at their brother. To see him speak so freely, openly defending their mother, made Visenya giddy inside.
Aegon's nostrils were flaring and he was breathing in deeply. He had not expected such a reaction from himself. It was as if he had managed, for that one moment, to break through the blockage which has kept his thoughts and his emotions inside, threatening to burst. His bottom lip was now trembling, as it always had when he had been a child.
He had always wanted to keep the peace. Freshly traumatized by the war, the boy who was only one and ten, would have accepted anything just to avoid war, suffering, deaths. No more. After witnessing his mother's death, he could no longer bear it.
But everything was different now. Many years had passed, and Aegon could no longer bear the guilt of having done nothing for the mother who did everything for him. He had done his duty to the Realm and kept the peace. Now, he would do his duty to his mother and to his House.
"We shall await the opinion of the new Master of Laws on the matter. I highly trust your judgement, Ser Corwyn. You have proved proper competence in matters of governance as one of my regents."
"I shall not disappoint, Your Grace. With your leave, I shall start immediately." Corwyn responded.
"Your Grace, if I may, is there a reason as to why you have decided on such a change? You yourself have two sons, and there is no doubt that, gods willing, Prince Daeron, as your eldest, shall succeed you one day as King." Isembard Arryn asked, rubbing his chin in confusion.
Aegon kept silent, mayhap a little overwhelmed by his outburst, not being used to speaking his mind. This forced Viserys to intervene and make the decision of informing the Council of their intentions himself.
"The Crown is set on issuing a royal decree, recognizing the reign of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name."