Rhaella's Private Chambers, Red Keep – King's Landing, CrownLands – Seat of Power: Rhaegar I Targaryen
The time from the Harrenhal Tourney and the coup to the crowning ceremony had been a blur for many; if not all. After Aerys was taken down and locked away, the event was cancelled and instead changes took place.
Many Lords and House Heads left to spread the news, only to later gather in King's Landing for the Official Coronation of Rhaegar. When it took place, the Throne Room was filled with men and women from all corners of the Seven Kingdoms.
One by one, Lords and Ladies bent their knee to the newly crowned King; swearing their loyalty to him and the Dragon Family. One by one, they all got thanked, honoured and rewarded for their support during their coup.
Few refused to follow Rhaegar, upset with how he got the throne; even though nothing was of his doing. Those men were dealt with mercy, Rhaegar giving them fair warnings and sending them away; all while reminding them what would await them should they try to upstage him and bring his father back.
The majority of Lords, though, changed sides easily; their loyalty was yet to be tested but it was a start, as Visenya had told her nephew.
After the Coronation was over, many had departed but few resided for one more day; choosing to be hosts of the King and reside in the famous Red Keep; until the following morning.
With the sky above them turning orange as the bright sun had started to set, signalling the end of this new day; Visenya had chosen to pay a visit to her sister. The former Queen had been present during the Coronation but was seated, feeling still ill and weakened.
It was after Visenya paid her a visit to her new and private chambers, did her sister confessed the truth.
"Any dreams on this one?" Rhaella joked, sitting comfortably on one big armchair.
She was pregnant yet again, for Aerys had paid her a "visit" the night before he left for Harrenhal. Of course, the Queen had been smart and wore a bigger dress; hiding the small growing bump.
Now it was not the time for the world to know, especially with how upset many were with Aerys and his behaviour. Of course, she could not keep the secrets from her only sister; who had gone to great lengths to end Aerys' tyranny by literally staging a coup from scratch.
Visenya offered her sister a smile, having missed spending time with her. There was guilt in her red-flecked amber eyes, after seeing the condition Rhaella was in. Bruised, marked and weakened; the younger of the Dragon Sisters knew that she was partially to be blamed.
Why?
Because she had left Rhaella behind with her abusive husband.
While Visenya enjoyed her time in Casterly Rock, being loved and adored; her sister passed through hell almost on a daily basis. While there were not a lot of things Visenya could ever do to help her, she could not help but feel guilty.
Thankfully, the nightmare was over and Rhaella was free to live her life.
Of course, there was this small fear of the upcoming pregnancy; because that dream she had seen back then at Casterly still haunted her.
Rhaella bleeding out on a bed after birth, her body weak and her skin paler than her white hair. Blood formed a pool of deep red, being absorbed by the white sheets and coming in endless amounts from her body.
The younger dragon held back any thoughts, masking and hiding them from her sister. She would never let her know of that dream, of her worries; for nothing good would come from it.
"None yet" she answered, sitting on an armchair by her side. "Once I do, you know I will let you know immediately"
Rhaella smiled, placing a hand on her tummy. "I know... I have a good feeling about this, Visenya. This child... I will raise it differently, better even. No matter the gender, I will make every moment count"
Visenya smiled softly at the motherly side of her sister, which had yet to disappear despite all the miscarriages and the two forceful births she had endured.
"I am sure you will and I will be with you, every step of the way" she said and extended her hand, placing it on top of hers.
Rhaella looked at her, her violet eyes dull but hope and life were still present; slowly growing stronger now that her abuser was locked away.
"Does that mean you will stay? Return to King's Landing?" she asked hopefully.
Her sister pressed her lips until they formed a thin line, her unique eyes not once breaking eye contact with her. "If Rhaegar names Tywin his Hand, I will follow him and stay. Although, I will have to occasionally travel to Casterly Rock to handle any urgent affairs"
She did not have to do those trips, for Genna and Kevan did a fine job replacing the power couple. However, Visenya did wish to do it; keeping contact with the place she had called her new home, and with the people she truly wished to protect and help.
It was her duty and she was not going to pass it to anyone, just so she could have it easier. She was not that kind of a woman, not when she was younger and not now.
Rhaella nodded her head, understanding what Visenya was saying. She was proud to see her sister in a far better role, one she truly deserved and with people supporting and loving her as much as they should.
"I hope he will" she confessed, making her sister arch an eyebrow. "Do not take it personally, sister... I just worry about Rhaegar. He is young and the pressure is too much. The Lords will feast upon him like crows if given the chance...but if Tywin is by his side, I know he will be safe..."
Visenya looked at her sister and squeezed her hand, showing her support on the matter. "He will be safe and he will grow to be a great King. You will see" she reassured her but she could still see the worry within her violet eyes. "This is not your only worry, is it?"
Her sister let out a heavy sigh, unable to truly hide anything from Visenya; she was always good at reading people. "It's Viserys... I worry about him" she told her. "He has not taken it lightly upon the change, let alone seeing his father imprisoned"
It was Visenya's turn to nod her head in acknowledgement.
The boy had been rather silent, barely talking to anyone; only glaring at those around him. His Maesters felt uneasy, seeing that much hate in a boy that young; barely passed his 5th nameday.
Worse was the fact that he seemed to glare the hardest whenever Visenya was in the picture, showing an intense hatred for his own aunt; since he knew personally that she was the reason his father was rotting in the black cells.
"He is young and his whole world changed, it makes sense that he is upset. Give him time and his latest sibling... things will change for the better, and so will he" Visenya said, ever so confident in her words as if she knew it for certain.
Considering her unique gift, perhaps she did; although no one truly knew that, not even her.
"What do you think will happen to Aerys?" Rhaella found the courage to ask.
She had been dreading to hear the news, which had yet to come. No matter how hard she tried to learn anything, she did not have much of a success. Her sister, on the other hand, was at the centre of it all and she knew; more than she let others see.
Visenya let out a heavy sigh. "It has not been officially discussed yet... though, many do request his head. Some do not find peace knowing he is still alive, even if he is locked in a cell"
Rhaella placed her other hand on top of her sister's. "Please may not come to that" she commented, surprising the other woman in the room.
"Rhaella... he killed innocents and threatened far more. He daily raped and abused you" she reminded the older woman.
The former Queen did not seem to mind those reminders nor did she flinch at certain words. "I know... but he is still our brother, Visenya. We were the original three heads of the dragon and three we must remain, even if one is imprisoned."
Her sister shook her head faintly, not sharing the same optimism as her. She was a woman who rarely forgot, let alone forgive; especially those who had harmed her loved ones, in one way or another.
She understood the kindness Rhaella had in her heart but she could not share it, not after what their brother had done. Common blood or not, she was not going to defend any of his actions and if his head were to meet the sword; she was not going to turn away or stop it.
She chose not to comment on it, for she knew it would upset her sister. Instead, she remained where she was; offering comfort and allowing Rhaella to be reminded of the good times when the two sisters would spend hours in each other's rooms; way after the sun had set and without their parents knowing it.
Hours later, Visenya had left her sister to get an early sleep; for she would need it more than ever. Her body was still not fully strong to handle the pregnancy but Visenya was determined to try her hardest and prepare her, reducing as many dangers as she could.
She should return to her chambers, for she was certain Tywin was expecting her but on her way there; she passed in front of a familiar wooden door. Barely left open, one could faintly hear the sound of harp strings being pulled; a futile attempt to produce their sweet sound.
Curious but also suspicious, she dared to peek inside and then go as far as to enter; before closing the door behind her. Deep into the dark room, with only the light of the moon and a few candles to offer illumination; Rhaegar sat on a stool.
His precious golden harp was in front of him, his fingers gently placed on the strings but there was tension behind his every move. His face was serious, his heart clouded and his heart conflicted; all not allowing him to produce the sounds he wished to.
When the door closed, he averted his eyes from the empty space he was passively staring at; to acknowledge the newcomer. A weak smile formed on his lips, seeing Visenya standing there in all her glory.
"Auntie" he greeted, always happy to see her; although now he felt it was not the best of times.
"Rhaegar" Visenya greeted him with a gentle tone. She approached her nephew and grabbed a free stool, before taking a seat by his side.
A few years ago, they had sat in this very same room; discussing Visenya's departure to Dragonstone. Back then, Visenya was still part of the success line, unmarried and rather young. Rhaegar was an aspiring young Prince, who hid from his Maesters and found solace in his music.
Now, she was a married woman, a mother and a Lady to the most powerful house across Westeros. She was the one that planned everything about the coup and she was a far more serious person, than what she used to be.
He had also changed; a far cry from what he once was. Now, he was a King and the golden crown of his father resided on his head. He was a grown man, with a wife and two children; one of which was now a direct successor and one day would be the next Targaryen King.
"I am sorry Auntie" he confessed, his smile not able to reside on his face for much longer. "I am afraid I am not the best of a company right now"
"What is troubling you, Rhaegar?" she asked, placing her warm hand on top of his. "You know you can always talk to me"
He let out a heavy sigh and glanced at their hands. "A lot of things... mostly this whole, ruling. I... I do not feel ready for it, Auntie. I feel... that it was not the right time, yet. That I had more time to enjoy my life, my music... before taking all those responsibilities, before having this crown on top of my head" he confessed and took off the golden crown, somehow finding it too heavy for his liking.
Visenya squeezed his hand, offering some silent comfort while the other hand wrapped around his broad shoulder; barely able to pull the move properly now that he had grown more fit and muscular.
Yet, she managed to gently pull him towards her and let him read his head on her shoulder. White long locks of hair spread like a blanket across her shoulder and she gently rubbed his body.
"I do not think any King truly is ready... and those that think they are, they lie to themselves," she said, trying to reassure him. "I know you wished you had more time, I do too... but we both know one day, this would have to happen"
"I know... it does not really help though"
She offered a weak smile. "I guess it does not... but you know what?" she glanced down at him. "I know you will make a great King and as long as you have the right counsel by your side; everything will work out in the end. I promise you"
Her words seemed to make him smile and he gently pulled his body, so he was sitting properly and could look at his aunt. Her hand remained on top of his and he made no move to pull back, enjoying this soft and unique contact of hers.
"Speaking of council... I did ask Lord Tywin to be the Hand of the King" he informed her, drawing her full attention. "He agreed to it"
Visenya was not surprised. "I expected that he would. You made a fine choice Rhaegar"
"But I am not done yet. There are three more positions left to be filled" he reminded her.
The Small Council consisted of six people in total, all of which were tasked with a separate, unique but equally important talk; in order to make sure that the burden was distributed and not one person truly held the power.
Currently, three positions were left open.
The Master of Coin, responsible for the economics of the Kingdom and the trade. They were tasked with keeping an eye on the royal coffers, always making sure there were more than enough to survive during a war, famine or a harsh winter.
The Master of Whispers, responsible for keeping tabs on all things taking place across the Westerosi but also the Eastern Continent of Essos. They were tasked with warning the king in advance of upcoming dangers, rising powers and so much more.
The Master of Arms was the one tasked with the full army force of the Royal Kingdom. They were responsible for ensuring the soldiers were getting properly paid, equipped and trained; to be able to defend their city and their King.
The rest of the positions had already been filled; with Rhaegar announcing his coronation.
The Master of Ships, responsible for the Royal Navy. The very first person to lead an attack from the sea, always ensuring there were soldiers, sailors and ships ready in case of an attack. Currently, that position would be held by Stannis Baratheon; Rhaegar's second cousin.
The Captain of the Kingsguard, the Main Knight; was tasked with the proper training and amenities for the Kingsguard. They were the most experienced of the Knights, the best one with the sword and a noble heart that his fellow knights would follow without hesitation. So far, the White Bull had remained at that position; for Rhaegar did not wish to change him, not after all his servitude to the Dragons.
Last, was the Hand of the King; the most powerful and important position. Right beneath the King, the man responsible for such a title; could do almost what the King could, with little limitation. It was up to them, to ensure the King was informed when he could not attend small council meetings and take the place of the King in public hearings, trials and even in matters of ruling; when the monarch could not be present.
That was the title Tywin had when Aerys was King and now had once again obtained; pledging his loyalty and his skills to Rhaegar.
"Have you thought of any candidates?" Visenya asked, curious to see who in his eyes was worthy of that position.
She had agreed with the decision to establish Stannis, for the second son of Steffon deserved recognition for his strategic mind and rather innate nature when it came to ships and the sea. Mayhap in a previous life, was a Velaryon with the abilities he seemed to possess.
Rhaegar smirked and his aunt quickly caught up with his thoughts.
"No-"
"Yes," he interrupted her. "I wish that you take the role of Master at Arms" he continued.
"Rhaegar..." his aunt exclaimed and shook her head faintly, a small smile on her lips. "You honour me, you truly do" She moved her hand to cup his cheek. "But you know I cannot accept. No woman truly sat on the High Council since Rhaenyra was Queen and even that did not last long... Thank you for considering me but there are others far more capable than I am for that position"
Yet, he did not seem that adamant to let her go. He placed his bigger hand on top of hers and looked deep into her eyes. "I am afraid I cannot accept your refusal, Auntie," he said, his tone serious. "You might not consider yourself worthy but I do. I cannot think of someone more fit for this job than you... I told you that before, after Duskendale and I am telling you again. I want you on the council..." not once did he break eye contact and she had never seen him that serious and mature before. "You promised me back then"
Visenya could sense how faintly his grip had increased on her arm and she was surprised by his tone and his attitude. Rarely did Rhaegar pull such a serious face, let alone that kind of demeanour.
There was this hidden danger in his violet orbs but all that was merely a mask to hide his insecurities. He was afraid of leading alone, he did not feel ready to be King, and he needed her by his side.
He needed his aunt who had been advising and tutoring him ever since he was a child. He needed the wise woman whom he would trust with his life, to be honest, and truthful with him... who had the mind and the experience to help make things better, make a difference to the Small Council.
In the end, the Dragoness gave in. "I did promise, didn't I?" she exclaimed and offered him a small but gentle smile. "Thank you for the offer, Rhaegar. I will gladly accept the position and be part of your small council"
At her words, Rhaegar smiled and let go of her arm; allowing her to rest it on her thigh.
"Now, all that is left is the Master of Whispers and my Small Council will be ready" he commented, his demeanour and mood changing rather quickly for Visenya's liking.
"Have you thought of any candidates? It is a tough position and not many can live up to it" she reminded him.
He nodded his head to her question. "There is a man from Essos... Varys is what they call him. He seems to know of almost anything that takes place, having insights and spies in every corner of the known world"
Rhaegar talked some more about this mysterious man and the letter he was planning to write, to invite him and make him part of his small council.
All while he spoke, he failed to see his aunt hiding her true thoughts and emotions behind a silent mask. For unknown to him, Visenya knew Varys better than her nephew; even though their own meet-ups were brief.
She knew he was a capable man but she was not ready to put her trust in him, not before testing his loyalty.
Yet, she chose not to comment on the subject and let Rhaegar do what he wished. She would have her ways and her chances to truly see if this was a wise choice, one way or another.