Castles Crumbling

f i v e

105 AC

Maegora stood and stared at the skull of Balerion, the black dread, a large imposing structure surrounded by candles. In all honesty, it was quite mesmerizing, and beautiful. One of only five dragons to survive the Doom of Valyria, the shrine of the magnificent beast stood as a reminder of their Targaryen ancestors and their Valyrian beliefs.

The soft glow of the flames danced around the room as she heard someone approach her from behind, her father. She did not know why he had summoned her here, she'd much rather be back in her bed. His mere presence caused her blood to boil.

She didn't acknowledge him, simply continuing to stare ahead, attempting to calm her rage.

"Balerion, the last living creature to have seen Old Valyria before the Doom," Viserys started, trying the get his daughter's attention. "When you look at the dragons, what do-"

The princess cut him off with a loud scoff, turning towards him, "Seriously, seriously." She sneered at him with a burning glare, the king could've sworn he saw flames in her eyes, "You killed my mother, haven't spoken to me since and now you're asking me useless questions about dragons."

Viserys was appalled by her harsh words, "I-you dare speak to me in such a way! You may be my daughter but I am still the king." He said sternly as he grabbed her arm, almost painfully so.

She grew angrier by the second, her jaw tense, nostrils flared, she couldn't believe the nerve he had. Shoving him away aggressively, she bit out, "I speak but the truth and you know it. Now tell me why you had me summoned, I wish not to be in your presence longer than I must." Cradling her arm against her chest, her anger continued to increase.

He took a breath before looking at her once again, "I have spoken to the council and I have to decide who to name as my heir." This caught her attention, "So who shall it be, Daemon or Rhaenys?" She forced out, her curiosity overpowering her anger for the moment.

The king looked at her in wonder, how could someone so smart ignore the most obvious candidate, "What do you think? Who do you believe to be worthy of the throne?" He asked.

"This is pointless."

"You are the most intelligent person I know, I wish to know your opinion."

"Fine." Turning towards him with a huff, she began, "They both have their merits as well as their flaws. To start, if we ignore gender, Rhaenys has a stronger claim. Eldest of King Jaehaerys' grandchildren, has a son and it could very well be argued that she should have been named heir at the Great Council. In contrast to Daemon, who has no children and is a widower, however, both issues could honestly be solved quite rapidly.

Even so, Rhaenys is older, she has more experience, has been raised well-mannered and has a calm persona. Furthermore, she definitely has a better reputation than Daemon in the eyes of the lords. Whereas he is known to be impulsive, violent and is younger. Overall, Rhaenys should ascend the throne, she has the stronger claim. The only issue is that she is a woman. The lords would never back her as queen, especially not when she has already been passed over once before. Yet no one wants Daemon as king. So truthfully, neither is better than the other and the people will have a problem with whoever you choose."

The king was stunned into silence, "Well your grace, am I wrong?" She spoke, annoyance lacing her words. 

Snapping out of his daze the king looked upon his eldest child before turning his gaze towards the shrine once more, "The idea that we control the dragons is an illusion. They're a power man should never have trifled with. One that brought Valyria its doom. If we don't mind our own histories, it will do the same to us. A Targaryen must understand this to be King... or Queen"