Enchanted // Rhae Royce

62. Dagger, Dagger

'That dagger once belonged to Aegon the Conqueror. It was Aenar's before that. And before that... well, it is difficult to know. Before Aegon's death, the last of the Valyrian pyromancers hid his song in the steel.' Viserys said holding out a blade over the fire, a message was revealed.

"From my blood... come the Prince That Was Promised... and his will be the Song of Ice and Fire." Rhaenyra read. "Taelon. The prince that was promised."

'You are a princess... the princess... Jaehaerys would've disinherited you.'

'For a lie?' Rhaenyra countered 'You've yet to ask me for the truth of what happened.' she couldnt stop her voice from breaking. Taelon wouldnt look at her after that. She had lost his trust and it wasnt even worth it. Having an adventure past curfew.... with Daemon of all people.

''The truth does not matter, Rhaenyra. Only perception. You have exposed yourself. Now we must both suffer the consequences.' Viserys told her solemnly.

'Were I born a man, I could bed whomever I wanted. I could father a dozen bastards, and no one in your court would blink an eye.' Rhaenyra countered.

'You are right... but you were born a woman.' VIserys agreed. 'Your courtship is at an end. You will wed Ser Laenor Velaryon, and you will do so without protest. The son of the Sea Snake.'

'So I can be a remedy for your political headaches.' Rhaenyra groaned. Taelon was happy and in love. Rhae was perfect and they had two perfect children yet why couldnt she feel happiness too.  Nyra did this to herself.

'You are my political headache! Your wedding to Ser Laenor Velaryon will unite the two most powerful houses in the realm. With the combined strength of our shared dragons and naval fleets, no one would dare to stand against us. The House of the Dragon will stand as one for a further generation.' Viserys demanded

'And what will you do about the vulture who perches upon your throne?'

'What vulture?'

'Your Hand.' Rhaenyra informed him

'Otto High tower has served two kings loyally and faithfully.' Viserys assured.

'He wants Aegon to be named heir, he doesnt want Taelon, he never has... so he wanted to bring ruin to me too just to dig the knife in deeper. And he will stop at nothing to see it done. You speak of The Conqueror's vision and the need for strength and unity across the realm. But how can that be accomplished with your most trusted adviser so self-interested?' Rhaenyra offered. "Who doesnt trust Taelon, doesnt believe in him and his future rule as I do. As I know his wife Rhae does. Your queen believes in Taelon but your hand does not."

'Every lord and lady that calls for an audience with me, every man on my small council, and all councils past, has been self-interested. It is unavoidable.' Viserys informed her

'I disagree. I will do my duty as a princess and wed Ser Laenor. But you must first do yours as king.'

+

'I hope you can forgive the late hour, Princess. I took great care in its preparation. If not brewed properly, it can either prove ineffective or else bear unpleasant...' the maester said putting a glass down in front of her

'Brewed properly? I'm sorry, what is that?' Rhaenyra said giving it a sniff

'A tea, Princess. From the King. It will rid you of any unwanted consequences.'

Not any, not all, it would not rid her of the consequences, the repercussions of her own idiocy but she drank it anyways. No one had to know what her and Ser Criston had done. It was done. SHe could put that day behind her. 

+

"Did I tell you that at Aegon's second name day Otto suggested that one of them were wed to Rhaenyra." Viserys pondered.

"What?" Taelon rasped. "Why?" Viserys pursed his lips. "You wanted a son. You wanted a replacement for me. WHen mum got pregnant you were praying for a son because you..." Taelon choked out a breath. "You didnt believe in me for so long that the rest of the council already had their minds set. They formed their opinion of me..." Taelon remarked.

"Taelon I believe in you. I know you will be a great king one day." Viserys assured. "I love you. I love you. I'm proud of you. I believe in you. I'm sorry. I know how wonderful you have been with the children, your boys Thorin and Thoros. With your wife, I know how much Rhae loves you. I'm sorry it took me too long... I believe in you. I believe in you..."

"Thank you." Taelon whispered.

"I will do what needs to be done."

+

'Your Grace.'

'Five days.' Viserys told Otto

'I'm sorry, Your Grace?' Otto questioned

'Though it was some time ago. The details... they fade in memory. My father was a hale and healthy warrior and dragon rider at the peak of his abilities. Jaehaerys named a great royal hunt to celebrate him being named the Hand of the King. Five days later my... my father lay dead. Tourneys last longer. Baelon the Brave, rider of Vhagar, heir to the Iron Throne... dead of a burst belly. The gods have a dark wit.' Viserys reminded him.

'It was a grim day.'

'I recall it all too well. It was a good day for you. Jaehaerys named you Hand in Baelon's stead.' Viserys recalled

'That's hardly how I viewed it, Your Grace. It was a duty.' Otto assured.

'You served my grand sire nobly in his final days. You are the man that taught me how to be King.'

'Oh, you honor me, Your Grace.' Otto said happily but King Viserys sighed.

'Just five days... you went from being another man in Jaehaerys's court, to the second most powerful man in the realm. I wonder... how long did it take you to choose yourself over your King?'

'Your Grace?'

'I will never recover from Aemma's death. But Alicent... she took me through the worst of my grief. She was a calculated distraction. I only now realize how well-calculated it was.' Viserys told him stiffly.

"Your grace-"

"You lacked faith in Taelon. You wanted Aegon renamed heir." Viserys declared.

'That is an absurdity." Otto stuttered out.

'Your interests no longer align with those of the realm. Your judgment has been compromised.' Viserys said confidently.

'A loyal Hand must tell his king a discomforting truth from time to time, Your Grace. If he doesn't... he's failed as a servant.'

'You were a faithful servant, Otto. The crown and the realm both owe you a debt that can never be repaid. But I can no longer trust your judgment.' Viserys told him.