Red // Otto Hightower (1)

5. You Will Bow Down

Willing Heart / Ser Duncan the tall out now!

"No, please, Lord Lyonel. I have come looking for an unencumbered opinion." Viserys remarked leaning over the table with urgency.

"That's all I would ever give, Your Grace." Lyonel assured.

"Ever since my name was read by the arch maesters at the Great Council, I have felt Corlys Velaryon's envious gaze staring at me from across the Blackwater."

"You sit upon the highest seat in the realm, Your Grace. Proud men don't like having to look up."Lyonel remarked.

"Laena Velaryon."

"Lord Corlys is your Master of Ships and she is the eldest daughter of the wealthiest house in the realm. She comes from unimpeachable Velaryon stock and she has Targaryen blood." Lyonel told him. "What's to mislike?"

"She is 12."

"She will mature. " Lyonel offered

"I never asked to remarry."

" As King, you have a claim on all things. Even those you don't want. Marriage is not an obligation you can put off for long."

"What if I was to reject Lord Corlys's proposal?" Viserys suggested

"He would not be like to take it well. I fear nothing short of a direct line to the Iron Throne would satisfy him. You should also consider that we find ourselves on the precipice of war in the Stepstones. And the Sea Snake holds claim to nearly half the realm's ships." Lyonel told him.

"He would not dare withhold them in the face of the realm's need. Who is he to hector me?" Viserys countered

"No one, Your Grace. But Driftmark makes for a better ally than it does an enemy. The Sea Snake has made a calculated reach, a fair play for a man of his position. If you truly want my unencumbered opinion..." Lyonel questioned.

"I do."

"You should wed Laena Velaryon, Your Grace. Sate Lord Corlys and fix him at your side, permanently, as an ally." Lyonel told him honestly.

"What of Aelsa Lannister? That is good bond, the Lannister's are well in power and knowledge, they have wealth and ports, controlling areas west to east along westeros." Viserys offered.

"Yes the lannisters are a wise match but.. perhaps not for a king." Lyonel offered.

"Why not?''

"I just think that Corlys will take offense and that relationship with be strained." Lyonel offered. "I'm sure that Aelsa Lannister is a fine girl-'

'Woman." Viserys corrected. 'she is nine and ten... not a child."

"It is your choice but you must think of the good of the realm."

"The lannister's are a strong house a good match, a fine woman." Viserys reasoned.

"Seems as though you already made up your mind." Lyonel offered.

"No." Viserys admitted. "I enjoy Aelsa's company but Corlys and his vague threats loom over me."

"But it is your life, your marriage." Lyonel agreed as the door swung open.

"Your Grace," Ser Steffon announced. 'the Princess has returned from Dragonstone.'

'Dragonstone?' Viserys questioned.

+

"Your Grace."

"You disobeyed me. You fled King's Landing without a word and you acted without The Crown's leave. You are my only heir. You could've been killed." Viserys shouted at his daughter.