A Different Dance

Chapter seven

One month had passed since the untimely passing of Prince Jacerys. Amidst the mourning, another dark secret weighed heavily on Queen Rhaenyra's heart. She had been diagnosed with cancer, a truth known only to herself and her trusted Maester. Yet, amidst her personal struggle, the great council questioned the succession in the wake of Prince Jacerys' demise.
The realm stood divided on the matter. Some argued that Prince Lucerys was unfit to rule, asserting that Prince Aegon, the firstborn son of King Viserys I Targaryen, would make a better heir. Others saw potential in Lucerys, believing that he still had time to grow into a great ruler. Queen Rhaenyra, however, spoke with conviction, dispelling any doubts about Aegon's suitability.
"My half-brother Aegon will never ascend the throne," Rhaenyra declared with firm resolve. "If that were to happen, Aegon would become another Maegor, or worse. He is impulsive and violent. At least King Maegor wasn't weak."
Lord Lannister, seemingly disapproving of Rhaenyra's statement, spoke out. "What was that, Lord Lannister?" Rhaenyra's voice carried a hint of warning.
"Nothing, Your Grace," Lord Lannister quickly replied, realizing the perilous ground upon which he stood.
"You'd better be glad I don't take your tongue for such insolence," Rhaenyra retorted. "With that being said, I will put my son Lucerys on the throne, and anyone who questions that decision will face beheading. Do I make myself clear?"
Queen Rhaenyra's words echoed through the room, leaving no room for dissent. Meanwhile, in the throne room, Prince Lucerys was taken aback when he discovered his oldest uncle, Aegon, sitting upon the Iron Throne.
"What do you think you're doing, Uncle?" Lucerys challenged, his voice laced with defiance.
"Sitting on my throne, of course, dear nephew," Aegon replied, his tone dripping with arrogance.
"My mother, Queen Rhaenyra, will never give her throne to you," Lucerys asserted, his words filled with unwavering conviction.
Aegon rose from the throne and approached Lucerys. "My dear nephew, this throne will be mine someday. Some people agree that I should be the rightful heir."
"That will never happen," Lucerys shot back. "My mother will make sure there is never another Maegor on the throne."  Aegon's words hung in the air, his ambition palpable. "That's just it, nephew. The realm hasn't had a good king since Maegor the Cruel. I intend to be that king," he stated boldly before leaving the throne room. leaving Lucerys to contemplate the weight of his family's legacy. Soon, the guards escorted Lucerys to his mother, who stood before the skull of Balerion, the great dragon.
"Come, my sweet boy," Rhaenyra beckoned. "Balerion was the last living creature to have seen Old Valyria before the Doom, witnessing both its greatness and its flaws."
Curiosity piqued, Rhaenyra posed a question to Lucerys. "When you look at the dragons, what do you see?"
Confused, Lucerys responded, "What?"
Rhaenyra urged him to delve deeper. "No, what do you see when you look at the dragons?"
Lucerys gazed at the skull of Balerion, contemplating his mother's question. "I suppose I see us."
Rhaenyra encouraged her son to continue, seeking to impart a crucial lesson. "Everyone says Targaryens are closer to gods than to men, but they say that because of our dragons. Without them, we're just like everyone else," Lucerys mused.
Rhaenyra nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and wisdom. "The idea that we control the dragons... it's an illusion. They're a power that man should never have trifled with, one that brought Valyria to its doom. If we don't heed our own histories, it will do the same to us."
Lucerys absorbed his mother's words, sensing the gravity behind them. "I believe you would be a great ruling king, Lucerys ," she confessed.
Rhaenyra's gaze softened, and she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But Uncle Aegon is your heir," Lucerys reminded her, seeking clarity.
Rhaenyra sighed, her voice tinged with a mixture of determination and concern. "My brother Aegon is not meant to wear the crown, but I believe that you were. This is no trivial gesture, Lucerys. A dragon's saddle is one thing, but the Iron Throne is the most dangerous seat in the realm."
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "I'm going to tell you something my father told me in this very spot. It might be difficult for you to understand, but you must hear it."
Lucerys leaned in, his eyes focused on his mother's every word, eager to receive her wisdom.
"Our histories... they tell us that Aegon looked across the Blackwater from Dragonstone and saw a rich land ripe for the taking," Rhaenyra began, her voice carrying a weight of prophecy. "But ambition alone is not what drove him to conquest. It was a dream."
She paused for a moment, allowing the significance of her words to sink in. "And just as Daenys foresaw the end of Valyria, Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. A terrible winter, gusting out of the distant north, is said to be the beginning. Aegon saw absolute darkness riding on those winds, and whatever dwells within will destroy the world of the living."
Lucerys felt a chill run down his spine as he absorbed the gravity of his mother's revelation.
"When this Great Winter comes Lucerys, all of Westeros must stand against it," Rhaenyra continued. "And if the world of men is to survive, a Targaryen must be seated on the Iron Throne. A king or queen strong enough to unite the realm against the cold and the dark."
Curiosity burned within Lucerys as he listened intently. "Aegon called his dream 'The Song of Ice and Fire.'"
Rhaenyra's eyes gleamed with a mix of hope and apprehension. "This secret has been passed from king to heir since Aegon's time. Now you must promise to carry it and protect it. Promise me this, Lucerys."
Without hesitation, Lucerys met his mother's gaze and replied, "I promise, Mother."
Rhaenyra smiled, a mix of pride and relief washing over her. She kissed him gently on the head, sealing their bond.
The following day, the throne room of the Red Keep was filled with lords and ladies, gathered to witness Lucerys's coronation. As Queen Rhaenyra rose from the Iron Throne, she faced her son, who stood before her.
"I, Rhaenyra Targaryen, first of her name, Queen of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, do hereby name Lucerys Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne," Rhaenyra proclaimed, her voice echoing through the grand hall.
Lucerys turned to face the crowd, feeling the weight of the moment upon his shoulders. As each lord and lady approached him, they swore their loyalty and support to him as Queen Rhaenyra's named heir. One by one, they knelt and pledged their fealty, their voices resonating with conviction. House Stark:
"I, Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, pledge my unwavering loyalty and support to Prince Lucerys Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. I shall stand by his side and defend his claim with all the strength and honor of House Stark."
House Tyrell:
"I, Margaery Tyrell, Lady of Highgarden, pledge my allegiance to Prince Lucerys Targaryen. House Tyrell stands with him, and we shall lend our resources, wisdom, and unwavering support to ensure his rightful place on the Iron Throne."
House Lannister:
"I, Tyrion Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, swear my loyalty to Prince Lucerys Targaryen. Though our past may be filled with strife, I recognize his claim as the true heir, and I shall offer my counsel and resources to aid him in his rule."
House Arryn:
"I, Yohn Royce, Lord of Runestone and acting Lord of the Vale, pledge my allegiance to Prince Lucerys Targaryen. House Arryn stands with him, and we shall provide our strength and protection to defend his right to the Iron Throne."
House Greyjoy:
"I, Asha Greyjoy, Lady Reaper of Pyke, swear my loyalty to Prince Lucerys Targaryen. House Greyjoy acknowledges his claim and will support him in his pursuit of the Iron Throne. The Iron Islands shall be his steadfast allies."
House Martell:
"I, Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne, pledge my allegiance to Prince Lucerys Targaryen. House Martell recognizes his right to the Iron Throne and shall offer our military might and strategic guidance to ensure his success."
House Baratheon:
"I, Gendry Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, swear my fealty to Prince Lucerys Targaryen. House Baratheon acknowledges his true claim and shall stand beside him in his quest for the Iron Throne, as our ancestors did before."
House Tully:
"I, Edmure Tully, Lord of Riverrun, pledge my unwavering support to Prince Lucerys Targaryen. House Tully shall lend our strength and resources to protect his rightful claim and maintain the unity of the Seven Kingdoms."
House Tarly:
"I, Samwell Tarly, Lord of Horn Hill, pledge my loyalty and support to Prince Lucerys Targaryen. House Tarly recognizes his rightful claim and shall offer our wisdom, knowledge, and military strength to assist him in his reign."
House Mormont:
"I, Lyanna Mormont, Lady of Bear Island, swear my allegiance to Prince Lucerys Targaryen. House Mormont stands with him, and we shall fight beside him to secure his place on the Iron Throne."
House Velaryon:
"I, Lord Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides, pledge my unwavering allegiance and fealty to Prince Lucerys Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. House Velaryon has been loyal to the Targaryen dynasty for generations, and we shall continue to uphold our duty to the crown by supporting Prince Lucerys in his claim. We offer our naval strength and expertise, standing as a steadfast pillar in his quest to rule the Seven Kingdoms. May the sea guide us and the dragons soar under his reign."
One by one, the houses of the Seven Kingdoms proclaimed their loyalty to Prince Lucerys Targaryen, solidifying his claim and uniting under his banner. With the support of these noble houses, Lucerys now stood on the precipice of his destiny, ready to face the challenges ahead and bring stability to the realm.  Lucerys caught sight of his uncle, Aegon, standing at a distance, his expression a mix of disappointment and frustration. Aegon's ambitions for the throne had been thwarted, and the bitterness was evident in his eyes.
Lucerys approached his uncle, his voice firm but tinged with sympathy. "Uncle Aegon, I understand your desires, but my mother's decision is final. She chose me to carry the weight of the Targaryen legacy, and I will do so to the best of my abilities."
Aegon's gaze hardened, his face contorted with resentment. "You may wear the crown for now, Lucerys, but remember that I am the rightful heir. I will never stop fighting for what is rightfully mine," he hissed, a hint of danger in his voice.
Lucerys stood his ground, undeterred by Aegon's threats. "You may be my uncle, but I will not hesitate to protect the realm from any threat, even if it comes from within my own family. The Iron Throne must be held by someone who can unite the Seven Kingdoms and face the challenges that lie ahead," he responded with determination.
With those final words, Lucerys turned and walked away, leaving Aegon seething with resentment and frustration. He knew that his path would be fraught with obstacles and adversaries, but he was ready to face them head-on. A week after the coronation  Prince Lucerys walked through the echoing halls of the Red Keep, his thoughts weighed down by the sudden burden that had befallen him. The passing of his brother, Prince Jacaerys, had thrust upon him the responsibility of being the heir to the Iron Throne. As he pondered the weight of his new role, he unexpectedly found himself face to face with Dowager Queen Alicent, a woman known for her sharp wit and unyielding ambition.
"Does it bothers you?" Alicent asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of skepticism. "The sudden burden of being the heir after your brother's passing?"
Lucerys met her gaze, his eyes filled with determination. "Does it bother you Dowager queen ? Aegon is your son," he replied, his tone steady but laced with an undercurrent of defiance.
Alicent's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Of course it does, but I understand the order of things. But I'm not sure you do," she said, her words tinged with a touch of condescension.
"The men of the Seven Kingdoms want a strong king on the throne, not a little boy. Because that is the order of things," Alicent continued, her voice carrying a hint of authority.
Lucerys felt a surge of anger rising within him. He clenched his fists, his resolve firm. "When I'm king, I will make a new order," he declared, his voice filled with determination.
Alicent let out a hearty laugh, her amusement evident. "You can barely pick up a sword," she laughed , her eyes glinting with amusement. "They already had the opportunity to appoint a strong claim , but it was denied."
The words stung Lucerys, but he refused to show any signs of weakness. "My mother, Queen Rhaenyra, denied your son, her own brother Aegon," he retorted, his voice tinged with bitterness. "The king who will never be. But they bent the knee to me and call me heir to the throne."
Alicent's smile faded, replaced by a steely resolve. "You may have their support now, but be wary, young prince," she warned, her eyes narrowing. "Power is a fickle mistress, and the path to the throne is paved with treachery and bloodshed."