The Moon Behind the Tower

The Funeral and Plotting

The next day was one of sorrow; a grand funeral was held for Risa, and all wept at the service. Amata had the child, her eyes red and her face with tears. The baby was sound asleep, and his face was calm.  Agha had his arm around Amata, his heart hurting to see his wife so sad. He blamed the Lannisters but knew that Amata got her revenge. Many of the Hightowers looked at Otto in anger and disgust. Otto was blaming himself as well. It was Alicent and Amata's wedding, and the Lannisters had to destroy it. But he needed them, and with their reputation now, he knew that a helping hand was better than nothing. He was grateful that Amata took the baby, for he was a pawn to the Lannisters. Soon, the service ended, and Amata was in a carriage with her husband. They choose to be by themselves and talk about the baby. 

Agha: My wife, I have a suggestion. 

Amata: Yes?

Agha: I suggest that we have my younger brother adopt the child.

Amata: Oh? Will he agree?

Agha: Yes, he has always been good with children. I don't want my brother to be alone all the time anymore. Ever since he lost his intended, he lost the will to have a wife, and there is the fact that there are still some males in the family that can marry, so there is no reason for my brother to marry. I know he would love to have a child, and he will love and care for this child. 

Amata: The child would have to live in the Star Empire then, and Westeros has always put great importance on firstborn sons. I fear that my nephew will suffer that fate. 

Agha: That is true, but there is no denying the benefits of a son being raised by a powerful family, and the baby will be with the royal family and have positions in the court. Who wouldn't want that?

 Amata: True, but we must firmly secure his place in the royal family. I think marrying him to my sister's daughter, firstborn or not, is a good idea. That way, he will have a place in the Star royal family and my family. Risa was of lower rank in the family, so if her son married a daughter from a higher rank, he would have a better rank and place in both families. 

Agha: I agree. I also know that Otto will rely on your nephew, Alicent's firstborn son, so why don't we have him marry into a noble family in the Star Empire? 

Amata: Alicent and my father will throw a fit at that one. 

Agha: True, but why would they pass up an opportunity like this? Otto will have no choice but to follow where the power is. Yes, the Iron Throne is the goal, but that is in Westeros; with two Empires coming into the picture, the Hightower house will undoubtedly find opportunities to gain power in any Empire. They will most likely go for the Star all because you are the Empress Regent now, a higher rank than your sister, for she is only a consort. But also, you are the highest-ranked woman in the House. You can make decisions to make or break any member of the house. Not even your uncle, the firstborn son, will have much say. You have the connections that he does not. 

Amata: And by doing so, you would have power in the Rift, the most essential part of the Rift. 

Agha: I...

Amata: I know what you mean, but it's the best calculation for the Empire. But you are right to plan this and point it out.  It would be best if you, too, had power here, and they need power in the Star Empire. But there are rules that Alicent and Otto will be put to use. I would need a way to counter that. 

Agha: True, and I can't say that I blame Alicent for wanting to keep her children by her side. But she is powerless, and so is her father. Otto will have to think of not only the house but for the Iron Throne.  But that will not stop him from trying to stop the marriage pack. 

Amata: Alicent will have more children, that is expected of her. The other children will be used as well. 

Agha: The Cresent Empire is in this, too, and they will also need connections. 

Amata: We will plan that along the way. For now, let's relax; it's been a long day. 

Agha: Yes, my moon. 

The next day, Agha was writing a letter to his brother at his in-law's castle. He and his brother are identical twins who have always been close to each other. He knew that his brother was in pain and with the trauma of that night, so he hoped that this child would help him on his road to healing. It would take a while for his brother to come to Westeros, but there was a ship built for speed, so it took half the time it would typically take. He smiled at the thought of his brother having a child. He was born to be a father and couldn't wait to give his brother this child. Then, the child started to cry for comfort, and he went to the baby's crib. Amata was taking a nap after watching over the baby all night. 

Agha held the baby, his heart warm by the baby's aura. He had his father's golden hair, but he had his mother's much more tan skin color and had more of her facial features than his father. 

Agha: You will be a very handsome man when you get older, huh?

The baby opened his blue eyes and gave Agha a big smile; a light giggle left the baby's mouth. Agha chuckled at the baby, seeing that he was an intelligent baby, too.  Amata was standing behind her husband, heartwarming at the sight. She knew that Agha would make a wonderful father like his twin. She knew she and her husband didn't do their marital duty, but it could wait until her brother-in-law came. Agha felt a presence behind him, and he turned to see his wife standing there, a look of happiness on her face. Agha loved Amata's smile. It always reassured him that he was never alone and that he was loved. He walked to Amata, and the baby looked up at the two and laughed between them. Amata stroked the baby's head, feeling the soft hair on the velvety skin. 

Amata: I wish that his mother was here, but at last, another man has taken another's life. We didn't do our duty, but that will come later. 

Agha: I agree; the Empire will need its rulers first, and then the children will come after. 

Amata: Hmm...

Agha: The letter has been sent, and all we have to do is wait. 

Amata: I feel he will be a man of greatness and a wonderful husband for my future niece, hmm?

Agha: What will be his name? 

Amata: Eymen, his name is Eymen.

* Throughout history, Eymen has been known for his military campaigns and border protection. He is also known for protecting many lords who supported the Blacks and is the beloved husband and in-law of Heleana Targaryen and House Targaryen. He is often looked at for his tips of being a husband and a general. He is still a household name in House Lannister and is considered a role model in many aspects.