Red // Otto Hightower (1)

19. Arrogant

Dance Away my broken heart / Podrick Payne out now!!!

' Is that what I am to you? A prize to proffer about to the great houses?' Rhaneyra questioned her father bitterly

"You're of age, Rhaenyra. And Jason Lannister is an excellent match.'

"He's arrogant and self-serious.' Rhaenyra corrected. She wasnt wrong, but Jason was supposed to be charming and dazzle her. Aelsa had turned their plan into a better plan, hand of the king. How was she supposed to be hand to Rhaenyra if her family didnt sit beside her one day? Aelsa couldnt handle Rhaenyra's constant bitchy mood and maybe it came with being a teenager, Aelsa was one not too long ago but she was always calculated.

'Well, I thought you might have that in common.' Viserys countered as the continued their little match of whisper shouting in the middle of the festivities. 'Since you came of age, I've been slowly drowning in a lake of parchment flung from every corner of the realm. Marriage proposals, all. And I have tried often to discuss it with you, but you've refused me at every turn.'' Otto watched Aelsa move outside, shaking her head, Aegon in her arms, he looked to Viserys and Rhaenyra. Clearly the Lannisters plan to put their son on the throne failed. For now.

'That is because I do not wish to get married.' Rhaenyra declared.

'Even I do not exist above tradition and duty, Rhaenyra!" Viserys shouted back, Rhaenyra opened her mouth to object, but a knight spoke up silencing them.

'Excuse me, Your Grace.'

'You must marry.' Viserys told her sternly. 'Yes?'

'The royal huntsman have sent a report, Your Grace. There's been a sighting of a white hart. The stag is "The King of the Kings wood," Your Grace. A regal portent for Prince Aegon's name day.' He remarked.

"Fix this Jason." Aelsa demanded.

"I was trying to be charming." Jason offered.

"Well you fucked that up." Aelsa agreed. "Charm viserys, he is easily charmed." Jason nodded. "The spear?"

"Right!" Jason ran off.

"I'm dealing with children." Aelsa murmured, Aegon smiled up at her. "And you are the easiest of the children." Aelsa assured.

+

'Your Grace... I had this forged in the Golden Gallery in honor of Prince Aegon.' Jason said coming up to Viserys and Aelsa, she smiled looking to Viserys.

'It's quite a thing.' Viserys said as Jason handed off the spear.

''I hope it might provide the killing stroke against your white hart. The King of the Kings wood. It's as if the Seven themselves have blessed this day.'

'Thank you... for your generosity.' Viserys told him stiffly but Jason was not done. Aelsa wanted to say thank you and go away but no. Jason was Jason.

''I would be honored to take the Princess Rhaenyra to wife, Your Grace." Jason began, that wasnt bad, that was fine, Aelsa relaxed but Jason kept going.  "What I offer you, The crown and your daughter, is strength.' Jason told him. Aelsa let out a slow breath, already feeling the tension in her neck.

''Do you think that House Targaryen wants for strength?'' Viserys questioned.

''If someone offered you more dragons, would you not take them?'

'Do you have dragons to offer suddenly, Jason?" Aelsa countered. Jason gave her a pointed look. "Then dont say stupid things." Aelsa muttered.

''Casterly Rock is a splendid seat. Rhaenyra may take her place there by my side without shame, and feel herself well-compensated for her loss in station.' Jason offered.