Dream Of Winter | C. Stark & H. Targaryen

The Prince

Otto POV

Good things happen to those who wait.

Otto had believed in that doctrine most of his life. He had wavered at some point. Political maneuvers and meticulous planning found little purchase in a court where the king's judgment was derived not from his mind but his heart.

Though that very emotional based thought pattern was what allowed his daughter to be Queen. Despite the benefits of a Velaryon consort. It is ironic in that way how the fate of his own grandson's ascension is tied to the cooperation of Driftmark.

The Gods and their mysterious ways.

"Prince Daemon and princess Rhaenyra have no interest in rewarding you for your loyal service. Nor even the means to do so if they did desire such. When you take the stand, it's paramount you cut any and all ties with their sinking ship. Especially expose the illegitimacy of her offspring. Only then, could House Velaryon resume its rightful place as the second greatest force in the Realm." Otto pinpoints all the necessary items to destroy any remaining power base his opposition may still have. This is his endgame.

Seated by his side were his daughter and his grandsons Aegon and Aemond. Across from them were Lord Corlys, princess Rhaenys and Ser Vaemond. They had been debating their agreement and how to alter its stipulations seeing as Daemon's incarcerated with no means of refuting a marriage alliance.

"That will hurt my House's image and reputation. Leave us the laughing stock of the highborn. My own son's memory will be soured by his wife apparently cuckolding him all these years." The Sea Snake rebuttal wasn't illogical. But the damage is already done.

"That may be true. But we offer you the chance to punish those responsible for eroding your House's credibility in the first place. Rhaenyra has attempted to usurp your family seat and supplant its rightful heirs, your granddaughters with her own bastards. She's rumored to have been party to Ser Laenor's death. And seeing as she hasn't reached out to make amends, Daemion's attack hasn't phased or troubled her in any way."

Alicent's long tirade of the infamous couple's wrongdoings strikes a nerve in their guests' faces. The reaction to Laenor's death is most telling. All Otto had were doubts. Reasonable suspicions, but without any proof to out in a public hearing. Maybe he's found it already.

"You will never receive a better opportunity than this. Agree to the marriage pact. After the trial, Lady Baela will become heir to Driftmark which will pass to Lady Rhaena after prince Aegon's coronation. Your old position on the Small Council is yours. And your House will receive the highest of royal favors. Is this agreeable?"

It was most fortunate his cousin Lord Wylis Redwyne desired to step down and spend more time in his castle with his grandchildren. No offense had to be suffered to make this offer. And legally Lady Baela was heir if Laenor hadn't sired any progeny.

"And you're certain Viserys won't protest all these obvious plays of power while he's still alive?" Princess Rhaenys' question had its merit. But Otto would be suprised if his good-son remembered his own name.

"Categorically."

He wasn't smug. He was only confident. Rightfully so.

The three Velaryon shared a long stare as if communing silently before Coryls made his answer.

"Very well then. You have my word."

***

He might've miscalculated a tiny bit.

"I wish to have supper Otto."

Viserys was often delirious. With no sense of time between day and night. That wasn't what threw him off.