𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 9

Corlys Velaryon gathered his family to his office to discuss the day's momentous events. Rhaenys, stood in front of him. Their children, Laena and Laenor, aged thirteen and fifteen, listened attentively as Corlys recounted the council meeting.

"Aegon has been named heir to the Iron Throne," Corlys announced, his voice filled with a mix of pride and intrigue.

Rhaenys nodded, her sharp eyes thoughtful. "It is a wise decision. Aegon has shown himself to be a steady and capable leader. He will bring stability to the realm, especially with Daemon's unpredictability."

Corlys turned to his daughter, Laena. "What do you think of Aegon, my dear?"

Laena's eyes lit up, her youthful exuberance shining through. "I think he is fun, Father. I would like to get to know him better and about his dragon."

Corlys smiled, pleased with her response. "How would you feel about becoming the princess's lady-in-waiting? It would give you the opportunity to see Rhaenyra more often."

Laena's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I would love that, Father. Rhaenyra is so interesting and kind. It would be wonderful to spend more time with her."

Rhaenys watched her husband carefully, a knowing glint in her eye. She understood Corlys's intentions all too well. He was attempting to position Laena close to Aegon, fostering a connection that might one day lead to a stronger bond, perhaps even a marriage alliance. Though Laena was only thirteen and Aegon twenty-eight, Corlys was thinking long-term, as always.

"Very well," Corlys said with a satisfied nod. "For now, go and make friends with Vaerla. Building a relationship with her will help you get closer to the family."

Laena nodded before leaving the room with Laenor.

As Laena and Laenor left the room, their laughter echoing down the corridor, Rhaenys turned to Corlys, her expression a mix of amusement and concern.

"You are always thinking several moves ahead, aren't you?" she said, her tone affectionate but knowing.

Corlys met her gaze evenly. "We must secure our family's future, Rhaenys. Aegon is now the heir to the throne. Ensuring that our daughter is close to him can only benefit us in the long run."

Rhaenys sighed, shaking her head slightly. "Laena is still so young. Do not push her too quickly into the games of power and politics."

"I understand your concern," Corlys replied gently. "But she will need to navigate these waters sooner or later. Better that she learns now, with our guidance."

Rhaenys reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "Just promise me that we will let her grow at her own pace. Let her be a child for a little longer."

Corlys nodded, his expression softening. "I promise, Rhaenys. We will guide her, but we will not rush her."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their responsibilities and ambitions hanging between them. Despite the complexities and challenges ahead, they drew strength from each other, united in their determination to secure their family's future.

As the night deepened and the candles flickered in the gentle breeze, Corlys and Rhaenys retired, their thoughts filled with the potential and promise that lay ahead. Their children, the future of House Velaryon, were taking their first steps into the intricate dance of power and legacy that defined the world of Westeros.

Elsewhere in the Red Keep, Otto Hightower gathered his daughters in his private chamber. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the stone walls. Alicent and Sylvina,  both listened intently as Otto relayed the day's events.

"Aegon has been named heir to the Iron Throne," Otto began, his voice measured and calculating. "This changes many things."

Sylvina and Alicent looked shocked at this." Aegon will be king?" Sylvina asked and her father nodded." Does that mean I can stop seeing the king?" She asked and Otto shook his head no." You will continue to visit him. Sooner or later, the king will have to take another wife to secure his line and have a son."

Sylvina frowned, her jealousy barely concealed. "Father, why can't I go see Aegon? He will be king. He is my age and we were to be married before he ran away."

Otto's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression stern. "Sylvina, Aegon's return has complicated matters. Alicent will keep Aegon occupied. When the king remarries, it will be you who must secure our family's position by giving Viserys a son to replace Aegon."

Sylvina's lips tightened, her jealousy flaring. "So, you want to marry Aegon to Alicent, for what? He is twice her age!"

"Like it or not. We need Aegon's dragon. When you give the king a son. He will need allies in the future. What better way to do so then to have someone with the second largest and oldest dragon." He told her.

Sylvina shot a venomous glance at her sister. "Pray, Alicent, that he does not run away from you as he did from me years ago."

Alicent, though caught off guard by her sister's bitterness, maintained her composure. "It was you who messed up. You were caught in bed with Daemon. Be grateful that no one expect the royal family knows that you are not a maiden. I will do what is necessary for our family."

Sylvina was about to say something when their father stopped them." You each will do your part and get the king and prince to marry you." He glared at them before dismissing them, his mind already plotting the next moves in the game of power and influence.

As the sisters left the room, Sylvina's resentment simmered just beneath the surface. She caught Alicent's arm, her grip tight and her expression hard.

"Remember what I said," Sylvina hissed. "He might be the heir now, but that does not mean he will stay. Do not think for a moment that he will be any different with you."

Alicent gently pulled her arm free, her eyes meeting her sister's with a mixture of sadness and resolve. "I will not let our family down, Sylvina. Not like you did."

Sylvina's eyes flashed with anger, but she said nothing more. Instead, she turned on her heel and walked away, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Alicent watched her sister go, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. The burden of their father's expectations weighed heavily on her, but she knew she had no choice but to play her part. She would need to navigate the delicate balance between her loyalty to her family and her emerging feelings towards Aegon.

As she made her way to her chambers, Alicent's thoughts were consumed with the complexities of the days ahead. She understood the stakes and the power struggles that defined their world, but she was determined to find a path that honored both her family and her own heart.