𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 21

The night air was thick with tension as Corlys made his way through the dimly lit corridors of the Red Keep. He had just left a meeting with Prince Aegon, where they discussed strategies to deal with the pirates in the Stepstones.

Corlys felt a glimmer of hope; perhaps Aegon's support could turn the tide in his favor and protect his fleet. Yet, the nagging thoughts about the political intrigues swirling around the court kept gnawing at him.

As Corlys walked down a darkened hallway, he spotted a familiar figure slipping out of a room. It was Lady Alicent Hightower, her face flushed and her movements hurried. She was sneaking out of Prince Aegon's chambers, and Corlys couldn't ignore the unease that settled in his chest.

He knew Otto was a shrewd man who often used his daughters as pawns to gain power. The sight of Alicent leaving Aegon's room confirmed his suspicions: Otto was likely trying to push Alicent into Aegon's favor, perhaps even aiming for a marriage proposal.

"Alicent," Corlys said, his voice neutral. "Out for a walk?"

Alicent's eyes widened, and she gave a quick nod before hurrying away without a word. Corlys watched her go, his mind racing. If Otto succeeded in marrying Alicent to Aegon, the Hightowers would gain significant influence. Corlys couldn't let that happen.

He needed to find a way to shift Aegon's attention away from Alicent and toward his own daughter, Laena. This wasn't just about marriage; it was about securing his family's future and maintaining their standing in the court.

When Corlys finally reached his chambers, he found his wife, Rhaenys, preparing for bed. Rhaenys looked up from brushing her hair, sensing her husband's unease.

"Corlys, what's wrong?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Corlys sighed, taking a seat beside her. "I saw Alicent leaving Prince Aegon's chambers. I'm certain Otto is trying to arrange a marriage between them. If that happens, the Hightowers will have too much power."

Rhaenys frowned, contemplating the situation. "That could be a problem. But how do we stop it?"

Corlys leaned forward, his expression resolute. "We need to make Aegon notice Laena. She's smart, beautiful, and would be a perfect match for him."

Rhaenys nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "But how do we ensure that?"

"We need to get her in front of Aegon," Corlys said, his mind racing with possibilities. "I'll speak with King Viserys and see if we can arrange a meeting. We need to make him see that Laena is a better match."

Rhaenys agreed, her face set with determination. "We should act quickly. The longer we wait, the more influence Otto gains."

The next morning, Corlys set his plan into motion. He sought an audience with King Viserys. Rhaenys and Corlys found themselves in front of Viserys

"Your Grace." Corlys greeted him." I'm glad we could meet." Viserys spoke with a smile." I know tempers ran hot today, and I wanted to assure you how much I value the bond between our houses. Rhaenys is my favorite cousin after all." Rhaenys and Viserys both smiled at each other.

(Corlys originally said Small Council today but I changed it to yesterday.)

"I wish to apologize for the tenor at the Small Council yesterday, Your Grace. It was not my intent to make offense." Viserys acknowledged his apology with a nod of understanding.

"Your fleet is one of the realm's most important assets, Lord Corlys. But you must understand, as King, it is my obligation to avoid war until such time it is unavoidable." Viserys told him.

"None among us desire open war. Corlys said to him." Might I speak plainly, Your Grace?" Viserys nodded." I always welcome the unfettered thoughts of my council." Viserys told him.

"I fear that the eyes of our enemies are presently fixed on the Red Keep. The Queen has passed. A third-born son has been named heir to the Iron Throne."

"The King's second-born brother, so disinherited, has claimed the Targaryen seat on Dragonstone without challenge. And now, a foreign power has established a colony in our most critical shipping lane." Corlys told him.

"You paint such an aspirant portrait of my reign, Lord Corlys." Viserys remarked." It is an honest one, cousin." Rhaenys responded." At the moment, The Crown is perceived as being vulnerable. I do not intend to offend, but Aegon has not set foot in the Red Keep for many years. I worry that there are individuals in the court who doubt his ability to become their future king."

"And a blind incursion in the Stepstones is the only way to demonstrate that we are not?" Viserys questioned.

"To elude a storm, you can either sail into it or around it. But you must never await its coming." Corlys reminded him as Viserys gazed at him." Do you have a specific course of action to propose, my lord?" Viserys asked.

Rhaenys and Corlys exchanged glances, then turned their attention to Viserys." Join our families. Wed Aegon to our daughter, Laena. Unite the two great surviving Valyrian houses. With the Targaryen dragons and the Velaryon fleet bound in blood, you can show the realm that The Crown's strongest days are ahead, not behind."

Viserys was at a loss for words." I must admit, There has been talk about getting Aegon to remarry to strengthen his line. I do not want my brother to feel as if I'm forcing him to marry someone he does not love. After all, Laena is still too young for him," he reminded everyone.

"The realm would expect him to remarry sooner or later, your grace. Why not it be our daughter?" Rhaenys chimed in and Viserys considered her proposal." I will discuss this with Aegon," he finally declared. They smiled before nodding.