𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 28

 The first light of the morning seeped through the tall, curved windows of the King's personal rooms, bathing the detailed tapestries and luxurious furniture in a warm, golden hue. Viserys was seated at a grand, decorative desk, lightly tapping his fingers on the smooth wood. When he heard a knock at the door, he called out for the person to enter. The guard opened the door, and there stood Sylvina and Otto.

"Lord Otto Hightower and Lady Sylvina Hightower!" The guard announced as he shut the door.

"Your Grace," Otto began, bowing low with the deference that always seemed to conceal his true intentions. Sylvina, looking pale and nervous, curtsied beside her father, her eyes darting around the room before settling on the King.

"Otto, Sylvina," Viserys acknowledged, gesturing for them to approach. He noticed the tension in Sylvina's demeanor and the way Otto's eyes flickered with barely concealed anticipation. "What brings you to me so early?"

Sylvina hesitated, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She glanced at her father, who gave her a reassuring nod before she spoke. "Your Grace, I—" Her voice faltered, and she took a deep breath to steady herself. "I am with child."

The words hung in the air like a storm cloud, and Viserys's eyes widened in surprise. He looked from Sylvina to Otto, who wore a carefully neutral expression, though a hint of satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. Viserys leaned back in his chair, absorbing the news. The weight of the situation was clear: a child conceived out of wedlock, a potential scandal that could tarnish the reputation of both Sylvina and the King.

"This is... unexpected," Viserys said slowly, his mind racing to comprehend the implications. "How far along are you?"

"Nearly a month, Your Grace," Sylvina replied softly, her voice trembling slightly. "We have kept it hidden, but we cannot delay much longer."

Viserys gave a small nod, his mind already shifting to the logistics of the problem. The last thing he wanted was a big mess, especially when everyone was already talking about his upcoming wedding. "This makes things more complicated," he remarked, sounding more contemplative than blaming. "But we can figure it out."

Otto stepped forward, his expression earnest. "Your Grace, I believe the best course of action would be to expedite the wedding. Once you and Sylvina are wed, the child will be legitimized, and any rumors or scandal can be swiftly quelled."

Viserys thought about it, squinting his eyes a bit. Otto's idea made sense. Getting married quickly would stop any gossip and keep Sylvina's reputation safe.

"Very well," Viserys said, nodding slowly. "We will move the wedding forward. The preparations will begin immediately, and the ceremony will take place as soon as possible. This must remain a secret until then; we cannot afford any leaks."

Sylvina let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you, Your Grace," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I will do whatever is necessary to ensure the success of our union."

Viserys gave her a reassuring smile. "We will handle this discreetly. Once we are wed, no one will question the legitimacy of our child."

Otto bowed deeply, his expression one of deep humility. "You have my deepest gratitude, Your Grace. We will ensure that everything proceeds smoothly."

Otto and Sylvina exited the chamber, leaving Viserys to lean back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the closed door. The weight of the new development lingered heavily in his thoughts.

He had anticipated a seamless transition into his new marriage, a means to solidify his rule and ensure the realm's future. However, the impending arrival of a child and the necessity of a hasty wedding had added a layer of complexity to everything.

He sighed, rubbing his temples as he considered his next steps. The realm would need to be informed, but only when the time was right. For now, he had to focus on ensuring that the wedding went off without a hitch and that the scandal was averted. There was no room for error, no space for missteps. The future of his reign—and the stability of the realm—depended on it.

The long, dimly lit hallway of the Red Keep echoed with the soft footsteps of Sylvina and Otto. The flickering torches cast their shadows on the stone walls, creating an almost eerie atmosphere. Sylvina's mind was racing, filled with the whirlwind of events and the weight of her father's expectations.

Otto walked beside her, his expression thoughtful and determined. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his eyes gleaming with a steely resolve. "You have done well today, Sylvina," he said in a low voice. "The King's decision to hasten the wedding is the outcome we needed."

Sylvina nodded, her face pale but set with determination. "I only hope I can fulfill what is expected of me, Father."

Otto's grip on her shoulder tightened slightly. "You will. I have made arrangements for Maester Mellos to oversee your care. He is discreet and trustworthy. The realm's future rests on the babe in your womb, and we must pray that it is a boy. The birth of a male heir will secure our position and solidify our influence in the court."

Sylvina's steps faltered slightly at the mention of the babe. The idea of being the vessel for the realm's hopes and ambitions was daunting. "And if it is not a boy?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Otto's eyes darkened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "Then we will cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, focus on your health and the successful birth of the child. All else can be managed."

They continued walking, the silence between them thick with unspoken anxieties. The weight of her father's expectations pressed heavily on Sylvina's shoulders, and the uncertain future loomed ahead.

"What about Alicent?" Sylvina finally asked, breaking the silence. "She is my sister, and I worry about her future."

Otto's expression softened slightly, though his eyes still held a calculating gleam. "Once you are married and the future of our family is more secure, I will turn my attention to Alicent. She will be provided for, and I will see to it that she is married well. The alliances we forge now will determine the stability and power of our house for generations to come."

Sylvina gave a nod of understanding. Upon reaching the end of the hallway, the imposing doors to her chambers came into view. Otto paused, pivoting to meet her gaze with a serious yet gentle expression. "Remember, Sylvina, you hold a significant role beyond being a daughter. You are a crucial figure in shaping the destiny of this kingdom. Be resilient, and have faith that I will lead you forward."

Sylvina nodded, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but she was resolved to do her duty. With a final nod from her father, she turned and entered her chambers, the door closing softly behind her.