THE RED KING - JACAERYS VALERYON [MALE OC]

MOTHER • 08

THE RED KING◽️. #mature audiences only.

I made my way to my mother's private sitting room. The ornate halls of the palace seemed colder this morning, the weight of my decisions pressing heavily on my shoulders. I knew my mother would have strong opinions about the alliance with Dragonstone and the proposal from Jacaerys. The guards at her door opened it for me without a word, and I stepped inside, finding her seated by the window, her gaze distant.

"Mother," I said, entering the room with purpose. "We need to talk."

She turned to me, her expression softening momentarily before settling into the familiar sternness that I had come to expect. "Of course, Mylo. Sit down."

I took a seat across from her, the sunlight casting a halo around her brunett hair. She was a striking woman, her presence commanding even in moments of quiet reflection.

"I have decided to accept Jacaerys' proposal," I began, my tone firm. "An alliance with Dragonstone will strengthen our position."

Her reaction was immediate, a flash of anger darkening her features. "You agreed to that foolish proposal? Have you lost your senses, Mylo?"

  "Mother, please—" I started, but she cut me off.

  "No, you will listen," she snapped, her eyes blazing. "You are the king now, and your decisions affect the entire kingdom. You cannot afford to be so reckless."

  I clenched my jaw, feeling my temper rise. "It's not reckless, Mother. An alliance with Dragonstone strengthens our position and—"

  "What about heirs?" she interrupted, her voice dripping with disdain.  "Did you think about that? Or are you so enamored with this prince that you've forgotten your duty?"

  I stared at her, taken aback by the venom in her words. "I hadn't considered that yet," I admitted, my voice quieter. "But—"

  "Of course you hadn't," she scoffed.  "Because you're too busy playing at being king to think about the future.  Two men cannot produce an heir, Mylo. This alliance is doomed from the start."

  Her words cut deep, each one a blow to my confidence. I had expected resistance, but not this level of scorn. "It's not just about heirs, Mother.  It's about strength, unity, and—"

  "Strength and unity," she echoed mockingly.  "What good are those if you can't secure the line of succession?  If you can't ensure the stability of Aurea for the generations to come?"

  I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Mother, it's best you mind your tongue," I said, my voice hardening.  "I am the king now, and my decisions stand. You may not agree with them, but you will respect them."

  She looked at me, a mix of hurt and fury in her eyes. "Very well, Your Majesty," she said coldly.  "But mark my words, this decision will bring more trouble than you can imagine."

  I stood up, the tension between us palpable. "Thank you for your counsel, Mother.  I will consider your words."

  As I left the room, I could feel the rift between us widening.  Our relationship had always been strained, but this was different.  The bitterness in her tone, the disdain in her eyes—it was clear that my decision had driven a wedge between us that might never be removed.