Dragon Princess || Aegon II Targaryen

𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 5

Otto Hightower despised it the exact moment he heard it coming out of Viserys' mouth.

How could the King be such a fool? Yielding to a young girl craprices and calling it beneficial.

Was he surrounded by idiots?!

Mostly, Otto was not pleased with the additional expenses for the crown. How could this be justified? Taking from the royal treasury, from the crown, from the lords to give to people who had nothing to offer in return and who Otto barely considered humans.

Whatever had prompted Princess Rhaenys to make such a request to her father did not justify all this.

However, Otto had to admit... he remembered what Viserys had told him. He remembered it well. And it might have been the most reasonable thought Viserys had had since marrying Otto's daughter.

"It's good for the crown," Viserys had said. Indeed, it would be good for the crown's image.

Helping an orphanage when the world seemed increasingly harsh on children. Donating toys, which Otto ensured were not made of any precious materials, to young people. Feeding them a bit more, just enough for them to remember who helped them. And that someone being King Viserys and his Hand, Otto himself, omitting Rhaenys' part in the decision.

But, that had always been Otto's problem: thinking he was smarter than everyone else.

In fact, Jeyne could see right through the crown's attempts to appropriate the deeds of the young princess. She knew that none of those men cared about her, nor about those children, or the smallfolk in general. She knew this timing was no coincidence and Jeyne wouldn't let any of them be praised for it.

No!

Jeyne would make sure to tell anyone who would listen that it was the little princess who helped them. That the young princess had seen them as equals, as deserving of a decent life, as if they mattered. That she saw them as people, just like her.

Contrary to what Otto Hightower was expecting, those children would grow up knowing that it was the little girl, who often came to play with them, who gave them the opportunities to survive. It was she who gave Jeyne more ease to breathe, more life to live. Contrary to Otto Hightower's expectations, Jeyne would tell anyone who would listen that this was the work of Rhaenys Targaryen, a child of almost eight years old, who had more heart and compassion than any old man pretending to be rulers and leaders.

However, still believing in the success of his narrative, Otto was more preoccupied with determining which marriage alliance would be most advantageous for the crown. More advantageous to him. And knowing that Viserys's only requirement was a greater house opened a wide range of possibilities for Otto.

So, Rhaenys' life became a game to him.

With the map of Westeros spread out on his table and the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms marked, he pondered while sipping his cup of the finest Dornish wine.

Marrying Rhaenys to House Baratheon seemed like a good idea. It would strengthen the ties that united the two families and would grant control over the Stormlands. That is, if they could submit to Otto's will, which, knowing how stubborn they were, was highly unlikely.

Perhaps to House Martell? Bringing the kingdom of Dorne closer to the crown and, who knows, an eventual collaboration that could lead to the annexation of Dorne to the realm. Uhmm, not bad at all. Besides, Dorne was a place more open to ideas, which surely Rhaenys would appreciate. However, Dorne was obstinate about not wanting dragons, not even for visits, and Otto couldn't risk having one less dragonrider by his side as he was planning to usurp Rhaenyra's throne.

House Tyrell was a fine option. It was a house on the rise, increasingly powerful in the Reach. And bend to Otto's will meant full control of the lands back to House Hightower, and, of course, strengthening and increasing their army. But all of it could be solved if he married Gwayne to Lord Tyrell's oldest daughter, so it would be a wasteful move.

House Lannister would grant control of the Westerlands and the richness of Casterly Rock mines if the marriage alliance was well discussed. Not to mention repairing the humiliation Rhaenyra had caused when rejected Lord Jason Lannister's marriage proposal. On the other hand, he had already agreed to let Tyland Lannister assume the position of Master of the Coin, so there was no logical reason to marry Rhaenys to the Lannisters.

House Arryn... As good as it was, it would never be an option as it would be a constant reminder of Viserys' late wife's passing. It would remind him too much of his Aemma... Something Otto had to restrain himself from rolling his eyes at.

And finally, House Stark. The house that controlled the most territory in all the Seven Kingdoms. And, consequently, the largest army, with the best known swordsmen. With almost intact honor, known for never breaking promises and always respecting their word above all. Wise people, with immense power. Not to mention the control of the Night's Watch, which could potentially be an useful asset at some point. And Viserys would have what he wanted: a respectful, honorable husband with very little chance of producing bastards and humiliating Rhaenys.

Yeah... The Starks would be good. They would listen to her. They value the words of their ladies. And he would control them through her. After all, Rhaenys was still young. Young enough for him to modulate her to his will.

And if Otto wasn't mistaken, Lord Rickon Stark had a son nearly the same age as Aegon. It was all perfect.

Otto would have to act swiftly to secure this union between the Starks and Targaryens before anyone dared to do the same.

So, with the approval of the king, Otto instructed the Maester to send his fastes raven to Winterfell.

And as the raven took flight, carrying the message that could shape the future of the realm, Otto felt a sense of accomplishment. After all, his plans were well underway. Rhaenys would bring him the North, Aegon would be king, Helaena would be queen, and Aemond... well, Otto would soon or later find out how he could make him serve him.

And Otto would be the leader of them all.

Otto Hightower would have all the power in his hands.