The War of the Two Dragons || A Fire and Blood Story

Chapter 4

Red keep, after the matter for the succession of Driftmark ended:
Rhaenyra walked briskly and purposefully down the castle corridor, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the ancient, polished stones. The torches mounted on the walls cast flickering shadows, intermittently illuminating the strained faces of her companions. Viserys, visibly tired and troubled, moved with a heavy step, while Alicent, her expression unreadable, walked beside him, her green eyes keenly observing everything. Otto Hightower followed with an air of constant vigilance, his cold and calculating gaze betraying no emotion.
The corridor was adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of battles and glorious moments of the Targaryen dynasty, the reds and golds shimmering under the torchlight, creating a solemn and history-laden atmosphere. The air was tinged with a faint scent of wax and damp stone, a familiar aroma that spoke of centuries of tradition and power.
Finally, they arrived at a massive dark wooden door, carved with dragons entwined in a complex and threatening design. Viserys pushed the door open with a weary gesture, and the group entered a room that appeared to be a study. The walls were lined with shelves brimming with books and scrolls, while a large oak table occupied the center of the room, covered in maps and documents.
Viserys sank into a chair in front of the table with a heavy sigh, his face etched with fatigue and stress. He ran a trembling hand through his silver hair, his eyes reflecting the weight of the decisions just made regarding the Driftmark succession. Rhaenyra watched her father with concern, while Alicent approached silently, placing a comforting hand on the king's shoulder.
Otto Hightower remained near the door, observing the scene with his usual calculating gaze. The silence that followed was thick with tension, each individual lost in their own thoughts and worries.
The room, with its dark wood furnishings and heavy drapes, exuded a sense of gravity and importance, a refuge where decisions that would change the fate of the Seven Kingdoms were made. The torchlight danced on the polished surfaces, creating shadows that seemed to bring the carved dragons on the door to life.
Rhaenyra broke the silence, her voice cutting through the tension in the room. "Father, Queen Alicent, I would like to make a proposal," she began, her tone measured yet firm. "Years ago, I suggested uniting our families by marrying Jace to Helaena, to strengthen the realm."
Alicent's eyes narrowed slightly as she recalled the memory, and Viserys leaned back in his chair, his tired eyes focusing intently on his daughter. "Alicent rejected that proposal vehemently," Rhaenyra continued, her gaze shifting to the queen.
At the mention of this past proposition, Otto's expression shifted, his eyes widening with surprise and disapproval. He turned his gaze sharply towards his daughter, his discontent evident.
After a few moments of heavy silence, Rhaenyra took a deep breath and resumed speaking. "I would like to propose something similar once again," she said, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. "A union that could strengthen our house and bring stability to the realm."
She paused, letting her words sink in, her eyes meeting those of Viserys and Alicent, searching for any sign of agreement or resistance.
Rhaenyra took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before making her proposal. "I propose marrying Jace to Visenya, your fourth daughter," she stated, her voice clear and unwavering.
The room fell silent as everyone processed her words.
In her mind, Rhaenyra reflected on the reasons behind this bold suggestion. After much consideration and after speaking with Rhaenys the day before, she had realized the necessity of increasing her number of allies. Marrying both her sons to House Velaryon would undoubtedly bolster her strength but also tether her too closely to a single ally, leaving her vulnerable if that alliance faltered.
Marrying Jace to Visenya, however, had the potential to unite the two branches of their family, bridging the divide between the Greens and the Blacks. It could create an alliance with those who might otherwise oppose her once her father passed, and it was her turn to rule. The adage "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" resonated strongly in her mind. If Otto's family was not against her but united with her through Visenya, no lord would dare challenge her claim.
Moreover, if Alicent or Otto ever betrayed her, Rhaenyra would hold significant leverage over them, reminding them that Visenya, as Jace's wife and future queen, was under her influence. This aspect carried a degree of risk and hope—hope that Alicent's love for her daughter would deter any harm if Visenya's safety were at stake and that Alicent would never oppose her with such a connection in place. Additionally, Rhaenyra considered the possibility of manipulating Visenya to gain insights into her mother's and grandfather's intentions and plans.
"Never," Alicent exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I would never give my daughter in marriage to one of your sons." She turned to Viserys, her lips curled in disdain, her hands gripping the sides of her gown tightly.
In Alicent's mind, a torrent of thoughts surged. The idea of mingling the blood of her children—precious and hard-won, after years of sacrifice and duty—with what she perceived as bastards born from Rhaenyra's lack of discipline was abhorrent. Alicent had spent years lying with a man thirty years her senior, suppressing all her own desires to fulfill the role imposed upon her, to secure a legacy and a future for her children. The notion of tarnishing that legacy by uniting it with Rhaenyra's offspring, born of scandal and impropriety, was intolerable.
Viserys looked taken aback by Alicent's vehement reaction, his tired eyes widening in surprise. He glanced at Rhaenyra, then back at Alicent, clearly torn.
Before anyone else could speak, Otto stepped forward, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp with calculation. "If I may," he interjected smoothly, his voice steady and authoritative. "Alicent, might we discuss this privately for a moment?"
Alicent shot him a glance of annoyance, but after a moment's hesitation, she nodded curtly. As they moved towards the far corner of the room, Otto's hand rested lightly on Alicent's arm, a gesture meant to calm and steady her.
Rhaenyra watched them go, her gaze lingering on Otto. She allowed herself a small, almost sympathetic smile, recognizing perhaps for the first time a moment of agreement between them, however fleeting it might be.
As Otto took Alicent by the arm, his grip firm and unyielding, he practically dragged her towards a nearby room. Alicent's feet barely kept pace, her skirts rustling angrily against the stone floor. They entered a smaller chamber, dimly lit by a single flickering candle on a wooden table. The walls were lined with bookshelves, filled with dusty tomes and scrolls. Heavy drapes covered the windows, casting long shadows across the room.
Otto shut the door behind them with a decisive thud, the sound echoing in the confined space. He turned to face Alicent, but before he could speak, she erupted.
"I will never give my children to her bastards," Alicent spat, her eyes blazing with a mixture of rage and pain. "They are the product of my dedication, my fidelity, and my sacrifices! I have lain with a man thrice my age, suppressed every desire, every wish, to fulfill my duty. And you suggest I marry them to the offspring of her indiscretions, her blatant disregard for her role?"
Otto raised a hand, a calming gesture, though his own eyes flickered with the same anger. "Alicent," he began, his voice soothing, "I understand your feelings. Believe me, I share your disgust at the thought."
Alicent's chest heaved with the force of her emotions, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "Then why, father? Why should we even entertain such a vile proposition?"
Otto stepped closer, his expression softening as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Because, my dear, we must consider the broader implications. This union, as distasteful as it is, could solidify our power. It could bridge the divide between our factions and secure the future for your children."
Alicent seemed to calm under Otto's steady presence, her breathing evening out as she settled into the chair. Otto seized the moment to continue, his tone measured and calculating.
"This union could indeed be to our advantage," Otto began, leaning in slightly. "I share your disdain for Rhaenyra's children. They are bastards, unworthy of the throne."
Alicent's eyes narrowed, her initial rage now simmering into a wary attentiveness. She gripped the arms of the chair, her knuckles white. The thought of her dutifully raised children being associated with Rhaenyra's illegitimate offspring filled her with revulsion.
"And Rhaenyra herself," Otto continued, watching his daughter's reactions carefully, "a woman, will never garner the support needed to rule effectively. Our Aegon will prevail in the end. That is why it was crucial to marry Helaena to Aegon, to consolidate our power."
Alicent's expression shifted, a flicker of understanding mingling with her lingering resentment. She took a deep breath, the tension in her shoulders slowly easing. The idea of her beloved Helaena being part of this grand plan gave her a small measure of comfort.
"However," Otto added, pausing to let his words sink in, "consider this as a contingency plan. Giving Visenya to Jacaerys could serve as an alternative plan."
He watched as Alicent's eyes widened slightly, her lips parting in surprise. Visenya, the daughter they had isolated and kept at arm's length, now seemed to have a potential use.
"In the unfortunate event that something happens to Aegon and his line—a scenario I would never wish for, of course—our family would still retain power through the children Visenya would bear."
Alicent's expression softened as she processed his words, the logic beginning to outweigh her initial revulsion. She looked at Otto, her eyes reflecting a mix of contemplation and unease. Despite her distaste for Visenya, Alicent recognized the practicality of Otto's plan.
"Moreover," Otto continued, sensing her shift in perspective, "Visenya is arguably one of the most beautiful girls in the realm. But that's it. Remember, she remains a Targaryen, but not a dragon rider."
Alicent nodded slowly, her fingers relaxing their grip on the chair. She glanced around the room, her eyes lingering on the heavy drapes and dusty books, seeking some comfort in the familiar surroundings. Visenya's beauty was undeniable, but it had always seemed a superficial trait to Alicent, especially given her daughter's past betrayal.
When Visenya was born, Alicent had loved her dearly. She had seen something special in her youngest daughter, a spark of potential that set her apart. Visenya's bright eyes and inquisitive nature had filled Alicent with hope and pride.
However, as Visenya grew, her dragon egg remained cold and unresponsive. When the egg in her cradle did not hatch, it marked her as different from her siblings. This perceived failure began to cast a shadow over Alicent's affection. When Visenya reached an age where her siblings were bonding with their dragons - and especially after even Aemond, dragonless until age of 14, bonded with vaghar- and she remained without, the disappointment deepened.
The final blow to their relationship came six years ago, when Visenya, in a rare moment of defiance, had refused to lie for the benefit of their family. It was a subtle betrayal, but in the cutthroat world of court politics, it was enough to seal her fate. Alicent, feeling betrayed and let down by her daughter, had chosen to treat her more coldly, distancing herself emotionally to avoid further hurt.
Now, Otto's words were weaving these threads of past grievances into a potential advantage.
"Marrying her off," Otto said, his voice calm and steady, "does not bestow Rhaenyra with an additional dragon, hence not increasing her threat to us. Instead, it prevents Rhaenyra from forging even stronger alliances by marrying Jacaerys into other powerful houses."
Alicent took a deep breath, the gears of her mind turning as she considered Otto's words. She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them, her gaze meeting her father's with a newfound resolve. The isolation of Visenya, though a painful chapter, could now serve a greater purpose.
"By offering Visenya," Otto said, his tone softening slightly, "we maintain our leverage and control. It keeps Rhaenyra in check, limiting her options while ensuring our own safety and influence."
Otto paused, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "Rhaenyra will think that by marrying Jacaerys to Visenya, she has secured our support. But in reality, we will continue to back Aegon. In the end, Rhaenyra will have only the illusion of our support. She will curse herself for not marrying Jacaerys to a house that could provide real support in a possible succession battle."
Alicent sighed, the weight of Otto's arguments pressing heavily on her. The disdain she felt for Visenya mixed with a pragmatic acceptance of her potential utility. "I understand your point, father. It is not an easy decision, but perhaps it is the wisest course of action."
Otto nodded, his expression one of solemn approval. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We must always be prepared, my dear. In these times, strategy and foresight are our greatest allies."
Alicent straightened in her chair, her resolve hardening. "Very well. Let us proceed with caution and ensure that every step we take solidifies our family's position."
Otto, after studying Alicent's face, added, "There is one more thing to consider. If we are to use Visenya effectively, it might be prudent to start treating her with more kindness. Allow her new dresses, let her enjoy more freedoms. Make her feel cherished."
Alicent's eyes flickered with doubt, but she listened intently.
"If she feels valued," Otto continued, "she might grow fond of us. It could be advantageous to have her feel more integrated into our family. Such feelings can be... useful, especially if she marries Jacaerys."
Alicent frowned, understanding the subtext of her father's words. "You mean to use her affection to our advantage."
Otto's smile was thin, almost imperceptible. "Affection can be a powerful tool. If she feels close to us, she might be more inclined to share useful information. We must think several steps ahead. By ensuring Visenya's loyalty, we secure another layer of control over our adversaries."
Alicent straightened further, her resolve solidifying. "I will do as you suggest, father."
Otto gave a slight smile, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on his face. "Together, we will navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger. For the sake of our family, and for the realm."
The room, with its heavy drapes and ancient tomes, bore silent witness to the shaping of a future that would alter the course of their world. Father and daughter, united in purpose, prepared to face the challenges ahead.
Alicent and Otto made their way back to the hall where Viserys and Rhaenyra awaited. The corridor leading to the room was lined with grand tapestries depicting the glorious history of House Targaryen, their vibrant reds and golds illuminated by the soft glow of torches. The stone floor beneath their feet was polished to a high sheen, reflecting the flickering lights and casting an almost ethereal glow.
As they approached the door, Alicent took a deep breath, smoothing her gown and ensuring her composure was impeccable. Otto, his face a mask of calm calculation, opened the door for her. They stepped into the room with measured grace.
Viserys sat at the head of a long, ornate table, his silver hair gleaming in the light of the chandelier above. He looked weary but hopeful, his eyes flickering between Alicent and Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra stood by the window, the soft sunlight casting a gentle glow on her determined face. She turned to face them as they entered, her expression unreadable.
The room itself was grand, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and a large fireplace that cast a warm, inviting light. Heavy velvet drapes framed the tall windows, adding a sense of opulence and history to the space. The air was filled with a faint scent of burning wood and the subtle aroma of incense.
Alicent, her face a picture of composed serenity, stepped forward with a grace that spoke of years of courtly training. Her expression was calm, betraying nothing of the intense conversation she had just had with Otto.
"Your Grace," she began, her voice steady and measured, "after much consideration, we accept Rhaenyra's proposal. Of course, this acceptance is contingent upon your approval, my lord."
Viserys's face lit up with a mixture of surprise and joy. He had hoped for this moment, for a resolution that might finally bring peace to his fractured family. "You have my approval," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "If this union can bring us together, then it is a blessing."
Rhaenyra's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly masked her emotions, stepping forward to address Alicent first. "Thank you, Alicent. This means a great deal to me and to the realm."
Alicent maintained her serene composure, though a flicker of something darker passed through her eyes, hidden beneath the practiced mask of courtly grace. She glanced briefly at Otto, who gave a nearly imperceptible nod of approval.
Rhaenyra then turned to her father, her face softening with genuine relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Father," she said sincerely. "This decision could be the key to uniting our house and ensuring a stable future for the realm."
Viserys, clearly relieved, leaned back in his chair, a contented smile spreading across his face. "This union," he said softly, "could indeed be the beginning of a new chapter for our family."
Alicent, with her usual composure, curtsied gracefully. "Thank you, Your Grace," she said, her voice calm and respectful. "We will do everything in our power to ensure this union strengthens our family and brings peace to the realm."
As she straightened, her eyes met Rhaenyra's. For a brief moment, the two women stood facing each other, a complex mix of emotions flickering in their gazes. Then, with a polite nod, Alicent turned to Viserys, her face once again the picture of serene composure.
Otto stepped forward, his voice smooth and measured. "Your Grace, this decision marks a significant step towards unity. I am confident it will be to the benefit of all."
Viserys nodded, clearly pleased. "Indeed. Let us move forward with hope and determination. Our family's future looks brighter with this decision."
***
"To my son Jace and to Princess, my sister, Visenya!"
The words echoed in Visenya's mind, reverberating through every fiber of her being. She felt her breath catch, and her heart pound with a mix of shock and joy. This was the announcement she had not dared to hope for. The realization that Jace would not be marrying Baela but her instead was almost too much to comprehend. Her mind raced with questions: When had this been decided? Why would her mother and grandfather approve of such a union? The answers eluded her, but for now, she pushed those thoughts aside. This moment was too precious.
Her heart raced with a mix of disbelief and joy. She glanced at Jace, who seemed equally astonished yet pleased. Her own face, framed by her cascading platinum hair, flushed a delicate pink. Her violet-blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears of happiness. The weight of what this union meant began to sink in, and she felt as if she were floating on air.
Aemond, sitting beside Visenya, observed her closely, and has the worst reaction Among the presents. His one good eye, icy blue and intense, bore into her, trying to gauge her true feelings. The muscles in his jaw tightened as he fought to control the storm of emotions raging within him. His protectiveness over his sister had transformed into something deeper, something more possessive over the years, and the thought of losing her to Jace was unbearable. His face darkened with a mix of jealousy and possessiveness. He clenched one of his fist, his knuckles turning white. The other band gripped the knee of Visenya with a brutal pression, while he forced his expression to remain neutral, though his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil. He had always hoped that his mother would arrange for him to marry Visenya, just as she had done with Aegon and Helaena.
The sharp pain Visenya felt brought her back to reality. Aemond's grip on her knee tightened to an unbearable degree. The pressure of his hand, strong and possessive, sent a wave of discomfort through her. She knew this reaction well; Aemond's jealousy and possessiveness were traits she had grown accustomed to over the years. His desire to control and protect her was often suffocating. She felt his hot breath on her neck, his body tense beside her.
Visenya quickly masked her emotions, fearing to provoke Aemond's wrath even to a further level. She forced herself to look indifferent, her earlier joy carefully hidden behind a façade of composure. Her fingers, delicate and slender, rested calmly on the table, though her knuckles were white from clenching them too tightly.
Despite her attempts to conceal her feelings, the happiness she felt at the prospect of marrying Jace couldn't be entirely suppressed. Her heart swelled with affection for him, remembering his kindness and the understanding they shared. She longed to glance at him, but instead, she kept her gaze low, her eyelashes casting shadows on her flushed cheeks.
Across the table, Jacaerys struggled to maintain his composure. Jacaerys had always known that a marriage with Baela was a possibility, and the reality of it had weighed heavily on him until some minutes before. Now, the announcement that he would marry Visenya instead brought a sense of calm and joy. He felt an overwhelming sense of happiness, since his heart had always leaned towards Visenya.
Jacaerys glanced at Visenya, expecting to see her face light up with joy, especially after the passionate dance they had shared earlier. But instead, he saw her looking down, her expression almost sad and indifferent. Her eyes, which had sparkled with happiness moments before, now seemed distant and guarded. Her long eyelashes cast shadows on her cheeks, and her lips, usually full and inviting, were pressed into a thin line.
Seeing her like this made his heart sink. A wave of confusion and disappointment washed over him. He had hoped that their shared moment on the dance floor had meant something, that she had felt the same connection he did. But now, her reaction—or lack thereof—left him feeling cold and uncertain. His chestnut hair, slightly curled and falling into his dark brown eyes, framed a face filled with turmoil. His eyes, usually so clear, were now clouded with confusion and a hint of frustration. Did she not feel the same happiness he did? Had he misread her feelings entirely?
Yet, seeing her like that, he felt a pang of uncertainty. His gaze lingered on her, taking in her delicate features—her long, platinum hair, her deep violet-blue eyes, her porcelain skin. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was the connection he felt with her that truly mattered.
Baela, seated nearby, felt a sharp pang of jealousy and disappointment. Her lively brown eyes dimmed as she realized that her hopes of becoming queen had been dashed. She glanced at Jace, sensing the connection he had with Visenya, and felt a wave of frustration. Had her loyalty and that of her house been for nothing?
Daemon's surprise was less concealed. His sharp, calculating eyes flicked between Rhaenyra and Visenya. This announcement was unexpected, and he wondered about the political implications and what had prompted Rhaenyra's decision. His face darkened slightly, a flicker of displeasure crossing his features.
Aegon's smirk faded as he processed the news, his brows furrowing in irritation. The beauty of his sister, Visenya, was something he felt entitled to admire up close, and the thought of her being with Jace, a bastard, was infuriating. He took another gulp of wine, his eyes narrowing as he glanced Jacaerys.
Viserys, his face beaming with pride and relief, raised his goblet. "To the future," he declared, his voice filled with emotion.
"To the future," the room echoed, as goblets were raised in unison, the tension slowly melting away into a moment of shared hope and unity.
But the voice that rang out most loudly, cutting through the murmurs of the room, was Aemond's. "To the future," he repeated, his tone dripping with sarcasm, a dangerous glint in his eye. His expression was one of barely contained rage, and the smile on his face was more of a snarl.
After a few seconds in which the atmosphere was heavy, the tension in the room could be cut with a knife. The disappointment on Baela's face was palpable, her eyes downcast and lips pressed tightly together, her usually graceful posture stiff with frustration. Daemon's irritation was clear; his eyes were dark and brooding as he took a long sip of his wine, his hand gripping the goblet with a controlled force.