Everyone had worn black as the funeral of Queen Aemma Arryn had taken place a few days after the tourney.
Laena and Alicent had no idea what to say or do. They could only be there for their friend and hope that they could help in any way possible. Alicent also looked at Maekar, who was angry.
Aemma and her baby, who died moments after, was wrapped up and ready to be cremated as per Targaryen customs
"They're waiting for you, nephew." Maekar heard Daemon say. Daemon knew that this was a difficult time for his brother and that his nephew needed some help as well. Daemon vowed to help his family.
"I wonder if in those few hours that my brother lived... if my father was happy. " Maekar said in high valyrian.
"Your father needs you both now more than ever," Daemon pointed out.
"If he really needed us, he would've listened when we told him to stop putting her through all that." Maekar said bitterly.
Rhaenyra said nothing. She was holding Herons hand, interlocking their fingers, and she didn't care who saw them. "I'm here, Rhaenyra." Heron whispered.
Maekar stepped forward. since his mother died, he didn't cry once. He knew he had to be strong for his sister he looked at his father, then at his dragon. "Dracarys!" He commanded, and the blue-eyed white dragon, Aegarax, set the funeral pyre on fire. He then looked at his father again, and a faint glow of red appeared in Maekars purple eyes, and then he just walked away.
Alicent and Laena hugged Rhaenyra. They knew that she needed them now more than ever.
Small council chambers
After the funeral, a small council meeting was held. Otto knew now more than ever that it was only a matter of time before Maekar would ascend to the throne and his wanted his daughter to be at his side as Queen but he needed to ensure that nothing would threaten his ambitions.
All the members rose at the presence of the king as he was accompanied by Lord commander Ryam Redwyne he noticed that his sons seat was empty.
"Where's Maekar?" He asked.
"Your Grace, this is the last thing any of us wish to discuss at this dark hour, but I consider the matter urgent." Otto spoke up
"What matter?" Viserys asked.
"That of your succession." Otto said. "As difficult as this is, I feel it important the succession be firmly in place of the stability of the realm."
"The succession is already set by precedent law." Lord Lyonel reminded Otto.
"The king has an heir." Lord Corlys poured his wine and went to his seat. "Maekar Targaryen, and of course, should anything happen to Prince Maekar, there are other options."
"And what are these options?" Viserys asked, annoyed.
"Daemon and Heron Targaryen." Corlys said as he sat down.
"If Daemon and Heron were to be named heirs after Prince Maekar." Grandmaester Mellos spoke up. "It could destabilize the realm."
"The realm or this council?" Lord Corlys challenged.
"No one here can know what Daemon or Heron would do if they ruled, but no one can doubt their ambitions." Otto said. "Look at what Daemon did with the gold cloaks. The city watch is loyal to him. An army two thousand strong and what Heron did to prince Maekar was despicable. "
Viserys was annoyed with this meeting he just wanted to leave and see how his children were doing.
"The rules of the tourney were set. If a man chooses to fight in a contest of arms, it must be answered." The king looked at Otto. "And you gave Daemon and army, Otto." Viserys said. "I named Daemon master of Laws, but you said he was a tyrant. As master of coin, but you said he was a spendthrift that would begger the realm. Putting Daemon in charge of the city watch was your solution!"
