HOTD SI: The Bloody Prince (OC x Rhaenyra)(OC x Alicent)

Part 15

Chapter 15

OTTO HIGHTOWER

Otto Hightower could scarcely watch his daughter scampering with the son of the damned Rogue Prince, and yet he could do little at the moment as he stood there and observed the feast and celebration.

And what celebration? In his mind, it should be a mourning, for the Crown has only weakened with the bonding of Silverwing and Aegon. The court could sense it, too. Yet the King languished in the finest of vines and meats as the gathered lords regaled their tales of imaginary chivalry and bravery while conflict brew right under their noses.

And yet despite his distaste for the boy he could not make a move, for it was evident that though he may share Daemon's blood the young Prince was a far a better political animal. Evident by his handling of the Council appearance.

When he had watched the boy standing with Corlys Velaryon, he had thought that the Sea Snake had already sunk its teeth into the boy. Yet the boy had dispelled that notion through his answers, showing himself to be far more politically astute.

And yet, as he twirled his daughter around the dance floor as they both laughed and celebrated, he couldn't help but see Daemon in that smile, in those actions, making him ball his fists as he clamped down on his rage and apprehension.

"Lord Hand," suddenly a whisper from behind broke him out of his trance and he glanced back and found one of his servants standing behind him.

"Why are you disturbing me?" he asked, and the servant gulped as he passed him a rolled piece of parchment.

"My lord, this came from the men in the city. It was deemed urgent," the servant said, bowing and disappearing into the crowd once more.

And as he unrolled the missive, he was taken aback by its contents.

After reading it over twice, he approached the King, approaching him from behind as he coughed up.

Viserys's gaze turned towards him, thankfully not dazed yet from all the wine he had gulped down.

"Otto, have you finally deigned to join us?" Viserys offered, and he shook his head.

"Perhaps later, your grace, But I believe I have urgent words for your ears," he said, leaning down to repeat what he had read into the King's ears. The change was immediate, as he saw the smile vanish from the King's face.

"Is he here?" Viserys asked.

"He is in the Council Room," he replied. He saw the King nod as he called for a servant and put down his cup.

"Summon the rest of the lords," Viserys whispered back, and he nodded.

"Enjoy the wines, I will join you shortly," and with that the King rose under much scrutiny as he left the festivities as Otto tailed behind him in some amusement at the King's frustration.

They walked in quick steps as they cut across the Hall and walked.

"Tell me in detail about my brother's actions," the King asked as they rose up the stairs.

"The Prince made a wanton display of brutality, dolling out the cruelest of punishments for the smallest of criminals. Hundreds were hung, thousands dismembered and gelded, and they say that the whole city cowers at the mention of the Prince and his dogs," he snarled and saw Viseys's lips thin.

"And soon enough, they were near the Council office, and the King strode into the room and watched this council assembled before him, just like in the morning, yet with one more addition.