𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 50 Council meeting/First day of marriage

The grand hall of the Red Keep was filled with tension as the sun's early rays filtered through the tall windows. King Viserys, still groggy from being abruptly awakened, entered the Council room with an air of impatience.

He had been summoned urgently, and the stern faces of the council members suggested that whatever news awaited him was of grave importance. He noticed immediately that one seat was empty— his brother Aegon and his daughter Rhaenyra weren't there either.

Viserys' eyes narrowed as he approached the table. "What is the meaning of this? Why have I been summoned at such an hour? And where are Aegon and Rhaenyra?"

Otto stood and offered a small, measured bow before speaking. "Your Grace, it is precisely their absence that necessitates this urgent meeting."

Viserys' brow furrowed with concern. "What has happened to them? Speak plainly, Otto."

The Hand exchanged a brief glance with the other council members before continuing. "Your Grace, Aegon is now married."

A flicker of a smile crossed Viserys' lips. "Well, that is cause for celebration, then. But why the urgency? Surely a wedding is not—"

"Your Grace," another council member interjected, "Aegon has taken Rhaenyra and Lady Alicent Hightower as his wives. They were wed in a Valyrian ceremony on Dragonstone. They are living there now."

The color drained from Viserys' face as the weight of the news settled in. His initial joy at hearing of his brother's marriage quickly turned to shock, then to anger. His voice trembled with barely contained rage. "My daughter... And Alicent... Married to my brother without my consent? Without even the decency to inform me?"

Otto stepped forward, feigning concern, though a glint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes. "Your Grace, this was an egregious breach of tradition and propriety. As Hand, I must advise that we address this situation immediately."

Viserys' hands clenched into fists as he processed the betrayal. His daughter, his blood, married off without his knowledge—how could Aegon do such a thing? And to take Alicent as well, further complicating the matter. His mind raced with thoughts of what this meant for his family, for the realm.

"Rhaenyra is too young," Viserys muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "How could he—how could they allow this?"

Otto, sensing his moment, stepped closer to Viserys. "Your Grace, Aegon has acted recklessly, without regard for the sanctity of family or the authority of the Crown. I suggest we go to Dragonstone at once and demand that the marriages be annulled. If he refuses, then perhaps it is time to reconsider his claim to the throne."

Viserys looked at Otto, his eyes searching for any sign of deceit. The Hand's words were logical, but there was something in Otto's tone that hinted at a deeper motive. Still, Viserys could not ignore the gravity of the situation.

"Aegon has committed a grave offense," Viserys said, his voice firmer now. "But he is my brother. This will not be resolved with threats of disinheritance. I will go to Dragonstone myself and speak with him. This is a family matter, and it will be dealt with as such."

Otto bowed his head in acquiescence, though he was secretly pleased with the turn of events. Aegon's impulsive actions had given him the leverage he needed. "As you wish, Your Grace. But I advise caution. Aegon has shown that he is willing to defy even the king's will."

Viserys nodded, his expression grim. "Prepare a ship. We leave for Dragonstone immediately."

As the council dispersed, Viserys remained at the table, deep in thought. The joy he had once felt for his brother's return had now turned to bitter disappointment. Aegon had always been unpredictable, but this... this was a betrayal he could not easily forgive. And yet, beneath his anger, there was a lingering fear—fear of what this could mean for the future of House Targaryen.