The Hidden Heir (ignore the cover)

Secrets in the Shadows

 Chapter Five: Secrets in the Shadows

The Red Keep, with its labyrinth of corridors and echoing halls, had always been a place of secrets. Its stone walls had witnessed countless schemes and betrayals, each one a testament to the deadly game of power that ruled the Targaryen dynasty. Tonight, under the cover of darkness, another secret was about to be revealed—one that could change the course of the realm.

Daemon Targaryen moved swiftly through the dimly lit corridors, his steps purposeful and silent. He had spent the last few weeks carefully orchestrating his plan, ensuring that every detail was in place before taking this final, critical step. Now, it was time to face his brother, King Viserys, and lay bare the truth he had kept hidden for so long.

Viserys's solar was warm, the hearth blazing with a comforting fire that cast flickering shadows across the room. The king sat at his desk, his face creased with the weariness of the day's duties. He looked up as Daemon entered, a small smile tugging at his lips."Daemon," Viserys greeted, his voice tinged with relief. "It's been too long since we've had a moment to ourselves. What brings you here at this late hour?"Daemon closed the door behind him, the soft click resonating in the quiet room. He met his brother's gaze, his expression unreadable. "There is something I need to tell you, Viserys. Something I should have told you years ago."Viserys raised an eyebrow, setting down the scroll he had been reading. "You sound serious, brother. What is it?"

Daemon moved closer, his posture tense. "It's about Lyanna."

The mention of Daemon's daughter made Viserys's expression soften slightly. "Lyanna? She's been well, I hope?""She's well," Daemon replied, though his voice carried a weight that made Viserys frown. "But there's something you don't know about her. Something I've kept from you—and from everyone."Viserys leaned back in his chair, his concern deepening. "Daemon, what are you talking about?"Daemon took a deep breath, the enormity of what he was about to reveal settling heavily on his shoulders. "Lyanna is not Rhea Royce's daughter. Her true mother was a woman of humble origins, someone I cared for deeply. She died giving birth to Lyanna, and I... I claimed Lyanna as my own, as Rhea's, to protect her."For a moment, the only sound in the room was the crackling of the fire. Viserys stared at Daemon, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief. "What... What are you saying, Daemon? You lied about her parentage?"

"I did," Daemon admitted, his voice steady. "To keep her safe, I had no choice. If anyone had known the truth, Lyanna would have been vulnerable. I couldn't risk that."

Viserys stood abruptly, the anger and betrayal flashing in his eyes. "Daemon, do you realize what you've done? You've lied to me, to the court, to the entire realm! This is treason!""It was necessary," Daemon insisted, his tone firm. "You know how dangerous our world is, Viserys. A child born of a commoner and a prince would have been a target for every vulture in the realm. I did what I had to do to protect my daughter."Viserys paced the room, his mind racing. "And now? What do you expect me to do with this information? If the truth comes out, it could destroy everything we've built."

"The truth won't come out," Daemon said, his voice calm, almost calculated. "Not if you legitimize her, Viserys. Recognize Lyanna as a true Targaryen. With your blessing, no one will question her place in our family. The court will accept her, and any whispers of doubt will be silenced."

Viserys stopped pacing, turning to face Daemon with a mixture of anger and sorrow. "You've put me in an impossible position, brother. If I legitimize her, I risk undermining Rhaenyra's claim to the throne. If I don't, I risk alienating you and leaving Lyanna vulnerable. How can you ask this of me?"Daemon stepped forward, his expression softening for the first time since entering the room. "Because she's our blood, Viserys. Our family. I've always done what I thought was best for our house, even when it meant going against tradition, against the law. I'm asking you to do the same now—to protect our bloodline, to secure our future."Viserys closed his eyes, the weight of the crown pressing down on him more heavily than ever. He had always tried to rule justly, to be a king who upheld the law and kept the peace. But here, in this moment, he was not just a king—he was a brother, a father, a man caught between his love for his family and his duty to the realm.When he opened his eyes, they were filled with a deep sadness. "I will consider it, Daemon. But this is not a decision I can make lightly. The implications are too great."

"That's all I ask," Daemon replied, his voice gentle but resolute. "Consider what's at stake—for Lyanna, for our house, for the realm."

Viserys nodded slowly, the exhaustion clear in his face. "Leave me, Daemon. I need time to think."Daemon hesitated, wanting to press further, to secure a promise. But he knew his brother well enough to understand that pushing too hard now could ruin everything. So he simply bowed his head and left the solar, the door closing behind him with a soft thud.As he walked back through the darkened corridors of the Red Keep, Daemon's mind was already racing ahead, plotting his next move. He had laid the groundwork, planted the seed of doubt and possibility in Viserys's mind. Now, he just needed to wait and see if it would take root—and if his brother would be willing to risk everything to protect their family.In the flickering light of the torches, Daemon's face was set in a determined expression. The game was far from over, and he would do whatever it took to ensure that Lyanna's place in the Targaryen dynasty was secure—no matter the cost.