**The Small Council Chamber - Five Days Later**
The morning sun streamed through tall windows as Queen Alysanne entered the Small Council chamber with the sort of purposeful stride that suggested important decisions were about to be made whether the recipients were prepared or not. King Jaehaerys looked up from reviewing trade agreements with the expression of a man who'd learned to recognize when his wife had developed opinions that would reshape the political landscape.
Prince Baelon sat across the table, heir to the Iron Throne and possessor of his own formidable political instincts. At thirty-four, he carried himself with the confident authority of someone who'd been groomed for leadership since birth, though his expression currently suggested mild wariness about whatever his mother was planning.
From his concealed position in an alcove behind a tapestry depicting the Conquest—a location he'd reached through careful application of enhanced physical capabilities and thorough knowledge of the Red Keep's architectural quirks—Prince Aemon settled in to observe the culmination of his matrimonial optimization campaign.
*This should be instructive,* Pyrion observed through their mental link, his voice carrying the sort of anticipatory satisfaction usually reserved for watching particularly entertaining forms of political theater. *Your great-grandmother has that expression she gets when she's about to convince people that her ideas were actually their ideas all along.*
*The mark of true political genius,* Aemon replied with deep appreciation. *Making optimal solutions seem inevitable rather than imposed.*
"Jaehaerys, Baelon," Alysanne said warmly, settling into her chair with the sort of graceful authority that made even casual greetings feel like royal pronouncements. "I wanted to discuss a matter that's been weighing on my mind."
"Of course, my love," Jaehaerys replied, though his tone carried the careful neutrality of someone preparing for complex negotiations. "What concerns you?"
"Our children's happiness," Alysanne said with the sort of simple directness that made profound statements sound like common sense. "Specifically, Daemon and Gael."
Baelon's eyebrows rose with interest. "In what context?"
"Marriage," Alysanne replied, and the word fell into the chamber like a stone dropped into still water, each ripple carrying implications that rearranged the political landscape.
*Direct approach,* Aemon noted approvingly. *No preamble, no elaborate justification, just the proposal stated as though it were a natural conclusion.*
The silence that followed could have been used to preserve meat for winter storage.
"Marriage," Jaehaerys repeated slowly, his voice carrying the sort of careful precision usually reserved for defusing alchemical explosives. "To each other, I presume?"
"Obviously," Alysanne agreed with the sort of patient tone that suggested she found the need for clarification mildly amusing. "They're well-suited, politically compatible, and most importantly, they genuinely enjoy each other's company."
"They're also aunt and nephew," Baelon pointed out with characteristic pragmatism. "The Faith has... opinions about such unions."
*Here we go,* Aemon thought with anticipation. *The theological obstacle. Let's see how she handles this.*
Alysanne's smile acquired the particular quality that had historically preceded either brilliant diplomatic victories or the complete reformation of religious policy through superior reasoning.
"The Faith," she said with the sort of gentle authority that could move mountains through sheer force of moral certainty, "has many opinions about many things. Some of them are even consistent with promoting human happiness and spiritual fulfillment."
Jaehaerys leaned back in his chair with the expression of someone recognizing the opening moves of a master strategist. "And your assessment of their opinion regarding this particular union?"
"Complex," Alysanne replied diplomatically. "But consider—we are not discussing a match designed purely for political advantage or dynastic consolidation. This would be a marriage based on genuine affection between two individuals who complement each other's strengths and support each other's growth."
*Brilliant framing,* Pyrion observed with professional admiration. *Present the union as serving spiritual values rather than contradicting them.*
"Moreover," she continued, her voice gaining the sort of passionate conviction that made people want to immediately agree with whatever she was about to propose, "Gael is our youngest daughter. Our last daughter. And I refuse—absolutely refuse—to see her happiness sacrificed on the altar of political expediency."
The words hung in the air with the weight of absolute maternal authority. Baelon and Jaehaerys exchanged glances that carried decades of marriage communication, each silently acknowledging that Alysanne had just established the emotional foundation for whatever argument would follow.
"Explain your reasoning," Jaehaerys said carefully, though his tone suggested he was already calculating the political implications.
Alysanne settled back in her chair, her expression taking on the focused intensity of someone about to deliver a carefully prepared strategic analysis disguised as maternal concern.
"Daemon is sixteen, brilliant, charismatic, and possessed of the sort of protective instincts that make him genuinely devoted to family welfare. He's also restless, unsettled by the prospect of political marriages to women he doesn't know and will likely never understand."
*Accurate assessment,* Aemon noted with satisfaction. *She's been observing Uncle Daemon's psychological state with the precision of a master tactician.*
"Gael is seventeen, gentle, intelligent, and possessed of the sort of inner strength that makes her naturally supportive of people she cares about. She's also vulnerable to exploitation by individuals who mistake her kindness for weakness or naivety."
*Even more accurate,* Aemon thought. *She sees the same patterns I identified.*
"Separately, they face futures that promise political utility rather than personal fulfillment," Alysanne continued, her voice gaining the sort of authoritative momentum that made her arguments feel like natural laws rather than personal opinions. "Daemon married to some lord's daughter who will spend their entire union trying to manage his intensity without understanding it. Gael wed to some lord who will view her gentleness as an asset to be protected rather than a gift to be cherished."
She paused, letting the implications settle into her audience's consciousness like seeds finding fertile ground.
"Together, however, they could build something remarkable. Daemon's fire balanced by Gael's wisdom, her kindness protected by his strength. A partnership based on genuine understanding rather than political convenience."
*Masterful,* Pyrion purred with appreciation. *She's described their individual vulnerabilities, projected their separate futures, and presented the union as solving multiple problems simultaneously.*
Baelon was quiet for a long moment, his strategic mind clearly working through the implications. When he spoke, his voice carried the sort of thoughtful consideration that preceded historically significant decisions.
"The political advantages are considerable," he said slowly. "Keeping Gael within the family eliminates her as a potential pawn in other houses' marriage games. Daemon married to someone he actually cares about prevents the sort of resentment that could destabilize his loyalty to the crown."
"And?" Alysanne prompted, though her tone suggested she knew exactly where his analysis was leading.
"And it demonstrates that the Targaryen dynasty prioritizes the wellbeing of its members over purely transactional relationships. Which..." He paused, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Which could actually strengthen our position with vassal houses who've grown tired of treating their children like political chess pieces."
*Brilliant insight,* Aemon thought with fierce pride in his grandfather's strategic acumen. *Present internal marriage as a model for enlightened governance rather than dynastic insularity.*
Jaehaerys had remained quiet throughout this exchange, his sharp mind clearly processing the theological, political, and personal implications of what was being proposed. When he finally spoke, his voice carried the weight of someone who'd learned to balance idealism with pragmatic necessity.
"The Faith will object," he said simply. "Not universally, perhaps, but vocally enough to create complications."
"Will they?" Alysanne asked with the sort of innocent curiosity that couldn't quite hide her satisfaction at having anticipated this objection. "Or will they find themselves in the awkward position of arguing against a marriage based on genuine love, mutual respect, and shared values?"
*Oh, that's clever,* Aemon observed with deep appreciation. *Force religious opponents to argue against spiritual principles they claim to support.*
"Moreover," she continued, her voice gaining the sort of philosophical authority that made complex theological arguments sound like common sense, "are we not told that the gods smile upon unions that bring joy rather than suffering? That strengthen rather than weaken the bonds between people who choose to build lives together?"
Jaehaerys's expression shifted, taking on the sort of thoughtful consideration that suggested he was reassessing fundamental assumptions about religious doctrine and political necessity.
"You're suggesting that a marriage based on affection serves spiritual purposes better than one based purely on political calculation," he said slowly.
"I'm suggesting that our daughter deserves happiness," Alysanne replied with the sort of simple maternal authority that could make kingdoms tremble. "And our grandson deserves the chance to build a partnership with someone who understands and appreciates his nature rather than merely tolerating it."
*Perfect emotional pivot,* Pyrion noted approvingly. *From abstract theological discussion to concrete family welfare.*
Baelon leaned forward with the sort of focused interest that indicated his strategic calculations had reached a conclusion. "Have you discussed this with them?"
"I've created opportunities for them to discover their compatibility naturally," Alysanne replied with the diplomatic precision of someone who'd learned to present manipulation as facilitation. "They enjoy each other's company, share fundamental values, and seem genuinely interested in each other's thoughts and opinions."
*Technically accurate and completely misleading,* Aemon thought with admiration for his great-grandmother's gift for strategic truth management.
"And their response to these... opportunities?" Jaehaerys asked, though his tone suggested he suspected the answer would be favorable.
"Positive," Alysanne said with satisfaction. "Neither has expressed any objection to spending time together. In fact, they seem to seek out each other's company with increasing frequency."
*Also accurate,* Aemon confirmed silently, having observed exactly that phenomenon over the past several days.
The chamber fell quiet as three of the most politically astute individuals in the Seven Kingdoms processed the implications of what was being proposed. Finally, Jaehaerys spoke with the sort of decisive authority that had held the realm together for decades.
"The precedent could be... significant," he said thoughtfully. "A royal marriage based on genuine affection rather than political necessity. It could influence how other noble houses approach matrimonial alliances."
"Toward greater happiness and stability," Alysanne agreed. "Imagine the benefits to the realm if marriages became partnerships rather than transactions."
*Ambitious social engineering,* Pyrion observed with characteristic precision. *She's proposing to revolutionize aristocratic marriage customs through the power of positive example.*
"The risks?" Baelon asked, though his tone suggested he was already calculating implementation strategies rather than looking for reasons to object.
"Minimal," Alysanne replied with confidence. "Both are of appropriate age, unencumbered by previous commitments, and politically valuable regardless of their marriage partners. The union serves our interests while potentially serving as a model for others."
"And if the Faith objects strenuously?" Jaehaerys pressed.
Alysanne's smile acquired the particular quality that had historically preceded either golden ages or the comprehensive optimization of religious policy through superior moral authority.
"Then they'll find themselves in the position of explaining why love, respect, and genuine partnership are inconsistent with divine will," she said with the sort of gentle certainty that could make mountains move out of philosophical embarrassment. "A difficult argument to sustain, particularly when the marriage produces the sort of happiness and stability that most people associate with divine blessing."
*Checkmate,* Aemon thought with deep satisfaction. *She's made opposition to the marriage indistinguishable from opposition to everything the Faith claims to support.*
The silence that followed carried the weight of historical significance. Finally, Jaehaerys looked at his son with the expression of a king seeking final counsel from his heir.
"Your thoughts, Baelon?"
"I think," Baelon said slowly, his voice carrying the sort of considered authority that made his opinions automatically worthy of serious consideration, "that Mother has identified an elegant solution to multiple complex problems while potentially creating a precedent that could benefit the realm for generations."
He paused, then continued with growing conviction.
"Daemon married to someone he genuinely cares about will be a more stable, more committed member of the royal family. Gael protected by someone who values her for herself rather than her political utility will be happier and safer. And both of them building a partnership based on actual compatibility will serve as an example of what marriage can be when it combines political wisdom with personal fulfillment."
*Perfect summary,* Aemon observed with fierce pride in his grandfather's analytical capabilities.
"Moreover," Baelon continued, his voice gaining the sort of strategic enthusiasm that indicated comprehensive planning was already underway, "the timing is optimal. Both are young enough that their marriage will establish their adult identities rather than disrupting established patterns. The political climate is stable enough to accommodate innovation in matrimonial policy. And..."
He smiled with the sort of satisfaction that came from recognizing particularly elegant solutions to complex problems.
"And I suspect both of them will be genuinely pleased with the arrangement, which will make the entire process significantly more pleasant for everyone involved."
Jaehaerys was quiet for a long moment, his keen mind working through the final implications of what was being proposed. When he spoke, his voice carried the sort of decisive authority that had shaped the realm for decades.
"Very well," he said with the finality of royal decree. "We'll proceed with betrothal negotiations between Daemon and Gael. Carefully, diplomatically, with appropriate consideration for both religious sensibilities and political necessities."
*Mission accomplished,* Aemon thought with profound satisfaction. *One historical disaster prevented, two family members optimized for happiness, and the entire precedent established for romance-based marriages among the nobility.*
"However," Jaehaerys continued, his voice taking on the sort of warning tone that indicated important caveats were about to be established, "we proceed only if both parties express genuine enthusiasm for the match. This will not be a forced union imposed for political convenience."
"Of course not," Alysanne agreed with the sort of warm confidence that suggested she had no concerns about securing enthusiastic consent from both parties. "In fact, I believe they'll be delighted with the proposal."
*Probably accurate,* Aemon reflected with satisfaction. *Given the careful groundwork that's been laid.*
"When do you propose making the official announcement?" Baelon asked, his strategic mind already moving to implementation details.
"Soon," Alysanne replied thoughtfully. "But not immediately. Give them time to anticipate the possibility, to imagine their future together. Let the idea settle naturally before making it official."
*Sophisticated psychological manipulation,* Pyrion observed with admiration. *Allow them to convince themselves of the match's desirability before presenting it as a formal option.*
"Very wise," Jaehaerys agreed. "Though I suspect we won't need to wait long. If they're as compatible as you suggest, the prospect of marriage will likely occur to them independently."
*If only they knew,* Aemon thought with deep amusement, *how much strategic effort has gone into making this 'natural' realization possible.*
As the three members of the royal family continued planning the implementation of what would become one of the most successful marriages in Targaryen history, Aemon settled back in his concealment with the profound satisfaction of someone whose comprehensive optimization project had exceeded all expectations.
*Operation Ultimate Matrimonial Intervention,* he reflected with deep contentment, *was proceeding even more successfully than his enhanced calculations had projected.*
*Your great-grandmother is a formidable strategic mind,* Pyrion observed with respectful appreciation. *She identified the optimal solution, constructed compelling arguments for multiple audiences, and secured enthusiastic support from the key decision-makers. Masterful.*
*She also genuinely cares about their happiness,* Aemon replied with warm affection. *Which makes her arguments more convincing because they're completely sincere.*
*The best manipulation is indistinguishable from genuine concern,* Pyrion agreed. *Though in this case, they appear to be the same thing.*
From his hidden position, Aemon watched as Queen Alysanne began outlining the specific steps for approaching Daemon and Gael about the proposed betrothal—careful conversations designed to gauge their interest while providing philosophical frameworks for understanding marriage as partnership rather than transaction.
*Two historical disasters prevented,* he thought with deep satisfaction. *Princess Gael safe from predators and unhappy political marriages, Uncle Daemon protected from forced union with Rhea Royce, and the entire Targaryen succession stabilized through strategic matrimonial optimization.*
*Plus,* Hestia's voice added with characteristic cheerful insight, *you've probably just created one of the great love stories in Westerosi history. Like arranging for two people to meet who are perfect for each other, except instead of meeting at a party, they're meeting through comprehensive political manipulation disguised as family concern.*
*The best kind of love story,* Aemon agreed with satisfaction.
*Very romantic. Though I suppose all the best romances involve at least a little bit of strategic planning. Like when someone learns their beloved's favorite flowers, except instead of flowers, it's entire kingdoms and instead of learning, it's optimizing.*
Outside the chamber windows, King's Landing continued its daily routine, completely unaware that the future of the Targaryen dynasty had just been fundamentally altered by a two-and-a-half-year-old prince with supernatural strategic capabilities and an advanced degree in applied family psychology.
*It's going to be a very good few years,* Aemon decided with the sort of quiet confidence that came from having successfully prevented multiple historical tragedies while maintaining perfect cover as an unusually perceptive toddler with strong opinions about family welfare.
The Dance of Dragons, he reflected with deep satisfaction, was looking less likely by the day.
And that was exactly according to plan.
---
**[MISSION PROGRESS: "The Ultimate Gambit"]**
**[STATUS: Phase Two Complete - Royal Approval Secured]**
**[NEXT PHASE: Formal Betrothal and Enthusiastic Consent]**
**[CONFIDENCE RATING: Maximum]**
**[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: "The Kingmaker's Apprentice"]**
*Successfully influence major dynastic decisions through strategic manipulation of key decision-makers*
**[BONUS OBJECTIVE ACHIEVED: "The Master Manipulator"]**
*Maintain complete plausible deniability while orchestrating complex political outcomes*
Somewhere in the cosmic void, ROB made another note about Prince Aemon Targaryen's remarkable ability to prevent historical disasters through the strategic deployment of enhanced adorability and supernatural political acumen.
*This child,* ROB reflected with a mixture of professional admiration and existential concern, *is either going to save the world or optimize it completely out of existence.*
*Possibly both,* he decided, and began preparing for whatever impossible achievement the prince would accomplish next.
The universe, it seemed, was in very capable hands.
Even if those hands still needed help reaching high shelves.
—
**Two Weeks Later - The Red Keep Gardens**
The afternoon sun painted everything in shades of gold and amber as Prince Aemon settled himself on a stone bench with the sort of casual authority that made even garden furniture seem like a throne. At two and a half years old, he possessed the kind of presence that drew attention without demanding it—people found themselves watching him simply because something about his movements suggested significance, even when he was just arranging his small form for optimal observation of the courtship unfolding before him.
Princess Rhaenyra bounced beside him with barely contained energy, her silver-gold hair catching the light as she craned her neck to get a better view of their aunt and uncle's latest "coincidental" encounter. At the same age as her twin, she radiated the sort of infectious enthusiasm that made hardened knights want to smile and career diplomats remember what joy felt like.
"They're being very silly about this," Rhaenyra announced with the confident authority of someone who'd appointed herself Chief Observer of Family Romance. "Look at them—Uncle Daemon keeps finding excuses to touch her hand, and Aunt Gael keeps pretending she doesn't notice while blushing like a sunrise."
"Courtship rituals," Aemon replied with the sort of scholarly interest that made his observations sound like academic research rather than gossip. "Adults apparently require elaborate protocols for determining compatibility, even when the outcome is statistically inevitable."
*Your clinical assessment of romantic behavior continues to amuse me,* Pyrion observed from his perch on Aemon's shoulder, his mental voice carrying aristocratic entertainment. *Though I note that your uncle's technique has improved considerably since Queen Alysanne began orchestrating their encounters.*
*He's a fast learner,* Aemon agreed silently, watching as Daemon helped Gael settle onto a cushioned bench with the sort of careful attention that suggested he'd appointed himself her personal guardian against uncomfortable seating arrangements. *And she's discovered that his intensity becomes protective devotion when properly directed.*
Across the garden, Princess Gael was laughing at something Daemon had said—genuine laughter that made her violet eyes sparkle with delight rather than the polite amusement she'd offered previous suitors. Daemon's response was a smile so genuinely pleased it transformed his usually sharp features into something approaching boyish charm.
"See?" Rhaenyra said with satisfaction, swinging her legs from the bench. "Silly. They both look like they've discovered something wonderful, but they keep acting surprised about it."
"Maybe they are surprised," Aemon suggested thoughtfully. "Not everyone expects to find genuine compatibility through arranged encounters. Most people probably assume political marriages require sacrificing personal happiness for family obligation."
*Wise observation,* Pyrion noted. *Your aunt and uncle are discovering that duty and desire can align rather than conflict. A revelation for individuals raised to expect sacrifice rather than satisfaction.*
"That's sad," Rhaenyra said with the sort of straightforward compassion that made her naturally beloved by everyone who met her. "Why shouldn't people be happy? Especially family people?"
"Because historically, royal marriages have been more about managing kingdoms than building partnerships," Aemon explained, automatically shifting into his educational mode. "Most noble houses treat their children like chess pieces—valuable assets to be positioned strategically rather than individuals with preferences about their own lives."
Rhaenyra wrinkled her nose with distaste. "That sounds terrible. Like being a very expensive horse that people buy and sell without asking if you like your new stable."
*Your sister's analogies are remarkably apt,* Pyrion observed with approval. *The comparison to livestock breeding programs is unfortunately accurate for much of aristocratic marriage policy.*
*She has a gift for cutting through complexity to reach essential truths,* Aemon agreed with fond pride. *It's going to make her a formidable political force when she's older.*
"Exactly like that," he confirmed aloud. "Which is why what Great-grandmother arranged for them is so unusual. She created opportunities for them to actually get to know each other before making decisions about marriage."
"Great-grandmother is very clever," Rhaenyra agreed with the sort of absolute confidence that came from having never encountered a problem Queen Alysanne couldn't solve through superior wisdom and strategic planning. "Though I still think they're being silly about holding hands. If you like someone, just hold their hand. It's not complicated."
As if summoned by her words, they watched Daemon finally take Gael's hand in his—not the brief, formal contact of courtesy, but the lingering clasp of someone who'd decided that protocols could accommodate personal desires.
"Finally!" Rhaenyra exclaimed with satisfaction. "Now maybe they'll stop looking at each other like they're trying to solve mathematics problems."
*Your sister's commentary on romantic complexity continues to provide insight,* Pyrion noted with amusement. *Adults do indeed tend to overcomplicate emotional connections that children perceive as straightforward.*
The sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention as Princess Gael and Prince Daemon made their way toward the bench, their joined hands now a matter of established fact rather than hopeful possibility.
"Aemon, Rhaenyra," Gael called warmly, her voice carrying the sort of genuine happiness that made everyone within hearing distance want to smile reflexively. "I hope you don't mind sharing your afternoon with us?"
"We love sharing!" Rhaenyra announced with the sort of enthusiastic hospitality that made diplomatic protocols unnecessary. "Especially when people are being less silly about obvious things!"
Daemon raised an eyebrow with the sort of aristocratic amusement that suggested he was already learning to appreciate his niece's direct approach to social commentary. "Less silly, you say? And what, precisely, were we being silly about?"
"Pretending you didn't want to hold hands," Rhaenyra replied with the sort of matter-of-fact honesty that made adults question their commitment to polite fiction. "It was very obvious you both wanted to, so doing it was much more sensible than not doing it."
*Direct assault on romantic pretense,* Aemon observed with internal amusement. *Sister's philosophy: if the desired outcome is mutually obvious, implementation should be immediate.*
Gael laughed—the same genuine delight they'd observed from across the garden—while a faint flush colored her cheeks. "You're very observant, sweetheart."
"I'm very practical," Rhaenyra corrected with dignity. "Observant is when you notice things. Practical is when you think the things you notice should make sense."
Daemon settled onto the grass near their bench with the sort of casual grace that made even informal positioning look like deliberate choreography. "And in your practical assessment, what should sensible people do when they enjoy each other's company?"
"Enjoy it more," Rhaenyra replied promptly. "Spend time together, talk about interesting things, maybe go flying together when your dragons are bigger. Share desserts. Important things."
*Comprehensive relationship advice from someone who's mastered the fundamentals,* Pyrion observed approvingly. *Shared experiences, communication, mutual interests, and strategic resource allocation. Sound theoretical foundation.*
"Very sound advice," Gael agreed warmly, her free hand reaching out to stroke Rhaenyra's hair with the sort of affectionate gesture that made the little girl beam with pleasure. "Though I confess, I'm curious about Aemon's perspective as well. You've been very quiet, little prince."
Aemon considered his response with the sort of careful precision that suggested he was weighing multiple complex factors simultaneously. "I think people deserve to be happy," he said finally, his voice carrying an authority that seemed too old for his years. "And I think happiness works better when it's built on genuine understanding rather than hopeful assumptions."
*Diplomatic while expressing approval,* Pyrion noted. *You acknowledge their compatibility without revealing the extent of your orchestration.*
"Understanding," Daemon repeated thoughtfully, his sharp mind clearly processing the implications of his nephew's observation. "You believe we understand each other well enough to make informed decisions?"
"I think," Aemon said carefully, "that you both value the same things—family, loyalty, protection of people who deserve it, and the sort of partnership where each person makes the other stronger rather than smaller. Those seem like good foundations for important decisions."
The silence that followed carried weight, as though his words had crystallized something that had been developing in the back of both their minds.
"Wise words from a wise boy," Gael said softly, her violet eyes reflecting something deeper than casual affection as she looked at her nephew. "You have remarkable insight for someone your age."
*Careful,* Pyrion warned silently. *She's beginning to notice the inconsistency between your apparent age and actual wisdom. Deflect before suspicion develops.*
"I listen to people," Aemon replied with the sort of innocent simplicity that made profound observations seem like natural curiosity. "Adults say interesting things when they think children aren't paying attention. And Great-grandmother talks to me about lots of complicated topics because she says I ask good questions."
*Perfect deflection,* Pyrion approved. *Attribute insight to education and observation rather than supernatural intelligence.*
"She does indeed," Daemon agreed with fond amusement. "Mother has always believed in treating intelligent children as though they're capable of understanding intelligent conversation. A refreshing approach compared to most adults who assume anyone under ten years old is basically a well-dressed pet."
"I'm much better than a pet," Rhaenyra interjected with mock indignation. "Pets don't have opinions about important things like whether people should stop being silly about holding hands, or why dessert should come before dinner sometimes when you're celebrating good decisions."
*Your sister's philosophical priorities continue to impress,* Pyrion observed with aristocratic approval. *She's identified celebration as justification for optimizing traditional protocols.*
The conversation continued for another hour, flowing naturally between topics that ranged from dragon care to poetry to the proper application of tactical thinking in garden design. Aemon found himself genuinely enjoying the dynamic—Daemon's sharp wit balanced by Gael's gentle wisdom, both of them clearly delighted by Rhaenyra's enthusiastic commentary on everything from cloud formations to the optimal distribution of flower colors.
*They work well together,* he observed with deep satisfaction, watching as Daemon helped Gael to her feet when the afternoon grew cool, their coordination natural and considerate. *Natural partnership developing exactly as projected.*
*Your matrimonial optimization appears to be proceeding flawlessly,* Pyrion agreed. *They complement each other's strengths while finding genuine pleasure in each other's company. Queen Alysanne's strategy has produced optimal results.*
As the adults departed—with promises to continue their conversation over dinner and knowing smiles that suggested important decisions were being contemplated—Aemon and Rhaenyra settled back onto their bench to process what they'd witnessed.
"I like them together," Rhaenyra announced with satisfaction. "They make each other look happy. Like when you find the perfect piece for a puzzle and everything clicks into place properly."
"They do complement each other well," Aemon agreed, though his mind was already calculating the broader implications of successful romantic attachment between two individuals whose marriage would fundamentally stabilize the Targaryen succession.
*Status review,* he decided, settling into the sort of contemplative mood that preceded comprehensive analysis of current capabilities and strategic options.
"Hestia," he said silently, knowing she would hear him regardless of cosmic distance or dimensional barriers, "time for an update."
Her voice materialized in his consciousness with the warm efficiency of someone who'd been waiting for exactly this request. "Oh, hello! I was just thinking about thinking, and I realized that thoughts are like tiny philosophers who live in your head and argue about everything. Very entertaining, philosophers. Always having opinions about things that might not actually exist."
*Status report, please,* Aemon replied with fond patience.
"Right, sorry. Got distracted by the concept of concepts. Very meta, concepts. Like ideas about ideas, but with more... conceptual-ness. Here we go then!"
---
**[CURRENT STATUS - PRINCE AEMON TARGARYEN]**
**Age:** 2 years, 6 months, 2 weeks, 3 days
**Physical Development:** "Legendarily Optimized" (Peak human capability + 20% enhancement)
**Height:** 3'6" (Tall enough to reach most important things, not tall enough to avoid questions about precocious development)
**Appearance Rating:** "Could Negotiate International Treaties Through Strategic Deployment of Dimples and Logical Arguments"
**Mental Status:** Tactically Brilliant with Appropriate Levels of Cosmic Ambition
**Political Influence:** Moderate but Exponentially Growing
**Character Assimilations Active:**
- **Geralt of Rivia:** 18% (Enhanced senses now capable of detecting supernatural phenomena, lies, and hostile intent across considerable distances)
- **Edward Elric:** 17% (Alchemical mastery sufficient for architectural-level transmutation projects)
- **Tyrion Lannister:** 73% (Political genius approaching supernatural levels with perfect strategic planning capabilities)
*Note: Tyrion integration nearing completion. Slot will become available soon.*
**Available Stored Assimilations:** 7 legendary options including Superman, Batman, Iron Man, Captain America, and others that would fundamentally reshape the military balance of Westeros
**Dragon Bond:** Pyrion - Partnership Status: "Mythic Symbiosis with Tactical Nuclear Capabilities"
*Current Pyrion Assessment: Weapon of mass destruction with sophisticated conversation skills and unwavering loyalty to optimization protocols*
**Recent Major Accomplishments:**
- Successfully prevented Princess Gael's historical seduction and tragic end
- Orchestrated royal approval for Daemon-Gael marriage through strategic manipulation of Queen Alysanne
- Maintained perfect cover as "unusually perceptive toddler" despite wielding capabilities that could reshape kingdoms
**Current Gacha Currency:** 9,847 Points
*Only 153 points away from the first 100-pull Premium Event!*
**Achievement Streak:** 167 consecutive days without mission failure
**Optimization Projects Completed:** 23 (Including economic reform, dragon management protocols, and comprehensive family therapy)
**Threat Level Assessment:** "Adorable but Potentially Reality-Altering"
---
*9,847 points,* Aemon noted with satisfaction. *So close to another Premium Gacha Event I can practically taste the legendary rewards.*
"You know," Hestia said thoughtfully, "it's funny how numbers work. Like, 153 seems like such a small number until you realize it's standing between you and potentially game-changing cosmic prizes. Like being 153 steps away from a treasure chest, except the steps are made of achievement points and the treasure chest is full of abilities that could let you punch reality until it agrees to be more sensible."
*That's... surprisingly accurate,* Aemon admitted. *What sort of missions would generate 153 points quickly without revealing supernatural capabilities?*
"Oh, loads of options!" Hestia replied with characteristic enthusiasm. "Though they're getting trickier because you're so successful that people are starting to notice patterns. Like when someone's very good at predicting rain, eventually people start wondering if they're just observant or if they're secretly controlling weather through mysterious means."
*Point taken. What specifically?*
"Well, there's the ongoing 'Optimize Castle Infrastructure Without Anyone Realizing You're Personally Revolutionizing Medieval Architecture' mission. Worth about 200 points if you can make improvements that seem like natural maintenance rather than systematic upgrading."
*Feasible. The Red Keep's drainage systems are criminally inefficient.*
"Then there's 'Demonstrate Advanced Dragon Training Techniques While Maintaining Baby Genius Cover' - about 150 points for teaching Pyrion new capabilities that impress the dragon keepers without making them question how a toddler knows more about dragon psychology than people who've studied it for decades."
*Also manageable. Pyrion's been practicing some new flight patterns that would benefit from formal demonstration.*
"Or," Hestia continued with growing excitement, "there's the big one - 'Successfully Navigate First Major Political Crisis While Maintaining Cover Identity.' That's worth 500 points minimum, but it requires an actual crisis to resolve."
*Let's hope that one doesn't become necessary anytime soon,* Aemon replied with the sort of caution that came from understanding exactly how complicated political crises could become when you were trying to solve them without revealing supernatural competence.
*Though knowing my luck,* he added thoughtfully, *something crisis-worthy is probably already developing somewhere in the kingdom.*
"That's the spirit!" Hestia said brightly. "Always be prepared for interesting complications! Like keeping an umbrella handy, except instead of rain, you're preparing for political disasters, and instead of an umbrella, you have supernatural abilities and questionable judgment about when to deploy them."
From across the garden, he could hear Rhaenyra's laughter as she chased butterflies with the sort of boundless energy that made everything seem more vibrant. Her joy was infectious, genuine, and completely unaffected by the complex political optimizations occurring around her.
*She deserves to grow up in a world where her biggest concerns are butterfly-chasing and dessert allocation,* Aemon thought with fierce protectiveness. *Not civil wars and succession crises and the sort of family dynamics that historically end with dragons eating each other.*
*Your protective instincts regarding your sister continue to drive strategic decision-making,* Pyrion observed with approval. *Though I note that your definition of 'protection' has expanded to include comprehensive optimization of the entire political system.*
*Naturally. Can't protect one person without ensuring the stability of the environment they're living in.*
*Your approach to problem-solving continues to be both admirably thorough and concerning in scope,* Pyrion replied with fond resignation. *But I suppose when you possess the capabilities to reshape kingdoms, using them to ensure your family's safety becomes a reasonable response to potential threats.*
The afternoon sun was beginning to slant lower, painting everything in shades of gold and amber that made the garden look like something from a fairy tale. Soon, dinner bells would ring, family would gather, and another day of careful optimization disguised as normal toddler behavior would draw to a close.
*153 more points,* Aemon mused as he prepared to collect his energetic sister and return to the Red Keep proper. *Then another Premium Gacha Event, another chance to acquire capabilities that could further optimize outcomes for everyone involved.*
*The question,* Pyrion noted with characteristic precision, *is whether the universe is prepared for whatever you might accomplish with additional legendary abilities.*
*Only one way to find out,* Aemon replied with the sort of confident smile that historically preceded either brilliant achievements or the fundamental restructuring of reality according to superior planning.
*That,* Pyrion observed, *is exactly what concerns me.*
But as they made their way back toward the castle—Rhaenyra skipping ahead while chattering about butterfly aerodynamics, Syrax perched regally on her shoulder—Aemon felt only the deep satisfaction that came from comprehensive strategic success.
The Dance of Dragons grew more unlikely every day. His family was safer, happier, and more politically stable than historical precedent suggested possible. And he was just 153 achievement points away from whatever legendary capabilities the cosmic lottery might provide next.
It was definitely going to be an interesting few weeks.
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