was half a year since Rhaenyra had been made heir. During that time, Daemon, who was supposed to be at the Vale with his wife as the king commanded, took up residence at Dragonstone. There were rumors that he took a lover there with him named Mysaria. Aegon had never met or even heard of her, but he doubts that doubted anything serious between them, knowing how his older brother is. Other news, such as Lord Ryman Redwyne, commander of the Kingsguard, passed in his sleep last night. He was a strong commander but had been ill for some time, so the news was not a did not surprise. While Viserys and his councilors were discussing a replacement, Aegon was in his son's room playing a game of cyvasse. Cyvasse was a game played by two players, featuring ten types of pieces such as rabble, spearmen, crossbowmen, light horse, heavy horse, trebuchet, catapult, dragon, elephant, and king. The players would move their pieces across the tiles on the board, with a screen in the middle, so neither can see how the other arranges their board. Among the squares that the players can place themselves are mountains. The goal of the game is to "kill" the king. In turn, the players move their pieces across the board. Aegon found the game boring, but he knows Baelar loves it. Cyvasse was his favorite game as a child, and he would play it for hours.
"I move my dragon to kill your elephant.", Baelar said, moving his piece.
"Well, I use a trebuchet to kill your dragon," Aegon replied with his chin on his hand, moving his piece, trying to look intrigued.
"But I have an elephant that kills your king," Baelar said with a victorious look, "I win."
"Yes, you have, again." As he and Baelar picked up their pieces from the board, Aegon said, "You were always good at this game, even when you were little."
"I learned it at that time you took me to Volantis," Baelar said.
"Ah, yes." Aegon said, reminiscing, "You were only six when you learned and excelled in it very quickly."
"I'm glad you decided to stay, father," Baelar said with a smile, happy that his father had been staying in Kings Landing for the past year and a half.
"Well, I'm glad I could be with you, son." Aegon smiled back, although he was thinking about his other son Aeron, who he hadn't seen for months. When Aegon sent the letter to Melina about everything that happened, she replied by saying that she understood that he was needed in the Red Keep with his family. Although he could not help but think about her, especially when he was with Claryssa.
"Baelar," Aegon asked, getting his son's attention, "You know you have a brother in Braavos."
"Yes," Baelar said curiously. Baelar was 10 when he heard his father had a son with another woman who was not his mother. He still remembers the looks and whispers filling the court, especially his mother's screaming argument with Aegon. It was said that their argument could have been heard throughout Maegor's Holdfast.
"What would you think about meeting him?" Aegon asked cautiously, knowing that this was a sensitive subject for his son.
"What do you mean?" Baelar asked.
"I mean, what if your brother comes here?" Aegon clarified.
"In Westeros or the Red Keep?" Baelar asked, taken aback by his father's question. He could not deny that he was curious about this half-brother, but he was completely shocked by what his father asked.
Before Aegon could answer, the door opened, and Claryssa came in. Aegon and Baelar looked at her and then turned away from her as the father looked at the board games, and his son looked down at his hands, avoiding his mother.
"Am I interrupting something," Claryssa asked, raising a brow after seeing how her husband and son reacted to her presence.
"No." Aegon curtly said, "Just your son humiliating his father at cyvasse."
"I'm not surprised. He's been playing that game since he was a child." Claryssa smiled as she walked up to her son and caressed his hair, "Baelar, could you give your father and me some time alone? There are things we need to discuss."
"Yes, mother," Baelar said as he got up.
"Perhaps you could spend some time with Lady Leah." Aegon recommended, "She should be done with her history lesson right now."
"Maybe, father," Baelar said. He turned around and smiled as he started to walk away quickly to see Leah. He left the room and closed the door, leaving Claryssa and Aegon alone.
"What were you doing?" Claryssa asked sternly.
"I was playing a game with my son." Aegon simply answered.
"What were you talking about when I entered the room," Claryssa asked again more forcefully as Aegon sighed, not looking at her. "You were asking Baelar about her and her son."
"I was simply asking if he would like to meet his brother." Aegon defended, "Nothing more."
"Whatever business you have with your son and his mother is clearly with them," Claryssa said with a condescending tone as if speaking to a child, "But do not make our son be involved in it."
Aegon glared at her. He always hated how she would talk down to him as if he was a child. When they first got married, he tried to be kind and respectful, and so did she. However, Claryssa is a woman of politics and duty, while Aegon is a man who wants to leave behind the life of politics and has adventures. Claryssa tolerated it because her husband was fifteen when they got married, thinking he would start becoming more mature when he got older, but his nature never changed. Aegon offered to take her on his adventures, but she found them unfitting for a lady of her status, especially since she is the wife of a prince. She always believed that it was her duty to uphold the status she gained from being Aegon's wife, understanding her role in the world, and wanting to impart them to her son. Still, her husband never took his role seriously and did not even care about them.
"You said you wish to speak to me about something," Aegon asked coldly, wanting to change the subject.
Claryssa rolled her eyes as she sat down at the table Aegon and Baelar were at and started the conversation, "It's been half a year since Rhaenyra has been appointed heir to the Iron Throne, which means she will be our ruling queen, the first one in history of the Seven Kingdoms."
"Yes, I'm aware," Aegon said, not knowing where this was going.
"Then you must be aware that she will need a consort." Claryssa continued.
"A consort?" Aegon repeated.
"Yes, so she can produce heirs and strengthen her claim on the throne," Claryssa said, giving Aegon the idea of what she was suggesting.
"You want to marry Baelar to Rhaenyra?" Aegon asked surprisingly.
"Targaryens are known to marry one another. Baelar and Rhaenyra grew up together and knew each other well." Claryssa said, "This marriage could support her claim to the throne."
"Support her claim or have your blood on the throne," Aegon asked, suspicious of her intentions.
Claryssa sighed, "Aegon, the realm's lords bent the knee to her and swore to defend her rights. The king will not change his mind about the succession. However, there are whispers that you should have been the new heir or Baelar because you are both men, and she is a girl. The lords will be going around like buzzards trying to get their claws in us for their own purposes."
"Is that what you are so concerned about?" Aegon asked as he got up and walked to a table nearby, pouring wine into his cup as his wife followed him. "The ambitions of others."
"Aren't you?" Claryssa asked, "I understand you don't think much about politics, but for once, see things from my perspective. As a prince, Baelar is expected to marry to preserve the royal line just like we did. And, the king will remarry sooner or later, and he will have a son, and the lords will be expecting that boy to be heir instead of Rhaenyra. Having Baelar marry Rhaenyra would be beneficial for her and us. It would put to rest any ambitions of other lords and strengthen Rhaenyra's claim."
Aegon began to think about it, and as much as he hates to admit it, Claryssa does have a point. No doubt, many lords would be coming to propose their sons and grandsons to Rhaenyra to gain power and favor in the royal family. Also, Targaryens always married one another to keep their bloodline pure. Aegon's own parents were brother and sister, and having Baelar marry Rhaenyra is probably to be expected. However, Aegon can see his son is more interested in another girl. Leah Lannister. He knows this marriage could be beneficial from the political side, but he does not want his son to be trapped in a loveless marriage like he is now. Baelar and Rhaenyra may like each other now, but years of strained marriage would change their feelings for one another.
"Just go to the king and propose the marriage between our son to Rhaenyra." She then implored, "I wouldn't be surprised if it's already in his mind."
Claryssa brought up another good point. What if the idea was already in the king's head? It was something he would have to discuss with his brother.
"I will speak to him about it," Aegon told his wife.
"Good." Claryssa ended the conversation as she walked out of the room.
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Baelar was walking through the Red Keep looking for Leah. It wasn't until he saw her talking with other court girls in the royal gardens. She saw him and excused herself and walked quickly to him.
"I see you finished your history lesson," Baelar said.
"I did," Leah said with a smile, "The septa were furious when Rhaenyra was not paying attention."
"And Alicent?" Baelar laughed.
"Always the perfect student, as usual." Leah rolled her eyes, "Although I haven't seen her as of late."
"Maybe she's busy with something." Baelar presumed.
"Well, she has been spending more time with her father recently," Leah replied, finding it strange that she hadn't seen her friend as often as she used to.
"I suppose," Baelar said, not thinking too much about it.
"How's everything with your father," Leah asked, "Now that he stayed?"
"Great," Baelar said unconvincingly.
"Are you sure?" Leah asked with her left brow raised.
"Everything is fine." Baelar said as he walked to a bench close, "But, this morning, we were playing a round of cyvasse, which I won. He then started to ask me if I wanted to meet his other son from Braavos."
"Oh," Leah said as she sat down with him, "How do you feel about that?"
"I feel," Baelar started to say until he stopped.
Leah could see that he didn't know what to feel and didn't blame him for feeling this way. She doesn't know what having siblings she never met is like. Rhaenyra and Alicent have been more like sisters to her since the three girls were very close when they were younger. However, Baelar never met his half-brother face to face, so for his father to make such a suggestion was conflicting for him. She didn't know what to say but placed her hand on his in comfort. Letting him know that she was there for him.
"I don't know what to feel," Baelar admitted. "I'll admit, there are times when I want to meet him, but there are other times when I wish he didn't exist."
"Why do you feel like that?" Leah asked softly.
"It's just embarrassing." Baelar said, "My father, having this other woman and another child without shame, and he doesn't even try to hide it. I know men of the realm have bastards all the time, but he's acting like this other child. This other son is the only one that matters."
Leah nodded as she heard Baelar, knowing the slander that had been going on around him and his family. The people of the court have not been saying the slander to their faces, but everyone can see behind the false smiles and kind words. However, she feels that the slander was not the only problem.
"The only one that matters," Leah repeated Baelar's words, "This is more than slander, isn't it?"
Baelar looked at Leah and then looked back at the ground.
"Baelar, you can tell me." Leah implored him as she moved closer to him.
"Before, my father would leave Westeros and go explore parts unknown, and he would come back," Baelar said, "but now, he spends all of his time with this other son, with this other woman, and." Baelar stopped and started again, "I feel like he wishes they were his real family. That he wishes he would be free from my mother and me. Like, this other son is my father's favorite. Because he's not a constant reminder of this duty, my father had to fulfill."
"Baelar, your father would never think that way about you." Leah tried to comfort him.
"All know it." Baelar continued, "Everyone knows that he prefers his mistress and her bastard to my mother and me."
"Have you told him how you feel?" Leah asked him while Baelar stayed silent.
"He wouldn't care." He then said.
"You never know," Leah told him, "He'll never know unless you tell him."
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Aegon was walking through the halls of Maegor's Holdfast as he contemplated the conversation he and Claryssa had had. A marriage between Rhaenyra and Baelar is a good match, but he could tell his son had eyes for another. Walking, he saw Rhaenyra and Otto Hightower with Ser Harrold Westerling. He then saw that they were choosing a new member of the Kingsguard.
"I suppose the king has put you in charge of selecting a new knight of the Kingsguard Rhaenyra," Aegon commented as he walked up to them.
"Yes, and I saw that the knights just accomplished capturing poachers, except for Ser Criston Cole, who has battle experience." Said Rhaenyra, "But Ser Otto suggests the other knights instead."
"Ah, Ser Criston Cole." Aegon observed, "The knight who bested my brother in the tourney. And what would be the issue, Ser Otto."
"I was simply stating that there are some knights from houses that are important allies to the crown-" Otto explains before Aegon interrupts him.
"When a knight wears the white cloak, he renounces his house, lands, and titles to swear loyalty to the king and only the king, do they not? Aegon asked.
"Yes, my prince." Otto nodded with a stern look.
"Then I do not see why their houses should be of any concern to us," Aegon concluded and then turned to his niece. "What do you think, Rhaenyra, since you are the heir to the throne."
Rhaenyra smiled at her uncle, grateful that her uncle reminded the Hand of her status, and said, "These men are tourney knights. My father should be defended by a man who's known real combat. Should he not?" She then looked at Otto and Aegon.
Seeing he has no way of changing the princess' mind, Otto simply said, "Of course, Princess."
"Well, let's plan Ser Criston's investiture then." She then gave him a smirk before leaving as Aegon, who smiled at Otto, followed her.
"I'm glad you saw things from my perspective, uncle," Rhaenyra said to Aegon as they walked.
"You brought up good points, Rhaenyra." Aegon said, "Your father should be protected by knights with battle experience. A far wiser course of action than the Hand of the King, apparently."
"I'm glad some see the value of my counsel," Rhaenyra said in an annoyed tone.
"What do you mean?" Aegon asks.
"Lord Corlys came to the council meeting and said that his ships were stolen or sunk by the Triarchy, and his men were taken by the crabfeeder." Rhaenyra began to explain, "He wanted to take action to answer for it."
"I have heard of this crabfeeder," Aegon said. There had been tales that the Triarchy had appointed a price-admiral named Craghas Drahar, who earned the nickname the Crabfeeder because he takes his defeated foes and takes them to the beach to let the crabs eat their bones. "What did your father say?"
"He sent messages to some of the other free cities but was reluctant to go to war." Rhaenyra answered, "I recommended sending us because we have dragons."
Aegon looked at her, "A bold plan."
Rhaenyra sighed, thinking her uncle would say it was not the right course of action until he said, "One that I agree with." Rhaenyra then looked at her uncle, surprised that he agreed with her. "Really," Rhaenyra asked.
"The Velaryon ships make up most of the royal fleet," Aegon explained, "So an attack on the Velaryon ships is an attack on the crown. If it comes to war, it would be the crabfeeder that drew the first attack."
"My father and his council members are not too keen on war," Rhaenyra told her uncle,
"Keen on war or hearing counsel from a girl," Aegon tells his niece as she looks at him knowing it is true.
"When I made the suggestion, Otto Hightower dismissed me, saying I'm better suited to pick a new member for the Kingsguard." Rhaenyra said, "I don't see how I can be heir if my father won't listen to me."
"I take it the Hand had a hand in it as well," Aegon stopped walking and faced his niece, who stared at him, "Daemon did say he was a cunt." Rhaenyra giggled at the comment. "It seems we have to convince the king otherwise."
It seems what Daemon said was coming true. Otto Hightower is preying on Viserys for his own ends instead of for the crown. Attacking ships from the royal fleet is an attack on the crown, which needs to be dealt with quickly, or the Triarchy could become even more bold and ruthless in their attacks. Aegon then saw lord Corlys walking past the hallways. He told his niece that there was something that he needed to do and soon started to chase after the Sea Snake.
"Lord Corlys," Aegon announced to get the lord's attention.
"My prince." The Sea Snake greeted him.
"There is something I wish to discuss." Aegon said, "Involving the small council meeting, specifically what transpired at the meeting."
Corlys looked at the prince and nodded as they began to walk through the corridor. Aegon always admired the Sea Snake and the famous 9 Voyages he made, traveling around the world and bringing back riches from different countries. It was Corlys who inspired Aegon to travel the world on his dragon, Nightwing. He also knew that House Velaryon had been an old friend to House Targaryen. An ally during the Conquest of Aegon the Conqueror, who had a Velaryon mother and had members from both sides marrying one another before and after the Conquest. Aegon knows how valuable the Velaryons are, especially Lord Corlys. He admits that Viserys, sometimes, is slow to act when necessary, but he's trying to make sure that he does not lose his allies because of it. Not to mention that Corlys is a man of action and ambition.
"I assume the king spoke to you about what transpired." Corlys presumed
"It was the princess who spoke to me." Aegon corrected, "And she told me you were on the verge of an agreement on handling this crabfeeder."
"She told you her idea then," Corlys asked.
"Mostly gave the idea of using dragons to take the Stepstones, only for my brother to decline," Aegon replied.
"You agree with him?" Corlys asked, expecting him to support his brother
"As his duty as king, my brother must keep the peace in the realm and not plunge it to war," Aegon answered, "but there are times when war is inevitable and sinking ships from the royal navy give the crown a justified reason to attack the crabfeeder."
Corlys looked at him surprised, "So you agree that we must take our forces and drive out the crabfeeder?"
"I believe that it is the will of the king to decide that." Aegon answered as he stopped walking, "and my brother would need a good reason before sending off an army to war."
"I have brought many reports on the matter of the Stepstones." Corlys told the prince, "And the king does not hear them."
"The king or his Hand," Aegon questioned as Corlys stayed silent, knowing the Hand was responsible for the king not listening to the reports.
"It seems the Hand is convincing the king not to send men." Aegon said, "but I disagree with the Hand. The Stepstones must be cared for before they start looking at our shores. Besides, there are benefits to taking the Stepstones regardless of the circumstances."
"What benefits are those?" Corlys asked with intrigue.
"Most of the trade for Westeros and Essos goes through the Stepstones," Aegon explained, "If we take those islands, then we would have full control of the Narrow Sea and all the trade routes with it."
"I suppose that's true, my prince." Corlys said with an impressive look at Aegon's idea, "I see you have much ambition."
"Only to improve my brother's reign." Aegon said, "But nothing can be done unless the king agrees to send men to the Stepstones."
"Then how do you propose to convince the king," Corlys asked.
"Try approach the king in a different direction." Aegon said, "Instead of demanding action, remind him of the value and strength House Velaryon has and give him reasons to see things from your direction."
Corlys looked at Aegon, processed his words, and got an idea that would benefit him and the king. An offer he could not refuse.
"I understand, my prince," Corlys said, and he and Aegon smiled in agreement.
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Aegon went to Viserys' chamber, wishing to speak with him about his conversation with Lord Corlys and Rhaenyra. He came closer to the door and saw Alicent Hightower leaving the room.
"Lady Alicent." Aegon greeted her.
"My prince." She bowed to him nervously.
"Were you with the king just now?" Aegon asked her as she looked tense at him, and he didn't know why.
"Yes, I was passing along messages from my father." She replied quickly.
"From your father?" Aegon asked, finding it strange, "Why didn't he come here himself?"
"Being Hand of the King gives him many duties to attend to." Alicent answered, "And I must go and report back to him. Good day, my prince." Alicent then walked away quickly as Aegon stared at her as she walked away, finding it odd that she was in the king's chamber. He then entered the chamber and found Viserys working on his diorama, which grew bigger during the half year.
"I see it's coming along," Aegon commented with a smile.
"Yes, coming along," Viserys said, holding a broken dragon figurine.
"I saw Lady Alicent leaving." Aegon said, "She was giving you reports from her father."
"Uh, yes, she was," Viserys said awkwardly. "She told me about reports from Daemon."
"Is that so?" Aegon said, not believing his brother, now starting to see what Otto Hightower was doing.
"Yes," Viserys said quickly while staring at Aegon.
"Still brooding on Dragonstone?" Aegon said, putting his hand on his waist, knowing his rother would change the subject.
"Yes, I'm afraid so." Viserys sighed.
"I thought he was supposed to be at the Vale with his wife." Aegon asked his brother, "By order of the king."
"Daemon has always been rebellious, so I don't think much about it." Viserys.
Aegon hummed as he looked at his brother, continuing his work on the diorama. "I spoke with Lord Corlys, who explained that tensions ran hot in today's council meetings."
Viserys looked up at his brother and then back to his diorama. "He lost a few ships and wanted to take action against the Triarchy."
"And you don't," Aegon concluded.
Viserys then put down the figurines and looked at his brother, "And you think I should."
"I think attacking the royal fleet is an attack on the crown," Aegon started to say, "However, as king, it's your duty to keep the peace and avoid war."
Viserys looked at Aegon, surprised at what he was saying. "I'm glad you see it that way, Aegon."
"When grandfather was king, he did everything he could to avoid war and keep the peace." Aegon began to say, "but there was a time when the Kingdom of Dorne invaded our borders. He, his son Aemon and our father rode on dragon back and fought to defend the realm."
Viserys looked at Aegon with confusion. Was his youngest brother agreeing with him or advising him to go to war? "What are you suggesting, Aegon?"
"You should avoid war," Aegon started, "But there are times when it might be unavoidable, and you must be prepared at all costs. You must keep your most powerful allies as close as possible to do that. Especially House Velaryon."
Aegon would have mentioned that taking the Stepstones would give the crown control of the Narrow Sea, but he didn't think that would make his brother agree with the plan to go to war with the Triarchy. At the moment, Aegon needs to help Viserys keep his allies close if he will convince him to act. Viserys looked at his brother and then smiled, causing Aegon confusion.
"Why are you smiling?" Aegon asked.
"For a minute, it seemed like you were a politician," Viserys answered with a chuckle causing Aegon to join him.
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Rhaenyra, Leah, and Alicent were at the city inside The Great Sept on Visenya's Hill. The girls were walking inside, passing by septs, septas, and the statues of the seven gods Westeros worshipped. While they walked, Rhaenyra spoke to her friends about the frustrations she experienced with the council members.
"It's only been half a year since my mother died, and already they tried to marry my father off and replace me as heir," Rhaenyra said as the girls soon came up to a statue of one of the seven gods with lit candles,
"You think that's what they are doing," Leah asked as the girls walked to a table full of lit candles in the center of the Sept.
"I know those men and how they plot in their secret councils when I've been sent away," Rhaenyra answered.
"You cannot worry about the matters of lords and kings, Rhaenyra," Alicent told her friend as she walked to a bench nearby where a small box of candles was waiting to be used. "What if your father were to remarry."
Leah looked at Alicent and could tell there was something in her question, but she couldn't figure out what. She then turned her head and looked at Rhaenyra as she began to look away from her friends.
"Rhae, you know your father is expected to remarry to produce more heirs whether you're heir or not. Regardless of whether you are a son or daughter." Leah said, seeing the look on Rhaenyra. "Besides, he would never replace you with any child his new wife will give him."
"Leah's right. Your father loves you." Alicent said, holding a candle. "He chose you for his heir."
"He didn't choose me." Rhaenyra corrected her friends, "He spurns Daemon."
"And yet, your father had all the realm's lords come to King's Landing, bent the knee, and declared you heir to the Iron Throne." Leah reminded her, "Why would he go to those lengths if he was going to replace you."
Rhaenyra looked at Leah and then down to the floor, knowing her friend had a point. Alicent then knelt in front of the table with the lit candles. She lit a small match to light the candle she had. When the candle was lit, she blew out the match and then put her hands in prayer. She then looked at her friends and said, "Kneel with me."
Leah turned back to Rhaenyra and gave her a smile as she took her hand and walked her closer to Alicent as they knelt and followed Alicent's lead as Leah knelt in the middle of them and Rhaenyra at the other end.
"I find this is a way to be with my mother." Alicent said softly as her friends looked at her, "Here in the quiet of the Sept. I feel close to her. I know it sounds foolish."
"We don't think it's foolish," Rhaenyra assured her as Alicent saw her friends give her warm and understanding smiles.
"It's not foolish at all." Leah agreed.
All three girls knew what it was like to lose a mother. Alicent and Leah's mothers died from illnesses, and Rhaenyra's mother died from failed pregnancy. Leah's father died before her birth, while Alicent and Rhaenyra's fathers were busy ruling the kingdom. They were all the only ones that could understand being alone.
"Good," Alicent said, happy she wouldn't do this alone, "Because I thought we should all try." She then handed the match to her friends. Leah took the match as she began to light her own candle, but Alicent saw Rhaenyra was reluctant.
"If not for me, then perhaps for them." Alicent urged as the girls looked at the statues that represented the gods. Rhaenyra then took the match from Leah and lit her own candle.
"What do I say?" Rhaenyra asked; she never prayed to the gods like Leah and Alicent. The Targaryens say they were followers of the Faith of the Seven, but it was mostly for political reasons than genuine conversion.
"Whatever you want to say," Leah answered her
"It's only for you and the gods to know," Alicent reassured her.
The girls were all silent as they prayed. Then Rhaenyra began to cry as her friends looked at her, with Leah putting her hands on Rhaenyra's shoulder to console her.
"I want him to see me as more than his little girl," Rhaenyra said tearfully. Her father made her heir, but he still treats her the same. His little girl, who doesn't know what she's doing, hurts her. How was she supposed to be the heir if her father didn't treat her as one?
"Then show your father; you are not a little girl anymore." Leah told her softly as Rhaenyra looked at her, "Show him you are the heir to the throne."
"My own father does not know the language of girls either." Alicent chuckled as the girls chuckled, "When I wish to talk with him, I know that I must make the effort."
"Thank you," Rhaenyra smiled tearfully as the three girls took each other's hands. They may feel alone, but they will always be there for each other like real sisters.
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Aegon and Viserys were at the royal gardens waiting for Lord Corlys to ensure the relations between House Targaryen and House Velaryon. Soon Lord Corlys and his wife, Princess Rhaenys, approached them.
"Your grace, my prince," Lord Corlys replied.
"I'm glad we could meet," Aegon said, who arranged the meeting.
"I know tempers ran hot today, and I wanted to assure you how much I value the bond between our houses." Viserys said as he took Rhaenys' hand, "Rhaenys is our favorite cousin, after all."
"I wish to apologize for the tenor at the small council today, Your Grace." Corlys began to say, "It was not my intent to make offense."
"Your fleet is one of the realm's most important assets, Lord Corlys. But you must understand, as King, it is my obligation to avoid war until such time it is unavoidable," Viserys explained
"None among us desire open war. Might I speak plainly, Your Grace?" Corlys asked.
"I always welcome the unfettered thoughts of my council," Viserys assured him.
"I fear that the eyes of our enemies are presently fixed on the Red Keep." Corlys began to say, "The queen has passed. A girl has been named heir to the Iron Throne, the first in history. The King's brother, so disinherited, has claimed the Targaryen seat on Dragonstone without challenge. And now, a foreign power has established a colony in our most critical shipping lane."
"You paint such an aspirant portrait of my reign, Lord Corlys," Viserys admitted.
"It is an honest one, cousin." Rhaenys interjected, "At the moment, the Crown is perceived as vulnerable."
"And a blind incursion in the Stepstones is the only way to demonstrate that we are not?" Viserys asked.
"Forgive me, brother," Aegon said, "but I believe Lord Corlys is saying that there are enemies who seek to exploit us and the realm in any way for their own purposes. Enemies that should be dealt with."
"To elude a storm, you can sail into or around it. But you must never await its coming." Corlys told the king.
"Do you have a specific course of action to propose, my lord?" Viserys asked the Sea Snake
"Join our families and wed our daughter Laena." Corlys proposed, "Unite the two great surviving Valyrian houses. With the Targaryen dragons and the Velaryon fleet bound in blood, you can show the realm that The Crown's strongest days are ahead, not behind."
Viserys looked at Corlys and Rhaenys, surprised by this offer. Aegon did suggest making sure that the Targaryens and Velaryons show the realm that they are close allies, and he wasn't surprised about a marriage proposal. Corlys had an opportunity to have his blood on the Iron Throne when his wife was considered heir, only for the realm to deny it. Now it seems he is trying again to give something to Viserys in return. It also brought back his wife's marriage proposal for their son to Rhaenyra.
"I must admit, I haven't given marriage much thought. It hasn't been half a year since Aemma passed." Viserys said sadly, remembering his wife.
"The realm expects you to take a new wife soon or late, Your Grace," Rhaenys interjected, "to strengthen your line and produce more heirs. You could not ask for a stronger match than Laena."
After seeing his brother, not knowing how to respond to this offer, Aegon smiled at Corlys and Rhaenys and said, "We thank you for this offer, my lord and cousin, and we will put great consideration to it."
Corlys and Rhaenys smiled and bowed to the king and prince as both parties left the royal gardens. Viserys and Aegon walked through the gardens and to the Red Keep while conversing about the offer.
"You can't be surprised that Corlys made this offer," Aegon said to his brother.
"No, I'm not." Viserys said, "He always wanted his blood on the Iron Throne since the Great Council."
"Although, it is a good match for political reasons," Aegon replied.
"Laena Velaryon is twelve years old," Viserys exclaimed.
"I was fifteen when Claryssa and I married, and she was nineteen." Aegon reminded, "You and I both know age does not always matter in political marriages."
Aegon admits that it is unsettling that a man in his thirties marrying a girl that is not even thirteen. However, he could wait until she is older. Either way, Aegon understands that as king, Viserys must remarry to produce more heirs to the throne, but it seems like Otto Hightower is looking for a way to have his daughter, Alicent, marry his brother. Aegon is not surprised by that action since it would give the Hightowers power over the throne, which would be messy since Rhaenyra is the heir.
"So, you are saying I should accept," Viserys asked surprisingly.
"I agree that she is too young to marry, but you could wait until she is older and more mature to wed her," Aegon explained. "No matter what, you are going to marry sooner rather than later and produce more heirs because that is the duty of a king. Although it would cause disruption to the succession was a son is born since Rhaenyra is officially the heir."
"The Lords of the realm bent the knee, Aegon." Viserys reminded, "I don't see why it would be an issue when a son is born."
"But the lords might not be willing to support her once you die." Aegon told him, "Which brings me to another proposal." Viserys looked at his nervous brother "Claryssa and I have been discussing, and she proposed having Baelar marry Rhaenyra."
"Baelar with Rhaenyra," Viserys said with a surprised tone. "And you support this?"
"I will admit it is a good match." Aegon began to say, "Marrying Baelar could give Rhaenyra legitimacy to her claim by having a male Targaryen at her side, which could make the lords comply with the succession, and Baelar would be king consort."
"But you don't want the match," Viserys concluded after seeing his brothers' reluctance to the conversation.
"I believe my son wants to marry another," Aegon admitted.
"Who?" Viserys asked.
"Lady Leah Lannister," Aegon answered.
"Leah," Viserys asked, "I'm not surprised after seeing her giving him her favor at the tourney."
"Yes, but I need to speak with him about it," Aegon told Viserys. "But before I do, I need to know if you consider both proposals."
Viserys thought about it and knew that Baelar marrying Rhaenyra was a good match, but Leah was also a good candidate, considering she is a noble lady from one of the ruling houses. "Whatever you decide, Aegon, you have my support." He said with a smile as Aegon nodded with appreciation.
Aegon knows that Rhaenyra and Baelar are a good match; they grew up together and always got along well. However, he sees how his son acts around Leah, especially when he talks about her. Aegon does not want his son to marry out of duty; that could make him miserable when he could marry for love. He knows how it is with Claryssa and does not want his son to follow that same path. If his son wants to marry who he desires and is allowed to, then Aegon would support him.