Chapter 20: Chapter 19: Fallout of secrets
Alicent Hightower (107 A.C. First Moon)
Kingslanding - Goodswood
She hurriedly pursued her friend, a pang of hurt mirrored in her own heart. The revelation about Aemon's impending marriage to Rhaenyra had blindsided her, a secret she hadn't been a part of, neither Rhaenyra nor Aemon had told her about. The tears welled up, threatening to spill over. Fortunately, the discussion about Aemon was mercifully brief, sparing her from breaking down completely.
The savior of the moment arrived in the form of her future husband, publicly announcing their impending union to the council and onlookers present. She had deceived him the night before, strategically leaving traces of blood and coaxing him into sowing his seed, not inside or having laid with her at all, as he was drunk enough not to notice. However, the King believed he had claimed her maidenhead, but in reality, it would always be Aemon who had claimed it. In an act of love and kindness for her, she would hold with her forever.
"Rhaenyra, please, let me talk to you," she pleaded, desperate to mend the bonds of sisterhood. "Don't you betrayed me. When were you planning to tell me? If at all?" Rhaenyra shot back when they faced each other in front of the weirwood.
"Betrayed? You didn't tell me you were marrying Aemon," she retorted, her heartache palpable. "My father, your future husband, commanded me not to," Rhaenyra hissed in return.
"For your information, the king commanded me the same," she revealed, and a sob escaped Rhaenyra. The weight of their secrets and unspoken truths hung heavily in the air.
"Why? How did this happen? How long has it been going on? How long have you been seeing my father behind my back?" Rhaenyra demanded answers, each accusation piercing her.
Unable to reveal her father's coercion or even the duration of the clandestine affair, she faltered. "Nothing, huh? Well, my future queen, when you remember, you can tell me," Rhaenyra declared before storming away, leaving her alone in front of the weirwood to confront her decisions and mourn the friendship that seemed irreparably damaged.
"Alicent?" Aemon's voice sounded, a sad smile playing on his lips. "It was my brother you were talking about, wasn't it?" he asked sympathetically. She nodded, and he walked over, enfolding her in a comforting embrace.
"I'm sorry. I know you didn't want to lie. I was to speak of my marriage to Rhaenyra until agreements with Corlys were made," he confessed, kissing her forehead. Then, a question hung in the air. "Did you sleep with my brother?" Aemon asked. She shook her head, denouncing it.
"Well, that's a relief. We can still halt the marriage then," Aemon exclaimed, surprising her. "What? Aemon, it can't be. He believes we did," she sobbed into his chest.
"Why?" he asked, furrowing his brow. As she explained the intricacies of the deceptive plan, he listened attentively. Telling her she couldn't do it as he was too much in her mind. Also, she wasn't ready. "I'm sorry. I wish it could have been different. So you could have a say in your life. You did your duty to your family. I can't fault you for something I have done for as long as I can remember. Just remember, Alicent, you're to become my good-sister, family. If you need a friend or help, know that you can come to me. Just like I said two days ago," he assured her with a kiss on her forehead before leaving her. As he departed, he added, "I'll go and see what I can do for Rhaenyra. Perhaps it'll help her see things she didn't before."
Rhaenyra Targaryen (107 A.C. First Moon)
Kingslanding - Rhaenyra's chambers
'Oh, that traitorous bitch,' she thought, recalling the conversation in the sept as the anger burn hot inside her. "What if your father were to remarry?" She quouted loudly to herself as she was sitting in front of her bed sobbing.
A knock interrupted her sobs. "Rhae, it's me. Open up," came Aemon's voice—the one person she longed to see. She stood, opened the door, and uttered, "Aemon..." in a sob, collapsing into his chest. He closed the door, and they sat on the bed. Tears flowed, and then he spoke.
"Rhaenyra, your father is to blame for not stopping it or telling you. We are no different. We didn't tell her about us," Aemon confessed, and the truth struck her. She hadn't confided in her friend about Aemon, consumed by her own struggles during her time with her father and then a man mourning his wife.
"Did you know she's in love with you?" she asked. She had seen Alicent look at Aemon, and it was similar to hers when she spoke. 'Oh, I'm in love with Aemon.' She thought to herself.
"I know. She told me a few days ago, after Alicent and I went on a dragonride," Aemon said with a sad smile. Alicent on a dragonride? She had always denied her that pleasure. 'Love, it seemed, could bend even the most stubborn denials.' She thought.
"Alicent rode on Balerion with you?" she questioned, and he nodded. "Well, considering my feelings toward the faith, I had to accompany her to the Sept first." He chuckled.
She recognizes the similarities between their experiences with Alicent. "Tit for tat, niece. Alicent enjoyed the ride, and I'm sure she would join you now. It's our duty, as much as your father's, to integrate into our family. She will be your stepmother, and it's up to us to help her," Aemon declared, holding her nestled against his warm chest. Her worries melted away.
"I will try, but I won't promise anything," she replied, gazing into his grey-purple eyes.
"Good, that's all I need, my future wife," he said, sealing his words with a kiss. Smiles exchanged, and they soon found themselves lying on the bed, lost in a passionate kiss. Time slipped away as their connection deepened.
His hands explored her body, and hers reciprocated. His strength, particularly in his arms, evoked the power of Smith forging metal. A sudden realization made her blush as they broke the kiss—his hardness pressed against her in his breeches.
"Did you feel something, my love?" he inquired, and joy surged within her. She leaped on him, peppering his face with kisses. Laughter escaped him. "What did I say to get such a reaction?" he queried, a smile playing on his lips.
"'My love' does the trick, and I do love you too," she confessed, sealing it with another kiss. Lost in each other, time became irrelevant. In his arms, her pains vanished, and she basked in the warmth of her beloved.
Laenor Velayron (107 A.C. First Moon)
Driftmark – High tide – Hall of Nine
Measter arrived with a letter from his father, future brother-in-law, and best friend.
My son,
I Write about the events in the capitol.
The last via days have been a mess of chaos and change. To start of with some good news, your sister and Prince Aemon seemed to have a strong bond of love and respect. It warms my heart to see them together, and the match will make both houses proud.
The other good news is that the Crown has granted me leave for an attack on the Stepstones, and the Crown will sponsor it. Prince Aemon shall join the war effort and has placed the resources of Seadragon Point and Dragonstone up for use in this venture. I wanted you to start preparing for it, enlist my brother, and tell him I accept his request to become Aemon man.
The last thing is that your sister, Prince Aemon and Princess Rhaenyra, confronted Daemon on Dragonstone and were able to make him back down. It will soon return to the hands of the rightful holder, Prince Aemon of Dragonstone.
He smiled when he read it. His sister and future good-brother seemed to be in good spirits. Also, it seemed that arrogant piece shit Daemon had been brought low.
Unfortunately, that is where the good news ends, I have to say. Your sister will not be Aemon's only wife. Princess Rhaenyra will also become his wife, and his graces have instituted a new law. Called the dragon has three heads. On the basis of the doctrine of Exceptionalism make it legal.
He has written a contract that states that either way, our blood will sit on the throne one day. The other thing is our King's foolishness; he decided to take a new wife.
As many people around the realms suspected, it would be Visenya, the King's own sister, a strong match in the traditions of their house and, of course, connected to House Stark and Targaryen. Her age would allow the realm to heal from the queen's passing. But our King has decided to marry Lady Alicent Hightower.
It seems our Lord Hand has shot his daughter at the King and hit its target. The realm will have a new queen a week after the wedding of Aemon, Laena, and Rhaenyra. The King shall wed the Hightower girl.
See you in two weeks, son, and then we shall discuss the expedition to the Stepstone further. I am proud of how you handle yourself. It seems the time you spent at Seadragon Point has raised you up.
Lord Corlys Velaryon,
Lord the Tights,
Master of Driftmark,
Master of Ships,
'Why had Aemon not told him about it, but most likely, he had been commanded not to? He trusted his brother in all but name and wouldn't hurt Laena without reason. So he trusted his future good-brother and brother not to dishonor his sister.' He thought as he opened his brother's letter.
My Dear brother Laenor,
I trust this letter reaches you in good health and high spirits. The events unfolding in the capital have set the stage for significant changes, and I feel compelled to share them with you openly and honestly.
To begin on a positive note, your sister Laena and I, in my opinion, are in good strides and very happy with each other. The upcoming wedding, and finally joining our hearts one.
Now, to the more pressing matters. My brother has been granted leave for an expedition to the Stepstones. I am to be part of the leadership the war effort, and both Seadragon Point and Dragonstone shall contribute their resources to this venture.
There is, however, a development that weighs heavily on my heart and requires your understanding. A new law, named "The Dragon Has Three Heads," has been instituted by the Crown. It mandates a union not only with Laena, my beloved but also with Princess Rhaenyra. Know that my own will did not make this decision, and my commitment to Laena remains unwavering. I would never willingly cause her pain or dishonor.
I also had a confrontation on Dragonstone with Laena and Rhaenyra, and we successfully convinced Daemon to step down. Soon, Dragonstone will rightfully return to my hands. It was hard, but I do think Daemon might come around. Or at least he is considering his options.
In the midst of these events, my brother, the King, made a surprising choice for his new queen – Lady Alicent Hightower. It seems Otto has succeeded in his machinations, and the realm will soon witness a new royal wedding, a week after mine with Laena and Rhaenyra. Alicent shall wed my brother.
I look forward to our reunion in two weeks.
Until we meet again, my chosen brother.
Prince Aemon Targaryen,
Prince of Dragonstone,
Lord of Seadragon Point,
Heir to the Iron Throne,
"Aemon," he murmured as he read the letter. 'He wasn't sure, but it seemed his brother wasn't unable to not get in situations that wouldn't cause trouble.' He thought with a chuckle.
"Nephew, in any news from Kingslanding?" Vaemond asked, intrigued. Then he explained what happened, and his uncle shook his head. "It seemed we are finally going to show dogs of the Narrow Sea who rule in the seas and the sky." His uncle said with a grin.
"Soon enough, they will prepare the army, and we stand as always, The Old, the True, the Brave." He said, speaking his house words. "The Old, the True, the Brave," His uncle said, lifting his cup.
Jason Lannister (107 A.C. First Moon)
Casterly Rock - Jason Solar
That fucking letter he just read had seen him raging. The fucking crown prince would marry two Valyrians two. What kind of madness was this, his chance of gaining a Valyrian bride for his family was slipping away.
He was getting older, and his closest bride was slipped through his fingers. Only Visenya Targaryen remained he read the letter again.
To the esteemed Lords and Ladies of the Realm,
By the light of the moon and the grace of the Seven, I, Viserys Targaryen, sit upon the Iron Throne as the rightful ruler of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. With great joy and anticipation, I hereby decree momentous tidings that shall shape the future of House Targaryen and the Kingdoms over which we hold sway.
The words dripped with royal arrogance, and he couldn't help but scoff.
In the turn of the moon, my Brother and Heir, Prince Aemon Targaryen, shall enter into matrimony with the esteemed Lady Laena of House Velaryon. A union destined to forge alliances and strengthen the bonds that tie our noble houses together. To add further luster to this joyous occasion, my daughter, blood of my blood, shall join in marriage with my Heir, ensuring a lineage that echoes the ancient prophecies. Henceforth, a new law shall be established, bearing the name "A Dragon Has Three Heads," a doctrine of Exceptionalism that fortifies the prosperity of House Targaryen and secures the Royal line.
A new law, a new insult to his ambitions.
His chance, slipping away like sand through his fingers.
Furthermore, it is with great pleasure that I announce my own union with Lady Alicent Hightower, daughter of the esteemed Lord Otto Hightower, Hand of the King. The union shall be consecrated one week following the nuptials of Prince Aemon, a celebration befitting the grandeur of the realm.
In the spirit of safeguarding our people and ensuring the free flow of trade in the Narrow Sea, I proclaim an expedition into the Stepstones. To all those brave souls willing to stand by the Crown in this endeavor, assemble at Kingslanding, Seadragon Point, or Driftmark. This noble cause shall be led by the Crown Prince, Prince Aemon Targaryen, and the Master of Ships, Lord Corlys Velaryon.
May the Seven bless this union, and may the winds of fortune guide us in the pursuit of justice and prosperity.
Signed and Sealed by His Grace, King Viserys Targaryen, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.
He slammed the letter down on the polished surface of his desk, his face twisted in a mix of anger and frustration. 'The words on the parchment seemed to mock him, each sentence a bitter reminder of missed opportunities and dashed ambitions.' He thought bitterly
"The fucking Crown Prince," he muttered, the words heavy with disdain. He paced the room, his steps echoing in the silence, a lion caged within the confines of his own thoughts.
"Two Valyrians," he grumbled, his hands clenching into fists. The prospect of securing a Valyrian bride for his family, a goal he had fervently pursued, was slipping away like sand through his fingers.
Viserys Targaryen's grandiose decree seemed like a cruel jest, and he was caught in the throes of a maddening reality. The union of Prince Aemon and Lady Laena Velaryon, and Princess Rhaenyra was a blow to his aspirations, a blow that resonated deep within him.
"Only Visenya remains," he muttered bitterly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the letter again. A slim chance, a glimmer of hope, but one that felt elusive.
The proclamation of a new law, "A Dragon Has Three Heads," struck a dissonant chord with him. The doctrine of Exceptionalism fortified House Targaryen's prosperity and secured their royal line – a stark reminder of the widening chasm between his house and the royal family.
As he read about the planned expedition into the Stepstones, the drums of war reverberated in his mind. A decision loomed on the horizon, one that would shape the fate of House Lannister.
"The damn war," he growled, his frustration boiling over. To sit out and spare his men or to throw in his lot with the Sea Snake and that damned Prince Aemon Targaryen – the choices weighed heavily on his mind.
Aemon Targaryen (107 A.C. First Moon)
Kingslanding - Aemon's room
He sat in the room, working on writing letters and planning the campaign into the Stepstones. It wouldn't be his first war, but he must be the first at sea. Also, he was the only one who actually had the resources to fight it properly and didn't have to beg for support from ungrateful vassals.
"Son, how are you? Marriage is good for us, as it will unite Aemma's bloodline, the current King line will continue into yours, and the Vale will stand with us unless Daemon causes havoc. I saw your edict—a well-written one, if I might add. Well, it seems the Hightowers are again at the Throne. Although I can't say, I'm too displeased about my daughter not having to marry Viserys. Alicent and Otto are known players; if perhaps the Lord of Casterly Rock or another lord would pawn off their kin, we would be blind. Now we at least have a roadmap," his mother said when she walked in and sat in front of his desk.
"Well, to be honest, I do the same. We can talk openly. There are no rats around here, only mine. I have made sure no one overheard us. I'm pretty sure the youngest son of House Strong is a Warg. Although he isn't too strong—too much mixing with Riverlanders to have much First Man blood," he said toward his mother with a smile.
"Well, that's good. So it did happen, as suspected. Did the Hightower woman come to your chambers?" His mother asked, and it was a little awkward to talk about with her.
"Yes, she did, and yes, I made sure to take her maidenhead. It was part of the plan. Seeing Alicent wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. It still feels like a betrayal. I felt that she was controlled by her father much as you were before in our previous lives. If there's a chance the Hightowers think to besmear my reputation or any of my wives, I can hit them right back. There's a good chance a child is already in Alicent's belly. She told me she didn't sleep with Viserys, so there is a good chance it is mine if there is a child. It isn't something I'm proud of doing, but it is something that will be of possible use in the future. Also, another secret bastard or child of the royal family. Also, the roles between Rhaenyra and Alicent are reversed. The gods must be playing with us," he said as he looked at his mother.
"Well done. Perhaps the Hightower woman can even stay on our side if you play it right. Perhaps sleep with her once in a while—the more control you have, the better." his mother said. 'It was one thing bedding someone when he wasn't married, but asking him to bed a married woman while he was married as well as something else.' He thought in surprise. Before he could speak, his mother continued.
"Honestly, speaking like this makes me feel like a hypocrite. I had the same thoughts about Robert, about not staying in the same bed, and now I'm saying my son should do the same. It's true, Alicent is as controlled as I was, although I was partly able to escape it twice." she said with a sad smile. 'It was sad to hear his mother speak like that, thinking she was the same as Robert, and it was true his mother could see herself in Alicent. Well, she wasn't. Robert was a drunken whoremonger who plunged the realm partly into chaos and left the world open for the White Walkers.' He thought bitterly.
"I'm not sure if I will sleep with her again. I don't know if I can. Also, there is a difference between whoremongering for your own lust and doing a less honorable deed for the realm. Both of my past fathers tried to be honorable, and they both got killed. So, I don't think you are a hypocrite. I understood my duty long ago, and Robert never did." He argued against his mother's thoughts.
"Thank you for saying that. You would like to know that Ser Criston has taken up the charge as your sister's shield. Ser Clement has taken charge of Rhaenyra. The King was more than happy to allow it, considering the rejection of Visenya," she said, ending with a slight distaste in her voice.
"As for Criston, we will have to see, but any insubordination will be punished. If he can stay loyal, he is an asset. I plan on taking him to the Stepstones to test his worth. If he falls short, who cares truly about a nobody, landless knight, of a minor house," he said with a smile. 'True, he liked Criston—a man who had to fight for his place in the world. He felt a kinship to that. No wonder if the rumors about Rhaenyra and him were true, he would lash out and have his so-called honor taken. Lashing out and becoming bitter and eventually becoming the kingmaker—probably one of the infamous names of the White Book.' He thought, thinking of the man.
"Yes, for now, he is loyal, and if he stays, perhaps he can become one of the greatest knights in the White Book," his mother said with a smile.
The rest of the evening, they discussed the future and the war in the Stepstones.
---
Near the King's chambers
He strode down the corridor, flanked by Harrold, his trusted companion, and Farrick, one of the Oathguards from Seadragon Point. Farrick, a recruit handpicked from the ranks of the Seadragon Point Army, was among the chosen hundred.
As he approached the King's chambers with Ser Steffon Darklyn and Ser Rickard Throne, memories of the latter's actions surged through him. Throne's name alone ignited a fiery resentment within Aemon. But, despite his feelings, He recognized Throne's competence—a loyal and skilled swordsman, unlike the treacherous Allister.
The room was announced, and Ser Darklyn swung the door open. "His Prince Aemon asked entry, Your Grace." he declared, and his brother's distant voice gave the command to enter.
He stepped inside to find Viserys engrossed in crafting a Valyrian city model reminiscent of Balerion's vivid descriptions. Dragonstone's influence was evident, though the design blended Westerosi and Valyrian elements.
"Good evening, brother," he greeted, taking a seat across from Viserys. The events of the day were in the air, and Viserys anticipated the purpose of his visit, as he said, "Brother, I suppose you are here about Alicent."
His frustration surfaced as he questioned Viserys about the secrecy surrounding Alicent and the lack of information shared. "Well, why else? You could at least have told me. How long have you been seeing her, and why tell only Otto? The man was practically grinning throughout the council meeting."
His brother sighed, acknowledging his concerns. "I knew you would talk me out of it. She was a comfort to me. I forgot my pain when I spoke with her." Viserys said, 'Speaking with her, yeah, that was all you did. Don't worry, brother, just know she isn't true to you. She loved him, and it made him feel sorry for her. Alicent had been pushed toward the King.' He thought bitterly.
He couldn't deny Alicent's kindness. He knew she would have been kind to Viserys and dutiful throughout the conversations. "Why her? She is a good person, and a friend, but not a suitable match for a King. A daughter of a second son, landless one at that. The Hightowers may rejoice, but the great lords will be displeased. And now you've pushed our sister toward them." The thought of his sister being pushed by the likes of Jason Lannister made him gag. Even if Viserys was older than her, he was kind, and it wouldn't be four moons since Aemma's death until they would wed. They would have had time to form a bond if Alicent had not pushed toward Viserys.
"Aemon Visenya is a child younger than my daughter. I wasn't prepared for it. I chose, and I will not step back on it." His brother defended his choice with determination, but he remained unconvinced. 'Well, you can't it would be quite the scandal if you supposedly slept with her. Maybe even gotten with a child, although it wasn't his brother who but him. Part of a grander plan, and an act of kindness toward a friend.' He thought in irritation.
Sometimes, he wished his brother thought more ahead. Frustrated by his brother's lack of foresight, he reminded him of the duty that came with their roles. "Being a King means setting aside personal desires for the realm's greater good. I followed your plan to marry Rhaenyra, became your heir, dealt with our brother, and lied behind Laena's back. Next time, brother, remember your duty. We are here for the greater good, as song of ice and fire."
With those words, he rose from his chair, leaving Viserys to contemplate the weight of his decisions.
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CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
HeroDuT1998
HeroDuT1998 Well, the realm reacts. The relationship between Alicent and Rhaenyra will be smoother in this story, although their trust needs to be rebuilt.
In the next three chapters, the wedding of Aemon, Rhaenyra, and Laena.
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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