(Third Person POV)
"Your Grace." Otto said as Viserys sat down with a slight gasp, "This Trial by Combat, it could prove to result....complications...."
Viserys rolled his eyes, "And how so?"
They were in the King's Chambers while Aerion and Rhaenyra were spending time with Helaena and her children.
"Vaemond's sons, if they hear about it....." Otto explained, "Things could get out of hand. And let's not forget about Lord Corlys."
"I will remind them of what Vaemond did." Viserys said, "If they dare act, well, I will handle it. They are well aware of the kind of man Aerion is. He won't think twice in cutting them down. And worry not, it won't come to that."
"If you say so." Otto said, "And what of your brother?"
"What about him?" Viserys asked
"My sources claim he's been rather...suspicious as of late." Otto said, "Spending time in the street of silk, speaking to strange individuals. Right before the Petition, I was told that Daemon was seen speaking to Vaemond."
Viserys looked at him, "What? You think Daemon conspired with Vaemond? Making him come before me and have him spew his treason? In front of Aerion who would not take any sort of talk about this and even convinced him to demand a Trial by Combat?" He asked, "Is that it?"
Otto said nothing, merely raising his eyebrow.
Viserys sighed, "Yea, that sounds about right." He said, "Well, no matter. What's done is done."
"If you say so." Otto said, "I would suggest keeping an eye on him. Ever since the incident on Dragonstone, I wouldn't be so careless."
"Fine." Viserys said, "Anyways, where are the children?"
"I believe everyone is in the Red Keep." Otto said
"Good." Viserys said, "Gather everyone. I want to have supper together, the entire Family. My only regret is not having Daeron here, but we'll make do."
"Your Grace?" Otto said, "Are you certain that is a good idea? The tensions between our Families.....well...."
"It'll be good to relieve such tensions." Viserys said, "Aegon and Aerion are on good terms. I need Aemond to overcome his anger. And Helaena.....Rhaenyra has always loved her. My Family...they're my Family, they need to be together. A united Targaryen House is mighty....and if we're divided, we will crumble..."
Otto nodded, "I will notify them." He said, "May I speak my mind about certain things? About your Nephew?"
"Aerion?" Viserys said
Otto nodded, "Yes."
Viserys waved him off, "Go ahead."
"I find it odd that the animosity towards his Father is miraculously gone." Otto said, "I fear that there is something else at play."
"Like what?" Viserys asked
Otto shrugged, "I am not sure.....but all his life, Aerion had developed an intense animosity towards Daemon." He said, "During Visenya's Tourney, he was incredibly angry, taking out said anger on Lord Borros and Ser Criston. And when it came to Daemon, there was something lurking deep within the boy."
"When Daemon pulled his stunt at Dragonstone, I was afraid Aerion would've gone too far." Viserys said, "But you are right. Something is wrong with him, something that scares me."
"So you see it too? He's too.....calm....." Otto said, "Aerion has always been a quiet and calm boy, composed and gentle. But when it came to his own Father, there was no doubt he had a grudge. For that to be gone.....it's rather strange....."
"Hm....." Viserys said as he leaned on his arm, his eyes filled with focus while he thought, "I once read...in a text.....that the Dragonlords of Old Valyria had cases of serious aggression, too extreme to handle. When something set them off, they would act impulsively.....and that would be a terrible problem back then. I mean, everyone had Dragons so the war would be catastrophic."
"I see." Otto said, "It's a matter of Old Valyrian blood?"
"Somewhat." Viserys said, "The Sorcerers developed a spell that would soothe the emotions of the Dragonlords, suppressing the aggression and anger, to avoid catastrophe."
Otto raised his eyebrow, "Your Grace?" He said, "You're suggesting that.....?"
"No. It can't be magic." Viserys said, "It's.....well.....it would've definitely been bad if Aerion, rider of Vermithor, suddenly got into a serious dragon battle with his own Father. They are the riders of the two mightiest dragons after Vhagar."
"I see." Otto said before looking around, thoughts forming into his head, "Well....if you excuse me. I shall send for the Family."
*********************
"What?" Aerion said as he held his son, Viserys, in his arms, "His Grace wants everyone to join him for supper?"
Otto Hightower stood in front of him and Rhaenyra, who had a serious face while she held Rhea in her arms. Aegon the Younger and Visenya were behind them, holding hands with Elinda who was looking down.
"Yes." Otto said as he had his hands behind his back, "It is imperative that you and the Princess attend. This is his way of wanting to mend the rifts between our Family."
"If His Grace commands it, then so be it." Rhaenyra said, "The children need to be put in bed, though. I'll have Jace and Luke attend only."
Otto nodded, "Of course. The children need their rest." He said as he looked at the baby Rhea, "It is quite something, having daughters."
Aerion raised his eyebrow, "Is that so?"
Otto looked at him, "When the Queen was born, there was something in me that changed." he said with a slight smile, "I already had a son. But to have a daughter...it's a Father's gift, for sure."
"Hm." Aerion said as he glanced at Rhea, "Lord Hand, we'll put the children to bed and will soon join His Grace."
"Yes." Otto said as he turned around and walked away
Rhaenyra looked at him, "What are you thinking?" She asked, "Is this wise? With everything our boys have going on with Aemond and Aegon...."
"Aegon isn't a problem." Aerion said, "He was a little shit, but he's matured....somewhat. Aemond is what worries me. But don't worry, if he gets out of line...."
"I'll handle him."