The next day dawned with the first rays of sunshine gracing the Red Keep, signaling the start of another bustling day for the servants.
After their customary breakfast of milk and bread, Rhaegar and Rhaenyra made their way straight to the Council Hall.
The servants and knights along the way dared not obstruct them, allowing them to pass unhindered.
Stepping into the grand council hall, they were greeted with a lively scene.
King Viserys, in his thirties, wore a broad smile as he conversed amiably with several ministers.
Known for his tolerance and mercy, Viserys greeted everyone with a smile.
"Rhaenyra, we were just discussing the Kingswood Hunt. You've arrived just in time," Viserys remarked as Rhaenyra entered the hall, instantly drawing his attention and inviting her to join the discussion.
"Father, do you remember me?" Rhaegar interjected, holding his sister's hand and gazing at his father with melancholic eyes.
"Oh, Rhaegar, why is your sister dragging you around?" Viserys exclaimed, eyes widening as he spotted the thin figure at the door. He rose from his seat immediately.
"Your Highness."
The king left his seat, prompting the other ministers to rise and greet Rhaegar. After all, he was the king's eldest son, born into the privilege of being respected by the ministers. Had the frail prince not fallen into a coma at birth, Rhaenyra wouldn't have been the heir.
Surveying the ministers, Rhaegar gestured for them to relax, offering a gentle smile.
This display momentarily distracted the ministers. Indeed, Prince Rhaegar seemed carved from the same mold as King Viserys, exuding calmness and kindness.
As Rhaenyra and her brother made their way, she explained, "Yesterday was Rhaegar's birthday. Neither of us were present. He wanted to come and meet father."
Moved by her words, Viserys hurried over to them, kneeling before his children. "I'm sorry, son. As a king, I always have a mountain of work. I hope you don't blame me," he expressed remorsefully.
Rhaegar and Viserys met eye to eye, their smiles intact as they exchanged a glance. Rhaegar, feigning annoyance, softly interjected,
"It's alright. How could I blame my king? I simply wanted to see my father as a son."
Since you use your royal status to evade responsibility, I'll do the same and appeal to your conscience.
As expected, Viserys's expression softened with a hint of guilt. He lowered his gaze, reaching out to touch Rhaegar's pale face. "As you grow, you increasingly resemble your mother," he remarked with a mix of emotions.
"Perhaps. I just hope my father won't forget about me and leave me behind in my lifetime," Rhaegar added, continuing to prod at Viserys's wounded heart.
No longer a mere three-year-old, he knew the power of his words and how to evoke emotions.
Viserys felt a slight tremor in his hands, particularly noticing his eldest son's frail appearance. It was as if his heart was being hammered.
Taking a deep breath, Viserys rose, lifting Rhaegar and settling back into his seat. He ruffled his son's silver hair, saying, "You've never taken the initiative to see me. Can I make amends as a father?"
During this exchange, Viserys glanced discreetly at Rhaenyra, curious about their intentions.
Rhaegar shook his head gently, nestling into his father's embrace. "No."
The fewer words spoken, the fewer mistakes made. The one who strikes first in hunting becomes the prey.
Viserys smiled, turning his attention to Rhaenyra. "Why was I unaware of the strong bond between you two?" he inquired.
"He's my brother, closer than Aegon," Rhaenyra replied curtly, her voice choking with emotion.
Viserys's smile faltered as he avoided engaging further with his thorny daughter. Instead, he addressed the ministers, exhibiting the magnanimity of a king. "Today, Rhaegar is granted special permission to attend the political discussions. Where were we?"
"There are some minor matters. There's no harm in the prince listening in," Lyman Beesbury, master of the coin and treasurer, chimed in, agreeing.
Rhaegar observed him—an elderly man with black and white hair, his demeanor kind and approachable. Catching Lyman's nod of acknowledgment, Rhaegar returned the gesture with a smile.
The brief exchange between them swiftly passed, and Lyonel Strong, the Hand of the King, steered the discussion back on track. "Your Majesty, the kingswood hunt is scheduled for two days from now. Allow me to outline the itinerary and expenses..."
Though Lyonel's appearance seemed ordinary, his demeanor was serious as he presented his report. He meticulously detailed the requirements for the royal forest hunt.
After he concluded, Viserys pondered for a moment before consenting to the plan.
Since the resignation of the queen's father, former Hand of the King Otto Hightower, Lyonel had become King Viserys's most reliable aide. He was diligent, disciplined in his work, and acted without personal bias, earning Viserys's respect.
Silently listening to their discussion, Rhaegar tugged on Viserys's sleeve, whispering, "The Kingswood Hunt sounds exciting. Can I join?"
Having never ventured beyond the Red Keep, he longed to explore the world outside.
Viserys considered this, his expression troubled. The journey to the Kingswood might prove too taxing for his frail son.
Casting a glance at Rhaenyra, he silently sought her assistance.
"I believe Lord Lyonel's plan is excellent, and I have no objections," Rhaenyra interjected, pretending not to notice her father's appeal.
As the heir to the Iron Throne, though devoid of decision-making power, seconding and praising were essential formalities.
Unable to secure his daughter's aid, Viserys felt somewhat embarrassed. "I had hoped to take you both hunting in the Kingswood, but..." he trailed off.
"Aegon will be going, so why can't I?" Rhaegar feigned confusion.
"Because of your health. I don't want anything to happen to you," Viserys replied earnestly.
"No, I want to go. My health is gradually improving, and there won't be any mishaps," Rhaegar asserted confidently. "Even if there is danger, I want to see the world outside and not be confined like a caged bird."
Viserys looked grave, reluctant to relent.
At the opportune moment, Rhaenyra interjected, "Our family will be going hunting in the Kingswood. Rhaegar cannot be left alone in the Red Keep."
Viserys looked displeased with Rhaenyra's interference, but she met his disapproval head-on.
As father and daughter engaged in a silent battle, Rhaegar tugged on Viserys's sleeve, pleading pitifully, "Please, Father, I really want to go."
"Gods, you're always giving me trouble," Viserys muttered in exasperation, but eventually acquiesced to his children's desires.
"I can take you along on the hunt, but you must promise to behave and not wander off with Rhaenyra," he cautioned.
"No problem, I promise," Rhaegar agreed without hesitation.
Just then, a hurried figure burst into the hall, delivering urgent news.
"Your Majesty, there's a plea for assistance from the Stepstone Islands. You may need to review it!"
Viserys, ever hesitant, greeted everyone with a smile, despite the exhaustion that weighed heavily on him. He tirelessly sought to please everyone, yet his efforts failed to quell their thirst for power.
Unable to please everyone.
As Daemon once remarked, his only true weakness was his indecisiveness.
Now, within these pages, someone would stand to protect the realm.
(Word count: 1191)