-Chapter 51-
-The Next Morning-
-POV Aemon Targaryen-
"This place brings out the worst in people," said my mother, stirring her spoon slightly to fully dissolve the honey in her tea.
'A rare commodity that House Velaryon sells at outrageous prices,' I thought, sipping mine without a word.
"Doesn't this bother you?" she asked me.
"Why do you think that?" I asked her, slightly concerned that my calm demeanor regarding recent events might betray my involvement in them.
"I don't know, you've been quiet while your future brother-in-law barely escaped death, and his friend is dead," said my mother, her eyes narrowed at my unusual behavior.
'So that's what they call a woman's sixth sense,' I thought as I observed my mother.
I subtly rolled my eyes, more annoyed than sympathetic toward Laenor, as it was his choice to charge headlong into battle with his lover.
"Of course, I'm shocked by the extent this dispute between Rhaenyra and her stepmother has taken, but I won't lie; this situation isn't bad news. In fact, it opens many doors for me," I said to my mother.
"What are you planning to do?" asked my mother, knowing that I was about to stir the pot.
"Me?! Nothing at all," I said, hiding a slight smile.
My mother shrugged and rolled her eyes before saying:
"Be careful with your father. The more you advise him, the more he starts using his head to think."
"What could Daemon possibly do to me that he hasn't already?" I replied nonchalantly, knowing Daemon had isolated himself.
'His brother doesn't trust him, Rhaenyra doesn't either, he's an enemy of the Hightowers, and he's about to start a war with Corlys Velaryon. I'm all he has left.'
"He's your father. I'm just afraid you'll be disappointed," she said.
I smiled, finding her concern comforting, even if it was unnecessary, as I had very few expectations of this kind of person.
'And none from him.'
"I can't be disappointed by someone I have no expectations for," I said seriously because it was the truth.
Although I tried to show everyone that I had great respect for my father, the reality was quite different.
For me, Daemon was just a member of my family and nothing more. He had proven to me many times that he wasn't reliable.
I didn't hate him, and there was no bad blood between us; I just knew where we stood.
"Very well, if you say so, I'll trust you," said my mother.
We were interrupted by Gunthor, who knocked on the door and entered directly. He was the only one of my guards allowed to do so because he was family.
'A subtle sign of trust.'
"Well?" I asked.
"The king has agreed to a private audience," he said with a nod.
I nodded and then said, "Let's hope all goes well."
"What do you want from the king?" asked my mother.
I smiled and asked, "Do you really want to know?"
She hesitated before finally shaking her head.
I smiled, already knowing the answer, and kissed her on top of her head. I knew her well enough to know that she didn't like all these little plots and schemes.
My mother much preferred hunting, horseback riding, and living her life to the fullest in the Vale than being surrounded by gossiping courtiers all day long, nibbling on cakes.
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-POV Viserys Targaryen-
"Prince Aemon Targaryen, Your Majesty," said Ser Criston, his eyes lowered to avoid my furious gaze at the sound of his voice.
I stood up to greet Aemon, who didn't waste any time.
Upon entering, my nephew said, "I didn't think you'd see me so quickly."
"You're my favorite nephew, and you know that," I said, smiling at him as he pretended to hesitate before smiling back.
I opened my arms to embrace him, and he didn't refuse.
After a few seconds, we released each other and took our seats around a small table.
I poured him a cup of wine while asking:
"Did you have something in particular you wanted to discuss?"
Aemon accepted the cup with a smile, shaking his head before saying:
"No, I just wanted to check in on you. I imagine last night wasn't kind to you."
I raised my eyebrows as he pointed out the obvious. The little war between Rhaenyra and Alicent had escalated to the point where dozens of knights from important houses nearly killed each other.
'Not to mention the death of Laenor Velaryon's friend,' I thought.
"I don't know what more I can do to reconcile them," I said, exhausted by these persistent conflicts.
"Have you tried getting them to talk?" he asked.
I smiled almost mockingly and said, "What's the point? They practically see each other as mortal enemies."
"The relationship between the queen and the princess seemed fine throughout the tournament," Aemon said, swirling his wine thoughtfully.
"Are you thinking something?" I asked, noticing his pensive expression.
"I'm wondering," he said, snapping out of his trance.
"About what?" I asked.
Aemon hesitated before finally sighing and shaking his head: "It's not my place."
"Aemon, you're my brother's son. I regret that you don't feel like it, but you're an integral part of my family. Don't forget that. In private, I'm not your king, I'm simply your uncle Viserys," I said kindly, trying to make him feel comfortable enough to speak frankly.
'I already have so many people who don't dare tell me the truth because they fear my status. If even my family members start lying to gain my favor, I might as well stop talking to anyone.'
Aemon hesitated again and glanced at me. I nodded, and finally, he closed his eyes and sighed before saying:
"Do you remember asking me how we reconciled?"
I nodded, remembering how he had dodged the question with a carefully prepared answer.
"I received instructions in advance, and I'm wondering if the same isn't true for Rhaenyra," Aemon said.
"From whom?" I asked my nephew, frowning.
"From Corlys Velaryon," he said, his eyes slightly lowered.
'Damn snake,' I thought, gripping my wine glass tightly.
'He wants to control Aemon to control Urrax and most of the adult dragons through marriage, in order to rule the kingdom from the shadows. And by creating tension between Alicent and Rhaenyra, he's rallying her to his side while manipulating her to further his house's rise.'
I took a deep breath to calm the anger within me, which was threatening to ignite, and said:
"I'm glad you had the honesty and courage to admit this to me…"
"I didn't accept," he suddenly said.
Surprised by Aemon's words, I raised an eyebrow, my eyes wide, and asked:
"Why?"
"Because I'm a dragon, a member of House Targaryen, and I only obey one person. That person is you, uncle," he said, an unshakable determination shining deep within his gaze.