-Chapter 81-
-POV Rhaenys Targaryen-
I looked my daughter straight in the eyes and then said: "You know perfectly well that Aemon will not bow down to your father and will never be what your father wants him to be."
Laena frowned, as did Corlys, and I added: "Once I married your father, I supported him unwaveringly. For all these years, I have never faltered, even when the interests of House Targaryen sometimes crossed our path."
Laena looked at me for a long time, then she looked at her father, who, although he didn't seem pleased, neither said nor did anything to contradict me.
'I hope she finally understands that her family, her true home, will be created with her husband. Without Aemon feeling that they are a team, she will never be fully accepted, and she will remain a stranger in her new House.'
"I understand, Mother," Laena said, nodding her head, calmer and more serene than before.
"I hope for your sake," I told my daughter, sincerely hoping that she understood the importance of this union and the right way to handle it.
I nodded and prayed inwardly: 'Let's hope they can have a happy marriage, even if they can only touch happiness with the tip of their fingers.'
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-POV Viserys Targaryen-
"Your Grace, Prince Aemon is here to see you," said Ser Erryk as he entered.
'He's probably here to explain what madness took hold of him to risk his life in that arena and deprive me of my best fighter, the Commander of my Kingsguard, and all for the benefit of the Sea Snake,' I thought, clenching and unclenching my fist repeatedly.
"Let him in," I said firmly, with a tone of royal authority.
'A tone I rarely use with those close to me.'
I watched Aemon enter my chambers. The sight of his arm tied up and held immobile against his chest by a sling made me frown.
I couldn't help but worry as I saw the pain on his face, but he pretended everything was fine when he saw me staring at his arm.
"It's nothing more than a little scratch," he said with a smile.
"A small price to pay for defeating Ser Criston and a well-deserved cost for the arrogance I displayed," he added.
"I really don't understand what's going on. I thought we had an agreement?" I asked my nephew.
"We still do," Aemon replied.
I shook my head and said, furious:
"You fought for the Sea Snake, you defended his interests."
"True, I don't deny it, but I didn't do anything to weaken Rhaenyra's position or yours," he said, trying to justify his betrayal.
"But you upset the balance of power between her and Alicent," I said, narrowing my eyes and pointing my finger at him: "Something you personally warned me about and for your own interests."
"I understand your anger, Uncle," Aemon said in a sympathetic tone.
I shook my head and interrupted him abruptly:
"I'm not angry with you, I'm disappointed in your behavior. I didn't think it would only take one night for the Sea Snake's daughter to…"
"Uncle, I understand your anger, but you are completely mistaken," Aemon interrupted me sharply in turn.
"I certainly defended my brother-in-law, who is your son-in-law, in case I need to remind you, but with the sole purpose of avoiding more blood debts in this kingdom," he added, his gaze determined.
'A look far from guilty.'
"And for that, you had to kill the Commander of my Guard?" I asked, trying to dismantle his argument.
Aemon smiled, almost mockingly, and said:
"Criston Cole was closer to your queen than to you. How do you think she knew how to approach me and offer me guardianship of Prince Aegon? I would even go as far as to say he was taking orders directly from her. The line between that and treason is thin."
I shook my head, agreeing with him, but deep down, I still didn't like it. I had the feeling something wasn't right in this situation, without being able to pinpoint exactly what.
"Once Otto Hightower returns, you'll be able to start dismantling the factions from within. Identify all those who seek to divide the House of the Dragon, then undermine them with taxes, new laws, by giving more power to their neighbors. Any means will be good to avoid a succession war."
I took a deep breath and said: "You're right. Maybe it's my pride speaking at the moment, but for a moment I had the impression that you had betrayed me to join the Sea Snake's camp."
Aemon smiled and said: "That will never happen, be sure of it. No one will make me change my mind. My loyalty is solely to the king."
"Thank you, Aemon."
"I wanted to tell you myself, Uncle, but I will be leaving this afternoon for the Vale," Aemon finally said.
"Is the air of the capital that foul?" I asked, slightly saddened.
"I can't stand it anymore. I miss my peace and tranquility," he said.
I frowned for a moment and then finally nodded to let him go.
'There's no point in forcing him to stay with me. He'll return when he's ready for all of this.'