In the grand pavilion of the tournament, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and tension. Corwin and Gael, dressed in all the elegance of their lineage, spoke in hushed tones as they observed the opening matches.
"The idea of a marriage between Rhaegar and Laena is nothing but a diplomatic move," Gael mentioned, her eyes shining with a mix of concern and cunning. "But do you think it's wise?"
Corwin nodded with a faint smile. "I supported Rhaenys at the Great Council of 101 because I believed in her right, not because I sought future alliances. However, Laena is strong and ambitious. Together, they could strengthen both houses."
"I only hope this decision doesn't spark new discord," Gael replied, a flash of worry crossing her face. "Though I admit Laena has remarkable qualities."
Corlys Velaryon, recently seated with his wife and children, intervened with a solemn tone. "I accept this marriage, but I can't help but wonder how it will affect our dynasty. Alliances are crucial, but so are opportunities."
Gael looked at Corlys, her expression serene. "Perhaps this is the opportunity we need to secure the stability of the Velaryon and Celtigar houses in the times ahead."
Corwin added calmly, "Power is not just the strength of the alliances or the dragons we possess, but how we handle the destiny we build."
The conversation drifted toward the jousts as Daemon Targaryen prepared to face Ser Criston Cole. The eyes of the pavilion focused on the Prince. His opponent, clad in shining armor, was a man unknown to many, but his bearing showed confidence.
The joust was intense, with Daemon demonstrating his usual skill. However, defeat came humiliatingly when Criston Cole bested him with an unexpected maneuver. The ensuing silence was broken by the murmurs of the crowd.
"A mere knight defeats Prince Daemon?" a nearby noble remarked incredulously.
Daemon, visibly upset, threw his helm to the ground before leaving the field. In the pavilion, Rhaenyra received unexpected attention from the herald, who crowned her as the tournament's Queen of Beauty. Her face flushed with embarrassment and joy as all eyes turned to her.
Corwin leaned toward Gael and whispered, "The true jewel of the Targaryens shines brightest today, and it's not Rhaenyra."
---
Meanwhile, in Queen Aemma's chambers, cries of pain echoed through the halls. Viserys held his wife's hand as the maesters and midwives worked urgently. The King made the most difficult decision of his life: to sacrifice Aemma in a desperate attempt to save the child.
When it was over, the silence was unbearable. News of Aemma and the baby's deaths spread quickly through the Red Keep. Consumed by grief, Viserys struck a table with such force that it splintered, cutting his hand. He didn't seem to notice as tears streamed down his face.
---
In the pavilion, Rhaenyra struggled to maintain her composure as she received the news. Laena Velaryon approached to console her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. The young princess nodded, grateful for the gesture, while trying to contain her sorrow.
---
From his study, Otto Hightower observed the commotion in the Red Keep. Alicent stood by his side, maintaining a neutral expression, but her eyes showed a flicker of satisfaction that she quickly concealed.
"The realm will change after this day," Otto murmured, his tone reflective. Alicent simply nodded, her thoughts hidden behind a mask of serenity.
"I will watch them all from above, for I am a Hightower. None reach higher, not even the dragons," Alicent thought, already preparing how to seize this opportunity.
---
In their private chambers, Corlys and Rhaenys shared a moment of reflection after receiving the news. Corlys clenched his fists, his expression showing more frustration than sadness.
"We acted too quickly," he finally said. "Laena could have been a queen. Now that destiny slips from our hands."
Rhaenys nodded with regret. "Ambition sometimes blinds even the wisest. But even in loss, we must learn. Perhaps this marriage is the key to something greater."
Corlys didn't respond immediately, but his gaze lingered on the flames of a nearby candle, his mind working on the next moves to secure his house's future.
The air of King's Landing was heavy with mourning and uncertain expectations. At the heart of the realm, a tragedy had marked the Targaryen dynasty's destiny, while the dragons' flames continued to illuminate the skies of Westeros.