Scions of the Cruel King (Completed)
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Note: This story follows multiple generation of targaryen Civil wars
Though Aegon Targaryen was proclaimed King of the Seven Kingdoms, Dorne stubbornly remained independent. For his reign, Aegon focused on building a royal keep and securing his hold over the six conquered kingdoms. Wary of the Targaryen dragons, the Faith of the Seven privately grumbled about the king's incestuous marriages but complied with his wishes.
The Faith, however, closely watched Aegon's sons. Aenys, born in 3 AL to Queen Rhaenys, shared his parents' Valyrian features but mirrored his mother's preference for courtly luxuries over martial pursuits. In a break from tradition, Aegon married Aenys not to his own sister, but to Catelyn Tully. Their children were Jaehaerys and Alysanne. Aegon's second son with Rhaenys, Maegor, was married to his sister Daenys, who tragically died bearing a stillborn child.
Maegor, born in 8 AL, grew into a fierce warrior. Though seen as a cruel loner by some, he was deeply loyal to his family. After Daenys’s death, he stood vigil by her side for over a week until his father forcibly removed him. He later found happiness in a short-lived marriage to his sister Eleana, with whom he had twin daughters, Visenya and Rhaenys, and a son, Vaegyl, born in the first year of Aenys's rule.
When Aegon the Dragon died in 37 AL, the Faith saw its chance. They denounced the weak, sickly King Aenys as a product of incest and called for a rebellion. Bloody revolts erupted, and assassins targeted the royal family. In one such attempt, an arrow meant for Maegor struck and killed his wife, Eleana. This loss transformed Maegor’s anger into a cold hatred for the Faith. He ruthlessly crushed a revolt by the Arryns of Gulltown, executing them all, which quelled the minor lords but not the Faith. Rumors persisted that the High Septon poisoned King Aenys, leading to his death.
With the realm in turmoil and Aenys's children still young, Maegor ascended the throne. Urged by his Hand, Gerold Westerling, Maegor married Gerold's daughter Jeyne and fathered three sons: Aegon, Daemon, and Laecareys. Despite his efforts, the rebellion continued, and by his death in 48 AL, the Faith seemed to be winning. Amidst the succession crisis, Aenys’s son Jaehaerys assumed the regency for his young cousin Vaegyl and began negotiating for peace.
This tale begins in 56 AL. As Vaegyl approaches manhood, Jaehaerys and the small council plan their next move against the still-rebelling Faith. Unbeknownst to them, Gerold Westerling and Ser Tybolt Lannister are secretly plotting to place Gerold's grandson, Aegon, on the Iron Throne.
