Chapter 14 Conversation 1

Returning to the Redkeep and writing down a well detailed report about everything she had see and thought about the future action she left her chamber and went towards her father's chamber.

Valarissa Targaryen entered her father's chamber, finding Alicent Hightower assisting her father in reading while he worked on sculpturing a scale model of an ancient city of Valyria freehold. The room was bathed in a gentle, warm light from the stained-glass windows and candles, casting vibrant colors on the tapestries adorning the walls. The air carried the scent of beeswax candles and aged parchment.

Approaching King Viserys I Targaryen, Valarissa caught his eye and he motioned for her to come closer, a slight smile gracing his lips. With respect, she lowered her head and softly addressed him, "Father."

Viserys looked up from his work, his eyes filled with warmth and affection as he gazed upon his daughter. He set aside the delicate tools he had been using to craft the miniature city, his hands covered in fine dust from the intricate details.

Alicent raised her gaze from the book she had been assisting the king with, her countenance betraying a mixture of guilt and caution.

The king gestured towards the arm of his elaborate chair, inviting Valarissa to take a seat beside him. Once she had settled, he leaned in confidentially. "I was just informing Alicent here about my intentions for the upcoming fleet of dragonrider ships," he whispered, his voice hushed. "She has also been aiding me in reviewing some of the documents." His tone revealed his apprehension.

Valarissa comprehended her father's unease, considering that Alicent was her sister's closest companion, and she was aware of her father gradually developing a special fondness for Alicent, perhaps as a means to divert his attention from the loss of his wife.

"I understand, Father, and I am here because I have some very important matters to discuss with you," Valarissa declared. "I hope that, as you have previously promised me, you will listen to my words with an open mind."

"Of course I'm ready and in fact I waited for you this morning and seeing you leave the city, I thought you didn't want to talk anymore." Veserys replied to her daughter.

Hearing the conversation Alicent stood up asking permission to leave, "Your grace, may I leave you two alone?" she asked, casting a worried glance at Valarissa.

King Viserys nodded, waving her off with a dismissive hand. "Yes, yes, you may go. Thank you for your help, Alicent."

Alicent, sensed the slight tension in the room, discreetly excused herself, leaving Valarissa and the king alone to have their conversation. As she walked away, her mind raced with conflicting emotions.

Guilt gnawed at her conscience, for she knew that her growing closeness with the king had caused a strain in her relationship with Valarissa. She had never intended for this to happen, but her father's insistence and the king's loneliness had drawn her in, and she found solace in his company.

However, caution also weighed heavily on Alicent's mind. She was well aware of the delicate balance she had to maintain. Her loyalty to Valarissa and Rhaenyra her dearest friend, was unwavering, and she never wanted to betray them.

Yet, she couldn't reject her father orders and the closeness she felt for the king.

As the door closed behind the young woman, Veserys turned back to Valarissa, his expression solemn. "Now, what is it that you wish to discuss?" he prompted, folding his hands in his lap.

Valarissa didn't hesitate as she came ready she offered the large bundles of parchments she brought with her to her father, which was a surprise to him" Please read this father, so you can understand I'm not here just waste your time and this is not a silly ramblings of a child"

Valarissa presented the parchments to her father, carefully laying it on his lap. The king's curiosity was immediately piqued, evident by the raised eyebrow. His eyes shifted to the wax seal adorning the top of the bundle, then back up to his daughter. "What is the meaning of this, Valarissa?" he inquired, unfolding the first sheet of parchment with caution.

Valarissa promptly responded, "It is a comprehensive proposal outlining a five-year plan to enhance the development and fortify the city of King's Landing, as well as House Targaryen."

Viserys took the bundles of parchment from Valarissa's outstretched hands, his curiosity piqued. He carefully untied the strings that held them together and began to read the contents, his eyes scanning the words with growing interest.

As he delved into the first document, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration Viserys took his time perusing the pages, his expression growing more focused as he absorbed the information. Once he had finished, he placed the final page down with a sigh. "Valarissa, this is truly impressive," he commended, meeting her gaze. "You have clearly invested a great deal of thought into this. I applaud your efforts." He paused momentarily before continuing, "However, I regret to inform you that I cannot permit you to implement these plans. You are still young, and there is much more for you to learn. Furthermore, the proposal does have several flaws."

Valarissa's heart sank at her father's response, but she maintained her composure, determined to defend her proposal. "Father, I understand your concerns about my age, but I have spent countless hours studying and consulting with the most knowledgeable advisors. I believe my knowledge is enough as I am not going to be a ruler anyway.

Now what I present you can contribute to the growth and prosperity of King's Landing that is the only reason I'm here."

The king's brow furrowed as he listened to his daughter. He admired her determination and intellect, but he also knew the weight of responsibility that came with ruling a kingdom.

"Valarissa, I do not doubt your capabilities or your dedication. However, the decisions we make as rulers have far-reaching consequences." He paused" How can ensure it's completion and even the crown can't handle such financial burdens"

Valarissa remained unfazed by her father's words, fully aware of their truth, and ready to confront any criticism that may come her way. "Father, I believe you have misunderstood," she responded calmly. "If your concern lies with the financial burden of aiding the reformation of the city watch and reclaiming the farmland, rest assured that I will personally oversee the management and implementation of these projects the crown need not spend a coin.

Additionally, I have already mentioned the importance of your assistance in supporting the orphanages and providing training for these children. I propose that you lend me the necessary funds with a reasonable interest rate over a period of five years."