Chapter 128: Alicent’s Plea

The Red Keep, under the veil of night.

Inside the King's Bedchamber.

"Viserys, you know what happened today, don't you?" Alicent murmured from the comfort of her husband's embrace, clad in a delicate lace nightgown.

Her voice carried a husky tone, tinged with concern.

Viserys, his senses lulled by the warmth of his wife's presence, leaned back against the bed and closed his eyes in contentment.

After a moment's pause, he replied, "It's not uncommon for siblings to have disagreements."

He understood the incident she referred to all too well – the confrontation between Rhaegar and Aegon in the Dragonpit.

Sitting up, Alicent's eyes glistened with tears as she confessed, "I'm not trying to complain, but Aegon was hurt badly. The maester mentioned his teeth might be loose."

Her heart ached at the thought of her son's injuries.

They were her children, her treasures, nurtured with love and care. How could she bear to see them harmed?

"Alicent, perhaps you're reading too much into it," Viserys reassured her, gently stroking her shoulder.

"I looked into the matter at the Dragonpit. It was Aegon who instigated the trouble before Rhaegar intervened to teach him a lesson."

Viserys opened his eyes, his hand tenderly cupping his wife's cheek as he continued, "Rhaegar is still a protective older brother. He's even arranged for two dragons to be set aside for Aemond and Helaena."

He spoke of Rhaegar's thoughtful organization, ensuring the safety and comfort of his younger siblings, a gesture that brought relief to his heart.

"But I couldn't help but worry," Alicent confided, her fingers intertwining with her husband's as she spoke softly. "Aegon can be quite headstrong, and having to answer to Rhaegar... How will he manage?"

Viserys furrowed his brow at her words, seeking clarification. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

He had anticipated a complaint from Alicent, but her tone seemed different, not accusatory towards Rhaegar.

"Aegon lacks discipline and maturity. He needs someone to guide him," Alicent stated plainly, her gaze fixed on her husband.

Viserys chuckled in recognition. "Let me guess, you mean Otto, don't you?"

Alicent had long advocated Otto's return to King's Landing. However, Viserys had been reluctant, partly for personal reasons, partly because there was no suitable position for him.

Alicent's eyes gleamed with hope as she nodded. "My father served as Hand of the King, and Aegon is his grandson. He could provide the guidance Aegon needs."

"You know, I have my reservations about Otto," Viserys replied cryptically.

"Rhaegar may have disciplined Aegon today, but who's to say it won't happen again tomorrow... Where does it end?" he voiced his concerns.

Alicent's smile faltered, her plea growing more serious. "Rhaegar's authority as heir  is unquestioned, and my father would never speak ill of him to Aegon. Please, consider it."

"Let me think on it," Viserys sighed, massaging his temples with a growing headache, shifting to a more comfortable position on the bed.

"Viserys, Aegon is your son too. They both deserve your love and attention," Alicent urged softly as she extinguished the bedside lamp, casting the room into darkness.

Outside the door stood Arryk, clad in shimmering armor and flowing white robes. As the sounds of mingled whispers emanated from within, he silently stepped away, leaving the couple to their privacy.

...

The next morning, Rhaegar was summoned to his father's chambers.

Viserys, dressed in his pajamas, sat at the round table in the living area, enjoying his breakfast.

When he saw his eldest son arrive, he gestured with his knife and fork and offered warmly, "You haven't had your breakfast yet. Join me, son."

Rhaegar glanced at the closed bedroom door and smiled, "I'm famished."

As they ate, Viserys broached the subject, "Yesterday, Tyland brought two pieces of news that concern you."

"What news?" Rhaegar asked, sipping his milk.

"Regarding the Stepstones Islands," Viserys began, his expression serious as he finished his meal and dabbed at his lips with a napkin, "Reports from our informants confirm that the pirates raiding our ships hail from the Three Daughters. They seem poised for war."

"War is imminent," Rhaegar admitted, his brow furrowed in thought. "The Three Daughters, strengthened by Dornish support, will be formidable opponents."

"And there's more serious news," Viserys continued with a heavy sigh. "The Sea Snake has amassed a fleet of warships at Driftmark Island, apparently preparing to engage the Three Daughters once more."

"Corlys intends to instigate another war?" Rhaegar's frown deepened.

War was no trivial matter. The previous engagement at the Stepstones had been costly, albeit successful, thanks to the collaboration between the Sea Snake and Daemon.

Their victory had driven out the pirates of the Three Daughters and curbed the Sea Snake's influence. However, the return of the Three Daughters would be a far greater challenge this time.

Moreover, in the previous conflict, Daemon had represented the royal family and wielded considerable influence over the Sea Snake's actions.

With another war looming, the royal family could not afford to remain passive. Failure to act would severely damage their reputation.

Rhaegar inquired, "Father, are we considering an alliance with the Sea Snake?"

The royal family had no navy of its own, so it had to rely on the resources of House Velaryon.

"Indeed," Viserys affirmed, a hint of resignation in his tone. "With the Three Daughters Kingdom's impending threat, the expertise of the Sea Snake is indispensable."

"So, what's your proposal?" Rhaegar sensed his father's underlying motive.

Viserys revealed his intention, "Given the longstanding discord between House Velaryon and House Targaryen, I wish for you to journey to Driftmark. Invite the Sea Snake to King's Landing for diplomatic discussions regarding our foreign affairs."

Emphasizing the need to meet any conditions the Sea Serpent might set, Viserys stressed, "It is of the utmost importance to foster friendly relations between our houses."

Rhaegar readily agreed and inquired, "When do we leave?"

"In a few days, during your Aunt Rhaenys's name-day celebrations," Viserys replied. "You may ride the dragons to the event, but be careful."

"Understood. I'll take care of it," Rhaegar assured, getting up to leave.

As he closed the door behind him, Rhaegar's expression turned somber, and he rubbed his face in thought.

"Attending a feast on Driftmark..." The task ahead seemed daunting, especially considering the complex dynamics involved.

Navigating the Sea Snake's animosity towards his father, not to mention the ongoing tensions with Laena and Daemon, posed significant challenges.

"This journey won't be easy," Rhaegar mused, pacing the open-air corridor, lost in thought.

"Prince," a voice interrupted his reverie.

Turning, Rhaegar saw Larys sitting on a nearby bench, a friendly smile on his face.

"Larys, what brings you here?" Rhaegar inquired, curious about the sudden appearance of the Hand's son.

With a respectful bow, Larys replied, "I have stumbled upon some information I think you should know."

(Word count: 1,141)