Chapter 32

Viserys's heart clenched at her words. "I need to see him and make sure he isn't hurt," he said, his voice filled with a father's concern. He quickly put on a simple coat, not caring for the royal robes.

With a sense of urgency, Viserys dashed out of his chambers, his heart pounding in his chest. His mind was filled with worry for his son, Aerion. He rushed through the long, winding corridors of the palace, the kingsguards struggling to keep up with him.

Maids and servants greeted him as he passed, their expressions turning to surprise at the king's haste.

"Where is Prince Aerion?" Viserys demanded of a servant in the hallway.

"The prince is in his chambers still resting, Your Grace," the servant replied, bowing.

Viserys nodded and continued his brisk pace, his thoughts racing. He reached infront of the chamber door.

"Your Grace" Ser Harrold saluted as he greeted Viserys.

"Is my son inside?" he questioned.

"Yes sire, the prince came back late the previous night is still sleeping" Ser Harrold replied honestly.

"Aerion," Viserys breathed, his relief palpable. He crossed the room and quickly came to his son's side.

Viserys held him at arm's length, examining him closely. "You sacrificed so much for me," he murmmed, his voice filled with gratitude and sorrow.

"But I can only be grateful and strive to be a better father for your sacrifice to this unworthy old man." he continued to whisper.

Not wanting to disturb his son who was still asleep.

Viserys observed Aerion breathing it was steady but unnervingly deep. Concern etched lines on Viserys's face as he scrutinized him for any signs of distress. Finding none, he exhaled a sigh of relief, but the gnawing worry in his gut refused to subside.

He touched his son's forehead gently. "Twenty-five years, it's a huge sacrifice for a dying man." he murmured. "You have paid such a huge price for this old man and for the family, i will not let you down" he whispered, his eyes becoming determined.

Reluctant to disturb Aerion's much-needed rest, Viserys quietly exited the room.

He left strict instructions with the maids to prepare a nourishing breakfast for Aerion and to attend to his needs with utmost care.

As he made his way back to his own chambers, Viserys couldn't shake the memory of his conversation with his son from the previous night. Aerion's plea weighed heavily on his mind, stirring a tempest of conflicting emotions within him.

He knew that even with this second opportunity his son had given him, his time was running out. His health would deteriorate with each passing day.

If he wanted to secure a peaceful transition of power and ensure his daughter's ascension to the throne, he would have take some strong and drastic actions.

Amongst them he doesn't mind heeding Aerion's request. He knew from last night's experience that his son was different—capable and, importantly, a person who could achieve anything if he set his mind to it.

However, Viserys was acutely aware of the political adversaries lurking in the shadows, eager to exploit any sign of weakness or uncertainty within the royal family.

The kingdom teetered on the brink of unrest, with factions vying for control and whispers of rebellion growing louder by the day. Previously, he had been too indecisive to take action, but now he was determined.

As Viserys grappled with the weight of his decision, he realized that fulfilling Aerion's demand may help him and the family and even if it doesn't he can just stop it if necessary.

With resolve hardening in his heart, Viserys steeled himself for the challenges ahead, determined to navigate the treacherous currents of power and secure a future of peace and prosperity for his daughter's rule, his House, and the kingdom.

His resolve was as unyielding as the ancient stones of the castle, his determination as fierce as the roaring sea. Walking toward his chamber, he saw the Kingsguard and his wife Alicent approaching him.

He turned to the Kingsguard. "Go inform Otto of an emergency meeting. I want all the small council present as soon as possible," Viserys ordered.

The Kingsguard nodded and hurried off to carry out the command. Alicent reached Viserys, her face etched with concern.

"Viserys, what is it? Is everything alright with Aerion ?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

He took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Yes he just needs some rest."

"It's time I take some decisive action." Viserys said seriously as he looked at his current wife.

Alicent nodded, understanding that whatever Viserys and Aerion talked about yesterday, it was going to cause some serious Chaos in king'slanding.

But she still reminded her husband "Father would require some time to arrange for the small council, Meanwhile I think, you should visit the Maesters and let them examine your current physical condition."

"Yes, your thoughtful my wife." He replied as he walked toward the Grandmaester champer with a renewed sense of purpose.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the Red Keep. It was early noon, and Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, made his way purposefully toward his daughter Alicent's chamber. His mind was troubled, and he needed answers.

As Otto pushed open the door, the sudden intrusion startled the maids. They looked up, wide-eyed, from their tasks. Standing by the window, lost in thought as she gazed out at the bustling city of King's Landing, was Alicent.

Otto's presence seemed to fill the room. "All of you, leave," he commanded, his voice firm and unyielding. "And take Aegon with you," he added with a dismissive wave of his hand. The maids exchanged nervous glances but complied swiftly, gathering the young prince and hurrying out, leaving father and daughter alone.

Alicent turned at the sound of her father's voice, her eyes slowly focusing as she came back to reality. She could sense the storm brewing behind Otto's stern expression, a mix of concern and something darker.

"Is there something you wish to say, Alicent?" Otto's voice was deceptively calm, but his eyes were sharp, demanding answers.

Alicent sighed, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on her. "If you want to know about what happened last night, you can just ask, Father. There's no need to cause such a scene," she replied, her voice tinged with a sense of helplessness.