Chapter 16 : Naming of a Heir

Aemon Targaryen (106 A.C. Ninth Moon)

Kingslanding - Shrine of Meraxes

He walked over to the skull of Meraxes, a beautiful shrine built for a fallen legend. 'Sometimes, he felt he walked among legends; her skull was a massive thing, a favorite spot of his when he was a kid, quite a peaceful place. Balerion had spoken much of his mate, the hurt he had felt when she died.' He thought as he walked toward his brother. He stood there in silence, moving his hands over flames, not being burnt. Targaryens seemed to have some fire resistance.

"Brother," he spoke softly. Then he looked to the other door, where Rhaenyra walked in, escorted by Ser Ryam. "Uncle, father," Rhaenyra asked, confused about why she was summoned.

His brother soon turned to them both but returned to the shrine before them. "Balerion is the last living creature to have seen Old Valyria before the Doom, its greatness and its flaws," his brother said. He always considered Balerion more a treasure and a great friend. Then, just a creature. Viserys turned around and looked at his daughter. "When you look at the dragons, what do you see?"

Rhaenyra looked at him and her father in confusion. "What? You haven't spoken a word to me since Mother's and Baelon's funeral. Now you summon me here escorted by your King…" But his brother cut her off. "Answer me. It's important. What do you see?" Viserys asked his daughter, giving him a look.

'Why was he asking this? What he saw in the dragons was themselves. Balerion was his family as much as the rest of his family was. Still, he wouldn't agree that they were considered gods, as he knew their history, that without the dragons, they eventually fell from grace, and the Targaryen dynasty was toppled.' He thought about Viserys's question and walked over to Rhaenyra, taking her hand as she spoke. "I suppose I see our family." She said, glancing toward him and her father; his brother urged his daughter on. "Many believe us closer to gods than men, but that is only because of our dragons. Without them, we are just like the rest of the people." She finished hesitantly and squeezed his hand a little. His brother smiled and looked at him. "Your turn, brother. What do you see?"

"I see wonder and power that we have to respect, and as my niece said, family as well. I know my bond with Balerion. I do not have control, only a bond," he said.

His brother looked at them both with pride. "The idea that we control the dragons is only an illusion. They're a power man should not have trifled with. One that brought Valyria its doom. If we don't mind our own histories, it will do the same to us." He then stopped mid-stride to stand directly in front of them. "Targaryens must understand this to be King and Queen Consort."

"What?" The word was out of both their mouths before they could comprehend it. His brother looked at them with a sad and regretful expression. "I have wasted the years since your birth wanting for a son when the whole time, you both stood before me. You two are everything I wished in my successors, and you, Aemon if I ever had my own son. I see you as one, even if we are brothers. You and Rhaenyra are the best of our blood, our hope for the future."

"What? You want me as heir and marry Rhaenyra." "Father, you can't. Aemon is already betrothed to Laena; it would cause a rift between House Velaryon that could never be healed," Rhaenyra said, half in shock.

Viserys looked at them, nodding. "I understand, but this way, Aemma's legacy is protected. I have seen how you care for my daughter. There is no one I would place more trust in to care for her than you. As for Laena, I'm taking a page out of the book of conquerors, and because of Jaehaerys, there is the doctrine of exceptionalism." His brother said, his voice low.

"You wanted me to, like Aegon did, have two wives. But what about Corlys and Daemon?" He knew Corlys would never expect his daughter to be one of the queens. He looked at Rhaenyra, whose hands he still held.

"I do have plans for the succession and what to give Corlys as recompense," His brother answered. "Daemon was not made to wear the crown. But I believe you two were." He looked at them both with a smile. "This isn't a trivial gesture or a thought I had on a whim. A dragon saddle is one thing, but the Iron Throne is the most dangerous seat in the realm, Aemon. For you as well, my daughter." He looked at both seriously and with some pity. "There is something else that I need to tell you both, something I shared with your mother when I was made heir. What I'm about to tell you both might be difficult to understand."

Viserys said, looking toward the skull of Meraxes. 'Was he going to speak of the prophecy the grandfather told him about? Prophecy is the bane of his existence.' He thought with a groan, he kept in. "Our history tells us that Aegon looked across the shores of the Blackwater and saw a rich land ripe for the capture. But ambition alone is not what drove him to conquest. And just as Daenys foresaw the end of Valyria, Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men." His brother paused and looked at their faces. He got the expected reaction from Rhaenyra but not from him.

"Aemon, why don't you look surprised?" "I already know. Grandfather spoke to me before the Great Council. I'm sorry for what I'm about to say, but as your heir, I have to inform you. He wanted me as heir back in the day, but I was too young; a regency would have taken hold, and we both know Daemon would never accept the decision. Grandfather also had another plan, that at least one of my children would marry your future heir." He said. Rhaenyra looked at him, shocked, but Viserys's face seemed to fade to some form of relief.

"Yes, it is true. I intended to marry one of your future children to my heir, but fate had other plans. Although, I feel more steadfast now in my decision to name you. This way, I hold both my promises. So, if you will, please tell my daughter of the prophecy." His brother said with a smile. 'It was a reaction he expected; deep down, he knew Viserys never wanted to be King. He was always happy before being named heir. He wanted a peaceful away from the stresses of being King.' He thought with relief.

"Great grandfather wanted you as heir. But why not try to say that before? Why not try and take it after you gain power?" Rhaenyra questioned. "Family, niece, family. That is all. That's all I ever wanted." Rhaenyra frowned but nodded. "You should know, daughter, yesterday, he recommended you as heir. That is why I chose him and for his temperament and selflessness. I wish him to marry you for the very same reason. To keep you safe and to honor your mother." His brother spoke, his tone soft. Tears appeared in Rhaenyra's eyes, and then she walked over to him and cried into his chest.

All but a simple "Thank you" came out of her as she sobbed. She had been strong these past few days dealing with heartbreak. Now, it all came out as she calmed down. He then thought back to the past. 'To be honest, looking back almost fifteen years ago, he hoped for a similar reaction from Daenerys. His love, aunt, and other hopes he had. But she only said. ("That makes you the last male heir to House Targaryen; you would have a claim to the Iron throne.") She wasn't happy she had more family and was no longer the last. Or for the fact he wasn't a bastard anymore, something that haunted his entire life. No, she only cared for his claim, not family. And in the end, she drove him to become a kinslayer.'

"Aemon? Everything alright." Rhaenyra asked after she had calmed down, still in his arms. "Yes, sorry, I just was lost in a memory." His brother smiled at them, taking satisfaction in their bond, trusting he made the right choice. He wasn't sure how his love Laena would react to it, but for now, he vowed a second one toward Rhaenyra, protecting her until his dying breath.

"Alright, what was your father about to tell us? To begin with, it is a terrible winter, and a gusting wind will come with it from Aegon, who saw absolute darkness riding on those winds. Whatever is inside those winds will destroy the world of the living." He paused, thinking back toward those haunting blue eyes that killed him and so many others.

"If our world is to survive, all of Westeros must stand united against it, and a Targaryen must be seated on the Iron throne. As I'm correct, it has been passed from heir to heir since Aegon's time. He called it a song of ice and fire." His brother nodded. "I shared it with Aemma; she knew about it. That is why I shared it with you both. As you will share the burden." His brother said. He felt pained as he thought back to the memory of Aemma. "I need you both to promise me you will protect this secret." His brother questioned them.

"I promise, father, that I will be your daughter and future wife of King Aemon." She said with full conviction. It made his heart beat a little faster at the words of King Aemon and his future wife. "I already swore it once toward grandfather, but I will swear it again to you, my brother and king." He said and paused for a bit. "I, Aemon of House Targaryen and Stark, promise to keep and protect the song of Ice and Fire so we may one day protect the world against the coming dark." He said as he knelt toward Viserys.

"Good, I know you both will do your duty. As for another thing, I won't yet announce your marriage. I have to wait until the right time to approach Lord Corlys; now it isn't. He has been more upset about the delay of your marriage to Lady Laena." His brother said, to be honest, he wanted to marry his love, but for now, first, the realm needed stability after him being named heir.

"I understand, but we can't wait too long. I'm unsure how long Corlys will be patient waiting for the marriage to happen. Although the thought of his daughter as a future queen would satisfy him. I don't feel okay for keeping it from them; I have made a vow toward Laena. I will tell her if she asks me about it, but before I do, I will make her swear not to reveal the arrangement before speaking of it." He said, his voice firmer than he intended.

"I will also hold my word for now, Father. But like Aemon said, we can't keep this arrangement secret for too long." Rhaenyra said. "I understand; we have to inform the kingdoms of the decision. I summon a council meeting for tomorrow. Aemon, I also need you to draft an agreement for Corlys. I speak with you later for the details. You both are dismissed." His brother said, and he and Rhaenyra walked toward the door.

Otto Hightower (106 A.C.)

Kingslanding - Council Chamber

He waited in the council chamber and wondered about all that had happened and what would happen. 'Last night, he was informed of Daemon's dismissal and banishment to the Vale. The King didn't send his daughter away when she visited him. A good start. All he needed was for her to gain the King's affection. So his daughter would be queen, and if everything went well, a son, a true heir for the Throne. A true Andal King, one with Hightower blood and loyal to the faith.

If his daughter had a son, there was no way Viserys would keep his daughter as heir. He would choose her as a better substitute to take the role instead of Daemon. If the King wasn't thinking of marrying his daughter, he had two sons, one not yet married, so a son of the hand would make a great King-Consort, still a way to get Hightower blood on the Throne. He also knew that Viserys would never disinherit Daemon for Aemon. He wouldn't risk it.' Then, Viserys broke him out of his thoughts.

"My lords, as you all might have heard last night, I banished Daemon to Runestone. As punishment for his words about my heir and family," Viserys said when everyone entered the room and took their seats.

"Your grace, what was being said when you banished the Prince," Corlys questioned. "He wasn't apologetic, and he was uncompromising in his belief. Not only did he disrespect Aemon and Visenya, but he also insulted my stepmother." He didn't know what to say. 'Daemon is sometimes too provocative for his own good, not that he cared. However, he didn't mind any bad words spoken about Aemon the better.' He thought gratefully at the news of Daemon's dismal.

"He insulted my future in-laws," Corlys said as he looked at Aemon affectionately. The man seemed to really like his future husband of his daughter. "Thank you for your support, Lord Corlys. I'm as disappointed at my brother as you, if not more. Still, he is a prince, even one with many flaws," Aemon said and looked at Corlys. 'It was one thing with Aemon; he was very tempered and didn't reveal his cards. What was proving to be a difficult task to combat. He was a new player, and he would dispatch him as he did Daemon.'

"My brother is right; we aren't here to discuss my brother. He is gone until he can show duty toward my family. But I called you here to discuss the future of the realm. It still hurts me to say it." King looked pained toward Aemon and Rhaenyra. "The passing of my wife and son, with Daemon disinherited, I need a true heir," the King said.

There it would come, Rhaenyra as heir and Alicent a future queen, it al started here. "I have come toward a decision. I have decided to name my brother Aemon Targaryen as heir," Viserys spoke and looked toward Aemon. His mouth fell open. "Your grace, If I may have a word," he said.

"No, you may not." Viserys' tone was firm. "I have made my decision. At the end of the year, the lords will come to swear fealty to my chosen heir and me. After that, Aemon's wedding will be held on the second moon. I already explained earlier why I postponed the wedding," Viserys said to explain the plans.

"A wise choice, your grace. Aemon has proven his leadership in his Lordship of Seadragon Point and brought an invention back into the lost world. The trade taxes that the crown has received from the Sunset Sea have increased greatly. I delight to start working with your chosen heir, your grace," Lord Beesbury mumbled; the man got far too excited about coins.

"You have my full support, uncle; my mother loved you, and you cared for my brother in his living days. You also have brought me much comfort these last few days in my grief," Rhaenyra said. 'And there went the only one besides him and Melos. He hoped he would show some displeasure toward Aemon being named heir. But it seemed the princess was very supportive of her uncle.' He thought in dismay.

"You have my full support; may you hold the standard high for all heirs to come," Lord Lyonel said, smiling brightly.

"Thank you, grace. I am glad to become the future father-in-law of the Prince of Dragonstone. However, the delay of the wedding is a sad thing, though I respect the decision," Lord Corlys said, his face a full grin. 'Oh, that arrogant man.'

"My Prince, I congratulate you. If I may ask? As prince of the realm, would you also allow the learned men to learn how to craft your inventions? It would greatly benefit the realm if the Citadel could learn from you. It would be a great loss for the realm if the knowledge you have were to be lost. Suppose you were to lose," Melos asked, and he already saw the face of the King and Aemon darken. 'Melos, oh, the dolt of a man.' He thought as he kept himself from sighing.

"Grandmaester Melos, as my brother explained before, as will I. The crown will not reveal the secret of our heritage. We already have allowed you to learn High Valyrian; do not presume to ask for more," Viserys hissed.

"Lord Hand, I have yet to hear you congratulate my uncle. A King's Hand should strive toward the realm's stability," the princess spoke up and addressed him. "I know you wanted a different heir, Otto, but I command you to accept it. For the good of the realm, as you always put it," Viserys spoke his voice low and hard, which broke no argument. 'He couldn't change this decision, but still, a son comes before a brother. Even with a man, the change would be more difficult to force through.' He thought with some hope.

"My prince, I have had my reservations. As I know your older brother, he has insulted the previous heir; also, he has not been someone who was very law-abiding," he said and tried to make his voice sound not irritated. "I am sure his grace has made the right decision. You have my support. As our future King, my prince," he said, bowing to Viserys and Aemon.

"My lords, princess, and my King. I thank you all for your support. I hope to be as great an heir as my father was," Aemon spoke, stood up, and raised his glass.

"To the Prince of Dragonstone, Aemon Targaryen," Corlys spoke cheerily, raising his own. "Here, here," was repeated around the council chamber. He did his duty and would bide his time.

Rhaenyra Targaryen (106 A.C. Elventh Moon)

The Throneroom

She stood in the grand throne room, a vast space filled with lords and ladies who had gathered to witness a momentous occasion. They had all come to swear their allegiance to her uncle and future husband, Aemon Targaryen. The anticipation in the room made her stomach flutter with nervous excitement. 'This marriage, denied to her long ago, was finally becoming a reality. She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions, but deep down, she knew Aemon would be a good husband.' She thought as she stared at him.

She had assisted Aemon in dressing for the occasion, standing by his side as he donned his Valyrian armor. The armor was heavily decorated with dragons and wolves, dancing in intricate imagery on the plating. Black and red were the most prominent colors, with white and occasional gold and silver accents giving the garment its final touch of grandeur.

As the time drew near, she stood beside her friend Alicent, who beamed with pride. 'On the other hand, Otto seemed less enthusiastic about the prospect of Aemon becoming the heir. She had once been his chosen heir, and she was surprised when she heard he had chosen her instead. The Hightowers were known for their religious beliefs and Andal descent, where men claims traditionally held superiority over a women's. So, why had he chosen her?' It was a question that had been on her mind since the announcement. She wondered if Alicent had spoken about her to her father.

Aemon had also advocated for her as the heir. She understood his reasoning. He had been raised by Lyanna Stark, a strong and independent woman, and shared a strong bond with Rhaenys, who had the same strong-willed attitude as Lyanna. Moreover, where Aemon had spent much of his life, the North was generally more tolerant of female rule, especially among the warrior women of Bear Island. It made her feel special and grateful that he had confidence in her to be named the heir. Aemon's loyalty to the crown and his family was unwavering; she knew she could count on him if she had been named heir. So now she would do the same for him.

The moment had finally arrived. She watched as Aemon, clad in his resplendent Valyrian armor, stepped forward. The lords and ladies in the room fell silent, their attention focused on him. Her heart swelled with pride as she looked at her future husband, knowing that this was a pivotal moment in their lives and the future of their house.

The ceremony began, and she couldn't help but think about the responsibilities ahead. The hall fell silent as all the small council members started giving their allegiance to Aemon. Corlys was last as he knelt before the Throne and her uncle and father.

"I, Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." Corlys said, his voice full of pride as he knelt before the betrothed of his daughter, who would be King.

Then, all the minor lords that had come to pay homage to their new heir stepped forward one by one. Otto's brother stepped forward. "I, Lord Hobert Hightower, Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, and Voice of Oldtown, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." Lord Hobert spoke more strained than most. It seemed that the Hightowers were not the biggest fans of both her uncles.

Then, after all those minor lords had spoken their oaths, the Lord's Paramount stepped up to speak their allegiance. "I, Lord Jason Lannister, Lord Paramount of the West and Lord of Casterly Rock, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." The man spoke with arrogance and gave her a look she did not like.

Then her aunt bowed, being the only woman paramount present. And she thought back on her words. 'It was nice to have you here for a time,' she said at the end, speaking about the times her mother and she had caused mischief and of her mother's time in the Vale. She would visit the Vale at some point after everything was settled. It was high time she visited another part of her heritage. She was part Arryn, after all.'

Then Benjen Stark stepped toward the Throne. "I, Lord Benjen Stark, Lord Paramount of the North and Lord of Winterfell, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen and Stark. I pledge fealty to them by iron, earth, and bronze and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." Lord Benjen spoke with emotion and a strong, hoarse voice as he knelt toward his nephew.

Then she was up last, as a royal and second in line after Aemon. "I, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." She spoke without hesitation or anger, just proud of her uncle and happy she would be his wife. After that, Aemon gave her a look full of adoration and nodded with a bright smile.

Then, everyone had spoken their vows. The grandmaester placed a necklace of gold, with seven pieces representing the great houses of the seven regions of Westeros. Even House Martell was represented in the seven sigils on the crown. The eighth piece hung under Aemon's face, the symbol of the three-headed dragon of their house.

Then Aemon turned around and bowed his head toward her father, who gave a nod. Then Aemon, her father, began his proclamation.

"I, Viserys Targaryen, first of his name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, do hereby name." Her father paused and spoke the words that would change the world forever.

"Aemon Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone, and heir to the Iron Throne." He finished, and then Aemon turned and looked into the room. Everyone bowed their heads, and applause rose around the Throne Room, and Balerion's roar was heard above the Throne Room, announcing to the world that Aemon Targaryen was named heir to the Iron Throne.

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