Chapter 12: Jaehaerys’es Grand Scheme

<Jaehaerys Targaryen POV>

Jaehaerys Targaryen, first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, the Conciliator, had been king for nearly fifty years, and it was moments like these that he was most tired. He had survived much, done much, created much, and achieved much, and yet it was always his own flesh and blood that forced him into situations that made him wish to relinquish his crown and go with Vermithor to a distant land, away from it all.

In the annals of Westerosi history, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen stood as a beacon of wisdom and stability. Nearly fifty years had passed since he ascended the Iron Throne, and under his rule, the Seven Kingdoms experienced a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Many hailed him as the greatest of Targaryen kings, a title he wore with humility and grace, but he did not fully embrace it because there were only three before him.

Born in the shadow of a weak father, King Aneys, and overshadowed by the conqueror Aegon and the cruel Maegor, Jaehaerys had managed to carve out his legacy. He was not the first Targaryen king, nor the one who forged the realms into one, but he was, undoubtedly, the one who solidified their power and earned the respect of his subjects. His reign was marked by diplomacy and conciliation, earning him the moniker "the Conciliator." 

He concentrated the Targaryen rule and centralized the powers of the realm towards the Red Keep, the seat of his family. He built the roads that connected the Seven Kingdoms, bringing the Seven Kingdoms from seven separate entities to one empire under Targaryen rule. He also showed future threats that the crown could send soldiers at a faster pace to eliminate said threats.

Jaehaerys I Targaryen, though born into a family of dragons and power, carried the weight of his father's indecisiveness as a heavy burden. Aenys Targaryen's inability to assert himself, particularly concerning Jaehaerys' elder siblings Aegon and Rhaea, left a bitter taste in the young prince's mouth. He watched with growing disdain as his father vacillated on matters of crucial importance, most notably the delicate issue of his siblings' wedding.

The uncertain stance taken by King Aenys led to unrest, and in 41 AC, the Faith Militants rose in rebellion against the crown. The realm, already teetering on the edge of instability, was further plunged into chaos. During these tumultuous times, Aenys met his end on Dragonstone early the following year. His demise left a power vacuum and a realm in disarray, providing the perfect opportunity for Maegor Targaryen to return from exile.

Jaehaerys I Targaryen harbored a deep-seated hatred for his grand-aunt Visenya and his uncle Maegor, a hatred that stemmed from their treacherous ways and the havoc they wreaked upon the realm. Despite the rightful claim of his elder brother Aegon to the Iron Throne, Maegor, driven by ambition and ruthlessness, seized power immediately upon his return. He beheaded Gawen, the Grand Maester who had affirmed Aegon's rightful claim to the throne, a gruesome act that foreshadowed the dark times ahead. The rebellion against Maegor's rule escalated, culminating in the Battle Beneath the Gods Eye, a clash that would forever alter the course of history.

In the midst of this brutal conflict, Maegor's actions were marked by a chilling disregard for the established order. The battle reached its tragic climax when Maegor confronted Aegon and his dragon, Quicksilver. In a harrowing clash, Maegor's ruthlessness prevailed, leading to the demise of Aegon and the dragon he rode. With this victory, Maegor asserted his dominance and took Jaehaerys, his sister-wife Alysanne, and his mother hostage on Dragonstone.

Maegor, after waking from a coma from the battle, displayed his cruelty by mounting his fearsome dragon Balerion and unleashing destruction upon Rhaenys' Hill. The burning of the Sept of Remembrance served as a symbolic gesture, a stark reminder to the world that Rhaenys' line would not be spared.

The completion of the Red Keep in 45 AC marked a gruesome chapter in the reign of Maegor the Cruel. The grand celebration the king threw turned into a macabre display of his sadistic nature. Workers and artisans who had contributed to the castle's construction were lured into a false sense of revelry, indulging in wine, sweetmeats, and the company of courtesans from the city's finest brothels. Little did they know that their participation in the feast would lead to their untimely demise.

After three days of seemingly endless festivities, Maegor, in a cruel and calculated move, ordered the massacre of all those in attendance. His motive was clear: to protect the secrets of the castle, he silenced every witness, ensuring that none would reveal the intricacies of the Red Keep's design. The bodies of the victims were callously interred beneath the very foundation they had helped create, their final resting place a grim testament to the depths of Maegor's brutality.

During this dark period, Jaehaerys, with his sister and mother, managed to escape Dragonstone, leaving behind the horrors of their captivity. However, the escape did not come without a devastating cost. Maegor, in his relentless pursuit of power, subjected Jaehaerys' brother to unspeakable torture, ultimately leading to his death. The loss of his sibling filled Jaehaerys' heart with a burning hatred for his cruel uncle. In the depths of his despair, he prayed fervently, hoping that those responsible for the agony inflicted upon his family would suffer eternal torment in the deepest pits of the seven hells. The young prince's resolve grew stronger as he carried the weight of his family's tragedy, vowing to one day bring justice to those who had committed such heinous acts.

He wished to be a great king both to surpass Visneya and Maegor and from pure spite because he wished for the realm to prosper. Under his wise rule, the realm thrived. Jaehaerys understood the complexities of the Seven Kingdoms, navigating the intricate web of noble alliances and regional differences with finesse. He was a just and fair ruler, renowned for his ability to listen to the grievances of his people and address them with a measured hand. His court was a haven of intellect and culture, attracting scholars, artists, and thinkers from all corners of the realm.

In the face of his predecessors' shortcomings, Jaehaerys became a symbol of hope and unity. He mended the wounds left by the divisive rule of Maegor the Cruel, healing the scars of rebellion and unrest from the Faith and the lack of strength from his father. His commitment to justice and fairness earned him the loyalty of his subjects, and his legacy endured long after his passing.

And now, Jaehaerys I Targaryen, weary from the burdens of ruling a realm plagued by strife and treachery, found himself facing yet another challenge within his own family. The marriage alliance he had carefully orchestrated for Daemon, his ambitious grandson, was a decision made with deliberate intent. After the passing of Aemon, Jaehaerys' son and heir, Jaehaerys carefully laid plans for the succession hinged on Baelon, his second eldest living son and heir, and Baelon's own son, Viserys.

Daemon, as the second son of a second son, had no legitimate claim to inherit the throne. However, his insatiable ambition posed a threat to the stability Jaehaerys had fought so hard to maintain. Daemon's impending marriage to Rhea Royce was a calculated move by Jaehaerys, an attempt to curb the young man's ambitions and channel his energies in a direction that would not disrupt the line of succession.

Despite the weariness that weighed heavily upon him, Jaehaerys was resolute in his decision. He knew he could not allow Daemon to use his elder brother Viserys as a pawn in a bid for the throne. The stability of the realm depended on the careful preservation of the Targaryen lineage, and Jaehaerys was determined to safeguard the future of his family and his realm, even if it meant making difficult and heart-wrenching decisions. In the face of his own exhaustion, he remained steadfast, prepared to do whatever was necessary to maintain the fragile peace he had fought so hard to achieve.

Jaehaerys I Targaryen's strategic thinking and keen understanding of the delicate balance of power within the realm were evident in his choice of match for Daemon. The lessons from the past, particularly the bloody reign of Maegor the Cruel, weighed heavily on Jaehaerys' mind. He was determined to prevent history from repeating itself, to ensure that Daemon did not follow the path of his infamous uncle, who had seized the throne through force and violence.

By selecting Rhae Royce as Daemon's bride, Jaehaerys pursued a twofold strategy. Firstly, he chose a woman whom some maesters had speculated was barren, ensuring that Daemon would have no legitimate heirs to bolster any future claims to the throne. Without offspring to legitimize his ambitions, Daemon's potential as a threat to the established Targaryen line was significantly diminished.

Secondly, Jaehaerys leveraged the political alliances within the realm to further strengthen his position. House Royce, being a vassal of House Arryn, was tied to the power and influence of the Arryns. Viserys, Jaehaerys' elder grandson, had married into the Arryn family by wedding Aemma Arryn. This union solidified connections between the Targaryens, the Arryns, and, indirectly, House Royce.

By ensuring Daemon's lack of heirs and limiting his political support, Jaehaerys effectively neutralized any potential threat his ambitious grandson might pose in the future. It was a calculated move, born out of a desire to safeguard the realm from internal strife and to maintain the hard-won peace that had eluded Westeros for so long. In these careful maneuvers, Jaehaerys displayed not only his political acumen but also his commitment to securing the stability and unity of the realm he ruled.

The birth of Baelon and Alyssa was unexpected, completely throwing off his grand scheme. Now, the blood of old Valyria had mixed with the House of Royce, leading to a new house of dragon riders. The blood of the Targaryens had already moved outside, since Rhaenys was married with House Velaryon. It wouldn't be long before more and more marriage proposals would come to the royal family.

"My King, a letter has arrived from Driftmark,"

The servants words brought Jaherys out of his stupor. "Driftmark, is it the Velyarions?"

"Yes my lord," said the servant.

Jaehaerys motioned the main to bring the letter to him. Using a letter opener, he broke open the wax seal adorned with a seahorse. The letter read,

"Your Grace, King Jaehaerys the Conciliator,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits, albeit amidst the solemnity that has befallen our House with the passing of Prince Baelon. His loss is deeply felt by all, and we mourn alongside you and our kin during this trying time.

In light of the upcoming funeral arrangements for Prince Baelon, our family wishes to express our sincerest condolences and assure you of our unwavering support. We shall make all necessary preparations to journey to the capital swiftly to pay our respects and honor his memory.

Your wise counsel and leadership have always been a beacon of strength for our House. With the passing of Prince Baelon, it naturally raises the question of succession. As loyal subjects and kin, we humbly seek your guidance on the matter of who shall inherit the mantle of crown prince or princess to uphold the legacy of House Targaryen. Your insight into this matter would bring clarity and reassurance during these uncertain times.

Respectfully,

Coryls Velyarion."

'And the headaches keep on coming,' thought Jaehaerys. The two biggest candidates for the throne were Viserys Targaryen and princess Rhaenys Tar~no Velyarion. Jaehaerys knew both of them well. He understood that Rhaenys would be a better queen and rule the kingdom well. Gender be damned! 

The problem was that Rhaenys was no longer a Targaryen, but a Velaryon. If a Velyarion became a king, it would be detrimental to the future. If Jaehaerys named Viserys the heir, it would break the crown.

Both sides had one dragon each who could fight in the skies and one child dragon-rider. If he allowed one side to claim a dragon, another one would also have to claim a dragon to make it fair.

No, he had to find a way to pass the throne to Viserys and he had to do it fast without Rhaenys blaming the Targaryen House. Clutching his cane, he whimpered as he thought of his sister-wife, Alyssane.