Chapter 25: The King’s Mind Games

As Syrio emerged victorious from the duel, the crowd erupted into a chorus of cheers and applause, acknowledging his exceptional skill with the sword. The referee, sensing Syrio's readiness to continue, inquired if he wished to proceed with the match.

"Indeed, I strive to claim the title of champion," Syrio declared confidently, his grip firm on his iron sword as he graciously bowed to the king and the assembled audience.

Viserys observed the proceedings with a sense of amusement, harboring some goodwill towards the foreign swordsman who had bested the Dornish challenger. Syrio's prowess was evident as he effortlessly dispatched one opponent after another, his elegant swordplay captivating the spectators and earning their admiration.

As the sun reached its zenith, signaling noon, Viserys decided to bring the tournament to a halt. Rising from his seat with a stretch to ease his tired muscles, he expressed his satisfaction with the spectacle.

"An impressive display of skill!" Viserys remarked, addressing the gathered crowd.

Upon his command, a servant approached Syrio and relayed the king's desire to speak with him. Syrio, ever respectful, approached the edge of the dueling ring and knelt before the platform where Viserys sat.

"Why remain below, swordsman? Come join me up here," Viserys invited, gesturing for Syrio to ascend.

With his sword resting on his knee, Syrio replied with conviction, "I fight for honor. Should I emerge victorious and claim the championship, I will pledge my allegiance to Your Grace."

"Intriguing," Viserys responded with interest. "The tournament concludes in five days. If you emerge as the champion, I shall grant you a boon."

"I am deeply grateful for your generosity, Your Majesty," Syrio expressed his thanks humbly.

Viserys then signaled for Syrio to step back, taking Rhaegar's hand as he began to depart from the gathering, followed by the other guests as they trailed after the king.

...

As they settled in Viserys' study within the Red Keep, leaving the excitement of the tournament behind, Viserys posed a question to his children.

"Do any of you wonder why I made a promise to that swordsman?" he inquired, his gaze shifting between Rhaegar and Rhaenyra.

Rhaegar furrowed his brow, contemplating the question, while Rhaenyra responded with a hint of disinterest, "You once mentioned that the best way to truly understand someone or something is to observe them over time."

Viserys nodded approvingly at her recollection. "Indeed, observing is key."

With a slight smile, he continued, "Having capable individuals in positions of power serves as a preventative measure against potential risks. Additionally, it allows us to continue investigating the origins of any threats."

Perplexed, Rhaegar interjected, "But wouldn't ignoring the risks lead to consequences?"

"Exactly," Viserys affirmed. "Which is why I aim to instill in you both the importance of remaining vigilant and never underestimating potential dangers."

Viserys retrieved an example from history, recalling the Battle of the Stepstones. "The Stepstones hold significant strategic importance," he began, addressing his children. "Yet, during the invasion by the Three Daughters, do you understand why I refrained from sending troops preemptively?"

Rhaenyra hesitated before responding, her complexion paling slightly. "You wished to avoid inciting war and facing scrutiny from the realm," she offered tentatively.

Viserys shook his head gently. "Incorrect. The Battle of the Stepstones was defensive in nature. History remembers the king's triumph over the Three Daughters' pirates as a testament to his strategic brilliance."

Turning to Rhaegar, Viserys sought his son's opinion."What do you think?"

Rhaegar furrowed his brow in thought before replying, "Because someone else was bound to defeat the Three Daughters..."

Viserys smiled, pleased with Rhaegar's straightforward answer. "Precisely, Rhaegar. You have a keen insight."

Applauding his son's astuteness, Viserys continued, "The Three Daughters' aggression directly threatened the sea serpent Corlys Velaryon and his family. Corlys would not sit idly by."

Rhaenyra, however, remained puzzled. "So? You allowed the pirates to harm your people and prompted the sea serpent to wage war instead of taking decisive action yourself?"

In her view, it was the king's duty to confront the Triarchy head-on rather than shifting the burden of war onto his subjects and potentially jeopardizing his own authority.

Viserys remained composed as he addressed his daughter's skepticism, patiently unraveling the complexities of the situation.

"During the Triarchy invasion, your mother tragically passed away during childbirth, and Rhaegar, as my son and potential heir, was born unconscious," he began, his tone measured. "According to tradition, my brother Daemon was the natural choice to ascend the Iron Throne."

He continued, recounting the turbulent events. "However, I was resolute in my decision to name you, Rhaenyra, as my heir. When tensions escalated with Daemon, I acted in anger and banished him from court."

Viserys met Rhaenyra's gaze evenly. "Consider, in such a precarious situation, could the royal family afford the risks associated with initiating a war?"

Rhaenyra attempted to counter his explanation. "But we have dragons and loyal lords!" she protested.

Viserys countered her argument with a sobering reality. "These dragons were in the Dragon's Pit and on Dragonstone. How many dragons were available for war? And who would command the tumultuous seas, even if we were to mobilize our forces?"

His words left Rhaenyra at a loss. "But Daemon has Caraxes, and I could lead the army..." she began, only to be interrupted by Viserys.

"Daemon has been cast out by me, forfeiting his claim to the throne. Would he then pledge his loyalty to me or to you, the newly appointed heir?" Viserys questioned pointedly.

"Absolutely not! Nor would I seek Daemon's help with a straight face."

"Syrax is a young dragon who has never been to war, would I risk sending my newly designated heir, you, into battle, potentially exposing you to assassination?"

The weight of Viserys' words bore down on Rhaenyra, silencing her protests. She realized the grim reality of the situation and found herself unable to respond.

Viserys' words cut through Rhaenyra's uncertainty like a blade, laying bare the harsh realities of politics and war.

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before continuing. "On the contrary, the royal family dispatched only 3,000 soldiers, while Corlys and Daemon bore the burden of launching a private war against the Three Daughters for the realm's sake."

He recounted the sacrifices made and the lack of tangible rewards, his voice steady and unwavering. "Years of relentless battle, untold toil, and depletion of resources—all for a claim to a desolate island."

Viserys took a measured sip from his glass, his gaze piercing. "And what did they gain? Nothing. Corlys and his family were shattered, forced to retreat from the Stepstones. Your uncle Daemon, burdened by the weight of his position, relinquished his crown and returned to King's Landing, humbly seeking peace."

He approached Rhaenyra, his tone firm yet gentle. "Meanwhile, you, my chosen heir, have grown into a remarkable individual, and peace prevails throughout the realm."

"Do you now understand, my daughter?" Viserys asked, his words laden with wisdom and insight.

Rhaenyra was struck by her father's foresight, realizing the complexities she had overlooked in her simplistic understanding of the situation. His words resonated deeply within her.

For a moment, the figure before her seemed both familiar and unfamiliar, evoking memories of the father she once knew – one who possessed a smile for everyone.

She bowed her head respectfully. "Father, the Seven Gods have bestowed upon you unparalleled wisdom. I have doubted you, and for that, I am deeply ashamed."

Viserys, though sometimes indecisive as a king, demonstrated astute political awareness that Rhaenyra could not overlook.

(Word count: 1262)