As Jaehaerys departed, Queen Alysanne's eyes reflected a storm of emotions. There was sorrow, frustration, and a quiet but resolute worry that this was far more than a marital quarrel—it was a divergence over the future of the Targaryen legacy itself. Every action her husband took, every decision he made, could ripple through the Seven Kingdoms, reshaping alliances, loyalties, and power balances. Alysanne feared that Jaehaerys's persistence in pursuing his own path might ignite a crisis far greater than any domestic dispute. Yet she also knew the bitter truth: she could not dictate the king's choices. All she could do was watch silently, heart heavy, as the currents of fate carried them forward.Jaehaerys moved with deliberate care to find Rhaenys, each step burdened with the weight of responsibility. His heart carried both exhaustion and helplessness. This conversation would be difficult, perhaps even harrowing, but he knew it was necessary. For the sake of the Targaryen family, for the stability of the Seven Kingdoms, he had to confront the potential rift head-on. He hoped that Rhaenys could understand his perspective, see the constraints under which he operated, and accept the arrangements he had reluctantly forged.Anticipating the gravity of the discussion, Jaehaerys had taken precautions. He brought Ser Ryan Redwyne, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, and ensured the Kingsguard were fully armed and alert. He did not expect Rhaenys to act against him with malice, but he could not be certain of Corlys's reaction. If Corlys discovered that Otto Hightower, Viserys, and others were being employed to persuade the various lords to align with the king's vision, he might act rashly, potentially igniting civil war. Jaehaerys could not afford to gamble; he had already seen the lengths to which Corlys would go in pursuit of power.When they met, the conversation was long and measured. Jaehaerys spoke with care, avoiding overt favoritism toward Viserys, though his intentions were clear. His words were crafted to encourage restraint, to prevent Corlys from taking any action that might destabilize the realm. He subtly emphasized the importance of suppressing internal contradictions and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. At the same time, he introduced Rayder's presence into the discussion—not as an immediate threat, but as a force that could escalate tensions if mishandled. Jaehaerys hoped that Rhaenys would use this external variable to temper Corlys's ambitions, compelling him to exercise caution and prudence.Rhaenys listened with measured attention. She understood the king's concerns and recognized his intentions. Corlys's insatiable desire for power was well-known, and it could, at times, cloud his judgment. Yet she also believed in her husband's sense of responsibility and pragmatism. Balancing support for Corlys with vigilance over the family's welfare would be a delicate endeavor, but one she was willing to undertake. She resolved to act as a stabilizing influence, ensuring that Corlys did not exacerbate the situation, even as she supported his ambitions when appropriate.The weight of responsibility hung over both monarchs. They understood that the coming days required vigilance, patience, and strategy. Every move, every word, could determine whether the Targaryen legacy survived intact or fractured under the pressure of internal discord. Rayder, the unpredictable outsider with the formidable power of three dragons, loomed large in their minds. His actions and alliances could tip the balance in unforeseen ways, and both Jaehaerys and Rhaenys recognized that they would need to monitor him closely.King's Landing itself seemed to hold its breath. The city, unaware of the intricate negotiations and covert maneuvers, carried on as usual, yet beneath the surface, tension threaded through the streets, corridors, and council chambers. Jaehaerys's strategic arrangements, coupled with Corlys's clandestine operations, created a "calm before the storm" atmosphere. Every lord, every patriarch, felt the pressure of the moment. They understood that even a single misstep could have irreversible consequences. Though some nobles grumbled at Jaehaerys's methods, perceiving them as a breach of long-standing custom, they ultimately recognized the king's authority and acquiesced, however reluctantly.Most lords, whether out of respect, fear, or practicality, followed Jaehaerys's wishes. The Great Council would convene to formally select Viserys as heir to the Iron Throne. Rayder, initially slow to react, realized the council's urgency only after the announcement. He had just agreed to Erlad's request and had not anticipated such a rapid decision. It was clear that Jaehaerys sought to cut the Gordian knot decisively, resolving the succession question before it could spiral into wider conflict. Rayder understood immediately that he would need to adapt his strategy, recalibrate his position, and anticipate the moves of the various players in this intricate political game.In the days leading up to the council, Rayder intensified his intelligence-gathering efforts. Through Erlad, he meticulously tracked the attitudes, alliances, and intentions of the great houses. He understood that knowledge was his most powerful weapon. The political landscape of Westeros was a labyrinth of shifting loyalties, subtle power plays, and hidden agendas. To act without sufficient information would be folly, yet to delay could be equally dangerous. Rayder balanced patience with calculated action, knowing that the Great Council would be a turning point.Jaehaerys, for his part, was acutely aware of the growing tension. Rayder's influence was no mere abstract threat—it was amplified by the dragon behind him. Should he secure the backing of a powerful house such as the Starks, the consequences for the Targaryen family could be catastrophic. The king knew that previous actions had already sown seeds of dissatisfaction among the northern lords. He placed his hopes in Viserys, trusting that the heir could manage the delicate web of allegiances and mitigate potential rebellions. Appeasing the Starks was critical; if they remained aligned with the Targaryens, Rayder's ambitions could be contained.Finally, the day of the Great Council arrived. The hall was filled to capacity, the combined presence of lords and vassals underscoring the meeting's gravity. Whispers rippled through the crowd as the attendees took their seats, each aware of the high stakes and the subtle undercurrents at play. Yet none could compete with the spectacle that Rayder brought: a golden three-headed dragon, towering and majestic, accompanying him to the council. Kidora's massive, gleaming form commanded attention, inspiring awe and unease alike.The dragon's presence transformed the council chamber into a scene of unprecedented tension. Murmurs spread as lords turned to gaze, curiosity and fear mingling in equal measure. The sheer audacity of bringing a dragon into the council hall challenged convention, signaling Rayder's confidence and power. Some attempted to protest, to prevent what they saw as a breach of protocol, but Rayder ignored them. Even the Kingsguard, trained and disciplined, hesitated in the face of the dragon's imposing presence. Kidora, poised and alert, exuded a quiet threat that required no action—the very air around it seemed charged with power.Erlad, standing beside Rayder, felt a pang of unease. To defy the Kingsguard, even in small ways, bordered on blasphemy in Westerosi tradition. Yet Rayder moved without hesitation, asserting dominance with calculated precision. Every step, every glance, projected authority and purpose. Erlad understood the risk but also recognized that confronting the dragon—or its master—would be folly.The stage was set. Within the grand hall, beneath the watchful eyes of lords, kings, and dragons, the delicate balance of power teetered on the edge. Every decision, every word, carried consequences that would ripple far beyond the chamber. The Great Council, a crucible of ambition, loyalty, and intrigue, would determine the course of the Targaryen family and the Seven Kingdoms alike. And at its center, Rayder stood, a figure both enigmatic and formidable, his dragons a silent but potent declaration of power, reminding all that the future was never certain, and the balance of Westeros was always in motion.--Yearly access offer 50 percent and monthly offer 25 percent
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