"You have disappointed me deeply, Daemon."
King Viserys stood rigid in the torchlit corridor, his hands clenched behind his back. The tourney had barely ended when he sought his brother out, the restraint he had shown before the court finally spent.
"I went out of my way to summon House Royce to King's Landing, all in the hope of mending old wounds," he continued, his voice tightening. "And you...! what did you do in return? You very nearly undid all of it."
Daemon did not interrupt. He stood with his hands folded at his back, pale hair loose upon his shoulders, his face unreadable.
Viserys drew a breath, then pressed on, the words spilling faster now.
"And you are not the only one at fault. Rhaenyra as well. Tell me, is everything I have done for the two of you truly so far from what you desire?"
He turned sharply, dark eyes flashing.
"If you were even half as free of trouble as Baelon, I would not have to weary myself day and night with worry over you both."
Daemon lowered his gaze, though the corner of his mouth twitched faintly.
He knew his brother spoke from care rather than cruelty. Even so, the thought of spending his life bound to Lady Royce, condemned to cold halls and colder affections, was more than he could stomach.
At last, he spoke.
"Baelon is exceptional," Daemon said quietly. "More capable than either of us ever were at his age. Without fanfare or proclamation, he has already taken Tyrosh into his grasp. Tell me, across the Seven Kingdoms, is there any one who can rival him?"
Viserys turned on him at once.
"I know precisely where this path leads," the king snapped. "You would have me name Baelon my heir. I have told you before, and I tell you again. It cannot be."
There was no hesitation in his refusal. Viserys adored the boy, perhaps more than he cared to admit, but Baelon would never supplant Rhaenyra in his heart.
Daemon inclined his head slightly.
"You mistake my meaning," he said. "I speak not of succession, but of tradition."
That gave Viserys pause.
He fell silent, his expression softening as his gaze drifted toward the torch flames.
"In truth," he said slowly, "I have thought on it. That was why I urged Rhaenyra to take a husband, to strengthen her claim. Baelon's power already rivals that of any great house in the realm, and I did raise the notion with her."
His shoulders sagged.
"But she refused. She made it plain that whatever affection she bears him is no more than that between kin."
Daemon watched him closely.
"Since Rhaenyra will not have him," he said, "then I shall arrange another match."
Viserys looked up, interest stirring despite himself.
"Oh?" he asked. "And whom do you have in mind?"
"Laena Velaryon."
Daemon spoke the name with care, letting it settle between them.
Viserys considered it, then nodded, a slow smile forming.
"Laena," he repeated. "Yes. That is a wise choice."
House Velaryon stood alone beside House Targaryen in draconic legacy. And Laena Velaryon rode Vhagar, the oldest and mightiest dragon still living.
Measured by dragonfire alone, the Velaryons could rival even the royal house. Caraxes was fearsome, to be sure, but Syrax and Tyraxes were yet young. Syrax would not stand against Meleys, and none could challenge Vhagar.
If Baelon were wed to Laena, the advantage to House Targaryen would be beyond measure.
"Corlys and Rhaenys are both in the city," Viserys said. "I shall speak with them at the feast tonight."
"You are the king," Daemon replied. "Corlys will find refusal difficult. And Rhaenys will favor the match. She has always held Baelon in particular affection."
Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the tension between them eased. A knowing smile passed between the brothers.
High above them in the stands, Baelon shivered without knowing why.
Rhaenyra noticed at once. She reached out, resting her hand upon his silver-gold hair.
"What is it?" she asked softly.
"Nothing," Baelon said, shaking his head. "Only a sudden chill. Let us return."
That night, the great hall of the Red Keep blazed with light and color. Lords and ladies from every corner of the realm filled the tables, wine flowed freely, and music echoed from the rafters.
Young knights drew their ladies onto the floor, while older nobles watched with fond smiles, speaking of past glories as they drained their cups.
During the feast, Viserys approached Corlys Velaryon and spoke without preamble.
"You would have Prince Baelon wed your daughter Laena."
Corlys looked up in surprise. After the king had refused a match between Rhaenyra and Laenor, he had thought such alliances closed to them.
"I trust the boy," Corlys said after a moment. "He is clever, brave, and more importantly, he is gentle of heart. Laena would not suffer under his hand."
Before he could say more, Princess Rhaenys inclined her head.
"I share my lord husband's view," she said. "I have no objection to Prince Baelon. Yet I would have Your Grace keep faith with us this time, and bind our houses in truth."
Viserys raised his hands quickly.
"You have my word," he said. "It was Daemon who first spoke of it. Otherwise, I might never have dared. In my eyes Baelon is still a child, yet betrothals at seven are hardly unheard of."
He gave an awkward laugh.
When Viserys later summoned Baelon and explained the matter, the boy listened without visible surprise.
"I have no objection," Baelon said calmly. "As a son of House Targaryen, I have long understood the duties that await me."
The answer pleased Viserys greatly. He had never doubted the boy, yet hearing it spoken eased his heart.
Corlys Velaryon, for his part, was openly delighted.
House Velaryon had been grievously weakened in the last war. Their fleet, once the pride of the Narrow Sea, had been reduced by half.
Now the greatest naval strength in the realm lay under Baelon's influence.
As for Baelon himself, he was reeling inwardly.
Never had he imagined that the rider of the greatest dragon in the world would one day be bound to him.
With Laena Velaryon and Vhagar at his side, the power centered on Harrenhal would rise to the very summit of the Seven Kingdoms.
At last, Viserys rose from the high table.
"My lords and ladies," Viserys announced from the dais, raising his voice. "Tonight, in addition to celebrating Princess Helaena's nameday, I have joyous news to share!"
"From this day forth, Prince of Harrenhal and the Lord of Crab Bay, Baelon Targaryen, shall be formally betrothed to Laena Velaryon!"
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A/N: If you think you know what comes next… you don't. The answers are already waiting ahead.
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