The Rise Of A Dragon - Chapter 12: First, Second, and Third

276 AC, King’s Landing  

“Father, why are we burning the gifts that were sent to Viserys by the noble houses?” Aerea asked the King. 

The two royals stood in the main courtyard as they watched the servants carrying the gifts that the lords of Westeros had sent to the Keep, putting them down in the center of the yard and creating a large pile. 

“These Westerosi lords would want nothing more than to see our family falter, for us to experience more deaths of your siblings. They have failed to poison Viserys so far and because of that they may resort to cursing a good portion of their so-called gifts.” Aerys explained. 

It had only been two moons since Viserys was born and while he was robust and healthy, the King was still worried for his safety, thinking about the multiple stillbirths, miscarriages, and infant deaths he and Rhaella experienced between Rhaegar and Aerea’s births and in the eleven years since Aerea. 

I will not lose him; I will not allow this child to die. Aerys thought. 

Aerea remembered what her father had done after Jaehaerys had died, she could only imagine what he would do if Viserys were to die as well. 

Once all his son's presents had been put into the pile, Aerys looked towards one of his household knights, a man who was holding a torch. “Do it.” 

The knight followed his King's command and threw the torch onto the pile, causing the gifts to quickly ignite. 

Aerys placed his hand on his daughter’s shoulder, the light of the flames reflecting off his purple eyes. “We must do what is necessary to protect our own, Aerea.” 

Aerea leaned her head back to look at the man, “I know, father.” 

“Never hesitate when fighting for our house, even when others mean to undermine and judge you. Because-" 

“Because dragons care not for the opinions of sheep. Our blood puts us above the lords of Westeros, it makes us superior to them all.” Aerea finished, repeating the speech she had heard her gather give her countless times. 

Aerys would always impress the inherent superiority of Valyrian blood, and of their family’s past glory upon his children. 

Aerea realized that these talks increased after Aerys’ ascension tourney, after Aerea realized the truths hiding in plain sight. 

Like always, Aerys smiled, happy to know that his daughter was taking his lessons to heart. “Good.” 

The two then turned back to the burning pile, both drawn to how the flames danced, how they reduced the gifts to cinders and ash. 

~X~

Rhaella grimaced as she watched the scene in front of her. 

A few days prior, Rhaella’s milk had dried up, so Aerys decided that his own food taster would suckle on the ripples of Viserys' new wet nurse to ensure that the woman did not put poison on her breasts. 

A ridiculous notion. Rhaella thought to herself. 

The food taster had just drunk from the wet nurse, and they were waiting the agreed upon time to see if the young man would drop dead and if he did not then Viserys would be fed. 

Viserys was wailing in his mother’s arms, obviously hungry as nothing she did was able to calm him. 

She hated that she could not immediately give him to the wet nurse because of Aerys’ fear, knowing that if she tried, she would be stopped. 

I can’t even be alone with my child. Rhaella looked to the side, seeing Ser Gwayne standing a few feet away.  

Aerys had commanded his Kingsguard to stand watch over Viserys day and night in rotation, ordering that not even Rhaella was allowed to be alone with Viserys out of fear for the infant’s life. 

“The time has passed.” Gwayne exclaimed, looking the food tasters over, satisfied as he saw that the young man was alive and healthy. He then looked at the wet nurse, “You may feed the prince.” 

The Queen handed her son to the other woman and the wet nurse lifted Viserys to her chest and began to breastfeed him. 

Relief was felt through the room when Viserys had stopped crying, enthusiastically suckling from his wet nurse. 

A knock at the door was heard along with the voice of Ser Harlan Grandison. “Princess Aerea is here, she wishes for entrance, Your Grace.” 

“Let my daughter in, Ser Harlan.” Rhaella called out. 

Aerea smiled as she entered the room, “Hello, mother.” 

“Aerea.” Rhaella greeted, “What are you doing here?” 

“I wanted to see Viserys and tell you that father has gotten rid of the presents.” Aerea answered. 

Rhaella turned away, “I figured.” 

Aerys had told his family days before that Viserys would not be allowed anywhere near the gifts that had been given to him by the lords of Westeros and that said the gifts would be destroyed. 

Rhaella had told her husband that the lords would take offense, that it would be better to simply return the gifts, but her suggestion was promptly rejected. 

I’m sure word of Aerys’ actions have already spread across the realm.  

“Where did your father go afterwards?” Rhaella asked her daughter. 

“Lord Tywin had come outside and asked for a meeting with him before the pile had fully burned. Father complied, and he and Lord Tywin went to father’s parlor room. He told me to stay in the yard to make sure the gifts were completely burned.” Aerea answered. 

“I wonder what they could be discussing.” Rhaella said aloud, she knew that whatever it was had to be important if Tywin sought out Aerys personally and privately instead of doing so in the presence of others. 

Aerea pursed her lips, “I don't know, but I hope whatever it is does not anger father too much.” 

Aerys had been more emotional since Viserys’ birth, often switching between immense joy, paranoia, and anger for the smallest and most inane of reasons. The inhabitants of the Red Keep had to tread carefully whilst in the presence of their King, not knowing what could set him off.  

“Was Rhaegar with you and your father?” Rhaella asked her daughter, curious about the whereabouts of her eldest child. 

“No, he was not. Rhaegar did not... agree with destroying Viserys’ gifts, so he made himself scarce.” Aerea said. 

Rhaella became worried, “He did not say that to your father, did he?” 

Aerea shook her head, “No, he told father that he was behind on his studies and needed to focus on that. Father did not question him further.” 

Rhaegar had made it clear to Aerea after father’s announcement that he thought Aerys was wrong to destroy the presents that the lords of Westeros had sent for their brother, that they would see it as a grave insult. 

“I think he and his friends went to the library.” Aerea added, remembering that her brother told her about how if she needed him today that he would be continuing his research. 

The research that he refuses to tell me anything about. Aerea thought, annoyed by her brother’s continued secrecy. It annoyed her even more as she was sure that Rhaegar had told his small group of close friends the truth. 

Rhaella sighed, “I was hoping that Rhaegar would come and meet Viserys today.” 

After the loss of Shaena, Rhaegar stopped coming to visit any other siblings from that point forward, avoiding the nursery. With all the funerals they have had to hold and the pain that was caused by with each one, Rhaella could not blame her son for avoiding becoming attached to the other children she birthed. 

Aerea took her mother’s hand within her own, “Rhaegar will come soon, if he doesn’t, I’ll drag his sorry butt here myself.” 

Rhaella chuckled, “That will not be necessary, my darling, but thank you.” 

Aerea then turned to look at the wet nurse holding her new brother before turning back to Rhaella. “Can I hold him, mother?” 

“Of course.” Rhaella said before waving her hand and ordering the wet nurse to come closer. 

The wet nurse stopped feeding the infant prince, pulling her shirt back up before walking over to the Queen and princess and carefully placing Viserys in Aerea’s arms. 

“Remember to support his head; he does lack the strength to lift it himself so he will hurt himself if you do not.” Rhaella said softly as she stood behind her children. 

Aerea moved her arm so that Viserys could rest his head upon it, noting how he was heavier than he appeared, she smiled as Viserys stared at her, taking in the new person in above him. Aerea lifted her other hand, brushing the sparse sliver hair on Viserys’ head. 

“Hello there, valonqar. Ao emagon issare sȳz syt muñnykeā, kessa ?” Aerea cooed, her smile growing as Viserys smiled at her. 

Rhaella smiled, placing her hands on her daughter’s shoulders, “You are going to a good older sister, Aerea.” 

Aerea looked up at her mother, happy to know that her mother had such confidence in and was proud of her. “Thank you, mother, I hope so.” 

The princess looked back down at Viserys, her expression becoming more somber as she thought about her late siblings. 

Live, Viserys. I don’t think our family would survive if you were to leave us before your time. Aerea thought, wondering just what would happen to them if another of her younger siblings were taken by The Stranger. 

~X~

Aerys let out a loud sigh as he sat down at the table, staring at Tywin who chose to stand at the other end, “What is it that you wished to speak to me about, Tywin?” 

“I wished to hold a tournament in honor of Prince Viserys’ birth, Your Grace.” Tywin said plainly. 

Aerys leaned back in his seat, “A tournament? Why?” 

“The birth of a royal child is something worthy of celebrating. And it has been sometime since the last great tournament was held.” Tywin explained. 

“And that is all?” Aerys asked, not genuinely believing that was all that Tywin wanted with this tourney. 

“Yes, that is all, Your Grace.” Tywin said without hesitation. 

Aerys thought it over; while he was sure that the Lord of Casterly Rock was hiding something, he could not deny that he was interested in the idea of having a tournament in his son's honor. 

It would be an effective way to show the realm that the house of the dragon is well and truly thriving. Aerys thought. 

Aerys made his decision, “Then I will allow you to hold a tournament for my son, Tywin.” 

A small, barely noticeable smile appeared on Tywin’s face, “I thank you for allowing me this opportunity, Your Grace.” 

Aerys held himself back from glaring at the man standing before him, suspicious as he felt his earlier assumptions were being justified. 

Regardless, Aerys resolved himself to prevent Tywin’s plans against him from happening. 

~X~

Two Days Later  

Rhaegar kept his gaze forward as he walked towards the altar of the Great Sept of Baelor. 

As was customary, Rhaegar had stood vigil in the sept, in front of the statue of the Warrior for the entire night and was now going to be given his knighthood. 

As Rhaegar reached the altar, he looked to the left, looking at his parents and sister briefly before kneeling at the altar steps. 

The High Septon walked down the altar steps with a bowl of oils in hand, anointing the prince once he reached him. 

Ser Gerold Hightower walked down the steps once the High Septon stepped over to the side. The older man had a proud smile on his face as he took out his sword and placing it Rhaegar's right shoulder. 

Rhaegar wanted to share the happiness that the man who trained him was feeling, but he could not, because he knew he did not deserve to be knighted. 

Days ago, Aerys had told his family that Tywin would be throwing a tournament in celebration of Viserys, and the King had then made it clear that he expected his eldest son and heir to participate. 

Rhaegar did not have a problem with this, he was a skilled rider and was an even better lancer. But Aerys' face twisted at the thought of his son competing as a squire and with the other squires, saying that Rhaegar at seven and ten, was more than old enough to be knighted. 

And so, Rhaegar found himself about to be given a title that he felt he did not yet deserve. 

“In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave. In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just. In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the young and innocent. In the name of the Maiden,  I charge you to protect all women. In the name of the Crone, I charge you to respect the laws of gods and men. In the name of the Smith, I charge you to be steadfast. In the name of the Stranger, I charge you to remember these vows until death.” Gerold formally declared. 

“I swear to remain faithful to my vows for the rest of my days.” Rhaegar spoke loudly, bowing his head. 

Gerold moved his sword from Rhaegar’s right shoulder to his left, “Arise, Ser Rhaegar of House Targaryen, knight of the Seven Kingdoms!” 

Once the Lord Commander sheathed his sword, Rhaegar rose to his feet, turning around as the crowd cheered and applauded him. 

It was all empty meaningless noise to him as he walked towards his family. Aerys smiled wide, placing an arm on Rhaegar’s shoulders, and directing him towards the now approaching nobles. 

The Crown Prince moved through the carriage ride back to the Keep despondently, going through the motions as the feast in honor of his knighthood commenced. 

“-gar. Rhaegar!” Rhaegar turned his head, finally noticing Aerea calling out to him. 

“Yes, sister?” Rhaegar asked. 

Aerea looked at her brother with concern, “You have been acting strangely since we left the Great Sept. Why do you seem so upset about being knighted?” 

A smile appeared on Rhaegar’s face with how easily his sister was able to read him, “It is nothing to worry about, I will get over my poor feelings.” 

Aerea was not convinced but decided to go back to eating and letting the matter rest, “If you say so.” 

Rhaegar grew tired of pushing his food around on his plate and stood up, excusing himself from the table as he walked through the crowd. 

The prince ignored the various nobles that gave their congratulations as he walked past, not sparing them a glance. Rhaegar relaxed as he made his way to the table that his companions had taken as their own. 

Jon was the first to notice him, pulling his shoulders back as he smiled at the prince, his change in demeanor is what led the others to seeing Rhaegar approach. 

“It is good to see you Ser Rhaegar!” A fleshy young boy with dark eyes and brown reddish tinged hair exclaimed with a laugh as he raised the jug of ale into the air. 

This was Myles Mooton, the younger son of the Lord of Maidenpool, and currently a page in the Red Keep.  

“It has been but a few hours and yet we all can see how knightly you have become, my prince.” Richard Lonmouth, a well-built boy with cropped brown hair eyes and dark eyes, said jokingly. 

“Quit your mocking, you two.” Jon snapped before turning back to Rhaegar, “Congratulations, Your Grace. I do not believe there is anyone else more deserving of this honor than you.” 

“Look at Connington kissing the prince's ass like usual.” Richard whispered into Myles’ ear, causing the other boy to snort. 

Arthur elbowed Richard’s side as he stepped forward, turning to Rhaegar afterwards. “We are all happy for you, my prince.” 

“Thank you all, I appreciate it.” Rhaegar said. 

Richard leaned over the table playfully, “So, my prince, what is the first thing on your knightly agenda?” 

“My father wants me to take on some squires, he says that four or five should be a good number for me.” Rhaegar answered. 

Arthur’s eyes widened, “At once? So soon after being knighted?” 

The prince looked at the high table that his family was sitting at, his gaze falling onto his father. “The King believes I can handle it.” 

This was the excuse that Aerys had given his son when asked, but Rhaegar knew that it was to bolster his heir and to watch as the lords of the realm scrambled over themselves, fighting to have their sons chosen as his son’s squires. 

Rhaegar had already told his father that he would be taking Richard and Myles as his squires and alleviate them from their positions as pages. Aerys had argued in the beginning, stating that his squires should be of a higher status as Myles was a second son and Richard was a member of a distant branch of House Lonmouth, which was already a very minor house in the Stormlands. 

The King relented when he was told of how skilled the two boys were, but made it clear to Rhaegar that his son could not take any other squire that did not have his approval. 

I only hope that whoever father does choose will not be overtly annoying and will come prepared to learn. Rhaegar thought to himself. 

“Well, at least you will have people to help you prepare during the Hand’s tournament for Prince Viserys.” Myles said, trying to see the benefits to the situation. 

“Perhaps.” Rhaegar said simply, not looking forward to how much of his time that he would have to give into training up squires that were outside of his immediate circle. 

~X~

Aerys smiled as he bounced Viserys in his arms, the infant giggling with each movement. The King schooled his features as he looked up at the crowd before him. 

Aerys had decided to bring Viserys with him as he attended the petition hearing in the throne room that day, wanting to give the people a look at his youngest son. 

Tywin stepped forward from his position at the base of the Iron Throne as he addressed the crowd, “The King will now hear the first petition.” 

Aerys sighed, knowing that he would need to relinquish Viserys as to give the petitions his undivided attention, he knew that if he did not then Tywin would dominate the whole affair, visibly undermining his authority. 

The King looked down at the lower stairs of the throne that his two eldest children were standing on, making eye contact with Aerea. The princess wordlessly walked towards her father, smiling as she took Viserys out of Aerys’ hands and into her own, bouncing her brother in her arms as she walked back down and retook her previous spot. 

Aerys pushed his way through each petition, not giving any room for questioning any decision he made, quickly moving onto the next as to not give his Hand any opportunity to either voice concern or give a better suggestion. 

Most things that were asked of Aerys did not interest him, but he was not surprised as to him the smallfolk were simple and repetitive when it came to their desires. They were inconsequential beings to him, so it was not too much of a bother for Aerys to either accept or reject them. 

“Lord Gyles Rosby.” Tywin announced, his tone colder than it had been as the older man walked out of the crowd, standing before the throne. 

Gyles Rosby was not a physically impressive man; with his large red nose, small beady eyes, slanted jaw, pale sweaty skin, and crooked teeth. 

“Lord Rosby, what brings you to petition before the throne?” Aerys asked, wondering just what the man was planning as petition hearings were usually for smallfolk, foreigners, and petty lords, nobles like Gyles had the status that would allow them to seek out an audience with the King privately. 

Gyles cleared his throat, “I know that this may come across as strange for someone of my title to do, Your Grace. But I came to ask that as you begin to plan your journey West, that you add Rosby as the first stop.” 

Aerys looked at the man with a look of confusion, “Rosby? Are your lands not northeast of King’s Landing? I would be going opposite of Casterly Rock if I were to do that.” 

Gyles smiled, “That is true, but like the Lord Hand, I too have a deep desire to celebrate the birth of Prince Viserys.” 

Tywin scoffed, realizing what the Lord of Rosby was trying to do, “As the King said, Lord Rosby, your land is out of the way, in the near opposite direction. Why should time be wasted on a small feast thrown in your... modest castle?” 

He found it both laughable and irritating that Gyles was trying to compete with him, that Gyles thought that he could compete with him. House Rosby may be wealthy, but that wealth paled in comparison to that of House Lannister, anything that Gyles would try to impress the King and his court, Tywin could do bigger and better. 

“It is rude to interrupt, Tywin. I wish to hear what Lord Rosby has to say.” Aerys spat, not liking that his Hand was trying to speak for him. 

Gyles gave Tywin a smug look before looking back at the King, becoming more confident that he could persuade the King. “Thank you, Your Grace. While my home may be smaller than that of Casterly Rock and Lannisport, it is no less beautiful and important. It would allow more people to see how the Targaryen family has been strengthened, the perfect start to the tournament to honor the Prince Viserys Targaryen, second in line to the Iron Throne.” 

Aerys sat up straight, her face becoming blank as he stared at Gyles, “What did you just say?” 

“My apologies, my King?” Gyles asked, his smile falling as he noticed the change in Aerys’ tone. 

“About my son; repeat what you said about my son.” Aerys clarified, leaning forward as he continued to stare at the man below. 

Rhaegar and Aerea shared a look, wondering how Gyles’ words could have upset their father so, especially since to them what he said about Viserys was positive. 

Gyles cleared his throat, doing as he was told, “I said that House Targaryen has been strengthened after the birth of Prince Viserys.” 

“And after that?” Aerys spat, beginning to glare at Gyles. 

Gyles audibly gulped, the sound being heard by many due to how quiet the room had become, “Th-that Rosby w-would be the p-perfect place to start the tournament for Prince Viserys.” 

“You also called him ‘second in line to the Iron Throne,’ did you not?” 

“I- I... yes, I did, Your Grace.” 

Aerys rolled his eyes, becoming more annoyed with the man, “And why would you say such a statement? Especially as it is wrong.” 

Gyles did not understand how that could have been the thing to upset the King but knew that he had to rectify it. “Your Grace, I meant to offense with my statement. No one would ever forget the Princes Daeron, Aegon, and Jaehaerys, they were notable members of the royal family. Tis only that as the... only living soul of your younger sons, Prince Viserys is second in line to the Iron Throne, until Prince Rhaegar has sons of his own.” 

Aerys sat unnervingly still, allowing a tense silence to fill the chamber before finally responding. “My sons, Daeron, Aegon, and Jaehaerys will not be forgotten, you are right, Lord Rosby, they shall be remembered forever in the hearts of Westeros.” 

Gyles relaxed, feeling relieved by that statement, but this good feeling left him once more as the King continued to speak. “But your continued ignorance infuriates me. Prince Viserys holds a claim to my seat as a trueborn son of my being, but you forget that my daughter, Princess Aerea Targaryen, supersedes him in age and that she too is a claimant. Aerea is second in line, Viserys as my youngest living child is third.” 

The atmosphere in the throne room became even more charged as the eyes of everyone fell onto Aerea, as if noticing her for the first time. 

Aerea ignored the newfound attention she was receiving as she turned to look at her father, visibly surprised and afraid as she digested what he had just announced. 

Gyles fear left him for a moment as a disbelieving laugh left his lips, “Princess Aerea cannot be second in line to the throne!” 

Aerys leaned forward, “And why not.” 

Gyles continued to speak, failing to see the line he was hurtling closer towards, “Princess Aerea is a woman; history has proven that a woman cannot be allowed to inherit the Iron Throne, it must be given to the closet male descendant otherwise the realm will fall into chaos. And not only is Princess Aerea a woman, but she is-” 

“She. Is. What?” Aerys punctuated slowly, “What were you about to say about my daughter ?” 

Gyles’ eyes widened as he realized what he was about to say about the King’s favored child, he quickly bowed, lowering his head towards the ground, posturing himself to Aerys. “I was not going to say anything, Your Grace! Please forgive this lowly man for the disrespect that has been given!” 

Aerys clicked his teeth, while he wanted to spill Gyles’ blood, he remembered what he had done after Jaehaerys’ death, and so reluctantly ignored this impulse. “Do not ever forget yourself, Rosby. You are too much of a mouth breathing, bottom feeding worm to think you can dare speak in any such fashion to the blood of the dragon.” 

“Of course, Your Grace. I shall never forget.” Gyles quickly agreed. 

Aerys turned his gaze to Tywin, “Is that all the petitions for today?” 

“Yes, that is all, Your Grace.” Tywin replied. 

“Good.” Aerys stood and walked down the Iron Throne, he stopped in front of Gyles, smirking as Gyles kept his head lowered as his body shook, afraid of what the King would do. 

Satisfied with the effect he had on the Lord, Aerys turned towards his children. “Rhaegar, Aerea, come, we are done here.” 

Rhaegar and Aerea followed their father, and the small council followed the royal family at a distance, loaded looks passing between them. 

Rhaegar tried to get his sister’s eye, but Aerea ignored him, keeping her gaze locked on their father’s back. Aerea’s mind was reeling, not knowing how to feel about what had happened, fearing what she would do if she looked at her brother. 

~X~

Aerys sat quietly as he looked at the other men sitting at the table. The petition hearing for that day had just ended and had just started their council meeting. 

He could feel the underlying question amongst his councilors that was bubbling beneath the surface. 

The eyes that felt the heaviest on his body belonged to his son, daughter, and Hand. 

Aerys rolled his own eyes, “Enough of this nonsense, speak the questions you have.” 

The King did not look at one person in particular, and those in the room hesitated to speak. 

Expect for Rhaegar, “During court you told Lord Rosby that Aerea is second in line to the throne. Why?” 

“Aerea is my second eldest child; so, she comes before Viserys in succession.” Aerys explained, looking down at his son. 

“Aerea is a girl and since the reign of Aegon III, no woman has been allowed to inherit the Iron Throne, all female claimants gave been passed over to ensure stability. Declaring that Aerea would inherit the throne after me will hinder that.” Rhaegar pushed forward, keeping his father's eye. 

It was not that Rhaegar did not believe his sister capable of ruling over the Seven Kingdoms successfully, but their family history had more than proven that the people Westeros would not allow a woman to inherit the throne, especially if there was a male Targaryen still living. 

Aerys scoffed as he glared at Rhaegar, “The peace of the realm is in no danger, and it will not be with Aerea behind you in the succession. She will remain second only until you have heirs of your own, as long as you do us all the favor of not dying prematurely then we will have nothing to fear.” 

Aerys then looked to his Master of Laws, “Is it a written law that states a woman cannot nor ever inherit the Iron Throne?” 

Symound cleared his throat, “After the Dance of the Dragons, the civil war between claimants Queen Rhaenyra and King Aegon II, no formal law was created but a precedent was set. In the years since, multiple female claimants like Prince Rhaegar said were passed over despite being further ahead in the line of succession for male relatives to prevent something like the Dance from happening again. It is why various Great Councils were held for Kings with dubious successions.” 

“Do you intend to change this, Your Grace?” Tywin asked his King, but his gaze remained on Aerea as she filled the councilors’ cups with wine. 

Aerys thought about this before he responded, “Send the ravens; have the order of my succession sent out to the lords of Westeros. I want there to be no doubt or room for interpretation.” 

Gurnar spoke, “Your Grace, the people of the realm may not take this decision in kind, they may-” 

“I do not care if they like it, I will not have my subjects acting like Rosby and disrespecting my decision. They will accept it or face the King's justice for their treason.” Aerys spat; his anger evident. 

“Father,” Aerea spoke aloud, drawing everyone’s attention to her. “Perhaps you should not declare me as ahead Viserys in the succession. I am grateful that you believe in me so, I do not want there to be discord and thrive because of this.” 

Aerys stood up and made his way to his daughter, standing in front of her as he raised his hand and held the side of her face. “Aerea, what have you told you about the opinions and judgments of the realm?” 

“To ignore them for dragons, care not for the opinions of sheep. We stand above all others.” Aerea replied without hesitation, but Aerys could see the worry gleaming in her eyes. 

“Exactly, so I will not allow the desires of lesser men to rule over us. Anyone who dares to say a word against you, shall deal with me.” 

“Yes, father.” Aerea said softly, knowing that her father had well and truly made up his mind. 

Aerys then looked at the councilors, “Does anyone wish to argue against their King?” 

Aerys looked at each man, his gaze remaining on his heir the longest, waiting for Rhaegar to speak, but Rhaegar stayed silent, leaving Aerys satisfied that even if his son did not agree with his decision, that he knew better than to say so aloud. 

“Good.” Aerys smirked before turning to Tywin, “I want the ravens to be sent everywhere, Tywin, let none be ignorant of my decree. The order of my succession is as follows; Prince Rhaegar, my eldest son and heir, Princess Aerea, my only daughter and second eldest so-child, and Prince Viserys, my youngest child and son.” 

Tywin nodded, “It shall be done.” 

“Then this meeting is adjourned.” With that, Aerys left the room, The Lord Commander quickly following him. 

The small council followed their King’s example, leaving the room but not without breaking out into hushed whispers once they were far enough away from the prince and princess. 

Tywin ignored the others as he made his way to the Tower of the Hand, a contemplative expression on his face as he left. 

Soon only Rhaegar, Aerea, and Barristan remained in the small council chamber. Aerea sighed, moving to take away the cups left behind on the table. 

“Just say what you are thinking, lēkia .” Aerea said as she cleaned. 

“Father is not thinking rationally, changing the succession like this is bound to stir unrest and conflict. We do not need the second coming of the Dance of the Dragons.” Rhaegar said, letting his true feelings out. 

Aerea smiled at her brother, “What do you think a civil war between Viserys and I would be called? I think the Schism of Fire & Blood would be an apt title.” 

Rhaegar deadpanned, “This is not a humorous matter, Aerea.” 

Aerea sat down in the chair across from her brother, “I know, but like father said, this will not be a problem unless you were to die without issue. This isn’t much different than how it was before Viserys was born and it was only you and I.” 

“But before, father had never formally declared that you came directly behind me in the succession, I and everyone else held the belief that if another son were to come after you that they would take that place.” 

“And if not Viserys, then our cousins.” Aerea said lowly. 

“Our cousins?” Rhaegar asked. 

“Remember after that whole situation with the Blackwoods and the Brackens? When we were talking about how I could not become Queen, because the lords of Westeros would choose one of our Baratheon cousins to become King if there were no male Targaryens left.” 

Rhaegar looked to the side, “I remember, but I do not have an issue with you becoming Queen in that scenario as there are no brothers or uncles that could be chosen. The crown would make more sense in the hands of a remaining Targaryen like yourself than allowing our dynasty to end by making a Baratheon King or having them take the Targaryen name. But now, there are many that would not view your reign as legitimate, that would seek to ensure Viserys becomes King by any means necessary should I die prematurely, even if that means getting rid of any other claimant to ensure that the nature order if things remain.” 

Beyond the politic ramifications of Aerys’ decree, there was a deep-seated worry Rhaegar had for his sister. For all he knew, this could put Aerea at greater risk, attempts could be made at her person and character to get rid of what many would view as an unpopular heir. 

Aerea reached across the table and placed her hand above Rhaegar’s, “I know, but it has been done, father has made up his made and sent out his orders. Although, I will have to apologize for the newfound attention you’ll be getting soon.” 

“Attention?” 

An impish smile graced Aerea’s lips, “Yes, attention. Now that I; The Abomination Princess, have been officially put in a position so much closer to the throne, there will be even more girls and women being thrown at you to ensure you are wedded to one who can give you a horde of trueborn children to push me further down the line of succession.” 

Rhaegar gave his sister an annoyed look, glowering even more as he heard Barristan trying to hide his own laughter behind his hand, failing at the task. 

“I long for the days when I was an only child, they were simpler, less irritating times.” Rhaegar said as he stood up and began to make his way to the door. 

Aerea giggled as she ran after her brother, slowly down once she reached his side, “That’s truly hurtful, lēkia.”  

“Yes, you seem to be quite devastated by my comments. I can see that you a drowning in sorrow.” Rhaegar said dryly. 

“I am, but don’t worry, seeing you being swarmed by everyone woman of childbearing age soon will more than make up for it.” Aerea japed, giggling even more when Rhaegar elbowed her shoulder, feeling that the pain was more than worth it.