Violent Tides - Chapter 13: Pressure

Tensions between the Greens and the Blacks continue to rise in aftermath of Lucerys' birth.

Two Moons Later

Aelora and Aemond sat together on a wooden bench against one of the outer walls of the Red Keep, the two children were watching Aegon as he was in the middle of one of his sword training lessons with Ser Criston.

Since Aegon turned seven name’s day old half a year ago, the eldest prince would go to the front courtyard of the Keep every other day to learn from the Kingsguard who had been made the master-of-arms by the King for his eldest son and eventually his other sons and grandsons.

At first, Aegon had been excited to finally start his martial training, but that excitement quickly died when he realized that training was not like what he imagined when he was younger and would swing his toy sword around. It was not only strenuous but repetitive, Criston having him repeat the same stances, movements, and swings repeatedly for weeks before teaching him something new.

“You must learn the basics, my prince. It is essential, and the foundation of good swordsmanship,” Criston had told him when he asked why he had to keep practicing the same things repeatedly. 

The prince knew that quitting was not an option, neither of his parents would allow him, so he faced Criston’s strict instruction with a stiff lip. It was only Aelora’s occasionally becoming an audience at these lessons that made them bearable for him at times. Now, Aegon made a showing of twirling his wooden training sword in his hand, grinning when he heard Aelora laugh at the display. 

“Ouch!” Aegon cried out rubbing the back of his hand where Criston had smacked his own training sword against it when he noticed what Aegon was doing. 

Criston was not impressed. “I think having you do another set will return your focus to what is important.” 

Aegon kept the complaints that wanted to spill from his lips to himself, knowing that he would just receive another set as punishment from the knight. 

“I want to use a sword too!” Aemond exclaimed, crossing his arms as he stared at his brother with unconcealed jealousy. 

Aelora patted his back. “You will when you get to be Egg’s age.” 

Aemond pouted, his eyebrows moving closer together, showing his displeasure. “But that will take forever!” 

Alicent had said the same thing when Aegon had started his training and Aemond had begged her to let him join, but this did not stop Aemond from continuing to ask his mother, remaining undeterred when she would give this reasoning and say no. 

Aelora giggled, combing her fingers through Aemond soft hair. “It won’t.” 

Aemond leaned into his niece’s touch, continuing to watch Aegon train. “Will I be as good as Aegon?” 

Aelora looked down at him, whispering to him. “I think you’ll be better than Egg.” 

She did not say this to placate the younger prince, Aelora genuinely believed that Aemond would one day become a better swordsman than Aegon. 

Even with the four year head start that Aegon would have, it was clear to anyone who has seen him train that Aegon did not take these lessons as seriously as he should, nor did he have a natural talent for the blade that only a few possessed.

“I will,” Aemond agreed full-heartedly, desiring to be a great warrior, someone renowned for his martial prowess. 

Like Uncle Daemon. Aemond thought, thinking about the things he had heard about the uncle he had never met. The tales of the Rogue Prince had left an impression in his mind, a mysterious figure that was as polarizing as they come. 

The two continued to watch Aegon and Criston in silence, both wondering what it would be like to yield a sword of their own, to go into battle, earning honor and glory. 

“Did you enjoy toady?” Laenor asked, holding Aelora’s hand as they walked towards their family’s apartments. 

Laenor was always the one to retrieve Aelora whenever she would go to watch Aegon train, pushing past his hatred for Criston Cole to be in the man’s presence if only for a few moments. 

“I did,” Aelora said before looking up at Laenor. “Father?” 

Laenor smiled kindly. “Yes, Aelora?” 

“Can I... can I learn to use a sword?” Aelora asked. 

Laenor stopped in his tracks, causing Aelora stop as well. “You want to learn to fight?” 

Aelora nodded her head. “I do! I really do.” 

Laenor began to walk again,.“What brought this on?” 

“I asked Ser Cris to teach me when Egg first started, but he said no, that girls aren’t allowed to.” 

Laenor’s face twisted into a dark grimace. “Did he say anything else?” 

Aelora frowned as she remembered what Criston told her. “He said that as a princess I will have knights to protect me. It’s men who fight, become honorable knights, and protect gentle ladies.” 

He says that but he is the least honorable knight in this entire Kingdom! Laenor thought to himself. 

Inwardly, he was glad that Criston had rejected Aelora only because the thought of the man instructing his daughter and being anywhere near her with sharp objects made Laenor sick to his stomach. 

Laenor knew it was irrational to feel this way, especially as he knew that Jacaerys and Lucerys would one day be training under Criston due to Viserys’ decree that made Criston the master at arms, but this fact angered him as well. 

It was another method Viserys was taking to ensure that his children and grandchildren were as close as possible and to try and rid the enmity that existed between his wife and daughter. 

The first was by having all the children stay in the same nursery, the second was when Aelora become old enough to start her formal education with a maester and the King decreed that Aelora would join Aegon and Helaena in theirs, and that all the children would be in the same room learning once they were of age to do so, and the third was having Jacaerys and Daeron share a wet nurse, making the two milk brothers. 

“Is that the only reason?” Laenor asked after a few moments. 

Aelora turned away. “I want to keep you, mother, Jace, and Luke safe.” 

Laenor rubbed small circles on the back of his daughter’s hand with his thumb. “That is very sweet, Lora, but that is not necessary. We are all perfectly safe here.” 

Aelora wanted to believe her father, to be reassured by his words, but she could not bring herself to do so, not with her many dreams so vividly ingrained in her mind. 

Laenor noticed her hesitation. “Aelora, I promise you that our family will always be safe. But if you still do not believe me then I will train you myself.” 

Aelora’s face broke into a large grin. “Thank you, father.” 

Laenor chuckled. “Don’t thank me just yet; we still must get your mother’s approval. If she says no, then there is nothing we can do.” 

Aelora nodded her head. “That’s true, mother is the one in charge.” 

Laenor’s head immediately snapped in his daughter’s direction. “What do you mean that your mother is in charge?” 

“Mother is scary when she’s angry and she’s the one who makes all the rules for us. You can’t do anything without telling her first,” Aelora answered, ignoring the look of shock on her father’s face. 

“I can do whatever I want, your mother does not give me permission for anything,” Laenor argued. 

His posturing fell flat as he took in the deadpanned and pitiful expression on his daughter’s face, staring at him as she did not believe a word that came out of his mouth, as if she felt sorry for him because he thought his were the truth. 

How many times have I seen mother give that very same look to countless people? Or even me? Although, it feels especially more embarrassing coming from my child than my parent. Laenor thought solemnly. 

He only hoped that his sons would have a higher opinion of him as they got older than his daughter currently had.

~X~

The Next Day  

As she sat in the middle of the garden, surrounded by her ladies in waiting, with Lucerys in her arms and Jacaerys in the arms of one of her ladies, Rhaenyra watched as Laenor tightened the leather straps of the breastplate Aelora was wearing.

Aelora could barely contain her excitement, but Rhaenyra was already regretting saying yes to her daughter’s request, having to tamper down her urge to take her daughter into her arms.

“The princess will be fine, Your Grace. I doubt Ser Laenor will allow any harm to befall her,” Roslin said to Rhaenyra, seeing the distress on Rhaenyra’s face. 

“My sister is right.” Kathryn added, placing a squirming Jacaerys on the ground. “Ser Laenor will surely be careful.” 

Roslin and Kathryn Strong were the younger sisters of Harwin and Larys, both having left Harrenhal and coming to King’s Landing after their father, Lyonel, was made Hand of the King. 

Rhaenyra had spoken to the sisters a few times, but it was not until after her marriage to Laenor and becoming closer with their oldest brother, Harwin, did Rhaenyra decided to make Roslin and Kathryn her ladies in waiting.

A move that bumped up her number of ladies from two to four, alongside Elinda Massey and Margaret Arryn, the latter of whom was a distant cousin of both Rhaenyra and Jeyne, one of the few cousins the Lady of the Eyrie trusted. 

Rhaenyra sighed. “I know, but still I worry, I cannot help it.” 

“Wow,” Jacaerys exclaimed as he watched his father hand his sister a wooden training sword before grabbing one of his one, asking Aelora to follow his movements. Jacaerys looked up at his mother. “Can I train?” 

Rhaenyra’s face fell and she stared at her son both shocked and nervous. “W-what?” 

“I want a sword!” Jacaerys exclaimed, pointing the direction of Laenor and Aelora, who both turned around at the sound of his voice. 

Laenor grinned proudly, laughing slightly. “You will get a sword one day, Jace. But not today.” 

This was not the answer Jacaerys wanted, and he crossed his arms, pouting deeply as he ran into Margaret’s legs, gripping them tightly. 

Laenor laughed again before turning back to Aelora. “Now, Aelora. When you fight you should aim for the weakest parts of your opponent’s body; their head, neck, stomach, and legs.” 

“What about their arms and hands?” Aelora asked. 

“A person's hands and arms will be harder to strike because you would have to get past their own sword and defenses. It’s the same with the stomach, but unlike the stomach, your opponent will likely continue to fight if their arms are injured,” Laenor explained. “It would be best stick to those places; it will ensure a quicker end to the fight.” 

Aelora nodded, staring at her father more seriously than before, she followed his instructions intently, doing everything that was asked of her. 

Laenor could not stop himself from smiling as the time passed, seeing how determined his daughter was in her newfound pursuit. It made Laenor wonder if this is how Corlys felt when he gave Laenor his first sword; proud and hopeful. 

But with the thoughts of his father, caused Laenor's good mood to sour. Since the King rejected Corlys’ request for a stronger military presence in the Narrow Sea, he has been writing to his son about getting Viserys to change his mind. 

And Viserys, seemingly knowing what Corlys wanted despite Laenor not yet speaking to him on the matter, has been looking him with apprehension and annoyance, loudly speaking about how strong the Lannister fleet was whenever Laenor was nearby, as if to tell the younger man to not even bother. Something that Laenor was more than happy to do, but telling Corlys this, did not satisfy the man, leaving Laenor in an uncomfortable position. 

Laenor blinked when he felt something tugging on his trousers, looking down he saw Aelora staring him. “Father?” 

Laenor smiled. “Have you finished?” 

Aelora nodded excitedly. “I did. What's next?” 

Laenor laughed. “You’re not tired yet my little sea dragon?” 

“No, what's next?” 

Laenor grinned, showing his daughter the next series of movements. 

Despite it being the first day of her training, Aelora loved it all.  

Why does Egg find this boring? This is amazing! Aelora thought as she followed her father's movements. 

She felt stronger and more confident than she ever had before. 

In the few dreams she had where she saw her older self, Aelora never saw a sword or weapon in her hands, there was no illusion that she could wield a weapon. It was what made her want to learn swordsmanship, along with her being unable to shake the dream she had on Driftmark. 

I need to be strong; I need to be a dragon. Aelora thought, glancing at her parents and brothers.

~X~

A Fortnight Later  

It was their weekly bonding time and Viserys stares at the painting that his granddaughter had just given him; it was of a white dragon flying through a storm. And it reminded him of the painting that Aelora made a few moons ago of Daeron’s new hatchling. 

“Is this your dragon, Aelora?” Viserys asked. 

It’s amazing that a girl of her age can make paintings that are so vivid and realistic. Perhaps it is because she is a dreamer? Viserys thought. 

Despite the promise he made to Rhaenyra, Viserys could not stop himself from discreetly trying to pull visions from Aelora, from what he noticed, Aelora did not have any control over what she saw in her dreams or even when they occurred. Aelora also did not speak about her dreams when asked, as she had clammed up when he tried to do so the first time, she only speaks of them when she feels comfortable, so Viserys would gently needle conversations in certain directions. 

Aelora shook her head. “No, it’s Luke's hatchling. Their name is Arrax." 

Viserys smiled at the knowledge that his second grandson would become a dragonrider. “Have you shown this to your parents?” 

Aelora nodded her head. “They liked it.” 

“Have you thought about what your dragon will be like?” 

Viserys watched as Aelora’s eyes glazed over for a brief moment before responding. “No, but mother said we can go to Dragonstone when I'm older if my egg doesn’t hatch.” 

Viserys hummed. “Your mother is right, it won't be the end of the world if your egg does not hatch as there are plenty of unclaimed dragons on the island.” 

Aelora smiled as she handed her grandfather another craved stone building to place on his Old Valyria model. “My dragon is out there.” 

“They are,” Viserys said, unaware of the slight change in Aelora’s voice as she said this nor of the way she turned her head, facing the east. 

Viserys looked at Aelora from the corner of his eye, watching as she moved some of the carvings around the model. “Aelora, have you thought about making a portrait of your mother?” 

Aelora tilted her head as she looked at him. “A portrait?” 

Viserys nodded. “Yes, a portrait. I myself have plenty, many of which were made when I became King. Have you thought of doing the same for your mother?” 

“Mother isn’t Queen yet.”

So, she will be? “I know, but perhaps you can try and imagine what your mother will look like as Queen.” 

When Aelora frowned, Viserys knew that he had pushed too far, but when he tried to backtrack, the doors to his bedroom opened and his wife walked inside. 

“Husband, Aelora,” Alicent greeted the pair as the doors shut behind her. 

“Good day, Ali,” Aelora said, smiling as the woman as she approached. 

Viserys’ reaction was the opposite of his granddaughter’s as he could see the stiff and angered expression on his wife’s face, it was a familiar expression, one that he knew meant that Alicent was ready to complain to him about one issue or another, and so, his smile was less genuine than Aelora’s. “Alicent, what brings you?” 

Alicent looked away from Viserys and to Aelora, bending down slightly so they were closer in height. “Aelora, I hate to bring your time the King to an end, but your grandfather and I need to have an adult conversation.” 

Aelora looked between the King and Queen. “I can leave, I wouldn’t want to be here for adult conversations, they can get boring.” 

Viserys laughed. “Boring? And how do you know that? Have you been having adult conversations, Aelora?” 

Aelora shook her head. “No, but Aegon said they’re boring, that you just talking about boring things like duty and taxes.” 

“I suppose your uncle is not wrong,” Viserys said amusedly, watching as Aelora began to pick up her things and walk towards the door. “Wait, Aelora, you forgot your painting.” 

“No, grandfather, that’s for you,” Aelora replied. 

Viserys looked back down at the painting of Arrax flying through the storm.“Thank you.” 

Aelora smiled, giving Viserys and Alicent her goodbyes as she left, unaware of the tension that enveloped the room afterwards. 

Now I must see what has brought my wife here, yet again, in such a fashion. Viserys thought tiredly. “What did you wish to speak to me about, Alicent?” 

“I have received word for my lord uncle about taxes that have been put on goods traveling from Oldtown on the Narrow Sea past King's Landing and the King’s Road from both House Velaryon and House Tyrell,” Alicent stated, her expression darkening. “And I know that Princess Rhaenyra is the cause of this… this childish insult.” 

Viserys sighed. “And how would Rhaenyra be behind this? Last I checked she is not the lord of either house.” 

Alicent's eyes narrowed. “Yes, but she is married to Lord Corlys’ son, she has his ear, and even then Corlys was already incensed after he was ordered to pull his ships away in favor of the Lannister fleet. Not only is he refusing an order from you, his King, but he is doing so to undermine the house of your wife.”

“And Lord Matthos? He and Rhaenyra have no such relationship with each other, if any. I doubt he would do this for some petty reason or another, and if so, what grievance could he have against House Hightower?” 

“You are right that there are no clear grievances between our houses,” Alicent reluctantly admitted.

While the Tyrells ruled over The Reach, no one would say that they were its strongest or the most respected house like in the other Kingdoms. Most of the Tyrell's power stemmed from the authority of House Targaryen, having control over the largest portion of fertile land in The Reach, and from strategic marriages made with houses with stronger historical prestige. But despite these qualities, the Tyrells were often left on the back foot when it came to their over mighty bannermen, the Hightowers most especially. 

“But you are wrong when you say that no such relationship exists; Lord Matthos is married to Lady Elys Arryn.” 

Viserys’ jaw clenched, his gaze narrowing as he stared at his wife. “Alicent…” 

Alicent ignored this as she continued to speak. “Lord Matthos has never acted in such a manner to House Hightower before, but now he is doing so when Rhaenyra has renewed her relationship with her aunt? It is clear that Lady Arryn is whispering treason into her husband’s ear, at Rhaenyra’s be-" 

“Enough!” Viserys shouted, weakly pushing himself to his feet as he glared at Alicent. 

Alicent’s eyes widened, surprised by the uncharacteristic showing of anger from her usually placid husband. 

“Aemma’s sister would never do what you are accusing her of,” Viserys hissed. 

Of course, this is why he is so wroth. Alicent thought, a flicker of hurt and irritation passing through her as she lowered her head in submission. 

To her, Viserys would always come to the defense of anyone related to Aemma Arryn, no matter how many years had passed since the woman's death, and no matter how much the woman's relatives debased themselves before the realm.

Viserys continued to stare his wife down. “And I doubt that Rhaenyra would ever hinder House Hightower in such a way. The fault surely lies on the shoulders of Corlys and Matthos, and I will write to both, asking for their intentions and to cease their actions.” 

Alicent looked back up, wanting to speak, only to once again be cut off by Viserys. “I will handle the situation, Alicent.” 

Alicent lowered her head again. “Of course, my King.” 

“Leave me, wife.” Viserys said as he sat back down. 

Alicent turned on her heel, storming out of the room, struggling to hide her anger, knowing that Viserys would show leniency towards the Velaryons and Tyrells. 

Viserys sighed, slumping in his seat, and rubbing his forehead as he could feel the upcoming headache. 

“Ser Harrold,” Viserys called out. 

The door to his bedroom opened and the Lord Commander of his Kingsguard entered. “Yes, Your Grace?” 

“Summon Lord Lyonel, I have need of my Hand.” 

“Of course, Your Grace,” Harrold replied, bowing before carrying out Viserys' orders. 

The problems and politics never cease. Viserys thought annoyed.

~X~

The Next Day, Driftmark  

Rhaenys sighed as she looked at her husband from across the table, not bothering to hide her annoyed expression. 

“You should just say how you feel, Rhaenys, I can feel the anger in your stare,” Corlys spoke, putting down the letter in his hand from King’s Landing. 

“You and Rhaenyra are fools,” Rhaenys spat. 

“Rhaenys-" 

“Did neither of you think of how this makes our faction look to the rest of the realm? All you have done is improve the reputation of the Greens by making our side look worse.”

“I must agree with Rhaenys; this was an action preformed as a result of hurt feelings,” Vaemond added, ignoring the way Corlys glared at him in response. 

Despite his stubborn and prideful nature, Corlys did often seek out the counsel of his wife and younger brother, but whether or not Corlys would take the advice given to him and just do what he wanted was a different matter entirely. 

If he did choose to involve others in his decision making, we wouldn’t be in this situation right now. Vaemond thought.

The letter that Corlys received was a mixture of the King and Hand's words, telling Corlys to stop his taxation of Hightower ships that were passing through the Narrow Sea and towards The North, The Vale, and the northern cities of Essos. House Velaryon had received no punishment and were not ordered to pay back the taxes taken from House Hightower, but in the opinions of both Rhaenys and Vaemond, this may have been worse. 

Rhaenys crossed her arms. “It will appear that the Crown is overly favoring House Velaryon, allowing us to get away with near criminal actions.” 

“Nothing I did was illegal,” Corlys argued. 

“That may be true, but it is still considered morally criminal. And you know how Westerosi lords are when it comes to coin, no one will see you positively after this.” 

“And who is to say that the Hightowers will not retaliate with taxes of their own?” Vaemond asked. 

Corlys scoffed. “They won't, the Hightower fleet is nothing compared to ours, they wouldn’t dare.” 

“That does not mean they will not retaliate in other ways,” Vaemond frowned. “Our house is not infallible, they will try to find a way to prod at us since the King has refused Lord Hightower’s request for compensation.” 

“How did you even allow Rhaenyra to convince you of this plot?” Rhaenys asked. 

Corlys pursed his lips. “It was my idea.” 

Rhaenys' eyes narrowed. “What?” 

“It was my idea to tax the ships, I had convinced Rhaenyra to ask the Tyrells to do so as well from land.” 

Rhaenys pressed her fingers against her forehead, a harsh breath leaving her nose as she heard this. 

My husband is a fool. “And you think that this whole scheme will endear you to my cousin? Viserys was not going to change his mind regarding the Lannister’s occupation of the Narrow Sea, and he certainly won't now.” 

Corlys clenched his jaw, but he could not refute his wife's words. Viserys made his anger with Corlys known in his letter, to the point that Corlys was surprised that he had not been ordered back to King's Landing to receive punishment. 

Although knowing Viserys, the fact that his late wife's sister was somewhat involved, tempered his hand. It also doesn't hurt that Viserys rarely ever reacts with anger, and even then, his anger is never vengeful or vicious. Corlys thought. 

“You have shown open disrespect to the King, again,” Vaemond said, looking at his brother wearily. 

“And it won't be the last time, will it?” Rhaenys asked knowingly. 

Corlys said nothing as he stood up and left the room, going to write to his captains to call them all back to Driftmark. 

Rhaenys pursed her lips as she watched her husband leave, dreading what could possibly happen next. 

Why does he not see that his actions are only going to hurt us eventually? Rhaenys thought. 

“My brother is going to ruin us,” Vaemond bemoaned. 

“He will steer us true.” 

Vaemond looked at his good sister with exasperation. “Only after he forces us unnecessarily through terrible storms.” 

Rhaenys did not respond to her good brother, knowing that what Vaemond had said was the truth.

~X~

Highgarden  

Elys smiled as she read the letter from the Viserys, amused by the command to cease their tax on Hightower goods. 

“I hope your plan will work, lady wife. We are asking a lot currently,” Matthos said, his words ending with a small cough. 

“It will, my dear," Elys said as she turned back to face her husband. “We are showing The Reach who their true overlords are, it is necessary risk to take.” 

The Hightowers, along with half of the houses in The Reach, paid lip service to the Tyrells and their rule. But the Hightowers especially had grown arrogant due to the royal marriage they had between the King and one of their own, there were now royals with Hightower blood flowing through their veins, and three of those children were boys, boys that much of the realm either wanted or expected to succeed their father, even with said father making his eldest daughter his heir. 

And it was due to these ties to the Crown, that had been giving the Hightowers the confidence to overstep in terms of trade and politics in their Kingdom, much to the contrition of the Tyrells. 

“The other houses did nothing when the Hightowers were being taxed.” 

“Because they were afraid, we would do the same to them,” Matthos stated. 

“Exactly,” Elys smiled. “And now that the Crown had refused to punish us for it, it will show all how favored we are that the Crown would seek to protect us.” 

Matthos returned the smile. “And keep the other houses more in line.” 

“And keep the other houses more in line,” Elys repeated. 

“But that still doesn't mean-" 

“You are too cautious, Matthos, the realm is more focused on the Velaryons and their part in this than ours, especially after the drama with the Velaryon fleet being called back to Driftmark and having their status as the royal fleet now being formally given to the Lannisters.” 

Matthos looked at his wife suspiciously. “And your niece was fine with this? This hurts her cause more than helps it.” 

Elys pursed her lips. “My niece is charismatic; she will bounce back from this set back. Besides, she has gotten what she has wanted from this whole affair.” 

“What would that be?” 

“Undermining the Queen and her family.” 

Matthos scoffed. “That cannot be all.” 

“Rhaenyra is not a complicated woman; her desires are often straightforward enough.” 

I feel bad for her then, when she realizes that she was nothing, but a fly caught up in your web. Matthos thought. “And you did not promise anything? Support for her bid for the throne, perhaps?” 

Elys looked her husband in the eye. “I know that you wish to remain neutral should the King die, and war breaks out.” 

Matthos leaned his head back. “I know you, Elys.” 

“And I know you; I told Rhaenyra when we went to King’s Landing that you would be neutral. And when she wrote to me, I told her that your mind had not been changed.” 

“And what of our son?” Matthos asked.

Elys said nothing, as they both knew the truth.

Matthos chuckled. “Most husbands would be offended to learn that their wife is planning to go against their wishes immediately after their deaths.”

Elys hummed. “You knew the woman you married.”

Matthos laughed before it ended in a series of sputtering coughs and Elys moved, rubbing circles on her husband’s back.

“I hope that I outlive the King then,” Matthos said quietly.

“We will see,” Elys said softly.

She knew that her husband would do anything to preserve his house, and that a war between his strongest bannerman and the other half of the royal family would hinder that. But Elys was sure that the Hightower’s ambitions would not stop at putting the Queen’s eldest son on the throne. 

So, despite Matthos' desires, Elys would do what she viewed as necessary to protect House Tyrell from enemies that wished to supplant them.

~X~

A Few Days Later  

Aelora sat in between her grandfather's legs as he proceeded over court from the Iron Throne, a common occurrence for the man when his grandchildren were concerned. Viserys wanted the court and the citizens of King’s Landing to see how the throne would one day be in their hands, a way to show how his grandchildren were favored by him, and how his opinion of the succession would not be changed. 

Everything must be a political move, never a moments rests when you wear the crown. Viserys thought solemnly, and as this thought crossed his mind, his eyes drifted to the two women standing on either side of his throne, glaring daggers at the other. 

Both Rhaenyra and Alicent were wearing their usual black and green attire respectively, something that was copied by most of the people within the court, with only a few exceptions who were either neutral observers or those who did not wish to make their allegiances public. 

As much as Viserys tried to ignore it, even he could not fully blind himself to the divisions both within his house and within the realm. It annoyed him that after having the lords and ladies of the realm once again swear fealty to uphold his chosen heir, and even having their heirs come to swear fealty to both Rhaenyra and Aelora, that factionalism in the court still existed, appearing just as strong as before.

Why was his decision to make Rhaenyra his heir not being respected by his wife and her supporters? Why was his daughter not helping her case by acting so impulsively and taking such small issues and making them into mountains? 

This was not the first time that Viserys wished that he had never been chosen as the Prince of Dragonstone at the Great Council in 101 AC. If he could go back in time, he would tell his younger self to not be so happy that he would become King, but to warn him of the pain, disappointment, tiredness, and responsibilities that awaited them. 

Grandfather made being King look easy, and he even had his fair share of struggles and conflicts.

This session of court only added to Viserys’ growing tiredness with it all, and it was only due to being in a public place that Viserys did not yell at his wife and daughter each time they interrupted proceedings to give their opinions on his decisions and disagree with the other’s words. 

“Grandfather,” Aelora whispered, drawing Viserys away from his thoughts. “Why can’t you just make more farmland for the farmer?”

“More farmland?” Viserys asked, whispering back to his granddaughter.

Viserys had been so lost in his thoughts that he had tuned out the sound of the old farmer below pleading his case to him. 

The farmer had come asking for a reprieve from his taxes as he had not been able to grow much produce on his farm, the land having been overcultivated from the previous growing season and he had been unable to produce much of his crops. This was a problem that many farmers had come to him on and off for a majority of his time as King and had been an issue for many lords in the Crowlands, even stretching as far beyond the reigns of Aegon, Aenys, Maegor, and Jaehaerys. 

But Viserys did not see the issue as a major one due to the crops grown in the land surrounding King’s Landing only making up less than one seventh of the agriculture that the city takes in. So, his decision in these cases was usually to extend the deadline for these taxes by a few moons, which was what Viserys was going to do before Aelora spoke. 

Aelora nodded her head. “Give him more farmland because his farmland is too tired to make more crops.” 

Viserys’ expression softened. “Aelora, I cannot just give him more land, because I would then have to give everyone else more land and there is only so much land to go around. And this man’s land is still usable, just not for this season, he will be able to produce more crops next year. We also get most of our food from the Reach, so it is not a big issue.” 

“But isn’t that ex-expensive?” Aelora asked. 

“It is, but King’s Landing can afford it.” 

Aelora pursed her lips. “So why can’t we make more land here? You can change it with the land we have and let the tired land take a break.” 

“Take a break?” Viserys asked, not understanding what his granddaughter was trying to tell him. 

“You said that the farmland will grow more crops next year even though it's not growing crops now, so it must be tired. It’s like when I’m reading or painting and my eyes and hands start to hurt because I’m doing it for too long, so mother and father make me stop and tell me to rest. So why can’t the farmers do the same with the land we have? And then use the new land while the old land rests? Or they could use a small part of their land instead of all of it, so they can still use the other parts when the one they used gets tired.” 

That actually makes a great deal of sense. Viserys thought, thinking over Aelora’s explanation, and seeing the merit in such an idea. By allocating more land to be used for agriculture or even just having the farmers of King’s Landing splitting their existing land into sections, they would still be able to produce a modicum of product, which would mean less citizens going hungry and struggling to pay their taxes. And even then, the Crown would be able to tax more land and be able to store more provisions in case of emergencies.

While the King doubted that the Crownlands would ever be able to rely on its own cultivation to completely sustain itself, it would mean having to import less from the other Kingdoms, the Reach especially.

“But could it truly be feasible?” Viserys asked himself. 

Lyonel Strong cleared his throat before speaking. “Your Grace, if I may?” 

Both Viserys and Aelora jumped in their seats when the Hand spoke, and when they both looked at Lyonel, realized that the throne room had long since fallen into silence and that everyone in the room had been listening to them while they were having their conversation. Most had looks of intrigue, confusion, or surprise painted on their faces, but the most telling was those of the Crown Princess and the Queen.

The pride Rhaenyra felt in Aelora being more than evident as she smiled from ear to ear, and the pride turned into smug satisfaction as she looked at the Queen. Alicent pursed her lips, looking like she had smelled something rotten both because of Aelora’s idea and because of Rhaenyra’s expression.

“You may speak, Lyonel,” Viserys voiced once he composed himself.

“Princess Aelora’s... proposal indeed has merit and could solve the problems that we have been having with the farmers of this city being unable to produce as many crops as possible during different times of the year,” Lyonel explained. 

Viserys hummed before looking at his Master of Coin. “Lyman?” 

Lyman stepped forward, clearing his throat before speaking. “It would be far less expensive, and less of a logistical nightmare to simply separate parts the land that the farmers are currently using, and have them alternate amongst each during every growing season. Trying to create new land for suitable use would be unnecessary as King’s Landing, let alone the Crownlands, will never be capable of out producing even a quarter of the Reach.” 

“The Crownlands also doesn’t have the available land to attempt such an endeavor regardless. But it would solve the issue of our farmers being inconsistent in their cultivation.” Jasper Wylde voiced, “Although it's surprising no one has thought of this, especially as King’s Landing isn’t the only place that experiences this issue from time to time.” 

The last part, Jasper had whispered to himself, but those who heard him, could not help but agree with his words. Hearing it all aloud, it seemed like a simple and obvious solution that should have been made before now, instead the idea came from a girl of almost five years who did not even realize the centuries-long problem she had just solved. 

Viserys smiled before looking down at his granddaughter. “Your brilliant mind is a true gift, Aelora. I can't wait to see what other ideas you come up with in the future.” 

Aelora did not understand why Viserys was praising her for something that she thought was obvious and that anyone else would have thought of themselves. 

Did no one think of it but me? Aelora thought, but did not think this was possible from all the intelligent adults that she saw in the throne room. 

As the session continued and plans were being made to implement the new proposition, Aelora could not help but notice that the way everyone was looking at her had changed, and the young girl was not sure if she liked it or not.