Chapter Text
The group finally managed to get settled in the King’s solar where goblets of wine were swiftly distributed to everyone present. Viserys sat heavily in a chair with a twitching Alicent at his side. The young woman looked petrified as she sat picking at her nails. Daemon stood on the opposite side of the room with Rhaenyra standing close by. While both were obviously still reeling from Otto’s confession neither looked totally surprised. It seems another member of his family also saw the Hightower’s true colors. Whether Alicent was of the same bent as her father remained to be seen.
Baelon paced the room for a moment to organize his thoughts. He had never imagined returning to his family would be so fraught with dissension and trouble. Squaring his shoulders he faced his son and his new wife for they were the ones he needed to address. The Gods had brought him back for a reason and he would not shirk his responsibility.
“Viserys, I truly did not want to make any hasty decisions but your brother was correct when he said that I would now be King.” Viserys’ wide eyes shot to his but he did not let his son's expression stop him from saying that which needed to be said. “I might have chosen to refuse the position had I thought you were doing a competent job as King, however . . “ He paused to allow his displeasure to resonate, “I have been disappointed by the very limited knowledge I have of only a few of your decisions as King. In the interest of preserving our family, following the will of the Gods and providing what is best for the whole realm I have decided I will insist on assuming my rightful place as King. Should you prove your ability to acknowledge your mistakes and take steps to amend them so they do not occur again we will discuss your potential reinstatement as King. As of right now I have some serious doubts about whether you are capable of such a thing. In the interim I will be making it clear to the Lords of the realm that your position as my heir is not set in stone.”
Turning to address one of the Kingsguards who stood at the door he realized he did not know the man’s name.
“Forgive me Ser for I do not know your name . . “
“It is Ser Westerling, Your Grace.” The man bowed and out of the corner of Baelons eye he saw Rhaenyra smile warmly at the man. Obviously this was a man he could trust if his granddaughter was so fond of him.
“Ser Westerling.” Baelon nodded respectfully. “Please summon all the members of the small council. We will meet as soon as possible.”
The knight bowed once more before leaving to accomplish his task. Baelon knew the upcoming meeting would likely not be pleasant but there were quite a few things he felt needed to be addressed.
“Daemon, are you at least on the small council?” Baelon asked, “As Viserys’ heir you should have a position.”
Baelon spared his eldest son a shrewd glance. Daemon’s answer would yield yet another piece of information as to how bad things had gotten.
“I do, father. I am Commander of the City Watch currently although previously I held the position of Master of Coin and Master of Law before Otto convinced Viserys I was unsuited to those roles. However you are under a misconception as I am no longer Viserys’ heir. That position of prestige belongs to Rhaenyra.” Daemon gave a gallant bow towards his niece before offering her a wink.
“Rhaenyra?” Baelon’s eyebrows raised before he glanced at Viserys. “I can only hope your decision to name your daughter your heir was done as a consequence of your belief in her abilities and not as a way to slight your brother.”
Viserys gave a sheepish look signaling to all that despite his words to the contrary he had indeed chosen Rhaenyra to spite his brother rather than to elevate his only child on her own merit to her current position as Crown Princess.
Baelon sighed as he rubbed his temples.
“Rhaenyra, please do not believe my reaction is in any way a reflection of a disbelief in your capabilities. I am simply shocked at how far my son has fallen from my teachings. I thought I had taught my sons to take care of each other and to put the bonds of family above those of outsiders and yet it seems one has forgotten the lessons of his youth.”
“It is alright grandfather. As much as I was initially pleased and flattered by fathers decision to name me heir it quickly became apparent that I was only a placeholder and never a true heir.” Rhaenyra waved away Baelon’s concerns.
“Rhaenyra?! What are you talking about? You are not a placeholder. You are my chosen heir no matter what else happens. I have never wavered in my decision since Otto first broached the subject of you becoming my heir.” Viserys rushed to reassure his daughter.
Rhaenyra simply glared at her father. “If that is true then why did you remarry so quickly? You could have waited at least a year but instead you wed my only friend six moons after mothers death. Why would you do something so hasty unless you were eager to sire a son and replace me?” Rhaenyra argued.
“Rhaenyra, you know I needed to remarry. Otto was most insistent that the stability of the realm depended on my having more children. We discussed this and I thought you accepted the position I was in.” Viserys spoke with an almost petulant defensiveness.
Baelon sighed again at the inconsistencies between his son's words and his actions. Striving to halt an argument before it waylaid their ever dwindling time to speak he cut in.
“Regardless of your reasoning Rhaenyra is now your heir and to change that would be inadvisable. The Lords will not be pleased to see the position of heir shift too many times,” Baelon considered his words, “In fact I do believe in the interest of the realm Rhaenyra should retain her position. Viserys, you may perhaps earn your return as my heir but only once I am assured of your reform.” He gave his son a harsh look to stall any protests before turning to make eye contact with his granddaughter. “You are the Crown Princess and the Crown Princess you shall stay. I assume you also have a seat on the small council?” He asked hopefully.
“I am the cupbearer,” Rhaenyra answered.
Baelon gaped at her. “You are the heir to the throne and still the cupbearer?!” He exclaimed in dismay. Whirling around to glare again at his son he watched with some satisfaction as Viserys shrunk in on himself. Would the list of Viserys’ stupidity ever cease?
“Well that changes today,” He said firmly, “You will now have a proper position at the table. Daemon.” Baelon looked at his son. “I trust you to see to it.”
Daemon nodded his head and then without further discussion offered Rhaenyra his arm to escort her to the small council chambers. Baelon knew having his brother pass him over as heir must have stung but he was pleased Daemon did not seem to blame Rhaenyra for her new position.
“I’m sure by now word of my return has spread all over the Red Keep but even still we will have to make a formal announcement. Perhaps tomorrow, after we have settled things with the small council. Viserys you will be part of the meeting but I will not allow you to make any decisions. That burden now falls to my shoulders and while I will not forbid you from speaking should you have something meaningful to contribute I think it would be better for all if you kept your input to a minimum. Alicent,” Baelon addressed his son's wife as she jumped at the address. “Since you are with child I feel it would not be wise for you to be present as things are likely to get heated, especially with the arrest of your father. I’m sure a guard can escort you to your chambers where you may rest after the excitement of the day.” As Baelon took in the fear in her eyes he felt the need to add, “There is no need for you to fear if you have done nothing wrong. Your fathers actions were his own.”
Alicents eyes widened and although the fear didn’t quite fade the panic did recede. Gesturing behind him a guard stepped forward to accompany the former Queen to her chambers. Only once she had left did Baelon address his son.
“I hope for your sake that she had nothing to do with Otto’s schemes. That girl is as skittish as a deer so it is hard to tell.” Baelon said as he started walking towards the door beckoning his son to follow.
Upon reaching the small council chambers Baelon saw Daemon seated next to Rhaenyra on one side of the table with a few other Lords coming into the room. While the Lords tried to conceal their reactions it was obvious they were all shocked at his presence. Baelon walked to the head of the table to sit in the King’s chair. He motioned for Viserys to sit at his other side. Baelon recognized a few of the men. Lord Lyman Beesbury and Lord Lyonel Strong both were much older than he had last seen them but their appearances had not changed drastically. The Maester was likely this Mellos Rhaenyra had spoken so harshly about. It would be logical to assume the Grand Maester was who attended the Queen’s birth and so another face had a name. There was also a gold haired, green eyed man who must have been a Lannister and that seemed to be everyone.
Baelon moved to call the meeting to order but was interrupted by an intentional clearing of a throat. Looking for the disturbance and met the eyes of the Maester.
“Forgive me, but small council meetings do not generally begin without the Hand present . . Your Grace.” The man hastily finished.
Baelon raised a brow. “It seems Otto thought rather highly of himself,” Baelon said sardonically.
“Father, Otto has been a loyal Hand to me and I have greatly appreciated his counsel. He has always done his best to ensure that the decisions we reach are for the good of the realm.”
Baelon shared an incredulous look with both Daemon and Rhaenyra. He may just be getting a better picture of things. It seems his son was so used to defending Otto that he had done so instinctually, forgetting that his old friend did not deserve such loyalty. It was painful to see his son reduced to such a puppet. Baelon grit his teeth before addressing Viserys.
“You may have believed that once but surely now you can see that was not the case,” Baelon said pointedly.
“Before we begin I would introduce myself to you all. I am Prince Baelon Targaryen, son of King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne. I’m sure my identity is known to you all . . as is my death. It is true that I died in the year of 101 but the Gods saw fit to return me to the land of the living. My son has already tested my knowledge of information held only by myself and proven the truth of my identity.” Baelon gestured towards Daemon. “Further proof can also be attributed to the bond that I share with Vhagar who I’m sure you are all aware landed in the Keeps courtyard not an hour passed with myself as her rider.”
Baelon watches as heads nod around the room although a few were done hesitantly. He did feel some sympathy for the Lords, it was not every day a man came back from the dead. He did his best to speak with compassion for the disorientation they were certainly all feeling.
“As confusing as this must be, I'm afraid we do not have any time to waste allowing you to slowly adapt to the current changes.” Baelon spoke firmly as he addressed the Lords. “As is my right I have assumed my position as King.” He gestured to his side where Viserys sat, a little downcast.” My son will now hold an advisory position on the council.”
“I’m sure you are all aware that my granddaughter, Rhaenyra, was named heir to the Iron Throne quite recently and for the moment I have decided to allow her to retain her position as Crown Princess . .”
Mellos’ outraged voice cut him off, “Your Grace! I’m afraid that the line of succession is quite clear. Your son, Viserys, is the natural heir after yourself. The Princess is fine to be in line after the King . . er Prince,” He faltered at the change in his son's title, “But it would be a mistake to skip over your eldest son, especially when he has experience already as King.” Mellos finished.
“I’m afraid, Grand Maester, that your approval was not my concern when I made my decision. From what I have heard and witnessed, my son’s experience as King is not as demonstrative of his abilities as you would like me to think. I have already expressed my disapproval for some of my son's decisions. One such dubious decision would be allowing you to retain your head much less your position after causing the death of my late good-daughter, Queen Aemma.” He spat harshly.
The Maester paled to a sickly gray that almost matched his robes but Baelon would not curb his speech, especially not when dealing with the man before him.
“Now as I was saying,” He shot the maester another baleful look, “Rhaenyra will remain as Crown Princess and if my son can prove himself capable of making improved decisions in the future we may revisit this topic.”
Baelon made sure to catch Daemon’s eye before he spoke next.
“The next announcement I would like to make is my decision to approve the annulment between my son Daemon and his wife Lady Rhea. The marriage has languished for several years with nothing to show for it and no sign that either party will ever view the other in a pleasing light. This is also a decision which I will broker no opposition,” He glared at Mellos who had felt brave enough to open his mouth once more.
“For the moment I would like each member of the small council to remain in their positions as a form of stability while we make the announcement of my return to the rest of Westeros. I thank you all for your service and look forward to working with you to ensure the country prospers for all its people.”
“I beg your pardon, Your Grace, but may I ask the reason for the Hands' absence from such an important meeting.” The Lannister man spoke.
“Forgive me ser for I do not know your name . . “ Baelon waited yet again for an introduction to an unknown face. He probably should have requested introductions at the beginning of the meeting but at the time he felt he knew many of the members and was eager to begin the meeting.
“I am Lord Tyland Lannister, Your Grace.” Lord Lannister gave a nod of his head which Baelon acknowledged with his own short nod.
“Lord Lannister, to answer your question Otto Hightower is currently a guest of the black cells. The shock at seeing my face again loosened the man's tongue and he unwittingly confessed to his part in my murder. His treason will be dealt with by myself as I was the injured party. Suffice it to say he will no longer be serving the realm in any capacity.” Baelon watched the shocked faces of all the men at the table. It was a relief to see genuine shock on so many faces although not surprising that Mello’s shock was decidedly artificial. The man championed for Otto so blatantly they were almost undoubtedly working together. At least the other members of the small council seemed sincere in their disbelief of Otto’s actions.
“Thank you all for your time. We will end the meeting here and I shall see you all tomorrow for the royal announcement.” Baelon decided that was plenty for today. He would allow the men to get their bearings for tomorrow would usher in the beginning of his reign.
The men all filed out of the room one by one until all who remained were what was left of the Targaryen royal family. The room was quiet for several moments before Viserys’ tentative voice broke the silence.
“What will happen to Otto?” Viserys asked.
Baelon frowned at the obvious concern in his son's voice. That he still cared for what happened to that man made Baelon lose his temper.
“Your friend admitted to orchestrating my death, my murder. He has manipulated you to turn your back on your family . . “ He could see Viesrys working himself up to protest so he held up a hand to save him further embarrassment. “Let me be clear, Viserys. Who was it that first fanned the flames of your distrust for your brother? Who was it that recommended Rhaenyra become your heir? Who was it that told you the realm would forgive a proper mourning period for the death of the Queen because you needed to have more children for the stability of the realm? Who was it that criticized Daemons every action on the small council until you felt he was too incompetent to hold his previous positions? Who was it that commanded your Kingsguards as though he himself were King and has obviously done so with some regularity based on their swift obedience and your lack of reaction? Who was it, Viserys? Hmmm? Who?” He waited for an answer from his son and yet none was forthcoming. Although he expected nothing else he was disappointed all the same. “Let me answer for you, Viserys. It was Otto. Otto seems to be the cause of much of our family's misfortunes and though I have no proof I would not be surprised if he were involved in even more than we know.”
Baelon gripped his hair harshly before forcing his fingers to relax lest he rip the strands from his head. Taking a few deep breaths he managed to calm himself enough to continue.
“Make no mistake, Otto will pay for his crimes with his death. We can only hope your wife was not complicit for I will not do you the honor of setting aside the marriage. I will however make it known here and now that even if you are reinstated as my heir any children you have by Alicent will never be in line for the throne. Rhaenyra will follow you and Daemon after her should she have no children. Also any child of yours will be forbidden from receiving a dragon egg or claiming a dragon later in life. I will not have the power and strength of our dragons fall into the hands of a Hightower. Any attempt or whisper to disregard this command will result in the immediate execution of all those involved.” Baelon finished with a huff. He would feel no guilt in his decree. It was obvious that Viserys could not be trusted, either on his own or left to the manipulations of others.
“Since I have returned all I have seen of you has been kinslaying, betrayal, dismissal, and disregard for your family. The Gods brought me back to save our family and at this point I cannot help but think it was to save them from you.” Viserys’ whole face crumbled but Baelon did not let himself be swayed. It was far too late for that.
“I have already spoken of my decision to keep Rhaenyra as Crown Princess and with your current behavior that is not likely to change. She will inherit the throne after me. You need to take a good long look at your life and your choices, Viserys, because you have only yourself to blame for your current state of affairs.” Baelon said with a wince. It was a difficult thing for a father to scold his grown son as if he were a child.
“It has been quite a day. I suggest we spend the remainder of it getting some rest because tomorrow . . the real work begins.”
~
The announcement of the Spring Prince’s return from the dead swept through Westeros like fire. Lords and Ladies flocked to King’s Landing to see the truth with their own eyes. While there were a few ambitious ladies who attempted to appeal to the King as a prospective Queen it was quickly apparent that the King had no intention of marrying. He spent his days serving the realm and under his guidance Westeros thrived. While there were a few loyal supporters who wished for Viserys’ return to power and thus their own influence they could find no others interested in joining their cause when the stark difference in prosperity between the reigns of the two Kings was made apparent so quickly.
King Baelon worked diligently to restore order and proper peace to the realm for while Viserys believed his reign to be as peaceful as his grandfather's it was in actuality only an illusion of peace. Otto had minimized and outright concealed many of the true issues the realm was facing and as a result Viserys was not thought of fondly by most of Westeros.
Viserys himself was not as interested in returning as King as one might expect. He enjoyed the advantages that came with the position but he had never truly ruled as a King and so his daily life was not much different than before. He still forgot from time to time that he was no longer King and Baelon could tell it grated on him to have to defer to someone else but Viserys had not proved himself and so he would remain in his diminished position. One such area he had shown no interest in reforming was his continued defense of Otto Hightower. Viserys had seemed genuinely upset that his old friend had been responsible for Baelon’s death but the fact that Baelon was now alive seemed to dissipate any anger he may have had. He still maintained that despite his crimes Otto’s service to Viserys and the realm had made up for any evils he may have committed. No one paid him any mind after he made that particular statement.
Otto’s fate was one that had never been up for debate. He would die for his crimes. Daemon suggested they let Otto remain in the black cells to suffer for all the pain he had caused but Baelon knew the risks associated with letting a snake such as he live for long. They would always find a way to slither out from under the rocks and the new King was not about to let that happen. Not long after his ascension as King, Baelon had the traitor marched out in front of the whole court and Vhagar had her revenge for the previous death of her rider. It seemed that the she dragon was angrier than Baelon about the crime committed against him. While Baelon still felt rage well inside him at the thought of such a man causing his death and the suffering of his family he had also been reunited with his family and so his anger was not as long lasting. Dragons on the other hand had long memories and they did not forget a slight against them. Vhagar enjoyed ripping the man to pieces until there was no discernable part of him that was human. She did not even deign to eat her prey as the man was not even worthy of that. They let the birds feast on his carcase, a fitting end for a snake.
Alicent had been distraught at the death of her father and unfortunately lost her babe as a consequence. The young woman became a shadow of her former self and although Viserys had married her so quickly there was obviously no love between them for he did not do much to console her. While Baelon did not particularly care for the young woman he was yet again disgusted by his son's lack of care for a wife. In a rare moment of mercy he had spoken to the girl and asked if she would like to remain married to his son.
Alicent sat quietly in the face of the King’s bold question. She did not speak for several moments before she tentatively raised her head to meet his eyes.
“I . . I do not . . I do not wish to remain married to him, Your Grace,” Alicent stuttered.
Baelon nodded. “I’m afraid the news of your pregnancy will make an annulment impossible but should you wish it I will grant you a divorce. It would mean a good deal of scandal and you would likely face ostracization from the nobles.” He felt the need to explain clearly what she would be facing.
Alicent merely nodded her head. “I understand . . I wish to go home,” She whispered.
Baelon felt some pity for the girl for she was still only a girl. It was obvious she had not desired the position she had been placed in. No doubt a casualty of another of Otto’s schemes and manipulations in order to get his blood on the throne and grasp more power. Baelon would grant them the divorce and then ensure she returned to Oldtown in peace.
When Viserys was informed of the divorce it was also with an added stipulation that he was forbidden from marrying again without express permission from the King.
While he remained frustrated with his oldest son Baelon noticed that with the death of Otto and the removal of Viserys as King his younger son seemed to flourish. Daemon excelled in his role as Commander of the City Watch and he made Baelon proud with how hard he worked to keep the city of King’s Landing safe for all those who lived within its limits. When he told Daemon as much he was shocked speechless for several minutes before he ducked his head to hide the sheen of tears shimmering in his eyes.
“I am, Daemon. I am so proud of you. You have stood by your family against adversities you never should have had to face and I could not be more proud of you.” His voice shook slightly as he was almost overwhelmed with emotion.
Daemon had fallen into his arms and soaked his tunic with his tears. Something had healed inside his son that day and he would spend the rest of his life walking with a lighter gait to his steps.
It was not long after Otto’s execution and Alicents departure that Baelon concluded Viserys should not become King upon his second passing. His son had done a poor job of being King and still showed signs of being easily swayed by those around him. More concerning was his inability to overcome previous prejudices like those against his own brother. Without Viserys’ notice Baelon had spoken separately to both Daemon and Rhaenyra and it was made obvious the two would be most pleased to wed but they knew Viserys would never approve. Baelon could only imagine the heartache they would have faced had he not been here to interceded on their behalf. Left to his own devises Viserys would have refused them, likely never to relent. It was a painful thing to imagine because the love they shared reminded him so much of his relationship with Alyssa and for a moment Baelon’s heart gave a lurch at the thought of his beloved. Oh the sweetest reward would be to spend an eternity with her. Although the pain was still crushing he did not allow himself to languish in grief for long as he knew his family needed him. Hopefully if he was successful in following the will of the Gods they would reward him by allowing him to be reunited with Alyssa in the afterlife.
After allowing Rhaenyra and Daemon to come together Baelon knew it was the best possible solution to the question of the succession. Rhaenyra would reign and Daemon would be her consort. When he finally decided to inform Viserys his decision to bypass his eldest was further cemented by his reaction.
“Daemon! Father, you can't!” Viserys exclaimed in horror. “He can’t be trusted, he will ruin the realm! He will destroy Rhaenyra!”
“Viserys!” Baelon said harshly to regain his son's focus.
Wide eyes stared back at him and it was such a reminder of his son in his youth he had to swallow hard to contain the emotion. How had his son fallen so far?
“Viserys, you are so blind, my son. You have been deceived by Otto for so long you can no longer see that which is in front of your eyes. Daemon is not the villain you make him out to be. He was your brother . . your brother who began to act out because it was the only way to receive any of your attention, even if it was negative. Daemon loves Rhaenyra just as she loves him. He will be a good consort and protector for her when she steps into her role as Queen. A role in which she will need a strong protector in order to deal with the more stubborn Lords. Make no mistake Rhaenyra is not weak by any means but she is young and she is a woman. Unfortunately there will be those who refuse to trust her until she proves herself and while I have no doubt she will do so admirably, Daemon’s presence will ensure she is treated with the respect she is owed.”
Baelon sighed heavily. It seemed his son was too far gone to see reason.
“Rhaenyra will wed Daemon and they will bring about the next generation of Targaryens.” Baelon straightened his back and lifted his chin. “I am sorry, son, that it has come to this but you left me with no choice. You will be free to remain here at the Keep with your family but you will never be King.” Baelon said as firmly but gently as he could.
Viserys looked miserable but he nodded absently as his shoulders dropped low. Baelon left the room to allow his son time to come to terms with the future of their family. It was time to move forward and Viserys was akin to an anchor holding them back. Baelon would always love his son but it was time to let Viserys feel the consequences of his actions.
King Baelon lived a long life and was able to see the birth of his many great-grandchildren. He doted on each one and was beloved by them all. Rhaenyra trained diligently to be his successor and proved to have a real aptitude for ruling. When her eldest son was old enough she insisted he join them during small council meetings so he too could learn what it meant to rule the Seven Kingdoms. It was a novelty to have three generations of Targaryens all on the council at once but Baelon relished the chance to spend time with his kin. Rhaenyra grew her reputation as a competent young woman and on the day she ascended as Queen most of the realm was assured of her suitability for the role she now held. Those who did not were swayed either by her continued success or by Daemon’s hand on Dark Sister.
When Baelon finally closed his eyes for the very last time he was rewarded with an image of his beloved Alyssa waiting for him at Balerion’s gates. His sister-wife smiled widely and welcomed him with open arms. It seemed he was to be rewarded for his actions and he could think of no better way to spend the afterlife.