Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast.
Viserys followed behind Aegon. Although today's grand court meeting had concluded smoothly and without incident, Viserys still felt it necessary to discuss the issues that had surfaced during the session with his elder brother.
He couldn't believe that Aegon hadn't noticed—those nobles who had sworn fealty in the throne room. Their gazes were less focused on Aegon seated on the Iron Throne and more on Draezell, who stood solemnly beside the jagged blades of the throne, his hand resting on his sword. At least in Viserys' eyes, Draezell, dressed in purple robes and wearing a bronze crown, looked more like a king than Aegon did.
"Viserys, I know what you want to say to me," Aegon said, shaking his head as he noticed his brother approaching. When he sat on that particularly uncomfortable iron chair, he had already anticipated that Viserys would come to him after the grand court meeting to discuss matters of royal authority once again.
He understood his brother's concerns and believed they were valid, but he also thought Viserys was making a mountain out of a molehill. Given the current ruling structure of the kingdom, House Vaelarys, as a great noble house ruling over vast territories, enjoyed far more comfort than sitting on that dangerous iron throne as king. Moreover, regarding Draezell's attitude toward the Iron Throne, Aegon was confident that even if he harbored ambitions for royal power, he would not achieve them through usurpation or rebellion.
Since there was no risk of a dynastic overthrow, what harm was there in allowing the Vaelarys family to hold a portion of power? After all, Draezell would only serve as Hand for five years. After that, Aegon could continue down the path of governance that Draezell had laid out for him, while simultaneously cultivating his own faction.
"Your Grace..."
"Enough," Aegon shook his head. "I understand perfectly. We've followed Uncle Draezell for many years and watched Rhaegor grow up. We know them better than anyone, Viserys. Do you really think they would overthrow the dynasty?"
Viserys sighed inwardly. He had expected his brother to say this. Indeed, neither Draezell nor Rhaegor would stoop to overthrowing the dynasty. But what about their descendants? The Vaelarys family had already surpassed the Targaryens in every way. The other great nobles were not blind; they knew how to secure the greatest benefits for themselves.
The chaos of a dynastic overthrow could also serve as a ladder for ascension.
Could the descendants of House Targaryen truly suppress the descendants of House Vaelarys?
Viserys wasn't sure they could.
"Besides, Uncle Draezell has allowed our children to go to Dragon's Nest to tame Vermax when they come of age, rather than claiming it for himself," Aegon continued. "This proves that he still supports the house's rule."
The issue of Vermax was a serious one. As the dragon of the late king, it had refused to return to King's Landing with the main force. Even after Stormcloud roared beside its nest for a long time, Vermax remained unmoved. In the end, they had no choice but to leave Vermax at Dragon's Nest.
This raised the question: to whom did Vermax belong? Was it a dragon of House Vaelarys or House Targaryen? Although the Vaelarys currently had more dragons than family members, what about the future? Diana had already proven her fertility, having given birth to three healthy children while remaining in good health and without significant physical changes. In the foreseeable future, the women of House Vaelarys would continue to bear descendants.
They would need dragons too.
Given this foreseeable future, the fact that Draezell was willing to allow House Targaryen to reclaim Vermax was, in Aegon's eyes, sufficient proof that at least during Draezell and Rhaegor's tenure, there would be no risk of the scenario Viserys feared.
"So, let's not discuss this any further," Aegon said with a smile. "There are many matters of the kingdom awaiting us. The renovation of King's Landing must continue, the royal fleet still needs to be rebuilt, and according to plan, we must establish a royal cavalry under the White Sword Tower. Viserys, these are the more pressing matters at hand."
Viserys looked at his brother's smiling face and could only nod helplessly. He watched as Aegon cheerfully walked toward the royal chambers, leaving the prince alone at the edge of the corridor, quietly observing the passing servants and nobles.
Viserys could feel the respect these people had for him, but he also knew that this respect was fundamentally rooted in the power of House Targaryen. If they were facing Draezell or Rhaegor, they would show the same respect.
Not for royal authority.
Viserys closed his eyes and began to ponder how to break this deadlock.
It is now fundamentally impossible to curb the rise of House Vaelarys, unless they are willing to internally divide themselves through partitioning, leading to internal fragmentation. However, it is clear that they have not done so. The core members of House Vaelarys primarily reside in Dragon's Nest, and each holds a nominal fiefdom. For example, Valar's title is Governor of Silvercrown, and a portion of the taxes from Silvercrown and its surrounding territories serve as his annuity. Similarly, Rey's title is Governor of Summerfield, and a share of the city's taxes from Summerfield is allocated to him as his annuity.
This political model, which traditional Westerosi nobility would never accept, has been sustained within House Vaelarys due to Draezell's absolute authority. Moreover, unlike House Targaryen, which directly controls very little land, House Vaelarys possesses vast territories under its direct rule. These lands are either inhabited by nomadic Dothraki or consist of Silverblood Army estates where the male population is often away on military service. House Vaelarys could easily establish new towns on these lands and collect taxes—or, without even building new towns, simply draw annuities from Dragon's Nest's treasury to support future cadet branches.
Internal fragmentation is unlikely, at least while Draezell and Rhaegor are alive. As for external threats...
By the Seven Hells, what forces are left that could pose an external threat to House Vaelarys?
The Reach and the Stormlands have both lost significant portions of their territories. While House Tyrell has rid itself of the threat from House Hightower, there are still House Rowan and House Florent, both of which feasted on House Hightower's losses during the Dance of the Dragons. House Rowan, in particular, has risen to prominence in the Reach, having replaced House Hightower's former position thanks to their distinguished military achievements. However, for some reason, Lord Thaddeus Rowan seems to get along surprisingly well with House Tyrell, which raises suspicions.
As for the Stormlands, having lost most of the Marches, they have effectively lost their primary source of fierce warriors. House Baratheon also suffered heavy losses during the Dance of the Dragons. Even if they had the will to cause trouble, they lack the capability—especially with Argo's khalasar roaming the border.
Only the Seven know what they are truly planning.
As for the two Princes of Dorne?
House Martell's backbone has been broken. They are now solely focused on ensuring that Princess Aliandra quickly bears an heir with dragonblood for Joffrey Velaryon.
Viserys felt he should write a letter to his third brother, warning him to be cautious of the Dornish attempting to tame dragons.
The ambitious but incompetent Prince of House Dayne suddenly died, and his successor, Quentyn, is entirely devoted to his sister, Obara Dayne, who has never hidden her close ties to House Vaelarys.
By the Seven, does this mean we can only rely on ourselves now?
Viserys pondered deeply and eventually realized that the key to breaking this deadlock might lie with him.
Samantha is still young and will need several more years before she can bear an heir for his brother.
But his wife, Larra...
Viserys let out a long sigh. To restore House Targaryen's strength, a flourishing family line is essential. What House Targaryen lacks most now is dragonriders.
It seems it truly falls on them...
Viserys made up his mind and turned toward the bedroom he shared with Larra.