The Silver Prophecy | House Of The Dragon

Chapter 15

King's Landing

The fire in the hearth burned low, casting the flicker of its embers upon the stone walls of the king’s private chambers. Shadows danced and twisted, much like the thoughts that troubled Viserys' mind.

He sat near the fire, fingers lightly gripping the stem of a half-full goblet, though the wine within had long been forgotten. His brow was furrowed, eyes distant, as if searching the flames for answers he feared might never come.

The door creaked open, and Otto Hightower entered quietly, his steps measured, his face composed as ever. Bowing slightly, he approached the king, his gaze cautious, as if he sensed the weight of the matters that lay before them,

"Your Grace," Otto began, his voice calm, "You summoned me?"

Viserys’ eyes remained fixed on the fire for a moment longer before he turned to regard his Hand. The king looked wearied, as though the burdens of the realm had grown heavier in recent days, "Yes, Otto. Sit. I need.. counsel,"

Otto, ever the picture of restraint, took the offered seat with a nod, folding his hands in his lap as he waited for Viserys to speak. He said nothing, allowing the king the space to unburden himself,

Viserys sighed, the sound heavy with a sorrow that had lingered too long in his heart, "It is Aelanna who weighs upon me," He began, his voice thick with emotion, "My sister’s child.. my blood. She has returned to us from the North, and with her, the shadows of grief. Daella's death, Rickon's madness.. I look at her and I see all that was lost,"

Otto’s expression remained neutral, but his eyes gleamed with quiet interest, "The Lady Aelanna has borne much for one so young," He said in a tone as measured as a healer diagnosing a wound, "The loss of her mother, the strain of her father’s affliction.. it is no wonder you are concerned for her, Your Grace,"

"Concerned?" Viserys shook his head, his voice thickening, "She is adrift, Otto. She has known nothing but turmoil, and yet, she stands proud. But I fear for her, I promised to myself that I would look after Aelanna, that I would be the father she lost. But how can I truly care for her, when I barely know the path myself?"

He turned his gaze to Otto, a mixture of frustration and helplessness etched into his features, "I want her to find peace, Otto. To know happiness.. how does one maneuvers on a girl of fifteen who has endured far too much?"

Otto paused, as though weighing his words with the care of one handling fine glass, "Your Grace, it is the duty of an uncle—and a king—to ensure that Lady Aelanna’s future is secured. Her safety, her joy.. these are matters of great import. But you are wise to understand that such matters are rarely found in simple comforts. Aelanna, as you have said, is no ordinary girl. She is both Targaryen and Stark, a child of two great houses, with a strength that commands the attention of all. Such a jewel cannot go unnoticed,"

Viserys looked at him, the lines of his face deepening, "You speak as if she is a prize to be claimed,"

"Not a prize, Your Grace," Otto replied smoothly, "But a beacon. Her dragons alone make her a figure of great influence. The realm whispers of them, speaks of her with admiration—and ambition. There are many who would seek to attach themselves to such power,"

Viserys frowned, clearly troubled by the thought, "That is what I fear. That she will become.. a pawn, swept up in the ambitions of others,"