Chapter 2: Kinslayer?

Otto Hightower 

The door to the chamber opened as a knight rushed inside.

A frown smeared my face, as the knight instantly knelt in front of the round table. He spoke in fast pants.

"Y-your highness, it is P-prince Baelon, he has fainted."

A worried expression came over Viserys's face. I shook my head, is this a new thing? The boy keeps fainting, it is time he dies so my blood can sit on the throne.

When will, Viserys understand a simple thing? It is for the better of the realm after all. In these trying times, the realm needs to look united and strong. A sickly prince can not keep the realm together.

Viserys glanced at me, he slowly stood up along with which we all did. He looked at each and one of us before speaking.

"The discussion is over, I have more pressing matters at hand."

Lord Corlys by the side interrupted his grace.

"-But my king, the triarchy."

Viserys snapped, displeased.

"Later Corlys."

Corlys backed a little and nodded, a little in dismay. A smirk formed on my face as he did so. 

"Shall we head towards the prince my grace?" Viserys looked at me and then the knight before nodding.

"Take me to Baelon."

~ 

I was a little shocked to find out that, Baelon had come to Aegon's room, the sickly prince managed to walk so far without collapsing... that was a feat in itself.

However, what made my blood run cold was the fact that Baelon had a dagger. This was relatively mysterious. Why did the young prince bring a dagger with him? Was it to kill his younger brother?

Did he wish to be hailed a kinslayer?

I did not know the answer, just making speculations would be offensive to the crown at least not without concrete proof but that was not going to stop me from subtly doing so.

I hope Allicent does not go crazy, she can become paranoid at times, a feat inherited by her mother... although it feels like these days she is trying to evade my influence.

My lips curled slightly. She is growing up, becoming a proper queen, and a proper player... very interesting development.

In the end, our roads lead to the same destination.

"Your grace, the prince had a dagger with him." For some reason, Viserys did not seem much troubled and instead nodded.

"I gave it to him."

Now this made shock plaster on my face, of course, I did not show it. Was it for safety? Or did it hold significance other? I examined the dagger that was now kept on the table previously. 

It was the same one that Viserys used to carry with him all the time and Baelon before him, I remember it being of Valyrian Steel. 

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Viserys in front was getting his own illness taken care of by the maesters as he sat in front of the fireplace, lounging back. A strange one indeed.

Whatever it may be. The Prince has to die. It seems I can not trust his illness enough or my own king that is too stubborn to do anything against him.

However, I am not the same. I must do this for the goodwill of the crown and the realm's safety. 

Prince Baelon must die. 

"Grand Maester Mellos. How is the prince's condition?"

Mellon looked at me as the leeches sucked Viserys's skin, making him whimper a little. When the two of us made eye contact, I knew everything was according to plan.

"Yes, it seems he forgot to take medicine but missing it has many repercussions, there is a possibility that he may never wake. We have given a round of treatments but all of us are unsure."

Viserys eyes widened as he then stared at the fireplace before closing them. The sound of the crackling, resounding near him. 

"The dream was clear as day..."

Viserys murmured. His eyes fluttered open slightly, staring at the flames dancing and causing sparks to fly up into the sky.

 

"Otto." He called out to me. I looked at my liege. The one who I served faithfully for so many years.

"Yes, your grace?"

"Do you see it? In the flames? My wife... my five children. Laughing and playing on Balerion's back as he flies over the Anogrian."

I glanced into the pyre of orange and red but to naught. Ramblings of a Targaryen, one can never know if their dreams are true or false but at least the magic in their veins is not a lie.

"I see them, Otto. They are waving back at me with Aemma asking me about Baelon. How tall has he become? Does he have a woman yet? How many tourneys has he won? Is his glory the same as in your dreams? However, the one question she keeps asking... Is Baelon healthy? Did I do my duty well?"

His hand lowered onto the armrest, as his orbs reflected the flickers.

"Tell me Otto... what should I say to her? I ended her life so our son could live... I ended her life for my selfish wish to see my son's glory."

Silence peered into the room like an uninvited guest. It felt as if all wind had been withdrawn from our lungs.

"I do not know, your grace."

Viserys was quiet.

"Do not think I am unaware of your ambitions, Otto."

Hmmm. I grimaced. None of us spoke again. Not me nor Mellos or the other maesters in the room.

It is never hard to manipulate Viserys but his stubbornness always pricks me back. After taking Daemon away, I thought it would be better... but the King seems to have become more paranoid of me although dependent. 

Mellos and I exchanged looks. I opened with the Queen's gambit and Viserys accepted it. The game must continue and end with a checkmate. 

*** 

A/N: Some stuff in the timeline and in general may be a little different to make plots in the story spicier. Hope all of you enjoyed this chapter.

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