The year 120 AC was destined to be a year full of tragedy.
Laena's passing was the first tragedy of the one hundred and twentieth year of the Conquest, but far from the last.
The lingering tension and mutual suspicion that had long haunted the Seven Kingdoms finally bore bitter fruit, bringing unspeakable grief and heartbreaking pain to many.
And the most pained were none other than Count Corlys, the "Sea Snake," and his noble lady, Princess Rhaenys, the "Queen Who Never Was."
Before Viserys could find a suitable opportunity to discuss changing the marriage alliance with Alicent and Corlys, tragedies occurred one after another.
Shortly after Laena's death, while Corlys, the "Lord of the Tides," and his lady Rhaenys were still mourning their beloved daughter, the Stranger took their son.
Ser Laenor was murdered in the market of Spicetown.
He was stabbed to death by his companion, Ser Cole Quarry. When Corlys rushed to collect his son's body, merchants in the market testified that the two had a fierce argument before coming to blows.
Cole fled afterwards, injuring many who tried to stop him along the way.
Some said a ship was waiting for him at sea, but regardless, Cole vanished without a trace from then on.
There were many theories about the truth of Ser Laenor Velaryon's death, but the most widely circulated was that Prince Daemon hired someone to kill him and then eliminated Cole.
Corlys offered a reward of ten thousand gold dragons for any clue about Cole, but ultimately found nothing.
And this was only the second tragedy of the dreadful events.
The last tragedy was even related to Viserys himself.
After attending Laenor's funeral, Viserys, uncharacteristically, did not return to King's Landing but stayed temporarily on Driftmark, comforting Corlys and Rhaenys daily.
It wasn't until the last day of that month that Viserys hosted a banquet and invited all blood relatives, including Daemon.
"We possess the ancient bloodline of the Dragon Kings, fearing no external enemy. The only thing that can destroy us is internal strife among blood relatives!"
Viserys raised his cup, and everyone looked at him.
Aegon thought Viserys was going to repeat his usual theory of unity, but the result greatly exceeded his expectations!
"I think it's necessary for us to make a change, so I propose for Helena to marry Jacaerys, and then for Aegon to wed Baela. What do you think?"
As soon as Viserys finished speaking, everyone present's expression changed dramatically.
Especially Alicent, who rejected Viserys's proposal without even thinking.
"This is too crazy, I absolutely disagree!" Alicent's face was cold. "I will never allow Helena to marry someone who... 'cannot control himself.'"
Helena, on the other hand, looked nervous, her hand under the table tightly gripping Aegon's large hand, even to the point of her knuckles turning white.
Aegon gently rubbed Helena's soft little hand, his eyes signaling that she shouldn't worry.
Alicent looked at Rhaenyra and Corlys.
The former remained silent, looking at Viserys, while the latter's eyes flickered, clearly hesitating.
"It is all up to Father's arrangement."
Rhaenyra spoke first.
Previously, she held an absolute advantage in the number of Dragons.
Especially in 118 AC, at that time, she had eight Dragons behind her: Syrax, Seasmoke, Meleys, Vhagar, Vermax, Arrax, Tyraxes, and Moondancer.
But now it was different.
Vhagar was tamed by the Greens, Seasmoke lost its rider, and she directly lost two Dragonriders!
Moreover, Syrax had no combat experience, and Dragons like Vermax were too young. For a time, the only Dragon capable of fighting was Meleys!
Coupled with Aegon's increasingly high reputation throughout the Seven Kingdoms in recent years, it had already suffocated her!
So she urgently needed a way to break the deadlock!
If Jacaerys could marry Helena and Baela marry Aegon.
Then she could not only breathe a sigh of relief but also have a chance to avoid a potential future civil war!
Viserys looked at Corlys, seeing his eyes flickering non-stop.
Baela was Corlys's granddaughter and listened more to Corlys, Daemon's words were not as effective.
Therefore, this matter did not require Daemon's approval, only Corlys's agreement.
Corlys was also very conflicted at this time, however, he quickly made a decision in his heart.
"The marriage between Jacaerys and Baela was already settled long ago. Isn't it a bit inappropriate to go back on it now?"
After all, as the host, Corlys politely refused Viserys's proposal.
He knew very well in his heart that Jacaerys did not have the bloodline of House Velaryon.
Although he valued the surname more than the bloodline.
But if there was an opportunity for the bloodline to flow back, he would not miss it!
After all, Baela was Laena's biological daughter.
As long as Jacaerys, Lucerys, Baela, and Rhaena successfully married.
Then the Iron Throne and the Driftwood Throne would both have Velaryon bloodline!
But if Jacaerys were to marry Helena, then the Iron Throne would only have Targaryen and Hightower bloodlines.
There would even be Strong bloodline, which was something he absolutely could not accept!
Viserys, however, was still unwilling to give up.
"Why is it inappropriate?" He frowned tightly. "Just by swapping the marriage partners, we can become more united. Isn't that good?"
"Not good at all!" Alicent gritted her teeth. "You can't always favor her. Isn't Helena your daughter too?"
"How am I favoring her?"
Viserys couldn't help but raise his voice.
"Helena's status is as noble as Jacaerys's, and Jacaerys is the heir to the Iron Throne. Where do you say I am favoring her?"
Alicent looked at Viserys in disbelief, asking word by word, "Do you really not know what I'm talking about? Haven't you lied to yourself enough?"
Although Viserys's face was terrifyingly grim, he still composed himself and advised in a gentle tone:
"I don't know what you're talking about. Jacaerys is completely worthy of Helena. As for affection, it can be cultivated later, can't it?"
Alicent took a deep breath, completely disappointed with Viserys.
Thinking of how Viserys repeatedly said he felt guilty towards Aegon, she couldn't help but find it ridiculous.
Perhaps feeling guilty towards Aegon was true, but the instinctive, subconscious favoritism towards Rhaenyra was also not false!
Alicent exchanged a glance with Aegon, took a deep breath, and sat back in her chair.
"I don't care anymore!"
Seeing this, Viserys smiled knowingly, thinking that Alicent had made a concession, and then looked at Corlys.
"Your Grace, the betrothal has already been set, and you even sent your blessings at that time!"
Corlys's expression was very firm, showing his unwillingness to yield.
"But they haven't gotten married yet, have they?"
Seeing success within reach, Viserys was determined to give it his all, even abandoning his dignity.
"When Jacaerys and Helena are betrothed, I will also personally send my blessings!"
Hearing this, Corlys wanted to say something more, but Viserys directly interrupted him.
Facing House Velaryon, who had lost Vhagar and Seasmoke, his attitude was very firm.
One should know that the current rider of Vhagar was Aemond.
Aemond listened most to Aegon, and Aegon listened most to him.
He could not, and did not need to, back down. He had to change the current situation today!
"This matter is settled, Corlys. I hope you understand that this is not a discussion with you, but a King's edict..."
Bang—
Viserys's last word was cut off by the sound of a heavy wine cup being slammed onto the table.
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