Childhood Games
Chapter 2: Childhood Games
The atmosphere in the king’s solar was tense, as Alicent Hightower stood across from her husband, King Viserys. Her eyes were filled with quiet urgency, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as she pressed her case.
“Viserys, we cannot ignore what has happened. Daeron is the youngest of our children, and he is already becoming a symbol of our house’s future. Sending him to Oldtown, to my family’s seat, would allow him to grow under the Starry Sept’s guidance. He would be well protected and surrounded by piety and tradition.”
Viserys sighed heavily, rubbing his brow. “Alicent, I understand your concern for our son. But it was just a child’s game that ended poorly.”
“Perhaps,” Alicent replied, her voice soft but firm, “but the boy was caught in the midst of it, and the blame, however misplaced, has fallen upon him. If we send him to Oldtown, away from the tensions here in King’s Landing, it could prevent future incidents. My family can offer him safety and a place to learn, without being under constant scrutiny.”
Viserys leaned back, considering her words, though doubt lingered in his eyes. “Rhaenyra will not be pleased with this. She’s furious, Alicent. She doesn’t see Daeron’s role in this the way you do. She just wants to be rid of the boy she holds responsible.”
“I know she’s angry,” Alicent said, her tone hardening slightly, “but Daeron must be sent somewhere, away from this discord. Oldtown is the best place for him.”
Viserys nodded slowly, though his thoughts seemed elsewhere. “I will think on it.”
Alicent inclined her head, a slight smile playing on her lips as she left the room, leaving Viserys to ponder his decision. The king remained seated, gazing out over the city, unaware of the deeper currents swirling beneath the surface of his court.
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In the quiet of his chambers, Lucerys Velaryon sat propped up in bed, his mind working through the fragments of memory and Draco’s voice guiding his thoughts. He felt different—more aware, more calculating. Draco’s influence wasn’t just a presence; it was a tool he could use.
His father, Laenor Velaryon, entered the room, the weight of worry still etched into his face. He sat beside his son, looking him over with a mix of concern and relief.
“How are you feeling today, Lucerys?” Laenor asked, his tone warm, but his eyes betrayed the heaviness of the situation.
“I’m better, Father,” Lucerys replied. “I’m ready to leave King’s Landing. It’s not safe here.”
Laenor’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. “You feel that way too?”
Lucerys nodded. “Dragonstone will be safer. We can trust the people there.”
Laenor’s lips tightened into a thin smile. “Your mother feels the same. She’s spoken to the king about moving us back to Dragonstone. It will give us the space we need.”
“I want to go,” Lucerys said firmly. “It’s better for all of us.”
Laenor regarded him with quiet pride. “You’re growing up quickly, Lucerys. You see things that most boys your age would not.”
Lucerys lowered his gaze, hiding the flicker of Draco’s influence that made him see the situation with such clarity. “We have to be strong, Father.”
“We do,” Laenor agreed, nodding. “And we will be. I’m writing to my parents about the incident and the move. We’ll need their support.”
Lucerys smiled slightly. “I hope Grandmother and Grandfather will help.”
“They will,” Laenor affirmed, standing up to leave. “Rest now. The king will visit soon.”
Lucerys nodded, watching his father go. He had grown accustomed to these moments of solitude where Draco’s thoughts bled into his own. He understood more than he let on, and soon, he would need to act on that knowledge.
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Later that day, King Viserys entered Lucerys’ room, his gait slow, a weary but affectionate expression on his face. He sat beside his grandson, his expression tender.
“Lucerys, my boy,” Viserys greeted, reaching out to brush the boy’s hair from his face. “You’ve been through a terrible ordeal, but you’re strong—just like your mother.”
Lucerys offered a small smile, playing the part of the innocent child. “Thank you, Grandsire.”
Viserys sighed deeply, the lines of his face betraying his weariness. “I’ve spoken with your mother and father. They believe it’s best to move to Dragonstone for now. I don’t want to lose you from the court, but your safety is what matters most.”
Lucerys nodded slowly. “I think that’s best too.”
Viserys’ gaze softened. “Rhaenyra is angry… She blames Daeron for what happened.”
Lucerys frowned slightly, Draco’s thoughts whispering through his mind. He knew Daeron was innocent, but this was an opportunity. “What will happen to Daeron, Grandsire?”
Viserys let out a tired sigh. “The queen has suggested Oldtown… The Hightowers would watch over him, and he’d be close to the Starry Sept. But I haven’t made my decision yet.”
Lucerys hesitated, then spoke with careful innocence. “Grandsire… if Daeron goes to Oldtown, he’ll be so far away. But… what if he went to the Celtigars? They’re close to Dragonstone. Maybe it would help us all to be closer.”
Viserys’ eyebrows rose in surprise at the suggestion. “The Celtigars?”
Lucerys nodded, his voice soft and thoughtful. “They’re loyal, and Daeron wouldn’t be far from us. It might help bring us together, like a family again.”
Viserys seemed to mull over the idea, his weariness making him susceptible to the boy’s reasoning. “You’ve grown so wise for your age, Lucerys,” he said, smiling. “Perhaps there’s truth in what you say.”
Lucerys smiled, Draco’s influence guiding his words. “I just want us all to be a family.”
Viserys chuckled softly and patted Lucerys’ shoulder. “I’ll consider it. It may be the right choice after all.”
As the king stood and prepared to leave, Lucerys felt a flicker of triumph. By subtly steering Viserys, he had positioned Daeron where he could be kept under watch, a useful piece in the larger game that was unfolding around them.
As the door closed behind Viserys, Lucerys allowed himself to relax. Draco’s thoughts swirled within him, pleased at how easily the conversation had gone. The king remained blind to the deeper political maneuvering at play, but Lucerys wasn’t. The game had only just begun, and with each move, he would strengthen his position and protect his family.