Chapter 36
Kaelen stepped into the Red Keep's small council chamber. The room felt enclosed, a stark contrast to the vast, open spaces of his own imperial palaces. Yet, Kaelen moved with an ancient, quiet authority that filled the space, a presence that was simply inherent, not asserted. His silver-gold hair seemed to catch what little light there was, and behind him, Aerion walked with a strong, watchful air.
King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne of Westeros rose as Kaelen approached the table. They were monarchs of a powerful house and realm, and they met Kaelen as equals, ruler to ruler. Once Kaelen took his seat, they settled into theirs. Princess Viserra was already there, beside her parents, her gaze steady and direct when it met Kaelen's. She was young, her life a mere flicker in Kaelen's extended existence, but he recognized a quiet strength in her.
"We are here to formalize the terms of this union," Kaelen began, his voice calm and clear, carrying the weight of centuries of rule. "My son, Aerion, will marry Princess Viserra Targaryen. This alliance, as we have discussed, promises significant mutual benefit to both our great peoples."
Jaehaerys nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Indeed, Your Imperial Majesty. House Targaryen and all of Westeros recognize the immense strength this alliance can bring. We believe this union will secure peace and prosperity for our respective realms for generations to come." He spoke with the measured authority of a seasoned king.
Alysanne, ever the watchful mother, placed a reassuring hand on Viserra's arm. "Our deepest hope," she said, her voice soft but firm, "is for Viserra's happiness, and that she finds her rightful place in her new home, so far from her own."
Kaelen turned his gaze to Viserra. "Princess," he addressed her, his words an invitation for her personal acceptance. "You are aware of the proposed terms. You understand what this match entails. Do you have any objections?"
Viserra's chin lifted slightly, a subtle sign of her inner resolve. "No, Your Imperial Majesty," she answered, her voice steady. "I understand my duty. I accept." There was no overt joy, but also no visible fear, only a profound sense of responsibility.
Aerion then spoke, his voice low but clear, his eyes on Viserra. "Princess Viserra is a worthy match. She is brave and carries herself with grace." Kaelen observed that Aerion saw beyond just the political arrangement, recognizing Viserra as an individual. This pleased him. Aerion, too, understood his own long-term duties. He was the Crown Prince, destined to rule for many centuries, but not soon. His father was the Emperor, Kaelen himself, who had lived for at least four centuries, his magic extending his life far beyond human understanding. Viserra would be a Princess, consort to the Crown Prince, never an Empress, as the throne would not pass to Aerion in her lifetime, nor likely her children's, nor even their children's. This was the enduring reality of their union.
Kaelen leaned back, observing the human monarchs across the table. For him, this marriage was a matter of crucial statecraft, carefully weighed and balanced. He sought to ensure the continued strength of dragon bonds within his Empire's future generations. He already possessed dragons, powerful gifts from Balearys, and his own late wife had been from that ancient lineage, ensuring his direct line maintained that vital connection. However, he had promised his other children they would not be compelled into political marriages solely for the sake of securing dragon riders, unlike the traditions often seen among the Targaryens and other Valyrian houses. He held a strong aversion to incest for such gains within his long-lived, magic-infused line, fearing the unforeseen and potentially detrimental consequences over many centuries. As fate, or perhaps a fortunate alignment, would have it, his son Aerion had found genuine affection for Princess Viserra. This was a perfect confluence: Aerion would gain love, and the Empire would secure the continuation of strong dragon bonds through this alliance. This unexpected positive outcome meant the strategic marriage dilemma for his other children was resolved. They would now be free to choose their own partners, just as his eldest son had achieved both personal happiness and dynastic advantage. In return, Westeros would gain substantial wealth and privileged access to the advanced knowledge and unique resources of the Silvanor Empire. It was a precise, mutually beneficial exchange. The Targaryens offered the rare gift of dragon kinship; the Silvanor Empire offered its vast resources and ancient wisdom.
"Regarding the specific terms of this alliance," Kaelen continued, his voice maintaining its steady, authoritative tone, "we propose two key conditions for your consideration and agreement. Firstly, the children born of this union will follow the established tradition of their father's house and be known by the Silvanor line. They will be heirs to my Empire, carrying Aerion's name and blood."
Jaehaerys considered this for a moment. It was common practice for children to take their father's name, and Viserra was not the heir to the Iron Throne, so this point was not a source of contention for House Targaryen. He gave a firm nod. "It is understood, Your Imperial Majesty. They will indeed carry the Silvanor name. We concur with this."
"Secondly," Kaelen proceeded, "it is our expectation that the marriage ceremony will take place in the Silvanor Empire. Aerion is the Crown Prince of our realm. It is fitting that this union, marking such a significant alliance, be celebrated in our capital, reflecting the importance of his station and the scale of this new bond."
Jaehaerys and Alysanne exchanged a brief glance. A royal wedding far from King's Landing was not the usual custom for a Targaryen princess. It meant their daughter would be married in an unknown land, under different, perhaps awe-inspiring, traditions. Yet, it was also a clear acknowledgement of the Silvanor Empire's equally grand and ancient stature.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Jaehaerys said, his tone still respectful but carefully firm, "our own traditions typically honor such monumental unions in King's Landing. It would be a grand spectacle for our people, symbolizing the strength of our new bond throughout Westeros." He presented his case, advocating for his realm's customs.
Kaelen met his gaze, his expression unyielding. "The strength of our bond will be self-evident through its very formation, King Jaehaerys. The wedding in the Silvanor Empire is how this union will be formalized. This is our expectation for a union of our two great houses." His tone was definitive, a statement of resolve from one sovereign to another, not a demand.
Jaehaerys held Kaelen's gaze for a long moment, assessing the unwavering stance of the emperor. He understood: the Silvanor Empire, though an ally, was an ancient power with its own profound customs and pride, and this was their established way. He gave a slow, deliberate nod. "Very well, Your Imperial Majesty. We agree to the wedding taking place in your capital."
Alysanne, her concern for Viserra ever present, watched her daughter. Viserra remained still, her face showing little, a quiet acceptance already settling upon her.
"Finally," Kaelen moved to the last proposed term, "the dowry for this marriage will be one million gold dragons. And a new, comprehensive trade agreement will be established between our lands. This agreement will ensure a steady and prosperous flow of goods, invaluable resources, and advanced knowledge, truly benefiting both our economies."
Jaehaerys's eyes widened at the mention of the gold. A million gold dragons was an astronomical sum, far beyond any dowry ever given in Westeros, capable of strengthening his kingdom for generations. The trade agreement was equally valuable, promising immense wealth and privileged access to the advanced goods and unique resources of the Silvanor Empire.
"This is... remarkably generous, Your Imperial Majesty," Jaehaerys said, genuine awe and gratitude in his voice. "Westeros is deeply appreciative of such terms."
Kaelen gave a subtle, almost imperceptible nod. "Generosity" was a human term. For him, it was a precise, strategic investment. He was offering substantial wealth and resources to gain something he valued immensely: the continued, strong dragon-bonding ability for his empire's future through Aerion's lineage, achieved in a way that aligned with his family values. He reflected on his own long life, spanning four hundred years and more, seeing human generations pass by quickly. His family, made longer-lived by potent magic, lived even longer than the High Elves, who could endure over three thousand years without magic. Aerion, his Crown Prince, would not ascend to Emperor anytime soon; Kaelen expected to rule for many more centuries. Aerion would be a Crown Prince for an incredibly long time. Viserra, as his wife, would be a Princess of the Silvanor Empire, never an Empress.
This was the carefully considered reason for this marriage. His direct family, blessed by magic and long life, already had dragon bonds. He did not want to risk forcing incestuous marriages among his own kin simply to maintain those dragon bonds, especially given their incredibly extended lifespans. Such close breeding, over vast stretches of time, could lead to unforeseen problems, potentially weakening the very magic he sought to protect. Viserra, a human, would die of old age, as all humans did. Her life would be a brief, vibrant moment in Aerion's long existence. But her children, his grandchildren, would carry both Silvanor and Targaryen blood, and hopefully, the ability to bond with dragons without compromising the integrity of his own ancient family's unique bloodline. This was a calculated choice, strengthened by the unexpected gift of love.
"The terms are clear then," Kaelen stated, bringing the meeting to its close. He looked from Jaehaerys to Alysanne, then finally to Viserra. "The alliance is agreed upon. Princess Viserra will travel to the Silvanor Empire for the marriage ceremony."
Jaehaerys stood again, offering a respectful nod of agreement. "We concur, Your Imperial Majesty. Westeros will honor this alliance fully."
Alysanne embraced Viserra tightly, a silent farewell already beginning in her heart.
Kaelen rose from the table. "Good. The arrangements for her journey will begin at once." He looked at Aerion. "Prepare for your return, my son. Your bride will follow."
Aerion nodded. "Yes, Father."
The meeting concluded. The future of two distinct and powerful empires, one ancient and long-lived, the other vital and fiery, was now interwoven through a strategic and mutually beneficial alliance. Kaelen had secured his goals: a strong partnership, the continuation of vital dragon ties through his beloved son's lineage, and the freedom for his other children's futures. His word carried immense weight within his own realm, and his vision for his Empire stretched across many centuries, a foresight understood and now joined by the equally proud rulers of Westeros.