House of The Dragon-The Beauty, The Bold, And The Black Dread

(Baelon's POV)

"Your Grace, I beg of you." Lord Blackwood said as he knelt down, "My Daughter, my Family knew not of this treason…"

I was walking inside the Throne Room when I saw the majority of those that represented House Blackwood and House Strong had been gathered.

The King was giving him an angry scowl, clenching his fists as he leaned forward.

"Your Nephew, Willem, conspired to have my Son poisoned." Father said angrily, "I ought to have his head on a pike by now!!"

"I understand." Lord Blackwood said, "But please, my daughter had nothing to do with this. She does not deserve to be punished nor does the wedding need to be canceled."

I walked past the crowd, saying nothing. I merely watched as they all parted away to let me through. I felt Otto's gaze as I walked past Lord Blackwood and onto the steps, making my way next to Father on the throne.

"We're interrogating him." I whispered as I turned around to face the crowd, "He is but a pawn."

Father glanced at me, "Still a traitor." He whispered back

I nodded and looked at Lord Blackwood, "My Lord…." i said, "Look at me."

He looked at me, a mixture of shame and fear was noticeable in his eyes.

"M-My Prince…I would never think of conspiring against you or your Family." He said, "As I was telling His Grace, my nephew acted on his own accord!"

I let out an exhale, "My Lord…" i said before shaking my head, "You have me stumped. What am I to do?"

"On his wedding day….on my daughter's wedding day!" Father said, "I cannot have this!"

I glanced to the side, seeing that Otto was awfully quiet. Something told me he had something in mind and I needed to know what it was. I don't know who was scheming what and it was beginning to frustrate me. On the day where my dear Helaena smiled the brightest they pulled this shit.

"The King's Sword…." Father continued, "I think its fitting that you do something about it, Baelon."

I looked at him, there was anger in his eyes. I knew what he wanted me to do.

"Blood needs to be shed, someone has to answer for the crimes of Willem Blackwood." I nodded

I placed my hand on Blackfyre's handle and took a step forward.

"If I may, Your Grace." Otto spoke up, "Should more death paint this day, I fear what the gods might have."

I looked at him, "What?"

"It is the day you got married, My Prince. Not just you, but the Princess Heleana.." He said, "One death should suffice."

"Then what does the Lord-Hand suggest?" I said with a scowl

"Willem Blackwood should be executed for his crimes. But not today." Otto said, "But the Lord of his house should answer for his crimes. Lord Blackwood should take the Black, as should Lord Strong if his son is truly a part of this conspiracy."

"Very well." Father said, "I can work with that. The gods smile upon you, Lord Blackwood. But not on your Nephew. Your House will be spared, so long as you take the Black."

I saw as the Lord bowed his head, "Thank you, Your Grace." He said, "W-What of my daughter?"

"She will still marry my son." Father said, "But if we find out she may have had something with this, I am afraid I will not guarantee her safety."

"No, of course not…" Lord Blackwood said as he looked at me, "My Prince?"

"The King has spoken." I said, "That is your punishment.

*******

"He did not say much." Larys said as he sat down slowly, "But that my Brother is in fact someone that is involved."

"Is that so?" I said

"I know who the true culprit is. But it is proof that I need to get his head on a platter." He said, "That will be difficult to do."

We were in my chambers, everything had already died down to the point where it was quiet. House Velaryon was in mourning yet eager to get vengeance. Fortunately the new Lord was immediately calmed down by Father. Laenor wanted to burn Willem with his dragon. As did Rhaenys.

I looked at Larys, who leaned on his cane, "How should I trust you?" I asked him

He raised an eyebrow, "My Prince?"

"Its all too convenient." I told him, "Aiding me so you can get my favor, eliminating your Father and Brother in one fell swoop so you can be the next Lord of Harrenhal."

He chuckled, "I expected to be Heir, not the next Lord." He said, "My Brother committed a crime. A crime that is punishable by death; conspiracy to assassinate the Crown Prince. My Father taking the Black is for the best. After all, he is responsible. And your Father is merciful. He did spare two houses."

"Why Corlys?" I asked him

"To have the Velaryons on your side." He told me, "Make them point their ire towards an enemy that is about to die. Someone that won't trigger something bigger than this."

I narrowed my eyes, "What are you…."

"If you were to be killed, what then?" He asked me, "Yes, Balerion will be riderless. But what guarantee is there that someone would successfully claim him? That said, your death would have sidelined the Black Dread and started a War. A war between Dragons."

I frowned, "What?"

"Vhagar would be the next major power and who has her? Your younger brother." He continued, "Who is betrothed to your niece. And I know who you suspect, My Prince. You suspect Rhaenyra's husband….and in turn, Rhaenyra….why is this even a thought? I do not know…but I do know this, what I did was for the sake of the realm. Placing the Velaryons on your side would solidify their dragons to be on your side."

"Trevor might not have Laenor's support…." I said

"Precisely. Despite so much time together on the sea, Laenor does not care for Trevor." He told me, "I need to provide proof. If I can do that, would I be able to gain your trust?"

"What is your gain from this?" I asked him

"Would you believe me if I said that I believe in Divine Intervention?" He said with a slight smile, "The day you were born is the day The Black Dread was rejuvenated. You are meant to be King. And by killing you, that would anger the gods and lead the realm into turmoil. I do this for the sake of the realm and for its future. You are meant to hold everything together. A new age…."

"One of Order…."