NOVEL WEB Chapter 71: Treason
(Baelon's POV)
"What are you saying, Daemon?" Father said weakly as she sat up in his bed, "That House Celtigar will rise against us? That is ridiculous."
"Not ridiculous when you think about it." Daemon said, "When Trevor Celtigar usurps his father's seat and moves his house against us, will you think it is ridiculous?"
Daemon and I were standing in front of Father's bed. Otto Hightower was standing next to the bed, his hands behind his back. While he was bedridden, he looked to be doing better. He just had the usual cough and a bit of fatigue.
"Daemon has his sources, Father." I said, "They have been keeping an eye on Trevor Celtigar."
"Even so." Otto spoke up, "We cannot do much without proper evidence."
"Proper evidence?" Daemon said, "That filth tried to kill my nephew, Otto! What more evidence do you want?!"
"Calm down, Uncle." I said, "Otto is right. We need the proper evidence. Why do you think I haven't done anything yet."
Father frowned, "Y-You have had this suspicion for a while?" He said, "Wait....the fight with Rhae-"
"Yes." I said seriously, "There is no other need to speak on it further."
"Hm." Otto said as he looked at me with a serious face, "Is that so?"
"Is there a problem?" I asked him
"No." He said, "I am impressed, My Prince. For two years, you have held it in. You are not as impulsive as I imagined you to be."
I gave him a scowl, "What does that mean?"
He didn't say anything, just looked at me.
"Brother, we need to do something." Daemon said, "This is bigger than we hope to imagine. We need to cut the head off the snake if we don't want it to bite us in the neck."
"What is it you expect of me, Daemon? To summon him and arrest him?" Father said, "Without proper evidence, we-"
"Indecisiveness has always been your weakness, Viserys!" Daemon said, "We need to do something quick!"
"What do you want me to do?!" Father shouted before coughing
"Your Grace, please calm down." Otto said
"You are the King, Father." I said, "Summon Trevor. He has not shown himself, not even for the death of his boys. Use that. Your word is Law, he will not refuse. If he doesn't show up, well...I'll go....ignoring the King's summoning is not something to tolerate."
"Your presence will be taken as a threat." Otto said
"That is what I am counting on." I said seriously, "I am done waiting around. To get the evidence we need, I'll simply go to my sources.....Corlys Velaryon was also involved. He intended to have me killed."
"What?!" Father exclaimed, "What are you saying?!"
"My sources are sure about this. Corlys also has bastards with Targaryen blood. He was bound to use them to get dragons. Daemon is right to be alarmed and threatened. This was going to an attempt to overthrow us and take over." I said seriously, "I don't care if it is an overreaction of our part but the fact that they made an attempt on my life means they were going for Balerion, the symbol of our Strength, our Dynasty...it is an insult to me, to you, and to our predecessors, Father."
"My nephew, unlike you, will root out Treason and destroy those that mean our Family harm." Daemon said, "Brother, I stand behind you. House Velaryon, under Ser Laenor, will stand with you. If Trevor Celtigar intends to wage war, we'll burn him and his house down to the ground. The only way his line will continue is with Aemma....and that is it."
Father rubbed his temple, "This...." He said, "This is making my head hurt...."
"Just summon Trevor." I said with a clenched fist, "We will handle the rest, Father. Be grateful that we are here, asking for your leave."
Father looked at Otto, "Otto...."
"It would be a wise move to summon Trevor Celtigar and see how he reacts." He said, "Should he ignore you, we'll take that as defiance and we'll send one of our dragonriders to show him that we are serious...."
"No....No violence..." Father said, "We do not accuse until we are sure."
"I have a plan." I said, "To get him to confess. All of us here, in this room, will have to trust me on this."
Father looked at me, "What do you mean?"
"Do you trust me, father?" I asked
He stared at me for a couple of seconds, "Y-Yes...." He said before letting out a sigh, "Baelon....do not do anything foolish...."
"I will not." I nodded before looking at Otto, "Send the letter. Call him here."
Otto nodded, "Very well."
"Wait..." Father said, "What of Rhaenys and her children?"
"They are in Driftmark." Daemon said
"Bring them here as well." Father said, "If you two are correct, if there is conflict brewing....then I wish for them to be here, safe..."
Uncle nodded, "As you wish."
***********
(Third Person POV)
[Claw Isle]
Trevor Celtigar stood on the balcony of his House's Keep, overlooking the island. He had his hands behind his back as his dark and beady eyes were staring off into the distance. He was hearing nothing but black pants and a white button-up shirt that was loose. His hair was messy, like he had just gotten out of bed.
He raised his hand to his cheek and began to rub it, "Hm..." He said, "How long has it been since Rhaenyra left for King's Landing?"
"Does it matter?" a woman's voice said
Trevor turned around to see a dark-skinned woman with white hair, lying on the bed. The woman was looking at him with faint purple eyes, giving him a smile.
"You are awake, Ada." Trevor said, "You should be resting."
"Why? Because I am with child?" She asked
"Yes." Trevor said
"Is this the bed where you fucked your wife?" Ada asked him
"No." Trevor said, "Why would you ask that?"
"Curious." She said
Trevor walked over to the bed and reached for her cheek, "Curiosity is a dangerous thing." Trevor said with a sly tone, "Do you not know that, woman?"
"Hm...." Ada said
There was then a knock on the door, "Lord Trevor!" A guard's voice was heard
Trevor looked up, "Yes?"
"A letter has come from King's Landing." the guard said
"What does it say?" Trevor asked
"It is a summoning from the King." the guard said, "Your presence is required. You have a few days to arrive."
"Hm...." Trevor said with a raised eyebrow, "Interesting...."
"Is this bad?" Ada asked
"No." Trevor said with a sly smile, "I suppose we should call our friends...."
"And sail for King's Landing."