Progress

# Chapter 3:

The winds of change were no longer a distant whisper; they were a roaring tempest swirling around King's Landing. Aegon Targaryen, armed with the mind of a modern man and the power of biokinesis, had spent the past decade subtly shifting the balance of power in his favor. As he approached his early twenties, the contours of his grand design began to take shape.

## The Royal Court

### Winning the Small Council

Aegon's presence at the Small Council, though initially receiving only a nominal invitation due to his royal birth, quickly became indispensable. His insights, often disguised as tactical wisdom grounded in history and observation, won him the respect and trust of the council members.

#### The Hand's Favor

Otto Hightower, ever the pragmatic strategist, leaned heavily on Aegon for counsel. Aegon's advice often resulted in decisions that seemed almost prophetic in their success, further cementing his standing.

### The King's Disease

Yet another illness struck King Viserys I. While the realm held its breath, anticipating a possible end, Aegon used his biokinesis to stabilize his father. The mysterious recovery, though attributed to the King's resilience, was a carefully crafted intervention by Aegon to keep the throne within their grasp for just a little longer.

## Sir Criston Cole

### Gaining a Loyal Protector

Sir Criston Cole, having endured many battles and the political machinations of the court, found a kindred spirit in Aegon. The two shared late-night conversations about honor, duty, and the future of the realm.

#### A Trust Earned

During a skirmish with rebellious factions within King's Landing, Aegon used his powers discreetly to heal a grievously wounded Criston while ensuring no one discovered his true abilities. This act solidified Criston's loyalty, binding them with an unspoken oath.

## Love and Loyalties

### Helaena Targaryen

Though his familial relationships were complex, Aegon maintained a close bond with his sister, Helaena. They shared whispered conversations and secret smiles, their sibling bond deepened by mutual understanding and respect. Aegon subtly influenced her, ensuring she stayed away from the political fray and remained safe.

### Aemond Targaryen

Aemond, always the fierce combatant, viewed his brother with a mixture of admiration and ambition. Aegon nurtured this dynamism, mentoring Aemond in strategy and combat, always weaving tales that underscored the importance of loyalty and unity among siblings.

## Political Maneuvering

### Dealing with Rivals

#### Rhaenyra Targaryen

Rhaenyra, ever the rival, and her supporters posed the largest threat to Aegon's designs. He employed spies to gather intelligence on her plans, ensuring he remained steps ahead. Disinformation and subtle sabotage became tools he wielded with surgical precision.

#### Laenor Velaryon

Aegon strategically ensured alliances within the Velaryon family remained balanced, subtly influencing Laenor through shared victories and rumored support. The balance of power between the Targaryens and Velaryons became a delicate dance orchestrated by Aegon's unseen hand.

### Strengthening the Greens

#### Otto's Growing Confidence

Otto Hightower, seeing his grandson's growing influence, felt emboldened. Meetings of the Greens faction occurred frequently, often held in the guise of family gatherings. Otto's confidence in them reclaiming the throne grew, thanks to Aegon's reassurance and strategic acumen.

## Demonstrating Power

### Public Debut of Mastery

Aegon, understanding the necessity of showing tangible strength, began subtly showcasing his physical prowess and command over Dreamfyre. Public displays of his riding skill and combat excellence during tournaments garnered admiration and respect, further solidifying his place as a leader.

### Controlling Perceptions

Through carefully manipulated displays of his healing powers, Aegon cultivated a mystique around himself. He healed key figures discreetly, ensuring tales of 'divine intervention' and 'the touch of gods' spread through the common folk and nobles alike. This narrative wove an aura of invincibility around him.

## The Gathering Storm

### Preparing for the Dance

The whispers of the coming Dance of Dragons grew louder. Aegon knew the fragile peace held by King Viserys I was unsustainable. The factions were sharpening their blades, figuratively and literally, preparing for the inevitable clash.

#### Envisioning the Battlefield

Employing his modern understanding of warfare, Aegon devised innovative strategies for dragon combat and ground maneuvers. He trained his loyal knights and strategists, integrating these techniques into the military doctrine of his followers.

## A Personal Revelation

### The True Weight of Power

One evening, as he stood in the quiet confines of the royal gardens, Aegon contemplated the path laid before him. He understood that his modern sensibilities, mixed with the ruthless practicality required in this era, formed a unique paradox within him.

#### Alicent's Concern

Alicent Hightower, a mother ever hopeful for her children's ascendancy, approached him. "You bear a weight heavier than you should, my son," she expressed, her voice a mixture of pride and concern.

Aegon, eyes reflecting the quiet blaze of the torches, replied, "The weight of power is only bearable if one is prepared to use it wisely. We stand on the brink, mother, and when the storm breaks, we must be ready to command it."

## Conclusion: The Calm Before the Storm

As Aegon Targaryen watched over the realm, he felt the gathering of forces beyond his control, the inexorable march of fate. Yet, he stood ready, each move meticulously planned, each alliance carefully forged. The Dance of Dragons was no longer a distant prophecy. It was an impending reality, and with his modern intellect and supernatural abilities, Aegon was determined to master the storm, shaping the destiny of House Targaryen with an iron will fueled by dragonfire and the pulse of history.