King Viserys takes all measures to deny the rumors concerning the true parentage of Princess Rhaenyra’s sons. And it’s not just in public or in court. He denies the rumors and refuses to believe them even in the presence of his wife, Alicent Hightower despite all his attempts. In The House of the Dragon episode 7, he even scolds his two sons, Aemond and Aegon when he hears them talking about such vile rumors. After all, it’s quite obvious to everyone in the realm that Rhaenyra’s sons are not Laenors’. It’s even pointed out by Aegon when asked about the source of the rumour.
Aegon informs King Viserys of the rumors regarding Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Harwin Strong
However, Viserys refuses to see what is merely apparent. He even decrees that everyone in the kingdom stop talking about Rhaenyra and the parentage of her sons. He goes further and threatens to cut out the tongues of those who continue. So why does he go to such lengths to deny and squash the rumors?
Rhaenyra is above all his daughter
Princess Rhaenyra with her sons Jacaerys and Lucerys in House of the Dragon
Naturally, the consequences of Rhaenyra’s actions would be devastating if the rumors were to be true. King Viserys therefore protects his daughter from this fate by denying the rumors at every turn. Not only would she be disinherited, but if her actions were to be deemed treason, she would face drastic punishment. Also, Princess Rhaenyra’s sons are his grandsons after all and he loves them just as much. It is quite obvious that he would want to protect his family.
Rhaenyra and her sons are his heirs
King Viserys appoints Princess Rhaenyra as his heir in House of the Dragon
Princess Rhaenyra is the heir to the Iron Throne and will be succeeded by her eldest son, Jacaerys Velaryon. Such a claim questioning the true parentage of Rhaenyra’s sons would surely force King Viserys to denounce her as heiress. Also, if these rumors continue, House Targaryen will be at a crossroads when the sons of Rhaenyra inherit the throne. In fact, the entire kingdom may refuse to accept them as king due to their disputed parentage. King Viserys surely saw this coming and therefore decided to put an end to the rumors and prevent a possible civil war between the sons, although to no avail as we already know.
Alliance with Lord Corlys Velaryon
House Targaryen alliance with Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
Another very important reason to deny the allegations is that the marriage between Laenor and Rhaenyra was meant to serve as a peaceful alliance between House Targaryen and House Velaryon. Viserys surely feared that if these rumors continued, the Velaryons would be offended by the derogatory remarks involving their son Laenor. This would threaten the alliance between the two strongest and most powerful houses in the kingdom.
Fight between Princess Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent
Even though we consider King Viserys unfit for the Iron Throne, he deserves some credit in this storyline. Her decision to squash the rumors didn’t just come from a place of love. It was also a strategic decision to maintain his alliance with the Velaryons. It was also an attempt to end the infighting between her sons and those of Rhaenyra. He knew, as did his predecessors, that the only ones who could defeat House Targaryen were the Targaryens themselves. And such a rumor could destroy their legacy. Viserys foresaw the Dance of the Dragons and did everything he could to stop it.
