Viserys Targaryen

Prince Viserys Targaryen, also known as Viserys the Cleaver, is one the main protagonists of this story. He's the second child of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.  He has one older brother Aegon III Targaryen and three younger sisters, Baela Targaryen , Rhaena Targaryen , and  Visenya Targaryen.   She is the first dragonrider to bond with Verminthor, after King Jaehaerys.  During the first book, he will marry his long-time fiance, Lady Larra Rogare, with whom he was betrothed since the age of thirteen and with whom he will have two children, Daemon Targaryen and Lynesse Targaryen.  He's one of the most influential political figures in the story of the Seven Kingdoms and the Hand with the longest career.

Appearance and Character

  Viserys Targaryen, much like his father Daemon, is often described as a figure of dashing, daring, and charismatic presence. Notable for his silvery-gold hair, he opts for a style that keeps his locks at a modest length just above his shoulders, setting him apart from his brother Aegon. Inheriting his mother's keen sense of aesthetics, Queen Rhaenyra, Viserys demonstrates meticulous attention to his appearance. He takes pride in his richly adorned attire, favouring the most exquisite fabrics and luxurious jewellery. Gold and rubies, in particular, find a place in his collection, often adorning his fingers with finely crafted rings.   Viserys, influenced by the arrival of Larra and her court, embraces the beauty practices fashionable in Lys. This new influence led him to adopt Lyseni customs, even to the extent of wearing togas, a distinctive garment of the region. His preference veers toward deep and dark tones in his attire, with an affinity for purple, red, and black, distinguishing him from his brother Aegon.   Physically, Viserys inherits much from his father, the formidable Daemon Targaryen. He possesses a prominent nose, bushy eyebrows, and sharply defined facial features with prominent cheekbones. These attributes set him apart from his siblings and further link him to the legacy of the Rogue Prince.   Viserys is not just about appearances; he demonstrates a shrewd intelligence and a proactive nature, aligning with his ambitious character. Unlike his father, Viserys exhibits a certain level of savvy and caution in his actions. This quality is not newfound but dates back to his early years. As a young child, he displayed remarkable intelligence and gallantry, learning to read at a mere three years old and displaying a keen thirst for knowledge. The lore of the Valyrian Freehold and its culture particularly captivates his imagination.   His eagerness to learn only grows with his mother's ascension to the throne, which grants him access to the Small Council meetings alongside his brother Aegon. In contrast to Aegon's appreciation for the essence and poetry of books, Viserys takes a more calculated and politically astute approach, often displaying ruthlessness when required.   At the age of thirteen, Viserys took a bold step in the realm of matrimonial politics. He accepts the proposal to wed Larra Rogare, daughter of the first Magister of Lys. This strategic alliance ensures the kingdom's partnership with one of the wealthiest families in Essos. Though his parents initially hesitated, he ardently supported the arrangement and conveyed his willingness before the Small Council.   As he was too young to marry at the time, the wedding was postponed until he reached the age of majority. This delay deprived the young prince of the opportunity to meet his betrothed during the five intervening years, leaving him in the dark about her appearance. He knew only that she was three years his senior, highly intelligent, and proficient in numerous languages. This satisfied the young prince, who considered himself enlightened enough not to judge someone solely based on their appearance.   Viserys' perspective on the matter changed as he transitioned from boyhood to adolescence, becoming entranced by feminine beauty and the desires that followed. Unlike his older brother Aegon, who often disregarded his female admirers, Viserys welcomed and even encouraged attention from women at court. He showed a particular affinity for young and beautiful widows who had recently lost their spouses.   As his father did in his youth, the young Viserys occasionally indulged in liaisons with high-class prostitutes in the Street of Silk, often accompanying his inseparable friend, Alyn Velaryon, on visits to the Flea Bottom. However, fully aware of the potential repercussions of such escapades, he took precautions to keep his affairs discreet to avoid scandal.   These experiences marked a profound transformation in the seventeen-year-old Viserys, who had initially underestimated the implications of agreeing to marry someone he had never met, neglecting the significance of carnal attraction in a marriage. This realization led to growing apprehension about his future.   For the two years leading up to his wedding, he diligently sought information about his betrothed, even hiring a Lysene spy to procure a stolen portrait. Despite his efforts, Larra Rogare maintained her resolve to keep her appearance a secret. She believed that the success of their relationship should not hinge solely on physical attraction, a stance that she maintained until their wedding day.   In the absence of visuals, Larra opted for correspondence to maintain a connection, and the two exchanged letters five times a year. Despite the geographical distance, the pair filled each page with extensive content, engaging in discussions about poetry, philosophy, art, and even romantic poems, demonstrating Viserys' romantic inclinations.   Apart from matters of the heart, Viserys cultivated interests in hunting, falconry, horses, and swordsmanship. He began training with Aegon and his father from an early age, rapidly developing his athleticism and sword-fighting skills. By the age of seventeen, he had become one of the castle's most skilled swordsmen. However, while surpassing his older brother in talent, he could never outshine his sister Baela in swordsmanship. This sibling rivalry deepened as the years passed, marked by their shared stubbornness and competitiveness, culminating in a dangerous fall from Dragonstone's highest cliff in 136 AC during a challenge from Baela. The accident resulted in a broken leg, ending Viserys' aspirations of becoming a great horseman, much like his father.   This incident created a significant rift in the sibling relationship, coinciding with Baela's rise as a prominent warrior. In relinquishing the pursuit of a military career, Viserys turned his focus to politics. This shift in responsibility led to a transformation in his personality. While retaining his charisma and unflappable demeanour, Viserys evolved from the sunny, open-minded boy he had always been, embracing a more cynical and insular mindset, in contrast to Baela's bubbly and impetuous nature.   As the years passed and adulthood dawned, Viserys became dedicated to the realm's politics and economy, securing a prominent role on the Small Council during the Conquest of Dorne. At the age of twenty-two, he succeeded the previous Hand of the King, becoming one of the youngest individuals to wear the coveted golden pin. Throughout his life, Viserys remained devoted to serving his mother and later his brother, aiming to elevate Westeros to greatness while preserving the prestige of House Targaryen.   One of his notable contributions lay in the dissemination of Valyrian texts, using architectural and urban planning treaties from his forebears to initiate an extensive urban renewal project in King's Landing. Under his guidance, the city expanded to encompass the Blackwater Rush and the lands surrounding the Tournament Arena, involving the demolition of old walls and the construction of imposing fortifications.   Viserys' reform efforts extended to the construction of a public aqueduct to provide clean water access to all citizens, irrespective of social standing. His commitment to revitalizing Flea Bottom aimed to transform it into a safer and more reputable district.   This monumental urban renewal project spanned from 143 AC to 153 AC, offering gainful employment to the entire population of King's Landing for an extended period. Another significant reform initiated by Vis   erys involved rewriting and reviewing the Law Codex, eliminating obsolete and detrimental laws for the betterment of life in the Seven Kingdoms.