Don't get me wrong, I hate Robert Baratheon as much as the next person, he is awful. That being said, his hatred of Targs is SO real. Like every time someone so much as says the word Targaryen he is like "Fuck them all" and that might be the most relatable thing I have found in the book as I am re-reading AGOT again.
Okokokok my goal to update last week failed because the issue with this chapter is that it’s one of those ‘it’s done when it’s done’ chapters that usually ends up with a super extended word count. I am working on it I’ve just got to knuckle down and fully break my word slump. Yesterday I wrote like 1600 words, which like. Compared to other word counts I’ve achieved really isn’t that much but after not writing for 7 months 😅 but it’s something!! I’m gunna keep it up. It’s all just a matter of time ☀️
"Aegon is a great example of neglect and indulgence," Condal says. "This is the medieval version of the millionaire's prodigal son. His mother was 15, and his father never paid any attention to him. His father deeply, deeply loved Aemma and Rhaenyra and was [only] having [more] kids to carry on the line. He really didn't want Aegon — he wanted Baelon, the son that killed his first wife."
I know this fandom loves saying how much Viserys loved Aemma/Rhaenyra because Rhaenyra remained his heir even after he married Alicent and had sons with her, but this perspective on his character only demonstrates just how hollow his love and confidence in Rhaenyra actually was.
Viserys wanting "Baelon" heavily implies that if things had simply been different and he saw Aegon as the gods giving "Baelon" a chance to be reborn, he would have done as everyone else had expected him to and made him Prince of Dragonstone once the danger had passed and it was evident that Aegon wasn't going to die in the cradle.
But funny enough Alicent can't magically give him the son that he killed Aemma for. So, Rhaenyra remains his heir, and he neglects the children he forced Alicent to have.
But the truth is, and I think @mejcinta might have touched upon it, but it would have given his decision more struggle/meaning if his dynamics with his sons were completely different. By that, I mean if he were able to recognize they had the potential he convinced himself Baelon would possess. If he had good relationships with them, but regardless he still intended for his eldest child to inherit.
Plus, got to love the lack of accountability. Dude, nobody was forcing you to continue bringing Alicent to your bed after Helaena was born. She'd already given you 2 children within the space of 3 years and Rhaenyra was going to be wed around this time and presumedly start having children of her own soon which did end up happening with Jace being born within a year of her marrying Laenor. The succession to the throne had been more secure than it had been for years in episode 4/5 but this self-pitying moron won't realize that and will end up having 2 more children with Alicent.