Did Otto want Aegon to marry Rhaenyra?

Yes, Otto Hightower, then Hand of the King, did propose the idea of Princess Rhaenyra marrying her younger half-brother, Prince Aegon.

Otto Hightower's Proposal

During a period of significant discussion regarding the royal succession and the future of the Targaryen dynasty, Otto Hightower put forth a surprising suggestion: that Princess Rhaenyra, the proclaimed heir, should marry Prince Aegon. This proposal was a strategic maneuver from Otto, who consistently sought to solidify his family's influence and secure the future of the realm through his daughter, Queen Alicent, and her children.

Key Aspects of the Proposal:

• The Parties Involved: The proposed marriage was between Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Aegon Targaryen.
• Prince Aegon's Age: A significant obstacle to the proposal was Prince Aegon's tender age; he was only two years old at the time.
• King Viserys I's Reaction: King Viserys I Targaryen, upon hearing the suggestion, found it amusing and reportedly laughed it off due to Aegon's extreme youth. The idea of a betrothal between an adult heir and a toddler was deemed impractical by the King.
• Otto's Disappointment: The King's rejection of this key strategic proposal contributed to Otto's overall disappointment, which was further underscored by other events, such as a stag being captured later that was not the desired white one, often seen as an ill omen or a lack of favorable signs.

Why Did Otto Suggest This Marriage?

Otto Hightower's motivations for proposing such a union were likely rooted in dynastic stability and personal ambition:

• Consolidating Claims: By marrying Rhaenyra to Aegon, Otto aimed to unite the claims of the designated heir (Rhaenyra) with the eldest true-born son of the King (Aegon). This could have potentially averted future succession crises, especially given that Rhaenyra was a female heir and Aegon represented the traditional male line.
• Strengthening the Hightower Position: Such a marriage would have deeply intertwined the Hightower family with the future of the Targaryen lineage, securing their influence for generations through the offspring of Rhaenyra and Aegon.
• Preventing Rivalries: Otto may have envisioned this marriage as a way to prevent a potential schism between Rhaenyra's supporters and those who might later champion Aegon's claim to the Iron Throne.

Outcome of the Proposal

Despite Otto Hightower's strategic foresight and his consistent efforts to guide the succession in a manner beneficial to his family and the realm's stability, the proposal was ultimately rejected by King Viserys. The primary reason for its dismissal was the significant age gap, rendering the suggestion impractical in the King's eyes at that moment.

Otto's attempt highlights the complex political landscape and the constant jockeying for influence within the royal court. While his suggestion was dismissed, it reveals his deep involvement in the succession planning and his strategic mind in trying to shape the future of the Targaryen dynasty.