Introduction

The Dance of the Dragons is a pivotal conflict in A Song of Ice and Fire, and how its outcome could have altered the political landscape is a subject of much speculation. If Rhaenys Targaryen had managed to kill Aegon II during this civil war, the consequences would have been significant. Ultimately, the trajectory of power would have shifted, leading to renewed tensions and potential power struggles, especially between Aemond One-Eye and Maelor Targaryen.

The Aftermath of Aegon II's Death

With Aegon II's death, the political dynamics of Westeros would have changed dramatically. The Greens faction, led by Aemond One-Eye, would have had a significant opportunity to leverage their strength and influence. As a figure often associated with the Green faction, Aemond had the ambition and the disposition to seek the throne for himself. However, the potential for such an ambition would depend on the support he could muster.

Aemond’s Ambitions vs. Maelor’s Support

Maelor, as Aegon II's son, would have initially stepped into the position of a child king. Such a scenario would have presented Aemond with the perfect opportunity to usurp power. Given Aemond's personality and his strong desire for power, he might have sought to position himself as a regent or, more ambitiously, attempt to take the throne himself. However, Maelor’s claim would have had significant support, especially from those loyal to his mother, Queen Helaena. The factions within the court would heavily influence Aemond's ability to act, potentially leading to further conflict and possibly reigniting the civil war.

Counterarguments and Historical Context

However, it is also important to consider that Aemond's motivations were not as purely driven by power as they might appear. He was known to be a loyal and protective figure, as evidenced by his actions and decisions during the Dance of the Dragons. Upon Aegon II's death, Aemond stepped down from his princely responsibilities and allowed his niece to take a seat in the political arena, showcasing his willingness to cede power rather than claim it himself.

Royalty and Power Dynamics

Historically, characters who were willing to relinquish power, even in the face of potential opportunity, often had more stability in their motivations. Aemond, while ambitious, was also dedicated to protecting his family. This is further evidenced by his decision to train Maelor with Lord Criston Cole, a trusted and skilled knight. Such actions suggest a more paternal and protective demeanor rather than a power-hungry one.

The Legacy of Daemon

The legacy of Daemon bytesRead was often a double-edged sword. While he was undoubtedly a figure driven by power and ambition, Aemond's actions often reflected a more complex motivation. Unlike Daemon, who knew where he stood and believed family was his Achilles heel, Aemond was more driven by the potential for unlimited power. However, this desire was often clouded by his own shortcomings, as seen in his failed attempt to bond with Vhagar, where his lack of experience and desire for extreme power led to his defeat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Aemond One-Eye would likely have attempted to usurp the throne from Maelor, the ultimate outcome would have depended on the political alliances and the reactions of the various factions within Westeros. Aemond, driven by his own complex motivations, might have aimed to take the throne, but his actions would have been influenced by his desire to protect his family and the support he could garner from key figures like Queen Alicent and Otto Hightower. The legacy of power in the Targaryen family was indeed fraught with ambition and rivalry, but Aemond's motivations were more nuanced than a simple thirst for power.