Introduction

Far from being an ordinary character in Game of Thrones, Viserys Targaryen was a carefully crafted decoy, and the sole purpose of his existence was to safeguard the Targaryen lineage. Unveiling the intricacies behind this deception not only offers insights into the strategic brilliance of Queen Rhaella but also provides a fascinating hypothetical journey into how Game of Thrones might have unfolded if Viserys had outlived his designated lifespan.

The original storyline freed Daenerys Targaryen to reclaim the throne, but what if Viserys remained alive, leading to an entirely different narrative? Let's explore this scenario and its cascading effects.

The Decoy Plan

Unbeknownst to many viewers, Viserys was one of numerous decoys recruited by Ser Willem Darry from Dragonstone. Queen Rhaella, with a finely crafted plan and a multitude of resources at her disposal, orchestrated his recruitment. Unlike her knitting, Queen Rhaella had a treasury, a navy, maesters with ravens, and a force of knights and soldiers at her command.

While the queen gestated her unborn son, Viserys III, she meticulously planned how to save House Targaryen. Her calculations did not rest solely on her knitting but on a broader strategic vision. Nine crucial months allowed her to devise and implement her plan, ensuring that her son would take the throne as the rightful king. This meticulous preparation underscores the immense risk Queen Rhaella took in entrusting the future of the Targaryens to her delicate son.

Consequences of Viserys' Survival

Had Viserys survived until Season 8, the narrative would have taken a dramatically different turn. He would have inevitably faced a dire end, as suggested by his early Reign of the Dragon and his brutal leadership style. Given his overbearing demeanor and the animosity he instilled in his surrounding, it's highly probable that he would have found himself at the Palace of Pentos rather than accompanying the Dothraki.

Loss of Unity: Without the premise of Viserys' death, Daenerys' claim to the throne through her brother would have been less contentious. With Viserys alive and active, his absence from the political landscape would have left a power vacuum that could have led to unity among different factions loyal to the Targaryen bloodline. This would have significantly altered the balance of power in Westeros.

Tactical Shifts: The entire "I am the rightful queen" narrative would have lost its potency, as anyone could have pointed to Viserys as another claimant. This could have drastically affected the alliances and support that Daenerys had garnered, potentially leading to a less successful campaign against the Lannisters and the rest of the Great Houses.

The Butterfly Effect

Let’s delve into the hypothetical butterfly effect of Viserys' survival. If Daenerys' forces did manage to win, the legitimacy of her rule would be questioned. Instead of conquering under her own right, she might have had to overthrow a sibling or a direct descendant of Aerys II Targaryen. This would have fractured the Targaryen lineage and potentially led to further civil wars, as her claim would have been seen as less authentic compared to her sibling’s.

Conclusion

The survival of Viserys Targaryen would have altered the Game of Thrones universe in myriad ways, from shifting political alliances to changing military strategies. The well-crafted deception orchestrated by Rhaella ensured a more stable future for the Targaryens, but it also set the stage for an entirely different narrative that would have been far less dramatic.

While we can only speculate about what might have been, the intricacies of the Targaryen lineage, the strategic decisions made, and the carefully crafted deceptions offer a richer understanding of the world of Westeros.

Note: This hypothetical scenario is based on fan speculation and does not reflect the actual storyline of Game of Thrones.