Understanding the Complexities of Viserys and Daenerys' Relationship

The relationship between Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen is often misunderstood. While some argue that Viserys had every opportunity to bed Daenerys, especially given her presence in his life for so long, the reality is more nuanced. Viserys, knowing his place as the last Targaryen claimant, had grand plans for their union, influenced by the exigencies of political and family survival.

Political and Family Obligation

Viserys was deeply aware of their unique position as the last Targaryens. The idea was not just to satisfy his lusting desires but to secure a potential alliance and an army through Daenerys. He understood the significance of their union, knowing they were the last hope for the Targaryen throne. Viserys' intention upon entering Illyrio Mopatis' home was to marry her someday, a union that would consolidate their power in a dangerous political landscape.

The Importance of Age

Despite the bond between Viserys and Daenerys, there was a critical reason why they did not consummate their relationship sooner: age. Westerosi standards dictated that a girl should be at least 14 before marriage, and ideally 16 or older. Daenerys was still a young girl, and Viserys recognized the importance of timing. Attempting to bed an underage girl would have posed significant political risks and could have jeopardized their carefully laid plans for the future.

The Psychological and Emotional Barriers

Viserys viewed Daenerys as a child, despite her striking beauty and the strength she demonstrated. She was described as small, skinny, and barely with any developed breasts, indicating her inexperience and youth. Additionally, Daenerys was shy, frightened, and quiet, qualities that may have contributed to Viserys' inability to see her as a full woman ready for marriage.

Moreover, Viserys was well aware that even Khal Drogo, whom he considered a threat, would not be interested in Daenerys due to her age. It was only through the persuasion of Illyrio Mopatis that Viserys believed Daenerys was old enough for marriage, setting the stage for their eventual betrothal.

The Betrothal and the Realization

The moment Viserys realized the betrothal was settled, his true feelings emerged. He saw an opportunity to finally consummate his relationship with Daenerys. However, his desperation was mixed with actual hesitation, as he had come to regard her as a child. The attempt to enter her chambers and take her shows his conflicted feelings and his growing realization that their time was running out.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Ethically, Westerosi standards would have frowned upon a groom learning that his bride had lost her maidenhood before the wedding. This was especially true if the bride had been with another man. By the time Viserys would have needed to marry Daenerys, she would have likely been a young adult, making the prospect of her loss of virginity before marriage much less of an ethical issue.

Conclusion

Viserys' decision not to bed Daenerys sooner was a complex confluence of political necessity, ethical considerations, and his complex feelings for her. The relationship between them remains a significant part of the narrative, highlighting the challenges of political survival and the complexities of personal and familial obligations in a world governed by rigid social and political norms.

The question of whether Viserys bedded Daenerys remains a matter of speculation, influenced heavily by the portrayals and descriptions in the text. What is clear is that their relationship was deeply intertwined with political and survivalist motivations, rather than simple desire.