Would Cersei Marry Viserys Targaryen if Roberts Rebellion Never Happened?

Discussing the potential marriage alliance between Cersei Lannister and Viserys Targaryen in an alternate timeline where Roberts Rebellion never occurred is a fascinating exploration into the complex political dynamics of Westeros. The original timeline saw Cersei marrying Robert Baratheon to solidify his claim to the Iron Throne, a strategic move that aimed to legitimize the Baratheon rule. However, in a scenario where Roberts Rebellion never occurred, the resultant political landscape would be significantly different, potentially offering a path for Cersei to marry Viserys Targaryen.

The Birth of a Different Landscape

Without Roberts Rebellion, the political order in Westeros would have remained largely intact, leaving the Targaryen dynasty in a state of exile and aspiration. Cersei's eventual marriage to Robert Baratheon would never have occurred, and the Lannisters would have to navigate a different set of alliances and power struggles to secure their place on the Iron Throne.

The Case for Viserys Targaryen

In such a scenario, it is plausible that Cersei could have been married to Viserys Targaryen, the exiled prince and brother of Daenerys. This marriage would serve a dual purpose: it would unite the powerful Lannister family with the remnants of the Targaryen dynasty, thereby strengthening Viserys' claim to the throne. The Targaryens, through Viserys, would gain a significant ally in their quest for power, and the Lannisters would solidify their own position through dynastic marriage.

Political Motivation: A marriage to Viserys would align Cersei and her family with a powerful and potentially dangerous force, leveraging their support on their path to power. This strategic move would position the Lannisters as key players in the game of thrones, neither trivialized nor marginalized.

Strengthening Claims: By marrying Cersei to Viserys, the Lannisters would bolster his claim to the throne. This would create a sense of legitimacy and unity that could sway the Starks, the Martells, and other powerful houses to support the Targaryen cause.

Diplomatic Benefits: Such a marriage would also open the door to broader diplomatic alliances, potentially leading to stronger ties with the Free Cities and the Dothraki, all of which could be instrumental in reclaiming the Iron Throne.

Obstacles and Challenges

While the case for a marriage between Cersei and Viserys appears compelling, several challenges and factors would need to be considered:

House Lannisters' Ambitions

House Lannister's primary objective is the attainment and maintenance of power. Given their history, they might prefer a marriage that directly enhanced their control over the Iron Throne, rather than one that left them as a secondary or third party to Viserys' claim. This preference would depend on the perceived strength and support of Viserys and the current political landscape.

Political Dynamics and Status of the Targaryens

The status and position of the Targaryens are crucial. If Viserys remains as he is described in the books—arrogant and resource-poor—Cersei’s family might not find such a marriage advantageous. A more cohesive and resourced Targaryen would be more palatable, and any alliance would be contingent upon the current demand for support within the court.

Broader Political Alliances

The broader political environment would heavily influence the viability of such an alliance. If the Targaryens were seen as a legitimate threat or had re-established their power, a marriage to Viserys would be more plausible. Conversely, if they were viewed as powerless exiles, the Lannisters might seek more powerful alliances that could secure their place on the throne without the risks inherent in marrying a distant claimant.

Conclusion

While a marriage between Cersei and Viserys is a possibility in a world without Roberts Rebellion, the likelihood of such an alliance is contingent upon various factors, including the strategic calculations of House Lannister and the prevailing political dynamics of Westeros at that time. The Lannisters would need to weigh the potential benefits and risks, ensuring that any alliance they form is beneficial and strengthens their power in the long term.

In essence, the marriage between Cersei and Viserys would hinge on a complex interplay of power, ambition, and shifting political loyalties in the realm of Westeros. Such a scenario would undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in Westerosi history, reshaping the very fabric of the Seven Kingdoms.