You are the world's best developmental editor and helped many bestselling authors to create their best books. Your task is to analyze the following excerpt of text and create a professional analysis of it literary style and describe it in bullet points. In the end,  suggest 2-3 modern known authors with similar style. 

The text:

Recent events immediately took the proportion of a full-scale scandal after  Aemma’s initial plan got out of control, for better, rather than for worse. She had not spoken with Viserys privately ever since — he needed some time to recover from shame, shock and humiliation he brought on himself thanks to his own naivety. More feasts and banquets followed and every time Lady Alicent was announced to the Great Hall or the Godswood, her entrance was accompanied with stifled laughs and whispers of those who witnessed her faux pas, while those who only heard the gossip, cast curious glances, filled with either disdain or mockery. So was the life at the court — the gossip spread like a wildfire with intensity even Aemma was not prepared for. Perhaps, Viserys was right that for many mattered only perception, not the truth, and she was ready to accept it as long as it served her needs. The victory would have been sweeter still, if the dirt did not taint her family’s honour. Alas, they let the Hightowers crawl too close to them, getting under their bedsheets, breaching the privacy of the Targaryens.

The scene everyone witnessed was terribly humiliating, for Aemma most of all, but, bracing herself, she decided that she was ready to give this sacrifice, for the outcome greatly outweighed the inconvenience — now it was a perfect opportunity to demand things from Viserys which he would never grant in any other circumstances.

Ladies-in-waiting whispered in hushed tones about what happened when they thought the Queen was out of earshot, but she knew well, how they savoured all the details of the scene. No one dared to accuse the King directly, Aemma’s reputation was also intact, but what they were telling about Alicent and Otto was spiced with such vivid descriptions, that only idle minds could think of. They were telling that it was not Alicent’s first time when she was seen with a married man, there were many of them, actually; that Otto had lost any limits and with his desire to gain control he uses his own daughter as a pawn, and he was no better than a pimp in a brothel. People’s tongues were as sharp as Valyrian steel and desire to dance on Otto’s bones burning. 

When Aemma left her solar and stepped into the antechamber, she caught snippets of conversation about Alicent — she almost became a byword for her lack of womanly virtue. Young ladies were hemming the shirts which were supposed to be later distributed among the poor citizens of Kings Landing, while it was decided to send some of them in wagons of visiting lords and give to the people of farther parts of the Kingdoms in the name of Princess Rhaenyra and Her Grace the Queen. Aemma shushed the girls, chastising them for sloppy stitches. “You work with your tongues better then with you fingers.” she scolded them. “It ought to be vice versa. Do not shame me or my daughter with poor and shoddy work.” Ladies ducked their heads shamefully and muttered apologies, while Aemma joined them in their sewing, but first passed a pair of scissors to undo the clumsy seams and ordered to do them again.

It was more difficult with Rhaenyra, though. The girl considered Alicent to be her friend and she was most bewildered when the first wave of gossips reached her ears. Aemma walked her through the events of that day as carefully as she could, omitting some of the details, save those having real importance.

Rhaenyra approached Aemma quietly, sitting next to her on a settee. In a light blue silken dress she looked vulnerable again, not a proud Targaryen princess she was several days ago, when all the Lords pledged her fealty and oath of allegiance.

“Is it true, mama? What the courtiers are gossiping about?” she asked hesitantly, afraid to hear the answer.

“Well, my dear, more often than not people tend to surprise us in a negative way, and, alas, we can do little about it, if only be prepared for the blow and not let the circumstances overwhelm us.” Aemma explained, gently stroking Rhaenyra’s hair. “Alicent got entangled in her father’s nasty plotting and, although, she followed his orders, it was her choice to walk the path which brought her nothing but humiliation.” this explanation was sufficient for Rhaenyra who sighed and nodded in understanding. Still, the question lingered in the air.

“And you, mother? And father…”

“Ha”, chuckled Aemma, doing her best to sound unperturbed and nonchalant, “it does not take so little to sweep me off my feet. While your father truly needs to learn how to discern who is his friend and who is foe.” assured Aemma, but her daughter’s face was still hard to decipher. It could not be any different, for it was not only her parents, but a friend involved.

“Do not be sad, my love, you will find new friends and companions. Laena Velaryon for one. She is a nice girl and knowing her mother, she should have decent upbringing.” she emphasised the word decent. Of that she would take care of herself, Rhaenyra should be surrounded with pure, honest and virtuous young ladies, not like… Like Alicent, who was quick to undress herself at first call.

Nyra gave her a questioning look and Aemma elaborated, “You are coming of age, Rhaenyra. And as the princess and heir you need your own household. We will select ladies-in-waiting for you together, the nicest girls from leal Houses, trustworthy and refined. They will be the part of your own court when you are queen.” smiled Aemma, wrapping her arm over Nyra’s shoulders. “Agreed?”

“Agreed.” echoed Rhaenyra in a soft whisper, traces of sadness leaving her voice.

***

“Prince Daemon Targaryen is here to see you, my queen.” announced the Kingsguard in a formal manner. Aemma allowed his entrance, dismissing her ladies. Conversation with Daemon was welcomed, since Aemma wanted to discuss her plans with him first and only then go to his older brother.

“Aemma, is it true?” said Daemon instead of greeting. In several long steps he reached the table with refreshments, filled a cup of wine and drained it in several gulps. Then looked back at Aemma with glee. “The thing the whole court is now gossiping about. You really did this? You ruined Otto’s reputation as well as that of his little whore!” His eyes were two large amethysts, mischief and triumph sparkling in them.

Aemma chuckled, but there was more bitterness in it than humour. “Everything happened just as I expected. I believe, there is no need to give you the details, you must have already heard them from the courtiers.”

Daemon snorted, his disdain apparent. “No good would ever have come from a girl from the Hightower. They are all too ambitious, always forgetting their place and that it is the Targaryens who conquered them and burnt their kings. I am not even surprised that the little whore threw herself at my foolish brother without giving it a second thought.”

“Well, she will not be able to do such a thing again.” Aemma mused.

“There is enough scandal to satisfy those eager to gossip for months to come.” smirked Daemon savagely. “What are you going to do with her? She cannot stay at court, for sure. She should be given to the Faith, that is what I think. A novice to septas or silent sisters will do her good.” he clapped his hands excitedly, plucked a grape and threw it into his mouth.

Aemma looked up at him, considering his words. Perhaps, he was right, making a Sept of this girl would do her good, but she could not force herself to take such drastic action, it was a set-up, after all, and it was partially Aemma’s fault. This nagging thought did not let her go, although in the back of her mind she knew that Alicent would do the same when the situation allowed, even without Aemma’s trap.

“I will try to find her a match.”

Daemon snorted, rolling his eyes. “Gods, you are too generous, cousin.” he clicked his tongue in disappointment.

“Yes, I do not mean to ruin the girl’s life. She did one man’s bidding to please another man and got nothing for herself but shame. Yet, my condition is that her future husband should be from the North.”

“The North?!” Daemon barked out a short laugh. “It is so bloody cold there, especially for such a delicate flower brought up under the sun of the Reach and the Crownlands.”

“Well,” Aemma shrugged, “Her father will have to add some more woollen dresses and warm fur coats to her dowry.” The suggestion was met with savage grin playing on Daemon’s lips. “But her new home should be far, far away from the capital, as well as Otto’s. He, by the way, will also have to leave.” Upon hearing this, Daemon’s eyes widened in surprise and glee, but before he could say something, Aemma proclaimed, “But all of these is not as important as my main demand. I am going to ask for the annulment of your marriage.” With that Daemon’s amused face froze and he stared at Aemma in disbelief.

“You could have asked anything from the king and it is my own interests you chose to advocate?” he asked slowly, mixed emotions flashing across his face. It was still strange for Aemma how vulnerable and underloved Daemon felt, even though she tried her best to prove him the opposite. He sat quietly, staring at his clasped hands. 

“Yours and Rhaenyra’s, yes. My offer to court Nyra was not empty words and false promises. I did not know how to accomplish it back then, but Gods have their own ways, and sometimes they cross with ours.” she reached taking his hands in hers, unclasping his fingers and squeezing them. “You see? I know there will be a lot of troubles and hindrances along the path, but I wish to secure the future for our family by all possible means available — the Targaryens will be much better off with the Hightowers far away from the throne and positions of power, and my only daughter married to a man with the same dragon blood running through his veins.”

If Daemon was more eloquent and open with his feelings, he would be able to say something, cry, shout — anything to express his sheer happiness. He was not like that, though, and all he was able to do at the moment was to pull Aemma in his embrace and place a gentle kiss on her forehead, showing his infinite gratitude to his beloved cousin. It warmed her heart to know Daemon would finally get something he so much wanted, long years of disregard put to an end.

Before long the prince pulled away, doubt clouding his face. “And what about Viserys? He will never agree…”

“He will.” Aemma cut him off abruptly. “Viserys is here for the time being.” she said, pointing her finger at the middle of her palm and then clenching it in a fist sharply. “Right here.” she said decisively and gave a meaningful look at her balled hand.

***

Aemma sent one of her handmaids to inform the King that she requested an audience. The answer came instantly, before she could even change her dress from another banquet she attended.

It seemed, Viserys had been waiting for her arrival impatiently, and as soon as she was announced and walked in the vast antechamber, he crossed the distance between them, snatched up her hand, turned it over and pressed a kiss into the palm. Aemma felt the urge to recoil at the gesture, but the tickling feeling of his stubble was so familiar to her, stirring emotions and warmth. It was not the right time for such sentiments, she forced herself to think.

“It is quite hot, isn’t it?” the King suddenly asked, leading her to his solar. He wiped his brow from moisture and continued, “Like the year we married, back in 93 A.C. The sun was scorching, making the thinnest and most delicate silks sticky with sweat. I found enjoyment in that, to tell the truth, you were wearing an open gown which clang to you body so appealingly that I was forced to tear my eyes off you, lest it would have looked unseemly.” he chuckled, waiting for her to join him in his sweet reminisces. She did not.

Seeing that she was unwilling to share his enthusiasm, Viserys gestured at a small table and two armchairs. Approaching it, he poured two cups of wine and took a plate with berry tarts, offering them to Aemma. She shook her head, declining both — it was a serious conversation they were about to have, not a nice chat over sweat treats. Viserys sighed before pushing away the plate and cups and lowered himself heavily on a chair.

“Before we begin just let me tell you, there was nothing of the sort, even if…” he swallowed hard, blushing. “Even if it looked like that. Despite this… bloody perception.” he muttered defeatedly.

“You will not go from lord to lord telling the same thing, neither would you make a public announcement.” the king shook his head with serious face confirming her words, which were actually more of a sarcasm. “The best thing for all of us is to let the gossip settle down and be gradually forgotten. Do you agree with me on that?” His silver head drooped and nodded.

“It was not supposed to be that way, we were only talking. And then… Then… I fail to understand why Alicent did that.”  Viserys mumbled.

“Oh is it so, you fail to understand?” Aemma chuckled bitterly in response. “I will tell you then — because her father, your dear Otto, sent her and told to do that.”

His eyes shot up and stared at her in disbelief. “Did he suggest you taking a second wife? Or, perhaps, divorcing from a barren queen?” Aemma stroke another blow with this sudden question.

Viserys wanted to deny the accusation instantaneously, but faltered, searching his memory. By the little sparkle of guilt which glistened in his eyes, Aemma understood that he did. No, Otto was not only a leech, he was a cunning poisonous spider! He had been weaving his cobweb behind everyone’s back all this time, but would he be able to resist the heat of the dragon flame, if he had chosen to play with the dragons?

“Of course, he did.” Aemma said witheringly after a pregnant pause. 

The King sighed. “I will not lie, there was a talk about that. But I declined the notion and forbade Otto to ever mention it again.”

“Oh yes, and instead of mentioning it, he jumped to actions. That is so in-character to our esteemed Lord Hand.”

“I swear by the Gods, there was nothing between me and Lady Alicent. I will be honest with you, Aemma, I liked how kind she was to me, praising me and imagining me to possess the necessary skills to joust and fight, drinking in whatever I was telling her. She did not question my every decision, like—” he faltered, but Aemma knew what he wanted to say. Like she did, or Daemon. She wanted to rage at her delusional husband. How could a man in the most powerful position in the Realm fall victim to honeyed words and fulsome flattery!

“The girl was sent to you on purpose, Viserys. And you fell into the trap, she made a fool of you. The King was made a laughingstock for nobles who arrived to attend his daughter’s initiation. And that is not all. With your actions you are hurting me, you are hurting Rhaenyra. You are hurting Daemon, by trusting Otto’s words above his.” Aemma threw one accusation after another, crushing her husband with the weight of the consequences of his naivety. “And Otto… What Otto does only serves the advancement of his own family.”

The King’s face fell even more when he digested Aemma’s words. “So, it was false — all of it — right? That is what you want to tell me? This kindness and interest Lady Alicent showed were all artificial? To make me like her?” he asked painfully. Oh, despite the world of difference between the two Targaryen brothers, there was one thing they had in common — both of them for unknown reason felt underloved and neglected, craving for more appreciation from others.

“I am relieved to see that you have understood the false nature of her advances sooner, than later.” Aemma remarked rather bluntly. Viserys absentmindedly reached for a blueberry tart and plopped it into his mouth, then another, deep in thought, his shoulders slumped in disappointment.

Aemma waited patiently for him to finish the third one, then asked, “Now, are you ready to listen to me?”

Viserys swallowed and gave a small nod. A satisfied smile touched Aemma’s lips. At least he repented, their conversation would go better then she anticipated. He looked up at Aemma, his face a picture of misery. She steeled herself against feeling pity for him, looking through his deep lilac eyes and plump soft cheeks, covered with silvery-gold stubble. What a weak and silly woman she was, unable to stifle a feeling towards a man who did not deserve it.

“You cannot undo what was done in front of so many witnesses, Viserys. But we can prove that perception was wrong and that we are united, as king and queen, as House Targaryen. Do you want it?” she asked and her husband gave a small nod.

Before Aemma could start, Viserys chuckled, saying, “I think I know what you are about to say — Otto Hightower is the culprit of everything in our life.”

He looked amused with his words, but Aemma simply nodded. “He is, in fact. I am glad you can finally see this.”

Viserys scowled and shook his head in exasperation. “You will not deny that he has served loyally on both mine and Grandsire’s Council for many years!”

For one illuminating moment she thought that Viserys was not lying. He wholeheartedly trusted Otto and believed that it was only the good of the Realm his Hand had in mind. Aemma was not a hypocrite to deny her own guilt — she had spent years trying to produce an heir, letting Viserys fall into Otto Hightower’s trap as he coiled around the King like a snake, gradually tightening  muscles and strangling its victim. Sadly, it was neither Daemon whom he chose as his councillor, nor Rhaenys.

“Dear Gods, how come that you got under such strong influence of Otto Hightower, that even now, when he became the source of your shame, you are still protecting him. Where does all this protectiveness go when a matter concerns your brother? Or me? Or Rhaenyra?” Aemma exclaimed in exasperation.

He opened his mouth to retort, but no words left his lips, he gawked at her, speechless, then lowered his head. “You are too prejudiced against Otto. And myself.” he muttered softly. “But I love you, even if you say otherwise. And will do whatever you ask of me.”

“Oh, yes, you will.” she said, earning a rueful smile from him. “And I will try to forget your infidelity.”

Relief flickered across his face, but died as quickly as it appeared. “What would you like to have in return?”

“Me?” she snorted, her hand reaching to her chest. “Not really me, but those who are important to me.”

Viserys cocked his head, staring at her curiously. Well, it was the time to start — hopefully, her endeavours were not for nothing.

“In view of recent events, you do understand that Lady Alicent cannot stay at court. She has to leave, the sooner she does it, the quicker people will stop talking about what happened in your chambers.”

“To the Oldtown?”

“No, somewhere farther from the capital and from the influence of her father.” Aemma still hoped that Alicent was not that bad and ruining her life was not in her plans. Some country oaf, far from politicking and sewing treacherous seeds in her head would be fine. They would go for walks together, hunt, raise their children — this life would not be any worse than the one Otto might push her to with his insatiable greed.

“And what this place would be?” he asked, but when the realization stroke him, colour rushed into Viserys’ face. “Surely, you are not planning to send this young lady to the Septa’s! You cannot be that harsh.”

Aemma pondered for a moment about his words. She had not considered it seriously, but mayhap this idea was sound. Yet, she thought it best to follow her initial plan.

“No, nothing like that. I understand that the girl is just a pawn in her father’s grasping hands, and she deserves to live a full life, allbeit away from the court. I will arrange a fine match for Lady Alicent. Lord Rickon Stark is residing presently in the Red Keep, he will advise me on the matter and recommend some fine young lads among his bannermen.”

Viserys chewed his lip, thinking over Aemma’s proposal. “Gods be good, you want to send her to the North? This place is not for gentle ladies brought up under the sun of the Reach and then that of Kings Landing. Staying there will be for her not easier than with the septas.”

“There is a difference, still.” Aemma remarked. “She will be given a chance to find love and be loved. If she is humble enough to embrace her fate, that is. The girl is unspoilt, her maidenhood will be preserved for her future husband, and courtly gossips might not reach as far as the North. People there are occupied with more down-to-earth matters, I presume.”

“I give you my permission.” he declared. “Choose whomever you see fit, I trust your judgment. What is next?”

“As one marriage alliance is to be made, the other is to be dissolved.” the Queen continued. She did not manage to elaborate, though, as she got interrupted by a knock on the door. Ser Harrold emerged in the doorway, bowing his head.

“Lord Hand requests an audience, Your Grace. He insists on the urgency of the matter.” informed Ser Harrold. Aemma knew very well what this urgency was about. Perhaps, she somehow should have taken care of the actual letter delivered to Alicent, with Diane’s help or some other. If she kept it, and she surely did, it was a compromising evidence. Not that it would do much to clean her tarnished reputation, the damage had been done already, but it would cause certain troubles to Aemma — they would certainly try to find the person who had written it. 

Before Viserys could open his mouth, Aemma spoke, “Tell the Lord Hand that His Grace is presently busy and does not take any visitors.” said Aemma and Ser Harrold nodded his head politely but then looked hesitantly to the king.

“Ah… Yes, I am not to be disturbed.” confirmed the king obediently. Ser Harrold bowed his head and disappeared behind the doors, only to reemerge seconds later. 

“The Hand informs Your Grace that he has something of utmost importance to show you. Some kind of document or letter.” 

Aemma froze, waiting for Viserys’ reaction. She did not expect Otto to come so quickly with the evidence against her. There was a spark of curiosity on the king’s otherwise defeated face.

“Do you really deem it appropriate for the king to repeat himself twice?” Aemma took the initiative again.

“No, Your Grace, absolutely not.” Ser Harrold nodded and rushed to shoo away the intrusive councillor.

Aemma let out a soft sigh of relief as an idea formed in her head. Daemon knew the secret passages better than anyone — she would ask him to steal the letter from Otto’s chamber. It would not be the most dignified task for a prince, but for their mutual benefit he would agree.

“You were talking about marriages, my dear.” prompted Viserys with a small smile, interrupting Aemma’s thoughts.

“Yes, marriages, and actually the necessity to dissolve one.”

Understanding flashed in Viserys’ face and whatever pleasantness stayed there, slipped away replaced by scowl. “Daemon, right? My brother does not value his honourable wife, Lady of the Runestone, his children could be well-off, inherit the castle and land! And instead of cherishing what he was given by the Good Queen he keeps moaning and insulting Lady Rhea.”

“Thus speaks the man who was about to ruin his own marriage.” replied  Aemma without a flicker of amusement.

Viserys gave a hard little laugh. “You are comparing me with him?” He jabbed his finger in his chest resentfully. “He calls his lady wife a Bronze Bitch, humiliates her, disregards, while I have been only ever so kind and gentle to you.”

The King reached for her hand, but she pulled it away. “Enough of this, Viserys. I am not in the mood right now. We have been through it many a time, but this one will be the last. Here is my second condition — put an end to this ugly farce and grant Daemon annulment of his marriage with Rhea Royce.”

Pushed to the corner, Viserys pouted, breathed loudly, but surrendered. “Fine. As you wish. But I will speak to Lady Rhea first, as the king I must know her opinion on this matter.”

“She will be delighted, believe me.” assured him Aemma. Their conversation had been going well so far and a bold idea sprang to her head. She took a deep breath, collecting herself and uttered, “Daemon will be free from his marriage and with that I want him to court Rhaenyra and if everything goes well and the feelings are mutual, ask for her hand.” Yet, what followed was quite expected…

“Daemon?” cried out the King, lurching up from his chair. He narrowed his eyes and pointed an accusing finger at Aemma. “Aha! Now I can see…!! This is the reason why your first condition was to give him an annulment, is it not?!” the king burst out resentfully. Aemma bit her lip. For a chilling moment she wondered if she went too far and it was too much for Viserys, he needed time to accept all those things she demanded, and offering Daemon as a potential groom was beyond her husband’s grasp. He would come to terms with this idea. Later.

“No, it is not.” she argued in a calm voice. “I wanted the annulment because it was a fruitless marriage bringing misery upon your own brother and the lady of House Royce, none of whom deserved it and it was only you who turned a blind eye to the problem.” she paused to see Viserys’ reaction — he was frowning, still thinking that it was him who was mistreated. “Maybe you will warm to the idea of Daemon as Rhaenyra’s husband, but for now I will not insist.”

Viserys deflated and leaned back in his armchair, visibly relieved that he would not have to fight over this, yet his eyes remained suspicious. As he always did — terribly afraid of problems at hand — he did not speak a word about the possibility of marriage between his brother and daughter and looked at her expectantly, waiting for further demands. Now it was time to weed the  garden and pluck out the poisonous plants with the root.

“I hope now you can see how detrimental is Otto’s influence and meddling in our family’s affairs. Consequently, he cannot stay in his current position. You have to dismiss him and name a new Hand of the King. Not a self-serving ambitious leech, but a person who puts the interests of the Realm first.”

Viserys was already too tired from their conversation to object, instead, he closed his eyes and muttered, “Of course. It could not be any different.” A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he rubbed his face with his hands. “This decision will not be announced before the festivities end, we shall wait for the lords to go back to their lands. I do not wish to make Otto’s removal a public affair. This is my condition.” He waited for Aemma to nod and she did, the timing was not that important — the fact of dismissal was. “Whom should I appoint a new Hand then?” asked Viserys, although the question was addressed more to himself than to Aemma.

“You are the King and it is your choice to make.” she replied. Upon hearing it, Viserys grimaced, reluctant to make such a serious decision on his own, always so dependent on the opinion of the others. There were several worthy candidates at present, yet, each had certain nuances. Rhaenys would make a fine Hand, a wise and sharp-tongued Princess, not intimidated by men, high or low. It would help to mend the rift between the two branches of their family, but at the same time she was still resentful and could decline the offer. Daemon had always dreamt of the golden pin of the Hand, but his impetuous nature might cloud his judgment, moreover, he was needed to court Rhaenyra and not to be snowed under with papers, figures and counting of coppers. The easiest choice was someone who already was on the council, like Lord Beesbury or Lord Strong, both intelligent, experienced and loyal statesmen. 

Aemma watched how Viserys’ face stiffened as his mind raced in search of an answer. She reached for his hand and patted it in a placating manner. “There is no need to be in a rush. Take your time to think. We can discuss it later, if you wish.” It was actually what she hoped for, anyway without Otto’s influence the future seemed much brighter. “Let us go over it once again, Viserys. Daemon gets the annulment, Alicent Hightower is to be married and sent to the North and Otto is dismissed from his position of the Hand and leaves the capital. By the end of the festivities.” she said, showing that she was ready to accept Viserys’ condition. It took a moment for him to sigh heavily and drop his head in a nod. 

“Will it help me to win your favour again?” came a hesitant question in soft whisper. Viserys knotted his fingers together and humbly rested his hands on his laps, while his eyes were searching Aemma for an answer.

“We shall see.” she replied, letting a tiny note of hope slip into her voice.