THE HEALER PRINCE (HOTD SI)

[Drkest]

Chapter 1- RETURN FROM EXILE

VISERYS TARGARYEN

Viserys Targaryen sat in the council room. His mood was elated and jubilant from the latest news from the master. He could feel it. This would be the time. His dream would finally come true. The gods had tested him enough. This time they would bless him with a son. Aemma, the love of his life, was once more with a child.

This was her fifth pregnancy within the last decade. He loved his daughter Rhaeneyra, yet the question regarding succession had plagued him and the realm. As much as he loved Daemon, he was not blind to his faults. Remembering Daemon made Viserys remember a name he had long forgotten. Daemon was not the only brother he had. His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of his Master of Laws.

Lord Lyonel Strong was a big man. Many would consider him a brute because of his stature, yet that would not be further from the truth. The man had spent his early days at the citadel and had even forged a chain, yet had left it for he felt his heart could not settle on being a master.

"Your Grace, I have a suggestion to make." The man said hesitatingly. The members of the council were all still present. Viserys motioned for the man to continue.

"Your grace with The Queen pregnant once more. And with all the previous misfortunes, perhaps we should make a bit extra effort in this instance," Viserys stared at the man. Any other time he would have admonished the man uttering such ominous words but a part of him was more concerned for his dear Aemma.

The previous losses had been hard for her. They had left her devastated and debilitated.

"What are you suggesting, Lord Strong?" he questioned the man. Lord Lyonel Strong did not speak up immediately. The man took his time and after some time he stared straight at Viserys and said in a very serious tone.

"Perhaps we shall end the exile of Prince Aenys."

The council chambers were silent after those words. Viserys noted the slight tensing of the shoulders of his Hand. Aenys Targaryen was the exiled Prince. The third-born son to Baelon and Alyssa Targaryen. Brother to Viserys and Daemon Targaryen. He was the perfect blend of the two brothers. Many had expected him to never see past his first nameday. Yet he had beaten the odds. The babe had grown into a healthy boy. Viserys often missed the witty remarks of his brother. Many a time he had considered penning a letter and ending the exile yet for whatever reason he would never go through with it.

Aenys Targaryen, the brilliant prince, had been able to tell of their father's disease. He had begged their grandfather to let him treat their father. He had raged and begged to be given a chance. A chance so he could save their father. Yet The Old King had called him naïve and dismissed the notion. And then as per their his brother's words. Their father had died of a burst belly, writhing and shouting in pain on his bed.

Aenys had barged into the Old King's chambers and had raged at him. The Old King had listened calmly at first yet without the calming presence of his wife the King had gotten enraged and in his rage had exiled the young prince.

"I have heard about the Prince from some maesters at the citadel and they concur that they have not seen a more brilliant and innovative healer than him. Perhaps, you should call him back this time," Lord Strong finished.

Viserys thought about those words. He stared at his Hand. Otto Hightower hesitated for a moment before he spoke up.

"The Prince, was exiled by The Old King for his disrespect and unfounded allegations. Yet the real reason for not reversing that exile was how he claimed a dragon. The King had forbidden him from taking any dragon. Yet he defied those orders and claimed a dragon."

But Otto's words were cut off by Lord Strong once more.

"King Jaehaerys forbade him from claiming any of the Tame Dragons, yet the Prince did not claim any of the tame dragons. He claimed a wild dragon. So technically he did not go against the Old King's orders," Lord Strong finished with a smile. The reasoning made even Viserys smile a little, and he looked towards Runciter, who, after thinking for a while, nodded his head.

"The Prince has made quite a name for himself. I have heard that the Sealord of Bravos gave him ten times his wife's weight in gold for saving her and their child. Similar sums have been gifted to him by various other Magisters and Princes. I have heard that he plans to build a sort of citadel, but just focused on healing in Bravos," His Master of Ships, Lord Corlys, spoke up. The man was quite aware of the ongoing of the other Kingdoms due to the mercantile nature of his endeavors.

"While Prince Aenys may have been wrong in what he did. Five years of exile are more than enough punishment. The young prince had just lost his father. He was angry and distraught. Perhaps we should extend forgiveness and let the bygones be bygones." The aged Lord Beesbury spoke up.

Viserys thought about their words. Fate had presented him with a chance. Perhaps he should take it. After thinking for a moment, he turned towards his Hand.

"Write a letter and send it to my brother, they are right enough time has passed. It is time that he returns to his family."

Otto nodded his head at his command.

"As you command your grace," the man said gracefully. And Viserys got up from his chair and began to walk out of the chambers. He passed through the throne room with various servants bowing to him as he moved past the hallway and through the corridor.

He reached the Queen's chambers. Two of the Kingsguard were guarding the door. Viserys opened the door and entered the chambers. And as soon he had entered the room, his eyes landed on the form of his wife. Her hair was tied in an elaborate braid. The small amount of light coming through the window hit her face at just the right angle.

She turned to look at him, and all his worried left him as he saw the smile stretch across her face.

"Viserys! Is the council meeting finished?" she asked him lightly. Viserys made his way toward her. He sat beside her and took her hand in his own and kissed it.

"Yes, the meeting is over," he replied to her earlier question. He placed his hand over her belly. It was still flat.

"I can not wait for the birth of our son," he said truthfully. Aemma laughed slightly at his words

"How can you be sure that this will be a son," she asked.

"I can feel it. It will be a boy this time," he said with conviction.

"Well, the Maesters just came in, and according to them, everything is fine," she informed him in a serious tone. However, her tone became quite somber with her next words.

"But they said the same thing every time," And Viserys could notice the anxiety and fear behind those words. He tightened his grip on her hand.

"I have something to tell you regarding that. Lord Strong made a suggestion in the council meeting about my brother," he began.

"A suggestion about Daemon," Aemma asked for clarification. Viserys shook her head at her words.

"No, he made a petition to end Aenys' exile, and after some deliberation, I decided in favor of it. Aenys is going to come back," he finished. Aemma and Aenys had been somewhat close. Both of them had an appreciation of ancient tomes.

He saw her smile slightly at the news. Perhaps he should have done it years ago.

"It will be good to have him back. I don't think Rhaenyra even remembers him. She was quite young when he left," she added.

Viserys nodded at her words. Yes, it would be difficult for Rhaeneyra to remember him. Yet Aenys had not forgotten about her. Even in exile, a special package had arrived on the docks carrying a gift for his daughter.

"Have you told Daemon?" Aemma suddenly asked and Viserys shook his head.

"No. Not yet. He was not present for the meeting,"

"You should. He will be happy to hear the news," she said yet Viserys shook his head at that.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that." Because if there was one thing Viserys knew about his brother was that nothing was certain when it came to Daemon Targaryen.

0000

DAEMON TARGARYEN

Many people thought that their whispers could not be heard. That the words uttered in hushed tones did not reach his ears. They thought him oblivious to their japes and insults. Yet they were wrong. So very wrong. Daemon Targaryen was not as oblivious to the rumors surrounding him as people thought. He was more than aware of the plots and schemes that were hatched in the Red Keep.

Perhaps more aware than his brother. His brother though not blind to these plots, paid them no heed. Paid no heed to the vultures that had surrounded him. Daemon made his way through the castle gates, the servants bowed to him as he passed by them. A couple of maids giggled when he smiled at them.

He walked through the corridor and just as he was about to head towards the council chambers, he saw the form of one of the greatest thorns in his side. Otto Hightower, Hand of the King. The second son who rose higher than he had any right to. The man who occupied the office that Daemon deserved. The same man who had convinced Viserys to strip him of his title as the Master of Laws. An absolute cunt of a man.

The man stood conversing with his daughter, Alicent Hightower. The girl was comely enough with her brown locks and angled face. The girl was a constant companion to his niece, and Daemon thought about her age and found himself thinking about her match. The girl. No, the Lady spotted him from the corner of her eye and curtsied.

"My prince," she said with a light bow, and Daemon saw her father spot him as well. Daemon had a smirk on his face as he looked at Otto's daughter for some time, he could see Otto squirm a bit.

"My Lady," Daemon bowed as well, not paying any respect to her father, who was still slightly tense.

"It is good that you are here Prince Daemon. But I am afraid you are quite late, the small council meeting has already ended," Otto spoke up from the side. Daemon had not missed the lack of a greeting.

"Well, I was quite busy with my duties as The Commander of the city watch. I am sure there was nothing significant to discuss in the meeting," Daemon said, finally looking at the King's Hand. Otto Hightower stood there imperiously; the badge of the Hand of the King pinned to his doublet. His rightful position, Daemon thought.

"On the contrary, my prince, a topic of significance was brought up." The man spoke up with a slight smirk. Daemon did not miss the slightly haughty tone.

"And what was it, has the King finally decided to listen to the Master of Ships and start a campaign in the Stepstones," Daemon spoke nonchalantly. By this time, lady Alicent had escaped to the hallway.

"No, the Kind wished to maintain a healthy relationship with the Triarchy, the matter discussed was more of a personal nature," Otto spoke with a smirk and his words made Daemon narrow his eyes slightly. There were only a few personal matters to discuss at a council meeting.

"As per the council's recommendation, the King has decided to end the exile of his brother. The crown is inviting Prince Aemon back to his birthplace," and the words made Daemon gnash his teeth slightly.

The news had been a welcome one. Daemon had asked Viserys to do the same yet his brother had not taken his words seriously. 'Council's recommendation'. And everyone knew who did the Council represent. His brother had rubbished his words yet he had listened to the words of the council, words from his Hand.

Daemon could feel his temper flare, yet he did not let it show as he spoke up.

"Then this good news. It seems that my brother has finally decided to listen to my words. I believe that the crown has knowledge about my brother's whereabouts."

At this, Otto shook his head, "I am afraid that the crown lacks that knowledge. The King has tasked Lord Corlys to use his connections to deliver the letter to his brother."

"Well, you should tell Lord Corlys to not waste his time. I will talk to my brother about this. I am quite aware of how to reach my brother and would be able to do so much more efficiently," Daemon felt a little bit of joy in seeing Otto hesitate for a moment. The aged man spoke up after a moment.

"Perhaps you would like to share the information with the council," the man spoke up. Dameon just shook his head at that.

"I don't think so. I will take it up with my brother directly."

And with that, Daemon began to walk off. He made his way through the Hall and through the small corridor at the side. His fists clenched as he thought about the smugness in Otto's voice.

'How much more will you spite me, Viserys,' he thought as he made his way towards the King's chambers. He reached the door and saw the two Kingsguard guarding it. He did not give them a chance to react as he pushed the doors open.

He entered his brother's official chamber. His brother was seated on a chair. The marble from the model in front of him glistened with the light. Viserys turned at the sudden interruption.

"I believe I asked, not to be dist…" yet his words stopped as Viserys' eyes spotted him.

"Daemon, what brings you here in such a hurry?" Viserys asked with a frown. The truth was that

Daemon wanted to shout at his brother. Shout and rage at how he had rubbished his words yet had listened to the same words from his council. Rage at how he had still not offered him, the position he so rightfully deserved. Yet somehow, he was able to stop himself. Because a part of Daemon knew that the words would have no effect on his brother. So, he swallowed as he began to speak up.

"I have heard an interesting news," he began and he saw the words register as Viserys began nodding his head.

"Ahh, so you have heard. Yes, I believe that the news is accurate I have decided to pardon our brother. I am going to invite Aenys back to his home." Viserys said with a smile.

"And what brought this change of heart? Because I have been asking you to do the same for years now," Daemon spoke, a little heat leaking into his words.

"Well, Lord Strong made a compelling case, and you had been saying the same thing for years. Moreso, I believe that more than enough time has passed for us to put it all behind us," Viserys spoke up.

Daemon had not missed the hint. Lord Strong had made the petition, not that cunt. Otto had been messing with him. He gritted his teeth as he thought about that insufferable cunt.

"And do you have any idea on how to reach him?" Daemon asked.

"I have entrusted Corlys with the arrangement. I believe he will be able to find him quite quickly," his brother replied.

"Leave it to me. I can reach him faster," Daemon spoke up. And Viserys turned to face him once more. His brother stared at him for some time before he began speaking up once more.

"Another reason for calling him back was because of Aemma's condition. So, if you are just trying to…"

"NO!" Daemon cut his brother off before he could speak any further. Daemon shook his head as he began to speak up once more.

"The last I heard about Aenys was that he was in Qarth. And if you try to contact him, it would be long after the due time. But he once wrote to me that if there was ever an emergency, then I should convey a message to a certain place in Braavos, and he would get back to me with due haste."

And it was true. He was not aware how, yet daemon had a suspicion regarding the means of it yet he did not speak any further. He saw Viserys frowning, and his brother spoke up after some time.

"And why did he not write to me about something like this," his brother said, frown still marring his forehead. Daemon just shrugged at this.

"You will just have to ask him. So, should I deliver the message?"

Viserys thought about it for a moment or so before he spoke up while nodding his head.

"Yes, you should do so. I will tell the Corlys about it tomorrow." Daemon nodded at his brother and walked out of the room.

Inside the chambers, several questions were running through Viserys' mind. One of them being.

"What was Aenys doing in Qarth?"

0000

Aenys was exiled by Jaehaerys. Yet what was the true reason for his exile? More so, why hadn't Viserys called him back earlier? What changes will he bring to the most tumultuous time of The Targaryen dynasty? And what was Aenys doing in Qarth?

So many questions! So many questions!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 3

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

Life was mysterious in various ways. Sometimes life would incidentally reveal to you secrets that many yearned to know. Alicent had been fortunate like that. Once, several years ago. She often thought about that day, more so when she sat with her friend underneath the blood-red leaves of the Heart tree in the Godswood. She stared at the open book lying on the side and frowned as she spoke to the princess.

"What are you reading, Rhaeneyra? The book given by Septa Marlow is right here?" she asked as she picked up the significantly heavy copy of Journies of Nymeria and History of Dorne. Rhaeneyra was still busy reading something else. Alicent frowned as she moved her head to get a glimpse. Recognizing the book as the gift Rhaeneyra had received from her exiled Uncle.

"You do know that Septa Marlow will not like the excuse that you were busy reading something else?" and Rhaeneyra finally looked at her, her eyes had the distinct Targaryen purple, met her own, and Alicent was reminded of similar eyes.

Purple and burning. She also remembered the aftermath. The shouting. The anger. And most of all the promise. The promise to an old dying man.

"The septa can rot in the seven hells," and it was not the first time Alicent had seen this side of the young princess. They had known each other long enough for her to know that Rhaeneyra was nervous about something.

So Alicent placed the book down and her hand brushed over Rhaeneyra's head lying on her lap.

"All right, tell me what is bothering you and we can discuss it. Because you are only ever this grumpy when you are worrying over something."

And Alicent was spot on, as the girl in her lap closed the book and placed it by her side. And after a second or so spoke up.

"I am worried about mother. She has not been feeling well and everyone around her is worried about the babe while no one is paying any attention to her. They are all like, 'this is not good for the child, this is bad for the bae, you can do that, stop that.' No one is paying attention to what she wants."

And Alicent felt a pang of sadness as she remembered her own mother. And she could feel the helplessness from her words. It was not like any of them were going to listen to a child.

Even if they were right.

"You should trust the Maesters, they probably know what they are doing?" Alicent tried to assure her friend. But her friend just huffed as she got up, looking up at the book by her side once more.

"If they were so knowledgeable, my father would not have called for Uncle Aenys."

And hadn't that been a story for Alicent? The news had been the cause of much discussion in the court. The letter had been delivered quite some time ago. Yet no reply had been received. And many thought that the exiled Prince had refused the call.

"They call him The Healer for his skills. Father called him back specifically for her but I don't think he will be arriving at this rate." The princess spoke, giving the book a complicated look.

"You know I don't even remember much of him, the best I know him is through these books he sends me as gifts on my birthdays," and Alicent found herself replying.

"Well, he was shorter than Prince Daemon."—and Rhaeneyra was looking at her, perhaps finally remembering that Alicent was old enough to have seen the mystery prince and remember him—"his hair a bit curlier, but his physique quite lean. That is from what I remember of him."

Alicent clarified. And now Rhaeneyra was giving her a conspirational look with quite a sinister smile.

"WHAT!" she asked, making Rhaeneyra's smile wider. She just shook her head and tried to get up from the ground but was stopped by Rhaeneyra, who held her hand.

"Do you think he will come?" Rhaeneyra asked her, and Alicent stopped as she stared straight into Rhaeneyra's eyes. Her mind took her back to the time she had seen similar eyes filled with fire and vitriol, rage the sort that promised to burn the whole world. The words spoken locked behind her promise to the dying King, who often called her by the name of her exiled daughter. Words she would only understand years later. Words she had never spoken to anyone else.

Promise me, Saera. Promise me.

And Alicent found herself nodding.

"Yes, I believe he will come." She answered.

"Then why hasn't he arrived yet? It has been months?" Rhaeneyra complained even though she knew the answer.

"As Prince Daemon told the court, he was in Qarth. And if you were paying any attention to the lessons of Septa Marlow, you would know that it is on the other side of the world. Perhaps, it is the journey that is taking time," she answered, and Rhaeneyra huffed at the mention of her studies. Making Alicent frown.

"How is it that you hate learning History from Septa Marlow, but can read those huge books from your uncle easily?" she asked the question that had often arisen in her heart.

Rhaeneyra replied in a haughty tone.

"The Septa's lectures are boring. Plus, these books are quite interesting."—and Rhaeneyra picked up the book handing it to her—"Read it and tell me how that is anything comparable to this"

And with that, Rhaeneyra got up leaving Alicent alone with a book. She looked at the title.

"RHAEGAL TARGARYEN AND THE MAGICAL SCHOOL OF VALYRIA"

Alicent found the name quite unique and she opened the book and began reading it. Only stopping when Rhaeneyra come looking for her telling her that it was time for supper. And from what Alicent had read, history seemed quite boring in comparison.

0000

MAEGELLA TARGARYEN

"I am not going. No way!" Maegella felt the headache grow as she heard her nephew refuse again.

"But Aenys, he wrote to you himself. Daemon even came to deliver it himself, yet you were not here. You should not be so petty," and Aenys turned to face her. His face flushed. Eyes filled with rage and defiance. As he spoke in a mocking tone.

"Petty! I am being petty! He has been king for years, yet he only sends the letter now. Years later!" and Aenys picked up the letter waving it in the air.

"And do you think I am an idiot? I can tell quite well why Viserys is calling for me, and why Daemon came here himself to deliver it."

"Daemon has been trying to persuade Vis…" But her words were cut off by a scoff from Aenys as he spoke up.

"To get a counterweight against Otto Hightower," making Magella stop mid-sentence. What could she even say to that? She knew he was right.

She closed her eyes as she thought about Aenys. She could feel her own will leaving her. And she had one more chance to get him to return. And so she spoke up once more in a small voice.

"Aenys, you do not have to worry about your secret. No one else knows."

And Aenys' head whipped toward her as soon as the words had left her mouth. His face was white as a sheet, and his eyes were wide. As he tried to speak something, Magella nodded her head, simply answering him before the words had left her mouth. Aenys was quiet for a long time before he spoke up once more.

"Since when? Since when have you known?" he asked with an even tone. Maegella was no longer looking at him. Her eyes stared at the scenery outside. The Titan of Bravos appeared as a small silhouette to her in the distance.

"When Grandfather called me and sent me to check up on you? He had made Alicent swear not to speak of it. The Kingsguard outside made similar vows. But they had probably not heard any of it at all. He only told me because, by that time, he had already done the deed, understanding the implication behind them later."

She answered. And it was like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She turned to glance at his nephew, who was now sitting on a chair. Hand held in his hands.

"Yet you never asked anything? Never said anything? So why now?" he questioned in a small voice.

Maegella was quiet for a moment as she carefully thought out her words. Her hand went up to touch the scarred skin on her neck.

"When you sneaked in to help me despite my greyscale with that stupid acolyte,"—and a laugh escaped from his lips— "And I woke up days later. Weak and in extreme pain, yet feeling alive once more. I suspected something similar. Yet I stayed quiet, for you never said a word. And hence it was only when grandfather confirmed it. I knew that you had made a mistake. So, I advised him to make everyone who had heard anything swear to keep quiet."

And now Aenys was looking at her with a complicated expression.

"So, he did it, but then just as I was about to convince him to end the exile. News of your adventure from Dragonstone arrived in King's Landing, and he refused to listen to any of my pleas. So, I took a boat and arrived to look after you. For I knew that you needed someone else. For a Targaryen alone in a word is a terrible thing. More so with the gift you possess."

And there was a slight smile on his face as she repeated those words. And Aenys took a deep breath as he got up and walked to the window, standing by her side. He then spoke up once more.

"Have you ever wanted to know anything? Ask me. I will tell you." He offered, and Maegella understood the trust those words had come with. She just shook her head at him.

"Nothing. There is nothing to ask." She replied as she tried to wrestle the curls from his silvery locks. Aenys just turned and began to walk out when she spoke up once more.

"And Aenys, thank you for saving my life all those years ago," and he began walking once more. Maegella turned to look out the window once more. She tried to remember the date of the tourney, and as she recalled it, she felt a little relieved.

There was still time. He would make it.

And on that night, thousands in Bravos saw a sight that would become a thing of the legends in a couple of centuries. A great winged beast rose from the area around the Purple Harbour and took to the skies. Its coloring makes it appear majestic through the darkness of the night.

0000

VISERYS TARGARYEN

Viserys frowned as he listened to the report from Corlys about the Triarchy and their invasion of the Stepstones. The Sea Snake was a man of ambition. Unsatiated and continuous ambition. The man held been blessed with much. A tremendous wealth. A royal match. Influence at court. A son to carry his name.

Yet it seems that it was never enough.

"We cannot allow them any more latitude in the stepstones. If they have free reign in that region, the crown would have their trade routes cut off," and Otto spoke from the side.

"Your trades Lord Corlys, mainly the crown operated few ships on that route," the man had seen where Corlys was leading them and had intervened to stop his momentum.

Viserys was getting agitated by the continuous bickering. His mind went over what Aemma had told him the other day. The last chance for her. For a son. And Viserys could not get her words out of his mind.

"Is there any news about my brother?" he asked, and everyone quieted down. Lord Strong spoke up after a moment or so.

"Your grace, we have not received any correspondence yet. But it is expected, as he was in Qarth when Prince Daemon visited. I don't believe that he will be able to make it in time."

And Viserys looked toward the Maester.

"And is there any change that I need to know of? How is everything?" he asked, and the aged Maester Melos replied.

"Everything seems fine, your grace. Our prediction will hold."

And Viserys nodded at those words.

"How are the preparations for the Tourney coming along?" he asked the Master of the Coin.

"The preparations have been completed, your grace."

And Viserys was glad to hear those words. This tourney was supposed to be massive. It was, after all for the celebration of the price. His son.

0000

RHAENEYRA TARGARYEN

Rhaeneyra Targaryen watched as knights from various regions of the realm gathered for the Heir's tourney. So many sigils, so many banners. The whole city was filled with them. It was only the first day. Her mother's labor had yet to even begin. Yet the celebrations for the child in her womb had already begun.

She looked to the side and found her father seated with Otto Hightower, Alicent's father. The man was competent, if not likable with his hollow eyes and haughty attitude. She pushed herself a bit to get a look at the sky.

"What are you doing?" Alicent asked from the side. Dressed in a pure white gown that accentuated her curves. Her brown hair was tied in an intricate braid that gave her a very dashing look. Rhaeneyra had spotted several knights sneaking a look at her.

"Nothing," she lied as she slid back. Disappointed at the lack of any incoming dragons. Alicent caught her lie but did not push as her father stood up and began his speech.

"Today, I am delighted to welcome you to this tournament. My heart feels elated as I look at all such fine names on the lists. I hope that each of you makes a great showing."

And with that,t the herald blew his horn. A, all those with their names on the lists began to gather up.

The Herald spoke up.

"PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN THE MELEE, GET READY. WE WILL BEGIN SHORTLY! AND AS MENTIONED, THE PRIZE FOR WINNING THE MELEE IS TWENTY THOUSAND GOLD DRAGONS! SO YOU BETTER FIGHT FOR IT 'CUZ THE OTHERS DEFINITELY WILL."

And the ground shook with the cheer from the small folks. Their voices thundered and roared as knights lined up around the arena. Each of them was dressed in shining armor. Ready to fight for glory.

She leaned in closer to Alicent.

"Is your brother participating in the melee," she asked her friend, and Alicent shook her head at that.

"No, he is only taking part in the joust." And Rhaeneyra leaned back just as the herald blew his horn once more.

"AND NOW WE HAVE THE BIGGEST NAME IN THE TOURNAMENT ENTERING. PRINCE DAEMON!" and the cheer was thunderous as her uncle, or at least which one was present in the seven kingdoms, entered the ring with his black steed. His black armor did not glisten, unlike the rest of the knights. His decorated helmet covers his face. The Valyrian steel sword, Dark Sister tied to his side.

He walked to the center of the arena with much cheer from the crowd. Bowing before her father before he joined the rest of the knights. The knights around him moved away from him. Perhaps fearing being taken out at the start. For there was no better swordsman than the Rogue Prince in the whole of the seven Kingdoms.

And just as everyone was ready, the herald was about to begin the melee with his horn. Everyone stopped as they heard the echoes of a huge bellow, and Rhaeneyra immediately got up from her seat to move to the edge of the platform.

"Rhaeneyra!" Alicent followed her. But they were not the only ones who had moved, she could spot the Kingsguard taking their places in front of their father. The various gathered knights were also looking at the sky, trying to find the source of the sound. Yet Rhaeneyra would find it first.

"There!" she shouted, pointing her finger straight at the slight mass she had spotted. The spot was growing bigger with each passing dragon. And now Rhaeneyra could make it out a bit. A dragon was descending from the skies. The knights began to panic slightly. Her own father moved ahead to get a glimpse.

It was very close to the ground, yet Rhaeneyra had yet to see it flapping its wings. And just when Rhaeneyra had thought that it would crash into the ground. The dragon opened its wings as it slowed down its descent, and began to circle the arena. Her eyes finally catching a glimpse of the dragon.

Beautiful was her first thought. Its size larger than Syrax, yet its scales, pearly white somewhat similar to those of Silverwing. Its wings did not have a single blemish on them as the pure white wings kept the dragon in the sky as it circled the arena.

Now Rhaeneyra could finally spot the person seated on its back. The Dragon began its descent and reached for the arena. Showering the people with dust as it landed. Rhaeneyra was so captured by its beauty that she missed a man getting off its back and making his way to their stand.

The Kingsguard were standing in front of her father. On the ground, the other knights had left the arena except for Prince Daemon, who stood with his helmet removed from his head. The dragon rider walked up to them, stopping in front of Daemon as he took off his helmet.

Silver hair came out. A bit of curl to them, but not much. The person had a clean-shaven face. With not a speck of hair on his chin. Though from the grime and weariness on his face, one could make out that he had been in a hurry.

Rhaeneyra saw a genuine smile appear on her uncle Daemon's face. And she frowned as the man began to look for something in his pockets. Taking out a letter after some searching. He held it up and shouted.

"I got your letter!" and with that, she saw her father descend to the tourney ground. The whole arena was quiet as the King walked up to his brother. Her father walked up to him. And now both of them were standing face to face. And with a small smile hugged the dragon rider.

They separated, and then Uncle Daemon came and joined in as well. Then her father shouted out.

"Today, we have been blessed twice over! We celebrate the return of my brother! Prince Aenys has returned to be among us once more," and the crowd broke into a deafening roar as they cheered wildly for the newly returned prince.

0000

So, how is it? Please tell me your thoughts.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support and patronage help me out a lot, so if possible, have a look and drop a dime. I shall be extremely thankful.

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Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

CHAPTER 4

VISERYS TARGARYEN

Viserys watched as his brother looked over his wife. Aemma had a smile on his face as she stared at him. Grandmaester Mellos watched from the side. His brother was still covered in his riding leathers. He had asked to be taken to Aemma first, and Viserys could only nod.

The years away had changed him. He was no longer the dismissive, agitated boy Viserys thought him to be. He had grown up to become a seemingly confident and, if the bewilderment on Mellos' face was any indication, a highly skilled man.

Viserys saw him reach into his pouch and take out something he had never seen. Aenys put two tubes to his ears and placed one end on Aemma while closing his eyes, seemingly focused on what he was hearing, as he moved the end to various places on Aemma's body.

After a while, he took it out of the ear and smiled at Aemma as he began to move towards him.

"Let's take this outside," Aenys spoke to him in a hushed tone. Viserys' heart dropped as he heard those words. He nodded and went up to kiss Aemma as she hissed in pain from another contraction.

"Is everything okay, Viserys?" she asked him, and Viserys just smiled in assurance.

"Of course, everything is fine," he reassured her. She nodded, and Viserys walked out of the room along with Melos to find Aenys pacing just outside.

"So, what is it?" Viserys asked his brother. Aenys stopped pacing and looked up towards him and Mellos. His face contorted with fury.

"What have you people been doing? Did you guys even consider that she was fit for birth or not!" he hissed at them both. And Viserys stilled as he heard those words.

Mellos answered from his side.

"My Prince, we have taken every precaution and paid attention to every detail in caring for the Queen," but Aenys cut him off.

"No, you have not! For god's sake, even an untrained acolyte could tell that she is severely anemic, not to say anything of the general weakness. Have you listened to her heart? It is almost bursting," and Viserys recognized that tone quite well. It was the same tone their father used when he lost his temper, rare as that might have been.

And while Viserys could not understand what he was saying, he knew the news was not good. He frowned at the Grandmaester as he asked Aenys.

"Tell me what you think in simpler terms. Will she be fine? Will my son be fine?" Viserys asked him. And Aenys did not reply immediately. And when he did, Viserys felt his world shatter around him.

"Things are quite complicated. The babe's position seems to be a bit abnormal, and while I can not be sure, there is a high chance that there may be some complications with the umbilical cord," and even if Visery did not understand it completely, he knew that things were quite dire. Aenys seemed to consider his words for a moment before continuing.

"Moreover, if this continues as is, there is a high chance that neither Aemma nor the babe will make it," and now Viserys was shocked once more. He could feel his eyes burning as he felt helpless at the situation. It was as if his whole world had come crashing down.

"Your grace, I have been doing this for decades. And while the prince may be more famous, I have cared for the queen for a long time. And I believe that she is progressing normally," Mellos' words gave Viserys some hope. He looked at Aenys once more, who just shook his head.

"You called for me because you thought that I could help you. I flew across half the world just to make it in time, so you can either trust me or listen to Grandmaester Mellos," while Viserys wanted to believe in the good news, he knew he could not.

Not this time.

"Firstly, I need to tell Aemma the news, then both of you should discuss what you want. If you let me act now, there is a good chance that I could save her life though given her history, I believe that it will be highly unlikely that she would be able to conceive after this," and Viserys was shocked to hear such odds.

"If you decide not to act and wait for it to progress normally, then I can make no assurances, for it will be out of my hands," and Viserys was shocked as he heard those words.

"Your grace, I implore you to listen to me. The Queen is doing just fine. It would be prudent that you listen to my advice and listen to my advice and ignore the prince," Mellos spoke from the side, yet Viserys chose to ignore him.

And with a nod, Aenys entered the birthing room again, with Viserys at his heel. Aemma lay on the bed hissing in pain, somewhat startled as she saw them both enter. Her eyes lacked the light Viserys had fallen in love with. And after observing their faces once more, she asked in a small tone.

"Will you finally tell me what is wrong?" and Viserys could not find the words. Yet Aenys spoke out, sparing Viserys the pain of delivering such gaunt news.

"We need to talk about your child Aemma?" He closed the doors behind them. He then moved and stood to her side as he continued.

"There seems to be a complication…."

0000

CORLYS VELARYON

"That was quite an entrance. I would say," Rhaenys commented from the other side of the table. And Corlys had to agree. The Prince's entrance had been dramatic. Landing in the middle of a tourney on a dragon's back. It was quite exciting.

"I would have to agree. But I have not seen him since he vanished with the King. Do you think everything is fine with the Queen?" he asked as he thought about how the Prince had been taken to the Red Keep immediately.

"I do not know, but his return will change many things. I can feel it," and Corlys agreed with his wife.

Aenys Targaryen. The Healer Prince. It was quite a special name now. With connections to so many of the free cities and considerable wealth to his name. All obtained through his own hard work and grit. Corlys had great respect for the man who had carved out an identity for himself. And another thing that he had forgotten. Unmarried as well.

"Why do you think the King took so much time to call him back? King Viserys values family quite highly, then why would he take so much time to call him back?" he asked Rhaenys the question that had been plaguing his mind. While Viserys had made several excuses. He was the King, and Aenys was his brother.

Rhaenys just shook her head at that.

"I do not know. While Aenys and Viserys were never overly close like with him and Daemon, there was never any animosity between them, from what I can recall. I just think it was just Viserys wanting to preserve the last vestiges of our departed grandfather," and Rhaenys could be right. Viserys was known to be a little indecisive. Maybe he did not want to revert the Old King's orders. Or he did not want him to return for other reasons.

And Corlys frowned as he saw the commotion outside as he spotted several guards running. He got up and made his way out of the door.

"What is going on," he asked the servants that were running.

"Nothing, my lord, we are just searching for the Prince," the servant replied.

"Which Prince?" Corlys asked with a frown.

"Prince Aenys, my lord," the servant replied. But

"Why? Wasn't he with the King and the Queen?" he questioned further. The servant shook his head as he replied.

"No, my lord, he had left the chambers some time ago. We are searching for him because Queen Aemma has gone into labor. The King has asked for Prince Aenys," and Corlys' eyes widened as he nodded his head. The servant continued walking after giving him a bow.

He walked back into the room.

"What happened? What is all this commotion about?" she asked him, and he replied.

"The Queen has begun her labors. The servants were looking for Prince Aenys for some reason," and he could see Rhaenys worry slightly for Aemma as she prayed in a small voice.

"May the seven bless her! She has suffered enough in the last ten years," and Corlys agreed with her. The birthing bed had not been kind to the Queen. May the Gods show her mercy this time around.

0000

RHAENEYRA TARGARYEN

"I don't think we should do this, Rhaeneyra," Alicent spoke up once more as they walked towards Godswood.

"Come on, I am sure I saw him come this way," she said in a hushed tone. And they continued moving towards the Heart tree in the center of it. And she had seen right. There beneath the largest tree of the Godswood, on a bed of leaves of rusted blood color, lay a man that had only come back to the castle a couple of hours ago. And Rhaeneyra finally got a detailed look at her uncle.

He was still dressed in the clothes he had been wearing on his arrival. Though he had put his weapon to the side, Rhaeneyra's eyes narrowed as she saw the sword tied to the belt. It did not seem like a regular steel sword.

"Look, he seems to be resting. We should not disturb him," Alicent spoke up once more as she pointed to her uncle. And while Rhaeneyra wanted to know more about her father's mysterious brother. This did not seem like the right time. So, she decided to listen to her friend and turned around to leave. But just as she had turned, she heard a foreign voice.

"Leaving without even greeting me. Well, that seems a bit rude," and Rhaeneyra turned to see her uncle getting up from his place. He dusted out the leaves from his clothes and began to walk towards her. Rhaeneyra noticed Alicent stiffen slightly beside her and was a bit perturbed by her reaction.

He reached in front of her and Alicent and finally got a close look of his face. His face seemed a slimmer version of her father's. He did not have huge bulging muscles like some knights but had a leaner look, just like his other brother, uncle Daemon.

"It is good to see you after such a long time, Rhaeneyra, and you as well, Lady Alicent," he said with a bow, and they returned the greeting.

"It is good to see you as well, uncle, and I hope we have not disturbed your rest," she said, followed by Alicent.

"It is good to see you as well, my prince."

Her uncle waved off her apology.

"It is fine. It was just that the castle had changed quite a bit from what I remember, so I decided to visit the Godswood to have a sense of familiarity," he said while around the Godswood with a nostalgic smile.

"This was my favorite place in the whole castle," he added with a bit of sadness.

"Did you come here often before you went away?" and Rhaeneyra had barely kept the word exile out of her mouth. And he nodded as they began to walk towards the Heart tree.

"Yes, it was the only place where I could sit and read without worry. The rest of the castle was always filled with a bit of commotion in those days," his voice still held the sadness from before. He then turned to face her friend.

"Lady Alicent must remember a bit of those days. She had arrived at court during that time as well," and Alicent nodded her head.

"Yes, the castle was filled with quite a bit of commotion, but it hasn't lessened much with the passing of the years," Alicent replied. Though Rhaeneyra noticed how her uncle was looking at Alicent with a narrowed gaze. Alicent was looking down, her hands chipping her nails, showing her nervousness. But why?

But then Rhaeneyra remembered the major reason he had been called back.

"Have you checked my mother? Is everything well with her?" and Rhaeneyra did not miss the way he had stopped suddenly. And as she looked at the conflicted expression on his face, dread pooled in her heart.

"She is going to be fine, right? Right?" she asked once more. But no affirmative reply came, and he spoke up just as she was about to speak up again.

"While I can not promise anything concrete, know that I will do everything in my power to make sure that she is…" he stopped, and Rhaeneyra frowned as she heard the thrum of people rushing towards him them. Her uncle had picked up her belt and taken out the sword.

Rhaeneyra's eyes widened as she recognized the distinct smoky pattern on the steel. She had seen the pattern in the swords wielded by her father and Uncle Daemon. Dark Sister and Blackfyre.

The sword was valyrian steel. But how? And just as she was lost in the thought, she saw a couple of servants appear, their breathing haggard from their hastened pace.

"What is going on?" her uncle asked, and the servants replied quickly while still gasping for air.

"They are calling for you, my prince. It is the queen. She has started her labors," and Rhaeneyra's eyes widened as she heard those words. Her uncle, though, immediately put the sword back in its sheath.

"We can talk later, but I must go now," With those words, he began to rush towards the main corridor. And Rhaeneyra just stood there worried for her mother. Alicent wrapped her arms around her.

"Your mother will be fine. She is being cared for by the best of the realm," and that was true. The accursed foreboding that something was about to go wrong did not settle down in her gut.

May the Gods have mercy on her mother.

0000

With my rushed pace, I reached the doors of the queen's chambers. The shouting coming from the inside heightened my growing worry. I had advised them to let me operate earlier and maybe try later for another child. But both Aemma and Viserys had not been convinced. They had decided to go forward with the pregnancy. I rushed through the doors and saw Viserys kneeling beside her bed with Mellos and several maidservants crowded around the Queen.

Idiots.

"What is going on?" I asked immediately as a servant presented me with a bowl of boiled water mixed with the distilled spirit I had given him earlier. Viserys looked up at me, and I saw the sheer worry in his eyes. Mellos walked towards me in a rush."You were right. The child's position is making natural difficult. It seems we will have to take it out."

Aemma screamed again.

"AHHH! HELP ME! PLEASE JUST STOP THIS! HELP ME, VISERYS!" she screamed, and I saw Viserys looking at me. I went forward and checked the position myself once more. And it was not normal, just as I had guessed.

"What can we do, Aenys?" Viserys asked me once more. And I tried to think of a safer solution. My thinking was hampered by the sheer exhaustion and weariness I was feeling. I pinched my thigh to maintain my focus as I ran through several options. Finding none, I turned towards Grandmaster Mellos.

"Mellos! We are going to take out the babe from her belly, as I had said earlier," the man nodded. I immediately began to give instructions to the servants to prepare the things I would need.

With my instruments on a table by the side, I stood in front of the unconscious form of Aemma.

"Let's do this," and made the incision. Praying deep in my heart for any Gods to not make my visit a waste. I had come to Westeros, riding at breakneck speed just to make it in time. Let it all not be a waste.

After a long time, I passed the babe to Mellos. Its heartbeat was slow and sounds like a deep buzz on auscultation. This was not good. It was a genetic defect in its heart.

"My prince, she is bleeding too much," and I looked and saw the sheets drenched in red. This was not going well, not well at all. And I was shouting instructions once more.

"Get me a cleaned-up flagon, and fill it with water, clean water!" as I tried to measure her pulse. And finding none, I jumped up on the bed. My hands cracked her ribs as they pushed down on her heart. Trying to maintain the blood supply to her brain.

"Mellos! Push the flagon into the uterus. And continuously fill it with water, make sure that it fits firmly before stopping!" I was continuously pushing down on her heart. Mellos hesitated a bit before speaking.

"My prince, she is gone. There is no pulse."

"DO WHAT I AM SAYING!" I screamed, and the old man rushed, and I did not stop. I could feel her cracked ribs with each push, yet I did not stop. I could not stop.

"It is done, my prince. The bleeding has stopped," came Mellos's voice, and I stopped the compressions, placed my hand on her neck, and found a feeble pulse.

It was weak like the last embers of a dying flame. But it was there.

Behind me, I saw Mellos's eyes widen as he felt the feeble pulse himself, his face struck in sheer amazement. But before I could bask in my victory, the strangled voice of one of the maidservants broke me out of my reverie.

"Grandmaester, the young prince! He isn't breathing!"

Aenys turned to face the child, and just as he was about to walk toward the prince, he stumbled as his body began to shut down. He tried to stand up, yet his vision began to darken as the chamber was filled with voices again.

He saw the silhouette of the Grandmaester and tried to speak up, hoping he would understand,

"Hear…. It's hear…." And it was all he could get out before a week's exhaustion finally caught up to him, and his world descended into utter darkness.

0000

BOOOM! This was super fun for me to write, though I don't know why.

Hope you guys enjoy it.

Please comment away your thoughts.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot, so if possible, have a look and drop a dime. I shall be extremely thankful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 5- The Tragedy struck!

VISERYS TARGARYEN

Viserys Targaryen had faced many a tragedy in his life. Losing his mother just as she had given birth to his brother was the first. Her loss had left her father devastated, not to mention the grief it had caused him and Daemon. Then it had been their father, hale and healthy yet taken to the bed with a sudden fever, screaming in agony as his brother argued to let him, a child, treat him.

Then the last four stillbirths had taken their toll on him, filling him and his dear Aemma with grief. And for this reason, he had decided to call back his brother, hoping things could be different.

Yet it seemed that Gods were not done with their cruelty. He watched as the funeral pyre was lit for the fifth time. The bundled body of his babe was ensembled in a pit of fire as his daughter wept in front of it, supported on the side by Lady Alicent.

He should have been down there, comforting Rhaenyra. Yet he couldn't bring himself to leave the room, leave his dear Aemma as he lay lifelessly on the bed battling life and death. He held his hand, which had grown paler and thinner, holding little warmth of life.

"Has there been any change?" he questioned the Grand Maester and the man shook his head.

"I am afraid not, your grace. Whatever Prince Aenys did was able to bring back her pulse, yet we remain oblivious to the next course of action. I believe that only he can be certain about what is to be done next," Mellos's admission made his temper flare.

Such incompetence. Maybe Aenys had been right all those years ago. Maybe Grandfather should have listened to him.

"And what about my brother? It has been quite some time now. Why hasn't he woken up yet?" Aenys had fallen unconscious in the middle of the treatment, leaving his work unfinished and leaving his son unattended.

"According to the letter from Lady Maegella, the Prince has been riding nonstop for months just to reach Westeros. He rode continuously for at least three days. Given the perils of such a journey, the buildup of exhaustion is what caused the prince to faint away…."

But Visery had had enough, so he gritted his teeth and uttered menacingly.

"I asked when he will wake up!" and he saw Mellos roll back at his temper before finally spluttering to answer his initial question.

"I am afraid I don't have a definite answer, but it should be within two days, according to my estimates, your grace," and Visery nodded, the hope in his heart still flashing embers.

"Though, I must caution you that you must be prepared, your grace. The Queen's condition is very precarious. I am afraid that even Prince Aenys may not be able to save her," Mellos spoke up again.

A small part of Visery wanted to burn the man for speaking such doomed words, yet his saner part told him that they were the truth. When he had seen red cover the birthing bed's sheets and had heard Aemma's screams, he had prepared himself for the worst. He had hardened his heart, that his folly for continuously trying for a son had cost him his dear Aemma.

"I know Grand Maester. I know. But try to keep her stable for as long as you can. Mayhaps my brother can pull out one more miracle from his pocket," he finished as he gave Aemma's hand a chaste kiss before standing up, preparing to leave the chambers.

"Of course, your grace," bowed the Grand Maester, and Viserys began to leave the room. Perhaps the council would be able to provide a distraction.

Though, just as he was about to leave the room, his way was blocked by the form of his daughter and her friend Alicent. Rhaenyra stopped seeing him, and Viserys's heart broke as he saw her reddened eyes and disheveled hair.

"Rhaenyra I …." Though before he could finish words. His daughter crashed into his arms, and both of them broke down into quiet sobs as they mourned their loss.

And perhaps for the first time in a long time, Viserys thanked the Gods for the mercy of giving him Rhaenyra. For giving him and Aemma someone to symbolize their love.

Behind them, Alicent's eyes were also inflamed as she saw her friend in grief and agony, her heart a bundle of emotions that she quashed as quickly as they were born.

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CORLYS VELARYON

Corlys Velaryon watched as the door to the council chambers was opened, and the King walked in, his face mottled with fatigue and sorrow. Everyone stood up as Viserys walked despondently towards his chair. The mood in the chambers became more somber than it previously was.

"Your grace, you have our deepest condolences on your loss," began Otto Hightower in his usual druel voice. The King nodded as he sat down on his chair.

"Your condolences are well recieved," the King commented as they all sat down as well, none daring to speak up until Lord Strong spoke up.

"How is the Queen's health, your grace?" Corlys noted how Viserys face turned even more somber at the mention of the Queen, indicating that the news was not good.

"The Grand Maester is trying, yet I am afraid there isn't anything good to say."

"And what about Prince Aenys? I heard he suddenly fainted while trying to heal the Queen?" Corlys questioned, and Visery nodded as he spoke.

"Indeed, Aenys has been riding hard for months to reach Westeros, riding without any sleep for a number of days just to make it in time. The Grand Maester says he will make a full recovery and wake up sometime later tomorrow," and just before Corlys spoke any further, the Hand spoke up from his seat.

"Regarding the Prince, I would like to bring something to your attention, your grace," Otto Hightower began as he motioned for one of Kingsguard to step forward. And Corlys frowned as the man in the white cloak placed a cloaked object on the table.

"While they were moving the Prince, they discovered this on him," began the Hand as he uncovered the object to reveal a sword. Not a long sword, but a rather thin short sword. But it wasn't the length of the sword that mattered.

And Corlys couldn't stop himself from touching the cool swirly patterned metal, not caring how it left a cut on his finger.

"Valyrian steel," Corlys whispered as the council focused on the weapon, lamenting slightly as he remembered how his own house had lost its valyrian steel sword.

But how had Aenys gotten his hands on this? And could he get any more?

"The sword is Valyrian steel and not amongst any of those recorded by the Maesters, meaning that this is a newly forged sword."

And Corlys saw Viserys perk up at that, "What do you mean to say, Otto?"

"Nothing except that this is an important piece of information as various houses have lost their prized valyrain steel weapons in the past…."

And Corlys immediately understood the implication behind those words. Otto was trying to insinuate that Prince had dealt with people who had robbed Westeros houses of their swords to obtain this weapon.

And it seemed he wasn't the only one.

"This is enough, Otto. When Aenys wakes up, I shall ask him about this. Now is there anything else left to discuss," and then Otto Hightower spoke up once more his words alarming Corlys.

And the whole council remained quiet foe while there may have been many matters regarding the realm that needed to be looked after, there was a consensus that the King should not be overburdened at such perilous times.

"Then I call this meeting to an end," announced Viserys as he got up, all of them stood up as well, only seating down once more after Viserys had left the chambers.

0000

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

"Rhaenyra! You can not starve yourself like this. This is not good for you," Alicent tried to coax her friend to take even a small bite of her food, though her words seemed to fall on deaf ears as Rhaenyra remained glued to her mother's bed, holding her hand, barely holding back her tears.

Alicent's heart ached to see her like this, filled with sorrow and pain. She liked seeing the Rhaenyra she had grown up with, the one that dreamt of flying away on her dragon, being a knight, and always eating cake.

She walked up to her friend and hugged her from behind, feeling her trembling body as she wrapped her arms around her to provide any semblance of warmth, something she remembered her brother Gawayne had done when her mother had left this world.

"You can not do this to yourself. You must not lose hope. With your uncle here, your mother will be under the care of the best healer in the whole world," and by all the rumors of the court, that was an accurate statement. Though, her words did not seem to reassure her dear friend.

"What good is he? He could not save my brother, and now he slumbers as my mother fights a battle for her life," Rhaenyra's words were scathing though her accusations were false. She had asked her father about the Prince and had gotten the truth about his condition.

"Your uncle rode for three days without any sleep just to reach before your mother's labors began, and according to Grand Maester, he was the one who even managed to save your mother, and if the Gods will, he would be able to save her again," she tried to reassure Rhaenyra who chewed her lips and gave her a small nod.

Alicent smiled, moving to sit right beside her, having Rhaenyra lean against her.

"Now, you wouldn't want your mother to worry upon seeing you after she wakes up, right? So, why don't you have a couple of bites of the food? The Queen wouldn't want you to starve yourself," she spoke softly, picking up the plate of food from the side and placing the fork in front of Rhaenyra's mouth.

And after some hesitation, Rhaenyra took a small bite, much to Alicent's relief.

"Would you pray for her to the Seven," Rhaenyra asked, and Alicent smiled, her hand waving through Rhaenyra's silvery strands.

"Of course, I will, and so will the rest of the realm. Everyone will be praying for the Queen," she said, her head resting against her friends. And she could sense the hesitation in her friend's posture before she heard her whisper in a small voice.

"Will you take me with you? To pray," and Alicent nodded as she took Rhaenyra's hand into her own, reassuring her of her presence.

"Of course, though, that will be after you finish at least half the plate of food," With that, Alicent brought another spoon full of cake to her mouth, which Rhaenyra ate without protest.

"Thank you, Alicent," Rhaenneyra muttered as she snuggled into her embrace, and Alicent once more felt her heart beat faster and her body flush up as her friend leaned onto her.

"You never have to thank me for anything, Rhaenyra. Ever." She said, kissing Rhaenyra on the head and wrapping her arms around her once more, ignoring how her heart raced in her chest.

0000

DAEMON TARGARYEN

Daemon picked up another flagon of wine and brought it to his mouth, his senses growing duller with each sip. The whole brothel was filled with the noise of flesh thumping against flesh as members of the city watched, letting their lust take over their senses.

Mysaria walked towards her, her body swaying with every step, enticing him, as she made her way towards him. She took her place in his lap, taking away the flagon he had picked up and throwing it aside as she gave him a coy smile.

"This stuff isn't worth it for the sole heir of the Seven Kingdoms," and she picked up an ornate glass from the side, passing it to him. Daemon brought it up to his nose, sniffing the aroma of the rich arbor gold, and smiled.

A drink worthy of his station.

He took a sip as Mysaria pivoted on his lap and was now facing him. Even in his stupor, she found her beautiful and couldn't help cursing Viserys and the Old coot for arranging his match with that Bronze Bitch.

'Perhaps, he could now ask Viserys to dissolve his marriage. Maybe with the lack of heirs, he might even listen to him,' Daemon thought as Mysaria began kissing his neck, his body heating up as his dulled senses responded to her provocations.

Suddenly there was a loud banging as one of the captains spoke out, "SILENCE! SILENCE!"

The commotion began to die down as the captain continued.

"THE PRINCE WILL SPEAK!" he commented, and Daemon wanted to let this go, but he found Mysaria whispering into her ear.

"It seems the people want to hear their prince," she said coyly, pivoting to his side as she pushed him on, "why don't you fulfill their wish?"

Daemon looked around and found everyone was now focused on him, waiting for him to address. He shakily picked up the glass of arbor gold and stood up, swaying lightly, but he found himself getting supported by Mysaria.

"The King and Council have long rued my position as heir. They have long sought to replace me."

And there was howling and shouting as the city guard showed their response to this. Daemon felt powerful in their praise and loyalty.

"They even went as far as to call back perhaps my brother, whom some call the best healer of this age. Yet it seems even that cannot stop my rise, for the Gods decide that fate of men, so I propose a toast!"

And he raised his glass of arbor gold, some of the vintage dripping down and making a splash, in the quieted brothel!

"TO BAELON TARGARYEN!"

0000

All right, people, comment away your thoughts!

I know many people will be pissed at me for doing this, but a sane and non-inebriated Daemon would never have said those words. So, focus a bit more on the sequence of the events that take place regarding him.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot and allows me to write, so have a look and consider dropping a dime. I shall be extremely thankful.

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Thanks for reading

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 6

CORLYS VELARYON

"The Heir for a day!"

Finished Otto Hightower and Corlys could sense the temperature in the room drop as soon as the words had left the Hand's mouth. He knew exactly what Otto had wanted to achieve with this, and from the look of utter anguish and rage on Visery's face, he was succeeding.

"Are you sure of this, Otto?" questioned Viserys in a hard voice, a slight tremble indicating his rage.

"Unfortunately, yes, your grace. I have confirmed the report from three eyewitnesses," Otto replied in his usual drawl voice. And he saw Viserys clench his hand in rage, his knuckles turning white.

"Your grace, as we tried to tell you yesterday, Prince Daemon's ambition knows no bounds. He is a man who cares nothing except his own self. Having such a man as an heir would destabilize the realm and taint your family's legacy," began Grand Maester Mellos, and Corlys could feel dread pool in his eyes as he saw the implication of this discussion.

Lyonel Strong shook his head as he spoke up, "and just as I proclaimed last night. The tradition is set by law and tradition. We cannot just change it like this. Plus, naming Princess Rhaenyra as heir has the additional problem of Prince Aenys, who is second in line to the throne."

"But even you must see, Lord Strong, Prince Daemon has no regard for even his blood. After this, what can we expect of the man as a King?" contended Otto Hightower. And Corlys noted how, Viserys had been quiet during all this, not speaking at all.

And, at that moment, Corlys decided to make a gamble and spoke up. Prince Aenys needed a way for his claim to be stronger than Daemon. And there was one way for him to do that, Prince Aenys could streng…." But his words were cut off by Viserys, who suddenly spoke up.

"But what if Aenys gives up his claim? What if he swears fealty to Rhaenyra?" And the whole chamber quieted down as Viserys posed his question. The King looked towards Lord Strong as he was the Master of Laws, and this was his domain.

The man considered his words before speaking up, "Your grace, we cannot know whether Prince Aenys will even agree…."

"But the King isn't asking whether he will agree to such a thing, Lord Strong. But what will happen if he does decide to kneel to the heir appointed by the King," interjected Otto, and Corlys could feel the man was trying his hardest to suppress a smile.

Lord Strong looked towards the King, who did not dispute the Hand's words and had a hardened face and spoke up once more, "I believe that will go a long way in strengthening her claim."

Viserys nodded as Lord Strong finished his words before looking toward Otto, and Corlys could tell that there was about to be a major shift in the realm.

"I want you to write missives to all the lords. Most of them are already in the city. Summon them tomorrow to swear fealty to the new heir of the Seven Kingdoms!" Viserys finished and began to walk out of the chambers, though not before stopping in front of the Lord Commander of The Kingsguard.

"And I want you to bring Daemon to the throne room. Find him from whatever hovel he has buried himself into and bring him to me!" he commanded.

"As you wish, your grace." The man replied with a bow, but the King was long gone, leaving them all alone in the chambers.

Corlys was filled with rage at the way things were developing, yet he also saw opportunities, and if the face of Otto Hightower was any indication, he wasn't the only one.

0000

DAEMON TARGARYEN

Daemon Targaryen walked towards the throne room, flanked by the Kingsguard on his side. From the tension in their posture and how he had been forced to move. He knew something was wrong.

So very wrong. And his suspicion was confirmed as the gates to the throne room were opened up, and he walked into his brother sitting on the Iron throne, Blackfyre.

The Kingsguard or the valyrian steel sword did not concern him. No, the unfettered rage on his brother's face told Daemon that something was wrong, and he knew in his heart that whatever it may be, there was only one person behind this, the Cunt Otto Hightower.

"Did you say it?" questioned Viserys, and Daemon frowned, trying to understand the question.

"Wha…" but Viserys did not even let him finish his sentence.

"The Heir for a day! Did you say it?" snarled Viserys, and Daemon remembered fragments of his speech from last night, though he still found nothing wrong with it.

"We must all mourn in our own ways!" Daemon said, trying to make Visery understand.

"Mourn!" Viserys snarled, "You call that mourning! DRINKING AND WHORING IN A BROTHEL! YOU CALL THAT MOURNING!" screamed his brother in a rage, punting Blackfyre into the ground.

"You mourn with family! You mourn with friends. NOT DRINK AND TOAST YOUR OWN SELFISH RISE WITH YOUR WHORES AND LICKSPITTLES! YOU, THE BROTHER WHOSE SINGULAR ALLY AT COURT, JUST HAD HIS WORLD RIPPED APART! AND YOU! YOU CHOSE TO CELEBRATE YOUR OWN RISE!"

Rage bubbled in Daemon at his brother's words. How dare he accuse Daemon of being uncaring. HIM!

"And let me guess. It must have been leal hand, Otto, the cunt who brought you this news! CANT YOU SEE BROTHER WHAT THAT CUNT…."

"You will not speak about Otto like that! He has more integrity in his little finger than you could ever hope to possess!" Viserys cut him off, and Daemon tried to walk up to Viserys, yet the Kingsguard stepped forward, their hands reaching for their blades, stopping him in his tracks.

Daemon looked up at Viserys to call off the Kingsguard, yet his brother was not moved. Daemon was appalled by the insult.

Viserys did not trust him.

"I have decided that it is time that you return to your lady wife. You are to leave for Runestone on the morrow." Viserys ordered, and Daemon frowned.

"But I am your hair. My place is at court!" Daemon countered, yet dread began to pool in his heart as he saw the expression on Viserys's face.

"NO!" and he was taken aback by that statement dreading the next words out of Visery's mouth.

"Not anymore! I have decided to name a new heir!"

And Daemon's eyes widened at those words, his mind still trying to process the words. The insult. How could Viserys? And Daemon felt his patience finally run out at this.

"A new heir! Replace me! SO, YOU HAVE DECIDED TO LISTEN TO THOSE LEECHES AT COURT AND TAKE MY RIGHTFUL PLACE! MY RIGHTFUL PLACE!" he screamed, his hand going to the pommel of Dark sister instinctively, though he barely contained himself from taking out the blade.

"So tell me, who is it that those cunts…." Visery tried to say

"You cannot insult the counc…."

"CUNTS! WHO IS IT? THOSE CUNTS HAVE CONVINCED YOU TO NAME AS HEIR! IS IT AENYS? THE VERY BROTHER WHO DID NOT EVEN STAND BY YOU AT THAT GRAND FUCKIN COUNCIL! THE BROTHER WHO WAS EXILED BY HIS GRANDFATHER FOR GOD KNOWS WHAT!"

Daemon screamed, his voice reverberating in the throne room, ricocheting off the walls.

"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO TALK ABOUT THINGS YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! NOT YOU! YOU SHALL FOLLOW MY COMMAND AND RETURN TO RUNESTONE, OR YOU SHALL FACE DIRE CONSEQUENCES!"

Daemon flinched back as Viserys swung Blackfyre in his rage. The sword sent sparks flying as it struck the iron throne! Getting stuck in the side of it!

"Plus, it isn't Aenys whom I have named as my heir! No, it is…."

0000

RHAENYRA TARGARYEN

"I have decided to name you as my heir," her father said as he held her shoulders, and Rhaenyra was shocked by his words. Heir. Her.

"But why? Daemon is your heir, and there is Aenys after that," she questioned, thinking it all a cruel jape or dream. Her father shook his head as he gave her a smile.

"Daemon's too proud, too Maegor-esque. He has no patience for the ruling. He wouldn't be able to hold the realm together. And Aenys can not be the heir," and he moved towards the head of the Black dread leaving her frowning.

"But why? You have ended his exile, and from what I have heard of him, he seems quite competent," and she saw her father stop as his face gained a complicated expression before he replied to her.

"If I remove Daemon and name Aenys, then every second or third son in the realm will want to usurp his elder brother. No! Rhaenerya, it has to be you, and I firmly believe that you will make a fine Queen," her father said with a smile, and Rhaenyra felt her heart skip a beat at that.

"Queen," she whispered, feeling the weight of the word. However, there was still a question plaguing her mind.

"And what happens when mother gives birth to a son in the future," and she saw her father's face gain a somber expression, a look of longing appearing on his face. She saw him struggling to speak up, and only after trying a number of times did he succeed.

"Before Aenys passed out, he told me that it would be almost impossible for your mother to bear a child after this," and Rhaenyra's heart stopped at that. She had not heard it from anyone.

"But how could he know that? How could anyone? And why haven't I heard about this from anyone?" she questioned, walking up to her father, and she felt his arms wrap around her face as he passed his hand through the locks on her head.

"I asked Mellos to keep quiet about this. Aenys was certain about his statement. You must understand, Rhaenyra, that there will be too much havoc if the realm finds out about this. Right now, we don't even know if she will wake up! But I meant every word of what I spoke earlier, Rhaenyra," he finished as he gave her a small kiss on her forehead.

"I believe you will make a fine Queen. The Lords of the realm will bend the knee to you," and he took out a valyrian steel dagger out of his pocket and placed it above the flames.

"House Targaryen has been blessed with two powers. The ability to ride dragons, not tame Rhaenyra, ride. This one is rather common, yet some in our line have been blessed beyond this. They were given the gift of…."

"Dragon dreams," she finished his sentence walking up to him and watching as the valyrian steel dagger began to light up.

"This has been passed from Aegon the Conqueror, his personal dagger. The conqueror rode the biggest dragon of them all, The Black Dread. Yet he had also been blessed by the Gods with dragon dreams. And these very reams made him conquer the seven kingdoms," and Rhaenyra looked at her father with surprise. She had never heard this.

Moreso, the fact that her father was sharing this with her meant that he was serious in his earlier proclamations.

"In his dreams, Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. It is, to begin with, a terrible winter gusting out of the distant North. Aegon saw absolute darkness riding on those winds, and whatever dwells within will destroy the world of the living … if the world of men is to survive, a Targaryen must be seated on the Iron Throne."

Rhaenyra was overwhelmed as she heard her father's words. The weight of the title to be bestowed on her finally sinking in. Suddenly he thrust the dagger into her hands, and she saw the High Valyrian written on it.

"Aegon called it the song of ice and fire. Every Targaryen King has carried this burden with them, passing it on to the next one. Now, it is your turn to carry Rhaenyra. You shall hold the realm together. Then and only then will we stand a chance!"

Her father held her hands and gave them a squeeze.

"The burden is great indeed, my child. But I remain sure you are the only person in the realm who can carry it. The only one!"

Rhaenyra could only watch the High Valyrian vanish as the dagger cooled down, still trying to process all she had heard until now.

"The song of ice and fire!"

0000

AENYS TARGARYEN

Aenys found his body cold as his vision began to clear up. A number of figures bleached in a bluish tinge surrounded him.

"You should have stayed away!" a much older Rhaenyra almost snarled in an ominous voice. The words sent shivers through his whole body.

"You destroyed everything!" another voice weakened his resolve as he found himself face to face with the good queen, her face having the same bluish hue and white eyes, snarling as she spoke with venom.

"You killed her! YOU!" she screamed, making his heart beat faster as the memories of a small pointy face resurfaced, her eyes Targaryen amethyst, her silvery locks mottled with sweat.

Whispers of words long forgotten rang in his ears!

"I am sorry! Forgive me!" her small voice, fatigued and weak, reached his ears, and Aenys tried to reach for her hand, trying to feel her warmth again. One last time.

Yet his founds only found the cold ice, pricking his skin!

"You should have tried harder! You should have saved her!" Alysaane Targaryen snarled in a tone she would never have used with her favorite grandson.

"I tried! I t…." he tried to speak up, but she cut him off.

"NO, YOU DID NOT! YOU IN YOUR PRID….!"

"ENOUGH!" suddenly, a powerful voice reverberated, and Aenys felt a small presence at his back as he felt those familiar arms wrap around him, providing him the warmth he could never feel again.

"It's fine, my dear!" The words were the same as the last whisper he had heard from those small lips, the light leaving her eyes before she could ever whisper anything more.

"I am sorry for everything!"

And suddenly, darkness reclaimed his vision, only for him to hear whispers once more, though they seemed more human this time.

"The Prince is waking up! Call the Maester! He is waking up!"

And he finally remembered himself collapsing in Aemma's chamber, trying to save her life.

0000

BOOM! The winter princess rescuing his Prince from his cold dreams!

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot and allows me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. I shall be extremely grateful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 7- Waking up!

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

"I don't think I am ready!" Alicent shook her head as Rhaenyra uttered those same words for the hundredth time. She sat in front of a clear Myrish mirror, dressed up in a full formal dress, wearing an ornate crown on top of her head. Rhaenyra turned to look at her as Alicent looked over the various jewelry pieces, thinking which would best compliment her dress.

"Alicent! I don't think I am ready! No Queen has ever ruled the Seven Kingdoms, and I do…."

"Then you shall be the first," Alicent cut her off, finally deciding on the rather smaller necklace with small reddish pearls, and picked it up and turned to face her pale-faced friend.

"You are not becoming the Queen just yet, Rhaenyra. You are to be named heir, not the Queen. Moreover, your father wouldn't have decided to do this on a whim. He has called all the lords of the realm. He must have chosen you because he believed that you could handle this burden," she said reassuringly. Though, it wasn't to say that she had not been shocked by the news as well.

Naming Rhaenyra as heir, bypassing both Prince Daemon and Aenys. The news had sent ripples across the realm. Rumors were that the King had even exiled Prince Daemon, who had been seen leaving the capital on Ceraxes with a small retinue, his destination still unknown.

"I know, but in naming me heir, he has superseded the claims of both Daemon and Aenys. Daemon has flown away, and nuncle Aenys has still not woken up. Gods! What if he feels slighted and refuses to kneel? This could ca…."

Alicent just held hugged her friend from behind, wrapping her arms around her as she placed her face on her shoulder.

"It will be fine. Don't doubt yourself, Rhaenyra. You will make a fine heir and an even finer ruler as Queen," and Rhaenyra just shook her head, a small smile appearing on those lips as she leaned onto her head.

"I had neither dreamt nor wished any of this. All I ever wanted was to fly with you on Syrax and always eat cake," Alicent slapped her friend's head lightly at the jape.

"Well, I don't know about the flying part, but when you become Queen, I am pretty sure you can order the servants always to serve cake," and Rhaenyra's eyes gained a certain glint as she suddenly looked at her.

"Ohh! Then I can also order you to ride with me on Syrax, and you wouldn't be able to deny me," Alicent's face paled as she imagined Syrax and the prospect of riding and taking to the skies on the golden dragon. She was rescued from those dangerous scenarios by a sudden knock on the door.

A servant entered the room, dressed up in full white armor.

"Princess, the herald is ready, and the lords have assembled. It is time," said Ser Harrold Westerling, and Alicent nodded at the aged man.

"She will be there in a couple of minutes, Ser Harrold," and the man nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him. Alicent picked up the necklace and hooked it around her neck.

She looked up into the mirror and felt a unique sense of joy at seeing her look so breathtaking. All the Targaryens were said to possess godly beauty with their silvery blonde hairs and amethyst eyes, yet at this moment, she was sure that there was no one more beautiful than her on the whole continent.

"Alicent! Alicent!" and she was shaken out of her trance as Rhaenyra gripped her hand, "Is it all done, Alicent?"

And Alicent nodded, giving her a final look over as she stood up.

"Yeah, it's all done. And I can assure you that once you step into the throne room, they will not be able to take their eyes off of you for a second!" Alicent assured her friend, who just smiled.

"Thank you for this, Alicent. I don't know what I would have done without you," Alicent just shook her head as they moved out of the room to find Ser Harrold standing outside.

"You don't have to thank me for anything, Rhaenyra, ever," she said as Ser Harrold motioned for Rhaenyra to follow her.

"My lady," the man bowed, and Alicent curtsied as well, finally beginning to walk towards the other side so she could enter the throne room. But just as she was about to enter, she saw a servant running towards the gate, huffing and pale-faced.

She saw her straighten up as she saw her walking towards her, lowering her head immediately. Alicent frowned as she saw the pale face of the servant, whom she recognized as amongst those caring for the Queen.

Her heart skipped a beat as a feeling of dread began pooling in her gut.

"What is going on? Why are you standing here like this?" she questioned the servant, who seemed to hesitate for a second before answering.

"My lady, it's the prince. He is awake," and Alicent's eyes widened as the words registered. Prince Aenys had woken up. More so at such a critical time.

If he were to come to know of the King's actions, his reaction could be…. And she did not even want to imagine the scenario. No.

So, she looked up at the servant, who still seemed extremely nervous.

"Go to the main gate and quietly inform the Kingsguard stationed there of the news. And tell me, where is the prince right now?" and finally a semblance of color returned to the servants face as she rushed to answer her.

"The Prince was walking towards the Queen's chambers, my lady," and Alicent nodded as she began to walk towards the Queen's chambers, cursing the gods in her heart for putting her through this.

0000

AENYS TARGARYEN

Aenys kneeled over the wooden cane as he looked over Aemma's pale body. His heart ached as he watched her reduced to skin and bone. He cursed his grandfather in his heart for putting this family through this.

Half the realm had known that Aemma had been too young when she had married Viserys, yet he had refused to listen or consider anything as the man stayed lost in his grand schemes. He watched the servants being overly anxious around him and frowned.

"What is it? Why are you so jittery?" he questioned one of them, and he saw her grow paler at his question. He looked around and found it off that neither Viserys, for as much as he was at fault for Aemma's current condition, he did love her, nor Rhaenyra were present. Gods! Even her lady-in-waiting was nowhere to be found.

"Moreso, where are the King and the princess," but just as he was about to question any more, the door to the Queen's chambers was opened up once more. He turned around and saw Alicent Hightower walk in, anxious and flushed. Though, the most curious part was how she seemed to be dressed in a full dress.

His eyes widened as he realized exactly what had happened or, more accurately, what was happening. His grip on his cane tightened as he cursed Daemon.

"That Damn idiot! Couldn't he just keep his mouth shut!" he muttered, beckoning the servant to move away.

"My Prince, it is good to see that you are finally awake. The Maesters had predicted that it would take you some more days before you wake up," she began, anxiety and trepidation filling each of her words.

Aenys narrowed his eyes at her and saw her squirm slightly, "So, tell me, Lady Alicent, where exactly are the King and the Princess?" he questioned her, hoping that there was still time.

Alicent was quiet and probably considered her words carefully before she began, "The King and the Princess are in the throne room, my prince…."

"For naming Princess Rhaenyra as the heir apparent to the throne," he finished her sentence for her and saw her eyes widen. She spluttered for a second before finally speaking up.

"You knew?" he simply shrugged, and he could see her mind racing behind those brown orbs.

"I can guess what happened," he commented lightly. Viserys had basically stripped him of his birthright and scorned him for the second time. A small part of Aenys wanted to enter the throne room and insult the man.

Yet it would be useless. Aenys could never become King before Daemon, and Viserys could not find in himself to exile Daemon for too long. Both of them were too close for that, unlike him and Viserys, who had always shared a rocky relationship at best.

"How is the Queen?" Alicent questioned him. And sadness and guilt bloomed in his gut as he glanced toward Aemma once more.

"I am afraid the news is not good! With her being in an already weakened state, she needs to wake up, otherwise," and he just shook her head and saw her gasp as she looked towards Aemma once more.

"I could probably try and keep her alive for a month, maybe two, but she must regain consciousness," and there was a very low chance for that. The blood loss from Baelon's birthing had left her anemic, and Aemma had always had a weak constitution, which was exasperated by the too many stillbirths.

In short, her bouncing back would be nothing short of a miracle.

"Couldn't you do something! There must be something you could do," Alicent almost pleaded as her eyes reddened slightly, and Aenys could only shake his head.

"I am afraid I cannot pull off miracles. That's still a god's job, though, which one I have never been too sure of myself," he added as he sat down on the bed, his tiredness catching up with him.

"Shouldn't you be in the throne room as well?" he suddenly questioned her as he placed the cane on the side. She looked at him. Her eyes reddened as she stammered out.

"I was about to enter when a servant informed me that you were awake, so I decided to come and see you, my prince…."

"Lest I walk into that throne room and start a ruckus!" he added snidely, and saw her eyes widen as her intentions were screamed out.

"NO! Of course not, my pr…" she stumbled on the words stopping only when he raised his hand.

"It's ok, though that is more Daemon's playbook. I usually avoid screaming and shouting. It's bad for the throat!" he joked lightly.

"But you did scream and shout at the old king," the words had probably escaped out of her mouth involuntarily, given by how pale she had suddenly gotten. She took a few steps back, as his face whipped towards her.

"LEAVE US!" he commanded, and the servants were also pale. His voice probably seemed similar to Daemon's when he was angry, though mine was much too controlled.

"I said LEAVE US!" and servants stammered out, closing the door behind them, leaving him alone with Alicent and Aemma in the room.

Alicent was still in shock and was trying to back away!

"My Prince, I am sorry. I will never mention it again," he narrowed his eyes at her and watched her squirm underneath his gaze before he felt his lips quirk up, and he broke down into a light chuckle.

"Haha, you must look at yourself. Honestly, exactly what do you remember that you are so afraid of me," he asked lightly and saw some color return to her face. She took in a huge gulp of air and was about to answer when he suddenly heard a small whisper.

He raised his hand, stopping her from speaking up as he rushed to sit right beside Aemma. He felt her pulse and found it stronger and faster than earlier. Hope lit up in his heart.

"Aemma! Can you hear me?" he said lightly. Alicent had now come to stand right behind him and seemed to be praying.

And Aenys heart skipped a beat as he saw her eyes blink weakly, her lips whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Wa…t…wa..r," and Aenys felt relief run through him.

"Get me a glass of water," he told Alicent, who immediately sprang into action when she returned. He took a brought a spoonful near her mouth.

"Get the servants to bring the red bag from my luggage! It has a cross symbol on it!" he spoke to her, for he did not want to shout and call the servants.

"Of course, my prince," she said and immediately rushed towards the door, and soon a cabal of servants rushed into the room.

The Queen opened her eyes and squinted at him,

"Viserys?" she spoke up, her voice barely audible, but he shook his head.

"No, Viserys isn't here yet. It's me, Aenys. You are in your chambers, Aemma, and it will all be fine. It's all going to be fine!"

0000

Aenys has woken up and is on doctor duty again. Things are changing slowly, yet they are changing nonetheless.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot, so if possible, have a look and drop a dime. I shall be extremely thankful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 8- GOING AWAY!



OTTO HIGHTOWER

Few men in the whole realm could change the fate of the whole continent. There were the obvious, The King, The High Lords. Yet among those names would also be his name. Otto Hightower, the second son, brother to Lord Horbert Hightower.

The same Horbert Hightower who now kneeled in front of the new heir apparent to the throne. Rhaenyra Targaryen, dressed up to look her best, was a testament to Targaryen's beauty. The Realm's Delight, her father had coined her, and the words were accurate, for no other lady at court could measure up to her.

"I, Horbert Hightower, Lord of Oldtown, the voice of Citadel and beacon of the faith,…" and his brother continued to swear his vows as Otto once more glanced towards the gates, followed by the lines of court ladies trying to find his daughter yet his gaze would return empty-handed, finding no trace of Alicent.

'Where had she gone?' he thought, for she had been with Rhaenyra while she dressed up yet had not entered even though the oaths were about to be completed. His mind raced as he tried to think of any reason, yet found no answer as Horbert returned to stand by his side.

"Where is Alicent, I had thought she would be here?" his brother questioned, as Rhaenyra Targaryen stood there, obviously a bit nervous, but yet she stood there displacing her uncle as heir and defying hundred years of tradition.

Otto saw her eyes glance towards his area, probably for the same reason he had scanned the court and saw a little frown appear on her face.

"I don't know, brother…." But his words would be cut short as the doors to the throne room would suddenly be thrown open. Otto's head whipped back, and his eyes widened as they found the recently returned Prince standing at the door.

The throne room would be silent as the Prince, who seemed to be in no rush, would look around and walk towards the young heir. The Prince would use a cane to walk, and to his surprise, he would find Alicent coming in by his side.

"This might be interesting. Though, wasn't he unconscious? So, when did he wake up?" questioned Horbert.

"Apparently, just now," he responded as he turned to look at the King. Viserys Targaryen sat on the throne, Blackfyre in his hand, looking stoic and unbothered, yet Otto could tell, Viserys was rattled. Surprised.

"Why is Alicent with him?" questioned Horbert as he gave Otto a glance, and Otto could only shake his head as his fists balled up.

"I don't know," he answered again as he watched the Prince come and stand right in front of Rhaenyra.

Aenys Targaryen was a child that had vexed even his father. Though over the years, he wasn't the only Targaryen the young prince would vex. He had always been a recluse, preferring to remain quiet and observe. Though when he would speak, he would speak with the wisdom of a man perhaps thrice his age.

The young prince was doted on by the good Queen who would try and fill the gap of the mother the boy had lost, and the young Prince would be selected to be entrusted with her most important treasure. Yet tragedy would strike, with Princess Gael dying a tragic death, swindled by the guiles of a mummer.

The details remain unknown to this day, but it would be the first time the young prince would quarrel with his grandsire, though that would not be the last. The Prince was said to have steel in his spine, often compared to the stubbornness of Jaehaerys himself in his youth.

The Prince would stand in front of the Princess and, with a small nod, bend the knee.

Otto's eyes would widen as the Prince began to speak his oath of fealty to the new heir, one which had somewhat usurped him. The surprise and relief were evident on King Visery's face as well, showing that the King knew nothing of this as well.

"This changes everything," whispered his brother, a frown marring his face. And Otto could only nod. Indeed, this changed everything. Though, right now, his eyes were fixed on his daughter, who stood behind the Prince as he kneeled to give his oaths.

The Prince would stand up, taking back the cane from Alicent, and look straight at him before speaking up again.

"I bring auspicious news," and Otto could sense the tension in the Hall rise as the Prince continued.

"The Queen is awake!"

0000

VISERYS TARGARYEN

Viserys held his wife's hand as he thanked the Gods for saving her life. She was pale and frail and could barely talk, but she was alive. She was alive, and to Viserys, it was what mattered.

"Viserys," he heard her mutter weakly, and Viserys leaned in closer to listen to her as she turned her face to look at him, "I am sorry, Viserys. I am sorry I couldn't give you a s…."

"It's ok. It doesn't matter. You just need to get better," he said though a part of him still wanted a son, desired for his Aegon, yet not at the cost of his wife.

He saw her eyes tear up, as she gave him a weak nod. He looked towards Rhaenyra, who was sitting on the other side of the bed, her eyes red from crying. Still wearing the dress from the ceremony.

And pride bubbled up in him as he remembered her standing tall and taking all the oaths.

"Well, sorry to take him away from you, but I need to talk to the King," said the one who was the last and most unexpected person to take the oath. His brother Aenys suddenly interrupted them from the side, motioning for him to follow him out of the room.

He hugged Rhaenyra, messing up her elaborately put-together hair, "You have five more minutes, your mother needs rest, and then you can regale her with your stories."

Rhaenyra swatted away his hand, making him smile as he continued to walk out of the room. Viserys looked towards his wife, "I will be back." He said as he stood up and followed Aenys out of the room.

As soon as he had left the room, Viserys wrapped his arms around Aenys, embracing him like he should have as he should have when he had landed on that tourney ground.

"Thank you. Thank you for this, Aenys," he said, and he truly was thankful. Their relationship had always been rocky, yet he had still made haste and traveled all this way. And had saved the life of his wife. Viserys couldn't thank him enough for it.

"Ok, ok. Though I would suggest you listen to me before you thank me any further," and Viserys's heart dropped at that as he separated from his brother, dreading what he was going to say.

Aenys looked towards the guards and made them close the doors before he spoke up.

"Ok, I wanted to talk to you about Aemma. First of all, she is still very weak. So, yes, she may be awake, but the danger hasn't passed yet, so you have to temper yourself even though I expect her to make recovery," and relief shot through him as he heard that. Though Aenys wasn't finished yet.

He scanned the corridor and leaned in, speaking out in a whisper, "And I am telling you this as simple as it can be made. If she gets pregnant again, she will die. She will never be able to give birth again, Viserys, and I want you to understand it," and there was an edge to his brother's tone. And he Viserys felt his heart break once more. The small part of him that still dreamt of a son screamed at him, calling Aenys a liar, but at this moment, he could only nod.

"I understand," Viserys replied, giving Aenys a nod. His brother leaned back on the wall and gave him a small smile, a smile that reminded him of Daemon, making him lament how he had acted.

"Now that that's out of the way, where the heck is my sword!" his brother suddenly asked, looking straight towards the side to glance at his incoming Hand, Otto.

0000

CORLYS VELARYON

"I had always thought Viserys would kill the poor girl in his desire for a son. Maybe Aenys will be able to knock some sense into him," commented his wife, sipping the wine as they sat in their chambers.

Corlys himself was pondering all that had traversed today, processing it all, for it had been an eventful day, Daemon's exile, the oaths, and then the wakening of the Queen.

"I had never thought that Aenys would kneel to Rhaenyra," he commented, looking at his wife, who had now removed the ornate blue gown for a simpler white tunic and let her hair flow nicely. Once more mesmerizing him as she had done all those years ago.

"Well, I did. It was never a question," she was quick to answer, rather too quickly, making him frown as he looked at her take a sip from the golden glass. And then he remembered a rather unique rumor about the Prince.

"Because he supported your claim over Viserys's," he saw Rhaenyy's head snap towards him as her eyes narrowed as she looked him straight in the eye.

"Who told you that?" she questioned, and he just shrugged.

"I have heard that rumor numerous times. Some say that his quarrel with the old king was regarding this very reason?" and Rhaenys shook her head.

"That is false. Aenys did not have much sympathy for me. He was simply against the calling of the council," she said with a smirk, and Corlys couldn't understand.

"What does that mean?" he asked, and Rhaenys shook her head in mirth.

"His argument was that if the King wanted to name a new heir, he had to do it by his own decree. He did not want to give the Lords the choice, for it would be emboldening to think they can have their say in the workings of the Royal family," Corlys was surprised at this, for he had never heard this. However, he was more surprised by the contents of this speech, for he would have expected Daemon to mouth those words, not Aenys.

Rhaenys probably saw his surprise as she laughed, "Yeah, but as I said, no one has ever known what goes on in his head. At least no one other than Aunt Maegella," and Corlys leaned back into his chair, thinking about those words.

"I would never have thought him to have views like this," and Rhaeneys raised a brow at that.

"Didn't I say, Aenys has always been mysterious like this? Plus, he was always close to Queen Alysanne, and her influence would also make him much more susceptible to a Queen sitting on the Iron throne," and that made sense. The Queen had quarreled with the King when he had named Prince Baelon ahead of Rhaeneys.

A slight which still made his blood boil, and probably seeing his expression Rhaeneys began once more, "Oh Corlys! You cannot still be hung up on that. That ship sailed years ago. I have let go of such thoughts for years."

Corlys looked at his wife and found it admirable how she could put something like this behind her, "Well, other than that. You fail to mention how the Prince entered the throne room with a certain young lady. You do understand what this means?" and Rhaeneys looked towards the fire at this.

And he could see her mind racing as her eyes saddened.

"It has been years since Gael died, while I don't think Aenys's choice is right. I would pray he finds himself someone to share his life with. He deserves it," and Corlys could only nod.

"Well, will have to see."

"Indeed, we will."

0000

AENYS TARGARYEN

"Thank you, Aenys," spoke up the King as the two brothers sat in the King's chambers. Viserys had called him to his chambers. The two brothers sat with Viserys near the marble model of Old Valyria and Aenys opposite to him, leaning back in his chair and nursing a cup of Arbor Gold.

"I didn't do it for you. I did it for Aemma and Rhaenyra, so you can finally get over your obsession with a male heir and stop trying to kill your wife," Aenys snarked as he took a small sip of his wine. Viserys jerked slightly at his words and turned towards him. The King gave him a look over and then spoke up after a bit.

"You haven't changed one bit, have you, Aenys?" Viserys asked, and he just shrugged.

"You have always known my thoughts about this, Viserys. And I stand by them to this day. Aemma wasn't ready, and what you and grandfather did to her was nothing but cruelty," Viserys tried to cut him off, but Aenys continued.

"And I stand proven correct. Gods had blessed you with Rhaenyra, you could have waited for some time after the first stillbirth, yet you did not," and he saw Viserys face turn ashen white at that, and Aenys could tell with how his brother's eyes narrowed that Viserys was losing his temper.

"And here we are?" he finished forlornly, for no matter what his feelings may be for Viserys, he had always cared for Aemma and Rhaenyra, at least in his own way.

"Are you mocking me, Aenys?" Viserys asked with narrowed eyes.

"GODS, NO! I am just telling you the truth Viserys. Just the harsh truth," he finished, and Viserys chewed his lips before sighing and leaning back.

"No matter your reason, I wanted to tell you that I am grateful to you, and I apologize for not ending your exile earlier."

Aenys thought about the exile, about how he had struggled in the earlier days, how devastated he had been, but it was all over now. It was all in the past, and in the end, it only made him stronger.

So, he nodded to his brother. Viserys smiled at this. He had always been a fan of reconciliations.

"Good! Now that you are finally back in the Kingdom, have you considered what you want to do? There…" but Aenys cut him off.

"I am afraid I will have to stop you right there. I will not be staying here for long. I plan to return to Bravos after the Queen has made ample recovery!"

And he saw Viserys's eyes widen at that as he spluttered for a moment before finally speaking out.

"But why?"

0000

Like, really, dude? REALLY?

Aenys has a separate life that he has built, yes, he may care for Rhaenyra, Aemma, and Rhaenys, but that doesn't mean he has to remain in Kings Landing.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me a lot and allows me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. I shall be extremely grateful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 9

AEMMA ARRYN

Her brush with death had left the Queen of the seven kingdoms extremely weak, yet a fortnight after her miraculous awakening, she could finally walk again. Though, with assistance, Aemma had never thought she would see a day when she would be thankful for just walking.

She took small steps as Aenys supported her from the side and helped her back to her bed, maidservants surrounding a precaution for if she were to fall.

"Just be careful, just two more steps," Aenys motivated her from the side, and she finally reached her bed and sat down gently. He smiled as he kneeled down.

"Now, that's impressive. You just have to get back to the routine gradually, and soon you will be even healthier than before," and she shook her head, knowing that his words were just that words.

"Thank you, of great healer," she japed lightly as the maids helped her lay on the bed. He had even changed her chambers and diet, prohibiting a plethora of dishes and giving the cooks in the kitchen strict instructions regarding her food.

She frowned as she noted her daughter's absence, who would usually be present with her when Aenys came over for her check-up. She looked at him and found him jotting something down in a book.

"Have you seen Rhaeneyra? She often accompanies you to my chambers?"

Aenys closed his diary before and placed it on a table as he replied, "Yes, she is probably in the council chambers for the council meeting. As the new heir, it would be good for her to start sitting in those meetings."

And her reply made her feel a sense of regret and loss for failing in her duty, for failing in giving Viserys a male heir, for putting such pressure on her daughter. The shadow of Baelon's death still haunted her and Viserys. And while Aemma had told Viserys that this would be their last attempt, she had not thought that the Gods would take that ability from her.

Though something else caught her attention in all this, she turned to Aenys and spoke up, "And why aren't you attending the meeting?"

Aenys frowned at this as a smirk appeared on his face.

"And why would I be attending this meeting? I hold no position on the Council," he replied, making her shake her head.

"You are the King's brother. A seat or not, Viserys should invite you to these meetings. I will talk to hi…," but she was cut off by Aenys, who seemed unbothered by this.

"There is no need. And I maybe back in Braavos by the time the next meeting happens," he replied as he rummaged through his bag, which held his various instruments and supplies.

Aemma's eyes widened as she heard this.

"You are going back! But why? Your exile has ended! You should stay here, in your home," she questioned, and he looked towards her with a saddened expression, and she was once more reminded of how he was quite younger than Viserys and Daemon.

He kneeled down once more and held her hand softly before replying gently.

"I cannot just leave Braavos. I have a life there. People from all over the world travel to seek my abilities and to learn my skill. I am also building a kind of citadel for healing there; I cannot just leave it all behind like this," and she was couldn't argue against this, for she was reminded of how the prince had spent years in exile. And for a moment, she berated herself for not pushing Viserys to call him back sooner, yet there was no use in lamenting over bygones.

"But you could have a life here, as well. Have a seat on the council. Build that place you speak of here in Kings Landing. Marry, start a family," she said lightly, seeing his expression saddened at the mention of marriage. She saw a broken smile appear on his face as he shook his head lightly.

"That ship sailed long ago," he said forlornly and saw her wilt at his response,"but I will try to visit frequently," he continued, trying to reassure her. He tried to get up, but Aemma held his hand, making him stop and turn toward her.

"We need you here, Aenys, me, Rhaeneyra, and even Viserys. Without Daemon in court, the Lords will have too much sway over Viserys. Viserys need someone like you to help him, to balance out the court," she tried again, and she saw the wheels turn in his head before he ultimately shook his head.

"Me and Viserys have never shared the closeness he and Daemon enjoy. I can not just uproot everything I have built with my blood and sweat like this," and her heart dropped as he failed to listen to her. She chewed her lips as he packed up his bags, her mind raced as she tried to think of anything to say, and just as he had taken his first step, she let out a sigh as she spoke once again.

"Then stay for Rhaeneyra, Aenys," and he stopped and turned to face her. For she knew one thing that Aenys loved and cared deeply for Rhaeneyra.

"With her becoming the heir, she needs someone to guide her. And before you nominate me, I know nothing of governing. And the court will not let Viserys do it. Only you can stand by her and guide her. So, please, I beg you, please stay. Not for me. Not for Viserys. But for Rhaeneyra. Please," she said as she pleaded once more, praying in her heart for the Gods to change his heart.

She saw him chew his lips as he remained rooted on the ground. Minutes passed before he looked at her and, with a sigh, answered.

"You ask too much of me, Aemma, but I will see what I can do."

And Aemma nodded. This was not a rejection, and smiled as she thanked him, "Thank you for this, Aenys, thank you!"

And with a final nod, he walked out of her room. She looked to the ceiling and prayed to the Gods for her daughter. Prayed for the departed soul that had left long ago, breaking his heart.

0000

VISERYS TARGARYEN

"You shouldn't have rushed to name Rhaenyra the heir like that?" Aemma commented from the side, surprising him as he looked towards her, for she had never interfered in the realm's running previously.

"What do you mean by this? If not for her, then Daemon would have been the heir and half the realm w…." but he was cut off by her as she interrupted him.

"And everything would have been fine!" and Viserys was surprised by her words.

"It all would have been fine, while yes, Daemon is a rash, and he needs to sort out matters with his Rhea. All these matters could have been settled with words rather than such drastic measures."

And Viserys frowned as he shook his head.

"I don't think so. Daemon is a man grown and set in his ways. They call him another Maegor. The realm would not tolerate another tyrant. Do you expect the realm to follow a man who celebrates the death of his brother's child!" his voice grew louder as he said the last sentence, and saw Aemma's face turn paler at the mention of Baelon's death.

He saw her struggle to find any retort as she only spoke up after some time.

"Daemon has a foul mouth, and his words and actions over Baelon's death were extremely hurtful. And maybe you were right in removing him from succession, but you must understand, Viserys, that this has left our family more divided than ever, and the effect this would have on Rhaenyra given her unique position, could be extremely dangerous," she finished weakly, and he could agree with that.

Viserys may have been wroth with Daemon, but that did not mean he did not miss him, and with Aenys still focused on leaving, he could understand her worries. He sighed as he wrapped his arm around Aemma and tried to console her.

"You don't have to worry about it. Rhaenyra was chosen by the Lords, and they all swore fealty to her," and Aemma scoffed by her side.

"Let us not delude ourselves. They are content with her because the Lords think I have a chance to birth a son. But what happens when they find out that I can not give you any more children!" she spoke up derisively, looking him straight in the eye, and all this talk of politicking was beginning to bore him.

"Then what would you have me do? Aenys refuses to listen to any of my pleas to stay here, and Daemon has spurred me by settling down on Dragonstone with his Gold Cloaks. I can not let them hector me, Aemma. I am not just their brother but their King as well!" he argued and saw her nod at that.

"I understand that. But you are also the eldest brother Viserys, and they feel slighted by your actions despite your reasons. The fact that Aenys knelt for Rhaenyra showed his willingness to improve the situation. As for Daemon, I believe you should wait for an opportune moment and try to mend things back if you can."

Viserys listened to her words and let them run through his mind, and despite his irritation, he could feel that it was sound advice.

"And as a first step in making amends, I have just the thing to make Aenys stay here," and his head snapped towards her as he frowned.

Despite everything, he truly felt guilty regarding the exile and had not been able to think of any way to make things better, and if Aemma had a proposition in that regard, then there would be nothing better.

"What?" he asked and saw her reach for

0000

LYONEL STRONG

Lyonel Strong sat with the rest of the Council in the chambers. The seat for the Commander of the City Watch remained empty still. The shadow of Prince Daemon Targaryen was too large for any to fill up, and the King had yet to decide on anyone.

He stood up as the doors to the chambers were opened up, and the King walked in. Still wearing Black for the death of Prince Baelon, though surprisingly he wasn't alone. And Lyonel's eyes widened as he saw Prince Aenys following the King.

And he wasn't the only one surprised as he saw the complicated expression on the faces of the rest of the Council, more so one Otto Hightower.

The King sat down on his seat, indicating for the Prince to take the seat right by his side. The one previously sat by Prince Daemon.

"Ok, let us begin," The King said, placing down his marble to mark the beginning of the meeting. And Before Otto Hightower looked toward the Prince.

"Your grace, have you decided to name Prince Aenys as the Commander of the City Watch?" the Hand questioned. And he saw the King shake his head.

"NO! While my brother would make an excellent commander, he is here in a different capacity. And in that, I would like to inform you all of my decision."

And Lyonel saw the Prince smirk as he turned to face Lord Corlys, giving the man a nod as the King stood up and spoke up with a smile.

"Aenys has agreed to build a second of his college here in Kingslanding!" The whole council became quiet. And Lyonel could tell, right there, that things were about to change.

Lord Corlys was the first to react as he applauded and endorsed the decision.

"An excellent decision, your grace. I am sure the Prince's institution would be a great boon to our kingdom," and the king smiled at that.

"Indeed, I consider the same," and Lyonel could feel both the Grandmaester and the Lord Hand shift in their seats.

"Your grace, the citadel remains the most advanced source of knowledge in all subjects. Such an institution would be an insult to it. Even the Prince derives much of his knowledge from it." Mellos spoke up.

"Indeed, and while The Prince has won great fame across narrow sea for his skills, however, every castle in the Seven Kingdoms has a Maester sworn to it. Such an institution would be useless."

And as expected, there was opposition. Any such institution could shift the balance greatly in the whole continent. The Hightowers prized themselves as the voice of the citadel as its patrons. This was a power that they would never willingly share.

Though if anyone could ever topple this, it would be him. Prince Aenys stood up and began slowly.

"While the Citadel is a great place of learning, it has failed to innovate and improve over the years. They have made no major breakthroughs in recent years, and they focus on too many varied topics and subjects. My college is to be focused on a single principle, Health."

And Lyonel saw the Prince turn to face Mellos as his eyes narrowed.

"While I have studied at the Citadel, I can assure you I have made advances over the years, leaving your order way behind!" the Prince said before turning to the Hand.

"Moreover, my institution is not focused only on Nobles. It will be open to all. Everyone!" and Lyonel's eyes widened at that.

"I am afraid the Crown cannot afford to fund such an institute. It would be a drain on resources." The Lord Hand began and turned to face the King. "Your grace, this would beggar the crown!"

"Are you saying that the Crown should not care for its subjects? For way too long, we have left our small fold at the mercy of quacks and witches. This would be revolutionary for the kingdoms," argued Lord Corlys.

"So why don't you sponsor this Lord Corlys, and waste the wealth of your Ho…."

"ENOUGH!" suddenly, the King ordered, and everyone quieted down. And Lyonel saw the King look towards his hand with a frown.

"My decision is final! Plus, the crown will not have to foot the entire cost of this. Only half! Aenys has promised to cover the rest himself! Since this is for welfare, the organization shall receive exemptions in taxation from the Crown!"

"Your grace! This will be…." but the king stopped his hand, stopping the Hand's protest.

"My mind is made, Otto! See it done!" And he saw the King turn to him.

"Is there anything you would like to add, Lord Strong!"

He thought momentarily before looking towards Prince Aenys and speaking up.

"My Prince, from what I remember, you were building something similar in Bravos. What is to become of that?" the Prince nodded.

"That will continue as per plan. The institution in Bravos would be an extension of this, and maybe I could later build it in other places as well. I want it to act on a model similar to how the Septs function! Of course, it's not a religion but a place of learning and welfare. I have some plans drawn up which we could discuss!"

He nodded, it seemed the Prince had given this due consideration so that it would be workable, but another question needed to be answered.

"Is the Sealord offering you similar tax exemptions, my Prince?" and he saw Lord Hand perk up at this. The Prince's eyes narrowed at this before a smirk appeared on his face.

"While the Sealord shared no blood with me, such exemptions are also in discussion with him," and Lyonel smiled as he shook his head.

"That will be all, my Prince. Though may I ask what is to be the name of this institution!"

The Prince seemed to think for a moment before he took out a rolled-up cloth from his pocket and spread it on the table to reveal a white background with a single red cross on sewed on it.

"The Red Cross! It will be called the Red Cross!"

0000

On the shores of Dragonstone, waves crashed into the shores of the island. Daemon Targaryen looked at the sea from the balcony of the castle as he nursed a glass of wine. The news of the Queen's waking had also made its way to Dragonstone.

His brother had slighted him. Naming Rhaeneyra, his heir.

Viserys had gone too far.

He heard the doors to his room open and soon found familiar arms wrapped around him from behind as Mysaria hugged him.

"You seem to be in a bad mood, my love," she cajoled in her sweet voice, and Daemon took another sip of his vine.

"My brother has refused to call me back and has replaced me as his heir breaking hundreds of years of tradition," he snarked. He felt her kiss seductively on his neck before she said lightly.

"Then let me lighten your mood with some good news! I have just missed my moon blood!"

And the words took moments to register before he turned to face her and looked her straight in the eye.

"You are not lying, are you!" he questioned her, and she shook her head.

"I am not. Even the Maester confirmed it! I am with child!"

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot and allows me to write, so if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. I shall be highly grateful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 10

RHAENYRA TARGARYEN

"I don't get it. Why does he have to return to Bravos?" she frowned as she was by her mother's side. And now, after several weeks, she could finally walk without support. Her mother placed down the letter she had been reading and looked toward her.

"Your uncle has many obligations back in Bravos that he needs to pay attention to. You don't have to worry about me, he believes that the danger has passed, and I am on the road to making a full recovery," her mother assured her.

But Rhaenyra could sense that this wasn't the whole truth. Rhaenyra may be young but she was neither dumb nor deaf. She wasn't blind to the tensions in the council meetings, nor was she deaf to the whispers in the halls of the Red Keep.

"But that isn't all, is it?" she prodded further, and her mother grimaced slightly at her answer. She then looked toward her and gave her a slight nod.

"Indeed. The truth is that while he hasn't said anything, your father's actions in naming you heir were a great slight against Aenys, and after this, there was nigh a chance that he would ever remain here," her mother said with a sigh making her frown more.

And Rhaeyra recoiled slightly as she understood the implication behind those words, slightly hurt that her mother felt like this about her becoming the heir.

"Are you saying that Father made a mistake in naming me heir? Are you saying that I am not ready for it!" she asked, chewing her lips, and her mother's head snapped towards her, a complicated expression on her face.

"Ohh! My sweet child, I did not mean it like that. I know in my heart that you would make a fine heir and an even finer Queen in the future. But that doesn't negate that the way your father did this was wrong!"

And Rhaenyra's heart relaxed as her mother squeezed her hand. Rhaenyra was not blind to the implications of her being given the title of the heir. Already, the court was clamoring over Daemon's exile and how he had taken refuge on Dragonstone, a ceremonial seat for the heir, yet there had been no little protest about it from her father.

"But he bent the knee that day. If he was angry about me becoming heir, why did he bend the knee?" she questioned her mother as she got up and snuggled into her side, wrapping her arms around her.

"And that is a testament to how much he has grown over the years, for I can assure you that if it had been Aenys from the years past, he wouldn't ever have knelt like that. Plus, he has no issue with you becoming the heir. The slight was how your father removed him while he lay unconscious in bed," and Rhaenyra nodded, understanding the situation a bit more.

This also explained why his behavior with her had not changed much at all. She liked spending time with him. Uncle Aenys was a well of knowledge and had no qualms over humoring her questions and curiosities. And he was also the one who did not look at her like a piece of lamb in the castle. With her ascension to the position of heir, she had noticed how the gazes of people had shifted.

"Then what will happen now? Is he not going to come back?" she questioned, and her mother shook her head.

"No! Perhaps recognizing his mistake, your father has also promised Aenys support in building his college here. So, he will probably return in some time, mayhaps a month or so."

And it all clicked. All the tension in the meetings between her father, the Lord hand, and the Grand Maester. They had seemed overly agitated in the Council meetings over the last few days.

"Is that why Father has been so adamant about supporting this? Even in the council meetings, he has refused to listen to the concerns of Lord Otto and Grand Maester," she questioned, and her mother nodded.

"Though I also believe that the proposal itself has much promise, this is your father's way of trying to make it up to his brother."

It had been only been a little time since she had been named heir, yet things already seemed so overwhelming. Was she truly ready for the crown? And as if reading her mind, her hand sifted through her hair as she reassured her.

"You don't have to worry so much, my dear. Everything will be fine." And Rhaenyra is still worrying about it all. She then glanced at the letters lying on her mother's side, and she was a bit curious about who had written to her.

"Who are these from?" she asked, pointing towards the letter. Her mother glanced towards them and finally replied to her.

"Ohh! It's from Vale, from my cousin Jeyne Arryn. She plans to visit the Red Keep with Lady Rhea to inquire about my health," and her memories caught onto the second name. Her head snapped towards her mother.

"Isn't th…." And before she could finish, her mother nodded and answered before she could finish her question.

"Indeed, lady Rhea Royce is Daemon's lawful wife!"

0000

AENYS TARGARYEN

"I must say, you have changed a lot," commented his cousin from across the table, and Aenys just raised a brow as he put down the glass of Arbor Gold. Rhaenys Targaryen had aged like fine wine. The Queen, who never was, sat by her husband's side as the three of them partook in a humble feast before he was to depart for bravos.

"That is a very vague statement, Rhaenys," he teased, and she scoffed as Corlys just smiled at the side before he intervened.

"Indeed he has. However, I must ask, is it true that the Sea Lord summoned you?" Aenys frowned at the question. It had been only a few days since he had received a letter from Bravos, yet half the castle somehow knew about it. Though, he nodded, for there was some truth to the statement.

"Not summoned, per se. But I visit the Sea Lord once a year for a general health examination of him and his family. He had just inquired about the timings of my visit since he had plans for leaving Bravos some time later," and the Master of the Ships nodded. Though Rhaenys spoke up from the side, pushing away the plate.

"Doesn't he have healers of his own?" and he nodded.

"He does. Actually, it's one of the healers I trained myself, but he still believes me to be the best after I helped his wife give birth to twins years ago and hence asks that I visit him."

Corlys seemed to have finished with his food, wiped his face, and spoke up.

"So, you have already trained a batch of healers for your institution?" and Aenys nodded.

"Yes, though it's a small number. Most people previously belonged to the Purple Hand guild in Bravos. However, there are plans to merge the guild with my college in the future," and Corlys frowned at this. The power exercised by these guilds was massive.

"How?" he questioned, and Aenys just shrugged.

"There are some ideas being proposed, but we haven't decided on anything concrete yet. It's one of the topics I plan to discuss with the Sea Lord when I visit him."

Truthfully, he had been against this, but the Sea Lord and the guild seemed adamant regarding this. Mayhaps with one of the colleges being built in King's Landing, he could oppose such a move and keep his college separate from the guild.

"Has anyone from Westeros asked for your expertise yet?" Rhaenys questioned him, and he just shook his head.

"Not yet, though it's understandable. While still worse than me, the Maesters are still quite skillful in their own right, and they seem to be satisfied by them," and he just shrugged. And it really did not matter, for they would ask for them soon enough. Whether it be for political reasons or genuine trust in his skills, they will soon have to request him for his healers.

"Well, they will as soon as they learn of your reputation. I will give it a few moons before you are clamored with requests. I had hoped you could send one of your healers to High Tide as you have for the Sea Lord. Of course, we would be willing to foot any associated costs?" questioned Rhaenys, and Aenys narrowed his eyes as he looked at her and Corlys, examining them from head to toe.

"Are you fine?" he questioned softly, and Rhaenys just smiled as she nodded.

"I am, but I have heard rumors about your skill, and I think it would be good to have someone of such skill in High Tide in case of any emergency."

"Moreover, Drift Mark is a coastal city, and we want to be careful in case a plague reaches our shores as it did in the days of Old King," Corlys added from the side. Aenys nodded as his mind ran through a list of possible candidates.

The Velaryons were one of the most influential houses right now in Westeros, and their adoption would only encourage other houses to do the same. Rhaenys was his cousin, so he had no reason to deny such a request. So, he nodded.

"I will see to it that one of them reaches your shores," he told them.

"I wonder, have you heard of the crab feeder," suddenly Corlys questioned him, and Aenys nodded, already knowing where such a question was headed.

"I was hoping you could probe his backers in the Triarchy. The man has taken over the Stepstones, causing havoc for my ships. A sentiment I believe that the Sea Lord would also share," Corlys requested, making him sigh.

"While I think you overestimate my influence, I will look into it," and the man.

"That's all I can ask for."

"So, how's Aunt Maegella? It has been years since I last saw her" Suddenly, Rhaenys questioned him.

And the question was the main reason for his immediate return to Bravos. The servants had written about how she had fallen ill, making him quite nervous, for he was quite aware of her declining health.

"Though she seemed fine the last time I visited her, the servants wrote that she had fallen ill a week ago. I can just pray that it is nothing serious," and he saw Rhaenys recoil a bit at that.

"May the Gods have mercy on her," prayed Rhaenys, and he nodded, his mind still racing as he thought of possible ailments that could be affecting her.

0000

MAEGELLA TARGARYEN

Maegella Targaryen had lived a rather fulfilling life. She was the last one amongst her siblings still alive, thanks to Aenys. The little boy had grown up to become an amazing man, and she could feel proud of having played her little part in his growth.

Yet she was not blind to her own deteriorating health. She could feel her body giving up, little by little, as death's shadow caught up to her. Yet she knew that time was near.

"Cough! Cough!" she coughed, and immediately one of the servants moved and was immediately by her side. Though, she stopped him as she raised her hand.

"It's okay," she said, hiding the blood-stained cloth in her sleeve. She saw the servant hesitate a moment before she spoke up.

"My lady, should we call for the Healer House? The lord was quite adamant that he be summoned in case of his absence" Maegella just shook her head.

"There is no need. He must already be busy with college. It's just a little cough and fever. I will be fine," she reassured the young girl. And she could see the girl hesitate a bit before she nodded.

House was one of Aenys's first apprentices, and Aenys had called him the most skilled healer after him, a title which meant a lot coming from him.

Maegella had been saddened on hearing about the death of little Baelon, though Aenys had been successful in saving the life of Daella's child. Thinking about this, she was reminded of his last letter and looked toward the servant, Anya; she remembered her name, an orphan little girl whose life Aenys had saved much like much of the manse's servants.

"Did you send a reply to Aenys's letter?" she saw her nod nervously, and Maegella's eyes narrowed as she saw her chew her lips, and looked away. And she could guess why.

"You told him about my health, didn't you?" she questioned. She saw the girl turn pale, and she nodded and rushed to explain herself.

"My lady, the prince was very clear when he left for Kings Landing. He would have been wroth with me if I had not written to him. I cannot lie to him," the servant explained, and Maegella continued to stare at her and watched her squirm under her gaze.

"And what about my anger? Don't you fear me? After all, I explicitly told you not to tell Aenys about this," she questioned sharply. After a moment or so, the servant looked up and spoke up in a strong voice.

"I owe everything to you and the young lord. Even if it were to cost me my life, it would be a small cost if it were to save your life," she answered resolutely. And Maegella could only shake her head, for what was she to say against something like this?

"Prince?" she spoke up, and the servant spluttered for a moment.

"What, my lady?" Anya asked her.

"Prince Aen…" and she saw a huge shadow pass over her window before she could continue. Shoe heard commotion break out as very distinct shouts of 'dragon' and 'healer' reached her room, followed by a familiar ground-shaking roar of a familiar dragon.

"ROAAAR!"

Aenys was back.

Maegella sighed, mentally preparing herself to face the wrath of her nephew.

0000

Night sweats. Weight loss. And bloody cough. And the waning life of one of my favorite Targaryens.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support means a lot to me and allows me to pursue my passion. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. I shall be extremely grateful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 11

AENYS TARGARYEN

In his long career, Aenys Targaryen had reached a simple conclusion, 'even the smart people can make the stupidest decisions.'

And he was being proved right once more as he sat beside his aunt's bed, watching her cough once more as he tried to control his temper. She had tried to hide her illness from him and had somewhat succeeded, partly because of the sheer amount of work he had been strapped wit, with everything going on around him.

But still, she should not have tried this. Not her, with her knowledge and history of greyscale. Aenys took a deep breath, and perhaps sensing his anger, he saw her look away guiltily. In the end, after calming himself down, he looked at her and, with a sigh, finally began talking.

"Why? Just what made you think hiding this was a good idea?" he questioned, his voice more hurt than angry. And he saw her fold onto herself as she seemed a bit remorseful at her actions before she finally replied.

"I did not want to burden you anymore. You have done much for me, Aenys. It is time for you to move on. You were to go to Kings Landing. I did not want to take that from you," she replied, and he just stared at her while shaking her head.

"You, a burden. When has a mother ever been a burden on her child? And Kings Landing, you must have heard exactly what happened over there. And you want me to give this all up. Give you up for that!" he said, exasperated, and she chewed her lip, for she knew what Viserys had done was wrong.

"I know, and you have shown extreme maturity over all this, Aenys, and I am proud of you for it," she said, looking him straight in the eye. He just sighed as he stood up and began pacing through the room, letting silence reign over the room as his mind raced for possible solutions to her disease.

"What is wrong with me, Aenys?" she suddenly questioned him, making him stop in his step.

The disease she had wasn't exactly deadly. The truth was that it did not even require surgery. But it did require a lengthy course of treatment with some extremely advanced medication. Nine months of popping about four pills three times a day, you would be safe and healthy.

But this was different. He did not know how to obtain those formulations here, nor was his hunt healthy. The greyscale had left her with a weakened immune system, increasing the mortality rate for her. Not seeing his reply, she looked at him and asked once more in a small whisper.

"Will it kill me?"

And her words left her rooted on the spot momentarily.

"NO!" he replied resolutely as he walked towards her holding her hand.

"I won't let that happen!" he reassured her, though it was more for him. She smiled at this.

"Then why are you so upset?" she questioned him, and he exhaled before he tried explaining.

"What you have is called Tuberculosis or TB. It's more commonly called 'consumption.'"

And he saw her turn pale at that. Of course, she knew what consumption was. At this time, it was a death sentence. She suddenly started coughing again. He handed her the cloth from the side and saw it redden as she coughed out blood again.

"KHUK…. Khuk…. How much time?" she asked, and he just shook his head.

"NO! No. No. There is a way. It's just that I don't know how to make it." He reassured her and saw her head snap towards her as she looked at him with a complicated expression before she asked again.

"How long will that take?" and he just shook his head; pharmaceuticals weren't his domain. He couldn't just synthesize such formulations on a whim. He did not even have an idea where to begin.

"I don't know. But I will try. I will mak…." And he stopped as he suddenly felt her arms wrap around him as she patted his back.

"I am proud of you, Aenys. Extremely proud. I think we both know that there is not enough time for me left.

He tried to protest, but she just continued.

"No matter what happens, I will always be with you," Aenys sniffed as he tried to keep the tears from falling down as he wrapped his arms around her. They just stayed there together, being there for each other, as they had been for years.

He just thanked the gods for giving him the courage to take that risk in trying to save her all those years ago.

Minutes later, as he was walking out of the room, he stopped when he heard his name being called out.

"Aenys!" she called him, and he turned to face her again.

"I have the wish to see you with a family of your own, Aenys. I wouldn't be able to show Alyssa my face otherwise when I see her again," And his fists clenched at her words and with a shake of his head he walked out of the room. Giving the maidservant standing outside a glance, he frowned as he tried to recall her name.

"Anya, right? You are the one who wrote to me, right?" he questioned her, and she paled at his question before she slowly nodded her head.

"Yes, my lord," and he nodded at that. He looked her over and spoke up once more.

"You did a great service in informing me about her condition. Tell me, is there anything you want," he asked, and she shook her head.

"NO! NO! My lord, serving you and my lady is a privilege. I did…." And he just raised his hand.

"Good service should be rewarded. So, just tell me what you want, and I will take care of it," he saw her nod slowly at this and speak out after a moment.

"My Lord, I have a son. He turned two this year. I have heard that your College would be open to all, if… if it were possible, maybe he could," and he nodded as he raised his hand.

"It will be done. When he turns ten, I will have him enrolled in it," and she immediately bowed down, thanking him profusely.

"Thank you, my lord. Thank you!"

0000

HEALER GREG HOUSE

Greg had been quite old when Aenys Targaryen had first walked into the building of the healer's guild. And, of course, he had heard of the exiled dragon-riding Prince who had settled down in Bravos, and he had imagined the Prince to look a certain way, behave a certain way as all the nobility did.

Yet the boy had been different, and only after their small exchange of words House had known that he wasn't like any regular noble, and when their conversation had moved onto the matters of knowledge of healing, he had realized once more.

He wasn't like any other healer as well.

And he had been proven right. He sighed as he stared at the huge building entering its final stages of construction, though that did not mean the work was done by any means. But still, it was a huge step in the right direction nonetheless.

"Is there any way I can convince you not to waste all that money on those glass windows and settle for something less expensive?" he asked for the tenth time that day and the Prince shook his head, showing him his privileged noble side, as he refused to budge over his demands.

"No!" came the simple reply as both of them sat in a small tent placed opposite the construction site. He simply shook his head, muttering profanities about the Prince sitting opposite him and his expensive idiotic demands.

"You do know if you do that in front of any other noble, they could have you killed!" commented the young Prince, and he just shrugged and pointed at his cane.

"Then it's a good thing that such a day would never come, I am quite happy dealing with the regular people, thank you," and the Prince just smirked.

"Don't be too sure about that. My cousin has asked for me to send one Healer to Driftmark. Maybe you could go there," and he just narrowed his eyes at the Young Prince.

"If you do that, I can assure you I shall rise in rebellion against you!" he quipped, making the boy raise a brow.

"And where will the army for this rebellion come from?"

"The common folk of Bravos, of course, they would rise to save me from your tyranny," and the Prince just looked at him, for everyone knew of his bad manners with his patients.

But what could he say? House hated interacting with patients who seemed to be hell-bent on lying over idiotic things. Idiotic things that could cost them their fucking lives.

Gods, he was a healer, not a tax collector. Lie to them as much as you want. Even he did so.

"Well, when do you plan to visit the Sea Lord? You need to hash out the terms soon enough. With the building getting functional in a month, it would be better to have proper standing regarding the laws and limitations," and the Prince nodded.

"Tomorrow. We just need to negotiate over some small stuff, so I believe I could get it all done by the end of the week. Though, I need you to take care of something for me," and he saw the Prince reach into his pocket as he passed him a piece of paper.

House opened the paper and found a list of items and organisms, some of which he recognized some he had no idea about.

"I want you to gather everything on the list as quickly as you can, Mark the things which are difficult to obtain so I can ask the Sea Lord for his assistance."

House's head snapped to the Prince at this—such urgency.

"Can I ask why?" he probed and he saw his face contort, and then after thinking for a while, the Prince sighed and leaned back in his chair.

"You know my Aunt Maegella," and of course he did. He had met her several times and found her to be an extremely lovely lady. So, he nodded, already having a suspicion of what the Prince was about to say.

"She has consumption," and he cursed himself for being right. Aenys seemed heartbroken by the news, as he should be, for he regarded her like a mother. From what he remembered, Aenys had denounced all their previous remedies for the disease.

And then it all clicked, and his head snapped towards the list once more. Before he looked towards Aenys again.

"Then is that…" but he just shook his head at that. and the Prince shook his head.

"NO! I don't know the cure. But I believe it can be sourced from them. So, gather them up and gather volunteers who would want to work on this."

House nodded. He knew that a number of his colleagues would jump at the chance to become a part of something like this.

"I will have it done by the night. And as for your Aunt, I hope that she makes a full recovery," and the Prince nodded.

The mood turned somber as both of them just sat there in silence before he suddenly remembered something rather important.

"Ahh! I almost forgot, but you got a letter while you were away!" He began to ruffle through the drawer before finding the ornately decorated envelope with ostentatious writing. The Prince groaned slightly as he recognized the sender.

House, on the other hand, simply smirked and decided to tease him a bit.

"People would die for a chance to get a letter from The Poetess. Yet here you are groaning like an idiot," and he saw the Prince's eyes narrow at him as he pocketed the letter.

"You would groan as well if you would use your head instead of your, you know what," the Prince replied, and he just shrugged.

The Poetess was one of the most sought-after courtesans in all of Essos, her influence only second to the Black Pearl or the Nightingale. These courtesans were in a class of their own, their influence more far-reaching than many people realized.

They did not live in simple houses yet had pleasure palaces of their with many maidens serving at their heel, hoping to catch the eye of one of their patrons' admirers. Many magisters and Bravo strutted around to catch their eye for even a single visit, yet here was one who was groaning at getting a handwritten letter.

"I don't get it. Why are you always so perturbed by this? People would kill themselves just to receive a hint of attention from her and here you are groaning over getting a handwritten letter.You should be dancing with happiness over getting a chance to see her," and the Prince simply shook his head.

"You would never understand. Dealing with the Poetess is like a double-edged sword. It may give me fame and renown, yet at the same time, she or any of the other courtesans with power could ruin me at any moment. You do know how sensitive people get over such things, right."

And he did get it. It was speculated that The Balck Pearl could start a war with her words alone, yet her beauty was also said to rival that of a Goddess. Though, the Prince sitting in front of him wasn't anything to scoff at either, with his Valyrian features.

"Still, if it were for seeing someone like them, I would happily lose my head," he teased, and the Prince simply shook his head.

"May the gods save you from your lechery!"

0000

Bravos's culture is pretty interesting. I would say it's a mix of Japan and America in a sense to me.

This chapter highlights changes in Aenys's life and his troubles in dealing with foreign power holders.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot and allows me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider showing your support. I shall be extremely grateful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 12

OTTO HIGHTOWER

Otto Hightower had thought that with the departure of Daemon Targaryen, he would have an easier time managing the King's Council, for he had thought the man to be the biggest source of his problems.

Yet how wrong had he been?

The King's announcement to allow Prince Aenys to establish his college had surprised him. The institution, if successful, could unravel the monopoly of the Citadel and House Hightower as the sole place of learning and progress. His elder brother had been wroth with the King's decision and had wanted him to influence the King to make him reverse the decision, yet the king had been adamant and had refused to budge.

"Is everything fine?" he spoke as the acolyte continued examining the rot on the King's finger while frowning. Grand Maester Mellos looked up at him and minutely shook his head.

"The wound refuses to heal. I have never seen anything like this, Grand Maester," commended the acolyte in a perplexed tone, and Otto saw the King glance at Mellos as well.

"It is quite intriguing indeed. I will have to scour the texts to see if I can find something like this, but before then, we must do what we can. Mayhaps, maggots would help control the rot," he said, and the acolyte nodded and went to the side to the required maggots.

"You see, Otto, it seems Aenys was right. I reckon he would have an idea about this," the King commented, and Otto could only nod.

"Indeed, if the Prince were here, he might have given his own input, but Alas! Has he written about when we could expect him to return from Essos," the King just shrugged as the acolyte returned with a pad of swarming maggots.

"He hasn't written yet, but his plan was to return in a month or so. Perhaps if I were to write to him, he could come back earlier and even bring Aunt Maegella along," the King mused, and Otto shook his head.

"I am afraid I would have to advise against mentioning your illness to anyone, your grace. In these trying times, such news could be extremely dangerous," and it would truly b dangerous.

The King had just spurned Daemon and named his eldest daughter as the heir. However, it was some solace that the Queen was alive and on the road to recovery.

However, if the murmurs he had been hearing were true, things were far graver than many thought.

"Dangerous? How?" asked the King, and Otto gulped before replying in an even tone.

"Your grace, you have just named your daughter as the heir, and we still have Prince Daemon in control of Dragonstone. Add to that the Pirates in the Stepstones. We can not give our enemies any chance," and Viserys nodded.

"Perhaps, it would be prudent to wait. I think I should write to Aunt Maegella and invite her formally. The Queen would like that," the King mused, and while Otto wanted to stop that, there was no way of doing so, and he could not afford another mistake after the debacle with the Valyrian steel sword.

"Your grave; I believe that a party from Vales is coming to Kings Landing," the King nodded, and Otto saw the King's face tighten slightly at the mention of the Vale.

"Indeed, Lady Jeyne Arryn is visiting her cousin, the Queen," the King spoke up, not mentioning the most important part.

"Your grace, according to the letters, she will also be joined by Lord Gunthor Royce and her daughter Lady Rhea Royce on this trip. I believe this trip has more than one purpose," he began and saw the King's face contort slightly. Everyone could guess what they would speak of upon reaching King's Landing.

The marriage between Rhea Royce and Daemon Targaryen was considered to be a joke in the realm. Daemon could barely stand the sight of his wife, who refused to worship him like every other wench of the realm, and the prideful Targaryen couldn't stand this.

He saw the King sigh, before he began once more.

"I had guessed the same. And perhaps this could prove to be an opportunity. Maybe I should write to Daemon, summon him back, and settle this once and for all."

And Otto immediately shook his head at that.

"I am afraid I would have to advise against that. Prince Daemon has spurned your directives and has taken control of Dragonstone in defiance. Engaging him in any way wouldn't look well for the crown."

He spoke slowly, choosing his words cautiously as he watched the Kings face for any reaction.

"Then what am I to do?" asked Viserys taking of his hand from the maggots as the acolyte began to cleanse it up.

"I would advise you to have them present their demands in a private audience, and perhaps a middle ground could be reached."

The King frowned at that.

"Middle ground? What middle ground can be achieved when Daemon even refuses to acknowledge Lady Rhea as his wife," the King asked, and it was then that Otto decided to make his move.

"Indeed. But the Vale needs the royal match because it is Lady Jeyne who is set to inherit the lordship of the House of Arryn as Lady Rhea is to inherit Runestone. Due to this, they are facing the prospect of rebellion in their lands. Even now, Lord Gunthor has put down a rebellion caused by one of Lady Jeyne's cousins."

The King nodded at that, understanding their troubles.

"So, if I were to offer them the Crown's support in such matters, then they would be agreeable over it," and Otto shook his head. Ending a royal marriage was an insult. And there was little chance that Lord Gunthor would accept that. Unless there was another offer.

"I am afraid that would not be enough. Though, I believe a separate royal match could help soothe things between the crown and the Vale."

"The promise of another royal match. Though from what I remember, there is no male near Rhaenyra's age in Vale," the King added with a frown, and Otto shook his head.

"Not the Princess, your grace. But perhaps a match between Lady Jeyne and Prince Aenys."

Though Otto did not mention how there were some rather scandalous rumors regarding Lay Jeyne's preference or how such a match would have Prince Aenys leave the capital and incapable of influencing the King anymore, and miles away from his own daughter, who had become rather close to the man himself.

"Aenys and Lady Jenyne! He would never agree. Plus, I can not force him into marriage," the King refused to entertain the idea. Otto wanted to puh further yet stopped, planning to bring it up later at some other time when the King would be more perceptible.

"Perhaps we can explore some other avenues later, your grave."

And the King nodded at that. Otto also wanted to question the king regarding the situation of the Queen but thought it prudent not to push the matter at that time. Though even now, his mind was racing as he tried to think up the implications behind the rumors. For if the Queen were incapable of having any more children, it would cause much mayhem. Much mayhem.

0000

THE SEALORD OF BRAVOS- Armando Ferosa

Armando Ferosa thought about the man he was about to meet as he walked up the stairs of his palace to reach the formal chambers. He had been the Sealord for over a decade, and getting to such a position had involved much politicking, backdoor dealings, intrigue, and even treachery. Yet years ago, when it had only been a couple of years since his ascent to the title, Bravos had faced a huge conundrum.

He reached the door of the chambers, which were opened by the servants to reveal the man that had been the source of all that conundrum. Prince Aenys, the young Prince, barely man grown, had been exiled by the Old King, and on his way to Essos, the young kid had decided to defy his grandsire twice over by claiming a dragon. A young dragon yet still a dangerous creature.

The Sealord smiled as he saw the young man get up from his seat and motioned for him to sit back before he began.

"Ahhh, it is good to see you, Aenys," he greeted the Prince, and the Prince responded warmly to his greetings as they exchanged pleasantries. They had met enough times that formalities could be ignored is such a private setting.

The huge argument had been whether to grant the Prince a place in Bravos or not, for though exiled, he was a prince and more so a dragon rider. And they had not forgotten their histories. Dragons were not a welcoming site to them. Yet, in the end, they had decided to give him a chance, and he had invited the young man to his palace to ask about his intentions.

And hadn't that been a surprise? The young prince lacked the usual pomp and entitlement that came with being a hereditary gentry and was an exceptionally bright man. A bright man who had a clear passion, and if his years of experience were anything to go by, the man in front of him could be a visionary.

So, he returned to his associates and told them of his assessment, and in the end, they decided to support the Prince. And as both of them conversed over the genial topics, he felt proud of being the instigating force behind that decision.

In less than a decade, the Prince had put Bravos decades ahead of the rest of the world in the field of medicine and health and other associated sciences. Bravos had benefitted greatly with increased revenue from trade and associated industry, which the Prince had set the basis for, and that was all about to be shadowed by the college he had built.

"Ahh, well, I must say I was quite shocked when I heard that you planned to build another one of your college in Kings Landing?" began Armando, and he saw the Prince grimace a bit. And hadn't that been a surprise and a huge potential loss? A loss that he needed to assess.

"Indeed. Though, I must say the proposal took me by surprise as well. But that college will take years to build, and the one in Bravos is already near completion. Though, I did want to discuss this with you as well," and he saw the Prince take out a piece of parchment and handed it to him.

Armando opened, and it saw it to be a set of guidelines and oaths for the Red Cross. And he frowned at that name though he continued to sift through the page.

"These are the initially proposed terms for the college and the associated healers I have drafted, with the opening set to occur any time. I thought it prudent to get this approved."

And he nodded, already seeing a number of terms that seemed rather troublesome.

"That is good. And I see a number of terms that would need to be looked at. Such as this one speaking of neutrality in all kinds of war and the consequences of breaking this. As well as those regarding privacy and immunity from testifying in court and this other one about the special trial procedures," he began as he looked at the Prince, who nodded.

"We can discuss them and reach an agreement on that. Though I still need to discuss discovering, researching, and later manufacturing new medicines with you. I believe we could tackle that earlier," and He nodded. That was the easier discussion to have. However, there was a question regarding that too.

"Do you plan to do that in Kings Landing as well," if so, that would be extremely damaging to them and their investment? Though they had already profited greatly, this was still the proverbial cash cow in this operation.

"Not yet," the prince shook his head, much to his relief, but that did not mean that all was well.

"Though, I would like to register that as a personal business. We could hash out an agreement with the college, but I would like this to be my domain," Armando sighed as he leaned back on the Myrish cushion and thought about those words.

"How about collective ownership with the Iron Bank? We could give you favorable terms in cases of loans and trade because we both know this to be an expensive andeavor. After all, there is a reason that we haven't made such great breakthroughs in years. It would go a long way in persuading everyone about this," and he saw the Valyrian Prince think about his words.

Those purple eyes and silvery hair with that comely face, yet the man remained unbound. He regretted his failure in tying the Prince to his own family, and he wasn't the only one who had tried. He personally knew of several key holders who had failed in similar endeavors.

Though, if the rumors were true, the Prince had seemed even immune to the charms of the Poetess herself. Many would call him a sword swallower or cold-hearted, though he had later learned that he had already given away his heart to someone years ago. A pity, for they could have had him settle here if they had succeeded. Though there were talks with the Velaryons for his son's hand, he beat the thoughts out of his head as the Prince shook his head.

0000

AENYS TARGARYEN

The negotiations came to a close, with both of us satisfied as both of us finished dealing with the more official business. Now both of us had moved towards the gardens for a light meal. And then Armando began speaking once more.

"So, tell me, have you planned for the inauguration ceremony?" Aenys nodded. The opening of his college was an event and needed an appropriate inauguration ceremony.

"Yes, I have. The preparations will begin soon, and I plan to use this to promote my discovery as well," he commented. And Armando seemed a bit intrigued.

"A new discovery. I would hope it isn't a new disease because that wouldn't be appropriate for such a joyous occasion," the man japed, and Aenys shook his head. He rummaged through his bag and took out a glass vial. A glass vial with a very special powder.

The First Sword, Syrian, seemed a bit queasy and was about to intervene, but Armando stopped him, eyeing the vial with a glint in his eyes.

"Is that what I think it is?" questioned the man, and Aenys was impressed that he remembered his ramblings. But the man hadn't become the Sea Lord for nothing. And he nodded.

"Indeed. After all this time, I have finally succeeded in purifying it. The process still needs to be refined, but this is penicillin. An antibiotic, and it's going to change the world." Aenys said with a smile, a bit giddy for having finally succeeded. This success was a huge step for him. The Hospital and college he had built were a legacy of philanthropy.

However, Aenys wasn't an idiot. He knew how important money was. That was why he had decided to keep the manufacturing separate entity. An entity in the form of a company he owned. Something which would give his perspective line wealth and influence for centuries.

"This calls for a celebration! If this penicillin is as miraculous as you say, your name will be remembered for ages!" said the Sea Lord with a boisterous laugh, and while a bit selfish, Aenys liked that.

"Though I wonder how did you come up with the name. It seems a bit weird!" the man asked him, and Aenys just shrugged.

"You could say it came to me in a dream!"

0000

Aenys is a good person, but that doesn't mean he is an idiot. He wants to leave a legacy for his line independent of the Iron Throne. Pharmaceuticals are the biggest industry apart from war; he will have a complete monopoly over it.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot and allows me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. I shall be extremely thankful for your support.

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[Drkest]

Chapter 13

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

Things were changing in the capital. Her father had seemed more frustrated than usual. The Red Keep itself was getting ready to receive the part from the Vale. However, that wasn't what had taken Alicent by surprise.

"Marriage?" she asked her younger brother Gwayne as they ate dinner in her room. Gwayne was younger than both her and Leyton, and her father had just called him back from Old Town. Gwayne nodded.

"Indeed, Father gave me a couple of names," and suddenly, her brother frowned.

"He also mentioned that he was also looking for a match for you," and his words made Alicent pause as her heart began to beat rapidly in her chest. She had known that such a day would come. She had even come to accept it.

"Ohh, did he mention any names?" she asked Gwayne, who just shrugged.

"Well, there was a page with some names on it. There were names of a couple of houses: Lannister, Bracken, Blackwood, and even Velaryon."

Alicent quieted down as she processed this news. Marriages were a way of building alliances. And from what she understood these days, the recent actions from the King had pushed the Lords back a bit. Even now, months later, there were grumblings about naming a female as the heir.

"Alicent! Alicent?" she was broken out of her thoughts by Gwayne calling her name. She shook herself and smiled as she looked at Gwayne once more, who had a teasing smile on her face.

"Who is it that has you lost in thoughts like this?" and she shook her head.

"No one. I was just thinking about any suitable girls for you," but Gwayne was not letting this go. Like a gossipy court lady, he got up and joined her side.

"No. No. No. You are not getting out of this like this. I need that name. And if he is worthy of you, I could even talk to Father about this," Alicent shook her head as she tried to smile. A familiar face came to her mind. Long silver hair and amethyst eyes. Yet she squashed those thoughts immediately. She couldn't do this to her.

"It's no one. However, I must ask you that question. There are rumors of you hanging around with a certain Lady Strong. Mayhaps Father needs to be informed of that," and Gwayne's eyes widened as she blurted out his secret. She saw him splutter as he failed to give any suitable retort.

"But..but. How do you know that? We have just met a couple of times and I was extremely careful about not being seen with her?" he finally asked her.

"I just guessed. It's just that Lady Elise has been bombarding me with questions about my little brother. I must say your choice is quite good," she told Gwayne, who turned red from embarrassment. Though, after some time, he sighed.

"Though I don't think it will work out. Father has other ideas in his mind," he said with a sigh, and Alicent held his hand.

"Don't say that. I will talk to Father," and his mood changed in a second.

"You will?" and he nodded, and soon she felt arms wrap around her as Gwayne hugged her. She smiled as she felt the familiar warmth of family wrap around her.

"Thank you for this," her brother thanked her once again, and she waved it away.

"Don't worry abo…." But before she could finish, there was a knock on the door, and she looked up to find one of the servants standing there. The maid bowed as Gwayne and her separated.

"My lady, your father is calling for you in his office."

Alicent nodded at that, readying herself for the topic to be discussed.

"I will be there," she told the maid, who left her chambers with a bow, and Alicent looked to her side as she glanced at her brother, who gave her an encouraging nod. Ultimately, she would get up and leave to meet her father, hardening her heart as she buried the embers of her impossible love.

Yet the flames lingered on. They always did.

0000

MAEGELLA TARGARYEN

Maegella glanced at Aenys as he examined her once more. Even without him saying a word, she could tell that the news wasn't good. Despite his best efforts, she had felt herself getting worse over the last week. Efforts were beginning to take a toll on him, evident by the dark circles under his eyes.

Aenys took away his contraption from her chest and tried to lie to her.

"It's just a bit worse….," but she cut him off.

"You don't have to lie to me. We both know that I don't have much time left, Aenys," she spoke slowly. Aenys grimaced at that.

"There is still time. I am working on it. I can divert more manpower and resources to I…."

"Yet it would still not work. I have accepted it, Aenys," she interjected and watched him clench his fists as he closed his eyes. She tapped her bed, and Aenys took the seat reluctantly. She held his hand and smiled at him.

"Viserys wrote to me. Both he and Aemma seemed worried about you," and she frowned as Aenys scoffed.

"Yes, now he cares. I will write to him. Kings Landing can wait. I cannot leave you here. I have to oversee the search for your cure." He spoke, but then she added.

"He requested me to visit Kings Landing as well," and she saw him halt at her words before he turned to face her.

"And you want to accept it? Traveling in your condition could be dangerous. After you have recovered…."

"I want to see my home one last time, Aenys," she whispered, stopping him. He looked towards her, and she could tell that he wanted to retort, but she cupped her face stopping him.

"I want to meet my niece and have a look at Daella'c child, see the halls I grew up in," and find you a suitable bride, though she did not say that. Her eyes had gotten wet, and Aenys held her hands as he nodded resignedly.

"I will have them make the preparations. We can leave in a week," and she smiled at him.

"Thank you," she thanked him as he got up, but suddenly he stopped at the door of her room.

"You may have given up, but I won't. No matter what you say, I will continue to make that cure. So, you can go to Westeros, so I beg of you," his voice was hitched, and she saw him wipe away his tears as he continued.

"Live for me. I will give you anything you say but don't give up on yourself. Don't give up on me. Please!"

Maegella swallowed as she nodded at his words before she replied in her raspy voice.

"I will try. I promise," she finished and watched as he nodded before leaving her room, leaving her alone in her room. She closed her eyes and leaned back on her bed, smiling forlornly as she remembered her crooked nose sister, the same sister she had been fond of following around in her youth.

"It seems that your son is as stubborn as you, Alyssa. I am afraid you will have to wait for me a bit longer." But it seems like the Gods had other plans.

0000

RHAENYRA TARGARYEN

"She is coming here!" she asked her mother once more. And her mother nodded, a smile on her face.

"Yes, Aenys has written that she leaves in a few days. So, she would be here in a week or so if the weather is right." Her mother replied, and Rhaenyra was excited as she heard that. Grand Aunt Maegella was coming here. Her mother and uncle Aenys had told her a bit about her, and she was quite excited to meet her.

"Though it seems Aenys will not be returning with her. He seems to be busy with something. He is writing that he will make the journey sometime later," her mother added with a frown. Rhaneyra herself was surprised by this. Her uncle had already been in Bravos for about two months and now he was taking even more time.

"Does he mention any specifics?" she questioned, and her mother shook her head.

"No, he doesn't. Perhaps we could ask Aunt Maegella. She would probably know more," her mother said as she folded the letter and looked toward her again.

"I heard a rumor that your father had you select a new member of the Kingsguard today," and Rhaenyra's mood immediately soured at that as she remembered her father's behavior in the meeting today. Even as the heir, he seemed dismissive of her.

Moreover, she wasn't deaf to the rumors. Already people were clamoring for how the Queen was ready to birth another son. However, she knew that it wasn't possible.

"Yes, he did, but I don't think Father is happy with me being the heir. Earlier during the meeting, he ignored my suggestion and then just asked me to leave," she told her mother, who was now focused on her.

"What did you suggest?" her mother asked, and Rhaenyra got up from the bed and began pacing inside her mother's room.

"You do know that there is a pirate terrorizing our ships in the Stepstones, right," and she continued when her mother nodded.

"Lord Corlys has just lost a bunch of his ships to him. He wanted to make a show of force, and I agreed with him and argued that we should send dragons to scare him. He just ignored me in front of everyone and made me leave," she finished. Her mother just sighed at this.

"I don't know why he decided against it. However, I will talk to him about it. Though tell me of this new white cloak you chose," her mother asked her, and she smiled as she thought of the newest addition to the Kingsguard order.

"Ohh. He is from the Stormlands. He has even fought in the Dornish marches. He is highly skilled. He even beat the Lord Commander. He is right outside. Let me call him!" she told her mother, who gave her a smile as she turned towards the door.

"Ser Criston! Come inside!" she shouted as her mother frowned at her behavior ad chastised her lightly.

"That is so not right, little lady," her mother said as she twisted her ear, making her squirm as the door to her chambers opened to reveal the person she had chosen.

He was now already wearing the signature white armor of Kingsguard, and the classic helmet covered his face. She was sure she saw him smile underneath his helmet as he saw her mother punishing her. Though her mother immediately withdrew her hand as she turned to face him.

"Can you please take off your helm," her mother requested, and he nodded before he took it off, revealing curly black hair and a clean-shaven face. Her mother seemed a bit surprised.

"You are younger than I imagined. May I have your name Ser?" her mother asked him.

"Criston, my queen. Ser Criston Cole."

"Cole from the Stormlands. Rhaenyra here tells me that you bested Ser Harrold. A feat not many can boast."

Ser Criston bowed at this, and she noticed his glances at her before he replied.

"The princess honors me with her praise, my Queen. I shall endeavor to live up to it."

And for some reason, Rhaenyra felt a bit satisfied as she saw his gaze continue to linger on her.

Strange!

0000

VISERYS TARGARYEN

The whole throne room had been renovated for the party's arrival from the Vale. The walls were polished, the ground cleaned, and the new banners all glistened in the rays of the Sun coming from the arching windows as his court stood assembled for the arrival of their esteemed guests.

Aemma had also wanted to be here, yet he had denied her request asking to rest in her chambers. He looked down and saw Rhaenyra standing there beside Alicent. She looked up at him, and he gave her an encouraging smile before his eyes landed on his gloved hand.

The rot had spread viciously, and in the end, Mellos had decided to cut off the finger, hoping to prevent the rot from spreading to the rest of his hand. Despite his correspondence with the Citadel, they still failed to identify his disease.

Viserys could only hope that Aenys had an idea about this. With their aunt reaching their shores any day now, he would also be returning soon. He stopped as his thoughts went to his other brother as he noticed the absence of the Daemon. Though with the incoming party, it was good that Daemon wasn't here.

Suddenly trumpets were blown. And Viserys looked up as the herald began to shout.

"PRESENTING DEFENDER OF THE VALE! WARDEN OF THE EAST AND THE LADY OF THE EYRIE!" began the herald as the throne room opened. The whole throne room was quiet as the retinue stood outside the premises.

"LADY JEYNE ARRYN AND HER RETINUE!"

There was mild applause as the lady of the eyrie stepped forward with her retinue. And Viserys was surprised as he saw the Maiden of the Vale. The last time he had seen her, she had been only three, yet now she was a woman grown. Her luscious dark brown hair was tied in an elaborate braid and flowed behind her. She had high and prominent cheekbones, and her bright blue eyes seemed to suck one into them. Her blue gown matched her eyes, and Viserys finally caught a look at the women by her sides.

On one side, she was flanked by the lady of Runestone and the wife of his brother Daemon, the Lady Rhea of house Royce daughter to Lord Yorbert Royce, the man who walked right to their side and cut an imposing figure in his Bronze armor. She had raven black hair, was taller than Lady Arryn, and wore an iconic bronze gown. And to the other side, there was someone else he had never seen though he had heard quite a bit about.

That iconic red hair, green gown, and ravishing smile meant she was the lady in waiting for the Lady of the Eyrie, Lady Jessamyn Redfort.

There was buzzing in the court, as the the Lady of the Eyrie stepped forward and kneeled in front of him. Followed by the rest of her retinue. He stood up from the throne, and the buzzing died down.

"Rise! I, King Viserys Targaryen, welcome you all to my castle," he spoke, and applause broke out in the throne room as the retinue from the Vale stood up.

How could Viserys predict the disaster that would unfold sometime later?

0000

What's Daemon going to do to fuck it all up!

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot and makes it possible for me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. I shall be extremely thankful.

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[Drkest]

Chapter 14

HEALER GREG HOUSE

The only word to describe the last several weeks would be hectic. Hectic. Hectic. Hectic.

Greg did not know how much longer this could continue. Him and his colleagues had been stuck in this 'laboratory' that Aenys had constructed. It was as large as an expansive manse yet had been designed and built to his specifications. Special rooms, with counters along the edges for them to do their work, lecture halls to seat an audience and even rooms that remained freezing cool by some science he did not understand. All to say it had been extremely expensive to build and the equipment inside. It was even more expensive.

He looked at the counter in front of him, at the specially procured ceramic plates that had a jelly-like material to help grow bacteria. There were instruments commissioned from Myr as well as others made in Qohor, yet Greg knew that it would all pay off eventually. With the manufacture of that 'penicillin' the first antibiotic, he knew that Aenys was going to become richer than all. For that brownish powder-cured the clap, and everyone had the clap.

Everyone.

"DAMN, IT ALL!" came the shout from the adjacent room. The massive hall he was in was a shared site where he worked with his colleagues. Yet Aenys worked in a room attached to the Hall.

CLASH! CRACK! THWACK!THWACK!

There was the sound of cursing and glass breaking, wood clattering and he noticed his colleagues getting perturbed as they all stared at the room the noise was coming from. Though this wasn't the first time this was happening. Aenys had been growing more frustrated with each passing day, with each passing failure.

"All right, everyone, back to work," he said as he stood up and took his cane. Everyone followed his words and busied themselves once more, knowing if Aenys walked out and saw anyone slacking, he would not be forgiving. Everyone was tired and had dark circles. Greg himself had not slept for more than four hours in weeks. Because Aenys was desperate and he was failing.

He took a deep breath and picked up his cane and began to move towards his room. He could still hear some grunts from the inside yet he knocked at the door and walked in not waiting for the reply to come.

"Aenys, I am coming in," he walked in, and his eyes widened as he saw the wreckage in the room. Glass shattered, ceramic destroyed, and other materials wasted. But most of all, Aenys was sitting there pressing a red cloth to his hand, trying to stop a massive bleed. His eyes widened as he rushed forward toward the Prince.

"What the hell, are you trying to kill yourself, you idiot!" he berated the man as he reached for the bag to his side, and took out the bandages from the inside.

"It's nothing. It's just a small cut," said the Prince as he began to bandage it, and Greg wasn't impressed by the Prince. Aenys had dark circles under his eyes, his hair was messy, and he had grown a beard. Greg knew that he needed to intervene before the kid killed himself.

"Aenys, you cannot push yourself like this. Look at what you have done to yourself," he pleaded as he cleaned the cut and looked for any glass fragments, thankfully there were none. Aenys huffed at his words and took a shaky breath as he leaned backward, his face twisting as he cleaned the wound with the special spirit.

"I don't know what to do, Greg. It's all failing. Nothing is working, and I don't have much time," said Aenys with a shaky tone and Greg felt the fragility in his tone. He had seen Lady Maegella before she had boarded her ships, and she had not looked well. Aenys had tried to convince her to not travel yet she had been adamant.

Greg had always been proud of his skills and knowledge as a healer, yet the last month had given him a true glimpse of just how far ahead of them Aenys was. And it was massive. The kid was a revolutionary, and Greg knew that no one thought of things as he did. Yet despite his godly brain, Aenys was a human.

And humans failed. And humans died.

"You are doing everything you can, Aenys. We are pouring a huge amount of resources into this, both monetary and personnel into this. But you must listen to me," he began slowly as he finished bandaging the wound.

"Making a revolutionary cure in such a short time is just not possibl…."

"Don't say it, Greg. Don't," muttered Aenys as he glared at him yet he continued.

"Not possible. Even for you," and there was silence in the room.

"And you must accept that," he finished, but the Prince simply shook his head as he stood up, and walked towards his workplace, and began to straighten things up.

"I don't have to accept anything. I can do this. I have to do this," muttered Aenys desperately, and Greg shook his head, knowing there was no talking him out of it. And before he could speak any further, the door to the room was opened violently. His head snapped towards the intruder, and he watched one of the guards standing there huffing for breath.

"My Prince, you need to go to the manse, it's urgent," and he watched as Aenys frowned as he rushed towards the guard.

"What is it? What happened!" the prince asked, his voice shaky.

"My prince, it's about Lady Maegella," and Greg watched as Aenys face grew pale before he broke into a run rushing out of the room without a single word. Greg walked towards the guard and asked him in a small voice.

"What happened to Lady Maegella?" he asked.

"She has been attacked by pirates," and Greg's heart gave out as he heard those words. He closed his eyes as he prayed for the gentle lady, hoping that she would not die.

0000

DAEMON TARGARYEN

Daemon Targaryen sat in his chambers on Dragonstone as he held the mother of his incoming child in his arms. Both of them were covered with sweat from their nightly activities, and the cool morning air was pleasant for him.

Mysaria was awake, as she usually was due to the child, and her belly was now swollen as she neared the fated day. Daemon couldn't wait to hold the child in his hands. This child would be his legacy. His future.

Daemon pushed himself up as he locked lips with Mysaria. Even after all the time he had spent with her, she still managed to excite him even to this day. But it wasn't time for another round yet, so he pulled apart, much to her disappointment.

"What, you don't want me, my prince," she said seductively as she bit her lip, and he smiled as he controlled his growing desire.

"I do, but I believe I must make preparations for my child to be," and he saw his words register to Mysaria as her eyes widened.

"So, you will write to your brother and ask him to come here to deliver the babe," and he nodded. Aenys was the best healer in the world, and there was no way Daemon was going to risk his legacy. He noticed Mysaria's face twist as her hand went to her swollen belly.

"But will he come?" and that was an important question. And truthfully, he also did not know the answer to the question.

"I don't know. But I have to ask, though I believe he will come. He will be angry, but he will come," and she nodded at that. Though that wasn't the only letter, he was going to write. From what Mysaria had told him, his Bronze Bitch was in the capital.

Quite a surprise and an opportunity for him to end that blasted marriage of his. So, he planned to write to Viserys as well. Perhaps his brother would finally see reason.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

He was broken out of his thoughts by a knock on the door. He frowned, at being disturbed like this in his chambers and spoke in a loud voice.

"Who is it?"

"It's Gerardys, my prince! And I bring urgent news!" and Daemon frowned at being disturbed by the master. But news! At this hour!

"Come in!" he ordered, and the master walked in, his chains clanking. He saw Gerardys's eyes glance a bit at Mysaria as his face flushed, but the man was smart enough to avert his gaze instantly.

"My Prince, this came from one of the ships out at sea," and the master handed him a letter. Daemon saw the broken seal, and it belonged to House Velaryon. So, one of their ships had sent a letter.

Curious, he opened the letter as soon as he skimmed over it, his eyes widened as he lept out of the bed.

"You did good in bringing this to me! Get my horse and armor ready!" he ordered as he began to put on his clothes.

"Yes, my prince!" said the master before he rushed out of the room. Daemon picked up his sword and was about to rush out when he heard Mysaria call out from behind.

"What happened, and where are you going?" she asked, and he turned to face her as he told her of the letter.

"Pirates have attacked my aunt's convoy on her way to Kings Landing, one of the captains was able to send a raven. I need to go," and with that, he rushed out of the room into the great Halls.

Soon Dragonstone would shake due to a deafening roar as the Blood Wyrm took flight in haste.

0000

RHAENYS TARGARYEN

The island of Dragonstone was right in front of her. Rhaenys Targaryen remembered running through the sandy shores of this island in her youth, remembered her father rambling behind her, and her mother watching them both from behind. Those had been simpler times.

She looked to the side at her own brood and smiled, thinking that times had made her the one doing the chasing after Lanena and Laenor now. The Sea Snake was her husband's most prized ship, and there were a number of other ships behind theirs waiting to dock.

Corlys had a grim look on his face as he stared at the vessel ahead of them. The Royal vessel had docked, and a ramp was being prepared for the King and the Queen. On the shores stood one of her cousins, dressed in all black and a small retinue with him. She noticed the missing cousin, Aenys was nowhere to be seen.

Much like everyone, the King and Queen were dressed in all black for mourning as well. She noticed Corlys stiffen slightly as Viserys and Aemma began to descend from their ship, flanked on the sides by the Kingsguard.

"We shouldn't have come here. I don't like how this is going!" said Corlys ominously, and she agreed with him, yet there was little that they could do.

Tragedy had struck their house once again as the rogue pirates had attacked their Aunt Maegella's ships. Both Daemon and Aenys had been too late to react and by the time Daemon had reached her, the last of King Jaehaerys's children had died. The news had been devastating for her as she had been looking forward to seeing her Aunt once again.

Yet her grief was nothing compared to whatever Aenys was going through. She prayed to the Gods to bless him with patience, yet, she knew that losing someone so close scarred you for life.

"I feel the same, but there was no choice. Her last wish was to be buried with her mother and father. Aenys would never budge on that," and Corlys nodded.

"I know, but this is playing into Daemon's hand. This gives him legitimacy!" argued her husband, and she nodded stiffly as she watched Daemon present bread and salt to Viserys.

"You are right, but there was no other choice. And perhaps this could be an opportunity for the three of them to settle their differences," she hoped though even she knew that chances for that were low, especially with Viserys's faithful hand standing right behind him.

Viserys took the bread, and with that, the ceremony was complete, and the Royal vessel began to move once again, making way for their ship.

"Do you know they say Vhagar lives in one of the caves of this castle?" her head whipped towards Laena as she found her talking to her brother excitedly.

"And who told you that?" she questioned her sharply, and Laena did not see the expression on her face and answered nonchalantly.

"One of the dragon keepers told me that. They say Vhagar lives in a cave here," and then she finally turned to face.

"Can I look for her, mother?" Laena asked her excitedly as if she was asking to see a dog.

"NO!" she shut down the notion immediately and saw Laena's smile turn to a frown. But she had learned never to trust the wilfulness of children, so she looked her daughter straight in the eye.

"Laena, you will not go and search for the largest wild dragon. Do you understand?" she spoke sternly, but Laena was not listening to her.

"But you said it yourself. It's the biggest dragon alive!" she said excitedly and she heard Corlys laughing behind her. She turned and gave her husband a glare that shut him up immediately.

"If you can't go search for her alone, maybe I could come with you!" spoke Laenor from the side, and Rhaenys could only scream.

"NO!"

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot and makes it possible for me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping whatever you can. I shall be extremely grateful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 15

AEMMA ARRYN

The ancient seat of House Targaryen stood tall behind her as they all gathered for the funeral of the departed Lady Maegella. Aemma stood behind in the crowd with the retinue from Vale as a septon prayed for her departed aunt. Aenys stood closest to the dead body, with Daemon and Viserys to his sides.

Various lords had sent their own representatives to attend the funeral, which wasn't a very large affair given that Lady Maegella Targaryen had not been seen for over seven years in Westeros. Aemma felt anguish at the death of the kind woman she remembered little of, though her grief was nothing in comparison to Aenys, who seemed absolutely broken. His hair was disheveled, and his eyes were swollen and red, and he had even grown a slight stubble.

"Beautiful!" came a small whisper from her cousin, Jeyne and Aemma followed her eyes as she focused on the dragon standing before them all. Aemma had not seen Aenys's dragon up close until now. She had heard rumors about the beauty of the shimmering white beast that her good brother had tamed, yet those rumors did its beauty no justice.

The infamous Grey Ghost, stood tall with its pearly white scales glistening in the Sun as it looked at her rider with its round bluish eyes. It was arguably the most beautiful dragon alive.

"Prince Aenys seems very distraught. It seems he was very close to her," mentioned Jeyne, and she nodded as she started feeling a hint of tiredness creeping in.

"Yeah, they were very close," she replied as her eyes focused on the three brothers standing in front. And even from her place, she could sense the tension in the air. Coming to Dragonstone for the funeral had been quite a decision in the end. After some back and forth, Viserys had decided to come to the island for the funeral.

"I still can not believe that someone so young is as famous as he is. It is quite astonishing, really," whispered Jeyne, and Aemma could only nod. Aenys hadn't even entered his thirties, yet his fame span over two continents.

"Though it's such a shame," continued Jeyne from her side and there was a hint of sadness in her tone, as she finished.

"He seems so fragile standing there, all alone," Jeyne finished and Aemma chewed her lips as she saw the truth in that statement. Both Viserys and Daemon seemed to be more interested in their quarrel than their brother's loss.

Even the rest of the attendees, few truly cared for the departed Maegella Targaryen and had chosen to attend because of the drama and prestige associated with it. Though for the lady standing on the side of Jeyne, the issue was of a completely different nature.

Rhea Royce stood there dutifully beside her liege lord, dressed in black as well, and was glaring at Daemon, besides Lord Gunthor Royce was giving the Rogue Prince a similar hate-filled look.

The Royces had arrived at the court with a particular agenda and though it might have been delayed due to the death of her aunt, they had not forgotten their purpose. Daemon Targaryen had given insult to their house and they needed to see retribution.

Her eyes found her daughter standing with her friend, Lady Alicent Hightower though if the rumors were true, the soon-to-be Lady Lannister. Her uncle had arranged a match for her with the second Lannister brother, Lord Jason Lannister.

For some reason, Aemma did not feel good about the match. She had known Alicent for years now, the girl had practically grown up by Rhaenyra's side. Her father had remained hesitant about her marriage for quite some time, yet suddenly there were a plethora of matches being made in haste.

"It was pirated who killed her right?" questioned Jeyne, and she nodded. And that was a whole other headache. Her husband had not moved against the pirate infestation of the Stepstones and now those same pirates had struck their family, distant as it may be.

And they would need to answer for this. Many Lords had been grumbling about those pirates for years now, and now with this their cause would gain more popularity.

Popularity and support, she thought as she looked up at Aenys, who was shaking slightly as the septons backed off after finishing their prayer. His fists were balled up and he seemed to be struggling to say those final words. And seconds later, he would finally look up, his eyes hollow as he would say the final words.

"Dracarys!" his voice shook as he shouted those words.

The white beast obeyed her rider's order and raised its head as the blue eyes glowed before it opened its mouth and spewed a jet of flames. Her surroundings grew hotter because of the fire. And as the dragon closed its mouth, Lady Maegella Targaryen's last rites were completed.

The dragon straightened up and let out a huge roar, like it was voicing its rider's anguish, before it spread its wings and flew away, leaving them all to mourn the loss of a princess, an aunt, and a mother.

0000

OTTO HIGHTOWER

Otto smirked as he watched a scowl appear on Daemon Targaryen's face as soon as he entered the Chamber of the Painted Table. The King sat at the head of the table as they gathered to discuss the repercussions of Daemon Targaryen's actions.

"What's he doing here!" said Daemon in his contempt-filled voice, and Otto sat straighter as the Rogue Prince stood opposite to her brother. The King did not get angry and replied simply.

"Otto is my hand, and he is here to advise me!" replied the King coolly, and he noticed Daemon Targaryen grit his teeth.

"This was supposed to be a family affair. You cannot involve outsiders like him in this!" retorted Daemon heatedly.

"Otto will stay, you defied my orders Daemon. You took your Gold Cloaks and occupied Dragonstone in open defiance. Tell me what am I to do with you?" began the King, and Otto watched the Prince smirk as he replied.

"Dragonstone is my birthright. I did nothing wrong!" spoke Daemon Targaryen. Otto decided to intervene.

"My Prince, I am afraid that is no longer true. Dragonstone belongs to the heir to the Iron Throne, which is the young lady Rhaenyra Targaryen," he added and watched as Daemon's fists balled up.

"Something which is of your design, you cunt!" cursed the Prince.

"Daemon enough!" and the King stopped the Prince before he could utter any more profanities. Daemon Targaryen was flushed with rage as he focused on his brother once more.

"I have already apologized to Aemma and Rhaenyra about the words I uttered that night. That matter is resolved now," spoke up the Prince. And Otto frowned at that. But the nod from the king confirmed that.

"That is good. But the matter of the heir still remains standing. You must swear fealty to Rhaenyra," spoke the King Viserys, and the whole chamber descended into silence. Otto watched Daemon's mind race before he suddenly.

"I will, but I have a condition," he began slowly, and as he was about to intervene the King stopped him with a gesture as he motioned for Daemon to continue.

"Speak!" said the King and he noticed a smirk appear on the Prince's face. And Otto had a pretty good idea of the demand from the Prince.

"I will kneel down and swear fealty to Rhaenyra if you annul my marriage to my Bronze Bitch!"

0000

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

The funeral for Princess Maegella Targaryen had been a somber affair. She had been laid to rest in the tradition of House Targaryen with Prince Aenys's dragon burning her corpse and burying the ashes. She had been buried beside her father and mother, King Jaeharys and Queen Alysanne, as per her wishes, and Dragonstone added another Targaryen rave in its crypts.

Yet that was yesterday, and a whole day had passed the ceremony, and the weather had improved in comparison to yesterday for it had been raining during the funeral as if the sky itself wept for the departed soul. She walked with the two guards towards her destination as they headed for the cave where the Grey Ghose rested.

Prince Aenys had secluded himself with his dragon, and according to Rhaenyra, he hadn't eaten in days. And the sad thing was there were few who cared for the Prince's health. King Viserys had been holed up in the chambers with her father and Prince Daemon since dawn.

The Prince had looked distraught at the funeral, with dark circles under his eyes. His eyes had lost the usual spark that she attributed to them. Looking at him like this made her remember of the time she had lost her own mother and how broken she had felt after that. Yet, unlike Prince Aenys, she wasn't alone. She had her brothers to keep her company, to help her get through those dark times. But he had no one.

"Here!" said one of the Dragonkeepers as they came to stand in front of the mouth of a rather narrow cave. But Grey Ghost wasn't a rather large dragon, and she could see it walking through those cracks.

"The Prince entered the cave last night and hasn't come out yet," said the Dragonkeeper, and she nodded. There was no sound coming from the cave, and darkness made it impossible to see much. Yet she took a deep breath as she decided to step inside.

The guards made to follow her, yet she stopped them with the shake of her head.

"No, there is no need. I will go in alone," they tried to retort.

"But your father, my la…,"

"The dragon might get agitated seeing so many people. I will go alone," she said in her authoritative tone the guards stepped back, and she moved inside the cave, taking careful steps as she stepped into the darkness.

She followed the winding path, and just when she feared that she had gotten lost she was rescued by the sound of soft music being played. Very familiar music that she hadn't heard in a long time. Her footsteps became steadier as she followed the sound of the harp, heading towards the one playing it.

She finally reached the part where the dragon resided and watched as the Prince sat there leaning back as his dragon coiled around him. The Prince played his harp though Alicent did not miss the paleness in his skin or the shakiness of his hand.

He struck the final note and opened his eyes, looking straight at her. Those amethyst orbs were hollow and seemed as if they had lost all hope, and it was as if she was staring into a mirror. And she knew that the Prince was lost just like her.

They were both suffering, him with the loss of the person who had been like a mother to him and her with her fate getting weaved into a plot against her own love. Perhaps, the Prince felt the same as he gave her a weak smile.

"We have similar eyes, now Alicent, though I believe you lost your mother years ago." And his words made her stop as she stood rooted on the ground.

"So, tell me, what have you lost, Lady Alicent Hightower?" he asked her as she walked to reduce the distance between them, and then she stood right in front of him.

"I have lost my love," she replied, her voice shaky as she thought about her father's machinations and how she was about to become a party to a plot against her love. The Prince shook her head as he had a broken smile on his face.

"We don't lose our love, Alicent. We just lose those we love," he spoke in a broken voice and a crooked smile.

"Our love remains with us, always," he finished, and she returned his smile as she nodded. It was not a surprise to her that the Prince was aware of her circumstances

"I have heard about your marriage, Alicent," spoke the Prince, surprising her once more as he stood up and walked towards her.

"Jason Lannister," he began as he stopped right in front of her.

"A fine match, many would say. But I believe you are not naive enough to miss this for what it is?" and she nodded slowly. Her years spent at court had given her a solid understanding of the Games that were played behind those lavish smiles and courts.

"Tell me do you wish to escape this fate of yours, Alicent?" he questioned her, and her eyes widened in surprise. They were looking into each other's eyes, and she chewed her lip as she nodded.

Of course, she would want to avoid being sold like cattle. Alicent had accepted her fate long ago, knowing that her love would never come to fruition. She had accepted that she would have to get married to a man of noble status and bear him an heir. Yet she did not wish to be sold like cattle by her uncle for his alliance with House Lannister.

"Good, then I believe I have a perfect solution for this," the Prince said as he swept away a strand of hair from her face, and she saw him lean closer and she felt his breath on his face, and her eyes widened as her words finally made sense.

Then she felt his lips touch hers as his arms wrapped themselves around her, and Alicent found herself feeling safe and wanted once in her life.

His lips were harder than Rhaenyra's, and they had cracked due to his starving himself in the cave since last night. Yet she did not let go as she moved in closer and let herself seek solace in those arms.

Alicent had always thought him so intimidating and strong yet when she felt his arms around herself, they were gentle and careful as he leaned in closer. This wasn't the kiss of mutual love, for both of them could never obtain the one they loved, yet it was a kiss of need, as both of them found what they needed.

They needed a partner. They needed someone who understood them.

She needed him, and he needed her.

00000

Aenys isn't truly doing this for Rhaenyra. He has a legacy of his own and needs children to carry it. He also has secrets of his own, secrets that Alicent knows. So, by binding Alicent to himself, he makes sure that no one ever comes to know of them, and he gets a companion he can trust. For whatever you may say of Alicent Hightower, she was the most true character in the series.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. I shall be highly thankful.

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Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 16

Deep in one of the greater manses in the great city of Bravos. Four people sat around a table as they worriedly talked about a certain mishap.

"What was he thinking, attacking that ship?" spoke one of the men, in a frustrated tone.

"He claims that his crew made a mistake," came the reply in a dejected voice.

"MISTAKE! That fucking mistake could cost me everything. Do you have any idea how many of my magisters owe him a favors? GODS! He delivered my own child! Who do you think everyone will blame when he stops treating them? Huh! I will be booted out of my office within days! Days!" screamed the last of the three men.

The fourth man was dressed differently and held a key hanging around his neck. His purple robes in contrast to those of the others stood out.

"You think I will be any different! Many of my magisters have been asking me to pull back the support from Drahar for some time now! Gods I also have another pair of twins due in some time! There is no way he sends anyone to help deliver them now!" spoke the man as he nursed his glass of wine.

"Perhaps! We could send tribute! He just built that huge college of his! Perhaps we could smooth this with some money!" yet the other two shook their heads.

"Nah! There are rumors that he owns a couple of trading fleets. He is probably as rich if not richer than all of us!" came the retort and the chambers slid into silence, as the three prominent magisters from the infamous Triarchy sat there dejected. However, the man with purple robes broke the silence.

"If you call for him he will still come! He won't deny you his healing or his healers," and his words surprised the three magisters.

The First Magister of Lys perked up at that.

"You mean he won't retaliate? The princess that was killed was said to be very close to him. There is no way he lets this go!" and the purple robed man replied.

"Oh! He won't let this go. I can assure you of that. But he won't deny you, his services! If he finds out you were behind this, and he probably already suspects, he will bleed you dry. He will cripple your businesses he will demolish your politics! But he will still heal you and your families!"

The three magisters gulped at this. They all looked at each other, and nodded at each other when one of them spoke up.

"Yet you still called us here! So, tell us what do we need to do!" and the man held his key and began to twist it in his hands as he gave them all a smile.

"Well, you have only two options. You either wait for him to bleed you all to your deaths, or you make him bleed to his!" and their eyes widened as the implication behind those words dawned on them all.

"You want us to kill him!" and the man nodded.

"Indeed! And believe me that is your only option for survival," the three magisters looked at each other and after some time looked towards the purple robed man and nodded. The man gave them a smile, showing off his black teeth as he got up.

"That is good! There will be an opportunity soon. We will strike then. And I would advise you to have your pirate move any of your wealth out of the Stepstones. Because he might not be able to kill you, but he won't spare him. Your little 'crab feeder' is as good as dead!"

And the magisters nodded as the purple-robed man left the chambers, leaving them all alone once more.

0000

CORLYS VELARYON

Corlys Veelaryon sat in his chambers as he waited for the arrival of his guest. He nursed the wine glass in his hands as he took small sips of the finest Dornish Reds. Looking at the shore from the balcony of Dragonstone was an experience. The castle somehow reminded him of his own seat of Driftmark with a clear view of the bay.

Rhaenys wasn't present and was with the King and the Queen trying to dissuade them from their latest misadventure. A misadventure that just might cause another split in the Royal family. He had tried and failed, and now it was up to her to talk Viserys out of the idiotic plot he had cooked up for Aenys.

There was a knock on the door as a servant entered and spoke slowly.

"My Lord, Prince Aenys is here," and Corlys turned away from the balcony and walked towards the table as he motioned for the servant.

"Let him in," and with a bow, the servant walked out and seconds later, Aenys walked into the room, his gait heavy, his eyes sunken, and his face filled with a mix of grief and rage. Unadulterated fiery rage.

Corlys walked up to him and gave the younger Targaryen a hug.

"Thanks for making some time for me on such short notice," said Aenys as they separated, and Corlys waved it off.

"It was nothing. Come sit," and they took their seats. Corlys offered him some of the wine, yet Aenys refused.

"No, I believe that it would be better if we were sobre for this," and Corlys nodded, noticing his tone's graveness. The truth was that he had a pretty good idea about what this was all about. So, Corlys pushed away the bottle, leaned back in his chair, and looked straight at Aenys.

"All right, I believe I have a pretty good idea what you want to talk about," he began slowly, and the Prince nodded, his face hard, yet Corlys noticed the tightness in his eyes as his gaze hardened.

"And that is," the Prince questioned, as he leaned for war.

"War," and it was as if the room's temperature dropped, and silence reigned over as his words almost reverberated across the room. Aenys nodded as he cracked his knuckle.

"Then I believe we are on the same page. From what I remember, this Craghas Drahar was also quite a problem for your trade," and Corlys nodded, for that was true. Drahar had more or less halved his trade, hurting House Velaryon.

"Yes, and I believe you were the one who advised against going to war. Moreover, I believe you aren't naïve enough to believe that Drahar was alone in this," he questioned with narrowed eyes. Aenys nodded as he stood up and walked towards the burning wood in the fireplace.

"I know. It's an open secret that he has the backing of the Triarchy, but leave them to me. I will take care of those behind him myself. The main culprit of her death is Drahar," said the Prince with gritted teeth, and he reeled back slightly as he saw Aenys's blazing eyes.

"So, my offer to you is simple. I will assist you in your war in the Stepstones against Drahar, you can have all that you plunder and conquer. All I want is Drahar. He is mine and you can have all of the rest," and Corlys's eyes widened at such a blanket offer. If the Prince took care of Drahar's support from the Triarchy, Corlys was sure he could conquer the Stepstones, yet there was another issue. Another rather significant issue.

Viserys Targaryen. Corlys may have had the resources to fight the war, but holding those islands was another thing. For that, he would need the assistance of the Crown.

So, he got up as well and joined Aenys by the fireplace.

"You know Viserys will not agree to go to war," he told Aenys, who nodded.

"I know he won't. He has always been like that. But he doesn't have to. It isn't his fight, it is mine, and I plan to fight it one way or another," then the Prince looked at him and Viserys felt as if he was staring into the eyes of the Old King himself as Aenys finished.

"Either with or without you," the Prince finished emphatically, and he was once more reminded of Rhaenys's words about the youngest Targaryen brother, and he was beginning to see the truth in them.

He thought about all he had heard, and while he was ready to fight in the war even without the Crown's support, Corlys understood that it would be better to have it rather than not, for with the Crown came an inexhaustible supply of men and arms. Much hassle also came along, but it seemed like a good trade-off to him.

His mind raced as he thought of any ways to get the King involved, and hence his mind went to the discussions he had heard earlier in the day. And he hesitated about mentioning them to Aenys, for he couldn't predict the reaction of Aenys, but in the end, he decided to share his thoughts.

"I understand what you are saying, Aenys, but I believe there might be a way for us to have the Crown's backing in this endeavor of ours," Corlys began slowly, and he noticed Aenys frown at his words before he motioned for him to continue as he leaned onto the wall.

"There was a private Council Meeting earlier, and we had quite a bit of discussion over one specific topic," he began cautiously, and Aenys's eyes narrowed at his words.

"What topic?" questioned Aenys. Corlys gave a small sigh as he answered.

"The topic of your marriage, my Prince," he answered and noticed the widening of the Prince's eye at his words. The Prince took a second or so before he walked up to the table, poured some of the Dornish Red into a cup, and took a small sip as he returned to his earlier place.

"Now, why don't you tell me exactly what was discussed?" and if Corlys had known Aenys as much as the departed Lady Maegella Targaryen, he would have been very careful with his following words.

Yet alas! He didn't.

0000

RHAENYS TARGARYEN

"Aenys will never agree to it," she said as she leaned back into the chair and sat with Aemma, hoping to convince her to stop Viserys from proposing such a folly. Their relationship was rocky enough without all the drama such a demand from Viserys would bring.

Aemma chewed her lips as she replied.

"I know that, but the proposal does have its merit. Jeyne Arryn would be a good match, Aenys would practically be a high lord and Warden of the East, and it would solve many of our problems," and Rhaenys sighed as Aemma seemed to ignore the most significant issue.

"Gods, it could be the perfect match, but it would be futile if Aenys disagrees. Plus, this all would simply exonerate Daemon, who is basically the source of this issue," she said through gritted teeth. And it was confirmed that Daemon Targaryen refused to do his duty and was now the cause of all this mess.

Aemma nodded, agreeing with her.

"You are right, but this time Lord Royce also petitioned Viserys privately to resolve this issue. He is also furious with Daemon over his behavior with Rhea Royce," and Rhaenys had expected that. The arrival of the retinue from Vale with that specific combination could only ever be for that specific reason.

"I am telling you, Aemma, Aunt Maegella's death must have taken its toll on Aenys. He will be angry and rash. Please stop Viserys from making any stupid proposal for some time. If he is so sure of this, he could wait for some time before he asks Aenys about this," she advised, and Aemma nodded.

"I will try to talk to him," and that was all one could do with a King. Rhaenys looked at the frail form o Aemma, she was still pale and skinny, yet she was miles better than the last time she had seen her when she had just woken up after the stillbirth.

"Viserys should really focus more on the war on the horizon rather than the marital affair of his brothers," and Aemma frowned at her words, seemingly aghast.

"War?" and Rhaenys was reminded once more that Aemma had never interfered in the running of the Kingdom. So, she explained.

"Drahar just killed our Aunt and has also been targeting our ships. Corlys had already been clamoring for a show of force. And now Aenys will support him, and with his connections, he will be able to isolate Drahar from the Triarchy, making an attack from the Velaryon fleet a very lucrative opportunity. AN opportunity Corlys will want to take," and she noticed Aemma nodding along at her explanation before she replied.

"Yes, I remember Rhaenyra telling me about this some time ago. But I don't think Viserys will agree. For all his qualities, Viserys hesitates about initiating conflict," And didn't Rhaenys know that? But the war will happen. She could feel it brewing already. Aenys would never let this go, and Corlys would jump at such an opportunity.

"Perhaps, but the war will happen, one way or another. I can feel it whether it is with the Crown's blessing or without," and Aemma's eyes widened at her words.

But before Aemma could say another word, they were interrupted by loud voices coming from across the Hall exactly where Viserys was.

0000

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

Alicent walked towards her room after her meeting with the Prince, her heart at ease. The Prince's offer had been a bit of a surprise, yet she could understand where it came from. While to her, the match signified an escape from the plots and machinations of her father, to the Prince, the match meant more than that.

Companionship.

The Prince had just lost his only true family and was all alone with all those secrets buried in his heart. The burden of the future, she couldn't even imagine what it did to him. However, there were still many hurdles in all of this. The biggest of them would be her father, and she instinctively began to chew her thumb as she thought about him.

He would never agree, and her rumored match with Jason Lannister would provide the perfect pretext for him to deny Aenys the match. The Prince knew that yet had told her that he would take care of it. Suddenly she felt her name being called out as the sound of footsteps got close until a silvery blonde figure appeared at the end of the corridor. Rhaenyra Targaryen stood there dressed in all black as she huffed slightly, her flushed cheeks showing how she had been searching for her for quite some time.

"Alicent! Alicent!" then Rhaenyra finally saw her, and a smile appeared on her face. Her heart fluttered as she saw those eyes light up.

"Where have you been? I searched the whole castle for you?" she complained as she rushed towards her. However, she suddenly slipped in her haste, and Alicent's heart nearly gave out as she rushed to catch her friend. And thankfully, she was able to stop her friend from falling as she caught her in her arms.

"Gods! You have to be careful, Rhaenyra," she chastised her friend, who just smiled away her concern as she stood up, leaving a slight lingering warmth in her arms. Rhaenyra smiled as she waved away her concern.

"Moving on, I asked you where you were. I couldn't find you anywhere," and Alicent sighed as she nodded.

"I had gone to see the Prince, and why were you searching for me?" she replied, leaving out the details, and Rhaenyra's smile dimmed at the Prince's mention before he answered her question as they both began to move toward her room.

"Ahh, someone was here to meet you, one of the Lannister Twins, Jason I think, I can't really tell them apart."

And Alicent's feet stilled for a moment before she calmed herself as she joined Rhaenyra by the side once more. And suddenly, Rhaenyra frowned by her side as she spoke conspiratorially.

"There are rumors that you are going to marry Jason Lannister," she questioned her. And Alicent didn't know how to respond to that, so she nodded.

"Father has been working towards a match between me and Lord Lannister," she replied, keeping her voice even. However, Rhaenyra suddenly stopped as they reached her room, and Alicent noticed the rather complicated expression on her face.

"You don't seem happy with the match. Is your father forcing you to marry him?" her question stumped her for a second. They entered her room, and Alicent sat on the bed as her mind raced on how to answer her question. But perhaps the silence had been an answer enough.

"You don't have to answer. I can see it on your face," and Rhaenyra suddenly sat beside her.

"I cannot fathom what you must be going through, being forced to marry someone like him when you love someone else," and Alicent's heart began to race at her words. Her head snapped toward Rhaenyra, who sighed and looked toward her, and their eyes met, and Rhaenyra suddenly closed the distance, and she could feel her breath prickle her skin as Rhaenyra lightly whispered.

"But don't lose heart yet," said Rhaenyra as she held her hand, and before she could speak up, Rhaenyra continued.

"I will talk to Uncle Aenys. How could he ignore you like that? How can he be blind like that? Both of you would make such a perfect match!"

0000

Ahhh, poor Alicent being match made by her love.

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. I shall be extremely thankful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkonecharlie]

A reminder of why you can't have shit in that world someone always got to fuck it up

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 17

VISERYS TARGARYEN

His discussion with regard to the match between Aenys and Jeyne Arryn had reaffirmed his belief that it was the best match for his brother. It would also solve the issue of Daemon's broken marriage and finally have Aenys tied down to the realm as well.

Otto sat to his right as both of them waited for Aenys to speak up. They were just about done with their meeting when Aenys suddenly interrupted them. His face was still gaunt, with a small stubble present on his face. However, his brother's eyes weren't as hollow as they had been over the last few days.

"I believe I have important news to share with you," began Aenys, and Viserys nodded as he motioned for him to continue.

"I have decided to marry, and for that, I have selected a lady of the suitable station," and Viserys's eyes widened as he felt cracks appearing in his plans, and then suddenly, Aenys looked straight at Otto as he finished his sentence.

"I plan to marry Lady Alicent Hightower," and the whole chamber became quiet at his words. And Viserys half suspected that Daemon had somehow taken over his brother's body and was playing a cruel joke on them. Yet there was no laugh.

It was finally Otto who broke the silence.

"I am afraid that will not be possible. Alicent's hand has been promised to Lord Jason Lannister. Breaking such an agreement will not be possible," said Otto with a narrowed gaze. Truthfully, Viserys still did not know how to react to the news, so he nodded along.

"As Otto said, such a match will not be possible. However, I have another match I want to discuss with you…" however, Aenys cut him off in a sharp tone.

"I am afraid that will not be needed. I have had a talk with Lord Lannister, and we have reached an accord," and Viserys's heart dropped as he saw the glint in Aenys's eyes, for there was only one sort of accord to be made in such a case.

A duel. It had been many years since such a duel had taken place.

"Preposterous. You are lying. Why would Lord Lannister agree to your wager?" said Otto through gritted teeth, and Aenys threw a very specific object onto the table. And Viserys finally realized precisely how serious Aenys was.

He had wagered his Valyrian steel sword.

"I believe you are quite familiar with that sword. Everyone knows House Lannister has been looking for a Valyrian steel sword for years now. They couldn't possibly let such an opportunity go," said Aenys, and from the look on his face, Otto could scarcely believe what he was hearing.

"Preposterous. This is preposterous. I do not accept your offer. I will not allow you to tarnish the name of Hosue Hightower!" said Otto standing up from his seat. Aenys shook his head.

"Alicent is a woman grown. She can make her own decisions. Plus, the challenge has already been made and accepted. I believe it is too late for you to interfere now," said Aenys with a shrug, and Otto looked toward him.

"You must stop this madness, your grace. This will also sully the name of the royal family," Otto pleaded to him. Viserys was looking at Aenys and spoke up after thinking for some time.

"Leave us, Otto," he said, and his lord Hand nodded and gave Aeys a glare before he left the chambers with a huff.

Viserys finally stood up and spoke out at Aenys.

"Do you have any idea what you are doing? You know what the consequences of this will be. You will sully the Targaryen name with your actions. I cannot allow this! Plus, I have already made promises with House Arryn for a prospective match between you and Lady Jeyne Arryn," Viserys said with gritted teeth, and Aenys began to laugh at this.

"I will not be sullying any name. It's a gallant duel between two suitors for a woman's hand. Nothing more," and then, in an instant, the laughs vanished as Aenys's eyes narrowed as he looked straight at him.

"And by what right did you think you could make such promises about my life," questioned Aenys sharply. Viserys was taken by surprise, but he did not relent.

"By my right as your king and brother!" he replied firmly; however, Aenys laughed derisively.

"Brother! Do you really think you deserve to be called my brother? And as for King, let me remind you, Viserys, I am not Daemon who derives his self-importance from your whims and attention," said Aenys heatedly, and the sheer vehemence in his tone made him recoil.

"I am Aenys Taragryen. People all over worship me," and Aenys suddenly leaned forward, and his blazing eyes reminded Viserys of their grandsire.

"You don't own me, Viserys. No one does!"

And with those words! He left the room, leaving him all alone with his broken plans, a fracturing family, and a shaky realm.

"And Viserys, do you know why Daemon is so adamant about annulling his marriage!" Viserys was broken out of his trance by those words, and he frowned when he shook his head.

"I thought so. Well, let me tell you. Daemon's paramour is with child. And I don't think I need to tell you what will happen if that child is a boy."

And with those final words, Aenys closed the door and left him all alone. Viserys's mind raced as he thought about his words, and his fists clenched as he thought of Daemon's deception.

"Ser ARRYK!" he shouted, and the Kingsguard entered his chambers.

"BRING DAEMON HERE! NOW!" he ordered in anger, and the Kingsgaurd nodded and bowed quickly.

"As you order, your grace."

0000

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

In her room, Alicent sat talking to her brother about his rather secretive meetings with his dear Lady Elise Strong and the growing tension between them. Despite his insistence, their father had been adamant and hadn't listened to anything they had to say.

"ALICENT!" suddenly, her heart dropped as she heard her name being shouted. Gwayne was also unsettled by her side and stopped as the door to her room swung open.

And Alicent was sure she had never seen her father this enraged. His face was flushed, and his eyes lit with fury as he stepped towards it.

"What is the meaning of this Alicent!" he shouted as he stepped towards her. Yet Gwayne was quick enough to step up in front of him, stopping his approach.

"What are you doing, father? You need to calm down, tell me what has happened?" said Gwayne trying to diffuse the situation, yet her heart beat rapidly, and Alicent had a very good idea of the cause of such anger. Her father controlled himself as he looked at his youngest son and pointed at her.

"You ask me that! I think it will be better if you ask your sister that question," her father said with gritted teeth, and she noticed Gwayne frown as he looked at her perplexedly.

"What are you talking about, father?" questioned Gwayne again. And her father looked straight at her, and their eyes met.

"Your sister has somehow made the Prince interested in her. She disgraced both me and our whole family name," and she noticed Gwayne's eyes widen at that as she swallowed at the mention of Aenys Targaryen.

"The Prince? Prince Aenys wants to marry her," and then the wheels turn as he suddenly faces her. He said as Alicent gritted her teeth and looked down as both of her father and brother looked towards her.

"Indeed! I never suspected something like this from you, Alicent. You have greatly disappointed me." Said their father, but it seemed, Gwayne had different ideas than their father.

"What are you talking about, Father, the Prince wants to marry her. What's wrong with that?" said Gwayne, and her father seemed to have enough of him as he pointed to the door.

"You don't understand anything. So, leave!" ordered their father. Gwayne tried to protest, but their father ordered once more.

"I said leave!" Gwayne cowed slightly and looked at her. She gave him a slight nod, and with that, he left the room, leaving her alone with their father again. Her father walked around her room before sitting on one of the chairs and sighed deeply before speaking again.

"I never would have suspected something like this from you, Alicent. Never," he said in his usual grazy voice, yet there was a hint of disappointment and anger still present. She swallowed as she continued to stare at the ground.

"I don't know what is my fault in all this. The Prince's proposition has nothing to do with me," she said stiffly, yet her father shook her head.

"I know you went to see him yesterday. And I refuse to believe that his sudden interest in you isn't related to that visit yesterday," and she could feel him looking at her, struggling to speak. In the end, he finally spoke up.

"Has he spoi…" and her eyes widened as she understood his question.

"NO!" she answered before he could finish, and she noticed some of the tension leaving him as he suddenly stood up. He walked up to her, and she instinctively backed off when he raised her hand. However, he just made her look up, and she found herself gazing straight into those brown eyes, orbs that were a reflection of her own.

"You know your uncle and me have already arranged for you to marry Jason Lannister, and I believe you aren't oblivious to the consequences of breaking of such a contract," began her father slowly, and she swallowed before she replied.

"The betrothal hadn't been finalized ye…."

"Don't lie to me, Alicent. It had been finalized for some time, and you knew that." her father cut her off as he walked back and slumped onto the chair again, sighing deeply. She hesitated a lot before finally plucking up the courage to ask him.

"Did you reject his offer?" she questioned him, noticing how his eyes darkened at her words. And her heart dropped as he nodded.

"I did," and her breath hitched as she heard his reply, and before she could utter anything else, he continued.

"However, the Prince had a reply of his own. He has challenged your betrothed to a duel for your hand," and she was taken aback by his words—a challenge. And her face paled as she thought of the Prince.

"A duel?" she asked with trepidation. And her father nodded as he scoffed.

"Yes, a duel. He was able to bait Jason Lannister into accepting it by offering him that wretched Valyrian steel sword," and her heart skipped a beat at that. A Valyrian steel sword. He had wagered that for her hand.

"I want you to listen to me, Alicent. I don't know how or why the Prince insists on marrying you, but since you made him do this. You will also undo this. You shall make him withdraw the challenge," and he stood up, and she swallowed as she defended herself.

"I did not make him do this," she said, yet her father ignored her words.

"Regardless, you will go to him and refuse to marry him at all, and we can put this all behind us. The Prince has just lost his aunt. Everyone will consider it all a drunken misadventure and hopefully forget it within a week," he said as he stared her right in the eye.

"And if he doesn't?" she questioned, her voice shaky, and her father's eyes became hollow as he raised his hand slowly and brushed aside a strand of her hair.

"If the Prince steps out for that duel tomorrow, regardless of the result, you will be dead to this family," and Alicent's breath hitched at his words.

"Once and for all!"

0000

DAEMON TARGARYEN

It was the break of dawn, and the whole castle of Dragonstone was brimming with nervous activity. Nervous for the duel to take place in an hour. On the other hand, he was filled with rage—sheer unadulterated rage at his blood.

Viserys had called him into his chambers late into the night and had raged at him for his lies. In the end, he had forced him to send Mysaria out of the Seven Kingdoms on the threat of death. Daemon had been enraged, yet he had been forced to make that choice.

Mysaria was now bound on a boat leaving for Lys as he walked towards the chambers of the man responsible for all this. No guards were stationed outside of Aenys's chambers, and he entered them without a knock.

"You bastard!" Daemon screamed as soon as he entered the room of his younger brother. Aenys sat on his bed polishing his blade, the signature smoky ripples on the sword indicative of its unique mythical Valyrian smithy.

Aenys looked up at him, utterly unperturbed by his rage, which made his anger flare up further.

"You ungrateful and conniving bastard! You betrayed my trust. You told Viserys about her!" Daemon said in rage, and Aenys finally looked at him, his eyes dull and unimpressed.

"Ungrateful!" he scoffed, "I think you have me confused with Viserys," Daemon swung his arm as he countered he ducked and hit Daemon with his head pushing back.

"You are both the same. Both of you think you know better than everyone else! You couldn't just keep your mouth shut, could you? You just had to open it! And for what, for marrying that Hightower whore," he said derisively as Daemon steadied himself before he shoved him. Aenys was pushed back a couple of steps, "Her cunt must be something really special to ensnare you like that. Perhaps I shall try and have a go on it mys…." but Aenys was quick to react as he shoved him back with all his might making Daemon hit the wall.

"AGHH," daemon grunted as Aenys raged.

"Watch your fucking mouth Daemon! I am not Viserys who will let you wag away like a fucking dog, " yet Daemon wasn't perturbed. He just smirked and smiled cruelly as he continued.

"Ohh! Then what will you do? Will you kill me, you bastard! For Otto's bi…." and before he could finish the words, Aenys was swinging, and he punched Daemon in the face. Daemon was surprised, but Aenys hadn't been slacking in his time at Bravos. Daemon's face flushed as he looked him straight in the eye, and his eyes blazed with fury.

"You fucking bastard! You should have died on the day you were born, and you cursed bastard! You are a curse on this family!" he said as he hit back, kneeing him in the gut. Aenys coiled onto himself as Daemon pushed him off and tried to punch him again. Aenys ducked and kicked Daemon in the gut pushing him back, but instead of approaching Daemon, he reached for his sword lying on the bed and brought it to Daemon's neck.

"Yeah! Try it. Kill me just like you killed Mother and Gael. Come on, TRY IT!" Daemon hissed as he looked Aenys straight in the eye. And he saw Aenys's eyes narrow at his words as the sword stood at the edge of his skin.

"I hope you die in this accursed duel of yours, you bastard!" and with those words, he began to walk out of the room. Opening the door, he almost stumbled into someone else. his eyes narrowed as he recognized those brown locks, and he scoffed at the look of sheer terror on the face of Alicent Hightower. Aenys stiffened as he saw Daemon eyeing Alicent, who was pale as she stood there rooted to the spot. Daemon simply scoffed and walked past her as he shouted.

"Your father must be rather proud of your fucking cunt, you bitch! " And with a scoff, he walked off, leaving her alone.

His plans were shattered, but that did not mean he was done. Perhaps he should take Mysaria's advice and rid himself of his Bronze Bitch once and for all.

0000

AENYS TARGARYEN

Aenys took a deep breath as he tried to calm himself, his mind still ringing from Daemon's last words. He looked down at his reflection, in the smoky reflection of his sword, as Alicent entered his room, shaken and pale.

"I apologize for listening to…" and Aenys waved off her apology as he coughed and controlled his voice.

"The whole castle will have heard it with the way he shouted. So, it's nothing," he said as he placed the sword in its sheath and stood up, finally catching a full look of Alicent. Her eyes looked tired as from a lack of sleep, and her face was ashen pale and anxious.

"What happened?" he questioned her lightly, forgetting about his own pain momentarily, and he noticed how she struggled to speak before he finally completed a sentence.

"You don't have to do this. You should withdraw the challenge," she pleaded suddenly, and her words took him aback. However, the helplessness in her tone wasn't missed by him. So, he closed the distance between them.

"Why?" he asked, and she shook her head as her eyes reddened.

"I never thought it would blow up into something so big. You should just withdraw from this whole challenge. You could claim that you were drunk or just too distraught over Lady Maegella's death to think properly," she said in a single breath, tears slipping from her eyes as she spoke hurriedly.

Aenys frowned and stepped forward as he wrapped his arms around her, and she broke down in his embrace.

"What did your father say to make you say this? Tell me?" and he felt her stiffen on her arms as she looked up at him. The change in her expression showed him that his guess had been right.

"Tell me," he encouraged her once more as he wiped away tears.

"If you go out there, he will strip me of the family name. So, please, you don't have to do this for me, so I beg you. Please just stop," she pleaded once more, her voice shaky and broken, and Aenys felt pity seeing her like this and realized why he always hated Otto Hightower so much.

The man was ruthless even to his own family, it seems.

"Look at me, Alicent. Look at me!" he said as he cupped her face and made her look up, and their eyes met. His features softened as he saw the pain in her eyes, and he spoke slowly as he wiped away the moisture building in her eyes.

"I am not doing this out of pity for you. This is my choice, I need to marry someone, and you are my choice. It may not be out of the rather storied and fantastical love we often read of, yet it is my choice nonetheless," and he saw her eyes widen at her words as he continued. And he noticed her stiffen at his words.

"So, I won't take back my challenge because of your father. And have you met Jason Lannister?" he said in a scandalized tone, trying to cheer her up, and saw her lips quirk up at his tone.

"The man has an ego bigger than Casterly Rock itself. I can assure you I am a far better choice than the two of us," he joked, yet it was true. Jason Lannister was known as a skilled brute. On the other hand, his brother Tyland had the family's brains. His meeting with the man had proven it. During their conversation, he saw the man lusting after his sword.

Alicent seemed somewhat dejected by his words and replied shakily.

"You don't have to worry about that. I have a solution for that," and suddenly she reached up, her lips crashed onto him as she pushed him back. Her actions took him aback. However, he gently pushed her back.

"What are you doing!" he said in a scandalized tone. She looked abashed and embarrassed, and Aenys made her look up and sighed as he spoke up.

"You don't have to do that," and she swallowed as she suddenly whispered.

"If you go through with this, it will also break your family as well. I heard what Prince Daemon said, and I know that the King isn't happy with this. You don't have to do this for me," and he scoffed at her words, anger rising as he shook his head.

"Family! The only family I had died a week ago. Viserys and Daemon have never been my family, and I am done pretending that they are." He finished in a scathing tone, as he failed to try and control his emotions. He saw her lips turn down at his words, though she did not deny his words. He then looked at her once more and continued.

"But the question is do you want to be my family or not?" he finished as he looked her straight in the eye. He leaned forward and cupped her face in his hands as their foreheads touched each other. He could see his reflection in her brown eyes; they seemed so lost that day.

"And if you don't. Then I will back off," and he noticed as her eyes shook at his words and her eyes reddened. He saw her mind racing as she looked at him, her eyes reflecting her tumultuous emotions, though in the end, she nodded slowly.

"I do," she said and leaned forward, this time her action much slower and much more deliberate as he felt his lips touch his as she melted into each other. His arms tightened around her as he felt her lean closer as she arched her arms around him, broken yet defiant.

Alone yet loved.

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support helps me out a lot and makes it possible for me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. It shall be extremely helpful.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Renu]

I don't really get why Otto is so angry. Wouldn't the Targaryens be a better ally to have than the Lannister, or does he think he's got it in the pocket already with his influence on the king?

You'd think having an in to link himself to the new medical school while he already has influence on the Tower would be a great deal for him, basically negating the loss of influence that will come from it...

 

[Arimai]

and just as I proclaimed last night. The tradition is set by law and tradition. We cannot just change it like this.

Click to shrink...

Those should be the following words:
Stated
Precedent

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 18

RHAENYRA TARGARYEN

The last couple of weeks had been a flurry of activity. The death of her Grand Aunt, Lady Maegella, followed by Uncle Daemon's apology and then their journey to Dragonstone itself. That would have been plenty of drama for one week, yet as she stood there with her mother, looking at the open ground in front of her, she felt perplexed and astonished at everything going on.

"I still don't understand! Why can't Father just have the agreement with Lord Lannister nulled? There wasn't even a proper betrothal between her and Jason Lannister," she questioned her mother, whose health seemed to have deteriorated with all the ruckus around her. Yet she had still insisted on coming to see the duel. So, she had accompanied all the nobles who had come for Lady Maegella's funeral.

"The Lannisters are High Lords themselves. Interfering in this matter could be looked upon as an overreach. Since the dispute is between Jason Lannister and Prince Aenys and is of a personal nature, it will not look good if the crown intervenes," explained her mother, yet Rhaenyra did not agree with her mother. So, she huffed.

"I think if Alicent and Uncle Aenys want to marry, they should be allowed to. Why does it have to be so complicated," she complained and watched as the two men walked out, wearing full armor. Her uncle wore an armor that was colored black with. It was as if the metal had been burnt in the fire. It had none of the sheens of regular metal and was pitch black. The only color came from the rubies adorning its chest, blue pearly stones that shone brightly even at such distance.

On the other hand, Jason Lannister's armor spoke of one thing only. Gold. It was often said that the more gold on a Lannister's armor, the higher their standing in the family, and it showed. He was the Lord of Casterly Rock, and his armor, seemed to be made of gold itself.

It was bright and shiny, with ornate lions fashioned into its design. She frowned as her father suddenly walked down and talked to her Uncle Aenys, she couldn't make out what was said, but her father seemed dejected as he walked back up to his platform.

She noticed how her mother's face paled as her father ascended to her platform. Perhaps she knew what was said.

"What did he say to him?" she asked her.

"He offered to call this all off one last time. And it seems Aenys refused his offer?" and Rhaenyra frowned at his words. As suddenly, the crowd roared as her Uncle Daemon walked out. She noticed Mother stiffen up once more at his appearance. He smiled as he joined his Gold Cloaks. Soon they would be returning to Kings Landing as well. There was laughter and jokes until suddenly, his uncle took out a pouch from his pocket and threw it at one of the men.

"Two hundred gold dragons on Jason Lannister," and the crowd roared at the bet. The bet also took aback Rhaenyra, yet Daemon spotted her and gave her a smile, and Rhaenyra felt that his face was bruised though she didn't really think much about it as he seemed fine otherwise.

Perhaps it's just my eyes.

She could hear the murmurs beginning because of Daemon's actions as the two fighters took their positions. Ser Harrold stood in the center, ready to officiate the duel, yet suddenly the whole area became dead silent again.

She looked to the side and found the cause of the duel walking to the crow. Alicent took measured steps in her white dress as she stepped forward with her brother by her side. Her eyes seemed swollen, and Rhaenyra noticed that she was still mutilating her thumb. The biggest surprise was that she did not join her father, Lord Otto, in the royal tent. No, she went to the opposite side and joined Lady Rhaenys and her husband.

Suddenly she noticed the darkening clouds and frowned as gusts of wind began to blow. The weather seemed to have taken a rather unusual turn as dark clouds began to gather in earnest. Yet it had little effect on the two men adorned in full armor as stood there ready to face each other.

And then, as Lord Harrold Westerling looked at the two men and with a nod, he lowered his arm, indicating the start of the duel.

0000

AENYS TARGARYEN

The sky had darkened as if showing its repulsion at the ensuing clash. Aenys stood there as he looked at the Lannister in his gilded armor. Jason Lannister took out his sword and got into his stance, with him deciding to do the same. The sword he was wielding wasn't the Valyrian steel sword. By the rules of the duel, he couldn't use the superior blade. It was a regular castle-forged sword, thinner than the regular bastard sword to make it lighter, just the way he like it.

Ser Harrold looked at each of us and then and brought down his hand.

"BEGIN!" and then a fierce cry, the dance of steel began. Jason Lannister rushed at him, his sword aiming straight for his head. Aenys brought up his own sword to guard himself. The power behind his strike surprised him, yet he hadn't been idle all those years. Aenys gritted his teeth as he pushed his feet into the ground and pushed back, and then Jason pulled back, and the duel began in earnest.

"You made a huge mistake in challenging me, Prince Aenys. You should have stuck to healing people," muttered Jason as their swords met again and again.

"I don't even see what's so special about her. But perhaps I shall find out when I bed on our wedding night," the man taunted him, yet Aenys did not respond to his taunts. Though it seemed that the heaven's patience had run thin as the downpour began and drenched them both. Raindrops hammered against their armor, making it difficult to see or get a proper footing on the soft ground, yet they did not stop.

Jason's attacks were calculated and ruthless. Each aimed precisely at a vital point. One mistake and Aenys would be dead. Yet his defense of methodical. He had always known that he had little talent regarding swords or spears. So, he had learned to defend. Defend. Defend and defend. It wasn't the breathtaking swordsmanship of Daemon, yet it was just as effective.

With a fierce cry, our swords met, and the dance of steel began. Jason's strikes were calculated, his movements precise. Yet, I matched him, step for step, my training and Valyrian steel guiding my every motion. Raindrops mingled with sweat upon my brow as the rhythm of our duel quickened.

"Have you given up, Prince Aenys? Don't worry, I will take good care of that sword of yours," the blonde bastard taunted him again. Yet he also made a mistake in his overconfidence as he swung wider than usual.

Aenys gripped his sword tight and moved forward, surprising the bastard as he aimed a kick right at his chest.

"AHH!" the Lannister was pushed back as Aenys began attacking him, and now the blonde idiot was on the back foot. The sound of water splattering vanished even as heavy rain tried to drown them both.

And just as he had made the perfect opening, Aenys swung at his undefended shoulder, yet tragedy struck him as his foot slipped. Giving the Lannister a lifeline and a chance to finish it all.

Jason wasn't known as a talented warrior for nothing, for the man did not let go of the chance and aimed a slash straight at his head.

Aenys tried to defend himself as he brought up his sword.

"THUNG!" yet it broke. Shattered as the crowd gasped as searing pain ran through him.

"AGHH!" Aenys reeled back in pain as the sword left a gash on his face, reddening his vision. However, he wasn't done yet. As Jason Lannister rushed to end the fight, instead of running away, Aenys closed the distance between them as he ducked away from his slash and took out a dagger from his side.

He smashed him in the face, breaking both their helmets and rendering them useless as he tried to stab the man.

The ground wasn't just terrible for him, but fate compensated him as Jason Lannister struggled to get good footing. Aenys could slash the man's exposed shoulder with his shorter dagger.

"AHHHH! You bastard!" he cursed him as he was forced to drop his sword as well. He also tried to attack him as he swung his arm wildly, but it was evident that the man had no training in hand-to-hand combat.

Aenys had the advantage now as the rain continued to pour down. And he knew it, and then in a flurry of barrage, he had the Lannister on his back.

"Yield!" Aenys offered, his body tiring as blood ran down his face.

"NEVER!" said Jason Lannister as he struggled to get Aenys off, but Aenys had the upper hand now, and so he began to punch the man. Jason Lannisters face became bloody as he couldn't react to his flurry of blows.

"YIELD!" Aenys yelled again, and Jason Lannister did not reply before finally opening his mouth.

"I...," and Aenys stopped as his body relaxed, and as the adrenaline rush came off, he finally heard the huge ruckus around him. He frowned as he looked up and found everyone running away in panic. They were shouting and running away like animals. And suddenly, the ground shook as a loud roar made the whole island shake.

"ROAAAAAAR!" Aenys looked back, and his eyes widened as he saw a giant shadow heading straight at him.

Vhagar was the largest dragon alive, and its size was only smaller than the now-dead Black Dread itself. It rushed straight for them as it opened its giant maw, which lit up.

"GET AWAY, MY PRINCE!" came the shout of Ser Harrold, yet Aenys knew it was too late. Yet he did not give up as he struggled to stand up. He tried, slipped, and crawled as he tried to escape. Yet it seemed there was no hope. He closed his eyes as he readied himself for the fire, yet suddenly there was another roar.

"ROARRRR!" and then suddenly, he heard Vhagar screech in pain as it closed its mouth. Aenys opened his eyes, and relief ran through him as he watched his dragon Grey Ghost attack Vhagar with its flame.

Vhagar flew past him as it headed for the skies again. Every instinct inside of him told him to run. To run away with time, Grey Ghost had gotten him. But how could he let his dragon die like that?

He looked to the platform up above and found it completely empty except for his sword. He rushed towards it as Vhagar vanished into the clouds once more. When it flew past him, he hadn't missed the small shadow holding onto it for dear life.

So, he ran as she shouted.

"Nudho! naejot nyke!" (GREY! TO ME!)

And his dragon responded and screeched as it landed near him. Aenys picked up his sword and watched as Vhagar returned to attack them once more, as it spewed fire from its mouth as it flew straight at them.

"Sōves" (FLY!)

He ordered as he took the reins of his dragon in his hand. Grey Ghost screeched as it flapped its wings. Vhagar's age had slowed it, and even among the dragons, Grey Ghost was probably the fastest dragon alive.

They were able to escape the flames as they took to the sky, and Aenys was finally able to look around, and yet he found no sign of help. Both Daemon and Rhaenyra had dragons on the island yet there seemed to be no sign of either Ceraxes or Syrax.

He pulled the reins of Grey, and it headed to the sky as they flew right above Vhagar's head, and his guess had been correct as he watched a young Laena Velaryon holding onto its saddle for dear life.

"JUMP INTO THE SEA! SWIN TO SHORE!" Aenys shouted at her as he flew past her as he stopped Grey Ghost from attacking Vhagar with his flames.

Vhagar felt them above him and tried to circle in the air to face them, yet they were faster. And Aenys pulled the reins, and they dropped back before suddenly Grey Ghost zoomed through the rain, and they hid under Vhgar's exposed belly.

"Dracarys!"

And Grey Ghost responded to his order as it attacked the larger Vhagar's exposed underside with his flames.

"AGHHHH!" Vhagar screeched in pain and tried to bludgeon them with its tail, yet Aenys had his dragon circle up as it avoided its tail.

The rain continued to pour down. Blood covered his face as he battled the biggest dragon alive for dear life.

Tired. Alone.

And Betrayed.

0000

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

Alicent watched as Aenys mounted his dragon and refused to escape. Her heart gave out as she watched him barely avoid the attack from Vhagar as they ran to take shelter in a nearby cave.

"He is still there. You have to help him, your grace. There are other dragon riders present here," she pleaded to the King, whose face was pale, his breath heavy as they walked into the cave. She could hear Lady Rhaenys wailing in the back as Lord Corlys held her back from running back into the open.

"LAENAAA!" she cried as she dropped onto her knees, crying in agony for her daughter.

Rhnaeyra had joined them now, as had Prince Daemon. And ALicent had not forgotten his words to Aenys but she had to try, so she spoke up again.

"Aenys will die out there alone. Perhaps with Ceraxes and Syrax, they could subdue Vhagar," she pleaded, and Rhaenyra nodded.

"She is right, father. Syrax is in the second cave to the left. I could try and help. By then, Daemon can join with Ceraxes," and hope bubbled in her chest as Rhaenyra stood up before she had taken a single step.

"NO!" came the booming reply from the King, killing all her hope. Rhaenyra seemed appalled as she turned to face the King.

"What are you saying, Father? Uncle Aenys is still out there. We have to help him." Argued Rhaenyra. And Alicent flanked outside again and watched as Vhagar screeched in pain as a silvery blur attacked its underbelly. Suddenly the giant dragon swung its tail to attack the silvery smaller dragon, but it was faster as it suddenly flipped through the air and came to fly above it. Beginning another attack.

"I will not have you risk your life like that! I might lose a brother today; I am not ready to lose a daughter as well," and Alicent's breath hitched as she heard those words. And she realized the truth behind Aenys's words from earlier. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"Ser Criston! See to it that my daughter doesn't leave this cave!" the King ordered the Kingsguard, and Rhaenyra seemed equally distraught.

"What are you doing, father? He is your brother!" she then looked at her Prince.

"Uncle Daemon, say something. He is your brother. We can make it. With Syrax and Ceraxes, we can subdue Vhagar," pleaded Rhaenyra, but Prince Daemon was unmoved.

"Ceraxes is too far, and there is a massive chance that even with three dragons, Vhagar overpowers us all," Alicent couldn't stand, but Gwayne supported her from the side.

"Your grace, your brother nearly flew himself to death when you called him for the Queen. You cannot just abandon him like this," she tried again, but the King just looked down and refused to look at her, for he knew exactly what he was doing.

"You cannot do this! You cannot! He would have rushed out without a second thought if it were any of you. GODS! Yet you betray him like this, have you no shame, you coward, but she was suddenly cut off.

"THAT IS ENOUGH ALICENT!" came her father's booming voice, and she looked back to find him standing there.

"See how you speak to the King! Sometimes we must make difficult decisions for the greater good, and this is one of those times." He chastised her. Alicent looked around and found everyone was evading her gaze as they all lowered their heads, refusing to meet her gaze, for they knew they were guilty.

She didn't know what to do. The ground continued to shake, and she felt her eyes moisten at their cruelty. She couldn't look back. She just couldn't. Her mind raced as he thought up any way she could help. Thinking of any way that she could compel them to move. And suddenly, she remembered just the thing.

"YOU HAVE TO HELP HIM!" she shouted suddenly. And just as the King was about to shake his head again, she continued.

"You have to because Prince Aenys is special. He is a…," but the ground shook heavily before she could finish her sentence.

"LOOK THERE! THE PRINCE IS WINNING!" said someone from the crowd, and she turned to look at the ensuing battle once again. Vhagar screeched again in agony and pain. And Alicent watched as a silvery blur lit the giant dragon's wing on fire.

"What about my Laena!" suddenly questioned Princess Rhaenys.

"I saw something small fall to the sea. Perhaps it was Lady Laena. Does she know how to swim?" asked the stranger, and Lord Corlys replied as Lady Rhaenys dropped to her knees.

"Yes, she does," and she felt a faint sense of hope in his voice.

"Vhagar's injured. Its wing is too damaged now," spoke Rhaenyra from the side, and Alicent also noticed how the larger dragon was struggling to fly. By then, the silver dragon of Prince Aenys had vanished once more.

"He is using his speed. Vhagar's major advantages are its rugged scales and massive size. By attacking the underbelly without scales, he is leaving massive damage. He is using hit-and-run tactics," muttered Rhaenyra, and she gasped as suddenly a silver blur appeared from the clouds above and lit the other wing of Vhagar on fire as well.

"ROARRRRR!" screeched the giant dragon, the painful cry of the massive dragon was so loud that it reached even their cave. And suddenly, she saw the Grey Ghost and Aenys approach Vhagar, closer than they had ever been, when suddenly she noticed him throw something at the giant dragon.

"What's he doing? He is getting too close!" gasped Rhaenyra as Vhagar turned its head to the side and spewed a massive mountain of fire straight at Grey Ghost.

"NOOOO!" she screamed as the fire engulfed the young white dragon, but thankfully the dragon suddenly flapped apart its wings and came to a screeching halt before it suddenly vanished into the skies again.

"It's injured. But what was he doing getting so close to Vhagar like that?" questioned Rhaenyra, perplexed she had the same question in her mind, and suddenly the clouds thundered!

BOOOOM!

Lightning struck, but it did not strike the ground or the sea. NO.

It struck Vhagar.

"ROAAR!" the giant dragon roared in pain, and Alicent watched as it faltered. Its massive body began to fall.

Lightning struck once again. Striking the dragon once more. What the hell was going on?

"Is the Prince controlling lighting? Is he blessed by the Storm God," someone gasped, and it seemed like that as the giant Dragon struggled even to roar. And then, in a blazing flurry, the Prince appeared from the clouds again.

And attacked Vhagar again and again. And again. Until the giant dragon completely stopped flapping its giant wings.

"He's done it! He has killed that beast!" said Lord Corlys as Vhagar's giant body began to fall, heading straight for the land before them. People were already rushing out, Lord Corlys among them.

THUNGGG! THWACK! BOOOM!

And the ground shook heavily as the giant dragon's body crashed into the land itself. The cave was beginning to empty out as people rushed to see the massive body of the Vhagar. Yet few could do nothing but stand still, their heads hanging low in shame/

The King, Queen, and Prince Daemon all stood there, with complicated expressions on their faces as they watched Grey Ghose descend slowly, but before landing, it doused the corpse of Vhagar in flames once more and flew past it and turned back, and did it again. And again. Vhagar showed no reaction to it, hence confirming its demise.

It landed on the beast's side, and she had also begun running by then. The King and his retinue behind her as the Prince descended from his dragon, blood caked onto his face. His gait was wobbly, yet none approached him, for they stood in awe of his accomplishment.

She rushed past the crowd and headed to the front as they parted way for the King behind her. She halted as she reached the front. She noticed the Prince's eyes land on her. Suddenly his face hardened as he looked up at the King and Rogue Prince behind her.

Everyone was silent, and only the sound of water splattering filled the air. She noticed several people diving into the sea, probably searching for Lady Laena Velaryon.

She expected anger, hate, and contempt. She had thought that the Prince would shout, rage, and rave, yet his reaction was none of those things as he began to chuckle before breaking down into a full-blown laugh.

"HAHAAHAHA! HAAAA! HAHAHA!" yet it was not a laugh of joy. No, it was not a laugh at all. It was a broken cry of a man who stood alone even in a gathering of thousand. Who stood alone in the presence of his own kin.

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. It would mean a lot to me.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[RandomOTP]

A lovely series, I look forward to more!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 19

VISERYS TARGARYEN

"HAHAHA," Viserys's heart dropped as he heard Aenys break down into a laugh. A broken haunting laugh.

"HAAAHAHAHAHA!"

The people around him were taken aback as well, and he gulped as he looked at the body of the dead Vhagar in front of him, its size nearly as massive as Belarion, and he could scarcely believe that Aenys had slain it.

Viserys would admit that when Vhagar had attacked them, they had all run away to seek shelter forgetting about Aenys, the Kingsguard had rushed to move the Royal family to shelter, and the people had followed suit, everyone in fear of the largest dragon alive.

The whole area was quiet, and only the sound of water splatter and Aenys's laughter filled the muddying shore. Viserys looked up as Aenys's laughter tapered off.

"Hahaha," Aenys stifled his laugh as the rain continued to fall, and Viserys recoiled as Aenys looked straight at him.

"I should have expected this from you, you selfish bastards. You abandoned me. You all abandoned me!" his brother began as he struggled to stifle his laugh. And Viserys stilled at those words, as the people around him began to look around nervously.

"Gods, I should have expected that," said Aenys in a broken tone, his face contorted in rage and anguish. Viserys gulped as he tried to speak up.

"BROT…." But Aenys cut him off.

"DON'T CALL ME YOUR BROTHER! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CALL ME THAT! NOT AFTER ALL THIS!" thundered Aenys, his face flushed as he shouted at him. The Grey Ghost seemed to read its rider's emotions and snarled as it glared at them all, making him step back as the Kingsguard approached him.

"It was impossible to help you, and you were the one who was being stubborn when you didn't just abandon your dragon. So, don't blame us for your foolishness Aenys," argued Daemon as he stepped forward, holding an uncaring and annoyed look.

Aenys's eyes narrowed at Daemon.

"Foolishness! Trying to outrun Vhagar in the state that I was in?" said Aenys, replying to Daemon before he began shaking his head in a dismissive manner as he continued.

"But what am I to expect of you, Daemon," said Aenys with a scoff as he pointed at a cave to the side.

"There in that cave lies Syrax, and in the one after that roosts Ceraxes," and Viserys's head snapped towards Daemon at that. There was no rejection of the claim from Daemon, and instead of any remorse, Daemon seemed to be scathing. He saw the rest of the crowd focus on Daemon at Aenys's words as well.

And Viserys's eyes widened in realization.

Daemon had lied! but why?

"After all, you did wish me death before the duel," and there were gasps at that. Viserys saw Daemon snarl at the accusation, yet he didn't deny them. People murmured at this statement and before Daemon could say anything, he shriveled up when Aenys's eyes narrowed onto him.

"And you, Viserys!" finally, Aenys snarled at him, and Viserys gulped as he saw Aenys glared at him with those hate-filled eyes.

"YOU! Do you have any idea what I went through just to make it in time to save your life? Gods! I nearly killed myself for you and your family, Viserys," said Aenys in a condescending tone, but he wasn't done yet.

"You displace my position as heir and name Rhaenyra as your heir, and I let that go, for I had no ambition for the crown. For I considered you my brother, yet this is how you repay me by abandoning me." And his voice grew louder and louder with every word.

"By forsaking me! BE LEAVING ME TO DIE!" finished Aenys in a shout that nearly deafened him. And Viserys's head hung low as he tried to apologize.

"It was a mistake made in the heat of the moment, Aenys. Let me make it up to yo…," yet Aenys seemed to be in no mood to listen.

"I don't care for your apologies, Viserys. I am done. DONE!" shouted Aenys.

Those words echoed around, and the implication behind them took a couple of moments to settle in. And dread filled his gut as he realized what Aenys meant.



Aenys then began to walk towards the fallen body of Vhagar and started climbing it. Aenys climbed up the massive dragon's head, and Viserys finally noticed the sword stuck in the dragon's head. Aenys began to pull it out and finally succeeded in pulling it out.

"You know of my oaths," he continued, his back still turned to them as he spoke coldly.

"Viserys, for any love you ever bore me, don't test them. Don't call for me. Just don't," said Aenys as he jumped back to the sand. Viserys lips thinned at that as he stepped forward, but the Grey Ghost suddenly snarled and stepped forward, making him back away.

And this was the final straw. Viserys knew he had to do something. So, he tried to assuage Aenys as he spoke up.

"It was a mistake, Aenys! We can talk this out," He said, trying to persuade him to stay, yet Daemon interrupted him.

"Let him go if he wants to. Let him go and play master to those bastards in Essos!" snickered Daemon, and Viserys head snapped towards his other brother, and his temper rose as he saw the condescending look on his face.

"Shut up, Daemon!" he admonished, glaring at him. And he turned to face Aenys once again, who had jumped down from Vhagar and was now walking towards his own dragon.

"I am done with this Viserys. Done! Gods take you all and your kingdom!" cursed Aenys as he climbed up his dragon's saddle when suddenly someone else stepped forward from the crowd.

"WAIT!" came a shout, and Viserys's eyes widened as he saw Alicent step forward from the crows as she rushed towards Aenys, who stopped. Hope built up in his heart at that. Perhaps she could convince him to stay. After all, Aenys had fought for a chance to marry her.

Perhaps, all wasn't lost.

Alicent walked up to Aenys, who stood there staring straight at her.

"What do you want, Alicent?" said his brother, his tone much gentler than it had been with him and Daemon earlier. He saw Alicent hesitate for a bit as she gulped, and after a glance behind, she finally spoke up.

"Take me with you," she said, and Viserys's eyes widened at her words. However, none seemed as surprised as Otto, who shouted from the side.

0000

AENYS TARGARYEN

As the adrenaline wore off, pain assaulted him, searing, mind-numbing pain that made it impossible for him even to stand. Yet that wasn't the only pain he was in; there was also the pain of betrayal. He still couldn't believe that he had made it. Fighting Vhagar had taken everything he had, for he knew one mistake. That was all it would take for him to lose his life.

Grey Ghose was not strong enough to face Vhagar, and flying away wasn't an option. Vhagar was slow, but its size was massive. The only advantage he had was maneuverability, and so he had used it. He looked at his only true companion, and Grey Ghost was injured. There was a gnash near its neck, and many of its scaled were burnt to char. Yet it was able to fly, and Aenys didn't want to stay even a second longer. Just as he was about to climb up the saddle, a shout interrupted him.

"Wait!" and he stopped as he recognized the voice. He turned back to find Alicent walking towards him. Her face was a mess, with her eyes reddened and swollen from crying. And that told him everything that had occurred. He looked straight into her eyes and saw his pain reflected in them like she was crying for him. His anger subsided a little as he decided to talk to her.

"What do you want, Alicent?" and he noticed her gulp as her lips thinned. She glanced back, and she finally replied.

"Take me with you!" and his eyes widened at her words as she stepped forward. Everyone began murmuring at this development as she stepped forward when suddenly an angry voice interrupted them.

"ALICENT!" and Aenys looked up to find her father Otto screaming at her. The man tried to rush and walk out of the crowd.

"End this nonsense at once! Have you gone mad abandoning your family like this," said Otto, and he saw Alicent's lips thin, yet she did not stop as she came to stand before him. Otto seethed, and just as he was about to come forward, someone stopped him, as Gwayne, Alicent's brother, held him back.

The two siblings looked at each other, and he noticed as Gwayne's eyes landed on him before he suddenly spoke up.

"Are you sure about this, Alicent? Do you really want to go with him," he asked her, and Alicent nodded. Aenys stepped forward and looked her straight in the eye.

"You don't have to do this for me," he whispered as he held her hand. She looked up, her eyes filled with tears, as she gave him a weak smile.

"I want to, so please let me come with you," she said, raising her hand. Aenys stared at it before he took it and gave her a nod. As they turned to walk away, they were interrupted once more.

"You cannot leave like his. Your duel with Jason Lannister wasn't completed," interrupted Otto with gritted teeth. Aenys looked back and glared at Otto and was about to reply when suddenly they were interrupted by a broken voice.

"The duel was done!" and the crowd parted away, and Aenys's head snapped towards the source of the voice, and he found a bloodied Jason Lannister walking towards him as he leaned on his brother for support. His face was covered in blood, and his eye was congested with blood, and the man looked him straight in the eye and nodded.

"Before we were interrupted, I had lost, and even if it hadn't ended. There is no way I could win against a man who had the courage to fight that thing" said Jason in an exasperated tone as he pointed at Vhagar.

After that, he looked towards Alicent.

"I wish you good fortune Lady Alicent," and with that, after a final nod. He lightly whispered as his brother carried him away.

"Thank you for saving my life."

Aenys turned and walked to the saddle, as he waited for Alicent. She glanced at her brother and then to the side, at Rhaenyra, who barely looked her in the eye. But finally, she looked up, met Alicent's eyes, and nodded at her friend with a broken smile. She seemed abashed by the affair and embarrassed to even look at him.

After that, she stepped forward, and Aenys extended his hand as he helped her up the saddle before he mounted Grey Ghost himself. Before taking flight, he questioned her one last time.

"There is a chance we might never return to these lands ever again, so are you sure you want to come with me?" he questioned, and she felt her stiffen before wrapping her arms around his torso.

"I am," her tone resolute even though he didn't miss the wetness in her eyes as she stared at Rhaenyra, perhaps for the last time in her life.

He nodded as he held Grey Ghost's reins as he shouted.

"Sōves"

And his dragon straightened its neck at his command. He saw it glance at the fallen body of Rhaegar, and with a thundering roar, it began to flap its wings, taking flight once more.

It was time to go home.

0000

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

Alicent felt the air rush through her as she continued to hold onto Aenys in front. Despite Rhaenyra's constant offers, she had never ridden on dragon back previously, though as she looked at the scenic view below her, she realized why Rhaenyra preferred to ride on Syrax as much as she did.

The thought of Rhaenyra made her heart beat faster, yet she pulled herself out of her trance as she looked at Aenys in front. His face was paler, and his body seemed cold. And her eyes widened as she suddenly felt her hands getting wet. She looked at them and found them covered in blood.

"You are injured!" she shrieked, and he grimaced in pain as he nodded slowly.

"We need to go back! You need help!" she spoke instinctively, yet his reply was vehement.

"NO!" he said as he grunted in pain, "I am not going back," he said, and she nodded, her lips thin with worry as she looked around and finally found what she was looking for.

"There, that looks like a small island. We can land there, and you can rest there," she said as she pointed at the small island in the distance. There were several islands along the whole sea, most uninhabited.

"We cannot stop Alicent. You have no clothes, no food. I will just have to endure it till we reach Bravos," and she shook her head.

"NO! You will kill yourself like this," she said, her voice shaky as she saw him trying to stop himself from grunting.

"Please, listen to me,"

"There, we land, and I can help bandage the wound. I will manage just please listen to me," she pleaded again, and he sighed as he turned the reins in his hands.

"Dohaeres!" the Grey Ghost roared as it began to lower itself, and within a few moments, they were on the island. Though it was less island and more of a giant rock, its size was barely larger. She got off and helped Aenys off, and now that she got a look at him, his whole doublet was wet.He had been bleeding excessively.

He grunted in pain as he landed on the ground. She helped him sit as she turned to face his dragon, she tried to get his bag, but the dragon snarled at her, making her step back.

"Grey! Dohaeres!" the dragon stopped snarling as it looked at her, its bright blue eyes narrowing onto him before it sniffed her. And then it straightened up again. She reached for the bag, cautiously, and this time it didn't snarl.

She placed it by his side and began to take off his armor carefully, her heart wrenching in regret and pain as her hands got coated in scarlet. The shirt below was burnt and was stuck to his skin which was reddened and scarred.

"GODS!" she gasped as she saw the burn on the side of his torso. And she had been holding him by his torso during the whole journey. She gulped as she looked up at him.

"What should I do?" she asked him as she unfurled the bag with his equipment. Aenys was looking at her with a complicated expression.

"Don't blame yourself. It looks worse than it is," he said as he pointed at a pointy instrument and a flask.

"First of all, you will need to clean that metal forceps with that liquid in the flask and then remove the charred cloth and dead skin," he told her, and she nodded as she picked up the metal instrument and the flask with the clear liquid. She dipped the forceps in the liquid and dried them before she began to carefully pluck the charred clothing from his skin.

"AGHH!" he grunted in pain, and she pulled back instantly, worried that she had done something wrong.

"I am sorry," she said, her voice shaky as she noticed just how much pain he was in, but Aenys hooked his head.

"It's okay. It is going to be painful for whoever does it. You will just have to ignore my grunts and continue," he said with gritted teeth, and she nodded as she looked at the equipment.

"You could take some milk of poppy," and he shook his head.

"No, it will make me sleep. I cannot leave you alone with Grey like that. As docile as he may be, he is still a dragon. it's a risk I am not willing to take," he said, staring her straight in the eye.

"Not for you." he finished as he looked straight into her eyes.

"Just ignore my pain. Remove as much as you can and put that ointment on it," he added, and she nodded as she took a deep breath and steadied herself as she tried again.

"AGH!" he grunted again, but she did not pull back this time as she continued pulling on the charred skin.

"AHHHH!" he screamed louder despite his efforts to muffle his voice. His fists balled, and his lips thinned as he fought through the pain. Alicent continued to pluck off the dead skin, her heart clenching with each of his pained grunts and scream.

Hours later, they were both covered in sweat as she applied the final layer of ointment.

"Thank you," he said as he breathed heavily, and she nodded as she shook her head.

"You don't have to say that to me," she added, and he nodded as he raised his hand and wiped away the tear that gathered in her eyes.

"I assure you everything will be fine once we reach Bravos. I will make sure that you are as comfortable there as you were in Kings Landing," and she nodded as she leaned closer to his face, her eyes staring straight into his.

"I know," she said, her breath shaky as she leaned closer to him. Her face rested on his chest, and the thumping of his heart made it so that all the rush from earlier left her body as her limbs began to feel heavy.

She felt his hand rifle through his hair as they both rested, and her eyes grew heavier, and then she heard him whisper.

"Thank you, Alicent." her vision darkened as she felt her exhaustion catch up. She cautiously tightened her grip around him as she looked into his eyes.

"As I said. You never have to say that to me. Ever." And then she felt her eyes close, and the last thing she felt was his arms wrapping themselves around her.

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Patreon. Your support makes it possible for me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. It would mean a lot to me.

www.Patreon.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 20

ARMANDO FEROSA

Armando Ferosa sat with his councilors as they discussed the latest developments over the last couple of weeks. His counselor, which included Alisano Nesaris, one of his oldest friends, sat to his left, followed by his Bravo. And on the other side were two other key holders of the Iron Bank, Panthor Derkins and Ellen Flement. He had known these gentlemen for years, and they had been instrumental in helping him become the Sea Lord.

Armando smiled at his oldest friend Alisano, as he decided to skip all the small talk and just get on with the reason for their special gathering.

"So, I believe at this point all of you have heard of what happened in Westeros a week ago?" he began, and the three members nodded. Of course, they had heard. Compared to Bravos, Westeros was a land of savages, yet it was necessary to keep an eye on happenings there, for that land was also home to the last remaining vestiges of Valyria itself.

"Indeed, we have, and it seems that the young Prince Aenys felled Vhagar," began Panthor as his oldest friend added from the side.

"There are also reports of very big differences forming between him and his family; I have heard that the Prince has vowed never to step back there again," asked Alisano from the side before he suddenly frowned as he added.

"Didn't the Prince come to meet you a couple of days ago? I have also heard that there was a lady with him, someone that hasn't been seen in Bravos previously?" and Armando noticed how all three were now looking at him for the answers.

The Sealord nodded as he began.

"It is true that the Prince came to visit me a couple of days ago. And we did talk a bit about what happened in Westeros, and I was able to confirm that the Prince has indeed slain Vhagar," and there were gasps as he confirmed the news. And why wouldn't there be?

Vhagar, the brown beast, was the second-largest dragon alive after the Black Dread. The giant beast was said to be large enough to devour Auroch whole. And now it was gone. Dead at the hands of a Prince famed for his prowess as a healer instead of his prowess as a fighter.

"And what about the strife between him and King Viserys?" questioned Panthor, and Armando nodded.

"That was a rather delicate topic, but from what I could understand, those rumors are also somewhat true. The brothers have had a falling out, and it is probable that Prince Aenys won't return to Westeros again," and he saw their minds race as they tried to process the implication of that decision. And Armando waited for a couple of seconds before he continued.

"And your second question brings me to why I called for this meeting?" and he saw them perk up at his words. For Prince Aenys hadn't returned alone this time and had brought someone rather interesting with himself.

"When the Prince came to visit me, he was joined by a rather lovely lady. A lady whom the Prince intends to marry in a couple of months," and he saw their eyes widen at his words. And Armando had been surprised as well. It was no secret that Lady Maegella, god bless her departed soul, had been trying to get the Prince settled before her untimely demise. Truth was that he and other elites of Bravos had been trying to do something similar, for having a dragon-riding Prince with wealth and influence like that was no small matter. It was also the reason they had nudged the Poetess towards the Prince, hoping that perhaps her ignominious beauty could sway the Prince's heart.

"Who was she?" questioned Sarmind, and Armando waited a second before he told them the name of the lady that the Prince intended to marry.

"She is Lady Alicent Hightower, and from my investigations, the Prince fought a duel wagering his Valyrian Steel sword for her hand, and from what I saw, she holds considerable influence on Aenys," and he saw them frown at his words.

"That cannot be true. Why would he have to fight for a chance to marry her? House Hightower should have been honored that the Prince had chosen their daughter as his wife," said Panthor, and Armando shrugged.

"I don't know the details myself, but I have dispatched men to bring them to me. But that's minor news. The main purpose of Prince Aenys's visit was something else. Something more dangerous and personal," he began again.

"The Prince has asked for our assistance in bringing down Drahar. The Prince plans to hire a mercenary company. The Company of the Rose to bring down Drahar," which was expected after Lady Maegella's fate. Armando had expected this. Yet, with the Prince's estrangement from Westeros, the circumstances had changed, and now he would be using the mercenary group for his revenge against the pirate who killed her family.

"You do know who stands behind Drahar, right? We cannot rush into this blindly," said Flement, and Armando nodded. While not a match for Bravos's might, the Triarchy could not underestimate.

"Yes, and that is why I have called you all here. To discuss whether we support the Prince in this or not," all three nodded as the discussion began in earnest.

"What are the Prince's conditions?" spoke Sarmind.

"The Prince wants Drahar for himself. He is open to discussion on the rest," said Armando.

"And what about those who stand behind Drahar? Does he plan on sparing them?" spoke Flement, and Armando shook his head.

"No, he doesn't. Though he did not elaborate, I have never seen him more enraged than this in all the time I have known him. Today, or years later, Aenys will destroy them all," and the whole chambers were quiet at his words. Armando considered himself a good judge of character, and in all the years he had known Aenys, he had never seen such hatred and anger in his eyes.

"Well then, let's hear your thoughts. Should Bravos support Prince Aenys in his revenge against Cragas Drahar and strengthen our relationship with the Prince, or we remain neutral to avoid upsetting the Triarchy?"

The discussion would go deep into the night. And only when the Sun had set and night had enveloped all of Bravos Sarmind Mealrios walked out of the Sealord's castle in his characteristic purple robes as he toyed with the ornate key hanging around his neck.

"Alicent Hightower, just who are you to sway the heart of a man who never cast a second glance even at the Poetess herself," he muttered into the night as he kept toying with his neck.

"Well, no matter. It seems we have quite an opportunity on our hands!"

0000

RODRIK ELROSE- Captain of the Company of Rose.

The city of Bravos had always fascinated him. It had been the first symbol of rebellion against the Valyrian freehold. Unlike the other free cities, Bravos was the only one who held true to the title. All the rest originated as colonies of the Valyrian empire, yet Bravos was the first ever free city.

The first beacon of freedom from the horrors of Old Valyria and its wings beasts. He liked the similarity he shared with the city. The red rose embroidered on his and his companion's shirts spoke of similar defiance.

The origins of his company, The Company of Rose, lay in a similar defiance. A mercenary group founded by men and women from the North, composed of people who refused to bow down to the dragon's might. Formed by the rebellious son of the King Who Knelt, the company of the Rose was a symbol of defiance.

Yet much like the man sitting in front of him was anti-thesis to Bravos's founding, his presence here was the antithesis to the purpose of his great grandsire's ambition. A Nortman working for a Targaryen. But what could he do for the Prince had gold to offer and if Rodrik wouldn't take it. There were plenty of others who would be willing to take it. So, it better be him who gets the Gold because it was a lot of Gold.

There were many names for him, Aenys Targaryen, the exiled prince, the healer prince, and now the latest one.

The Dragon Slayer.

Rodrik's eyes went up and down the man's form as his companion chatted with the man, and he tried to match it with all he knew of the man. The younger dragon Prince was said to be a healer of godly skill. The magisters and the merchants sang praises of the man and called him a Saint for his ability.

"So, Prince Aenys, I believe we should now focus on the main reason for this meeting," said Kimber, his paymaster from the side. Despite Rodrik's protests, The red-haired man had convinced Rodrik to accept the offer from the famed Targaryen Prince.

The infamous healer prince put down his wine glass and nodded as Rodrik's eyes wandered around the room. The Prince's manse was impressive and spoke of massive wealth. A wealth that he had amassed doing the opposite of what Rodrik.

"Yes, I believe that would be better. You mentioned a willingness to accept my offer to bring down Cragas Drahar and his whole followers. You will be paid a hundred thousand gold dragons and a quarter of his plunder. I believe those terms are generous enough," began the Dragon Slayer.

The Prince had felled down a dragon, and not just any dragon. Vhagar, the largest dragon alive and Rodrik still found it ironic that it was him, the healer who did it.

"And yes, those terms are agreeable. But there is still the matter of ships to discuss. We would need at least a hundred ships. The company itself holds around thirty, but we would still need…." But Rodrik cut off his paymaster as he decided to ask the man himself.

"Did you really kill a dragon!" and he saw those purple orbs land on him. He felt Kimber pinch him in the leg as Aenys Targaryen looked him over before nodding slowly.

"Yes, I did," and Rodrik nodded at that and suddenly broke out into a small laugh. He didn't miss the horrified look on his paymaster's face at his behavior. The Prince sitting opposite them frowned as well.

"I am sorry for my captain. I think he has drunk a bit too mu…" began Kimber from the side. But Rodrik cut him off.

"Slaying dragon. Do you know how many kids dream of such a thing? Idiots, all of them, I would say, but there is a certain glory associated with bringing one down. None have ever been able to do that. For no warrior since the age of the Free Hold has ever been to do so. And now, the only person who pulls it off is a healer. A Healer!" and he couldn't himself as he broke out into a chuckle again.

"Are you trying to insu…" and Rodrik immediately shook his head.

"No. No. Nothing of the sort. I just find it all rather ironic. That of all the people in the world who could have felled a dragon. It was the one they call A Saint," he tried to explain further but was cut off by his paymaster.

"The news of your feat was quite a shock, my Prince. The Captain himself was quite impressed by such a feat and couldn't believe that a dragon had been killed. But let us move on," Kimber interrupted as he leaned closer and whispered.

"Shut your mouth, captain!" Rodrik recognized that tone as well. Kimber was getting mad, so he decided to get on to the main topic.

"Well, moving on to your pirate problem. Drahar has at least two hundred ships and can always ask for more from his backers in the triarchy," and the Prince raised his hand at that stopping him. And Rodrik felt a change in the Prince's demeanor as those amethyst orbs lit up. His voice was also sharper

"I believe I will have to correct you on that. Drahar will not be getting any more support from the Triarchy," began the Prince making him frown. Drahar was a Myrish Prince. The only reason he posed such a big threat was because of the backing of the Triarchy.

"What do you mean by that, Prince Aenys," asked Kimber from the side. And he saw the prince's eyes glint sharply as he replied.

"The wise magisters of the Traichy have rid themselves of all those who supported Drahar in this whole venture. Most of his major backers have been beggared because of their support of such a heinous crime," replied the Prince, his tone sharp but monotonous, yet the clear disregard with which the Prince spoke made Rodrik lick his lips. He also understood exactly what the Prince's words met.

Rodrik was well aware of just how much backing, Drahar had, and yet the Prince in front of him had dismantled them all within months. Wealth and influence built by families over decades are all lost in merely two months.

"Nonetheless, I won't bore you with the details. But I can assure you that, Drahar will have no support. And as for ships, I have a modest fleet of my own which I will lend you for this task, and the rest can be leased from the Sea Lord," and Kimber gulped as he nodded.

"That seems appropriate!" began Kimber however, the Prince suddenly swirled his wine and spoke up once again.

0000

RHAENYS VELARYON

Rhaenys' heart lurched as she watched the Maesters take care of her daughter. And once more, she cursed the gods for putting her daughter through all this. She watched as her daughter lay there, pale and thin as a sheet, and the slow movement of her chest was the only hint of life.

"She will be fine. The Maesters say they expect her to wake up any day," came her husband's voice from behind as she felt his reassuring hand on her shoulder. And she also looked back and found him staring at their daughter with grief-filled eyes.

"Come with me. I bring news from the Council," said Corlys as he led her away from Laena's room. The Capital had been clamoring with gossip and murmurs about the whole incident that had taken place at Dragonstone. The crown could do little to suppress the spread of such massive news; hence, it had spread like fire.

Even in her manse, she could hear them whisper about how the King and the rogue Prince abandoned their brother. And how Aenys Targaryen became a god of thunder and brought down the mighty Vhagar. She heard them call him the blessed and many other names, and each time she heard her cousin's name, her heart lurched in pain and guilt.

"What happened?" she questioned her husband as they entered their chambers. The Council meeting was set to take place a couple of days later. However, a letter from the castle had arrived from Viserys for an emergency summons.

Corlys sat down on the chair and poured a glass of Arbor Gold for each of them before he finally replied.

"The King received news from Bravos today," and her hand stilled while reaching for the glass. She looked up at Corlys, who had a complicated expression on his face as he continued.

"There was news that the Captain of the Company of Rose was in Bravos, meeting a backer for a contract to clear out the Pirates in the Stepstones," and her eyes widened at that. For all the realm knew exactly who bore the Pirates a grudge.

"Is it Aenys?" she questioned, and Corlys nodded.

"Indeed, it is him. My sources in Myr already speak of how Alessandro Freguino and the rest of the Magisters who backed Drahar and his ilk are losing their influence and fortunes rapidly. Aenys has been using his influence to beggar them so he could strike at Drahar," and she could only nod at that. She sipped her wine as Corlys continued.

"Viserys wanted my opinion about how to deal with this," Corlys added, and she looked up at him.

"What did you say?" she questioned him. Corlys sighed as he replied.

"The matter is complex. If it were simply about Aenys, I would have advised him to stay out of the issue. Or just offer support to him. But the Bravos could use this opportunity to assert their control over those islands, and the Crown cannot have that," began Corlys while she understood that. She also knew what Corlys was implying.

"So, what did you say?" she asked him.

"I have advised Corlys to make common cause with Bravos. And perhaps we could both sign a treaty for hiring the Company of the Rose to clear the islands and then use them to maintain peace on the islands," he began, and the tone of his voice told her that Viserys hadn't liked the idea. Truthfully, she did not like the idea either.

Having a mercenary company controlling those islands was dangerous for the Kingdom.

"But the Council didn't like it. And in the end, Daemon got what he always wanted," and her heart stilled at that.

"War," she finished his words, and Corlys nodded as he drowned his cup.

"War," he said as he placed his cup back on the table with force a frown marring his forehead.

"If Aenys catches wind of this, it will push him further away. Has he replied to any of the letters?" she asked him. And Corlys shook his head.

"He hasn't. I have been thinking about writing to him for Laena," but she stopped him and shook her head.

"He won't come," she cut him off. His healer was already here and taking care of her daughter. And she shivered as she remembered the look in his eyes as he stood atop the dead body of Vhagar. Those eyes had been filled with pain, and a moon was too little time to wash away such pain.

"I know. But someone has to tell him about the War. Viserys and Daemon are behaving as if nothing happened," and she wasn't surprised by that.

Though before she could say anything, there was a knock on the door. She frowned as her husband stood up and walked up to the door. He opened the door, and she saw a servant standing there with a scroll in his hand. He passed it to her husband and left with a bow.

"What is it?" she questioned him as he rejoined her with a frown on his face.

"It's a missive from Viserys," he replied as he broke the seal and opened the missive.

"He has invited us to dinner. A private family dinner for the whole family!"

0000

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[Drkonecharlie]

Oh god Aenys is the only one among his brothers that has a brain

 

[Drkest]

Chapter 21

ALICENT HIGHTOWER

Alicent's life had changed a lot over the last couple of weeks. She had done things she never could have imagined. She had left her home and her family, had ridden a dragon over the vast ocean, and was set to marry a Prince.

She thought of all that as she sat in the library of Aenys's manse flipping through one of the books. And that was another thing. Alicent was truly beginning to understand the vastness of Aenys's repute and wealth as she landed in Bravos. His manse was perhaps one of the biggest in the City, and the way the people looked at him as he walked through the streets indicated his power.

They had been invited by the Sealord, who seemed rather well acquainted with him.

And the reason for all this wealth and influence sat right in front of her. Or around her, to be more specific. While Aenys's whole manse had been impressive, boasting a rather unique design, and adorned with silver and gold trinkets, Myrish carpets, and other marvels of craftsmanship from Qohor and Yi-Ti.

Yet the biggest display of wealth was this place. The library. The racks were made of Ironwood from the North and went up to the ceiling. There were staircases and ladders to make taking out a book from the elevated racks easier. And they were all stacked with books.

Alicent had only ever seen more books in the Citadel; even then, there were works here that she had never seen. And the one in front of her was one such book.

"The Canon of Medicine" the name was written in High Valyrian, much like the book. And this was his life's work. Though he had not told her, she could tell that he had written this book, for it was ahead of the other texts on the human body and medicine by decades, if not centuries.

They were the foundations of his abilities. She had a very good idea about the source of this text as she looked at the detailed picture of the inside of a heart. And just seeing it made her in awe at all the labeled parts and intricacies.

"I never thought you would be interested in this stuff," came the voice of Aenys, breaking her out of her trance. She looked up to find him standing right behind her, glancing at the book.

"Oh, I was just looking. It's all very detailed and advanced," she gulped and hurriedly replied.

"When did you come back?" she questioned him. Aenys had been busy with one of his projects, a medicine of sorts that cured diseases caused by miasma, though he had explained that it wasn't really miasma but other very small living organisms that caused the disease.

"Just now, everything was in order. And I wanted to talk to you about a couple of things," he began as he sat down. Alicent closed the book and turned her chair to look at her.

"So, how are you settling in? Is everything all right?" he questioned, a bit of nervousness in his voice, and she smiled as she shook her head.

"It's going fine. It's a big change, but I am managing," she reassured him, and the truth was that it was going well. Life here in Bravos had been different for her, for back in Kinglanding, every day would be filled with a flurry of activities, yet here life moved much more slowly.

"Good, that's good. Well, then, I believe I have two important news to discuss with you," began Aenys slowly, and she had an idea about what they were. It had been quite some time since those people from the Company of Rose had shown up. And Alicent wasn't truly blind to Aeny's doing over the last few weeks.

"What is it?" she questioned him. Aenys nodded and took out a scroll from his pocket.

"I believe you are aware of my meeting with the captain of the Company of Rose," and her heart shook as she nodded.

"I know. You plan to hire them to bring down Drahar," she guessed, and he nodded.

"Yes, and preparations are nearly complete in that regard. We plan to leave in a couple of weeks," Aenys informed her, and her heart shook as she began to chip away the skin of her thumb. She looked down as she thought of what to say. She wanted to stop him and beg him not to risk his life like that. But what right did she have to tell him what to do?

Suddenly she felt someone else reach for her hands, stopping her, and she looked up to find Aenys shaking her head.

"Don't do this to yourself," he said as he stopped her. And she nodded when he suddenly took out a scroll from his pocket and handed it to her.

"This is the scroll that concerns my inheritance. All my wealth and other associations are mentioned there. If anything were to happen to me, they would all pass to you," and her body stilled as soon as she heard those words. And she opened the scroll with shaky hands and saw that it was a valid will, with the signature of the Sealord at the bottom.

"There are a couple of people who manage most of these assets. They will be arriving in a week so you can meet them. Otherwise, Greg also knows a lot. He would be able to help you with…." But she closed the scroll and stood up making him stop.

He looked up, and she willed herself to say the words.

"Aenys, please don't go. I know that you are angry and want revenge for Lady Maegella, and though I never knew her, she wouldn't want you to put your life in danger because of her," and she saw his eyes glint unnaturally. And a small part of dread that she had overstepped. Aenys chewed his lips as he stood up.

"I cannot let this go, Alicent. I have to avenge her. I will not rest easy until Drahar and his ilk are dead," Aenys declared, and she could see him struggling to control his rage. And Alicent knew that she had to be careful.

"I know that, but you don't have to risk your own life like this. You told me that Lady Maegella loved you like a son. Imagine how she would feel if you were to get hurt trying to avenge her," she pleaded slowly as she cupped his face. Aenys chewed his lips.

"I am not asking you to forget about revenge, you can send a faceless man after him or any other killer for hire. Just please don't put yourself at risk li…." And before she could say any further there was a loud knock on the library's door interrupting them.

Aenys frowned and gave her a nod.

"I will think about it," he said to her as he wiped away her tears. Before he turned towards the door.

"Who is there?" he questioned loudly.

"My lord, it is Anya. There are some guests outside to see you. They wish to seek an audience with you," came the reply from the elder blonde maid.

"I don't remember inviting anyone," murmured Aenys as he began to walk out of the library. Alicent joined him as he opened the door and found the head maid standing there.

"Did they mention anything about who they were?" he questioned her and the maid thought about It for a moment before she replied.

"They were a bit nervous and mentioned that they were from the Triarchy," and she saw Aenys stiffen at those words as he balled up his fists.

"Why are those bastards outside my door!"

0000

AEMMA ARRYN

The private dining Hall was brimming with light from the chandeliers as the servants brought all the dishes. Aemma sat there with Viserys as they waited for the rest of the family to arrive. The shadow of the incident at Dragonstone still hung over them, and Viserys had thought of gathering all the family to clear up the air.

She herself was skeptical of it, yet Viserys had been adamant about arranging this dinner. She wasn't blind to his intentions or the reason behind such a dinner. There was rampant gossip about how Viserys and Daemon had abandoned their brother to Vhagar, and she could sense the unease in the court. Viserys, as always, had chosen to favor Daemon, brought him back to Kingslanding, and reinstalled him onto the Council. The retinue from Vale was still in the capital and had been clamoring for Viserys to decide, yet the King had remained hesitant about the matter of the marriage of his brother.

Rhaeneyra walked into the room, followed by the rest of the attendees, including Daemon, who had his usual smug smile on his face, followed by both Corlys and Rhaenys.

"Ahh, good, everyone is here now. Let us begin," said her husband, joining her at the table. Everyone began to sit down as the servants finished setting the table. Corlys sat to the side of Daemon, and Rhaenys sat to her side.

"It is good to see you, Rhaenys. How is Laena?" questioned her husband, and Lady Velaryon stiffened for a bit before she finally replied.

"The gods have been kind. The Maesters are hopeful that she will wake any day now," replied Rhaenys, and Aemma joined in and gave the usual pleasantries to her as well. Finally, as everyone sat down, her husband struck his glass with a spoon, and the room became quiet.

Then Viserys stood up, and Aemma noticed the hints of nervousness in his posture as he looked around the table at them all.

"Our family has seen tumultuous times over the last months," began Viserys slowly as he addressed them all.

"The Gods decided to take my child, and I nearly lost the love of my life," and her heart lurched at the mention of her dear Baelon.

"Then we lost our beloved Aunt to those wretched pirates," he added slowly as he sipped some of the Dornish red.

"And Lady Laena found herself at death's door, and my brother left us all once again due to a massive understanding," he finished slowly, and she saw Lord Corlys turn his eyes at that. She could only look down in shame at his words, for everyone at the table knew that those words said little of what had transpired.

"But we cannot wallow in the pasts. We must move past all this and come together as the realm enters into these perilous times," Viserys began once more, his voice sharper and louder.

"Vultures eye us all, ready to pounce as they all see us divided and at each other's throat. But to this, I say enough. I have called you all here so that we can sit down and put our differences behind us, so we can forge ahead as a family once more," and then he looked around the table, eyeing them all as he finished his words.

"For in unity lay our true strength," he finished. Daemon was the first one to begin clapping, and the rest of them joined in as well as Viserys sat down.

"Well said, brother!" complimented Daemon from the side, making her frown. Viserys and Daemon had been holed up together for the last couple of weeks, and she was pretty sure that he was the one who had convinced Viserys to go to war in the Stepstones.

"Your grace, as good as this whole gesture. The court still gossips about the incident at Dragonstone, and the absence of your brother gives credence to the talks of the rift in the family. Perhaps if you were to…" but Daemon cut off Lord Corlys before he could finish.

"This dinner is for us to put all the business regarding our dear brother behind us. Aenys chose to make a mountain out of a mole and chose his path. The Crown cannot always capitulate to his whims. He would be welcome in these Halls as long as he apologizes to Viser…" but her husband stopped Daemon.

"That is enough, Daemon," he said politely, making him stop before he himself turned to face Lord Corlys.

"Though a bit rash, Daemon is right. Aenys made a mountain out of a mole," and she saw Rhaenyra scoff at those words, but as Viserys narrowed his eyes at her, she was quick to focus elsewhere.

"But my brother made his decision. Yet I have still written to him to clear up any and all misunderstandings between us, but all my letters have gone unanswered. I am afraid there is little else I can do now." Finished Viserys as he sipped his wine.

"Perhaps, in the future, things would improve, and I would l would love to welcome him into my Halls. But until then, I want the rest of this family to stand united." Finished Viserys, his gaze sweeping across the room once more.

"Now let us get on with this meal," said her husband, and they dived into the feast. There were about thirty courses, and they ate slowly as the small talk was made. When suddenly, her good brother interrupted her suddenly.

"Talking of rumors, there are some rather disturbing whispers circulating about you, my Queen," and Aemma stilled at his words. She gulped as she looked up at Daemon, whose eyes were boring onto her dissecting her reaction.

"And what would those rumors be, brother," added Viserys from the side with a frown as he placed down his spoon.

Daemon didn't move his eyes away from her as he slowly continued.

"Ohh, I just heard some rather preposterous whispers that our dear Queen may have become barren," and Aemma felt the ground vanish from beneath her feet. She could barely stop showing any primary reaction as Daemon's eyes glinted, trying to dissect her reaction.

She saw Viserys frown at his words as the whole chamber became quiet as a gallow. Only the crackling of firewood remained, and she gulped, and just as she was about to speak up, her husband chuckled.

"Haha, preposterous indeed. Those rumors are nothing but lie," lied Viserys as he held her hands. And then he looked towards Daemon.

"After Baelon, we just decided to take some time before we tried again. If the Gods show mercy, the realm shall soon celebrate the birth of another prince," said Viserys as he smiled at her. And as she looked into his eyes, a shiver went down her spine because she did not know whether he was lying or not.

"Or princess," finished Daemon, and Lord Corlys agreed from the side as Viserys began to laugh. Throughout this ordeal, a sense of dread began to loom over her as she saw Rhaenyra looking at her with a worried gaze.

0000

The infamous Crab Feeder snarled as he climbed up to the ship's deck stationed at the Stepstones' border. Its sails showed that it was the personal vessel of the Magister of Myr.

The last months had been hell for Drahar as the supply of men and gold dried up. Their hold over Stepstones had become turbulent as more and more of their backers backed off. And he cursed the incompetence of his men for attacking 'that ship.'

It had all begun after that. When they attacked that ship and killed that Targaryen woman, all of his backers backed off.

And just as Drahar stepped onto the ship's deck, he felt something heavy hit the back of his head, and his vision began darkening. And it all dawned on him in an instant.

He had been betrayed!

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Pa-tre-0n. Your support makes it possible for me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a dime. It would mean a lot to me.

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