Aerion stared into a puddle at his own reflection, and wondered his head would look on a spike. Silver hair, violet eyes and a chin that looked like it had been taken from a mountain and cut by a master stonemason looked better on the end of his neck, rather than a spike, he thought. The reflection was stamped out by the sandal of one of the unsullied, and he started walking again. Vaenys was still nowhere to be found, and he was probably going the same way as she had. Still, Daemon wasn't going to go after her any more, and neither were the other boys of Volantis. If she wanted, she could have her pick of them. Even as a young girl, boys had doted on her. She was uncommonly, stunningly beautiful, but she was also his sister. The only two of their family that followed the high Valyrian traditions were father and his brother. And father had said that he and Vaenys would marry on their return. Vaekar would have to find a wife, and father had taken vows of celibacy after the death of Rhaenys. It was a grim prospect, as was the shadow of the great pyramid.
The walk up the steps to the throne room was even worse. It felt like the longest walk of his life, and probably one of the last. The doors opened for him, and the entire court turned to stare. He felt like an unexpected, unwanted animal on display. Suddenly, the order was given for the court to disperse, and people filed out until it was just the unsullied, Mormont and Daenerys. He walked forward and kneltbat the base of the dais, before being told to rise.
"I hope you are in better health after your voyage, Aerion"
"Thank you. I'm better, and the worst is gone, your majesty" It was an easy lie to adapt to, but one of the more obvious. With the court gone, this was looking less like a trial, and more like a conversation without prying eyes or ears.
" You told me house Haedaryen was a merchant family yesterday, unless I'm mistaken?"
"We are. Why do you ask?"
"The slaves were the main source of income for Mereen. That money is now gone, and traders are few and far between. The people are growing desperate, and the sons of the harpy prey on this desperation. The price of food rises each day, and fighters over common items are becoming far more common. I need a master of coin, Aerion."
"A thankless job. We'll find it hard to rebuild the economy of Mereen. Unless the hills in the north have metal, we are in trouble. The people can't work the fields, or the desert, unless we build an irrigation system. Sheep or fish is the main food here. If we had more ships, maybe we could export some of that fish. Overall, it will be nigh on impossible to rebuild."
"Given time, could you do it?"
Aerion grinned. "I said it was nigh on impossible, not impossible."
Daenerys laughed. "Move your things from that disgusting tavern. Your rooms in the great pyramid are all ready for your occupation. I hope you can help, Aerion."
"I'll do my best, your majesty, but I make no promises."
He walked out of the main pyramid and smiled. Then, for some reason, he started laughing. The dragon was flying straight at him, and all he had to do was throw the spear. That girl had no idea of his intent, meaning he could do as he wished. Now, all that remained was his sister.
