Well, I see at least some people got the Babylon 5 reference. Whether Daenerys ultimately follows the same path. . . I haven't decided on that one yet. Not that I have any objections about a mad Queen, but I've always felt it was too rushed in the TV series.
XXXXX
"You must act, Your Grace!" The High Septon demanded. "Your allies are speaking heresy in the streets, converting people away from the true faith!"
"What do you want me to do about it, fatso?" Matthew rolled his eyes. The High Septon was so enormous, Matthew could feel each step echoing on the stone floor. He had to weigh close to thirty stone, and visibly sweated as he walked. Right, we've still got this High Septon, not the Sparrow.
"Fatso?" The High Septon fumed. "I have been the High Septon for fifteen years! I am the Seven's chosen representative!"
"Yes, I understand that's a heavy burden for you," Matthew couldn't resist the quip. "But again, what do you want me to do?"
"Throw them into the black cells! Have them punished for their heresy!"
"I've listened to them too, but I'm not about to start a religious conflict. Under the King's Law, they are free to speak, so long as no violence takes place." Matthew narrowed his eyes. "Anyone who calls for massacring unbelievers or any form of violence against either party will be severely punished. Do I make myself clear?" Matthew doubted many would listen, but he was not Cersei.
"Your Grace, you would allow such things to take place within the city?" The High Septon's chins juggled.
"I am a believer in the Seven, but after the continent was torn apart, I don't intend to allow more fighting." Matthew approached the High Septon. "Make it clear to all your Septons no advocating for violence will be tolerated."
"As. . . as you wish, Your Grace," The High Septon scowled and marched off. Matthew had to resist the urge to laugh at his giant stomach shaking.
I'd better make that clear to everyone. Matthew could sense trouble ahead. No matter how many orders he gave, he had the feeling they would see at least the beginnings of a religious war. Seems nothing I do makes a damn bit of difference in changing Westeros.
"Your Grace, was your meeting with the High Septon productive?" Swann inquired. "We cannot have the city tear itself apart."
"Be sure to let everyone know what the consequences of attempting anything will be." Matthew allowed his Kingsguard to argue with him, at least Barristan Selmy and Balon Swann. Jaime was technically supposed to be with them, but was too often occupied with other duties. Yes, like sleeping with Cersei. Even after two years in Westeros, Matthew cringed at the thought of their relationship. He felt a tremble from Joffrey as well.
"Your Grace, there are those who will not listen," Barristan lowered his head. "With due respect, Your Grace, perhaps it might be a good idea to restrict their efforts to convert."
"Remind me: while the Seven is the dominant religion here, do we do anything to restrict others?"
"At the present time, Your Grace, no, but those who follow this Lord of Light. . ."
"Hence why I'll be giving them the same warning." Under no circumstances would he rearm the Faith Militant. It was one thing Maegor did right, anyway.
Stannis had proved to be a valuable partner, both against Robb and the corruption infesting King's Landing. Matthew looked out to see the beginnings of a sewer system being constructed. He'd hoped to make accessible for everyone the kind of plumbing those in the Red Keep had. Such a project would take years, but with the war winding down, he would have time.
"Why are you here?" Matthew questioned Melisandre when she approached him. "I'd have expected you to be with Stannis."
"Stannis does not currently need my assistance to do his duty," Melisandre refused to give a direct answer. "And he is in less danger than you are." Fearful faces broke out among the Kingsguard, even Barristan.
"I trust you and your followers know what will happen if anyone starts considering attacking non-believers." Matthew began to think bringing her along to King's Landing was a bad idea.
"You would leave your subjects blind to the truth?" Melisandre turned her head.
"Truth is subjective. Do all Red Priests agree on the Lord of Light's interpretations?"
"The Lord of Light is all-knowing, but we are not. I read the messages he sends me, and act to serve his will."
"It's my will you need to be concerned about right now. Do not test me on this. I've already had to lecture that tub of lard inside the sanctuary." Melisandre revealed no emotional reaction but nodded her head.
Matthew felt hundreds of stares against him, although he suspected many were looking at the Red Priest instead. Her beauty, combined with her supposed powers, meant few could keep their eyes off her. For all I know, the Gods really do exist in Westeros, although we're probably more like playthings to them.
"You're hoping to use my powers for your benefit," Melisandre spoke.
"Well, I can't say it hasn't crossed my mind." He'd already done so more than once. "However, I'd rather not have it be said that I'm a puppet on my own throne."
"If it's necessary, you'll merely have to ask. My powers grow as our threat approaches." Almost as many stares were visible inside the Red Keep. Ladies whispered among themselves, while several men held their hands on swords. "Do not worry, Matthew. I can keep you safe far more effectively than your Kingsguard."
"Stop calling me that." Matthew whispered, not wanting anyone to know who he really was. He'd already considered confessing to Tyrion to be a mistake, but it had been driving mad at that point. Either the Kingsguard hadn't heard her or pretended they didn't.
He had many questions for Melisandre, but did not dare to ask them in the presence of others. Fighting a war is easier than politics. Matthew still had Daenerys to prepare for, but that at least was in the future.
And now there was Oberyn to negotiate with. "This is going to be fun." Matthew rolled his eyes. Melisandre offered to look after him, but he opted for Barristan instead. He didn't trust the Red Viper not to try and slit his throat. Matthew opened the door and announced. "Lord Oberyn, a pleasure to see you again."
"Glad to see you finally show up after I've been waiting for an hour." Matthew saw no sign of his paramour.
"I expected Ellaria to be here." Or at least Arianne.
"However much I love her, this is something personal." Oberyn stood up to his full height. "My brother wished to handle the negotiations, but his health does not permit much travel."
"He has my hopes for a full recovery." Matthew sat down. "Now shall we get down to business?
"How long will this wedding take to arrange? My niece is eager to have a husband. Few women are still maidens at her age."
"Oh, we both know she isn't a maiden." Matthew flashed a knowing smirk. "Far fewer women are than is often perceived, especially in Dorne, where passion is freer. As for marriage, there's been a change of plans. Arianne, however lovely, isn't going to be Queen."
"So in other words, your proposal was a lie?" Oberyn's eyes glinted.
"Oh, I meant it when I first sent the proposal," Matthew admitted. "Unfortunately, the idea wasn't working out and my advisors convinced me it was an unwise decision."
"Are you aware of the kind of insult this represents?" Oberyn stormed to his feet. For a moment, Matthew anticipated him pulling a weapon, but he merely pointed an accusing finger. "My family will not tolerate insults!"
"Let us speak plainly: you don't want me to marry your niece." Matthew folded his hands. "Oh, I'm sure you'll make a giant fuss and tell the world the King doesn't keep his promises, but I'm aware of the bad blood between our families."
"This was your proposal, not mine. I arrived to ensure you fulfilled your part of the bargain."
"No, you came to meet me in person and enact vengeance on those you believe have wronged you."
"You've misjudged me, Your Grace." Oberyn spoke calmly but Matthew had no difficulty noticing the fury within him.
"Have I? You mean to tell me you've forgotten what happened to your sister? Raped in her own bed with the blood of her babe still on his hands." Oberyn's face went purple. "You hold both my families responsible for the crime, so don't treat me as a fool."
"You promised me Gregor Clegane." Oberyn thumped his fingers on the table.
"And Amory Lorch, provided the fool's still alive." Matthew had the feeling if he outright refused to follow through on that, Oberyn would slit his throat, Kingsguard or not. "Oh, I've every intention of giving Clegane to you. Westeros will be a better place with him dead." Sandor could do the job just as well, and possessed more self-control than his brother.
"So you admit it was Clegane who murdered her and her children. Tywin still refuses to say a word about it. He attempted to convince me Lorch acted alone and without his approval."
"I don't know what my grandfather wanted, but he's smart enough not to butcher children for no reason." Matthew shied away from thinking about what Tywin had done to Varys' birds. However necessary, he didn't want to know the details. "Westeros still suffers from the repercussions of the Mad King's actions. My father unfortunately did little to repair things, so the burden falls to me."
"Who do you intend to marry, if not my daughter?"
"Margaery Tyrell; who else?" Matthew shrugged. "I'll admit, I'm almost tempted to do what Aegon the Conqueror did and marry her as well. Your niece is too beautiful a woman for a city like this."
"I hope you're not making threats."
"Only an acknowledgement of how dangerous this city is. As the Red Viper, you're capable of looking after those you care about. I've spent most of my life in this shithole, and know it better than anyone."
"He's a threat to you, to us!" Joffrey warned. "Look at him; he's already plotting your death! Kill him, send a message that you are not to be crossed!"
Excellent idea if I wanted to breach every rule of hospitality. Matthew was forced to admit Joffrey had a point. Oberyn was not going to be satisfied with a crumb. Nor could he completely rule out having him quietly killed, should it prove necessary.
"If anyone happens to me, the full might of Dorne will march on King's Landing."
"By the Gods, how could I survive?" Matthew deadpanned. "I know I've beaten the full might of the Reach, and the North, and the Riverlands, and the Vale, but Dorne's a whole different kind of threat."
"Thanks to those new toys of yours, but they will do you little good against Sunspear, even if the stories are true."
Matthew didn't consider Dorne a short-term threat, though they would complicate things when Daenerys arrived. "I'm sure you've got all sorts of threats planned, so let's speed things along. You'll have your sister's killers. Gregor's already on his way to King's Landing, and the man isn't burdened with an abundance of brains.
"And Arianne?"
"We both know betrothals are frequently broken. However, as both of you have come all this way, I'd hate to see such effort made for nothing. I have an alternate proposal."
"You believe this will make up for such an insult?"
"I doubt you could hate us anymore than you already do." Matthew waved his hand. "My proposal is a match between Arianne and my brother, Tommen. He's young, but he's decent. Why he is, living in a city like this, I do not know, but he had held onto his morality."
"So you offer Arianne a chance to become Queen, then snatch it away, and offer up your brother instead?" Oberyn crossed his arms.
"I expect you want both an advantageous match and one where your niece will not be mistreated. Am I correct? Some family members would be indifferent, but not you."
"Correct. I have lost a sister, a niece, and a nephew already, courtesy of your family. I will not be quick to put another in your grasp."
"Glad to see you moved past your initial disappointment." Matthew caught him.
"I am willing to entertain the possibility. I am unwilling to agree to it just yet. My brother will need to consent to the match as well."
"Understood. Such things take time and I'm sure you wish to see what sort of man my brother is. Do give Arianne my apologies."
"I will get word to my brother, see if he is willing to overlook this. . . snub." Oberyn fixed Matthew with his most dangerous stare. "He will be grateful to see Gregor Clegane at least get justice."
"Most of Westeros would agree with you." Matthew folded his hands. "But I am aware of how much you hate both my respective families. While you are in King's Landing, I expect you to behave yourself. I know why you're called the Red Viper."
"I won't cause any trouble, so long as you don't cause me any." Oberyn concluded the negotiations. "Just remember what will happen if you don't fulfill your promises. I know better than to take the word of a Lannister." Matthew frowned. "Yes, I know who your parents really are, even if you do not." He wore an amused smirk. "Or do you?"
"I thought you too intelligent to be taken in by such lies." Matthew listened to Joffrey scream in his head. Rubbing his temples, he added: "I don't advise you to spread that falsehood."
"I'll behave. . . for now."
XXXXX
"How many this time?" Daenerys questioned her advisers.
"Four dead, seven wounded," Grey Worm informed, holding his helmet. "In return, we killed eleven Sons of the Harpy and captured eight others. They are being questioned now."
"Khalessi, we have Astapor and Yunkai marching on us," Belwas reminded. "We cannot afford to have traitors within our ranks. They will open the gate, and kill us all, no matter how your Unsullied try to secure them."
"I've still got my dragons," Daenerys defended. Viserys had told her a single dragon could wipe out an entire army. She had three, all of whom grew bigger by the day.
"Dragons alone do not win wars," Daario reminded. "To win against enemies outside, we must first defeat them within our walls."
"I know." Daenerys debated with herself. Much as she did not wish to harm her child hostages, her enemies were leaving her with few other options. "How many men do we have?"
"Several thousand freedmen, the Second Sons, and your Unsullied," Belwas announced. "Dragons are powerful, but cannot win wars by themselves. I do not think you would want to put your children in unnecessary danger."
"Ships from Volantis are already on the way," Daario added. "We will receive no food from outside."
"I'm well aware of that." Daenerys kept frustration out of her voice. The problems never ended. Much of the surrounding farmland had been burned and while she still ate well, most of her subjects did not.
"All the former slavers are our enemy," Daario continued to push. "Even with your dragons, we cannot fight against enemies from outside and within."
"I know." Daenerys was tempted to give them what they wanted, to reopen the fighting pits. Perhaps it could give them at least momentary peace. . . but it wouldn't last. If she gave in once, it would send a symbol of weakness to their enemies, and her work would soon be undone.
"Doing the right thing is never easy, else we'd all do it," Beenero cautioned. "The Sons of the Harpy are cowards, striking in the dark. We are cutting them out, little by little. I have seen in the flames they will not succeed."
"You're a naïve idiot," Daario sneered. "You think attempting to show restraint will get the Queen anywhere?"
"On the contrary, I've seen more than you have," Beenero remarked. "I've seen how a generation of oppressed people become the new oppressors. Khalessi, you have great power, but there is a time to use it, and a time to show restraint."
"Restraint has gotten me nothing!" Daenerys screamed, wishing her children were grown. She could burn all of them, make them pay for spurning her leniency. No. I will not be Queen of the ashes. "But they believe my threats meaningless. How many children do we have hostage?"
"Two hundred and forty-one, Khalessi," Strong Belwas informed.
"Select twenty of them for execution." Each word tasted bitter in Daenerys' mouth. Her heart felt like shattering at the order.
"At once, Khalessi," Daario smiled.
"Khalessi, do not let the words of a sellsword and brigand sway you," Beenero pleaded. "You cannot trust a word he says. He cares only for your title, not for you."
Daenerys knew it, at least on some level. Daario wasn't suitable, but. . . she loved his swagger, his confidence, and he was the first man she'd had since Drogo. "Once they are selected, make their execution quick. Do not draw it out, else you will find yourself next to suffer my retribution." It eased her conscience, but only a little.
"Khalessi," Beenero made one last attempt.
"Enough." Her voice came out as a squeak. Daario and Grey Worm went out to fulfill her orders. Daenerys' legs weakened, shaking underneath her. Belwas gripped her hand to keep her from falling.
What else am I supposed to do? Daenerys screamed at herself. She would not let slavery return, nor would she toss aside those who pledged themselves to her. It would be an unforgivable betrayal of everything she stood for.
Grey Worm returned with twenty children, ranging in age from five to thirteen. Boys and girls stared at Daenerys with terrified faces. If I look back, I am lost. "Where shall we perform them, Mhysa?" Grey Worm questioned.
Daenerys debated whether to make the executions private or public. Each had their merits and dangers. Beenero stared at her with disapproval, but she ignored it. "Have them beheaded in the dungeons. I trust you know people who can do so cleanly." A few of the children struggled against their captors, but lacked the strength to do anything else. Most were frozen in fear.
"Khalessi, are you sure this will not simply send a message of weakness?" Daario turned her head.
"Shut up, sellsword." Belwas' hand went to his blade. Daario attempted to appear unfazed, but Daenerys saw fear in his eyes.
"You have your orders," Daenerys made it clear her mind would not be changed. "They are to be executed but quickly. I know the slavers would drag things out were our positions reversed. However, I will not be another tyrant."
One child broke away and ran, a boy of perhaps twelve. He sprinted for perhaps thirty feet before another Unsullied caught him. Daenerys kept her face cold, not revealing the heartbreak within. Each one were led into the prisons, their attempts to fight futile.
"Khalessi, you do not have to witness such a spectacle." Beenero placed a hand on her shoulder.
"If I am to sentence them to die, I owe it to myself to watch their last moments." Daenerys' voice lowered. A part of her wanted to retract the order, but she had been given no other choice. Benevolence would only be considered weakness. "I know you do not approve. Neither do I. But I am a dragon, and dragons do not cower."
"My followers?"
"Your victims."
No, I will not be the monster Kinvara predicts. The first of the children were placed on the chopping block. An Unsullied gripped a sword, removing her head with a single blow. Daenerys cringed at the blood, hoping she would never have to do this again.
None of the children made any further attempts to resist. Two, three, four, five. . . not a single stroke went out of place. One of the heads rolled near Daenerys' feet. If I look back, I am lost. She looked over her companions to see their reactions. Daario was indifferent, as were her bloodriders, but Strong Belwas was somber and even Grey Worm did not appear to enjoy the order.
Daenerys prayed for it to end, tears going down her eyes. By the time the last child was beheaded, she sank into Beenero's arms. "Well, that ought to send a message." Daario grinned, wiping imaginary dirt of his hands. "I'd love to see the look on the parent's faces when they learn."
She wanted to scream at him, but did not possess the strength. Beenero let her go once he was certain Daenerys could stand on her own. He whispered a prayer in a language she could not understand, kneeling down and placing a hand on each body. Daario merely sneered in response.
"Have the bodies fed to my children." It was an easy way to dispose of corpses and her dragons required a lot of food, especially at their current size.
"I hope you get the results you hope for." From the look of Beenero's face, he didn't think so.
So do I. "Be sure the former slavers know of this punishment," Daenerys ordered. "They will no longer exist in my city, killing with impunity. For every Unsullied or freedmen killed, one child of the Masters will also die." This is necessary. It'll save more lives in the long run. Daenerys could convince herself. . . at times.
XXXXX
"You told me your efforts to clean up corruption in King's Landing were effective." Stannis gave Matthew a cold stare. "Yet I have found several Gold Cloaks are attempting a new enterprise now that Slynt has been removed from his position."
"I said I'm doing everything in my power to improve things." Matthew crossed his arms. "Between fighting a war, training an army, and the usual quarrels in court, I haven't had the time to personally inspect every member of the Gold Cloaks. If I hung everyone who took a bribe, we'd hardly have any men left."
"And do you call murdering or threatening to murder those unwilling to pay 'fees' for their protection?" Stannis waved documents in front of his face.
"Let me see those." Matthew snatched them out of his hands. He looked through each page, reading about the amount of money stolen, people found with their throats slit, along with alleged rapes. "How long have you been working on this?"
"Almost a moon's turn. I've spoken with many witnesses under condition of anonymity. Few are willing to speak openly."
"I suppose in Westeros, my word is law, so I wouldn't have to bother with the formalities of a trial."
"Excellent idea!" Joffrey spoke. "There's only one thing your inferiors understand!"
"You're sure they're guilty of these crimes?" Matthew didn't like sending innocent men to their deaths, even if there was little way to avoid it in Westeros.
"I have launched an extensive investigation, and all men are individuals I knew before Jon Arryn's death. Do you think so little of me as to knowingly sentence innocent men to death?"
"Perhaps this is an opportunity for all of us," Melisandre spoke up for the first time. "We can give an offering to the Lord of Light."
"Have you lost your mind?" Matthew snapped. "I'm not about to make religious tensions in King's Landing worse!"
"You will need his help in the war to come, Matthew." Melisandre turned her head. "The corrupt will atone for their deeds and be accepted by Him in the afterlife."
"It would be impossible to keep such a thing secret," Stannis cautioned.
"I intend to execute them, but I will not make a religious spectacle!" Matthew mused on whether the Gold Cloaks were necessary any longer. His personal army grew by the day, men with few other opportunities loyal to him alone.
Melisandre held Matthew's hands in her own. They felt far warmer than human hands had any right to be. He wanted to pull away, but. . . Matthew found the touch reassuring, welcoming. Energy flowed from Melisandre to him.
"Every time you've shown mercy, it's made things worse for you," Joffrey persuaded. "You hesitated to kill Varys, and now he works against you. The smallfolk you attempted to help tried to kill you. Saving Stark's life didn't prevent a thing. It only makes you appear weak. Show them you are not to be trifled with!"
Matthew looked away, attempting to push Joffrey and Melisandre out of his head. He watched in horror as Daenerys flew on Drogon, burning thousands of people to death in a single pass. The city's gates were sealed, its population defenseless. Men, women, children. . . all died underneath the boot of the dragon queen.
A pair of ice blue eyes in the cold, possessed by a man with almost supernatural looks. His lips sealed, he looked upon hundreds of corpses surrounding him and raised his arms. Matthew watched, frozen in place, as his eyes turned toward him . . .
A city made of ice, towers higher than anything in Westeros. . .
Image after image flooded Matthew's brain, too fast for him to take in their meaning. He clutched his head, begging for it to stop, jumping away from Melisandre and Stannis. Joffrey's laughter echoed, his loved ones in the United States becoming little more than a distant memory.
"Perhaps you should have been more careful." Matthew could faintly hear Stannis' voice.
"I opened his eyes to the truth," Melisandre spoke and knelt in front of him.
"Were those. . . the future?" Matthew found himself on his hands and knees. He expected Daenerys destroying King's Landing, at least, was real. Matthew wasn't sure about the others.
"Now do you understand?" Melisandre assisted him to his feet.
"Not really. . ." Matthew rubbed his temples.
"The Lord of Light has chosen you for a reason. It will be difficult, you will suffer greatly, and many will die, but we will succeed. All three of us."
"All this because I'm unwilling to indulge in human sacrifice?" With his head clearing, Matthew doubted what she said could be taken at face value.
"Sacrifices will be necessary. If by ending one life, you would save millions, would you do it?"
"Yes." Which included his own. What the hell happened to me? "I know what war requires." Politics was another matter.
"It wasn't a pleasant experience, I'm sure, but you've had your eyes opened, just as I have," Stannis spoke. "Not long ago, I cared for little but my crown. I had only intended to negotiate your surrender and failing that, removing you as a threat."
"I can imagine the method." Dying from Melisandre's shadow babies did not sound pleasant.
"It was. . . there are no words to describe it. Whether any Gods exist, I cannot say, but I saw what laid beyond the Wall. Such a threat must be stopped, and I will do so, even if I have to work with the likes of you."
"You know, I could have you executed for this," Matthew snarled, but it lacked strength.
"If it serves the Lord of Light and his messenger, I will gladly give up my life."
"You're a piece of work, all right." Matthew stumbled. He wished his Kingsguard had not been stationed outside, but against the likes of Melisandre, he doubted it would have done much good. "First you say Stannis is Azor Ahai, now it's me. Who are you going to claim next?"
"Whether I am Azor Ahai or not, there is a doom coming for us all," Stannis ground his teeth. "Though you do not have Joffrey's mind, you have his appearance."
"I'm just as thrilled about it as you." Matthew stumbled. What the hell did she do to me? He wanted to believe it was an illusion, a trick. Melisandre had to have been manipulating his fears. "Your Lord of Light never does things the easy way, does he?"
"The most dangerous tasks are given to his most capable servants," Melisandre spoke. "You know what's necessary, even if you won't admit it."
I'm tired of people playing with my head. Westeros didn't follow the rules he was used to. And at least some of Melisandre's abilities were genuine. It would lead to problems in the future, but life rarely offered tidy solutions. "What would this. . . sacrifice give me?"
"Health. Power. Protection from the false friend. Food for the smallfolk."
"In other words, you don't know." Matthew gripped the wall. "They will be sentenced to die by burning, but this will not be a religious ceremony. You will not attend, nor will there be any visible symbols of your God."
"He is all that stands between us and the Long Night, but I will obey your orders."
Matthew questioned why he bothered trying to improve things. I'll be able to do that once all this is over. Until then. . . he'd take whatever steps necessary to stop the Song of Ice and Fire. I wanted to change Westeros, but instead, it's changing me.
"As King, you will be required to make many difficult decisions," Stannis advised. "There is no joy to be found in leadership, unless you're a man who cares for nothing but power."
"Thanks." Matthew already knew that and didn't enjoy being reminded. He marched out of the room, leaving Stannis and Melisandre to speak among themselves.
"Your Grace!" A page ran up to him, trembling. "Lady Sansa. . . she's awake."
XXXXX
It'll be a small miracle if Matthew doesn't go insane after all this, assuming those visions weren't fabrications. For all their antipathy for one another, he and Daenerys have a lot in common.