A/N: Decided to post this early, because I will be busy due to some other engagements.

Rhaenyra presided over the small council meeting, the first one to take place after the war had concluded. Corlys, Bartimos Celtigar, Ser Lorent Marbrand, Gerardys, and Lady Mysaria remained in their positions while Corwyn Corbray and Medrick Manderly were both being accustomed to their new roles as master of laws and master of ships, respectively. Also, Torrhen Manderly was enjoying his position in the first hereditary advisor position on the small council while Cregan Stark would also remain as an advisor until he would journey north with his northmen to resume his duties as Warden of the North.

Rhaenys, Baela, Rhaena, Daeron, and Helaena were also present, with the latter two being shown as the beginning of their rehabilitation to House Targaryen in the eyes of the realm. Last but not least, Daemon was at her side, since he still had acuity in his mind and thus had something to contribute to the running of the realm.

"Thank you for coming here on this important day," Rhaenyra began. "Today is auspicious, for we convened the first council in peace since the war ended. The realm has suffered, but it is now up to us to ensure that the Seven Kingdoms are rebuilt and restored to their former glory. Any affairs as of now should be concerned with how to restore normality to the people of this realm. Lord Hand, proceed."

"Your Grace," Corlys bowed. "First order of business. All of those who have stood against us must comply with the instructions to disarm and stand down. Once we are assured that every single house has returned home, we will begin the process of disarming also. Lady Mysaria," he turned to the Lysene former dancer. "Any houses that we should be concerned about?"

"At this point, most of the houses that fought against our queen have remained in good faith and most of their bannermen have returned home," she answered. "All of the houses in the westerlands have stood down, the rebelling houses in the northern Reach have done so as well, and even some of the ironborn have returned to their islands."

"You say 'most.' Which houses have remained obstinate?" Ser Corwyn asked.

"There have no responses from Oldtown, most of the houses in the southern Reach, and those sworn to Storm's End. I am certain that we shall receive more answers when Otto Hightower goes to his home and impose the peace on our behalf, which would take care of the southern Reach," Mysaria explained. "However, the deadline for Borros Baratheon to submit to our queen is nearing and there have been no signs of him moving towards King's Landing with the intention to submit."

Rhaenys sighed. "Borros Baratheon was never one who could be calmly reasoned with. And he believes that he has more to lose than anyone else for siding with the greens, for good reason."

All were aware that Borros Baratheon was partly responsible for Lucerys' death, and he would have much to explain regarding his decision to marry his daughter Lady Floris to Aemond.

"Dear aunt," Rhaenyra turned to Rhaenys. "You don't think that Lord Borros will attempt to commit treachery because of his decisions?"

"Borros is obsessed with his family legacy like any other lord, but he is also looking for any other way to advance himself and his interests. And given his actions, he's not going to allow his chance to slip through his fingers, not unless you give him much concessions to match what he's after," Rhaenys stated.

"And that we cannot do, not unless we want our former enemies to demand the same," Daemon said. "I believe we need to prepare should Lord Borros decides to act rashly. Conducting a rebellion on his own is within his abilities and he might do so should he feel that he has no other options."

Rhaenyra nodded. "How many troops can we still maintain in the field that will be sufficient to fight the stormlords?"

"To fight them evenly, Your Grace, we would need at least thirty thousand men to stand by," Corwyn Corbray stated. "And that's taking into account the use of dragons. We have to use overwhelming force to fight them and the use of dragons can very much minimize our casualties."

Rhaenyra and the other members of the family were quite hesitant to use dragons in battle again, but they understood the necessity and accepted it. "And where can we get that amount of soldiers needed?"

"Your Grace," Corlys stepped in. "I would suggest keeping men whose homes are more geographically closer to this city on standby while we begin the process of demobilizing those who are more distant."

Rhaenyra glanced at her former goodfather. "Explain more, Lord Hand."

"Yes. I would suggest keeping ten thousand men from the Vale here, ten thousand men from the Riverlands, and five thousand men from around the Blackwater Bay. All of them should have no attachments yet and be ready to fight."

"But that leaves five thousand less than the recommended thirty thousand, Lord Hand," Ser Medrick pointed out.

"Lord Cregan," Corlys addressed the young Warden of the North. "Can you spare five thousand men to remain here while you march back with the rest?"

Cregan blinked. "I can. But if it's numbers you seek, my bannermen would be more than willing to remain here longer."

"That might not be the wisest course of action," Corlys responded. "Your bannermen have served well and your contributions will not be forgotten, but you would willingly separate them from their homes for so long and after all of the blood spilled?"

Rhaenyra held back a groan, for she had expected that with the war over, the conflicts between Corlys and Cregan would intensify.

"Lord Hand, we are more than willing to fight for our queen for as long as it requires—"

"With peace at hand, that's no longer necessary," Corlys shot back. "You are the Warden of the North, so you should return to your post in Winterfell."

Helaena instantly knew where Corlys was getting at. "Mind your tone, Lord Hand. You would easily dismiss a potent source of men and leadership?"

"I am just concerned that the northmen might not share Lore Cregan's willingness to fight a protracted struggle," Corlys answered.

"Hey," Ser Torrhen stepped in. "If it weren't for us, King's Landing might not have been taken."

Corlys was getting indignant. "If you really need to be aware and as House Stark has stated poignantly, winter is coming. How do you expect the lands of the south to feed so many northmen while they're away from their homes?"

"Is it not enough that Lord Dustin gave his life, Lord Hand? And you expect us to just march back home?" Ser Medrick inquired bitingly.

"Ser Medrick, you and your brother have a permanent place here, whereas Lord Cregan does not. The war is over and everyone should return to their rightful positions in the realm," Corlys answered.

Cregan and Helaena were about to respond to that, but Rhaenyra intervened. "That's quite enough," she interrupted calmly. "This bickering will not get us anywhere, more importantly closer to rebuilding the realm." But she had to concede to Corlys so as to not offend him. "But this time, my Hand has a point. It'll make more sense to have men who will be in a closer position to assist us should Lord Borros prove treacherous. Therefore, I will authorize only five thousand men from the North to remain here while the rest can march home." Cregan was about to respond, but she held up her hand. "In return, the realm will shoulder the cost of their journey home and compensate them if they prove too late to reap their harvest."

Both Cregan and Corlys did not seem to like that arrangement, but they both accepted it.

"Now, onto the financial affairs. Lord Bartimos," she turned to her master of coin. "Were you able to recover portions of the treasury back into our hands?"

"Your Grace, Ser Tyland has proven a most stubborn fool, but because he is not the Warden of the West, he was overruled by Lady Johanna and the portion deposited in Casterly Rock will return to our coffers," Bartimos Celtigar stated.

"That's good news, for once," Ser Torrhen noted, which the others agreed.

"What about the other portions?" Rhaenyra knew that only one portion was guaranteed to return.

"One third is in Oldtown, another is in the Iron Bank, and Ser Otto revealed that the portion he was responsible for, the purpose of that being gifts and to hire sellswords, has been nearly depleted but he shall relinquish it." Groans could be hard from the small council, for they all knew that they would only get less than half of the treasury assiduously built up by Jaehaerys the Conciliator and Viserys the First of His Name. "We might have to prepare for some financial struggles down the road."

"Any idea on how we could weather that particular crisis, Lord Bartimos?" Daemon inquired.

"I will endeavor to ensure that the Iron Bank does return the gold back into our hands, which will improve our financial situation, but it's a long shot since the Iron Bank doesn't have a history of being easily cooperative. We should also reach out to some of those houses who have fought for us and those who have fought against us. We'll ask for loans from our supporters while the fines might help our situation."

Everyone nodded, while Rhaenyra saw Corlys stroking his beard in thought. He's thinking something.

"And now, onto a very important matter. What movements have been detected from the Triarchy and Dorne?" Everyone was concerned about the Triarchy, especially after the humiliation caused by Viserys' rescue, while they were also concerned about what the Dornish would do since peace had only been achieved recently.

"My little birds in Lys have shown increased activity in Lys, with more in Myr and Tyrosh, but I have not been able to get a true lead on the intentions of the magisters. But regardless, we must be vigilant should they try to retaliate," Mysaria answered.

"Ser Medrick, any reports on the strength of our fleet?" Rhaenyra turned to the master of ships.

"Your Grace, after communicating with the Arbor, we should have more than enough ships to counterattack against them if necessary. So far, our supply lines through the sea and the security of the waters immediately close to our shores are assured."

"Good," Rhaenyra nodded. "But as Lady Mysaria recommend, keep a sufficient level of alert amongst the captains and crews."

"Aye, Your Grace," Ser Medrick affirmed.

"And when can your grandfather march to Oldtown? Time is of the essence, especially now," Rhaenyra turned to both Daeron and Helaena.

"Your Grace," Daeron was still formal with Rhaenyra. "Ser Otto should be ready to move back to Oldtown and take up his positions before the week is out. He just needs a little more time."

Rhaenyra accepted that. "All right. The Reach must come to heel, especially Oldtown. Since Lyonel Tyrell will be fostered here in the Red Keep while nothing more will be extracted from House Tyrell since they were coerced, Lady Tyrell will remain as the regent until Lord Lyonel comes of age. In addition, the Reach bannermen will be authorized to move on Oldtown should the city prove too difficult to control."

The council discussed other matters such as the demobilization of the other houses and a possible repair and expansion of the road networks to facilitate easier movement before the council session was adjourned. As the other councilors left, only the family remained, which included Corlys and Cregan.

"I must repeat my congratulations on both of your weddings," she spoke directly to Baela and Daeron, and Helaena and Cregan. "The wounds inflicted between our house can now heal and we can move forward."

"Thank you, Your Grace," they all answered respectfully.

"Now, onto the matters that I wish to discuss the most with you," Rhaenyra then turned her head to Daeron and Baela. "Both of you performed well in the war, even though Daeron fougth for the wrong side." Daeron cringed at that. "However, while Baela performed well in battle and achieved merit, my brother was just as instrumental in bringing peace back to these kingdoms through his persuasion of his grandfather Ser Otto and returning Blackfyre to the rightful ruler."

"I only did what was required," Daeron was honest.

"And for that, both of you shall be rewarded." She turned back to Daemon, who nodded his approval to go forward. "I discussed with my husband. For your actions in the war, I shall allow you to retain your titles as Prince and Princess of the realm." Baela and Daeron dipped their heads humbly at that, but she wasn't finished. "And it's only appropriate that I grant you both your own castle and lands."

"You don't need to do that," Baela felt overwhelmed.

"I insist," Rhaenyra pressed on. "Thus, your full titles will be Prince and Princess of Harrenhal."

Everyone in the room besides Daemon were surprised at that gift. Although the possession of Harrenhal was prestigious and the lands granted would allow Baela and Daeron to survive comfortably, the recent history around that castle left much to the imagination.

"Would that be a good castle, Your Grace?" Corlys was concerned for his granddaughter, for he too knew of the recent history, which ended with the last occupants being House Strong.

"Harrenhal is the only other castle that is large enough for dragons," Daemon answered. "And it's better that we keep that castle in the hands of family rather than someone else who might betray us again."

"And it'll be a good counterbalance to House Tully," Rhaenyra revealed. "Elmo Tully might have provided support to us, but he did so at the last possible moment and not one of his bannermen save for the Blackwoods had strove above and beyond for our cause. I shall provide a token reward to him, but someone has to remind him how exactly his family became the overlords of the riverlands in the first place."

On that point, everyone, including Corlys agreed.

"We will continue to prove ourselves to you," Daeron declared, as he didn't want to be seen as ungrateful. Baela followed suit.

Rhaenyra stood up, taking care of her belly that carried her child with Daemon. "I know you will… Prince Daeron of Harrenhal." She then looked at Rhaenys, who was beginning to accept her granddaughter's new station more and more. And since she knew that Baela was pregnant, she could be assured that the line of her father, Aemon Targaryen, would live on.

On that thought, Daeron kissed Baela on the temple and rubbed her belly gently, both of them grateful of the chance for their line to live on and prosper. As it should from now one, as House Targaryen must survive together.

As for Rhaena, Rhaenyra knew exactly how to reward her. "Dear Rhaena, I believe it's time that you become more active in court. For that to happen, you must be given an official position. Therefore, you shall have control of the kingswood, where you are to maintain the peace at the Wendwater."

Rhaena was more than overwhelmed. "Muña, I'm honored. But I am not sure that if I am qualified for such a task."

"Don't worry. You'll have people to help you. Ask Ser Corwyn for advice and he shall help you."

Rhaena nodded before kissing her cheek. "Thank you."

Rhaenyra then turned to Helaena and Cregan. "Lord Stark, you are already at Lord Paramount of the North, so unfortunately, you can't climb higher. However, the Pact of Ice and Fire, as you so assiduously pursued, shall remain in effect. My son Viserys will marry your daughter and one of your sons will marry one of my daughters, should the gods see fit to bless with me with another. Also, I shall rely on your cousin Benjen Stark when you are not here."

Cregan dipped his head in respect. "Thank you, Your Grace. You honor myself and my house very much."

"And there are more rewards that will come your way, but we shall discuss them in detail at another time. Dear sister," she stared at Helaena. "Thank you for believing me and Daemon when we said that we didn't kill your sons."

"It was the truth after all," Helaena answered. "I will never forgive those who were involved, but I will be grateful to you forever for helping me see the truth."

"We both know that Jaehaera will be important in keeping the peace, for she will marry my son Aegon, who will be officially anointed as Prince of Dragonstone by next week. However, if she wants to, she can go with you. A child should not be separated from their mother."

Helaena was almost tearful. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"No worries. It's what you would do for me, right?" Helaena shrugged suggestively at that, causing Rhaenyra to punch her arm lightly while breaking out a smile. Somewhere in the dragonmont above, kepa must be smiling at us. It was his wish to see his family whole again, and now it has become a reality. "Now, onto the—"

Suddenly, Rhaenyra bent over and clutched her belly. "Ah." This caused all of the family, especially Daemon, to rush to her side.

"Love, what's wrong?" Daemon asked frantically. But everyone saw and heard water splashing on the floor.

"My gods," Rhaena exclaimed. "The child's coming. It's coming!"

Rhaenyra smiled at Daemon. "Our beautiful babe."

"Yes, my love," he put his hand on her cheek while he almost fell to the floor since he had to let go of his crutch, causing Corlys to grab hold of him.

"Get Maester Geradys here now!" Corlys yelled to the guards. "We have to get her back into her chambers for the birth. Easy does it."

As Rhaenyra was led back into Maegor's Holdfast for the birth, she could only feel joy at the coming of her babe. My first born after all of the bad things. She wasn't sure what she would have done had Visenya died, but she could be sure that happiness awaited her after the birth, for she could focus on the joys that would come.

Mysaria sat in her solar as she went over the latest tips from her little birds. At this point, any information regarding Storm's End, Oldtown, and the Triarchy were considered to be the priority, as those were the factions that were most worrisome at this point.

Her daughter Shiera was with her half-siblings as Rhaenyra went into labor. Everyone prayed to whatever gods that they worshiped so that both her and the new baby will be safe and healthy. As for herself, she couldn't be there, for she was both busy and her time with Daemon was long past. Daemon and I… just wasn't meant to be.

She had long accepted that she was not someone that Daemon could love, but she was grateful for his good treatment of her and that he acknowledged his daughter. And while she was raising her child by herself, she began to teach herself how to obtain secrets from those that she serviced. Many years exposed her to the ways that men would divulge themselves, and she was able to take what she learned into practice. From there, she was able to find people who shared her mindset and make them work with her. I have to consider them partners, for they will never work for me if they feel beneath me.

Her first report was from the Triarchy. Although she had said to the small council that there was increased activity in all of the Three Daughters, this latest post showed more detail on what was to come. The magisters were hiring sellswords at alarming rates, ships were being built while others were being refit and repaired for a major expedition, and there was a report from one of her little birds, her most trusted one in Lys, that talked about the marriage of a Ser Myles Hightower and Marra Rogare, the youngest of Lysandro's legitimate daughters. Interesting…

She had heard the name Myles Hightower before, for he was the Commander of the Oldtown City Watch. What made Mysaria more curious was the fact that despite him being of distant relation to House Hightower, he was acting very aggressively and was developing a lot of influence in Oldtown, at the expense of his distant cousins, both of whom were in their minority. She couldn't say that she got a good hold of Ser Myles' personality, but she guessed that he saw a chance to seize power and was looking to take it. And then there was the revelation that he had accessed the vaults that contained the portion of the royal treasury while Ormund Hightower was campaigning. Greedy for power and money, she scoffed.

However, Ser Myles' marriage to Marra did indicate something else at play. She already knew that Ser Myles was connected with the Faith in Oldtown and that he would most likely offer resistance to Ser Otto, but marriages led to alliances from her experience. Wait a moment. If Ser Myles married Marra, that would mean that an alliance between the Triarchy and the Faith is coming soon.

That alliance would have major implications, for both the Triarchy and the Faith had something against House Targaryen. And this showed that Oldtown and whoever was in charge there for the time being had no intention of accepting the peace that was to come with Ser Otto. They're going to resist.

She then went through the pile of dispatches from Lys, where she came across another that talked about the movements of Drazenko Rogare, Lysandro's brother. He was last sighted in Sunspear, where he was taken directly into the palace of Qoren Martell. Why do the Rogares want to work with the Dornish?

Thinking that through, she remembered that both the Dornish and the Triarchy were utterly embarrassed when they lost to Daemon and Corlys in the Stepstones, where the Rogue Prince crowned himself a king. It was no secret that the Triarchy partly sided with the "greens" because they hated Daemon and would do anything to exact vengeance. As for the Dornish, she learned that their grudges were deep, for good reason. The Dragon's Wroth and how Jaehaerys completely defeated them without a single loss of life made the Dornish develop an antipathy for the dragons.

But Prince Qoren rejected Ser Otto's request for their help. Why are they acting now? The Dornish were neutral in the war, but they were certainly watching how the war unfolded and were definitely worried when the dragon duel between the dragonseeds, Baela, and Daeron occurred over the Red Mountains, too close to the Dornish border.

That's when it hit her. The Dornish might be good at defending, but they would never stand a chance if they were to go on an offensive. Jaehaerys clearly displayed that. And as long as House Targaryen had dozens of dragons at their disposal, the Dornish were kept at bay. But now, the Seven Kingdoms ruled by House Targaryen had been damaged and the Dornish knew that at least some of the dragons perished, including Caraxes. They're looking for a chance to strike, Mysaria concluded.

Mapping out the alliances in her head, Mysaria began to see where the connections were. A triumvirate between the Dornish, the Triarchy, and the Faith in Oldtown was very dangerous to House Targaryen, especially since they needed time to fully recover their strength. The Rogares especially have reason to strike against the Targaryens, the Dornish have that also, and the Faith are afraid of what will come since their plots to destroy the Targaryens have all failed.

But Mysaria was stumped as to how the Baratheons fit into this. Borros was definitely going to resist since he bore the most responsibility for how the war progressed more than others and his daughter was married to a traitor, so she would also be endangered. Thinking through that, Mysaria shook her head at any connection between Borros and the hostile triumvirate. He's only doing this because of family. Nothing we can't handle.

In private, she disagreed with the small council's assessment regarding the number of troops needed to fight Lord Borros. As the war was over, many didn't see any more reason to fight and therefore wanted to go home. She knew very well that troops who lacked motivation to fight would become unreliable and thus imperil House Targaryen. Instead, she decided that the best way to fight Lord Borros was to undermine him from within. He may be a good warrior and lord, but he probably doesn't have what it takes to survive in a cutthroat environment of plotting.

How she would accomplish the undermining of Lord Borros was something that she would reserve for another time. For now, she had her servant summon the Manderly brothers and Ser Corwyn to her solar. Ser Lorent would be by her queen's side, as was Lord Corlys and Maester Gerardys. Lord Bartimos was probably busy with his own affairs, so she didn't call for him.

"Thank you, good sers, for coming on such short notice," Mysaria addressed them all. "And especially during such a trying time. Even though we must hope that our queen gives birth to a healthy babe, we have a realm to rule and to safeguard against all threats."

"What threats do you refer to, my lady?" Ser Torrhen asked.

At that, Mysaria showed all of the dispatches she went over, drawing particular attention to the ones about Ser Myles and Marra Rogare, Drazenko Rogare in Dorne, and the details regarding the heavy activity throughout the Triarchy. "I don't think that the threats we face are to be taken lightly."

"Of course not," Ser Corwyn went through dispatch carefully. "And this one about Ser Myles shows that the Oldtown City Watch must be dealt with by a force of arms. What he has done was committed in bad faith and in a clear breach of the peace agreement."

"Do you think Ser Otto and Alicent were involved?" Ser Medrick asked.

"I don't believe so. Even though Ser Otto did form the alliance with the Triarchy, he has been faithful in the peace agreement so far and the Dornish rejected his terms. As for Alicent, she was not in a position to make such a complex web of pacts, nor was she capable of doing so. Also, both of them are here and therefore too far from influencing this series of events," Mysaria elaborated.

"Well, we can keep the Triarchy at bay with the number of ships we have at hand. Besides the fleet in the Blackwater Bay itself, we can call on the Redwynes to come to our aid," the master of ships stated.

"I wouldn't leave anything to chance, Ser Medrick," Mysaria was quick to correct him. "Remember, the Rogares have been humiliated with the rescue of Prince Viserys, so they're going to do anything they can to get the revenge that they want. And we cannot ignore the threat from the Dornish and Oldtown."

"Most definitely," Ser Corwyn agreed. "I'll have to write up an official warrant for Ser Myles' arrest for treason and rebellion. And then I will have to persuade our queen, once she's able to, to declare Ser Myles a traitor and enemy of the realm. That way, people will be more hesitant to help him."

"That won't be enough," Mysaria responded. "We have to start making plans to seize Oldtown should that be necessary. I will also contact my little birds in that city and see what could be done to undermine Ser Myles. Meanwhile, we have to find some way to get the gold back from the Hightower."

"And what about the Dornish? At the present moment, our traditional defenses in the marcher lords are unreliable, since House Tarly needs to rebuild, House Peake cannot be trusted, and the marcher houses in the stormlands cannot be called upon since we have to assume that they will side with Lord Borros," Ser Torrhen pointed out.

"I will see what I can do about the Dornish at the moment, but any action against them will need to have our queen's support. Otherwise, our options are moot," Mysaria explained.

"So, we have a dangerous alliance forming against us, a potentially rebellious lord paramount in Storm's End, and the Reach is not secure. We have much on our hands to deal with," Ser Corwyn thought aloud.

"But we cannot use dragonfire on Oldtown, not after the damage Prince Daeron did when he tried to rescue his nephew," Ser Medrick added. "We'll have to target the City Watch of Oldtown and purge the Citadel and the Starry Sept, all of which will not be easy even with Ser Otto arriving there in force."

"I'll find something that can be implemented. For now, we need to stay alert and prepare for the need to fight should that come to pass."

"And what about Storm's End? We'll have to deal with Lord Borros and I know just how," Ser Corwyn offered.

"What would you know about him?"

"I fostered at Storm's End while Lord Borros was just beginning his tenure as the lord of that castle. He's not a wise man, but he's very combative. Therefore, even if we do defeat him, he and his brood cannot be trusted with Storm's End."

"You would remove the Baratheons from the Storm's End lordship?" Ser Torrhen was incredulous.

"No. Borros is not the only eligible Baratheon in the world. We just have to find out which ones would be most pliable."

Mysaria nodded in agreement. "That sounds good, Ser Corwyn. Please find me a list of Baratheons who could replace Lord Borros." While Ser Corwyn bobbed his head, a servant ran into the solar, out of breath but a wide smile on her face. "What is it?"

"Milady, Her Grace has given birth to a girl, a healthy princess."

Sers Corwyn, Torrhen, and Medrick all sighed in relief at the wonderful news. As the realm had an heir and a spare, both were balanced out by two princesses who could continue the line.

"What a glorious night," Mysaria could only say, with the other councilors nodding their assent. "Have you managed to get her name, our princess'?"

"Her Grace and Prince Daemon have decided to name her Princess Aerea Targaryen," the servant answered.

After the one who bonded with Balerion and disappeared into Valyria. Mysaria was well-aware of the history of House Targaryen and there were only two reasons why they would choose that name now. Aerea Targaryen was a strong-willed woman and she bonded with the biggest dragon in existence. Let's hope this Aerea is more fortunate and doesn't die from a severe infection of the skin.

But for now, she would allow the others to celebrate the entry of a new princess of the realm, sparing them from the tediousness and the dangers of her work for at least one day. They both trust me, the queen and Daemon, so I have no reason to ruin their precious moment.

A/N: So, we have more Small Council stuff going on while Mysaria is hard at work. Meanwhile, we now have another dragon entering the world. I felt Aerea would be fitting, since she was one of the less-talked about Targaryens while also having a very interesting backstory. Her name deserves to have another meaning, a positive one.

Till next time.