Daemon III
Their footsteps echoed loudly as the briskly walked toward the Great Hall where his family and the royal family would no doubt be waiting for them. He cursed in his head again. His damnable father couldn't have sent him a raven to let him know of his early arrival. Seven above he was starting think his father was hoping to catch him off-guard. Daemon adjusted his red doublet, so it laid more fittingly on him, it was haphazardly thrown on in his hast to down clothing after this morning.
Ser Malon and himself had not spoken since leaving his quarters, there silence evidence enough of their disagreement of this morning's event. He knew Ser Malon was only looking out for him, making sure he didn't soil his family's name. But Ser Malon didn't understand the deepness of his and Rhaenys' affections for each other went. How could he, no one would be able to understand it. Only her and him would know.
They were approaching the Great Hall now and standing by the side entrance was the current Hand of the King, Ser Richard Lonmouth. He knew Ser Richard, a former squire and close personal friend of King Rhaegar, Daemon had known him throughout his years here in King's Landing. He was a good man, kind but very rowdy when he was in his cups, not mention a fair Lord Hand, as far as they go anyway.
He could see him shake his own, a frown adoring his face. "You are late Daemon; everyone has been waiting near 10 minutes. Your father looks none too pleased." Daemon couldn't keep the annoyance out of his voice and snapped back. "Well, perhaps if my father had only sent word of his arrival, I wouldn't be late!"
"You didn't let the young Lord know Ser Malon?" "I did my Lord Hand, but the little Lord was still asleep, took some while to get here." "Regardless, he is here now, we best head in before we make them wait any longer."
They all headed through the door, from his angle here he could see Rhaegar sitting on the Iron throne, Elia sitting next to him with all the royal Princesses and Princes in attendance in order of line of succession. How had Rhaenys gotten here so much faster, he could see her standing there, hair done up and looking beautiful. Standing both in front and behind the royals were all the Kingsguard, fully armored, white cloaks bright, an imposing sight for anyone not used to it.
Ser Gerold Hightower 'The White Bull', Lord Commander among them stood as the center figure of the three knights standing before the King, next to him were both Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Barristan Selmy. Ser Oswell Whent, Ser Jamie Lannister, Ser Mandon Moore and Ser Jonothor Darry stood vigil spaced apart to form a half circle around the King and the Royal family. He could also see Ser Alliser Thorne, Myles Mooten and Jon Connington armored and standing by the royal family as well.
His eyes moved on from the dais to some of the other people present. He could Ser Loras standing next to the Redwyne twins Horas and Hobber who must've just arrived as well. Great he thought, just when he thought the arseholes that were already here were enough, two more were added on. With them was Joffery Lannister as well, wearing a sneer on his pinched face as usual, looking as if this whole thing was a great disturbance to him. Standing behind the great cunt was his swornshield Sandor Clegane 'The Hound'. On the opposite side of them and his back facing Daemon, was his friend Steffon Baratheon, his swornshield Brienne of Tarth stood next to him. Alongside them was the Small Council members as well, such as Varys the Master of Whispers, Master of Laws Renly Baratheon, Master of Coin Lord Adrian Celtigar and Grand Maester Marwin. The current Master of Ships, Daemon's uncle Lord Monford was not present.
Finally, before the front three Kingsguards was his own family, His father, Aenar Blackfyre was standing tall and regal looking, a cane in his right hand, his silver hair was long and was flowing straight down his back. He could see his face was set firm and his lips pressed. Next to him was a beautiful girl… no young women his sister Rhaenyra, gods she had grown so much since he last saw her near 3 years ago. She too was standing tall and regal, her hair was done in an elegant braid that most ladies of the court would be jealous over. She was much taller now than he last saw her, standing at almost the same height as Daemon himself. He could see the lewd looks Joffery was giving her, and by the gods did he want the beat him senseless for daring to look at her. Lastly, was his youngest sibling, his brother Aerion, a boy of ten name-days he was definitely much bigger than last he saw him, though, nothing changed more than a growing boy. His silver hair was short and barely touched his shoulders.
Daemon quicken his pace down the steps toward his family, he footsteps announcing his arrival as all eyes turned toward him. He could feel their eyes on him as he stood in front of his family, but with his back toward him as he faced the Throne.
He bowed, his voice even. "Your Grace, I apologize for my late arrival, I was not notified of my father's arrival until a little bit ago." Rhaegar merely nodded his hand and gestured toward his father. "Think nothing of it Ser Daemon, we were all a bit surprised by their arrival so soon, though we knew they were coming."
He heard his father's voice, it was a light voice, like Daemons and much of the Targaryens were too, it held elegance. Smallfolk would call it angelic. But Daemon could hear the edge in his voice, it held hints of hardness in it. "I apologize as well, Your Grace, I did not predict that the Riverrunner would bring us here so fast." He let out a laugh, "I half expected it to take half a sennight at most not 2 days!" "It is of no concern my friend, though it was a surprise, it is not something so serious."
Rhaegar shifted his attention toward Daemon now, "You may greet your family now Daemon, after all it has been a long while since you've seen them." "Of course, Your Grace, thank you." Daemons eyes drifted toward Rhaenys, she was looking right at him, her face impassive. His moved toward Aegon who had his eyes narrowed at him. 'Mayhaps he knows then'
Daemon turned around to face his family and as he walked toward him, Aerion ran toward him, throwing himself at him. "Dae!" he was able to grab and steady himself before they both fell over from the force of Aerion's hug. "Little brother! You certainly aren't as light as you used to be!" Aerion laughed at that. "Mayhap you are just getting old brother!"
He was able to get Aerion to let go of him as his sister Rhaenyra came forward to hug him as well. "By the Seven, sister! You have become so beautiful not to mention tall! You look just like mother." "Thank you, brother! You as well have gotten more taller, that's good, it would not do well for your sister to be taller than you!" He gave her a dry look "Very funny."
After giving his sibling their hugs and greetings, he walked toward his father, he could see his face was set softly but his eyes were as hard as steel. It was almost like he was seeing straight through him, like he knew what he was thinking, feelings. It was unsettling. Daemon remembered what he used to be like when his mother was still alive, he always said when he was younger that he lived for her, that she was the star that guided him. And at her sudden death, it was like the life of his soul had died too. It was then that his fostering at King's Landing become permanent and he stopped going between there and Blackmont. He knew not why, but he always treated Daemon more harshly than his sister and brother, so much so that he all but exiled him from his own home, made to stay and live here for most of his life.
Daemon knew he had to steel himself for this conversation, not show any weakness in front of him. His voice was firm. "Father. I am glad to see you in good health, I hope the journey did not take too much out of you." Aenar's voice was no less hard as his eyes were. "Not too much. I assure you I am in good health." He looked him over for any weakness. "I was pleased to hear about your knighting, you honor our House with your actions, the youngest Blackfyre to ever be knighted. It is a feat I hope, that has not gone to your head. Being a braggart would not do well."
"I think you'll find father, that I am nowhere close to being a braggart. Ser Malon taught me to be humble in my words and that it is the field where my skills will be show." Aenar looked toward Ser Malon. "Wise words. Ser Malon, it is good to see you again. Tell me, how has my heir been progressing?" For Ser Malon's credit, he was not caught unaware and did not seem fazed at all. "And you, My Lord. Daemon has progressed very well. He near unmatched with a blade or on horse for his age. And he is becoming a noble and good man."
His father merely nodded and gave out a short grunt. "Very good. Very good indeed." Daemon saw him walk toward the Iron Throne. "Your Grace, I thank you for the grand welcoming and it has been so good to see an old friend. Is there perhaps time for us to convene in private, I fear we have a great many things to discuss." Rhaegar rose from his throne and gave his hand for Elia to rise as well. "Of Course, Aenar, my private solar should do well. If you would follow me. Richard, you as well."
Daemon watched them all walk off, a feeling of trepidation crawling up his spine. They couldn't know, could they? He was ever so discreet, no one save the Spider knew as many of the secret passages he took as he did. He took a deep breath. He needed to calm down, mayhap he was just overthinking this. They could be going off to talk about literally anything, it was arrogant to think it was about him. But a thought lingered in his head. 'What if it is about me? About us?'
A voice interrupted his thoughts from behind him. "My Lady, it is an honor to meet you. May I just say you are beautiful." He knew that voice, it was the same voice that always made him want to be him senseless. He walked over to his sister and glared down at the Great Cunt.
"What you do think you're doing Lannister." Joffery for his part sneered up at him. "It called being courteous Blackfyre, perhaps you've heard of it." "You wouldn't know courteous if it bit you in your arse!"
Rhaenyra gently pushed him away from Joffery. "Let's be civil now Sers." "I am a Ser, not this little Lion. Lest we forget how you were 'sick' during that." He could see Joffery's face grow red with indignation. "I think that's enough!" He felt hands pull him back and he turned around to see Aemon have ahold of him. Aegon walked stood in between them both. It was his voice that he heard. "Let us be civil, we are in the middle of the court, let not make a disgrace of ourselves shall we."
Joffery for all his anger didn't seem to listen. "You little up jumped Blackfyre cunts will get what's coming for you!" "Joff! I said to shut up!" Daemon for his part just laughed. "What's the matter Egg, can't control your pet?" Aegon turned to him with a glare. "You're one to talk Daemon, you've never learned your place!" "I know my place My Prince, and I am right where I should be."
It was Daenerys who interrupted this time. "Now, now boy! I do believe that's enough. By the Seven Hells all of you can't mingle together for a little bit without falling into endless squabbling! I swear mayhaps it should be us women who wear the pants and wield the swords and all of you who wear the dresses!"
They all stopped to look at her and upon seeing all the eyes gazing at her, red crawled up to her cheeks.
It was Steffons boisterous laugh that broke the silence. "Seven hells Dany, that is the best thing I've ever heard!"
Daemon was filling the last cup of wine when the door opened, he turned to look to see Steffon and the Lady Brienne walk into the small meeting chambers. He saw his father acknowledge his entrance and he exclaimed. "Gods be good you are massive my lady, though I am sure you hear that often. Tell me, how is your father doing? It has been sometime since I have last seen Selwyn."
Lady Brienne for her part seemed shocked that she was being addressed so directly but she quickly smoothed her features out and spoke with her deepish calm voice. "He is well My Lord; our isle is good for not just his own health but for everyone who lives there." She seemed to pause. "Forgive me I had not known you knew my father?" He saw his father give a small smile. Why does she get the favor of a smile from him? Why did he not get such a reaction from his own father instead of cold-heartedness. Daemon could not help the invasive thoughts that were now plaguing his mind as he felt some anger grow in his chest. 'Is this… jealousy.'
"Oh, I have known Lord Selwyn Tarth for a good time know. I was acquainted with him back in the good days of King Aerys, you know, before he went mad and all that. Still, it is good to hear an old friend is doing well."
He shifted his eyes from Brienne to Steffon now, who had been smiling the whole time at Rhaenyra for a while now. He saw his father's eyes narrow. "Let us get to the reason we are all gathered her. Take a seat young Baratheon. Steffon tore his eyes away from Daemons' sister to hastily take the chair directly across from Aenar. As Daemon walked toward his own seat, to the left of is fathers, he passed Steffon and handed him the cup of wine and whispered to him. "Remember, this is just to formalize everything, don't let him intimidate you."
He finally took his seat as his father cleared his throat. "So, as we are aware you wish to marry my daughter when she reaches her maturity in a years' time, is that correct?" Steffon voice was calm and sure. "It is indeed my Lord, I have here a letter from my father giving his terms and blessings for this union to take place. If you would like to see it?" "I would." Steffon handed the letter to Daemon so he could hand it over to Aenar, he saw as he grabbed it that it was still sealed with the rearing Stag of Baratheon.
They all watched in anticipation as Lord Aenar read the letter thoroughly and at a certain point saw one of his brow lift. Aenar fold the letter as he finished reading the contents. His voice hard.
"Your father demands much, though not unexpected, the dowry is already the same. He does not wish to ask for more?" "My father is content with the dowry; the rest is not material, save a few things, as you know. But he wishes it all the same."
Daemon was curious now as to what they were talking about and as his father handed him the letter he knew why. The dowry was substantial, ten thousand gold Dragons for his sister! The prince was substantial, but why so much? Sure, his sister would be marrying a future Lord Paramount, but in the same vein Daemons house was just as high. But the rest of the letter was agreements for the two Great Houses, twenty percent of our yearly crop intake in exchange for timber, iron for steel, and five warships. Warships? What use was war ships to them when their lands were upstream from open water. Daemon shook his head as he read the last item. Mutual agreement to defend and fight for each other in the event of war. Now that was interesting. It was common courtesy to fight and go to war in the event of a house one's family married into went to war. But this wasn't common courtesy, this was a written agreement that if House Blackfyre or Baratheon went to war, by the laws of the land and under the sight of the gods, the other house MUST go to war as well.
Daemon looked up wide-eyed, the surprise of this letter clear on his face. "This is for true?" Steffon nodded his head. He shifted his eyes to his father, waiting for his response as he continued looking at Steffon with narrowed eyes. Finally, he spoke.
"On behalf of House Blackfyre, I give my blessings to this marriage and agree to Lord Baratheons… demands as you say.
Daemon heard a gasp as his sister practically jumped out of her chair and hugged their father. "Thank you, Father! Thank you!" Daemon could not help but smile at his sister's excitement. Truth be told, he was excited himself, one of his best friends, a brother he chose was going to be his goodbrother. Finally.
Steffon walked over to Aenar, as he raised from his chair. They shook hands to formalize the agreement. "Just because you're officially going to be married to my daughter, doesn't mean you can do as you like with her now. You better behave yourself; I will be watching." "I wouldn't dream of dishonoring you daughter in such a way my lord, be assured of that." His father grunted in acknowledgement.
Steffon, Rhaenyra and Lady Brienne had made their way out of the meeting chambers, former two talking so excitingly about where they should have their marriage, Blackmont to honor Rhaenyra or Storm's End for Steffon.
Daemon stay seated as he swirled his cup of wine around. He could feel his father's eyes burning a hole in the side of his head. With a drink from his cup he said, "Ser Malon, leave us."
The obedient knight left the room with a thud as the door closed.
They sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity before his father broke it. "Out with it boy."
Daemon set his cup down on the table with a dull thud, he put his hands on the armrests of the chair. "Why do you forsake me father? Why? You come here after so many years of not seeing me. And all you tell me is that you hope knighthood has not gone to my head!? Not even a 'its good to see my son you look well' or a 'I am proud of you and what you do for our house'! Nothing! All I have done is for you and our House! To honor you!"
"Are you such a child that you need coddling boy! You need me to raise your pride and fulfill some childish need! You are a man you might as well act like it!" "NO! I will not let this fall to the side I will not let you evade this subject! You will tell me why, by the gods you will tell me, or I will end our houses reputation!
Aenar rose in anger. "You are a child! You will ruin our house over some petty little feud in your head. I will have none of this!" He made his way to leave the chamber his hard footfalls and cane echoing off the stone walls.
Daemon jumped out of his chair with a yell. "Why do you HATE me so father!"
Daemon saw him stop at the door, his hand reaching out to open it when it fell to his side. It was silent save for Daemon's heavy breathing; he brought a hand to his face to wipe away angry tears. It was a rough voice filled with pain that spoke.
"I do not hate you, my son. I do not!" He turned around with his words and Daemon could see pain in his eyes. "You are just a painful reminder of what I do not have any longer." Daemon gulped down the lump in his throat. "What do you mean? Why am I a painful reminder to you?" it was then it clicked in mind, his mother.
"Mother?" Aenar collapsed in the chair closest to him. "Yes. Your mother."
"Do you remember much of when she died?" "I remember her being very sick and then she was gone so suddenly." His father's eyes seemed to grow heavier. "You remarked the other day, in the Great Hall, that you sister looks so much like your mother. But you're wrong, Rhaenyra has her eyes, yes. But she takes after me and our family." He took a deep breath. "You take after her, so much sometimes it pains me to even look at you for all I see is her. But you are not her, no, I will never have her back."
Daemon did not know what to say to that, for the longest time he always thought Rhaenyra looked like their mother, not him. His father continued speaking. "You were only six name days when she died, I remember the day clearly in my mind. You see, there are things you do not know Daemon, things that I have keep close to chest and only few people know. Things I think it is time for you to know."
Daemon took a seat in the chair next to his father and leaned toward him. "What things? What are you keeping from me?" His father looked up anger rising in his eyes. "Your mother was not sick. No, that day we had gone riding around the Rush, she always loved riding, used to tell stories about her and her brothers riding around Driftmark when they were young. She was the picture of health, joyful and full of life. I had duties to attend for the rest of the day, but she had told me that she would be awaiting me in our chambers and that she had a gift she would like me to have."
Daemon wrinkled his nose at the thought, he had been given many gifts in his own chambers with Rhaenys, he dared not think about what this gift could've been. "Get your mind out of the piss water boy!" He shook his head and adopted a sheepish look. "Sorry father, continue."
Aenar settled into his chair. "It was later that night, I had finally come to our chambers and as I walked in, I saw her laying on the bed, she was shaking, like a leaf in the wind. I approached her, gods, the pain I saw in her eyes; her skin burning to the touch. I yelled for Malon to find Maester Rylond for him to come quick. We knew what it was, it was poison. Nothing could have worked faster. But by the time Maester Rylond arrived and given her whichever antidotes he had on him; it was too late. I held her in my arms when she stopped shaking, stopped breathing. She was gone. It was so fast and quick we didn't know what to think, all we knew was that she was dead and never coming back. We spread word that your mother was sick, so that the information never got out."
Daemon sat there as still as a statue. Poison? His mother was poisoned!? She was murdered! And for what! What purpose would it serve to poison a woman, an innocent woman!
"Why? Why would someone poison her! She was innocent she was the nicest most sincere person to walk Westeros!" His fathers face adopted a grim look. "Believe me boy, I have asked the same question a thousand thousands times. It was Ser Malon who noted something that night that began our investigations. A cup on the table filled with Tyroshi Rum, we had many drinks at Blackmont, Dornish Reds, Arbor Gold, and meads. Not Rum. Someone gave it to her, there was a small barrel in the room and after questioning the guards who were with her; confirmed she bought it off a traveling trader. Who was only at Golden Crossing for the day before departing."
Daemon was struggling to comprehend all this new information, his mother, murdered. And with some elaborate ploy too it seemed. A mysterious traveling trader only there for, not even a full day, sold only to his mother and then as quick as you like was gone in the wind the same day. This didn't add up to him. Why such an elaborate ploy just to poison his mother. Unless… his mother was not the main target for this plot. She was just supposed to be the carrier of the poison by bringing it back to the castle and serving the poisoned Rum to his father who was the actual target.
Daemon spoke with a calm voice. "She wasn't the one supposed to die from that Rum, it was supposed to be you."
Aenar nodded his head solemnly. "Yes. Yes, I came to the same conclusion as well. It's the only thing that makes sense. Her death did not serve a large purpose other than estranging you away."
Daemon got up from the chair and started pacing around slowly in deep thought. "You know who did this?"
His father raised one brow. "Only suspicion, but the make sense. There is some who are angered by our mere presence. They have always objected to us, sought to get rid of us, have tried every avenue they could to discredit us and drive us from our lands. Solely because we are an obstacle to their continued wealth.
It was then he seemed to have understood what his father was implying, but would they try something so risky. But they never did anything without a purpose and if their plan had succeeded then House Blackfyre would have been in ruin with only a six-name day old heir to rule. 'We would've been torn apart by vultures. And these people have proven to be cruel and use any and all means necessary to preserve their rule and wealth.
Daemon stared into his father's eyes; he could tell he was right.
"The Lannisters."
AN: Hello everyone and welcome back! I know this update is about two days late as I have said I will try to update every Friday if I can. This week was chaos for me with at work with two holidays this weekend so I just about had no time to do anything for much of this week. Regardless, I finally bring you a new chapter and I hope you all like some parts of it. I look forward to any comments you may have.
P.S. Let me know you anyone thinks to pace of this story is too slow as 3 of theses chapters happen only within a few days.
Force Smuggler: Thanks! It's one thing I always try to do is to make the interactions between all the characters somewhat real. Indeed it is not, it wouldn't be King's Landing if it was! lol
Eatpie1: Thanks it is something I was trying to imply to keep everyone on edge. Glad you like the Scene by scene, I feel like it makes for a better storytelling.
Guest: Glad you liked their time together and they will be having a lot of it too. Yes. I think its important for them to make other Lord Paramounts uneasy as having another powerful Family that they do not control would make them so. This part of them basically being in control of the southern part of the riverlands will be important especially when everything comes to a head. I made it this way as since Hoster is gravely ill Edmure does not have to capacity (imo) to keep control of everyone which is where House Blackfyre comes in. Have no doubt, their influence will not stop at the Stoney Sept. This much is true about the Tyrells, not a lot still protest their rule of the Reach but I feel the other lords of the Reach smell weakness from the Tyrell, it could create a power struggle.
Glad you like Daemon and Rhaenys' interactions, I think it was a good point to make that they are very much in-love with each other and are quite risky with their actions. Haha I don' think it is a bad thing and they thought has crossed my mind, but who knows what they future holds.
Guest: The future is uncertain. ;)