Daemon IV
It was a breezy and cool day that Daemon found himself sitting at a table from, in his opinion, the most beautiful woman alive, Princess Rhaenys. And he would demand a duel of honor for any man to say different. They were in the royal gardens within the Red Keep, looking out over all of Blackwater Bay. They had a platter of biscuits and fruit laying between them and two cups of Arbor Gold. Her hair was let down today in a simple but elegant way, with two bangs of hair framing her face and the rest flowing gently down her back. She was dressed in the style of court here in King's Landing instead of the usual thin and revealing dresses of Sunspear that she usual favored. Not that he minded either way. He did love to see her dressed in those thin layered dressed that barely leaved anything for the imagination. But he also loved the stylish and intricate dresses that the ladies of court wore. It made her look very regal, Queen-ish you could say.
"I know this was last minute, but I was dreadfully bored Daemon! I tried to find something to do with my cousins but all they wanted to do was spar in the training yard. And before you say anything! I know I could've gone as well and improved my own skills, but I do enough of that already! And my uncle is always saying that ladies should know how to defend and protect themselves, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it today- "
She was rambling on he knew, she did this often when she was bored or complaining about people being boring. It was something that he found endearing about her. He could sit here and listen to her voice and hear her talk for ages, and he knew he wouldn't get bored of it. She was restless and the pressure of her approaching name-day tourney was coming fast. It was ever on her mind. And she seemed anxious about it, but he could not for the life of him figure out why it caused her to be so.
"-en I asked Dany but she was too preoccupied with Aemon and her damn Eggs! Yes, they are very pretty, and they are very mysterious but their petrified and dead there's not much they can do." At this she put her face in her hands and gave a big sigh.
"Wait. What is she doing with her eggs with Aemon?" Daemon gave her a confused look. She looked at him, half a biscuit in her mouth. "They're reading old dusty tomes about dragon eggs and the lost knowledge of hatching them. You know she goes through this phase about twice a year." She put the biscuit down and intertwined her fingers under her chin with a calculating look.
"You don't believe her, do you? That she thinks those eggs could bring back the dragons? If you ask me, I think that the ability of hatching dragons is gone forever, how long has it been since a Targaryen hatched one. You know, Aegon V tried bringing them back and look at how well that went, Summerhall was destroyed, and he died. It is folly.
It was a good question. Did he believe Dany and her dreams of dragons, and did he think like Rhaenys and believe that dreams like those were folly and wishful thinking? His little brother, Aerion, used to tell him about his dreams of being a dragon and flying in his letters and the few times he was able to see him. But he always thought it was just the dreams of a blissful childhood. Afterall, he used to dream of being a king atop a throne of stone.
"I think that's your Dornish blood talking Rhae." She looked at him sharply and was about to open her mouth. "It's not an insult Rhae, I'm just saying, you spent a lot of time in Dorne with your uncles and cousins. And the Dornish detested dragons. I mean they killed Queen Rhaenys and Meraxes and Daeron I died there too."
She still looked properly pissed at his words and it looked like she was ready to fight him. "Looked, I meant was that I understand if you don't believe if dragons could ever exist again with the people who you've had around you your entire life. That's it."
She was looking at him with narrowed eyes and spoke in a tight voice. "You still didn't say if you think its possible." Daemon sighed knowing she wouldn't be happy unless he told her his thoughts.
"I don't know Rhaenys, I mean, we are Dragons! Its in our blood! My ancestor was the son of a bastard, but he was still a dragon from Targaryen blood and my mother a Velaryon who came from Valyria just as the Targaryen's. A little part of me still holds on to the fact that what once was, will come again." Daemon looked at her in the eyes, smoldering black against vibrant violet.
"You touched the eggs too? Didn't you feel anything because I did. It was like touching stone after the sun fades away." She didn't answer him, instead looking away and out toward the Bay, watching the ships coming and going.
They sat in silence for what seemed like eternity before she spoke to him again.
"How are things between you and your father? I know you've been spending a lot more time together." He looked down on the table knowing their previous conversation was over. He wasn't done with it but knew not to press the issue.
"We are okay I suppose. He has been teaching me a lot about my official duties as his Heir, giving me the run down about our crop production… among other things." She looked back toward him with a curious look on her face.
"What… other things?" "You know I can't tell you that Rhaenys, it's private family business." She pouted cutely at his words.
"Well, its good that you are both being amicable toward each other, at the very least." "I suppose it is, I know I am grateful for finally being treated like the heir I am."
Daemon took a gulp of wine before continuing. "By the way, you know about Rhaenyra and Steffon by now I hope?" Her eyes lit up like an explosion of Wildfire. "Yes! By the seven I am so excited and happy for them! I know they had an audience with father about their engagement and he proposed that they could have the ceremony at the Sept of Baelor if they wished it so. Gods I hope they do! Can you imagine it Daemon, it will be so beautiful!" He laughed softly at her excitement. "I can imagine it, mayhaps one day our ceremony will be there."
At his words, her smile dropped. But she recovered quickly with a small, shaky smile and he could see nervousness enter her features. Something was wrong, he could tell, her reaction was not what he was expecting, it was almost as if… "Rhae-" He spoke softly as if talking to a skittish horse. "Is there something wrong? Is there something you want to tell me?"
She looked down before looking back up to meet his eyes. "No! Of course not, it's just… I did not expect you to say that!" She laughed hollowly and then sat up straighter and gave a smirk. "Besides, if you want to marry me, you're either going to have to get permission from my father or kidnap me and we'll run away together to Essos!"
Before he was able to get a chance to reply to her, they were interrupted by a servant. "Pardon me, My Princess, My Lord, but I come bearing a letter from Her Grace the Queen." The servant held out a small serving tray upon which a small letter laid.
Rhaenys grabbed the letter from him and as Daemon watched the servant walk away, she spoke. "It bears the broken seal of House Tully on it. Mother must have sent it along to me, but why?" He saw her unravel the letter, he could see her eyebrow come together in concentration, an act he could not help but love as it made her look so adorable.
"How interesting! Gods, I never would have seen it coming!" Daemon's curiosity overtook him. "What does it say?" She handed him the letter and as he began reading it, she spoke as he read, and he could not help but feel the trepidation crawl up his spine.
"Lord Edmure Tully has wed Cerenna Lannister apparently, whoever would have guessed that to happen. Lord Tywin must've gone mad if he married off his wife's niece. What would her marring Edmure give him?"
Too much. Was Daemon's first thought. His second thought was that he needs to go see his father immediately if he did not know about this development. Having his wife's' niece marrying Edmure gave Tywin the Riverlands essentially, no matter the feelings almost every house has towards to Lannisters. And if the reports his father had on Edmure were true, in the event of conflict, Edmure would be too cowardly not to call his banners for the Lannister's lest they face Tywin's wrath.
He got up abruptly from his chair and walked around the table to kiss Rhaenys on the cheek. "I'm sorry Rhae, but I have to go see my father right now. It is important." She got up as well, a frown on her face. "Fine. But you owe me Daemon because we are not finished with our luncheon!"
"Of course, My Princess! Next time will be my idea!
Daemon was practically gliding up the stairway taking the steps two at a time to quickly find his father; he was not in his quarters or the chamber he used as his temporary solar. But he was told by one of the servants that he was in the Tower of the Hand meeting with the Hand of the King, Ser Richard Lonmouth. So that's were Daemon currently found himself, within the Hand's Tower running up too many stairs to count. He finally exited the stairwell and found himself in the corridor of the Hand's Solar. And it was full of people. He easily recognized the members of the King's Guard directly beside and across from the entry way of the Hand's Solar. Daemon froze at the sight of it all and quickly backtracked to hide back around the hallway.
It appeared his father was not the only one with the Lord Hand, Daemon mused. It was at that moment he smelled it, the smell of perfume entered his nostrils and then a voice he would never mistake.
"If this is the way you spy, you'll have to do a better job than that little Dragon." The voice was high, but masculine, but he knew who it belonged to. One of the only people that actually scared Daemon, and not because he would do something as obvious as killing you, but because he knew everything about everyone. It seemed as if he was some omnipotent being who knew all, the Stranger in physical form. The Spider.
Daemon pushed away from the wall to look at him directly, his voice calm. "Lord Varys! You caught me unawares, I was not aware I shared this hall with you."
Varys gave a little giggle at that, and it unnerved him. "Indeed, My Lord, I had not mean to find you here, you see, I was just on my way to a meeting with His Grace and the Lord Hand. And your father as well." Varys gave him a quick glance over. "It is intriguing how fast you were able to discover this meeting, especially as you were with the Princess for luncheon, were you not?"
Daemon stiffed at that but did not let himself feel intimidated. "I was indeed with the Princess; she was ever so bored you see. So, she sought out my company and who am I to deny a Princess anything."
Varys simpered. "Of course, you are not one to deny Princess Rhaenys anything she asks or wants from you. It is very considerate of you, indeed." Daemon felt a cold chill go up his back at the Spider's words. And he forced himself to stay calm.
"We are all loyal subjects, are we not?" "Very much so." Varys moved closer to Daemon. "I was very pleased to hear about your actions this past week in Fishmonger's Square. Defending an innocent young woman from the abuse of the Gold Cloaks is very admirable. So many of the Realms knights forgot themselves to their vows to protect the innocent, women, and children. I am gladdened to see you take it so seriously." Varys was giving him a calculating look. Which in Daemon's mind was not a good thing, having the Spider know about oneself opened them up to be exposed.
Daemon took on a serious face. "Of course, her abuse at the Gold Cloaks' hand was not something I was going to let be. Especially since it was all over counterfeit currency." It was at this the Varys' face took a small surprise. "Very curious, the woman was knowingly using fake currency?" "Not knowingly, no. After I put a stop to the Watchs' actions and hearing the fishmongers' accusations I tested the Stags and find them to be malleable, not true silver. The woman, Kyra is her name, told me that her employer at one of the local dyer shops was the one who gave them the counterfeits."
Varys rubbed his chin with one of his hands he freed from his sleeves. "A curious thing this is. Have you looked further into this Ser Daemon?" He shook his head. "I have not I'm afraid, with Lord Steffon and my family's arrival, this whole matter went to the back of my mind." "I will help you in this endevour, I will have some of my little birds keep an eye out for this dyer."
Daemon looked at him a little suspiciously but quickly shook it off. "I would be grateful for your help Lord Varys." Daemon watched as he put his hands back in his sleeves. "Think nothing of it." Varys went to walk toward the corridor where his father was, and Daemon quickly went to catch up with him. Without even looking at him Varys spoke to him as they walked. "Ser Daemon the Kind-Hearted!" Varys giggled and Daemon had the decency to blush at his words. "Not a title that would involve fear into your enemies, is it?" "I dare say it's not." "Nonetheless, to be a knight so young as you and to already have a title, it is quite the accomplishment. I hear the smallfolk in the city still talk about your good deeds." The stop mere feet away from where the Kingsguards stood in vigil. "You have endeared yourself to them Daemon, your actions give you trust from the smallfolk, do not use it lightly." "You don't have to worry about that Lord Varys, I don't intend to."
Varys gave him a critical look. "See that you don't, there are not many people who champion for the smallfolk or the Realm at large. I will be watching your career with great interest." Daemon did not know whether to be scared shitless at the thought of Varys watching him so closely now or to be proud that someone acknowledge his actions. So, in the end he took the comment in silence.
Lord Varys approached Ser Gerold who stood in front of the doorway. "I am here at the request of His Grace." Daemon for his part was looking at Ser Oswell and noted he looked particularly serious at the moment. Mayhaps this too was about the Tully wedding?
As Lord Varys was about to enter, he turned around and looked at Daemon with a smile. "Are you coming or not little Dragon?" Daemon froze and looked around at the assembled knights, none gave any indication that they were either going to encourage him or stop him. So, Daemon went. And as Varys and he both entered the solar, the door closed with a loud thud.
He took a look around the room, King Rhaegar was seated in the Lord Hand's chair looking very tired. Lord Richard was leaning against the door to the solar balcony, a wine goblet in his hand. There was also Lord Jon Connington leaning against the Hands table next to the king and sitting in a chair off to the side was Prince Oberyn Martell, whose presence surprised Daemon as he knew his daughters were present but not himself. Lastly was his father, seated in a cushioned chair, hands gripping his cane twirled it in hand. Daemon could feel all their eyes on Varys and himself as they entered. He could see his fathers' eyes ignited with a fire as he looked at him and he felt like child about to be scolded. 'No! I will not be intimidated' Daemon straighten his back and raised his head as they looked on.
"About time you showed up Varys, we were beginning to think you got lose." "I'm afraid I ran into a good friend as I was coming- "He turned to look at Daemon. "And we had the most productive discussion." It was his father who spoke next. "What do you think you're doing here boy; I don't believe we summoned you? Unless you want to take over as spymaster?" His father was challenging him, he could tell. Ever since their heated discussion about his father's role in estranging him and subsequently his mothers apparent murder, he had not called him boy. Not willing to backdown from his father again.
"Oh, I Don't think I'd make half as great of a spymaster as Lord Varys here though I could certainly try, it's not really my style." Oberyn gave a deep chuckle at his words. "Actually, I came to look for you father. I did not find you in your quarters or personal solar, so I came here instead, after hearing you were here." "It is of no consequence if Daemon is here or not. In fact, I think it is all the better he is. Afterall, your health is not getting better old friend, and he will need to know how to take over for you." It was Rhaegar who spoke, rubbing his temples and, he turned his head to look at Daemon and motioned for him to take a seat. Daemon walked over to the empty chair by his father.
Lord Jon cleared his throat and handed Varys a small message, from Daemon's point of view, he could not see whose seal was broken. Varys, for his part, barely looked at the message that was handed to him when Richard spoke, "You already know then?" "As it happens my Lord Hand, I was presently on my way to deliver the news to His Grace myself when I received his summons." He giggled. "It appears your birds are faster than mine now!" Daemon found himself confused at what they were talking about when he whispered to his father. "What are they talking about?" "Be silent and you will find out!" his father whispered furiously. Daemon sat back in his chair with a frustrated grunt. 'Gods I'd hit this old man if I wouldn't get flogged for it'.
"It is curious that Lord Balon would find himself dead just as the Tully's announce the marriage of Edmure to Cerenna Lannister." Daemon's eyes nearing bulged out of his head at the news and he could not help his outburst. "Lord Balon Greyjoy is dead!?" Oberyn laughed loudly "It would appear so. I agree with Lord Varys, it is too much of a coincidence that the old Squid is dead at the same time this marriage is announced. I do not trust the Lannister's."
Aenar grunted. "Only a fool would trust those mangy Lions!" Rhaegar rolled his eyes. "We are all aware of your distrust toward them Aenar. But what are we to do about it?" "You could've let me raze Clegane Keep to the ground. I know those fucking brigands are The Mountain and his lot. They have been setting fire and salting the fields near the tributary at the foothills."
Rhaegar sighed. "Mayhaps you should stop encroaching on Westerlands territory and there wouldn't be problem?" Daemon spoke up. "Our house was given the rights to those lands along the Blackwater Rush, from headwaters to mouth, that land rightly belongs to us, as dictated by King Daeron II!" He could see his father look at him then turn and smirk at Rhaegar, and Daemon could not help but feel pride flow through his chest. "I couldn't say it better myself! You know Rhaegar, that The Mountain and his lackeys have been causing trouble in our lands for over ten years now, we've multiple sightings of him! And yet nothing! No pursuant of justice"
Rhaegar sat up in his chair. "And I have told you multiple times as well, that sightings and words of the smallfolk is not enough to summon him without raising issue with Tywin." "Fuck Tywin Lannister!"
Daemon could hear Oberyn laughing loudly, Lord Jon had his hand holding his head. It was Richard who tried to deescalate the situation. "My Lord Aenar, we are getting off topic here. Yes, we are aware of the issues you bring. But we must get back to the matter at hand here. Balon is dead, the Iron Islands do not follow the same rules we have here. We should be worrying about someone other than Balon's oldest son assuming lordship of the Iron Islands."
"Why" Richard froze and looked toward Jon. "Pardon?" Jon walked into the center of the room. "Why worry about Balon's brother arriving. The Laws are clear that Lord Rodrik will inherit the Lordship, be damned to the Ironborn way of life, they are not kings anymore and they must follow our laws."
Richard nodded his head. "Normally I would agree with you, but as we received word that Victarion Greyjoy was seen sailing toward the Iron Islands a moon ago, this changes things. Victarion could claim the Lordship himself igniting a power struggle over there." Not to mention that if Victarion did become lord, the Lannisters could shower him with gold in order to bring him and the Iron Islands to their side. But Daemon thought it best not to mention that aloud.
A moment of silence grew after Richards words. Everyone look contemplative about how to proceed, a thought went through Daemons' mind 'Why don't we just send an assassin?' but he quickly banished the thought from his mind. Then Prince Oberyn spoke his mind as he slouched in his chair. "Why don't we just poison anyone who would try to stop this squid Rodik… Rodrik… it matters not, just poison any who protest and puppet them." Jon Connington looked at him in disbelief. "That is an inane suggestion! If it were to be found out that we ordered the murder of someone, it would damage Targaryen reputation for years!" Oberyn shrugged.
"Targaryen reputation has already been damaged for years! The Mad King saw to that." Oberyn look at Rhaegar. "No offence Your Grace."
Daemon pursed his lips as his father spoke. "It wouldn't matter either way, Rodrik is a Greyjoy, through and through. I have heard that he has little love from the Greyjoy vassals. Apparently even among Ironborn he's considered low. But all Ironborn are scum at any rate, so what's it matter whose in charge. We should follow the law of the land and ensure Rodrik becomes Lord of the Iron Islands, lest we set a dangerous precedent in the Realm about matters succession."
Daemon could not find fault with his father's statement. If the Crown was seen to back a second son or a brother to the last lord instead of the actual heir. It could create some huge problems among the Lords of Westeros.
"The Crown should issue a statement to all the Houses in the Kingdoms, assuring Rodrik that he has the Crowns approval and support as he takes up the mantle of Lord." Jon spoke with confidence as he looked toward the King. Richard voice his agreement and Varys nodded his head. "It would be best to go along with what Lord Connington has advised Your Grace. It is best for the Realm if theses matters are in accordance with the Laws."
Daemon could hear his father grumble under his breath. "Gods be damned, the Griffin speaks true for once. This statement is the best we can do for now." Rhaegar sat in the chair looking around at each lord in contemplative silence. "Prince Oberyn?" Oberyn shrugged. "It is not very exciting, but it should do fine I suppose." Finally, Rhaegar turned his attention toward Daemon. "And you, Ser Daemon?" Daemon looked at the King in surprise. "Do not look so surprise little Dragon, you've been quite vocal since coming here. Do you agree with this course of action?"
Daemon stopped to think for a moment. Did he agree? He was not so sure. But put on the spot outside of his own violation. Sure, the laws are true, deemed so by the Gods, but why did he now feel trepidation by agreeing to such. What if they make the wrong decision, what if Rodrik Greyjoy is unfit to be Lord and someone else would be better off being the Lord. But what if by ensuring Rodrik become Lord his people resent the Crown's backing and a power struggle does ensue. But going against the Gods and the Laws was a risky move, one Daemon was not sure he would win alone. He did not think this action was for the good of the Realm.
Daemon met the Kings gaze with steady eyes. "I suppose, at this current moment. It is in the Crown's best interest to make this statement of support." He saw Rhaegar narrow his eyes a little, but he nodded. "Very well, Richard, draft a letter for the support of Rodrik Greyjoy. We will convene on the morrow at the Small Council meeting where we will put it to a vote with the rest of the member. Thank you all for your input. It has been a long day and I find myself late for dinner with my wife."
Everyone made to leave the room, with Lord Varys being among the first to do so. He saw his father approach Richard and could hear him say, "Might I have the room to speak with my son privately for a moment Lord Hand." "Of course, Aenar, take all the time you need."
Daemon stayed seated in his chair waiting and struggling not to toy with the embroidering of the chair in anxiousness. As everyone finally left the solar and the door shut, his father walked toward him, his cane striking the floor with each step.
"You came to see me about Edmures' wedding, yes?" "Yes, I did father. After our discussion about the Lannisters, I thought it prudent that you would want to discuss this matter."
Aenar gave out a "Hmph" and then Daemon could see the frustration on his face. "Damn the Lannister's to the Seven Hells for this! I did not predict this actions from them. Of course, I knew the young trout was a bachelor, but I would've assumed him to marry a daughter of a vassal to secure more support." Daemon bit his lip in contemplation when a thought came to his mind. "Wouldn't this be better in the long term though father? With Lord Edmure marrying Lady Cerenna, this gives certain riverlords pause, mayhaps, even doubts over the Tully's ability to maintain control over the Riverlands. If they see this as a sign of weakness, it will make our position all the better." His father nodded along with his words. "Indeed, our family has slowly been providing a second means of protection for the Riverlords since Blackmont was constructed. Many of the Riverlords detest the Lannister's and for what they stand for."
Daemon tilted his head. "So, this marriage is in our favor then? In the long term."
His father gave a devious smirk. "Yes, yes it does. I received this letter not three days ago, it seems the Tully's were slow in sending ravens out to announce the marriage." His father handed him the letter; the broken seal he saw bore black ravens on a field of red surrounding a white weirwood on a field of black. The sigil of House Blackwood. On it was just a few sentences, but what the words they bore were significant.
'House Blackwood stands with the Black Dragon of the Rush, our support is yours, our bows are yours however you deem them. The Red Stallion stands with the Fish.'
Daemon looked up at his father's face, set in a neutral expression now. He was at a loss of words at the letter. His father just usurped a vassal of House Tully to theirs, a Great House, nonetheless.
"This… I don't… this is huge father! How was this possible." "Simple really, spend some time with the Lord, drink with him, speak ill of the Brackens and wait for the damn Fish to make a fool of themselves!" His father went to leave the room. "I was wroth that you planted yourself here today, I wanted to scold you to the seven hells for overstepping your boundaries, too much like your mother you are." He turned his head to look at him right before he left. "But you did well today in front of the King and his advisors. Well done. Good thing you have your mother in you, lest you made a mockery of our House."
AN: Welcome back to another chapter! As always, if you like the story or a part of this chapter leave a review and tell me how it was/how I'm doing. Thanks for reading!
Force Smuggler: Glad you liked their interactions together! Yes, those damn Lannister's are always up to something.
Eatpie1: Glad you liked it!
Guestfyre: Glad to see you liked their interactions! Yeah, he's been a pretty terrible dad hopefully he will be able to make it up.
Time will have to tell about that. Yes, I always felt that Edmure was a weak ruler and that he would be hard-pressed to keep control of all his vassals. Especially with House Blackfyre offering essentially another option for anyone willing to declare for them. Absolutely, you will be seeing some of these Great Houses and their interactions with House Blackfyre more and more as the story progressing, but which ones actually end up on their side... well, we will see.
Now that would be an interesting twist in the story for sure!
Lol, I do see a lot of people asking about Daemon practically becoming another Aegon the Conqueror with his two wives. Only time will tell if that happens!
Jason (Guest): Yes! We currently hate Aenar, but he will get his shot to be better (If he's not a bastard about with it). We shall see on that part lol.