Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire or Game of Thrones. Everything belongs to George R.R Martin.

Chapter XXV - Negotiations and Offers

Daeron POV

As the feast continued, Xaro was showing me the history of Qarth. I admit I was not fascinated as they boasted about not being part of Valyria. That made me annoyed, anyone who insults Valyria will always annoy me for some reason. Perhaps it is the Targaryen and Dornish pride in my veins.

"So, Qarth does have a monarchy," I noted when Xaro told me that only the Thirteen rules and they have to be descended from the Kings of Qarth.

"Only those descended from the Thirteen are," Xaro agreed. "But I am the first outsider to be one of the Thirteen. In time the Pureborns will have to mingle with others outside their city. Doesn't Westeros have such a practice?"

"There is a King who rules, and the Hand, who is the second most powerful person in the Realm. Afterward comes the Small Council with seven positions that rotate based on the King's choice or maybe their talents. The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Master of Coin, Master of Laws, Master of Whisperers, Master of Ships, and the Grand Maester." I thought back to my grandfather's reign and the lessons Ser Willem gave.

Ser Willem Darry wanted me to be educated, since I was expected to be King one day. My grandfather went through many Hands over his years, his longest being Tywin Lannister who betrayed him and sacked Kings Landing after the Battle of the Tridents. His last Hand was Wisdom Roosart, a pyromancer for the Alchemist Guild, murdered by Ser Jaime Lannister. Master of Coin was Lord Qarlton Chelsted, Master of Laws Symond Staunton, Master of ships was Lucerys Velaryon, and the Lord Commander was Ser Gerold Hightower.

I remember Ser Gerold and great uncle Lewyn when checking on the knights during my protection. However, according to Ser Willem Darry, Ser Gerold Hightower and Ser Arthur Dayne along with Ser Oswell Whent were in the Tower of Joy for some reason, according Ser Willem, my father's mistress Lyanna Stark was there. It made me furious the thought of these three Kingsguards were protecting my father's mistress instead of his true wife, my mother. Uncle Lewyn was forced to the Battle of Trident and was killed by Ser Lyn Corbay and Ser Barristan was spared. The thought of Ser Arthur Dayne made me puke, House Dayne are the most loyal houses to House Martell, my mother's family. Why was the Sword of Morning in Dorne, where my mother was a Princess there, but instead Arthur Dayne was protecting my father's mistress who had the audacity to hide in Dorne.

There were two masters I remember clearly, two who are still serving the Usurper, Grand Maester Pycelle and Varys. Grand Maester Pycelle based on Ser Willem accounts was the one who convinced Father to let the Lannister armies into Kings Landing. As for Varys…he was different, not from Westeros. A Eunuch person said, but I recall him being bald and talking in riddles. Still, Varys is the Master of Whisperers, and his spies are everywhere. Grandfather was basically betrayed by his own men. If I were to return to Westeros, I would make sure no one is a traitor. Ensuring that the Realm comes first before their previous loyalties.

Currently, from what Ser Jorah told me, during the travels of the Dothraki Sea, he was aware that Grand Maester Pycelle and Varys are still in the Small Council. Lord Jon Arryn is Hand of the King, Master of Law was Renly Baratheon, the Usurper's brother, the same with Stannis Baratheon as Master of Ships. Master of Coin is a man who made his upbringing from the Fingers name Petyr Baelish, who partakes in prostitution. As for the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard…Ser Barristan Selmy. One of my protectors, and one of my father's good friends.

He has served my family since Aegon the Fifth…I cannot blame him since he is bound by his duties as a brother of the Kingsguard. I cannot blame any of them technically, yet it still hurts me knowing that Ser Barristan served the Usurper. Renly Baratheon was only 7 during the rebellion, four years older than me. Stannis was just following his brother, however I will not forget the fact that he would've killed us if Ser Willem didn't smuggle us out. Petyr Baelish, I didn't know him, but I assume he was probably sworn to one of the Lords. Varys served the realm only, but he sent assassinators after me. Xaro seemed interested in Westeros's version of a government. Even though it's an absolute monarchy, there is still a council and Wardens and Masters holding their position of power.

Daenerys was intrigued by these talks, mainly listening. Some of Xaro's guests who sat near us asked more questions. Like who are the Great Houses, what does one need to do to be a knight or lord? I tried my best to answer, but I did not receive a full extension of an education. Let alone, the politics could've changed in Robert Baratheon's reign.

"So, Your Grace, what do you want?" Xaro asked.

"To cross the Narrow Sea and conquer the Seven Kingdoms." I said immediately.

"Why?" Xaro asked curiously.

"Because my father, mother, siblings were killed by the people who are currently on the Iron Throne, I wanted to avenge them." I answered. "Why do you ask?"

"Come with me." Xaro said as I followed him. We reached towards a massive circular door. It was made of metal and gems, forged in intricate designs of the Qartheen culture. Center appeared to be a lotus flower. Xaro unsheathed his sword and started slashing at it. Each impact created sparks, yet there was no sign of damage. Not even a scratch.

"The door and the vault are made of Valyrian stone," he said, he slashed again. "The hardest steel does not make a mark. I offered the greatest locksmith in Qarth their weight in gold if they could break into it. I made the same offer to the greatest thieves. They all went home empty-handed. The only thing that can open this door is this key."

As he held his medallion. I placed my palm on the door, touching Valyrian stone that came from my ancestor's native homeland, "And behind the door?"

Xaro chuckled.

"All of this can be mine?" I asked bewildered.

"All? Let us say half," he murmured. I raised a brow as he continued. "More than enough to buy horses, ships, armies— enough to go home."

"What is the price?" I demanded.

"There are two choices. One, your sister marries me." Xaro said. I clenched on the cup of my wine and I decided to say something else.

"Forgive me, but my sister is a widow now, she still needs to have time to mourn." I said and Xaro nodded understanbly. But he gave me chills, why did he ask to marry my sister.

"I've already married once for love, but the Gods stole her from me," Xaro said. "I come from nothing. My mother and father never owned a pair of shoes. But if your sister marries me, I will give you the Seven Kingdoms."

"And what's the second choice?" I demanded.

"I have a cousin, she is your age, and is beautiful." Xaro smiled. "If you wed her, then your children with her will become Princes and Princesses."

I took a deep breath, glancing at the vault, a tempting offer.

"See? I have more ambition than you thought," he murmured. "The time is right, Daeron Targaryen, Third of your name. Robert Baratheon is dead."

My eyes widened and I looked at Xaro. The man who killed my father was dead. The man who took grandfather's throne was dead. Xaro continued to explain that it is chaos in Westeros. That the Kingdom is being ruled by Joffrey Baratheon, who is rumored to be a bastard child between Cersei Lannister and Jaime Lannister. It may sound hypocrite because my father was a product of incest, but my parents were married, besides my mother was of Dorne, not my father's sister. My grandparents were Valyrian which makes sense. The High Septon allowed House Targaryen to retain some of its traditions. Like the Rhoynish, IronBorn and Northerners.

According to Xaro, the Usurper and Cersei Lannister had no legitimate children apart. The Lannister army was at war with the Starks because Joffrey cut off Ned Stark's head. Meanwhile, Renly Baratheon and Stannis Baratheon are fighting against each other for their claim on the Iron Throne. All believing birthright has no part in the position of ruling a kingdom. My only regret was that I didn't kill Robert Baratheon. My family may have wronged the Usurper, but his family wronged mine even more, mother, father, grandfather, uncle Lewyn, Rhaenys and Aegon are dead because of the Usurper and his filthy dogs.

"Think about it, your grace," Xaro said. I stood there comprehending everything.

Daenerys found me, "What is it?"

"Xaro offered me armies, horses, and ships, in exchange for a betrothal between his kin and me," I answered, deciding not to mention Daenerys and Xaro's betrothal.

"Really?" Daenerys said surprised. "Why so soon?"

"Because there is war in Westeros," I explained. I was surprised that she wasn't furious by this, so I decided to tell her what is happening in the Seven Kingdoms as we speak. I was overwhelmed by all this, unsure of what to do. I needed another opinion, so I searched for Ser Jorah, needing his advice.

oOoOo

What was supposed to be a simple conversation, became a heated argument between Daenerys and Ser Jorah. Daenerys found this to be our opportunity to go home. I didn't tell her about the offer of Xaro to Daenerys, instead I told her and Ser Jorah about Xaro willingly marrying his kin to me. Daenerys wanted me to accept, but Ser Jorah says it's not the honorable method.

Currently, marriage is the question. I am unmarried and have no children, in need of an heir. There is a kingdom at war, similar to the Blackfyre rebellion where people think they have a claim. I leaned against the table, observing and listening to Daenerys and Ser Jorah's council.

"If you cross the sea with an army you bought –" Ser Jorah started.

"The Seven Kingdoms are at war with one another," Daenerys interrupted. "Four false kings destroying the country."

"To win Westeros, you need support from Westeros," Ser Jorah advised. "It would not be wise for the King to wed someone who is not from Westeros. The King has to wed a daughter of a Great House."

"The usurper is dead," Daenerys reminded. "The Starks fight the Lannisters, and the Baratheons fight each other."

"According to your new friend?" Jorah asked.

Daenerys walked over to me, "Daeron, the time to strike is now. We need to find ships and an army, or we'll spend the rest of our lives rotting away at the edge of the world."

"Rich men do not become rich by giving more than they get," Jorah countered. "They'll give you ships and soldiers. If your brother marries some foreign kin of that man, then he would be forever indebted to him. Besides, don't lose hope. The Martells will join you both, you both aren't just Rhaegar's children, but also Elia's. Dorne wants vengeance for loosing their princess"

Daenerys pulled back realizing Ser Jorah had a point. Xaro Xhoan Daxos is asking for his own kin and me to marry. The same as Viserys marrying Daenerys to Khal Drogo for an army. Xaro is someone who I only met for a day, meanwhile his unknown kin, I don't know anything about her. The only thing I know about Xaro is that he came from nothing and became one of the Thirteen richest men in Qarth. Let alone, I don't want to marry someone who I don't know yet.

"Moving carefully is the hard way, but it's the right way," Jorah said.

"And if we'd listened to that advice outside the gates of Qarth, we'd all be dead by now," Daenerys countered.

"Leave us," I told Daenerys.

"Daeron," she spoke.

"I heard your side, and I'll take it into consideration," I told her. It's clear she wants the most accessible way of returning to Westeros. One that can assure ships, armies, and weapons. Unlike the Dothraki where people decide to go to war and collect slaves. It may sound selfish to me, but I was reluctant to marry Xaro's unknown kin, a complete stranger.

"I know the opportunity before you seems like the last you'll ever have, but you must be patient," he said.

"I know, but it is so much," I confessed. "I know that if I take the Seven Kingdoms, I have to marry a daughter of a Great House. Such as a Tyrell, heck even a daughter of one of the Usurper's dogs would be good."

"I only want –"

"What do you want?" I snapped grabbing the hilt of my dagger. "Tell me."

"To see you on the Iron Throne," he answered.

"Why?" I asked. "I didn't bring the dragons back, Daenerys did. What is so special about me?"

"You have a good claim. A title. A birthright." He answered as he came over standing before me. "But you have something more than that. You're smart and also have the right potential. Like your great-great-grandfather, Aegon V."

"So, what would you have me do as my advisor?" I asked. I know Jorah was infatuated with Daenerys, I've seen the look on his eyes, but Ser Jorah was old enough to be Daenerys' father and he was older then our father.

"And experience with war." He scratched his face, "Make your own way. Find your own ship. You only need one. The allies we need are in Westeros, not Qarth. "

"And how do we get this ship?" I asked.

"I'll find it for you." He answered. "A good ship with a good captain."

I took a deep breath and looked at him, "I look forward to meeting him."

Ser Jorah bowed, "My King."

I walked over to the table getting Elianna out of his cage. The gold dragon yawned as he climbed out and onto my shoulder. I sat on the bed comprehending what was happening. Elianna sensed my distress as he curled up to my form nuzzling.

Xaro Xhoan Daxos has offered his kin to marry me in order to fund my campaign to take back the Iron Throne. Daenerys wants to accept. Ser Jorah has feelings for Daenerys and wants me to take the honorable path. The Usurper Robert Baratheon is dead, and war is happening in Westeros. Then there wasthe House of Undying and now dragons are back.

oOoOo

Sunspear

"Doran! This is our chance now!" Oberyn said with glee after hearing how his nephew and niece have dragons. "We have been waiting for this, dragons are back, your spies in Qarth have confirmed it. And besides, the Seven Kingdoms are at war with each other."

"We have to be patient, Oberyn." Doran said, if it weren't his gout, he would probably be jumping up and down with glee. "Westeros is at war, under normal circumstances, we could rise for Daeron, but he and Daenerys only have three baby dragons. And besides, Tyrion Lannister has written to me. He asks for Myrcella's hand with Trystane."

"The youngest son." Oberyn said. "Trystane will never inherit Dorne with Arianne and Quentyn in line before him, and you can't say we are allying with the Lannisters."

Doran's eyes turned cold and Oberyn rebuked himself for overstepping his boundaries, Doran then hissed, "I will never ally with the Lannisters for what they did to Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon. Especially since Daeron and Daenerys are alive, one day we will raise armies for our nephew and niece. For now, we would have to keep our enemies close to us. Dorne has no allies for now."

"And you will allow Trystane to marry the Usurper's daughter? The granddaughter of the man who ordered our sister and her children's death?" Obeyn asked with rage.

"Of course not, when the time comes, Myrcella would become a hostage." Doran said with a smirk.

"And when the time comes, we kill Myrcella?" Oberyn asked, concerned.

"We do not hurt little girls in Dorne, Oberyn." Doran chided. "But she will be a hostage, one to trade with priosners of war."

"And what about Daeron, what about our nephew? Will he hurt Myrcella?" Oberyn challenged. Doran remained quiet, for so long he had longed to see his nephew Daeron and niece Daenerys. The last time he saw Daeron was a few days before that bastard Rhaegar kidnapped Lady Lyanna. He has never seen Daenerys before and longed to see her for so long, he didn't know Daenerys, but she is as good as her daughter as Arianne and the Sand Snakes were.

However, exiles could be brutal, the Targaryens and Dornish are proud people, Daeron and Daenerys are both Targaryen and Dornish. Exile could change a people, if Daeron and Daenerys had any traits of Elia in them, they would never hurt Myrcella, however the same blood of Aerys II runs in their veins. Doran later shaken out of his thoughts, ashamed, how could he ever compare Elia's children with Aerys. Dorne is loyal to Princess Elia's children. Dorne only recognizes one King but the King of the Seven Kingdoms who's name is a Targaryen.

"He is Elia's son." Doran said.

"And what of Trystane?" Oberyn challenged. "Will you allow him to fall in love with Tywin Lannister's granddaughter? No Martells will ever marry people with Lannister blood as long as I am breathing."

"Aye." Doran said. "No Martells will ever will. I will inform Trystane about our plans."

Oberyn was shocked, after all, for many years, Doran and Oberyn had keep this secret, none of their children knows. Doran said, "I know Trystane is the youngest, but I need him to know that he could never fall in love with Myrcella. It will prepare him."