Welcome to chapter 4 of Return of the Black Dread. I want to point out that while I was finishing up the previous chapter that I had literally been awake for easily 24+ hours just writing on random things and decided to finish my waking moments typing out the last bit of chapter three and I noticed that some of you pointed out some of my minor mistakes and so I apologize for those. I intend on rectifying those later when I have the time, but it's going to be a bit before that happens as you all know due to me having to leave for a whole month where I can't write anything for you. Anyways I won't bother wasting anymore of your time and will simply jump into the chapter, enjoy.
Naruto sat at his council table. His eyes darted from the remaining people in the room. The new Measter from what he sensed only wanted the best for the realm, so he would stay for the time being. The man who was bald and called himself the Master of Whispers was seemingly loyal to him, strange but he'd accept it until he proved to be otherwise. Ned Stark, his current Hand, was definitely indifferent about who sat on the throne, but he could sense a bit of unease in him; but for what reason he could only guess. The two Baratheon's were all kinds of emotional messes at the moment.
From what Balerion had told him, they were not only brothers, but they were also Robert's brothers. If he had to guess, they would do something that would earn his ire, but were currently staying their hands until he made a move. He would ensure that they knew their positions were held only due to their brother and if they so much as stepped a single hair out of line that House Baratheon would pay in blood for going against him. He didn't care anymore. These noble houses thought that the crown owed them something-such days were done, and he wouldn't let the corrupt grow in power while those who needed the help suffered further.
With the former Master of Coin out of power due to his incapability to manage to financial issues of the crown, he was in dire need of somebody who knew how to use gold at a increasing amount, and suffice to say he knew of only one House in the entirety of Westeros that knew financial management; House Lannister. Naruto snapped his fingers, "Tyrion, you know how to properly manage your gold yes?" he asked.
The Imp of the Lannister's hummed as he gave an iffy hand motion to him, "I would say I know how to better spend gold than save it, but yes, Money issues aren't really that big a deal for me to deal with. May I ask why your Grace?" he asked.
Naruto nodded, "Seeing as you are the only member here from the one house who knows how to manage gold more than any other, I have decided that only a member of your house could take the position I am about to offer you." Naruto said as he looked at the dwarf, "I have decided, if you are willing, to offer you the position of Master of Coin. For now I will have financial masters who know how to understand the ledgers of the former master of coin, discern anything of valuable information and give it to you. You will find the hidden caches of the former holder of said position and return it to the crown. While you're at it, look into ways to increase the economy of King's Landing. With the fact that the crown is a damaging six million dragon's in debt, I highly doubt Baelish intended for anyone other than himself to sit on my throne without a plan to pull the crown out of its red debt. I leave those dealings to you until otherwise." he said to the imp.
Tyrion gulped nervously, "I-I accept this position with honor your grace." he said in mild surprise.
Naruto sighed deeply and looked to the younger Baratheon Brothers, "Master of ships and Master of laws, tell me what you intend to do while I sit on the throne? Do you plan on rebelling against me or will you stand by your king? If you should rebel, then you should know this, I will burn your House down to the last man. I will not have everything I built four centuries ago crumble apart simply because your brother died and was a former king who got upset and threw a temper tantrum due to him loving another woman who became intimate with another man. Before you get mad at my words, just understand that that is how I see the situation of the rebellion your brother caused when he went against House Targaryen and I mean no offense to you or or kin." he spoke calmly
Renly snorted, "I don't care who's on the throne. As long as it's not that spoiled bastard of Cersei or any of her children or Seven forbid Cersei herself sitting on the throne. You treat me right, I'll stand by you, cause me no trouble you'll live." he spoke honestly.
Visenya couldn't help but mutter, "At least he was honest about it." to herself.
Stannis sighed. He knew he was beaten, "Your Grace, I will admit openly that the prospect of rebelling against you and your house was engraved in my mind. Robert may have been King, and I the rightful heir thanks to Cersei's machinations with her brother, but I cannot in good conscience or faith go against a man who single handedly brought the entirety of the Seven Kingdoms together on his own with an army of dragons. I cannot willingly endanger my kin with the rage of an army of dragon's coming against them. I bend the knee and swear allegiance to the crown." he said bowing his head.
Naruto nodded, "Well that settles the compliance issues, but we will get back to the hidden issues our two Houses have with one another at a later time." he said nodding his head before looking to Ned, "What about you Stark, where do your loyalties lie?" he questioned.
"I swore an oath to protect the realm as the Hand to the King, my house need not be involved with these problems. If I cannot solve them on my own with the position I have, then I will defer to either the other members of the small council or to you yourself mi-lord." Ned spoke calmly, causing Naruto to nod. He could understand Ned's desire to remain neutral at a time like this.
"So, what order of business should we take care of first?" Naruto asked. He had his hands collapsed in front of his face and he turned his gaze to each of the men at his table. He was curious to see what they would do.
It was surprisingly Stannis that brought up the first issue, "Baelish. I say we will execute him soon. With all the mishappenings going on as of these past few days, there is no telling what the man may try to accomplish while you sit on the throne." he spoke up.
Naruto shook his head, "No, not yet. I want him alive rather than dead at the moment, but fear not, I have a plan on how to take care of him." he said before looking to Visenya, "My love, go bring me his tongue. Wouldn't want his most valuable asset at the moment to be lost." he spoke smirking as he watched Visenya saunter away, her hips swaying in a motion that she knew excited him greatly.
Damn, what a woman. It was a miracle she hadn't sired any children with him yet.
Naruto then turned his gaze to Rhaenys, "Check on the men, have them begin hunting for food to feed the citizens of the city. From what I could sense through Balerion, many of them are starved and need the meat for their families. Do whatever it is you must but feed them for the time being. No more than thirty riders out hunting at a time, we can't leave the city without some form of defense from possible raiders to the former Queen's ambitions." he spoke before palming her rear and smacking it.
Nice and tight, the way he knew she would remain for quite some time.
Was he being a bit perverse right now; yes. Did he give a damn; hell no.
Naruto looked at Ned and sighed, "Ned, while some of my dragon riders begin gathering food, I need the men who have skills that can be taught to gather at the base of the keep. It's time we put them to use, and starving them is only going to cause problems later on. This city is a cesspool of decay and I will not allow it any longer. Masons, builders, blacksmiths, I want anyone with viable skills brought in. It is time that we flush the stench that Robert allowed to accumulate over his time as king out of the city. It's not only bad for the people, it's bad in general due to the fact that it drives the dignitaries out with a bad impression on the ruling members of the kingdom."
Ned hummed in thought, "Uh, what about bakers and such, they are important too, yes?" he asked.
Naruto sighed. Was this man really that incompetent? Naruto turned and growled, "I said, EVERYONE who had a viable skill, not just the masons and builders. All of them, this includes the bakers, butchers, and city guards as well. All of them. I will send out a message as well, that the new king needs them to start doing their jobs or else they face my wrath." he nodded, "It should motivate them to come by and hear what I have to say to them."
Naruto then turned to the new Master, "Grand-master, what knowledge does the crown have on the biological members of House Baratheon and House Lannister?" he asked.
Master Samwell hummed, "I would assume all current data on the houses of all seven kingdoms your grace. As I said, I am still coming into my station as the Grand-master. But, if need be I can immediately look into those traits as you desire, for what purpose may I ask why you bring this topic up here rather than in private?"
Naruto snorted, "I don't need to worry about what others think of what I have planned for as I am in fact not afraid of what the former Queen has planned out. The fact that Cersei Lannister is willing to commit incest while married to a king with her own twin brother who at the time was a Kingsguard does in fact infuriate me more than mere words can describe. The sheer greed the woman had in order for her to commit her crimes is enough for me to look into these matters deeply. When you have all the information regarding the two Houses, send what you find and send it to all houses including the Lannister's. Then include the crimes committed from what her former lover has confessed in front of each of you. Also, inform the current Lord of House Lannister that a proper punishment is in fact pending and he has no say in what comes of it. I do not care if he is a man under my rule, he has no say in what happens while members of his house try to ruin my kingdom and dynasty." Naruto stated, "Get to it, you don't have much time as I give you the remainder of the day to make your discoveries and send your ravens." he commanded before Master Samwell quickly rushed out of the room.
Naruto looked at Varys, "Varys, tell me, are there any outlying things that need to be brought to my attention at the moment? Players of this little game of thrones the noble houses are so infatuated with, people of interest that need to be put down or brought into the fold. I want anything of value, major or not." he stated.
"Two members of your house, Ladies Rhaella and Daenerys Targaryen have acquired a ship to bring them to the ruins of Dragonstone to hide out for the time being, but from what I have gathered, the remaining members of your house have started a small reconstruction project to return the ruins to their glory. One Gregor Clegane who is known as the Mountain that Rides has gone a bit crazy due to Tywin Lannister allowing him an incredible amount of leeway to do as he pleases. Also, it seems that the House Greyjoy members have decided to stop sitting around and have mounted a substantial army to begin raiding the North while everything here was taking place. There are minor discrepancies, but these are the major issues for the time being. Another minor matter is that there is a Red Priestess from Essos who is trying rather hard to convert members of House Baratheon to her country's religion of The Lord of the Light, and I don't like what she does in order to please her Lord. Burning people and blessed totems of the Seven themselves as sacrificial offerings to please this God of Fire as my little birds describe this Lord to be. Another matter is as you well know that the former Master of Coins' hidden affair with Lady Arryn of the Vale who sired his bastard son and hid the secret. Then there is House Bolton becoming more and more disturbingly rowdy as of late, i would suggest removing them from the fold entirely my lord, and then you have to replenish the low numbers of men stationed at the Wall due to the number of Wildling attacks coming more and more frequently." he spoke out to his king and recalling anything that might be of value.
Naruto nodded, "I'll send riders out to meet them and bring them in. Then I have to make plans on countering the mad Kraken and Bolton houses. When that is finished, I will deal with the other issues the crown has currently." Naruto said before clapping his hands, "That concludes this meeting. Get to your jobs and whatnot, I have things I need to do in the meantime. Ned, I expect the men who have the skills we discussed to meet up at the base of the Keep as commanded, but for now you're dismissed." he said before standing up.
It was at this moment Visenya walked back in, a small lump of flesh in her hand where he nodded his head, "I was joking about his tongue, but I guess it doesn't hurt to do it in advance." he stated before looking to Visenya, "Come to our chambers, we have things to discuss with one another that can't be ignored." he said into her ear.
"What's the matter?" she questioned, "Is there something wrong?"
Naruto shook his head, "What I have to say cannot be discussed in an open room, the walls have ears and the windows might have eyes." He told her before he looked at Balerion, "Fly around the city, ensure that nothing gets out of hand and no fighting occurs. If it does, put a stop to it." he commanded. With a nod to Visenya he ushered her out of the chamber and walked out of the council room and towards the front of the castle, however he was stopped when a guard came running up to him, "What's the matter this time?" he demanded.
"Former Queen Cersei Lannister has fled the Red Keep, she's taken her eldest and abandoned her other children. She appears to be heading to Lannisport to more than likely spread rumor of your supposed treachery against her house." the guard huffed.
Naruto nodded his head, "I will ensure that she doesn't get her wish. Send a message to the dragon riders, capture her, and bring her back. Make sure she and her brat of a son are alive. I want them brought into the throne room and held at sword point when they arrive where I am immediately summoned. I will not allow her treachery to continue." he growled.
"Sir, they are hours ahead, and it only takes a day's ride on horseback to reach Lannisport." the knight said.
"Dragon's are not inhibited by roads like a horse or by tree's like game. They can fly for hours easily and catch up with that woman and her vile spawn. It'll be simple and effective." he said as he brushed past the guard and out of the castle to see a large gathering of men before the steps. Nodding his head Naruto looked at the large crowd that was continuing to grow before he used a small spell to amplify his voice, "I know that many of you only know of me through tales told around a fire or table, but let me assure you that some of those tales are just that-tales told around the fire. I will not lie, I have done a lot of terrible deeds in my short life, but I have also come to believe that I have done just as much good. What I called you here for, is to set up working spots for those indeed of work. Masons will help teach their craft to those willing to learn. Blacksmiths will increase the size of their wares as well as their shops by combining other blacksmith shops near the center of the market so competitive sellers can work together to increase profit through helping craft weapons and armor respectively and training apprentices who desire the knowledge. Bakers, you will be given an increased stipend to enlarge your shops so you can offer more to your customers. Anyone else falling under different categories will speak to my new Hand, Ned Stark, to come to agreements depending on your profession." Naruto stated before looking to the guards of the city, "As for the city watch, I hereby create four groups for the city watch. This allows for a more broad spectrum of watch and lightens the load on the high commander. Sub-commanders will watch over the small area's but the high commander is still in charge of the overall operations to the guards. I leave their appointment to you to divide the sections of the watch up to you. That is all for now, Sorry if our discussions are short, I have many things to attend for the time being." he said before running back inside, well he walked really but you get the idea.
He couldn't help but sigh as he walked up the stairs to the throne and plopped down for a moment. He still had to talk with Visenya, he had to meet up with the two missing Targaryens of the common era, and he had to deal with that pig of an oaf named Baelish before he could pull anything that might hinder his new progress in running the kingdom.
Naruto snapped his fingers, "Assemble the court. I have things to discuss. Also, bring out Peter Baelish and Jaime Lannister from their cells. Also, bring me some wine so I can alleviate my damn nerves." he said, shaking his head. Quickly taking a cup that was brought out, Naruto downed it before walking off, it'd be a minute until everything was prepared for what he had to do.
~XxX-King's Chamber's; a little bit later-XxX~
Naruto opened his door and saw his lovely Visenya sitting on the bed, "I know it may seem like a social call, but at the moment I need to speak with you in silence, put up a barrier." he said lowly before Visenya said a word in Valyrian where the walls shimmered a light blue, "I know you have questions but wait until I finish speaking." he pleaded and got a nod, "Have the rider's bring out the dragon eggs, set them in the plaza of the Dragonstone castle ruins, it's time we increase our number of riders through our remaining allies. I do not trust the Lannisters nor the Vale knights as much as I need to, and it's all because a greedy woman and a corrupt master of coin can't stop plotting against the crown. The riders will not be able to catch up with the two escaped Lannisters in time, they are a full day behind and it will be too late to bring them here. It's why I am about to send a message to the houses Lannister and to Baelish's few remaining friends in low places. For now, focus on gathering the eggs in the plaza, and greet our missing family members Rhaella and Daenerys when they arrive. I will be there later, I promise." he said, kissing her on the lips before releasing her, "Go, we don't have much time. And we need to prepare for a war that may end this world." he said desperately, hoping nothing happened while he was conducting his business.
(King's Landing-Red Keep-Throne Room)
Naruto sat on the Iron Throne. Before him was the court of Lords and Ladies he had to address in the near future before dealing with important matters with the Small Council. Among them were the City Watch, and Kingsguard all there to keep the peace. Among those in the room of curious importance was Sansa Stark, who sat with her handmaidens. Naruto glanced over at the Stark girl, and gave a polite smile and nod. Sansa had returned it, but still remained on guard against a possible enemy pretending to be a friend. It was no real surprise given how Naruto and all his followers were a complete wild card even at the current moment of time.
All were silent when Naruto had walked into the throne room and continued to be silent after he sat down while looking at everyone in the process with strong conviction filled eyes. Standing beside him was Tyrion Lannister on his right, his Sellsword-Bronn was standing the steps, and to the left of the King was Varys a little off to the wayside. The Master of Whispers looked as calm as ever while watching everyone and everything in the room.
"I grow tired of these politics you men and women of noble blood play among each other. You all seemed to have forgotten that it was by my house and our might that united the kingdoms under a solitary banner. Without my house or dragon's the chaos of the seven kingdoms would be unfounded and many more wars would be waged among the various kings and queens. However, I find myself disappointed in how people seem to think they can simply do whatever it is they wish whenever they think nobody watches them. Bring in the criminals!" commanded Naruto while two men opened the door and several City Watch members with Sandor Clegane leading them into the room.
Namely Jaime Lannister the former Goldcloak and Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish of the Vale.
Many gasped and whispered at the sight of both men. Jaime was a well known warrior, so the sight of him missing a hand and ear was a major shock to all those present. Littlefinger wasn't even the main focus as the Lannister took the spotlight, "Jaime of House Lannister and Petyr Baelish of the Vale. You two have been charged and found guilty of treason against the crown, my family, and myself. Petyr Baelish, you are charged with the crimes of betraying and conspiring to murder the Hand of the King Jon Arryn as well as betraying the near murder of Hand of the King Ned Stark. You are also charged with conspiring to bankrupt the crown, extortion, and conspiracy to commit murder on those of Highborn to lowborn descent. Anything to say before I decide your fate, former Master of Coin?" said Naruto while Petyr just glared at him for a long moment.
The man was lucky he had healed him and returned his tongue so he could speak with the magic of dragons to aid him, otherwise he'd simply just cut off his head and be done with the man. It wasn't a surprise that Petyr was here being judged for his crimes. He did try to escape during the meeting of smallfolk after all. It was a desperate and arguably stupid move on his part given his previous conversation with Naruto basically revealed any escape would result in the former Master of Coin being the most wanted man in Westeros.
But Petyr Baelish was anything if not determined. All he needed was one of his secret chests filled with gold dug up and make his way to Essos. With his wit, charm, and skill in manipulating events to his liking, Petyr could forge a new position of power there. He would live the life of wealth once more and start up his brothels there and make several hundred times more profit there then he did in King's Landing.
Essos thrived on brothels, prostitutes, whores, and pleasure slaves.
Unfortunately, his plan to trick the guards into entering the cell after faking an illness had backfired after he knocked them both down after stabbing them both with a small wooden spike he made from the leg of a nearby footstool he broke it off of. Given his weak body stature, he was only able to injure the two guards. After injuring the guards, Petyr had quickly rushed out of his room to escape the Black Cells in the hopes of making it for one of the secret passageways that the infamous Red Keep was rumored to possess. But during his rush to find an escape route out of King's Landing, Petyr Baelish had been caught by several other guards, who were instructed by the guard commander to stay at their post no matter what, and as a result he was given a heavy beating for his actions before he was thrown back into another cell.
After Naruto had decided enough was enough, he simply decided to just put the man down...after revealing Petyr's crimes publicly so no one would dare or be able to rally to the man's defense.
"I regret nothing. I'm glad I betrayed Jon Arryn and Ned Stark. Honorable fools, who had what they did not deserve nor love like I did. They saw power in their positions as Hand of the King and feared to use it like I would. One has the woman I love and does not truly love her as I do or else the bastard Ned Stark sired would already be dead. If I could do it all over again, I would without hesitation. And I say the same with my other actions. I am an ambitious man. It was the same for my Father and his Father's Father before him. We wanted more for ourselves and each generation vowed to have more than our predecessor until we reached the top. The only way to do it was to cut down our opposition, no matter who it was that stood in our way. It didn't matter if it was some lowborn peasant begging for coins, the Hand of the King, or even the King himself. My only one true regret in life outside of being unable to marry my love Catelyn Tully, is not being able to do the thing I desired in killing her husband Ned Stark, and with the very dagger I put right to his throat when I betrayed him here in this very room!" exclaimed Petyr Baelish while many gasped at his words and beliefs.
"You bastard! My Mother trusted you! She once called you a friend. She loved you like a brother. You aren't worthy of anyone's love! Much less hers!" exclaimed Sansa suddenly and standing up while Petyr glanced at her from his kneeling position to see the girl was crying with angry eyes filled with hate in them.
"If you are trying to make me feel any regret for my actions Lady Sansa, you are doing so unsuccessfully on your part. As I said, my only regret is not being able to simply kill Ned Stark myself," said Petyr while grinning slightly, but it left when a cold chilling presence was now directed toward him by the King.
"And my only regret is not making your death a more violent one. But unlike you Petyr Baelish, I am not someone who derives pleasure through the suffering of others. Ser Bronn, take his head off. The sight of it attached to his body is making me nauseous just looking at it," said Naruto coldly, with Petyr being pinned down while Bronn drew his sword.
"You call yourself a King? You call yourself Naruto Aegon Targaryen the Conqueror of Westeros? At least Ned Stark would have taken my head personally after giving me the sentence of death. Same with your predecessor. If you were half of those men, you would do it yourself! Right here! Right now!" exclaimed Petyr angrily at him.
"Stop!" commanded Naruto with the Bronn just about ready to take his head.
"Sire, you don't have to rise to his baiting. You don't have to do the deed yourself like he claims," offered Tyrion while Naruto got off of the Iron Throne crossed his arms in thought as he heard Balerion's deep growl from behind him, his lazy gaze at the human doing nothing to scare him.
"No. I don't have to do it. But that doesn't mean the pompous fool isn't correct. I called for his head, yes that is true, and if I was any kind of King, I would carry out the sentence with my own hand. Only...," said Naruto before looking at Blackfyre in thought and patting it gently as he palmed it.
"Lost your nerve already, your Grace?" asked Petyr mockingly, with Naruto shaking his head.
"No. I just felt it was too merciful to slay you with such a beautiful sword crafted by my hand. Your blood is not worthy of staining my weapon. I have something else in mind. Something far more painful." Naruto said before turning to his dragon, "Live consumption by dragon. " the king declared, causing many to gawk from the sheer audacity. It had been outlawed around eighty years after Balerion II perished in battle that the convicted could choose the dragon devouring the convict, or take a chance living at the wall. Naturally people tended to choose the wall unless given no other option. Naruto smiled as he nodded in satisfaction, "Yes a worthy punishment for such a snake in the grass. You see, the digestion process for a dragon easily lasts days, the flesh being slowly dissolved by the acidic compounds of the beast's belly. A human can only survive for up to four days without consuming any water you see, up to a month without proper nutrition to sustain the body, and a full year without sleep before the body succumbs to eternal slumber." Naruto said loudly,
"You wouldn't dare, not to someone of my standing!" Baelish demanded.
However, Naruto liked to think himself to be an honest man, "Balerion!" commanded Naruto with everyone gasping and Petyr Baelish going pale in the face. The dragon rose up to overshadow the entire room and leaned in to gaze at the now trembling Littlefinger, "Any last words, pig?" Naruto demanded.
"Please, your Grace. Spare my life. Show mercy. I can be of use to you. I promise on my love for Catelyn Stark that I will be an honest man and Master of Coin," pleaded Petyr since it was only now he realized just the ramification of things while Naruto's eyes just went extremely cold and angry.
It was clear Petyr had provoked Naruto in an attempt to make the man look like a heartless monster if Naruto killed him in front of others. He thought his words would provoke the King in the hopes his own advisors, namely the Imp, and the Spider would convince him of an alternative punishment to that of execution. That death was not good enough for him and Naruto would eventually agree. Maybe command Petyr to take the Black, which the former Master of Coin would "reluctantly, but humbly accept", but in truth, he would later on escape during the transfer to the Wall, and make for Essos on a ship he could somehow acquire using his talents.
Only for it to backfire and the snake was now begging for his life mere moments before its end.
"It was your love for Ned Stark's wife that set things in motion to have her husband nearly killed by you and your associates in order to put two Houses against each other in a violent war. Do you think I would trust a snake like you with a second chance at managing my kingdom's finances? Someone, who would have betrayed everyone for his own personal ambitions? I would sooner shake the hand of a White Walker and embrace one in friendship over sparing your miserable traitorous life Littlefinger!" exclaimed Naruto with rage in his eyes.
Without any verbal command, Naruto looked at the two guards behind Petyr and pointed to him before pointing to the dragon. The guards quickly obeyed and forced the former Master of Coin's face to the ground with a sharp blow to his head causing him to cry out before they stepped back and allowed Balerion to move in for his kill. Naturally, the man quickly recovered and somehow managed an attempt to resist, but the strength of the blow delivered by the men who once were holding him was too much, and all Petyr could do was look up from his angle on the ground to stare up at Balerion's smoking nostrils as he looked down on him.
With a loud cry of terror, Balerion swallowed the human's terror with a roar as he slammed his face down into the ground and ate not just Petyr Baelish, but the floor up to four feet beneath him in a single bite.
Being eaten alive by a dragon, not a way any man would want to go.
'Something tells me Lyssa Arryn of the Vale will not take this lying down,' thought Tyrion while he glanced at Varys, who was thinking the same thing.
Neither had any love for Petyr Baelish. They both knew the man was a snake from the moment they both met him. Varys knew the man was trouble the moment Petyr became the Master of Coin and slowly began to bankrupt the crown piece by piece over the years with his ways of manipulating the financial system. Sadly, while Varys knew how to do many things, the understanding of complex math, and using numbers to make complex math was not one of them. As much as the Spider disliked the Master of Coin, he could not remove Petyr from his position since it would make things even worse for the realm. In fact, Varys wasn't sure this means of removing the former Master of Coin was a smart move on Naruto's part since it would make relations with the Vale strained, and the fact the financial books Petyr wrote in still had to be deciphered. Still, any nation would hold off a war due to the fact that the current king commanded an army of dragons.
Still, given Petyr Baelish was more trouble alive over just being dead, it didn't really matter to the Spider all that much.
"Now, Jaime of House Lannister, my predecessor's brother-in-law. Former Heir to Castelry Rock and former Kingsguard. I charge you with Treason against the crown, Kinslaying, Bloodline Theft, The illegal Practice of Incest with the success of siring three bastard children with your twin sister Cersei due to you having three children and siring a child born of madness among other crimes which include but are not limited to; commitment of Regicide of not just one of your former kings but two. The plot of overthrowing the current ruling body and attempted subjugation of House Targaryen and the remaining dragon's. Do you have anything to say in your defense against these charges I just named?" said Naruto while Jaime was looking at the King's dragon nervously before looking at the man himself.
"I won't make a defense against what I did. I just wanted what I felt was mine. I have no lies or ways to get myself out of this when I already have confessed. The world knows the truth, and I cannot hide the fact I have done what I have in the shadows any longer. I won't regret what I did, nor will I take the Black for my crimes. I accept what has to be done and will only say this to you...do your duty as King. Rule better than Robert could have ever hoped to rule. Be better than all of us, who serve or served the crown" said Jaime, as he saw Naruto nodding with a look of respect in his eyes.
"Things would have been different, Lannister, if you had simply confessed after the first time. You chose the wrong side and the wrong path. I do not hate you for it, but I cannot agree with it either. Part of me wishes you would take the black, if only to live, and maybe visit your aging father every so often. But you have broken so many laws that even the Wall is too good for you and since you have refused it openly, I will put you to death for your crimes," said Naruto with Jaime nodding in acceptance.
"You know your duty as man, as a warrior, and as the King of the Seven Kingdoms when called upon to do what must be done. Good. My only request to you now, is that I meet my end with your sword instead of the dragon like Littlefinger did. It would dishonor your house and the great beast if my life were ended by him." said Jaime with Naruto nodding.
"I agree," said Naruto grimly before drawing Blackfyre out from its sheath.
"I have one final request. Protect my daughter Myrcella and son Tommen. They are the only good thing in my life I have left even with the fact I know I am about to die. I do not want them to die so young," said Jaime with Naruto nodding.
"You have my word Jaime Lannister as King of the Seven Kingdoms that no harm shall befall your children while I rule as King. Give my regards to the Gods on the other side," said Naruto with Jaime nodding and bowing his head.
"I'm ready, send me on my way to the Stranger." whispered Jaime and closed his eyes to accept his end without fear of what awaited him on the other side.
Naruto was quick to bring his sword down on the man's head. It was a clean cut and a quick death. You could tell that he had died feeling very little pain in his execution. It still didn't make Naruto feel any better, but it had to be done, and in front of everyone here to show his resolve as King of the Seven Kingdoms. He had to show everyone in this room, who would tell everyone else outside of said room, that King Naruto was a man with conviction, and would not allow anyone to stop him from doing his duty as King.
"Now that this issue regarding the fate of those two criminals has been properly resolved, I will now ask that all of you return to your normal duties, Ned you and your family please stay so we can talk. Once the body and the blood have been removed of course," said Naruto with a small chuckle, leaving the mouths of some people at the joke while the requests to clean were being taken care of by several servants.
~XxX-After Everything Was Cleaned Up-XxX~
Naruto looked to his Hand, his daughters and sighed deeply as he contemplated his next move with this house. He had to make sure that if he did this, they would remain loyal to the crown he established and not break away, for if they did after he proceeded with this plan, then who knew what would happen. He planned to allow Tyrion such a gift, but he was the sole exception at the moment outside of the Starks before him. Clearing his throat, "Ned Stark, as my Hand and advisor, I commend you for your actions in protecting the crown against the former prince Joffery Waters and his mother the former Queen Cersei Lannister Baratheon from performing their coupe d'etat to try and destroy the fragile peace that covers my kingdom at the moment. As such I want to have your word that what I'm about to bestow upon you and your immediate family and not try to do anything against the crown in the future or far future after we are long dead and gone from this world." Naruto stated calmly with a look of concentration on his face.
Ned looked to Arya and Sansa and they shyly nodded their heads, "Well, I guess it would depend Sire, on what you plan on bestowing upon me and my immediate family." he stated.
"I will not lie to you, Ned Stark. This is the first time a Royal House outside of the Targaryens that has had the nobility and honor in nearly a thousand years to raise dragons. So, will you and your immediate family accept this gift from me and mine?" he asked, perfectly calm.
Ned and the girls were anything but calm. Hell the world should have been surprised that the girls weren't jumping in joy at the fact that their house would now bear the responsibility of being called Dragon Lords and Dragon Riders much like the King's own family. Ned gulped heavily but shakily nodded, "Your majesty, it would be my House's honor, to accept this gift you offer." he declared.
"Good, because I would have given you them anyway with a spell added on to ensure your house stayed loyal to the crown. I know there is you and your daughters as well as a wife, but I need to know of anyone else in your immediate family to ensure that all of you are privileged with a dragon." he said.
"I have three sons, my lord. Robb whom I have left in charge of Winterfell while I attended to Robert as his Hand during his final days as King, which now fall to you as you are my king now. I have a younger son named Bran, he was crippled by being pushed off a tower back home, he may never be able to walk again as I doubt even with your powerful magic abilities could heal him, and I have a toddler son named Rickon. He is three years sire." he said truthfully.
"So,that is seven eggs I must hatch for my Hand and his immediate family, very well then. As house Targaryen and Blackfyre have once again merged and each of the riders have a dragon, there is no need to hatch anymore for our own desires. But I reward Loyalty with a price and a gift. My gift to you and your house is the dragons I will command to be hatched, the price is that these dragons be used by none other than the Starks that ride upon them and remain loyal to the crown. Can you each accept that, or do I have to come up with means to keep you loyal to me?" he asked.
"No sire, we can keep loyal even without the need to resort to forceful measures." Ned stated.
"Let's pray for the future in case something along those lines happen." Naruto muttered before clearing his throat and speaking up, "We shall see, Ned Stark, we shall see. For now, come with me and we shall begin the process of granting you your dragons." Naruto said rising off his throne.
"Uh, not to sound disillusioned and all, but how exactly shall you hatch the dragon eggs, there hasn't been a dragon born in nearly two hundred years." Arya said with confusion clearly written onher face.
Naruto let out a chuckle, "While that may be the case for now, the secret to hatching a dragon's egg isn't forgotten to us who know how to perform the art. I fact it's pretty simplistic. Take the egg, lay it in a pile of coals. It would normally take about a month for the dragon inside to awaken and hatch if done this way, but the immediate way to hatch a dragon is to expose them to the one element they are born from, dragon fire." he said looking to his dragon with a small smile, "Balerion here was hatched by Elecomun, the silver dragon which we bested in battle just before we met with Robert and hatched a form of peace between the houses we commanded. As such, he is basically her adopted hatchling. In fact, she hatched every dragon that currently breathes even now. She was well into her thousands when she died so she's been through practically everything our house has endured. It's a shame that we have to resort to another dragon to birth them, but we all knew that a time where she wasn't around would arrive. We just hoped it wasn't in our lifetime when it happened." he sighed sadly over the deceased dragon in question.
"Well, you can't exactly hatch dragon eggs here in King's Landing, the people would freak over the flames that would be unleashed." Sansa stated.
"THis true, but you forget, Dragonstone was once a Dragon Nursery and rook before I destroyed it in my battle against House Blackfyre which led us to being brought to this current era." Naruto stated, "And the plaza of Dragonstone is where every dragon born before it's destruction occurred at. If it were in Valyria, it'd be in the Caves of Lacoma where the dragon's of the House resided, it was large enough to house hundreds if not thousands of dragons before the Doom ruined my homeland." he said reminiscing about Valyria.
Aryagiggled, "I don't know why we are just standing here talking, I wanna see my dragon born from fire already, come on!" she exclaimed happily. With that being said she grabbed Sansa's hand and rushed out of the room leaving her father and the King behind.
Ned waited til the laughter of his girls died out before looking to the king, "I left this bit out, but when Baelish mentioned me having a bastard, that being a man now named Jon Snow, it wasn't entirely a lie. See, when I neglected to mention him, it was due to the fact he was actually not my son. This is a secret I have kept to myself since he was a babe, but Jon isn't really my son, he isn't a bastard. He is named after your namesake. Naruto Targaryen. He is the son of the former Prince Rhaegal Targaryen and my sister Lyanna Stark from their marraige which they eloped in secret. I just never wanted to say anything with so many people around. Who knows what might have happened if the secret were to come out." he sighed heavily.
"And where is your nephew now?" Naruto asked.
"He was named my bastard after he was born, to keep the secret of his lineage and to ensure I kept the promise of keeping him safe for my sister on her deathbed. He took the Black around two weeks before your arrival." Ned stated.
Naruto shook his head, "Not anymore." he declared, "I know this may come to a shock for you, but I hereby declare that Jon Snow is now hereby legally Jon Stark of the noble House Stark. I wish to meet my distant kinsmen and bless him with a dragon of his own as well. Bring him here in a month's time to allow himself to get used to his freedoms again. There is more I desire and wish I can do when I meet him, but right now I believe there are some dragon's to hatch, yes?" Naruto asked.
Ned nodded with a small smile, "I believe you are right in that regard sir." he responded.
"Good, then let us make for Dragonstone. A new age of dragon riders is upon us." Naruto said.
XxX
Balerion's wings sounded like thunder when they flapped, as the black dragon soared over the sea. Arya was ecstatic at being able to claim she was able to ride Balerion. THE BALERION THE DREAD itself. As the isle of Dragonstone neared, the sight of dozens of dragon's swooping across the sky and encircling the island nearly took the three Starks' breath away. It was amazing, the beauty of seeing so many dragons of so many colors was indescribable with words.
Balerion's roar filled the air as they reached the cove, the dragon flying up over a wall and up to a large pile of ruins, the ruins of Dragonstone. The last place that could have birthed a dragon. Flapping his wings, a large dust cloud filled the air as the dragon planted his feet under him. Allowing his passengers off, Naruto walked forward to greet Visenya and Rhaenys who stood beside two women who held the Targaryen facial features, which immediately let him know that these two women were Rhaella the former Queen and her daughter Danearys Targaryen. Behind the two women was a large chest that was closed so he could only speculate at what it held inside of it. Naruto smiled and kissed Visenya and Rhaenys on their lips, "My lovely brides, how have things been here in Dragonstone?" he asked pleasantly.
"The reconstruction process is well underway. Dozens of rooms for future dragon riders have already been built, and the cavern that the dragon's would use to lay in have been cleaned up enough to allow them to rest whenever they wish. All that is left is the main castle itself and smaller commodities like the war room and farming lands that sustained the island back before its destruction." Rhaenys said smiling at Naruto with beautiful white teeth.
Naruto nodded in acceptance, "That's good to here." he said before looking to the two bystanders who looked at Balerion with awe filled eyes, "So, this mustbe Rhaella and her daughter yes? When did they arrive?" he asked.
"They arrived a week ago. We were still stripping Valyria of our culture when they came." Visenya answered.
Naruto nodded, "And the contents of the chest?" he asked.
"Dragon eggs, eight of them to be exact, from what Rhaella has told me in secret. Not even her daughter knows of the five hidden under the straw of her own three eggs. Apparently she had them from a young age as one was her fathers as well as her grandfather's dragon egg while the other was her mother and grandmother's eggs which she planned to originally gift to her children but was unable to due to Robert rebelling against the crown. She kept her and her husband's egg and hid away her three childrens dragon eggs to keep them safe. When her son started to show signs of madness, she was afraid he'd find them and do Seven only knows what with them. He tried stealing the three he had gifted to his sister, but was unable to due to the fact they left before he could do anything with them. And from what I heard, the Dhrotoki Lord wasn't too happy with her former son and the people they were being accommodated by and the horde tore the castle apart before burning it to the ground and killing all the men and taking the women." she said quietly.
Naruto hummed but accepted her words. Looking to the three Starks that had climbed off Balerion he motioned to Rhaenys, "Ned, you and your daughters shall join Rhaenys in selecting the eggs that I have decided to allow you and your family to hatch, but choose one and choose wisely. A dragon imprints on the first being it lays its eyes on, so there is no going back when the egg is hatched." he said and allowed them to walk away to the vault that had been built and now housed dozens of dragon eggs of an incredible variety of colors. Naruto looked to Rhaella and her daughter and walked up with a smile, "My ladies, I apologize for making the both of you wait. My name is Naruto Targaryen, I know it is a shock to you I amsure, seeing so many dragon's and members of the House walking around, but I assure you no harm will befall you while you live here." he promised, "I assume you wish to hatch them as soon as possible?" he asked, looking at Rhaella with a knowing look on his face.
The former queen nodded, "If it would help bolster our house, then yes, I would very much like to do so." she said.
Danaerys looked slightly confused, what could her mother be talking about?
"Then it shall be done. Remember, there is no going back once they are out, and if they bond to you, you and you alone can command them. Your daughter will be in the same boat when her own comes out." he stated, "But for now, wait here, and I will be back in a few minutes, I shall not be long and will return." he told them with a small bow of the head.
Even when the explanation was so simple, Dany was still confused.
As for Naruto, he only left because he couldn't afford to wait any was time for Balerion to meet his own siblings after all.
~XxX-15 Minutes Later-XxX~
Ned Stark and his daughters had chosen their dragon eggs and stood next to the former Queen and her obviously shocked daughter if her looking at five golden capped eggs in front of the open chest that held three different eggs was to go by. Naruto walked forward with a sack attached to his back, Rhaenys and Visenya as well as the others were confused as they watched the King set the bag down and open it. Before slowly removing the contents to reveal the seven eggs that had survived in their cave nest for countless years, waiting to see the world outside.
Naruto sighed as he gently ran a hand over the eggs, but he felt excited by the beauty they held. Moving out of his thoughts, Naruto looked to his sisters, "Visenya, Rhaenys, come here, I have a gift for you both." he said picking up the two eggs he knew to be from the second nest that he found in Balerion's home cave. The first was a green egg mixed with black while the second egg was Black with white mixed in. Handing the two shocked women the eggs, he smiled as he pushed them back gently while grabbing the fist egg in his reach. It just so happened to be the black and magenta colored egg. It was the largest of any of the eggs that he found in Balerion's nest, and he could feel the power of the young dragon within waiting to be released.
If he could guess how much power the little creature had, he would say it had roughly as much as Balerion had currently;and that was both exciting and terrifying to him at the same time.
Setting the egg in the center of the large stone circle, he moved the remaining eggs to the edge and looked to Balerion. THe dragon didn't need to ask or say anything. He knew it was up to him as the strongest of the pack-currently that is- to bring all his brethren and kin into the world. Stepping to the edge, Balerion leaned over the egg and inhaled deeply, the back of his throat glowing a deep orange before he unleashed a mighty roar of fire down onto the egg. Now, while he had been born after five minutes of being bathed in Elecomun's mighty fire, his fire only needed barely a minute before he could feel the tiny dragon trying to come out of its egg and stopped breathing fire onto the egg. As the flames died down, and the humans uncovered their heavily sweating faces, they watched in amazement as the egg practically exploded as the tiny dragon was brought into the world. Naruto ignored everything around him as he approached, drawing the tiny dragon's attention before anyone or anything could and kneeled on the glowing stones and held hishand out, smiling as the tiny dragon nudged hishand.
And then bit him; hard.
Naruto yelped in pain as the tiny dragon's teeth sank through his armor and into his skin, somehow managing to draw blood in the process. Pulling his hand away, he could almost see a small smirk on the hatchlings face as he shook his hand, "Asshole." he grumbled before holding out a small piece of meat to the the baby, "Dracarys." he said, and was amazed that the small newborn immediately released a ebony flame from its maws onto the meat before quickly eating its first meal, "Amazing, you are unlike any other dragon I have seen or met." he said as the baby dragon allowed his new father to pet his forehead, "I think the perfect name for you, is Alduin-Fallen Heart. For that is what you will instill into your prey and our enemies." he said softly.
Gathering the young dragon in his hands, he placed Alduin on his shoulders and gave his new son a look as it went to nip at hisear, "I think you and I will be having a lot of words in the near future, and well after." he said to the seemingly already rebellious dragon.
XxX
It had taken the better part of twenty minutes, but eventually all of the eggs that Naruto had deemed ready were hatched and unleashed the small dragons within. Naruto's four new dragons in order of birth and age were; Alduin-Fallen Heart, Shruikan-Mighty King, Belgabad-Courageous Soul, and Acnologia-Heaven's Terror. After the remaining dragon's from Balerion's original clutch were born they moved onto the second clutch of two for Visenya and Rhaenys which both were female; Visenya had named her new daughter Quarmoth-Relentless Fury, and Rhaenys had named her new dragon Quetzecoatl-Feathered Serpent, mainly due to how long and slender her body was.
Rhaella's dragons were a mix of male and female (No real surprise there) with there being three males and two females; Fjord-Dark Temper, Chonarth-Majestic Beauty, Kalamet-Stunning Eyes, Mercphobia-Rowdy Lizard, and Zirconis-Jade Eyes. Each was a stunning hatchling for sure.
Dany had three males hatch for her (she asked Naruto to double check to be safe) where she named the baby dragon's under her care Drogon-Great Fighter Rheagal-Prideful King, Viserion-Honorable Son.
Ned hatched a young female he named Hexenbane-Mighty Wings (or something along the lines), his daughter Sansa hatched a male with a temper that was easily named Ignia-Ferocious Bite while Arya had a female she named Cruella-Cruel Bitch.
Catelyn wasn't in King's Landing at the moment nor were sons so they would have to wait for their own dragons for the time being.
Naruto wanted to collapse. It had been a long day, and all he wanted to do was try to get some sleep. He only hoped Visenya and Rhaenys would allow him too, but knowing them, their libido demanded action. The first foursome he had was the three of them and his former betrothed, he had nearly died from the sheer pleasure he got from the girls that night.
And that is going to be the end of this chapter. Next one should feature a lemon (I write this note mostly for myself as I will forget, and I will be on temporary Hiatus across the board for all stories until my return in 21 days) so please be patient and understand I can't help it and need to go. Anyways, please LIKE/FAVORITE/FOLLOW to show the story some love and don't forget to COMMENT/REVIEW to tell me what you think.