Dance of Ice and Fire
schrutfarms
Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Summary:
Viserys and Alicent wed.
Daemon and Corlys make plans.
Notes:
Two chapters in a row, what?
I will admit, the chapter took surprisingly took longer time than I had hoped for. However, my motivation was surprisingly low until today.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Princess Dowager Gael Targaryen POV
Kings Landing – 106 AC
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am hers and she is mine, from this day till the end of my days"
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am his and he is mine, from this day till the end of my days"
Gael saw from the side as his nephew Viserys and Alicent Hightower recited their vows of marriage. It was a marriage that his nephew seemed happy with the match. It had been few moons after Aemma's passing when the Small Council had convened. Viserys had been avoiding the talks of marrying again but by that time he had finally been convinced to look for a new bridal perspective.
Septon Eustace and Lord Lyonel had suggested to wed Lady Laena of House Velaryon which Gael had felt would have been a logical choice as it would have brought two houses with a claim on a throne together. However, VIserys ended up vehemently rejecting her citing her age to be an issue. In return, Viserys had decided to wed Lady Alicent of Hightower. Gael still recalled the gleam in Otto's eye when he made the decision.
"You cannot wed the Hightower girl Viserys, right now the realm will be better served if you bring Velaryon back into the fold" Gael chided.
Viserys simply stood up in a rage, "Realm had served better when I wed Aemma when she had not even come to her age, and what happened after that"
Gael stayed quiet as she saw Viserys pacing, "no I will not let Lady Laena suffer the same fate that my Aemma did."
"Then why Alicent Hightower Viserys? Otto Hightower is an arrogant man, asking for his daughter's hand would make him more ambitious to reach out of his station."
VIserys simply waved her concerns off, "Ser Otto knows his place, he has served me and grandfather well and house Hightower is an old and noble house. Alicent is kind and smart and is gracious enough to serve as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms"
There had been no convincing his nephew and alas at the end she stood in the corner of the court when Viserys announced the betrothal and future wedding of his and Alicent Hightower. The woman was everything that would define a Southern Maiden. She was lean, one of the beauties of the realm, clever and precocious. However, Gael had known better. Ever since her parents had passed away, Gael felt responsible to ensure that her House remained secure. Having tied to House Hightower surely had its advantages and disadvantages were vastly known as well. Maegor the Cruel had broken faith with House Hightower and that had been one of the many reasons behind his tumultuous reign.
Having House Hightower would certainly strengthen the ties of House Targaryen with Faith. Even though her father had already done sufficient work in ensuring that Crown and Faith worked together. Gael's goal was to ensure that with a Hightower bride, Gaemon's hold is not questioned. It was why she had pushed Alicent towards Daemon; the girl had seemed to have doted on Gaemon. However, that proved to be a farce and Gael had half a mind to speak with her but Daemon had beaten her to it. Instead, Gael only kept her distance from her, she had served her as one her lady but then she had her dismissed. Though Viserys had been convinced to bring her into Aemma's service and there was not much she could do about it.
Now she watched as the newly wedded couple descended from the steps down and walked towards the crowd as they cheered on the pair. Gael stood up and smiled at them as the couple walked towards her and the children. Rhaenyra seemed to be smiling as Viserys enveloped her daughter into a hug and kissed her cheeks. She had only recently reached her ninth name-day and it was a comparatively sadder affair than the others despite the entertainment that had been present. The girl had been mourning for her passing mother and had been upset that Gaemon had not been present. Although he had written to her and gave her a necklace with a pendant carved with an obsidian dragon, Gael could tell that she had wanted him here. Gael shook her head as Alicent approached Rhaenyra and knelt in front of her.
"I know times have been hard for you Princess and I cannot replace your mother nor do I wish to" Alicent whispered as she cupped her cheeks, "all I ask of you as we stand beneath the statue of the Mother above that you give me the honor of calling you, daughter."
Rhaenyra looked at her father who was gleaming then at Alyssa and then towards Gael. She nodded and gave her a tight smile, "I would like that" Rhaenrya said in a quiet tone. As Alicent wrapped her in an embrace and kissed her cheek. Alicent and Viserys then turned towards her and Gael. Viserys had a stiff posture towards her and Alicent smile had lost a bit of a luster. Gael walked towards Viserys and placed a kiss on her forehead. It was not like she could chastise her nephew as they were in front of everyone.
"I wish you good fortune in your marriage, may this union find you happiness and realms the prosperity" and then she embraced him and whispered, "do not make your decisions with your cock, always think with your head."
Viserys simply looked at her with a blush forming on his face, "Aunt" Viserys blustered.
Gael looked away, "oh hush now nephew, you are older than me and you are acting like a blushing maid".
She then turned to look at Alicent and placed a hand on her cheeks, she smiled and hugged her to keep the appearance, "you are welcome to the family, my mother used to tell me that you bore resemblance to my sister Saera. By blood, I am Viserys's aunt but by the bond of marriage to his father, I am his mother despite being younger than him" she japed to which Viserys only chuckled, "but now we are bound by marriage as well. Your home is the Red Keep and we are your family. I do not doubt that you will be able to fulfill the duties that come with it."
Alicent gave her a sweet smile, "thank you, princess, I will do my utmost best to follow your example and remember my position well". She then proceeded to embrace her and whispered, "I remember who I am and will make sure to remind others as well."
Gael's posture stiffened at those words, she looked at her and then returned to Viserys placing a kiss on her cheeks and whispering something in his ears to which he simply laughed. There was a glint of malice on her face that had seemed to promise vengeance. Gael understood that the look had been reserved for Daemon.
The vile words could not be forgotten, nor the ill-spoken threats. Daemon had done both when it had come to father and daughter. He had played his game to make his son a Targaryen Prince despite the odds set against him and he won. Nevertheless, the sourness between Viserys and Daemon would wither away. Gael recalled the time when the servant had brought the news of Viserys's marriage to Alicent Hightower. Daemon had the servant whipped; Gael was certain that the servant would have been killed if Gaemon was present.
She still recalled the surprised look on Gaemon's face when he entered the room with Alyssa. Something had changed in the relationship between father and son. Gaemon's face would always lighten up at his father's presence, yet lately, the relationship between father and son had become more distant. Daemon would personally train his son in arms and work on him with his lessons be it sums or history about the Targaryen. Gael could see that his son was learning the lessons, but the enthusiasm and the joy were not there. He was becoming more serious and more focused more dutiful. She still recalled the last conversation she had with her nephew as they were walking towards the front courtyard where Dreamfyre and Tyraxes had landed.
The servants around them bowed at their presence, Alyssa was beckoning Gaemon to chase him to which Gaemon complied as he ran after her. Gaemon was meant to go to training from thereon.
"News from the North?" Gael inquired as she watched the children heading towards the dragons.
Daemon simply stared out at the children; his hair was flowing amongst the cold wind. Dragonstone had always been impacted by the strong wind. The realm was at the end of the winter albeit a short one at that.
Daemon ignored her question and continue to speak, "that is the first time in a while I have seen him this happy with someone." He pointed at the children playing around the dragon Tyraxes moving his amber eyes around the playing children. They slowly continued their walk towards Dreamfyre sitting next to the younger she-dragon who was watching the children and chirping playfully. While others might have been feared nearing the dragon who was roaring in such a manner, the children were well-versed with their sounds.
"Has he not been flying on Vermithor?" Gael inquired.
Daemon simply snorted, "he has, but I am talking about people. The folks here at Dragonstone are too fucking grim"
Gael simply stared at her nephew who was becoming uneasy by her fixed stare, "I wonder if it is the people or someone else behind the source of his happiness."
"Stop it" Daemon turned to glare at her.
"I'll stop when you admit your faults" Gael retorted with a ferocity.
"It was not I that burned the bridge between Viserys…"
"I am not talking about your fight between you and Viserys, I am talking about the distance between you and Gaemon" Daemon simply shook his head and turned towards his children.
"I can't help it Gael" Daemon responded with a conflicted tone, "I try to be there, I try to keep him happy but every time I try to get somewhere with him. Some sort of news arrives that upsets everything and that bitch Alicent finding her way to Viserys. I try to be there for him, I try to make things go back to the way it was back in King's Landing but it is not there and now…" Daemon clenches his fist tightly, "…word has come from White Harbor, Bennard Stark and his retinue will arrive at Dragonstone within a moon at the least. I only have some time left with him and the more I try to make things better, more things get worse." Tears were threatening to come out but as the children look back at them Daemon smiled and waved at them. Gaemon gave his father a sad smile and waved him back and went back to play with them.
"Muna" Alyssa called out, her girl was giving her a toothy grin, "come on, I want to fly".
"Will be right there sweetling" Gael called out and then she turned to look at Daemon. Gael placed a hand on her nephew's shoulder.
"It is never easy for someone to get settled onto a new life, do not let your distance between Viserys hurt Gaemon. He misses Rhaenyra you know"
Daemon looked at her with a half-smirk painted on her face, "and does my little pet miss him as well?"
Gael frowned at her nephew, she hated the name that Daemon would give her, "she is not happy that he left without saying his farewell. Viserys spoils that girl, especially after Aemma's passing he gives her everything that she wishes. However, whenever she pleads to him to visit Dragonstone, he would refuse her."
Daemon scoffed at that, "for how long though? My brother is getting married in less than a fortnight, I am sure once he finds himself between Alicent's legs again he will send his daughter away."
Gael looked at him quizzically, "Again?"
Daemon chuckled and shook his head, "and here I thought your time with Lyanna made you smarter, think, the wedding is to take place within a fortnight don't you think it is too quick for a marriage to happen. A royal one at that."
From the corner they heard Alyssa calling her out again, so they slowly started walking towards the dragons, "I apologize nephew" she said mockingly, "I do not have a devious mind as you and Lady Alicent do at that" Daemon simply smirked at that.
As they approached, Gaemon came towards her. He had grown taller and more charming at that. His brown hair has grown longer and was slowly reaching the shoulders and his grey and violet eyes were growing more prevalent across his pale skin. Gael was never the tallest of the women and she would not be surprised that in a year he would grow taller than her. "Will I see you again?" Gaemon looked up with his eyes wide.
"Of course, you will my sweet" she knelt to reach Gaemon's level and held him by his shoulders, "our homes might be different but I will always be here" she placed a hand on his heart and then brought him into a hug, "never forget that."
She stared at the royal couple as they moved towards greeting the other lords and ladies that had arrived. Lord's Mathos Tyrell and young Lord Jason and his twin lord Tyland Lannister represented the presence of Reach and Westerland. Lord Grover Tully and Lord Lyonel Strong had the presence of Riverland in mind. There was a minimal presence among Lords of Stormlands, Connington, and Byron Swann representing House Swann. Notable absence amongst them was of Old lord Boremund Baratheon. The relationship between Baratheon and Targaryen had not been at best when Viserys took the throne. Lord Boremund fervently believed to hold his niece's claim over Viserys and the fact that only Baratheons supported Laenor's claim in the council had made the lord sourer towards the rest of the realms as well.
She still had memories of Borros Baratheon that had made her uncomfortable. He had arrived after Baelon's passing to ask for her hand but his offer had been swiftly rejected by her father. Gael could believe that the Stormlord heir did not take lightly to that although the Baratheon heir had asked for her hand against Boremund Baratheon's wishes. There were no lords from Vale and only a few Manderly to represent the North.
Gael pressed Alyssa forward as she had to prepare for the reception that would be held at the evenfall. After dropping Alyssa in her room, she walked towards her chamber but suddenly her movement stopped as she heard some chattering by the window. She walked towards the source and looked down at the balcony and saw the small garden that was made in the Maegor's Holdfast.
"How are the accommodations?" It was Otto Hightower. Gael saw him talking with another man taller than him and shared a resemblance with him.
"As well as the lord of the bride's family would deserve" Gael identified the man in question, it was Garth Hightower elder brother of Otto Hightower, and Lord of the Old Town.
"You have done well, with Daemon Targaryen went the King is under your influence and you will see to it that Alicent keep it as such" Garth Hightower said as he looked around. Gael hid down by one of the Gargoyles.
"Of course, with Daemon gone and Rhaenyra the heir, all we need is for Alicent to have a son and our blood will rule the seven Kingdoms" Otto voiced.
"How is the King with his daughter?" Garth inquired.
She heard a chuckle come out from Otto, "he certainly has taken up to himself to train his daughter for a queen. However, it is better to have Realm's delight as his heir for now than the Rogue Prince and his child here."
"Tread carefully when it comes to North, the Starry Sept is delighted with the notion of Prince in the North. The father may be your enemy but see to it that the son does not follow the same path" Garth Hightower warned.
She heard a snort, "you worry too much about the boy."
"And you worry too little, what about Gael Targaryen?"
Her ears perked up when her name was said, "Let the events of the marriage die out, soon after we will find a match for her. A lord loyal to our bidding and he will handle her and her child".
Gael quickly moved out and left the scene. The events that have been happening have made Gael realized that she has to be careful. With Daemon gone, she was alone and could not rely on Viserys. She had known the lickspittles of the court would always suck up on whoever held the power and all this time she realized that those that did always took her well being in regard but now she understands that Otto Hightower has his interests in heart and Gael and Alyssa being around are not onto his interests.
Rhaenyra Targaryen POV
The reception was everything Rhaenyra had dreamed of. She was seated at the head of the table whereas the space in the middle was utilized by the jugglers and the singers from throughout the realms performing. Rhaenyra was surprised to see that Alyssa and Gael were not next to her. She was seated next to his new 'mother' and her kin. They were all currently seated at the Queen's Ballroom, Rhaenyra turned to her left and saw her father drinking the wine of her goblet.
Her father loved arbor red, Rhaenyra had learned the name whenever she would serve her father as a cupbearer in the small council meeting. She had been part of it for almost two years now and when she had started, she could barely make sense of what was being discussed. Slowly, the words started to make more sense to her as Grand Maester Runciter would teach her about Houses and history.
When Gaemon had been here in King's Landing, she would goad onto him of her knowledge of the Southern Houses and the Targaryen History since the arrival of Aenar the Exile onto the Dragonstone. He would be proud of his knowledge of the heroes of the old, Symond Star eyes, Hugor of the Hill, and the Stark Kings of the Old namely King Jon Stark and Roderick Stark. Rhaenyra was saddened at the thought that he was not here anymore.
He left me when I needed him the most, Rhaenyra thought. Muna had passed away and his presence would bring a smile to her face. He would play her his harp whenever she would start crying. His white knight would always guard her door at night yet Gaemon would always find his way through the secret passage when she would be upset.
Yet now Gaemon was taken away from her and it was Uncle Daemon and father's fault. She did not know what had happened between them but one night she saw Uncle Daemon marching towards Gaemon's room and then she heard a loud voice. The next morning when she visited his room, he was not there. Father had told her that they left for Dragonstone and no matter what she would say or do he would deny her to go there even when Aunt Gael and Alyssa went.
"Is everything to your liking daughter?" a sweet voice broke her thoughts as she turned to look towards her father's new bride Lady Alicent. She was always nice to her when she was with her muna. Aunt Gael would always be watchful of her but Rhaenyra never understood why. She would sing for her and tell her the stories of Jonquil and Florian the Fool.
Rhaenyra smiled and nodded to which Alicent inquired as she pointed at her dish, "is the pie not to your liking, I saw you playing with it?"
"No, it's just I'm not too hungry and I liked the song the minstrel was playing" Rhaenyra pointed out at the band and the singer at the corner playing Bear and the Maiden Fair.
"Ahh, the Bear and the Maiden Fair always brings a delight to a joyous occasion," Alicent said beamingly and pointed out at some knights and lords seated at the end as they laughed and drank the wine. Food and drinks kept on coming as there was no shortage of it. Her father had informed her that many would arrive later on to partake in the tourney. Suddenly the minstrel changed his tunes and the singer sang the Maid of Summer. Rhaenyra stared at the harpist who was playing along with the rest of the minstrel and thinking of his cousin. Despite promising that Gaemon would write to her, the letters shared between them were not as much as she would have hoped for.
At times Gaemon would note that his time at Dragonstone would be boring and that Uncle Daemon had started training more with swords and weaponry than before. I am afraid I will forget what a harp would look like if kepa had his way, Gaemon had written.
Alyssa had told her that Gaemon had grown taller and leaner since he left for King's Landing and he also mentioned that they would be leaving for Driftmark to meet the Velaryon kin. Father had been upset that neither Velaryon nor Uncle Daemon had decided to visit his wedding not that he mentioned it, but Rhaenyra could see the sadness in his eyes.
She turned to her right and noticed that there were delicacies, poultices, and garnished meat present and the Queen's family was present with her at the head table. Rhaenyra turned to check on Alyssa and frowned that they were not sitting next to her but a bit further away next to Ser Otto and his son. She turned to look at Queen Alicent who was busy talking with her father and now felt alone as she heard laughter around the ballroom.
Rhaenyra turned to gaze at her knight Ser Criston who stood in front of her along with Ser Erryk as he was looking at the rest of them. She admired the man from the moment she saw him at the Tourney of Maidenpool. Gaemon had told her that Uncle Daemon had been angry over the fact that he was beaten. She always found him to be handsome and kind. His black hair and green eyes would charm Rhaenyra. Ever since then he has been her champion during the tourneys and most of the time he had won. He had always had a sense of grace when talking with her and Alyssa, however, whenever it came to her uncle and Gaemon, he would always be a bit too stiff.
"Isn't it exciting daughter?" Lady Alicent noted as she looked at the events happening at the reception.
Rhaenyra looked up at her and gave a questioning look, "to be surrounded with revelry with your friends and family?"
She looked around and looked at everyone, it was a joyous occasion with everyone smiling. It indeed did please Rhaenyra to be around on such occasion, it was probably the first one after muna had passed away. However, unlike the other events, there was a glaring absence in this one.
"Not everyone is here though," Rhaenyra said sadly thinking of Gaemon.
"Ahh, you mean your uncle and his son then" Queen Alicent noted but with a hint of disdain.
"Hope that father and Uncle Daemon stop fighting" Rhaenyra noted but suddenly at hearing the name of Uncle Daemon out loud.
"I am sure they will," she said tightly and then returned to drinking the wine. Queen Alicent noted Ser Criston standing in front of her as she called him out, "Ser Criston".
The knight turned and walked towards the head table. "Your Grace" the knight bowed to her father and the queen and the knight turned to her and then gave a warm smile.
"Princess" The knight bowed and gave her a warm smile and bowed.
"Will you be partaking in the tourney tomorrow ser?" Queen Alicent inquired as she took a sip from her wine.
The knight nodded, "I will your grace" and he turned to Rhaenyra and asked, "Princess, would you grant me the honor of having your favor for the tourney".
Rhaenyra flushed at the request and nodded and gave him her napkin.
"Careful now ser, that favor comes with a mighty duty of winning the tourney. My daughter simply does not give out favors to anyone" Her father jested.
"Fret not sire, I shall uphold the honor of this favor and win it in the name of Princess" Ser Criston said proudly.
"Be careful, Ser Criston, there are many good men that are fighting this time. Besides Princess will not be the only one whose favor will be given; many would wish to fight for the favor of the Queen. After all, she is one of the fairest maids of the realm" Ser Otto pointed out. As the Hightowers chuckled.
"Come now Ser Otto, they call my daughter the Realms Delight for a reason" Her father added to the discussion while he was churning on the porridge.
Soon the dinner was complete and it was time for the dance. Her father and Alicent led the dance followed by Aunt Gael and Ser Otto. She felt that her Aunt Gael was surprisingly stiffer when she was around Otto Hightower and her mood was somber more so than usual. Rhaenyra was paired with Queen's brother, Gwayne Hightower. It was followed by her father who took her hand as soon as the song ended. The music carried on to the night. Rhaenyra danced along with sons of lords as it was expected of her. She danced with the sons of Lords of Blackwood and Bracken, she danced with Harwin Strong and the Lannister Twins who would brag about their achievements with swords and hunting.
Finally, the tunes of the minstrel changed to Queen took the Sandals and King took off his Crown. "Ah, sire, you know what this means right" One of the Rosby knights called out.
Ser Otto stood up and looked to everyone, "You are right good ser, my lord, my ladies, the Septon has said his prayers, the vows have been exchanged but you are yet to be man and wife yet. The sword needs a sheath and a wedding needs bedding. What do we all say? Is it meet that we have them bedded?"
At that everyone roared, maidens from different parts of the realms started coming towards the realm.
"Come Nyra" Alyssa tugged on her and she followed her along with Aunt Gael who led the maidens towards her father. The knights of the realm and the men went towards Lady Alicent who stood up from her chair and watched the men approach her.
"Rhaenyra" her father called as she ran towards him and embraced him. Her father placed a kiss on her forehead.
"I love you, my daughter," he said beamingly. Rhaenyra simply smiled as his father was interrupted with Alyssa finally being able to take a piece of his clothing. Her father laughed at that and raised Alyssa to place a kiss on her cheeks, "I love you too, sweet sister". The maids and the ladies laughed at that as they walked their way out. They walked towards the King's solar where the men had already dispatched Lady Alicent into the room and now her father went as well.
"Do you ever wonder how your wedding would be like?" Rhaenyra asked Carleen Strong who was helping her unbraid her hair. She was the daughter of Lord Lyonel Strong who recently came to King's Landing along with her brother Harwin and Larys. She was three years older than herself and had growing to be a trustworthy companion. Aside from Carleen, her cousin Laena was someone she was growing to like as well. Their relatives of House Velaryon had always been distant ever since her father had been crowned King. However, that had mended in a manner when her mother had passed away. She thought her cousin Laenor to be an odd lot who would always stay aloof with her. Gaemon had told her one day that he only remained in companionship with Joffrey Lonmouth whose father had been part of the newly made City Watch by her Uncle Daemon.
Carleen shrugged, "it would not be anything like this probably my father would invite the Lords of Riverland and wed me to Grover Tully's heir and grandson"
Rhaenyra turned to look at her amusingly, "you know who you are going to wed already?"
To that question, the girl chuckled, "well not exactly, Elmo Tully is still a boy but I am sure that my father could convince him"
She helped her disrobe her red silk gown and then assist her to wear the nightgown, "what about you princess? What do you think off when you think about the wedding?"
Rhaenrya scrunched up her nose and thought about it, "Probably grander than the wedding father has, Aunt Gael told her that when she wed my grandfather, the whole realm had attended that affair. There were so many presents that the Great Hall could not hold that many men. The festivities lasted for almost a month and there were lords, ladies, and magisters that had come from all the lands. I want everyone to know that I am getting married" she said proudly.
Lady Carleen chuckled at that and helped comb her hair, "hmm, and what about your husband?"
She thought about that for some time, Rhaenyra thought it, "I have not thought about it" Rhaenyra lied. The lady simply smiled at her and nodded. After she left, Rhaenrya was merely lying in her bed thinking about her future husband. She would be the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and her husband would be her consort. Ever since her muna had passed, she had started thinking about her husband. At times she would imagine him as tall and handsome as her Uncle Daemon, who has the charm of Ser Criston. Whenever, she would close her eyes and dream of her husband she would think of a warrior wearing the helm of the winged dragon, flying on Vermithor. In this dream, he would be older and much stronger and when he would remove the helm. Rhaenyra could see the mischievous smile, his beautiful mismatched eyes grey, and violet, his brown hair flowing against the wind as he approached her and cupped her cheeks and kissed her as her father would kiss her mother. Deep down she had known that the man she would dream of was Gaemon.
Corlys Velaryon POV – Driftmark
"Explain to me, why you are doing this?" Corlys sighed and turned to look up at her beautiful wife. There is a certain sense of beauty in her when she scowls. Age had only outshone her mature beauty. She wore a silk blue gown the one he had brought more recently from Myr before it joined Tyrosh and Lys to take domain over the Stepstones. They were currently in his solar where Rhaenys was leaning towards the wall facing the sea east. The glare could come from the shine of the beaten silver roofs of High Tide. One of my constructions, Corlys thought.
When he had gained the lordship of Driftmark, it was rather desolate as its grim-looking castle had been. Corlys had consulted the builders throughout the realms and even from Essos and had a new castle built to house the Driftwood throne. High Tide had been made of the same pale stone with which Eyrie had been built. From what Corlys had known, the same pale stone was currently being used in the construction of the castle at Moat Cailin. Corlys stood up from his chair and walked towards his wife.
"My Queen" he whispered to which Rhaenys flipped and turned around to return the glare.
"Do not call me that" she snapped.
Corlys simply sighed and went to hold his wife, "the situation in Step Stones has been troublesome enough for me. Our trade has become more troublesome with the taxes and it's not just me the whole realm is being troubled with this. Daemon Targaryen is a man who lusts for war and with a dragon on our back we could finally deal with the Three Whores."
Rhaenys gritted her teeth, "I do not trust him Corlys, I don't like it"
Corlys scoffed at that, "only a fool would trust Daemon Targaryen, but you cannot deny the fact that the man has more influence than you would think"
It was the truth, Corlys had thought the man to be a petulant child with a dragon on his back. However, it seemed that being a father has made the man more cautious. "Daemon may not be tied to the Royce after the annulment but he still has influence in Vale and more importantly the North. His son is to hold a lordship over lands in North and as much I hate the shit, he is our best alternative considering that the King decides to spurn us again for the up jumped Hightowers."
Rhaenys frowned at the bitter memory. It was the opportunity to tie House Velaryon and Targaryen together by offering her Laena as a wife and queen to Viserys. Her daughter was bright, bold, and beautiful and was growing fond of his precious Rhaenyra as well. However, King chose Laena's age as an excuse and let himself be wedded to the Hand's daughter. Corlys had to scoff at the excuse the King had given. He had no shame in denying that he was an ambitious man. Corlys had traveled through all parts of the world collected the wealth throughout different parts of the realm, rebuilt his House from the ground up, he had served King Jaehaerys, and made his House one of the most powerful House of the realm and he married a Targaryen princess with a Dragon. However, Otto Hightower was a man he was certain would bring the realm to ruins for the sake of his ambitions. Hightower is a powerful house of the Reach, even though they never really ruled the realm, they were prominent power throughout the Seven Kingdoms. The Starry Sept and the citadels were the centers of faith and the Maesters. Corlys recalled his grandfather Daemon Velaryon talking about the Maegor's reign.
"Him spurning the Hightower girl was the seed of his downfall" His grandfather had said.
With a Hightower as a Queen and Hightower as a hand, their influence is far too strong for Corlys to match. "Daemon Targaryen is a brash and temperamental man and his son's legitimacy will be endangered regardless of the lands he has granted and the dragon he flies".
As if on the mention of the dragons, Corlys and Rhaenys heard two roars coming out. They but turned to see Vhagar and Vermithor flying. Rhaenys snorted, "can't believe that the boy with such a young age was able to mount my Grandfather's dragon."
The news had indeed amused Corlys, the fact that a boy of merely seven name day was able to mount one of the largest dragons alive. "Mayhap it has to do with his Stark blood, don't they have the blood of Warg Kings or something?"
Rhaenys merely chuckled as she brought herself to Corlys's embrace. The bronze dragon landed along with Vhagar on the open beach where Seasmoke and Meleys were crunching on the burnt bones of sharks. It was on the way of the causeway between the isles and the High Tide. They could see the figures of his daughter and Daemon's son.
"Swear you won't have my daughter marry his son" Rhaenys murmured.
Corlys sighed and looked at her, "do you hate the boy?"
Rhaenys shook her head and looked up at him, "it is not about that, Gaemon is just a fledgling of a lord who will not have a simple life in North, and I have no desire for my Laena to suffer alongside with him."
Corlys chuckled but Rhaenys glared at him and slapped his shoulders to which Corlys acquiesced, "fine I will not marry your daughter to his son."
Later that day, Corlys walked into the courtyard to find Daemon Targaryen sparring with his son. Laenor was also present but he was with Joffrey Lonmouth. Both boys have seemed to grow into good friends, Corlys noted. The father and son were moving around, Gaemon brought his sword up to his fathers' shield but it had not bothered him much.
"Keep your shield up Gaems" Daemon commanded to which the son did and he obeyed.
Daemon brought forth his wooden sword onto his son that deflected onto his shield but the power behind it pushed the boy back as he grunted. Corlys moved towards the training yard as he heard Daemon saying, "Remember, breathe look at my eyes, my feet".
Gaemon was standing still in his position, his grey and violet eyes observing his father's movements. His wooden shield was up and his sword was raised.
"You never know, the way your enemy moves" and suddenly Daemon pounced on his son. Surprisingly his son moved away quickly and was able to strike his leg as he pushed away. Daemon laughed, "ho, ho, my boy is learning. That is good".
The boy was grinning and foolishly he had compromised his position, Corlys thought. It had seemed that Daemon thought the same thing as he pounced on his son and forced him to fall on his back. He quickly disarmed from his sword and removed his shield. Daemon was on top of his son and had a tip of his sword over his son's neck, "but you compromised your position for your pride." The boy was aghast by the sudden turn of events as he laid on his back eyes wide and breathing hard.
Daemon stood up and raised his son with ease and put his arm around his neck, "it is good to be prideful but always be prepared to defend it when questioned. Never lose your form for a moment of glory it will only result in your fall."
The boy merely nodded, "Yes kepa"
Daemon pressed a kiss on the boy's head and then turned to gaze at Corlys. He signaled the Rogue Prince to follow him and Daemon nodded and signaled his son, "go on, go ready yourself for tonight. I will meet with you later yes?"
Gaemon flushed and nodded and Daemon chuckled and ruffled his hair which irritated the boy, "Kepa" he groaned. However, Daemon merely laughed and ordered the servant to fetch some water.
Corlys merely observed the bond between father and son, he had always been an annoying little shit. He would be liberal with his visits in the city and the fact that he had mounted Caraxes had only made him more prideful. At times, his acts at court would make him wonder that he is Maegor Reborn. He would be cruel and would be impulsive but it seems that being a father has seemed to have to curb his worst. When Daemon was one and ten, he tried to threaten him by exposing the bribes that he gave to the merchant to inflate the prices of their goods being sold at Westerland and Old Town. Something that I could make use of for my advantage, Corlys thought.
The sun was at its peak and the time was finally nigh. Corlys had the map of the Narrow Sea etched out in the chart. He had the markings around Stepstone, Tyrosh, Myr, and Lys. A knock on the door broke him from his musings,
"Enter" Corlys called out and the page did.
"Ser Vaemond Velaryon is here as you requested my Lord" he announced.
Corlys sighed as he thought about his nephew, "let him in".
The page bowed at his command and went out and shortly after in came his nephew with a haughty stride. He had the Velaryon look with silver hair and blue eyes and was four and thirty in age. Corlys simply wondered why the Gods had cursed him with a fool that was his nephew. He had always thought himself worthy of a better position but never held the wits to back it. Currently, he had a position serving as a customs officer at the newly developed port of Spice Town. From what his spies have told, his work has been below par.
"Nephew" Corlys said in a plain tone, "what brings you here? You understand I have a busy day ahead."
Vaemond smirked, "Oh yes with Daemon Targaryen from what I hear. What is it you are planning?"
"Something that would further the glory of House Velaryon" Corlys retorted.
"And I wish to be a part of it" Vaemond carried on.
Corlys shrugged, "you already are nephew, you are serving as the head of the customs at Spicetown. Even with the inflated prices on goods that come from Essos, you have handled the imports well enough to keep the trade-in Spicetown running."
Vaemond frowned and banged his hand on the table, "that is not good enough, I am a knight and a son of House Velaryon and I deserve better."
His nephew was outraged but Corlys years of experience had made him a better judge to know that this was just a farce, "deserve you say, the same way you deserve the throne of Driftwood".
At this, his nephew's eyes widen but Corlys merely smirked, "oh I know what you make your whores mutter every time you reach your climax. How you are the heir to Driftmark, of how you are the strongest knight, and how you like calling my children dragonspawn and not Velaryon."
He saw the frightened look of his nephew, but Corlys stood up and walked towards him, "now if my wife, the lady of Driftmark were to hear you say this, you would probably be fodder to her Red Queen"
Corlys grabbed his nephew's chin and made him turn towards him, "but for the love, I bore for your children, I will keep quiet and make sure your filth does not reach her ears." It was amusing how his nephew went from a haughty prick to a squirming little babe under his gaze. "You will cease the poison that you spew and you will serve House Velaryon which is my wife and my children honorably. I cannot afford to have you falling to your vices not with what is about to come, so you will pucker up and do your duty as I bid, is that understood?"
Were it up to him, he would have removed the honor of knighthood from his nephew to teach him a lesson, but the concept of knighthood was never such much to his disdain. 'Ser' Vaemond merely nodded and Corlys continued, "now go and give your love to your nephew and niece when you leave." His nephew began to leave but Corlys stopped him, "oh and one more thing, if I find you using my stipend to you as a means to bribe and whore your way, you will find your way out of this Island, do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, uncle," said Vaemond and left the door and he went past the page who entered at the same time.
"Forgive me my lord, but Prince Daemon is waiting to meet you," the page said.
Corlys went on, "well go on, bring him in". He had to admit, giving his nephew a dressing down has certainly helped him calm his nerves with what is to come.
Soon after the page guided Prince Daemon in, he was looking around the room assessing everything. He first looked at the carvings from Volantis, then the silks from Yi Ti, he gazed at different charts, and then the balcony behind him. He wore black clothing with a brooch of a three-headed dragon holding onto his gold cape. His silver hair was long and flowing and his violet eyes were similar to Rhaenys peering at him now.
A smirk formed on his face, "you know I had thought that I would find squirming fishes by harbor but watching your nephew walk past me certainly helped me suspend that belief."
Corlys simply waved off, "the boy needed a dressing down and needed to be reminded of his duty to House Velaryon"
Daemon walked towards the map and picked up the carving of Velaryon Seahorse and stared at it, "his duty to House Velaryon or…" he turned his gaze to him, "duty to you"
Corlys chuckled, "Is there a difference?"
Daemon merely rolled his eyes, "why am I here Velaryon?" and walked towards the jug of Dornish and filled it up. As he moved towards the glass and jug, Corlys spotted the shining hilt of Dark Sister at his waist. He took a sip and looked at it with interest, "Dornish Red? Is Arbor no longer your taste."
"I find that I have outgrown the taste of Arbor, just like you" Daemon merely chuckled at that and turned towards the balcony to look at the waves splashing at the rocks.
"Your brother is getting married" Corlys pointed.
He could not see Daemon's look but his tone changed from mirthful to plain, "What of it?"
"Shouldn't you be sending him a gift?" Corlys asked, knowing that it would certainly infuriate him and it did infuriate him. Daemon turned around, "if you are here to browbeat and talk about my quarrels with Viserys I am leaving," said Daemon gritting his teeth.
Corlys merely raised his hands, "Peace Prince Daemon, I do not intend to quarrel." He signaled Daemon to come towards the map of the Narrow Sea.
"What do you know of Craghaas Drahar?"
Daemon merely shrugged, "some Essosi cunt under the employee of Three Whores?"
Corlys chuckled at that, "Myrish cunt for one and yes, he is the admiral of the army that is supplied by Three Whores. He drove away from the pirates from the Stepstone and was loved by the Lords of Westeros for it, but when Triarchy held complete domain of Stepstone he became their gatekeeper, extracting tolls far too expensive for the Lords and Ladies of Westeros."
"You mean more troublesome for you." Daemon stated matter-of-factly.
Corlys snarled, "yes, too many of my merchant cogs have suffered heavy tolls and it is becoming far too much of an issue."
"And you want me to deal with this mess?" Daemon questioned.
"It would not just be you; it would be my navy as well and I am certain that many in Westeros would love to fight this war. The triarchy is no longer their friends and they would prefer to fight for a dragon."
"And not an ambitious Sea Snake" Daemon smirked. It was this shit-eating smirk that Corlys had come to loathe. However, Daemon continued, "but why me? Why not your wife? As far as Dragon goes, there is no doubt that she is a Dragon, a quite fierce one while we are at it."
Corlys gritted his teeth, he knew that he was trying to get on his nerve but Corlys simply took a breath and calmed himself, "my wife is the lady of House Velaryon, no longer a full-blooded Targaryen Prince, and from what I have been told you are not doing much yourself after resigning as the Lord Commander of the City Watch."
Suddenly Daemon's face darkened and his hand went towards the hilt of Dark Sister, "I have a son, did you forget it?"
"Oh, how can I forget that? The rider of Vermithor, the song of ice and fire, the dragon and wolf, so prevalent it is that his eyes are off the wolf and the dragon. At least that is what the bards sing of. I must say Laenor has taken a liking to his cousin, as has Laena" Corlys snorted, "though she enjoys teasing him for Vhagar being a bigger mount. Your son is going North, am I not wrong at that? He is their Prince and the Lord of Moat Cailin, he will be ruling an important point in the North just so you know."
"I know the lands my son will be ruling…" Daemon sneered.
However, before he could go onto another tirade, Corlys interrupted him, "what will you be doing when your son is ruling his land? Remain with him in frozen waste alongside his mother's kin?"
Daemon stayed quiet as Corlys carried on, "I have known you for quite some time, even when you were an annoying little shit and I know that living in North and under the shadow of your ruling son."
"Careful Corlys" Daemon warned him.
"I am not trying to slight you; I am telling you the truth. Do you think this crisis down at the Stepstone would not affect him? He will merely have the wealth to till his lands and make them suitable for farming. You requested the same pale stones that I have here from Esssos and I would imagine that the expenses of it would be something that the Crown would handle. Tell me how is your influence in the Small Council now? Do you think Otto Hightower will not make it difficult for your son to get back at you?"
The Rogue prince was really angry now, Corlys knew that he was getting to him, "you love your son there is no denying that and that has made you a better person, but your anger and your quarrel with Viserys will harm your son. It will not be long until they will see you like a Prince who wishes to usurp his brother and it will not be difficult for Otto Hightower and his cronies to prove that. They can paint you as a villain who is conspiring with the North to crown yourself a King."
Daemon was gritting his teeth, "Are you done?" he said in a low but dangerous tone.
"I am telling you the truth and I have served your grandfather to know the sycophants in King's Landing".
"And you think I don't? before you went on with your assumptions about me and my plans. I had no intentions of staying in North." He pointed at the map and particularly at Vale, "I intended to return to Vale to visit Young William Royce. My annulment may have gone through but I still influence the young lord and the knights there. Viserys may be wroth right now and me bringing a whore at the court of Dragonstone did not help but my brother will always come around and bring me back into his court. Hightower be damned."
A screech was heard outside and they both glanced at Caraxes and Vermithor playing in the air, "but your proposition has strength." He turned towards the map. "This war in Stepstone would be a war for liberation and with that in mind, lords and ladies of Westeros would support this endeavor as well." Daemon turned to glare at Corlys, "you will see to it that it is viewed that way. It will be my way to get back to that cunt Otto."
Corlys chuckled, "I will do that, but I have to know, will you be traveling North with your son?"
Daemon sighed and answered, "only up to White Harbor mayhap, parting with him would be bitter." The prince walked towards the balcony and saw Caraxes and Vermithor flying in the air, "but everything I do, I do it for him." Daemon chuckled, "you know if he were not here, I would have accepted this without a second thought. However, I need to make sure if I fight the fight, I would do it to make sure that my son sees me as a hero and not the villain the realm paints me to be."
Corlys moved towards him and brought his hands up to shake his hand, "so we reached an accord?"
Daemon chuckled and his violet eyes gazed at him and had another hand touching the hilt of Dark Sister, "Dark Sister is made for nobler tasks than hanging in a wall and catching rust. She has a thirst of blood that could only be quenched at Stepstones."
Notes:
Next update will NOT be for this one lol.
It will either be for Song of Wolf and Dragon or Legacy of Dragons.
Feel free to check out my other stories in the meantime and hope you all are faring well.
Until next time.