Chapter 29: Power resides in the pointy ends.
(Past: a few weeks before)
King's Landing
On his way to the room of the Small Council for the usual meeting of the week, Orys stopped for a moment to admire the monstrosity that was present in the Great Hall.
"A thousand blades, taken from the hands of Aegon's fallen enemies, forged in the fiery breath of Balerion the Dread." Orys heard say, and looking behind him, he saw Varys approaching.
"I wonder if there really are a thousand blades," said Orys, looking at the monstrous throne on which he would sit one day.
"Maybe. Or maybe not. Only Aegon can know that. But despite its appearance, for three hundred years, it has shown only one thing."
"Power," ended Orys.
"Yes, power," said Varys looking at the throne, before turning to him and asking, "But what is Power?"
"I don't know."
Power is Power, but where does it reside? Is it in whispers and shadows, or in the knowledge of the men? In Wits and wisdom or in Empathy and resilience?" he stopped for a moment. "The truth is only one, my Prince. Not in gods, not in crowns. Power resides in the pointy ends. That's why the Iron Throne is made up of swords."
"So, you are telling me that power resides in the steel?"
"Not in the steal, but in the armies," said Varys.
"Some may disagree with you lord Varys and say that power resides in the gold."
"Indeed, and yet your father won the throne with the steel and not with the gold. When Rhaegar Targaryen felt at the trident, his army split and run away despite knowing well that Aerys had the gold to pay them. Yes, not as much as your Grandfather, but enough to pay them, or even a sellsword Company, if he had time."
"Stop talking in riddles, Lord Varys, and tell me straight," said Orys tired of all the shits the spider was saying.
"What I was meaning is that you need to start and win your army's loyalty and love for the wars to come."
"Why should I. They are sworn to the crown and will fight for it if I or my father's command and whenever demand," said Orys.
"Are you sure in that," said, Varys, as he was knowing something, that they didn't.
"Do you know something of which I should be aware?"
"Yes, but the small Council is awaiting us," said Varys, and Orys nodded, heading towards the small council chambers.
Entering, he saw that the members were waiting for him. His uncle, Renly, The Grand Maester Pycelle, Ser Aerys Oakheart the new Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Lord Randyll Tarly, the Master of War, a position made recently, and Lord Anders Yronwood as the Representative of Dorne.
"My Lords," greeted them Orys, sitting in the king's chair, while the others, who first stood up to greet him, also sat down.
"So, Lord Varys, what is it?"
"My little birds are whispering me regarding plots in the courts of the lords, ready to side with the Targaryens. Besides that, among the citizens of Kings Landing, word has spread that House Baratheon has lost the favor of the gods... considering your wife is not with child, yet."
"It's still too soon to know that, and they must understand that. We have been married for what, five or six moons," said Orys.
"Maybe, but that's enough to make the people think that. Especially since Daenerys Targaryen is Pregnant," said Orys, leaving him open mouth and stoned.
"The girl is pregnant?" asked Renly, chuckling.
"That's impossible. They married only a few days ago," said Tarly.
"I doubt he had waited to take her maidenhood the night of the wedding. He is a sellsword full of lust and nothing else," said Orys.
"I doubt the child is even his," said Varys, and Orys looked at him in confusion, not understanding what he was meaning. And seeing his perplexion, Varys continued, "Rumours has it that the so-called Aenar Targaryen, couldn't even satisfy a woman."
And the council laughed at that, though not Orys, who seriously said, "I heard differently. That he's sleeping with two beautiful women-"
"Getting into bed and being able to satisfy them are two very different things, Your Grace," said Lord Anders, chuckling, intervening.
"And what else do the voices say, Lord Varys?" asked Tarly, in a serious tone.
"About the child that the Targaryen girl is carrying, and that the father is someone else," said Varys, and Orys could not tell whether he was telling the truth or trying to mislead him, "Some say that her lover is a man of the Golden Company. Others say he is in fact Viserys Targaryen's child, and that this same Aenar is in fact the Beggar King."
"I don't see why we should care about that," said his uncle, trying to dismiss the topic.
"Well, you see Lord Renly. If the young Targaryen girl gives birth to a boy with Valyrian features, he will be a danger to His Grace the King and to Prince Orys."
"I want them dead. All Targaryens. But first the Mother and the child," said Orys angry when he heard that. "Lord Varys. Find men and send them to Myr, or wherever she is."
"Now we move on," said Orys, wanting to leave this Targaryen madness behind.
Margaery was in her rooms, talking about the news that happened in King Landing, and waiting for Orys' arrival, who was currently busy with the small council. And today she was especially pleased that she received news from Willas, who was currently in Myr. She was so happy that he was alive and grateful that he did not do something stupid when he met the Targaryens, although she was not happy about him staying in Myr. She would rather wish for him to return to Westeros and take his rightful place as Warden of the South.
"I am very curious what he looks like," said her cousin Elinor, giggling, and Margaery knew to whom she was referring.
"Handsome, strong, brave, skillful warrior, and above all a dragonrider," replied Margaery, grinning, though she tried to put a face in her mind of this young Targaryen, who was even younger than her.
"Like the Targaryens of old times," said Alla in a dreamy way, continuing to embroider.
"Apart from his appearance, which is different," added Margaery, "he has dark, curly hair, according to Willas' letter."
"I wonder how much gifted he is in the bed," said Elinor giggling, putting wine in a cup and then returning to them.
"He has two women in his bed, so he certainly is," said Margaery giggling too, and making Alla laugh as well.
But before they could go on gossiping about the young Targaryen that was across the Narrow Sea, they heard the door open and saw Orys enter.
They immediately got up, and greeted him with a curtsy, "Your Highness."
"My ladies," he said.
She nodded to her ladies-in-waiting to leave them, and once they were alone, Orys said, "I see you are quite happy, Margaery. May I ask why?"
"News from my brother Willas," she answered as she approached him.
"I suppose they were good news," he said, placing his hands on her hips, and then leaning to give her a kiss on the lips.
"They are," she said between the kisses, as Orys moved her backwards to the bed.
"And with your ladies?" he asked, at the same time as her legs hit the bed, causing her to fall, and consequently Orys too, when she pulled him. "What were you talking about so vividly?" he continued, as he kissed her on the neck.
Margaery could feel the wetness between her tights, as he was slowly rising her dress, and running his hand over her thigh.
"Only gossip," she answered, moaning with her eyes closed, and running her hands through his grown, free hair.
"About whom?" he asked, as he kept kissing her.
"About the young Targaryen," she answered, moaning and without thinking, feeling him stop.
"What?" he asked with furrowed eyebrows, as he looked towards her, resting on his arms.
"My ladies and I were chatting about the news my brother gave me regarding the Targaryen boy," she said, pulling him down and trying to kiss him, but he stopped her again, pulling away, making her groan unhappy.
"What did he say to you?" he asked, in a not-so-happy voice, and he stood up.
"How strong, brave, and charming he is," she said, trying to drag him down again, but Orys resisted.
"What else?"
"How he has two beautiful women, and-"
"Lies. Varys says he can't satisfy even one woman," Orys said, interrupting her, and getting up from above her, heading toward the table to drink.
Releasing a moan of frustration and sighing, Margaery asked, "What is it?"
"Nothing," he replied in an indifferent tone and drinking the wine all in one sip.
"Well, I can see clearly that there is something. You stopped yourself from making love to me. So, tell me what it is," she insisted.
"Matters of the realm," he replied, taking another sip of wine.
"If I am to be your future queen, I want to be put-"
"Son," he answered with his eyes fixed on the ground, and swirling his goblet.
"What did you say?" she asked confusedly, getting up, thinking she heard wrong.
"I said a son," he said, raising his voice this time. "We've been married for more than 5 months and you're still not pregnant. The lords start talking behind our backs and many are preparing to bring their daughters who are of age for marriage to court."
"What are you trying to tell me, Orys?" she asked, crossing her arms and approaching her husband.
"That if we don't have a child soon, my grandfather will ask for the end of our marriage," Orys said, drinking the wine, all in one sip, and then filling the goblet again. "The people think that House Baratheon has lost the favor of the gods."
Margaery felt tears in her eyes and a stab to the heart in hearing that. Not only did she lose her family, but now there was also the possibility that she would lose her crown and her place as future Queen Consort of Westeros.
And now, in addition to that grief, the rage was also sparkling and with a fiery gaze, she said, "And you accuse me of being barren?"
"I didn't-"
"How dare you say that to me. I'm descended from a large family unlike you," she interrupted him with clenched teeth. "Perhaps you are the infertile one."
"What the hell are you talking about. I have two children in the Stormlands."
"How do you know that your whore Selmy didn't lie to you about them," said Margaery in a defiant tone, and before she could stop the words from coming out of her mouth.
Indeed, that drew his attention on her, who, with a gloomy face, and anger growing, said in a threatening tone, and pointing his finger at her, "Don't you ever dare to call her that way."
"Why? I'm tired of you comparing me to your whore who gave birth to two brats. And-"
"Don't. Call her. Ever. Again. Whore." Said Orys with gritted teeth as he clutched her neck, that shortly before he had grabbed, even though he was not putting much pressure on her, and therefore she could still breathe easy. "Cassandra Selmy was one of the kindest women in this world, even though she was two years older than me. And it wasn't she who seduced me, it was me," he continued, approaching her, still keeping his hand on her neck. Then whispering, he added, "And she became pregnant with me the first time that I spilled my seed. She was a virgin and so was I."
With that, Orys stormed out of the room, with the furry that were his house's words. Despite her trying to call him back.
He was furious at the way she talked about Cassandra, and now he needed distraction and to forget the damn night and his damn wife.
So, using the secret tunnel near the stables located three blocks below Rhaenys Hill, Orys headed for Chataya' s brothel. It was the best now that Baelish's was closed.
Upon entering, he was greeted by the mistress, Chataya. "Prince, Orys. What an honor. I never thought I'd see you again after the wedding," she said with The Summer Isles accent, smiling.
Chataya was a beautiful woman. Tall, dark-skinned with sandalwood eyes, who comes from the Summer Isles, and who Orys never get the chance to fuck. Too young she would say him every time, to his disappointment. Of course, he had some nights with her beautiful daughter Alayaya, who was very skilled in the arts of pleasure, but he would love to try a more mature woman.
"Yes. I need fun and to forget," he answered as he approached the counter, while she filled him a cup of wine.
"Well, I'm sure my girls will make you forget all those difficulties of ruling," she said, leaning on the counter. "So, who do you want, Prince Orys?"
Taking a sip from the cup, and leaning on the counter too, Orys said, "Well, I had hoped that tonight was my lucky night to finally have you, my lady."
Chataya giggled for a moment, only to reply, "I'm afraid it isn't, Prince Orys."
"Why you deny me, my beautiful Lady? I'm gifted as my father was at this age," he said leaning forward. "Even more than that, I would say," he added whispering. "Are you worried I will not be able to satisfy you?"
"No, my Prince. But you are still too young to lay with a grown woman like me," she said leaning even more, and her lips were near his.
"Well. I grew up enough to satisfy anyone," he said licking his lips.
"Not enough, my prince. But a kiss, I think it will be enough," she said, placing her lips to his for a brief moment then withdrawing. "So, who do you want, my prince?"
"Is Marei available?"
"Yes," she answered, smiling. "But don't you want my daughter too? I know that in the past you have always requested her services as well. Has she disappointed you in any way?"
"O no, my lady. On the contrary. She's perfect for a wild night, but I'm afraid I'm the problem. I don't have the strength to resist her savagery," Orys said laughing but then thinking for a moment, perhaps two whores were better. "Actually, I changed my mind. When Alayaya is ready, send her to me, and tell Marei to bring good wine," he added as he headed for the best room.
After some time, Orys saw the young woman with the white-blonde hair, wearing a white silk dress, with shoulder straps on her arms, and also a large neckline that emphasized her bosom.
"Prince Orys," she said, greeting him with a smile. "I never thought I'd see you here again." He added her, putting the tray with the jug of wine and the goblets on the table, and then filled one.
While Orys, meanwhile, had approached her and wrapped his arms around her drawing a strong sniff of her scent, which was very aromatic.
"It's because I missed your tight pussy," replied Orys, carrying his hand on it. "With how many people have you been today?" he asked.
"No one," she moaned, "I gave some reading lessons to the girls."
"Fine," he said, starting to kiss her on the neck, and then lowering the shoulder straps of her dress, causing it to fall to the floor. Now his cock was hard a steel inside his trousers, as her bare ass was pressing at him.
While he kept stroking her pussy, and squeezing her tits with his hands and the nipples with his fingers, Marei moaned, "Mmmm...What did...mmmm...You want me to...do...my prince?"
"Suck my cock," Orys whispered, thrusting two fingers inside her pussy, "and then I want to fuck you till I forget this cursed day." He added, stopping to thrust in her, and caring his fingers to her mouth who sucked at them. Well, besides fucking her, there will be someone else too.
Then, taking him by the hand, Marei led him to the bed while he kept his eyes on her ass as she was moving.
He arrived there, and Marei started undressing him and kissing him, and Orys could feel her taste on her lips, and her big breasts pressed against his chest, with her hard nipples.
Then slowly she began to go down, worshipping his body and kissing, and then once she reached the destination and untied his pants, Marei pulled them down, and his hard cock stuck straight in her face.
"I missed your royal cock, my prince," she whispered, moaning, and giving a kiss to the head, making him groan, and squeeze his fist.
Then she slowly started to stroke him, only stopping to give a lick on the member. Seven Gods, it feels so good. It had been six moans since someone licked or sucked his cock, and by the gods it was amazing.
Marei, started to take him slowly in her mouth, but still keep stroking the length, making him groan and moan and curse in pleasure, as he brought his hand on her head, helping with the movement, and also turning around he sat on the bed because he really didn't know if he will be able to stay straight, without his knees, give up.
As Marei was increasing her speed, and moving her head up and down, Orys, heard the door open and saw Alayaya enter, with her flowing silks dress, and her hair braided this time. Gods, she was very beautiful. Both of them were.
Smiling, Alayaya, started to undress, revealing her perfect body giving him the possibility to see her erect tits, and her beautiful pussy, as Marei keep sucking on him, and moaning.
"May I join you?" she asked, getting down on his knee, and caressing his thighs, slowly, and he bends down to capture her lips. Marei in the meantime, stopped, releasing his cock with a pump, making him hit his stomach.
"I missed your visits, my prince," Alayaya said as she kept kissing him, and he felt Marei leaving a trail of kiss from the cock to the neck, and them switching position him kissing Marei, and Alayaya taking him in her mouth. Her soft lips sliding down his length, with her tongue that teased the top and stroked the side.
He could feel that he was coming so rising up and grabbing her head, Orys started to thrust in her mouth wildly, and then coming inside her mouth falling on the bed. Breathing fast.
"Give me a few minutes, and then you can ride me," he said, feeling, them getting on the bed on each side.
But then he saw Marei, climbing over him, and starting to rub herself on his abs, as Alayaya was starting to stroke his cock again to life. Seven Gods, this will be a hard night to forget.
Margaery went back and forth in her room awaiting the return of Ser Bayard Norcross, with news of where Orys had gone.
The evening should not have turned into an argue of heirs but continuing to stay in the shadow of that whore from House Selmy who gave him two brats and maybe being compared to her made Margery lose her temper.
But she was right about that. They need an heir to secure the throne as soon as possible, and the only way to prove that she is not the problem in this, and above all that that whore Selmy had deceived him, was to lie with someone else. But discreetly, and until she gets pregnant. After that, she can kill her lover.
Margaery was brought back from her thoughts when she heard a knock at the door. "Come in."
And she saw Bayard enter, who bowing, said, "I followed Prince Orys and..." but stopped looking down.
"And? Open your mouth and tell me where he went!" She said, crossing her arms in front of her chest, but he didn't answer. " Tell me!"
"To Chataya brothel."
"Damn him," murmured Margaery, walking back and forth in an angry way. He said that he would no longer fuck a whore now that he had her, and what does he do at the first fight? He goes and fucks a whore, leaving her in this room all aroused, while he gets his release. "Fucking whoremonger, like his father."
All right, if that's the way he wanted to play it, she'll play the game too.
Turning to the knight, she said, "Bayard. Send for Ser Mark Mullendore. Tell him I need to speak to him urgently." At least Mark had some traits in common with Orys. That way she will be able to imagine that it's Orys.
The reluctant Knight left the room with a bow, while Margaery, walking out the door, said to the guards, "Go away."
After a while, Margery saw the knight of House Mullendore come in after knocking, and bowing to ask, "Did you want to see me, Lady Margery?"
"Yes, Ser Marq. Come and sit here," she said, showing with her hand, and filling two goblets.
"How may I help you, my lady?" he asked, and Margery could see that he was using all his strength to not wonder his eyes on her.
She smirked at that and rounding him so that she was behind him, and with a whisper, she said, "I saw the way you look at me, Ser Marq. I can feel you gaze on me when I'm out there. I know you want me. I know you desire me."
"No, my lady. I don't-"
"Don't deny that, Ser," she whispered in a seductive way, and placing her hands on his shoulder. "I don't blame you. And I desire you too."
"My lady. Prince-"
"For tonight you will be my prince," she said in a seductive way, planting a kiss on his neck, smelling the aromatic of flower perfume. It's seemed he had just bathed.
She moved away from him for a moment, blowing out all the candles until only the one next to the bed remained, and when she got there and turned her back, Margaery glanced at Ser Marq, before blowing out the last candle. And then lowered her dress down.
She heard the chair scratching the floor, and strong hands on her shoulder.
"You are right," he whispered in her hair, as he pressed her against his body. I've always dreamed of fucking you."
He started to run his hand on her side, and then on her belly, till the moment he squeezed her breast. He was very rough she could see.
He then turns her around, claiming her lips, as his hand grabbing her ass, lifted her up, making Margery release a moon.
When they reached the bed, Marq, placed her on the bed, and leaving her lips, he started to give a trail of kiss down. Licking her nipples and squeezing her breast, making her moan.
"Usually the whores that I fuck have breast bigger than yours," he said, biting her nipple. And that made her wonder if this was the reason why Orys preferred whores over her. Because they had breasts bigger than hers.
But what happened next surprised her and made her gasp. Ser Marq kissing her sex, and then she felt his hand opening the lips of her cunt as he started to lick her.
Gods what a feeling. She bit her lips to suppress the moaning, as kept her steady with the arms, and she felt an uncontrollable pleasure building.
She knows that if he kept that way, she will no longer be able to stop the release. But she was surprised when he stopped, and suddenly opened her eyes, looking at him confusedly.
Marq, smirking, undressed immediately, and bending down, with one thrust entered her socked pussy making her gasp.
"Now you will feel a real man inside you, my lady," said the knight starting to move, and to her disappointment, he wasn't even big as Orys.
Margaery was lying on her back looking up. Apart from the great pleasure that he gave her with his mouth and tongue the rest was a disappointment. But still she could feel his seed deep inside her womb, and her juice mixed with his seed on her thighs.
That meant she had to take a bath. So with the sheet wrapped around her body, Margaery got out of the bed, but before leaving, she said, "I think it's time for you to leave. Before Orys comes back." Although she doubted, he would come back tonight.
Just before she went into the other room, she said, "I advise you to tell no-one about this little secret of ours. If you don't want to lose your head, of course."
And with that, Margaery left her room to go and bathe.
Orys was lying in bed exhausted by all the fucking he had with this too amazing woman. He had fucked them in every position and every way, but now he also felt a bit ashamed for breaking his oath to Margaery.
This must be the reason why his mother hated him so much. Because he was just like his father. Drinking hunting and whoring. This must be the reason why she always preferred Joffrey, or Tommen, or even Myrcella, over him.
Seeing me she must have seen his father who mistreated and cheated on her. And her he was doing the same to Margaery. But he knew that soon or later this will happen. Especially considering that with Margery it's not as amazing as with these whores.
"You are thinking too loud, my prince," Alayaya said, as she was making circles on his chest. She was lying on his left side, and Marei on his right side, with their legs on his, and their breasts and pussies pressed to him.
Is this what the Targaryen boy has every night?' he thought to himself feeling jealousy arise and envy. And above all it's seems that even the women of Westeros dream of him. Even his own wife thinks of him, despite Varys saying that the Targaryen can't satisfy the women.
"Have we not satisfied you, my prince?" asked Marie.
"No, on the contrary. You have done it and magnificently," he replied, caressing them, and holding them tightly. But now he had something to ask. Something very important. "Have I pleased you, my ladies?"
"Of course you have," they said, laughing.
"I want the truth."
"It is, my Prince. You're a very gifted man down there," said Alayaya, placing her hand on his cock and grabbing him, while keep kissing him, as Marei was passing her tongue on his nipples and licking him down till the hard cock that was in Alayaya's hand.
Good. He is better at the fight that the Targaryen bastard, better at ruling and better in the bed. He is the winning side. He is the true King of Westeros.
Casterly Rock
Joffrey, his uncle, and Roslin Frey were having dinner while the two of them made conversation and were laughing. Joffrey was disgusted by the situation. They should plan a rebellion against his father and take his rightful throne as his mother had suggested in the last scroll, but here they were eating, drinking, and his uncle being a proper knight to that bitch Frey. A Frey? A fucking Frey?
Why does his grandfather want to make an alliance with that Frey scum and above all, how dare he put his uncle, Jaime as Lord of Casterly Rock. This was supposed to be all his. He was supposed to use the Lannister army to take what was rightfully his. The Iron Throne. But no, his grandfather did something else.
Joffrey drank a few glasses of wine to swallow his rage, but it was no use. The more he looked at them, the more it made him want to throw up. But then something came into his head. How to take out the Frey and his uncle in one shot.
"Stop drinking Joffrey or you'll lose the light of reason," said his uncle, looking towards him.
But he continued, almost in defiance, saying, "Instead of being lovebirds, you should prepare the army to put me on the Throne."
"Put you on the throne?" replied Jaime chuckling at the madness of his secret son's words. "The throne belongs to Orys. You are the second son." And a bastard.
"I am the rightful king. The throne is rightfully mine," said Joffrey in a fit of rage, rising up, showing the face of a madman, and Jaime saw Rosline startling out of the corner of his eye as she looked towards him.
"Calm down. Don't think your outbursts of rage are gonna make things better for you. In fact, they make them worse," Jaime said, calmly, and glancing at his betrothed.
Sitting down and drinking another goblet of wine, Joffrey asked, "Are you shitting yourself in knowing that only a see divides you from the sword of the Morning? That sooner or later he will come and take your head?"
"And you are shitting yourself in knowing that across the narrow see there is someone that soon will come for your head? For my head for everyone who bears the name Baratheon and Lannister?"
"When that will happen, I will be King of these lands. And when that nameless bastard will land in Westeros, I will open him from balls to throat with this dagger," he said pulling out a dagger and hitting the table.
Jaime for a moment didn't recognize it, but once he gives it a better look, he knows to whom it belongs, and immediately took it from Joffrey's hand.
The blade was made of Valyrian steel and the handle dragonbone. A precious weapon that a long time ago belonged to an old friend of his.
"Where did you get it, Joffrey?" asked Jaime, but the boy didn't respond. "Where did you get it?"
"That's my business," said Joffrey with an angry voice, and grabbing back the dagger from him.
"So, you want to kill the Targaryen with that blade?" asked Jaime chuckling, and leaning against the back of the chair. "A…boy that had I don't know three victories? Defeated two Khals."
"Victories and duels that means nothing," he said, filling again his goblet, but this time before he could take a sip, Jaime took it from him.
"Enough with the wine," Jaime said, and in that same moment the door opened, and a guard entered.
"A carriage is approaching."
That must be Lord Walder who is coming for the wedding. And getting up Jaime left the room, before instructing the guard to keep an eye on Joffrey.
Jaime reached the courtyard, seeing the carriage enter, followed by at least 50 men, for sure all they must be his sons. He wanted to laugh at that.
When the carriage stopped, Jaime saw the Old Frey of the Twins coming down, with difficulty, followed by a very young girl, maybe the age of Rosline.
"Lord Frey," Jaime created him, with a fake smile. He hated this old man, for a lot of reason, but mainly because of how he treats the women.
"Ah, the young lion of the Rock, Ser Jaime Lannister," he said laughing in his own way. "Is your father already here, or have I come early?"
"He will be here soon," Jaime said. "I've prepared chambers for you and your retinue."
"Yes, yes. It has been too many days since I've slept in a true bed, and more," he said laughing, as they started to head toward the keep.
Joffrey was heading toward his damn chambers, stumbling on the way, and cursing the meantime. His uncle was an idiot, his brother was an idiot, and his father was a weak dumb man who let himself be manipulated by Northern cunts and those pussies of the Small council.
As he was passing a balcony that was on the way, glimpsed the shapes of a woman standing there, and licking his lips, he stopped and went to the balcony.
He was seeing red hair in front of him, with a dark purple dress, and braided. That damn girl that is the reason for his current situation. That he is away from the Capital, and from his rightful place.
Rosline went outside on the balcony of the hallway to get some air before heading to her room and think what awaits her soon. Her father's arrival meant that her wedding was around the corner, and for a part that was good. She'd become the Lady of Castely Rock, and maybe that way Prince Joffrey would stay away from her. On the other hand, she feared that day. Lord Jaime was much older than her, and he certainly had a lot of women in his life to which he will compare her, and especially she dreaded the bedding ceremony.
Yes, he was handsome and kind with her, but she didn't know if he was playing with her, or what he was doing was the truth. Especially considering the talks she heard from servants since she was her.
In that moment she heard a stammering voice say, "You came here to see the results of your work, you Stark bitch."
And turning around she saw that it was Prince Joffrey, very drunk and very angry since he called her with another name. Since she has stayed at Castely Rock, she had time to get to know him and she really didn't like his temper and his behavior. He wasn't the kind of prince or knight that she sometimes has read in the books. But not wanting to be the target of his madness and cruelty, she tried to leave the balcony, without saying him a word.
But when she tried to pass him, Prince Joffrey grabbed her by the arm and spinning her around, therefore, hitting the wall. And then he grabbed her by the neck saying, "Are you enjoying my misery, Sansa Stark!"
"Please…. Prince Joffrey," she tried to say, in a chocking way, feeling how her breath was stopping.
"It's time to finish what I started in the Godswood of your cursed city," he said, smelling his drunk breath on her and she started to cry as he was rising her dreams with one hand.
But then she felt his hand loos grip and the weight of the body that was pressing against her, going away. Rosline felt to the ground, crying, and heard screams and shoots, as she was squeezing her eyes.
"My Lady!" and she felt someone kneeling next to her, and hugging. It must be one of her handmaids, and when she opened her eyes, she saw, Prince Joffrey being dragged away by the guards, as he was screaming and shooting cursing words that couldn't even be understood.
(Present)
Myr
After the usual morning training with Arthur and the other soldiers, Aenar decided it was time to visit Alyssa and maybe apologize to her.
And when he came to her door he knocked, and once he was given permission, entered in. Alyssa was not in bed as he was looking, but he saw her at the entrance to the balcony, dressed lightly and with her arms crossed in front of her chest. Her eyes were not happy, but there was a mixture of fear inside of them.
He approached her slowly, avoiding her gaze and pondering the best words to say to apologize for what he had done the night of the feast.
After a moment of silence, it was she who broke the silence by saying, "I have never betrayed you, Aenar. And it was not my intention to use you in order to put Visenya on the Iron Throne."
Aenar did not answer, knowing that what she was saying was true, but that does not remove the fact that he felt hurt in that regard. About hiding the truth. But knowing that he too had wronged her, sighing he said, "I apologize for the way I treated you on the evening of the feast. For attacking you. I wasn't really myself in that moment." Stopping for a moment to take a breath. Swallowing, he continued, "I believe you when you say that it wasn't your intention to betray me or put Blackfire on the throne." He looked at her for a moment and saw that she had her eyes fixed on him, but still kept her distance.
When he approached her for a moment she did not move, and then Aenar continued, "To find that among your ranks there was heading the sworn enemy of my family was not easily handled.
"I know. I "m sorry about that. But I tell you one thing, cousin. The only reason why you are still alive is the baby that I' m carrying. Because if I wasn't pregnant, I would have fought back."
"Oh, I don't doubt it, cousin, even though you would have lost."
And know that the next time you try to lay your hands on me again, I will kill you. And I don't care if you are my cousin, Robb's friend, Commander of the Golden Company, or the King of Westeros."
"I don't doubt that," said Aenar chuckling. And then adding seriously, "But know that if you betray me, I will cut your pretty head off."
After that, he headed to the bed to sit down. They were in silken for some time, looking at each other and she stayed in the same position, with crossed arms in front of her. He could see that despite her pregnancy she still had the toughest look of a warrior, mixed with the beauty and sensuality of a lady, despite her not being one.
"Where is Visenya?" Alysa asked, approaching him, but stopping at a few inches.
"In a room of the palace. With guards at her door," he said, leaning forward with his elbows on the knees.
"Will you kill her?" she asked, gazing down at him.
"No. But I'll talk to her and find out what she's up to," he said, even though it wasn't all the truth, getting up and ready to leave the room, but she stopped him by grabbing him by the arm, asking, " Do you have news from Robb?"
"Yes. He's alive. They have gathered the nobles and they have been informed of my existence," he said, and she let him go. "I hope you didn't tell him about the baby. "
"Of course not. I made you a promise, and I don't break promises," he said.
"Can I leave the chamber, or am I a prisoner, too?"
"You never were," he said, leaving Alyssa's room to head to the council room, to make plans to attack Tyrosh and to communicate other news.
"Now that the tournament is over, and my marriage has been celebrated..." said Aenar getting the encouraging blows on the table from his captains, "the time has come to turn our attention to Tyrosh and Lys. They need to pay for attacking us." Taking a sip from his goblet full of Myrish wine, Aenar asked, "So, what's the plan?"
"Tyrosh hired the Company of the Roses, and the Storm Crows to defend the city," said Ethenaine. "The first composed of 2750 men, 750 of whom are heavy cavalry, but I don't think we need to worry about that. The infantry on the other hand is quite strong, and the Commanders, the Twin Brothers, Thorkwin and Thorkilt, are fierce fighters, great strategists, and above all giants."
Aenar started thinking about what Ethenaine said, knowing that his words were true because he heard many stories about the Twins. These Northmen were descendants of House Umber.
"I hope you are not going to challenge them, dear nephew," said Rhaella, drawing his attention. He asked Daenerys and Rhaella to take part in future war councils and more, even though they were a bit hesitant to it, considering that neither Viserys neither King Aerys, asked their opinion. But he did not want to be like them, but more like Jaehaerys, who always asked and listened to his wife, Alysanne's advice.
"No, don't worry," said Aenar chuckling, and caressing her cheek. Then turning his attention back to his captains, he asked, "What about the Storm Crows?"
"500 men. Light cavalry. The commander's name is Daario Naaharis, a narcissistic man, that loves women, and gold more than anything else. He is a decent commander, and a good fighter but not near your level, or of the Sword of the Morning."
"No longer Sword of the Morning," interjected Arthur.
Aenar smiled, looking towards him, and then said, "Do we know how they are disposed?"
"Yes, in two places. The Company of the Roses is camped outside the walls, precisely on the part of the island that is most exposed, and on which there is the possibility of landing," said Ethenaine, showing on the map, "while Stormcrows are inside the city. But know that in addition to these Sellsword companies, Tyrosh can also rely on their City Watch. At least 5,000 slaves, who will surely be placed on the walls to support the Company of the Roses."
"What about the fleet?"
"No more than 20 ships in the harbour," said Lysono Maar. "Their fleet that attacked Myr, now bend the knee and joined us. "But..." he stopped to look to the captains, and then towards him, "they received help from Westeros."
"Help from Westeros?" Aenar asked confused.
"Yes. A dozen ships, with scorpions, catapults, and barrels," Lysono said.
"What do those barrels contain?" asked Aenar, very concerned about it. He didn't like surprises
"Pitch maybe oil, what does it matter," Ethenaine said.
"No Ethenaine. Oil and pitch are also found in Essos," said Arthur. "Why does Westeros send those resources instead of soldiers?"
"Because that's less expensive than soldiers," Ethenaine said.
Aenar thought about it for a moment, but when he was about to answer, he heard Rhaella say, "Wildfire." And when he looked at her, he saw her gaze fixed on the table, as if bad memories had come to her.
"Wildfire?"
"Yes." sighed she said, "As you may have heard, perhaps from Ser Arthur's tales, your grandfather, King Aerys loved the fire. It excited him very much to burn people alive, and to rape me on those nights even more." Hearing that Aenar's blood started to boil with anger at the way he treated her. To have a wife like her, so beautiful and so kind, and mistreat her!
"When the Pyromancers showed him this burning fluid, he used it a lot to burn people in the last years of his life."
"And how does this Wildfire work?"
"Wildfire can burn on water, and seeps into most materials, like cloth, wood, leather, and steel, which will then go up in flames. It can also burn for many days until there is no more sign of it on the ground or on the water," replied Rhaella.
"Fuck! This is not good. I can't use Caraxes," said Aenar, looking at the map, even if he wasn't looking at it. His mind was thinking about what to do, what plan to come up with, but he couldn't. If only Caraxes could spit ice at command, but he couldn't.
"What do we do?" Aenar asked to his war council, rubbing his beard, but the members remained silent.
"Block the city," Rhaella said, drawing all the attention on her.
"What do you mean?" Aenar asked, looking down at her.
"I have lived in Tyrosh for a long time while searching for my children, and besides, the best way to conquer it is to block it from all external contacts."
"Please explain yourself better," said Ethenaine, and Rhaella standing up, as Aenar sat down, and looking at the map she started to expose her plan.
"Our fleet could block the harbour at a reasonable distance to prevent supplies from reaching them. While part of our army will land on the open side of the island. In the meantime, we should also send someone to deal with the merchants and set them against each other."
"Why?"
"Trade is the resource on which Tyrosh is based, Aenar. And the city is full of merchants from various guilds."
"So, you're suggesting I bribe them?"
"Yes. And free the slaves."
"All right. Let's follow your plan. We send half the fleet. Then we will board half the army and take them to the island," Aenar said, "But who will be the ones who will sneak into the city?"
"I'll go," replied Asher Forester. "During my time in Essos, I also stayed in Tyrosh sometimes, or rather their pillow houses, and I may have left them very satisfied after all..."
"Focused on the plan, Asher," said Aenar, not wanting to hear about it.
"And I will join him in this," said Rhaella, and Aenar, along with Daenerys, immediately looked towards her.
"You can't," said Daenerys, and Aenar looked towards her, she could see his angry look, though she was calm.
"Daenerys. I used to work in there, and I know the city, as well as some merchants. I can help."
"But mother?" Daenerys tried, but Rhaella shook her head, and even Aenar knew there was nothing they could say.
So, turning to the council, he said, " Any other news of Westeros?"
"Sunspear had fallen," Arthur said.
"What about the Martell?" asked Ashara.
"We don't know," said Lysono. "But the army that had come to help them was slaughtered and..."
"Our cousin, Gerold, was killed along with the son of Lord Anders, and other lords, though they were numerically ahead," Arthur intervened, looking towards his sister, who looked down. "Sunspear and the armies have been destroyed with wildfire."
"Lysono. I want you to send your spies through the cities of Essos to discover the location of the Martell," said Aenar. "Now you all may go."
And as everyone was leaving, Aenar stopped Rhaella before she could leave, and saw Daenerys approaching Balaq to talk to him. Surely, she wanted to thank him for saving her.
She hadn't had the chance to do so yet since everyone had very busy these days, and Balaq himself was feeling quite good, but now Aenar was sure it was a good time.
Bringing his attention back to Rhaella, Aenar saw her walk up towards the balcony of the room, her arms crossed in front of her chest, and looking out.
As he approached her, Aenar wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly to him, and kissing her lightly on the head.
They remained silent for a few minutes, and after a that Aenar said softly, "I'm sorry if mentioning the Wildfire, brought back bad memories."
Rhaella did not answer but instead started to tremble, and Aenar was sure that she was crying, silently.
He hugged her even more tightly, to reassure her, to make her understand that she no longer had to think about those horrible moments of her past. That she had a new chance for life and for love.
Slowly Aenar turned her around, and she now had her face buried in his chest, crying in it. He kept hugging her, caressing her, and whispering sweet words to her, to calm her, but it was very difficult to do so. But by the gods, she and Dany were two drops of water and both fitting in his embrace.
After a while, Aenar heard her say, "Memories of the nights she was raping me after burning people have come to light."
Lifting her face Aenar said, "You don't have to think about those horrible moments anymore. Aerys Targaryen is dead. Enjoy happiness with the people who really love you and replace the bad memories with the good ones." Wiping away her tears with his thumbs, then lowering himself and kissing her on the lips, tasting the salty of the tears on them.
"I'll never let anyone hurt you again, Grandmother," he said. "I will burn this world to the ground before anything bad happens. To Dany, to you and to any other member of our family."
She sobbing chuckled, though she still had tears in her eyes, and said, "House Targaryen is blessed to have you as Lord and King."
"I would say that House Targaryen is more lucky to have Dany and you as Queens and Lady. But I should say that it's me the one most lucky in her," he said, caressing her. "Come, let's go find Daenerys and spend some time together. Just the three of us."
"And Ghost."
"And Ghost," he said smiling.
"And the dragons?"
"But not fucking, I'm not in the mood for that," she said with a warning look and wiping her tears away.
"Of course not," chuckled Aenar as he left the room, hugging her.
They were on the beach outside Myr taking a swim and spending some time alone. The dragons were flying here and there, Ghost was in the water playing with Aenar, but Rhaella looked towards her young daughter, who was sitting at some distance away from her, with her knees up, her head resting on the arm that was resting on them, and making shapes on the sand with her finger.
So Rhaella getting up approached Daenerys, and sat next to her in silence for a moment, waiting for her to say something.
When, her daughter said nothing, and kept doing what she was doing, sighing Rhaella said, "Dany, I know you are afraid that something bad might happen to me if I go to that city, but you don't have to. I've lived for fifteen years in Essos, and in almost every free city. I know almost all of them, and I also know a lot of minor merchants who have visited the taverns where I worked."
But Daenerys did not answer, and Rhaella leaning back on her arms looked back at Aenar, and then heard a big thump on the sand, seeing that it was Caraxes.
"Why you?" Daenerys said almost in a whisper.
"I told you-"
"Asher said that he knows these cities as well. Why do you need to go too?" asked Daenerys avoiding her look.
Rhaella approached her even more, and stroking her daughter on her hair said, leaning towards her and giving her a kiss on the head, "Nothing will happen to me, little one." And Daenerys, turning immediately, hugged her tightly, and cried silently. Rhaella also wrapped her arms around Daenerys.
"Ser Barristan will go with her," said Aenar as he approached, all wet, from head to toe, and breathing quickly, and Ghost also ran towards them. Or more precisely towards Daenerys starting to lick her, and that made her daughter giggle.
The sadness that was on Daenerys's face just before disappeared, replaced by the laughter. Well, one thing was clear about the little fur from the North. Besides protecting his family, he was also very sweet and could make them happy.
Caraxes, on the other hand, lifted himself up unleashing a small sandstorm and started to fly around there, even though with difficulty.
"He is still too weak," said Aenar, looking upward, crossing his arms, and sitting on his knees.
"You were a fool to face the beast with a young dragon," said Rhaella, and saw Aenar looking down sadly, and whispering, replied, "I know."
He then sat next to them, while Ghost lay down on their legs, obviously with his head towards Daenerys who giggled as she caressed him behind his ears.
After some silence, Aenar suddenly asked, looking towards the sea, "Why do you want to go to Qarth, Daenerys?". Attracting in this way also the attention of Rhaella, who didn't know what he means. Her daughter obviously ignored his question and continued to mind her own business, caressing Ghost.
"Daenerys-"
"I told you why," she interrupted him, but without looking away from Ghost, wiping some sand from his snout and fur. "Qarth is the Greatest City that Ever Was or Will Be."
"Yes, that is what I hear. But I'm sure there is more to this than you let out," said Aenar getting up from the sand. "Has it anything to do with dreams?"
"Yes," Daenerys said, but nothing further than that, and Rhaella could see that her grandson was appealing to all his strength to not get angry.
So, to avoid so unpleasant words to come from his mouth because of anger, Rhaella asked, "What is this dream about?"
Daenerys stopped to cares Ghost, and looking at her she said, "I saw a man with white hairs and a skin so white as milk, and a woman with Targaryen traits. Then I saw a sea star floating on a shining water. And in the distance, there was a High tower with pale blue lips and blue eyes."
Rhaella was a bit confused about this, and she didn't know what that was. But then she heard Aenar say, "The House of undying."
"How do you know?"
"I read books and listen to what my spies' reports," said Aenar, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "And that is what I dream too."
"And the man? And the Woman?" asked Rhaella. This story was starting to make her worried not knowing this house of the Undying.
"Well, I suppose they are Bloodraven and Shiera Seastar," said Aenar.
"And why the House of Undying?" asked Rhaella. "What do they had to do with that?"
"I don't know. I thought you may have an explanation for it," said Aenar Looking down at her.
"Me?" she asked chuckling. "Why should I know something about them. I never even heard about The House of Undying."
"Because you lived in King's Landing for almost all your life, and Bloodraven was the Hand of the King of your great-grandfather. He meets those men."
"Yes, and?"
"Well, I suppose he talked about those things. And I'm sure he talked about his-"
"Yes. He did. Shiera sea star was a sorceress that bathe herself in the blood of the maidens and according to rumours she helped Bloodraven to find his enemies."
"And do you think it was true?"
Rhaella sighing looked down for a moment, before saying, "If you had asked me 20 years ago, my response would be no. But after seeing all this in the last few weeks or months, then yes. I believe she was a sorceress and that she helped him to keep his position as Hand of the king and defeat his enemy."
"Do you think she is alive and is living in the House of Undying?" asked Daenerys eagerly, sitting on her knees on the sand.
"More like a prisoner," said Aenar.
Rhaella wanted to ask him something else, but before she opened "Then that is a more reason to go to Qarth."
"It's not that easy, Dany. And anyway, I don't see why we should go."
"Because she is a Targaryen," said Daenerys. "And she-"
"She is a bastard also," interrupted her Aenar, but Rhaella knows her daughter's temper and that she is not going to let this argument end so easily. Getting up immediately, and with crossed arms, she said, "She is a Targaryen. And if she is a prisoner of whoever is there, we should free them."
"They are warlocks, and I don't want Qarth to be our enemy-"
"Are you afraid of Qarth, Jon Snow?" asked Daenerys chuckling. "The commander of the Golden Company, the conqueror of Myr, and a dragon ride is afraid of w-warlocks and sorceress?"
And Rhaella knows that when Daenerys used that name was very angry or was between the stars. And now was more likely the former. And Rhaella
"It's not that easy, Dany. Qarth is a very powerful city. Strong and high walls, leag of assassins, and a very powerful fleet."
"Then we can use this is as a reason to why we are visiting Qarth when they will recognize us."
"Dany-"
"Think Jon. This is a great opportunity for us. A fleet that will carry us to Westeros and a Targaryen sorceress on our side."
"What assurance we have that she will be on our side? That when we will free her, she will not kill us all?"
"Actually, I have the assurance," Rhaella intervened getting up and cleaning the sand from her Myrish dress. "Shiera and Bloodraven were Targaryen loyalists during the times of Blackfire rebellion. I'm sure you know that too considering that you are a great reader."
Aenar looked down for a moment, before saying, "No. We don't have time for that. First Tyrosh, then I will fly North, and after that Lys."
"I will go, Aenar. Before heading for Astapor, I will go to Qarth."
"No, you won't. You are pregnant and it's-"
"I said that I will go, and I will. You may don't want to save her because she is a Targaryen bastard, but she is one of us," Daenerys said with greeted teeth and hands on her hips, and then added in valyrian, "Zaldrīzes buzdari iksos daor."
"Do you think I don't want to free her!?" yelled Aenar, clearly, he lost his patience in this argument. "I dream of her in those that everyone calls wolf dream or whatever shitty name it has. And every time she pleads for help as she is drawn towards that cursed place."
And with that he left them there and Ghost following on his path, jumping in a happy way.
"Mother. When the time will come to go to Astapor, we will head first to Qarth," said her daughter looking at her.
Sighing, Rhaella shaking her head, "And how do you intend to free the woman?"
"Don't worry about that. I will find a way. I'm cleverer than I let show," her daughter said smirking, and Rhaella laughing said, "Of course you are. After all, you are my daughter."
Hugging her, giving a kiss, and then they saw their dragons descend from the sky, and they headed in their direction.