Aegon took a seat, his head ached a little from the events of the past few weeks. Drinking, talking and carousing, it was a lot to do. He took a deep sip from the sweet water that was provided and then said.
"I never knew Volanteenes to be so eager for a King." Several members of prominent families from behind the Black Walls had spoken to him over the weeks, trying to see if they could convince him to stay.
"I think some are getting tired of the constant elections, Sire." Ser Richard Lonmouth said. "The Tigers look set to win this round."
"And that will mean war?" Aegon asked. The tigers were the war party after all.
"If they find someone to wage war against." Ser Richard answered.
"And that's why they've been approaching me." Aegon surmised. Whilst Qoherys might not be a member of any party, the others most definitely were. "And the Elephants look like they want to murder me."
"I would presume so, Sire." Connington said. "Hence why we must move from here soon."
Aegon looked at the man he considered his Hand and asked. "So, you have changed your mind regarding the fighting in the Disputed Lands?" Initially, Connington had been very much against getting involved, but if he thought Aegon was in danger, he'd change his tune.
"I…I think that perhaps we would be best served allowing the Companions to blood themselves, Sire." Connington said reluctantly.
Aegon nodded, he was tempted to give them the order, but, before he did that, there was something else he wanted to know. "What word of my uncle and aunt?" The last he'd heard, they were about to get married or had gotten married.
Connington shifted slightly in his seat, and wiped his brow. "They have departed for Vaes Dothrak, Your Grace."
Aegon took the news as calmly as he could. "So, they have gotten married successfully?"
"Yes, Sire." Connington replied.
"And what happened to those you'd sent off to greet them?" Aegon asked. He wouldn't tarnish the man's image by saying that Connington had sent men to stop the wedding from ever going ahead.
Connington wiped at his brow once more. "They didn't, Sire."
Aegon leaned forward. "They didn't what?"
"They didn't get to Pentos in time for the wedding, Sire." Connington replied.
"Why?" Aegon demanded, aware that his voice had become low.
Connington looked at him, or rather looked at a point on him just below his eyes. "They were intercepted, it seems the Cheesemonger did not want them to be there."
"What?!" Aegon demanded. Why would Illyrio get in the way?
Connington sighed and placed a piece of paper on the table. Aegon reached across and grabbed it. He opened and it and read it.
This marriage must happen.
Too much depends on it.
I am sorry.
Aegon recognised the Cheesemonger's slanted writing. He threw the paper into the empty fireplace. "Why?"
Connington sighed. "I do not know, Sire."
Aegon thumped the table. "I should ride to Pentos with the Companions and hang Mopatis up by his breeches."
He was tempted to do it, but he also knew that Mopatis had been a very good supporter of their cause. He raised a hand to stop Connington from saying anything.
He looked at Ser Arthur. "Where is Aurane Waters?"
"He is preparing to set sail, Sire. I had asked him to prepare, due to the difficulties in the waters." Dayne said.
"Call him back." Aegon commanded.
"Sire?" Ser Arthur replied.
"Call him back. I want him and his crew prepared. We're going to set sail." Aegon said.
"If I might ask, where are we sailing to, Sire?" Connington asked.
Aegon looked at Connington and said. "We are going to Valyria."
