A/N: I hope you are all safe and healthy.
A few surprises in this chapter, so buckle up!
Lord Joon walked with Lord Buko, the commander of the capital garrison, as they inspected the training grounds. Even though he was still the Governor of the Northwest Province and Field Marshal of the Northwest Army, he was relegated to carrying out his duties from the capital since he carried the additional title of Master of the Horse. He found it quite difficult to ensure that the chain of command continued in his absence, as the day-to-day affairs fell on the shoulders of Quartermaster Shin and Adjutant Dae.
Regarding the governance of the province, Lord Joon made sure to give clear guidelines to his son Seong on how to govern from Kushiro. He didn't tell him exactly what he needed to do, but he gave him a framework from which he could make his own decisions. It was as Prince Sumeng said. He needed to learn how to rule in my place if he was to become the next governor.
Adding to his difficulties was his attempting juggling with the various factions at court. Admiral Okamoto and the ones siding with Princess Khiara had appreciated how he handled the situation with Prince Sumeng after his disastrous defeat at the hands of the Jogos Nhai, but he needed to make sure that he didn't paint a target on his back for the Prime Minister and his faction, which included the Economics Minister. At the same time, he found that it was impossible to try to remain neutral forever, especially since those aligned with the Prime Minister didn't like the fact that it was himself that sheltered the white devils.
Daeron, why did you have to make things difficult for me? he thought in reference to Jon's refusing to pay for the privilege. He couldn't deny that he wouldn't have progressed this much if it weren't for the Prince of Dragonstone, but because he decided to show that he was above all of the schemers, he made too many enemies to count. The only reason why he was still alive was because Princess Khiara took a shine to him, and that caused her faction to protect him also.
But even more disturbing that the regular plots at court, Joon found that there was a dangerous force growing amongst the army officers. The fact that many southern army commanders were in the Prime Minister's pocket and were in league with the merchants was not something new, but Lord Joon found that for those not in the prime minister's grasp, they had become much more willing in expressing their dissatisfaction with the rigidities of the imperial court and bureaucracy. A few of them were entertaining the idea of an overthrow of all "villainous" sorts from the court and placing all power on the emperor and a few men who could "right the wrongs of the empire."
One such person was Lord Buko. He initially thought of him as another crony to the Prime Minister, but Joon soon discovered that his relationship with the second most powerful official in the empire was just a façade. In fact, Lord Buko had expressed on more than one occasion that he had grown tired of the court and bureaucrats and was disturbed at how much money was circulating amongst the officials.
"My lord, be very careful not to say that in public," Joon warned him. "That is treasonous talk."
"Who is committing the bigger treason, Lord Joon? The ones who have to follow orders, no matter what they are, or the ones who are supposed to run this country but only do so if they have something to gain?" Lord Buko shot back.
"My lord, I have my own misgivings about what is happening now, but you're implying something that will not change anything. If the Prime Minister is eliminated, someone else will take his place. It's better if we have someone in court who we both know how to handle than someone else who can be very unpredictable," Joon pointed out.
"Is that how you're going about it? Being passive?" Lord Buko narrowed his eyes.
"Whatever I do, I do for my family. As long as they are alive, I won't support radical moves," Joon made clear.
Lord Buko nodded, disappointed but understanding. "Perhaps one day, you'll see things for what they are and that you have to do something to change it. I hope you make the right decision when the time comes."
Lord Joon was very concerned about what he meant by that, but he kept his mouth shut.
Going back to the training yards, Lord Joon came across one of the recruits in the front row. Despite the bruises in his face and cut lip, he recognized the recruit as Gendry. "How is he doing?" he addressed the senior trainer.
"He's very strong, my lord," the trainer answered sharply. "He might be a white devil, but throw any insult at him and he'll just take it."
"What happened to his face?" Joon examined him.
"Training accident," the trainer replied simply. "We were instructing him on how to fight and he kicked one of the other recruits in the balls. It went as you would imagine."
"Indeed," Joon acknowledged. "How far has he gone with his training?"
"Four more weeks, my lord."
Joon bobbed his head. "So, you are a distant relation to Daeron, even though you're a bastard," he spoke in the common tongue, not trusting that he could speak any of the tongues well.
"Yes… field marshal," Gendry attempted in nihongo, causing some snickers from the other recruits.
"Speak the common tongue, boy. You're embarrassing yourself, and don't speak the other tongues until you can speak without mumbling," Joon commanded.
"I am trying my best, field marshal," Gendry said.
"Don't try. Just do." Unlike with Daeron, Lord Joon had no intention of being soft on him. He might have a few drops of dragon blood in him, but he is nothing to me. He must make himself into something.
"Yes, field marshal."
"Am I correct in assuming that you will take the examinations after your training is done?"
"Yes, field marshal. After some preparations."
"If you pass, anything you do will be on you. If you rise, that's because of you. If you fall, that's because of you. It won't change even if you go into the post Prince Kaijin promised you."
Gendry sighed before nodding. "Understood, field marshal."
"Carry on," Lord Joon moved on with Lord Buko.
Lord Joon was then invited to dine with the Minister of War later that day. He had only met him once after arriving in Yin, but he was apprehensive about what would happen. He couldn't get tell whose side he was on, but he seemed to be more aligned with Princess Khiara due to his proximity with Admiral Okamoto.
Arriving at the Minister of War's residence, he was led into his main quarters, where a large table decorated with various dishes was already waiting for him. Behind the table was the Minister of War himself, Wendi Zong.
The Zongs were not the most powerful family in the empire, but they played a pivotal role in the rise of the azure line. For that, they gained lands, wealth, and a permanent place in the upper ranks of imperial power. Wendi Zong was the third son of Jian Zong, Lord of Yanto, and was previously a cavalry officer before joining the war ministry. He worked his way up and became the minister himself, quite the accomplishment for someone who was not expected to inherit his family's fortune.
"Minister Zong," Joon greeted him.
"Lord Joon. So nice to finally make your acquaintance. Thank you for accepting my invitation," they both sat down and started eating.
"How might I help you, Minister?" Joon asked.
"You spoke with Lord Buko today. I would like to know what was discussed," Zong went straight to the point.
"You couldn't have just asked me?"
"Come now, my lord. You know how this works. Besides having the pleasure of your company, I must tell you that you are in a very precarious position."
Joon swallowed some seared fish. "You don't need to explain it to me, Minister. I have my share of headaches because of Prince Daeron."
"But you also cannot deny that the dragon prince can potentially offset the balance amongst the officials. It's the direction that he will go that everyone is interested in."
"And how am I supposed to know that?"
"You took him in, even though you had nothing to gain from it at first. You also were privy to the kinds of private thoughts that he might have had."
Joon cleared his throat. "My duties no longer align with Prince Daeron. You are asking the wrong man."
"Hmmm," the war minister said aloud before drinking his tea. "They told me that you would be guarded, reluctant in revealing your true beliefs."
"I beg your pardon?" Joon blinked.
"I have a very productive relationship with Lord Buko. He might not be the most influential man in the army, but his position here in the capital means that his words cannot be ignored. And you should understand that Lord Buko is not the only one who is dissatisfied with the current state of things."
Oh, no. You too? "I might be a governor, but I am a soldier first. I have no interest in anything that will cause upheaval in the empire," Joon made very clear.
"Interesting… I never said anything that would indicate my support for Lord Buko and other men like him, but you reacted strongly when I mentioned him," Minister Zong observed.
Joon gulped. What are you going to do now?
"All right," the minister yielded. "Allow me to ask you this. What do you think of Captain Dao?"
Joon was surprised. "What about him?"
"A man with a position that affords him a close relationship with the Crown Prince. He spends more time with his male companion rather than with his lawful wife, which is alarming considering that he doesn't have an heir. Did you know that Captain Dao's family were able to gain much from his relationship with the Crown Prince?"
"Not the first time that it happened," Joon pointed out.
"True, but Lord Dao is aligned with the Prime Minister. The gods, and the empire, better prepare themselves should the Prince Sumeng become emperor. But mark my words, it'll be the reign of Emperor Shu."
Joon was very baffled at that moment. Minister Zong clearly disliked Prince Sumeng and also had some sympathy with the views of Lord Buko and other like-minded men. He couldn't tell if he really supported Princess Khiara or sided with the disaffected army officers.
It was then that Lord Joon saw that the empire was more fragile than he ever realized. The Prime Minister held control over half of the court and bureaucracy, Princess Khiara had the fleet and other parts of the court on her side, the number of disgruntled army officers in the south not in the Prime Minister's pockets had reached dangerous levels, and everyone knew that Prince Yujin had connections with the criminal underworld. With all this tension, it'll take someone doing something foolish in order for things to turn nasty. No matter who triumphs, it'll be the end of the empire as we all know it.
Joon sat through more of Minister Zong's words and the dinner thankfully ended without incident. But with all of this hostility growing, he couldn't just return to Kushiro. He knew that he was too powerful to remain neutral and any choice he made would endanger him one way or the other. Which path has the least danger and the most security for myself and my family? He would have to ponder that question some more when he returned to his residence in the capital.
Daenerys sat across Tyrion in the Great Pyramid, having made her point on breaking the wheel. Initially skeptical on the Imp's arrival, accomplished by Ser Jorah, and then wanting to kill the Lannister for what his brother Ser Jaime did, Tyrion was able to persuade her to both not kill him and to be lenient to the exiled Mormont knight for breaking her trust.
They then had a rather long but productive discussion on what could be done now that she was in a position of power. She made it very clear that she intended to return to Westeros and would leave Meereen behind, trusting that the smallfolk would rally to her. Tyrion tentatively agreed with her, but she knew that he disbelieved such a notion. It made her question just for a moment on whether her actions in undoing slavery was worth it, but she shook off such doubts as quickly as they came. There might have been a few detractors, but she wasn't concern herself with such trivialities when the majority of the freedmen were starting something new. And it was all because of her. Not just me. I have Missandei and Grey Worm to help me, she reminded herself.
"House Targaryen is gone," Tyrion said unequivocally. "Not a single person who shares your blood is alive to support you! The Starks are gone, as well, our two terrible fathers saw to that. The remaining members of House Lannister will never back you, not ever. Stannis Baratheon won't back you, either. His entire claim to the throne rests on the illegitimacy of yours! That leaves the Tyrells: not impossible, not enough."
Daenerys narrowed her eyes at Tyrion, unpersuaded. "Lannister, Targaryen, Baratheon, Stark, Tyrell: they're all just spokes on a wheel. This one's on top, then that one's on top, and on and on it spins, crushing those on the ground."
"It's a beautiful dream, stopping the wheel," Tyrion kept showing his doubt. "You're not the first person who's ever dreamt it."
"I'm not going to stop the wheel," Daenerys kept her hard stare on Tyrion. "I'm going to break the wheel. And you're wrong about something else."
"What would that be?" Tyrion clasped his hands together.
"Someone of my blood is alive, and he will support me when the time comes," Daenerys remembered the comely man she had met in the flames and when she had comforted him over his loss.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that. I've certainly heard of the rumors that your nephew born of Princess Elia, Aegon, was alive and in the care of Jon Connington. However, I took no stock in them. Even if it were true, nobody will readily accept this 'Young Griff' as king, since he will have to prove beyond doubt that he didn't die when the Mountain crushed his head," Tyrion explained.
Daenerys had also heard of the rumors and was also skeptical, but she shook her head. "No. You and I are thinking of two different men. I refer to Daeron Targaryen."
"Ah," Tyrion nodded in understanding. "I've heard of him too, courtesy of Lord Varys before we were separated at Volantis."
"Are you doubtful of his existence too?" Daenerys knew what she saw and wasn't going to be dissuaded.
"Before I've heard of this 'Young Griff,' Varys informed the small council of this Daeron's existence through the birds he had," Tyrion revealed.
That worried Daenerys, especially since Joffrey and Tywin would certainly be aware. "What did he tell them?"
"He said that there were reports of a Targaryen east of the Bone Mountains who was rising in power and strength, with the azure emperor recognizing his claim. From how he described it, this Targaryen, in the grasps of the Yi-Ti, was a legitimate threat because not only did he have the backing of an entire empire, he had a dragon at his disposal, a live one," Tyrion said.
Daenerys swallowed, hiding her apprehension because that was already a lot of information that Varys gave. "What else did he say?"
"He said that this Targaryen might become a rival to you, and that he might fight you since he had powerful backing and a dragon. Of course, my father was not ready to believe that he had failed in ridding Rhaegar's brood and the other members of the small council did not accept it. What got me curious was how Prince Oberyn reacted. Unlike the other times I've met with him, he didn't say anything and was unusually calm about it. I couldn't understand why," Tyrion stated.
I've never met Prince Oberyn, but that is interesting, Daenerys noted. On the other hand, the notion of Daeron fighting her was ridiculous, as she had met him and there was no malice between them. "Anything else?"
"When we were sailing eastwards, Lord Varys told me that had not revealed everything about this Daeron. He said and I quote, 'The Baratheons, the Lannisters, Tyrells… I bear them all no ill will. What I withheld to them was not out of malice. It was for the realm. For the children. I cannot allow bad causes continue unimpeded.'"
Daenerys sat back down, not expecting Varys to say that given that he so easily switched allegiances from her family to the usurper. "Why should I trust his reasonings? From what you've just told me, he doesn't seem very trustworthy."
"But you also cannot deny that he could've told more about this Daeron if he wanted to," Tyrion pointed out.
"What else does he know?"
"Well," Tyrion leaned back in his chair. "He told me that this Daeron is not alone, and that there are others from Westeros with him. When he told me the names, I myself was surprised."
"Who else?"
"Namely, Samwell of House Tarly, eldest son of Randyll Tarly, and Benjen Stark, third son of Rickard Stark."
Daenerys was familiar with Randyll Tarly, the only commander who had fought for the Targaryens and won against the usurper. She had also heard of Benjen Stark, but he played no prominent role in the rebellion from as far as she could tell. "Why did their names surprise you?"
"They're supposed to be at the Wall, Samwell about to take his oaths and Benjen the First Ranger. How they were able to make from that far north to Yi-Ti… I can't explain it."
"Is it because the Starks are so honorable that breaking their oath would be incomprehensible to them?" Daenerys asked.
"Exactly, which makes the whole situation confusing. If it's true, what reason does Benjen Stark have to abandon his post?"
"What about this Samwell Tarly?"
"He's no warrior, like his father and younger brother Dickon," Tyrion had to suppress a laugh at that name. "I suspect his father was so disappointed that he forced his eldest to go to the Wall so that his younger son could inherit Horn Hill."
Daenerys took all of this in. So, there are two other potential allies that I could work with, if I approach this carefully.
"Now, onto the most important matter. What exactly does Lord Varys know of Daeron?"
"Like with the rumors of 'Young Griff,' Daeron is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and therefore his claim to the Iron Throne is very strong, stronger than yours, with all due respect," Tyrion shrugged. "But Varys said that his mother was Lyanna Stark, and that his birds in the Golden Empire told him that Rhaegar had married her in secret."
"Married her?" Daenerys had heard of the stories of Rhaegar kidnapping Lyanna Stark, but she tried to ignore them since they usually came from those who benefited from Robert's assuming the throne.
"Yes. And that Ned Stark disguised him as his bastard son Jon Snow in order to protect him. Varys himself was skeptical, but because he had a dragon of his own, no one in Yi-Ti questioned him," Tyrion shook his head while launghing. "And just when I thought Ned Stark couldn't be more honorable."
Indeed, Daenerys thought. Although loathing the best friend of the usurper, she realized that she owed much to the deceased Lord of Winterfell, for he made a great personal sacrifice in order to safeguard his family. And if it weren't for him, Daeron wouldn't have survived.
"Meleys," Daenerys spoke. "The dragon's name is Meleys."
Tyrion narrowed one of his eyes. "How did you know that?"
"Believe it or not, Lord Tyrion, I met this Daeron."
That startled him. "What? How? When?"
"First time I met him was a few years ago, before my dragons were born," Daenerys relieved the memory. "It was after Drogo died and he comforted me when I was alone and had lost almost everything. But after seeing him and proving that he was indeed blood of my blood, that's when hope reentered my being." She was dreamlike when she described it. "And I repaid the favor, when he lost his first love."
Tyrion was struck. Not ready to disbelieve Varys' words, he started to become more convinced that Daeron was real and that would change everything. "And how did you meet him?"
"I don't know how much you believe of what we Targaryens had, but I met him through the fire, through the dreams. Only those with dragon blood could do that and we both have it," Daenerys didn't care if Tyrion was unconvinced. She knew what she saw, and no one would tell her otherwise.
Tyrion gave her another look. "I can only think of one reason why you would be convinced of his existence. Most would be wise to take it with some skepticism, but you don't."
"What do you mean?"
"You have some… attraction to him, from what I can see."
"Yes," Daenerys wasn't going to deny it. "He's a dragon, like myself. We are only ones left, so we can't ignore each other. But I've also seen his heart and he would never wish me ill, because how could a man with malice give me hope and help me through a dark time when he had nothing to gain from it?"
Tyrion nodded, conceding her point. "I wonder if it's possible to fall in love through dragon dreams alone," he teased her.
Daenerys chuckled. "And I know that at some level, he has the same feelings towards me. He might need some more time before he can admit it."
Tyrion shrugged. "I guess. But this changes things very much. Because he has his own dragon and is the son of Rhaegar, he has a very strong claim to the Iron Throne, but history has shown us that such things don't matter if you have the strength. If I were him, I would contemplate marriage. In the past, you might've had to settle for one of the major lords in Westeros. But given your words on the great houses and your feelings towards this Daeron, a marriage to him would unite both of your claims into one, neutralizing a very major obstacle, and whatever children you have will be undisputed."
Daenerys grinned at Tyrion's words. "I do like the sound of that."
"But there remains one problem. Why hasn't he come to you?" Tyrion had to ask. "If he has a dragon, he has all the strength he needs to come here, unite with you, and work with you to eventually return to Westeros."
Daenerys did wonder that a few times, but she had to remember that like herself, Daeron had to gather his own strength and he was in a good place to do it. Also like herself, it wasn't going to be easy, as he would have to ward off those who had designs on him and be able to stand on his own. She wondered if he had to deal with his own Xaro and his own Good Masters and Great Masters.
"Because contrary to what you might think, having a dragon is not enough," Daenerys told him straight. "As you can see, I have three dragons, but I need the Unsullied, the freedmen, the Dothraki, and the Second Sons combined in order to keep order in my lands and have tangible means of authority. Daeron has one dragon and he's in a much more difficult situation than I am, mainly because he has to survive in an empire."
Tyrion nodded. "Yes. I might have only a small idea on how the game of thrones is played out in Yi-Ti, but it can't be easy for anyone, especially for someone who was raised as a bastard."
Daenerys flinched at that word, but she brushed it off. "Exactly. I don't know exactly what he faces in the land of a thousand cities, but I know for sure that he's not going to leave until he can return to Westeros with an army. That's what he should do, or he's not living up to his namesake."
Tyrion rubbed his chin. "I don't what prompted either Rhaegar or Jon's mother to choose the name 'Daeron.' He was a great warrior, no doubt, but he was not very good at the other aspects of kingship."
"That's because he didn't have enough time to prove to others what kind of king he will be," Daenerys responded. "But waging a war at fourteen… Westeros has not seen a great leader since and I am very confident that the new Daeron will live up to, even surpass, the achievements of the Young Dragon."
Tyrion exhaled. "Point taken. But are you willing to wait for more years until Daeron Targaryen comes to you with an army?"
"I've been waiting for my chance my entire life," Daenerys answered. "A few more years isn't that much to add on."
Tyrion bobbed his head. "As you wish. But I would caution against waiting too long. Who knows what will happen with each day that Joffrey remains on the Throne?"
Daenerys had heard Tyrion's account of what had happened during the wedding of Joffrey and Margaery, and how Tommen was poisoned. She didn't feel anything about the boy dying, even though he was noted to be very kind, but Tyrion was immediately accused because someone had planted evidence that he supplied the poison. Many couldn't understand what motive Tyrion would have in killing Tommen, but Cersei was irrational and wanted blood. Fortunately, before his trial could commence and before Cersei did something, Varys set him free with Jaime's help and that's how he ended up in Essos.
"Do not worry. I don't intend on having that shit remain on what isn't his, although I should be grateful, as people should begin to understand that the Seven Kingdoms are lost without the right leadership," Daenerys stated.
"As for this Daeron, maybe it's time you send someone there to initiate contact. I won't argue that you've seen him without actually seeing him, but you need something more regular. After all, he might be the key to your problems," Tyrion noted.
"It's going to be difficult to do that, considering that I would have send someone through the Jade Gates. And there's no guarantee that the messenger will even reach him. My best option now is to wait until our next connection," Daenerys argued.
Tyrion took another sip of the wine. "And when will that be, if I might ask?"
"When the time is right."
Tyrion decided to leave it at that. After Daenerys returned to the balcony overlooking Meereen, she heard the familiar footfall of Daario in her chambers. "What is it?"
"I have come to report on the hunt for the Sons of the Harpy," the commander of the Second Sons declared.
Ah, yes. Turning around, she stared at Daario. "Well?"
"After combing through the city, I have reason to believe that we might be facing a wider conspiracy aimed against us."
"Wider?" She rose an eyebrow.
"Meaning that Meereen might not be the only place where the Sons of the Harpy are operating."
"What proof do you have of that?" she crossed her arms.
Daario pulled out a letter. "I searched the area around the well again, where I found the harpy before Mossador killed him. While I did so, I found his letter, which was addressed to the Sons of the Harpy in general. It reads: 'Do not worry. The reign of the beggar queen shall not last, for there be others of her blood to take her place and who are more amenable to our interests. You can expect an unveiling soon and you'll see who I am referring to. Until then, continue what you have been doing and cause trouble. Never make the dragon queen at ease. Signed, S."
Daenerys snatched the letter from Daario's hand and her eyes widened. "S?"
"I don't know, but I'm looking more into it. But this shows that we might have a bigger problem than we all have thought," Daario answered.
Daenerys nodded. "All right. Do what you have to do."
Daario took the letter out of her hands and grasped them. "Want me in your bed tonight?"
Daenerys took her hands out of his. "No. That'll be all, Daario."
"Come now. It's been weeks since we've had each other's company. You must feel a longing to be in my arms again."
Daenerys had to remember that she might have found Daario magnetic in a way, but ever since she was aware of Daeron's existence, she knew that a far more suitable and more handsome man was out there, and she wasn't going to give her heart to anyone else. Still, being a ruler came with a burden and she found Daario's embrace in her bed as a good release.
But recently, she sensed that Daario was going to seek more, more than what she was willing to give, and thus she needed to set boundaries.
"I'll make one thing clear. You swore your sword to me, and you've served me well, but just because I invited you to my bed doesn't make us equals. I am your ruler and you are my subordinate. Continue to serve me, and you will be rewarded far beyond your wildest imaginations."
"You are my reward," Daario tried to come close to her, but she stepped back.
"No. This," she gestured to herself. "I cannot give. And you made it clear to me that you are attracted to me because I am a queen, but that won't end well for either of us. There has to be mutual affection between us and that's not there. Do you understand now?"
Daario blinked and sighed. "So… it's going to be like that?"
"You should know better," Daenerys bluntly said.
"Have your eyes on another, then?" Daario asked.
"That's none of your concern."
"So, there is one," Daario nodded. "Who is he?"
"I said, it's none of your concern," Daenerys repeated.
Daario realized that he wasn't going to get anything else and turned to leave. "I shall find out who that man is and challenge him. See if he's worth of a queen like you."
Daenerys let out a heavy sigh. Lord Tyrion does have a point, she thought to herself. When will I see Daeron?
Years had gone by and she had yet to see the other true dragon in person. She didn't want to rush Daeron, as he needed to develop his own power, but there was a point where she couldn't wait anymore. It was either he came to her or she would go to him if she must. I don't care how long it takes for me to search, if it comes to that. I will find him, and we will be one, she promised herself.
She looked eastwards, in the direction where Yi-Ti was supposed to be. And she thought of all the good that would come when they do meet, starting from their embrace. Please hurry, Daeron. I don't think I can do this any longer without you, she spoke silently, hoping he could hear it.
Varys walked through the city of Tolos, escorted by those who he was in league with. He had arrived a few weeks prior and would eventually move on to Meereen, his and Tyrion's final destination. But first he needed to make arrangements for the next step of his plan.
He sent a raven to Lys, his home, where he kept someone of the utmost importance hidden for the past twenty years. He kept a regular correspondence with the people he trusted back in Lys while he was in King's Landing, but the raven he sent contained a message that simply said, "It's time."
During the few weeks he waited for the Lysene vessel to arrive, he wasted no time in making the necessary preparations for the critical step of his plan. He got into contact with retainers of Hizdahr zo Loraq, who had influence in Tolos. But ever since he declared his loyalty to Daenerys Targaryen, he had failed to realize that some of them had started to become very angry with how much they were losing from the eradication of slavery. Amongst the most angered were some of the slaves themselves, particularly those who enjoyed privileges from tormenting their supposed compatriots. History is filled with ironies, Varys mused. The dragon queen was trying to end slavery and bring freedom to all. Many might have cheered for her, but many others groaned.
What added to his problems was the fact that there was another Targaryen running free, but this one was far beyond his reach. There was simply no way he could exert any influence east of the Bone Mountains and past the insurmountable obstacles of the Golden Empire. This Targaryen, named Daeron after the Young Dragon and the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark disguised as Jon Snow, presented a far bigger threat than Daenerys in Varys' mind.
Through secret channels, he got into contact with those aligned with "Young Griff" and Captain Strickland of the Golden Company. Although he didn't meet him directly, Varys remembered Jon Connington from the days before the Rebellion and the former lord of Griffin's Roost had not changed titles, only he was the Hand for the one he claimed to be Aegon Targaryen, son of Rhaegar through Elia. Varys didn't know of the veracity of Aegon's blood claim, but he certainly had to be a better option than the blonde shit on the throne, whose behavior was driving the realm further into the abyss.
The council should've understood that the Boltons were a poor choice to replace the Starks, especially given that the wildling threat to the Wall is more serious than anyone thought and most of the northern houses are not cooperating with Lord Roose, who they all see as the chief beneficiary of the Red Wedding. And how long do they think that they can keep ruling with Joffrey on the throne, particularly when he's becoming more unhinged by the day? Varys rubbed his hands through his bald scalp in frustration.
Varys already had a plan in which "Young Griff" could rise to take Daenerys' place, but how he could deal with Daeron Targaryen was another matter. Solve one problem before moving onto the next, he reminded himself.
Arriving at the arranged location, Varys stepped inside the manse and was led down several hallways. He finally arrived at what he assumed to be a master's apartment, which was unsurprisingly richly decorated and with several slaves standing at attention.
The slave gestured Varys to sit down. He waited for a few more moments before a set of doors creaked open, from which a man adorning a golden harpy mask entered and sat across the former master of whisperers.
"I assume that you are the Harpy?" Varys asked in High Valyrian. The Harpy nodded silently. "I trust you received my messages?"
"And they were received with much appreciation, Lysene," the Harpy answered. "But your alternative being of dragon blood is of little consequence to us, as the dragon whore is ruining everything, and we must stop before she does more damage."
"As I explained earlier, my alternative will take the dragon queen's place while ensuring that normalcy will return to Slaver's Bay," Varys replied. "He will see that you are all compensated for the times that you were without slaves and that those who were freed will return to their proper stations. Meanwhile, he expects the Masters to support his claim to the Iron Throne with money, ships, and troops."
"Of course," the Harpy nodded.
Varys became unsure from how quickly he answered. "Are you sure you can deliver on your end?"
"As you might have presumed, not all slaves were supportive of the dragon queen's actions. I myself had to watch as the ones below me behaved in ways that I never imagined, all of them to my disadvantage," the Harpy answered. "It's only been a few years, so whatever damage she caused could be undone."
"You didn't answer my question," Varys pointed out.
"The Masters are anxious to recoup their losses," the Harpy spoke. "And they're willing to do anything for that to happen. And because slaves outnumber the masters' themselves, I can easily turn on them as the dragon queen showed. In the end, they will have to listen to those like me if they want to keep slaves in line. So yes, I can make them deliver. Just as long as your alternative is willing to restore and keep slavery."
"I have been in close contact with his key advisors. He understands that if he wants to have material support, he must retain slavery," Varys affirmed.
"Good. I'll let my followers know."
"And just how soon will you be ready to strike?"
"As soon as we have final confirmation from your people," the Harpy replied.
Then, another servant rushed into the apartment. "Ship on the horizon, from Lys."
"Ah," Varys stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I must see to this personally. I'll be back once this is done." The leader of the Sons of the Harpy bid him leave, and Varys walked as fast as he could to the Tolos docks.
There, the vessel had been tied to the pier, with its Lysene crew already disembarking. Varys stood as straight as he could, preparing himself for the moment that came.
Heavily armed Lysenes and Tyroshi stepped off the plank. They were followed by a group of women attendants, plucked from the pleasure houses of Lys, and then the main article herself.
Varys had been sent regular letters on how this woman grown had become quite the beauty. Although it has been over twenty years since he had last seen her, he found that there was no exaggeration with who he looked at.
Slim, graceful, and tall, she had wavy black hair and tanned skin that spoke of the other half of her ancestry. With thick eyebrows, good nose and chin, and beautiful lips, the only thing that indicated her true ancestry came from her eyes, which were violet.
Varys looked at the woman up and down, noting how developed her body was and hardened she looked. He had arranged for someone to train her in combat arts, since she would need to be strong when the time came, and her instructor praised with ability with the Dornish spear and scimitar.
What a fine woman she has grown into. Her mother would be proud, Varys thought. And just what I need, in case people question Young Griff's parentage, as she would cement his claim.
Varys bowed to the woman. "Welcome to Tolos, Princess Rhaenys."
Rhaenys stared at him, looking upon her silent benefactor until now. She calmly let out her hand and he kissed, bidding her to follow him.
"It won't be long, Your Grace," Varys told her. "Soon, you'll be one step closer to the throne."
"Get it done," Rhaenys simply spoke. "And when can I see my brother?"
"Soon, Your Grace," Varys assured her. But he failed to notice her distrust towards him, as that was the answer that he gave the last time she asked.
All we need is a spark, and all will be set in motion, he thought.
A/N: Didn't expect that, did you? I always intended for Rhaenys to be revealed as alive, but I don't think anyone else had done it like I did. And Varys, you conniving shit! You might have scored some goodwill with Dany in keeping key details of Daeron's existence from the Lannisters, but we all know your endgame with Faegon and Rhaenys.
I'm thinking that Rhaenys can be played by Anjli Mohindra, who I enjoyed from Bodyguard (which had our boy Richard Madden deliver a stunning performance).
Joon is in trouble, since he now has to deal with potentially rebellious army officers who are growing more discontent with court. He might understand where they come from, but he cannot join them since he doesn't condone rebellion.
As for Dany, she has to put the foot down with Daario, since she knows Daeron is out there and is waiting for him. We can only guess how that'll conclude.
So much has happened. Hope you guys enjoyed it!
