A/N: Hi, all. Hope you are still safe and healthy.
I'm going to be revising my update schedule that will accommodate the other stuff going on in my life. But don't worry. You will still get regular updates on the story.
This is going to be quick the shocker, so be ready.
Harrold Hardyng looked down at Sansa coldly, her name being Alayne Stone at the moment, after she offered him to take him to the Falcon Tower upon his arrival. "Why should it please me to be escorted anywhere by Littlefinger's bastard girl?"
Those that had arrived before him winced at how unwise his words were. "You are a guest here, Harry," Lady Anya Waynwood scolded him in a frosty voice. "See that you remember that."
Sansa could feel the blood rushing to her face after facing such rejection, but she kept her cool. "As you wish, Lord Harrold. And now if you will excuse me, Littlefinger's bastard girl must find her lord father and let him know that you have arrived, so we can begin the tourney on the morrow." Harry the Heir? More like Harry the Ass, for he knows no manners.
Sansa watched the dance unfold before her during the feast prior to the tourney. Earlier, she suggested to Lord Baelish that an order of bodyguards be formed for her cousin Robert, who was put at ease whenever he heard tales of his ancestor the Winged Knight, with the order to be named the Brotherhood of Winged Knights. Baelish supported the idea, as it would please "Sweetrobin" and also shore up his shaky position as the Lord Protector of the Vale by demonstrating to all who was really responsible for "safeguarding" House Arryn. The Brotherhood of Winged Knights would have eight members, one more than the Kingsguard of Joffrey, and they would protect the Lord of the Vale for a period of three years.
The tourney for the Brotherhood attracted many across the Vale, for there were many landed knights and lordlings who all sought to prove their prowess in a great test of manhood. But Sansa suspected that the more important reason that the tourney got the attention it received was because many in the Vale were very afraid of the ongoing conflicts throughout Westeros and sought an escape. The North was in chaos ever since the wildlings breached the Wall, with Last Hearth being taken quickly and Karhold to follow soon afterward. The stormlands was a bloodbath, as Stannis Baratheon dug in at Storm's End and had used every advantage he had to maximum effect, although that would change once the Dornish came in force.
Distraction from the war and influencing the fortune of many members of distinguished Vale houses would both serve to Lord Baelish's advantage, as no one would be in a position to seriously challenge his hold on the Vale with all of the festivities going on.
Another thing that Sansa had long expected for him to do was to arrange a betrothal between herself and Harrold Hardyng, and even she knew that the advantages of such a union between them were plentiful. Should her cousin die without an heir, Harrold would become the new Lord of the Eyrie. However, given how he just addressed her and the hypocrisy he displayed by siring illegitimate children, she wondered if he was a worthy candidate for her hand and the lord paramountcy. I don't need another Joffrey in my life, she told herself.
Still in her disguise as Alayne Stone, she showed the Waynwood ladies a subdued glare, as they blurted out awkward apologies for Harrold Hardyng. When they were done, she turned around and walked away. She then ran into Ser Lothor Brune, captain of the guards for Lord Baelish and by extension the Eyrie, who had heard what Harrold Hardyng called her.
"Harry the Heir? Harry the Ass, I would say. No matter his Arryn blood, he is just some pretentious squire," Ser Lothor scoffed.
Sansa smiled back in gratitude. "Thank you, Ser Lothor. Have you seen my father?"
"Down in the vaults, " Ser Lothor said. "He's currently inspecting Lord Nestor's supplies with Lord Grafton and Lord Belmore."
The vaults were large and dark and filthy, causing Sansa to light a taper and clutch her skirt as she made the descent. Near the bottom, she heard Lord Grafton's booming voice, and followed. Eventually coming up Lord Baelish, Lord Grafton, and Lord Belmore. They were discussing the situation with Bronze Yohn, who was becoming bolder with his criticisms and challenges to Littlefinger's leadership, and Lord Baelish was hatching a plan from which they would bleed Runestone dry.
"Let us hope this works," said Petyr as he caught sight of Sansa. "When their granaries are empty, they will need every scrap of that silver to buy food from us and we will control them. And now if you will excuse me, my lord, it would seem my daughter has need of me."
"Lady Alayne," Lord Grafton addressed her. "You look well this very morning."
"You are kind to say so, my lord," Sansa bowed her head. "Father, I am sorry to disturb you, but I thought you would want to know that the Waynwoods have arrived."
"And is Harrold Hardyng with them?"
Sansa fought the urge to roll her eyes. "He has come."
Lord Belmore chuckled in amusement. "I never thought Royce would let him come to compete. What's gotten into him?"
"Lord Yohn is honorable, which is what might have prevented him from allowing Harrold to compete if he didn't have a sharp mind. If he denied him the chance to prove himself, it would create a rift between them, so why not let him tilt? I, for one, am not confident that he has a chance to make it onto the order," Lord Baelish said with confidence.
"I suppose you're right," Lord Belmore shrugged. Lord Grafton kissed Sansa on the hand, and the two lords went off, leaving her alone with her supposed lord father.
"Come on," Petyr gestured her. "Walk with me." He took her by the arm and led her deeper into the vaults, past an empty dungeon. "And how was your first meeting with Harry the Heir?"
"Didn't realize that he was hypocritical, considering that he insulted me for my bastard status," Sansa groaned.
"The world is full of hypocrisy, sweet Sansa. By now you should understand that. You've seen enough of them."
"I have," she confirmed. "But to call me your bastard, in front of everyone else? I would have thought that he would have how to speak more properly."
"As far as he knows, that's who you are," Lord Baelish reminded her. "This betrothal was never his idea, and Bronze Yohn no doubt has warned him of my special skills. You are my daughter. He does not trust you, and he believes that you're beneath him in terms of station."
"That's rich, coming from him. He might have Arryn blood, but he has no distinctive traits or pedigree by himself," Sansa noted.
Littlefinger put his arm around her. "That he is, but he is your cousin's heir as well. The Hardyng man's presence here is the first step towards securing your place here, and the next step is to keep our hold on him. I can't do that, but you can. Like all men, a pretty face is his weakness and you inherited your mother's beauty. Wrap your finger around him."
After arriving at the Eyrie, Littlefinger revealed to her that the wildling invasion of the North represented the best opportunity that they had. The Boltons were charged the defense of the North, but with the majority of the northern houses either resisting them or staying neutral, their position was never more precarious. The wildlings seizing castles in the lands immediately next to the Gift would definitely call their conduct into question and the northern houses would seek new ones to lead them, but they needed to wait for the right time.
"So, you want me to be like your whores?" she asked pointedly.
"Oh, no, no," Littlefinger shook his head. "A whore sells her body out for money, and you're above that. Tonight, you will be the most beautiful woman in the hall, as lovely as your lady mother at your age. I cannot seat you on the dais, but you'll have a place of honor near my own. The fire shall be shining in your hair, so everyone will see how fair your face is. But do take care to push away the squires. A whore brings green boys into her embrace, but you will not take anyone near you, at least those who are not worthy of your attention."
"Who would ask to wear a bastard's favor?" Sansa knew that it was all a façade and the temptation to reveal her identity was strong, but she disciplined herself and controlled her urges.
"Harrold will try to approach you, but you must choose some other lord and show him your favor instead. Never show yourself as too willing."
Sansa sighed, as she wished that she learned the courtly mannerisms Lord Baelish was talking about earlier and that might have made things easier for her. Littlefinger ignored her growing exhaustion.
"Lady Waynwood will insist Harrold to dance with you, and that is when you strike. Give him your warmest smile, let him feel your soft touch as you speak to each other. Jest with him and engage him. If he responds well to them all, have him take you outside for a breath of air. No true knight could refuse such a request from a fair maiden," Littlefinger recommended.
"You really think that he will go that far for a bastard?" Sansa asked.
"You're a beautiful bastard girl, and the Lord Protector's daughter," Petyr drew her close and kissed her on both cheeks. "The night belongs to you, sweetling. Please always keep that in mind."
"As you wish, my lord," Sansa answered.
The feast turned out to be one of the few good occasions that Sansa was in ever since her father died and she was so utterly humiliated by Joffrey. Besides all of the dishes, Lord Nestor's cooks prepared a splendid subtlety, a lemon cake in the shape of the Giant's Lance, twelve feet tall and adorned with an Eyrie made of sugar. All for me, Sansa thought as they wheeled it out, as she had a weakness for lemon cakes. The cake had required every lemon in the Vale, but Littlefinger had promised that he would send to Dorne for more. Not that she cared much at the moment.
There were splendid gifts also. Each of the competitors received a cloak of cloth-of-silver and a lapis brooch in the shape of a pair of falcon's wings. Fine steel daggers were given to the brothers, fathers, and friends who had come to watch them tilt. For their mothers, sisters, and fair ladies, there were bolts of silk and Myrish lace. "Lord Nestor Royce has an open hand," Sansa heard a knight declare.
"An open hand and a little finger," Lady Waynwood sneered, with a stare aimed at Lord Baelish. That knight quickly took her meaning, as he also supported the cause of Yohn Royce in challenging Littlefinger.
When the last course had been served and cleared, the tables were lifted from their trestles to clear the floor for dancing and singers and musicians were brought in.
Lord Coldwater approached Sansa and offered his hand while the songs were starting. "Would you honor me with this dance, my lady?"
"You are very kind, my lord," she answered with a smile as he led her to the floor. He was her first partner of the evening, but far from the last. Just as Littlefinger had predicted, the young knights and squires tried to get their turn with her, vying for her favor. Among them was a Tollett and three other knights before she danced with Ser Albar Royce, Lord Nestor's heir. She danced with all three Sunderlands, all of whom were nimble with their fingers, but they were very stiff in their legs. Another knight, whose named escaped her, was quite disgustingly suggestive in his words, and yet another proved to be the epitome of courtesy. Then came more Waynwoods and whatnot. Finally, Harrold Hardyng approached her.
"Lady Alayne. May I partner you in this dance?"
She mockingly considered him for a moment. "No. I don't think so."
His cheeks grew red. "I was inexcusably rude to you when you welcomed me to the Gates. You must forgive me."
"Must?" She narrowed her eyes and took a sip of wine while making him wait. "How can you forgive someone who is inexcusably discourteous? Will you explain that to me, Ser Harrold?"
He gulped, but he made one more attempt. "Please, my lady. One dance. That's all I ask."
Remembering Littlefinger's advice, she sighed before nodding her head. "As you wish."
He smiled, offered his arm, and led her out onto the floor. As they waited for the music to resume, Sansa glanced at the dais, where her cousin sat staring at them. He eyed Harrold Hardyng with suspicion, as even he understood what his intentions were, but she didn't want him to have another bout of sickness, for that will complicate things for all in attendance. Please, don't be sick on me again, cousin.
Then the musicians took up a song, and she was dancing. As they moving in tandem with each other, she searched her mind on what she should say to him. She quickly decided not to comment on his dancing, as he probably heard that many times that night and Littlefinger told her to not seem desperate. Then, she decided to broach the subject of his children, "I must offer my congratulations. It's not every day one bec"mes a father."
Harrold hesitated, but he smiled good-naturedly. "Thank you, and it will be my second one. My daughter Alys is two years old."
Your bastard daughter Alys, Sansa thought. But instead of words that could be interpreted as an insult, she came up with, "It must be difficult to deal with a different mother for your child."
"Very much so, my lady," Harrold spoke. "Cissy was a pretty girl when I bedded her, but childbirth has not been so kind on her body, so Lady Anya got her married to one of her personal men-at-arms. It's different with Saffron, though."
"Why is that?" Sansa inquired.
"Her father says she is more precious to him than golden dragons. He made his fortune by trading spices in Gulltown," Harrold answered. "So… she can't just disappear from my life."
"What will you name your new babe?" Sansa asked. "Cinnamon if she's a girl? Cloves if he's a boy?" His surprise almost made him stumble. "Forgive me. I thought you would understand my lady japes."
Littlefinger will not take too kindly what I said to Harrold, Sansa cursed herself.
"Oh, no. I didn't take any offense. But Saffron is very beautiful. She's tall and slim, with big brown eyes and hair as soft and golden as honey."
Sansa raised her head, her eyes curious. "Is she more beautiful than me?"
Harrold studied her face. "You are comely enough, I will you that. When Lady Anya first told me of the betrothal, I was afraid that you might look like your father."
"Little pointy beard and all?" Sansa laughed, but she hid the hurt she felt at Harrold insulting her father.
As if seeing the error in his words, he tried to take it back. "I never meant-" he stammered.
"I hope you joust better than you talk," Sansa shushed him.
For a moment he looked shocked. But as the song was ending, he burst into a chuckle. "No one told me you were clever."
He has good teeth, straight and white. And when he smiles, he has the nicest dimples, she thought. She ran her fingers down his cheek. "Should we ever wed, you'll have to send Saffron back to her father. There can only be one source of spice in your life, and I am very hard to come by."
Harrold grinned. "I will hold you to that promise, my lady. Until that day, may I wear your favor in the tourney?"
Sansa shook her, feigning sadness. "You may not. It is promised to... another." She was not sure who as yet, but she knew she would find someone. "But next time, good ser."
As soon as Sansa returned to her chambers, she fell down on the bed and exhaled heavily. The stress of the moment had weighed her down, but since Harrold Hardyng had taken a shine on her, Littlefinger would probably praise her in the morning.
And she had to remind herself that what she was doing was necessary, as she needed the Vale when she would fight to take the North. She could say all she wanted about Littlefinger, but he knew how to seize opportunities and she was not going to miss her best chance at taking back her home. At the same time, she also wondered how Bronze Yohn would eventually fight Littlefinger and the timing was very important.
Mother, father, if there is anything you can say to me, please do so. I really need help now, she prayed to the above as she slept to gain her energy for the tourney on the morrow.
Kaijin arrived at the recreation space for the emperor, his father. The Grand Secretary told him to wait, as he had to deal with the daily intake of petitioners and converse with his personal advisors, but after his business was done, he would be granted a few hours of the emperor's private time.
Kaijin couldn't say that he had a close relationship with the emperor, and he dared not refer to him as his father unless he explicitly told him he could do so. He was the illegitimate son of a tea server and had the emperor not acknowledge him as his son, he would have lived on the streets. However, despite being a prince, there was a ceiling that he couldn't go through and he was way behind in the line to the phoenix throne. Not that it mattered much to him, but his half-brother Yujin made things more difficult since everyone believed that the children born from lower-ranked women would seek to supplant the children born of the empress and those of higher rank.
After being made a prince, Kaijin grew up in the imperial palace alongside Sumeng, Yujin, and Khiara. Sumeng was the youngest of them all, but he was above them in terms of rank because he was the son of the Lengii empress. Yujin especially didn't take this well, as he hated to feel subordinate and thus try to fill the gap in his confidence by becoming a deadly fighter. But after Yujin nearly tried to cut his leg off during one of their training sessions, the emperor had them trained separately.
Sumeng, Khiara, and Yujin grew up with high ambitions, but Kaijin tried to steer clear of their machinations, because he knew very well that their plotting usually ended up with someone dying. Also, Kaijin was living a good life, as the privileges of a prince allowed him to move up the ranks faster than anyone else and he was always afforded a place in the emperor's reach. Moreover, the emperor treated his mother well by finding her a good husband and granting her some land and an income, so he had no intention of acting against him.
He had experienced twenty-four namedays, obtained the rank of lieutenant general in the army and an admiral in the fleet, and was known to be one of the empire's best combatants, but he was not political and refused to be involved in any of the officials' schemes. The emperor treated my mother well, so I must not give him any reason to think that I will become an opponent, he thought.
Kaijin sat on one of the benches in the emperor's garden, which also acted as his recreation space, and was served tea by one of the maids. He glanced back at where the emperor was sitting, where he was in deep conversation with some of his advisors. Whatever they were discussing, it seemed serious and Kaijin turned around.
A few hours passed and the afternoon was close to turning into dusk before the Grand Secretary approached. "Your Highness, the emperor will see you now."
Kaijin nodded and followed him to where the emperor sat. The Grand Secretary took his leave while the emperor gestured for him to sit down. Instead of a servant, he poured him a cup of tea with his own hand. "You honor me, Your Augustness," he took it and drank.
"How are you doing, son?" the emperor asked in the gentlest voice that Kaijin had ever heard.
"I've been busy, Your Augustness," he answered while setting the cup down.
"Ah, yes. You're quite committed to your duties and you have made a good impression on the officers. It shows that you have applied yourself well," the emperor gave him a small smile.
Kaijin cleared his throat as he tried to process his praise. "Thank you, Your Augustness."
"I was thinking something today, something that I had not thought about for many years. I remembered when I first met your mother. She was from Trader Town, wasn't she?"
"Yes, Your Augustness. She was born there, but she spent most of her childhood here in the capital," Kaijin responded.
"That's it," the emperor nodded. "I was getting tea some companions of mine and here was this woman of small stature and with the sweetest face that I had seen in a while. Did she tell you how we met?"
"She said that you spilled your tea and she had to clean it up."
"Ah, yes. But I recollected that I had purposely spilled it because I knew she would come back and I didn't want her to leave my sight. I then had my father's secretary find her a post here in the palace and I got to see her every day. I even discovered that her father was in debt and I paid it all while moving her family in a new house," the emperor thought aloud.
All of this, Kaijin already knew. "And for that, she agreed to join you in your bed?"
"As a younger man, I had a way with the women in the palace and your mother couldn't resist my charms. But the reason why she stood out among the many others that made love to me was that she asked me to go very slowly and to take my time. Other ladies wanted me to go faster and harder, but not her. I'm guessing that deep down, she wanted the both of us to savor the moment and it must've worked," the emperor smiled at that memory.
Kaijin had some mixed feelings how the emperor seduced his mother, but he couldn't condemn him either. "Thank you for remembering my mother, Your Augustness."
"By the way, have you seen her recently?"
"I was able to, but I had to keep my visit short because she has her own family now," Kaijin divulged.
"Hmmm," the emperor bobbed his head. "I told her husband to treat her well, or he will hear it from me. Glad to know that she was able to find happiness."
That, Kaijin couldn't refute. His mother had married a good man, a magistrate in Jinqi, and bore him six children. But she had her own family to take care of, and the situation would've been more complicated if he tried to involve himself more in their lives. I love my mother, but there has to be a distance between us since she's the wife of a magistrate and I'm a prince.
"You inherited your mother's kindness, son, and her good sense. Both of them served you well, as the soldiers and officers had nothing but good things to say about your style of command. However, you must also be shrewd and have some higher purpose for your life, as every man should aim high," the emperor told him.
"Your Augustness, you have been more than kind to me and my mother, and my climb up the ranks was only facilitated by your grace. I have no need to seek more," Kaijin explained.
"That attitude must change, because I am going to need you in the upcoming moons," the emperor stated.
"May I ask what Your Augustness means by that?" Kaijin was unsure of his meaning.
"I probably don't have to tell you how precarious the line of succession to the throne is."
"No, Your Augustness," Kaijin shook his head.
"Then you understand that my son, your half-brother, is showing himself more incompetent as my heir."
"Your Augustness, surely his faults don't outweigh his strengths," Kaijin defended him, even though he didn't believe in the words he said.
"Loyalty, even though he's done nothing to earn yours. That's one of the things I always liked about you. However, you are my son and you are a prince, both of which makes you an asset and a target," the emperor outlined for him.
"Which is why I have been aloof of all of the factions at court," Kaijin said.
"And that approach will not work for long. I am sure you heard about what your sister is doing with Prince Daeron."
Khiara sighed. His half-sister had flaunted her relationship with Daeron for all to see, but he had to admit that it was a masterful stroke on her part. Daeron could use Khiara's networks, while Khiara could claim that she was one with the dragonrider.
"And I found out that the timing couldn't have been better. I found out that the Prime Minister is having his connections in the Ministry of Justice and the southern armies to follow Khiara and her faction. Daeron Targaryen and his uncle have stirred up a hornet's nest by investigating people connected to him, but he's not stupid in thinking that he can take on the Shus by himself."
Kaijin had no objection on Daeron and Lord Benjen trying to stop the corruption in the army, but they weren't careful enough and it was no surprise that they were being targeted.
"But the most important thing that has happened recently was when I made an ultimatum to Sumeng, your brother."
"What sort of ultimatum?" Kaijin asked.
"He must end his liaison with Captain Dao and produce an heir with his wife before the year is out. If he fails to do both, then I will remove Dao from his position and lock them both in his quarters until they can sire a son."
"What about Lord Dao?" Kaijin knew that he would not react well to the emperor mistreating his son, even though everyone knew that Captain Dao was seducing Sumeng on his orders.
"If he reacts in any way against my wishes, I will respond in kind. And that's where you come in."
"How, Your Augustness?"
"I want you to contact Lord Buko and try to develop a partnership with him. It'll also come with a promotion, Commandant of Firearms."
Kaijin was very surprised. That position would effectively make him one of the most powerful figures in the army, as he had authority over all units that were armed with black powder weapons. "Your Augustness, I'm honored, but surely, there are more qualified men for that post."
"And all of them are either in the Prime Minister's pocket or associated with Lord Buko. I don't know what they intend to do, but Lord Buko commands a lot of respect because he was very vocal about corruption and he'll be useful. I don't believe that the Prime Minister will stay still, but I don't trust what my daughter intends to do. We must have a counterbalance and Lord Buko could be the key."
Kaijin gulped, trying very hard to control his nervousness, but the emperor was trusting him, and he didn't want to offend him. "I will do what is required of me, Your Augustness."
"Good," the emperor smiled gratefully. "And please, call me father."
Kaijin looked at him with surprise, and he found it very difficult to call him that because he was taught to not see him that way. "Fa… father."
"Say it again," the emperor asked.
"Father," Kaijin complied.
"Please, once more," the emperor looked as if he was wanting to hear that for a long time.
"Father. Why do I feel so strange?"
The emperor stood up and pulled Kaijin into a hug, patting his back. "Thank you, my son. I am sorry that there had to be a distance between us."
Kaijin slowly returned the hug, feeling for the first time the embrace of a father who did love him but couldn't show his feelings out of necessity. For once, everything felt full for Kaijin, as he had to live without a father's touch until now.
Rhaenys paced nervously around her chambers, trying to control herself as the day that Varys promised was finally coming. Even though the former master of whisperers for the stag usurpers was a slippery type, she was going to let all of her doubts disappear if she saw her brother again.
Will he recognize me? Will he look like our father? Will he be a strong man, like him? Will he be kind, like our mother? Her nervousness slowly transformed into excitement, as she thought of all kinds of things about her brother.
But she also wondered if he would hold any resentment towards her. Like she would with her aunt Daenerys and her supposed brother Daeron, Aegon would probably ask her, "Why didn't you come to me when you had the chance? Why did you leave me alone?" And Rhaenys didn't know if she was prepared to answer that, for there were many things outside of their control that kept them apart. But will he understand that?
She heard someone knock on the doors to her chambers. "Come in." Entered Varys, who was still richly dressed but carried an air of confidence. "Yes?"
"They're here, Your Grace. We should be ready for them."
"Of course." She straightened out her dress and followed Varys to the outside of their manse in Tollos. Turning to her left, she saw that a procession coming towards them, with banners fluttering above them. She could recognize the sun and spear of House Martell anywhere, the skulls and pike of the Golden Company could be seen, and then the three-headed dragon of House Targaryen. My brother is coming, she felt joy flow through her.
It was rather small force that came, considering the number of ships that arrived, but Varys told her that they were representatives and that the main force would be deployed elsewhere. Today would be spent strategizing and putting together a viable plan to push for their claims to the Iron Throne.
The leaders of the procession, from how they carried themselves on horseback, dismounted and approached the pair. There were four of them and three bowed to Rhaenys. "Your Grace," they addressed her with reverence. She could identify them as a Dornishman and Westerosi who spent too much time in Essos from how tan their skin became.
"Your Grace, may I present the men sent to help us?" Varys introduced them. "First, I give you Prince Quentyn of House Martell, eldest son of Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne."
Rhaenys looked at her cousin up to down. Quentyn was short-legged and stocky, thickly built, with a plain face, brown hair, brown eyes, and stubble on his cheeks. She also saw that he had a high forehead, broad nose, and square jaw. Fine looking man, but not one I would invite to bed.
"It pleases me very much to meet you at last, cousin," Quentyn spoke to her. "My father, your uncle, was more than relieved that you have survived."
"I see." Pretentious also, in thinking that we're close because of blood. "But I am not your cousin. I am Princess Rhaenys of House Targaryen and you will address me as such."
Quentyn gulped and nodded stiffly, not expecting his cousin to be so cold. Varys moved on.
"Here is Jon Connington, Lord of Griffin's Roost in the Stormlands and Hand to the True King," Varys introduced him.
Rhaenys took in the blue-haired old man, the years obviously having taken a toll on his health and exterior. And she heard about what Jon Connington did and how much he was devoted to her father.
"I must warn you, Your Grace. I have the greyscale, so please keep your distance."
He's concerned, Rhaenys thought with surprise. "Thank you, my lord."
"Here is Harry Strickland, Captain-General of the Golden Company," Varys pointed to the brown-haired man in golden armor.
"Good to make your acquaintance, Captain Strickland. Let's hope you fight for the winning side," Rhaenys made mention of how House Strickland lost their lands for supporting Daemon Blackfyre.
"Whatever the outcome, Your Grace, we will not break a contract," Strickland answered tactfully.
Then, Rhaenys' eyes came upon a young man who had his silver hair flowing down to his shoulders, purple eyes, well built, and dressed in brand new armor. Searching his cheekbones, his lips, his eyebrows, for a moment, she thought she saw a ghost. Father's ghost.
"Your Grace, may I present Aegon the Sixth of His Name, rightful King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell," Varys introduced her.
Rhaenys approached her brother, trying to find the words to say to him. Her supposed brother was strangely nervous, but she hid her confusion.
"You must have a lot of questions, brother," Rhaenys started.
"So do you," her supposed brother answered.
Before the celebrations and feasting could commence on the reuniting of two long-lost siblings, Varys said that they had important business to discuss. Going into the same chambers where they talked with that Yi-Tish merchant, Varys and Rhaenys sat on one side while Quentyn, Jon Connington, Captain Strickland, and her supposed brother sat across them.
"First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to travel all the way out here, Prince Quentyn," Varys addressed him.
"Not at all, Lord Varys. My father wants to see my cousins on the throne, and I am more than happy to play a part in history."
Despite sharing the same blood, Rhaenys found that she was disliking her cousin more and more for his conceitedness.
"Now, I will summarize the situation as of right now. Daenerys Targaryen is missing, but Meereen is under siege by the slave masters and Yunkai and Astapor are close to falling. However, much of Daenerys' people enjoy strong positions in Meereen and they will not be easy to dislodge," Varys began.
"We know that, Lord Varys," Jon Connington eyed the Lysene courtier. "But the question we must ask is: where is Daenerys Targaryen? Shouldn't you get your little birds on that, like when House Targaryen was still on the throne?"
"My little birds could only go so far, and I can exert so much reach before I am in danger of overstretching it," Varys responded.
"That's not good, then," Jon Connington grunted. "As long as Daenerys Targaryen lives, we have a pretender on the loose and she could very well challenge the true king of Westeros."
"My lord," her supposed brother turned to his Hand. "Please be careful. Her niece and nephew are listening."
Jon Connington got his meaning and nodded. "My apologies. But surely, Daenerys will see the truth and bend the knee to someone who has more right to the Iron Throne than her."
"That hasn't stopped pretenders of the past, hasn't it?" Varys eyed Strickland, who had to be constantly reminded of his family's association with the Blackfyres.
"And what about this Daeron Targaryen? Where is he at?" Quentyn directed his question at Varys.
"He's currently in Yi-Ti and therefore well beyond my personal reach."
"Yi-Ti?" Strickland was surprised.
"But this Daeron Targaryen had made many enemies in Yi-Ti and I was able to strike a bargain with their prime minister through his intermediary," Varys revealed.
"What kind of bargain, if I may ask?" Jon Connington became interested.
"There will be a group of fifty ships that will come from Yi-Ti through the Jade Gates. They're simply merchant vessels, but we will spread rumors that they are carrying weapons for the slave masters and Daenerys' forces will have to respond."
"How could they respond if they are besieged?" Quentyn asked.
"It doesn't matter what they do, so long as the land of a thousand cities believes that Daenerys Targaryen burned ships and their people without just cause and thus giving us more impetus to dethrone her," Varys explained.
"How does this affect Daeron Targaryen?" Stickland inquired.
"Who would want to ally themselves with a man whose family burned their people?" Varys asked rhetorically. "And it'll make his journey back to Westeros more difficult, since he's spent a long time in Yi-Ti and much has changed in his home since then."
"My, my. You are still the devious shit that I remember you as," Jon Connington blurted out, causing Varys to smile at him.
"Now, besides the Golden Company, how many men and ships does the tiger contribute?" Varys asked.
"They have decided to send twenty thousand men, forty elephants, and one hundred warships plus untold numbers of sellswords," Strickland outlined for Varys. "Combined with the Golden Company, you have a very strong force here, all ready to fight for the true king of Westeros."
"Your Grace," Varys turned to the supposed Aegon. "Are you confident in taking command of the armies and fleet against your aunt?"
"Would we have a chance? She has dragons," he voiced his concerns.
"Without their rider and mother, Your Grace, the other two won't have anyone to take orders from," Varys answered. "And who knows? When the time is right, you might claim one."
Aegon smiled, while Rhaenys was closely watching her supposed brother. She remembered all of her father's mannerisms clearly, for that was how she could remember him, and Aegon wasn't displaying any of them. His posture, how he moved his hands and arms, the way he turned his head, and how short his hair was. What the fuck is going on here?
"When do we move out?" Rhaenys asked.
"We can move out as soon as a moon, as that is how long it will take for the tiger's troops and fleet to arrive here at Tollos," Strickland proved himself the specialist in anything related to conflict. "Once we've assembled, we can being the attack on Meereen while assisting the capture of Yunkai and Astapor when possible."
"Excellent," Varys stood up. "We have a basic strategy down and we can discuss the particulars over the feast that I have prepared. Please, join us."
While the feast was being set up, Rhaenys found her supposed brother leaning on the balcony of the manse, which overlooked the ports of Tollos. Although he didn't present his father's mannerisms, Rhaenys wasn't going to make conclusions, for some part of her wanted him to be her brother.
"You know. This reminds me of when I was in the Red Keep. I was just nagging my mother, our mother, to give me a pet and I was imagining myself as our ancestors of old," Rhaenys said to him. "Our mother couldn't give me a dragon, but she got me a cat, a black one. And that cat was one of the things that comforted me, because our grandfather was so cruel, and I was old enough to see his madness." She looked to her side and saw that Aegon was listening, but he didn't recognize what she was talking about. "Do you remember the cat's name, brother?"
"Sister, it's been too long. How am I supposed to know?"
"You used to play with him, and she was the only animal that wouldn't scratch you, but you're right. You were too young at the time. However, a pet like that cannot just be forgotten, especially since it belonged to a princess. I just want to share a memory with you, because I want my family back," Rhaenys' voice was cracking.
Aegon sighed, somewhat understanding her situation. "A black cat… Cannibal?"
"Yeah, yeah. That was the name," Rhaenys smiled at him.
Aegon grinned before gesturing her to follow him. "Come on, it's time for the feast. Let's enjoy ourselves."
As Aegon walked back into the hall, Rhaenys' smile disappeared. Any Targaryen would know that any creature that is black in color will always be named for Balerion the Black Dread. And he didn't recognize my cat, even though I heard him say its name so many times.
Rhaenys sat next to him as the festivities commenced, and memories about her brother started to return to her. Wanting to check something, she asked Aegon, "Can you look into my eyes, please?"
Aegon was confused, but he complied. She looked closely and just smiled back, "I just wanted to be reminded of our father's eyes." He seemed quite taken back before resuming his meal.
But Rhaenys now had the final piece of information she needed. Apart from the dragon dreams of a false dragon, Aegon not acting like their father at all, and him not remembering Balerion the cat, his eyes were what convinced her. She remembered that his eyes were dark shade of blue, almost purple. But that was it: almost purple, but not purple. And this one's eyes were just too purple, even though the hair was right.
All of her hopes, all of her dreams of family, her thoughts of seeing her father in her supposed brother… all shattered. She held back the tears, for Varys would know instantly why she cried. And she avoided looking at him, for he would know why she would glare.
But in her heart, a rage, a hatred, an anger rose up within her. All bonds of trust were broken, and her first fixation was on revenge against the one who lied to her all this time.
Wait, she told herself. You're not ready. When the time is right, kill him, she promised herself.
Khiara rode Daeron as they engaged in another bout of lovemaking, or what they tried to call it in order to disguise the true purpose behind their trysts. They made a further arrangement to alternate each time, and she wanted to be in control since Daeron was on top of her the first time.
Daeron had just returned from whatever he was doing, which was either investigating the "disappeared brigades" or anything related to minutiae of army life and being a lieutenant in the imperial guard. However, she was already bare for him when he showed up at her quarters, with the purpose of that being to make him freeze and stumble from surprise. She then walked up to him, undid his armor and his robes, and guided him to her bed, where she lied him down.
Remembering what her mother taught her, she squeezed his balls and his member, causing his breath to become sharper. She then guided it to her entrance as she sat on top of him, moving up and down while keeping his eyes on him. But wanting more, she grabbed his hands and placed them on her breasts, causing him to gulp at how plush they were.
Khiara was taller than Daeron, which made their tryst a little tricky. However, as the Prince of Dragonstone had to compensate for his shorter stature, he thus put in much effort in pleasing her and she felt more of the touch of his fingers and gliding of his palms. Most men tried to be in control no matter the cost and they only cared about pleasuring themselves, but Daeron was different in that his concerns took second place. Any woman would be very fortunate to have him as a lover, but for now, he's mine, Khiara thought as their encounter continued.
Eventually, their energies were spent, and they laid next to each other in the aftermath. "You really know how to please a woman, Prince Daeron," she said to him.
"Even though I am aware of what this really is, I'm not going to make it unpleasant. Everyone deserves to feel gratified at some point," he answered.
Selfless, Khiara thought with delight. All of her previous lovers were nothing like Daeron, which only made her want to keep him around for as long as possible. "For some reason, I don't know which part came out: your dragon side or your wolf side."
"Both are deadly creatures, and they will be damned before they don't show themselves as committed and energetic," Daeron turned to her.
Khiara nodded, while a smile grew. "Although now that I think about it, you were too quiet, just like your white direwolf. Perhaps the next time I call for you, be louder, like your dragon."
Daeron sighed. "Not sure if I can put that much feeling, considering what we have."
Khiara kissed his cheek and his forehead. "You'll find a way. After all, who wants a lover who doesn't make many sounds?"
Khiara and Daeron dressed each other and they walked out together, with her holding his hand in front of her servants and Jade Order members. Arya, who was assigned as her personal shadow that day, froze upon seeing that but made a great effort in hiding her feelings. However, what she was doing with Daeron was exactly part of the point.
Even though Arya was becoming deadlier as a fighter, Khiara will always have power over her because the Jade Order was meant to protect her, and she couldn't touch Khiara without incurring their wrath. More importantly, she was communicating to Arya that her life along with Daeron and the others were in her hands. One wrong move on your part, and I will extinguish your light from the earth, she communicated to Arya through her eyes. Arya had the good sense to not respond, but she was now very cautious around her.
Daeron had to resume his duties for the day, so they had to part company. And for some reason, she was getting more attached to him and felt something missing when he went away from her. But she quickly put those thoughts aside, as she also had important business to deal with.
Walking through the palace, many of the officials and much of the household were staring at her and averted their eyes when she looked them at them. By now, her new relationship with Daeron had become common knowledge and there were definitely mixed feelings to that. Her supporters among others praised her move, as she was able to get a dragonrider on their side. But for those aligned with the Prime Minister, she imagined that they were calling a whore and a lascivious wench among other terms for such a pursuit, but she knew better than anyone that they were definitely afraid for the same reason her supporters commended her.
Khiara calculated that her bedding Daeron, along with his and his uncle's investigations, would very much force the Prime Minister's hand and cause him to strike, as he couldn't afford for her to get too strong and eventually overcome her brother Sumeng's place. Even though she had the High First Admiral and the Minister of War on her side among other individuals and groups, there was still a balance of power and she didn't have the strength yet to confidently fight the Prime Minister and his people. So, she approached the one man who could tip the scales in her favor besides Daeron.
Of course, she had to be discreet, for if the Prime Minister caught wind of her meeting, he would act quicker than she could respond, and she needed everything to be timed right. Too early and too late, and all of it will unravel.
Assuming the attire of a normal noblewoman and only taking Arya and another Jade Order lady, both of whom discarded their white robes for regular ones, she also covered her face with a veil and moved through the streets of Yin towards a district filled with perfume merchants. It was a common area where noblewomen congregated to purchase the latest perfumes, and it was the last area where anyone would suspect plotting. No one paid attention to the trio as they moved through the district and took in the many fragrances, which worked to Khiara's advantage. For Arya, she had to shake her head and coughed, as these many perfumes were a bit much for her to handle. She never concerned herself with how a woman like her should smell, she observed.
Khiara arrived at the back entrance of a perfume merchant's house, or so it appeared. In reality, this was her private quarters for when she wanted to spend a few days outside of the palace and observe the lives of those who were not in the halls of power. It was always useful to have somewhere she could go to outside of the palaces, a place that the Prime Minister's creatures or any other with designs on the throne didn't know about.
Entering her main quarters, she turned to Arya and the other Jade Order lady. "Stay outside and keep watch. It won't take long."
"Yes, Your Highness," they answered. But with Arya, she was more hesitant.
"Have something to say, Lady Arya?" she crossed her arms.
"No," she shook her head after thinking about it.
Khiara bid them leave. I'll have to have a word with her, she thought.
Soon after she came, someone knocked on her door. "Come in," she said. In came the man she had to make an ally of, someone very high ranked in the army and someone not in the Prime Minister's hold. "Greetings, Lord Buko."
The commander of the capital garrison had to dress in civilian attire, as his uniform in the perfume district would raise too many questions and attract unwanted attention. But the fact that he was here meant that he was interested in what she to say, which was a good start for her.
"Your Highness," Lord Buko addressed her.
"Thank you for agreeing to see me. I hope that my warnings regarding the Prime Minister have been helpful to you."
"For that, I thank Your Highness, for I was able to better protect myself against his prying eyes. But I don't think that you did that because you were concerned for me."
"You thought right. I personally don't care about you, but you have enough respect from many of the officers in the south that I can't ignore you. It shows that your previous position as overseer of military examinations had served you well," Khiara stated.
Lord Buko's career might not have been filled with important posts, but he was in positions where he could identify those who could help him and shared his views. Being overseer of military examinations gave him access to an untapped source of influence, the next generation of military officers, and he would use his positions to advance those whose views most aligned with his own.
"With respect, Your Highness, you didn't come here to praise my accomplishments as a general."
"No, and I'm sure that you are aware of why I contacted you."
"As you know, Your Highness, the Prime Minister represents everything wrong about this empire. Corruption has spread like a disease, officers are not committed in their duties, the very people responsible for running our country are shirking their obligations, and we have an heir who will bring ruin on us all, just like the troops he killed in the northern frontier."
"I agree with you, Lord Buko," Khiara nodded.
"However, that doesn't mean that I will support you. You are much more able than your brother, but the empire is not ready for a woman on the throne. What's more, you in power won't necessarily lead to the radical changes that this empire needs, which includes the eradication of the civilian bureaucracy."
Khiara certainly had an idea of where he stood politically, but this was the first time that she was hearing the details. "And what do you think would be a better replacement for the bureaucracy?"
"We have to wipe out the scholar-officials from governance and replace with them with generals, those who are committed to the safety of the empire, will not dip their hands in vices, and are loyal to the emperor. Discipline must come back to those who wield power, and those under them, and only then can the empire survive," Lord Buko declared.
Khiara took a moment to collect her thoughts. "You might not support a woman on the throne, but an empire ruled by the generals is not something that will be accepted widely, as the people will never feel safe when those who are armed are also the ones who rule them."
"The people can feel many things, but they are prone to inaction. They need a good kick in the ass to get them to do anything, and the army is the best instrument to accomplish that."
Khiara was having second thoughts about working with Lord Buko, as his beliefs were very dangerous. However, she dealt with those who had divergent views before and thus hid her discomfort. "If we were to reach an agreement, would you support me against the Prime Minister? You might not have a good opinion on me, but you also cannot deny that Hudam Shu is poison to the empire."
"What do you have in mind, Your Highness?"
"With the dual investigations of Daeron Targaryen and Benjen Stark, alongside my relationship with the dragon prince, the Prime Minister will be very threatened and sooner or later, he will act to prevent me from growing stronger and having enough power to overcome him and replace my brother. He might overthrow me or try to incriminate me, but those are just some of the things he might do."
"And what do you want me to do, Your Highness?"
"When the time comes, I would need your strength and your connections to act as a counterweight against him. You might not be the most powerful man in the empire, but what you have can determine who triumphs in the coming conflicts. In return, I will be willing to appoint you to a high post where you can root out corruption and oversee a reshuffling of the army." Lord Buko was tempted, but he was slow to accept. "Sooner or later, the Prime Minister will come after you and you have to decide if you're going to fight alone or fight with me."
Lord Buko rubbed his chin in thought. "Your offer is very enticing, but I do have one condition before I accept."
Of course. "What would that be?"
"I might command respect in the army, Your Highness, but there is one other person who has more of that than I do. You know who I am talking about."
"Lord Joon," Khiara gathered.
"If you can get him to work with you, then I shall do so. You might have the fleet, but you must have a large portion of the army to side with you also, and the northern armies are a very powerful force. And Joon Kitara commands both respect and moral authority in the army and in court. Once Lord Joon sides with you, the northern provinces and the northern generals will follow him."
"And what guarantee do I have that you will keep your promise when Joon Kitara comes over to my side?"
"If I don't side where Lord Joon goes, then I would be acting contrary to what I believe in. What's more, if I act against Lord Joon, I will be eliminated and that's an outcome that I wish to avoid."
Self-preservation and honor. Interesting combination, Khiara noted. "All right. Be ready to stand by your words. I have a way to persuade many to join me and Lord Joon will see that he cannot be neutral forever."
They clinked their teacups and Khiara left her private house with Arya and the other Jade Order lady back to the palace. But on the way back, besides imagining Daeron's hands in her intimate places, she was thinking of what she could do to have Lord Joon join her. Unlike with the others, she had to use a different strategy towards the field marshal, as he was incorruptible and had a strong sense of morality. There has to be something that could motivate him, she pondered.
Daenerys drank from the teacup that Lady Myung, Seong Kitara's mother, offered her. They couldn't speak to each other because they didn't know which tongue to use and all they could do was smile. Feeling the warmth fill her, she nodded in approval of the tea she drank.
Also joining their mother were Seong's two sisters, Komo and Kirasa Kitara. They're pretty, she thought, and she wondered how Daeron interacted with them given his previous bond with the woman Chanhee. She couldn't blame him for seeking a woman's touch, for she sought Daario's company when she was feeling lonely. But fortunately, Komo and Kirasa merely looked at her inquisitively, meaning that nothing happened between them and Daeron.
Seong came back and sat down across her. "This is… unexpected," he spoke in the common tongue in that heavy Yi-Tish brogue. "Never thought the Queen of Meereen would show herself her to our humble home."
"You have a great home, Lord Seong. There's a certain natural beauty here that is hard to find anywhere else," Daenerys replied.
"I'm glad you like this castle," Seong poured himself tea. "My family have lived and died here for over a thousand years and we were able to establish a base from which the rule the entire northwest province. Provincial governorships are not hereditary like the lordships in Westeros, but the emperor cannot hope to administrate the provinces without families who have the pull in those areas. In this province, it's my family."
"I see," Daenerys listened. So, I didn't just end up with a random lordly house. I am in the castle of one of Yi-Ti's most powerful families.
"How would you like to be addressed? As you are a ruler in your own right but not an empress, we usually say, 'Your Majesty.'"
Daenerys was at a loss for a moment, as she didn't think that far ahead. "You are not my subject, so 'Queen Daenerys' should be sufficient. But if you must, you may use that title."
"Very well… Your Majesty." Seong wanted to keep some distance between them, as unlike with Daeron, he didn't know her and was very concerned about another dragonrider on their doorstep.
Daenerys knew that things would become very awkward, but they gave her shelter and thus, she had no reason to push them.
"I must thank you for your hospitality, Lord Seong. You didn't have to do it, so that says much about your character," Daenerys said to him.
"Your Majesty, please don't be misunderstood. Besides being a queen, you are the aunt to Prince Daeron and you have a very big dragon near my home. I've seen how dragons are connected to their riders and one wrong move on my part would cause a lot of damage to us. The only reason why Kushiro was not burned by Meleys was because my father treated Prince Daeron well, so I'm just applying what I've learned," Seong made no attempt in softening his words.
Daenerys had to appreciate his honesty and pragmatism. She had to interact with liars on a daily basis and to speak with a boy like Seong Kitara was refreshing. Daeron ended with a good family.
"I just got word from my father, who's in Yin at the moment. You know where and what that is, Your Majesty?"
"Yes," Daenerys nodded. "Wait a minute. I just came here a few days ago. How did you get a message and response so fast?"
"I'm not sure how familiar you are with our delivery system, but we have dedicated riders who are able to deliver messages and packages over long distances in short time. They use new horses after a certain distance and they ride day and night, which is only possible due to our roads," Seong explained.
Yi-Ti is truly ahead of much of the world, if they can deliver so rapidly, Daenerys marveled.
"But going back to the point, he told me that you are to remain here for the time being until he says otherwise. He believes that another Targaryen in Yin would only make things more difficult for Prince Daeron or himself," Seong answered.
"Why?" Daenerys set her teacup down.
"You just got here, Your Majesty, so you don't know how unstable the political situation in the empire is. Even if I had the time, you won't understand every important part."
"Try me," Daenerys challenged.
Seong saw her determination, and thus told her about the factional conflict between the Prime Minister and Princess Khiara, the northern and southern armies, the army and the fleet, and a growing and dangerous force in the south among disaffected officers who had run out of patience with the corruption that had become widespread.
Daenerys ran her hand through her hair, as that was much to take in. "And I thought dealing with the affairs of Meereen was a difficult task."
"And your nephew certainly didn't help matters, Your Majesty, since he made a lot of enemies by investigating how they get their livelihood. I admire honor and honesty, which are two traits that I try to practice daily, but there is also a time to be shrewd and your nephew still hasn't learned that."
"So… your solution is for him to turn a blind eye on all of the corruption that has been going on in front of him?" Daenerys defended Daeron's actions.
"You're a queen, Your Majesty. You should understand that compromises must be reached if you are not confident about fighting your adversaries."
How does this boy know so much about the world? If he's like this, the Kitara family is in good hands, she thought.
"But I guess I have to thank Daeron on what he is doing, because his actions have stirred up the hornet's nest in Yin and the conflict between the Prime Minister and Princess Khiara will come to a head sooner. Best have the clash come quickly than slowly," Seong shrugged.
Well, Daeron had done one good thing at least, Daenerys thought approvingly.
"As tempting as it is to see Prince Daeron, as you two are the only ones left of House Targaryen, you cannot see him, not like this. That's why my father told me to keep you here, for you will spend some time becoming familiar with our practices and customs."
"Such as?"
"You won't last long on the common tongue alone, so you need to have a rudimentary knowledge of the three tongues: guanhua, goryeomal, and nihongo. You need to learn how to behave like one of us, and you have to understand many cues that are unique to the empire." Daenerys nodded, knowing that she had a lot of work to do and seeing the sense in Seong's words. "Also, my father's captain of the guards is coming to Kushiro and he has much to instruct you in. Please be prepared."
"What do you mean?" Daenerys cocked her head at him.
"You'll see when he comes.
A week later, while Daenerys was trying to learn how to write basic characters and her tutor was being strict by ripping it up whenever she got the stroke order wrong, she was called to the training quarters of Kushiro. There, she saw a bald and tan man showing his back to her while holding a cane. As if he heard her entrance, he turned around but looked at nothing.
He's blind, Daenerys noticed.
"You must have a lot of questions, Daenerys of House Targaryen," the man said.
"Starting with your name."
The man chuckled. "I am Hoon Ti, captain of the guards for Lord Joon Kitara. I have been sent here on his orders to toughen you up for what lies ahead."
"What do you mean by that?" Suddenly, Hoon reached out with his left hand, walked forward, and ran his hand on her face. But she recoiled. "Why did you do that?"
Not answering, Hoon instead used his cane to swipe at her legs. Unprepared, she fell backwards and let out a cry of pain from hitting the wooden floor.
"Just like your nephew when I first met him. No roots," Hoon scoffed. "It's a wonder why you're a queen."
"You met Daeron?" Daenerys stood up.
"I trained him for six moons, and he had much to improve on when it came to the fighting arts. But combat is not restricted to the body and how your body moves is at the mercy of one's mind." Before Daenerys could answer, Hoon clouted her stomach with his cane. Bending over from the sting, she fell to the ground face first after he struck her again, this time in the back.
"Why did you do that?" Daenerys struggled to say.
"Daeron was a boy when he first came to train with me, even though I didn't have much of a choice. You, however, ruled over peoples and deal with governance. I would have expected a much stronger lady to be at the helm, but I guess queenship is no indication of strength," Hoon scoffed.
Angered at his insult, Daenerys got up and tried to slap him. However, she didn't know that blindness did nothing to dent Hoon's skill in unarmed combat. He easily avoided it by moving his head back, used his left arm to grab onto her wrist, and twist it in a way that she never thought possible. Screaming, Daenerys felt him push her down and putting his left leg on her back, stretching her arm out of its socket even more. Having never been in this position before, fire shot through her arm and she struggled to control her pain.
"Ah, yes. The famed dragon temper. Effective in the short term, but useless after a while," Hoon observed before letting go of her arm and pushing her to the floor with his leg. "Looks like we have much to cover."
"You would treat a woman so roughly like this?" Daenerys asked as she rubbed her shoulder.
"Oh, you think that being a woman entitles you to courtesy? Is that it?" Hoon asked pointedly. "Well, you're wrong." He swung his cane and got her on the floor again, and quickly smacked her back before she could get up.
That was the routine for the next three moons, as Daenerys learned the three tongues and learned how to fight from Hoon Ti. She was able to get many information about her nephew from the man who trained him, such that he was a high-ranking member of the army and was proved very able in his duties. But there was one question that she couldn't resist to ask.
"Does Daeron know that I am here?" she inquired while she was taking a break, her arms and legs feeling sore.
"No, he doesn't."
"Why not?" She couldn't believe it.
"Because it's not the time for him to know. He has bigger things to worry about it and he'll be distracted if he finds out that you are here."
Angered that Hoon and Lord Seong were hiding the truth, she impulsively tried to walk out, ride Drogon, and fly to Yin all by herself. Before she got to the door, Hoon tripped her.
"You may not see him," Hoon warned her. By instinct, she used what she knew about close combat from Hoon and tried to punch him, but he easily blocked it and slapped her face. "You are using techniques that I taught you, which I know front and back. You think you can force your way through me?"
Daenerys turned her hips and tried to force him to the floor by swiping his legs, but he felt that instantly and jumped. He then used his opening after he landed to grab Daenerys' head and push her backwards. Now getting desperate, Daenerys used a combination of punches and kicks to strike him, but he avoided them all and then caught her right wrist. Twisting her arm and turning her around, he put a chokehold on her with his cane, and she struggled to get away.
"You might be a queen, but you are still a little girl," Hoon mocked her. "It's a wonder why you were able to get into a position of power, considering how weak you really are. Looks like you inherited the weakness from both of your parents."
"How dare you talk about them, as if you know them," Daenerys hissed.
"I was in Dorne during the Rebellion. I didn't do any of the fighting, but I heard about what your father did. Your mother was a weak woman to have married him in the first place."
With Hoon taking his insults one step too far, Daenerys reached her arms to claw at his face, trying in anguish to cause him pain. But he was blind and had grown tough through his trials, so none of her attempts worked. Pushing her with his cane, she collided with a pillar and fell down again. This time, she felt blood coming out of her nose.
"You don't know the situation, so you can't see Daeron yet. Only when we sense that the time is right will you see your nephew. Until then, you will stay here and do what we say. It doesn't matter that you have a dragon," Hoon told her.
Daenerys limped her way to Drogon, who was resting from flying around the castle and its immediate area. She rubbed his snout and felt his warm breath on her as she sat down, having little energy to move anymore for the day.
Are you all right, muña? He asked her.
I'll be fine, child, she responded. She looked around the plains of Kushiro, taking in their beauty once more from how the winds made them look like waves on the ocean.
You want to go for a ride, muña? We're not going anywhere, but you need it, Drogon sensed.
Smiling at her child, Daenerys mounted Drogon and said, "Sōvegon." After taking to the sky, she was tempted to fly south and meet Daeron in person after all of this time. But considering Seong's hospitality and Hoon's training her, Daenerys realized that both of them had nothing to gain from doing both, but they did it anyway. It showed to her that they were good men, the Kitara family were good people, and she would not be grateful if she ignored their advice.
And as rough as Hoon was, she had to admit that she was unprepared, and she needed to learn more things before she could see Daeron again. So, she would apply herself and learn all that she could so that she could see her nephew sooner.
Flying on Drogon's back once more, she reached out to Daeron. Just wait. I'm very close to you now and we will see each other. I will move mountains for that to happen, so expect to see me soon, she thought.
Jon ignored the stares he got from those who sat at the nearby desks. Ever since his relationship with Khiara had spread rapidly through the capital, the other officers either looked at him with fear, or viewed him with disgust. But both understood that with him in Khiara's bed, he was now truly untouchable.
For Prince Sumeng, he became more distant once he heard the news. Despite him being a Lieutenant in the Imperial Guard, Sumeng had someone of lower rank accompany him while insisting his lover Captain Chenyin Dao to continue accompanying him. Jon could only shake his head, as it seemed that Sumeng's words on taking care those who were close to him did not carry much weight after all. He could only guess that Sumeng didn't like it that he was sleeping with his sister, who he saw as a challenge to his position, and whatever Chenyin Dao was feeding him in his ear turned him against Jon. Doesn't he know that he's just proving himself as the weak man who just undermined his own position for the throne? However, he wasn't offended, and it just allowed him to have more free time in his day.
For the past three moons, Jon and Khiara engaged in their nightly trysts, which happened at least twice a week. He always kept Daenerys in his mind, reminding himself that what he was doing was necessary to keep his family and himself safe from the Prime Minister when the inevitable clash came.
At the same time… he couldn't deny that Khiara knew how to make their time in bed enjoyable. She didn't ask for much and just allowed him to do what he could, but she really put her previous experience to work in having him put in his all. Also, the fact that Khiara was taller than him really put things into perspective, as it told him that sometimes, size didn't matter when it came such intimate moments, if he could call it that.
Soon, the benefits of their alliance were kicking in. Minister Zong had him posted to the Ministry of War as the overseer of topography in the Department of the Quartermaster-General, granting him even more power than before. Alongside the duties of his new position, which included looking over maps of troop movements, Minister Zong told him that he was granting him nearly unlimited authority to investigate the "disappeared brigades" and that he had to report directly to him. Jon eagerly accepted the appointment and began work at the War Ministry.
For Sam, he was given a chance to develop his own qualifications at the higher-level. He was moved from Kaijin's household to become the secretary for the Privy Purse, which controlled incomes and all financial matters of the entire imperial family. He now had major authority, as no one could make the financial reports without his input.
Gendry was also affected by Jon's alliance with Khiara. Although a newly minted lieutenant, he was given command of his own company and promoted to the rank of company captain. He also was assigned as the personal assistant to Major-General Po, who served under Lord Buko as General of the Foot. As for his uncle Benjen, he was included in the next round for promotion to the rank of captain-general, which normally would not happen for five years for someone of his rank.
My, my. So having connections does matter, Jon realized that hard truth. However, he could hardly complain, for no one could interfere with him now.
One day, he came across an informant who said that he had information regarding "a huge transfer of goods of a nefarious nature." When he asked who was involved exactly, that informant stated that a representative of Yuejo Chin, the merchant closest to the Prime Minister, and an associate of the gang leader "Wah" was involved. The informant didn't know who Yuejo Chin sent in his stead, but he knew "Wah's" associate's name: Phuc Du, who went by the name of "Vinh."
That's an embarrassing name, Jon thought. No wonder why he goes by the name of Vinh. I would.
The informant agreed to meet him at a noodle stand near the docks, where he would give him more information. Jon reported this to Minister Zong, who expressed concern. "You trust the veracity of this informant?"
"I've heard the name 'Wah' several times now and if he's doing business with Yuejo Chin, something big is happening," Jon answered.
"How does this relate to the 'disappeared brigades?'"
"Minister, it is known that many of the merchants have been appropriating and selling army supplies and equipment, save for weapons, on the market. 'Nefarious nature' could only have one definition. If we can make a connection between the criminal elements of this city and the Prime Minister, we'll have legal grounds to bring him down."
"You know, that's not going to be enough to bring down a man like Hudam Shu."
"No," Jon admitted. "But just something to consider if we do decide to confront him openly."
Minister Zong looked over his report before stamping it with his seal. "I'll leave it in your hands. Do what you must."
"Thank you, Minister," Jon nodded before he set off on his meeting.
"But just one suggestion. I would not bring either your direwolf, your dragon, or your swords. They'll be conspicuous in an area like the docks, so keep a low profile if you can."
Following his advice, Jon changed into civilian attire, left Longclaw and Dark Sister at his palace, had Arya watch Ghost, and went off to the docks.
Without his entourage or his unique garments, people didn't notice him and just went their way. For Jon, it reminded him of when he was ignored as the bastard of Winterfell and it was… refreshing for him to be ignored once again. I must be remember that I am but a small part of a larger scheme, he thought to himself.
Finding the noodle stand, Jon found the informant and sat next to him while ordering a bowl. "Have you got it?" The informant gave him a slip of paper, which Jon unfolded. "What is this?"
"It's a location on the docks, a warehouse to be exact," the informant told him. "That's where Wah and Yuejo Chin's man are storing their goods there. I haven't been inside because I am not high enough in their structure."
"Could it be army supplies? Equipment?"
"Unlikely, since Vinh is involved," the informant answered.
"Why is Vinh, or Phuc Du, important?"
"He's the man that Wah calls on regarding opium production. But it doesn't hurt to check for what you're looking for."
Opium… Jon knew that opium was an addictive substance on the market, which saw criminals receive high returns. But why is Yuejo Chin involved in the opium smuggling business? Doesn't he know that if he's caught, he'll be put to death, Prime Minister or not?
"I need you to get a message to Minister Zong and Princess Khiara. Say my name and they will hear what you have to say."
Still in his disguise, Jon went to the warehouse after eating his noodles and for some strange reason, no one was there. Keeping to the shadows, he found an unlocked door and went inside.
Inside the warehouse was a different story, as Jon found various men watching over many wooden boxes. Controlling his breathing and readying his sword, a katana, he moved quietly between the gaps and peaked inside one of the boxes. There were several white cloth sacks in there, and Jon was careful to pull one out quickly and silently. Untying it, he found the golden-brown crystals of opium, something that he was quick to loath. And he counted several boxes, which he estimated to be several tons in weight despite not being that good at numbers. With this much opium, they're not looking to dominate the market. They're going to be the market.
Jon ran through the implications of his discovery. If Yuejo Chin and Wah controlled the opium market, that put a huge amount of control in their hands, since opium was the most profitable illegal substance in the empire. And if they were in the docks, that meant they were going to ship it elsewhere. And if they do, they will unleash chaos wherever it will go.
"Hey!" Jon was alarmed as he turned around and saw someone peeking through the gap. "Who are you?"
Instinctively, he stabbed that person in the eye, forced his way through the gap, and tried to escape. However, the door was locked, and he found himself by the gang.
Someone tried to go at him with a club, but Jon easily cut him across the torso and killed him. Another tried to strike him with chains, but Jon avoided it and ran him through with his katana. More of them attacked Jon, and Jon was easily able to block them and kill them.
Trying to get an advantage, Jon climbed up the boxes and challenged them to come up and fight him. "Come on! Fight me!"
But none of them were that stupid to do that when he had the high ground. Then, he heard someone clapping, as the gang made way for a man of small statue but had an air of command around him.
The man had tan skin, hair tied backwards which resembled a horse's tail, and wore black robes. But his brown eyes were something that Jon had seen before, in the most savage of animals. He was also counting beads in his hands, but he stopped to clap.
"Congratulations, white stranger. You have found my opium shipment," the man smiled.
"Who are you?"
"I am the leader of the men before you, and the ones you killed."
"You're Wah?"
"Oh, good. You know who I am," he jumped onto the boxes with a certain ease that made Jon rethink his position. "Then you must know what happens to those who try to interfere with my business."
"Why would I be afraid of a common criminal?" Jon spat.
"I am a criminal, but I am far from common," Wah climbed higher. "You here to steal from me? Is that it?"
"No," Jon shook his head. "I'm going to make sure that all of you are executed for smuggling."
"Oh, really?" Wah scoffed. "And what makes you think that you have the power to do that?"
Jon threw off his hood. "I am Daeron Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone and Lieutenant of the Imperial Guard. You are all dead men for what I've seen today."
Wah chuckled. "Ah, we finally meet, Daeron Targaryen. I must say that your cousin has an outstanding debt to be paid."
Jon blinked. "So, it's you? You work for Prince Yujin?"
"I'm his partner, but even he understands that debts must be repaid. I guess if Arya Stark cannot pay hers, you'll be enough. But the time for paying in coin has long past, so you must pay in blood," Wah rolled up his sleeves, obviously preparing himself to fight him.
Jon took the initiative and jumped, trying to use the momentum to his advantage. However, his sword missed its mark, as Wah saw that coming. He used both of his hands to strike downwards and knocked his katana out of his hand. Now made to use his hands and feet, Jon threw a punch, but Wah parried it and jabbed him twice in the face and chest in quick succession. He fell over and collided with the ground, but he made himself stand back up despite the pain he felt.
Wah smiled as a predator before the strike, but Jon wasn't going to give up. He spun around and tried to kick his face, but Wah leaned backwards just in time. Jon tried to kick again, but Wah kicked it hard and then kicked the other. Now on his knees, he tried to punch, but Wah twisted his arm, secured it, and struck repeatedly in his armpit. Grabbing his shoulder, he pushed him towards a box, stunning him.
Wah watched as Jon caught his breath and tried to stand up again, but his right arm had been dislocated and he only had one arm left. Jon charged at him and punched, and Wah easily avoided it. But Jon expected that and headbutted him. He then push-kicked his torso and causing him to fall backwards.
Just as quickly, Wah sprung back up using his arms and landing on his feet. Gritting his teeth, Wah was now very angry and charged at him. Jon blocked his punch and kneed in the stomach, allowing him to chop at his back.
But Wah grabbed his legs, unbalanced him, and threw him back on the ground. Not allowing his opponent to get back up, he pinned him there and struck at his jaw hinge, his throat, and then jaws.
By this point, Jon was really out of it and he couldn't fight back with how much Wah struck him with. He watched as the gang surrounded him, shaking their heads at his apparent foolishness of coming alone.
Meleys, girl. I need help, Jon reached out to his dragon.
They dragged him out of the warehouse, after which Wah stood over him. "You shouldn't have put our nose in where it didn't belong." Jon couldn't speak, for Wah had struck hard on his throat. "Let this be a lesson to you in the afterlife," Wah grabbed Jon's katana, raised it, and stabbed him in the heart. He groaned in pain, the blood coming out of his mouth and then the cavity over his pierced heart.
Jon fought hard to stay alive, but he felt the energy and the life flowing out of him. The memories flashed before his eyes: Winterfell, saying goodbye to Ned Stark, seeing his brothers for the last time, Benjen and Sam coming with him, the joy in seeing Arya alive, and then Daenerys. Oh, how he wished he finally met her after all this time and the regret of not admitting his true feelings, of finally saying that he loved her, was weighing down on him.
I'm sorry, Daenerys. Please forgive me. I wish you knew that I love you and thank you for showing me that I am not alone, were his final thoughts before he exhaled his last.
Wah smiled in satisfaction, but he heard wings flap and a dragon screeching. The gang looked up at the sky in fear, and saw a red dragon emerge. "DRAGON!" he yelled as they fled. But before he could run far enough, the red dragon unleashed fire on his warehouse and burned more of his gang.
Wah watched in anger as the source of his wealth was now going up in smoke, and millions of taels had slipped through his fingers. He looked at Jon's still corpse once more before he had to flee.
Elsewhere, a few felt the connection break and cried out in pain for the loss. Kushiro would not have a peaceful night from Daenerys' screams in agony, while Rhaenys felt something ripped from her heart and she fell to her knees.
A/N: I took inspiration for Sansa's POV from the chapter released from The Winds of Winter, but I made Sansa more cynical and wiser because she has to be that in the still cruel world. And oh boy, she must be wary of Harrold and Littlefinger.
Kaijin is having a tender moment with his father, but will be be ready for the new responsibilities and what his father is asking him to do?
Rhaenys was very clever in how she was able to recognize that Faegon is not her real brother, but he still has the Valyrian traits, so the question she must ask is who is he really?
Khiara just made a deal with the devil (even she knows that), because a military government is not a very good solution for the corruption going on.
Daenerys is going through the same training that Jon did under Hoon Ti, but unlike the first time, Hoon Ti has no intention of going soft on her and she obviously will struggle. But worry not, Daenerys will learn how to fight by herself.
Now, for the most important moment: I believe that Jon dying is crucial to both here and in canon, because there were so many things that were holding him back from greatness while he was alive and death set him free (D&D wasted that plot potential by having him regress). And I hoped you paid close attention to everything else happening, for all of that has led to this moment.
The fight scene was inspired by various Jet Li movies, and Jon didn't have a chance against a martial arts badass like him. But this time, Wah didn't understand the consequences of what he just did and his opium going up in smoke will not be the end of his problems. Things will start to unravel for those that stand against the dragons.
See you next time!
