The union of Rhaenys Targaryen and Dalton Blackreyne brought an end to the War of Conquest. Dalton took Rhaenys with him to Arnor in the Sentinel Isles so she may get to know her new subjects. As they docked at Stormgaard (formerly Torturer's Deep), they were greeted by overwhelming cheers. Commoners lined the main road to see the face of their new queen. Bells rang and Rhaenys found herself showered with small flowers given to her by smiling children. As they reached Arnor Rhaenys stared in awe at the massive fortress. The night was accompanied by celebrating and feasting as the lords of the Stepstones pledged blood oaths to Rhaenys and her legacy.
The next day Rhaenys began exploring her new home in order to get to know it as well as the staff that ran it. Despite it's intimidating appearance on the outside, Arnor was quite welcoming within and found several places that she found to her liking. One was the great library where she found books of all types including ones on extinct languages. Another was called the World Room. Inside was a whole floor that showed the map of the world, including the four continents Westeros, Essos, Sothoros, and Ulthos and the islands including Ib and the Summer Isles.
As she explored she came across the Garden. The Garden was a beautiful valley surrounded on all sides by cliffs save for the wall of Arnor. It had waterfalls, meadows, trees of all types blooming flowers and a small lake in the center. A paradise protected by a mighty stronghold. After speaking with her husband, Dalton gave her a chamber that had a balcony overlooking the Garden.
Walking along the garden one day she came across a glass building. Curious she walked over and went inside. Rhaenys found herself in a glass garden a fountain ran in the middle and all around were blue roses, she saw one in particular and plucked it inhaling it's sweet scent
"That's a nice one," a voice said causing Rhaenys to spin around in surprise. A slight man with his brother's hair and eyes appeared from behind a tree he leaned on a cane with one hand and held a book in the other.
He smiled, "other colors have their beauty but not as unique a blue in my opinion." He bowed, "Jangus Blackreyne my queen."
"I'm not a queen," Rhaenys said solemnly.
"You are to them," Jangus replied, "and to us."
Rhaenys didn't know how to respond to this when a roar was heard. Rhaenys turned to see a small herd of thestrals they surrounded a large rock were Matthra sat overseeing it's pack. Two thestrals were now circling each other, off to the side was a thestral that lacked the ridge of spikes that lines the neck, (a female). After a few roars and shrieks they started fighting, slashing and biting with claws, wingspike and teeth.
Rhaenys turned to Jangus who seemed unconcerned. "Why doesn't Matthra stop them?"
"The Patriarch doesn't interfere with a mating duel," Jangus replied and Thestrals don't kill other thestrals.
Rhaenys was surprised that such a creature was capable of such civility Dragons often killed each other in grabs for territory. She looked back to the fight and saw that one had emerged victorious with his foreleg pinning the defeated Thestral's head to the ground. The defeated let out a snort and the victor released him and went to retrieve it's new mate but not before presenting her with a smooth stone.
She looked to Jangus who heard her unspoken question. "The stone will be the first of what will make up their nest."
Rhaenys looked around, it's a nice place for a nest."
Jangus nodded, "this place was a futile attempt by my ancestors to rebuild our land," he explained. "Despite their efforts it will never feet like home." He looked around, "now it seems that this IS home and Sothoros is the strange unknown."
"I often wonder what Valyria looked like in it's prime," Rhaenys said. "I wonder if it will be welcoming."
Jangus shrugged, "I guess neither of our families will ever know."
During her time in Arnor, Rhaenys learned that Jangus had spoken the truth. Despite not being married to a king, the people still addressed her as queen. Being the sister of the king and her husband a member of the small council she spent little time in Arnor. But in the time she was there she spent it tending to the well being of the commoners. Since their well being was a top priority for her, she proved to be consistently great at it. This did not go unnoticed by her husband and he put her in charge of it. This gave her complete authority on the matter and her future actions further endowed the people to her. "Our lady's good heart surpasses her beauty," the commoners said. The Rules set up by Rhaenys earned her the love of the commoners and the respect of the lords and ladies and many of her edicts would remain long after her death. If she didn't have to spend so much time in court it is likely she would have done more.
One of the first things Aegon aspired to do during his reign was build a central capitol for Westeros. As it happens Dalton revealed that Tridenton was only half finished. Tridenton was meant to be two parts one north of the Blackwater in Troyad and one south of it in the Stormlands. This had been arranged during the reign Argilac Durrendon and Dev Blackreyne decades ago when they formed their pact. Dalton offered to help Aegon fulfill this endeavor and give the Targaryens a city for themselves.
So it was that the northern part of the City would still be called Tridenton but the southern part would be named Kings Landing since the Stormlands was the first kingdom Aegon had conquered. It was finally decided that the corners of each city which overlooked the mouth of the Blackwater bay would be dominated by two structures. The Black Tower which was the in Tridenton and The Red Keep in Kings Landing. The Black Tower was already partially built with it's base being the drum structure at the high hill
This was no easy task the southern city was meant to rival the size of Tridenton, the plans were meant for King's Landing to stretch from the shores of the Blackwater all the way to the edges of the Kingswood. Dalton predicted that the project would take at least two decades.
Unlike Troyad, King's Landing had no hills that had to be worked around so the foundations could be laid out easier. People got to work right away, first laying out the foundations and building the sewer drains and deep wells. Once this was done the walls were next, followed by the Red Keep. Dalton suggested building Kings Landing in the style of Valyrian architecture in order to make it stand out. So together they began discussing how the Red Keep would be designed with Aegon managing the architecture and Dalton handling the defensive features.
A year into Aegon's Reign a small fleet of Volantene ships were spotted sailing into the Blackwater. They docked at the harbor and from it's holds came dozens of Old Blood Volantene led by a woman of all things. They were escorted to the throne room of the Red Keep where they were greeted by Aegon and his sisters.
The leader of the group an tall graceful woman with the typical looks of a Valyrian silver hair and violet eyes. She stepped forward and bowed deeply, "Good king Aegon I am Trianna of Volantis leader of the Elephant group that now stands before you."
"Welcome to Westeros," Aegon began. "What can I do for the Triarchs of Volantis.
"Volantis has fallen good King," Trianna said bitterly.
The Targaryens were shocked at the fate of Valyria's First Daughter and turned to Dalton. Dalton put his hands up and shrugged, "It wasn't my doing.'
"Who were these invaders?" Aegon demanded.
Trianna shook her head, "we do not know we haven't seen people like this before. Their host camped outside our walls and gave us an ultimatum surrender or face subjugation. Naturally we refused and sent our host out to meet them. What happened next was anything but a battle, it was a complete and absolute slaughter. Their cavalry mowed down our host like fire through silk without suffering a single loss. After dealing with our host they turn to us, reducing our gates to splinters and swarming the city. They rounded us up and exiled all those who refused to bend the knee."
"Can you describe them?" Visenya asked.
Trianna nodded, "their leaders are as tall as the Sarnori of the north but their skin is pale as salt."
"Their Banner," Dalton cut in, "Is it a white winged horse on a field of gold?"
Trianna nodded, "yes my Lord."
Dalton nodded, "House Whitehall," he confirmed. "It seems they have expanded their kingdom all the way to the Rhoyne."
Aegon vaguely remembered before he planned his invasion, still reeling from the aftermath of the Great Slaver War, the Triarchs of Volantis had come to him with a plea for help, but Aegon refused. Now it was in the hands of House Blackreyne's ancient rivals. But it was too late for regrets, he knew he had to focus on the here and now. "So are you asking for our help in retaking Volantis?" he asked.
Trianna shook her head, "no we can never go back my king. But when we heard that the last Dragonlord was building a new city in the west we chose to come and help in it's construction, I have brought, architechs, masons, merchants, Scholars and all others who do not wish to live under the thrall of the invaders to help in this endeavor."
After discussing the matter with Orys and his sisters, Aegon welcomed the new arrivals and along with valyrian refugees that were living in Troyad became the first permanent residents of Kings Landing. With aid from Trianna and her followers, The progress on Kings Landing accelerated, the first to be completed was the Red Keep followed by the walls and a network of streets.
Like Tridenton, Kings Landing was divided into two parts, but unlike Tridenton which separated the military and the worker district, King's Landing was meant to separate the Royalty, nobility and gentry from the commoners.. The inner city had manses, palaces, temples dedicated to the gods of Valyria, courtyards, cloisters and cellars. The outer city had the shops and homes and storehouses. One notable thing about Kings Landing was the large numbers of statues everywhere ranging from all types of creatures, sphinxes, gargoyles, manticores, basilisks, cockatrices, griffins, hellhounds, wyverns, demons and of course dragons. Then Came the setting up of the Iron Throne. Aegon took the swords of those that had fought for him against the Blackreynes and had it melted down into a throne.
The fall of Volantis caused stirrings in the Triumvirate of Braavos, Qohor and Lys. With the emergence of this new power, they were concerned that the newcomers would turn on them next. So they sent delegates to Tridenton to discuss with the Blackreynes how they were to deal with this.
A great feast was held before the negotiations commenced. Dalton predicted that they would recieve a visit from them soon. As they were eating Malgus entered the hall, "pardon me brother but we are about to have company."
"Pegasi?" Dalton asked looking up, Malgus nodded darkly.
Silence filled the room as the Blackreynes dropped their utensils and looked towards the Malgus. The brothers had ther fists clenched and the women turned hard. Dalton remained calm as he wiped his mouth with a piece of cloth and stood up. "How far out?"
"About 20 miles brother," Malgus replied.
Dalton sighed and nodded, and walked out of the room his siblings followed. "I don't understand, what's going on?" Aegon called after them.
Dalton turned around, "remember how we talked about the Whitehalls?" Aegon nodded and Dalton continued, "Well you're about to meet them."
Aegon and his sisters headed for the balcony and could just make out ten white dots in the horizon. Curious to see the Blackreynes longtime enemy they made their way down to the Courtyard followed by the great lords and the High Septon
The ten creatures landed and Rhaenys gazed upon what was possibly the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen. In stark contrast to the thestrals, these steeds had wings akin to an eagle rather than a dragon, their pearly white hides were a soft as silk and their legs ended in cloven hooves. On their heads were long platinum coloured horn that gleamed in the sunlight and their eyes were like two pieces of turquoise stones.
Their riders dismounted and removed their helms. The Blackreynes were big men, yet these newcomers seem to tower over them standing at least seven feet. Their physic was lean and sinewy compared to the stocky build of the Blackreynes and had pale skin almost albino. If naught for their haughty expressions they could be considered comely with curly nut-brown hair that fell to their shoulders and shifty eyes the color of amber.
Two seemed to be the leaders of the group. One was in his thirties and looked like a king with silvery armour and a flowing golden cloak. A greatsword was strapped to his shoulder. his lip was curled as he slowly looked around. His face was proud and arrogant as if everyone else was beneath him. A circlet of platinum adorned his head.
The other man was completely different he looked to be thrice the age of the first man. His face was kind and looked like a child's favorite grandfather. His snow white beard and hair looked like they had never been cut since they extended a great length and kept from draggin on the floor with laces. Though he was bend with age and leaned on a staff of ashwood, Rhaenys could tell that he must have been a splendid figure in his prime. She guessed that he was a pious man yet unlike the high septon who was plump and garbed in rich silks and satin of seven colours, this man was gaunt and dressed in a simple robe of linen so white it made your eyes hurt. A simple piece of green rope held the robe in place.
Dalton turned to the stunned assembly, "Everybody this is Arthas Whitehall, Lord of Eridon and Chancellor of Alvion. The elder man beside him is the High Prophet head of their religious order."
The two glared at each other for a moment before Arthas spoke, "Blackreyne."
"Whitehall," Dalton replied. One could have killed an army with amount of venom that poured from their mouths. "So to what do I owe this unexpected and most unwelcome pleasure?" Dalton wondered.
"I 'ad to see for myself," Arthas replied. "Vhen Ve 'eard ze rumors ve didn't believe zem." He looked towards Rhaenys and smirked, "alas it seems zey are."
"What rumor is that?" Dalton asked though he already realized the answer.
"Ze Destral 'as gotten in bed vith ze dragons," Arthas replied. "Though seeing ze prize you obtained I can now understand vhy." He eyes looked hungrily at Rhaenys who backed away instinctively. Aegon and Visenya placed their hands on their swords. Whitehall turned back to Dalton. "I believed zat our 'ouses 'ad an understanding about zis."
"We did," Dalton agreed, "but that was when their people were a threat to our kingdoms."
Arthas let out a derisive laugh, "You always are too soft vith people Blackreyne just like zees un'oly andals you seem so fond of."
"I am fond of them," Dalton replied, "especially when they become an annoyance. Then I am particularly fond of slaughtering their Warrior's Sons and Poor Fellows." Before he could continue the Prophet spoke next his voice soft and calm.
"Zees sub-'umans dared to raise zair blades against ze ancient ones, destroying ze 'oly veervoods all in ze name of zair false idols. Yet you let zem remain to breed like cockroaches under a rock desecrating zis sacred land vith zair filthy footsteps."
"They are abominations," one warrior's son foolishly declared. "An affront to the light of the seven."
This statement was not taken well as the whitehalls drew their blades and pointe it at the andal knight who has spoken. "BLASPHEMER!" Arthas roared raising his blade up. All the westerosi took note of the weapon, it seem to glow unnaturally and against the sun it seemed like a mirror so no one could look at it directly. "YOU WILL FEED THE MAGHOTS AND WORMS YOU UNWORTHY PARASITE!"
"Stay your blades all you!" the order came not from Dalton but from the Old Prophet. his voice sounded smooth yet strong and full of authority. "You as well Arthas," the prophet continued, we will not shed blood in holy land."
Arthas sighed and sheathed his sword, "Forgive me hierarch," he said bowing his head, I forgot myself."
The Prophet placed his hand on Arthas' shoulder, "your devotion is admirable, but you must show restraint. I understand their presence angers you but their blood is not worth soiling your blade over." The Targaryens and Faith looked at each other. Arthas may have been the chancellor but it was clear who was the true authority of Eridon.
"Now see here," High Septon said stepping towards the old man. "We serve the will of the gods and I will not hear blasphemy from pagan worshipping cu-"
Before he could finish the Prophet grabbed him by the throat and with strength no man his age had any business posessing lifted the heavy set men off the ground with one hand until he was at eye level all the while leaning on his staff. "You can't 'elp it," the Prophet said softly, "it's your nature. "But I did not live a century to banter crooked vords vith a vitless vorm."
Dalton chose to cut the 'formalities,' if you could call it that. "You did not fly all this way just to leerat dragons Arthas, now what do you want."
Arthas smirked, "You Blackreynes like to do business so let's talk business."
Dalton cocked an eyebrow, "A Whitehall wanting to talk business? This should be interesting." So everybody headed for the great hall of the Red Keep to discuss a 'non-aggression pact' as Arthas put it, The men debated well into the night before coming to terms.
"So we are agreed zat ze Rhoyne vould act as a border between ze territories of Eridon and the Triumvirate," Arthas concluded. "Eridon would get not only ze Delta of ze Royne but all lands east of ze great river and south of ze Selhoru river. Zis means that ve vould also get ze city of Selhorys and ze ruins of Sar Mel."
"And you swear to go no further," Dalton asked.
Arthas smirked, "no further WEST Blackreyne. I believe ve vill have plenty to do vith ze Dothraki Sea, but you need not concern yourself about zat."
"I admit the idea of having another ally against the dothraki is a somewhat welcome change." The Qohor ambassador said."
This statement caused Arthas and the other Whitehalls to laugh, "hardly goat-man, ve are far from allies and even further from friends. Don't get in our vay and ve'll leave you alone. Is zat fair enough for you?" The Qohorik gulped and nodded.
In addition to the arranged borders the Whitehalls were determined to do their part for westeros and sent a host of 500 Martyrans to safeguard the Isle of Faces along with 5 Paladin Knights led by a disciple. When the Westerosi saw the Martyrans for the first time they reeled in horror. Their skin was scarred and had a leathery look to it, Metal masks covered their faces, Their armour was just as strange, the helm had two horns in the side and crest of smaller ones down the middle. The chainmail was covered in pointed studs with curved spikes at the elbows and clawed Gauntlets. But the strangest of all was the vambraces. These Vambraces wrought in steal had a three foot blade that extended past over the hands. What was most disturbing was that these Vambraces seemed to be fused into the arms themselves.
One Martyran past a Warrior's Son and spoke a single worn. His voice could barely be described as human. Being a raspy gurgle one would have called it animalistic. Yet he spoke all the same and the word was unmistakable. "Heretic." Once they were on the Isle they were never seen again.
When they finally took their leave Rhaenys approached one of the pegasus. the creature didn't seem to mind and nuzzled against her when she caressed it's nose and neck. But when she went to stroke it's wings, a hand grabbed hers. She turned in surprise to find her husband standing behind her wide eyed. He shook his head in a silent warning. Backing off Dalton reached in between the Pegusus' feathers and pulled out something. It looked like a feather and was even shaped and detailed like one. But it was the size of a large arrowhead and gleamed like platinum.
Dalton then took his cloak and ran the feather it down and gently as possible. the cloak severed in two as though by magic. he then threw the feather to the ground where it embedded itself in the stone.
Rhaenys recoiled in shock, she came dangerously close to loosing her hand had Dalton not stopped her.
Arthas and the Whitehalls emerged from the keep and mounted their Pegasi. "I'll be watching you Blackreyne," he said with a sneer as a farewell.
"You as well Whitehall," Dalton replied with a snarl. Arthas smirked and took off with his companions close behind.
The encounter with the Whitehalls changed everyone's view of the Blackreynes. They now understood the danger they faced and why they strived to avoid it. The Andals now realized that their was an enemy worse than the Blackreynes. The High Sparrow even approached Dalton in wonder. "I have to know the man said rubbing his neck, what would have happened if they had landed in westeros?"
Dalton turned to the man, "If they want a race of people dead they make sure it is dead in every sense of the word. By the time they were done with you, the world would never believe you ever existed even as a myth."
Dalton then left the Septon to stare after the House that would have wiped them out.
As King's Landing slowly but surely took form Aegon continued to consolidate his family's power. On the back of Balerion Aegon traveled all over Westeros negotiating with the Great Lords. he often left the ruling to his sisters and the small council only getting involved when necessary. Rhaenys and Dalton spent much of their time here helping Aegon rule and management of the Sentinel Isles often went to Dalton's siblings Daala, Malgus and Jangus. Ciron, Cora and Tara however chose to accompany Dalton to Kings Landing.
Despite the years of prosperity things were far from perfect, behind doors, there was a war between Aegon and Dalton. Despite his place on Aegon's Small Council Aegon largely ignored him and the position he was given was mostly ceremonial and political as well as a way to keep his favorite sister close. Dalton was once reported to have laughed when Aegon forged the Iron throne stating. "Two hundreds blades of good steel and you use it to make a chair, and people called Argilac Arrogant."
One of the reasons was that Dalton was the only one to defy him and succeed, giving Aegon not only his only defeat besides Dorne but one that took his favorite wife from him. Another reason was despite Dalton surrendering his crown to Aegon, it was no secret that many people in Troyad still raised their glasses to Dalton Blackreyne who in their eyes was still king in all but name. But the biggest reason was that inwardly Aegon feared Dalton since he was the only one who could bring down his dynasty.
The two men would constantly bicker and argue for hours on even a single issue. Raising taxes, to changing laws, and one of the most outlandish was Aegon attempting to bring an end to the Blackreyne military academies. The academies were the source of House Blackreynes military power and to end it would cripple their ability to wage wars they were so good at. No matter how hard Aegon pressed him to obey the new edict, Dalton would not buckle.
Only one thing kept them from tearing each other's throats out, Rhaenys. Due to the affection they both shared for her, Rhaenys would often come in as the peacemaker and help the two come to a compromise.
But Rhaenys couldn't solve everything, one thing she had little sway in was how justice was served. One incident in particular proved this. A group of men from the Reach entered the court demanding justice for their sister. Her husband had caught her in the act of adultery and had started beating her with a rod and it is likely he would have killed her had a concerned neighbor not called on a nearby patrol to intervene. Though she survived the beating had left her mentally and physically broken.
The man defended himself by stating that according to Andal Law a man had a right to chastise his wife with a rod no thicker than a thumb. The brother protested that he struck her eighty times which the husband did not deny.
Rhaenys spoke with maesters and septons and declared that a man had a right to strike an unlawful wife but the blows were limited to six one fir each of the seven gods of the Faith save for the Stranger. As such 74 of the husband's 80 strikes were declared unlawful and she permitted the brothers to match those blows on the husband.
Instead of accepting this the brothers turned to Dalton and asked his thoughts on the matter. Dalton replied there was a difference between discipline and abuse and the Husband's actions were unquestionably considered abuse. "A man who abuses a woman or child is no man at all and thus didn't deserve to be a man." With permission from the Brothers the Husband was dragged away where his manhood was sawed off, his adam's apple removed and the hand he used to strike his wife chopped off. Once this was done Dalton had him released and had apothecaries attend to the wife. The result was the husband was now a eunuch with a high pitched voice which made him the laughing stock of everyone in town. Unable to live with the situation, the husband hung himself from a tree.
Despite this, Rhaenys Rule of Six was applied to all the andal kingdoms of the Reach, the Vale, The Westerlands and the Stormlands. Troyad, and the North had their own ways of dealing with adultery and none involved striking their spouse.
Rhaenys hoped to bind Westeros more closely by arranging marriages between certain houses. Most of these continued smoothly but one in particular caused great unrest in the Small Council. Rhaenys tried to arrange a pact between Ronnel Arryn and Torrhen Stark's daughter Arya. This proposal was heavily opposed by both houses and the Blackreynes. Dalton himself sensed the danger immediately. "A forced marriage between the foremost house of the First Men and the Foremost House of the Andals is a recipe of disaster."
Instead Dalton recommended that the Targaryens forge bonds with the Great Houses by marrying their offspring to them. Not doing so risked alienating their new bannermen. Aegon refused intent on keeping his valyrian bloodline pure. Visenya on the other hand took this advice to heart. The issue was debated for a week but despite the effort of the other Parties Aegon determined that the wedding would still be held, but their would be a price, Arya would bring not only her handmaidens but a force of Knights would be present at the Vale to protect her. Since Sharra refused to have Northmen and Arnorians in the Eyrie it was decided that the knights defending Arya would be from House Royce.
Aegon and Rhaenys had been wed for a decade and despite spending ten nights with Rhaenys for every one with Visenya, she had yet to produce an heir for her brother. Her marraige to Dalton proved to be considerably more fruitful. A year after they were wed Rhaenys gave birth to her first child with Dalton a healthy boy. To everyone's surprise he gave his son a Valyrian name Daemon, This would become a common occurrence within the Blackreyne family to have Valyrian names. After Daemon came a girl Rhaenyra then another boy Drayton. Both the Blackreynes and the people of westeros took this as a sign that the gods considered the union blessed.
Argella Durrendon, Orys Baratheon's wife also gave birth shortly after the Conquest, a black haired boy named Tiberius. Sadly tragedy struck when just days later Tiberius caught a fever and died. Orys had been away at court during these events and was inconsolable. Given that he had missed his son's birth and sudden death. Argella didn't eat for days afterwards. Seven years after the conquest Rhaenys would produce her brother with a son Aenys, a sickly boy, Visenya responded in kind with her own son Maegor who was the direct opposite of his older half-brother.
Nevertheless this didn't stop any of them from fooling round. Aegon still spent many nights with Rhaenys during her time in the Capitol. During Aegon's nights with Rhaenys, Visenya often found company with the Blackreynes, particularly, Dalton Daala and even Veiga who shared her fascination and practice of magic. Aegon once caught Rhaenys in bed with the Blackreyne twins Cora and Tara. Instead of being intimidated they asked Aegon if he wanted to join them the king was too off guard to become angry or respond to the request. Rhaenys herself often entertained comely men.
With the death of his son Orys decided to confront the person he dreaded about something that had egged him for years. He entered Ciron's chambers and the man in question was sitting reading a book.
Ciron looked up at the intruder and his eyes narrowed when he saw who it was. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said as a greeting, "how can I help you today 'cousin'.'
Orys stepped forward, I have to know something," he said. "During the conquest you ranted on and on about how you were going to kill me." Ciron nodded and Orys continued. "Yet during the war of the wings you did no such thing."
Ciron smiled knowingly and set the book down, "Ahh I see you are wondering why I didn't follow through with my vow." Orys nodded and Ciron continued, "did you have your own men guarding Argella or stormlanders?"
"My own," Orys confirmed. Ciron nodded in acknowledgement. "If I were to kill you what would they have done with her?"
Orys eyes narrowed, "are you implying they would have harmed her?"
Ciron shrugged, 'It would not be the first time a Storm's End Garrison sworn to protect her turned on her.
"My men would do nothing of the sort," Orys insisted. "I trained them myself , they know restraint."
Ciron laughed bitterly, "I'm sure Argilac thought the very same thing about his own men and, well, look how that turned out." Before Orys could respond Ciron stood up and closed the distance between them. "Can you truly look me in the eye and say that it isn't remotely possible?"
Orys tried but a sliver of doubt nagged ast his mind. Finally he said, "I don't know."
Ciron nodded, "neither do I, perhaps they would have been honorable and perhaps not. I loved my brother and he loved Argella. I would not risk her harmed over my own reckless grief and anger."
"So now you know she is safe from harm why not finish it." Orys challenged.
Ciron hmphed, "as tempted as I am I can't do that, not anymore." Orys gave him a confused look and Ciron continued. "My Brother is married to your half sister, through this act we are bound by blood. Blackreynes do not harm their own kin." Then in a surprising gesture he held out his hand. "we may never be friends Orys Baratheon but perhaps we can reconcile and move forward."
Orys stared at the taller man suspiciously but found no trace of falsehood finally he took Ciron's hand and shook it. "I'll see you around cousin." He said and walked out of the room leaving Orys standing their surprised at what had transpired.
Aegon's relationship with Visenya had never been as warm as it had been with Rhaenys. But his reign as king seem to drive them apart even more. Despite being his lawful wife in the eyes of the Seven, they often bickered and had very different views.
If there was a bright spot to her reign it was her dragon. Vhagar was woken from her coma with the help of Blackreyne apothecaries and was expected to make a full recovery. As Aegon pushed her further and further away she found herself in the company of her Blackreyne In-laws particularly since they shared her sentiments and held very similar ideals. As such Visenya's strongest supporters in court were none other than House Blackreyne.
With such a storm brewing many believe war was inevitable, but one event would change the course of Aegon's reign. One that would nearly fracture the continent and at the same time forge it together. It would happen in the Deserts of Dorne.