Daemon II
The harbor of King's Landing was bustling with activity as ships from all over Westeros came either delivering goods, such as some merchant cogs bearing the burgundy grape on a field of blue, House Redwyne of the Arbor were moored. Daemon could even see some ships of Essosi designed being berthed, more up toward Blackwater Bay. It was an amazing sight to see, he thought to himself. To see the commerce of Westeros at work, something that had always interested him was to see how the Seven Kingdoms really worked. Sure, they were ruled by one King, and then each region ruled by a Lord Paramount and each sub-region ruled by another major lord. 'Well, in most cases' he thought because it was true for all of the seven kingdoms, except in the case the crownlands and the adjacent Riverlands.
Daemon knew that many still viewed House Blackfyre as pretenders to the Iron Throne, a house of ambitious men who were waiting for the perfect opportunity to take the throne over from the parent house, House Targaryen. But, the Targaryens had given his house unspeakable amount of trust since his ancestor Aegon Blackfyre turned in his family to King Daeron II. Since then, House Blackfyre had intergarted itself into the Crownlands, on lands gifted to them previously by King Viserys I and restored to Aegon by King Daeron to the chagrin of some lands who argued that their lands and their keep was against the best interests of certain Lord Paramount's such as House Lannister and House Tully. The Lannister's argued that the creation of the castle Blackmont on the crossing of the Gold Road over the Blackwater Rush was a detriment to their own economy as House Blackfyre would gain complete control of the major land route which gave the Westerlands access to the King's Landing and Crownlands. The then Lord Lannister argued what would stop Aegon Blackfyre from creating tolls on the Gold Road for passing trade caravans. To which, Daemon thought was amusing, Aegon had bluntly told him nothing would stop him from doing whatever he wanted on his lands and that the Lannister's wealth, that they love to boast about, would surely cover any fees their caravans encountered.
That was the beginning of the animosity between the two houses, something Daemon thought, was still going true to this day. Of course, his house also had issues with the Tully's of Riverrun as well. They saw the implementation of Blackmont and the presence of the Blackfyre's as an issue to their fragile rule in the Riverland's. As many of the southern river peoples become reliant on Blackmonts men to defend them from banditry and thieves, along with Blackmonts growing influence of the biggest town in the Riverland's, the Stoney Sept, steadily increase over the years.
Daemon mentally shook his head, and least we forget the latest issues they had with the Tyrells. Due to Blackmonts location along the Rush his family had given deeds to plots of land to any man who wished to farm in their lands, and they soon found out how fertile the lands really were. And over the years their yields increased steadily, and with a few crop rotations every year saw a surplus of food that needed to go somewhere, and it was with an agreement with King Jaehaerys II that King's Landing and the Iron Throne increased their purchasing of BlackFyre crops as opposed fully relaying on only the Reach.
A voice interrupted Daemons thoughts. "What's your business here milord?" A scraggly man dressed in dirty leather approached Daemon and his group. Daemon maneuvered his horse out of the group. "Are you the harbor master?" "Indeed, I am my lord! Names Emmon, did you need passage to somewhere or here for business?" Daemon cocked his head and gave the man below him an appraising look.
"Business, of a certain kind. I am looking for a ship. I am not sure where it is docked, it bears a Black Stag on a field of gold. Have you seen it?" "Aye! Indeed, I have my lord! It is moored down that ways by the Golden Siren, can't miss it, its big galley with the Titan of Braavos on it!"
He looked down toward the way he pointed, upstream from the bay, and he could see the Titan on a sail from where he sat atop his horse. "I thank you." Daemon fished a dragon out of his pocket and flipped the coin to the man. "Seven blessings my lord!" Emmon said excitedly as he rubbed the gold coin between his fingers.
As they made their way down the harbor, passing several ships and their crew, he could hear their profane and lewd speech as they passed. He turned to Dany who was still riding next to him. "This is why I made you but a cloak on. Could you imagine what they'd be saying if they could look at you?" "I can imagine its exactly like what all the little lords roaming court would say. I wager they'd say they would want me to display my tits to the whole world." She laughed at Daemon has he choked on his own saliva at her words.
"That's a tad crass wouldn't you say Dany?" "This coming from you. Don't think I never heard Aemon and you talk about girls before Daemon. All boys are the same. All the want is to see tits and fuck whores, isn't it?" "I would never! You know that I would never lower myself to such a standard. I am better than that."
He could see her smirk engulf her whole lips. "Not to mention Rhaenys would geld you if she ever found out you did. But don't worry. I know you only have eyes for one person in this world, and that you would never betray her."
They had finally arrived at the Baratheon ship; they were in the process of unloading all its supplies and goods. Daemon saw one man, bulky and brawny and in full plate armor as if they were expecting to go into battle at a moment's notice: carrying a rather expensive looking chest. "You there! Where is the dastardly lord who accompanied this vessel! I have orders to flog him on sight!"
A voice yelled out from behind the man. "As if you even could, lest we forget the last time you wielded a whip. Did that scar ever fade or is it still there on your arse?" Daemon could see him now as he came into view. This past year had been good for him it seems. It seemed to him as if Steffon grew a bit more. He was always taller than Aemon and him. But now has he stood, it seemed he was a good head taller than Daemon was. His black hair was long, and it flew freely down his back and his blue eyes were shining bright. He was of a strong build, as all Baratheon men were.
Daemon quickly dismounted and stalked up to him, glaring all the while. "You have a lot of nerve to bring that up. You should be careful on how you speak to your better." Steffon snorted and spoke in his Stormlander accent. "Betters? Now where would I find them? Surely not with you, as you have to look up at me!" They both stood there glaring at each other, he could see that Steffons men were looking tense. They never did seem to forget what happened during the Rebellion. Suddenly they both laughed loudly and embraced each other.
"It's good to see you Steffon! It hasn't been the same since you left, Aemon feels the same way. You left us here alone with a Lannister and a Tyrell, do you know how hard it is to not bash my head against a wall!" "A hard struggle, I'm sure." Daenerys said as she approached them and took the head of her cloak off. "My Princess!" Steffon and his men quickly went to their knees at the sight of her. For her part, Dany looked quite shy at the sight of them all kneeling. "There's no need for that, you may rise, quickly."
Steffon took her hand and kissed it softly. "Of course, Princess, but we must observe the courtesies. It would reflect badly on my house if I were to not. Afterall, who knows who may be watching us. Daemon looked around at his words. He was right, there was no way the Spider did not know about all this already. Seven hells, he probably knew once Steffon wrote his letter.
"Right you are about that my friend, perhaps we should make our way back to the Red Keep now, with post haste. The princess has already been out of the keep long enough for everyone to notice her absence. Your men can see to your things?" "They can." "Good. Let us move on, Ser Malon, can you leave two men here to see to that Ser Steffons men find their way to their quarters. "At once, my lord."
They mounted their horses once again, this time joined by Steffon and his giant of a man. "Who is your friend Steffon? He's a giant! I think Joffery would shit himself at the sight of him!" Daemon laughed loudly. Steffon himself looked nonchalantly over toward him. "Oh, this is my sworn shield. And she's not a man. This is Brienne of Tarth and I have no doubt she would knock you on your pretty little arse for calling her a man." His voice, calm and casual as if telling them the weather.
Both Daemon and Daenerys sat wide eyed, their faces mirror imagines of shock as they both stared at the heavily armored warrior as she equally stared at them. Daenerys was the one who broke the silence.
"You're shitting me!"
The dining hall was filled with laughter as Daemon looked around those who were gathered here today. Sitting at the head of the table was Aemon, as his being a Prince meant he was the senior person in the room never mind the fact that Daemon himself was older than him. He sat there a joyful smile on his handsome face. Next to him was of course Dany, who was looking radiant as she wore a very elegant black and red themed dress that accented her perfectly, her silver hair was done up into a regal looking bun. Sitting next to her was their guest of honor Steffon who had changed out of his traveling garb into a very fine outfit of yellow and black, his rearing stag embroidered elegantly on his chest, his smirking face display his amusement.
Then of course was himself, wearing his red finery proudly with his black three-headed dragon jeweled with rubies on the eyes, his own face had a frown on it as the jest of the moment was at his own expense, but in his violet eyes was mirth. Lastly, the one next to him was no other the Princess Rhaenys, her olive toned skin seemed to glisten in the candlelight, she wore a dress that was all the rage he was sure in Dorne, her mother's lands, and he could definitely see why. It certainly wasn't modest by any means here in the Capital, thin straps ran over her shoulders, the fabric was shear enough that it left wandering eyes wondering just what was beneath the thin material. It fitted her perfectly, shaping her curves and highlighting her chest with a deep V. She was looking at him, her deep brown eyes bearing a fire behind them, was it for him? Or was she merely caught up in the jest and his eyes making him see things.
He cleared his throat. "It wasn't that funny! And honestly, if something like that had happened to any of you, you certainly wouldn't be laughing. Besides, I was ten! How was I supposed to react when you accidently go through a secret passage and end up walking in on the some servants fucking!" A hand grabbed his and look toward Rhaenys as she held his own, his heart beating so loud he thought everyone could hear. "My poor little dragon! You must've been so traumatized" "I was! It was not something I was ready to see, at least at that age, it looked so… violent. Honestly, I thought he was trying to kill her by the way she sounded."
They all laughed again but this time so did he. It was a funny story after all, that what happens when children go exploring in places they shouldn't be. "You know now that I think about it. I did never see those two servants working here ever again." Aemon spoke up, "That's because my father had them moved to Dragonstone. Just in case we went peeping again."
Their conversations went on throughout their dinner, they pestered Steffon on life at Storm's End, how Lord Stannis ruled, his teachings their and how his siblings were. To which he replied that his father was a just Lord who favored facts and truth over lies, kiss-arse-ary and schemes. But that he was a good man and a good father. He had spent four moons traveling throughout the Stormlands visiting his father's bannermen and it was at their stay at Evenfall Hall that he met Brienne of Tarth. He was so impressed at both her strength and skill, beating him in a spar several times, that he asked his father if Lord Tarth would be willing to let Brienne be his sworn shield, which Lord Tarth agreed with whole-heartedly. He had even said that his younger sister, Shireen, was such an intelligent girl that she often pestered their maester on all matter of subjects. Daenerys seemed interested to know more about Brienne and started bombarding him with questions.
He felt her hand again, this time laying softly against his own shoulder. He turned to look at her and found her brown eyes looking into his violet ones. She smiled softly, "I have missed you Dae, gods, it feels like I've been away for such a long time and then I came back and find out you've been knighted! I mean, I heard from mother that you were knighted but that is beside the point. You've finally achieved something you have always wanted, and I was not here to congratulate you personally." "You are here now that is all that matters to me." He gripped her and with his, holding it in his lap. She scooted as close as she possibly could in her chair, trying to get closer to him. "Well, tell me about it." "My knighting?" "No! your name-day. Of course, the Knighting! Who did it? Did it happen where you were or when you came back here? How did it feel!"
What could he tell her about his knighting? Did he dare tell her about all the gritting details of the men he killed, how he could see their faces as clear as the day he saw them. The way their faces looked the moment they realized they were dead, the shock and pain of it. The way their blood coated his blade red in a mockery of his Houses colors. No. he would not tell her any of that, instead he would tell her to flowery version of it. Like any good knight would.
"It was Ser Arthur who had done it, it could've been Ser Oswell or even my uncle, but he insisted it was him. Mayhaps, because he felt responsible toward me, I do not know. All I know is that I knelt in that mud as he rested his sword against me, and I gave my vows to protect the week, the innocent and all that. It felt good to say those words but then I felt the weight of those words too, as if I had just held the world on my back. And in that moment, I think I understood Ser Jamie and his dilemma all too well."
Her brows furrowed and she tilted her head, her voice as light as a whisper. "What do you mean? Ser Jamie did what he had to do, and he is rejoiced for his actions." Daemon nodded his head. "Yes! Yes, now he is celebrated for his glorious actions now. But I've talked to him after I was knighted, when the words of my new vows weighed heavily on me. I asked him, how was he able to make a decisions between all his vows, to defend the weak, the women and children but to also obey his King and to protect his King."
He looked away from her and moved his eyes around the room, taking in the sight of his friends. "He told me. That when it came down to choosing the lives of hundreds of thousands and the life of one. The decision was easy for him then. What was the worth of one life compared to countless." He smiled at her "It was then I realized what kind of knight I was going to be. I was going to be one who made the hard decisions, I was going to be the who did what he thought was right for the good of the Realm, not matter what anyone should think."
She looked down at their hands intertwined and leaned over to kiss Daemon's cheek. "You will be one of the greatest knights in the Realm, I know this for true. Because, you are the best kind of man I have ever known, and I know that because you are perfect example of a southron knight when it comes to me." She smirked and ran her finger across his jaw and drew closer to him to whisper in his ear. "Well, except when it comes to my bed chambers, then you are as fiery as the dragon on your chest!"
Hearing her lustful voice in his ear made him shiver in anticipation, but he could feel a hint of discomfort. Moving his eyes away from her, he made eye contact with Aemon from across the table. He was giving him that stare. Daemon liked to call it his 'Kingly stare' that would make you feel like he was disappointed in you. Daemon knew it all too well, especially when he did or said something stupid or inappropriate. Which was more often than not. If Rhaeneys could feel her brothers stare at them, she didn't give a tell at all, and appeared completely unfazed by it.
The night drew on, they ate and drank some more, they reveled in each other's companies, continuing to tell stories of the past, or something exciting happen when they were not around. Daenerys complained about having unnerving dreams of fire and smoke. Aemon commented on the amount of planning going on for Rhaeneys' eight and ten name day tourney, to which it seemed the whole Realm was going to attend.
Eventually they were leaving the dining hall, Rhaeneys and Daenerys were walking together, with Ser Barristan and some household guards following them, ahead of Aemon, Steffon and himself. They were approaching Maegor's Holdfast where the royal apartments were located and it was here were they all lived, including Steffon as an honored guest. They had bid the girls a good night as the dropped them off at the quarters and it was in Daemon's own room that the three young men now resided.
Daemon found himself standing by his desk holding a goblet of Dornish Red, his personal favorite, while skimming through a letter. Steffon was sat on his bed nursing his own drink, while Aemon stood by his balcony doorway gazing out toward the city.
He was in the middle of taking a drink when Aemon spoke up. "You and Rhaenys looked quite cozy tonight. Picking up right where the two of you left off then?" Aemon paused. "Did she tell you any? Daemon twirled the wine in his cup. "Should she have? She was asking about the day we were knighted in the Crackclaw. She asked how I felt if I was excited or nervous. Told her how I felt saying the words." "Like the weight of the whole world was on your back." Steffon had spoken, getting up from the bed to stand next to him. "Exactly."
Aemon didn't appear happy with what he said. "Was there something she was supposed to tell me?" Aemon shook his head. "It's not place to say if there was or wasn't." "Then why ask Aem?" "I was curious. It looked like you were having a very intimate talk." He held up his hands. "And before you say anything, I don't care what you and my sister do behind closed doors. I'm not a fool I know how you both feel for each other." He walked up to them and put his hands on their shoulders. "But I just want to protect you, you are the brother I chose, both of you. I love my sister, but she spends a lot of time in the Water Gardens and Sunspear with our cousins. And some of them think every person is a challenge to some sort of mind game, for them to bed and dominate."
Daemon nodded his head seriously. "I understand you brother, I do. But we are all knights here, Steffon and I are future lords. We can take care of ourselves. You don't need to worry." "Exactly, besides it's not as if this development between the Princess and Daemon here is anything new. They've been like this for years and I don't think Rhaeneys is trying to use him as some sort of conquest. It's real, that much I know, any fool can tell just by looking at them."
"You're right, gods, I know you're right. Still, I can't help being worried. There are many eyes, ears, and lips in the wretched place, if someone were to see anything. The outcome could be bad."
Daemon understood Aemon's worry. If someone were to see him with Princess Rhaenys, it would no doubt case a scandal. He could see the raven now. 'Dastardly pretender seduces Princess in act of debauchery' or something along those lines.
"Stop being such a mother hen Aemon, nothing bad is going to happen. Besides, I am very sneaky, and I know almost every hidden passage. No one will ever catch me. Let's talk about something more exciting, like why Steffon is here so early before the tourney!" He grabbed his goblet and raised it. "Let's drink to my future goodbrother, Steffon! You have been a close friend of ours since you came to King's Landing and I happy to welcome you to my family" "Gods Daemon, we haven't even talked to your father yet, nothing is set in stone yet." Steffon laughed both amused by him and quite drunk from all the cups he's had tonight.
"Nonsense! Like my father is going to reject a marriage to a future Lord Paramount! This arrangement is set in stone, let me assure you! Now both of you cunts grab your drinks and toast!"
Both Ameon and Steffon laughed with flushed cheeks, and they all shouted together. "To Steffon!" "To me!"
He awoke to the most pleasant feeling he could think of the feeling of soft and warm flesh pressed up next to him. Even with his eyes closed he could imagine the image of her firm, round breasts pressed up to his side. the way her lithe body moves as she tangles her limbs amidst his own.
Then he remembers, Aemon and Steffon had just left as she snuck in from servants' entrance in his bathing chambers. He remembers the rush of arousal and lust he felt when he saw her, when she discarded the night gown she was wearing, exposes her nakedness to him. He especially remembers the passion they both shared in their kiss. What came next, he could still remember, her moans of pleasure mixed with his own, her wriggling beneath him as she lost herself in euphoria. It was a night of passion and for them to reunited themselves together.
He felt her shift and he knew she was awake. He shifted his head to look toward her and saw her eyes open, her brown to meet his own violet ones, she smiled. "Well, this is certainly a sight I could get used too. I don't think any of our dalliances ever occurred in my own chambers" He said, his voice low and husky.
She ran her hand over his jaw, caressing it. "No, I don't believe we have you always said it was too risky, that someone would know. But I needed to be with you, to touch you, to kiss you again. It was something I missed terribly in Dorne. And my own hands were not enough." She replied, her tone soft but laced with affection.
He smirked. "You flatter me Princess, I was not aware my touch was so needed or desired. But I suppose I am quite the lover after all." She laughs at that, her laugh like chiming bells that sent delight down his back.
"Oh! How I have missed your arrogance my love. Truly I have, you can not imagine the boys who tried to throw themselves at me in Sunspear, it was honestly embarrassing."
"And you did not entertain their wonton desire to fuck you?" "Certainly not! As if they even stood a chance against you, my love. I would choose to live with only pleasing myself for the rest of my life than even give them a chance."
Her words calmed him down from his rising anger at the thought of any other man touching or even looking her Rhaenys. She was his, just as he was hers. He would unman any man who even thought about forcing his way with her. They'd be dead ten times over, and not by just him.
"That's a relief to hear Princess." "Why do you continue to call me that? Princess. You are aware that I am naked in this bed next to you, you don't have to keep calling me that."
"Aah but I disagree, I don't call you Princess because I have to, because its your honorific. I choose to keep calling you that because you are the Princess of my heart my love, just as I am the Knight of yours."
She opened her mouth a little and engulfed him in a passionate kiss. Daemon was lost in his lust; he ran his hands down her back grabbing at her firm arse. An action that made her moan into his mouth. He moved his hand from her arse towards her front and just when he-
The door burst open with a loud bang "My lord! I bring news you- "They broke apart faster than lighting. "Ser Malon! What are doing!" Ser Malon stood Stock still, shock present on his face as he quickly spun around to face the wall away from them.
"M-my apologies My Lord, My Princess, but I have news. Your father has docked at the harbor not even an hour ago. They took are river craft from Blackmont instead of the Gold Road. He is on his way to the Red Keep now. His grace has summoned everyone for a welcoming party. I thought you ought to now.
Damn that old man to the seven hells! He wasn't supposed to leave Blackmont for another week and just suddenly decides to show up so unexpectedly. He practically leapt out of his bed and grabbed a cloak and handed it to Rhaenys who had followed him out.
She wrapped the cloak around herself and grabbed him, giving him a kiss. "I must get to my chambers before anyone takes notice that I am not answering my door. I will see you later my love, yes?" "Always my Princess." He walked her over to the servant's entrance and watched as she made it the secret passage entryway and disappeared through it.
He walked back into his bed chambers, grabbing another cloak, and putting it on. Ser Malon was looking at him now, his face impassive. "Don't give me that look, I know what I am doing." He said nothing. "Speak freely." "It is a mistake. You risk a great many things by being with her in such manner, if your father finds out about this- ""You don't think he knows? All of court knows about our feelings for each other. Seven hells I am positive even the King and Queen know about it."
"Knowing and seeing are two completely different things Daemon. If word gets out that you have not only meet in secret with the Princess but have obviously deflowered her. It would shame your House for years."
He splashed his face with water from his washing bowl. "It was more like she deflowered me, than me doing it to her." "It does not matter Daemon!"
He throws the cloth he was drying his face with on the floor. His voice raised. "Do not forget yourself Ser! I am still your lord!" For his credit, Ser Malon did not seem to flinch at his reprimand. He stood stalwart and his resolve strong. "You are right, you are my lord. But you are always the boy I have defended, protected and watch grow since you were but a babe. I tell you this for your own good My Lord. This dalliance with the Princess will not end in the way you want it too. Mark my words, Daemon. It will not."
Daemon stood their staring at him, his face impassive but anger lurked beneath. He knew Ser Malon only spoke like this because he cared about him. It was true, the knight had been a permanent figure in his life ever since he was a babe, he was around him more than his own father was. He was not just his own sworn shield, but someone he could confined in, someone he could trust. But from him to say what he said, did he know something Daemon did not? He did not know, but he would find out.
"Help me dress Ser Malon, we have little time to get ready now that my father arrives so suddenly."
AN: Welcome back to all who favorited/followed and to those who reviewed and a Hello! To those who are just now coming in. This chapter had some more background story for House Blackfyre as well as a new character introduction in Steffon! He will become a central character to the story so he will be around a lot. I am always interested in hearing your opinions whether they or constructive, conversational or what have you, I do read every review I get! So I encourage, but its not a requirement, you to review as it lets me knew if something didn't make sense or if there are certain parts of the story you really liked. Once again, and most importantly, thanks for reading!
To answer reviews:
Force Smuggler:
Yeah I know, it is yucky (especially Joffery), but it is all for a purpose I assure you!
Noiiree:
Yes he is. The way I think of it is, he is a Prince who has anything he could ever want and being a hormonal boy isn't going to help him either. I have modeled his character after some other authors Young Griff/Aegon that he is very hot-headed but i also want to show eventually that he's lack of judgment when it comes to people who surround him is so he can have someone like how Aemon has Daemon.
Guest:
I have always liked this premise as well, families can be messy and in this world messy families can get a bit murder-y, this will sort of be like another Dance of Dragons. But I intend for not just the Targaryen family to be pitted against one another, but for many families to be pitted against their own families as well. It will be a messy war. It is crucial for this story for the Blackfyre's to be strong that is why I intended them to be major lords without the Paramount title (yet :P). You bring up a very good point about the sword Blackfyre and it will have a purpose. I hope you enjoyed more Blackfyre backstory in this chapter!
The realm only has one queen in Elia, if Lyanna had lived, perhaps there may have been two.
That is true he can not be publicly be known as Ser Jamie's son. If Joffrey is indeed his son, because the Targaryen's won Robert's Rebellion, Jamie stayed loyal to the crown and after Tywin's hesitation to come to the crown's help they are not really welcomed to King's Landing at all, so there wouldn't be much time for him and Cercei to be together. But who knows what's possible hehe.
