A/N: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, people. I hope you enjoy it.
Maric POV
This city smells like shit, at least that is the nicest way to say it. You can smell it from a mile out. Personally, I believe that it could be smelled from farther out if it were not for the smell of the sea covering it up. Pulling into the dock only makes it worse, making it stronger. I have to cover my nose as I step off the boat onto the wooden planks of the capital's docks. But I can suffer through the stench, perhaps I could even get used to it.
After spending two weeks preparing for this trip, and then this past few days on the sea traveling here, I will get used to it. Lord Stannis is counting on me to be able to do this. And after everything he has done for me and my family, I owe it to him to try my hardest. He even had nice clothing made for me, just so the people of the King's court would not look down on me. Lord Stannis even garnered my opinion on the clothing, so that I would be comfortable while wearing them. I glance down to my clothing as I walk up the stairs of the dock, towards the towering Red Keep.
My brown leather doublet, with the onion sigil that my father created years ago sewed on to my breast, blocking the slight breeze from hitting my arms. I decided to wear my favorite attire, which is not very extravagant when compared to the clothing of royalty. I take after my father when it comes to clothing, it is better to be comfortable than pretty. Simple breeches cover my lower half, making the heat almost intolerable. My black boots are worn and scuffed, as they have properly been broken in from my overuse of them.
Nervousness flutters around inside my stomach as I near the keep. I just can not determine if the nervousness is from seeing my old friend again for the first time in years, or from the looks of high born Lords and Ladies that I am bound to attract. I would prefer the former, as Draedon has a way of calming people and making them feel protected. When we got into trouble on Dragonstone years ago, and Lord Stannis would be furious with us, Draedon always claimed responsibility for our actions. He would say he coerced me into doing things, or that he used his title of Crown Prince to force me to do them with him. Lord Stannis never truly punished Draedon or me, in fact, if I did not know any better, I would say that our trouble making and the Prince's antics amused him more than angered him.
I am stopped by half a dozen gold cloaks that are standing guard at the doors to the Great Hall. I can hear the people of the King's court talking to one another through the thick bronze and wood doors. From my years being around wood, I can see that the carvings that are on the door look as if they were recently made. Two great stags freshly made, one matching the other on each door.
I convince them to let me in to see the King, but only if he can confirm who I am, and if he can confirm that I am no threat to him. So two of them walk me through the crowd, the high borns parting as we near them. I can hear the murmurs, I can hear them speaking about me. It seems they can not recognize the sigil on my chest. Why care enough to learn about a low born house in a different kingdom?
As we walk towards my friend, the King himself, I take a look around the cavernous room, ignoring the people speaking about me. I spot several things that catch my eye.
A deep black rug splits the entire room in half, and is matched by two thinner crimson ones on either side of the hall while embattled banners bearing House Baratheon's sigil of a crowned stag dangle gently from the walls. Between each banner sits a shrine-like ornament covered in candles, almost all of them have been lit and in turn illuminate the tapestries of divine depictions of stags and lions below them. I see tremendous braziers encompassing each of the six white marble columns light up the lower levels of the throne hall and engulf the throne hall in a brilliant glimmer.
As I try to ignore these people, some strike my eye. I see who I presume to be Draedon's mother, the Queen Dowager Cersei, standing at the front of the crowd. Her long golden hair falling on a crimson dress with gold trim. A smaller golden haired girl, that looks exactly like the Queen, standing beside her. A black dress marks the main difference between the two. She must be Myrcella. Draedon always spoke of her. I see Sandor Clegane, the Hound standing guard. He is easy to spot, due to his height and his infamous burn scars.
We follow the black rug, weaving through people, all the way from the doors to the bottom of the stairs that is guarded by the Hound and a member of the Kingsguard that I can not identify. I look up from the base of the stairs that lead up to the great Iron Throne. And what a sight the throne is, it is something that you can never unsee. Swords wrapped around and molded into other swords, a pure iron horror sight. Something so haunting that you can not look away from.
After some deep concentration, I have to pry my eyes away from the great Iron Throne, so I can peer at the lone figure sitting upon it. A grown lion laying by his feet, as he lays back on his seat, I see my oldest friend. His long hair loosely framing his face, curling towards the end of the strands. His golden crown firmly holding it in place, so they do not get in his face and sight. A black doublet, as dark as a starless night, adorns his torso, a proud stag sewn on his breast.
His deep blue eyes peering down to the beast warming his feet, a warm smile as he looks upon it. The Queen Dowager is staring at the scene before her with a look of distaste on her face. It looks like she does not approve of his feline companion or their relationship. While her younger counterpart has a smile plasterd on her face that exceeds the warmth that Draedon's exudes.
"Pardon, Your Grace." Draedon looks up from the lion, to put his focus on to the gold cloak that speaks to him. Brow furrowed in confusion as he stares at the guard. "This man says he has business with you, and none of us know him. Give the order and we shall remove him, Your Grace."
As the man finishes speaking, the King finally turns his gaze to me. Confusion quickly shifts into a look of recognition as his eyes burn into mine. Our staring match continues for a few moments, before the lion at his feet huffs loudly. I can only smile slightly at the interruption, which in turns makes Draedon smile back at me.
"Release him. He is a friend of mine." They nod and bow quickly, and turn to go back to their posts outside the door. Draedon's smile widens as he stares at me, before he abruptly stands from the great throne. "Court is adjourned for the day, I ask that you join me again next time, fair people of King's Landing." He walks down the stairs before he stops before me. He clasps my shoulder with his large hand. "Maric, how are you, my friend?"
"I am good, Your Grace. Weary from travel, but good." I say lowly. He nods, before he looks to the dispersing crowd behind me.
He releases my shoulder and waves me to follow him as he walks away. I fall into step behind him easily, the Hound walks beside me while the unidentified Kingsguard walks behind us. Draedon nods his head towards his mother and sister, they smile in return. His mother looks at me, her eyes roam my entire body. A look of disdain on her face as she reaches my boots. I begin to feel self conscious as her look on intensifies, until I feel it.
Warmth rubs against my leg. I look down, only for my heart to skip a beat at the sight by my feet. A lion just rubbed my thigh as it passed me in route to its master. Genuine fear runs through my body at the sight of the animal. A breathe a single of relief as it trots along Draedon's side. I do not care what it does, so long as does it far from me.
As we pass multiple doors down our trek through a wide hall, we finally stop at what I can perceive is our destination. The King opens the door for his pet to enter, before turning to his followers. "Sandor, Ser Balon, stand guard. No one enters the room. Understand?" They both nod once, in sync with one another. Sandor taking the left side, while the now identified Ser Balon takes the right.
Draedon enters the room, and I follow him inside silently. I watch as Draedon pours two goblets of water and places them down on the lone desk in the room. He sits in the nicer chair and gestures for me to follow suit. I sit as instructed. He pushes a goblet of water towards me. I smile and take a drink from the offered goblet.
Draedon leans back in his chair. His hand gripping the armrest of the chair, while he strokes his beard with the other. "So how are you, Maric?"
"I believe you have already asked me that, Your Grace." A smile plays at my lips.
He rolls his eyes at my words. "I have, but in a room full of people listening to us. This is just us. Just old friends."
"I have no complaints as of now. What about you? How are you, Draedon?" His grip on the arm of the chair tightens.
He gives a lazy smile, a false smile. "You know me, Maric. I am always good."
"I do know you, at least, I like to believe that I know you. So if what I think I know about you is true, you are lying to me." A bashful grin becomes prominent on his face. "Honestly, Draedon." He takes a big intake of breath.
"In the last eight moons, I have lost the man I consider a grandfather, my brother, and my father. I was thrust in a position of power that I was not ready for, the weight of Seven Kingdoms bearing down on my shoulders, all day every day. I have three members of my small council and only one Kingsguard inside the city. One uncle who does not respond to my ravens, one uncle who last I have heard, is still locked away. I have two great houses fighting each other, whilst simultaneously destroying the land run by another. And on top of everything else, I have another uncle in open rebellion with a very large army at his back." He says in quick succession. Taking a heavy breath before continuing. "But, other than that, life is nice."
As he speaks, my eyes widen with each passing word. I knew being King was a lot of responsibility, but I never expected that. "So, what do you need from me?" The only thing I can offer is my support and help.
"Help. I need help, Maric." He says with a hand rubbing his face.
I take another drink of my water. "You have it. Just let me know what you need from me."
A small smile makes its way to his bearded face. "Well, I could use a Master of Ships."
"Well, I am sure that you could send for someone with naval experience. With the Reach in rebellion, perhaps Manderly in the North. Lord Wyman, I believe his name to be. Or Lord Stannis if he would come."
"And there in lies the problem, Maric. Stannis refuses to respond, and Manderly is in the midst of fighting alongside the North against the Westerlands." His head shakes, long hair swaying with the motions. "No, I need someone that is here already. Someone who has worked with ships for some time. Someone I can trust." His gaze shifts to me when he finishes.
I nod, before I realize what he says. My eyes widen. "Draedon, I could... There has to be someone better suited than me."
He smiles. "I do not want someone better. I want my oldest friend, someone I trust." I open my mouth, only to close it. I have no words to express my emotions right now. His smile grows. "Good, I am glad you agree. I will announce your new position when I hold court again." He grabs his goblet of water and raises it high above the table. "To old friends, and new lives." He toasts.
His cup held high, waiting for me to clank mine with his. I stare at him for a long time, he stares back. If I accept this, I will be in a better position than my father. I will be able to follow through for Lord Stannis' task much more easily. But, it would put a target on my back.
But as I look into Draedon's eyes, I see the vulnerability that he holds right now. My choice seems so easy at that moment. I smile at him to ease his worry, as I raise my own goblet and smash it to his.
"To a new life." No turning back now.
We drink together and chat for a few more minutes. Talking about my future duties, and some old memories that bring a fondness to our smiles, before a knock on the door stops us.
"What is it?" The King yells out.
"Lord Varys is here." A gruff voice yells from the other side of the door.
Draedon looks to me and nods towards the door. "Find a servant as you leave and tell them to show you to your room. It will be located in Maegor's Holdfast, in the guest wing."
And that lets me know that our conversation is over for now. I nod and leave for the door, and as I stand I see the lion for the first time. Its long body laying by his feet once again. Its tail whipping him every few seconds, but Draedon does not seem to mind. I open the door and see a bald man standing between the two guards. He is soft looking, but confident as he stands there. He nods in acknowledgement of me, as I nod back. He enters, as I exit.
As I walk down the hall, I can not help but to smile at the events of my life. I had never dreamed of being in a position like this when I was just a boy. I can not believe the turn of events that have lead to this, I just hope to not let anyone down with my new position.
Draedon POV
When my mother walks in, I knew that this would be a taxing day. I love my mother, but all she has done lately is speak about things that I could care less about, such as marriage. With all of the stressful events happening around the Seven Kingdoms, marriage is one of the farthest things from my mind.
Her methodical steps echoing throughout my solar. I can not tell if her slow steps are due to apprehension of being close to Ruby, who is enjoying the rewards of her morning hunt, or just wishing to make a dramatic entrance and build some sort of suspense of the upcoming conversation. Most likely the latter. She sits on the chair on the opposite side of my desk and tilts her head to the side, trying to peer at the letter that I am writing.
"Where has your dog been these past few mornings?" Mother asks, as she makes herself comfortable in my solar. Her golden hair clashing nicely with the green dress she is wearing when she straightens her head to look down at Ruby.
I do not have to look at her to know she is staring at Ruby with contempt, as my beautiful companion is eating her breakfast of freshly killed venison. Her sharp teeth tearing through the tender meat with ease. I can only smile at the distaste that mother has for Ruby, it is nice that some things never change.
I continue writing my letter while I speak. "He is out and about, doing things that I asked him to do."
"You have hundreds of servants at your disposal, and you choose to send your sworn sword, when you barely have any other protection within the city, out on minor errands?"
I sigh, as I can feel the beginning of a headache starting. I have been getting them a great deal lately, ever since the crowning. "When I give Sandor a task, it is simply because he is the only one I trust to carry it out."
"Trust is not something you should just hand out, Draedon." I can hear the exasperation in her tone.
"I do not just hand it out, mother." I pour the gold wax on to the finished letter, and press my royal stamp into it. Mother does not look away from my letter as I push the sealed parchment to the side, and dip my quill into the inkwell in preparation for my next letter.
As I begin scribbling a missive to the Prince of Dorne, mother huffs with annoyance. "Could you at least look at me while I speak to you, Draedon?"
I do not look away from my letter as I respond. "No. I am very busy, mother. I do not have time to look away, as I have to multitask. So if you need to speak with me, it will have to be done without eye contact." I say with an uninterested tone. It was unintentional, but I do not have time to fret over it.
A sigh is the only sign of frustration at my words. "Well then, if you would like, I can cut to main reason I am here?"
"That would be much appreciated, mother." My entire head is throbbing dully at this point in he conversation. It is beginning to become difficult to concentrate on two separate actions at the same time.
"You need to marry soon." My quill snaps at her words. My eyes look up towards her, and her emerald eyes are peering at me unblinkingly.
I throw the broken quill into the waste basket, and lean back in my chair as I can stare owlishly at my mother. I bring my hand to head, and rub at my temple trying to lessen the ache.
"This again?"
"You wanted to speak about it on another day, it is another day, Drae. This is a serious issue, one that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later." She speaks about such a serious issue with ease.
"Right, I did say a later day. Did you have a girl in particular that you wish for me to look at for the position?" I ask knowing that my mother has something in mind.
"I have already invited your cousins, Rosamund and Myrielle, to the capital. It will allow you to meet them and see if you can have a future with one of them." The longer this conversation is going on, the throbbing becomes sharper. Mother can apparently spot my discomfort. "Are you okay, Draedon?"
"I am fine. When they get here, I will meet them and spend time with them. Is that acceptable with you?" I ask with a sharp tone.
Her green eyes widen at my tone. "Yes, that will be acceptable. Thank you." She stands as she says the last words. Smoothing invisible wrinkles from her dress as she stands in front of my desk. "I will leave you alone now." She turns her head towards the door, before looking back to me. "Just know, Draedon, I am always here for you. Any sort of problem, or any worry that you have, I will help you to the best of my ability."
"Yes, mother, I know." She nods at my simple words.
She is almost out of the room, when Ser Balon knocks on the door. "Your Grace, Lord Commander Barristan Selmy and Ser Arys Oakheart have returned." He yells through the door. Mother stops and looks back towards me.
"Open." My word is soon followed, as the door opens slowly. In walks Ser Barristan and Ser Arys, white cloaks billowing in their entrances.
They kneel as soon as they reach the center of the room. "I apologize for our tardiness, but we came as soon as we could." The old knight speaks for them both.
I nod to mother for her to leave. She obeys with slight hesitation in her step. When the door closes behind her, I speak. "Please rise, Sers." They rise in an instant. "Tell me, how was your travels?" I ask.
"They were pleasant enough, Your Grace, considering the conditions of them." I nod along to the Lord Commander's words.
"I hope that my father's body was taken good care of and has been placed in his final resting place?" I question the pair of knights.
Ser Barristan answers again. "We cared for his body as well as we could, and we watched his body be placed in the ground ourselves, Your Grace." I pull a new quill out of one of the drawers of my desk and dip it in ink, as Ser Barristan finishes.
I nod in acknowledgement. "Well, you two must be tired from your journey, so please go and rest. Sleep well, for when Sandor returns, we will be busy." I begin rewriting the letter as I speak.
"If I may be so bold as to ask, where is Clegane, Your Grace?" The older man says to me, questioning tone in his voice.
I smile slightly at his words. "You have always been bold, haven't you, Ser Barristan?" The joke makes him smile and Ser Arys grins as well. "Sandor is out on a task for me, he will return in a few days time, hopefully."
The two knights look towards one another, before another word is spoken. "How long has he been gone, Your Grace?"
"A lot of questions from you today, Ser Barristan." I teasingly smile at the elder knight.
His kind blue eyes showing curiosity in them. "Just trying to catch up on things."
I sigh. "He has been gone for a little over six days. He should return in a fortnight or so." The old knight nods at my words. "Now go rest." They leave after their parting bows.
Being alone allows me to focus on my letter to the dornish, for which I am grateful. This needs to be done, and soon. As I write, another knock strikes the door. My frustration is beginning to bubble inside of me.
"Check them for weapons and just send them in, Ser Balon." I say loudly through gritted teeth. I do not look towards the slow footsteps that enter through the opening door. "What is your business?"
"To serve the new King." A soothing voice says. I look up at the familiar voice and see him kneeling in front of my desk.
"Seven Hells, you are here." I breathe out slowly.
Cersei POV
"What do you mean Draedon is gone?" I spit out to the cockless man. His false smile never leaving his face.
"I mean that the King has left the city. He will return a few weeks from now, until then, the Small Council will rule in his stead." The eunuch speaks in a voice softer than mine. "He has asked me to ask you to sit in on the meetings and give your opinion on the matter of the Realm." He finishes speaking and I am almost speechless.
"And where is my son heading, exactly?"
"We have been unable to figure out where he is going or where he is at this moment. The King was very smart about hiding his whereabouts and intentions."
"How hard can it be to find him?"
"Very difficult, my Queen. The King sent two ships out of the harbor in the dead of the night, one traveling north, the other south. There was also three sets of riders that departed at the same time. One group heading towards Casterly Rock and the Westerlands, another heading south closer to Storm's End than the Reach, and the third traveling north towards the Riverlands. We do not know which group King Draedon is a part of. We do not know if he is sailing or riding, we just do not know where he is." He says to me.
"Then send multiple groups after them, it should not be difficult to catch them." Obviously, this should have already been done, but since it was only men that have been doing the thinking thus far, it probably has not been thought of.
A new voice interrupts. "That would be unwise, my Queen. With open rebellion happening to he south, King Renly may take advantage of the opening if it becomes known that King Draedon is not inside the city walls. We should just keep quiet about it, and if anyone should ask it, we say that the King is ill." Some boy with bright amber eyes and shaggy sandy brown hair is the one that speaks.
"And who are you?" With an even tone, I ask the boy.
The boy stands from his spot around the table, and bows his body to me. "Oh, apologies, my Queen. I am Maric Seaworth, the King named me Master of Ships a few weeks ago."
"If that is true, why am I just meeting you now?" I question the young boy. He sinks back into the chair. When he looks away from my gaze and towards the table, I can only smirk victoriously inwardly.
He coughs into his hand awkwardly, as he knows that he has my gaze upon him. "I have been busy doing my duties. There was no time available to meet you or any other people, my Queen."
"What duties? Stannis took the ships with him back to Storm's End when he left the city. You have no ships to be the master of." I say to the shaggy haired boy.
"Precisely, my Queen. I have been busy overseeing the building of the new ships. I felt it only right that there be some sort of naval power protecting the city. Plus, it has been keeping me extremely busy. We have almost finished building one ship, and a second has already been commissioned." He proclaims with a small amount of pride laced into his voice.
Pride is something he should not have yet. "Are you not a bit young to be on the Small Council?" I ask the boy who looks as if he has never bedded a woman.
His face becomes as red as a Lannister banner before he answers. "The King said that he wishes for me to learn at my position as he learns at his." That does sound like something that Draedon would say.
"Right." I look away from the boy and turn back to the silent members of the council. "Can one of you please tell me where my son is?"
Pycelle jumps at my question. "We are doing everything we can to find he King, but as you know, finding someone who does not wish to be found is no easy task." The ancient man croaks out in a slow drawl. "But young Lord Maric is right, we should stay silent on his matter until we can locate the King and bring him back safely and securely."
Varys nods his head along with the slow words. "If the King is believed to still be in the city, it will buy us time before King Renly comes to our gates. He will hesitate to attack due to his knowledge of King Draedon's military prowess. Even with the Reach behind him, sacking the city of King's Landing is no easy feat, especially when it is being protected by people like Barristan Selmy and Sandor Clegane." His soft voice carries weight to it, inside the large room.
My eyes widen when I realize the easiest way to find him. "And which group holds Barristan and Clegane? Draedon will want his dog with him at all times, and the Lord Commander will want to be with him as well." I say quickly.
"He is also traveling with a lion, my Queen, so we will find him. But it is most beneficial to remain quiet on the matter. The Kingdoms will be just fine for the days without the King, but not if we continue onward with this issue. There are other matters that need our attention, so if you will, please sit and let us get this meeting truly started." The Lord of Whores says to me, his smile has been less prominent as of late. He gestures towards one of the open seats around the table.
I sit on the one that Draedon usually would sit in. The chair that the person with the most power sits on. The chair that I have deserved for as long as I can remember, and now it is mine. Despite the small window of time that I will sit upon it, this is a victory for me. This is what I have suffered for years for. This is what I have been owed, and now it is mine.