King of the Free
2 years later- The Red Keep
After Alyxandar's incident with the Ironborn Cersei demanded that her baby have at least three bodyguards on him at all times. Now we find Alyxandar walking through the halls to the Small council, trailed by Sandor Clegane the Hound assigned to him by his father, Ser Arys Oakheart chosen by his mother, and Ser William Waters a bastard chosen by Varys.
"Do you thinks father will accept my proposal." Ask Alyx with a thoughtful expression.
"It is a sound request my prince, and could greatly benefit Kings Landing." Answers Ser Arys while walking behind the young prince. "I'm sure you can convince him my prince." Adds Ser William while Sandor simply nods while walking next to Alyx.
"You right, it shouldn't be as hard as I originally thought, plus we'll have Varys on our side." States Alyx with a smile as they reach the council chambers.
Alyxandar takes a deep breath before entering the room with his guards. He makes his way in front of the council members with a soft smile on his face.
"Well boy, you've called us here for a reason so spit it out." States Robert with narrowed eyes, while drinking more wine.
Taking a deep breath Alyx announces his proposal. "Gentlemen, I wish to tear down Flea Bottom." He is meet with absolute silence.
"M-My prince Flea Bottom is a necessity for the common people, tearing it down will doubt anger them." States Grand Maester Pycelle. "I agree." States Petyr Baelish with a smile.
"My lords Flea Bottom needs to be torn down and rebuilt with new accommodations for the betterment of the people." States Alyx before continuing "The poor have very little for themselves, the least the Crown can do is give them a place to live." States Alyx with conviction.
"I agree with the prince my lords, it is time we give the people a reason to trust the Crown." States Varys
"My prince, how would you get the finances to complete this project?" Ask Petyr Baelish. Alyxandar narrows his violet eyes at the man having been taught by Varys not to trust the man.
"That is why I have come to you my lords, with your help we can enable better living and that in turn would bring in gold to the Crown." States Alyx. More and more of the council member are swayed to Alyxandar's idea.
"I like it, it's time we clean up Kings Landing." Says Alyxandar's uncle Renly who smiles at the thought. "I also agree, it would get rid of some of the smell and would help merchants trade their goods." States Stannis Alyx's older uncle. Alyx's guards smile, even Sandor albeit a small one. However their smiles drop when Baelish stands.
"My lords, you forget that the Crown is two million gold dragons in dept." States Baelish with a smile thinking he's put a stop to this conversation. Alyxandar narrows his eyes while thinking Varys is right, I need to control this man before his ambition's destroy the kingdom.
"Well my lords I would like to pay that debt, and open an official account with the Iron Bank of Braavos." States Alyx with a smile, making Baelish pale.
"How would you pay of this debt and open an account?" ask Baelish while sweating making Sandor smirk.
"I have acquired six million gold dragons, two of which will pay of the debt while one million will go to the treasury and two million will go to the Iron Bank to be put into an account." States Alyx with a blank face.
"H-How did you obtain this amount if I may ask my prince?" Ask Baelish while wiping his face of sweat. "I have my ways lord Baelish." Alyx with a smile.
Flashback first time
"Mother can I ask you for something?" Ask a seven year old Alyx after hugging his mother.
"You can ask me for anything little dragon, and I will grant it." States Cersei while running her hands through Alyxandar's silver hair.
"I need some gold to use for a project, but I swear I'll pay it back." States Alyx while looking at his mother.
"How much do you need little dragon?" Ask Cersei before kissing Alyx's forehead making him giggle.
"I need one million gold dragons." States Alyx while staring at his mother. Cersei is confused as to why a seven year old would need that much gold.
"That's an awful lot of gold sweetie. What do you need it for?" Ask Cersei while still hugging her son.
"Just for an investment, and something that will make me happy. Can I?" Ask Alyx, with his big violet eyes looking at Cersei making her smile.
"Very well but remember to pay this back." States Cersei. "It will take some time for the gold to get to Kings Landing." States Cersei.
"Thanks mom you're the best." Exclaims Alyx.
A little while later Alyx enters a room, while his guards stay and watch the door. Inside the room are two people waiting for him. Varys and his favorite uncle Tyrion. "My prince how'd it go?" ask Varys with a soft voice.
"Mother can't refuse me so it went really well but, the gold will take some time to reach Kings Landing." Answers Alyx before turning to his uncle. "How'd it go on your end uncle? Are we set up?" ask Alyx.
"Everything is prepared, the other merchants wish to join this business arrangement, and I even got some traders from Essos to join as well." Answers Tyrion before he drinks more wine.
"Excellent, with the help of the merchants we will make a profitable business, to which we can use to rebuild Kings Landing." States Alyx with stars in his eyes. "My prince we must not forget the merchants that have decided to help us." States Varys
"Don't worry lord Varys, I won't." States Alyx with a smile.
Flashback over
"Do I have your permission to proceed, father?" Ask Alyx with a smile on his face.
"What do you think about this Jon?" Ask Robert while looking at his old friend.
"Well it would certainly help the smell." States Jon Arryn before nodding in approval. "Very well let's get it done, son you're in charge of this project." States Robert before getting up and leaving. Baelish curses under his breath before grabbing his papers and rushing out of the chamber, never realizing that violet eyes were watching him.
"It's time to cage that bird." States Alyx with narrowed eyes.
Hours later Baelish is walking through the halls still trying to figure a way out of this new development. As he is about to enter his office, he is grabbed from behind and thrown right in with the door slamming shut behind him. "Good evening, lord Baelish." States a cold voice. Baelish looks up to find Alyxandar dressed in night clothing sitting with Varys by his side smiling.
"My prince. What a surprise, I did not realize we had a meeting." States Baelish after standing up and calming himself.
"The prince wished to have a private word with you my lord." States Varys with a smile, infuriating Baelish.
"Please take a seat lord Baelish, I insist." States Alyx before Baelish is forced to sit by Ser Arys.
"May I ask what this is all about my prince?" ask Baelish still calm.
"Correct me if I'm wrong lord Baelish, but the Master of Coins duty is to manage the Crowns finances correct?" Ask Alyx.
"That is correct my-." "Then can you tell me why you've been stealing from the Crown?" Interrupts Alyx making Baelish sweat.
"My lord I have done my job perfectly, but the king simply didn't heed my warnings. I assure you I haven't stolen any gold." States Baelish before Alyx drops a folder in front of him making Baelish smile.
"My lord if you think I've stolen from the crown, I beg you to look through this folder where I have documented the transactions of the Crown." States Baelish with a smile, confident that he's covered his tracks.
"We already have." States Varys with a smile making Baelish pale.
"Tell me Sandor, what's the penalty for treason?" ask Alyx before Sandor steps from the shadows directly behind the prince.
"Death, your grace." Answers Sandor making Baelish pale further.
"Oh but that's not all we found." States Alyx in a giddy voice.
"We found that you had signed off on several shipments from Essos." Sates Varys making Baelish widen his eyes. "It took a little digging but with the help of Varys and our merchant friends, we found out the shipments contain slaves." States Alyx with narrowed eyes.
"And they're coming tonight." Adds Varys. They all sat there in silence.
"Do you still deny your treason lord Baelish?" Ask Alyx with a blank face before smiling.
"Normally this is would be where I arrest you and charge you with treason, however I'm feeling generous today." States Alyx making Baelish look at him.
"In exchange for my silence and your life, I will take control over all of your businesses and you will hand over all of the gold you stole from the crown." Orders Alyx with an innocent smile on his face. Baelish gets out of his chair so fast that it flips back, only to be grabbed by Ser William and Ser Arys.
"But that's everything that I own, how would I survive?" Ask Baelish in an angered voice making Sandor put a hand on his sword.
"You wound me lord Baelish do not think I'm leaving you to die, after all you'll be able to start over and you'll still be Master of Coin." States Alyx with a smile making Baelish grit his teeth.
"It will take me awhile to collect the gold your grace." Says Baelish while planning to take a good chunk for himself.
"Don't bother we already know where the gold is, all you have to do is sign off on the agreement." States Varys while pulling out a piece of parchment. Seeing no other choice Baelish signs the document with a solemn look.
"Thank you lord Baelish, it seems we're done." States Alyx before nodding at Ser Arys and Ser William, who grab Baelish and escort him out.
"Have a wonderful night lord Baelish." Said Alyx right before the door closes.
Later at the docks, three large ships land in the harbor. Three Captains exit the ship to start unloading. As they leave several shadows climb aboard before disappearing. As the captains walk they are soon meet with a group of spears pointed at their faces.
"What's going on, we are legitimate business men." States a fat Captain.
"Legitimate you say, now we both know that's not true." States Tyrion followed by Ser William Waters.
"I assure you my lord we are cleared to dock here." States a different captain with a beard.
"Really, then why isn't your name on the loading manifest?" ask Alyx followed by soldiers wearing the Targaryen symbol. "It's because you were paid to bring slaves into Westeros." States Alyx with narrowed eyes.
"I assure you we have no idea what you're talking about." States the fat captain, only to hear a large group of foot steps behind him. He turns to see the slaves unchained and led by Sandor and Ser Arys.
"What were you just lying about?" Ask Tyrion with a smile making the captains pale, while Alyx has a blank face.
"Ok yes we brought slaves into Westeros but you have them now so we'll just go." Says the third captain while taking a step back.
"Go?" Ask Ser William with blank eyes while stepping closer.
"I think not, you have brought slaves into Westeros that needs to be punished." States Ser Arys. While drawing his sword followed by the others doing the same.
Alyx pulls out a valyrian steel dagger given to him by Tyrion before throwing it at the bearded captain, hitting him in the throat. The other two are killed by Ser William.
Alyx stands in front of the former slaves. "I apologize for the show of violence, but please know that within Westeros you are no longer slaves and that you can choose your own fate." States Alyx in a loud voice. The former slaves look at Alyx in awe before cheering.
The Red Keep- Alyxandar's Chambers
Staeffon enters his chambers after making sure the former slaves are given a clean place to sleep. He is immediately hugged by two blurs. Alyx smiles as he sees his younger siblings Tommen and Myrcella who are both pouting.
"Where were you Alyx, we've been waiting to hear a song." States Myrcella with Tommen nodding in agreement.
"Forgive me but I had to take care of some rats that were trying to sneak into Kings Landing." States Alyx with an innocent smile.
"Ew." Scream both children making Alyx chuckle. "Did you catch them?" ask Tommen.
"Don't worry they've been taken care of." States Alyx while patting Tommen's head eliciting a giggle from him.
"Can you sing us a song Alyx?" Pleads Myrcella along with Tommen.
"I don't know it's kind of late." States Alyx while faking a thoughtful expression. "My thoughts exactly." States a voice from the doorway. The children turn to see Cersei with a smile.
"Can we listen to one song mother?" Pleads Tommen.
"Very well one song then it's off to bed." Says Cersei with a sigh making the children cheer.
Tommen and Myrcella sit on Alyx's lap while Alyx is hugged from behind by Cersei, before he begins to sing.
Love is a song by Donald Norris (I do not own)
Love is a song that never ends
Life may be swift and fleeting
Hope may die yet love's beautiful music
Comes each day like the dawn
Love is a song that never ends
One simple theme repeating
Like the voice of a heavenly choir
Love's sweet music flows on
(Instrumental break)
Chorus (Repeating the last two lines):
Like the voice of a heavenly choir
Love's sweet music flows on
Song end
"Alright it's time for bed." States Cersei as she sees Alyx drifting off.
"But I'm not sleepy." Says Tommen after yawning.
"Don't worry I'll sing for you again sometime." States Alyx before Tommen and Myrcella leave the room, while Cersei stays to tuck Alyx in.
"How was your day Alyx?" Ask Cersei while glancing at her son.
"It was good." States Alyx with a smile as Cersei kisses his forehead.
"I heard about what happened at the docks." States Cersei making Alyx look at her.
"There's a name going around the common people." States Cersei while looking at Alyx.
"What are they calling me this time, I wonder?" Ask a curious Alyx.
"They're calling you King of the Free, a name I think suit you after what you did for the former slaves." States a smiling Cersei before she hugs Alyx goodnight.
NEXT CHAPTER- RUNNING THE KINGDOM: THREE MONTH TIME SKIP
TILL NEXT TIME ;)