Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto; it is owned by Masashi Kishimoto. Fire and Blood and House of the Dragon is owned by George R.R Martin, HBO MAX, and Warner Bros Discovery. I own nothing and I am just a humble fan.
Author's Note: Hi everyone, here we are with the next chapter. Please read and review generously. I hope you all enjoy it. I thank all who have favorite the story, who are following the story, and those who have taken time out of their lives to review; it all helps. The action is about to pick up very heavily, as we are getting into a modified version of episode 1 of season 1. This chapter will be split into two parts. This is part 1 of episode 1. I hope you enjoy.
Real life, job hunting, and autoimmune disease is kicking my ass hard. Still, I will endeavor to write as much as I possibly can. Without further ado, let us begin.
Chapter Six- The Prelude To Tragedy
"Young Naruto taught me something, to never underestimate anyone and to never underestimate my opponent. I never knew you had it in you, Viserys. You killed your wife, our cousin, just to deny me the chance of being heir and to sit on the throne. And now, you seek to install a woman on the throne as quickly as you killed one. I wonder… what Naruto thinks of all this?"- Prince Daemon Targaryen
"Queen Aemma Arryn, that pure, innocent woman. I used to see the Queen and King in so much love together with one another. I heard they knew each other from a young age and she walked with him every step of the way. And in the end, she died miserably. I have no idea what my fate has in store, but I will never go that way."- Lady Allicent Hightower
"To be Queen is a monumental task. Westeros will never accept anything other than a male sitting on the Iron Throne. Things will change. If it is my fate, my destiny to sit on the Iron Throne, then I will. I will not lose my life in childbirth. I will make sure the legacy I leave behind is one of great importance and value to Westeros."- Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
"Naruto… I know what I have done is wrong. What I have done, I can never take back. Perhaps, it is just that I will suffer. I never wanted to be a king. I wanted something different. Perhaps my cousin Rhaenys… well, it does no good to speak of things that are now past. Naruto, can you help me with this burden? Will you please help me keep my House safe?" King Viserys Targaryen
"We men are wretched things. We do things and we don't think about what happens next or later. I don't live my life based on fate. Old Man Hagoromo told me I am going to lose much in my life, that I can't save everyone. Maybe, that might be true. However, I will do my best to save who I can and protect those that I love." Uzumaki Naruto
"Naruto… be happy… dear child of mine, Naruto. You arrived in this world and helped me to be mother to a son I wish was mine. You filled this hard life of mine with some joy and that is why I hope you will always be happy, Naruto. Please be happy… beautiful child of yellow hair. I… I made it… I was not too late…" Queen Aemma Arryn
XXXXXX
The sky was blue, the weather was good, and the sun was shining upon King's Landing as many of the nobility from all over Westeros had come to attend the Grand Tourney dedicated to the impending birth of Prince Baelon. From the North to Driftmark, many would come for this auspicious day. King Viserys was sure in his bones that it was a son and that his wife would give birth successfully.
In the skies, a familiar sight could be seen. Princess Rhaenyra was on top of her beloved dragon Syrax as she was flying high in the air. On dragon back in the sky, a Targaryen felt most comfortable. A dragonrider's troubles disappeared in the air and that is where they felt most at peace.
Rhaenyra had taken to dragon riding to keep her mind off of her mother's pregnancy. She was soon to give birth the next day and she was worried about her mother. She had lost many children and she hoped her mother would not have to give birth to more.
As she flew closer to King's Landing, she saw Naruto and Daemon sparring from the corner of her eye near the Dragonpit. She saw the fearsome Caraxes trill and roar in the air as he cheered on his rider while Naruto and Daemon were locked in a fierce spar. The sweat came off of Daemon as his opponent continued to evade and match him blow for blow. Her uncle was one of the fiercest swordsmen of his era, and yet, he was tiring and struggling against Naruto, who seemed to continue grinning.
Rhaenyra landed Syrax near the caretakers as she noticed Allicent and Ser Harold Westerling watching the match with keen interest. Rhaenyra sat near Allicent as she smiled at the princess. Harold, who had been watching the match for some time, marveled at Naruto's output.
"Princess, it has been more than an hour, and young Naruto has shown no signs of quit or being tired at all. Your uncle is a fine warrior, but he is losing this spar. Even the Lord Commander in his prime would have a horrible time with this child."
Allicent meanwhile was watching Naruto's movement with a keen eye, as was Rhaenyra, Rhaenyra looked at Allicent and she swore she could see stars in her eyes. Rhaenyra sighed as she fought something inside of her; a green monster known as jealousy. Allicent was her dear friend, but Naruto was something special for Rhaenyra. She had no idea what he meant to her yet… but she did not like another woman having their eyes on him.
Allicent, oblivious to Rhaenyra's thoughts, placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke to her.
"My friend, did the gods create a man better than Naruto?" Allicent was obviously and deeply in love.
Rhaenyra sighed as she smiled and stared at Naruto. "No Allicent, I don't believe they ever could."
The spar had ended as Daemon had to take a knee. He was exhausted, where as Naruto looked like he go fifteen more rounds with more energy to spare. He gave Daemon a hand and Daemon took it. Truthfully, Rhaenyra had noticed a different side to Daemon ever since Naruto had arrived in Westeros.
Daemon whored less in his life than ever before. He also was less cocky and more focused and committed towards his life. And the other surprising thing was Daemon repairing his relationship with his wife, the lady Rhea Royce. Rhaenyra had to pitch herself some days, as her uncle was smiling more than ever. It seems that the arrival of Uzumaki Naruto had done wonders for some.
She saw Daemon and Naruto engaged in conversation.
"Well, child, I have to say, I am impressed. If only I had you stamina, power, speed, reflexes; well, you get the idea…"
Naruto shook his head. "You taught me a lot as well. Thanks to your teachings, I have learned how to wield a sword as well. And, I think I taught you something as well."
Daemon had to agree. "Yes, child, you did teach me something. You taught me never to underestimate my opponent in battle, and taught me to never drop my guard. And…"
Naruto had a grin on his face. "Go ahead… say it."
Daemon looked like he swallowed a lemon, but nevertheless, spoke.
"You helped me to reconcile with my wife… and look past myself and try to build something of my own, something that I could call my legacy."
In all the time Naruto had spent in King's Landing, both Rhaenyra and Allicent had seen a real difference in Daemon. Daemon came to regard Naruto as a little brother… and a sounding board. He saw Naruto oddly as someone who could help him make sense of his life and give him sound advice. It turns out… Naruto was indeed capable of giving him sound advice.
Naruto nodded. "Daemon… you were just being an idiot. I get it… you did not like her and she did not like you. You wanted a pure Valyrian bride, and your grandmother wanted you to marry her and it happened. I get it, Westeros does not have such deep prospects for Second Sons."
"In the end, my advice worked. You have something that you can call yours, something that is not truly tied to an ugly chair. I admit, you and Lady Rhea do not have much in common. Yet, all marriages require work, real hard work for them to succeed. And there is one thing you have keenly understood now. Life does not deal you the cards you wish. Sometimes, the only play is to play the hand you are dealt."
"In the end, I guess it will all work out between you and your Bronze Beloved. The Queen is from the Vale and you are married to a noble from the Vale. The Vale are good allies, being kind and loving to Lady Rhea won't earn you anyone's ill will or bad wishes."
Daemon gave him a look. "I think you have been spending too much time reading."
Naruto shrugged. "Reading helps the mind, or so I have been told. Besides, I have to find some way to past the time."
"I am sure you do, little brother. Well, I will leave to your charges."
"See you later, brother. I do hope to see how you do in the tourney."
Naruto looked around and saw Allicent staring at him with stars in her eyes, while Rhaenyra had a playful, questioning look in her eyes. Naruto simply shrugged as he smiled at them.
"I have been told that I am a good listener and that I give good advice."
"Yes, we both saw that very well."
"Well, I need a bath. And then, I am happy to escort you to see your mother, Princess."
As Rhaenyra saw Naruto walk away, she saw Allicent look at his back. She sighed softly, fighting the ugly green monster known as jealousy. While Allicent was a dear friend, Naruto was special to her. He never looked down her or thought of her as naïve or a flower that needed to be protected.
She had no idea what their bond was or whether they were friends or much more than that. Yet, one thing was for sure, she did not like the looks that Allicent gave Naruto.
XXXXXX
After a nice, warm bath, Naruto wore the traditional colors of House Targaryen, but with his own flair of bright orange. The Red Keep was full of hustle and bustle as many were moving about, happily chatting as Naruto led Rhaenyra and Allicent to Queen Aemma's chambers. The people bowed to the Princess as they spoke in hushed tones about Naruto.
No one truly knew what to think of him. They did not know much about who he was or his origins. The ones who were brave would quickly give him glances of a more different nature. Naruto did not really care. He felt a great swell of pity for the poor suckers who tried to mess with him.
At last, they had arrived where Aemma was. She was sitting on a bed, being fussed over by the maester and her handmaidens as she was waving a fan. Her eyes softened when she saw her daughter, Allicent, and Naruto.
"At last, you have come. Good Morrow to you Allicent."
"Your grace."
"Rhaenyra, darling, you know that I do not like it when you go flying… especially when I am in this condition."
"I know mother, I know. I go flying when you are in this condition because I worry for you. You already lost so many children, I just hope you will not lose this one."
Aemma sighed. "I am grateful you worry about me, daughter. Yet, it is sad to say, but one day, you will lie in this chair, Rhaenyra. This discomfort, this important duty, is one we can never escape. This discomfort is how we serve the realm, and how women will continue to do so."
Rhaenyra shook her head. "That won't be my fate, mother. I would rather live as a Knight and ride into glory and battle. I would rather wield a sword and fight in war and protect our House, then live my life as a pretty, noble broodmare."
Aemma chuckled. "I hope you are right and you can accomplish your dreams. Yet, there are some certainties you must do your best to prepare for. Now, off with you, child. You need a bath. You smell like dragon."
Rhaneyra smiled as she waited for Naruto to get up.
"Oh, off with you darling, I wish to speak to your protector for a moment. I assure you, it will not be long. I am sure in the mean time you can catch up on a lesson. You have been lacking in your studies."
Rhaenyra grumbled as she stuck out her tongue and walked away with a pout as Allicent bowed to the Queen and trailed after her friend.
Aemma laughed before she spoke to Naruto. "I swear, that child, my Rhaenyra is already like a Visenya. She drives me mad sometimes worrying about her. I hope she has not troubled you too much."
"No, its fine, your Grace. On the contrary, I actually find her requests and demands to be quite interesting and refreshing."
" I am sure you do. Come; give this mother of yours a hug, child."
Naruto gave the Queen a hug. Truth be told, the Queen was kind towards him. She never failed to include him in their meals, inquired about his day, and never saw him as a burden. She genuinely was happy to have him around. Naruto always sensed the Queen had certain sadness around her. She had miscarried quite a bit and had lost sons and daughters.
Aemma saw in Naruto a child who needed a mother's love and a mother's kindness. Some days, Naruto reminded her of the children that she lost. She had pinned all her hopes on this pregnancy and had sincerely wished from the bottom of her heart that this would be the last time she would ever have to get pregnant. She could not lose another child as she already lost one too many.
"Tell me child, have you adjusted well in King's Landing?"
"I have, my Queen in my own way. I miss my friends and my home, and all the conveniences I once had. I also miss my favorite food. Yet, I am happy for a second chance as well. It could have been worse."
Aemma held Naruto's face in her hands. "Child, let me tell you something. You are not that great of a liar. I know how much you miss your home, how much you miss your friends. There is nothing wrong with shedding a tear and mourning the loss of what was once dear to you. It does not make you weak, it makes you human."
Naruto nodded his head gently.
Aemma sighed as she spoke to him. "Naruto, child, will you indulge me in hearing out a request of mine?"
"What is it?"
"I want you to watch over my daughter, Rhaenyra. Please, watch over her, look after her, protect her. Please be there for her. Please, be her warrior, her guardian, her protector. She is naïve. She needs someone like you to guide her."
Naruto chuckled."Where is this coming from? I am sure you will be fine. You can tell her all these things yourself after you have your baby."
Aemma looked towards the window and Naruto could not help but frown at the lost expression. "I… I have no idea what will happen to me. I am haunted by my husband's visions, and his sheer belief in them. I am not sure what to think of them. He fancies himself as Daenys the Dreamer, but even she was simply lucky."
"That is why need your help, son. Perhaps, your arrival here is a blessing for me. I know I can trust you to protect her and keep her safe, guide her. I believe your destinies are intertwined with one another. While my husband fancies his dreams, he is right about one thing."
"The House of the Dragon is fragile and can be overthrown and destroyed. My ancestor, Aegon the Conqueror did indeed conquer Westeros, but he did not realize that keeping Westeros for the dragons is another matter entirely. All empires crumble fall, there are no exceptions to that rule."
"I am not trying to guilt you into doing anything my child. I am sure my husband has spoken to you at length about many things. Just think of my request as a plea from a woman who does not wish to lose anything else that is precious to her. Whatever decisions you make in life, whatever path you choose, you will always have a place at my table…"
Aemma noticed that Naruto was feeling uncomfortable and decided to leave slowly as he nodded to her. Before he left, she stopped him with her next words.
"Son, I am grateful that you came to King's Landing. You remind me of the sons I once lost. Thank you for allowing me to be a mother to a motherless child. No matter what happens, I will always love you, child. My single greatest regret is that I never had the honor of giving birth to you. I am sure your mother is very proud of who you are."
Naruto could hear no more as he left the room in a hurry.
XXXXXX
Night had fallen on King's Landing and it was a day before the tourney and a day before the Queen was due to give birth. Some people were out in the night frolicking while some were happily chatting in their homes. However, this night would be a night to remember.
Behind large steel doors, a faithful group of protectors known as the City Watch were banging their armor with their fists together in one rhythmic motion. All these sounds were meant to highlight the arrival of the leader the City Watch, the Rogue Prince himself, Prince Daemon Targaryen.
"The Commander is on the floor."
Daemon had appeared as the City Watch stared at him, waiting loyally for his command. Daemon looked at every one of the men that he had personally trained and molded into men who could protect this city. They were men who were looking for a purpose to their lives, and then came a savior who pulled them out from the garbage. On paper, the City Watch was loyal to the King. In reality, it was Daemon who commanded their loyalty and respect.
When the War of Conquest was completed, the City Watch was formed and the Kingsguard was formed later on. The City Watch was weak, nothing too special to talk or think about. They were quite satisfactory when it came to their job. However, when the City Watch was rebuilt under his domain, it became a force to be reckoned with.
Daemon then spoke.
"When I took command of the Watch, it was stray mongrels; starving and undisciplined. Now… now you are a pack of Hounds! You are disciplined and honed for the hunt."
The cheers and roars that Daemon heard made him smile. He truly had done himself proud.
"Tomorrow, a tournament will be held in honor of the King's newborn son. My brother's city has fallen into squalor with crime of every breed allowed to flourish. Well, that will no longer be acceptable. Beginning this night, all of King's Landing will learn to fear the color gold."
The City Watch cheered as the gates opened. The men proceeded with calm and purpose as they searched out their targets; rapists, thieves, murderers. There was no fanfare, it was all controlled chaos. Daemon and his men cornered and pulled their targets from their homes as they screamed. People were lined up against the walls as they were beaten mercilessly.
People begged for mercy and leniency but Daemon was known as a Rogue for a reason. He was not merciful when it came to the law. He did not believe in sparing the rod. He was singular and brutal in his focus of protecting his brother's city. His tactics were always focused on shock and awe; in his mind, it sent a clear message.
One by one, the summary judgments were meted out. Thieves had their hands chopped off. Murderers were hacked to pieces, and rapists lost their balls and cocks. The City Watch enjoyed the punishments they delivered and Daemon did not hold back in delivering some of himself.
At last, the carnage had ended as Daemon gathered the last of the heads, feet, and arms as he placed them in a large cart to be hauled away. It had truly been a bloody night, and one to remember.
XXXXXX
The morning had brought much intrigue as the events of last night were on the events of one particular man, Otto Hightower. He had been walking with the King to the Small Council as they were discussing Daemon's very recent actions.
"It was a blatant and flagrant misuse of power that I have ever seen, you grace. There were no trials, no interrogations, just simple wanton brutality. It was an unprecedented rounding up of criminals of every ilk with the prince there to meet out the summary judgments as your brother made a public show of it all. In the end, a two horse cart was needed to pick up all the dismemberment."
Viserys shook his head as he sighed. "Gods be good."
Otto had continued his talking. "Your grace, the prince cannot be allowed to continue to act with this kind of unchecked impunity."
While many members of the Small Council were standing and waiting for the King to be seated including Lord Corlys Velaryon, Lord of Driftmark, it was Daemon who was sitting without a care in the world."
"Good morning to you as well, Otto. Hello, brother."
"Daemon." Viserys calmly greeted his brother.
Daemon simply smiled as he stared at Otto to continue his line of inquiry. "Go ahead, Lord Hand. You were saying something about my unchecked power?"
Otto sighed. "You are to explain your doings with the City Watch." Everyone sat once the King took his seat.
Viserys was the first to speak. "Your new Gold Cloaks made quite the impression last night."
"I see."
Otto shook his head as he spoke. "The City Watch is not your blade to wield, my prince. They are an extension of the Crown."
"The City watch was enforcing the Crown's will, don't you agree, Lord Strong?"
Lord Larys Strong, the current head of Harrenhal, the cursed land, would rather have been anywhere else than here.
"My prince… I think…"
Otto swiftly interrupted the conversation. "Making a spectacle of wanton brutality is hardly in line with our laws."
Daemon then spoke and he spoke sharply. "Lords and Ladies of every corner of the realm are descending upon King's Landing for my brother's tourney. Do you wish for them to be mugged, raped, and murdered? Lord Hand, you may not have noticed this, as you live comfortably in the Red Keep. Most of King's Landing is seen by the Smallfolk as lawless and terrifying."
Otto had no answer to that.
"Your grace, this city should be safe for all its citizens."
Viserys nodded as Otto looked at him. "I do agree, I just wish you never had to maim half the city to make that happen."
"Time will tell, won't it?"
Lord Corlys was the next to speak. "We installed Prince Daemon as Commander of the City Watch to uphold the law. The Criminal element should fear the City Watch."
"Thank you, Lord Corlys."
The King then spoke. "Otto, you were the one who asked me to appoint Daemon as Commander of the City Watch. When I made him Master of Coin, you said he would beggar the realm."
Otto realized he was losing this argument. He decided to try a different topic.
"I wonder whose influence is really shining here."
Daemon narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"
"Its quite simple. A boy appears in King's Landing a year ago, and all of a sudden, your cruelty now takes on a new meaning. I wonder what that boy has been teaching you…"
"I see. You can't win one argument, so you want to do something else. Here's a thought, Lord Hightower. I heard your wife recently passed… perhaps I can speak to my bronze beloved about sending you a whore to warm your bed…"
Daemon smiled as Otto stood up in anger.
"That's enough, Daemon. Otto, you know how my brother is, must you rise to his provocations?"
Otto took his seat. "My apologies, your Grace."
"Daemon, this council has worked hard to make the watch live up to your exact standards. Enforce the laws, but bear in mind, a repeat performance like that will be answered."
"Understood, your Grace."
XXXXXX
"Now, Lord Corlys, I believe you had news you wished to share."
"My lords, the growing alliance among the Free Cities has taken to styling itself, the Triarchy. They have amassed on Bloodstone, and have taken to ridding the Stepstones of its pirate infestation."
"Well, that sounds like welcome news, Lord Corlys."
"A man by the name of Craghas Drahar has come to style himself as the Prince Admiral of the Triarchy. They call him the "Crabfeeder" for the way he punishes and tortures his enemies."
As they were speaking, Rhaenyra had made her way inside as quick as she could as her father. Naruto simply stood in the back, observing everything and everyone in the room.
"Rhaenyra, you are late. The King's Cupbearer must always be here on time, leaves people wanting for cups."
"Apologies, father. I was visiting mother."
"Hmm, on Dragonback?"
Rhaenyra smiled as she grabbed a wine pitcher as she was filling the cups of the occupants. Lord Corlys was none too pleased.
"I urge you, your Grace to not let the Triarchy gain any more latitude in the Stepstones. If those shipping routes fail, it could beggar the realm…"
Otto then responded. "The King has taken your words under consideration and will act upon them, Lord Corlys."
Corlys looked less than pleased, but nodded gently.
"Now, shall we discuss the heir's tournament, your grace?"
Viserys smiled. "I would be delighted to do so. Will the maester's name day prediction hold, Mellos?"
"My king, you must understand that these things are estimations. However, we have been pouring over the moon charts, and we feel that our forecast is positive."
"The cost of the tournament is not negligible, maybe we should delay until child is in hand…"
Lord Strong then spoke. "Many of the lords and ladies are still descending upon King's Landing… to turn them away now…"
"The tournament will take a week. And before the games are done… my son will be born and the realm will celebrate."
"We still have no way of predicting the sex of the child…"
"Ah yes, because no maester is capable of rendering an opinion free of conditions, are they now?"
"There is a son in the Queen's belly. I am certain of it. And my son will put all this damnable hand wringing to rest."
Naruto noticed Rhaenyra's different expressions on her face. Truthfully, he hated politics and all the shit that came with it. He wondered how many more pregnancies the Queen was willing to endure. He hoped for her sake, it would be the last one.
He knew Rhaenyra would be happy if her mother bore a son. It was her father's dream. All Rhaenyra wanted to do is fly with Allicent on Syrax, sail across the Narrow Sea and eat cake. While Naruto wished that Rhaenyra's dreams would come true, for some reason, he could not ignore the foreboding feeling in his gut.
Naruto was shaken out of his musings when he saw Rhaenyra tug on his shirt, telling him it was time to go. He smiled at her and bowed gently to the king as he left, ignoring Otto Hightower's gaze.
XXXXXX
Night had fallen upon King's Landing as Aemma lay in her bathtub, enjoying the few hours of calm and peace she had. From being fussed over by her handmaidens, to the overall effect this pregnancy was having on her, she was about done with being pregnant. She sighed and hoped this would be the last time.
"You spend more time in that bathtub then I do sitting on the throne."
"It's the only place I can find some peace."
Viserys kissed his wife's hand as he felt the water.
"Its tepid."
"It's the temperature the Maesters will allow."
"Do they not know that dragons prefer heat?"
"After this miserable pregnancy ends, I think it will be a dragon I give birth too."
" And he will be loved."
"Rhaenyra has already named our heir, and has declared it's a girl."
"Oh dear, dare I ask?"
"She has named her Visenya and chose an egg from the cradle that belongs to Vhagar."
"Gods be good, Aemma. This family already has its Visenya."
Aemma sighed. "I have to admit, Naruto has been a good influence on this family. I was shocked to hear how he repaired his relation with Rhea."
"That was also a shock to me. I don't think we will be hearing about children anytime soon, but it is good to see that Naruto's words had an effect on him. Regardless, I expect to see Daemon participate at the tourney, he never could keep himself away from a fight."
"I see. A tournament is being held to celebrate the king's first born son and a son has not been born yet. You do know that nothing will cause the babe to grow a cock if it does not already possess one?"
"This is a son, Aemma."
"Oh yes."
"I am sure of it. I have never been more certain of anything. The dream, it was as clear as a memory. Our son was born wearing Aegon's crown. Under the sounds of thundering hooves, ringing swords, and splintering shields; I placed our son on the Iron Throne. The bells of the Grand Sept rang and the dragons all roared as one."
"Our child born wearing a crown? Gods be good. That thought frightens me."
Viserys looked at his wife with concern as he kissed her hand.
"This is the last time, Viserys. I have lost one babe in the cradle, had two still births, and saw the deaths of two more children; all dead before they had the chance to truly live. That makes it five children I have lost. I love you dearly, husband. We grew up together and have lived together as one. We are each other's heartbeat."
"And I know its my duty to give you a son, and I am sorry that I failed in that regard. Yet, I have mourned all the children I can. I wish to mourn no more."
Viserys nodded his head as he kissed his wife. Aemma hoped that after a week, she would give birth to her son and all would be well.
XXXXXX
Chapter End
Well everyone that is the chapter. Please read and review generously. I hope you all enjoy it.
This is part 1 of the tragedy that will soon occur next chapter. I originally was going to make this one very long chapter, but when I write too much, quality dies. I hope you understand.
Daemon is more different in this story. He has reconciled with Rhea Royce and things are better between them. Naruto has been a good influence on this family.
Yet, soon enough, next chapter is where things will explode. Naruto claims a dragon, tragedy befalls the Targaryens, and decisions are made that will change things for the better or the worse.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to review, send PM's and even discuss on Discord. I will try to reply.
Stay safe and well wishes to you and your loved ones. S you in the next update.