Chapter 6
Kingslanding- A couple weeks after the duo has left for Valyria.
With the disappearance of Prince Aemond, the realm exploded into chaos with many rumors spreading regarding the fate of the young prince. Rumors ranged from his family hiding the news of his death, running off to Essos, or even dying in an ambush planned by the Blacks as a way to weaken the Greens.
"Viserys! Our son has disappeared and all you can do is worry about planning another tournament!" Queen Alicent slammed the door open to the small council followed closely by her sworn shield, Criston Cole.
King Viserys jumped in fright at the sudden entrance causing his cup to spill wine all over his extravagant clothing. A servant immediately appeared and began to clean the mess up. The Kingsguard tensed before relaxing after recognizing the intruder.
"Alicent, we were just in the middle of discussing this very issue. Please restrain yourself and let us talk about this like the civilized people we are." King Viserys sighed in relief as he noticed his wife slowly relaxing before taking a seat. The small council tried to avoid making eye contact with one another as the situation became awkward.
"Please, Lord Strong. Tell us what you have heard regarding my likely wayward son." The King motioned for Larys Strong, the master of whispers, to speak. Larys smiled at the King before bowing his head towards the Queen as well.
Before he started speaking, Lord Strong adopted a very serious and troubled expression. "Of course my King… and Queen. Prince Aemond's situation is very peculiar and even I have found myself coming to a multitude of conclusions. From my sources, Prince Aemond spoke to his Uncle in the Hightower before his departure. My sources say the Prince looked rather nervous and hurried as he made his way up to Lord Hightower's private study." He paused as he looked at the ensnared council patiently waiting for more information. Larys enjoyed the importance and it was clear these moments were the times he was most in his element.
"This is at odds with the supposed conversation provided by Queen Alicent from the letters she received from Oldtown. In the letters, Prince Aemond abruptly announced his intentions to leave within the hour where he would head out for a trip to a place he did not reveal. This is all with the assumption that it would be on his dragon, Vhagar. This does of course line up with what we have found but there are some major details which don't align. When pressed on how long he would be gone, Prince Aemond said he was not sure. Taking Prince Aemond's behavior into consideration, I have come to the conclusion that this trip wasn't planned by him."
"Lord Strong, are you seriously telling me there have been no sightings of the Prince despite Vhagar being the largest dragon in the world. I'm beginning to doubt your value to this council if you can't appropriately meet the standards required by the King especially when his own blood is at stake." Lyman Beesbury did not believe it possible that the Master of Whispers was unable to find some sighting of the Prince within the Seven Kingdoms. King Viserys also looked displeased with the short amount of information.
"Is this all you have found in your searches, Lord Strong?" King Viserys asked the Master of Whispers with a frown.
"Regarding the exact location of your son, my King, then yes. I humbly ask you to grant my sources more time to gather information. The world is very vast and the Prince could have possibly left Westeros entirely. It will take some time before I can gather information coming from outside our kingdom. I have little idea as to where he could have gone but the little I do know, I was hoping to share."
"Please, Lord Strong has my confidence. I want to hear everything he has discovered. If only to help soothe this worried mother." Queen Alicent spoke up in his defense. "Proceed" Larys Strong thanked the Queen before starting back up.
"My findings have also found the corpse of a whale on one of the shores outside Oldtown. The bite marks on the bone and some remaining saliva have all been identified by the Dragonkeepers as those belonging to a dragon. Whales don't wash up on shores of this altitude but yet Vhagar found himself devouring a sea creature only found in the depths of the ocean. Lord Hightower unfortunately isn't able to further provide any more useful information as he and the sworn knights were ordered to leave him be. My contacts-"
Larys was interrupted by another member of the council, this time, Lord Wylde. "What if he just ran off with some fair maiden who captured his heart. I mean, it would explain the behavior mentioned in the letters. I mean if I had a dragon, I would definitely try and impress the ladies with a ride or two. The Prince was likely nervous at the idea of his plans but faced his Uncle with courage fueled by his love." Everyone mentally facepalmed at the suggestion.
"Please, Lord Wylde, don't make me rue the day I gave you this esteemed position. I will remind you one more time to act in a way befitting of it. Only contribute worthwhile ideas, not something I can hear from any empty headed lovesick girl." The Hand, Otto Hightowers, scolded Lord Wylde.
Lord Strong cleared his throat as he grabbed everyone's attention once more, "I however did have to spend a small amount of coin to learn of Price Aemond's days in Oldtown ever since he left. I have learned of a couple interesting pieces of information. From how he spent his days, what he ate, whom he talked to most frequently, what books he borrowed from the library, and even if there were any possible 'cough 'cough' fair maidens, I believe Lord Wylde referred to them as." Everyone once again sat up and leaned in close.
"As the astute ones within this council have come to expect, undoubtedly you my King, Prince Aemond spent many weeks looking up specific books. Here my King, take a look." Lord Larys personally stood up and handed them to the King. Queen Alicent shot him a dirty look which caused him to bow his head in apology. She got up and also took her place beside the King.
King Viserys took a deep breath before looking through them, and what he saw caused his eyes to widen. The books were of a deep variety but had one thing in common. Magic. The Queen and King both read them from top to bottom before passing them to the rest of the small council.
"As you can see, there are many topics which paint a very interesting picture and cast a shadow of mystery upon Prince Aemond's disappearance. He seemed quite taken with the tales of Azor Ahai and some others that come from the fabled Great Empire of the Dawn. The creation of Dragons and various old prophecies. He has extensively studied various lineages, but specific ones, like those from the Blood of the First Men, Rhoynar and some surviving Valyrian bloodlines both here in Westeros and outside. Lord Wylde's speculation could possibly have some merit if there was someone of importance from said bloodlines within Oldtown but there is not." Lord Wylde now looked chastised and thoroughly embarrassed about his previous comment.
"What has this led you to believe, Lord Strong? I never took my son for someone who was enamoured with history like myself." The King looked deeply pensive about the information revealed.
"With the information laid before us, we can only draw our own conclusions which may I remind you, my King, could very well be incorrect. I believe the Prince has his own reasons for this research, some of which could be to find a perfect wife matching his taste or to uncover the mysteries of the past for his own gain or curiosity. Regardless of the innocent intentions for this research, should the Prince attempt to uncover some of these mysteries, and I think you all know where I'm headed with this, it would prove incredibly dangerous." Seeing some confused expressions around him, Larys inwardly preened.
"This journey could have led him anywhere from north of the wall to beyond the Yitish Empire. There are maps on here that aren't available to just anyone. The maps charted by Eustace Hightower of the lands discovered in his famous voyage with Elissa Farman are one those of. I can only speak on behalf of Prince Aemond's smarts and great upbringing, to say that he would not attempt either but I cannot say for certain anymore. No offense to you my Queen or King, but I think we can all say that these recent events have surprised all of us." Both royals nodded their heads in agreement.
"Spit it out, Lord Strong. You think the Prince went to Valyria or to YiTi in search of answers for these topics? If what you are saying is true, I believe we are better off asking Lord Velaryon or sending word to Lord Stark." Maester Mellos finally spoke up.
Lord Strong was waiting for the Maester's questions and skepticism so without further waiting he revealed his greatest card, Prince Aemond's old notes he left behind. "With this astounding amount of research, I suppose even you Grand Maester, will agree that the Prince has surely earned his Valyrian link." Lord Strong joked as the small council read the papers. Yes, he was truly in his element now. Everyone eating out of his hand and depending on him for their troubles.
"These notes reveal more of Prince Aemond's thoughts than any of his close 'confidants' could ever hope to. I was debating whether to reveal these notes because I wasn't sure if they could even be used to prove anything worthwhile but seeing as you are receptive to my theories, I can use these to further prove them. Would you like to hear of them, my King?" Larys knew there would be hefty favors he would be receiving after this meeting finished.
'This! What has he been up to?' The more knowledgeable members of the council like the Grand Maester and the King recognized some of the subjects within his notes.
"Very much so, do go on Lord Strong."
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Back to the present
He tossed and turned as the sky around him attempted to push him around. He was unrelenting though, he could feel his muscles flexing and his… wings? soaring in defiance, helping his body move forward despite the push back of nature. He felt confusion about his path and destination but flew on regardless as he let his instincts guide him. An earth-shaking roar finally startled him out of the visions he was experiencing.
Aemond woke up on the saddle of his flying dragon, his surroundings were the exact ones from the dream. He wondered about the timing of it all and the similar nature of the dream to reality. Looking up at the sun in the sky, he calculated that he had fallen asleep far past the couple of hours he had planned on. He wiped his mouth and brushed his hair out the way. The strong winds had undone the tie on his hair.
Grabbing his Myrish eye, he could visibly see the distinct roads which were usually found in close proximity to a city. 'I must have been too tired and fell asleep while riding. How did Vhagar not get lost without my guidance?' Sensing his thoughts, Vhagar growled in various tones as if trying to speak to him. Oddly enough, he could almost understand them. 'You guided me!'
Proving his suspicions correct, down under him, he could see the walls of the kingdom appear out in the distance where the roads converged. Beginning his descent, he realized he faced a similar problem to the one he encountered in Lys. 'Where do I land a dragon this giant without freaking everyone out. It's not like this place has a designated dragon landing zone right?'
Aemond decided to fly above the city and look for anywhere of note. 'That's it! The note! I can just land on the Magister's house or something. Run in, pay for the grass, and fly off.' Best case scenario but he had a feeling about this place that he couldn't shake. Maybe it was the close proximity to Valyria that was making him anxious but he felt watched. Either way, they would give him the grass or he would have to think of something. Aemond was determined to not leave Volantis empty-handed.
The note in his hands glowed before a small butterfly made of light flew out and down to the city below. "Over there, Vhagar! Follow the butterfly!" Vhagar roared in what he took to mean excitement. That should have been the first red flag.
"No, No! Don't try to eat it! Vhagar, stop. Dohaerās, Vagus! Daor! I command you, Vhagar! Stop!" Aemond yelled out commands as the dragon excitedly chased the butterfly above the city. Occasionally, dipping into the streets and flying under thankfully massive bridge arches. He could hear the screams of Volantene citizens around him.
'We're so fucked as soon as we land.' He was hoping to avoid trouble with the Volantis kingdom. 'At least we haven't destroyed anything.' Vhagar, probably hearing his thoughts, decided to land on a bridge and launch off to gain more speed. The bridge valiantly held strong before the push caused it to collapse.
Vhagar snapped his jaws outwards towards the glowing butterfly but it managed to avoid by a hair's breadth every time. The butterfly flew faster and faster as it nervously raced around the city attempting to save its life. The destination in mind long forgotten as the two played a game of cat and mouse within the kingdom. "Please Vhagar! I need you to calm down! It's not a real butterfly!" Vhagar's instincts told her that this butterfly was a once in a lifetime delicacy for a magical creature like herself. The butterfly outmaneuvered the dragon as it turned suddenly and slammed into Aemond's face before dissolving into light. 'Ouch.' Aemond held his bleeding nose before looking at Vhagar with an angry face.
"Great, I don't suppose you know where the magister lives?." Vhagar growled in defiance before flying upwards away from the streets. "Yeah, well you were certainly acting like you did. Moron." Vhagar roared angrily before diving towards the water and performing a barrel roll right before impact.
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"Give me an order of grass. I know you have some here. Don't attempt to lie or deny it. A note led me here and I have spoken to other patrons of this place. I have the money to pay." The people inside the magister's manse were shocked as they saw a soaking wet white-haired teen slam down a pouch of gold before demanding what was supposedly a well-kept secret of their master. This white-haired kid, probably Targaryen, was almost certainly the owner of the dragon which landed in the manse's garden a few moments ago. Destroying many beautiful foreign plants in the process and eating the just as rare imported livestock.
"I..I…I don't know what you are talking about, we don't sell anything of that sort here." One of the servants finally spoke up.
"I thought I said to not bother denying it! I have come too far and been through too much for someone to tell me otherwise. You can hand over the grass of your own accord or I will scavenge through the ashes of this manse for it. Which will it be?" Aemond placed his helmet on and drew his sword as he saw one of the guards reach for their sword.
"That's enough everyone. Lucan, sheath your sword or I will have you beheaded with it. I won't have anyone raising a sword against an esteemed guest of mine." A balding man with a protruding belly walked down the steps with another set of guards behind him.
"Hello my friend, I am Marcel Quintus, a humble magister here in Volantis. And you must be a Targaryen, and not just any. You are Aemond Targaryen! Almost anyone who knows basic history can recognize Vhagar, Queen Visenya's dragon. I do have to say, we could have done with a message ahead of time telling us of your arrival. I'm sure you can see that we aren't really ready to host royalty. Please forgive me for being such a poor host. Would you like to speak somewhere in private?" Marcel gestured his hands kindly towards the stairs.
"I would prefer if we spoke here. I do not feel comfortable walking further away from my dragon." Aemond didn't know what awaited him upstairs and he wasn't trying to find out.
"I understand. Everyone, leave us alone until I say otherwise. I want to speak to my guest in privacy. Now go!" Everyone filed out except for the Magister's trusted guard.
"Now we can speak freely. As I'm sure you most likely know, these aren't safe times for a Targaryen to be traveling alone in Essos. Tensions are pretty high right now in the free cities. I commend your bravery if nothing else." The magister said as he took a seat and poured himself a cup.
"I didn't come here to have a chat with you, so save your foolish prattle. I do not care for it. I want some grass and I have been kind enough to offer to pay." The magister lowered the cup he was about to try and offer Aemond. He shrugged before passing it to his guard.
"You Targaryens are all the same. Believe me, I would know. I'm afraid that I'm going to have to disappoint you. I have no more in stock, I have many buyers who are always at the ready for when I have some in. It's no easy task you know, having to navigate your way into the deadly lands of Old Valyria. Or stinking Valyria, I believe they call it now. Smells so bad, people drop dead at a mere whiff." Marcel and his guard burst out laughing as they clinked their cups in toast. Aemond gripped his sword harder. Both at the insult and at the bad news.
"So you are useless then."
"No, No. I know of a buyer here in Volantis who I always sell a good amount to. Helps with her business. I believe you know her or have heard of her at the very least. She is quite infamous within your family from what I hear, I mean, who wouldn't if they did the things she did. Oh I remember my days of youth and manliness when I first came across her services." The man's lecherous gaze disgusted Aemond but he couldn't deny his curiosity.
"Who would that be?"
"Don't you know the history of your own family, Aemond? Well who else besides Saera Targaryen herself. The Naughty Septa, at least that was her name back then." Marcel chuckled at the boy's disgust.
"Well, I have to be on my way. Where is she now?" Marcel poured himself another cup and proceeded to drink all of it before responding.
"My information isn't free. I might as well be giving you the grass. I require payment." Marcel outstretched his hands. Aemond thought it over before throwing it at the guard's feet.
"Where?" Marcel found the power plays amusing but also grew to respect his audacity.
"You'll find her in our red district, where else. She has made herself a kingdom within the kingdom of Volantis. You'll find that lust can ensnare a man just fine if not better than the authority of a king. You don't have to worry about gold, she takes other forms of payments." Marcel waved him goodbye as he noticed the boy start walking away the second he had his answer.
"I would be careful if I were you. I hear she may be entertaining a group of rowdy sailors who arrived last night. Ah sailing, traveling long distances without the touch of a woman. Who can say what it will do to a man. Take care, Prince Aemond." Aemond froze as Marcel's words reminded him of something.
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Aemond didn't need to fly his dragon anymore thanks to the improved bond between them. He could mentally ask Vhagar to fly close by and keep an eye above him for any possible threats. People naturally made way as they noticed the behemoth following and watching from the sky. This discouraged vendors and other sellers from approaching anyone on the street for fear of coming too close to the armored teen.
This wasn't the case as he entered the red district. The women and even some men approached him without any fear. They touched his shoulders and made promises of intense love-making or beautiful children. Only the occasional roar from Vhagar would repel all but the bravest of them. 'That'll teach them'
He shouldn't have been surprised they would still try their luck. These people were attracted to symbols of prestige and wealth. That's how they got through life and climbed the ladder. That didn't mean he would allow them to get touchy with him.
Aemond was sure he would hear some of the perverted stuff they said in his dreams. It haunted him even now to think of what he heard. Thankfully, the red district visually operated on luxury and class. He could make out the increasing opulence of the brothels until he arrived to the center where it became absurd. 'Isn't this merely a red district? Do they really make this much gold!?' No brothel in Kingslanding could compare to the luxury displayed here.
This kind of life wasn't for a person like Aemond. This suited the degenerates in his family more, like his Uncle Daemon or his brother, Aegon. He was ready to perform his duty for the family but there was no denying his brother's less than desirable habits. If only he was older, maybe he could have taken Helaena's hand instead. The less said about his Uncle, Daemon, the better. That man was everything Aegon was but a lot more competent and dangerous.
This is what he hated about brothels and probably what helped keep a growing teen like him out of there. It reminded him too much of his brother and uncle. Although, he wouldn't lie and demean the beauty of this street unfairly. These places perfected the art of luring people with more gold than sense. The city held qualities that were once part of Old Valyria which could be seen in the design of the buildings and the overall layout. All the free cities were rumored to look like this but he probably would never know thanks to his Uncle and the Triarchy.
These places were more fit for a lord if you asked him. 'Now if I was a Targaryen who held the taste of royalty before running away to become a whore then where would I set up shop? Oh, could it possibly be that over-the-top castle in the middle of a district? Are all of us really the same?' Aemond decided to think on this later.
"Stop right there, do you have a summon to be here? Only those approved by our Queen Saera are allowed to enter the kingdom of desires." Aemond found the whole roleplay to be rather tacky but he could understand that this place was only open to the high paying patrons and not just anyone.
"Well, someone who has a dragon can make as many summons as he wants. Wouldn't you agree?" The guards walked out of the doorway and looked up to see Vhagar flying in circles above. Despite the shade they were in, Aemond could see their faces become many shades lighter.
"Yes, of course. I hadn't recognized your majesty under the armor. You are cleared for entry." The guards moved out of the way for him and bowed deeply for good measure.
The inside was just as luxurious as the outside. There was a tantalizing aroma in the air, one which spoke of expensive perfumes and incense. He could hear the voice of a skilled singer performing somewhere nearby. The women passing by were exceptionally beautiful that even he had to look twice. The lobby itself had no business being this ornate but it was run by a Targaryen…ex.
"Are you looking for someone specific today or do you want me to choose for you? I have good taste, I promise." A hostess appeared and despite the leery look on her face, she held a regal and elegant air about her. Her voice was husky and enticing, which drew Aemond in. His previous bad mood evaporated into the air at just the sight of her.
"I am looking for Saera Targaryen, I have some business to do with her." The lady paused before taking a good look at him. Aemond reasoned that this would go smoother if he just revealed his face. Vhagar already gave his identity away so it didn't really matter.
"Let me go ask someone who would know. You just wait here alright?" She winked at him before heading to the back.
"I'm afraid that… Oh! You are a Targaryen. Just like our Queen. I am not sure if she is able to see you today. I'm afraid that some important visitors have arrived and they have been very persistent in having a meeting with the good Queen Saera." A second woman appeared behind the first but much less impressive in Aemond's eyes. And just like that, the mood was ruined.
"When will she be available? I am here on important business that is very urgent." Aemond decided to let the comment slide. The woman mockingly held her finger under her chin as if she was deep in thought.
"Oooh, very urgent and important business? I understand. In the meantime, why don't you relax with one of our courtesans? I know for certain we have some that resemble your sisters."
Aemond could not take the insults any longer. He had been keeping quiet for the sake of obtaining the grass but this was his limit. "Filth like you isn't qualified to speak ill about your superiors, you will hold your tongue or I will take it from you. I will not stand here and hear someone besmirch the Targaryen line. Saera's mother was a beloved and wise queen that she could never hope to measure up to. The Good Queen Alysanne left behind a remarkable and bountiful legacy built solely by her wit and unparalleled ancestry. Saera might have her say but you won't." Aemond was red in the face by the end of his speech.
"I agree, there is no greater show of her bountiful legacy when you see Queen Saera's bountiful curves." Aemond advanced thinking of how he was going to teach her a lesson. The woman's smirk turned to fear seeing that he was serious about his threat.
"Please, it was only a joke. I beg for mercy, your majesty." The woman backed up and knocked over a changing screen behind her. She threw a nearby vase at him and ran through various rooms in search of help. "Guards! Help!" Looking back she saw the boy was catching up even while wearing all that armor. The boy was faster than any of the persistent men she had the misfortune of meeting. He would be on her in moments and it wouldn't be in a good way.
A guard ran out of a room only to be bodily thrown across the hallway as Aemond slammed into him. She reached a room with a lock but was pulled out of it before she could close the door. Aemond felt uncomfortable grabbing her as the little clothing she had on was falling off.
"Stop! What is going on here? I order you to stop in the name of your Queen." Turning around he came face to face with a white haired woman who despite her mature age, possessed unearthly beauty only found in those of Valyrian descent. Her looks reminded him of Lady Rhaenys, the wife of Lord Velaryon.
They both stood in shock at seeing one another.
'This is undoubtedly the infamous Saera Targaryen.' Aemond thought.
'This is undoubtedly a Targaryen from Westeros.' Saera didn't recognize him but knew her assumption to be the truth. His armor and weaponry were of the highest quality. This wasn't a dragonseed or one of her own children. If anyone had a good eye for this kind of stuff then it was her.
"My Queen! Punish this man! Set the guards upon him and have him pulled apart. He tried to hurt me for only making a joke." Saera sighed in exhaustion as she could already imagine what transpired between the two. Seraphina was a close friend who she occasionally vented to about her past. This led both of them to insult and ridicule anything about her past life. Seraphina must have made an inappropriate comment that the boy did not appreciate.
"Seraphina, please just go to your room. I will deal with him." Seraphina turned to her with surprise before noticing her glare.
"Of course." Seraphina took one last look at Aemond and decided to poke her tongue out before running up stairs. Aemond snarled and made to follow before Saera stood in his way.
"I don't know who you are exactly but this isn't Westeros. You will find that I am not as easy to walk over like the nobles back home. If you step out of line then I will have you punished for your crimes." Aemond backed up and smirked at her.
"How do you think I got here, genius. Use your head for something other than pleasuring the masses." Saera's face paled as she ran to a window and poked her head out. Sure enough, a familiar green dragon flew above them waiting for its rider.
"When you have a dragon beside you, then I'll listen to your commands. As for now, hand over some of the grass you bought from Marcel." Saera's eye widened further as she had not expected the Targaryen boy to be here for that of all things. She wouldn't have been surprised if he had been here for an expensive night of pleasure. Targaryen craved nothing but the finest stuff in life. 'We're all related like that'
"You have a dragon with you… I did not expect that. What is a young dragon rider like you doing here in Volantis? Usually the house likes to keep you all close by. My father saw first hand what happens when you send them out on dangerous expeditions." Aemond knew what she was referring to. It's what led to the crowning of his father. The death of King Jaehaerys' son in a battle outside of Westeros. Lucky arrow if he remembered correctly. If he had a copper penny for every time a Targaryen died to a lucky arrow then he would have one too many.
"I see how that is relevant to my command. You can send all the men you want but Vhagar will see that your entire 'kingdom' is burned to the ground. I will make sure of it. You have no room to demand anything of me or to try and bargain." Saera was briefly reminded of her family. 'Yep this kid is definitely a dragon rider through and through.'
"I can actually. I now see that fate brought us together for a very specific reason. We can both help each other now. There are men surrounding the brothel and there are some in my room as well. They are men from the Triarchy who are trying to force Volantis to join the Triarchy. I guess it really wouldn't be the Triarchy then, maybe something like the Tetrarchy but that sounds lame. I can see why no other Free City has joined them. I'm doing them a favor, you see, but they don't." Aemond stared at his relative. He found something different about her. She wasn't this uptight and haughty noble woman who lorded over everyone around her. 'Maybe we are not all the same.'
"I know what you mean. I've given it little thought but I think it would've been better if they went with the 'Triumvirate'. Sounds a lot more menacing and ominous. If I was a peasant and heard that the Triumvirate was coming to town then I would be on my way the second I caught wind of the news." Saera stopped and observed Aemond a little closer. 'Maybe we are not all the same'
"I see what you mean. Triumvirate, Triumvirate, Triumvirate. It has a good ring to it, and it would inspire fear. You have good taste. The Maesters surely had an easy time teaching you." Aemond nodded as he relaxed.
"Although you could convince them to instead say the Triumvirate and allies. But no one wants to be known as simply 'allies' in the history books." Both of them nodded along.
"You aren't too bad…" Aemond mentally slapped his forehead at forgetting basic etiquette when meeting new people.
"Oh, forgive my manners. I am Aemond Targaryen, the rider of the dragon outside you just saw, Vhagar. You aren't so bad yourself. I was expecting to meet some witless woman of the night and honestly probably somewhat of a hag. You are neither. I am not ashamed to be seen talking to you." Saera deadpanned at the last couple comments.
"Triumvirate isn't a bad suggestion. I will gladly pass that on when I head back to Tyrosh, with your heads that is." In the doorway that Saera had come out of, stood a man holding a crossbow backed by six other men. Aemond hastily placed his helmet on and kicked Saera out of the way. It proved to be the right move as a large bolt sailed past her and towards him. The force of the arrow caused him to stagger but not much else. He drew his sword once more and charged.
The men were caught off guard by the offensive strategy from the boy who they believed would have chosen to run. They paid for it as Aemond slashed his sword through the first man's arm causing him to drop the crossbow along with his right hand. Before they could recover, he slashed his sword and cut through two of them. He backed up just in time to avoid the retaliating strikes and moved back into his stance. The other four men rushed him at once and soon the hall was filled with the sound of clashing swords.
Saera crawled backwards in fear as she watched her younger relative take on the group of savage men who had been previously terrorizing her.
"Go Aemond, kick their ass!" This caused one of the four to look back at her and lose his head as a result. It was amazing to watch, Aemond was a black and silver blur as he parried and launched an offensive that battered multiple men at once. Their morale dropped as one more of their numbers was cut down.
Aemond's adrenaline didn't allow him to think of anything but the fight. This thrill for battle and violence was a new feeling but one he was increasingly growing addicted to. They had superior numbers and experience yet he flowed through their numbers with grace and his strikes hit home with precision he had only practiced before. The effects of the rituals and training with a moving magical puppet, who he felt secretly loved to inflict pain, was no more apparent than now.
This didn't last long as he was knocked out of his zone by the man with the missing arm. The man had picked himself back up and took aim with the crossbow one last time. Aemond's eye flashed blue as he picks up the incoming projectile approaching from his blind spot. He had no other choice but to turn around and parry it. He took a couple slashes to his back and was forced onto the defensive.
Saera, seeing her opportunity, ran for the sword of a corpse and swung it at the man who was trying to ready another bolt. His bolt missed when he fell back in order to dodge the swing and rolled back into the room with Saera right behind him.
'Vhagar, roar for me please!' Aemond mentally reached out to Vhagar who called out her agreement through the connection. A roar then shook the building and shattered some of the windows which dangerously flew all over the hallway. They weren't a problem for the armored Aemond but the Triarchy weren't as well equipped. They paused in their offense as the glass flew into their uncovered faces and exposed skin. This interruption would cost them the fight and their lives.
Without losing a moment, Aemond slew them in quick succession without hesitation. He heard the scream of a man followed by the frustrated yells of Saera. He ran into the room with his sword at the ready.
"Die!" Die! "Die!"
Aemond embarrassingly slipped face first onto the ground as he didn't notice the gallons of blood flowing all over the room's floor. He slowly made his way over to Saera and took the weapon out of her hands before gently pulling her away from the very dead man. "He's dead, stop, He's dead!" He slipped once more and fell on top of her. They both struggled to get up before they once again fell back down. After a few more attempts they finally made it over to the closest loveseat. Saera and Aemond relaxed onto the reclining support of the loveseat and stayed silent for a few moments.
Saera broke the silence first as she couldn't take it any longer. "Drink?" Aemond held his hand out and took the offered cup. 'This is good stuff, squeezed fruit and some good wine. I could drink this all day.' His stomach grumbled in hunger. He had not eaten in a while. He could do with a good meal right about now.
"How are you holding up?" Aemond wasn't sure how to respond to that so he stayed quiet. "First kill?" Aemond took a few moments but eventually hummed in confirmation.
"Yeah, it's pretty bad after it happens. I like to think it's because we are sane and good people. I'm sure there are others out there who would enjoy it but not us. That has to count for something right?" Aemond was still silent.
"Yeah, I thought so. My first kill almost broke me. I was in Lys when it happened. One of the men who paid for my services somehow got this idea that my act was genuine. He fell in love and it soon became an obsession. I didn't pay much mind as he was paying large amounts of money and I knew he wouldn't stop soon. He was married but he wanted me. I would too if I had to go back home to a wife like his. No offense to her but she was as ugly as she was vindictive." That finally got a laugh out of him. Saera smiled and kept going. She would provide him the help no one offered her in the brothels of Lys.
"She confronted me for trying to steal her wealthy husband and tried to kill me. Her husband had just finished his time with me and walked in on his wife trying to end me. His obsession had grown much more than I had imagined. I was afraid he would join his wife and help her hide my body. To my surprise he angrily rushed at her and beat her to death. Afterwards, he turned to me and confessed his undying love for me. He paid no mind to the blood of his wife splattered all over his body." Aemond sat up and listened intently to her story.
"I told him that I appreciated his dedication but that he just murdered his wife in front of me. He finally snapped out of his daze and began to freak out. I much rather preferred him when he was still very much in love with me. He blamed me for the incident and tried to kill me next. I grabbed a knife from my drawer and stabbed him until my arm fell in exhaustion." Saera found herself back in that moment when she was stabbing the man with the crossbow. She believed herself stronger and the vulnerability deeply terrified her. She was the Queen of Volantis in all but name, not the scared little girl she had been in her youth. Back when her mother comforted her instead of ordering her around as the Queen.
"I will confide in you something I've never told anyone. I considered going back to Kingslanding after what happened then. There was no one to talk to and the brothel I was working for cleaned the mess and moved on without looking back. No one cared, no one asked me if I was okay, nor did they console me. I wanted to be back in my mother's arms and in the safety of my father's kingdom." Aemond imagined a life where he grew up with Saera around him.
"I have to say, I prefer you this way. You probably would've been another stuck up noble woman who died in childbirth and I would grow up hearing about your tragedy all the time." Saera laughed and smacked his shoulder.
"You really think so? I don't think I would have died in childbirth, I have had many children ever since I left. No other noble woman except probably one of those disgusting freys could ever hope to compete! I can't imagine myself as a stuck up noble even if my life depended on it. I have always been carefree and not afraid to push the boundaries. That's how I got myself here." 'Both figuratively and literally' She took a large swig of her drink and finished it one go much to the annoyance of Aemond.
"Do you want to go eat? I had a grand banquet prepared for the visitors but seeing as they are not here, well you can join me instead." Saera got up and found that the blood had dried enough for them to walk around without fear of slipping again.
"Sure but-" Through his connection he could feel Vhagar's fury. He could feel it in person too as the building shook with her roars. He could hear the torrent of flames being fired just outside the brothel.
"Give me a moment." Aemond ran out of the room and down the hallways. He rushed outside and saw the ships belonging to the Triarchy, firing arrows at Vhagar. 'Idiots' Aemond couldn't help but pity them. The torrents of flames came down upon them without a second of wait. Some escaped into the water only to find that it had reached fatal temperatures. There was no escape and soon the entire fleet was burning under the annoyed glare of Vhagar.
In the streets, he could see the remaining Triarchy men fighting for their lives against Volantene guards. From the flow of the battle, the Triarchy were getting overwhelmed and would soon lose against the growing number of guards arriving to the fight.
People could be heard cheering on the massacre from the different levels of the city. It seems like the Triarchy men weren't very loved or welcomed in Volantis. Aemond sighed as he relaxed and took off his helmet. He could smell his sweat and grime mixed with the smell of the sea. It wasn't a very pleasant smell and he was determined to fix himself up before he left. A proper bath this time, Saera wouldn't deny him.
"Well that's one way to deal with them. You almost burned the port down but it got the job done." Behind him, Saera walked out and stared at the one sided slaughter.
"So did you want to join me now or do you have to leave?" Aemond thought it over and decided that Harry was surely powerful enough to wait a little longer.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Harry was panting as he finally got some breathing room. The sea around him was littered with the corpses of all types of monstrous sea creatures. They were nowhere near done, Harry was not fooled by the calm sea. He could feel them hiding just underneath, waiting for him to drop his guard again. 'Aemond, if I find out that you are wasting time doing something stupid then I will personally end your line when I get my hands on you.'
"Captain, did we win?" A ghost called out from the safety of the lower deck.
'We? Who is we? You circus clowns hid for the entirety of the fight! Oh why did I not ask for warriors instead of cowards." Harry fell to his knees and leaned against the railing.
"Captain we may be dead but we also have feelings." They still didn't come out of the lower decks.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Bring me some more grapes!" Both Aemond and Saera enjoyed their meal from the highest room in the brothel. The doors to the outside were opened and a nice afternoon breeze swept through the room, cooling the inhabitants down.
"So, do you have no knights for protection? How did those savages progress so far into the city without anyone stopping them?" He was confused as to who allowed those men to take one of the most influential figures within the city hostage.
"I'm going to have to investigate this the moment I get an opportunity. The entry by sea is blocked by a chain that should have gone up the moment they refused to stop for inspection. Someone within the city's defense has most certainly been paid off or threatened. It worries me to know that there is such a person or group of people who would dare make bold moves within the kingdom." This made sense to him, some sort of spymaster who was their mole in Volantis. Sending any information back to the Triarchy while working to push their agenda.
"Well, I hope that you can handle yourself now that I will be gone. There won't be another knight in shining armor to save." Saera huffed and took away his plate of sliced fruit. It wasn't a very effective punishment as a servant with distinct white and blonde hair came and delivered him some more fruit.
"Sometimes it really is your own blood." The servant blushed in shame before hurriedly running out of the room.
"What's the deal with that? I'm not one to judge but are some of these servants actually your children?" Aemond had heard and seen worse but it was still surprising to see. Especially as he didn't think Saera was this kind of woman.
"By choice. My children aren't forced to do anything they don't want to do. To answer your question, no, my daughters aren't here as brothel women or as slaves. I pay them generously until they come of age and leave to where they so please. None of them have ever been forced to lay with a man and some haven't felt the touch of one either. It's not like I'm forcing this type of lifestyle in order to turn a profit from my own blood." Saera's tone let him know that she was deeply offended by his implication.
"Alright, Alright! I wasn't judging or making any assumptions. I just simply wanted to get an idea of how many Targaryens worked here. It was just odd for me to picture one of ours doing menial work like this." Aemond's red face caused the servants to giggle in amusement. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw one who remained stone faced despite the humorous mood of the room.
It was a pale, black-haired beauty with purple eyes who was around his age. She was blessed with some of his family's ethereal features but the rest of them reminded him of someone. She had been silent for the entire time she had been here. Feeling his intense gaze, the girl turned his way and held eye contact with him. He had thought her a timid girl who was too nervous for attention but he could feel something ferocious hiding underneath the shy persona. His magical eye blazed with danger at the mere sight of her.
'Why would that be.'
Aemond couldn't help but feel an attraction and a need to see what lurked below the surface. 'The strong, silent kind, huh?' His Targaryen blood urged him on despite the warnings of his eye. Aemond inwardly smirked before turning back to his conversation with Saera. 'I'll be uncovering what you think you can hide from my eyes soon enough.' Harry never said fun was not allowed. In fact, he all but encouraged it.
He planned to sleep here as the journey back to Harry would be a lot longer than the one he took to get here. He could cut most of the Demon Road by flying over the ocean, but he would have to return over land and pass through the lands of the Long Summer. 'It doesn't hurt that I will spend a little extra time here as a result. Harry will understand.'