Chapter 5

The making of a conqueror

108 AC

Dragonstone Castle

Throne room

The lords of the narrow sea and other parts of the Seven Kingdoms and the free cities, alongside mercenary captains, had gathered for a great party hosted by Prince Aegon Targaryen, who had taken up official residence on Dragonstone in late 106.

The first party was held in the new year of 107 and was a major success in securing Aegon friends both in Westeros and Essos. It also caused his father great amusement when the story of his Brother Daemon was found on the beach with his lady wife, lady Rhea Royce, naked as the day they were born.

I know what you're thinking: How in the name of the gods did that happen? Well, wine was a motivator, but more importantly, Aegon had gone to Runestone a few days before he was to head to Dragonstone.

(Flashback)

106AC

Runestone

The Vale

"Dragon Approaching!, came the yell from the watchtower causing Rhea Royce to groan, had her 'Dear Husband' had come to visit her? Ha, as if her Husband would willingly visit her, she saw the Dragon come into land.

It wasn't her Husband but her nephew Aegon, who brought a small smile to her face as she made her way towards the gates to meet him, "Nephew, welcome to my home", she smiled as the guards who were nervous being so close to a dragon bowed to the Crown Prince as he walked up and hugged her.

Now I know what you are thinking: how could Rhea and Aegon have such a good relationship? Well, it was quite simple: when Aegon found out he had an aunt, he wrote to her, which led to visiting her when he flew to the Vale.

As to the conversation the two had as they walked, no one but them knew what was discussed. What was known was Rhea getting on the back of her Nephew's Dragon and going with him for a flight.

(Flashback over)

Now Daemon was here at the party with his wife and their child, yep that's right Daemon and Rhea little drunken lovemaking had resulted in the birth of a child, little Princess Alysanne Targaryen of Runestone.

The child was pure Targaryen except for her nose and chin they were her mothers she even had a little Dragon, it was a golden scaled beauty who was currently resting on Daemon shoulder keeping an eye on her human.

From the entrance, the herald, who was enjoying a quick drink, didn't notice the King and Queen with the young Princess and the small council. Otto Hightower noticed Aegon Talking to a man in Armor from his place on his throne, the herald finally noticed the group and quickly announced them to the hall pausing Aegons conversation as he nodded to the mercenary officer before standing to greet his new guests.

"Mother, Father, little sister, welcome to Dragonstone. You should have sent word you were coming. I would have delayed the party until you arrived." Aegon noticed his sister grinning as she saw a particular dessert on the table.

"Go on, sister, go enjoy a Lemon cake." Aegon stopped as he noticed Rhaenyra bolt towards the table, with Alicent following with a smile on her face. That girl really loved the lemon cake.

The party continued, and Aegon spent time with his family, though he kept an eye on Otto, who made his way over to the same man he had been speaking to when they arrived. Aegon smiled, knowing Otto would not get anything out from that mercenary after all the blood of Old Valyria sang true through both him and the mercenaries captains.

You see these mercenaries were members of the lost legion, direct descendants of Valyrian soldiers and there families who were outside the Freehold when it was claimed by the doom, they survived the century of blood refusing to support any side.

Even the Targaryens, despite being the last of the Dragonlords, were on Dragonstone. No matter what Otto tried, he would never find out what Aegon was discussing until it happened.

(Time skip)

King's Landing

The Red Keep

Viserys hadn't slept a wink last night. He was racked with guilt the day before he had got into a heated argument with his son after a meeting of the small council; Lord Velaryon had reported that a force of corsairs had taken over the stepstones; they were attacking ships attempting to enter and leave the narrow sea.

Aegon and Daemon fully supported a military intervention to take the islands by force, much to the Master of Ships' approval, but Otto stepped in, saying it would be a big expense for the crown.

Aegon had perfectly countered his argument, saying simply that if they didn't act, then trade across the entire eastern half of Westeros; after 5 minutes of arguments, Otto had said the Prince should leave as he clearly wasn't mature enough. Aegon smiled and responded with, "My Lord Hand, I am merely suggesting that we invade the islands to prevent the total economic collapse of the eastern half of my father's Kingdom. Isn't that something you should be concerned about, or is it because it doesn't affect certain Western houses?

The small council chambers were silent…..until Daemon burst out laughing, pouring a goblet of wine and handing it to Aegon with a pat on the back. The meeting was ended for the day, though Aegon handed the Master of ships a note before following his father.

Daemon quickly spread through the staff that Aegon was being silenced by the Lord's Hand for daring to say the truth, not that anyone knew he did that or proved it, at least.

That night, however, Viserys got into a shouting match with Aegon for his rude behaviour. Despite Aemma being there trying to calm them, Aegon told him that he was blind to Otto's manipulations and that Daemon would be a far better hand.

What he said next caused the room to go silent, even though he regretted it.

(Flashback last night)

The red keep

"Father how can you be Soo blind!, Otto is using you" Aegon begged trying to get his father to see sense his father however was hearing none of it, "NO AEGON!, you will apologies to Sir Otto and stop being a disappointment!"

"Viserys!, Aemma yelled in shock. Even Daemon looked shocked as he looked at Aegon, whose eyes narrowed. Aemma could see it too. Aegon's love and care for his father was gone, replaced with anger. Before Daemon or even Viserys could say anything, Aegon stood up and bowed, "As you command your grace."

With that Aegon walked away towards his chambers ignoring his mother calling for him, Viserys sat down putting his head in his hands knowing he had crossed the line, he knew Aegon was right, he just didn't like confrontation.

(Flashback over)

Viserys dressed and made his way to his son's quarters, only to see his wife in there crying, holding a piece of parchment in her hand. Taking it from her hand, he read it, regret and tears filling his eyes.

To his Grace Viserys Targaryen

I have decided to leave the Red Keep and return to my seat of Dragonstone for the foreseeable future to oversee my duties on the island; while I apologise for being a disappointment in your eyes, the Wall will melt and crumble to dust before I apologise for demanding to defend our people (which includes mothers homeland of the Vale)

Yours sincerely

Prince Aegon Targaryen

Prince of Dragonstone

Wielder of Blackfyre

Rider of Arrax

Dragonstone Throne Room

Two months later

The Castilian of Dragonstone bowed as the Royal Family and small council arrived in the throne room; apparently, they were tired of not getting responses from their letters, " ah Castilian, where is my son? It has been two months since we needed to speak; Aemma asked. She looked very tired, having not slept well in days.

"My Queen, Prince Aegon is not here. He hasn't been here for a week now" That caused a panic among the royals it wasn't until Princess Rhaenyra stepped forward and asked where did the rest of them calmed down, "Where has my brother gone Sir"

The Narrow Sea

Aboard The Imperium

Dozens of ships sailed towards the stepstones under the banner of House Targaryen. Abord them were the Lost Legion, warriors from the North and the Vale, and bannermen from Dragonstone and Driftmark and other loyal houses; above them, Aegon Targaryen rode his Dragon to secure the Stepstones just as his namesake had taken Westeros through Fire and Blood.