A/N: Last chance to influence the pairing! I have two drafts planned out here, and I'm curious to know which everyone would prefer.
Do let me know in the reviews! Now onto the three day crash we all experienced.
...well, that was an ordeal for the site, and it ended up altering this chapter somewhat as a result of said delay. Still, onward! Looking forward to your feedback!
I wanted this to feel like an actual House of the Dragon episode. Hopefully I succeeded on that front.
Just wanted to say, I appreciate you all! More feedback means faster updates! It's especially important, in these, trying times, with the main site notifications down. Every word counts and all these reviews really keep me inspired! Looking forward to hearing from you~!
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. They're tributes to legends far greater than little 'ol me.
I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time.
Time and feedback will determine if this remains a story. Simple as that.
In other words...its up to YOU, the reader. Do let me know~!
Brace yourself. This IS Game of Thrones, after all...
"Wars are won with words and swords alike."
~?
Gone Crabbing (Part II)
"Do you love her?"
Rhaenys was ruthless, he'd give her that much; from the very first question she cut him to the quick. He couldn't even blame her for such a line of inquiry, not really; after all, Rhaenyra was her younger cousin. Whatever their differences might be, she was family. It was only natural that she would look out for her.
Of course, all that was from a rational standpoint-even then, he couldn't quite quell the rush of emotion that followed.
Meleys must've sensed it; because the red dragon bristled under his touch with a low grow.
He gave her chin another hearty scratch and she settled down.
"Of course I love her!" oh yes, he couldn't keep himself from showing his teeth in the face of such a question. "Do you really think I would be dealing with this, any of this," he flung out an arm to King's Landing behind them and the red keep in all its glory, "if I didn't care for her? I would've taken the first train out of here otherwise."
Rhaenys blinked. "What, pray tell, is a train?"
"Right, right," He pinched the bridge of his nose to stifle a sigh. "I keep forgetting you people don't have those. But my answer's the same. Yeah, I love her."
He really, truly did. Loved her as he never had any other. He knew that now, accepted it, and on some small level it terrified him. Sure, love was a strength, but it was also a weakness. When you loved someone, really, truly loved them...you risked losing them. He'd seen what that pain did to others, what it made them.
The loss of love had created some of the greatest villains he'd ever faced.
He'd been training Rhaenyra to prevent such a fate.
Hopefully she could.
"But would you die for her?" Rhaenys pressed.
His eyes blazed gold as his temper briefly slipped its leash. "Careful now...
Meleys grumbled under his hand, and, having had enough of their bickering, shook herself free and loped toward Syrax. Naruto let her go, content to have the two dragons take wing and frollick in the skies. He never once took his eyes from Rhaenys, who, if anything, seemed to be watching even more intently now than before.
"What wild eyes you have." she mumbled under her breath. "Your mother must have been very beautiful."
Heat spiked through his face, but he refused to let her steer the subject to safer waters. "Since we're playing twenty questions here, what do you think of Rhaenyra?"
"I believe she loves you." her response proved immediate, if exacting. "And you love her."
He lifted his chin to stare her down, glare for glare. "You don't approve."
She scoffed. "My approval matters very little in the war to come."
"I would have it nevertheless." he said.
"Well-spoken, aren't you?"
"When I want to be."
Something akin to approval flickered through the gaze of Rhaenys, even as his own dimmed back to blue. "You do realize that girl may may well be named the heir to the Iron Throne if her father has his way."
If Daemon gave up his rights, which was highly unlikely, but stranger things had happened before. "I'm aware."
"You have my thanks for that, by the way."
What was she on about now? "What are you thanking me for, exactly?"
"For lighting a fire in the King." she tossed her head, idly flicking a strand of pale hair behind one ear. "It's high time he showed that council of leeches what its means to face a true dragon."
"You're a shrewd one."
The tiniest glimmer of pride in her eyes was his reward. "I would not have lived this long if I weren't."
Huh, feisty. In another life -and if she weren't happily married- he might've fallen for this proud, regal woman.
Another tale for another time, perhaps.
Shaking himself, he opted to leave her with a warning instead. "Speaking of living, but you should mind your surroundings more especially on dragon-back."
Back at Dragonstone, the Cannibal could've easily snapped Syrax up in a single bite, had the opportunity presented itself. Meleys was bigger and more experienced, to be sure, but he knew that dread dragon could easily take chunks out of her...and whomever might be riding her at the time. He had no desire to see this lively woman caught unawares as they had been. But he could hardly tell her that there was a giant dragon lurking just across the bay now, could he? He'd cause a panic...
A demure silver brow rose as she misunderstood him. "Is that a threat."
"More a warning." he hedged, unwilling to elaborate.
"Very well," she relented with a sigh. "I shall heed those words."
"You should. "He flicked a gaze up to the sky, idly watching the dragons frollick and cavort in the heavens above. "Meleys may be big and strong, but there's always something bigger. Take it from someone who knows."
Rhaenys was smart, bless her heart. This time she got the message, took the hint within, and nodded once. "Speaking from experience, are we?"
"HUNGRY."
Agony stabbed into his temples as the Cannibal's voice plunged into his mind, stabbing like a rusty dagger. Lovely. Apparently the titanic dragon wasn't just invading his dreams after their little "flight", it was actively in his thoughts. He really ought to get that one a better name the next time they met. Assuming Cannibal was content to stay on Dragonstone. Something told him he wouldn't be. Not for much longer.
"Out with you!" Kurama snapped, driving his presence back in a rush of scalding chakra. "Its crowded enough in here!"
"I would look in on Daemon before you leave," Rhaenys said suddenly, claiming his attention as was her wont. "He's not been well."
Alarm coursed through him and made his heart hitch. "How?' his brow furrowed. "I healed him. He should be recovering."
She stared at him intently "Then perhaps you should consider who is overseeing that man's meals."
Otto again. Would that he could just throw him in a cell and be done with this...! He dragged a hand down his face and took a breath to steady himself. "I'll see to it. I leave for the Stepstones in the morning."
"We leave for the Stepstones." Rhaenys corrected him.
He perked up. "I beg your pardon?"
"Your forgiven." the princess smirked at him indulgently, and for a moment, he had a glimpse of the spitfire she'd been in her youth. "Did you think I would let you take my little cousin off to war without a chaperone?"
Another surprise! His thoughts fizzled out spectacularly. "Rhaenyra's coming with me?"
The rider of Meleys blinked quickly. "You didn't know?"
He grimaced. "I most certainly did not...
"It seems I've spoiled the surprise, then. Poor fellow," she clicked her tongue and gave him a commiserating look. "I dare say she'll never far from you now, not if she can help it."
Well, she wasn't wrong about that. Rhaenyra could be clingy when she wanted. "The stepstones aren't going to be a walk in the park ya know…
Rhaenys walked past him, forcing him to follow or be left behind. "Then it is well that you have taught her how to fight."
Right, okay. He could handle this. Talking her down was going to be impossible, he knew Rhaenyra well enough for that by now. She'd have to wear armor, solid heavy plate, but not too heavy to move in, and that might well delay their departure...
A hand clapped him on the shoulder. He looked up, momentarily nonplussed. When had Rhaenys gotten so close..."
"Keep my husband safe on this misadventure of yours and you'll have my support in the chaos that comes. The Queen who never was regarded him for a long moment. "Be good to her. She's been through more than you know.
A distant shout drew his ear and he looked up to find the very subject of their discussion rapidly descending the stone steps leading to the beach, her Kingsguard noticeably absent for once. She and Cole must've had a fight. Good. He'd never liked the man.
"That's surprisingly petty of you."
'What can I say? I'm only human. And I don't like the way he looks at her.'
The dragons must've seen her; because Meleys winged down with Syrax in her wake. The latter nosed into his side, demanding chin scratches, just as Meleys had. He gave them gladly, but somewhere between then and there he lost track of Rhaenys; by the time he looked back, Rhaenyra's cousin was already slinging herself back into the saddle.
She spared him a brief, lingering glance. "Good luck, Lord of the Steptsones. You'll need it."
With a mighty downstroke of its wings and a triumphant cry, Meleys took flight, leaving him and Syrax be.
Naruto twitched. Leave it to her to get the last word in!
Syrax trilled lowly in their wake and nuzzled him anew.
"Yeah, yeah. You were on your best behavior, weren't you." He rubbed her snout. "There's a good girl. Wanna get some more fish?"
Rhaenyra reached them a moment later, cheeks flushed. "Should I be jealous?
"Nah," He craned his neck back. "Nah, you know you're the only girl for me."
She looked toward the horizon and the rapidly retreating Melys. "What did she have to say?"
He didn't see much point in discussing it. "I think she was sizing me up."
...she didn't mention Alicent perchance, did she?"
"Not at all." he sat down and let Syrax lumber off to finish her feast, her quota of chin-scratches momentarily filled. "Still on about that, eh?"
"What can I say?" Rhaenyra retaliated by laying her head on his lap, effectively pinning him in place. "I want what I want."
"Who, you mean." He couldn't help but correct her as he began stroking her hair.
She rolled her eyes. "Semantics."
A moment of blissful solitude followed.
.
..
...it couldn't last.
Naruto sighed into it. "I'm not even sure it would work with her...
She tensed in his lap, glancing at him out the corner of her eye. "Whyever not?"
"For the love of...!" He flung up his arms with an aggravated shout. "Because I haven't been with her! I don't know her the way you do."
She rolled over to lay the back of her head upon his knees. "She is my oldest and dearest friend. Please try, talk to her again, for her sake if not mine."
Her words dragged a sigh out of him. "You say that, but you're going to the Stepstones with me, apparently?"
She scowled. "Who told you?"
"Rhaenys."
His princess made an aggravated noise. "I can fight. You can't stop me.
He could, but it would drive a rift between them. "I'm well aware... Have you been keeping up with your lessons?"
She laid an idle hand on her belt knife and hummed happily, but only for a moment. Then she looked past him. "Do you remember this place?"
'Course I do." There was a reason he'd come here after all. "Its where we first met. Feels like a lifetime ago...
Perhaps it was. Maybe this was all some fleeting dream and he was already dead. If so,he didn't want to wake up.
...It just feels like it's all coming to an end, you know?"
She shook her head. "Nonsense. Our reign has just begun."
"Our reign, is it?" He clicked his tongue at her. "Cheeky brat."
"What's to happen with Daemon then?"
Rhaenyra shrugged, but he didn't miss the sudden tension in her shoulders. "My uncle has ever done as he wished."
He quirked a brow at her. "You're not worried about your position?
"Using Alicent's words now, are we?"she giggled. " I like this position. It's quite comfortable.
He rolled his eyes. "You're insatiable."
"Would you have me any other way?"
A beat of silence passed between the two of them, broken only by the distant lashing of waves against the beach and Syrax lounging in the surf.
"How do you feel about it?"
Naruto glanced down at her. "About what?"
She glanced up at him, fingers fisting in his shirt. "You know what."
On a whim, he eased down and kissed her forehead. "How's that for an answer?"
She grinned, flashing her teeth at him. "It will suffice, Ser."
Cheeky little...! Two could play that game!
Rather than retort, he stared at her really, truly stared until a flash of high color speared through her face. "What is it?"
"Just happy.
...I love you."
he flushed. "Love you too."
It was easier to say it now; felt more real, somehow. It was nice seeing her like this, her hair down, all her barriers gone. He wouldn't trade her for the world.
Naruto dipped his head down to hers.
"We shouldn't," she murmurred, lips brushing his. "Alicent's already cross enough with me-
"I don't want to talk about Alicent right now, he dipped lower still to kiss her, stifling her faint protest with his lips. I don't want to talk at all...
Neither did she apparently; she came alive in his arms and held him close.
Her eyes sought his with intent, flicked down to his lips now, before rising once more.
She surged up and kissed him, dragging him down to the sands, holding him close, as he held her.
Love on the beach was a lovely thing indeed
(.0.0.0.)
Blackfyre was heavy.
Far too heavy.
Heavy.
Viserys hefted his blade with a grunt, considered it for a moment; then took his stance forced himself to adopt his stance once more. His arms ached. His knees were howling at him and his lungs...!
Sensing his exhaustion, or perhaps just seeing it, his adversary heaved a sigh. "Your grace, please. Perhaps we should stop."
It was fault, he knew. Valyrian steel was meant to be lightweight, far lighter than a blade of iron or steel. It spoke to his own physical weakness that he could not wield such a sword with ease, let alone skill. It was something of a sobering realization for him, one he was determined to correct.
"I gave you an order, Lord Commander."
Ser Harold Westerling was a good man, but also a dutiful one. He set his jaw and readied his blade. "As you were, then."
It had to be live steel. There was no time for practice or padded weapons; pain was an excellent motivator. He'd never learn quickly enough otherwise.
For you see, the game was finally afoot.
Viserys took visceral pleasure in that; for the first time in a long time, he felt alive again young again, even. Perhaps that was Aemma's doing. Knowing he had a wife to go home to, daughters he dearly loved. He would be lost without them. And so he would continue to play the Game, though it might well cost him his life.
When you play the Game of Thrones you win or you die. There is no middle ground. He hoped Naruto understood that.
As for himself; he would endeavor to triumph while he still had life left in him; not just for the sake of his wife but also his dear little spitfires. He would keep them safe. Such was a father's duty. He had set these events in motion, and so it fell to him to see things through.
Let their enemies come. Let them skulk and scheme in the shadows with their honeyed words, their false smiles and their poison. Let them swing their sword and smash their shields!
He would best them all.
With Fire and Blood.
Viserys lunged.
(.0.0.0.)
"The Triarchy has massed on Bloodstone." Lord Corlys laid a map out across the table and summarily leaned over the weathered parchment. "It is there that we shall strike first."
Naruto peered over his shoulder, content to let the man lead the meeting for now. Theirs was something a small gathering, suspiciously devoid of Otto Hightower and Maester Mellos, but for once, he wasn't willing to look a gift horse in the mouth. Lords Lionel and Beesbury were present however, which seemed to indicate at least some small tacit approval on their part. Or maybe not.
Bloody nobles.
He'd never understand them...
Still, he had the Masters of Law, Coin, and Ships. With the approval of Viserys, that was more than enough to kickstart a campaign.
Otto and Mellos and Cole could go hang for all he cared.
"The Stepstones have ever had a pirate infestation." Corlys clicked his tongue, capturing his attention once more. "A man called Cragas Drahar has styled himself the prince Admiral of this triarchy. We have allowed them far too much latitude and they have since laid claim to the islands and the surrounding waters as a result. Now that those shipping lanes have fallen, they are beggaring our ports, as I'm sure you all know."
All eyes fell upon him. Naruto lifted his chin and met their stares.
The Master of Coin faltered first, looking away. "The amount of coin invested in this venture has been rather remarkable...
The Jinchuuriki sighed, clasped both hands behind his back and drew himself up to his full height. He disliked acting like one of them, but he could play the part when needed. "Your gold has been well invested, Lord beesbury. We'll see it repaid in full."
The older lord chuckled ruefully. "As you have invested time with the princess, no doubt...
Naruto sputtered, unprepared for the sudden verbal riposte. "Oi!"
Lionel Strong coughed. "Watch your tone."
"Why should I? In fact, rather approve."
He was actually genuine about this. Naruto could sense that much for himself. But why...?
"Don't make such a face, lad." the older lord rattled a laugh. "I was young once myself; I knew a lass much like her in my youth, and I let her slip away. Let me tell you, its the fiery ones you need to watch out for-
Lionel coughed anew. "Shall we return to the matter at hand...?"
"If we are to do this," Corlys cautioned him, "And we are doing this, then we must eradicate them in one fell swoop. There can be no survivors. You must kill them all, ever pirate, slaver, murderer, to a man." his keen gaze met his, worn and weathered by the seas." Can you do that?"
Butchering bad guys and saving slaves? Yeah, he and Kurama could do that.
Naruto cracked his knuckles merrily.
"It won't even take a week."
(.0.0.0.)
Alicent rang the bell.
Almost at once, the door creaked open.
Rhaenyra awaited her on the other side with a smile. "I'll have your answer now."
A/N: Cliffhanger~!
Last chance to influence the pairing! I have two drafts written out to the end, and I'm curious to know which everyone would like to see.
Do let me know in the reviews!
We'll be in the Stepstones Next Chapter.
Update next Sunday or EARLIER, time and health permitting.
Weeeell? What did you think? Would you like weekly updates? Yay or nay? Really need to hear from you, here.
As stated, this has a high chance of being upgraded to M later down the line, but I need to know if folks want to see that.
So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me.
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas…
...Review...Would You Kindly?
And enjoy the Previews!
As ever:
SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!
PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
YE BE WARNED!
Read at your own risk!
As ever, these are from the far flung future...or are they~?!
Previews are mostly the same, wouldn't want to spoil things now.
(Previews!)
"...?"
Vhagar lifted her head as a shadow fell over her.
Shaking her long neck, she felt the sand slough off her weathered hide.
The shadow kept moving, paying her no mind; indeed, it didn't even seem to notice her...
The Stepstones never stood a chance.
"Into the breach!"
It was like watching fire come to life. Rhaenyra watched from dragonback.
Naruto was horrifying; he flitted across the battlefield with ease; she could see him
And that was ignoringt he beas the'd summoned.
It was, in a word...a massacre.
"Lord commander."
Ser Harold Westerling was a surprisingly noble man, defending his comrades despite the stain on their honor. "Cole is a good lad, he just needs to get his head screwed on straight."
Naruto clicked his tongue. "Think he needs more than that...
"Is the safety and security of the realm not worth one life?"
"You'll never stop at one!" he righted himself with a grunt, turned his head, and spat out a bloody tooth. "I'll take you all on!"
Otto's heart sank into the pit of his stomach. "This...complicates matters."
"You think this hurts? Compared to what I went through, being forced to watch you hurt innocent people, and even my own blood! This is NOTHING! Well? How does it feel? To be utterly hopeless and not being able to do a damn thing about it? Fools! How do you think they felt when you ganged up on them in the rain and they had no way out? Well now it's your turn. I hope you enjoy it. Do you feel defenseless? Scared? Good, now you know how they felt before you killed them!
"If you do this you will make enemies. There will be nowhere left for you to run!
"Run?" he tilted his head to look back at them. "Who's running?" Blue eyes bled into red, snapping into furious scarlet slits. "Where?" Golden radiance flashed around him. "And why?!"
The world burst into light.
Visenya whooped, leaned back in the saddle, and flung up her arms. "Dracarys~!"
Her dragon answered in a rush of fire. The girl grinned.
Riding on dragonback was the best!
Pressing the hilt of the spear down on the back of his head, the attacker sneered at him, "Kneel..."
With a swipe of his hand, he knocked the spear of, and taking a trick from his nephew-in-law leapt up and struck out with a round house, "Not today!" Oh that felt good! And then, shock settled in, and turned to rage, "YOU!"
Naruto crashed into the wall a second later, ripping the blade out with his left hand while smashing his fist into the man's face, "That's for Daemon!" he roared as he spun around and slammed the hilt of his blade into the mans face-ripping the wall of the castle apart.
"Faster, papa! Faster!"
His daughter bounced on his back, grinning from ear to ear as she tugged at his hair.
Naruto smiled despite himself. "Feisty as your mother, I swear..."
EDIT: Hope you enjoyed! Have a great day!
Warm regards,
~Nz.
R ~!