Driftmark, High Tide - 125 AC
We were gathered in the war room of High Tide, the salty breeze from the sea seeping through the narrow windows. Laena sat beside me, her eyes sharp and alert, while Corlys paced the room, his long robes swishing with every step. News had just reached us that Lord Unwin Peake, the last green on the Small Council, had met a rather undignified end, impaled by a deer while out hunting drunk. I couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. The greens were losing their grip, and Bartimos Celtigar, a firm supporter of our cause, had taken Peake's place as Master of Laws.
"Well, isn't that a stroke of fortune?" I said, unable to keep the grin off my face.
Laena chuckled softly beside me, her hand resting lightly on my arm. "Bartimos on the Small Council," she repeated, shaking her head in disbelief. "This changes everything. The tides are turning in our favor."
I watched Corlys with amusement as he finally calmed down and took a seat. The joy and exasperation on his face was amusing, everyone knew about the rivalry between Bartimos and Corlys. Having the two of them in the Small Council at the same time will be intriguing for sure. But even though I was thrilled about the news, I had a nagging suspicion in the back of my mind.
"Corlys," I began, leaning forward, "did we have anything to do with Unwin's death? Was this one of our plans?"
He looked at me, his expression serious for the first time since we'd received the news. "No, Daemon," he replied, shaking his head. "The fault lies squarely in Unwin's own bad decisions. He was a fool, and it caught up with him. It couldn't have happened to a worse man."
I sat back, processing his words. It was almost poetic justice, the way Unwin had met his end. He'd been a thorn in our side for far too long, and now he was gone, not by our hand, but by his own folly. Unwin Peake had always been a monster. I couldn't help but wish it had been my blade that ended him. The man had married so many women, bred them to death, and yet he was permitted to be Master of Laws. It was a stain on the realm and a testament to what a bad king Viserys had become.
The memory of the affection and respect I once had for my brother had turned bitter. Love and adoration had curdled into pure hatred over the years. I couldn't believe how much he'd changed, how much he'd let the realm rot from within.
Laena, as if reading my thoughts, placed a hand on my shoulder. Her smile was the same enchanting one that had made me fall for her. It grounded me, reminding me of the good things I still had. I leaned in and kissed her, feeling a warmth that contrasted sharply with the cold anger I felt towards my brother.
Corlys groaned at the sight. "Daemon, you ruffian," he said, shaking his head. "Kissing my daughter right in front of me."
I shrugged, a teasing smirk on my face. "I kissed my wife, who also happens to be your daughter." Laena laughed, the sound light and musical, cutting through the tension. "One day," I said, my voice low but determined, "we'll rid this land of all the monsters, not just the ones like Unwin Peake, but those who let them thrive."
Corlys nodded, his expression serious once more. "We'll do it together, Daemon. We've come this far, and we'll see it through to the end."
Laena squeezed my hand, her eyes full of resolve. "Together," she echoed.
We spent the remainder of the night in the war room, planning our next move. The next morning, I broke my fast with Laena and our twin daughters, Baela and Rhaena. Lucerys and Aemond joined us as well, the sight of our mixed family warming my heart. Laena smiled fondly as the twins clung to Lucerys, their adoration for her clear. After all, it was Lucerys who had given Rhaena her dragon, Morning. The little hatchling had bonded with Rhaena instantly, and the two were inseparable.
I will forever be indebted to Lucerys. Not only had she saved my daughter from years of being dragonless, the same way I had been before claiming Caraxes. Her words had also given Laena the strength she needed to move on from our son's death. For those reasons, Lucerys will forever have me by her side.
As the morning light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room, I found myself locked in a staring match with Aemond. The boy had a cheeky, defiant look in his eye, meeting my gaze without flinching. It was almost amusing, seeing the same fire in him that I had always been known for.
Aemond's spirit was unyielding, a true dragon. I couldn't believe he was born from my spineless brother Viserys and the righteous green bitch, Alicent. How had such a dragon emerged from such weak stock? It baffled me, but it also gave me hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for him yet.
I remembered my fury upon hearing of the betrothals between Helaena and Jacaerys, and Aemond and Lucerys. It had felt like a betrayal, a slap in the face. But now, watching Aemond, I saw potential. He was strong, fierce, and unyielding. Perhaps he wouldn't tarnish Rhaenyra's bloodline with his Hightower blood after all.
I couldn't help but smirk, breaking the intense silence. "You've got spirit, Aemond. I'll give you that."
Aemond's cheeky grin widened. "I learned from the best, Uncle."
Laena chuckled, the sound light and musical. "And here I thought breakfast would be a quiet affair."
Baela and Rhaena giggled, their laughter infectious. Lucerys, ever the peacekeeper, nudged Aemond playfully. "Careful, Aems. You don't want to get on Daemon's bad side."
Aemond shrugged, still grinning. "I think I can handle it."
I laughed, genuinely amused. The boy had guts, I'd give him that. "We'll see about that, young dragon."
As we continued our meal, the tension eased, replaced by a sense of camaraderie. This was what I fought for, what I cherished. My family, united and strong. The greens could plot and scheme, but they would never break this bond.
After we finished eating, the children sent off to their lessons, Laena and I decided to take a stroll through the streets of Driftmark. The sea breeze was fresh and invigorating, carrying the salty tang that always reminded me of home. As we walked, Laena teased me about trying to intimidate Aemond earlier.
"Really, Daemon, trying to scare a boy?" she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
I wasn't embarrassed in the slightest. If anything, I felt a sense of pride. "Just you wait," I replied, smirking. "I'll be even worse when boys start trying to get close to Baela and Rhaena." Laena laughed, a rich, joyful sound that always warmed my heart. "He's got potential, doesn't he?" I asked.
Laena nodded, her eyes thoughtful. "He does. He's more like you than you realize."
I arched an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment or a warning?"
She smiled, leaning in to kiss me softly. "A bit of both, my love."
I held her close, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. I allowed her to pull me by the arm, leading me towards a newer part of Driftmark. I hadn't paid much attention to it before, but as we walked through the streets, I began to notice the bustling activity, the happy faces of the people, the well-kept homes, and the thriving businesses.
"What is this place?" I asked, genuinely curious.
Laena smiled, a look of pride on her face. "This is Lucerys' project for the betterment of the people of Driftmark."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Lucerys?"
"Yes," she nodded. "She came up with the business idea between the North and Driftmark. Corlys was so impressed that he decided to give her a cut of the profits."
I was stunned. No matter how mature Lucerys was, she was still a child. The business deal between Driftmark and the North had been incredibly successful, bringing in a significant amount of coin to both sides. That much coin in the hands of a child was usually a recipe for disaster.
As we walked further, I saw firsthand what Lucerys had done with her share of the profits. She had used the money to aid the orphans and homeless of Driftmark, creating shelters, learning centers, and workshops where they could learn trades and earn a living. The transformation was remarkable.
"Lucerys did all this?" I asked, my voice filled with admiration.
Laena nodded, her eyes shining with pride. "Yes, she did. She's always had a kind heart and a sharp mind."
I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and a touch of humility. I had underestimated her, worried that she might squander the money or be taken advantage of. Instead, she had used it to make a real difference in people's lives. She's proven that your worries were for naught.
"She's truly something," I said, my voice softening. "Your brother has raised a remarkable girl."
Laena squeezed my hand, her smile warm and loving. "He has. And she's just getting started."
As we continued our stroll, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The future was in good hands with children like Lucerys, Baela, Rhaena, and even Aemond. They were strong, smart, and compassionate. They would lead our house and the realm to greater heights.
Laena and I made our way to the learning centers, where children and adults alike were learning their letters and numbers. The sight of the small folk hunched over their work, some with furrowed brows and others with smiles of triumph, was inspiring. Laena's eyes sparkled with awe as she took it all in.
"The idea of teaching the small folk is revolutionary," she said, her voice filled with admiration.
I couldn't help but agree, though I kept my expression thoughtful. This initiative went beyond simple kindness. My informants had reported that the revenue from taxes had grown exponentially in Driftmark, and it was clear to me now that this was the reason. When the small folk understood the value of their products and could quantify it, merchants couldn't take advantage of them. This knowledge made the market more competitive, creating better opportunities for everyone.
Lucerys' project was no longer just a noble endeavor; it had become a clever strategy that had tangible benefits for the entire community.
We wandered through the center, or "school" as Lucerys had named it, observing the students. I saw a young boy proudly reading aloud from a book, his face alight with excitement. Nearby, an older man meticulously worked through a series of arithmetic problems, his concentration evident.
As we left the school, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe at my niece's ingenuity. Lucerys had seen a need and filled it, not just with money but with a vision for a better future. She was shaping the community in ways I hadn't anticipated, and the results were already clear to see.
"Laena, this is remarkable," I said, my voice tinged with pride and wonder. "Lucerys has done something truly extraordinary here."
Laena nodded, her expression soft and proud. "She has. She's shown us all what it means to lead with both heart and mind."
I reflected on this as we continued our stroll. Lucerys' approach had made a real difference. By empowering the small folk with education, she had given them the tools to better their own lives. This wasn't just charity; it was a sustainable, impactful change that would resonate for generations.
"She's a true dragon," I said, the pride in my voice unmistakable. "Just like her mother."
Laena smiled, a hint of wistfulness in her eyes. "And like her uncle."
I chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist as we walked. Our next stop was the soup kitchens. As we approached, Laena gasped at the sight of the small folk gathered there. They were rough-shaped, dirty, very thin, and tired. Yet, compared to the small folk in King's Landing, who were often more bones than flesh, these people looked healthier. There was a generous amount of fat on their cheeks, and they smiled as they received plates of fish soup and bread from those in charge.
The moment some of the small folk saw us, they approached, causing my guards to tense up. But there was no attack, only gratitude. They praised Laena and me, showering us with words of thanks. It was overwhelming, this outpouring of appreciation. Especially for Laena's family and Lucerys. They spoke of Lucerys with such reverence, comparing her to the Maiden herself.
"Princess Laena, Prince Daemon," one elderly woman said, her voice trembling with emotion, "you've saved us. Your family has given us hope. Princess Lucerys is a blessing from the gods."
Laena's eyes glistened with tears, and she smiled warmly. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "We only wish to help."
I looked around at the faces of the small folk, their eyes filled with gratitude and hope. It was humbling to see the impact our efforts had made. The soup kitchens were not just feeding their bodies but also nourishing their spirits.
One man stepped forward, cradling a small child in his arms. "My daughter was starving," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "But because of Princess Lucerys' kindness, she is healthy again. We owe her everything."
I placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling the weight of his words. "Lucerys has done more than we could have ever imagined," I said, my voice steady but filled with pride. "And we will continue to support all of you."
As we walked through the soup kitchen, Laena and I stopped to speak with many of the small folk, listening to their stories and sharing in their joys and sorrows. It was a poignant reminder of why we fought, why we struggled. It wasn't just for power or glory, but for the people who depended on us.
Laena turned to me, her eyes shining with determination. "We need to do more, Daemon. We can't stop here."
I nodded, feeling a surge of resolve. "We will. We'll make sure Driftmark and the realm continues to prosper, and we'll extend this kindness wherever we can."
The small folk continued to praise Lucerys, calling her a savior, a beacon of hope. Hearing them compare her to the Maiden filled me with a profound sense of pride. Lucerys had shown wisdom and compassion beyond her years, and her efforts were making a tangible difference in people's lives.
As we left the soup kitchen, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden light over Driftmark. Laena slipped her hand into mine, and we walked in silence for a while, each lost in our thoughts. Our final stop was the orphanage, and the moment we arrived, I was struck by how different it was from any place I'd seen where parentless children lived. The orphanage was bursting with color, with drawings on the walls and children playing joyfully in the courtyard. The matron kept a watchful eye on everything, her presence comforting and reassuring.
As we entered, the matron approached us with a warm smile. She was a stout woman with kind eyes, radiating an air of authority mixed with deep compassion. "Prince Daemon, Princess Laena," she greeted us, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "Welcome to our home."
Laena returned the smile, her eyes bright with curiosity. "This place is remarkable. The children seem so happy."
The matron nodded, her pride evident. "We've worked hard to create a nurturing environment. The orphans here have a better chance at life than most in Westeros. They learn their letters and numbers, and we also teach them trades that will be useful in their future."
I was impressed. The older children were already being taken in by the Driftmark Guard, or serving as High Tide servants. Some were apprenticed to smiths, glassmakers, and seamstresses. The matron spoke with pride, and I could see that she truly cared about these children. This wasn't just an act for our benefit.
As we walked through the orphanage, I noticed many drawings in chalk on the walls, depicting Lucerys and her dragon, Ghost. It was clear that Lucerys Velaryon was deeply loved in Driftmark. The children adored her, seeing her as a figure of hope and inspiration.
"Princess Lucerys visits often," the matron said, following my gaze. "She spends time with the children, tells them stories, and encourages them. They look up to her."
Laena's eyes filled with tears of pride. "She's doing so much good," she said softly. "More than we ever imagined."
I felt a swell of pride in my chest. Lucerys had exceeded all our expectations. She was not just a noble by birth but a leader by choice, making a real difference in the lives of these children.
A young girl, no older than seven, ran up to us, holding out a piece of parchment. "Look, I drew this for you!" she said, her eyes wide with excitement.
I took the parchment, seeing a surprisingly well-done drawing of Lucerys and Ghost flying over Driftmark. "This is wonderful," I said, smiling at the girl. "You have real talent."
The girl's face lit up, and she ran back to her friends, proudly showing off our praise. The matron watched her go, a fond smile on her face. "These children are our future," she said. "And thanks to Princess Lucerys, they have hope."
As we left the orphanage, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of fulfillment. The work being done here was extraordinary, and it was all because of Lucerys' vision and determination. She had given these children a chance, and in doing so, she had given Driftmark a brighter future.
Laena and I walked back to High Tide, hand in hand. "She's truly special," Laena said, her voice full of emotion. "We're so lucky to have her."
I nodded, my heart swelling with pride. "Yes, we are. She's remarkable. And if Laenor can do even half as well in King's Landing, the city might finally start to improve."
The thought of King's Landing, with its sprawling slums and desperate small folk, often weighed heavily on my mind. I was known as Lord Fleabottom for a reason; I truly did care about them, no matter how the Hightowers tried to paint me. The plight of the common people had always been close to my heart. Seeing the impact Lucerys had made in Driftmark only fueled my desire to do more.
We reached the steps of High Tide, the setting sun casting long shadows across the courtyard. I paused, looking out over the sea, my mind already turning to the future. "I'm planning on replicating Lucerys' project in the Stepstones," I said, my voice firm with resolve.
Laena looked at me, surprise and admiration in her eyes. "That would be incredible, Daemon. But it won't be easy."
I smiled, feeling the familiar thrill of a challenge. "No, it won't. But I'll make the other lords in the Stepstones follow my lead, or they'll face Caraxes."
The thought of my dragon, fierce and loyal, brought a sense of confidence. The lords of the Stepstones would learn to care for their people or face the consequences. It was time for a change, and I was determined to make it happen.
Laena squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with love and support. "You have a good heart, Daemon. The small folk are lucky to have you."
I looked into her eyes, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for having her by my side. "And I'm lucky to have you, Laena. Together, we'll make a difference."
As night fell over Driftmark, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The legacy we were building wasn't just for us, but for the countless lives we touched. Lucerys had shown us the way, and now it was our turn to carry the torch.
The next morning, I began making plans. I called for my advisors, outlining my vision for the Stepstones. The same principles that had brought success to Driftmark would guide us: education, opportunity, and care for the small folk. I would ensure that the lords understood their duty to their people, and those who resisted would face the might of Caraxes.
In the weeks that followed, Laena and I worked tirelessly. We met with local leaders, gathered resources, and spread the word of our plans. The response was overwhelmingly positive. The small folk were eager for change, ready to embrace a better future.
