A/N: EDIT: So much for feedback, blasted site errors are making new chapters almost impossible to see... T_T

That said, how's everyone holding up with the aftermath of the hurricane? It was pretty rough.

The delay for this drove me crazy, it was one thing after another, and then the site broke yesterday, which complicated matters further, I didn't want to risk this chapter, thus I was forced to wait until today.

Still, here I am. Looking forward to your feedback!

I wish this chapter could be longer, but I'm not well; as stated in the last chapter, the "Black Wedding" has been split into multiple parts. Because there's a lot going on here. Want another early update? A change in rotation? By all means, let me know in the comments! Every bit really helps lift my spirits and inspire me in these crazy times...

Many thanks once again to newboy (a reviewer) for offering up a font of idea to use in the reviews. They all sound wonderful, and I'll be sure to use them! You rock!

I really, truly, want each chapter of this story to feel like an actual House of the Dragon episode on all fronts. Hopefully I succeeded.

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 determine the update speed of this story. Simple as that. In other words...its up to YOU, the reader. Do let me know~!

For those having trouble imagining Qoren Martell's face, just think of the infamous Oberyn Martell, as played by Pedro Pascal back in the show.

Now take his attitude, his sass, his everything, and crank it up to ten. Have it in your mind, now? Good.

Here we are. This chapter goes right for the feels. Away we go~!

"And what happens when those knives come out?

We do what, sit back, drink, and say nothing?"

On the contrary. We wade into the fray."

~?

The Black Wedding (Part II)

He was late.

Terribly, horridly late.

No time to say hello nor goodbye, he was late, late, late!

...there was joke to be had there, somewhere, but Grand Maester Mellos hadn't the wherewithal to make it. Indeed, no matter how fast he moved, nor how quickly he ran, it couldn't change the fact that he'd failed to arrive at the appointed time.

Hastening down the hall of the Red Keep, the aged man could hear the sounds of Rhaenyra's so-called wedding reverberating through the walls; the castle was practically heaving with the royal family's revels, all else forgotten here in this singular moment of celebration.

As such, much of the grounds had been left to fend for itself, placed in the hands of a few lesser lords and trusted servants. Having only just returned from Old Town within the hour, none dared to question his presence, the weathered parchment clutched tight in his right hand, nor the reason for his haste.

Even so, he couldn't quite conceal his anxiety on this night of nights. Had he arrived earlier this morning, none of this subterfuge would've been necessary; he could've gone about as he pleased, and there would be no such need for haste. Now the shadows seemed almost alive in the moonlight, writhing under the watchful gaze of a few well-placed torches, as though they might reach out and drag him into their depths when he wasn't looking. Likewise, he couldn't quite shake the feeling of being observed himself. As though there were unseen eyes upon him, assessing him, gauging him, weighing him for any sign of weakness.

Shaking his head, he hurried on, hastening to his destination. He utterly despised weakness, especially in his old age; it was merely another sign of his failures.

And they were many these days; so very many.

Beyond counting really.

All because of that boy. That boy, that boy, that blasted bloody boy! Proud, preening prankster! Wretched whiskered warrior! Wherever he walked, chaos followed in his wake. His presence upended schemes centuries in the making, his deeds threw the grand game askew, and his actions...the less said about those, the better!

For that alone, Mellos would never forgive him for what he'd done so long as he lived.

Even his absence from the Red Keep -however brief it might've been- had only served to further solidify the Grand Maester's innate hatred of him.

Because you see, he'd ruined everything.

House Hightower and the Maesters had long been hand in hand with one another since the days of Maegor the Cruel; their goals aligned in bringing down the Targaryen dynasty; his order's current alliance with the Hand of the King was merely a continuation of such. These so-called dragons were not so mighty as they thought themselves; their kind were easily betrayed, easily led, and easily manipulated.

Their plan had been simple, beautiful even, in its simplicity. The death of Aemon had been an arranged incident, the death of Baelon, necessary. Both would've been strong kings. Too strong to control, so they had to, but it must look like an accident, or a tragedy.

By contrast, Viserys was weak. Easily swayed, and unwilling to act rashly. His brother, Daemon, would have to die of course, but here was a king they could control. Lady Aemma and the princess would naturally need to be...removed in time, while Alicent would be encouraged to comfort the king in his time of need. One thing would lead to another, and soon enough the Hightowers would sit the throne through royal blood.

It was a fine plan. His plan! It should have worked, would've worked, before that blond braggart mucked it all up.

This could not stand. It must not stand.

He would not allow it to stand.

Thanks to that foolish pup and his meddling, the Targaryens remained ascendant; the Dragons were recovering, their food closely monitored and tested before every meal. Worse, their agent among the Dragonkeepers had mysteriously vanished overnight, gone with the wind. Mellos didn't doubt for a moment that the man had met a most unfortunate end. Otto had all but implied as much in his last correspondence, urging him to return from Oldtown as soon as possible with what they needed.

And he had meant to! Really, he had! It wasn't his fault!

But there had been delays!

So very many of them!

A broken wagon wheel had led to one delay. Then bandits attacked, killing the horse carrying the carriage, forcing them to double back and acquire both a new steed and more guards, adding days to the journey. After that came poor weather, terrible storms which forced them to take shelter in a cave...which was in turn inhabited by a rather large bear. He'd lost three of his guards to the beast and the fourth soon perished due to his wounds, forcing them to leave the poor fellow behind.

He'd thought them finally free and clear by then, only for him to come down with an illness, which in turn hampered their progress yet further as he was forced to seek treatment.

What should've been a simple and expeditious journey ended up taking them the better part of a month.

It was though the Gods themselves frowned upon the venture.

Mellos, despite what he professed in public, did not believe in the Gods. Superstitious nonsense the lot of it. He disdained the very concept. No, he was a man of scienece and this world ran on reality, not faith, not magic, and certainly not snarks and grumpkins!

How wrong he was.

In the end, despite disaster after disaster, misfortune heaped upon misfortune, he'd still made it home. The Targaryens and their pet monster might think they had the upper hand, and perhaps they did...for now. But there was still time. They still had a chance. An opportunity to turn things around .He must hurry-

Someone stumbled out of a side corridor and into his path, colliding with him; the impact of which sent him stumbling.

"Sorry about that, my good fellow!" the interloper muttered. "One too many drinks." A man with pale hair slung an arm around his shoulder and drew him close, clutching a green-glass bottle in one hand. "Fine evening for a drink, isn't it?" For a drunk, he spoke most eloquently. "Headed to the party, are we?"

Mellos froze. For a moment, in the dim light, he looked like the king. But no, the nose was wrong, and the eyes were darker.

"Get off me, you lout!" He shoved him aside. "Leave me be!"

A smile was his just reward. "Fraid I can't do that."

Without warning, the so-called drunk whistled sharply. At his call, something swept out of the shadows behind Mellos and struck his back, breaking his spine. He toppled forward bonelessly, dashing his head against the cold flagstones of the floor.

A newcomer loomed large over him, warhammer in hand. "The King sends his regards."

They knew. The plot had been uncovered. All their schemes come undone.

Dread dawned and he tried to speak, but he was so very weak...

In short order his hands were bound, his Maester's chain ripped away and cast into a dark corner. Someone swept a heavy cloth sack over his head. He knew where they were taking him. The Black Cells. He would never see the light of day again, though he struggled against his captors in vain. The Hightowers must be warned! They must-

A mighty blow thundered into the side of his head.

"Sleep tight, old man...

Darkness swept in.


(.0.0.0.)


Tonight felt like a fairytale.

If it was, Alicent supposed she and Rhaenyra stood at the center of it.

Everyone was left in disarray by her display, from the Velaryons, to the Lannisters, even the Dornish seemed surprised, but it was ultimately the Hightowers who were most affected. Uncle Hobert had fainted dead away once the news broke, distressing his lady wife greatly, while Father had long since fled back to his chambers, leaving the rest of the family in utter dissarray.

Brother...well, she could feel him glaring daggers at her, even from here. He was likely cross with her. Most certainly, even.

The latter admittedly distressed her somewhat, but she knew neither Gwayne nor Otto would be allowed to leave the Red Keep tonight. She'd asked Naruto about it, to which he'd laughed, kissed her forehead, and told her not to worry. More than that, she did not wish to know. Whether her father lived or died tonight, or whether he was cast into one of the black cells for the rest of his days...no. She would not dwell on this tonight. Dwelling on the past would only drag her down out of the clouds and into the mud and she refused to go back tot hat.

Not when she had so much to live for.

A small part of her still feared this was some sort of waking dream; that she would awaken and find herself alone. But no, it wasn't. To pretend otherwise was folly. Whatever her fears, she'd come to accept them. All eyes would be on her and Rhaenyra tonight-she had no doubt that there would be repercussions-and the Faith may well revolt once they learned of this. But it was too late. One could not catch the wind; one could not hold back an avalanche, anymore than one could walk through fire. Well, Naruto could do those things, but he was the exception.

What had Viserys said? Seven days of feasting and tournaments? It promised to be an interesting week.

She settled in, content to enjoy this brief moment of peace for what it was.

At the head of the table, the King called for the first dance.


(.0.0.0.)


Chaos had seized the court.

Fine by him; let chaos take the world for all he cared.

So long as those he cared for were safe, nothing else mattered.

In truth, Naruto secretly reveled in it; basking in the glares, the glowers and growls, all leveled his way. It reminded him of the old days. Back when he was just a boy in the village; the only one brave enough to paint the Four Faces in bold daylight and laugh as the world gave chase. He'd outrun his pursuers that day with ease, giggling all the while.

This went well beyond mere graffiti, didn't it?

He'd essentially thrown down a gauntlet before everyone in this room, daring them to pick it up. Thus far, no one had. All these so-called lords and ladies yearned to tear him apart -some might even make an attempt- but none could. Those that thought Rhaenyra and Alicent softer targets had already learned their lesson the hard way. Any attempt to feel out their intentions had ended with sharp scowls and sharper words. Rhaenyra looked fit to knife one lord who dared suggest she "cease this farce and see sense", and Alicent had all but verbally torn him apart.

Such was life; people didn't like change; they often fought it tooth and nail; there would be protest of course, and he knew this would stir trouble later, but for now, there was nothing they could do.

Let the storm come, let the waves lash at the shore, he was the rock and he would stand strong.

Someone tapped his shoulder and he turned, mildly bemused to find Hugh standing there.

Poor, poor Hugh. He really didn't look all that comfortable in that black doublet or those dark trousers...

"Did you greet our guest?" he asked.

"We did, m'lord." Ulf stepped out beside him, utterly at his ease by contrast. Then again, that might have something to do with all the wine he'd been drinking. "He was right where you said he'd be."

Of course he was. Doddering old coot was easy to sense and he'd not nearly enough ale to muddle his senses. It would take much more than this to impair him, let alone Kurama.

"Hasn't stopped you from drinking thus far...

'Hush, you!'

Ah, but Hugh was squinting at him and he must attend. "How'd you know where he'd be?"

Ulf chuckled. "Magic, I reckon."

"Sure," Naruto shrugged a shoulder. "Lets leave it at that. And the other matter?"

Ulf preened like a peacock. "His maesterliness tripped and fell all the way down to the black cells. Even lost his chain and keys. Proper pity it is...

Hugh heaved a sigh. "Maesterliness isn't a word, Ulf.

His fellow bastard ribbed him with an elbow. "Shut it, you, lemme have m'fun...

Naruto chuckled a little despite himself. Ulf was easy enough to understand; the man was a bit of a coward at heart, but ply him with food and drink and he'd be your best friend inside of an hour. He'd promised Ulf an easy life, possibly even a wife someday. All he had to do was as he asked, when he asked, how he asked it. Nothing simpler.

If by chance, Ulf the White ever thought to turn his cloak...it wouldn't end well. He would know the instant he did. No one would ever find his corpse.

Wield an iron fist, but cover it with a velvet glove. Speak softly, but carry a big stick. Offer a carrot, but prepare the sword.

Such was the way of Westeros, he'd learned.

Hugh leaned over to whisper in his ear. "Begging your pardon, your lordship, but you look proper pleased with yourself.."

Ulf chuckled hoarsely and took a other long drink before chipping in with a dig of his own. "Ain't that the truth?"

Naruto thumped him over the head, but lightly, if only because he spoke the truth.

Well, that much was true.

Viserys raised his goblet with a gregarious grin. "Let us have the first dance!"

Naruto lifted his chin just in time to see Criston Cole slip from the room.

Finally. He thought the man would never move his arse.

That was their cue, then. Smiling, he stood.

Let the games begin.


(.0.0.0.)


Ser Gwayne Hightower took a deep breath and a drink to fortify himself besides.

Steeling his face, he rose from the table.

Then he stalked toward his sister.


(.0.0.0.)


Long had he waited for this moment, this day, this instance.

Ser Criston steadied his heart and doubled back.

Sweet oblivion awaited him at long last.

Finally, he would be free.

One way or another.


(.0.0.0.)


Rhaenyra smiled and lifted her hand. "Shall we?"

Naruto took her palm, leading her forth.

So it began.


(.0.0.0.)


Naruto had never been a terribly good dancer.

There was certainly something to be said for the dances of Westeros; in that they were radically different from those of the Elemental Nations. Perhaps it was the culture. Maybe it was the tradition. Perhaps the Targaryens simply had different taste in the finer arts, tastes they'd neglected to share with the rest of the Seven Kingdoms.

Regardless, he found himself out of his depth here.

Aemma had done her best to drill the steps into him -What could he say, Rhaenyra's mum was good people- but actually dancing before the eyes of a great many people left him ill at ease. He could sense their intent, and not all of it was kind. It didn't do wonders for one's focus.

Rhaenyra went first, taking him by the hand, as they swayed, stepped, swayed again.

Theirs was something of a strange dance, all slow steps and waving arms as they circled one another, like two dragons eyeing each other up, an invisible tug of war between them.

She hummed as he led her through the steps. "I was never much of a dancer."

Naruto fought down a chuckle, spinning her easily. "Its not all that different to combat."

"Hmm." one hand swept across his stomach in passing. "I shall hope for a different outcome, then."

Finally they bowed out, to great applause. The rest of the crowd closed in and the drums beat anew, heralding a different sort of dance...

From there, the night began to blur as he passed from one partner to another. Alicent demanded a dance from him, looking terribly cross for reasons he didn't understand and he couldn't bear to deny her. He swept her up into a merry jig from the Elemental Nations that actually made her laugh, a dance more than a few tried and failed to emulate as they parted aways.

The Queen danced quite well, he found. Aemma was a born dancer, as she soon showed him a few steps of her own, much to his amusement.

Abruptly their partners switched in the press of people and, quite suddenly, he found himself face to face with a Dornishman.

"Ser Naruto." The man smirked at him as they bowed fkr one another. "We meet at last."

He frowned at him. "You must be Qoren Martell."

The Prince of Dorne granted him a chuckle. "You know me."

"I know your ships," he countered, falling into the courtly banter Aemma had drilled into him as they danced at arms length, palm's apart. "They burned most brightly when our dragons set them alight."

"Our dragons already, is it?"

Cannibal would've snapped this man up in a single bite. Give him a battle with dragons any day.

Qoren was still speaking, and he forced himself to listen. "You are a very lucky man. To not only wed a Targaryen princess, but the Hand of the King's own daughter? You must have a deathwish. Small wonder my daughter profressed such an interest in you."

Naruto felt himself flush fiercely.

No, no. He was quite content. To reach for anything more would be more than unwise, it would be greedy. And sure, maybe he was sometimes, maybe he had allowed himself to be talked into wedding Alicent beside Rhaenyra, but he wasn't stupid.

The Martell laughed at him. "So suspicious. Had i meant you any harm, I would've poisoned your wine.

He scoffed, remembering his experience with poisions.." You might be disappointed, there."

"Your wives, then. They are not nearly so invulnerable."

"...!"

His grip on the man's arm became a crushing one and a rare flicker of pain flashed across the prince's face. "Peace, Uzumaki. I mean you no harm. But I cannot speak of those who might come after me. You would do well to tread carefully, lest you find a viper in the grass. Or," he paused, considering, "You could give us the Steptsones. Perhaps that would be enough to mollify them."

After all the trouble they'd gone through to claim and settle them? "Not. Happening."

"You are stubborn. Good." His rival grinned. "I would think less of you otherwise. Allow me to give you a warning then, from one man who loves his family to another. The Hightowers presented us with an offer. Aliandra and I were not interested. As I said earlier, I would sooner sleep with scorpions. But other houses were not so disinclined.

Naruto felt his brow furrow just so. "And who are these others?"

"I could tell you. But I would need certain assurances."

"Such as?"

Qoren surprised him with a chuckle. "They hate you, you do realize that, no? All that you are, all that you will ever be. The Vale chief among them-

A sudden commotion near the entrance drew his attention.

He heard raised voices, angry shouts and accusations.

Naruto's sixth sense bridled, sensing danger-

And then someone screamed.

He'd been waiting for it; he caught a glimpse of the white cloak and silver armor, then the man wearing both, and blew out a sigh.

"Idiot...

Ser Criston wrenched Rhaenyra away from her latest dancer -Daemon!- yanked her part by the wrist and slashed down at the princess, carving her from hip to sternum.

Not a moment later, the princess exploded in a plume of smoke and fire, blasting him backward. Caught unawares, the traitorous Kingsguard stumbled onto the backfoot, warding one hand before his face. Perhaps had he his wits about him, he might've had the time to raise his sword or seek another target.

Alas, he did not, could not, for a hush fell over the hall.

Qoren rumbled a laugh. "Clever of you."

Clever? He hadn't seen clever yet.

Rhaenyra, the real Rhaenyra, stepped out of the crowd in a rush of dark silk, swept low, and drove a dagger into Cole's left thigh. Her former protector buckled with a scream and came crashing down to one knee, lashing out like a wild animal as he went, but she was already gone, melting away to the safety of the guards.

Even as she did, Daemon waded past his niece and dealt him a mighty right hook, sending the craven reeling.

Men and women drew back one and all, leaving the startled, stumbling Kingsguard alone.

Vulnerable.

More than that, visible.

The outcome was never in question.

Viserys burst to his feet, red with rage. "Seize that man!"

Naruto hummed happily. Sweeter words had never been spoken in all his life.

He lunged forward, crashing down upon Ser Criston Cole like the fist of an angry god.

A/N: Plots upon plots! We'll rewind a little to explain what just happened, then the feast continues!

We had to split the wedding up into parts because A LOT is about to happen. See you soon, weather and help permitting!

The upcoming chapters promise to be wild, but I need tiiiiime to write them. Be assured, those scenes will be well worth it. Thanks for being patient!

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 i appreciate you all! All these reviews really keep me inspired! Looking forward to hearing from you~! I should be able to update 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. Feedback makes the world go round!

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.

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!)

Let the feast continue!


Do you take the princess Rhaenyra and the lady Alicent to marry...?"


PUSH!"

The cry of a newborn filled the air.

A moment of silence followed. And then: "It's a boy, your grace!"


A sword is more than a weapon. Stick 'em with the pointy end they say. Ha! When you make a sword, the first priority is to make it purposeful and well-balanced. But a sword is also an object of power and has to express this power in its design...

...and this sword...

..is my gift...

...to you.


The white worm wishes a a word with you, my lord."

Naruto's brow shot into his hair.

"Who?"

"Daemon's lover.

"Ahhhh...


"If you fail to plan you plan to fail. This world is cold and cruel, and there are a few in it, who are steadfast. You, I think, are steadfast.


Visenya whooped, leaned back in the saddle, and flung up her arms. "Dracarys~!"

Bayle answered in a rush of crackling fire. The girl grinned.

Riding on dragonback was the best!


"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. Where's your brother hiding-

Someone leaped onto his back.

"Aha! There you are!"


"It turned out there was more than one person worth saving. So that's what I did, I saved her. Then I protected her. That's why people like you and I are here, son. We have a job to do."

EDIT: Hope you enjoyed! Have a great day!

Warm regards,

~Nz.