A/N: Can anyone see this? Its impossible to tell anymore. I can't work properly with all these these bloody 503 site glitches! They've ruined my inspiration. I had a slew of double update days planned, which cannot happen now.

Now? Between all this crap with the site and the drama with my job, now I just want to curl up in a corner and cry. 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~!

HERE IT COMES. The moment you've all been waiting for. I hope it loves up to your expectations.

References/tribute to 300 ahead alongside a certain Sonic comic...can't remember the name...

"There is a beauty in violence, I find. A simplicity to it all. To simply smash through each and every obstacle in one's way.

You may call me mad if you wish. That's alright. I do not mind. Perhaps I am, to espouse such a philosophy.

But consider this: People are more honest with their swords than they can ever be with their words."

~?

The Black Wedding (Part IV)

Some say a Dothraki wedding without at least three deaths is considered a dull affair.

Then again, in distant Qarth women wear amazing dresses that deliberately expose their breasts.

And in savage Meereen, their barbaric fighting pits are considered wonderful sport and the victors great champions.

But alas, this was no Dothraki wedding and this was neither Qarth nor Mereen; although Viserys sometimes wished it were, if only because life would be so much simpler then. Neither Qarth nor Mereen balked at murder; so long as you possessed wealth and a strong sword arm, it was your right to use both where you pleased, when you pleased, how you pleased.

Dislike someone? Kill them.

Have a bothersome enemy? Lop off their leg.

Problems with one's subjects? Take a few hands as an example.

These days, it was more of a struggle to be a good man than a wicked one.

For all their so-called claims at being "civilized", Westerosi society really was no better than its neighbors. Violence often ran rampant in the Seven Kingdoms, just as much as Essos. They simply made more of an effort to conceal it. Dress it up, make it pretty, hide it away from prying eyes, where none might see, all so they might say they were better.

Rhaenyra's wedding week was no different.

Only three nights ago, they'd thrown Mellos and Cole into the black cells and left them to stew in their misery until they cracked. Hobert Hightower might be joining them tonight if he did something particularly stupid. The lord looked rather surly, as did his wife. Justifiable he supposed. He'd utterly upended any plans the Otto and his brother might've had.

Otto himself hadn't left the chambers of the Hand of the King since he'd stormed out the feast. Oh, he doubtless wished to do so, but he hadn't been allowed. Ser Erryk and Arryk saw to that. Naruto had checked the room for secret passages a fortnight before, found one, and immediately sealed himself. They'd unblock it later when they had a proper, loyal hand installed in Otto's place.

Perhaps Daemon...?

And why not? His brother deserved a reward for his loyalty; what better position than Otto's own? It wasn't as though he would have it much longer.

Father would've approved and Viserys could see the irony of such a lofty station.

Baelon the Brave. Dead of a burst belly. Taken before his time.

The thought soured his smile and appetite alike. He'd thought it an accident at the time, or the gods playing their cruel jokes. Hand of the King for all of five days, then gone before the week was through. It had been so sudden. What else could it be but a tragedy?

Yet now he knew better. Oh, yes. He knew. Father would've been a fine king, far better than any he could be. He could've been Jaehaerys reborn. Even now, years after his death, the realm was lesser for it. It still hurt at times and he found himself dwelling on it now more than ever. No matter, the responsible party would pay for their crimes. Not with gold, not with apologies, but something altogether more primal.

Fire and Blood.

Shaking his head, he forced his focus back to more pleasant matters.

Tomorrow would come the proper Wedding itself -he'd rather surprised the lords and ladies with that- then the tournaments and the tourneys to further celebrate what followed. None of these lords or ladies had been allowed to leave the Red Keep until the wedding was concluded, if only because he knew they would immediately carry the news home to their families. That much was inevitable, he couldn't keep them here indefinitely, but he could forestall the chaos until after Rhaenyra said their vows. He owed her that much as her father. She deserved to have her special day conclude without a fuss-

Warm fingers threaded through his own and a hand tugged at his, gently drawing him back to reality.

He looked up to find Aemma standing beside his chair; mere moments before she leaned in and kissed him full on the lips.

He could smell the wine on her breath as she drew away, a rich fragrance that warmed his blood nearly as much as the kiss itself.

"You've been sat up here all night," she crooned. "Dance with me."

A dance? Now that sounded like a lovely idea.

She looked downright radiant tonight.

Almost glowing, really.

Wait...was she...?

Viserys paused, mind whirling. His Queen, his wife, the love of his life. Could she truly be with child? It was entirely possible, he supposed. They'd hardly been celibate and it had been more than a year since little Visenya was born. He didn't dare say anything for fear of spooking her. She'd been terrified during her last pregnancy. Still, Naruto was an accomplished healer; surely she'd be alright.

Oh gods. What if she was carrying a son? That might complicate things.

He simply must ask Naruto to check later.

Worry gnawed at his old heart...!

"My love...?" Aemma must've seen his face, for her own furrowed in abject concern. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost?"

"Its nothing." he waved her concerns away with a breezy smile and drew. "Just a trifle. Go on. Enjoy yourself. I'll join you shortly."

Aemma did as he asked and descended the steps, but he suspected she'd question him later.

Viserys knew he would fold; he'd never been able to keep secrets from his wife.

Below the high table, the festivities ignited anew with a merry cheer; he watched Naruto finish dancing with the enigmatic Aliandra Martell before returning to dance with his daughters -Alicent may as well be one in all but blood now thanks to Rhaenyra- and couldn't help but feel a twinge of sorrow for the boy's plight. He was placing a great deal upon his shoulders, his, and Rhaenyra's. They were well past the point of no return now; there could be no undoing this, no turning back.

The realm would fight what was to come. Tooth and nail and claw. History might well look back upon this day and declare them no better than the barbarians of the east.

So be it. Viserys did not fear death; rather, he feared the legacy be would leave behind.

"Have I been a good king?" That question haunted him.

Many would say yes.

He had held the realm together after the death of Jaehaerys, seen the Stepstones conquered for all time. He had a dragon once more, the fire within stoked to new heights. His line was secure, with two daughters and a grandson well on the way. Naruto and Rhaenyra would prove fine parents to him, whatever his name, and be better than he had been.

No point in delaying, then. Any longer than this and "he" might well find a way to weasel out of things. Such would be unacceptable.

He beckoned to the Lord Commander, who in turn approached him at a brisk pace.

"Ser Harrold." his words drew nod from the man. "With me."

The Kingsguard stood at attention. "Its time, then?"

"Aye."

Donning his crown once more, Viserys rose from the table.

There would be no more delays.

It was time.

(.0.0.0.)

Ottto Hightower burned his papers in the hearth.

What other choice did he have?

Burn them all.

His plans were a ruin, his schemes in disarray, his plots poisoned. Mellos missing, Cole captured, Gwayne gone to his cups, all while he found himself sealed in his quarters. He hadn't been, not at first, but perhaps he had taken that for granted; he hadn't thought Viserys would overreach himself like this. By the time he realized he'd tarried too long, it was too late and he found himself caught like a mouse in a trap.

Time got funny when you were imprisoned, even in your own chambers. With naught but the dimmest of light to see by, he no longer had any idea how long it been. Hours? Days?

Rgardless, any and all correspondence he might yet have linking him to the Conspiracy needed to be stamped out forthwith, and this was the last of it. After all, they could hardly have him for trial if there was no proof now, was there? Unless, of course, someone had already seen the papers. Made copies of them. He wouldn't put it past that blond boy.

Wretched whiskered warrior...!

His time would come.

Theirs would, too.

He still had a chance, he could still make this right, he could-

Without warning, the door opened behind Otto. He spun to face it with all the dignity befitting his station.

.

..

...in hindsight, he expected many things.

One of his children come to plead with him perhaps.

Mayhaps a Kingsguard come to take him to trial before the masses.

He didn't expect the Viserys himself to enter, Blackfyre at his hip, one hand resting upon the hilt of his sword, gloved fingers curled into a tight fist.

Oh, dear.

"Your grace." he bowed his head and immediately went on the attack before the king could. "This is entirely unnecessary. I have ever been on your side-

"Five days."

Otto blinked, briefly befuddled. "I'm sorry, your grace?

"Though it was some time ago," Viserys circled around him slowly, pausing just before the hearth. "Though the details remain, they fade in memory." he stared into the flickering fire for a moment, noted the charred paper within briefly, only to abruptly look back his way. "My father was a hale and healthy warrior, a dragonrider, in the very peak of his abilities. Jaehaerys named a great royal hunt to celebrate him being named Hand of the King. Do you remember?"

Oh, yes. remembered that day well.

"Five days later," Viserys continued apropos of nothing, "My father lay dead." With but a bitter chuckle, he shook his head. "Tourneys last longer. Baelon the Brave, rider of Vhagar, heir to the Iron Throne, dead of a burst belly. The gods have a dark wit, don't they?"

Otto fought gown a grimace; he must choose his words carefully, and so he did. "It was a grim day. I recall it all too well."

"But it was a good day for you, wasn't it?" Something in the king's voice instantly set him on edge. "My grandfather named you Hand in Baelon's stead.

Ice ran through his veins.

He knew. Somehow, someway, he knew.

It took a substantial effort to keep his voice level.

"That's hardly how I viewed it, your grace." Lie, lie, LIE to survive! "It was a duty. A burden, one I only accepted with great reluctance."

The King chuckled and stepped toward him. "You served my grandsire nobly, in his final days." Still closer, he came. "You are the man that taught me how to be king." Just when Otto thought he might run him through, he sighed and looked away from him. "Just five days. You went from being another man in Jaehaerys' court, to the second most powerful man in the realm. I wonder...

When he looked back to him, there was a fire in his eyes, one that bespoke of ill intent.

...how long did it take you to choose yourself over your King?"

Deny, deny, deny! "Your Grace...?

"Poisoning my father wasn't enough, no, you knew I would never recover from Aemma's death yet you tried to kill her anyway." there it was the accusation in the open air on the breath of a snarl. "But it wouldn't do for her to die suddenly now, would it? No. It had to be slow. Subtle. Just enough to weaken her and the babe before birth. If not for my friend, I daresay you would've succeeded. And Alicent afteward...that was a calculated distraction on your part. Do you only know realize how poorly calculated it was?"

Don't acknowledge the truth in any way. "That is an absurdity. I would never-

"Wouldn't you?!" A fist seized him by the collar and in an instant, that amiable facade vanished, revealing the dragon beneath as he shouted at him, "You would do whatever suited you, so long as it gained you power and influence! You claim to serve the realm, but your "interest"s no longer align with those of the Realm! Your judgement has been compromised! You have betrayed me!"

"That boy betrayed you first."

Viserys scoffed. "And now you seek to pour yet more of your poison in my ear!"

No, here at last, he spoke the truth. "He will not stop at your daughter; he will seek your crown, your throne, everything that you have."

A pale brow rose. "Just as you would, given the chance?"

He bridled. "Everything I do is for the good of-

"Of your house!" came the rebuke.

"Of the realm!" Otto recoiled, stung. Did he not see the danger? He acted for the good of the realm. "A loyal hand must tell his king a discomfiting truth from time to time your grace, if he doesn't, he's failed as a servant."

"You were a faithful servant, Otto." With his free hand, the King reached out and plucked the Hand's pin from his chest. "The Crown and the Realm both owe you a debt that can never be repaid." Nine words followed, and they sealed his fate. "But I can no longer trust your judgement."

He blew out a sigh. "I suggest you choose your next words carefully. They may be your last as king."

Viserys shoved him back. "And now you mean to threaten me?"

Did he dare play his hand? What else could he do?

"Not a threat, your grace." he said. "Merely a warning. Events have been set into motion as a result of your actions, and they bring dire consequences.

Viserys turned away with a sigh. "What kind of consequences?"

"The sort that shall lead to the destruction of your house."

He looked his way. "What would you have me do?"

Otto took it as a sign. Finally, he saw sense! "There is still time. Retract what you said about the wedding, wed Rhaenyra to my son, and have Naruto killed. It matters now how. Do this, and we might yet stay the coming storm-

Blackfyre flew free from its sheathe with impossible speed to tickle Otto's throat. Valyrian steel drove him back one pace, then two, three now, sending him stumbling towards the hearth in his haste to avoid having his neck cut open. Otto glanced over his shoulder at the fire with a grimace. Even now he could feel the angry embers crackle against his back, fiery and fierce, stoked to blazing by all the papers he'd so hastily burned. A single shove -or a stab- would cast him into its embrace. He would burn.

Otto raised both hands, showing himself unarmed. "You wouldn't dare! My death would start a war!"

"You seek to sow chaos in my city." Viserys bared his teeth, every word a snarl as he forced him closer still. "You killed my father. You sought the life of my queen. You threaten my family with destruction and death unless I do as you bid. I've chosen my words carefully, Otto. Perhaps you should've done the same."

"This is blasphemy! This is madness!"

"Madness?" his lips quirked in a smirk. "I wish it were. No, this is...

...the end." A new voice chimed as the door opened. "For you, at least."

It was him. Of course it was.

Naruto.

"You don't seem to understand." the young man's face was cold as he sealed the door behind him, blue eyes darker than the deepest sea. "This world, that throne, they aren't yours to conquer. They never have been."

"Whose, then? Yours?" his lip curled in an ugly sneer. "Foolish, puerile pup of a boy, feckless and unreasonable!"

Viserys forced him close to the fire; a single shove would cast him into the flames, now."

"Go ahead," Naruto hummed. "Keep digging that hole. Shall I hand you a shovel?"

Otto snarled at him. "Do you think removing me will lead to peace?" he scoffed, his derision clear. He chuckled then, a low and bitter rasp that once set his foes running for the hills. "Is that what you think?"

Neither Naruto nor Viserys budged.

He had them. He knew he did. He held all the cards. And yet. Why did he have the feeling he'd misstepped?

"Kill me, and you will have no way of knowing what is to come. I demand a trial by-

Viserys spoke over him. "There were will be no trial."

A haunted look flashed across Otto's face. "Kill me, and Alicent will never forgive you."

Naruto surprised him.

Or rather, his sudden snicker did.

"You've REALLY done it now...!" he chuckled, then began to laugh. "You idiot!"

Now it was Otto's turn to shiver. "What could you possibly find so amusing about this?"

"Look at you." Naruto gestured around them. "Look at the sad state you're in right now. "Look around you. Do you honestly think Alicent would approve of any of this?" his head tilted, further driving the point home. "Of what you've done? What you're doing even now? No...she would hate it. She would hate you. If she saw the state of you right now...

Still smiling ever so sweetly, he leaned in to whisper the last words he would ever hear. "...She would wish you dead. We're here to grant that wish."

Otto panicked and slapped his hand against Blackfyre, bloodying his hand as he forced it away from his throat.

Viserys moved before he could ever hope to do anything else.

Valyrian steel pierced his stomach deep, causing him to stagger with a choked sound

Naruto's blade followed soon thereafter with cold surety.

A blade in his belly, and another lodged in his chest.

It was too much. Pain consumed Otto. Agony...

Darkness swept in.

A/N: Ah, but did he die? Or must his punishment be more...severe?

I'll leave that to you, the readers. Do let me know!

Aaaand scene~!

Once again, A/N: Can anyone see this? Its impossible to tell anymore. I can't work properly with all these these bloody 503 site glitches! They've ruined my inspiration. I had a slew of double update days planned, which cannot happen now.

Writing this wedding really is daunting; there's so many moving parts! Everything has to just right, or the whole thing comes flying apart. We had to split the wedding up into parts because A LOT is about to happen. See you soon, weather and health 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!)

They looked lovely in their dresses.

"Oh, wow. "Naruto felt his throat go dry.

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.

~Nz.