Chapter 7: Man of his Word

There was a sense of tension in the air when Aerion got back to Driftmark, Vassarion was certainly cautious of other dragons which were now flying around Velaryon's home.

When Aerion landed near the Driftmark gate and jumped from Vassarion's back another dragon landed nearby and soon after Aerion heard a voice he recognized from the last time he heard it. "Prince Aerion Varezys! It seems you finally showed up, we all have been wondering where you have disappeared with your dragon, it is good to see you didn't bail out of the negotiation you yourself requested."

Prince of the Step Stones smirked at the words which sounded like a masked challenge and turned to its source. "Prince Aemon Targaryen, I wouldn't even dream of missing it. I simply couldn't resist the urge to take flight on this splendid day, something you didn't manage to resist either….." Then Aerion paused as Prince Aemon wasn't alone, with him was a black haired girl, no more than ten years old, wearing attire of red and black colours of house Targayren.

Aemon frowned and nodded. "Well I suppose you are right, though my ride to the sky was compelled by insistent begging from this culprit here, let me introduce you. Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, my daughter. Rhaenys is Aerion Varezys, Prince of Stepstones."

The girl, despite her young age confidentially curtsied like a proper lady. "Pleasure to meet you, Prince Aerion."

After a brief moment Aerion bowed slightly in response. "Likewise Princess, I take it you like flying with your father."

"Yes, of course. There is nothing like it!" Rhaenys answered enthusiastically. "I can't wait to claim a dragon and to fly on my own one day, though I still don't know when I will be able to do so…"

Aemon laid a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "Soon enough, my dear, but enough of that, you got your ride, now it's time to go back. I am certain Prince Aerion here is also in a hurry to prepare for tonight's feast."

"But kepa, I wanted to ask if I could pet that beautiful dragon…."

"Rhaenys….. it is not befitting of a Princess to ask for such a thing."

Before, conversation between father and daughter could deteriorate into something worse. A slightly amused Aerion raised hand and decided to defuse the situation. "It's quite alright Prince Aemon, if your daughter wishes to pet Vassarion she can, provided of course she has the courage to do so."

Rhaenys's eyes lightened up with the excitement and she turned with them to her father, who was still unsure. "I don't know, not all dragons appreciate that kind attention. Prince Aerion can you guarantee that it would be safe for my daughter to approach your dragon?"

Instead of answering right away Aerion placed his hand on Vassarion's neck and rubbed it. "He might be called a monster by some, but you must know as a dragon rider yourself that there is more to the dragons than meets the eye. Yes some might be dangerous but Vassarion here is not a monster and he certainly wouldn't harm a girl with Valyrian blood who just wants to meet him."

"Very well I will take your word for it." Aemon nodded to his daughter and went with her to the purple dragon who lowered his head curiously to Princess Rhaenys all the while Caraxes behind Aemon held his gaze fixated on the larger dragon, ready to attack if a need occurred.

However there was nothing to be worried about as Vassarion sniffed Rhaenys and allowed her to reach with her hand and rubbed Vassarion on the right side of his head with the bright smile on her face.

Aemon, though not as fascinated as her daughter, still couldn't help but to wonder about Vassarion's colouration, now that he saw it up close. "I have never seen a dragon which would possess a purple colour, my family never ever have any dragon of such coloration on Dragonstone, I think."

Aerion knowing where Prince of Dragonstone came from just nodded in confirmation. "Understandable, it's a rare colour for a dragon to have. Especially when you consider a wide range of colours dragons can come with. Even so, in the past a few of the families of Old Valyria had a purple dragon at their disposal from time to time."

Aemon raised his eyebrow and turned to Aerion. "I see…. and I suppose that house Varezys was included in those few?"

"Indeed." Aerion answered with a hint of pride in his voice. "Still in the end it didn't matter what colour your bonded dragon was, rather that you were bonded with the dragon. Something which matters to this day, wouldn't you say? Prince Aemon?"

"Quite so, anyway I think we were holding you off long enough. And it's time for us to go." Aemon said when he saw Rhaenys withdrawing her hand. "See you ate the feast, Prince Aerion."

"Yes see you and thank you for letting me pet your dragon." With that they both bowed slightly and left in the direction of the Driftmark main gate. Caraxes seeing his rider leaving the scene, hissed and took into the sky to fly somewhere.

Aerion folded his arms and frowned. "So, it would seem that there is some sort of regulation going on in the Targaryen family as to who gets to bond with dragons and when, how strange. I wonder if that is in place because of King Jaehearys or it is an idea of someone else."

"Does it matter? You saw her happy expression when she interacted with me, she is eager to bond with a dragon of her own, they should just let her do that."

"Oh, I am certain that Princess would agree with that statement wholeheartedly. In fact, to hazard a guess I would say she will find herself a dragon soon. As she strikes me as a type who will go after what she wants."

"She would be lake Larissa in that regard wouldn't she?"

Aerion let out a sigh. "Spot on. Anyway, duty calls. I will leave you for now, try not to cause some incident with the Targaryen dragons."

Vassarion growled in indignation. "Like I would even bother to pay them any mind, I will go and find Elenixes, she is family at least."

"As you say." Aerion gave Vassarion one last pat on the neck and walked away in the direction of Driftmark.

As soon as he entered the main gate, Aerion was met by Talaegar accompanied by the members of the Dragon Guard. The Prince of the Stepstones just shook his head and smirked when he saw his cousin's unhappy expression. "Common, you are going to disturb everyone if you look at them like that."

"Not funny, Aerion. In case you haven't noticed, the one you are going to negotiate with tomorrow arrived and you didn't even bother to be here…. And I had to make an excuse for it."

"Well, I hope it was a good one and it all went well. After all, making sure everything was alright, was the reason I took you with me, no?"

Talaegar, though still unamused, gave up. "I suppose, still I wish you took Alearys instead of me. She was born to this courtly shit, unlike me."

Aerion shrugged and gestured to his cousin to follow him as they began to walk across the courtyard with their guards in tow. "As I told you, it's dangerous for the woman in her stage of pregnancy to travel, it was why she stayed on Bloodstone."

"Yes, yes I got it, still you could have taken someone else in her stead, perhaps you could even ask my father. I am sure he would be delighted to be here."

Aerion gritted his teeth at the mention of his uncle, Lucaeron Rahareon. The men who tried to push for regency when Aerion's parents died. He didn't succeed and wasn't welcomed at Aerion's council ever since. Luckily his influence and ambitions didn't rub off on his children and hence Alearys, Talaegar and Vaelyx Rahareon became trustful members of Aerion's inner circle.

"Hmm, probably, I imagine he is rather bored on his island, well, not that it is not his own doing and before you suggest I let him back into council, no. I neither forgot what he tried to do, nor did I forgive him."

"Also, I hope you don't get this in the wrong way, Talaegar. He is my vassal and as it stands also a family which means that as long as he knows what is good for him and follows in line….. I am going to grant him better land and a chance to fulfil your Rahareon ancient blood oath, but nothing more."

"Understood, sorry for bringing him up. It just.. it always felt strange to me keeping me and Alearys by your side while he is out of the royal affairs." Talaegar noted with the resigned tone.

"Well, you didn't try to limit and take my rightful power as a Prince of Stepstones because of my immaturity and age or was it something else he said? No matter, one could say he was lucky I didn't take more drastic measures after that debacle of his." As they walked Aerion grimaced while looking away, so his cousin couldn't see it and only caught up on the sad tone of his next words. "Alas enough members of my family died already and I had and still have no desire to add into that number."

Attempting to divert their conversation elsewhere Talaegar asked the important question. "Ehm so you flew to Dragonstone, as you said you would, right?"

"Indeed, it proved itself to be an interesting trip to be sure."

"And? Did you find that rumoured rogue dragon?"

"Yes, though calling it a rogue…. would be incorrect, as it was never a Targaryen dragon to begin with."

"Is that so? Whose dragon was it then?"

"The dragon was a mount of a last governor of Dragonstone who was apparently taken care of by the Targaryens who took that fortress as their own afterwards. The dragon however stayed there and caused havoc in hopes of revenge. In fact it was so crazy up to the point of trying to attack me on sight, hadn't I been so expertly versed in dragon lore and magic I wouldn't be alive to tell the tale."

"I see… Did you at least manage to achieve a desired outcome when meeting that dragon?"

Aerion shrugged as they were approaching a keep entrance. "It is too premature to claim anything in that regard. Dragons like humans tend to do what they want if not persuaded or forced otherwise."

"Hmm. One could argue that goes for both dragons and humans."

"Quite right….."

"Also, I wanted to ask you, Aerion. Should negotiations go poorly, should we be ready for a hasty and violent departure?" Talaegar asked almost in a whisper as they entered the castle.

"And to cause a huge diplomatic incident? No, I will be tactful in my dealings here, sometimes it is better to be a diplomat. As for should negotiation fail? Then I will do my best to leave Driftmark in peace, conflict with the Targaryens is a conflict we don't need."

XXX

It was still a few hours before the feast was to be held and Aerion decided to retreat into his guest room where he hoped no one would come looking for him as he wanted some peace and quiet, while reading a very important book….. He was mistaken.

Door opened and one of his guards entered. "My prince."

Aerion looked from his book. "Whatever it is, I hope it is important."

"Yes, ehmm a Queen Alysanne Targaryen is here and asks you to meet her, should she be permitted to enter?"

"I see, interesting….. Alright, let her in, but only under condition that her guards are kept outside." Aerion answered and got off his chair and patiently waited to meet the wife of King Jaehaerys.

After a brief protest from the member of the king's guard Queen Alysanne entered the room. "Prince Aerion, thank you for agreeing to meet with me, it is good to finally make you an acquaintance." Alysanne put on a charming smile and stuck out her hand expecting the kiss as per Westeros custom.

Aerion, suppressing the urge to refuse the gesture, hesitantly planted a kiss on the queen's hand. And finally answered. "Likewise, Queen Alysanne, though I must say I wasn't expecting you."

"Well, I am sorry if I represent inconvenience. I would have of course asked for a private audience prior, alas you weren't present when I and my husband arrived at Driftmark."

Aerion detected a slight hint of scolding and suspicion in Alysanne's tone but he chose to ignore it. "Fair enough…. Alright then, shall we sit for whatever you want to discuss with me?"

"Yes, thank you." while sitting down Alysanne's gaze fell on the book. "I must admit I wouldn't expect a man of your reputation to retreat into seclusion and just read the book."

Aerion chuckled at that. "I can't seek knowledge recorded by other people, only because I am a general of a mercenary company, is that it? A very narrow minded assumption on your part, Queen Alysanne."

"I didn't mean any offence, Prince Aerion. I myself happen to be rather fond of books, but of course I am not a mercenary warrior by trait."

"True, but I am not just a mercenary, as you know I am mainly a Prince of Stepstones. I could say I fight both on fields of battle and on fields of rulership and governance. To be honest the Company of the Dragon is just a side activity, really."

"Side activity? That sounds unlikely to me given how active you seem to be in Essos." Alysanne remarked with unmasked doubt in her tone.

Aerion just smirked. "Granted, It is a very profitable side activity and it keeps my army in good shape, because as my grandfather always said, no training can replace the battle experience. Alas, I really doubt you come here to speak about that. So, I hope I won't sound too rude if I ask, "What do I owe the pleasure?"

Alysanne smirked back. "Straightforward…How refreshing, most of the nobles I deal with usually lose time with false flatteries, pretences and then dance around the bush before they say what's on their minds."

"Indeed? How tedious. And not something I would waste my time on."

"Very good, then let me put it simply, I wanted to meet you and make a measure of your character in private, before my husband and I meet you at the official meeting tomorrow, I hope you don't mind." Alyssane said put on one of her famed diplomatic smiles.

"Is that so?" Aerion studied a Queen expression for a moment before he shrugged. "I heard from my sister that it was mostly thanks to your efforts, King Jaehaerys accepted her marriage to Lord Corlys without taking any funny action. I suppose that indulging your curiosity by answering a few questions about me is the least I can do in return….. You know what? Scratch that and let's make things more interesting. I answer your questions as long as you promise to answer some of mine questions. What do you say, Queen Alysanne?"

If Aerion's proposal took Alysanne by surprise she didn't let it on. "Allright, sounds fair. So, let me start with a simple question. What is it you want?"

"Simple you say? You know that is not so simple to answer. Oh well, what do I want... Conquer the world, have a beautiful wife and a lot of children, create a legacy lasting for an eternity and be pleasantly surprised by receiving the news that all of my adversaries and foes died in very unfortunate accidents which can't under any circumstances be connected to me."

After this Aerion paused and leaned back in his chair. "That would probably be the answer you would expect from the Valyrian dragonlord, wouldn't it? But in truth the only thing I want right now, is to guarantee my people's survival, there is little else to say."

Alysanne tilted her head while thinking about Aerion's words. "I see how selfless of you, not every ruler puts his people before personal ambitions."

"Indeed. However I was always of the opinion that pursuits of all ambitions must be tempered by a reason, otherwise it can lead to…... unpleasant aspects of rulership if you know what I mean."

"With that being said I have ambitions too, but as for now they are very much aligned with securing the future for my people. And Now it's my turn. Tell me honestly, is there a chance for me and your husband to negotiate and successfully enter into a non-aggression and non-intervention pact?"

Alysanne after a brief pause nodded. "I would say there is, though it would probably depend on what offers you will bring to the table and whether you accept certain conditions my husband will come with."

Aerion was silent for a moment before he nodded. "Of course, I just hope those conditions won't be unacceptable."

"Oh? I suppose that would depend on what you find unacceptable, but again I am certain a form of treaty can be made between the Seven Kingdoms and your realm." Alysanne paused and placed her hand on the table as she leaned a little forward. "You probably know already, but in Westeros there is only one way to ensure any kind of treaty can be made."

Aerion knew where this would go. "Marriage… I expected something like that to come out tomorrow, though certainly not now. Did your husband send you to suggest it to me before we met behind the negotiating table?"

"No, it's just my curiosity whether you would be open to that idea."

Aerion smiled a little as he was frankly amazed by Queen Alysanne's boldness as she went behind her husband's back and revealed one of the conditions he was supposed to put before him the next day. "Should I consider it as your next question?"

"By all means, Prince Aerion."

"Then I must say….. Perhaps. Which one of your daughters would you and King Jaehaerys have in mind for a marriage proposal?"

"Saera. She will be fifteen next year and I have been considering possible matches for her for some time already. You seem like a good one."

Aerion fought the urge to snort at that statement and turned his gaze to the window and immediately realised that he should probably end their conversation as he saw the sun on its course to set. "Well, as much as I find this talk interesting I think it's time to finish it if we don't want to attend the incoming feast late."

"Hm, you seem to be right. It was a pleasure speaking with you, see you at the feast." Alysanne got up and headed towards the exit.

"Likewise." When left alone Aerion looked into his book and after surveying a few paragraphs he closed it so the title written in High Valyrian: The histories of the great forty families of Valyria, was finally visible.

Aerion rubbed his chin while in deep thoughts. "House Targaryen… Saved by a dragon dream of Daenys the dreamer. I would say there is more to the story than just a dream. Still, shame I am not a dreamer myself, I could at least dream out the possible outcomes of tomorrow's negotiations."

XXX

The feast was tamed for the most part, Aerion just wanted to attend for a little while and then to make a graceful exit. Unfortunately it didn't go according to his plan, as sitting near Targaryen family gave them an opportunity to ask him pesky questions.

"So tell me, Prince Aerion, is it true that people of your Principality are still capable of using magic?"

"If you have to know, then yes, Princess Alyssa. Unlike your family, mine never forsook the Valyrian heritage and knowledge of our ancestors." Alyssa and the rest of the Targaryen family have mixed reactions.

"I haven't really decided whether I should hear you out at tomorrow's meeting or just sit it out, by insulting you can make it very easy for me to decide, Prince Aerion." Jaehaerys said with a clearly hostile tone.

"Indeed? My apologies then, I had no idea that statements of truth are considered to be an insult in your court…. Because correct me if I am wrong but to my knowledge you do not have blood or fire mages in your service, nor someone who can make a Valyrian steel or stone. What's more, Aegon the Conqueror even forsaken the Valyrian gods and accepted the Faith of the Seven instead, if that is not abandonment of Valyrian legacy, I don't know, what is."

After a tense pause Jaehaerys finally responded. "I have to admit you got some gall to point out these facts to me and I can't really say you are entirely wrong about Valyrian steel and magic, nevertheless assure you my family is perfectly aware from where we came from and what that means…. Afterall we still command the greatest power in this world, dragons. As you well know." There was an unhidden treat looming in Jaehaerys's voice and gaze.

To the surprise of all Targaryens at the table Aerion just put on a dangerous smile while returning the gaze. "Of course. That ability was magically escribed into the blood of all forty progenitors of Valyrian great houses and passed down onto their descendants which includes both of our families."

Aerion then paused and shrugged. "With that being said, there is no need to be hostile for either of us, as long as you retain your dragons, I and my people will always consider you to be a true Valyrian. So, again excuse my words if they insulted you, King Jaehearys and I hope won't hinder my efforts to come towards a mutual understanding tomorrow."

The King just nodded. "That remains to be seen…."

The tense pause which followed was cut short by Queen Alysanne. "So, our ability to bond with dragons is a work of magic? I somehow always wondered about that, glad to have it confirmed, though I find it strange. Not that I am complaining, but how can the effects of that magic endure throughout the centuries?"

Aerion couldn't help himself and be puzzled. He honestly didn't expect the Targaryens to know much about their Valyrian past but that they forgot the facts about their greatest asset, was just sad. "Much can be achieved with blood magic, Queen Alysanne and even though these days my people use it for more ordinary purposes like healing and cure, in the past some of more powerful spells were used in our homeland which simply lasted for eternity. The spell which gave our ancestors the power to ride dragons was one of such spells."

At the mention of healing, Prince Aemon almost unseeingly twitched and shot a glance of intrigue in the direction of Aerion, who noticed it with the corner of his eye and would love to ask about it but he didn't have a chance.

"Interesting, so the ability to ride a dragon can't ever be lost?" Jaehaerys asked in a surprisingly curious tone.

"No, the magical effects of the spell granting it, can never be entirely erased, perhaps only weakened by… diluting high Valyrian blood with the blood of the people of non-high Valyrian heritage."

"Still, It's all rather complicated, suffice to say that magic sometimes works in mysterious ways but usually the child of the dragon rider will always inherit dragon riding ability, regardless of mixed heritage.

"Should the blood be diluted further, however…. Well, I imagine you have a picture." Aerion finished explaining and took a sip of his wine, rather irritated that he had to explain to dragon riding family members why they can ride the dragons.

After careful consideration and after everything Aerion said sunk in, Jaehaerys stated another question. "So, if someone would desire to become a dragon lord your mages could just cast a spell and that would be it?"

"Now that is a dreadful thought, isn't it? Fortunately for both of us, it was absolutely unnecessary. Because if the books about the ancient past are anything to go by than the mage who happened to create the spell which allows dragon bonding, died in an unfortunate accident, only A day after he casted it on forty family founders and without leaving any records on the spell." Ironical tone in which Aerion spoke the word accident wasn't lost on anyone, however nobody commented on it.

"Also even if it weren't lost then it wouldn't make any difference as nobody would be able to successfully cast the spell of that magnitude these days. It would simply not be the realm of possibilities."

Jaehaerys eased up a little bit at that, the prospect of creating a new dragon riders just on the whim, would not be something acceptable and he chose not to ask further questions. Alysanne on the hand was still curious. "What do you mean by not being the realm of possibilities?"

"Simple, there is not enough magic in the world to cast such powerful spell and no one, no matter how gifted or knowledgeable, would be able to pull it off." Upon seeing Alysanne's confusion Aerion fought through the urge to grimace and continued. "Imagine magic as water, it creates lakes, rivers, seas, oceans and most importantly there are its sources. Magic used to flow through the world and Valyria used to be an ocean, until the doom happened."

Aerion's face visibly darkened when he touched the subject of destruction of the land of his ancestors. "You see…Whatever caused the doom of our ancient homeland also caused a rather severe reduction of magic. And as of now there are no oceans of magic, seas or even lakes, just a few small rivers and even fewer unstable sources, enabling usage of magic to a satisfying degree but not enough to reach the potential achieved by Valyrian mages of old."

"How fascinating. I must say I am rather intrigued by magic." Commented Prince Bailon who was sitting next to his sister-wife finally spoke too. "When I ask maesters about the subject they just claim magic is unnatural or outright force and I never learned anything more."

Aerion turned to Prince Bailon with knowing expression. "Unnatural huh? I can't say I am surprised, the maesters of the citadel are narrow minded fools who can only accept what they see as their natural order ... .the world without magic. Alas what natural or unnatural tends to be a matter of perspective, to me it seems unnatural not to use magic."

After this conversation was over, Aerion excused himself and left the feast, as he was rather exhausted and there were enough questions for one evening in his opinion.

XXX

Just when Aerion reached the doors of the guest room he heard the voice of Prince Aemon. "Prince Aerion! May I have a word?"

"Well, I suppose you can." Aerion answered a little bit disgruntled, stopped his guards and was immediately taken back when he turned and saw the Prince of Dragonstone walking to him with no guards of his own. "I take it you want that word to be without prying eyes and ears?"

Prince Aemon nodded. "Your guess is correct. I must even insist on it."

"This ought to be rich….Alright come in, I will hear you out."

Once both were sitting at the table inside the room Aerion immediately broke the silence. "So, tell me, what do you want to talk about, Prince. And make it quick if you please. It is getting late."

"Very well, I promise to be brief" Answered Aemon without a hint of being insulted by the slightly hostile and bothered tone in which Aerion spoke to him." At the feast you stated that the blood magic is used for healing purposes. Can you enlighten me as to what blood magic can heal?"

Aerion folded his arms. "Wounds, diseases and physical deformities. Just about everything one can think of. Provided of course that the caster is at least sufficiently talented and more importantly well versed in the art of blood magic. To put it simply, it all depends on the blood mage skill as some ailments can simply be more difficult to mend than others."

"Hmm, don't take this the wrong way but it all sounds like something out of this world. Maesters claims the magic has faded with the destruction of our ancient homeland, does it really still exist?" Aemon said with the unspoken challenge in his voice.

Aerion just sighed and without a word he unfolded his arms, rolled back the sleeve of his left arm, drew a dagger of pure valyrian steel with his right hand and before Aemon could say anything, Aerion made a small and clean cut to the exposed skin. "You doubt its existence…Well, this demonstration should convince you that blood magic is indeed still real…." Aerion said while sheeting the dagger and placed the palm of his right hand over the bleeding wound and to Aemon shock when Aerion mumbled a few words and removed the hand, the wound was gone.

"That's…." The Prince of Dragonstone couldn't believe his eyes.

"That's blood magic, Prince Aemon. The art your family had forsaken. Still this is just the simplest of simple healings, much worse wounds can be mend with it… so, don't look so shocked. Rather tell me why you are interested in healing?"

Aemon shook his head in the effort to regain his bearing. "Well, allow me to explain that. Though I am still not sure whether you can help me…..Can blood magic also solve the problem of…." Prince of Dragonstone paused like he was embarrassed and expected a mocking reaction. "Infertility?"

Upon hearing the last word, Aerion didn't make any expression which would even remotely express mocking, however he just nodded like he just got confirmation of the information he already knew something about. "Difficulty of healing something like infertility would depend on what is causing it, for instance whether it is poison or physical damage. Although generally speaking, blood magic can be used to cure infertility no matter the cause."

Aerion leaned back in his chair and pierced Prince Aemon with an inquisitive gaze. "Just out of my curiosity. Does this have something to do with the fact you and your wife had only one child together within the marriage that lasted fifteen years already?"

Aemon frowned but confirmed Aerion's question. "Indeed, you are quite correct. Truth be told both me and my wife have been bothered by it to no end. However, when consulting the maesters about it, we never got a satisfying answer or help. Last time I was told that it is no longer possible to have more children with Jocelyn and that we should stop trying to have one….."

"It figures….So, there we have it. You want help from my blood mages. Wouldn't that be against Westerosi morals?"

"Morals be damned in this regard. I want more children to carry my legacy however the Maesters didn't help me in that regard. But perhaps blood magic practised by your people might."

Aerion studied Aemon's face for a moment. He was rather curious why the Prince of Dragonstone was so desperate to ask him for help than it was to hit him. "So, you want another child so badly that you even come to seek my help….. because you want a son, right?"

"Yes, Rhaenys is my daughter and I love her but to safely pass the crown one day, I need a son…. You surely understand my problem now. So, I am asking, will you help me or not, Prince Aerion?"

"I certainly could but…. Well, how do I put it? I am not in the habit of providing my help to the people I would consider to be strangers. So, should I arrange for my blood mages to help with your problem, I will want something in return."

Aemon grimaced and fought the urge to just refuse and leave at once but in the end his desire to get magical help, won over. "Favour for favour is that it?"

"That's how mutually beneficial agreements work, though do not worry I won't ask something you wouldn't be able to deliver or be unwilling to do so. After all, making you the heir of the Iron Throne, my future foe, isn't the best way to ensure good diplomatic relations in the coming years, is it?" Aerion said with the serious expression.

"I suppose, I can't argue about that…. What do you want then?"

"Two things: first and tomorrow negotiation, where I am sure you will be sitting next to your father, you will support my offers, no need for you to do it blatantly just hint to your father it could be profitable and you would accept it."

Aemon clenched his fist and felt like he swallowed something very bitter. "I can't say I like that notion, Prince Aerion. I have no idea what your propositions will be like and whether I would actually approve of them."

Aerion just shrugged. "It is one of my conditions for helping you, take it or leave it."

"And are you aware my opinion might not even matter to my father in regards to negotiations? My input would be a rather small advantage to you."

Aerion just smiled at that. "I know but small advantage is still an advantage, hence useful to have."

"If you say so…. What is the second thing you want for your help."

"Rather simple one. In the case, my blood mage will be successful in helping you to have more children, you Prince Aemon will be in my debt. The debt I may one day demand to be repaid."

Aemon was silent for a moment while taking in Aerion's offer. "And what if tomorrow you will not be able to make a deal with my father? Will this deal be off the table?"

Aerion resolutely shook his head. "This is just be between us, accept my offer and I will keep my word as long as you will keep yours, regardless of what transpires tomorrow." Aerion stood up from his chair sticking out his right hand. "Help of my blood mages, for your support tomorrow and your indebtment to me for a future. Do we have an accord?"

Aemon let out a deep breath but in the end he too stood up and shook Aerion's hand with his own. "We have, I will support the notion that it would be beneficial to accept your offer in tomorrow's negotiations and in the future I will grant you a favour, if you ask for it."

When they both sat back to their chairs their conversation continued. "Splendid, now we only need to discuss when you are able to visit Stepstones with your wife, how about two weeks from now?"

Aemon was taken back. "You can't be serious, that's too soon for me, I need at least a month to arrange the ships and escort and so on."

Aerion raised his eyebrow. "And you really need an escort for one brief visit? Look you have a dragon so travelling as two people in such a short amount of time is no problem for you and I would also guess that you don't want the information that you sought out the help of the blood magic to get to the wrong ears. Am I correct?"

Prince of Dragonstone seemed to be lost in thought for a while but then he agreed. "Indeed, if the word of me seeking magical help got the citadel I would most likely face some backlash for it. But you can't seriously suggest that I just take my wife and Caraxes and just fly to the Stepstones."

"If you want to solve your problem discreetly and fast then yes, that is precisely what I suggest. I understand that you can have your reservations about it but I swear to you that no harm will come to you. You will just make a short visit, let my blood mage do the art and you can be on your way back to Dragonstone without any complications."

"Alright, you convinced me. I sincerely hope you won't make me regret this deal." Aemon said and stood up. "Thank you for your time, we will see each other tomorrow at the negotiation."

"I am man of my word and I will keep it as long as you keep yours, see you tomorrow, Prince Aemon."

As soon as Aerion was left alone his mind was gripped with suspicion when thinking back on what he learned. "So the maesters didn't help him and even tried to stop him from having a son, what sort of game is being played in the royal court of Westeros by those chained scheming fuckers?" He thought to himself.

"One would almost admire them for how far they got and no one would even suspect their foul moves all over the continent…. Targaryens have to be blind, well it's not like it is my job to get them to open their eyes."

Yes I finally got myself to finish another chapter, I was hoping to get into a negotiation but some more ideas came to my head so yeah it had to be postponed for the next chapter. When it comes to the infertility subplot: I always found it strange that Aemon and Jocelyn had only Rhaenys so I decided to give it a little attention in this fanfic.

It goes without saying that when it comes to Westeros there will be some focus on the royal court as Aerion, despite his disinterest in it, has already begun to influence it. I am also leaning heavily into maester conspiracy theories which some may consider not appealing topic but I always thought it isn't unfounded so it will play a part in this story.

Anyway that's all for this chapter.