A/N: EDIT: Seems this chapter isn't as popular as the rest. Crying shame, that. I really tried my best to get this chapter around in time, despite not feeling well...T_T

Still, weekly update is a go, might be able to update even earlier if my health is kind. 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 we go. This chapter goes right for the feels. Away we go~!

"There is nothing so dangerous in all the world as a wedding.

Knives will come out, sooner or later.

Just you wait."

~?

The Black Wedding (Part I)

Rhaenyra hated waiting.

She understood why she had to sit and wait for Naruto of course, it was a necessity given the grand plan that Father had concocted, but that didn't make it any less pleasant, least of all with so many eyes upon her. She felt like a caged dragon beneath their questioning eyes and liked it naught.

Tonight she was clad in a new dress- much to her eternal chagrin- a bold shoulder baring design of menacing black-ebony-on-amber cloth with stitched scales therein; the latter of which almost seemed to ripple with each and every movement in the low light.

Truly, a work of such intricate design as to make her old white dress weep.

Her hair had been done up in even more intricate braids bounds by rubies and dark crystals the names of which she knew not, only that they were impressive; impressive enough to demand near stillness on her part lest she lay waste to all the hard work that had gone into preparing this outfit.

Yet for all the majesty of her appearance, it did naught to conceal her anxiety or distract her from her own apprehension.

For once, it had nothing to do with the babe in her belly; no, this stress was made of far more menial means.

She was nervous.

Terribly stressed really, as she sat at the high table, watching the guests pour into the room. Her guests, she supposed. This was to be her wedding feast after all. She was the one to whom everyone paid attention tonight. Gods how that made her squirm in her seat, and not necessarily a bad way.

In a sense, she'd gotten everything she ever wanted. All her plans had come to sweet, glorious fruition, with hardly a hiccup between them. By the night's end, she would have her heart's desire. One might even say things were going too well. Mother had warned her about the dangers of arrogance; it was precisely when one was at their highest point that they had the furthest to fall. She feared what destiny would demand from her for this. Surely there was a price to be paid for such sweet, sweet fortune...?

Yet those for whom she cared most, were not yet here.

Naruto and Alicent were late which meant they were up to something...

What if something had happened? Whar if something went wrong? What if...?

Mother nudged her with an elbow, breaking into her thoughts. "Don't fidget. You'll ruin your dress."

Rhaenya glowed at her. "I'm not fidgeting."

"Dear daughter," Aemma quirked a brow at her. "You look like you want to tear off that dress and stab someone."

Of course she did; because she could barely move in this gaudy getup! And to think, this wouldn't even be the last dress she wore tonight...

Subsiding with a sigh, she turned her gaze back to those below them.

They had set forth a veritable feast in the throne room, a great mass of tables set before the steps leading to the Iron throne, leaving gaudy dark wreaths hanging hanging from the ceiling. Fire burned in crude black iron chandeliers above, casting dancing shadows about the world like pantomimes in a play. From the center table she had a grand view of it all. A slew of massive tables were visible on either side of the throne room pillars with more arranged toward the walls. Likewise, the guests of greater import were seated closer toward the main table, with Ser Harrold announcing all who entered.

She let her eyes roam across the guests, if only to steel her nerves.

Ser Criston was far from the high table in tonight's guard rotation. Curious...and welcoming. She did not wish to see nor speak to him tonight of all nights. They'd not said a word to one another since their last altercation in the garden. He sensed her stare and glanced her way, prompting her to wrench her gaze away and glare elsewhere.

No sign of the Velaryons yet.

Nor the Hightowers, for that matter.

Likewise, the contingent from the Vale had yet to arrive.

...no surprise there, given what Daemon had done. Perhaps they wouldn't show face at all. His marriage to Rhea Royce may have been a loveless one, but he must've offended a great many of the Valean lords by having it annulled. Father and the High Septon had seen to that; she supposed it was better than the alternative...

Ser Harrold raised his voice suddenly, commanding her attention. "It is with great pleasure that His Grace, King Viserys, announces the start of the royal wedding celebrations!

Well that was it then, wasn't it? No escaping now.

"House Lannister with their lord, Jason Lannister, Lord Paramount of the West and Master of Casterly Rock!" She watched with one eye as the swaggering lords strode in as if they owned the bloody place, richly resplendent in their red and gold. And then behind them, "House Hightower, with their lord, Hobert Hightower! Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, the voice of Oldtown, brother to the Hand of the King!

If memory served, this man was Otto's older brother, and the uncle to Alicent and her henceforth unseen brother, Gwayne.

The serpent had many heads, it seemed. Perhaps it would be best if they all perished tonight.

No, Alicent wouldn't thank her for eradicating her entire family. Some might blameless.

But only some.

How odd, then, that Otto had chosen to sit with his family tonight, not with them at the high table.

Aaaaand here came the Lannisters. Or more aptly, Ser Jason Lannister, ascending the steps to their table to give his greetings.

Musn't stab the idiotic oaf.

"Many will call this an ill-suited match," Father had warned her earlier, "They will mock you. Denigrate you. Prod you for weakness. You must be strong."

"Congratulations, Your Grace." Lord Jason's every word dripped false sincerity. "You have made a fine match for the princess."

Must. Not. Stab.

"Thank you Lord Jason." Rhaenyra was quite capable of defending herself, and looked his way as she did. "I could think of no better man than Ser Naruto."

The unsubtle jab at his pride made the man wince. She took some small, petty pride in it. Served him right.

Perhaps sensing her scorn, the Lannister scoffed, tactfully toeing the line between fealty and insouciance. "Well," he glanced over his shoulder, arms spread wide, "if this is only the welcome feast, I admit, I cannot imagine what you might have planned for the wedding."

Daemon made an amused noise, but said naught.

"My daughter deserved no less," Father answered in his stead.

"Indeed," Mother seconded him. "Rhaenyra may well be the future queen someday. We wanted this to be a wedding for the histories."

The Lannister Lord blanched. "I was led to believe Daemon was the heir."

Her uncle shrugged. "Until such a time as I no longer wish it."

Ha! And there it was! The first blow struck!

"...Where is Lady Alicent?" Jason looked past them, avoiding the subject entirely. "I had hoped to pay my respects."

Rhaenyra's blood ran cold at his words. Why ask after Alicent? He'd never shown an interest in her before now; what was he plotting?

Mother saved her with a smile, a dangerous, sharp sort of smirk that she seldom saw from her these days. "I believe she is still readying herself for the celebrations."

A pity." The lannister lord scoffed, glancing her way. "This is why men wage war, because women would never be ready for the battle in time."

Must! Stab!Him!

Father and Mother laughed his words off.

Daemon rolled his eyes.

Rhaenyra did not.

In a fit of pique, she reached down, gripped her dress well above the knee, and tore it asunder; exposing her hidden knife. From there, she ripped her deadly dagger from the holster on her thigh, vaulted the table, and threw it at Jason with all her might. It flew straight and true, lodging itself deep within the Lannister lord's left eye to penetrate his brain.

The hall fell deathly silent.

Lord Jason stood there for a long moment, transfixed, swaying on his feet, balking, good eye trying and failing to blink miserably. His mouth parted to say something, only to cough blood; it spattered across her face, but she didn't care. Rivulets of red ran down his chin; that was the final straw and his body collapsed before them, like a puppet bereft of strings.

"Rhaenyra?"

She blinked and the pleasant daydream faded away, leaving her idly aware that she'd missed some of the conversation.

Mother continued speaking, responding to something else she hadn't heard. "We can expect your aid in the Stepstones then, I trust?

Lord Jason sputtered, incredulous. "I beg your pardon?

"The Stepstones." Daemon chimed in with a smug smile. "No doubt such a dauntless warrior as yourself would fare well there against the Dornish incursions."

Caught between pragmatism and pride, the Lannister lord faltered. To admit fear in this game was to admit defeat; as they all well knew. But the Stepstones were not a place for the faint of heart. Even after all of Naruto's many and myriad efforts, there were still those who wished to possess them, Dorne chief amongst them with the Triarchy broken. Any forces Jason lent there would be under strict watch and would not soon return. Naruto might well convert them to his cause entirely, as he was so often known to do.

What a convenient way to weaken one of their enemies.

"I...well, yes, of course." he muttered, red-faced. "I am ever at your disposal, your grace."

"Excellent." Daemon was relentless. "How many men can we expect from you? Five thousand seems an adequate number, wouldn't you agree, brother?"

Father hummed his agreement. "A fine number indeed. It seems a sound proposal."

Lord Jason practically choked on his own spit. "Five thousand?"

Daemon tilted his head. "Would you prefer ten?"

All the color drained from his face. "N-No! Five is fine!"

"Five thousand." Daemon repeated the latter for emphasis.

Lord Jason made a pained noise. "But of course...

"Excellent." Rhaenyra smiled thinly, sealing the deal. "Perhaps we'll see you there after our wedding. Your presence is always such a pleasure, Lord Jason."

It was all but a dismissal. Tyland's brother slouched away, defeated, either unable or unwilling to risk him further.

Rhaenyra watched him slink back to his vassals and idly imagined still imagined a knife lodging in the back of his head. She'd been practicing these last few nights; she was fairly certain she could make such a toss. The thought warmed her more than dragonfire.

Father tutted softly as the Lannister lord fled. "Must you bully the poor man?"

"Yes, I must." Daemon drank deeply before winking Mother's way. "It is a need I cannot deny."

Mother hid a smile behind her hand.

Drums beat at the entrance and Ser Harrold called out the arrival of another great house as they arrived in glorious fanfare. "Presenting Lord Corlys of House Velaryon. Lord of the Tides, Master of Driftmark. And his lady wife, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. And their son and heir, Ser Laenor Velaryon!"

Rhaenyra perked up a little, straining to see over a great many heads as House Velaryon bowed to Father. Laenor looked well. Word of his recovery had been true, then. Good. She had feared for the health of her cousin after that debacle in the Stepstones. And was that little Laena beside him? Not so little now, she supposed, oh no, not at all...

No, bad Rhaenyra. She chided herself. Best not get greedy.

She barely had time to process their arrival before Ser Harrold declared another.

"Presenting Qoren Martell of House Martell!" his strong voice wavered only a little in concern as a swathe of brightly clad figures marched into the chamber. "Prince of Dorne, Master of Sunspear! And his daughter, the lady Aliandra Nymeros Martell, Strider of Sands!"

Rhaenyra went still, caught wholly unawares.

"They arrived just before dawn," Father confessed in a whispered aside. "It would've been rude to turn them away."

She hissed at him. "Are you mad?! Their ships attacked ours in the Stepstones!"

Mother laid a hand on her arm. "You destroyed them, did you not? And now here they are, asking for peace."

No, it was suspicious; the timing too precise. Surely they realized that. "This is a trick. A trap of some sort. They remain our enemies."

Daemon chuckled. "Ah, but the enemy of our enemy may become a friend."

The enemy of whom? The Hightowers? Or the Maesters? They were plotting something, surely. Weren't they?

Mother patted her arm again, fingers stroking her shoulder. "Peace. Naruto knows they're here."

She certainly hoped so; if not, he was going to be terribly cross.

There, at the head of that great host, she glimpsed a tall handsome man clad in robes the very color of sunset itself. He had a strong jawline, dark hair and darker eyes. That, then, must be Qoren Martell. He did did not bow -such were the words of his house- but he did incline his head toward Father in a curt nod. Rhaenyra glanced past him. His daughter was very beautiful indeed...

The King raised a hand in greeting and beckoned Qoren closer. "Be welcome."

The so-called prince crested the steps briskly, alone, heedless of the hush in the hall.

"You have my thanks for the invitation." another nod, brusque and brisk, his eyes roving over the empty seats at the table. "And my apologies for the lateness of our arrival." his gaze flicked back to Father and Rhaenyra didn't like what she saw there. "Where is the one you call Foxfire? I had very much wished to meet the monster who slew so many of my men in the Stepstones."

"He will arrive shortly." Viserys temporized with a raised hand.

Prince Qoren grunted...then finally noticed her. "Princess."

"Prince." she raised her chin to meet his stare.

"My congratulations on your wedding." His head tilted just so, regarding her as one might a dangerous animal, or perhaps a rival. "You wore such wonderful armor in the Stepstones when you rode your golden dragon to burn my ships, yet here you are in a dress. You play your part well, it seems."

She couldn't quite hide her sneer. "In truth, I would prefer armor. Give me a battle over the ballroom any day."

Daemon chuckled at that and here at last, Prince Qoren smiled. "On that, we agree, princess."

Was he...flirting with her? Surely not. Unless he was? How bold of him.

Prince Qoren gestured behind him and a dazzling young woman with long dark hair stepped forth from his retinue. "May I introduce my daughter, Aliandra."

The Dornishwoman smiled at them, but like her father, remained unbowed and unbroken. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, princess."

Daemon sat a bit straighter in his chair, but much to Rhaenyra's chagrin, the newcomer seemingly only had eyes for her; and despite herself, the princess felt heat creep up the back of her neck. She wasn't accustomed to someone staring at her like that. Not even Naruto or Alicent had looked at her with such intensity. Not with anger or hate, or even jealousy but...something else, something she couldn't quite quantify, and it alarmed her. Qoren had almost certainly come here for reasons she didn't understand, but his daughter seemed wholly fixated on her.

Oh, dear...

Her fellow princess blinked once, long lashes fluttering in quiet curiosity. "I understand you are something of a warrior."

"In training," she confessed with a flush of mild embarassment. "I'm not all that skilled just yet."

Aliandra smiled. "Perhaps we could practice together during my time here?"

Why did her face feel so damnably warm?! "I...will consider it."

Aliandra's bright gaze shone with heady triumph.

Why did she have the feeling she'd just lost?

Father coughed into a fist, freeing her from the strange woman's spell. "The groom should arrive any moment now. Please, be seated and know that none shall accost you."

"Nor shall any of mine harm yours during our time here." Qoren inclined his head once more. "I would sooner sleep with scorpions. Come, Aliandra."

Together, the pair descended the steps and took their place at one of the many tables with their entourage.

"See?" Mother preened. "They're not here to make trouble. Everything will be alright.

Rhaenyra wished it would be so.

Now came the last announcement, Ser Harrold raised his voice one last time to cut through the clamor. "Presenting Lord Naruto of Houze Uzumaki. Master of the Stepstones, Friend of Dragons, Sage of the Realm, and future husband to Rhaenyra Targaryen!"

There was a silence.

None strode through those doors.

And then, quite suddenly, something happened.

With neither word nor warning, a localized windstorm swept into the chamber, buffeting a great many guests, the Hightowers and Lannisters in particular. From that huge hurricane, a thunderbolt lanced out and struck the chamber floor -such should have been quite impossible indoors- to take on the shape of a man.

Naruto.

Rhaenyra recognized him at once despite his incandescent glow; his body shone like the sun, skin gleaming with golden black flame, his eyes red as blood, pupils wicked slits in the shape of a cross. He clutched a strange black-ringed staff in his off hand, and with but a tap of it, countless copies of himself appeared at his side, flanking him perfectly, nearly filling the room. Guests shrank back into their chairs and tables, but there was no danger; as one, the clones bowed with their master to honor the king.

A startled murmur passed through the wedding guests, only to dissolve as he dispelled the dopelgangers and strode forward.

The princess smiled despite herself; Naruto had no real house household to his name, not yet, so he'd made his entrance the only way he knew how.

With style.

He walked her way with long, powerful strides, devouring the distance between them and instinct took over; Rhaenyra rose from her chair, circled round the table and offered him her hand just as he crested the final step between the two of them.

"My betrothed."

He smiled as he accepted it and kissed the back of her knuckles, banishing his golden cloak with that simple gesture. "My betrothed."

The words sent a pleasant thrill through her. Applause arose, scattered and muted, but present nonetheless.

Naruot drew her close for a moment, whispering in her ear. "Where's Alicent? I thought she'd be here...

She smiled, unwilling to give the secret away. "You'll see soon enough."

He frowned. "You're up to something...

"Perish the thought, husband."

(.0.0.0.)

"Perish the thought, husband."

Urk.

It didn't affect him as badly this time, but Naruto still reeled a little regardless as Rhaenyra led him up to the high table. Naturally she guided him into the empty seat beside her; he took it with a silent nod, keenly aware of all eyes on him. From his new vantage point he could see Ser Harrold closing the doors to the throne room, sealing the chamber. No sign of Alicent, yet. Where was she, and what was she up to..?

And still, the guests stared.

He didn't care; let them think him a wizard or a sorcerer or a magician.

With that little display, he'd more than made his point.

Viserys rose, and all sat.

"Be welcome, one and all!" The king looked about for a moment, steeled himself, then began. "Here in our hall, as we join together in celebration. Tonight is only its beginning. We honor the Crown's newest, and fiercest ally, House Uzumaki...

Naruto felt heat creep up the back of his neck. How the heck did he count as a House when he was the only member of it? Still, he appreciated the gesture.

...he who has done what no other has, conquered the Stepstones, and made them ours, for all time!" he thumped a fist down with vigor, rattling the table. "We have not seen such strength of will since the days of Old Valyria and the Age of Dragons! With House Targaryen and House Uzumaki united, I hope to herald in a second Age of Dragons in Westeros!"

Applause answered, but the old king wasn't finished.

"And after tonight's small affair," laughter followed and he joined with it, "Seven days of tournament and feasting! At the end of it all, a royal wedding, between my daughter, and Ser Naruto Uzumaki!

Naruto nearly choked. Was he a knight now, too?! Since when?!

"Come!" the kind raised a flagon of wine to the heavens. "Let us drink and make merry!

The crowd applauded at that; he caught Otto scowling his way from the Hightower table and smiled his way.

"But first," Viserys smiled suddenly, a sharp and triumphant thing that instantly set him on edge. "I have a surprise for you all.

With those words, the doors swung open wide once more admitting a latecomer.

Naruto sat up straight, squinted, and saw who it was.

And just like that...he understood.

Rhaenyra whispered into his ear. "Surprise."

Alicent Hightower strode through the doors, hands clasped before herself.

Everyone saw her dress. And it was most assuredly not green.

The Hightower host nearly had a heart attack.

Naruto damn near choked on his food.

Alicent wasn't wearing the blue dress he'd seen only hours before; oh no, she wore a long flowing garment that trailed upon the floor, but he wasn't focused on that, either. His eyes traveled upward, noticing the dress had left her slim shoulders bare before tapering down into a slit just near her bosom, secured by three golden clasps. Enough to tempted and tease, to excite and delight yet never revealing what truly lay within. From there the gown led into longer sleeves, intricately embroidered with the likeness of both dragon and fox intertwined with one another.

And the color of said dress, you may ask?

Red and Black. Shadow and Flame. Fire and of course, Blood.

Well, if her loyalties hadn't been bloody obvious before then they were now.

Gone was that shy, shifting girl, buried deep, her eyes fixed forward, focused solely upon him and Rhaenyra. Her every step was measured, her eyes staring straight ahead.

Rhaenyra looked like she wanted to vault the table, jump her, weld her lips to hers and do...things.

Naruto couldn't blame her.

Otto rose from the table and stared at his daughter, but he rose alone, as the rest of his family faltered, uncertain of what to do. Otto glared at her and so too did Naruto behold the change that came over his once regal bearded visage; his face rapidly drained of color, only for it to rush back in, turning his cheeks an ugly puce.

As he looked on, the Hand of the King pivoted upon his heel and stalked out.

No one else noticed. They were far too focused on his dear daughter.

Alicent paid none of them any need; not her father nor uncle, nor brother nor any of them; she didn't even glance his way as she walked by.

Aemma preened. "I told you she was preparing, did I not?"

Naruto tried to speak, but the words lodged in his throat.

He was. So damn. Proud of her.

Alicent ascended the steps to the banquet table and moved to his side to claim the empty seat there.

From there, she unbent enough to kiss Rhaenyra's cheek, followed by his own.

"Hello, wife." she murmured to them in low, dulcet tones. "Hello, husband. You both look lovely tonight."

Rhaenyra laughed a little despite herself; against all odds, Naruto found himself returning it.

Well, that was one way to make a statement; and sure enough...

The wedding guests absolutely erupted.

A/N: How's that for an opening salvo?! Take that, Otto~! We're not done with you, yet!

We'll see Hugh and Ulff next chapter. They were absent for a reason.

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

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!)

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

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.

Well, that much was true.

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.

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

"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...

"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.