(Erlend Mudd, Braavos)
One could practically feel the tension within the city.
While many went about as usual, there was still a feeling of uncertainty in the air. There was no longer a Sealord to preside over the bastard daughter of Valyria, and many people didn't know how to feel about it.
This was centuries of tradition and expectations going down the drain, and it could even be seen as an attempt to 'stifle' their cultural practices.
Erlend gave it a few years before things began normalizing, but for now, most people would be cautious and displeased with the sudden regime change.
Humanity at its core, preferred to stay in its comfort zone, and here Erlend was grabbing them and directly chucking them into the boiling pot that called itself Change.
His loyalists helped as much as they could. Still, they were also busy with patching up the power vacuum left by the death, imprisonment, and execution of the conspirators, many of who had been influential and 'upstanding' members of society.
Ironically enough, despite everything he'd done so far to avoid meeting the same fate. Erlend couldn't help but compare his budding empire with the Holy Roman Empire.
He had his Austria in the core territories that were the Heartlands, his Spain in the Vale, and squabbling Germanic princes in the form of the Great Houses. Now, even the northern Italian city-states found their mirror counterparts in the form of the free cities.
At least the ones he intended to take. No need to add more gunpowder, there was more than enough already.
Granted, his grip on power was far stronger and there was no overbearing Pope around to compete with him for authority and influence.
Hell, by the end of this, more than half of his fucking domain would belong to the 'other' category, in terms of faith. Since most of them were slaves, that 'other' would very quickly shift to 'Erlend' once he got the ball rolling in guaranteeing their freedom and abolishing slavery within his Essosi territories.
Erlend knew that swallowing too many of the cities would only undermine the development of his budding Empire. So he wisely decided to leave the rest for his son, since by the time Edmund came to power, the Empire would be stable and raring to go.
Also, by then. A significant majority would worship him and that meant Edmund had divine blood running through his veins. Making things much easier for his heir.
Staring at the message in front of him, Erlend did his best not to blow a gasket.
Now that the cat was out of the bag, it was expected that someone would try something stupid, but to do this soon and after Erlend had practically crippled the West Coast of Essos was maddening beyond belief.
The assassination had failed miserably. The would-be assassins had to deal with a living castle, a competent and incredibly loyal royal guard, and several enchantments, runic arrays, and charms that were specifically meant to stop such a thing from occurring.
Edmund reacted appropriately by wiping out the Houses behind those attempts. The crude prototype of truth serum came in useful by getting the needed information from the assassins, though being a prototype it did leave them permanently brain dead.
It was not Veritaserum, but it did the job well enough.
Unlike spells, potions were far more difficult to replicate or recreate, so Erlend often preferred to just read his enemies' minds rather than use the truth serums.
Potions being as useful as they were couldn't be wholly ignored, hence the prototype serums. Sadly, it would take centuries of research and effort before they could even come close to achieving the same advancements as that of the Potterverse.
Troublesome, but nothing too shocking.
Frankly, Erlend didn't care much for the state of the assassins, instead he cared more about the confirmation of his fears.
Since they couldn't target him for obvious reasons, those snakes had chosen to go after his children, who they believed to be vulnerable.
Unfortunately for them, even if they somehow managed to get to his children, there were more than enough protections on them that even an army of skilled and properly equipped knights would be unable to harm them.
His paranoia was paying off in dividends. A shame that he'd need to hammer more of these lessons into these short-sighted fools.
…
(Edmund Mudd, Firmridge)
"I take it the Wylde's have been dealt with?"
"Indeed Your Highness. Their members have all been executed, their seats burnt to the ground, and their lands granted to the Durrandons. Lady Jeyne has accepted them graciously on behalf of Lord Stannis." Feld's lieutenant conveyed politely.
Edmund tapped his fingers on the desk, thinking of what had happened recently.
More than a dozen Houses had joined the Hoares and Gardeners in the pages of history these past few weeks. The assassination attempts were met with harsh penalties to deter anything similar from happening in the future.
While Edmund doubted they would ever truly stop, it would at least ensure that most people understood that House Mudd would retaliate without hesitation. Tywin Lannister can take all the pride he wants from the Rains of Castamere, but House Mudd is far more proficient in ending bloodlines.
They would have to weigh their options if they ever thought of doing so in the future, especially with how easily the Crown managed to uncover the true perpetrators.
"These reports confirm many of these Houses received funding from Pentos, is there any grain of truth in them?" Edmund questioned the cloaked Lieutenant.
"All trails lead back to Pentos, particularly the Cheesemonger. Though they have been frozen since Lord Stannis laid siege to the city as instructed by His Majesty."
"Of course, it would be the Blackfyres, only a madman would dare encourage something like this after Father's recent actions."
He knew that the bald Eunuch had cut all communication with Aunt Visenya once he realized where her true loyalties lay, but what truly surprised him, was that the Eunuch had still decided to do something so bold, especially when his father was so close to his location.
There was a faint amusement in his mind, imagining the infamous Dragoness's reaction towards her cockless brother's decisions.
After a moment of deliberation, "Send word to Stannis to tighten the encirclement of the city, the Eunuch and his allies must not be allowed to escape Pentos. Also, redirected some of the Company to link up with his forces. They should be ready to reinforce in case any of the free cities get any ideas." Edmund ordered.
There was no reason to take any more chances with someone as slippery as Varys, his usefulness had died out with the Sealord now disgraced and imprisoned. "Have word sent to Lord Nestor to capture Baelish. His usefulness has run out." He added after a bit of thought.
Admittedly, few had the power to escape his father's sight, but it was better to be safe than sorry, as the King was so fond of saying.
Edmund didn't see any need to waste men keeping tabs on that minor noble, and with his father's assurance that Edmund could do as he saw fit, there was no need to hold back.
His mother and Aunt certainly thought so too. Both have gotten tired of the attempted manipulations in Littlefinger's letters.
Bowing his head respectfully, "As you wish, your Highness." The Lieutenant left the solar to carry out the given orders.
The young prince let out a deep breath he didn't realize he was holding back, while he did his best to look composed and regal whenever around others, it wasn't like he lacked anxiety and nervousness.
He was still inexperienced, that was the main reason his father left him in charge, whilst he was away, ridding them of a very troublesome snake.
Wiping out whole families had taken its toll on him. Logically he understood the necessity of it all, but that didn't mean he'd ever come to like it. Both his mother and father had drilled it into his head, that the right decision was never the easiest and it showed.
His father had admitted wholeheartedly that ruling was not an easy task, but that both of them were required to bear the weight that came with it to ensure the safety of their loved ones.
Thankfully Rhaenys was being taught to rule alongside him by his mothers and her grandmother, meaning he'd have someone who could help share the burden alongside him. Though he knew the hardest decisions would lay squarely on his shoulders.
Edmund envisioned a similar situation to how his mother and father ruled, both relying upon each other. Though likely without following his father's footsteps in having more than a dozen lovers, he was rather fond of keeping his cock right where it was, thank you very much.
"Do come back soon, Dad. I'd rather not bear the weight of the Crown just yet."
…
Myrcella was fuming again.
One didn't need to be an expert in relationships to realize his sister's annoyance with their current situation, she was particularly cross with him, seeing it was his decision that led to all this.
To ensure all the assassins were dealt with swiftly, Edmund had barred his siblings and to a certain degree his aunts, from leaving the stronghold.
He had confidence that they could sufficiently protect themselves from threats, and even then that relied on the would-be assassins getting through the Royal Guard and Shadows.
Yet, for his sanity, Edmund decided to still talk with his sister, lest he end up waking up to the drums of a possible prank war.
His sister could be incredibly vindictive and with gremlin Saera ready to provide support, it was unlikely he'd come out of it sound of mind and body. So best to nip that bit of trouble in the bud before it gets out of hand.
The Dragonwolf as his old man loved to call her, was chaos incarnate, and Aunt Lyanna only ever encouraged her, much to the dismay of the rest of the family.
Unsurprisingly, when he found her, his sister was in her feline form. Her eyes were in the process of drilling holes into his approaching skull.
Most amusingly, he caught her attempting to climb over one of his dressers, in preparation for a potential ambush no doubt. The Crown Prince deadpanned at his vengeful sister, who had the decency to look embarrassed with herself.
That made for a cute sight, though it wouldn't dissuade him from putting a stop to it.
Picking her up by the scruff of her neck, Edmund chose to take her with him towards the gardens, while she was still in her feline form. Otherwise, he'd have to drag her kicking and screaming.
Which would be embarrassing for both of them.
On their way to the garden, he met his mother and aunts who raised eyebrows at the two royal children, as the two made for an odd sight. A pouting kitten and a weary prince, who looked done with the world.
Deciding that explaining himself would only make the situation worse, he nodded politely and increased his pace, not needing to look back to see the bemused expressions on their faces.
Myrcella dared to give him a look of reproach for his lack of tact and made her disapproval obvious by gently nipping at his fingers.
Refusing to take the fall, "Well if you hadn't tried to ambush me, we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place, Cella!" He chastised the kitten.
His father did always tell him to be a good RUler, one had to master the art of shamelessness, there was nothing wrong with putting that into practice right now.
The adorable kitten took offense to his words and made it clear by increasing the intensity of her bites. Unfortunately for her, that did nothing to the prince, whose magic had strengthened his body beyond human limits.
Further made worse by his animagus form, which boosted his physique even more. Eventually, the princess tired herself and decided to take a nap in his arms.
All this happened in the span of a few minutes.
Edmund didn't know who he could complain to about these actions, what with Jasper having been kidnapped by Aunt Malora, Rhaenys, and Saera with Ashara and Dany… well he didn't want to approach his most frightening adoptive sister.
Even now, the Dragon Princess scared him. He still loved her as any good brother would, but even a court fool could see that Danaerys Targaryen was no normal princess. Anyone who could get the approval of Aunt Visenya, at first sight, wasn't normal, and he included his father in that pile.
Shaking his head at the remainder of the ridiculousness of his family. Edmund found himself within the garden and quickly sat himself comfortably.
He could feel the shadows hidden that were tasked with guarding him, silently withdrawing. The Royal Guard stationed themselves at all entrances and exits, ready to protect the Crown Prince with their lives.
It was surreal for Edmund, he had grown up reading the history of his family and was well aware that for a significant majority of their storied past. House Mudds have spent hiding from their enemies.
Now, most of those foes were dead or lost to time, whilst his House has flourished only a few decades after nearly facing extinction.
Gently stroking the kitten in his arms, Edmund gazed around the beautiful garden.
There were statues of famous Mudds, Justmans, and Fishers. All respected figures within the history of the Riverlands. As for why there were no Teagues present; well even now, few Riverlanders truly acknowledged that family as a legitimate Royal House.
He had heard his father's recounts of Firmridge of should he say Harrenhal before its cleansing, and the difference was stark.
Before he could continue his musings on the structure that was his House's seat, he felt his sister stirring from her slumber, gazing at him with her descriptive and judgmental eyes.
Rolling his eyes at the transformed girl, "Don't look at me like that, we both know that you'd escalate the situation if I didn't find you." Edmund refused to coax his sister, this was not the time for him to spoil her.
"Hmm." Sniffing her nose, the princess turned her face away from him.
"You… Cella, you must understand that right now we have to be cautious. There are too many who would be happy to rid the world of us."
"Meow."
"Dad himself told us that the coming days would be trying."
"Meow. Meow. Meow."
"There's no need for that type of language, young lady!"
"Meow. Meow."
"Well, you're not wrong there," Edmund admitted.
"Meow."
If anyone else stumbled upon this scene, especially if they were unaware of the young prince's power. Edmund's reputation would take a direct arrow to the gut. Thankfully, the royal guard kept everyone from watching this ridiculous sight.
The two royal children were now sitting together in silence, content with the conclusion of their conversation. As far as both of them were concerned, they had both made tremendous gains and that reconciliation was to be had.
All's Well That Ends Well.
…
(Catelyn Tully)
"Erlend has changed."
Rhaella's voice brought her focus away from the young children.
"How so?" She asked the Targaryen matriarch, curiosity brimming within her.
Catelyn knew that of all Erlend's lovers, Rhaella was the most perceptive. Finding clues and subtleties that most of them would be unable to comprehend.
She respected the former Queen, not only for her tenacity but also for the strong character she knew lay deep within her. Unlike the quarrelsome Lyanna or the soft-spoken Elia, Rhaella's gentle demeanor hid a ferocious sleeping dragon, waiting to be unleashed at a moment's notice.
For that reason alone, Catelyn was leery of the thought of angering her, only surpassed by the apprehension she felt when around Visenya Blackfyre.
Something was wrong with the Black Dragoness, even more so than Danaerys, who had her fair chair of problems.
Gazing at the children below them who were now playfully chasing each other in their animagus forms, "His posture has changed. As you know, Erlend has always carried himself as a King would, it comes naturally to him after all. Yet, I can't help but feel that he's managed to surpass that." Rhaella explained.
Catelyn did not respond immediately, choosing to mull over the information for a bit, whilst Rhaella gave her time.
Those rituals he and the children took did change them in a way. Making them better, making them stronger than the normal human. She was aware that he'd undergone another recently, one strong enough to echo through his bloodline.
The two children below, in their special forms, were a direct consequence of that.
"You think he's grown stronger magically?" She mused to the woman beside her.
"I think he went further than that. It would explain why Firmridge feels so alive, even now I can vaguely sense it. I believe he found the missing piece he needed to complete his goal."
Catelyn nodded in agreement, "Like a protective blanket over us." She added.
"Exactly."
There was no denying that the new Royal Seat was special, unlike the other Great Houses, which favored opulence and majesty. Firmridge was a stronghold above all else, meant to protect the Mudds in times of Crisis.
Now, that intention had taken a whole new meaning, with Erlend successfully enacting his will on the structure.
As if to confirm their suspicions, a gentle breeze washed over them. Ruffling their hair, as if they were being patted on the head. Her lips twitched in bemusement at the playful behavior of what she suspected to be the Stronghold.
Like a child proudly showing off to the adults around them.
Noticing the chaos unfolding below them, "We should probably put a stop to that before it gets out of hand." She spoke worriedly, they were wrecking the garden… Again.
As if the gods themselves were mocking her, Jasper rushed from wherever he came from headfirst towards the chaotic siblings and swiftly changed to his avian form. Close behind him were Saera and Rhaenys, who looked eager to join in.
"It appears that we are too late," Rhaella said dryly, though the twinkle in her eyes gave away her amusement.
Catelyn rubbed her head in exasperation, knowing that this would take a while to break up, and not having the energy to do so, only made the growing headache worse.
Seven help them all, she hoped her husband returned soon, otherwise, they'd lose their minds keeping this rowdy bunch in check.