Arriving at the Western gates of Heaven's Reach was the now exiled Queen Rhaella and her children alongside the few Kingsguard who she brought with her, her handmaidens, and the Warmongers who were assigned to accompany her. From the inside of her carriage, she saw how massive the city was, but once they were inside of it, she was not prepared to see how massive it was.
There were people everywhere walking about, wearing Leather clothes which was different from what she was used to seeing in Kingslanding. She even saw some well-dressed people whom she guessed were merchants or other wealthy people who either lived in the city or was visiting.
She knew a little about the city from what Varys would tell her during his visits, but nothing could compare to seeing it in person. "My gosh what is this place," asked Ser Willem Darry.
"This is My Lord's city named Heaven's Reach Ser Willem." said one of the Warmongers as they led the party through the bustling streets lined with various stalls and shops. The scent of spices mingled with the smell of fresh leather and the sounds of blacksmiths hammering away could be heard in the distance, adding to the daily life in Heaven's Reach.
As they continued their way towards the central Palace, which was essentially its own little city within the already massive city, people had walked past them and cleared the way seeing the High Khal's own warriors escorting people through the city.
After a long ride through the city, they had finally arrived at the palace. The palace of Heaven's Reach was unlike anything Queen Rheaella had ever seen, even in her days at King's Landing. The architecture was different from what she saw in Pentos and different from any city or castle in Westeros.
As they disembarked from the carriage, the entourage was met by a group of Black Priors who escorted them inside while advising the Kingsguard to keep their swords sheathed while within the palace or they would lose their lives. They nodded understanding the situation, but their duty was still to protect the Queen and the future King if anything happened.
Queen Rhaella was escorted to a room where Maximus, Olorin, and Eonwe were all sitting down talking about the future plans such as the name for the House that Maximus was going to establish, name for the Empire that he was going to establish, the various new ministries that were going to be established and the training of qualified people to fill the various roles.
The guards at the door were instructed to open the door once the Queen and her party arrives. As the door opened, Queen Rhaella stepped into the room, accompanied by her handmaidens while her Kingsguard had to remain outside.
"My lady," Maximus began, his voice calm and welcoming. "It is great to have you here in my city. I trust your journey was safe?"
Rhaella managed a small nod, her gaze sweeping over the unfamiliar faces before settling on Maximus. "Safe, yes, thanks to your men," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. "I must admit, your city is unlike any I've ever seen."
Maximus smiled slightly. "It is a place of new beginnings, Your Grace. Here at Heaven's Reach, we strive for progress and unity above all. But let us speak more comfortably." He gestured to the seats arranged around a large table.
As they all settled, Olorin and Eonwe nodded respectfully to the queen and introduced themselves. "We are aware of your current... predicament," Maximus continued once everyone was seated. "It's unfortunate that House Targaryen was forced into exile by Robert Baratheon, I had good relationship with King Aerys, and despite his Mad tendencies, he had the potential to be a good King which is what I tried to change him back into with my potions, but his mind was worse than I originally thought."
Rhaella nodded hearing that statement as it was true. He didn't abuse and rape her as often as he did originally and had actually become a lot softer towards her. But he still had his episodes every now and then.
"Because of this, I couldn't just leave House Targaryen to basically become an extinct House nor allow those such as Robert and Tywin Lannister to massacre the entire Royal family because of one man's actions. Thus, I offer you and your children sanctuary here, within Heaven's Reach. Furthermore, I propose an alliance between House Targaryen and my house once i officially establish it to potentially restore your house to its former glory."
Rhaella, though visibly exhausted from her journey and the weight of her recent hardships, looked up with a newfound spark of interest. "An alliance," she said thoughtfully, her mind racing with the possibilities this could offer not just for her own survival, but for the future of her children.
"And what exactly would this alliance entail?" she inquired cautiously.
Maximus leaned forward slightly; his hands clasped in front of him on the table. "Initially, it would mean your family would establish residency here, under my protection. Your children would be educated and trained in the arts of governance, warfare, and diplomacy to ensure they grow to their full potential."
"As for the broader scope," Maximus continued, "Once your children get older, they can decide their own future, whether they wish to reclaim their throne or continue to integrate into the life here at Heaven's Reach."
Rhaella considered the offer deeply. Beyond the immediate sanctuary, the proposition held the promise of teaching her children how to navigate and possibly reclaim the power they were born into yet denied by fate. "And what would you ask in return for this generosity?" she asked.
"Merely friendship and true alliance," Maximus replied earnestly. "Your house has always been one of great influence and might. Even now when that influence and power has been diminished because of your exile, there are still those who secretly remain loyal to house Targaryen and would be more than willing to rise up in the future once they see how Robert is not that great of a King as they hoped."
Rhaella's gaze lingered on Maximus, measuring the sincerity of his words and the implications of his plan. She knew that accepting his offer would reshape the destiny of her endangered line. After a moment of reflection, she nodded slightly.
"If we are to enter this alliance, I want assurances," Rhaella said firmly, her voice gaining strength. "Assurances that my children will not only be protected but will also be respected as true royals, not mere pawns in the political games."
Maximus nodded understandingly. "Understandable, My lady. I assure you, under my rule and protection, they will be treated with the Highest respect due to their royal lineage."
Rhaella looked towards her children for a brief moment, seeing in their young eyes a mixture of hope and uncertainty. Turning back to Maximus, she extended her hand. "Then we have an agreement."
Maximus clasped her hand, sealing the pact. "We do, My Lady. Welcome to Heaven's Reach."
"Also don't call me My Lady, call me by name" she retorted.
"Alright then, Rhaella, welcome to Heaven's Reach." responded Maximus. A soft smile appeared on her face as a lot of stress was just taken off her shoulders.
After their meeting, Rhaella, her children, and the hand maidens were escorted to where they would be staying for the foreseeable future. As she left, Maximus turned back to Olorin and Eonwe who returned to coming up with a House Name for Maximus, as well as a name for his new Empire.