Chapter 21 : The Union of the Three Heads, and fallen Dragon - Part 2
Corlys Velaryon (107 A.C. Second Moon)
Outer yard of the Dragonpit
There he was. Finally, the slight against his wife and family would be rectified. Aemon Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone and Lord of Seadragon Point would marry his daughter. He grinned, although there was one thing he did not like about Otto Hightower, the man had overreached. How had he done it? If he had to guess, Otto had sent his daughter to the King's chambers. Most likely, the girl had lain with the King. The fact that they would marry so quickly suggests that all the more. But now, it did not matter; Aemon was the confirmed heir, and perhaps Laenor could be a match for Princess Visenya. However, he questioned if that was pushing his luck with the King too far. But his thoughts returned to the sky where they were all waiting for the three dragons to arrive—the embodiment of the sigil of House Targaryen, and the naming of the new law was chosen wisely.
'Aemon is a son to be goodson, had achieved much and more that men twice his age couldn't even dream. Rider of the largest dragon in the world at the age of six, Aemon was a man. Although his age said otherwise, he commanded the respect of men that not many had at that age. Many said he was Aegon the Conqueror reborn. Perhaps he was; the war in the Stepstones would spread that tale further, on that he had no doubt. The Lords of the Realm and Narrow Sea would cower in the face of the Dragon and Seahorse.' He smirked at the thought.
Then, all their attention was drawn toward the roars and the dragons across the sky. One of Black, one of Green and Bronze, and one of Yellow-Gold. The spouted flames in the sky made a wonderful spectacle for all to see. Then they landed one by one, and lastly, Balerion. As it landed, the ground trembled as he did. The power of the Black Dread stood proud for all to see.
They all walked toward the entrance of the Dragon pit, making a powerful image, all three of them projecting the power of House Targaryen and House Velaryon. 'Although he still did not like that Rhaenyra was to marry Aemon too, but it seemed during the dances, his daughter seemed happy. Perhaps some pride could be set aside for that, although the fact that Aemon was like the Conqueror reborn helped a lot. With his wounded pride, he was a prideful man he knew himself to be, so healing bandages always helped.' He thought as he looked at the three.
Many lords from around the realm had come to the wedding. The most notable absences were the Warden of the West and the Warden of the North. But if rumors were to be believed, the Lord of the West was interested in the Princess and had not wanted to come because of his wounded pride. Benjen Stark himself hadn't come to help prepare his people for war. The man had also proudly knelt to his nephew, so none thought a slight against Aemon or the Crown.
'Then there was the fact that Aemon had spoken of wanting to marry his brides in Winterfell's godswood to honor his mother's gods. It was smart to strengthen his hold on his most loyal power base. He was far more politically adapted than both his brothers.' He thought as he looked at the brides walking with their grome.
"Your daughter looks happy and proud—a true Velaryon, Baratheon, Targaryen princess, and future queen," Lord Boremund spoke from behind. "Finally, the wrong of the great council is to be restored." It was true; that slight against his family would finally be righted.
"What more could a father want in a husband for his daughter? Or from a daughter, Laena, a dragon rider of one of the three dragons of the conquest," he said, his voice low, making the Lord of the Stormlands chuckle.
"Well, who knows, Boros isn't yet betrothed; perhaps a Princess of black and purple can be betrothed to him. But my son is of age to be wed, so a match sooner is better. Otherwise, we'll soon have some storm bastards running around," Boremund said, ending with a chuckle. "Yes, Boros is very boorish. He will be a runtting soon enough," he said with a smile, and Boremund smiled.
"Yes, that describes Boros very well," Boremund said with a smile. The Lord of Storm's End always had his humor and could laugh in the face of truth. Take laughs and japes with him, but still, no man would disrespect the Lord of the Stormlands.
"Well, let's hope your son finds a good match," he said and returned to look at where the crowd greeted the three dragons, and cheers went around.
"Well, Corlys, ready to give your daughter away?" his wife asked. She joined his side and took his hand. "Never, but I'm comforted that she is with someone worthy of her," he said in answer to his wife as they looked at Aemon, who had walked toward the center of the dragon pit, leaving his betrotheds.
Rhaenys Velaryon (107 A.C. Second Moon)
The Central Hall of the Dragon Pit.
She surveyed the crowd gathered to witness a wedding that hadn't taken place in living memory, not since the days of Aegon the Conqueror himself. Her daughter was to marry her cousin, the heir to the Iron Throne, and in an unusual twist, they were also uniting with Rhaenyra, her great-cousin and the daughter of the King.
Aemon stood there, adorned in the finest silk and colors. A snow bear cloak with his personal sigil, a dragonwolf on laughing weirwood, draped over him in red, black, and white. The rest of his attire paid homage to his two ancestral houses. Seeing him standing there, she couldn't have been happier with the future goodson. A Targaryen Prince with her father's name, possessing strength, will, and genuine love for her daughter was all that mattered to her.
Then her husband walked up with their daughter, a Valyrian beauty in blue and silver, representing House Velaryon, with a three-headed dragon embroidered on her shoulders as a nod to her house. Her daughter insisted on it, a detail that made her smile as she reminisced. The bridal cloak around her shoulders bore a seahorse, and when they reached her, mother and daughter embraced. "I'm little Seadragon," her daughter said, a tear rolling down her cheek. A kiss on the cheek followed, and then her daughter proceeded toward the dais where Aemon awaited, wearing the biggest grin.
"His Grace King Viserys Targaryen and his daughter Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen," announced Ser Steffon, his booming voice filling the room. Her cousin looked genuinely happy—a trait he had lacked since Aemma's passing—and in a week, he himself would wed again to Lady Hightower, a development that still baffled her. The hand was a blunted power snatcher, but her cousin, never one with a strong will, had to exhibit some backbone in the Even the High Septon had come. Although the marriage raised eyebrows in the doctrine of exceptionalism, it didn't cause much controversy. The realm seemed more united than during Aeny's rule and the faith uprising.
The trio arrived at the altar, ready for the ceremony. The three stood together, three heads standing strong.
"My Graces, my Lord, and ladies. We are gathered here today to join these three souls into one. The father, mother, maiden, smith, warrior, crone, and the stranger have blessed this union. All three of these souls are part of Great houses of the realm, and the realm has never been so blessed. When our great King Jaehaerys blessed us with his marriage to our Good Queen Alysanne, presenting the realm with the doctrine of exceptionalism for our gracious monarchs," the old man rambled. She wouldn't be surprised if Aemon or Viserys had prepared something for it. Aemon, always trying to prevent tragedy, worked hard for the family and the realm.
"Today, Prince Aemon, our Crown Prince of the realm, shall introduce and herald a new part of the Doctrine: a dragon has three heads, heralding and honoring in a new honor for the realm." The old man proclaimed.
Then, two bridal cloaks were brought forward, both in the colors of House Targaryen. Aemon walked first to Laena and removed her light blue and white Velaryon cloak, replacing it with the black and red one of Targaryen. Aemon and her daughter wore smiles, making her smile in turn. Rhaenyra's Targaryen Cloak was replaced with the same Targaryen-style cloak representing both houses. The three of them walked together with Aemon in the middle, standing united before the High Septon. He bound them together, and then the trio spoke the words. "Father, Smith, Maiden, Warrior, Crone, Stranger, I'm theirs, I'm they are mine until this day until the end of my days." A small grace adorned her lips as they spoke the words. The three seemed to be together, and she hoped it would last.
"Let it be known that Laena of Velaryon, Rhaenyra of Targaryen, and Aemon Targaryen are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder," the High Septon spoke, and then her little one, now a woman, was wed.
Aemon spoke, his voice loud enough to cross the hall. "With this kiss, I pledge my love to my loves," he said, looking slightly unsure, but Rhaenyra nodded toward Laena. A kind gesture from the Princess, a sign of unity. Then, her goodson kissed her daughter and sealed the marriage. They both retreated from one another, and Aemon walked to Rhaenyra, kissing her as well. He then took them both in hand, kissing both hands in unity, and applause and cheers echoed around the Dragon Pit.
Alicent Hightower (107 A.C. Second Moon)
Throneroom
She sat at the table with her father and the other council members. Her father was engrossed in conversation with her uncle, who had come to bear witness to her marriage to Aemon. The subdued ceremony drew her attention to her husband, who was in discussion with Aemon, having switched places with Rhaenyra. Meanwhile, she engaged in conversation with Laena. Despite appearances of happiness, she wasn't sure if she could have married Aemon given the chance. Looking at him again, she felt a sense of gratitude that the marriage would be short, commencing tomorrow. However, she felt sick and couldn't keep her food down, suspecting that she might be with child. Placing her hand on her belly, she didn't feel upset; instead, she cherished the prospect of carrying the child of the man she loved, even if it was deemed shameful in the eyes of the gods. Disregarding divine judgment, she cared not; this small joy was hers to cherish.
Then, the empty chair beside her creaked, and Princess Lyanna took a seat. "Future gooddaughter and Queen, are you enjoying the festivities?" she asked, looking at her.
"Yes, my Princess. I only hope my wedding can be half as grand as this. Everything is happening very quickly," she lied, dreading the idea of marrying in front of people.
"Well, I suppose I should apologize to you. I wasn't most supportive when the union was announced. Viserys is my stepson, and you will become my step-gooddaughter, I suppose. So, family you will be, and a good sister to Aemon and Daemon. Although I'm quite sure Daemon loathes the match," Lyanna said, scowling a bit at the end. The family had been in a rift with Daemon for some time, and from what her father had told her, Daemon was very outspoken about Lyanna and her children. She truly hoped Rhaenyra could forgive her at some point, for betraying her with her father, and the same with Aemon.
"Thank you for that, Princess. I suppose it's all still very overwhelming. I will be the queen of the realm, and if the gods bless me, a mother in time." The first part was true, the last was most likely already true, and being the queen she dreaded. But she would do her duty to her family and the realm when the time came.
"Perhaps, I suppose, yours or Aemon's child will be my first grandchild in a way," Lyanna said, giving her a kind smile.
"Grandchildren, I suppose that's true, as I would be your gooddaughter," she said with a smile, thinking of the possible child she carried, who was Lyanna's grandchild.
"Well, let's hope the family will be blessed with many in the years to come," Lyanna said, taking hold of Alicent's hand and giving her a warm smile. She smiled back, and perhaps all wasn't too bad if she started to have a family among the Targaryens.
"I hope I can be part of that side of my new family. It will be an adjustment. I'm sure it was for you as well, my Princess," she said in answer, hoping she would be part of the Targaryen family, although she knew she would never be fully one.
"Yes, it was. All those years ago, I was younger than you when I met Baelon. I was five and ten namedays when I met him and six and ten when I had Aemon. I was happy, and seven years later, the gods granted me a daughter. The happiness was great in those days. Even Daemon seemed to be warming up, but then my poor Baelon passed from us. A king we never had," Lyanna said with some longing. It's true the Princess lost her husband. To be true, it was Baelon's death that led to her now being betrothed to the King, and her father being the Hand. Although, she had also made her choices, and she would have to live with them.
"Yes, Aemon speaks fondly of his father. He was a loss; he passed away too soon." She gave Lyanna a smile.
"Yes, Baelon loved his children very much. It always hurts when moments happen, like Visenya's first flight, Aemon's work at Seadragon Point, or the marriage that now takes place," Lyanna said with a smile but gave a brighter one as she looked at her son, who was sitting at the main table, where she would sit for a week.
Aemon Targaryen (107 A.C. Second Moon)
Throneroom
'The week had been wonderful, and some gifts for his nameday and the wedding had been fantastic. The dances, kissing, and the togetherness of it all made him feel happy. That, though, made him hate that he had to leave in two or three moons, going to war again for his family and the realm.' He thought happily.
"Husband, what are you thinking of? You haven't said much since we danced; you seemed lost in thought," Laena asked him as they danced. "Sorry, my love. I was just thinking I'm happy, and soon I will have to leave you both and the family," he said with a sigh and kissed her.
"I know, I feel much the same. Soon enough, I will be waiting for my husband to return from war, waiting for news that he will return. You promised me, Rhaenyra, that you would return to us. Don't break it; I don't think I could bear losing you," Laena said with teary eyes. "I will come back; don't worry, my love," he said as he wiped the tears away and kissed her again. Her lips and Rhaenyra's always felt sweet when he kissed them.
He held her waist, and they danced some more. As the song shifted, he walked toward where the musicians were playing, motioning for them to stop. "Here we go; I shall play for the masses. My Lords and Ladies, your grace, I have prepared a song. Some might have heard it already if you were from the North and had visited me at my holdfast there. I hope you all enjoy it or find it moving," he said, feeling a bit nervous as his harp was brought from behind the musician he had asked to store it there for the occasion.
He started to sing "Rhaena of Harrenhall," or so he called it now. He gave his mother a knowing look, and she smiled at him.
"High in the halls of the Lords who are gone."
"Rhaena would dance with her ghosts."
"The ones she had lost and the ones she had found."
"And the ones who had loved her the most."
"The ones who'd been gone for so very long."
"She couldn't remember their names."
"They spun her around on the melded old stones."
"Spun away all her sorrow and pain."
"And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave."
"Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave."
"They danced through the day."
"And into the night through the snow that swept through the hall."
"From winter to summer then winter again."
"Til the walls did crumble and fall."
"And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave."
"Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave."
"And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave."
"Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave."
"High in the halls of the Lords who are gone."
"Rhaena would dance with her ghosts."
"The ones she had lost and the ones she had found."
"And the ones."
"Who had loved her the most."
Then he stopped, ending the last part of the song. The hall fell silent, and then applause erupted. Some women were crying, like his mother, Alicent, Rhaenyra, Laena, and, to his surprise, Rhaenys.
"A beautiful song, my brother, a true tribute to our great aunt. Although a sad tale, I suppose it brings her some peace that she inspired such a song," his brother said as he clapped, giving a wide smile. Well, at least he was happy.
He gave the signal for the musicians to begin again. When both his wives came up to him, Rhaenyra said with teary eyes, "Oh, Aemon, a beautiful song. It spoke of love and sadness, always a good recipe for a song."
"Yes, a beauty indeed, another thing I will miss from my husband when he leaves us," Laena said as a tear rolled down her left eye. He took her face and kissed her.
"I will miss you both just as much. It's time, don't you think, for us to retire? If you both agree, that is?" he asked them then. He flushed a little, and Laena and Rhaenyra did very much the same, but they both nodded in agreement.
"My Lord and Ladies, your grace, I think it's time for me and my brides to retire. I wish you all a fine evening still; drink and sing well. Let's all remember this happy day and week," he thundered, holding both his wives by the waist.
As they left the hall, they were greeted by grins, and when they reached the doorway to the great hall, Ser Harrold and Ser Clement were waiting for them and followed them.
Rhaenyra Targaryen (106 A.C. Second Moon)
Aemon's chambers
She was almost a true woman, or, by most standards, a woman, as she had her first moonblood a moon ago. But she didn't feel more like a girl than when Aemon escorted her and Laena to his chambers. She had some understanding of what the act was, as she and Aemon had been exploring before—touching each other's bodies and kissing each other. Also, she had a quite an awkward conversation with Aemon's mother; she was flushed throughout that conversation.
Then the door opened, and they walked in, all three of them a bit drunk. They even drank from each other's cups as they had wine and ale, so her nerves were somewhat lessened, but not much. She steeled herself for her duty, although with Aemon, it didn't feel like a duty.
She looked at Aemon and Laena as they kissed, and not much later, Aemon gave her much the same. His kiss tasted of wine and some of the spices he had been eating. He held her waist, and she felt very nervous, as did he.
"Rhae, are you alright?" he asked as the kiss stopped. "Mmm, very, just a bit nervous," she said with a flush.
"Oh, I think we all are," he said, looking toward Aemon, who smiled. "I'm just happy everything went fine, and I'm wed to two of the most beautiful women in the world," he said as he kissed her deeply and, after that, Laena. It was a sight seeing them kiss; it didn't spark jealousy. Throughout the week, she had felt more comfortable with the pairing, as had Aemon, who hadn't favored any over the others this week.
"Rhae, don't you think our husband is overdressed?" Laena said as she walked up and stood beside her.
"I think he is," she said, her face now thoroughly flushed.
"Well, I think we should do something about that," Laena said with a smirk, and Aemon, who looked at them both, swallowed deeply.
She walked with Laena toward Aemon, whose face was also now flushed. She caressed his chest as she started to undo the buttons of the vest he was wearing. Meanwhile, Laena went down with her hands toward his belt, relieving him of it and opening his breeches. She undid his vest, revealing his black under-tunic.
Then, a small groan escaped Aemon's lips as he looked toward Laena, who smiled a bit wickedly. She looked down and saw Laena's hand in Aemon's breeches. She giggled and kissed Aemon, then moved her hands down under his tunic, feeling the muscles of his upper body. Not much later, he was removed from his tunic, standing bare-chested. She licked her lips and also saw Laena stripping him of his breeches, leaving him only in his small clothes, with something hard there.
She was brave then, and her hands traveled down. Aemon looked at her as he kissed her deeply. She felt his hard manhood, and her heart was beating in her chest, as was his. Not much later, she felt a hand come over hers. Laena had joined in the play with their husband's manhood. They broke the kiss, and he moved to start kissing Laena.
"Well, I must say this is probably any man's dream," he said, strained as Laena and he broke the kiss. "Well, no man is more deserving, loving, and kind," Laena said as she stepped away from them and started to undo her dress.
"Shall we help our wife?" Aemon asked as he spoke and nipped her earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine. She nodded as both walked toward Laena. She walked up from behind as she undid the lashes of Laena's dress. Aemon kissed Laena as he undid the front parts of her dress. Not much later, Laena stood in her small clothes. She and Aemon went to her top piece, removing it and leaving Laena bare until the waist, revealing her pale Valyrian skin.
"You look wondrous," Aemon said huskily as he kissed Laena again. He also took hold of her hand, guiding it down toward Laena's underparts. Feeling wetness under her small clothes, Aemon said, "Like it, wife, that your husband and your sister-wife are touching you down there?" He looked at Laena with a grin, then grabbed her by the waist, pulled her toward him, and left her standing there in front of them.
"Only one remains. Are you ready, niece?" he asked as he walked up to her and kissed her. Holding his hand to her face, she smelled Laena, still hot on his fingers. "Yes," she said after the kiss broke, not kissing him back hungrily.
Aemon grabbed her and moved to her back, making Laena move in front of her. Seeing Laena standing there, her breasts fuller, she felt a tiny bit insecure. She came close to her face. Then Laena, probably brave, kissed her. She was surprised, but she returned it. They broke apart after that, looked at each other intently, and she was fearless then. She kissed Laena in turn. 'interesting, it's similar to Aemon but different.' She thought.
"If anyone felt this match was wrong, their doubts are gone. Or at least for me," Aemon said from behind as he kissed her neck, and her dress fell to the ground. His hands traveled up her body under her small clothes, slightly dipping into her cunt, another hand holding one of her breasts and pinching one of her nipples. Laena walked over and kissed her again. Laena's hand went down where hers was moments ago, down to her womanhood. She was wet, fully aroused by everything that was happening. Not much later, she was removed from all small clothes, as were Laena and Aemon. Not much later, they were entangled in the bed. After some time, they were all breathless and full of sweat.
She looked at Aemon and Laena, who were both smiling but seemed happy. She also felt happy, but the consummation hadn't happened yet. Then she traveled down to her husband's cock and started stroking it.
"Rhaenyra, wait a moment," he said as he looked at her then at Laena. She stopped and looked at Aemon. 'She was supposed to be one with her husband, shouldn't she? Laena, as well. Could they both go at it still? She was still a maiden, although she didn't feel like one after what had just happened.' She thought confused.
"I can't lay with either of you. Even though I want it very much, I can't risk it. We still have plenty of time. I don't want to lose either of you to a possible death in childbirth. Also, if either of you do get with child, I won't be there during the birth." he said hoarsely as he cradled them both closer to his chest.
"Aemon, we are supposed to lay with each other; otherwise, people will think the marriage unconsummated," Laena said, her voice shaky.
"I understand that Laena, but Moon Tea or not spilling my seed inside you is dangerous. Also, Rhaenyra, you are even younger than both of us," he said to her and Laena. "I can't do it. After the war, we will be together fully, but not before. Why risk it? We have a life still ahead of us," he ended. It was true; her mother had Aerion quit earlier and had never really recovered. In the end, it cost her life.
"I understand. We might not have lain together, but we will be together until death do us part," she said as she kissed him passionately.
"I will have you one day, Aemon Targaryen. You better not die in the Stepstones. Or we both will come and drag you right back out of hell," Laena said as Aemon did as well.
"It doesn't mean we can't do other stuff; there are plenty of things," he grinned. Then he turned away from them and started kissing them both down their bodies. Both Laena and she moaned in turn as their husband kissed their bodies.
"If I may, Laena, I think it's time we introduce our wife to the Lord Kiss, or suppose Prince in this case," he said with a chuckle, and Laena smiled. As she moved closer to her, he kissed her again, also moving a hand to one of her breasts. She did the same, but not for long, as she gasped. Something wet and hot touched her cunt.
"Oh, Aemon," she broke through the kisses of Laena, who smirked at her as she shuddered in pleasure at what wicked thing Aemon was doing with his tongue.
He went on; his tongue and later a finger made work of her cunt. Not much later, the feeling became intense as she shuddered and moaned loudly in pleasure. "Enjoy it, wife," Aemon said as he climbed up toward her head and kissed her, smelling her scent on him. "Yes, very much," she said as the kiss broke apart. "Well, I can't leave one of my wives unsatisfied, can I?" Aemon said with a smirk, moving over to Laena. Not much later, he was giving Laena the Lord's kiss. Much the same as her, he brought her much pleasure, or so she heard, as she was still a bit exhausted and flushed from what Aemon had done to her.
"Well, I hope I did my job as a husband well enough," he said as he lay down in between them. He was sweaty, and his breathing strained, but he had a bright grin on his face. His grey eyes looked at them both with love, which she always cherished.
"Yes, husband, you were wondrous," she said, and she couldn't describe the feeling any better. "Yes, our husband has done his duty, indeed," Laena said as she kissed Aemon again. "I think it's time we give our husband some of his own," Laena said as she broke from the kiss. She kissed Aemon down his body.
She looked at Aemon, who moaned as Laena took his cock in her mouth. "Laena," he moaned as she went up and down on his cock, taking Laena's lead. She looked at Aemon and Laena, who removed her mouth from his cock. She took it with one hand and moved her mouth to the head. It tasted salty but not bad, and it was warm like hers. She went up and down, and "Oh, I'm close," he said, and she removed her head as Aemon came to his pleasure, his seed spilling from his cock. He moaned as he did.
"Oh, my, I think I'm in paradise on earth," Aemon said, breathing raggedly. But he groaned as he saw Laena sucking his cock again. "You should try it; it's not too bad, and he enjoys it after," Laena said with a grin as she stopped sucking. "Don't you, husband?" Laena said as she went up and kissed Aemon, full of passion.
"Yes," he said after the kiss broke. She did, and it was true; the taste wasn't bad, just salty. But seeing Aemon's face as she did made her grin. After she was done, she moved up and kissed him. They lay for some time in bliss. As Aemon moved, he walked toward his desk and poured three glasses of wine. "To my beautiful wives and a bright future," he said as he toasted them.
Oh, the Arbor red tasted good after all that. But Aemon then returned to his desk and grabbed a knife from it. Sitting back on the bed, he cut on tides, spilling the blood and leaving a small pool in the center of the bed. Then he did the same in another place.
"Why?" she questioned after he placed a piece of cloth around the cut.
"Because it will convince people we consummated the marriage," Laena said in answer, placing down the wine glasses beside the bed. "Yes, this way, people will think at least the marriage is consummated. In time, it will become true," he said as he lay back down between them. Not much later, they all went to sleep in bliss. All three snuggled together as one.
Daemon Targaryen
The Vale Runestone
'Runestone had hoped never to come here again but marched with a thousand men into the lands. He had fallen out of grace and out of the minds of the people of the realm. He would regain his power, and the world would learn the name Daemon Targaryen. He would reclaim the mantle stolen from him, and once that happened, every person who had wronged him would pay for it.' He thought bitterly.
The Keep of Runestone was older than many throughout the realm, built by the First Men. Perhaps there was strength in the line. He looked at the positives—the Royces had held the land for thousands of years, being the Bronze Kings before the Arryns with their iron weapons defeated them. The Keep was built on a cliff face, surrounded by hills. The castle had three sections: the outer wall, the new wall, and the section that held it, which included a barracks, a sept, and a granary. The second section held an old wall, thicker but older, built during the days of the Bronze Kings. The last section held the central holdfast, a high keep looking over the surrounding lands.
Surveying the lands, he thought that if he could take control here, he could build it into a bastion and gain coin to build in the Free Cities. The Triarchy was causing trouble in the region by all accounts. It had caused Lord Corlys a whole load of problems, making the expedition that he and his wolfling brother had started necessary to end the piracy of the Stepstones. There might be other cities that would like a dragon to fight for them for a price.
"Who goes there?" a guard at the gate asked as they approached the dry moat surrounding the Keep.
"His Prince Daemon Targaryen, true heir to the Iron Throne, and husband to Lady Rhae Royce," his right hand, Ser Borik, announced, the last part still making Daemon's skin crawl. But if he wanted to rise, he needed a stepping stone back into the game. Even if he did not like to admit it, Lady Rhae Royce was that stone. Ironic, the name Runestone—how fitting, he laughed a little at the thought.
"Open the gates; your men will have to stay outside for the moment, though, my Prince. You can bring ten with you," the guard said after a moment. The drawbridge was lowered, and he rode through, accompanied by ten of his men.
The people all gave him looks; the Lord of Runestone had returned, and by all rights, he was. But first, he needed to take control, and for that, he needed an heir to the place. He had thought long of it; he could kill the woman and remarry, demanding the lands by his rights as her husband. But he doubted Lady Arryn would be so inclined to grant it to him. So the option that made his skin crawl came into his mind; a child was needed. If everything went well, his wife would die in childbed, making him the regent of Runestone until his child came of age. That was long enough time to rise again from the ashes. He would take what was his with fire and blood.
"My Prince, it honors us to have you grace us with your presence. Lady Royce awaits in the great hall. If you please, follow me. You can leave your weapons on the rack at the entrance," a man said as hw dismounted his horse. He did not recognize the man, but he was most likely the steward of the castle. Then a roar echoed, and his most faithful companion announced the presence of the Blood Worm to all of Runestone. Some bowed down in shock; good, he thought. It was time these people knew with whom they were dealing.
He then nodded toward the man and followed him toward the great hall. The hallways of Runestone were decorated with runes and tapestries of old battles and the Bronze Kings. They were proud of their ancestry, but they would never be the blood of old Valyria. Although his child would be a half-breed, one day he would have a pure Valyrian, a true heir for his legacy.
"Husband," his wife said coldly as he entered the hall. "So, why are you here? Have your brothers had enough and sent you away?" She sat on the bronze throne of the Royces. "Being pushed out by a boy of five and ten, although he rides Balerion after all, a great ruler and warrior by all accounts," she said with a smirk.
"I have come for one thing, as my baby brother put it on Dragonstone, dear wife. I have come to do my duty," he said, speaking in the same tone as she did. At his words, there was some shock.
"Leave us; I wish to speak with my husband alone," his wife ordered the hall, and people started to leave. A man with a gray beard gave him a disgusted look; who was he? Then he saw the armor of bronze—another Royce. He gave a nod to his men, who left as well.
"So what, you have come to consummate our marriage? I have heard the Vale sheep are prettier, after all," she said with a scowl.
"Well, yes, lady wife, I have, and I have the right to as a husband. I need an heir, and so do you. I do say the sheep are prettier, for sure. But you will have to do," he said as he walked closer.
"Pff, you really think I'd let you?" she said, and at that, he closed the space between them.
"Well, I suppose we have two options, wife, or should I say my bronze bitch?" he said with a scowl, his face close to hers as he looked into her black-brown eyes. "Either that, or I make myself a widow and turn Runestone into another Harrenhal," he said with a smirk, and Caraxes let out a roar, proving his point. She swallowed at that; good fear.
"Well, wife, burn or bleed. I suppose both are my house words—ironic," he laughed.
"I could kill you, Daemon, very easily. You are outnumbered, and all your men are outside. There would be death, but you would be dead, and the realm rid of terrible cunt," she said in return.
"Well, you could. I would take you with me, and perhaps some of your men. But Caraxes would turn this place into smoldering rock all the same in his rage," he said. She would do it; she had no option, no choice but to agree to his demands or surprise him and have him killed.
"Well, husband, I suppose we have an agreement. I have only one condition: our secondborn will be a Royce. I want it on paper. I want a copy sent to the King; I might not like this, but I might as well gain something out of it," she said with a scowl.
"Agreed, my dear wife," he said, taking her hand and kissing it mockingly, making her scoff in return, which made him chuckle. Well, Otto, it seemed men have patience for absolute power, he thought, remembering the remark Otto made during the meeting that more or less removed him from the line of succession. Let all dismiss me and insult me behind my back. I will rise from the ashes with fire and blood.
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