Daemon scratched at the hair on his chin, the autumn chill tickling his face as he watched the farmers he had hired began to take the minor harvests from his experiment terrace farming; it was a small bit of land, about the size of a football pitch or one acre, which Rhea had allotted to him for the project.
The results had pleased him; the talk of winter coming concerned him greatly, he feared that he would have to wait until the end of a possible winter to start and then who knew when that would end. Or what would happen between then.
Yet it seemed the summer had lasted just long enough for his growing team to clear the field and do the necessary work, two years' worth of work, setbacks, and changes to his plan he finally had his vision realised.
Thank God I have Caraxes, he's like my own personal crawler crane.
It must have been strange for others to see the legendary creature being used to move large rocks and scrap out lines in the different levels of the mound with the workers; the days of work he had saved just with that.
I wonder if that is how the empire of Valyrian became so powerful? Because they used dragons as tools and not just weapons? Maybe I could recruit giants one day to build dams?
He chuckled inwardly at the thought.
He walked up the set of wooden stairs build into the farm as he observed the work of field hands cutting the wheat, placing them in a large sack before then placing them down a slide to be collected by more hands.
He spotted one of his stewards who helped him manage the project "Robin!" he called out, waving his hand. Robin turned to him and rushed down to meet him.
"My Prince." He said, bowing his head, a larger ledger in his hands.
"Anything to report?"
Robin opened his book and flickered through some pages "The harvest looks to be going well, the crops we have collected here shows great potential for the idea and we may gain a good sum of money from the harvest collected here." Daemon resisted the urge to smile at the news, experience of failure itching his mind.
How many projects have I seen blow up in smoke?
"Any setbacks?"
"Some of the lower levels soil is far too wet and muddy, crops could not grow." Robin said. "Farmers have said that the water from the rain comes from the top and falls to the bottom." Daemon nodded his head, pressing his finger to his lips. "And we needed more work hands then planned which incurred some additional costs."
I've underestimated the costs.
"You have my thanks. Robin." Daemon patted him on the back "I'll need to keep this in mind when we continue this, you are dismissed for now."
Robin bowed his head "By your leave, my Prince." Robin quickly walked down the steps.
Daemon turned his head and looked towards Runestone, from there he had a great view of the castle and vice-versa, helpfully from his own solar where he watched them diligently at times. He felt his hands clam up the longer he looked at the castle.
I should head back, check on them
He quickly rushed over to his horse, guarded by Cley, and headed back towards Runestone, at times even racing Cley towards the gates.
When he went through the gates he handed his horse to Mychel before quickly rushing back inside the castle doors. His eyes looked for two people; Rhea and Perra.
Not long ago they received news from the Eyrie of Yorbert's passing, understandably neither were taking the news well; the last few weeks since then had been a deluge of emotions and tears, all of which Daemon tried to juggle along side his work.
He spotted Edith in the halls, quickly rushing towards her "Edith!" it use to frighten the poor girl who would nervously bow her head at him, Daemon was glad now that most of the castle servants were comfortable with him.
"Prince Daemon." She greeted politely.
"Do you know where Lady Perra is?"
"I believe she is still in bed." Daemon grimaced slightly, must have been days since she left her room, Daemon resisted the urge to get her to come out; she was but a girl of five and ten, mourning her father's loss still. "But I have heard she is taking her meals now from the cooks."
"That is good, an improvement." Daemon said. "And my Lady-wife?"
"She is in her solar, I believe she is preparing to take petitions later today."
"I thank you, Edith." Daemon nodded his head and smiled before quickly rushing off to Rhea's office.
Two guards stood by the door, each one standing at attention and greeting him formally. He greeted them wordlessly before opening the door to Rhea's solar and stepping in. Inside he saw Rhea, her hand holding up her head as she read through a stack of ledgers.
Daemon sighed.
When Daemon awoke this morning he found his bed empty; it had become a recurring pattern now these last few weeks, they were go their own ways in the morning, meeting to spend time to check on Baelor before doing their own work or training. The only time they seemed to have together was at night, even then it felt as though the time spent was more a distraction that being together. Beyond that all she would do was attend to her work.
She tries to drown herself in work.
Daemon walks towards her and around the desk, Rhea still focused on the ledger. He bends down slightly and hugs her from behind, nestling his head between her shoulder "How much sleep have you gotten?"
Rhea sighed "Enough." She spoke "I have work to do and people to see." Daemon let go and the two looked at each other, her eyes were red whether from lack of sleep or weeping he did not know.
"Let me handle the petitions." He said "You should get more rest."
Rhea scowled "No, I am the Lady of Runestone, I shall handle it." Clearly spoken as an order, Daemon placed his hand on hers.
"You're already doing so much, you made me the castellan; I can handle it." Daemon offered, placing a kiss on her neck.
Rhea soften at his touch, leaning her head into his. "Very well." She conceded "I still have a lot of work to do so I cannot rest yet but I shall leave this to you." Rhea moved from her chair as Daemon still playful held her, twisting around to embrace him properly.
"You shall get some rest." Daemon told her. "Promise?"
"I promise." She lifted her head and kissed him gently before pulling out of his arms "Here, these are the parchments about the issues, read them." She gave him a few rolled parchments "No doubt they will be brought up, I have a meeting with my bannermen I can prepare for then." Politely shooing him away.
Daemon smiled, pecked her on the cheek and quickly made for the throne room.
Maester Hugo stood on the dais, sat upon a stool next to the bronze throne as Daemon climbed the short steps "Prince Daemon."
"I shall be taking petitions today, Hugo." He said "My lady-wife has enough to deal with already." Hugo nodded. Daemon looked upon the throne. His hand on the arm rest, the metal felt cold against his palm. He felt a reluctance to sit upon it from himself.
And a burning desire to not by his counterpart.
It's not the seat either of us want…
Daemon took to the throne, sitting on the cushion as he rested his arms at it's side as Cley stood by his side "Send them in." he commanded.
I can never get use to this.
One by one, a line of people formed as they came in from the main entrance, each one bowed to him politely and came with their issues and petitions; there was a diversity among them, some minor landed lords who came about a squabble over some river and some village elders who talked about the need for masons or field hands.
Thank the Gods I have Hugo with me, this would be hell.
Then a knight strode in, it wasn't out of the ordinary to find knights who believed in their own self-importance barge in front. It was the Targeryen colours on his livery that caught their eyes.
"My Prince." The knight said, kneeling before him "I am a message from King's Landing." He took out a rolled up parchment. Daemon signalled the man to step forward, taking the parchment from his hand.
Reading the letter he found the air sucked from his lungs.
Jaehaerys…
He handed the letter to Hugo, who gasped loudly as he read. "Prince Daemon."
Daemon raised his hand "Cley." He called to his friend "Take this to my wife." He said, Hugo passed the letter to him, Cley quickly sprinting to the doorway. Daemon sat silently, his hands held together as he looked to the floor.
"King Jaehaerys is dead." Hugo announced to those in the hall, there was a choir of gasps and shrieks from the news "Long live King Viserys." Commotion and chatter echoed around the hall "Please, I fear we must end petitions here-"
"Wait." Daemon called out "You have come here, some taking days, we shall finish this."
"Prince Daemon-"
"I am fine, Hugo." He placed a farse smile on his face. "Let the next person step forward." He shut his eyes and tried to focus inwards.
Why do I feel nothing?
Neither anger, nor sadness, pity of glee.
"My Prince, you have my condolences, the realm mourns for your grandsire, a wise king." A landed knight spoke and the words seemed to blur into the background. They all did and yet he continued until the last person left the hall. Staring blankly out into the path ahead he stood up and walked quietly towards Rhea's solar again, Hugo by his side.
"Prince Daemon…" Hugo spoke "I-"
"There is nothing to be said." when they reached the door, the guards bowed their heads, spoke their condolences and opened the door. Rhea gave commands as servants and scribes rushed around the office, carrying scrolls, plans and ledgers. When they all saw Daemon at the door, some had dropped what they were holding to bow before him.
Even Rhea.
"Prince Daemon, we mourn the death of Jaehaerys." Rhea spoke.
Not you. Please not you.
"Everyone, clear the room, prepare for our journey to King's Landing." Daemon ordered. They all quickly rushed out of the room, except Rhea and Hugo, some even leaving what they dropped on the floor. Daemon picked up a scroll.
Maybe drowning yourself in work is the answer…
Rhea wrapped her arms around him "Daemon, are you well?" he nodded his head.
"We have to go back to King's Landing again." He laughed bitterly. "Gods help us." If only to mask a familiar yet different feeling of emptiness sat in his chest.
Perhaps it made sense, he never held any strong feelings for Jaehaerys; his interactions with the king was limited, once standoffish and the other more pitiful and even with Daemon's memories he was a distant figure… the man in the high chair.
Daemon focused once within himself.
Did you hate him?
The question had earnt him a light sting, as if to scold him to such a foolish question.
Right, he was still your grandsire.
The journey to King's Landing was tedious as before; a long journey to Gulltown and then an even longer journey to the capital, praying for weather that did not impede their journey. As news spread of Jaehaerys' death, Daemon was met with a greater reaction from those around him than when his own father died. From Runestone to various inns, to Gulltown and then by the crew of the large galley.
He did not know if the irritation that this realisation was his own or Daemon.
Of course they mourn the King, they lived under his reign peacefully, not my father's.
And yet that did not bring either of the two any comfort.
It was fitting in a way that the skies of King's Landing was dark and grey, as they reached the harbour, passing the Blackwater bay. When they docked on a pier of the Fishmarket, Daemon was reminded of the stillness that reigned during the standoff between the Velaryons and themselves. Only the sound of the work around them and the shriek of Caraxes flying over them
Except rather than tension, sorrow gripped people's imaginations. As workers took their belongings from the ship he watched as few of them, he could see the red in their eyes and even spotted a woman sat upon a wooden crate, weeping into her hands.
If he had been your grandsire, would you all feel the same way.
A part of him hated himself for thinking in such a way.
Once again he saw the familiar face of Robin standing at the pier to meet him and his family. "Ser Robin." He said the kingsguard.
"My Prince." He said "Lady Rhea, Lord Baelor." Baelor was but a baby just a few months over his first name day, now he stands between the two of them, holding onto his mother's skirts. "I wish we would meet under better circumstances. The realm mourns for the loss of his Grace."
"We mourn for my grandsire too." Daemon said.
"His Grace, King Viserys, awaits you in the Red Keep." Robin said "The rest of the small council too." Both Daemon and Rhea looked at each other.
Must be for the funeral preparations.
The three rode the carriage from the harbour towards the Red Keep, again Daemon could spot the stillness, the solemnness and sorrow on the faces of those they passed. Some throwing flowers at their carriage's path.
As they reached the entrance to the Red keep, a troop of guards met them as before. Yet this time it was not Otto who met them but Corlys. As they stepped out of their carriage, the Sea Snake walked towards them and formally greet them.
"Prince Daemon, Lady Royce" He said, gripping Daemon's hand firmly, before then politely embracing Rhea with a kiss on the cheek. "And this is little lord Baelor." He smiled at his son before looking to Daemon once more "You have my condolences, your grandsire was one of the greatest kings Westeros had seen before and after the Conquest."
"I thank you, Lord Corlys." Daemon replied.
"Come, his Grace Viserys and the Lord Hand wishes to discuss with you in the chamber of the Small Council, first let our guards escort you to his Grace's apartments; both your cousins Lady Aemma and my wife Princess Rhaenys awaited with the children." Daemon nodded his head, placing his hand on the small of Rhea's as they were escorted through the Red Keep.
When they reached the apartments, he spotted both Rhaenys and Aemma sat upon a long chair by the hearth, while Laena and Laenor played with Rhaenyra.
When was the last time I was here and it was a happy occasion? It was when my father was still alive.
"Prince Daemon." Aemma spoke, the small group stood up and faced both him and his family as they stepped inside.
"I hope you are well, cousin." Rhaenys spoke, Daemon walked up to them, politely embracing them both before turning to his nephew and nieces.
"Prince Daemon." They both said, even Rhaenyra tried to curtsey before him.
Daemon smiled "Children, that is no way to greet your uncle." He knelt down and opened his arms as the three ran to hug him. "I need you three to look after Baelor for me while I am gone, can I trust you?"
Both Laenor and Laena nodded enthusiastically "Yes un-cle." Rhaenyra spoke, as they parted Rhea approached and led Baelor to them who hid behind her.
Such a shy one…
It reminded him of his niece when they were younger- No it reminded him of Gael. Not his niece.
She was the shy one… it was her.
He did not know who he was talking about. He placed his hand against his eye; he did not know when but since he had awoken it felt as though his memoires we're being picked clean from someone or something.
"Prince Daemon." Robin called to him, breaking him from his trance "His Grace awaits."
Daemon nodded his head and looked to Rhea "I shall be back soon." Rhea nodded and placed a quick kiss on his lips before he departed, turning to see Baelor being carried by Laenor onto the fur rug as Rhaenyra showed him some of her toys.
When he reached the small council he saw two more members of the kingsguard at the door, bowing their heads and opening it. Inside he saw Viserys sat at the head of the table with both Otto and Corlys sat at either side of him. As Daemon stepped inside and the doors behind him shut, he bowed his head.
"Your Grace."
Viserys stood up from his seat and walked towards him, capturing Daemon in a tight embrace "Brother." He said. "It is good to see you again, how are Rhea and Baelor?"
"They are well, my King."
"None of that please, we are brothers." Viserys showed him to his seat next to Corlys as Viserys sat back down. "I knew this day would come, but I had not expected it so soon."
"Our grandsire was old, we his health was ailing." Daemon said.
"Indeed, there is a new king and a new dawn." Corlys said. "What the realm needs is for the House of the Dragon to be united and for a council to govern it."
Daemon bit his cheek. "What are you proposing?"
"I am forming my own small council, brother." Viserys said "I wish to offer you a seat on it."
Daemon clenched his jaw "I fear I will not be a good Master of law, coin or whispers." He spoke "There are others far better than I."
"You will be relieved to know we are not offering such a position." Otto said "I have recommend to his Grace that, with your experiences in the Vale and High Tide, you can handle matters of diplomacy; you would be the first 'Chief Emissary.'"
Daemon first inclination was to reject it, yet as he opened his mouth, Daemon put a stop to him; catching him off guard and placing a searing pain on him, as if telling him 'I shall not surrender this!'
I could… I could do a lot; I could recruit craftsmen to my team in Runestone, I could try an improve people's lives, I could continue to make a difference… I could gather information on maternity practices and save Perra! I could save Aemma! I just need to find someone or think of something!
I can stop the Dance for good…
Yet in his heart, the sight of Rhea and Baelor, of Perra, or his friends at Runestone. The pain that was not caused by Daemon was that of fear, he didn't want to be without them. And when the word 'No' tried to escape his lips, did the pain intensify.
I can maintain my composure and fight him off.
"Please, allow me to speak with my wife first." Daemon spoke "I currently serve as her castellan."
"Ser Clement." Viserys called to kingsguard, the door opened and the knight stood before them. "Escort Lady Royce and my brother to a private room so they may discuss." The knight bowed his head and walked away, shutting the door "I will need an answer soon, brother."
Daemon inhaled deeply, a part of him begging that Rhea gives him an excuse to say no. The three almost sat in complete silence waiting for the knight to return when a knock on the door echoed around the room. "Your Grace, Lady Royce."
"Your Grace." Rhea spoke, bowing her head. Daemon quickly took off from his chair and towards Rhea, taking her head "Daemon, what has happened?" she whispered to him as the Kingsguard led them away to an empty solar, shutting the door behind them.
"They wish for me to take a seat on the small council." Daemon said "They wish to make me the first chief emissary to the crown."
Rhea placed her hand over her mouth for a moment "And what did you say."
"Nothing." He admitted. "I- I want to say no; there is some much that I have yet to achieve at Runestone and… I don't want to be without you and Baelor or even Perra for too long but I cannot ask you to stay here." Daemon paused "But…" his chest burned ache, Daemon was placing his hands around his heart. And squeezing. "I feel I can do more; I can help my brother, I can learn more, recruit people from the capital to Runestone and increase our wealth and power." He took Rhea's hands "I am torn between these two ideas… I am lost, Rhea. And I need you to guide me." He rested his head on her "Whatever you say, I shall follow."
The two basked in the quiet moment "You should accept." Daemon let out a breath "He is your king, he may be your brother but he is your king and when a King asks he commands."
"What about yourself, what about Baelor or Perra?" Daemon asked "You had only lost your father so recently-"
"we are not some fawn for you to nurse, we shall be fine." she reassured him. "Perra will be upset no doubt but you shall visit us I hope."
"I could not stand being away from home for too long." Daemon smiled sombrely "I was hoping you would ask me to stay at Runestone." He chuckled "But you're right and maybe I am needed here too." Rhea kissed him. "I will be back at Runestone!" he exclaimed "I will ask for at least four months in the year to be at Runestone, if not then I shall deny Viserys and the small council of this; and I cannot let my work there fall to ruin just because I am not there."
"As you should, I would have told the king no myself if he asked to keep you in the capital at all times." Rhea smirked.
"I will need to appoint my own castellan to oversee my project." He wrapped his arms around her "If I knew that getting involved at the Eyrie would lead to this-"
"-You still would have gone." Rhea spoke. "I think if you knew that someone was at risk, an innocent, you would have involved yourself regardless." Daemon rested his head on hers, realising that, at times, she knew him better than he knew himself.