Daemon turns over the parchments in his hand, flicking through each one as he tries to careful read the Triarchy's terms for reduced tariffs, almost spitting out his drink as he went through each point.
Bloody merchants are greedy as hell.
Both he and Otto began crossing out and rewriting each demand, hoping to find some kind of common ground; yet with each meeting with their representatives, the demands, the costs and nerve of them grew. But the one that Daemon found most hideous was their desire for the Crown to forcibly extradite escaped slaves from their lands back to them.
I had almost wanted to rip up the paper in front of them… Daemon certainly would have cut them down.
As he looked at the paper he felt an intense desire to just rip up the terms and write their own ones, yet he knew well enough they'd get nowhere.
Their lords? Magisters? Whatever they are, they're just as proud and stubborn as any lord! Is there no one in this planet that isn't a power hungry dick?
There was a knock on his door "Prince Daemon." Cley called from the other side, Rhea had asked him to accompany him during his stay in the capital "The Lord-Hand wishes to speak with you."
"He may enter." Daemon called back, the door opened and Otto stepped inside, Cley shutting the door behind them.
"Daemon." Otto said, taking a seat opposite to him. "See you're still making adjustments to their terms."
"It's ridiculous, Otto." Daemon lamented "several meetings we had with them, and it feels as though we're no closer to a compromise since the first."
"We must have faith, Jaehaerys found common ground between these free cities." Otto said "Even if history says the talks were laborious, I'm sure you are looking forward to this next round of talks."
"We've been locked in talks for six turns of the moon, about as long as it took for my grandsire to find a compromise." Daemon flipped the papers over "And then there's Corlys, we mustn't step on his toes either, else we put the treaty at risk... Gods even he wasn't this difficult to negotiate with."
Otto rubbed his face "Truly had I known the headache we set ourselves upon I would have done things differently." Otto placed his hand on Daemon's desk, drumming his fingers "May I speak freely, Daemon?"
"You need never ask, Otto."
"Do you ever wonder if we set up the conditions for a war with that treaty?" Daemon paused for a moment; in his mind he could only see the future he sought to avoid, one of a muddied succession leading to conflict. What he had done may have pushed them away from such a fate yet placed them in darkness.
"I do not know what the future holds." Daemon spoke "But what I do know is then we had prevented one, and for now that is enough."
"Mayhaps, if only we could peer into the future." Otto remarked. "But our hope may still work out, Corlys is a man of ambition, our treaty poses him a dilemma; Laenor on the throne or House Velaryon become a great house, finding their peers among the wardens."
"And he cannot have both, quite the dilemma." Daemon added.
"Prince Daemon Lord Otto." Came a muffled voice from the other side of the door, the door opened, Ser Arryk stood at the entrance, bowing his head to them. "The delegation is in the chamber."
"Speaking of dilemmas." Otto said.
"After you, Lord-Hand." Daemon said, getting up from his seat, the papers in his hand, as they were escorted by the knight to the chamber. By the door stood sets of guards; two guards dressed in the two colours of House Targeryen and four men dressed in the armour and livery of a Myrish family.
The kingsguard bowed their heads before opening the door for them, as they stepped inside they saw the familiar faces of the Triarchy's delegation.
"Magister Oro." Otto greeted the Lyseni envoy "Archon Syrio, Master Releqor." Addressing the Tyroshi and the Myrish lords.
"Lord-Hand, Prince Daemon." Oro, the head of the delegation greeted them back. The smug look was enough to set Daemon off, he breathed in deeply as he took his seat. "I hope you both are well."
"We are." Daemon replied, resting his hands on the table. "Shall we continue where we left off?"
"Indeed." Syrio spoke "I hope you had time to consider our terms."
"We have, you will be disappointed to hear we do not accept." Otto replied, taking out his ledger and opening it.
"Our terms are fair, if you desire a decrease in tariffs then the least you can do is comply to them." Releqor spoke loudly. "You expect us to lower them without concessions on your end?"
"The Iron throne will not accept even the harbouring of slaves in our ports." Daemon as calmly as he could "That is non-negotiable."
"Furthermore, the Triarchy are asking for the Iron throne to impose further taxes on goods brought in from other republics and Free Cities." Otto pointed out "We can not abide by that; you would know that to do this would make the Seven Kingdoms dependent on trade from your alliance."
"A fitting price really, seeing as you claim dominion over the Narrow Sea." Oro almost taunted them. "How do you think having your ships controlling the seas impact us? Diverting trade from the other cities towards Driftmark?"
Daemon pinched the bridge of his nose, once again Driftmark was becoming an obstacle to his progress.
An obstacle I created.
"The interests of House Velaryon need not be opposite to the interests of the Triarchy." Otto said "Nor the interests of His Grace; trade is of upmost importance to all of us around this table, for it to be disrupted would put the security of all of us at risk."
"We have already dealt with the risk to trade by taking over the Stepstones, it was through our swords and the blood of our men that those once pirate infested islands are now civilised." Syrio said "I should know, Tyrosh had suffered at the hands of pirates since written memory; it seems as though the Iron Throne wishes to reap the benefits our work while having done nothing."
"Had the Triarchy called for aid then I am confident that many houses would have answered such a call." Daemon retorted "My grandfather was no stranger to intervening in matters across the Narrow Sea."
"Ah yes, His Grace Jaehaerys, who brokered a deal between Tyrosh and Pentos, we in Tyrosh are very familiar with that treaty." Syrio said "Did you ever hear about what happened to the Prince of Pentos when he returned to his lands?" Both Daemon and Otto stayed silent "No? they sacrificed him to their queer Gods, luckily for Archon he was overthrown instead and replaced by my father."
"Yet the treaty still stands." Otto commented.
"No one on this table will agree to a treaty that would risk the fall of our reputations, ourselves and our families." Releqor tapped his finger on the marble table to emphasis his point.
"Even if it would be benefit all parties involved?" Daemon questioned him "You would risk ruin? Peoples' lives depend on the money from trade and you would put yourselves above that?"
"To not end up an outcast to the Triarchy? Yes." The Archon answered "Tell me, how far are you both willing to go to maintain that little agreement you and the 'Sea Snake' have? Do you believe he will surrender what you have given him? I believe yourself clever enough to know the answer."
"We all have internal politics we are juggling." Oro stated "You must understand that, we can not compromise on the terms we have set here; not when the Iron Throne has much to gain."
"How about this then, Lord Hand and Prince." Releqor suggested, taking out a map of the Narrow sea and its various ports and trade routes "The shipping lane between here and here." He pointed to a line connecting bloodstone to Driftmark. "And the lanes here and here." He pointed towards the lanes between Myr and King's Landing "We want brought under the jurisdiction.
Daemon clenched his teeth "Those two lanes are vital to the Seven Kingdoms." He said "And they are used by ships and merchants not just from the Triarchy; Pentoshi, Braavosi and even ships from Volantis and Norvos use those lanes too, we can not give you full control over them."
"You cannot? Or the Sea Snake?" Syrio questioned.
"This is a reasonable request; if the Triarchy are given control over these shipping lanes then we shall lower the tariffs of ships passing through the Stepstones." Oro said "That will make up for the loss in revenue we would suffer from such."
"And make the Iron Throne dependent on trade from your cities." Otto said "No, we cannot, to do that would upset the other free cities; one of whom shares a boarder with you might I remind you."
Releqor chuckled "I promise you, Lord-Hand, Pentos will dare not set foot upon my home; they know they would not win a fight between us."
"If all you have to say to us is denials of our fair terms then we have nothing more to say for today." Oro spoke, the three delegates standing up from their seats. "I wish you well, and hope you come to your senses."
As the delegation left the chamber, Daemon couldn't help but spot the sly grin on the face of the Lyseni noble as he left the room; knowing full well that he had left Daemon and Otto completely emptied handed once more.
When the doors were shut Daemon grabbed his goblet and tossed it at one of the pillars, the cup bouncing off the stone. "Those fuckers!" he exclaimed "Gods damn those bastards!"
Otto rubbed his face and sighed "It seems that their goal is the create tensions between both the Crown and House Velaryon." He observed "And they're using the stipulations regarding Velaryon control over the narrow sea to do so." Otto closed his ledger book "It seems the only way we can come to an agreement is if we get Lord Corlys to secede on that point."
"He will not." Daemon stated, walking over and picking up the goblet, placing it on the table "The man hates them as much as they him, they both know what it means for the other to have control over the narrow sea and the entrance to it."
"Lord Corlys will likely be back from the harbour by now after inspecting the royal navy." Otto stated "His Grace will still be in a meeting with Lord Lyonel, we should discuss this with him first before we tell the King about our current predicament." Daemon nodded his head. "Before that I believe some reprieve in an order."
"Quite, I should pay a visit to my good-sister and niece." Daemon said.
Otto smiled "Do send my love to my daughter if you see her to."
"Of course." Daemon smiled back, bowing his head slightly before leaving the chamber.
Daemon found both Aemma and Rhaenyra in the Godswood, sitting under the tree in the shade casted by the bright autumn sun, as his niece was being entertained by Alicent. It warmed his heart to watch such a sight; all he had known was Rhaenyra and Alicent being at each other's throats as adults, he never would have guessed that the two had a tender relationship prior to that.
I can't let that change… I can't let them hate each other…
As he walked up to them, Aemma was the first to spot him. She smiled and waved at him, catching the attention of Rhaenyra and Alicent. Rhaenyra quickly got up from the blanket and ran towards him, hugging his knees "Uncle Daemon." She exclaimed, Daemon picked her up and kissed her cheek.
"Hello little one." He smiled.
"Can you read us more stories?" Rhaenyra asked "Or play with us?" there was an innocent eagerness in her voice. "shall we play join-four? shall we?"
"If I have the time I shall, I promise." he turned to Alicent "Lady Alicent, how are you?" he spoke warmly, even as his chest burned hot from the sight of her.
Can you not hold a vendetta against a child please?
"I am well, my Prince." Alicent said, bowing her head.
"Please Alicent, your father is a friend, and yourself as friend of my lovely niece." Daemon said, Rhaenyra squeezing his neck with her arms "Just Daemon is fine." Alicent casted a soft smile. Daemon masked the uneasy in his stomach at the thought; if he failed to save Aemma… then the girl before him might be pushed to marry his brother…
He looked to Aemma who watched Daemon with bright eyes and a welcoming expression.
I can't let you die… I failed Gael, I can't fail you.
"Good-sister." Daemon greeted, Aemma stood up and embraced Daemon, Rhaenyra wedged between the two.
"Daemon, it is always a pleasure to see you." Aemma smiled as she took Rhaenyra from Daemon and placed her down, sitting back down onto the blanket with herself and Alicent.
Daemon had a quick look around; he spotted two kingsguard beside them at the heart tree, Steffon and Erryk, and a third man dressed in padded leather armour over a dark doublet and pants. He looked to be about Daemon's age.
The man smiled at him, he was handsome looking man, of that there was no doubt, but Daemon felt unnerved by him.
"Ser Criston!" Rhaenyra called to him, waving at him to come forward.
Criston walked towards her "Princess." He dipped his head to her, he turned to Daemon "My Prince."
"Ser Criston." Daemon wasn't there for the tourney in Maidenpool, he had only heard from Rhaenyra how he swiftly defeated those in the melee and jousting while Daemon was still in King's Landing preparing for these negotiations.
It upset Daemon to think this way, Criston seemed like a charming man; yet, even when he had potentially changed the line of succession, he still feared what part Cole had to play.
The Kingmaker…
He felt his chest flare up as he looked at him, Daemon knew who he was too. And hated him.
I should keep an eye on you… maybe keep you under the thumb of someone to stop you being a potential problem, but who?
"I was a shame you missed the tourney, my Prince." Criston said "It would have been an honour to test myself against your prowess."
Daemon laughed "After my accident I think the only thing I'll be riding is my dragon." Criston laughed politely "The realm never rests, I had more pressing matters to attend to."
"Indeed." Criston said "I do not envy you position."
"I hope you are allowing yourself some rest, cousin." Aemma chastised him.
"Fear not, dear cousin, I have no intention of working myself to an early grave, my lady-wife would never forgive me." Daemon jested, Aemma rolled her eyes.
"I just pray you are not too busy to join us for supper later tonight." Aemma sternly said "Also how is Rhea and Baelor? No doubt Baelor must he excited for a little brother or sister."
Rhea…
When the letter from Runestone had arrived from her he was both overjoyed but completely homesick. It had taken every ounce of willpower and the thought of Rhea berating him to keep him to stay after telling him to stay in her letter.
I shall be with them all soon…
"Yes, we are all elated at the news, I hope to celebrate the news when I return in a few months." Patting Rhaenyra on the head. "I would not dream of missing supper with you, dear cousin."
"Prince Daemon." Some called out to him, he turned his head to see a servant stand by the path to Maegor's keep. Daemon sighed knowingly "The Lord-Hand and Master of Ships ask for your presence."
Daemon raised his hand "I shall be there soon."
Oh I am not looking forward to this…
"I fear I must leave you." He bowed his head "Your Grace, Princess." He smiled at Alicent and then nodded to Criston who acknowledged him back before walking towards the servant who lead him through the Red Keep to Corlys office, it's door guarded by two men in Velaryon colours. Daemon opened the door; inside Otto was seated opposite to Corlys.
God this is just like High Tide.
"Daemon." Corlys called to him as the guards shut the door.
"Corlys, how goes the inspection?"
"It seems the past Master had been lax in his responsibilities." Corlys stroked his beard "I saw many a captain unfit for their duties, I will have to start from scratch."
"The curse of governance." Otto said "The person before you was always doing it wrong."
"Indeed." Corlys leaned forward "What word have you gotten from the Triarchy?"
"They have made an offer." Otto said "They're willing to lower the tariffs in exchange they demand control of certain shipping lanes north of the Stepstones."
Corlys scoffed loudly "They must believe us fools; that would hold the throne hostage to these Free Cities, we cannot accept this, I will not accept this."
"I understand that this will encroach on your territory." Daemon said "But if we are to get a deal then we may need to ceded some control; not total control but something."
Corlys twisted his mouth into his frown "Will you allow slaves and slavers on our shores?" Daemon shook his head "Do you believe Braavos will accept the Throne allowing the slave trade extending closer to their shores from the ocean?" Daemon clenched his jaw.
"If we do not agree on anything, if we do not find a compromise, then the delegates will return with nothing and may end up increases their tariffs." Otto reminded him "Then our problem and YOUR problem will be magnified by tenfold."
Corlys looked to clench his own jaw before speaking "I shall not let that happen."
Daemon narrowed his eyes "What do you mean by that?"
Corlys' eyes turned to Daemon as the ends of his mouth ticked into a smile "I shall not bend to the Triarchy and I urge that you men should not either." There was a knock on the door "Ah, It seems my attention is needed elsewhere." Corlys stood up from his seat "Lord-Hand, My Prince, I have no doubt you will find a solution to our shared problem, I apologise I must leave early but his Grace will no doubt need to be informed of the state of his navy." Three men shook hands before leaving, Corlys escorted by his Velaryon guards.
When both Daemon and Otto turned the corner "He is planning something, but what?" Daemon whispered.
"I do not know, but whatever it is we have to make sure it does not drag the throne into his scheme." Otto replied. "I have a meeting with Lord Manderly regarding a similar matter, enjoy the rest of your day, Daemon."
"As you, Otto." The two men parting ways.
The thought however kept Daemon interested, curious and fearful; he need to find something regarding what Corlys planned… and he knew exactly who to turn to.
Under the cover of darkness and a hood, he left the Red Keep and descended down into the city of King's Landing, from the more affluent parts of the city into Flea-Bottom. The smell hung heavier in this part of the city, Daemon tried not to gag as to give himself away as he clutched a short sword to his side.
"Gods, I can barely breathe." Cley grumbled, dressed similarly to Daemon as the two traversed through the narrow streets. "Bloody hate this city, always stinks of shit."
"Breathe through your mouth." Daemon told him.
"Rather my breathe not smell as shit." The two men chuckled.
As they reached their location, a nicer brothel in this part of the city, Daemon looked to the two guards and the door and handed a silver stag each, allowing both men inside. The outside stunk of manure then inside the aroma of lavender practically choked them, the inside had an overcompensation of opulent curtains, furniture and carpets.
All fakes…
Daemon approached the matron of the brothel, an elder woman by the name Dalla, as she spotted him the woman smiled "Prince Daemon." She then looked behind her "And companion."
"We shan't be here long, Dalla." Daemon told her "I need only see Mysaria."
"You can 'see' her for as long as you please, my Prince." Daemon handed her two silver stags, She walked forward "Follow me." They walked through the cramped hallways of the building, muffled moans came from the different rooms as they passed by, until they came upon a door. "Mysaria." The matron called, knocking on the door.
Mysaria opened the door and leaned forward against the frame, her eyes passing from Daemon to Cley. "My Prince." she said to Daemon "My knight." Addressing them in a sultry tone.
"I shall leave you both." Dalla said as the two men walked into the room as Mysaria closed the door. The inside of the room had a large bed, with purple silk like curtains and a jug of wine with a few cups.
Once the three were alone, Mysaria straighten up and smiled at Daemon "Daemon." She called to him, embracing him tenderly.
"How are you my friend?" Daemon asked, ignoring the lust and want that Daemon tried to impose on him. Or at least he hoped was not his.
"I am well." Mysaria replied, pulling back "And you, Cley, are you well."
"I am well, my lady." Cley spoke.
"Please Cley, I am no lady." She laughed pouring them a drink and handing it to them. "So Daemon, what brings you to me once more?"
"I am looking for information."
"About the Triarchy delegation?" Mysaria took a sip from her cup "I have gotten all I can from them… though I could stand to 'ask' from that Tyroshi captain." Daemon snickered and shook his head "Is that jealousy I see in both of you?"
"We are both happily married men." Daemon said in a jesting manner, Cley nodded his head.
"I had many a 'happily married' man." Mysaria said "Tell me, does your lady-wife know of these meetings." her eyes glancing between the two men.
Cley shook his head.
"I tell Rhea everything." Daemon said "I write about each meeting we have."
"Oh what a lucky woman, an honest husband." Mysaria jested before quickly becoming more serious "But I have nothing new to tell."
"Not about the Triarchy." Cley said "We want to know if any sailor or visitor has spoke about the Master of Ships."
Mysaria raised a slender eyebrow "Ah is it, how did you put it? 'Trouble in Paradise'?"
"Something like that."
"Mayhaps I have heard something, a word or two by one of the other women." She said placing her cup down "But I will not surrender it so easily."
Daemon looked to Cley and nodded his head, Cley reached into his pocket and placed a small vial on the table "Tears of Lys." He said and placed a small bag. Mysaria took the bag opened it, her fingers brushing against golden dragons. "Would this be enough for your help?"
"More than enough."
"Good I may need more information in future so I hope this covers future favours."
Mysaria sat down at the table "Some of the girls have lain with messengers from other lords, some as powerful as Lord Manderly… and some as important as the Baratheons."
"Messengers?"
"Likely information too… important to be sent by raven." Mysaria said "Something he cannot risk being sent by raven."
Daemon bit into the bottom of his lip, as he recalled the houses of which half the Velaryon fleet was granted to.