Calyros Myrren, one of the wealthiest governors of Pentos, had just returned to his sprawling mansion. Reclining in a soft sedan chair carried by eight slaves, he gazed at the bustling streets of Pentos on his way back from the market.
Calyros Myrren's rise to power was anything but ordinary. In his youth, he had been a destitute assassin, living precariously in the dangerous shadows of swords and daggers. It was during this time that he encountered Varys, a clever and ambitious young man who had just arrived in Pentos. The two forged a close friendship and soon became partners in a life of crime and cunning.
Varys, later known as the "Spider" for his vast web of intelligence, handled information gathering and message delivery. Calyros Myrren, with his lethal skills, took on the task of eliminating targets. Together, they quickly gained a reputation as efficient and deadly operators. Their work brought them not only fame but also immense wealth.
With his newfound fortune,Calyros Myrren secured a governorship in Pentos, earning both respect and influence. Meanwhile, Varys caught the attention of King Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King of Westeros. Intrigued by the Spider's reputation, Aerys appointed Varys as the Master of Whisperers, the head of the kingdom's intelligence network. Their paths diverged, with Varys climbing the political ladder in Westeros and Calyros Myrren solidifying his position in Essos.
Years later, a rebellion erupted in Westeros. Known as Robert's Rebellion, it led to the downfall of House Targaryen. King Aerys was slain, and most members of the royal family were killed. Only two survived: Prince Viserys Targaryen, the Mad King's second son, and his newborn sister, Princess Daenerys. With the help of Ser Willem Darry, a loyal knight and the Red Keep's castellan, the children escaped across the Narrow Sea to Essos, fleeing the wrath of the usurpers.
Varys, ever resourceful, enlisted Calyros Myrren's help to shelter the Targaryen siblings. Over the years, Calyros Myrren provided them with a safe haven, ensuring their survival. Now, more than a decade later, the prince and princess lived in Calyros Myrren's mansion, albeit in strained circumstances. Together, Varys and Calyros Myrren began plotting to restore the Targaryens to the Iron Throne, hoping to reap rewards for their loyalty and efforts.
Calyros Myrren, now a far cry from the agile assassin he once was, had grown fat and complacent. His body was large and ungainly, his once-sharp features buried under layers of flesh. He sported an unkempt, greasy yellow beard split into two points, teeth stained a sickly shade of yellow, and fingers adorned with gemstone rings. Dressed in an elaborate silk robe threaded with gold, he exuded wealth and extravagance, though his appearance was anything but regal.
As he clumsily dismounted the sedan chair with the help of a female slave, Calyros Myrren let out a sigh of relief. Panting slightly, he turned to his butler and instructed, "Go fetch the Beggar King for me. Tell him I have matters to discuss."
The "Beggar King" was Calyros Myrren's less-than-flattering nickname for Viserys Targaryen, who had spent years wandering Essos in poverty, begging and scheming for a chance to reclaim his throne. Despite Calyros Myrren's support, Viserys's haughty and petulant behavior had made him a nuisance in the household.
"Yes, master," the butler replied, bowing deeply. The slaves in the mansion had taken to calling Viserys "the Beggar King" in private, mocking his arrogance and entitled demeanor. In contrast, his sister, Daenerys, was adored for her gentle nature and breathtaking beauty.
Before departing, the butler hesitated, prompting Calyros Myrren to add, "And remember, show him the respect he believes he deserves. You know how His Majesty takes offense at the slightest slight."
The butler nodded again, bowing low before heading toward the guest quarters where the Targaryens stayed.
Calyros Myrren barely had time to sip his wine in his grand hall before Viserys stormed in. The young prince's striking features were undeniable: long, silver-gold hair, a sharp and handsome face, and violet eyes that burned with the intensity of his family's dragon blood. He wore an ornate robe embroidered with the Targaryen sigil—a three-headed dragon aflame.
"Governor," Viserys snapped, ignoring the pleasantries. "What news do you bring? Have the governors of Pentos agreed to support me?"
Calyros Myrren gestured to a seat, smiling diplomatically. "Your Majesty, please sit—"
"I did not come to sit!" Viserys interrupted impatiently. "I came for answers. Have they agreed to back my claim? I promised you, Governor, that once I reclaim the Iron Throne and overthrow that usurper Robert Baratheon, I will grant Pentos free trade rights across Westeros. You will be the richest man in Essos, and Pentos will outshine even Braavos!"
Calyros Myrren, ever the skilled negotiator, maintained his composure despite Viserys's outburst. "Your Majesty, your offer is indeed tempting," he said smoothly. "In fact, Prince Pentos and the other governors are intrigued by the prospect."
Viserys's face lit up. "Then they've agreed?"
Calyros Myrren shook his head, raising a hand to forestall the prince's temper. "Not entirely. They haven't refused outright, but they are unwilling to send troops to Westeros. What they are prepared to offer is... necessary support."
"Necessary support?" Viserys's face darkened. His voice grew cold, and the anger in his eyes was unmistakable.
Unfazed by the prince's irritation, Calyros Myrren continued, "Pentos has enjoyed peace for decades, Your Majesty. Its soldiers are ill-equipped and poorly trained. They are fit to guard the city walls, perhaps, but sending them into open battle? They'd drop their weapons at the first sight of the enemy and sell you to Robert Baratheon himself."
Viserys glared at Calyros Myrren, but the governor remained calm. He tossed a grape into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully before spitting out the skin. "Your Majesty, I am committed to aiding your cause. But to succeed, we must act wisely, not rashly."
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