Visenya waited outside the gates of Bronzegate, now flying the three-headed red dragon banner of House Targaryen and the blue dragon banner of House Belaerys after Lord Buckler honored his agreement and surrendered his castle after seeing the battle that had killed his king. She stood beside Jaenyx, who partly remained at Bronzegate to help manage affairs but mostly to keep him separated from Orys while he and Aegon took half of their forces through the mountains southwards and towards the outskirts of Storm's End. After that argument before the battle with the Arrogant king, Visenya and her siblings thought it best to put distance between Jaenyx and Orys so as to prevent their hot blood from precluding chances to work out their differences.
As for Visenya, she loved Jaenyx and would stand by him no matter what, but it tore her heart to see her brother and her husband come close to trading blows with each other because of how different they were. She never thought any less of Orys, as their father's blood and the blood of dragons ran through him as it did for her, Rhaenys, and Aegon. After seeing how their mother treated him before she moved past her irrational loathing, Visenya did all she could to make him feel included in the family whether it be sparring in the training yard or taking him on a ride on Vhagar when she visited Oldtown. She didn't think much on the whole "earning the spurs" process of knighthood, but she knew that to be knighted was a dream for Orys and she pushed his limits in their training sessions so that no one would ever dare to doubt the bastard of Dragonstone who worked for his knighthood when the time came. In return, Orys put his all in helping Visenya become the warrior dragon that all Dragonstone knew her for. The first few sessions ended miserably and in tears for Visenya, but Orys simply urged to get up and try again alongside Quenton Qoherys. Eventually, she was able to find her own way of fighting and eventually defeated both Orys and Aegon in a spar.
At the same time, one of the things that made Visenya attracted to Jaenyx was how deeply rooted he was in the ways of old Valyria. Unlike the Westerosi lordlings who were skeptical of her being skilled in the combat arms and not being the submissive lady she was expected to be, people like Taygor Leniar, Aevor Rahitheon, and Ragaemor and Maerys Tarareon never thought less of her because of that and instead allowed her to make decisions as they did for their male lords. Like Jaenyx, the Valyrians who came with him to Dragonstone made her feel valued for the first time in her life, as people outside her family deferred to her and let her take the reins without thinking less of her because she was a woman. Ragaemor Tarareon taught her some Valyrian battle tactics she never learned before in her childhood, Maerys Tarareon proved to her through how her crew unquestionably followed her that being a woman didn't matter as long as you were assertive, and Aevor Rahitheon taught her a few basics about blacksmithing, a trade that very few women could hope to succeed in if the strong reluctance of the male smiths said anything.
However, Visenya should have expected that Jaenyx's stubborn clinging to Valyria would have inevitably caused conflicts with their family and that Orys wouldn't budge in how he interacted with the world. She didn't totally disagree with Orys, as he did have a point in regards to Valyria not coming back and how important it was to adapt. She knew that Orys would have gotten through to Jaenyx had he not mention his dead family, which included the good-father, the good-mother, and good-brother she would never meet until the afterlife. The only reason why he didn't react badly to her talking about his dead family was because he allowed himself to be vulnerable to her and she returned the favor. They knew things about each other that not even her siblings knew about. Unfortunately, Orys didn't have that relationship with Jaenyx and bringing up his family in the heat of the moment could only end one way for him.
Visenya hated having to choose between her brother and her husband, although she would remain at Jaenyx's side unconditionally as a good wife should. She might not have had a good opinion on the ways of Westeros because of how the lordlings in the past treated her, but she wasn't going to let her low opinions affect her relationship with her family.
Visenya pushed those thoughts aside, as there will be a time when she, Aegon, and Rhaenys will make Orys and Jaenyx come to terms with their differences in an amicable manner. Right now, she and Jaenyx awaited the arrival for the one that would bring an end to the war: Argella Durrandon.
Aegon and Orys were prepared to besiege Storm's End, but their father had just arrived from their citadel on the mouth of the Blackwater Rush to Bronzegate and had them instead call for a parley with the last member of House Durrandon. Her siblings and Jaenyx all questioned his decision, as they all were aware of her meeting with Visenya and thought that she would be stubborn enough to refuse parley. However, their father stated that with Argilac dead along with a good portion of his army, her position was now insecure and she at least proved that she was smarter than her father from her last meeting with Visenya. When there was still skepticism from her siblings, their father than had Aegon and Orys go to Storm's End with the swords and Drowned God amulets of the ironborn burned at Harrenhal along with the driftwood crown of Black Harren. By showing the possessions of their burned enemies, their father reasoned that Argella's situation would be more impressed upon her and that she would come to Bronzegate. In addition, their father ordered Argilac's body to be cleaned and preserved and his greatsword to placed on his corpse out of respect.
A few days ago, Aegon and Orys sent a message to them, saying that Argella Durrandon had agreed to a parley and that they were escorting her and a few of her sworn swords to Bronzegate. Not so like her father after all, Visenya thought.
"Banners, over there!" called out a watchman on the wall, one of the Buckler men that had switched sides to the dragons. Visenya and Jaenyx looked closer in the distance before seeing a sizable entourage approaching the gates. Besides recognizing Aegon and Orys alongside a cavalry escort bearing the Targaryen banner, they also saw the stag sigils of House Durrandon among them. As Aegon and Orys got closer to the gates, Visenya could see Argella Durrandon more clearly, but her hard gaze softened upon seeing her.
Argella Durrandon still had the piercing blue eyes, flowing black hair, and dresses that hugged her every curve and made her look almost as graceful as Rhaenys. However, Visenya could see a hint of black circles around her eyes and a solemness emanating from her face. She also saw that she wore a golden crown of antlers on her head, but the weight crown must have been heavy for even a strong woman like her since Visenya could tell that the past two weeks after Argilac's death had not been kind to her. Even though she held her head high and kept a blank expression, Visenya could see right through her facade and saw that she was barely keeping it together. Her inheriting the throne of the Storm kingdom and the death of her father no matter how glorious others must've made it for her… I don't envy her position , Visenya thought while feeling some sympathy for the Storm princess, or queen.
Aegon and Orys dismounted their horses while Argella was helped down by her sworn sword, who Visenya recognized as Ser Bruze of House Tarth from his blue sash. She saw Jaenyx giving Aegon a strong hug while giving a neutral look to Orys. At least he was smart enough to not let his feelings be known to their adversaries, which was what the Durrandons and the dragons still were. Together, she and Jaenyx turned to Argella.
"Very good to see you again, Princess Argella," Visenya gave her a courteous smile. "Welcome to Bronzegate."
"You are speaking to Argella Durrandon, Queen of the Storm Kingdom and Lady of Storm's End by right, Lady Visenya," Ser Bruze stepped in. "Address her as 'Your Grace.'"
Here we go again, Visenya silently groaned. "Apologies, Ser Bruze. But as I said to you before, my family is not sworn to Storm's End, so we are under no obligations to address her as such."
Ser Bruze looked ready to bark back at Visenya's supposed insolence, but Argella simply stared at the master-at-arms of Storm's End and shook her head. She then looked at Visenya.
"Please forgive Ser Bruze, Lady Visenya. You remember how loyal he is to my family and the last few weeks have made him more committed to safeguarding the Durrandon name than ever. I hope you'll excuse him for trying to order you to do something that you are not required to do," Argella explained.
From the tone of her voice, Visenya could see more definitively that she was struggling on the inside despite trying to look the part of the royal as best as she could. It was a tone that her siblings would not be able to detect, as it was a tone only spoken by women who were independent and assertive but found both to be met with strong disapproval from men in power who preferred women to be the exact opposite. She had learned to speak in such a manner since she had to hide how much she was struggling from her family because they wouldn't understand what it was like to have lordlings make her feel isolated because she was not what they expected her to be. She could care less about what they felt and especially so since she had a husband who would never disrespect her in a million years, but that didn't mean that it wasn't hard for her to cope.
"It is of no consequence, Queen Argella," Visenya smiled while deciding to afford her the respect that came with her rightful title. Argella's hard gaze slightly softened at her gesture. "It is not wise to let lapses in decorum affect matters of importance, especially those in regards to a peaceful resolution to our conflict, wouldn't you agree?"
"I wholeheartedly agree, Lady Visenya," Argella let out a small smile.
"You must be tired from your journey, along with your sworn swords. If you will all follow us into the castle so that you may receive food and wine," Lady Visenya gestured to Bronzegate.
After settling their horses in Bronzegate's stables, they were led into the castle's great hall, where they were given bread and salt at their father's behest to make Argella and her sworn swords feel more at ease. After having Bronzegate's cooks provide meals for the Durrandon sworn swords, their father, Visenya, Jaenyx, Aegon, and Orys let Argella Durrandon and Ser Bruze to Lord Buckler's solar, which was occupied by Rhaenys at the moment. Their father took the lord's chair while Aegon, Rhaenys, and Orys sat on his right side and Jaenyx and Visenya on his left. Argella and Ser Bruze sat opposite of them. Their father had the servants bring two large pitchers, one filled with Arbor gold and other filled with Lys white wine, along with seven goblets.
However, Visenya noticed that Orys was looking away from Argella, not bearing to look upon the woman whose father he killed with his own hands. She looked at Rhaenys, who got the clue and had Orys look straight. She understood what Orys felt, but she wasn't going to let her brother feel or look less than he was during their talk with Argella Durrandon.
"Thank you for coming to see us, Princess Argella," their father began while pouring Arbor gold into his goblet before passing it on to this children and good-son. "I understand that the journey here must not have been an easy one."
"Quite, Lord Targaryen," Argella simply replied while ignoring him not addressing her as a queen. Ser Bruze again was about to protest, but Argella looked at him and told him not to bother.
"I'm sorry. Where are my manners? I took the liberty to have Lord Buckler break a casket of both Arbor gold and Lys white wine, both of which I understand you enjoy the most out of the other types of wine in the world. Would you like some?" their father picked up the pitcher filled with Lys white.
"You honor me, my lord, to serve me with your own hand," Argella courteously answered. "But I must decline your offer for now. I have come to discuss matters of importance and wine is only consumed upon both sides reaching a satisfactory agreement."
Their father nodded, impressed that she knew how such discussions went and how frank she was. "Very good, Princess Argella. But first, on behalf of Houses Targaryen and Belaerys, I extend to you our condolences on the death of King Argilac. He was a great warrior and king and he shall be remembered for all time."
Visenya could sense some sincerity in their father's words. Although all of Westeros knew of Argilac's arrogance, he was courteous enough to not refer to that in front of Argilac's daughter and showed kindness at how positively he talked about the deceased Storm king. She also looked to Jaenyx, who nodded his seconding of their father's words.
Argella nodded. "Thank you, my lord, for your kind words. Although, you must understand that I am skeptical of your sincerity since it was your house and your ally, House Belaerys, that were responsible for how my father met his end. The lords and smallfolk of the kingdom would not take too kindly after you killed their king."
"Hmmm," their father simply replied. "You're right. But let us not go forward in our discussions with the belief that my family and our ally Lord Jaenyx Belaerys were the aggressors. Just like Black Harren bears the responsibility of starting the war against us, your father is also responsible through his usage of spies against our home. More importantly, you yourself admitted that you knew of the circumstances of the death of Garaeron Rahitheon, one of my good-son's vassals, and you did nothing to explain your father's actions."
Argella sighed. "It was regrettable, how that Valyrian died. But my father offered your house an alliance to fight Black Harren when Darvin Hoare assaulted another of your good-son's vassals. You refused, Lord Targaryen."
"For good reasons," their father answered. "My son that you see here, Aegon, was already married to Rhaenys, who you also see at this table. It would've been improper for him to take on another, as that would jeopardize relations my son would have with my daughter Lady Rhaenys. But more seriously, your father merely used the circumstances surrounding Vaeron Rahitheon's kidnapping as a pretext to push that alliance on us. So, any alliance between our houses from that time would've been impossible."
Argella blinked. "I will admit, my father was… ill-advised when he decided to send men to kidnap your good-son's vassal and to have spies operate around your home. No one can deny that controlling the only remaining center of Valyrian steel forging would be both profitable and useful in buttressing the position of any aspiring lord or king. But, he apparently didn't fully consider the consequences and here we are now."
"Indeed," their father bobbed his head. "King Argilac has died and much of forces sworn to your house are either dead or are now our prisoners. The reason I invited you here is to discuss terms of peace, since enough blood has been spilled on both sides. We are prepared to return to the sword and to dragonfire, but the outcomes of such choices are what we wish to avoid. I am sure that you feel the same way."
"What I don't feel the same way as you do?" Visenya had to respect her steadfastness, but Argella should know when such traits were useful.
"Then, you are free to leave this castle and return to Storm's End. But understand that we gave you the opportunity to spare more blood from being spilled and we will not show you mercy should we resume hostilities."
Argella pondered the discussion. Visenya remembered that she was very much her father's daughter, haughty to the point where she was likely to ignore good sense in the face of unfavorable circumstances. But unlike her father, she displayed intelligence from the last time they talked and was more collected than her father was. "All right, Lord Targaryen," she finally said. "Let us discuss terms of peace. What are yours?"
Their father took a sip from his goblet. "First, House Durrandon will pay recompense for the sufferings inflicted on those sworn to House Belaerys, as it was my good-son's vassal you killed. The price of the Valyrian steel swords your men stole in total amounts to 100 sacks of gold. House Durrandon will pay four times that number to House Belaerys and the same amount to House Targaryen as compensation for expenses incurred during our campaigning. In addition, you will give two hundred sacks of gold as part of a joint effort to reconstruct the damage from this war."
Argella raised her eyebrows. "A thousand sacks of gold? You ask a steep prince, Lord Aerion. That amount is four years worth of Storm's End's taxes and revenues and I cannot provide such a sum without incurring severe financial difficulties upon my kingdom and people."
"I understand that it is a considerable sum. I won't change the amount that must be paid, but I will allow the sum to be made payable over the course of ten years so as to prevent as much difficulty on your part as possible. But the two hundred sacks must be provided immediately, as there is much to reconstructed."
Visenya saw Argella slightly sulk at their father's first term, which could only mean that he reactions will get progressively worse with the ones that came after. "And your second term?" Argella asked.
"You officially cede control of the northern reaches of the Wendwater along with its forests to our direct control. The forests in your northern reaches would be a good buffer for both of us. But allow me to disprove any notions of us taking key lands from you, as the boundaries of our control will not go past Haystack Hall, which will be the new boundary between our territories of control."
Argella scoffed. "First, you ask me to pay an amount that will financially cripple me. Then, you're asking me to surrender lands that by right belong to my house. Do you seek the ruin of House Durrandon?"
"Let me clarify things for you, Princess Argella," their father leaned forward on the table. "I will not budge on the terms given to you so far. But in regards to your indemnity, I allowed very generous terms in how you can repay it. In addition, the lands comprising the northern parts of the Wendwater serve no important purpose to you other than allowing you to threaten our position in the Blackwater Bay. It's only natural that we seek to strengthen our position on the continent against all potential adversaries."
Visenya saw Argella sigh before getting her head back up. "And I'm guessing your third term will be the last, Lord Targaryen?"
"You are correct, Princess Argella," their father nodded. "You must join our house in marriage."
"What?" Visenya saw that Argella did not expect that.
"The foundations of a permanent peace between our houses can only be solved if joined in matrimony. Your father proposed an alliance between us through marriage and here, I'm merely reiterating his terms. Once we become tied, we will not have to worry about conflicts between our houses or our sworn lords for at least the duration of such a union. You will also provide a dowry, as offered by your father."
Argella leaned back in her chair, surprise that their father would make such a suggestion. Instinctively, she glanced at Aegon and then at Jaenyx. Remembering Argella being besotted with Valyrian beauty and how she described both Aegon and Jaenyx as "quite the stunners," Visenya felt her fist curl up underneath the table while barely controlling her ire at the thought of Argella Durrandon even touching her husband. She looked to Rhaenys and saw that she was also barely keeping it together after hearing about Argella's words from Rhaenys and from how she glanced at Aegon. Tread carefully, princess .
"And who do you suggest be the agent for such a union between our houses, Lord Targaryen?"
"My son," Lord Targaryen paused for a short moment. "Orys Baratheon."
Visenya saw Orys look at their father, eyes widened in shock. She could sense what he was feeling. Marrying the daughter of the man he killed was unthinkable and such an instance would preclude any chance of a loving and strong marriage. It had been done before, but she knew that her brother had enough sense to understand how such a union would be near impossible to transform into a loving one in its beginning stages.
But Visenya saw that Argella was… chuckling in her seat, which turned into laughter. She knew that the princess thought the whole situation funny, but she became more annoyed at how her laughs reflected her thoughts on marrying Orys. Understandable, but he's still my family and I will never let anyone put them down .
Argella eventually calmed down as her laughs slowly disappeared. "Oh, surely you jest, Lord Aerion. Not only do you want me to marry your bastard, but you want to marry the man that killed my father? I think you've lost your mind, my lord, if you had any to begin with."
Before Visenya could respond, she felt Aegon pound his fists on the table and stood up from his seat, which prompted Ser Bruze to reach for his sword's hilt. "How dare you speak to my father that way! You might be the daughter of a king, but have you forgotten how to address a lord with respect? You will apologize for that insult, princess," Aegon addressed with disdain at that last one. It took Rhaenys to calm him down and put him back in his seat, but she shot daggers at Argella.
"Now, I understand your sentiments, Princess Argella. Lords and kings in Westeros would never allow their children to marry bastards because of the circumstances of their birth. They don't have anything to their name and they don't seem to be anything other than less than ordinary individuals. But I love my son as I love his brother and sisters. So, you'll do yourself no favors here by insulting my family."
Argella cocked her head straightening back and exhaling. "I retract my statement on you losing your mind, my lord."
"Thank you, Princess," their father nodded. "But, those are my terms for peace. An indemnity, lands, and you marrying my son. All three are non-negotiable, especially the last one, and should you agree with union, you will provide a dowry."
Visenya looked at their their father in confusion. Given the large payment imposed on House Durrandon and the lands that will be ceded to them, she was confused as to what more could she give.
"What sort of dowry, if I do agree with your marriage proposal?" Argella crossed her arms.
"In addition to the customary dowry, you will give my son the lordship of Storm's End and transfer the loyalties of your lords to him. Once that has been done, I shall grant him the lord paramountcy of the stormlands. He will therefore set up another house to rule over the stormlords, but with you as his Lady of Storm's End and Lady Paramount."
Argella scoffed. "If you really think that I will just surrender my rightful crown to you and allow your family to take what had belonged in my family for thousands of years, you really don't understand just who you're dealing with. Plus, the stormlords will never allow an outsider to rule over them out of strong loyalty to House Durrandon and you'll face an uprising soon, Lord Targaryen."
Their father shrugged. "You're correct, Princess Argella, but to an extent. I think you give the stormlords too much credit in regards to how loyal they will be to you."
Argella narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean by that?"
"You father was no doubt one of the great warrior rulers this continent has ever seen. Everyone knows of his exploits at Volantis, Summerfield, and against the Dornish when he was just a boy. He proved himself on the field of battle several times and showed he was willing to enter the mud with his soldiers, earning him the admiration and respect of the lords and troops under his command."
"With respect, Lord Targaryen, I know very well the accomplishments of my father. Can we get to your point?"
Visenya wanted to scold her for such rudeness. However, their father beat her to it.
"I'm about to," their father gave her a small smile. "Your father accomplished much in his illustrious life. But what have you done, Princess Argella?"
Argella blinked. "What?"
"You are the heir to the crown of Storm kingdom by right and blood and personally, I don't care about a woman ruling. But will the stormlords accept you as their ruler, especially when you haven't done anything of repute to earn their loyalty? And Westeros is rarely kind to female rulers."
Argella clenched her teeth. "Is that a threat, Lord Targaryen?"
Their father shook their head. "I merely state the facts, Princess. And I would recall history if I were you, Princess Argella. Any person worth their salt would be aware of legendary women such as Florys the Fox, Rose of Red Lake, Rowan Gold-Tree, and Agnes Blackwood. But such women were forgotten to history or were undermined by the actions of small-minded men. That is the unfortunate reality of this continent. You haven't done anything to earn the loyalty of your father's sworn lords and given that your house has no male heirs, your position is incredibly precarious. You are young and you have no accomplishments to your name, so it wouldn't be long before an ambitious lord starts getting ideas on how to undermine your position."
"How are you so sure of this, my lord?"
"Certainty comes with experience and age, Princess Argella. How I was able to ensure my house's survival while surrounded by the vultures in the Blackwater Bay took trial and error, but I learned. And one valuable lesson that remained with me is that any hint of weakness will immediately be taken advantage by those with ambition. And I can guarantee to you that with your father dead, your position will become more untenable than it is."
"And your proposal for me to marry your… natural son while giving him Storm's End and agreeing to your terms would prevent such an eventuality from befalling me?"
Their father snorted. "Don't be confused. I don't care what you choice you make, but I give you my word that if you join our family in marriage, we shall give extend to you our protection from those that would wish you harm. And should you do so, you'll remain Lady of Storm's End and you can rule over the stormlords along with my son. With him and our house alongside you, no one will dare attempt to move against you."
Argella took a moment to process his offer. Visenya could understand that from perspective, their father's terms for peace were quite steep. By giving Storm's End to Orys and having him establish his own house, Argella would be surrendering her crown and her house's ruling over the stormlands. At the same time, it was generous considering that Argilac Durrandon was responsible for starting the war in the first place.
"I take it that I have to swear fealty first before I accept these terms, Lord Targaryen?"
Their father shrugged. "It's a small price to pay for peace, Princess."
Argella nodded before rising up, with their father, Visenya, Jaenyx, Aegon, Rhaenys, and Orys following suit. Orys avoided his gaze on Argella, which annoyed Visenya a bit since that was very uncharacteristic of him to stare away from a beautiful woman.
"I think we're done here, Lord Targaryen. You displayed good sense and intelligence at this moment, but no one of royal standing has ever kneeled to a simple lord. It shall not happen, and it never will. Ser Bruze," Argella gestured to her master-at-arms as she made her way to the door.
"I would strongly suggest you consider my offer, Princess Argella," their father called out to her while stopping her in her tracks. "You are free to leave Bronzegate at any moment and you are safe on these grounds as we have extended guest rights to you and your men. But understand that the moment you return to Storm's End, hostilities will resume and we will show no mercy as we have shown Black Harren because we gave you the opportunity to negotiate an end to our war. I cannot guarantee that Storm's End will protect you from dragonfire and many have already died from fighting, your father among them. I prefer that we come to a peaceful resolution."
Argella stood there for a moment, not turning around. "Before I go, I must ask after my father's body."
"No need to, Princess," their father replied. "I have arranged for his body to be cleaned and readied for burial and I shall return to you his sword. Consider it an act of goodwill."
"Thank you, my lord," Argella nodded without looking back, but Visenya could hear a slight crack in her voice before she saw Argella go through the door. After she left, the tension left the solar as everyone relaxed. All except Orys, who was still processing what their father offered the Durrandon princess.
"What are you thinking, son?" their father looked at Orys.
"Why did you do that, father?" Orys asked, shock still in him.
"Are you referring to offering you in marriage to Argella?" Orys didn't respond, but he didn't need to. "Aegon is already taken, and Jaenyx is not under us. As you've killed the Arrogant king, by right of conquest, you should be the new Lord of Storm's End and the ruler over the stormlords. You should know that Westeros assents to rulers who took their claim on the field of battle and you've done exactly that, Orys. It should go to you."
Orys cocked his head while raising an eyebrow. "I know there's more behind your offer, father. You might be well-versed in how Westeros is run, but that is separate from how you treat your own children."
Their father sighed before nodding. "You would be correct, son. I figured that it was a time you found a woman." Save for Orys, everyone in the room looked at their father. "You are nine and twenty, and the only women that you've been with were the whores on Dragonstone and whatever maids you could get your hands on from Driftmark and Claw Isle. I don't care what others say about you," their father glanced at Jaenyx, who had heard about their argument and was not too pleased with how his good-son described Orys. "You are my son, and I will not allow one of my blood to have relations with those beneath our stations. But more than that, I became a better man because of my wife. She ended my whoring days and she put my vices in check. Whatever success I may have had as a lord and father was because of her."
Visenya knew that while their father was not as open in his love and affection for their mother as Aegon was to Rhaenys and her to Jaenyx, they loved each other nonetheless. Lesser-minded lords would have scolded their ladies for slapping them on the upside of their heads or cursing at them whenever they fell out of line, but their father proved to be the better one and allowed her to run Dragonstone and other affairs alongside him. Thankfully, Aegon was just like their father in those regards and so was Jaenyx.
Their father came to Orys and clasped his shoulder. "If what Visenya said about Argella Durrandon was true, she would have enough sense to accept our offer. Besides that, she is young, beautiful, intelligent, and has inherited the strength that her father was known for. You'll be in good hands once you're married to her."
"I'm still not sure, father," Orys said. "Will she really be a loving wife to me, considering that I killed her father? Also, she is nine and ten and I fear that our age gap will cause difficulties."
Their father waved it off. "There have been far larger age gaps in unions between lords and royals before, and a difference in ten years is not terribly serious. If she displayed that much intelligence and strong will right now, imagine how much smarter and stronger she will be further down the road. She'll be a good woman for you, son. In regards to you killing Argilac, Argella Durrandon should understand that it was war and that deaths cannot be avoided. I am sorry that I cannot help you in that area, son, because no one in this room has been in your position. But I will suggest that you display understanding to your wife, because you are right to be worried. I would ask about what I would do if I were in Argella Durrandon's boots and make every effort to talk to her. That is probably a key reason why many unions have internal damage, because the man or woman cease talking about their concerns with one another."
"You talk as if she already accepted your peace offer, father," Orys replied. "Aren't we thinking too far now?"
Their father smiled. "It may take some time, but she is smart, unlike her father. And right now, she doesn't have any other good options for her. But like her, you shouldn't be so worried. It will all turn out for the best."
Visenya walked with Jaenyx towards the guest chambers of Bronzegate. She didn't share her father's confidence in Argella Durrandon accepting their peace offer, as she was like herself in that they wouldn't budge easily even in unfavorable circumstances. While Argella was technically still an enemy of House Targaryen and House Belaerys, it was a rare thing to see a woman in Westeros propped up on her strength and wits and it would be a shame if such a person made a decision out of poor judgment. But beyond that, she wanted to have words with Argella since seeing a woman in a position of considerable influence was a rarity outside Dorne and this was a good opportunity for Visenya to properly size up her potential good-sister, if it came to that.
As for Jaenyx, he offered to go with her so that he could properly look upon the daughter of the man that had killed Aevor Rahitheon's nephew. Wanting him to be at her side at all times, Visenya let him come along.
They found her chambers guarded by Ser Bruze Tarth, who noticed them as they neared the door. "Lady Visenya, Lord Belaerys. What brings you here?"
"I wish to have some words with the Storm Queen," Visenya replied while giving her the respect she deserved. Ser Bruze softened at her gesture.
"I'm sorry, Lady Visenya, but Her Grace is resting at the moment and therefore cannot be disturbed."
"I see," Visenya nodded. "Well, can you say that I and my husband Lord Jaenyx wished to have words with her?"
"I will, my lady," Ser Bruze replied. But before they left, the door behind Ser Bruze opened, revealing Argella Durrandon. Visenya could see a hint of dried tears on her face, but decided not to ask why she was crying.
"Lady Visenya, Lord Belaerys," Argella addressed them.
"Queen Argella," Visenya addressed her. Argella let a tiny smile grow at how she honored her.
"Did you come here on behalf of your father or of your own volition?"
"I just wanted to have some words with you, Queen Argella," Visenya replied.
"Will Lord Belaerys be joining you?"
Visenya grasped Jaenyx's arm tightly. "He's my husband. Where I go, he goes."
Argella looked at them up and down before nodding. "Come in," she opened the door wider and allowed them entry.
Visenya and Jaenyx sat the small table in her chambers opposite of Argella. "I must thank your father for treating my father with such dignity, Lady Visenya."
"He was a king. He deserved that much," Visenya replied. Even she had to be impressed with how potent Argilac was even in his old age.
"Like last time, I would appreciate it if we did away with all of the pleasantries. Would that alright with you, Lady Visenya?"
Visenya offered her a small smile. "Very."
"If you've come here to intercede on behalf of your brother, know that my mind is not easily swayed on such matters. And your father did offer terms that anyone with sense would be hard-pressed to accept."
"Of course. But considering how this war is progressing, it could be much, much worse. And everything my father said is rooted in the truth."
Argella shook her head, but not out of rejection for Visenya's words. "And now you're telling me that my only good option to ensure peace is to marry the man that killed my father?"
Visenya sighed, out of sympathy for her situation. "I wish it was under better circumstances, but I believe we share a desire to end the fighting between us. Nothing more can be gained other than more bloodshed and more ashes from the flames of our dragons."
"Spare me further explanation of your dragons, Lady Visenya. I've seen yours and I believe what I heard from Lord Swann and from those that had fought outside the walls of this very castle. However, your father is asking me to undo thousands of years of Durrandon rule at Storm's End and throughout the lands my house had held onto. I have the blood of Durran Godsgrief running in veins, who defied the gods themselves despite every storm. If I just surrender now, I will go against everything my house stood for and I will bring further disgrace onto my ancestors."
Visenya cocked her head. "You're concerned about disgracing your ancestors and I can understand that. But like the last time we talked, I'm more interested in what you think. And I know you have thoughts that are independent of your family legacy, your house, and the others."
"You don't understand, Lady Visenya. That's who I am," Argella raised her voice. "I have struggled against the ambitions of greedy men for much of my life. The only reason why I was able to ward them off was because I followed the example set by my father and of Durran Godsgrief. I never let anything keep me down and I'll be damned if I just give in easily."
"Oh, believe me, I do," Visenya answered. "My family and myself are the blood of the dragon and of old Valyria. You family words are "Ours is the Fury," while our words are "Fire and Blood." Dragons dominated over all and they still do, and they burned and spilled the blood of those that wished them harm while allowing new growth to occur. But I digress, as we can debate our families' origins all day. However, there is a line between staying true to our family origins and being stubborn. It is true that Durran Godsgrief stood against the gods, but did he stand against dragons at the time? And as my father stated and despite my personal feelings, you haven't done anything worthy of note to the stormlords. You haven't led troops in battle or done something extraordinary. And given the martial inclinations of the stormlords, you really think they'll follow you?"
Argella sighed. "To be honest, Lady Visenya, I don't know. But as I said, I can't just give up. And it'll bring me unbearable amounts of shame for me to share the bed of your brother, who killed my father."
Visenya nodded. "I understand. And if it means anything to you, he didn't want to kill him and he was forced to do so after your father made him."
Argella scoffed. "That may be so, but he still killed my father. That act can never be forgotten."
Visenya was honestly at a loss for words. She didn't know what else she could say to persuade Argella to accept their father's offer or make it more bearable for her. But she wasn't surprised, as she was just like her in many ways. Independent, strong-willed, and smart, she would never accept anything that ran contrary to who she was. Also, she could appreciate her steadfastness, as she was like that whenever their father attempted to arrange a marriage for her. What do I do now?
Then, Visenya heard Jaenyx speak up. "You hate it, don't you?"
Argella blinked. "What?"
"You hate the situation that you're in. Your father is gone, taken from the earth, and now you're alone, with only your family's words and legacy to keep you from falling into the abyss. You're clinging onto whatever you can because you don't know what else to keep you upright. It's not fair that your father was taken, the one source of strength that could rely on, and even more so because you weren't in a position to do anything about it."
"What would you know, Lord Belaerys?" Argella spat bitterly.
Jaenyx took a moment to gather his moments before exhaling. "I know, Princess Argella. I know what it is to lose a father, because I've seen my father die in front of me."
That got a look of surprise from Argella, but Visenya turned to him and was even more surprised. He never revealed such personal details to people he barely knew and she only knew because they were married. What are you doing, Jae?
"I was born in Sothoryos, specifically the Basilisk Isles. I watched my brother die because of pirates and my father from the Red Death." Argella's mouth slightly dropped, as she also had heard about the effects of that plague, while Visenya noticed that he didn't bring up his mother. That's the line Jae won't cross for a stranger, not just yet . "For the longest time, I cursed everyone why my father was taken. And I wanted to hurt anyone and anything just because of my grief, and I didn't care about the consequences. But fortunately, I had someone teach me things that were more useful than despair, because that is what stops us from growing and from seeing the necessity of moving forward."
Argella was silent, the shock from meeting a strong woman like herself and from Jaenyx revealing such intimate details about his past evident on her face.
"Personally, I don't care what choice you make," Jaenyx continued. "But I do know that clinging onto things that serve no purpose other than to feed your pride is a sure way of falling faster in the nothingness. And as my good-father said, if you return to Storm's End without making peace here, we will show no mercy. You willing to sacrifice your people just so that you can hang onto your crown and your pride, both of which your people wouldn't really fight for in any circumstances?"
Argella remained silent, but Visenya could see the doubt growing on her face. She might've been stubborn like her father, but she had sense, something which her father lacked.
"I am not going to say things about my brother in order to make you feel better such as his looks and battle prowess," Visenya asked. "But he does care about others and he had the decency to avoid eye contact with you because of what he did. That has to count for something."
"And what do you suggest that I do, Lady Visenya?"
"I'm saying to give Orys, and this peace offer, a chance. We can end this war right here and now and we can all go home. Just something to think about," and with that, Visenya got up, hands hold Jaenyx's, and left her chambers.
As they came into their chambers in the castle, Visenya turned around and hugged Jaenyx as he closed the door. " That was brave of you, Jae, to reveal what happened to your father to Argella. I'm proud of you."
Jaenyx sighed while he returned the hug. " I don't know. I guess something inside me told me to say something to her because we both lost fathers. It's a rare thing, to have someone who's been in my situation. "
Visenya drew away from the hug before she put her arms over Jaenyx's neck. " Well, I'm glad that others can see that you're not such a cold bastard ."
" Careful ," Jaenyx playfully warned.
" Or what? " Visenya looked at him suggestively.
" You really want to find out ?"
" Try me ," Visenya said before pulling him into a kiss.
Their kiss became deeper as their tongues danced for dominance. Visenya felt Jaenyx's hands run over body before they found themselves on her ass. Gasping as they gave them a tight squeeze, Visenya bit on Jaenyx's lip, causing him to grunt in pain. Pulling away from each other as they caught their breath, Visenya undid her braid while she saw Jaenyx take off his tunic to expose his bare torso to her. She turned around and offered her back to Jaenyx, who wasted no time in undoing the laces of her dragon coat and pulling it down to make her bare before her.
Visenya jumped into his arms and kissed him while Jaenyx moved to their bed. Pinning him on the mattress, Visenya kissed his neck before running more kisses on his torso towards his breeches. She undid them and pulled them off of him before she ran her tongue on his cock and sucked on it. There were no words exchanged, as they succumbed to their desires for each other's body. She heard Jaenyx's breath hitch as she took his cock deeper into her mouth.
" Shatter into me, Jae. I want your release ," Visenya urged. Jaenyx erupted into her mouth as he squeezed his eyes, the pleasure becoming too much for him.
Not done with him yet, Visenya climbed onto him. Straddling his waist with her legs, she made sure he kept his violet eyes on her as she grabbed his hands and guided them to her breasts. Gasping in happiness as he squeezed them, she sheathed his length into her entrance and began grinding him.
Loud moans and the slaps on skin reverberated through the chambers as Visenya rode Jaenyx. Her fingers danced on his chest while Jaenyx struggled to keep his hands on hers. Jaenyx thrusted upward, feeling himself close to the edge and wanting to take her with him.
" Scream for me, Vis. I want to hear your roar ," Jaenyx hit upward into Visenya harder.
"JAE!!!" Visenya let out as she couldn't hold herself back any longer. No doubt the entire castle could hear her, but that wasn't her concern as the climax pounded within her and her walls tightening around Jaenxy's cock. She felt him erupt within her, triggering more waves of pleasure to flow through them. Finally, her limp form collapsed onto his chest. Humming in satisfaction, she snuggled into his chest as her silver hair fanned over his lean muscles. She kissed his forehead as she smiled lazily and felt his arms wrapped tightly around her. A few minutes passed before Visenya was able to speak to him.
Staring into each other's eyes, Jaenyx cupped her cheek and ran his thumb along her smooth skin. Visenya pulled into another kiss, no words needed to convey how they felt for each other.
" I hope that you show people other than us how you're not so heartless, " Visenya said. " That way, they can really see the man I fell in love with ."
Jaenyx smiled. " One step at a time, Vis. One step ."
Visenya brought him tightly against her chest. " If you want, I can… motivate you to be a little more open to others. "
" And how do you intend to do that ?"
" Want to go again ?" Visenya whispered in his ear.
Jaenyx put her on her back while staring into her eyes. " Don't mind if I do, " he replied as she felt his cock harden and lunged forth into their shared bliss.