****I published the last chapter wrongly, he's yet to meet Rhaenyra until this chapter, so if you haven't read it. Re-read it********
The next morning, I woke up with a groan. Although I tried to resist somewhat, Lord Brandon had forced me to down a few drinks more than I should, or rather can. My body wasn't used to alcohol, so I quickly got drunk, and I had to use Daeron to get me out of there, with some excuse.
And now, I was paying for it.
But I had to get up, we were heading for Kings Landing, and I had to get a few things settled, both for my dragon and otherwise.
And so with that, I woke up and got clothed again. Daeron stood on guard outside, having just replaced the night shift.
"My Lord, the ship has been prepped, and we're only waiting for you." He said, and I nodded. It was standard for me to be the one dragging the entire retinue down.
So with that, I made my way towards the courtyard, which was a few short minutes of walk.
Usually, I´d be staying here for much longer, getting to know the Ladies and Gents, and making relations. But that would sadly not be possible due to the fact I have a dragon now, I need to get reigns and inform the Targaryen Dynasty.
Lord Tarth had accepted it, and understood it. And he promised to visit Celtigar Keep soon, but if all went according to plan, he wouldn't have the time for it.
However, as we entered the courtyard, and unexpected sight welcomed me. Lady Alyssa Tarth, and nobody else.
She was sitting on a horse, with a few Household Guards standing on her sides, with 2 horses, for me and Daeron.
"Greetings, My Lady." I said as I took the reigns from one of the horses, and began making my way onto the horse.
"Greetings, Lord Cletigar." She said, bowing her head just slightly as I got onto my horse.
"Lady Alyssa." I said with a smile, as we began riding once I got onto my horse.
"I've... heard about the potential marriage between me and your brother." She said, getting right onto buisness.
"So have I." I said with a chuckle, which she didn't respond.
"Well, what do you think of it?" I asked her, and she took a brief silence, as if to think it over.
"I must admit, I hadn't given marriage much thought, it seemed too distant. I'm barely 3 and 10." She said.
"I agree, but in this world. Marriage is a necessity, and although you might become my brother fiance, the marriage itself wouldn't happen till you've bled." I said, and she nodded slowly. And I decided to give it to her bluntly.
"What, would you want. Out of the marriage, not your father, not your House. You." I asked her, and she turned to me, sort of shocked.
After a moment of thought, she turned to me. Her face resolute, having come to a decision.
"I want to marry a man who cares for me, I care not to marry out of love. But I want my husband to listen to me, and actually care for me." She said, and I couldn't help but smile at that.
"I see, well. Let me let you in on a secret." I said, riding closer to her, and speaking in a hushed tone.
"Claw Isle is a rough place, and so is it's women, if you desire for my brother to love you, said love must be earned. Sitting pretty and only birthing children, is not a life which will earn you love from my brother. Find something which you can bring to the table, economy, diplomacy, even fighting." I said bluntly, and I could see her eyes widen, and she was too shocked to speak.
"I do not know why, but ladies within Westeros believe their only duties lies in bed and birth, it is a false assumption. Make yourself worth, and do not rely on your husband for strength, for if you do. You will never be an equal in his eye." I said, as her horse stopped, her brain still struggling to comprehend it.
"Goodbye, My Lady. Think over what I said." I told her, before sending my horse forward. I do not know how corrupted her mind was, by her mother or septa or even father, but I hoped this would make my brothers time easier, or perhaps harder.
But with that, I headed for the ship. While giving Silverwing a mental command to follow the boat, and she would manage. Perhaps go hunting while we sailed.
.....
I couldn´t help but smile as I saw Kings Landing, no matter how ugly it smelled, or how it looked, it had it's own majestic aura, the fact that over 500 000 peasants lived inside these gates, was beyond me. Medieval castles often had less than 500 inhabitants, and towns a few thousand, but multiple hundred thousand men and women lived inside these gates.
The largest city on Earth, which was larger than Westeros population wise, had a population of 250 000, which was Constantinople.
However, without me doing anything, Silverwing roared out as we approached the city.
DRAGONS ROAR
And with that, I knew there was no turning back, the roar rung across Kings Landing, as we came closer and closer, before we were upon Kings Landing.
I could see movement towards the Dragonpit, meaning a large crowd had formed, but that was not whereas my mind was, I focused down on Kings Landing itself, as I directed Silverwing to fly around Kings Landing, towards the edges.
I circled it 3 times, as Silverwing continued to roar, and there were some muffled roars which we could hear, likely coming from the Dragonpit.
I had given the King enough time to assemble by the Dragonpit, so I directed Silverwing towards the Dragonpit, slowing down as I began descending, or rather Silverwing.
I had left my ship at Sharp Point, meaning they would be here in a few hours, but until then. I was on my own.
Additionally, I had sent a letter informing them of my arrival around this time, but I doubt they expected me to arrive on Dragonback.
As I began descending on the open courtyard infront of the Dragonpit, I got a good look at my welcoming party, and it was large. To say the least, perhaps 75 individuals, and going of the usual noble-guard ration, perhaps 20-30 nobles stood there, awaiting me.
And at the forefront stood the Small Council and the Royal Family.
King Viserys Targaryen,
Queen Alicent Hightower / Targaryen
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
Lord Hand, Otto Hightower
Master of Ships, Lord Corlys Velaryon
Master of Coin, Lord Beesbury
Master of Law, Lord Lyonel Strong
Grand Maester, Mellos
Lord Commander, Ser Harrold Westerling
And another twenty or so nobles from various Houses, mostly the Crownlands and a few whom were visiting, like me.
And with that, my dragon landed heavily with a thud.
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