[Daenerys' POV]
She had never seen so many knights before, let alone banners. The sun shone upon them and their armour reflected its light. In preparation for Edric's arrival, all gathered eagerly. At the head of the group was a large man, tall and broad-shouldered. His dark blue eyes looked stern, and his hard face had a tightness that suggested a man who never smiled. Despite this, the familial resemblance was there...
He stared at her like she was most unwelcome.
"I didn't expect such a heartwarming welcome in Lys," Edric chuckled. "I take it the siege was swift, eh, uncle Stannis?"
"You would be right," Stannis nodded.
"Let's just say Lys is known for her beauty, not strength," A younger lord bearing the sigil of House Arryn replied with a smile. "The sellswords protecting them scuttled like rats when they saw our fleet on the horizon."
"Where did you get all of these ships from?"
"Braavos gave their aid, and the Realm answered the call to war," Stannis explained. "The city was sacked and its slaves freed. We were not so far from leaving."
"You've gathered so many banners, why leave the task half-done?" Edric grinned slightly. "Tyrosh and Myr are quite close. This triarchy will need a ruler as well..."
"A ruler? You seek to conquer these lands?"
"Why, they're so close to our border, we may as well expand a little instead of keeping a crippled foe. I seek to restore Dragonstone to the royal line, so... uncle, that would leave you landless."
"... In favour of the Targaryen?" Stannis questioned.
"It is tradition for Dragonstone to belong to the heir to the Iron Throne, which will fall out of your hands eventually. I wish to honour your service with something more permanent. The new Lord Paramountcy of Lys, Myr and Tyrosh. These lands are richer, would grant you greater influence and even comfort. In truth, there's also plenty of work to be done... and I trust no one so much as you to bring order, uncle. It would serve myself and the Realm greatly."
Edric had the sort of golden tongue which almost always had its way. Stannis likely desired Storm's End, but it was already in his other uncle's name. Pleasing one would mean upsetting the other.
"... If that is what you wish, Your Grace," Stannis nodded firmly. "I will serve."
"Let's get to conquering the other two, then." Edric smiled.
"Before any of that, I do have wonderful news to share," Lord Arryn said. "As the Gods would have it, Ysilla gave me a son first. Edric Arryn - as I said I would name him."
"I am honoured," Edric nodded, smiling warmly. It was not genuine, yet the veil behind it was not easy to see through.
"Congratulations," Daenerys added.
"Oh, the honour is all mine. Edric is a mighty name. And... uh, you must be, princess-"
"Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, first of her name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men," She said, grabbing hold of Edric's hand. "The Lady of the Seven Kingdoms."
Every lord's expression changed. Edric glanced back at her.
"The Queen?" Lord Arryn blinked, confused. "Isn't that title due for Lady Arya Stark?"
"Circumstances have changed," Daenerys replied. "Although we're not wed quite yet."
"So that is why she is here," Stannis frowned. "You would undo all that your father fought for."
"All the people in front of me are what I fight for, uncle. I will not fail them on the account of my dead father's unending hatred."
As if they had read his thoughts, Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal all descended from the clouds. Their emergence parted the crowd, leaving space for them to land beside Edric. All were awed by the sight of the dragons, if not fearful.
"I choose... the future."
"For your sake, I hope you do not regret your decision," Stannis was not so fearful.
"I will not."
Although he was not fond of their arrangement, he could not do anything about it but grit his teeth. Daenerys would have hoped for better relations... but it was clear enough that he disliked her very existence. She decided not to step on any feet, taking a more passive role as she familiarised herself with his court.
...
Following all of the formalities and new magisters set in place to rule in Edric's name, the two fleets would combine into one mighty Royal Armada and sail for Tyrosh. The archon of Tyrosh surrendered without a fight, and retained his seat as ruler of the city. At the same time, its slaves were freed, dyes plundered, and great inventors recruited into Edric's growing force of creative minds. The Tyroshi cartels that the Iron Throne had borrowed from also erased their debts with some 'convincing'.
Myr would not put up a fight either, the magisters surrendering to the Iron Throne's sovereignty and accepting the end of slavery in their city. Many of their great craftsmen, scholars and artesans would be added to Edric's horde, from glassmakers, lenscrafters, painters, to engineers and tailors.
It was the easiest chain of conquests Daenerys had witnessed.
Once Myr had been conquered, the Armada began to split its way, and King's Landing was next. Stannis Baratheon remained to consolidate his new lands. Edric had sent a raven earlier, announcing their marriage, so everything would be prepared upon their arrival.
...
King's Landing.
The city, which had been developed by House Targaryen, started as no more than a fort under Aegon the Conqueror. It was meant to be significant, but Daenerys strangely found herself feeling not so attached... Dragonstone, even from afar, had attracted her. She couldn't say the same for the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Even Meereen seemed more extraordinary.
As Edric rode through the city, he was smothered in cheers. It was clear that he was loved. They rode on, up to the Red Keep, which led to the Great Hall. There it was, the elusive Iron Throne. It was monstrously large, made of countless swords of Aegon's enemies, which were melted, broken, and beaten into its twisted shape. A symbol of conquest.
"Ah, my beloved nephew, always full of surprises," Renly, as described by Edric, was first to approach. "And his Targaryen bride... my brother is surely rolling in his grave, but, alas, welcome to our family."
"..." Daenerys wasn't sure if he was being genuine or mocking her. "Thank you for the warm welcome."
"My pleasure,"
"How have you been, uncle?" Edric questioned. "Haven't missed me too much?"
"Knowing you, you'll go off on another grand adventure within a moon at the most," Renly chuckled.
"No... I intend to stay and settle down a little. I've plundered countless treasures, and now it's time to spend them on developing the Seven Kingdoms. It is my intent to advance far beyond the rest of the known world in every aspect you can think of."
"Oh..." Renly looked amused. "How grand."
"Regarding that... I'm going to hold court right now."
"Go right ahead, it is all yours."
Edric definitely had a more seamless relationship with his younger uncle. As he left her side, Daenerys couldn't help but feel foreign to everything and everyone around her. These were all Edric's subjects.
Edric stepped up to the foot of the Iron Throne, looking up at it.
"It's such a tedious walk, ain't it? I mean, I love to exercise my legs, but... every time I wish to hold court?"
He looked back, and the court exploded into laughter. Daenerys chuckled, shaking her head.
"Now, let's get the small things out of the way. Braavos and Pentos aided in the fall of Lys, and for that, they shall be rewarded. The Iron Throne's debts to the Iron Bank shall be paid off immediately, and neither shall be conquered by me. I appreciate their goodwill and see these cities as my dear friends, so I will seek to advance this into an alliance of sorts."
Edric then glanced at the Iron Throne.
"Now... this massive chunk of metal has been symbolic to the Seven Kingdoms. Some even refer to our united kingdoms as the 'Iron Throne'... fitting, simple. But, alas, it's a symbol of a bygone age!"
"Things are ever-changing, and will continue to change under my reign. We are Seven Kingdoms no more, expanding further and further. We are influencing the rest of the known world - rapidly ending slavery in the east, bending foreign kingdoms to our will and becoming the world's one true supreme power, insurmountable by the rest."
All too casually, he unrooted the Iron Throne with his magic, and it faded from everyone's eyes. Did he just... remove it? Daenerys couldn't believe her eyes.
"On this day, I declare the emergence of the Eternal Throne, the mightiest Empire in the known world and the one that shall lead it forward. All of Westeros is my domain, and much of Essos will follow suit. In light of this, I crown myself as the King of Kings, the Storm Emperor of the Eternal Throne!"
A roar of cheers and claps erupted as Edric's charisma swept the crowd. It was a bold, ambitious declaration and one that would change the Seven Kingdoms forever... but Edric was not afraid of taking that step. He did not fear any step, for that matter.
"Emperor! Emperor!"
"Storm Emperor!"
"All hail the Emperor!"
The Stormguard were the loudest of all, like a legion of thunder. If Edric declared himself a God, they would see him as one... if they don't already. Even outside of them, Edric's strength and glory were worshipped by many. It was undeniable that he had humbled some of the mightiest forces of the known world.
"That is not all," Edric drew out Blackfyre, its blade shimmering. "I have decided to forge the royal house of the Eternal Throne alongside my future wife, separating from House Baratheon. It shall be the point where Baratheon and Targaryen become one thoroughly legitimate and unquestionable lineage..."
"House Stormfyre!"
"This is the name that I, Daenerys and all of our heirs shall bear."
He did not discuss this with her... but she was quite fond of the prospect. Previously, she imagined that Targaryen would, in name, die with her as their future children would be Baratheons. Now, Targaryen would live on through Stormfyre... and so would Edric's name. It was all too fitting as both she and Edric had adopted 'Storm' in some form.
"Well, at least there won't be two House Baratheons... or even three, for that matter," She heard someone say.
"Mayhaps that's why he made that decision." Another replied.
"That will be all for now," Edric put away Blackfyre.
"So where will I sit during court hearings?" Renly raised an eyebrow.
Edric glanced back, and a wooden bench emerged.
"... Very amusing," Renly chuckled.
"It's temporary, I intend to have a new throne designed. What about this one?"
The bench was taken away, replaced by a throne of white marble.
"That... will do."
~
[Edric's POV]
After all of the court matters were put aside, I went over to see little Garth and Alysanne. They were already crawling about in the gardens with Margaery attentively overseeing them. So... adorable.
"... Your Grace," Margaery didn't take long to notice me. "You arrived swifter than anyone could have predicted."
"I wanted to see my darlings," I walked over and snatched up Alysanne. "Do you remember me, hmm?"
She looked at me with wide, sparkling blue eyes and sucked on her thumb before pointing at Margaery.
"Mama..."
"Yes..." I chuckled. "Who am I?"
Alysanne shrugged.
"I'll get you to say dada or papa soon enough,"
I smiled, tapping her nose before putting her back down. She went back to playing with flowers. I wished she'd grow up a bit... but at the same time, she'll never be this little again.
"How is it with your wife-to-be?"
"Oh, it's been getting better. We understand each other quite well," I replied simply.
"That's good to hear. Many, however, hold reservations that she might be her father's daughter," Margaery remarked.
"Even if she were, I'd have nothing to fret about," I shrugged. "Besides, I did not come here to discuss these matters."
"... I apologise. I was simply curious."
"It's alright," I nodded. "They're such... untroubled little things, aren't they? I sometimes wish I could experience that."
"You can, if you truly wish to," Margaery's voice was more soothing than I remembered. She stepped beside me, leaning her head against my arm. "Look at what is in front of you and think of nothing else, even if for a short while."
I closed my eyes, making an attempt.
"It's a pity... I can't. Mayhaps someday."
...
After an evening spent with my little ones, I went over to Tobho Mott's and called him over. Bryce and Gendry were seemingly asleep - there was plenty of time to see them later.
"Your Grace, how might I serve you?"
"You are one of the few smiths who can work Valyrian Steel, correct?" I questioned, drawing out Blackfyre and giving her a spin.
"That is one of the finest swords that I've witnessed..."
"The Conqueror's blade," I informed. "Wielded by quite a number of Targaryen kings."
"Oh? It has quite the history, then. Would it be wise to undo it?"
"It is because of its history that I believe that it is the ideal foundation for my own sword," I smiled, shaking my head. "There is another thing, I do not simply want you to rework it. I want you to teach me how to."
"... That I cannot do. It is a closely guarded secret of the master smiths of Qohor. Spreading that secret would mean turning on those who taught me, Your Grace."
I was not taking no for an answer.