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Aeron and Daenerys walked side by side. Everywhere they passed, servants and guards bent the knee or lowered their heads, the sound of armor shifting softly filling the silence. The sight of the two together, the Shadow King and the Dragon Queen was enough to make even the proudest noble bow his head.
Aeron's expression, however, was calm and serious. His gaze remained fixed ahead, violet eyes glinting faintly beneath his dark lashes. Daenerys, turned her head toward him, her silver hair catching the morning light.
"Are you perhaps upset about something?" she asked, her voice gentle yet probing.
Aeron's lips curved faintly, though not into a true smile. "No. What makes you think I'm upset?"
Daenerys arched an elegant brow, her tone playful but laced with curiosity. "Your tone earlier...with the small council. It was...sharp to say the least."
Aeron's steps did not falter. "I only said what needed saying," he replied evenly. "Some of them forget too quickly who they serve and why they still draw breath. I merely reminded Olenna of her standing. Nothing more."
He turned his gaze toward her, his tone lowering. "And you must remember, Daenerys, even now, with the crown upon our heads and the realm beneath our feet, fools will always remain fools. Some will try something foolish sooner or later... whether by action or by word."
Daenerys nodded, her expression softening, though a faint shadow passed her eyes. "I don't doubt that," she said quietly.
She slowed her steps slightly, sliding her arm beneath his. The gesture was warm, the queen grounding her king. "Then lighten up," she said with a small smile, the corner of her mouth lifting. "Let them scheme in their shadows if they wish. We'll still be standing in the light."
Aeron glanced at her then, something almost like amusement flashing in his eyes. "Lighten up," he echoed under his breath, as though testing the words on his tongue.
They reached the tall doors of the throne room. The gold-and-iron inlays gleamed as the guards pushed them open.
The Iron Throne loomed before them, jagged and cruel, a beast forged of a thousand surrendered blades. Its twisted silhouette clawed upward like the remains of some slain dragon, cold in the center of the grand hall.
Aeron stopped before it, silent for a long moment. His gaze swept the blades, the dark steel.
"Ugly thing," he muttered finally.
Daenerys tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I don't like it either," she admitted. "But it serves its purpose. It reminds people what power looks like."
Aeron stepped forward then he turned and lowered himself into the throne.
He leaned back slightly, resting one arm against the twisted armrest, his violet eyes glancing down from his seat of power as if testing its feel.
"Uncomfortable," he said softly. "As expected."
Daenerys laughed quietly, the sound light but fond. "You look good upon it, my king."
Before Aeron could reply, the great doors opened again.
The rhythm of synchronized footsteps filled the chamber.
Grey Worm entered first, his armor gleaming beneath the light, followed closely by Raya tall, composed, her eyes sharp with quiet loyalty. Behind them came Missandei, her smile bright and serene, and a disciplined line of Unsullied soldiers who moved like a single being.
The sight made both Aeron and Daenerys straighten slightly, their expressions shifting.
The group reached the center of the hall and knelt in perfect unison.
Grey Worm bowed his head low. "My King. My Queen."
Daenerys's face lit with genuine joy. "Great, you have returned!" she said, stepping forward with rare, unguarded happiness. "It has been too long since all of you left for Braavos."
Missandei lifted her head, her eyes bright as she replied. "The sea was kind, Your Grace. We did not tarry long. The voyage was smooth, almost as if the winds themselves wished for our swift return."
Aeron rose from the Iron Throne. The Unsullied shifted as one, disciplined and unwavering.
"It's good to have you all back," Aeron said, his tone carrying quiet command. "You've done well."
Missandei bowed her head. "We only serve, my king."
Aeron's gaze softened slightly a rare show of warmth beneath the storm that usually shadowed his eyes. "And you serve with more loyalty than most in this castle, without asking anything in return."
Daenerys glanced at him with a knowing smile, her hand brushing lightly against his arm. "You see," she murmured, "not everyone needs reminding of their standing."
Aeron looked at her sidelong, a spark of humor in his violet gaze. "No," he said. "Some already know where they belong."
Aeron sat back against the twisted iron seat, one leg slightly bent, violet eyes studying the group before him. "Now, tell me about this trip Braavos." he said, his tone filled with curiosity.
Before Daenerys could answer, Raya stepped forward, her dark armor glinting, her posture proud but unforced. The faintest smirk curved her lips as she met Aeron's gaze head-on.
"My king," she began, her voice carrying through the hall with a warrior's calm confidence, "you think you can run a kingdom without gold?"
Daenerys blinked, half in disbelief at Raya's audacity. But Aeron only chuckled the deep, amused sound echoing off the walls.
"Raya," he said, shaking his head with a faint grin. "It's good to see you well." He leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees. "So the purpose of that trip was the Iron Bank?"
Raya's smirk grew. "Aye," she said with a nod. "Though they needed a bit of persuasion." Her tone turned wickedly proud. "Something your shadow soldiers were quite excellent in."
Aeron laughed softly. "Right," he murmured. "I was not paying attention at all, otherwise I would have known where you have been."
Raya crossed her arms, tilting her head. "I thought you knew. But your hands were rather full in the North, so I don't blame you." she said, the humor fading slightly from her tone. "Still, we all received the news. Well done, Aeron… I mean.." she paused, smirking again, correcting herself with mock formality, "...your grace."
Aeron rose from the Iron Throne one more, the sound of his boots striking the steps beneath him. He descended slowly, his gaze fixed on her the entire time.
"You too," he said as he came to stand before her. "You've actually managed to grow as a warrior during our campaign, both in Essos and here in Westeros."
Raya dipped her head slightly, not quite a bow, but an acknowledgment. "I did learn from the best." she said, her tone half-respectful, half-wry. "And your shadows as well... they're brutal."
Aeron's smile deepened, that quiet, dangerous sort of amusement only he could carry. "They are," he said simply.
Then he turned to Daenerys, who had been watching the exchange with a soft smile.
"I think," Aeron said, his voice carrying through the hall, "I know who deserves the title of Lord Commander of the Kingsguard."
The words fell like a spark.
Raya blinked, the humor momentarily gone from her face. Her lips parted slightly, but she said nothing.
Daenerys's expression brightened, warmth and pride flickering in her violet eyes. "A fitting choice," she said softly.
Grey Worm, silent as ever, nodded in quiet agreement beside them. Missandei smiled faintly, eyes darting between the three.
Raya exhaled, steadying herself before she finally spoke. "I'll not disappoint you," she said.
Aeron looked at her for a long moment before answering. "You haven't yet," he said simply. "I don't see why you'd start now."
Then his tone shifted back into command. "Raya of House..."
"I have no house," she interjected calmly.
Aeron inclined his head. "Then Raya of Bear Island," he said, voice firm, resonant, "from this day forward, you stand as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard."
The Unsullied struck their spears against the marble floor once a thunderous salute that echoed through the chamber.
Raya knelt, her head bowed. "I will honor that title."
Aeron's gaze softened slightly as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know," he said. "Only you can."
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