The next day:
Myr, a temporary residence.
Aemon was busy handling government affairs, his quill rustling as he worked. Johanna sat at another table, sorting through reviewed documents. They had taken over Myr surprisingly smoothly and set about reforming the new system. Providing food, clothing, shelter, and work salaries for the liberated slaves was a major challenge.
"Diana, don't just stand there and watch. Come help." Aemon shook his arms; his wrists ached.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Diana responded quickly, bringing a stack of documents to deal with separately. Aemon put down his pen and breathed a sigh of relief. This young translator, brought back from Astapor, still had great potential. Johanna had been promoted to Steward of Myr, and Diana had been appointed her assistant.
Knock, knock! There was a knock on the door. Grey Worm said from outside, "Your Majesty, Princess Rhaenys is here."
"Please come in," Aemon said. Grey Worm opened the door and gestured for her to enter.
"Aemon, I have something to discuss with you," Rhaenys said without hesitation.
"I've heard about the Twin Cities." Aemon wrinkled his nose, his tone tinged with disdain.
"Your army controls Myr completely. The freed slaves are drawn to your rule. You can withdraw your influence." Rhaenys's eyes were serious as she stood in her red, soft armor. The conquest of Myr had gone much more smoothly than expected. With plenty of time, much could be done.
Aemon agreed wholeheartedly and stood up to leave with his aunt. Even before the expedition, Aunt Rhaenys had revealed the Sea Serpent and Daemon's conspiracy. They wanted to recapture the Stepstones to control the lower half of the Narrow Sea. Prince Qoren had offered his allegiance, fanning the flames. In short, They were happy when the Iron Throne was in trouble.
"You're crazy," Aemon was speechless. He couldn't fathom Daemon's true intentions, especially since he was involved. The whole process was bound to be carried out under Daemon's guise: After all, he was a Targaryen prince and the king's own brother. Everything he did was legal. He cared nothing for fame.
When he arrived at the harbor, the shimmering Myr Firth lay before him.
"Your Majesty, the fleet is ready," Ser Koen of the Runeguard commanded the dozens of ships in the bay.
Aemon understood and ordered his men aboard. His territory was already unusually large, especially considering the cities of Gulltown and Myr. However, the Stepstones could not be abandoned. He ordered the Unsullied, the Second Sons, and the Gulltown navy to remain in Myr under the command of Grey Worm, Robb, and Ser Llane, respectively. There were ten thousand men in total—more than enough to quell any eventuality.
The Royal Fleet, the Royal Army, and the combined forces of the Vale would withdraw from Myr and rush to the Stepstones. If there was no fighting, the latter two improvised armies could be sent home. The Narrow Sea, more accurately described as the "Disputed Lands," would not witness the start of a major war. The three Free Cities had fallen, and the Triarchy were no more. At best, only the remnants of the Triarchy remained to harass the islands.
It's time to recuperate. The Sea Serpent and Daemon won't engage in such a mad war. They still have some sense.
"Hiss!" Meleys flew over the repaired white walls and landed lightly in front of her rider. Soon, Rhaenyra and Laena arrived on their dragons. Together, they returned to the Stepstones.
Aemon chuckled. Was he afraid he'd suffer? Six dragons flew out of Myr Bay: Silverwing and Grey Ghost.
To the Stepstones.
Arriving early is better than arriving on time. Aemon rode his dragon back to Bloodstone Island and saw a large ship approaching the shore in the distance. Flying the emerald seahorse banner, he recognized it as the Sea Serpent's beloved ship.
"Hiss... Gah!" Suddenly, a sharp hiss echoed from the horizon, and the shadow of a scarlet dragon snaked through the thin clouds.
Boom! Caraxes plummeted from the sky, and a silver-haired figure, both familiar and unfamiliar, swayed gently in the saddle.
On the island's mountainous terrain, two thousand young men were building fortifications. Seeing the dragons return, they dropped their work.
"Hurrah!" A sea serpent came ashore in a small boat, and a young, pale, silver dragon flew overhead. It was Seasmoke, piloted by Laenor.
Soon, dragons from both sides landed on the barren sand near the beach.
"Hurrah!" Syrax roared in warning as it stalked the young dragon that had offended it. Unwilling to be outdone, Seasmoke growled repeatedly at Syrax, who was a similar size. Even dragons like Vermithor confronted Caraxes.
Bang! Aemon leaped off the dragon's back, his boots digging a small dent in the sand.
Calmly, he surveyed Daemon and the other two who had come with him.
"Cousin," Aemon nodded in greeting upon seeing Laenor.
"Cousin." Laenor smiled bitterly and scratched his head awkwardly. He felt he should be standing on the opposite side.
"Corlys, your plan has failed. Don't be obsessed with it." Rhaenys glanced at her son, hoping her husband would stop while he was ahead.
"We didn't come here for war." Corlys sighed softly as he looked at the six dragons across from him. "I only seek to secure our rights."
"Then stand aside!" Rhaenys said firmly, taking the lead. The Velaryons had gained enough; Corlys shouldn't interfere further.
Resigned, Corlys moved to his wife's side. Overjoyed, Laenor slipped between his parents.
"Great! No need to fight!" The tide had turned, leaving Daemon alone to face the situation. His eyes flickered coldly as he glanced at the Sea Serpent.
"How swift the betrayal!" Aemon sized him up, unsheathed the Lady of the Void, and approached. His heart was full of sarcasm and abuse, which he left behind upon meeting Daemon.
"I won't say anything. You don't deserve to hear it!" Laena and Rhaenyra exchanged a glance, then followed in unison, trapping Aemon between them.
"Hmmm!" Daemon laughed, folding his hands in front of him Targaryen-style and observing with interest.
Aemon remained expressionless as he approached the other man, stopping after ten steps.
"Hiss... Gah!" Caraxes, fiercely protective of his master, swung his slender, snake-like body sideways and extended his dragon head to block the rider.
"Hiss! Gah!" Vermithor's bronze pupils darkened as he propped himself up on his wings. He took a step forward and unleashed a menacing roar. Startled, Silverwing and Grey Ghost took flight, chasing each other low.
Aemon thought of something to curse that wouldn't implicate his grandmother or relatives.
"You look a lot like the Conqueror, son," Daemon said with a tilted smile, speaking first.
"Did you say that?" Aemon's face was cold, and his tone was questioning.
"I don't understand you." Daemon said, looking away and feigning confusion.
"If you call me 'Prince' and bring up our past relationship again, I'll drown you in the sea." Aemon warned, unable to contain his disgust. His son would have nightmares for three days after hearing this.
Daemon's smile disappeared, and a shadow appeared in his eyes.
"You want to seize the Stepstones while I'm attacking Myr?" Aemon was too lazy to talk nonsense and exposed the other party's conspiracy.
"I am the governor of the Narrow Sea and the king of the Stepstones. Your people are living in my castle now," Daemon said in an unhappy tone, pointing to Dragonblood Keep. He had been the king of the Stepstones for seven years.
"You gave up and were driven away in disgrace by the Tyroshi mercenaries." Aemon's words pierced his heart. Instantly irritated, Daemon raged, "You stole this place, and a mere pirate from the Triarchy is as easy to kill as a bunch of idiots."
"So, you were driven away by a bunch of idiots?" Aemon scoffed.
Daemon gritted his teeth, furious.
"Leave this place, or I'll take it as a declaration of war." Aemon impatiently shooed the man away by poking a hole in the sand with the tip of his sword. The hardened, water-deprived sand was like Daemon's foul mouth.
"You want to inherit this place?" Daemon's dark, unclear eyes blurted out these words.
Aemon's expression changed instantly. He strode forward and swung his sword.
Clang! Clang! The sound of metal clashing echoed. Daemon drew his Dark Sister and collided with the deadly Lady of the Void. Their Valyrian steel swords, one long and one short, clashed, sending sparks flying.
"Daemon, you're a stinker!" Aemon lamented as the Lady of the Void fell to her left hand. Her right hand turned to retrieve her clan sword. Daemon wielded his sword with both hands, dancing with impenetrable force.
"The Stepstones are my domain. By occupying them, you inherit my legacy." Daemon clenched his fists in resistance, his words sharp.
"When did you become so weak, afraid to even acknowledge your dragon blood?" He considered his past actions guiltless. He simply believed that Aemon, like his brother Viserys, was trying to get rid of him, to drive him away. He distrusted Aemon.
"You think too highly of yourself! You are a venomous snake, enjoying the honor of your family only to turn against your own blood." Aemon's face was icy.
Clang! Clang! The blade slashed through flesh. His two-handed swordsmanship was impressive. The Lady of the Void blocked Dark Sister, thrusting her shoulder into Daemon's chest. Woe then slashed down, splitting Daemon's left leg. Daemon reacted quickly, ramming his head into Aemon's, forcing him back half a length. Thanks to his agile positioning, the blow would have otherwise severed his hamstrings. Aemon pressed forward, slashing the dragon's arm and right thigh. It was a close call, but he missed Daemon's crotch.
Daemon's face darkened, and Dark Sister reared up, sending a chill down Aemon's spine.
"Hiss... Gah!" Caraxes roared, sensing his rider in danger. He swung his head and advanced.
Daemon caught a glimpse of it from the corner of his eye and quickly retreated.
Boom! A gray figure streaked low and unleashed a fireball of dragon flame that struck Caraxes's head. A cloud of smoke filled the air. Caraxes, enraged, spread his wings, ready to soar into the air in retaliation.
Vermithor roared, his gaze fixed on the red dragon.
"Calm down, Caraxes!" Seeing the dire situation, Daemon called to the restless dragon. Outnumbered by a vast force, even he and Caraxes were bound to be ripped apart.
"Enough!" At that crucial moment, Rhaenys stepped forward. "Don't let the dragon die because of you," she said.
Corlys stepped forward and held Daemon down.
"Cousin, let's talk it over." Laenor smirked, blocking Daemon. He was a libertine and an unambitious one at that. But that didn't mean he was stupid. Daemon was in great danger and could very well die here. If he died, the conflict between the royal family and the Velaryons would escalate. His mother and sister would be fine, and he could probably escape punishment. However, his father, Corlys, would definitely be executed. The Black and Green factions hadn't clashed yet, so we shouldn't sacrifice the Velaryons.
Aemon licked his lips, holding down his heaving chest. It was a shame his part hadn't been cut off.
"Don't be impulsive." Laena gently touched his shoulder and gave Rhaenyra a silent wink. Startled by the intensity of the battle, Rhaenyra quickly grasped Aemon's hand. His palm was cold, and his fingertips trembled slightly. At this moment, a strike from Aemon might not even hurt.
Aemon took a deep breath and sheathed his two swords. He repeated in his mind, 'No kinslaying, no dragon sacrifices.' This was a common, unbroken line.
"Relax. We have work to do." Laena's eyes filled with tenderness as she cradled Aemon's head and gently pressed against his fair, delicate neck. She shared her mother, Rhaenys's, sentiments. The family could not be plunged into a civil war, and they could not lose a single dragonrider or dragon. Especially fratricide between father and son, the most detested act in the eyes of the gods. Throughout history, kinslayers have met bitter ends.
"I'm not a child anymore," Aemon said, calming down and smiling. Laena released his hand and rolled her eyes in amusement. He wasn't wearing his usual armor, so he didn't feel the soft warmth. Aemon curled his lips.
At this point, the Sea Serpent and Daemon had no choice but to retreat. The Stepstones were irretrievable. First, they had to stabilize the city-states and maintain their independence.
"Wait," Aemon called out.
"What else?" Corlys maintained his composure, not wanting to lose face.
"Is House Velaryon still a bannerman of the Iron Throne?" Aemon's eyes swiveled, ready to set a trap.
Corlys's expression shifted slightly, and he glanced at his wife, who wasn't walking with him. Rhaenys gave him a death stare.
"Of course," Corlys replied with certainty. He wanted to approach the Iron Throne, seek justice for his wife, and expose Viserys's mediocrity. He wanted to abandon the family business on Driftmark and migrate to Tyrosh to become the boss himself. Everyone present knew this. Once the Velaryon family leaves the Iron Throne, the kingdom will immediately begin to decline. It will be impossible to secure the right to tame dragons for future generations.
"As a vassal, you should return to King's Landing and wait for the king to reward you for your achievements." Aemon ignored Laena's complicated gaze and took two steps forward. Sea Serpent and Daemon wanted independence, but Aemon wanted it more. The two were fed up with the unfair system, but he wanted to make changes more than they did. After all, his uncle's indecisive nature would only push those close to him away. Sometimes, even he and Rhaenyra couldn't stand it. This increasingly bad situation must be stopped.
First, unite the family and gather all their strength. Second, establish a "common family goal" and avoid getting bogged down in internal fighting. Aemon kept his eyes on Sea Serpent and Daemon. Myr, Tyrosh, and Lys are easily categorized as independent administrative regions because they are cities outside the Seven Kingdoms. In other words, they are vassal city-states. Their rulers hold the same status as dukes of realms. They are granted fiefs by the Great Lord Viserys's decree, which brings them under the Iron Throne. The Sea Serpent and Daemon would be willing to clarify their identities. As long as they pledge nominal allegiance to the Iron Throne, they will one day be at the Lord's disposal.
Secondly, an independent House Council should be established, separate from the Small Council. It could be called the "Council of Dragons." Within ten years, the four Green siblings will have grown up and tamed dragons. Ten years after that, they would have children. A large family cannot rely solely on the rituals of ruler and subject or on kinship alone. The House Council should empower the Green siblings with responsibilities and a sense of belonging. They should be encouraged to serve in King's Landing or venture forth and establish new territories. Internal conflicts should be diverted externally. This would strengthen the "common family purpose" established by Aegon the Conqueror and reduce the likelihood of internal strife. The king would take this opportunity to gain more independence and autonomy. If necessary, he would replace his uncle, Viserys, and oversee the family members.
"Return to King's Landing to see Viserys?" Corlys frowned slightly. On second thought, perhaps this was an opportunity to resolve the conflict and clear Tyrosh's name.
Corlys turned and looked at the taciturn Daemon. Daemon's eyes flickered, making it difficult to read his thoughts. It had been a long time since he had seen his brother.
---------------
You can read +100 advance chapters on my Patreon
Patreon(.)com/izan24
•TIER 1 you'll get +15 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
•TIER 2 you'll get +40 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
•TIER 3 you'll get +60 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
•TIER 4 you'll get +100 ADVANCE CHAPTERS