A fortnight later, King's Landing.
A grand procession of a fleet sailed across Blackwater Bay and arrived at Mud Gate. The city gates swung open, and royal guards waving red ribbons lined the streets alongside the common people to welcome them.
Myr, Tyrosh, and Lys had been conquered one after another; the infamous Triarchy were now a mere backdrop. As the news spread, the Seven Kingdoms were shaken. Expansion! For the first time since the Conqueror, the Targaryen dynasty had conquered new territory. It was the three Free Cities that controlled the Disputed Territories. "Young King" Viserys I would be recorded prominently in history alongside Aegon the Conqueror and Jaehaerys the Elder.
The Red Keep.
Viserys's face was expressionless; no trace of joy was visible. He wore a tiara and a crown while sitting on the cold Iron Throne.
"Is this why you've come back!?" His brow furrowed and his words quickened, a sign of anger.
The hall was flanked by familiar faces. The Sea Serpent held his head high and was accompanied by his wife, children, and family. Daemon stood alone on the other side, arms folded. After stabilizing the city-state, the two groups traveled to King's Landing to meet the king and seek a fiefdom, laundering the profits of their unauthorized war in the process.
"Your Majesty, please forgive our undeclared war. However, we are also addressing a significant issue for the kingdom." Corlys glanced up and said proudly, "Without the harassment of the Triarchy pirates, the kingdom's shipping routes will be unimpeded."
"Hmph!" Viserys snorted, ignoring him. His eyes were fixed on one person.
"Daemon, why don't you greet me when you see me?" Viserys demanded coldly.
Daemon's eyes were unfocused; he hadn't felt at ease since entering the throne room. This was where he had been driven away last time.
"Brother," Daemon said, snapping back to his senses. He nodded in a perfunctory greeting.
Seeing him like this instantly enraged Viserys. "I told you to return to the Vale to be with your wife. What have you been doing all these years?"
"I don't want to go back to the Vale and smell the sheep, brother." Daemon shrugged calmly. He would rather be castrated than return to the Vale to be with that bronze bitch. He had sacrificed once for his brother and wouldn't be forced to obey orders a second time.
"Bastard!" Viserys raged. "Look at you! Are you worthy of being a husband and a father?" He abandoned a good family only to make a mess of himself. And he dared to return to King's Landing and stand before him.
Daemon's eyes were cold, and he remained silent. He chose to give his brother the cold shoulder, knowing he wouldn't understand.
Furious at his lack of resistance, Viserys rubbed his brow with his right hand, adorned with an emerald ring. Damn Daemon! He couldn't even enjoy his dinner in Daemon's presence. He was so angry!
After a while, the conversation returned to normal. The Targaryens and Daemon had pure motives: to clear their names and gain royal recognition. A complete falling-out would benefit no one. But Viserys would not tolerate this. He only pardoned the two for their illegal war and made no mention of dividing the land between Tyrosh and Lys.
Conquering a piece of land doesn't automatically make it yours. Claims and legitimacy are essential. Now that the three city-states have been incorporated into the Iron Throne's territories, legitimacy rests with the Crown. Don't ask why the Iron Throne holds legitimacy. Take Lys, for example. Since their founding, the city-states have been colonies of Old Valyria. With the exception of Braavos, Old Valyria ruled the other eight Free Cities for the past three hundred years. As the last remaining dragonlord family, the Targaryens held the most legitimate claim to legitimacy.
Had Viserys not relented, the Targaryens and Daemon would have faced numerous minor setbacks. The Free Cities are accustomed to having governors, and the wealthy nobles wield immense power. With these two ruling the city-states, they were, in a sense, kings. Being a king, even one who came to power illegitimately, carries the inherent risk of being overthrown. Without legitimate rule, the prevailing principle is that whoever has the bigger fist will prevail. If they can't win overtly, assassinations, poisonings, and other attempts to sabotage them become commonplace.
Of course. Even with legitimate support, these challenges must still be faced. However, regarding the issue of succession, there's no need to worry about losing the land upon one's death. The Iron Throne ensures justice.
Therefore, Corlys frowned at the king's reluctance to offer a reward. He didn't have a grandfather who had been king, and he was destined never to be king himself. His wife had the potential, but she had been defeated by the man before her. Her heart grew cold, and she no longer clung to the Iron Throne. Over time, he gradually gave up his unrealistic fantasies. Now, he simply wanted to occupy Tyrosh and bring House Velaryon to a new height of power. This presupposed that his eldest son, Laenor, would inherit Tyrosh without a hitch. The king's golden rule was paramount.
"Your Majesty, Tyrosh is in great need of restoration, and many officials must be appointed or dismissed," Corlys stated bluntly.
Viserys sneered inwardly, then passed the buck: "I will discuss this with the Hand later, and Sea Lord Tyland will inform you."
"I already have some ideas about the appointments and dismissals." Corlys pressed on. "When I was in Tyrosh, they called me 'the great Lord.'"
"Oh?" Viserys seemed interested, then fell silent.
Seeing this, Corlys's eyelids fluttered.
Puff! Aemon couldn't hold back his laughter; his voice was audible in the quiet hall.
"Aemon!" Rhaenyra glared at him, embarrassed.
Knowing better than to laugh, Aemon lowered his head and suppressed his smile. He muttered to himself, "Uncle is such a master at feigning ignorance!"
Viserys glanced at Aemon, then stood up and said, "Take them downstairs to rest." That's all for today.
Ser Harrold, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, followed, arranging the two Iron Thrones to lead the rest.
"Lord Corlys, please." The Kingsguard obeyed. Corlys frowned, his expression unsettling. The king was deliberately provoking him.
"Prince Daemon, please." Elsewhere, the same scene unfolded. Daemon, unconcerned, turned and walked out of the hall. He was not a Sea Serpent obsessed with legitimacy and family. With a dragon at his feet and Dark Sister in his hands, he was the true King of Lys.
Aemon had just left when Ser Stev called him back. His uncle wanted to see him. He motioned for Rhaenyra to return to her room and headed for the king's chambers.
"Coming," Viserys said from his awkward position on a recliner. It was clear he was upset.
Aemon nodded and entered obediently.
"Prince, Prince," Lyonel and Otto greeted him.
"Let's talk about the upcoming troubles," Viserys muttered. The two ministers looked at each other, unsure where to begin. The biggest problem was that the city-state was no longer under royal control.
Aemon's mind wandered as he found a chair to sit on. With the Hand and the ministers, he didn't need to worry.
"Aemon, I'm asking you a question!" Viserys angrily shouted. "Look at what you've done! You've brought back two troubles," He said this, referring to the Sea Serpent and Daemon.
Aemon rested his chin in his hands, not daring to speak. After all, bringing the Sea Serpent and Daemon back to King's Landing was sudden. Despite the advance warning, Aemon still felt caught off guard.
"The Sea Serpent and Daemon conquered the city-states, seeking nothing more than the Iron Throne's approval." Lyonel pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "But their power has surged to an unprecedented degree, far beyond the Iron Throne's control."
"Go on," Viserys listened intently, encouraging him to continue. He was struggling with how to approach the Sea Serpent and Daemon. Even if they pressed the issue, the royal family lacked the strength to do so.
"Your Majesty, it's difficult for us to interfere with their rule." Lyonel shook his head. How could they possibly intervene from so far across the strait?
Disappointed, Viserys interjected, "Are we just going to watch them act with tyranny and disregard the king's orders?"
"Your Majesty, why not imprison them in King's Landing?" Otto declared, his words shocking.
Viserys froze, staring at Otto in amazement.
"With Sea Serpent and Daemon gone, the two city-states are leaderless. The court can send someone to take over the city-states," Otto said, his cunning calculations evident.
Viserys was speechless for a moment. Aemon looked surprised and thought, "How ruthless of an old fox!" He wasn't afraid of the backlash.
"No, that would only exacerbate the conflict." Viserys refused. Conquering the city-states required a powerful navy and dragons. Imprisoning the Sea Serpent and Daemon would undermine their own strength and give Tyrosh and Lys the opportunity to rebel again.
Aemon nodded silently. His uncle's intelligence was still up to par, and he didn't get carried away. Not to mention Daemon, a true Targaryen. The Velaryons and Targaryens had intermarried for generations. Aunt Rhaenys married a Sea Serpent and passed on dragon blood to her children. The two houses were practically inseparable. They couldn't completely sever ties unless they declared rebellion. We couldn't do anything that harmed others and benefited ourselves.
"If that's the case, then we can only delay it," Otto said calmly, playing the role of counselor.
Viserys had no choice but to nod reluctantly. This was the broken window effect. Compared to the consequences of imprisoning the Sea Serpent and Daemon, tolerating their presence seemed insignificant. Another thought lingered deep within his heart. The Sea Serpent in front of him seemed less threatening than the one outside. Daemon had returned with them. Viserys rubbed his brow, feeling a mixture of joy and sorrow.
There was nothing left to discuss, so they each withdrew. Aemon was the first to leave, rushing out the door. He didn't care what his uncle thought.
There were two key points to strengthening the family: First, unite the family and gather all their strength. Sea Serpent and Daemon arrived in King's Landing and acknowledged the authority of the Iron Throne. This was a good start. It prevented them from splitting off, becoming independent, or revolting against the Iron Throne. As for the demands they made of their uncle upon returning to King's Landing, it was a battle between king and minister, both overt and covert. The same would apply to anyone in power. Only through struggle can innovation take hold. The Council of Dragons is just around the corner.
Second, refine the Targaryen family's shared interests. Seek unity within and expansion abroad. The conquest of the three Free Cities left the Targaryens and Velaryons bloated. Now is the time to digest the burden of the post-war growth period. Aemon's priority was to consolidate his base and avoid causing any disturbances. As King of Myr, he awaited his uncle's enthronement as well.
The War of the Narrow Sea was over. Peace and tranquility finally reigned on both sides of the strait.
In September, the sky in King's Landing was a clear blue, with cool sea breezes blowing in occasionally.
In the back garden of the Red Keep, tropical trees grew, and one could see the sparkling waves of Blackwater Bay through the fence.
Aemon arrived as promised and saw Aunt Rhaenys and Corlys standing side by side.
"Aunt," Aemon greeted her with a smile.
"We have something to discuss with you." Rhaenys smiled back.
"What is it?" Aemon had an idea. "Is it about uncle's opinion of Myr?" he asked.
"We'll talk about that later." Rhaenys shook her head and looked like she was enjoying the show. She was in a good mood, straightening her nephew's clothes and looking more and more satisfied.
Aemon sensed something was amiss and looked at the silent Corlys.
"I called you here to discuss a marriage between our two families." Corlys said, getting straight to the point.
Aemon suddenly understood. Seeing his uncle's ambiguous attitude, he decided to play the emotional card. Nothing would improve the relationship between the two families faster or better than a marriage.
"Isn't Laena here?" Aemon smiled calmly. Laena was nowhere to be seen.
"You'll see each other later." Rhaenys laughed.
"To be honest, I don't want to marry my daughter off to you." Corlys suddenly said.
Aemon waited for more.
"You will have several wives, and I only have one precious daughter." Corlys continued calmly, "But she has chosen you, and as parents, we can only respect that."
Aemon nodded. Marriage is a big deal, and it's better to be clear in advance.
"I should have asked your parents to meet, but considering your family situation, I don't think it's necessary." There was a hint of disgust in Corlys's words.
Aemon didn't react and continued to nod. His mother, Lady Rhea, lives in semi-retirement and only cares about the daughter-in-law she personally selected: Jocelyn. Daemon brushed it off. If there's anything to talk about, His Royal Highness can talk about it himself. He's used to it.
"Is your engagement ceremony with Laena going to be in Driftmark or the Vale?" Corlys got to the point.
Aemon had already made plans and was about to speak. Laena would be his first wife, so the ceremony would naturally take place in the Vale. The future lands and property would also be passed on to Laena's descendants. Rhaenyra had already become the biggest benefactor in the Seven Kingdoms by bringing money into the group. Her descendants would inherit the Iron Throne.
"In my opinion, Laena will inherit Driftmark, and it would be best if the ceremony took place there," Corlys said startlingly.
Aemon was stunned, his words caught in his throat. A Sea Serpent being generous?
"No surprise. Laena is my daughter, and I love her more than her brother, Laenor." Corlys sighed softly. Laena was intelligent, brave, and adventurous. She had inherited her mother's beauty and open-mindedness. If she were a boy, she would be the most qualified heir. Instead, a beautiful little girl was going to end up in someone else's closet. This thought darkened Corlys's face, and he looked at Aemon with even more displeasure.
Aemon didn't want to give him any leeway. He asked, "Laena inherits Driftmark. Should I interpret this as meaning her offspring should bear the name Velaryon?"
"Driftmark is an integral part of House Velaryon," Rhaenys said before her husband could begin.
Aemon frowned and fell silent. He knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.
"Aemon, all you need to do is change one child's name, and we'll treat him or her as our own," Rhaenys counseled. She was torn, too. She wanted her daughter to inherit Driftmark but didn't want that desire to affect her relationship with Aemon. However, she had her own selfish motives and difficulties. Laenor preferred men, which made continuing the family line difficult. His fiancée, Cassandra Baratheon, was young and wouldn't be able to marry or consummate the marriage for ten years. These two factors meant that having children would be difficult. On the other hand, Aemon and Laena were deeply in love, of marriageable age, and able to have children. Their child would bear the name Velaryon. First, the child could inherit Driftmark; second, the child could guard against Laenor's large fortune.
"Think about it. The wealth of Driftmark is inexhaustible." Corlys raised his head proudly and pointed his chin at Aemon. It was as if he had taken a huge advantage.
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