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Chapter 16 - Promise of the Future

As the Drakon's Caravan traveled kings roads led by a Bolton escort, They made their way to the Kings Landing gated walls. The City guards on the walls saw the two house flags and began moving to open the gate. The gates then opened with a loud groan, and the smell of salt, sweat, and the city's infamous filth drifted up to greet House Drakon.

It seems the area was cleaned up somewhat more then usual. The smell wasn't as bad as before, and the common folk seem to have been far from the city gates. Merchant Stalls were moved further away and children stood in alley's. 

The City's Gold Cloaks stood at attention, with Ser Jaime Lannister standing at their front. His armor was as usual. Golden and polished, almost princely looking. His expression was a less cold fake smile. Like the soon to be spring morning air. His smile was warm but the gaze of it wasn't towards my father. It looked like it was at someone distinctly but I couldn't figure out who. 

Jaime greeted Samir first. "Lord Drakon. Welcome back to Kings landing. We are here to take you to the Red Keep." Jaime said, voice smooth as silk.

Then Storia. "Storia. A pleasure as always."

Then to me. "Lord Samar. Welcome back."

Then to Lord Bolton. "Thank you Lord Bolton. I and my men can take it from here."

Lord Bolton, gave a curt bow to Samir and Jaime. "Give Seris and your wife my regards," . Bolton said before turning his horse with a fluid, unnerving grace and riding away with his men. His presence in the Force was sharp, cold, restrained. This made him dangerous especially if he was hiding things. Samar couldn't help but be on edge.

That alone made my mind think back to Ramsay. Please let that bastard not exist here… or at least lack the Force…

As Roose Bolton rode off with his men, leaving the Drakons to the Lannisters. Jaime then gestured to the waiting royal carriage.

"Shall we proceed to the Red Keep?"

Samir nodded. "Yes. Just give us one moment."

That's when Melisandre in her fur coat with young Ros at her side approached Samar, and Storia and bowed. Melisandre whispered, "We will return to the ship and prepare depart in a few hours, my lord. The capital is no friend to the Lord of Light's followers. Please watch yourself."

Samar nodded. "I agree. See you shortly and Ros make sure to stick close to Melisandre." Melisandre nodded. "Yes my lord. I will not leave her side."

Then the carriage door closed, and the path to the Red Keep began.

THE RED KEEP — THE THRONE ROOM 

The moment the three stepped into the throne room, Samar's breath caught.

The throne room was grand and vast. The Iron throne itself was more accurate to the books than the show ever hinted. The Iron Throne stretched high like a mountain of melted, twisted swords, thousands of blades fused into one terrifying monument.

King Robert Baratheon stood beside it, not yet the fat behemoth he would become. But he was broad and heavy-shouldered with powerful build, But tired seemed to set in his eyes already. Cersei stood beside him, regal and composed. Still a stunningly beautiful woman and a venomous one at that

In her arms, a small Myrcella and by her side little Joffrey stood in fine clothes. Joffrey clung to his mother's hand, looking bored and smugly cold, just as Samar remembered him.

The Small Council stood behind them: Jon Arryn, was calm and noble. While Petyr Baelish, smiled but behind that friendly smile hid something calculating. Varys, was calm and unreadable. Stannis, stiff, righteous, just as his show counter part. Now Ser Barristan Selmy, stood tall and imposing, I could feel him in the Force. He was amazing and look to be in peak physical condition for someone of his age.

Samar analyzed Selmy closely. He was in awe of what he saw. Barristan Selmy looked exactly as described in the books and more. Samar wonder just how powerful Jon could become by training under him.

Then Robert boomed with a laugh. "Samir Drakon! Old friend!"

Samir bowed slightly, his face a neutral expression . "Your Majesty. It is good to see you again."

Then Robert's eyes landed on Samar.

"And this is your boy. We finally meet, he really does look like you." His voice softened a touch. "Hello, lad."

Samar bowed respectfully. "Your Grace." Robert nodded approvingly and led them inside. Then the council followed.

Cersei's eyes swept over Samar like she was judging a piece of jewelry. Jaime stood protectively at her side. Samar could feel the tension between all of them, but for some reason there was a pull. It was like a build up of excitement. Samar could tell it was from Jaime but not directed towards Cersei. 

Robert then walked carelessly onto the Iron Throne. "Damn thing hurts my ass every time," he muttered.

Samar smirked internally. That's how it's supposed to be you fat lustful meathead. When Aegon made it. He intended it to be uncomfortable on purpose, he believed that "a king should never sit easy". To much power should not be wielded lightly.

Jon Arryn smiled faintly. Cersei said, "Your boy can accompany my son while we discuss business. Ser Jaime and your female warrior can watch over them."

Samir looked to Samar. "Go. I will find you later." Samar nodded "Yes father." and then left with Jaime and Storia escorting him. A couple Gold Cloaks followed.

As they left Robert spoke. "Well behaved boy you have there. You have to tell me how you do it."

But Samir didn't respond. His expression became less warm and more cold inside the chamber…

Tension began to brew like boiling tar.

Robert noticing this got straight to the point. "Let's skip the courtesies, Samir. You want the dragon bones. All Nineteen full skeletons." He then gestured to Petyr Baelish.

Littlefinger stepped forward, unrolling a parchment. "Indeed. Nineteen skeletons, some large enough to require a whole ship. These bones are symbols of the former oppressors. Considering you shelter the last Targaryens. A remarkable threat to the Crown. Naturally, House Lannister and Baratheon and the Crown have concerns..."

Samir's eyes narrowed as Cersei cut in sharply.

"We know these bones must hold meaning to your house. Especially if your willing to pay a large amount for them. We are willing to make a deal especially since you harbor the former queen and her children. As well as protecting Elia's bastar..."

Then silence.

Silence so sudden it was suffocating. Cersei clutched her throat in a slow building panic. She was perfectly healthy, but still unable to speak. She wasn't choking or being strangled.

But she was utterly muted. Her eyes widen in fear.

The air in the chamber became more intense as Samir's eyes had shifted. 

The beautiful violet eye trait of the Targaryen's faded… As Sith yellow began to show. A harsh ripple of pressure filled the room. Varys stiffened. Stannis braced. Jon Arryn steadied himself. Littlefinger dropped to a knee, gasping.

Robert gripped the Iron Throne tightly, and several blades cut his palms.

"Shit..." He cursed.

Ser Barristan Selmy the only one able to move with little strain stepped forward, sword half drawn. "Lord Drakon. You need to Stop."

But Samir didn't even look at him.

"No I believe I will not. I think some here have forgotten who I am." The air in the room shook. The Force squeezed everyone in it's powerful embrace.

Then Samir spoke. " Let me make one thing clear, I am NOT my father," Samir said coldly.

"That man tolerated the Targaryen arrogance along with the noble houses schemes. But I am not him."

His presence pressed on them like a giant hand.

"I came for the bones, not your bargains and schemes. And certainly not your threats. You all could have made this so much easier if you just accepted my money and kept to yourselves."

Cersei trembled, her face draining of color. Samir then leaned in close, so only she could hear.

"Say another word with that venomous tongue. And I will use mine to tell your dear husband and king," he whispered, "About you and your brother… and who your children's father might truly be."

Cersei eyes widen in horror. Her face almost Pale as milk. Her heart was beating like a drum.

Samir then stepped back and addressed the room again.

" I now have two conditions, Your grace."

The king, angry but wary from the pressure, snarled, "State them."

"One..." Samir's voice was steel. "You will not pursue the Targaryens. They are under my son's protection and therefore mine."

Robert clenched his fist.

"Fine. That all?"

"No." Samir's gaze sharpened. "In six years, you will send your daughter, Princess Myrcella Baratheon, to be fostered under House Drakon."

Dead silence and grunts could be heard. Robert forced himself up with fury in his eyes. Blood dripping from his hands.

"You want to steal another one of my children?" he roared as he walked towards Samir. Robert grabbed his war hammer that he kept at the side of the throne.

Samir remained perfectly still and calm. "It is to build trust. So be at Peace. Your daughter will be safe, and trained by the Old Lady Olenna Tyrell."

Robert flinched.

"The old witch..."

"She is my ally," Samir said. "And she will soon instruct my son as well."

Robert paused. He imagined Myrcella raised by Olenna. Wise and sharp. Impossible to manipulate.

A true Baratheon woman.

"Can you guarantee her safety?" he finally asked. Cersei tried to protest but couldn't say anything.

Samir nodded once.

Robert exhaled heavily.

"…Fine. And the Bones?" He extended a bloody hand.

"A deal, then."

Samir took it. "A deal, then. Four million gold dragons will be my one and only offer."

Roberts eyes widen. "I understand. The crown will accept this generous amount."

Then like it never existed the pressure vanished instantly.

Cersei gasped for air instinctually. While Littlefinger manage to stand. He felt rageful but held it in.

Varys composed himself. Stannis relaxed his jaw. Barristan slowly sheathed his sword.

Peace, if it could be called that had settled again.

Then...A knight burst through the doors.

"Your Grace, Prince Joffrey...he's dead."

The chamber froze.

Cersei's face went white as she ran out the chamber with gold cloaks following behind. Robert staggered and roared. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?"

Samir did not flinch. He only watched with cold eyes, and a composed posture.

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