The Great Hall of Volantis buzzed with unease. Noble houses from across the Free Cities gathered beneath banners embroidered with dragons and flames, their whispers filling the air like an ominous storm.
Kaerys stood tall on the dais, draped in a gown of deep crimson silk that shimmered like molten fire. Her presence commanded attention — equal parts regal and dangerous.
Before her, the rival houses argued bitterly, their loyalties as fractured as the shattered Valyrian empire itself.
"We cannot ignore the rise of the Targaron heir," Lord Velarin hissed, fingers clenched tight around the stem of his goblet. "His forces grow stronger by the day."
Lady Mirana's voice cut through the noise. "Then we must stand united, or fall divided. Kaerys has shown strength, and the power of the dragons will be our shield."
A murmur of uneasy agreement rippled through the crowd, but Kaerys knew better — beneath the surface, envy and ambition festered like poison.
System Update — Web of Influence
Kaerys's Arcain system pulsed with potential:
Level: 39 — Queen of Flame and Shadows
Experience: +3300 (Forged alliance with rival houses, manipulated political tensions)
New Skill Unlocked:Veil of Deception — Conceals true intentions, allowing infiltration and misinformation among enemies.
Dragon Bond Level: 18/20 (Dragon's loyalty and power peak during political negotiations)
Inventory Update:
Ring of Silent Whispers (Enables secret communication)
Cloak of Emberlight (Blends wearer into shadows with flickers of flame)
A Secret Meeting
After the assembly, Kaerys retreated to a hidden chamber beneath the city. Waiting there was Selene, the envoy from Myr, her eyes gleaming with calculated intent.
"They watch us closely," Selene murmured. "But there's a faction among the Targaron supporters willing to betray their own for the right price."
Kaerys smiled thinly. "Then we will give them a price they cannot refuse."
Their whispered plotting wove a dangerous web, one that could unravel kingdoms or crown a new dynasty.
A Whispered Warning
As Kaerys prepared to leave, a messenger slipped into the chamber, breathless and pale.
"Kaerys," he gasped. "The heir moves against your allies. A fleet sails tonight for the Stepstones — they intend to seize the dragon eggs by force."
Kaerys's eyes narrowed. "Then the storm truly begins."
The chessboard was set, pieces moving with deadly precision. Every alliance was a gamble, every secret a weapon.
And Kaerys was determined to be the player who controlled the game.
End of Chapter 64