One Year Later,

Deck of Balerion, Seas Around Nerrisa

‘’They've escaped us…my Prince…..it's been two days of no sighting….they must have slipped through’’ The captain of the black war galley Balerion said apologetically to the prince, who was leaning over the railing, watching the water below as he listened to the latest reports.

Vaekar turned from the railing, running a hand over his chin, freshly shaven as he faced the captain.

‘’I don't accept that.’’

‘’Prince?’’ The man asked with confusion.

‘’I said I don't accept that…that they have just slipped away…we have a wide net cast to prevent them from escaping….there are no other fleets for them to merge with, Vunatis has two dozen galleys, they could not have fled past him.’’

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‘’As you say…not escaped then, only in hiding…that does not change the fact that they have not been sighted for days, there are dozens of small coves and coastal caves they could be hiding in….if you're looking for advice…I say we return to Sunstone and from there Dragonstone…the men have been gone for over a year and the pirates are all but dispersed, a few pirate galleys makes no difference, we have completed our objective.’’ The captain said anxiously.

My sister is missing her ships it seems Vaekar thought as he studied the captain, he had long believed that he was his sister's man through and through, sent by her to keep an eye on him, and this seemed to confirm it.

‘’Except we have not completed our objective…my father..your King bade me to eliminate the pirates harassing our territories…and that is what I mean to do….those four galleys have committed some of the most brutal savageries on Nerissa, they will not escape the Fathers justice.’’ Vaekar declared.

‘’But they are hidden my Prince.’’ The captain once again stated obviously.

‘’Then we needs must draw them out.’’ Vaekar said curtly before waving off the man and ordering him to prepare a war council.

It had been a long year of campaigning in the Stepstones. True to Vaekars prediction, there were few large battles, instead their 60 galleys had split up around the seas of the Stepstones and fought small skirmishes and battles against roving pirate fleets, destroying a few galleys at a time, while at the same time leading sorties and attacks on pirates who prowled the rocky coasts of Nerissa and Bloodstone on land. The fighting was not limited to just the crowns own islands however, there had been fighting in the waters surrounding, and even the beaches of Wreckstone, Torturer's Deep and the Skulls.

Vaekar had taken part in well over a dozen such raids, sorties and naval boardings at this point, earning a reputation among his men as being a skilled swordsman, as well as their respect for always leading in the areas the fighting was thickest.

His experience at the front lines had also shown him the true cost of the campaign however, nearly 800 of his men had had been killed or maimed in the year long campaign, dying on sandy beaches, wooden decks, or drowning…..though for every man they had lost Vaekar was confident they had inflicted two casualties to the reavers..and finally their efforts were beginning to bear fruit, the pirates had been forced off the islands for several months, and most of their ships had fled back to their own strongholds…with only a few galleys still roving the seas around the crowns territories.

At the war council, Vaekar commanded 9 of his 12 galleys to break off and return to Sunstone, making no efforts to conceal themselves and being as visible as possible so as to let the pirates, who no doubt still had eyes on all the major islands believe the royal forces were quitting the region, in order to cement the ruse, Vaekar ordered the captain to sail the black war galley Balerion, which had been the princes flagship for the past year, back as well, no doubt the pirates would recognize it and think the prince was finally returning home.

Vaekar would move his command to the smaller galley Sea Spire, with Ser Theonald taking command of the Conquerors Trident, while another trusted captain would command Sea Stone.

With these 3 galleys, the Prince would follow the main fleet in retreating before doubling back to a hidden cove they had made extensive use of during the campaign…there they would wait for the pirates to take the bait.

The bait in question was a requisitioned large fishing sloop from Sunstone that had primarily been used to ferry fresh water from Estermont to Vaekars forces during campaign, pirates normally wouldn't take the effort of boarding a fishing vessel, especially given the presence of royal galleys in the area, but Vaekar had a plan for that as well. They hoisted up a faded Lysene banner depicting the Haen family, a white volcano spewing ash on red banner, given the sloop an appearance of a trader out of Lys.

The sloop would be crewed by local Lyseni islanders from Sunstone and Bloodstone, further solidifying the ruse. Vaekar had gained an appreciation for the local islanders during the campaign, some 300 islanders, mostly fishermen of Lyseni stock, but also some Myrmen from Nerrisa had joined him at the years beginning, and despite their poor weaponry and lack of experience they had proved his most enthusiastic men, as many had lost family to the pirate raiders. They had paid a heavy cost during the campaign however, and only around half of the original 300 that had joined him still lived.

The plan was for the sloop to sail near the rocky southern coasts of Nerrisa, giving the impression of floundering and taking on water, but having nowhere to land due to the rocky coasts and lack of beaches, the prospect of taking a fat Lysene trading sloop would likely be enough to draw the four galleys of Malak Bloodax, a pirate famed for his boldness and cruelty from the Jade Sea serving the Mahhalador family, out of hiding, the last significant pirate fleet still left for Vaekar to deal with.

The prince would be waiting in a hidden cove nearby with Sea Spire, Conquerors Trident and Sea Stone. He had posted lookouts on the rocky crags that the fishing sloop would be sailing, and a messenger would ride to the hidden cove at first sight of enemy pursuit of the sloop.

It was a long wait, and Vaekar was beginning to think the ruse had failed as the sunny morning skies gave way to the gray gloom of the afternoon, a dreary drizzle coming down from the skies.

Just as all seemed unlikely, a rider came to the beach, reporting that three galleys had been seen approaching the fishing sloop, bearing the green and white of the Mahallador family.

Vaekar had his instinct as to why there were only three galleys rather than four, but nonetheless he ordered his ships to sail at speed to the location of the sloop, before they would be boarded and slaughtered by their pursuers.

The rain and wind picked up as they cut through the waters of the narrow sea, and Vaekar found himself admiring the speed of Sea Spire, Balerion was a much larger warship and could hold more warriors, but this ship was much faster.

As they rounded a bend of the rocky coast, the context of the situation became clear. They had arrived just in time as the three pirate galleys were rapidly closing distance on the sloop. Vaekar noticed that notably absent from the pirate fleet was Jade Skull, Malak Bloodaxe’s flagship. Vaekar was disappointed but not surprised, the reason Malak had evaded capture for so long was that despite his bold strategic nature, evidenced by choosing to remain while most pirates had fled, he was a paranoid captain and seldom risked his own life and he was clearly wary of some sort of trap, but no enough to dissuade him from sending his men.

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The pirate galleys spotted the approaching royal fleet and true to their inherent cowardly nature, they attempted to flee, the hunters becoming the hunted as the fishing sloop wheeled around, its Lyseni crew suddenly armed to the teeth as they they joined the royal fleet in its pursuit.

The Prince clasped the amulet of the seven pointed star upon his neck.

Warrior above grant me this final victory and grant strength to my sword…Father above let your justice be dealt to these cruel men….mother above ease the passing of those that would die in pursuit of your will He said quietly, repeating the prayer he always did before he entered battle.

Pirate Galleys were swift and well suited to travailing the rough seas of the Stepstones due to their size, but they were being pursued by royal galleys, constructed in Dragonstone by royal shipwrights….and it did not take long for the difference in quality to show.

Vaekar made his way to the side of the ship as Sea Spire began to inch level with their fleeing target, pushing his way to the front to join the vanguard of the boarding party, Ser Roderick Mooton close behind him

‘’WITH ME.’’ Vaekar shouted simply, drawing Blackfyre and without any hesitation he made his way to the railing and lept the few feet distance between the two ships, paying no mind to the mass of pirates at the other end.

He landed on his feet, couching his knees to reduce the impact, while at the same time slashing Blackfyre forward in a single fluid motion, catching a shirtless Jade Islander with a golden ring through his nose across the belly, sending a stream of blood across the wet wooden decks.

A fat Tyroshi with a forked blue beard advanced with a spear, but Vaekar lunged forward catching the man in the neck with the pommel of Blackfyre while pushing him backwards with a blow to the chest, causing him to fall backwards towards his companions, clearing more room for his men to leap across.

The battle was now underway on all three galleys as the sound of steel on steel echoed throughout the sea, the rain falling harder as the decks became slippery with rain and entrails.

Vaekar and his men cut their way through the pirates, their individual battle cries becoming a single roar of death and anger.

A pirate in a rain soaked hooded cloak charged the prince with a dagger, Vaekar held his ground until the last moment, crouching and lunging forward under the mans strike, rising behind him before using the man's forward momentum to shove the man overboard with a scream and a splash.

Turning, he saw Ser Roderick Mooton in the crowd hacking and slashing with longsword and shield, fighting his way through the lightly armed and armored pirates. Vaekar stepped forward to begin fighting his way towards his Kingsguard companion, but stopped in horror as he saw a pirates ax take the Riverlander in his helmet, breaking the nasal guard before a second hit took him between the eyes, the white armored knight collapsing into the crowd, the white cloak fluttering in the wind as he fell to the deck.

Vaekar screamed as he fought his way to the man who had knighted him and had fought beside him in every battle of the campaign, his shout of anger drowned out by the howling winds and rain.

When it was over they found Ser Roderick Mootons body, helm wrent and broken and face scarcely recognizable due to the ax blow that had taken much of his upper face, white armor and white cloak stained with blood.

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Vaekar watched sadly as his mentor and protector was wrapped in his mantle in the colors of House Mooton as the septon he had brought with him on campaign said a few words for him.

Father above accept his soul The Prince thought to himself as the man's body was dropped into the sea…a sailors burial.

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It's time to go home Vaekar thought as he watched the body sink to the bottom of the sea, along with all the others who had died that day.

After over a year of fierce fighting, the crowns territories in the Stepstones had been cleared of the pirate infestation, but it had come at a heavy cost.

5th Moon, 8050

Courtyard of the Red Keep

Matarys made his way, huffing and puffing up the stairs to the battlements of the Red Keep.

‘’Daena?’’ He shouted, making his way into a tower on the battlements, searching behind a barrel, finding nothing.

‘’You'll have to do better than that….you're not even close.’’ Came the child's voice, muffled and far away.

Matarys smiled and made his way towards the sound of the voice, breathing heavily.

It was a rare day when he found the time to get away from his duties as Commander of the City Watch, but he had made the time today, appointing his officers to handle things for the day, so he could spend some time with his daughter.

At table the previous night, Demerei had confided in him that their young daughter Daena was feeling lonely. It was not a surprising revelation, the poor girl had no companions her own age at court. Vaemonds children were all grown and gone, Laena was on Dragonstone, Vaekar campaigning against the pirates, Cymella had recently taken her place at court in Storms End with her new husband Raymont Baratheon, and Alysane had been in Highgarden for years now. Her older brother Jaekar had always been kind to her, but Matarys’s son seldom found time away from his duties in Dragonstone to visit.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

It would not have been so bad if his granddaughters were at court, Laena and his son Jaekar had five girls, and their eldest Lianna was of an age with Daena, as were the twins Syaella and Vaella. Laena seldom brought the girls to court however, and Matarys had not even had the opportunity to meet his newest granddaughter Larrisa.

I will take Aelesar to Dragonstone, a quick trip….the girls should know their grandfather Matarys promised himself, perhaps Vaemond would accompany him on Moondancer, due to their children's marriage they both were grandfathers to the princesses of Dragonstone, and Vaemond had also often lamented he did not see the girls as often as he would like.

‘’Father are you coming?’’ The voice called out, shaking him from his thoughts.

‘’Yes….and you best keep hidden, because im coming to find you.’’ Matarys replied back, following the sound of his young daughters giggling, climbing up another flight of stairs towards a tower.

He fell to the ground before he felt the pain, a sudden stabbing in his chest, like he was stabbed with a shard of ice.

Gasping, he went from his knees to lay on his back, clutching his chest as the world around him became hazy, a strange calmness going over him and a ringing sounding in his ears.

‘’Father!’’ A muffled voice shouted, the sound of footsteps growing closer, his daughter Daena at his side.

Matarys, with the last of his strength reached out his hand and took his daughters in his own before all went dark.

[][https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HKIyGbsnuwkFIGB427c4S1B2l1YLrDR3Wu7DFQCFyuRgTPk3Wa8nrFPC-H8VGoqI4sDrUKr0_R7bhWqNN4jvI9dxrI2QpM-7M8VJS33g-z3ZDvyDOenWxAtasPOX4aXhKaVuP42MYUAHnaOH8ib_GtwJ4QQVJrVlqstK2N_yTNdwbQ_FM0ddL8LJ6g]

10 Days Later,

Courtyard of the Red Keep

Laena stood in the courtyard of the Red Keep as a light rain drizzled from the gray sky above, weather to match the day's proceedings.

Standing next to her were her husband Jaekar and four of her daughters, Lianna with her beautiful silver hair and lilac eyes, the twins, Syaella with her sharp wit, Vaella, a girl with a bold temperament but a noticeable stutter, and little kindhearted Jaehara, Laena had left the princess Larrisa back on Dragonstone, she would not risk the babes health on a voyage by sea.

[https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cQC2DUjxK_IGOJPRB6bnSq7fqJ7AWHOyu3F7i8u3Sn9dqitxL8p9i8HGUsljypBC4228cb_5wDRjMJ6vZvylWC9BAe4emDn73ViXGooFp16MQYdUZb_dTmiS2wXuAgJT8ADiO5t2fLj-W2rrr1E5hRh5iOgo4jbYhn20yzeLgqgdvbUEai2MiquYbA]

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The rhythmic marching sound drew closer as the squadron of gold cloaks in their golden mail and cloaks made their way through the gate from the city to the courtyard of the red keep, the heavy casket of her uncle hoisted on their shoulders. Normally such a procession would have been led by the silent sisters, but her father had thought it would be more fitting to his brother's wishes to have his own men carry him through the city that he had overseen for over a decade rather than members of the faith, Jaekar bowed his head silently as his fathers body passed by them, his hands on the shoulders of the twins.

Laena gave a glance to her own father at the center of the courtyard, who looked positively distraught as the gold cloaks brought his brother's body towards the square.

Her eyes drifted to his sword belt, where a simple longsword hung where Blackfyre had once before.

He really had to give Vaekar the sword Laena thought to herself indignantly, not for the first time. She knew her father well enough to know that no slight had been intended, and he had likely not even considered the effects that bestowing him the sword that had once belonged to the conqueror and the Targaryen rulers of old could lead to, or the eyes it might raise throughout the realm…intended or no, giving Vaekar Blackfyre had been a grievous error.

She was shaken from her brooding by the sounds of a faint sobbing below her, turning she saw little Jaehara weeping as the coffin passed by them. The briefest flash of anger passed through her, even at Jaeheras age, the court had eyes, and Kings Landing devoured and fed on weakness like a cat did a mouse.

Calming herself, she gently ran a hand through the girl's silver curls, of course the girl was crying, such things were to be expected…especially for one as young as her daughter, she had been close with her grandfather, who had gifted her with a small kitten on their last visit to court.

‘’You are a Targaryen Princess daughter…and princesses do not cry.’’ She said quietly as to not draw any more attention to her daughter.

‘’Where is he…I want to see him, why did Lianna tell me he's gone?’’ The little girl sniffled.

‘’Your grandfather Matarys is indeed gone Jaehara…..but he would want you to be strong for him, now dry your eyes….can you do that sweetling?’’ Laena asked gently, and the girl nodded slowly.

‘’Even grandfather Vaemond is crying mother.’’ Lianna pointed out.

Laena turned and saw indeed her father had tears in his eyes, her mother Nyel running a hand on his back gently.

Oh seven hells She thought to herself, she could abide little Jaehara crying, but it was another thing for a King to weep openly in front of his subjects and court. Laena was not going to sully her father in front of her children however.

‘’So he is.’’ Laena said matter of factly, hiding her true matters towards the whole affair ‘’Your grandfather was very dear to him, he was a good brother….loyal to his family and subservient to his King.’’ Laena whispered back.

Turning her attention back to the funeral, her father was finishing up his speech.

‘’He was the best of brothers……’’ Her father finished, voice quivering slightly before he looked to Nyel, while Laena nodded towards Jaekar, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder as he made his way to stand with his aunt and uncle.

A member of the Dragonguard, armored in black armor made his way to the center of the courtyard bearing a large horn, sounding it towards the dreary sky, where the songs of dragons circling ahead could be heard.

Her fathers white dragon Moondancer came first, landing with a heavy thud in the large courtyard while the court murmured excitedly amongst themselves, the white dragons tiny scales glimmering like diamonds in the faint sun. Next came her mothers dragon Narrah, red with white horns, her mother whispering to it and holding her head against it. Last came her husband Jaekars dragon orange Oathwing, smaller than the other two dragons who were approaching thirty feet, but still large enough to mount.

The three of them mounted their dragons in the courtyard, preparing for the final part of the ceremony.

Normally, such a ceremony would have made use of the deceased's own dragon, but Matarys had not been the only loss the Targaryen family had suffered. Her uncles white and gold dragon Aelesar had been being fed during the time her uncles heart had given out, the dragon keepers said there had been no warning, one moment the beast had been fine, the next it had roared, as if in grief, before wildly fleeing the dragon keepers, badly burning two of them before flying in the direction of Blackwater Bay, being sighted flying over Claw Isle, before it was lost.

Laena did not like that in the slightest, it was bad enough that Meraxes was lost to them, the biggest dragon in the world had flown to Essos after her great aunt Rhaenys’s death, there had been little word, except for a report some years ago that it had been in the area of Volantis for some time, being claimed by some Essosi dragonrider. Aelesar was much smaller than Meraxes, but Laena did not like the idea of the Essosi having access to multiple dragons,especially with the knowledge that they had the capability to tame dragons and if they should begin to breed…..

Laena was shaken from these thoughts by the sound of her fathers voice, strained yet more composed than it had been.

‘’Dracarys.’’ He commanded.

Moondancer let forth a torrent of white hot flame towards the open casket of Prince Matarys, Narrah joining her red flame, while Oathwing released orange flame, setting the Prince's funeral pyre alight, the different colored flames merging into one, and Laena could feel the heat emanating from the pyre even from her position in the crowd.

Little Jaehara looked like she was about to start crying, but Vaella took her shoulder.

‘’D..don't cry Jaehara….m..mother says h.he would want us t..to be strong…w..we are t…the blood of the d..dragon.’’ She said, with her usual stutter.

Laena smiled slightly and nodded, it was of course unfortunate her daughter was afflicted with such a condition, but one thing she always instilled into the girl was to be bold, not quiet and scared to speak, and to always speak her mind, regardless of what others thought.

‘’Take your father back to our chambers girls….he could use your company.’’ Laena said, her girls nodded and made their way to their father.

She smiled as she watched them leave ,holding hands and talking to each other, it was good that they were all close, she had never been very close with her own siblings, being much older than them she had never formed a relationship with them.

It did not escape her notice, despite her daughters best efforts to be subtle that Vaella split from her sisters and crept towards the Red Keep, Laena smiled at that, her daughter had explored every nook and cranny of Dragonstone and was clearly eager to do the same in the Red Keep, an attitude that reminded Laena of herself when she was younger.

She made her way towards her mother and father, who had dismounted from their dragons and were watching the pyre burn, though by now there was little left but ash.

Her mother gave a sad smile when she saw her approach, taking her hands.

‘’It was good of you to bring the children.’’ Nyel said sadly, not for the first time, Laena found herself noticing new wrinkles beneath her mothers eyes and on her face that had not been there the last time they had seen each other, for the first time she was beginning to look her age.

‘’Family is all we have in this world….and I thought it best they see their grandfather laid to rest.’’ Laena replied, turning her attention to her father, who was standing stoically over the burning pyre, a look of sadness on his face, it was clear he was taking his brother's death very hard.

She turned to him, lightly touching his shoulder ‘’Walk with me father.’’

He nodded, and silently they made their way from the courtyard to the gardens of the Red Keep.

‘’The babe is well?’’ Her father asked, breaking the silence.

‘’Larrisa is well yes, born healthy the maesters say….I did not think it wise to risk her health at sea however.’’ She explained.

‘’I know well the dangers of the sea.’’ Her father said simply as they strolled through the gardens.

They stopped along a brick wall, a windy rain blowing through the air, the towers of Vaemonds holdfast visible through the foliage.

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‘’Your uncle lamented he did not get to see the girls enough…..shortly before his death….an opinion I shared…then and now.’’ Her father said sadly.

‘’That is what I wished to talk with you about.’’ Laena said as they took in the view.

Her father turned.

‘’Lianna may rule one day….she should become familiar with the capitol…I would entrust her to her grandsire as a ward…if you would have her.’’ Laena said slowly, gauging her fathers face for a reaction.

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Her father gave a small smile, the first she had seen him give ever since she had arrived for her uncle's funeral ‘’Of course I will have her….and it will do good for young Daena to have a companion near her own age to help her through her grief…she will be well taken care of you have my word.’’

‘’I would also send young Jaehara to court in a few years to join her sister, when she is old enough.’’ Laena proposed.

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‘’Your mother and I will be glad of the company….it will be good to hear children's laughter in the halls once more….especially in these coming days.’’ Vaemond said, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

‘’There was one final matter I wished to propose.’’ She began.

‘’Speak your mind.’’ Vaemond nodded.

‘’I would offer a betrothal between my eldest daughter Lianna and Vaekar.’’ She finished.

[https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/194f9zyo7NqSyoanhtl5D782w13FPlCxvumWDHBJfZ8RQPFjW6_BMyHB-6A3jb-UroWti_oeb2MIYF1YrechkYqMJNiJRhwl18IkKC4GT5tsfaAt5VYRGoxmSK2QlwTigeTVZKESIGjViDu1JgI_QVK14humxD1_t9RF8lcJR3cn9nyVUP-v7uWYZA]

Something in her fathers expression changed, and he slowly released her hand, leaning on the brick railing.

‘’My brother chases something he will never attain….he will never be King….but he just might become King Consort….my brothers flaws notwithstanding he has proven himself a capable warrior….my daughter will need a strong man to help her rule should she succeed me.’’ Laena continued.

‘’And if you should have a son?’’ Her father asked after a moment's silence.

‘’I have birthed five children…all of them girls…there is no guarantee I will have a son, or any other children for that matter…and even if I do, the presence of a royal cock does not give him the right to surpass his sisters…all five of which are older….it is my intention that Lianna succeed me, hence my reasons for making her your ward…I wish for you to groom her for the throne.’’ She replied.

Her father sighed ‘’As your father….I would like nothing better than to see this rift between the two of you patched….it is a fine idea Laena…one which could solve this..this incessant feuding between the two of you…but you know how your brother feels about our…. traditions.’’

‘’He would be a fool to refuse this offer…an utter fool.’’ Laena replied hotly, her voice rising.

‘’When he was eleven, I broached the idea of betrothal with Cymella to him….he didn't speak to me for a month….’’ Her father said uncertainly.

‘’A niece is not a sister….let us hope he is wise enough to see this is the best match he could hope for…but let us speak no more of it father.’’ Laena replied, composing herself.

Her father nodded, and Laena gently kissed him on the cheek, leaving him to the calmness of the garden.

Three Weeks Later

Chambers of King Vaemond

Vaekar made his way through the halls of the royal apartments within Vaemonds holdfasts, the servants whispering as he passed.

Old Ser Roland Crakehall stood guard at his fathers door, still a veritable giant, but with a noticeable hunch to his stooped shoulders.

‘’Your father will see you lad……welcome home.’’ The old Kingsguard said with a smile, opening the door to his fathers airy chambers, the windows were open and bright sunshine was flooding into the warm room.

His father stood near the window, as he had been when they had last spoke about him leading the campaign, turning when he heard the door open.

His father looked older than he had the previous year, lines under his face that had once not been there, though he still looked powerful.

‘’I watched your ship approaching the docks from this very window this morning….completely by chance….but im glad I saw it’’ His father said, smiling as they approached one another.

His father pulled him close and the two exchanged a quick embrace, his father holding him by the shoulders.

‘’You spoke with your mother?’’ He asked.

Vaekar nodded ‘’I did…..she looks well, as do you….she told me of your brothers death…I had not heard….I am sorry…I know you were close with him.’’

His father nodded ‘’He passed quickly...his heart burst the maesters say…..there was little pain.’’

There was a silence as the King removed his hands from his son's shoulder and returned to the window.

‘’I trust you know Ser Roderick Mooton was slain by pirates?’’ Vaekar questioned his father.

The King nodded ‘’I sent a substantial gift to his kin in Maidenpool in honor of his leal service….his sworn brothers were grieved to hear of his passing, as was I.’’’

[https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/qyNX-vBhTwTLDAQXKiIyy8RyZ1f4OS4MAt_BfyLuokdhPPJPQ88g3IPo1YRwnNE_O9q86VBAQ9AGN8iIQG9RkLfprWbf_o2oN8BanwWSlLDeCNqWaaSZNIq2XqziTwJQsTk7ytlSFtI-wRnuFvUqZWbRuf4PPNXYr26aowC9cQ8-ZKgaYnCm1XqBXQ]

His father cleared his throat ‘’I am…proud of you Vaekar, and it gladdens my heart to see you return home, I have heard of your exploits in the Stepstones…and not only did you show bravery in battle but you accomplished your objective and cleared our territories of pirates….it also appears I was correct in my assessment from what i've heard….you wield your grandfather's blade better than I ever did.’’

‘’The warrior gave strength to my sword arm.’’ Vaekar replied simply.

‘’I promised you a reward as I remember…..the position of Master of Ships on my small council is yours….you've proven yourself worthy of it….I also have something else.’’ He said, moving towards a hot metal container hanging over one of the two hearths in the room, beckoning his son over.

Vaekar peered inside to see a dragon's egg, smooth and dark purple, a purple dark as night.

‘’Moondancer hatched an egg not three weeks ago…..your sister Laena has Vhagar, and Alyssane has her dragon Severax in Highgarden…it is time you had your own dragon…to better serve your family.’’ His father said, a small smile on his face.

[https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ifg4XyWEY-ZmOO8LXNiokfHTRUtTUtr_8t-wBChnulHmXQ-OZ04P_Pa89k53W81QVUUqGXXDI3JNN9aOefdmv9HFtC9e94XNuYAluX5vb32guWOG7Lz3IZDcxIk7vv2WBT1k8J9Bt_KVqvftV93Ds8T8HpJ83HoYprxJW8c7tNWk6CPu97uxxkhIEg]

[https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Pz8mrtrFF_moaypom7G-3_Irk7VggLyE8mlx8GDON2SBdv1kKIjl6Enn0LfjuUUxH_Uox5MspN62Wf_kfwuXWoKthRb8eDx8Z8WlcSnqxTOCpk8XdgjiQMLvRUWN0iP0gKeb7qnp030H92FB4zWFM4J2JK1Xi6-YeVSTDDFGcrmVP2aqDo3tw4GYwQ]

[https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/zfw-fMRnsGZlaxRKq3Sr3BupwNAtfl5mO3hFSZgHq5ReiU1Y5-RJZ_DCPo7rby-jkTQmKzxfkB5p5OYKyWXz0eL7gYdahos_go_OuWs0V8jekz5TPcV8POa6W1S05Q--SteJAfui3A_LKhZGPoFwZmQEbb8qvWxImayEKDKOzoye_RZ1H9jkGfoIbA]

Vaekar studied the egg silently, careful not to betray his true emotions. It was not the gift his father thought it was….it would take years, if not decades for the dragon to grow to any significant size…and that was assuming the egg even hatched…but he knew better than to insult his fathers gift.

‘’A handsome gift father.’’ He forced himself to say.

The King nodded ‘’And not the last….take a seat.’’ he said, gesturing to a table next to the hearth.

Vaekar obliged, taking a seat in front of his father.

‘’You have noticed your sisters daughters at court?’’ His father questioned.

The prince already felt he knew where the conversation was headed but he nodded slowly ‘’Mother mentioned two of them had come to be your wards.’’

The King nodded ‘’Lianna and little Jaehara……Laena proposed their move to court….as well as something else….’’

Vaekar shook his head, his suspicions confirmed ‘’No…’’’

‘’Son….’’ His father began but Vaekar stood from the chair ‘’Absolutely not.’’

His father stood as well, attempting to grab him by the shoulder but Vaekar took a step back.

‘’Vaekar…..this match…it is your way to what you so clearly desire….Lianna would be Queen after your sister…and you the King Consort at her side….she will grow into a beautiful young woman it is clear…what is not to li.’’ His father began.

‘’It is an ABOMINATION.’’ Vaekar shouted no longer able to keep his composure, slamming his fist into the wooden table with a crash, his father stepped back in surprise, a silence falling over the chambers.

‘’I know better than to repeat it in public…..I know well enough the circumstances of my own birth….I cannot help that….and I would not call the legitimacy of our family into question….but what I say is true….our ancestors were godless and mistaken…their customs….confused and reprehensible….I cannot control the circumstances of my own birth…but I will not advance a custom that is accursed in the eyes of the seven and the father above…I will not.’’ Vaekar said, the words that had been on his mind for years came spilling out.

There was a long pause of terrible silence.

‘’It is a terrible thing.’’ His father began slowly ‘’To watch the peace one has fought so hard to keep fluttering in the wind like a burning banner….growing more and more out of reach with every passing day.’’

The Prince did not deign to respond to that.

‘’I have tried my best to reward you son…to understand your stubbornness…..but you throw these rewards meant for your own best interests back into my face…the marriages….the chance for a seat next to the Iron Throne as King Consort, I saw the way you looked at the egg Vaekar….the hunger in your eyes was not diminished…WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT.’’ His father continued, his voice rising to a shout at the end, Vaekar stood rather shocked, he had never seen his father act as such.

‘’All these rewards you have arranged father…and not once you have asked me what I have wanted.’’ Vaekar replied slowly.

The lines in his fathers face hardened ‘’You want me to name you as my heir….to disinherit your sister.’’

Vaekar laughed bitterly ‘’It would be no different than when you disinherited me of my birthright…but fear not father…I know better than to ask that of you…I know what your answer would be…you are looking to reward me for my service in the Stepstones….allow me to name something else.’’

‘’Ask it.’’ His father said, the anger that had been there just moments before replaced with a face of a tired and exhausted man.

‘’I wish for you to fund a tour of Essos, one like your mother undertook, I would need a ship and an escort, and enough gold for accommodations…nothing more.’’ Vaekar said.

[https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/36akP_QDLahEv3B3hAnEP14pWVA_tclt9uFlx1aY9s13yc4ix9xkV9uHITF0H5YEs4zldtyH4kQwsq4REwpMRPYVg7DB7ixCpxXO6-bSVtvtKt10_U7NLM2lhiR--hlaHJSXzkiPRNp_xAeH8T03OtHKP5qCoqKG92Kr5YsSoZlX6D0ib4QKpnl8tw]

‘’You shall have this reward….Ser Ryon Wells of the Kingsguard shall escort you, and you will have all the coin you require.’’ His father said.

The Prince nodded and began to withdraw.

‘’Vaekar.’’ His fathers voice said suddenly, causing him to turn.

‘’While you are away…in Essos…I hope you can find it in yourself to be the man your family needs you to be….a man loyal to your sister and your Queen….and…and I hope you find it in your heart to…to… forgive me.’’ His father said, sounding as tired as he had ever heard him.

Vaekar did not respond but bowed his head and withdrew the chamber.

He did not think he would find the things his father wanted him to across the Narrow Sea…but he just might find a dragon.