90 AC. King's Landing
Evening over King's Landing faded slowly, cloaking the horizon in thick twilight and painting the waters of Blackwater Bay in dark hues. When the sun finally sank behind the red-stone towers of the Red Keep, the first candles were lit in the chambers of Princess Viserra and the Lord of Driftmark. The settled routine of evening preparations invited a calm mood. Corlys Velaryon, already clad in a doublet of heavy dark-blue velvet with delicate silver embroidery of a seahorse across the chest, stood by the tall window, watching torchfires flare to life one after another along the streets of the capital.
Viserra sat before a large mirror set in a carved wooden frame while handmaidens carefully styled her long silver-gold hair into an intricate coiffure pinned with pearls. She wore a loose yet distinctly noble gown of thick sea-foam silk with wide sleeves and a high waist that draped softly over her noticeably rounded belly. The changes in her figure could no longer be hidden beneath corsets, nor did Viserra seek to hide them, though she periodically surveyed her reflection with a light sigh.
"The color suits you, Viserra," Corlys said, stepping away from the window and approaching his wife. He placed his heavy palms, accustomed to the hilt of a sword, upon her shoulders, meeting her gaze in the mirror. "It reminds me of home."
"What matters most is that this silk conceals how heavy my steps have become, Corlys," Viserra replied with a faint, fleeting smile, covering his hand with her slender fingers. "Though healer John assures me that for my condition, everything is progressing precisely as it ought."
When the handmaidens finished their work and withdrew with a bow, Corlys helped the princess rise from her chair. In the corner of the room, resting upon a massive embroidered rug, lay a great beast - Ares. Noticing his masters preparing to leave, he raised his massive head, but Viserra offered a gentle gesture signaling him to stay put. In the presence of Corlys, whose strength and confidence resonated through every movement, Viserra felt no need for the extra protection of her loyal, everlasting companion. The panther obediently lowered his muzzle onto his paws, letting out only a quiet sigh as they departed.
Leaving their chambers, the couple made their way through the gloomy corridors of Maegor's Holdfast toward the dining hall of the Red Keep. Behind them, keeping a discreet distance with his hand rested upon his sword's pommel, walked Ser Adam without haste. His armor clinked softly with every step, echoing off the high stone vaults of the castle. The stone walls, hung with tapestries depicting historic battles, were illuminated by wall torches whose flames flickered gently in the drafts drifting through the castle.
Viserra moved without undue haste, leaning on her husband's arm and holding her head high, as befitted a princess of the blood. Corlys adjusted his usually long stride to her measured pace, attentively ensuring that his wife's path was as comfortable as possible. They arrived at the dining hall precisely at the appointed hour, when most members of the royal family were already within.
The dining hall of the Red Keep looked cozy and grand that evening. The long oak table was draped in a snow-white cloth and laden with silver goblets, candelabras, and elegant tableware.
Inside, Princess Rhaenys was already present, her watchful eyes fixing upon the newcomers at once. Beside her stood Prince Aemon with his faultless posture, and to his right sat his wife, Lady Jocelyn Baratheon, whose tall stature and dark hair stood in sharp contrast to the Valyrian features of the rest. Viserra's younger sister, Princess Gael, sat slightly apart on a carved bench, eyeing the wall decorations with genuine curiosity. Prince Baelon was conversing in hushed tones with his sons, Viserys and Daemon. Young Daemon, as ever, looked somewhat restless and impatient, constantly adjusting the hilt of his short dagger, while Viserys listened to his father's counsel with a smile. Everyone awaited only the arrival of the King and Queen.
"Corlys, Viserra, welcome," Prince Aemon was the first to step forward, offering a reserved yet warm nod to the Lord of Driftmark and a soft smile to his sister.
Corlys and Viserra politely greeted everyone present, bowing their heads in respect to the senior members of the House and responding warmly to the younger ones. Baelon, pausing his conversation with his sons, approached Viserra and looked her over with genuine familial care.
"How are you feeling today, sister?" Prince Baelon inquired, tilting his head slightly and searching her face with concern. "The walk from your chambers to this hall must feel longer with every passing day."
"Thank you for your concern, brother," Viserra replied politely, placing a hand over her belly and glancing at Baelon, Viserys, and Daemon, who had also drawn near. "Both the babe and I are doing remarkably well. He is quite active, particularly in the evenings, but the maesters assure me it is merely a sign of his vigor and good health."
"He shall be a true warrior or a true voyager - or perhaps both at once," Viserys said with a smile, his gentle features ever radiating friendliness.
Daemon said nothing, but he scrutinized Viserra from head to toe before shifting his gaze to Corlys, visibly harboring respect for the famous sea captain whose voyages had already become the stuff of legend among the youth of King's Landing.
The conversation was interrupted when the heavy oak doors of the dining hall swung wide open, and guards of the Kingsguard announced the arrival of the monarchs of the Seven Kingdoms in ringing tones. King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne entered the hall. The King carried himself straight and resolute, his silver beard neatly trimmed, his eyes glowing with sharp intellect and the wisdom gathered across decades. Queen Alysanne walked beside him with her characteristic grace and kindness, a soft smile brightening her face for every member of her family gathered at the table.
Everyone present rose from their seats and bowed in respectful homage. Jaehaerys dismissed them to sit with a wave of his hand, and soon supper was underway. Servants moved silently and in unison, bringing the first courses into the hall: on large silver platters lay steaming roasted suckling pigs with apples, roasted pheasants in spiced sauce, freshly caught fish with herbs, alongside deep bowls of stewed vegetables and freshly baked bread.
Viserra set to eating with obvious relish. Over recent months her appetite had grown considerably, which had initially caused the princess no small degree of anxiety. She had genuinely feared losing her former slender figure and gaining so much weight that she would no longer look as fair as before. However, the healer who had visited her chambers a few months prior had set her mind at ease. He explained in detail that such hunger was entirely natural, for she was now nourishing not only herself but the future heir as well. John assured her that after the birth, provided she ate properly and flew regularly on dragonback, she would swiftly regain her former shape, as controlling a dragon demanded immense physical strength and incredible endurance. Recalling those words, Viserra took another piece of succulent roasted boar without a trace of guilt.
While the women discussed domestic affairs and fine attire, a serious discussion took root among the men at the center of the table. Aemon, Baelon, and Corlys began to discuss in detail over their meal the progress of the grand construction of the Royal Fleet, the leadership of which the King had officially entrusted to the Sea Snake.
"The shipyards of Spicetown are working without pause," Corlys said, taking a small sip from his goblet of dark-red Arbor gold as he addressed the princes seated opposite him. "At present, we have only thirty ships left to build. Timber has been harvested in sufficient quantities, and the shipwrights are working at the very limit of their capacity. I can state with confidence that all construction will be fully completed within a single year."
Prince Baelon, laying his eating utensils on the edge of his plate, nodded approvingly and looked at the Lord of Driftmark with warmth.
"The speed at which the Spicetown shipyards are constructing such large and seaworthy warships truly deserves the highest praise, Corlys," Baelon said, leaning forward slightly with his elbows on the table. "I am genuinely glad that the Royal Fleet will be fully ready and manned in so short a time. In these restless times, a strong fleet at sea is the guarantor of peace on land."
Corlys gave a small shake of his head, preferring to view the situation through the practical lens of an experienced admiral rather than merely rejoicing in swift progress.
"The ships themselves, however sturdy and swift they may be, are only half the battle, Prince Baelon," Corlys explained calmly and deliberately, turning his gaze from Baelon to Aemon. "Training the sailors and officers is no less crucial if we truly wish for the Royal Fleet to be an effective fighting force in any military clash. We shall have to expend no small amount of effort and time working toward that end: putting out to sea in storms, practicing boarding maneuvers, and fleet tactics. A ship without a seasoned crew is merely a piece of timber upon the water."
King Jaehaerys, who until that moment had been silently listening to the conversation of his sons and his Master of Ships, set down his napkin and fixed his keen gaze upon Corlys. Silence fell over the hall for a moment, for everyone knew that when the King spoke, it commanded undivided attention.
"Alysanne spoke to me today, Lord Corlys," King Jaehaerys said, addressing Lord Velaryon with the deliberate pace of a man accustomed to weighing his every word. "She mentioned that you and Viserra wish to travel to High Tide so that my daughter may deliver the child in your ancestral castle."
Corlys straightened, looking upon the monarch with respect, and openly confirmed his intentions.
"That is indeed so, Your Grace," Corlys replied with a smile, dipping his head slightly before the King. "I truly wish for my first child and heir to be born in the ancestral seat of House Velaryon, on Driftmark, amidst familiar walls and the sea. As for my duties on the Small Council during my absence, my younger brother Daeron shall temporarily assume them. He is thoroughly well-versed in all current affairs, as he assists me, so the construction and fitting out of the fleet will suffer no harm whatsoever."
Corlys paused briefly, casting a gentle glance toward his wife, before continuing his address to the monarch:
"Furthermore, Princess Rhaenys, Queen Alysanne, and Princess Gael have expressed a desire to travel with us to offer Viserra moral support until the birth. It will be the greatest honor for me and my entire House to host them within the walls of High Tide."
King Jaehaerys smiled faintly, turning his head toward his queen, who gave a gentle nod in response, confirming the words of the Lord of Driftmark.
"My wife has already discussed this detail with me as well, Lord Corlys," the King said, a warm paternal note entering his voice. "I have no objection to their departure. Viserra genuinely needs the care of her kin right now. And if your brother Daeron remains in the capital to temporarily carry out the duties of Master of Ships and oversee ongoing matters, I am entirely content with such an arrangement. He is a clever youth and will prove equal to the task."
Jaehaerys turned his eyes to Queen Alysanne, his tone turning somewhat more solemn, though the warm glint in his eyes remained.
"Alysanne, I ask that you be certain to send a raven with a letter to King's Landing the moment Viserra goes into labor," the King said, looking warmly at his wife. "Aemon, Baelon, and I shall fly to Driftmark immediately to visit you and see our newborn grandchild as soon as he enters the world. And to ensure your journey and stay on the island pass in absolute safety, you, Rhaenys, and Gael shall be accompanied and protected by Ser Ryam Redwyne and Ser Harrold Westerling."
Queen Alysanne laughed good-naturedly, shaking her head slightly, and answered her husband with a tender, faintly teasing tone:
"I shall most certainly send you a letter myself, Jaehaerys, when the time comes," Queen Alysanne promised, looking fondly at the King across the table. "You shall be among the very first in the Seven Kingdoms to learn of your grandchild's birth, I promise you."
Following this important decision, the atmosphere at the table grew even more relaxed and pleasant. Servants brought out desserts - sweet cherry pies, fruits, and fine wines from the cellars of the Red Keep. The members of the royal family conversed animatedly on a wide array of topics, from upcoming tourneys to news from Oldtown. Over the course of the general conversation, it was settled that Corlys, Viserra, Queen Alysanne, Princess Rhaenys, and Princess Gael would set sail in precisely two days' time. This interval was necessary to allow the servants sufficient time to thoroughly prepare, pack, and load the numerous possessions of the princesses and the Queen aboard the flagship.
Two days later, in the early morning while the capital was still bathed in the soft light of dawn, the pier of the harbor was alive with bustling activity. Harbor dockworkers were finishing loading the last massive trunks of clothing and jewels onto the deck of Lord Corlys's majestic flagship, the Sea Snake. The giant three-masted vessel swayed on the surface of the water, looking like a maritime giant poised for a long voyage.
Princes Aemon and Baelon had gathered on the pier to personally see off their departing kin. They bade a warm farewell to Queen Alysanne, embracing Viserra, Rhaenys, and young Gael, who could scarcely conceal her innocent, delighted excitement at the impending voyage.
"Ser Ryam, Ser Harrold, I entrust the care of my mother, my daughter, and my sisters to you," Prince Aemon said, addressing the knights of the Kingsguard, before clasping the hand of the Lord of Driftmark firmly. "Keep them safe on the way. We shall fly to Driftmark at the first call, when the time comes."
"Doubt it not, Your Highness, Her Grace and the princesses are under steadfast protection," Ser Ryam Redwyne stated firmly, placing a hand over his chest, while Ser Harrold confirmed his words with a reserved, respectful bow.
With the farewells concluded, Corlys assisted Viserra up the broad wooden gangway onto the deck of the Sea Snake. Ser Ryam and Ser Harrold courteously offered their arms to Queen Alysanne, helping her board securely, after which Princess Rhaenys and a beaming Gael followed behind them. Viserra, leaning against the carved railing of the aft deck, watched as the sailors in practiced unison cast off the mooring lines and raised the vast sheets of sail bearing the mark of the seahorse.
The ship glided smoothly away from the stone pier, cutting into the open waters of the bay. As the Sea Snake gathered speed, the soaring walls of the Red Keep and the whole of King's Landing sprawling across its hills grew steadily smaller, until they dissolved into a hazy silhouette on the horizon.
Yet it was not merely the receding capital of the Seven Kingdoms that held the travelers' gaze. High in the sky, cleaving the clouds and filling the air with deafening roars, three gigantic winged shadows circled above the ship. These were dragons: Silverwing - whose scales shimmered in the sun like polished silver, Meleys - the swift Red Queen, and Dreamfyre - majestic and graceful. The dragons flew low over the water, their wings periodically brushing the crests of the waves and kicking up clouds of fine sea spray around them.
Princess Gael was in absolute ecstasy over everything happening around her. To her, traveling upon such a grand and magnificent ship felt like a true fairy-tale adventure. She repeatedly tried to dart out of the cozy cabin onto the open deck to watch the sailors at work or catch the fresh sea breeze. And when she spotted Ares, who had settled beside the mast with an important, unbothered air, her joy knew no bounds.
Time and again, Gael attempted to corner the great beast to stroke his thick fur and scratch him behind the ears. Ares was less than pleased by such persistent attention. Every approach by the young princess caused the beast to sigh heavily, turn his head away, or leisurely padded across to the far side of the deck, maintaining an air of stern dignity. Viserra and Rhaenys watched this futile chase with warm smiles, periodically teasing Ares over his patience.
The voyage to Driftmark took a day and a half. The weather favored the travelers: a strong tailwind filled the sails evenly, the sea remained calm, and the daytime sun agreeably warmed the deck of the Sea Snake.
Toward the end of the second day, the outline of the island of Driftmark appeared on the horizon, and soon the Sea Snake glided smoothly into the bustling harbor of Spicetown. The port of Spicetown greeted them with the clamor of merchant trade, the cries of gulls, and rows of dozens of merchant vessels and warships from every corner of the known world. A sizable delegation from House Velaryon had already gathered on the stone-paved pier, ready to receive their royal guests.
When the flagship's gangway was lowered, Corlys stepped ashore first, offering his hand to his wife Viserra, and then to Queen Alysanne and the other princesses. On the pier, they were met by members of the Velaryon family: Corlys's mother, the venerable Alice Velaryon, his younger brother Veylor Velaryon with his wife Elise, as well as Thea Velaryon - the wife of Daeron, who had stayed behind to carry out his royal duties in the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
"Welcome to our humble island, Your Grace, my princesses!" Veylor Velaryon said, bowing alongside his wife and other kin.
Queen Alysanne, with her innate warmth, stepped forward and replied to the greeting with a smile:
"To call Driftmark a 'humble island' is far too modest on your part, Veylor," Queen Alysanne remarked with graceful irony, dipping her head in mutual respect. "I thank you on behalf of all House Targaryen for your hospitality and warm welcome. It is ever a pleasure for us to return to Driftmark."
Corlys's mother, Alice Velaryon, did not wait for formal protocols to be observed. She took several quick steps forward, bypassed her son, and enveloped Viserra's shoulders in an embrace of genuine motherly impulse. Alice surveyed the princess with a caring gaze and placed her palms against her belly with warm tenderness.
"Oh, sweet Viserra, your belly has grown even larger since our last meeting in the capital!" Alice Velaryon spoke with delight and excitement, gently patting the princess's shoulder. She had visited King's Landing thrice since learning of Viserra's pregnancy, yet every time she rejoiced anew at the changes. "Pregnancy suits you impossibly well - you are positively glowing, my dear!"
Viserra smiled warmly in response to such a display of heartfelt care from her good-mother:
"Thank you, Lady Alice. I am feeling well, though the little one inside shows a rather restless nature."
Meanwhile, Corlys approached Thea, who was looking over the newly arrived guests with a tinge of sadness, hoping to spot her husband among them. Corlys looked upon his good-sister with sympathy and spoke:
"Thea, I ask your forgiveness for having been forced to leave your husband Daeron in the capital in my stead," Corlys said with mild regret, addressing his brother's wife with deep respect. "Our King has placed an immense responsibility upon us regarding the fleet's construction, and Daeron is the only one to whom I can fully entrust the management of this endeavor in King's Landing. He asked me to give you this letter."
Corlys drew a neatly folded envelope, secured with his personal wax seal, from deep within the inner pocket of his velvet doublet and placed it into Thea's hands. The young woman gently accepted the message from her husband, running her fingers over the seal before looking up at the Lord of Driftmark.
"There is no need to apologize, Corlys," Thea replied with understanding and composure, tucking the letter into the folds of her dress. "I understand full well that my husband has duties to his family, his House, and his King. I am proud that he has been entrusted with such a vital matter of state, and I hold no grievance against you whatsoever."
"I thank you for your understanding and wisdom, Thea," Corlys said gratefully, dipping his head slightly. "Daeron shall certainly arrive at High Tide in person for the birth of his nephew, the King has given his consent."
At that moment, a massive shadow swept over the port of Spicetown, causing many dockworkers to freeze in place for a moment in surprise. Everyone present raised their heads to see that Dreamfyre had lowered her altitude, landing smoothly upon the vast open grounds of High Tide, which lay nearby. Sensing the elder dragon's maneuver, the other dragons - Meleys and Silverwing - likewise veered after her, coming in for a landing.
Queen Alysanne, following the dragons with her eyes, turned to the family members and suggested they make haste:
"We should reach the castle as soon as possible," Queen Alysanne said, gesturing toward the soaring towers of High Tide. "It appears Dreamfyre, who is accustomed to staying on the castle grounds, has drawn Meleys and Silverwing along with her. We must ensure they settle peacefully and do not alarm the people."
Everyone agreed unreservedly with the Queen's reasoning. In the square before the pier, splendid wheelhouses already awaited them, while an armed guard of House Velaryon formed a tight ring around the carriages to ensure maximum security.
Queen Alysanne, Princess Rhaenys, and Princess Gael boarded the first, most spacious carriage, adorned with carved gilded doors. Viserra, Alice, Elise, and Thea settled into the second carriage. The solemn procession was led by Corlys, Veylor, Ser Adam, and the knights of the Kingsguard. They rode atop noble, thoroughbred horses ahead of the column, setting the pace and providing reliable escort for the carriages.
The carriages moved slowly and smoothly along the central, evenly paved stone streets of Spicetown. Princess Gael scarcely pulled away from the carriage window the entire way, her eyes bright with wonder as she surveyed the stone houses, well-kept merchant shops, clean squares, and prosperous inhabitants of the city.
"Mother, look!" Princess Gael cried out in open admiration, turning to the Queen and pointing toward another tidy street. "This city is so beautiful! I think it is far prettier and cleaner than our King's Landing!"
Princess Rhaenys, sitting opposite, gave a light chuckle and nodded in agreement:
"I must honestly admit, Gael is entirely right," Rhaenys remarked, casting a playful glance at the Queen. "Spicetown truly appears far cleaner, wealthier, and more charming than the capital. It lacks that perpetual stench of smoke and refuse that haunts the residents of Flea Bottom."
Queen Alysanne pressed her lips together slightly. On one hand, as a queen who had spent decades building and improving King's Landing alongside her husband, hearing such comparisons stung a little. On the other hand, being a fair and honest woman, she could not deny the obvious superiority of the Velaryon city's layout.
"Spicetown is a wonderful city, and Lord Corlys has expended no small effort toward its prosperity," Queen Alysanne conceded reservedly, looking out the carriage window at the clean streets and neat building facades. "However, one must not forget, Gael, that King's Landing is a vast metropolis built in haste that accommodates thousands of travelers from every corner of the realm. Spicetown possesses that distinct beauty possible only on a wealthy island, whereas the greatness of the capital lies in its scale and power. Nevertheless... the order upon these streets is indeed maintained quite admirably."
Soon the procession wound through the city streets, ascending toward a picturesque hill at its very heart, where the castle of High Tide rose in majesty. When the carriages came to a halt in the castle square, all the guests made their way first toward the dragons' landing site. Corlys and Viserra wished to see for themselves that the dragons were behaving calmly and showing no aggression toward unfamiliar surroundings.
The dragons had indeed settled upon the expansive open grounds of the castle. Dreamfyre lay grandly upon the grass like the mistress of these lands, while Meleys and Silverwing roosted a little farther off, occasionally letting thin wisps of smoke curl from their nostrils.
Corlys, noticing that the dragons were behaving relatively peacefully, turned to the castle servants and the Dragonkeepers lined up nearby.
"Bring the dragons a generous portion of fresh meat," Corlys Velaryon ordered the servants, pointing toward the settled beasts. He then turned to the score of Dragonkeepers he had personally selected on Driftmark and, with King Jaehaerys's official leave, sent to train under the experienced keepers in the capital. "Keep a close eye on every movement of the dragons, and allow no strangers near them without my leave."
Having issued his orders, Corlys turned to the princesses, the Queen, and his family, inclining his head slightly:
"Please, step inside the castle, the finest chambers have already been prepared for you," Corlys said with a polite smile. "I shall linger here a brief moment. There are a few more important instructions I must give the servants. Please, do not wait for me, and go rest."
Queen Alysanne, Viserra, Rhaenys, and the remaining members of House Velaryon nodded and, accompanied by servants, made for the main doors of the castle. Viserra cast a quick, understanding look at her husband but said nothing, knowing Corlys would see to everything.
Once the princesses, the Queen, and their kin had disappeared behind the heavy carved doors of the castle, Corlys waited a couple of minutes until the servants retreated to a safe distance. Thereupon, he approached the huge winged creatures with slow, unhurried steps.
Dreamfyre was the first to raise her massive head of shimmering scales, fixing her intelligent gaze upon the approaching Lord of Driftmark. Meleys merely swished her tail lazily, while Silverwing rose slightly, eyeing the man who walked toward them without a trace of fear.
Corlys came to a halt a few paces from the dragons. His chest expanded, and strange, hissing, guttural sounds issued from his throat. He spoke in Parseltongue.
"Strive to harm no one upon these lands," Corlys said, his voice sounding soft yet commanding, echoing against a gentle gust of wind.
He then shifted his gaze to the massive Dreamfyre and addressed her directly, knowing her temperament best of all:
"Dreamfyre, you are in charge here," Corlys hissed, making a smooth gesture with his hand toward the other dragons. "This is your home and your domain. You know this castle. Keep watch over Meleys and Silverwing, so they do not grow restless or alarm the people."
Dreamfyre emitted a low, rumbling sound and inclined her massive head slightly in understanding and assent.
Silverwing, however, who had never before heard a mortal speak to her thus, snapped her head up sharply. Her silver eyes widened in genuine surprise. She leaned her body forward, letting out a deep exhale that sent a cloud of hot steam spilling from her maw.
"You... Can you understand me?" Silverwing hissed, outright astonishment lacing her sibilance toward the man standing before her.
Corlys was not in the least discomfited, nor did he take a single step back before the great dragoness. He merely smiled faintly and answered her with confidence:
"Yes, I can understand you and speak with you," Corlys hissed calmly, looking straight into Silverwing's eyes. "And that is precisely why I ask you: harm no one here. Respect my home, and this home shall answer you with care and honor."
Silverwing surveyed Corlys thoroughly once more from head to heel, sensing the invisible inner power and serenity emanating from him. Her silver wings quivered slightly, but her movements held no longer a drop of threat or wariness.
"So long as my kin and I are not disturbed or angered, I shall bring no harm to your people," Silverwing answered after a brief pause, lowering her massive head closer to the soft grass. "We shall keep the peace."
"I thank you," Corlys replied, bowing his head in respect before the dragon's good sense.
Having ensured that complete understanding had been reached between himself and the dragons, and that order was established on the grounds of High Tide, Corlys Velaryon turned and strode toward the castle with unhurried, confident steps. Day was yielding to evening, the first stars were appearing above the sea, and inside the castle, his loyal wife Viserra and his whole extended family awaited him.
================================================================
A/N
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