Ben Blackstone gave me a grateful look. "Thank you, milord—"
Ser Robert narrowed his eyes at Ben and placed a hand on his pommel. "You will refer to him as 'My Prince,' not 'milord.' It's best not to make that mistake again," Ser Robert warned. Ben's eyes widened, and he bowed to me. "I'm sorry, m-my Prince."
He attempted to return "Blood" to me, but I raised a hand and shook my head. "Keep it. It was one of the last things your father made. It's fine craftsmanship, but one day, I will wield "Blackfyre" as part of my family legacy. Keep it, and as thanks, you will raise a knightly house in my honor and become a knight worthy of the songs. Let your descendants know that it was me, Prince Baelon, who gifted you that sword. However, "Blood" will no longer be a suitable name for it. From now on, it will be called "Bloodstone" in honor of both your father and my house words," I tell him genuinely.
Unbeknownst to him and everyone else, his eyes flashed a bright red briefly after my speech. Interesting; I didn't think it would work, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to use it. I've been testing the limits of my gamer-like abilities and discovered I could influence others in several ways that were unknown to them or anyone else. It seems I'm the only one who can see this influence.
Good.
Just another tool in my arsenal against my enemies. I believe one reason my sister—the other Rhaenyra—lost the war was the lack of competent people loyal only to her side. I won't make that mistake. Given where we are in the current timeline, there may be a way I could use this ability to good use. Like my other skills, this one also adheres to gaming mechanics: I can recruit individuals to my "party," tailor their skills and abilities, and, most crucially, define their roles. I'm getting ahead of myself; there will be time for that explanation later.
Daemon ordered the current members of the city watch to show the newcomers the ropes. Observing their interactions, I can understand why the gold cloaks were so loyal to Daemon from the start and why Otto had such difficulty swaying them to his side. Perhaps I should spend more time with them in the near future to solidify my power in the capital. Who knows how long Daemon will remain in King's Landing, especially with Otto plotting to get rid of him and Daemon's own short temper.
That's why I need to gather everything I can from him now. If this "Daemon" is indeed who I suspect he is, I must find a way to get close to him to learn his plans and figure out how to sway him to my side. And if I can't control him… well, that could be one way to eliminate both Otto and Daemon. If he were to kill Otto prematurely and it came to light, he would risk facing Father's wrath and proving everything Otto has said about him. However, if I could persuade him to form an alliance with me and Lord Corlys…
I could leverage that power to gain some important allies.
After Daemon finished assessing me, I decided to check on Nightstar before turning in for the day. Ser Robert and a few guards accompanied me as I made my way out of the castle and into the courtyard to prepare my horse. I was stopped by my dear sister, who was also being escorted by her guards.
" I heard an interesting rumor today, little brother ," Rhaenyra said in our mother tongue. I rolled my eyes and gestured to the stable hand to ready my horse. " What do you want, dear sister? Since when do you care about court gossip? " I asked her curiously.
Rhaenyra huffed. " Since you've been sneaking around and plotting with Uncle Daemon. I thought you two hated each other. Don't tell me our mother's death has brought you two closer, " Rhaenyra said in disbelief.
I snorted. " Hardly. Uncle Daemon is still a creep. But he has his uses; Daemon is an accomplished dragon rider, and he's already seen battle. I could learn a lot from him; that's it ," I explained.
Rhaenyra stared at me as if she didn't believe me.
" What ?" I asked, annoyed.
"I know you, little brother. You don't do anything without a reason behind it. Father might see you as his heir and Daemon as a thorn in his side, but you're more cunning and clever than either of them expects. You're planning something, " Rhaenyra concluded, crossing her arms.
I gave her a measuring look, weighing my options. Then I smirked at her.
" Fine. But not here ." I warned her as the stable hand returned with 'Flapjack' in hand. "Prepare my sister's horse; she's coming with me," I told him in Common.
Rhaenyra shot me a questioning look but didn't say anything. I could see the gears turning in her head. There are only a few people I trust in this world, and Rhaenyra is one of them. I considered involving her in some of my schemes in the near future… well, no time like the present.
We made haste to the dragon pits. I sent a messenger straight to the king to inform him that Rhaenyra and I were making a quick trip to Dragonstone and would return before nightfall. The real reason, however, was to escape the prying eyes and ears of King's Landing—Daemon, Otto, and all the other vultures.
The flight to Dragonstone from King's Landing was smooth. Syrax was the first to land, and as always, Rhaenyra shot me a smug look. Given my actual mental age, she really is the annoying little sister. Nightstar purred as I thanked her with a rub to her snout. I gave Rhaenyra a look, and she nodded as we started walking down the pathway to Dragonstone Castle.
"What's with all the secrecy, little brother? Why did you drag me all the way out here?" Rhaenyra questioned.
"Because certain powers that be don't have any ears here. Why would they? The royal family is always in King's Landing, and nothing of importance happens in Dragonstone. Since this is our domain, it's the perfect place to meet—at this point in time. Now tell me, what do you know about Alicent Hightower?" I suddenly asked.
Rhaenyra's eyes widened in surprise, reared back from the sudden question before narrowing her eyes at me. "I thought we were going to discuss Daemon. What's this about Alicent? You never cared for her before…" says Rhaeynra defensively.
I nodded. "We are, and I didn't, but everything has changed. Otto is vying for the throne and plans to use Alicent to seduce our father," I explained to her patiently.
Rhaenyra turned from me and began pacing. "No, Alicent wouldn't do that to me—she would have told me if— you must have heard wrong. I don't trust Otto any more than you do, but Alicent…" Rhaenyra shook her head. "Where did you hear this drivel, brother? They must be sharply questioned!" Rhaenyra says heatedly.
"Rhaenyra!" I snapped, startling her.
"You know more than I do what game is being played here," I told her gravely.
Rhaenyra frowned and nodded sadly. "The game of thrones. But Alicent is my friend. Ever since mother passed, she's been with me in our time of grief. If it's as you say and this is Otto… Wait… But you're the heir. Why hasn't Otto sent her to you?" Rhaenyra asked, confused.
Haven't I asked myself the same question over and over again? "Because he wants his blood on the throne, and it would be much easier to marry her to father than to me. Think about it. I'm the heir to the Iron Throne; Alicent is far below my station to marry. There are other more suitable candidates for my hand in marriage. Father isn't a fool; he would never allow it. But he is allowed to marry; father already has heirs, so he can marry Alicent for love," I finished explaining to her.
A look of realization crossed Rhaenyra's face. "You think he's planning on killing you?"
"Not just me; our brothers too. You, Dany, and Ven will probably be married to houses loyal to Otto or to our father's future sons. Either way, he's a problem we must rid ourselves of. And to do that, I need Daemon… and you," I told her with a pointed look.
Rhaenyra looked at me in surprise. "Me? And what in the Seven Hells do you expect I can do, brother? Father barely listens to you, and you're his heir. I'm just a… girl," Rhaenyra finished lamely.
I smirked. "Exactly. And that's how we will get rid of him."
I beckoned Rhaenyra to come closer and whispered my plans in her ear. I watched as her expression changed from surprise to scandalized and then to determination. Rhaenyra nodded her head in approval. "And Daemon knows of this? Father will be furious, and if he ever finds out—"
"I have my own plans for Daemon, and they don't involve him being in King's Landing," I cut her off. "We will continue our alliance, he and I, but that doesn't mean I can trust him with this. Daemon is too impulsive, regardless of his age, but he is useful at what he does. And from what I want him to do… well, you'll see in due time." I finished ominously.
"And what about Alicent?" Rhaenyra asked darkly.
"What about Alicent? We'll leave her to her own devices for now. Let father marry her. In fact, that will serve my purpose even more," I told Rhaenyra.
"You… want Alicent to marry father? Why? Didn't you say that Otto is planning on murdering you? Wouldn't Alicent marrying father help him a—don't tell me you're planning on—"
I put my hand up, cutting her off. "Not in the way you're thinking. I'm not Daemon. I just want a Hightower of our blood that we can raise to be loyal to us. That's all," I lied to her. Rhaenyra let out a sigh of relief, choosing not to question me further about the situation. "Of course. Forgive me, brother; I didn't mean to think you were hinting at something… unsavory."
I smiled at her. "There's nothing to forgive, sweet sister. I should have clarified a few things. There's one more thing I need you to know before we head back to King's Landing…" I trailed off.
After our flight to Dragonstone, Rhaenyra and I joined Father for dinner, along with our brothers and sisters; even Uncle Daemon was there. Father was pleasantly surprised, considering that Rhaenyra and I hadn't been speaking to him outside of formal events. Daemon gave me and Rhaenyra a nod of approval before turning back to Dany and Ven. I guess Daemon was trying to get to know his nieces, whom I'm sure he had not met before.
Although Daemon's interactions with the girls were appropriate, I kept a watchful eye on them, especially given Daemon's past actions toward Rhaenyra. I don't trust him with my sisters at all—once a groomer, always a groomer.
Father was happy to have his family together again since Mother's death. He asked us all sorts of questions about our impromptu trip to Dragonstone. Rhaenyra and I exchanged glances, as we had already practiced our cover story before coming here. I told him that Rhaenyra wanted to race me again, but this time to Dragonstone, which Rhaenyra helped confirm.
She bragged about being the youngest and fastest dragon rider of our generation, which was technically true, since my dragon hatched from the cradle, and Rhaenyra claimed hers a few years after I did. Daemon gave us an odd look; it seemed he had never seen us interact before. I knew there were a few differences between the Rhaenyra he knew and the one currently in front of him.
I just hope he doesn't think there's anything going on between us.
"So tell me, brother, when are you going to betroth Baelon and Rhaenyra?" Daemon asked slyly.
I ended up spitting out my wine across the dinner table. Rhaenyra patted my back as I coughed violently. Father grimaced at the display, probably disapproving of my lack of decorum as a prince. Rhaenyra and I exchanged worried glances, as neither of us wanted to marry the other. "Are you okay, Baelon? Rhaenyra?" Father asked, concerned.
I nodded. "I just got something caught in my throat. What's this about betrothing me to Rhaenyra? Is this something the council suggested?" I asked. Father shook his head. "It isn't. I haven't yet decided on a bride for you, but given our House's traditions…"
"No!" Rhaenyra and I yelled in unison. We exchanged glances again. "It would be a waste if you married us, Father. That's not to say I wouldn't do my duty, but I have no such feelings for my brother. I wish to marry for love, like you and Mother," Rhaenyra said passionately. I nodded in agreement. "As heir, I don't have that luxury, but I also wish for Rhaenyra to find happiness. And let's not forget that a certain House has three dragon riders compared to our two. I think it would be prudent for me to marry Lady Laena of House Velaryon. She rides a conqueror's dragon, and it would help solidify us as the strongest House in the realm," I told Father.
Father gave me an uneasy look. "She's a little old for you–yes I know you're a man grown but you're still just a boy. You've yet to know nothing anything of a woman's mind, and trust me son no woman wants a child for a husband." Father said, trying to advice me.
"Child husband? I think you got that confuse, brother. I bet our Baelon doesn't want a child bride, as the Lady Laena is only two and ten years old. You don't have to worry about her resenting him. Now Baelon on the other hand.." Daemon trails off as he realizes the looks we were giving him.
"What in the seven hells are you talking about Daemon? The Lady Laena is nine and ten years of age. She's a woman grown and then some. Have you lost your wits?" Asked Father, confused.
Two and ten years old? Why did he say that? Isn't this Daemon from the future? Well, an alternate future, but there shouldn't be that many changes aside from my siblings and me. What has changed? Could he be not just from an alternate timeline, but from a whole different universe? This deserves further observation.
Daemon chuckled until he realized that Father wasn't joking. "Nine and ten? Have it truly been that long?" Daemon asked in disbelief.
Father chuckled, and Rhaenyra and I joined in—me nervously, while Rhaenyra laughed humorously. Neither Father nor Rhaenyra realized Daemon's slip-up."Honestly Daemon, have Lady Laena done something to offend you? A moon ago you were saying she had the fattest of–" Father stopped just short of what he was going to say as he realized the audience in the room. "Er–maybe that's a story for another time. Let's not ruin the mood with talks of betroths tonight. I hear enough about that from Otto and the others." Father mumbles at the end.
Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes at him. "But you just said there haven't been any talks of marriage with the council about Baelon," Rhaenyra accused him.
Father winced. "There hasn't been, now please Rhaenyra, let's talk about anything else. Dany, how have your lessons with Pinkfyre been? Yes, tell us how it's going." Father smiled at Dany, who brightened at being the center of attention.
Rhaenyra and I exchange another look.
I find it hilarious that Otto would suggest Father remarry while also secretly sending his daughter to him. But then again, nearly everyone was doing the same thing. I doubt I could persuade him against remarrying. That man wanted a greater legacy than his grandfather. Not only that, but the idea of family was pretty important to him.
But why was he so hesitant about me getting married? I noticed that Father tended to be a bit... modern towards us, his children. Well, as modern as one could be in this time period. He always prioritized being a father over being a king with us—something most kings, or even the nobility, wouldn't do. We were pieces on a board that had to be moved. Father didn't see us like that; it's one of his redeeming qualities, I suppose.
Suddenly, Daemon got up.
We all turned to him, confused and alarmed.
"Is something the matter, brother?" Father asked, concerned.
Daemon tried to smile, but it was more of a grimace. "Apologies, brother. It seems my stomach is disagreeing with me. I'm going to retire for the rest of the night," Daemon told him.
He sulked out of the room.
I sighed internally.
He's going to be a work in progress, isn't he? I can't imagine how he's feeling at the moment.
Father stared at Daemon's retreating figure, bewildered by his sudden exit, and then shook his head. "What has gotten into him lately? He's helpful one minute and sulky the next. May the Crone give me guidance and the Father strength. I guess we should all retire for the day," Father said as he gestured for the nannies to take our younger siblings.
Rhaenyra smiled as our siblings were gathered and gave each one a kiss goodbye. It strikes me how motherly she is, even at this age. If only she knew she would lose almost all her children one day…
My heart hardened at the thought.
I gave Rhaenyra a look as we were leaving, and she nodded at me, our previous scheme still fresh in our minds. She would later meet me in Maegor's secret tunnels.
Moments before our return to King's Landing…
"I want to show you Maegor's secret tunnel," I informed her.
Rhaenyra furrowed her eyebrows at me. "Maegor's secret tunnel? And what are we doing there?" she asked curiously.
"I just want to show you how to get in and out of the castle without being noticed. But first, there's something I want to see…"