Disclaimer: This is a story based on ASOIAF Universe and all recognizable characters, plots belong to GRRM. I have no ownership to it.
Chapter 53: The Great Game IX
King's Landing
Daemon 'The Monster' Targaryen
It had been five days since my warning to my blood cousins and my sister, and their reactions had been… entertaining, at least to me. As expected, it took witnessing my abilities directly for the truth to sink in. And ever since, what I saw through my animals confirmed their fear: none of them dared share a word of what happened, not even with their partners. Rhaenys had even snapped at Corlys when he tried to stir some petty nuisance against me.
That memory lingered as I sat in my office atop the Tower of the Hand—a high, airy chamber of red stone and tall windows. Afternoon light filtered through the narrow slits, striping the wooden floor with gold. Scrolls and maps lay unfurled across my heavy oaken desk, and the faint smell of ink mixed with the distant scent of the sea drifting in from the Blackwater. The city's muted hum—carts, bells, the far-off cry of gulls—rose faintly. It was something, I didn't see I would ever be doing and I was working fast to delegate as much as possible to others.
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"Corlys, my love, please don't provoke Daemon in court," Rhaenys had warned him days ago. "He may decide that the cost of keeping you outweighs the benefit. Then some accident will remove you, and he'll use your death to its fullest while crushing Velaryon standing as far as he can."
Corlys had worn a permanent look of sorrow and embarrassment ever since he was made to kneel before the Iron Throne and swear loyalty to King Jaehaerys—and to me, his named heir. Ever since Corlys signed that open letter renouncing any claim to the throne, his political influence had taken a deep wound, one that bled slowly.
"Do you think I must remain silent and do nothing after all the things I suffered?" Corlys asked, a scowl twisting his face as they sat together in their chamber in Red Keep. "I will be truly defeated in the game of thrones if I couldn't even do this against the bastard."
"Husband… then accept defeat and join the winning team," Rhaenys said at last, her voice a tired sigh. The light caught her tired face, making her look older than her years. "What I saw in the black cells is something I don't want you—or any of my loved ones—to suffer, Corlys. Please think about our children. If you still want to try your hand, then wait, prepare, and gather strength before doing anything. Do not even think about creating petty irritations for him. He is not a typical player of the game that you are used to dealing with."
Corlys remained silent, staring at the stone floor. I wondered what reply would come next and it took my own will to make the animal remain silent as my emotions bled in to it.
"So the rumours are true then?" Corlys finally asked, voice heavy with resignation.
"Yes, love. Yes," Rhaenys answered quietly. "The rumours of horrific torture are true. More than that, Daemon used it to send a message to us Targaryens, while using their suffering and death to enact a plan that will crown a future good queen in the eyes of the smallfolk."
Corlys looked at her curiously, and I could see the moment the truth settled into his mind.
"Are you saying that the rumours of a fight between Gael and Daemon over his bastards—the ones he supposedly fathered on that traitor's daughter in White Harbor—are planned by Daemon himself?"
"That is correct, dear husband." Rhaenys clasped her hands together. "Soon enough, rumours of the mother's outrage and then her mysterious death will drift down to King's Landing. And then Daemon will bring those children to the newly formed Gael's Orphanage… because she asked for them."
"This is such bullshit," Corlys spluttered, pacing now. "Why would anyone believe this and not realise the truth?"
"Because they are not as clever as us—or my brother and my aunt," Rhaenys replied.
"Brother, Rhaenys? Really brother?" Corlys frowned. "I just realized, you've been calling him that now, rather than 'bastard'."
I looked forward to the answer with as much curiosity as Corlys.
"We can't afford a slip of our tongues in calling him 'bastard'," Rhaenys said, her tone so sharp that even I felt a flicker of surprise. "I've been thinking ever since the meeting, and I have realised some things, husband. The only reason my monster of an elder brother has not stopped or moved against anyone calling him bastard is that he is waiting for the right moment—or waiting to use it against someone he wants to get rid of easily. Already no one dares to call him that to his face, yet something like what happened at my birthday tourney could happen again."
She drew a slow breath, remembering and clearing her thoughts.
"The other thing is that Daemon has given us the fire in the black cells." Rhaenys continued, her voice low but steady. The hearth behind her crackled softly, as if echoing her words. "I am quite sure he understands that fire which only burns can destroy whatever plans he has for us. So, he will offer its warmth to us soon. Why should we reject the benefits over pride, or over a little humiliation before some lowly lords, when we stand far above the rabble? Just like the burns… I am sure the benefits will be greater than anything we could have expected under Viserys."
I found myself genuinely surprised by the reasoning—and the unusually accurate conclusions she drew about my own actions. Dramatics were entertaining, true, but worthy and competent followers were far more valuable than people who merely amused me with petty chaos. Someone who followed out of fear alone would never be efficient. I had always known I would need to offer some carrots after wielding the stick. That Rhaenys arrived at that conclusion on her own was what truly astonished me. Perhaps she was finally acquiring the wisdom that so many fans in my old world swore she possessed.
Corlys, who had been chewing over her words, finally spoke. "Are you sure about this, Rhaenys?"
"I am sure, husband," she replied firmly. "Nothing I know could harm Daemon. It is better for us to follow, for now, rather than attempt anything overt or covert against him. We have already lost twice, and it is best we aim to be the lesser losers in the future. My brother is daring and reckless. I am certain he will go hunting for trouble again, and our only hope is the mutual destruction of Daemon and whatever trouble he finds."
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I was pleased, at least, that things were finally unfolding according to my plans. My thoughts drifted comfortably in that direction until they were cut short by the arrival of my friend Aethan Reed outside my door. He had reached King's Landing only two days earlier to assume his new post as Master of Whisperers—though to the rest of the court, he was merely my advisor, a northerner brought south by the whims of the new prince. Only the king, Gael, and I knew the truth of his position.
I had always found it amusing: what use is a spy everyone knows is a spy? Far better to let one's enemies believe the foolish king has no official spymaster at all. It makes them walk softer in some places and far too boldly in others.
Aethan smirked and dipped into an exaggerated bow.
"My lord Hand," he drawled, "I have settled in and rested enough. What would you have me do now?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "Aethan, I'm grateful you agreed to come south at all. I know how much you despise leaving the North. So—do you have any reports for me, my master spy?" I added, deliberately playful, as we both know my own personal network is far greater than whatever Aethan's wargs' maintained.
"Nothing as of now. I'm establishing my own animals, and my men are looking into setting up the human element." Aethan replied.
"Good enough for now. My own personal network will handle things until you establish one for the Crown. I'll consolidate both in the future if needed." I answered, already having decided there would be a single, succeeding organisation rather than the haphazard, personally maintained everchanging webs of spies like in canon. I needed my own version of a CIA or an MI6 that will continue to serve the king forever.
"Are you sure you could actually maintain a continuing spy organisation, Daemon?" Aethan asked hesitantly.
"We'll never know unless I try. I can't possibly keep an eye on all the relevant players using only my greensight or warging, and honestly it has become quite tedious." I said with a shrug.
"At least your informants and bards are doing good work spreading Gael's name. Are you really going to kill the mother?" Aethan asked with a tired sigh.
"Aye, Aethan. I am going to do it. She's too much of a risk to keep alive, and her death gives us more benefits than her being alive." I replied casually. I couldn't feel approval, but I could feel the indifference settling in my dear friend.
He finally nodded.
"Also, keep a special eye on the newly organised Citadel. I trust Vaegon to maintain what I want with it, but better to keep watch anyway." I added.
Aethan's brow lifted with intrigue. "Where do you plan to establish the King's Landing branch of the Citadel anyway? I'll make sure nothing happens against us in the new citadel under maester Vaegon in oldtown meanwhile keeping an eye on things here too."
"The new building will be raised on Visenya's Hill. It won't be just a Citadel. I plan to make it a place of learning for administrative posts, and maybe even host some royal offices in the future—especially those tied to King's Landing and the office of Master of King's Landing." I said, already thinking of how to smooth governance with so many things on my plate.
"You're far more ambitious than before, Daemon," Aethan muttered with a frown.
"I've always been like this, my friend. The only difference is that I waited for my chance—waited so I wouldn't have to go down the route of kinslaying. And surprisingly, I'm to be king far earlier than the three decades later I originally planned for," I replied honestly.
"And are you sure you could actually become king without committing kinslaying?" Aethan asked shrewdly.
"Aye, I'm sure. My cousins have been warned what will happen if they rebel, and they're terrified now. In fact, I plan to give them the carrot this evening—to entice them further with the benefits.".
Aethan's curious frown deepened, though he didn't ask directly what benefits I meant, since I hadn't explained them in the first place.
"Now… when are you planning on announcing that you and Gael are already expecting?" Aethan asked suddenly.
"You've always been a sharp one, my friend," I replied with a laugh.
"To be frank, keeping Lyanna or Fenrir with her at all times is a massive red flag to anyone who knows Lyanna's capability." Aethan said with a shrug.
"I'll inform you well before I reveal anything to the court. You want to set up a bait to see if someone bites?" I asked, irritation slipping in.
"Not at all, Daemon. The truth of your actual power is something this realm won't swallow easily. Even if anyone could strike through Gael's protections, it's far too risky for us as the truth needed to be spread just like you did in the North. I just want to be extra vigilant on the day you reveal it. News of an heir gets people talking, including those who has ulterior motives." Aethan replied.
"That's actually a good suggestion. I hadn't considered checking reactions like that among the players." I paused, thinking. "Aethan, send two of my children among your men to Horn Hill. I'll have Grandfather write an order for their stay with Lord Tarly. They're to learn everything about the Red Mountains and their pathways."
Aethan paled slightly. "Are you sure you want to do that? They're your children, and they haven't been outside the Neck until they travelled with you to King's Landing. And what exactly are you planning against Dorne?"
"I'm always planning something, as you know. Let this one remain secret for now, but be assured that I will not start any conflict with anyone, I will only end it." I replied.
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Dragonpit
I could already hear the murmurs between Viserys and Daemon by the time I reached them in the Dragonpit. It was evening, and both my cousins and my sister had been summoned there by me.
I cleared my throat, and they were slightly startled to hear me.
"Prince Daemon," Viserys greeted with the appropriate courtesy. Everyone except the Rogue Prince followed. I looked at my namesake and he only bowed his head slightly. I acknowledged the others' courtesies and ignored Daemon entirely.
I remained silent as I walked forward to the sleeping form of Morghul at the centre of the Dragonpit. It was one of his favourite spots, as he enjoyed terrorising the other dragons—especially Meleys and Syrax. The silence grew uncomfortable, and finally Rhaenys broke it.
"Brother, why have you summoned us here at this hour? Is it for another lesson?" Her voice was steady, but I could feel Aegon's flicker of fear at the question.
"Not at all, dear sister," I replied with a grin, turning back to face my kin. "Ruling with only fear is absolute idiocy. There must be rewards for loyalty. I've shown what happens if anyone betrays me, and now I want to show how well I reward those who stand with me."
Viserys almost brightened at that, likely because we were in the Dragonpit. I pitied him, for he was not the one receiving a dragon. Rhaenys stayed silent but openly curious, and Aegon looked disappointed—as if he already knew the third son wouldn't get anything meaningful.
"Interesting," the Rogue Prince's mocking voice echoed slightly, and I could see the smirk on his face. "I never thought you would ever use this lesser method to entice us like this. Bribery is for weak lords, not for the blood of the dragon like us. I felt more inclined to following you when you were threatening us than whatever this is. You have power over and above the regular people, and yet here you are playing the game of thrones for some reason."
I was slightly surprised by that opinion from the Rogue Prince. I deliberately smiled at him as if enjoying his words, which made him grit his teeth.
"My namesake, you have yet to learn many things then, Daemon. The way is not important, cousin; the important thing is to reach our goal or target, not how we reach it. I want to start my rule when our grandfather dies without becoming a kinslayer myself. As I said, it is too much a waste of resources. That is my goal, and if I can reach it by bribery, then bribery it is."
Daemon just scoffed at that, but he remained silent, glaring at me, unconvinced. I smirked and decided Daemon should be the first example.
"So, Daemon, have you asked Viserys what he will do if he becomes king? What did he tell you? Did he plan to give you your annulment?" I asked with slight mockery.
Viserys' eyes widened in surprise, and Daemon immediately looked at his brother.
"Brother, you have to believe me, of course, I would grant the annulment if—" Viserys started speaking.
"No," Daemon shouted. "Stop being a fool, brother. I know you well enough to realise when you are lying."
The brothers stared at each other, having a silent conversation. Daemon finally sighed, fatigue settling in as he realised his assumption about Viserys denying him was correct.
"This is actually entertaining," Rhaenys finally said with a laugh. "I can't believe that the majority of the lords chose my idiot of a cousin over me. And Daemon, I can't believe that you actually thought you would get the annulment as a reward from your foolish brother."
I too laughed at that.
Daemon, the Rogue Prince, instantly became rageful. The betrayal of his brother, the mocking of his elder bastard cousin—it was too much. His hand went to Dark Sister.
"You know the answer to the stupid question, my prince. What do you want? I am tired of this mockery. You have won the greatest prize even without fighting for it. What do you want with me?" The Rogue Prince snapped at me.
I swallowed my laughter and became quite stern.
"Daemon, I can understand your situation. The talented second son, the dragonlord, to the dragonless, weak firstborn son. The elders ignoring your talents and not using your energy efficiently. And when you use it, you are named the Rogue Prince by them. Banished among the sheep of the Vale to curb your energy. But that changes in my rule."
"In a maximum of five years I shall be king. Even with my healing blood, Grandfather will not survive more than that. In that time, I ask you to try to mend the relationship if you want. It is completely your choice. Rhea Royce is the grandchild of a Stark; the bloodline remains. Your child will be powerful—not at my level, but powerful enough. If there is no heir between you when I ascend the throne, I shall give you your annulment. If the Vale protests it, then they shall be taught a lesson. They already have a prince. They shall be satisfied with him."
"Here are the written wordings signed by me. In exchange, do not make a move against me or mine on the words of your fool brother, who may be manipulated by others. He has only you as his weapon. I don't want to kill the magnificent Caraxes—he is a powerful asset of our family—and you, my younger namesake.
"Follow me in my wars, and be the sword of House Targaryen, as the wielder of Dark Sister has always been from ancient times."
I finished, to the shock of everyone else.
I smirked as I saw realisation hit Daemon's eyes, and he understood what had happened. Sometimes rewards work far better than any threats.
I had no doubt he would accept, and even Daemon immediately nodded and said, "I accept it, cousin. I want the annulment more than anything." Then he made the courtesy fully, rather than the fake bow of the head he usually gave.
The others looked more eager now, as they all felt they would also get something good. I looked towards Rhaenys and could see her hidden eagerness. There was satisfaction on her face too—satisfaction at being correct in her assumptions. After all the losses she had suffered due to her cleverness, a small result where her cleverness proved right would go a long way to restore some of her confidence.
"Now, since my namesake has already been convinced of the magic that is bribery and how even he could be tempted—Rhaenys, now it is your turn," I said with a smirk. She didn't return it, only lifted an eyebrow.
"I looked closely into what I could give you, and there is almost nothing that is good enough. The only thing that was denied to you is the throne, and obviously I couldn't give you that. Still, there is one thing I can give you that will satisfy you. Ever since you were skipped from the heirship, people have mocked you and written you off as useless in the position of a ruler. To make them eat their words, you need to prove that you could also be a good ruler. For that you need power, and I would name you my Hand of the King when I am king," I finished with my most magnetic voice.
Rhaenys' face paled in absolute shock, as even she had not expected such a position from me. I could hear her breath getting faster with shock and then excitement, and I could feel the disappointment from Viserys. I internally scoffed, as even if Viserys were made Hand, he would not be competent enough for my needs and would be just a placeholder. I need actual competent people to handle things. He was missing the fire needed to prove himself, unlike Rhaenys.
"I gratefully accept, brother," Rhaenys finally said, her voice not able to hide how pleased she was. Suddenly her breath hitched as if she had realised something, and she looked at me.
"After the meeting in Dragonstone, how soon were you planning this, brother? Even if I am the Hand, the new charter made sure that the post is not the second most powerful person in the realm like before."
I just shrugged. "Believe what you want, sister. I didn't have this in my mind when I proposed that rule. I made the rule to limit the Hand's power in general, not targeting you. I had some candidates to choose from, including Cregan and Aethan, but your acceptance of the situation deserves some reward, and thus I decided to make you my Hand."
Rhaenys still looked unconvinced. Still, it didn't bother me, as it only meant she considered my scheming and foresight that much higher.
I turned to Viserys, who looked at me with interest.
"Viserys, I know you expected a dragon. Unfortunately, there is no dragon available right now. You know about my healing powers, and they can be used to strengthen people too, especially expecting mothers like your wife Aemma. I know you dream of having a son, even though it is not needed to inherit. Having more members in our house is important. So that is my reward for you."
"I will give you a more concentrated healing potion for Aemma, and I assure you that the child will be born healthy, and even Aemma will survive. Also, I want you to be the Master of King's Landing and administer the city from now itself. Our grandfather has agreed to it too."
Viserys looked relieved, and he smiled softly before wincing.
"Er… cousin, I thank you for your consideration, but I don't think the potion will be used. Aemma is against magic, and she will not consume whatever magic you cooked up."
I blinked a couple of times in surprise at that. Is this the same man who ordered cutting out his precious heir from his beloved wife without even asking, let alone accepting her wishes? Fortunately for me, I didn't have to say anything, as my namesake scoffed and even laughed a couple of times at Viserys.
"Brother," Daemon said, "I pity you. You are the man, and a wife is expected to follow your commands. Even then, if she couldn't accept our blood and Prince Daemon's magical potions, who gives a fuck what she wants? Her health and the health of my nephew are more important than her stupid beliefs. You could easily make sure she consumes the potion in drink or even in food."
Viserys looked startled at that, as if he hadn't considered it, and finally he too accepted my offer. I made sure that he must wait for at least three months for Aemma to grow stronger with the standard consumption of my potion that I make sure all the people in whatever castle I am in consume.
turned towards Aegon, who had relaxed more and more as the situation went on. Still, there was a hesitation as he faced me.
"Aegon," I said with a grin. "In my opinion, you are the most rewarded today. For you to claim it, we must fly to Dragonstone."
I looked at Daemon and Rhaenys. "Cousins, call Caraxes and Meleys. One of you can take either Viserys or Aegon, and we will fly to Dragonstone."
"What is the reward then?" Aegon asked, excitement clear now.
"After some very hard work by Morghul and yours truly," I said with a mocking bow, "we have convinced Vhagar it is time to accept a new rider."
"What?" Daemon and Rhaenys yelled at the same time, both knowing dragonlore and how soon it was for a dragon to accept a new rider after the death of the previous one.
"This is impossible and reckless," Rhaenys said, her worry evident on her face. "It is too soon, and Vhagar may even kill him."
"I don't care about that. I want to bond with Vhagar, and I will definitely do it," Aegon snapped immediately, knowing this was a life-changing opportunity.
"Aegon, I forgot to mention one thing. I didn't convince Vhagar to accept you; even I can't do that. I convinced her not to try and bite you in two and swallow you. I will give you one vial of healing potion, and even if she attacks you by burning you, you will at least survive," I said with a grin. "At least she won't follow and hunt you. All depends on whether you have the fire now. Also, don't even think this is an easy job. You will train every day if you are able to claim her."
"Come then. Let's fly."
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Dragonstone
I watched from the ground as Aegon whooped in joy while clinging to Vhagar's back for dear life in the saddle. Or was it from the pain of the burns he'd already suffered? I wondered.
Morghul had already left to hunt some sharks after we arrived at Dragonstone, so I was grounded with Viserys while Rhaenys and Daemon followed Vhagar through the skies.
I could practically feel the jealousy rolling off Viserys beside me, yet he hadn't said anything against this at all.
Finally Viserys sighed in tiredness and let his shoulders relax.
"Cousin… you're not going to allow me to claim a dragon at all, are you?" Viserys asked quietly.
"Aye, Viserys. Unless something very bad happens to another dragonrider and their dragon survives, I'm not going to allow it," I replied frankly. "Why tempt some foolish imbeciles needlessly? And more than that, let me be clear, Viserys—I know you don't actually want to claim one. No other dragon could match the bond you had even with a weakened Balerion. The loss remains in you. Like almost every other decision, this time too you decided to claim a dragon only because of outside pressure. They wouldn't understand how much more a quarter elder-dragon is. So tell me—who was it that wanted you to claim Vhagar?"
I knew it was Aemma who had first asked, but I wanted to hear what Viserys would say.
Viserys kept staring wistfully at the gigantic form of Vhagar as she glided through the skies. Finally he said, "There were many who expected it of me, according to Otto. Also… Ser Otto approached me regarding this."
"Well, that is good then. Try to show some interest in it so they attempt to come up with a plan that suits you—but do not agree to any plan anyway," I said with a shrug. I ignored that Viserys hadn't mentioned Aemma. That only confirmed to me that he cared for his wife, and caring is a weakness if needed.
"I will make sure they won't suspect a thing." Viserys replied.
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