Negotiation

The Valaerys family fleet swept around Lys in grand formation, setting the city's alarm bells ringing in fright. But the fleet paid no attention to this city of desire. After casually wiping out the pirate flotilla still lingering outside the harbor, it turned north and sailed toward Pentos along the coastline.

The five fastest three-hundred-oared sailing warships in the fleet set out first for the agreed location. They carried three hundred Silver Blood Army soldiers equipped with halberds, spears, flail-maces, and plate-and-mail armor, as well as fifty tiger-striped warhorses, Aslan Longdell, Hofa Lawkeeper, and Lynn Valtaken. These three close retainers of Lonzell had come along as well.

The negotiations were to take place on a jagged, rocky coast in southern Pentos.

"Roar!"

A piercing dragon cry rang across the entire shore. Caraxes, serpentine as a giant snake, slowly crawled up the coastal cliffs, his enormous head gently brushing against his master.

Nearby, the Red Queen lay pretending to doze as she enjoyed Rhaenys's grooming. The old princess carefully cleaned her companion's scales.

They had arrived at the negotiating site ahead of time.

"Daemon, what exactly are you thinking?" Rhaenys could no longer hold back. She walked over to Daemon and asked, "I've seen the terms Viserys offered: an empty title of royal prince, the title of Governor of the Borderlands, a tract of land, and a marriage pact that may not be honored for who knew how many years. They may accept it now, but what about later?"

Rhaenys looked into Daemon's eyes. "I don't believe you haven't considered what comes after. Whether Princess Rhaenyra can smoothly inherit the throne, whether the Targaryen descendants can keep the Valaerys descendants in check—they too are descendants of Dragonlords, and Silverwing will lay dragon eggs. We cannot completely prevent descendants bearing the name Valaerys from acquiring dragons."

Daemon soothed her. "That is for the next generation to consider, Rhaenys. While my brother still sits upon that iron chair, my wife's right of succession is beyond dispute. But once my brother is gone, if Rhaenyra and I are not in King's Landing, I can hardly guarantee that people will support her crown as they do now. I need to prepare in advance."

"I'm glad you've finally realized that." Rhaenys smiled. "Worldly views shape people's horizons. Though the lords have all sworn fealty to Princess Rhaenyra, should anything change, I fear only Duchess Jannie of the Vale, another woman, and the Northmen who keep their oaths will stand firmly by the princess. But have you figured out how to win them over for her?"

"The princess's children are all good children." Daemon sighed. "I will persuade the Borderlands families to take them in. At the same time, Prince Jacaerys and Prince Lucerys will serve as their squires until they come of age."

"Have they agreed?"

"Little Jace proposed it himself." Daemon looked toward the horizon.

Two massive dragons broke through the sea of clouds and flew toward them. Faint sails could also be seen shifting upon the horizon.

"Was Vomysor that large before?"

Rhaenys's expression immediately turned grave. Daemon's face darkened as well.

As though sensing her rider's change in mood, the Red Queen, sprawled upon the ground, instantly raised her spiked head and let out a furious roar toward the sky.

Caraxes refused to be outdone, stretching out his neck and roaring in return.

Vomysor answered them with a long dragon cry.

"Vomysor, land." Lonzell had donned the Dragonrider armor, though he was not wearing that flashy helmet. Silver Blood hung at his waist, and the cloak upon his back bore the Valaerys family crest: a silver dragon and laurel leaves.

The enormous Bronze Fury slowly descended into the clearing, followed closely by Silverwing.

"Vomysor is at least a full size larger than when he was on Dragonstone." Daemon was familiar with the wild dragons often seen around Dragonstone and immediately noticed something was wrong. "His bronze scales are much brighter, and his horns have grown noticeably thicker. Silverwing has grown considerably too." He also saw the armor worn by the two youths climbing down from the saddles, as well as the longswords hanging from their waists.

Even Prince Daemon stood stunned for a moment before regaining his senses.

"Welcome, cousins." Rhaenys opened her arms and stepped forward.

Lonzell and Valar exchanged a glance, then bowed together. They were of the same generation as Daemon and Rhaenys. They deserved to be called cousins.

"Lonzell, it has been a long time." Daemon rested a hand upon Dark Sister.

"Many years have passed, Cousin Daemon, yet you remain as handsome as ever." Lonzell answered with a smile.

"We have brought the Iron Throne's proposal," Daemon said. "After learning that you had decided to return to Westeros, King Viserys sent terms for you."

"I'm all ears." Lonzell stood before Daemon and smiled. "I have brought back more than a thousand ships, countless gold and silver pieces, silk, spices, and treasures, tens of thousands of able-bodied men and craftsmen, and six thousand soldiers. I must ensure they are fed."

"Understandable." Daemon nodded. "The Iron Throne will recognize the royal status of the Valaerys family, as Princess Senira remains a member of the royal house, and grant you the title of 'Royal Prince.' Valar and Rey may also use the titles 'Prince' or 'Royal Prince.'"

Lonzell merely watched him without speaking. Seeing that his brother remained silent, Valar shut his mouth as well.

"The Iron Throne hopes to arrange a marriage alliance with the Valaerys family. The last two Dragonlord families should have their bloodlines intertwined."

Lonzell folded his arms and nodded. This was the most direct way for Westeros to accept their family.

"However, as far as I know, the Targaryen family no longer has any daughters of suitable age."

"Which is why the marriage pact is for the next generation," Daemon added. "A daughter of the Targaryen family will marry one of your descendants, or Prince Rey."

Lonzell nodded. "I can understand the royal family's predicament, but you have not yet answered my question."

"The royal family is quite sincere." Daemon spread his arms, and Rhaenys naturally unfolded the map. "The royal family offers you the following lands: the royal demesne of Summerfield, a highland at the northern foot of the Red Mountains, with fertile soil and a mild climate. The royal family has negotiated with the local lordly families, the Dondarrion family and the Swann family. The Dondarrion family is willing to transfer the villages and lands of Highmark Hill to you, hoping that you will provide protection for the Dondarrion family and defend them against raids by the Vail family of Dorne. In addition, the lands, population, and mineral deposits of Balance Vale, Choice March, Risk March, and Swelling Peak will also become your fiefs."

Lonzell stared at the map for a long while without speaking.

"South of the Red Mountains lie the stubborn lords of Dorne. The Iron Throne promises that any territory the Valaerys family acquires in Dorne will belong to you. In addition, the royal family will grant you the title of 'Governor of the Borderlands,' and the Borderlands lords will be obligated to obey your commands in wartime."

Lonzell looked at Daemon, seemingly wondering what else he could offer.

"To show our sincerity, my stepson Prince Jacaerys volunteers to serve as your squire, if you are willing to accept the Faith of the Seven," Daemon stated plainly.

"Cousin Daemon, Dragonlord families have never believed in gods, even if they truly exist," Lonzell said. "But if necessary, we will show reverence to any god."

Daemon nodded. "My stepson Prince Lucerys will soon finish his studies at High Tide and serve as Prince Valar's squire. My son Prince Aegon will also serve as Prince Rey's squire when he turns eight."

He smiled. "The royal family welcomes the return of allies and kin."

Lonzell narrowed his eyes.

Valar was already completely bewildered.

First update checked in. It still hurt so much.