Homeward sails on Blackwater, moonlight over King's Landing

The sunset at Blackwater Bay always carries a gentle amber hue.

As the blue and white sails of Redwyne's fleet pierced the shimmering sea, Daemon sat on a wooden crate by the ship's side, holding a simple fishing rod with the line dangling in the golden water.

Colin Celtigar squatted beside him, skillfully baiting the hook with a small fish, his dark face full of pride. "Your Highness, trust me! The grouper in Blackwater Bay is the fattest. When I was a child, I went out to sea with my father, and we could catch a whole basketful in a day!"

Alyn Redwyne chimed in, waving a fishing net. "That blue crab Colin's just a braggart! Last time in the Narrow Sea, he fished for ages and all he caught was a worn-out boot!"

Colin immediately panicked and reached for his fishing net. "That's because the waves are too big! We're sure to catch a big fish this time! You sour grapes!"

The two were joking around, which made Rayford Rosby, Rupert Crabb, and others nearby burst into laughter.

Daemon looked at them, and couldn't help but smile. Compared to his last journey from Blackwater Bay, where he rode Gael Glutton away from King's Landing embark on a pilgrimage through the Seven Kingdoms, this time he returned to find himself surrounded by an unbelievable entourage. Gari sat on a cushion not far away, talking to Mysaria and Johanna, her pale purple skirt swaying gently in the sea breeze.

Brienne stood behind them, her posture upright like a pine tree, her right hand always resting on the hilt of her sword, vigilantly observing her surroundings;

Larys Strong and his son Leonno Strong stood at the stern, discussing something in hushed tones. Larys's cane tapped lightly on the deck, as if making a rhythm.

"Your Highness! The fish has taken the bait!" Colin suddenly shouted. Daemon snapped out of his daze and saw the fishing rod suddenly dip down. He quickly gripped the rod and felt a clear pull on his arm—it was clearly a fairly large fish.

Alyn immediately dropped the fishing net and rushed over to help. "Everyone, come quick and help His Highness pull it out! Don't let it get away!"

The surrounding followers gathered around, Tybolt Crakehall even raised his hammer, yelling, "If the fish is too big, I'll smash it unconscious with this hammer!"

Daemon smiled and shook his head, then gently pulled the fishing line up with a slight twist of his wrist.

The setting sun cast its light on his silver-gold hair, and the hem of his thin shirt slipped down his right shoulder, revealing a three-headed Black Dragon silhouetted against the afterglow, which even calmed the struggling grouper somewhat.

"Splash—" A grouper, as long as a forearm, was pulled out of the water, its scales shimmering silver-red in the setting sun. Colin excitedly pounced on it, scooping it up with the net. "I told you! We were sure to catch a big fish today! We'll have fish soup tonight!"

Just as Daemon was about to speak, he heard a "chirp" sound behind him. He turned around and saw Grey Ghost following behind the fleet. The light gray-white figure flew low over the sea, its golden eyes fixed on the fish in Colin's hand.

Alyn laughed as he tossed a small fish he had just caught from the stern. Grey Ghost caught it precisely, swallowed it whole, and then chirped twice at them, as if begging for more food.

"This timid fellow has become quite the charmer these past few days." Daemon smiled helplessly and had Colin throw a few more fish over.

The Grey Ghost let out a satisfied growl and slowly followed behind the fleet, its wings flapping and leaving shallow trails on the sea.

Just then, Rayford Rosby pointed into the distance, his voice trembling with excitement. "Your Highness! Look! It's King's Landing!"

Daemon looked in the direction he was pointing and saw the outline of King's Landing's Landing gradually becoming clear at the end of the sunset. The towers of the Red Keep glowed with a dark red light in the afterglow, the dome of the Dragonpit looked like a lurking beast, and the lights of the harbor were already lit, like stars scattered in the night.

He took a deep breath; the air was filled with the unique scent of King's Landing —the saltiness of the sea, the aroma of wheat from the bakery, and the faint sound of bells and a fishy stench.

As the fleet slowly entered the harbor, Daemon finally saw the crowd on the dock.

Standing at the very front were King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne.

The old king wore a black robe embroidered with a three-headed dragon. Although his hair was gray, he was still vigorous and held a scepter in his hand.

Queen Alysanne wore a pale white dress with a white fox fur shawl draped over her shoulders. A gentle smile graced her face as her maid, Alicent Hightower, carefully supported her arm. Alison's hair was neatly combed, and her eyes were full of respect.

Beside them stood the Crown Hand of the King Minister, Prince Baelon. The Crown Prince wore dark gray scale armor, the three-headed dragon emblem on his chest gleaming coldly, his hand loosely gripping the sword at his waist, his face bearing an iron-blooded majesty. But when he saw Daemon, the sternness in his eyes softened instantly.

Behind Baelon stood his son Viserys and daughter-in-law Aemma. Viserys was wearing a silver-grey dress and holding a baby in his arms, none other than our "Kingdom's Light," Princess Rhaenyra. Aemma was wearing a light blue dress and leaned gently against her husband, occasionally looking down to play with her daughter in her arms.

Next came the Hand of the King. Master of Laws Otto Hightower wore a green formal suit, the burning tower crest of the House Hightower prominently displayed on his chest;

Finance Minister Lyman Beesbury was holding an account book and checking something with his head down;

Grand Secretary Yaral held a roll of parchment, his glasses slipping down to the tip of his nose, yet he remained focused on what he held.

Protecting the royal family are the Kingsguard. Captain Lyan Redwyne wore a white robe, a longsword at his waist, and his silver-grey hair was meticulously combed.

Behind him followed several Iron Guards, including Clymont Crabb and Robin Shaw, their white robes gleaming in the setting sun. Each of them stood tall and straight, their eyes sharp as eagles.

Maintaining order was a group of people dressed in Gold Cloaks. They wore full black armor, held long spears, and were dispersing civilians who tried to approach, maintaining order and ensuring the safety of the nobles. But this familiar, futuristic attire reminded Daemon of the future City Watch, the "Gold Cloaks."

Daemon's gaze fell on the leader of the group of Gold Cloaks. The man was dressed in black, but wore an even more exquisite golden robe, with the "Dark Sister" pendant at his waist. His silver-gold hair shimmered in the setting sun. It was none other than Daemon Targaryen!

As if sensing his gaze, Daemon Targaryen also looked over, waved at him from afar, and a familiar arrogant smile appeared on his lips.

Daemon couldn't help but laugh—it seemed that the Storm stirred up by his "future Black Dragon" had indeed made his "cousin" great-grandfather, the "Rogue Prince," the commander of the City Watch ahead of schedule.

The moment the fleet docked, the crowd on the pier immediately became lively.

Gael the first to rush off the ship and throw herself into Queen Alysanne's arms. "Mother! I missed you so much!" Alysanne hugged her tightly and stroked her hair tenderly. "My little daughter, Little Gael, you've lost so much weight. You must have suffered a lot out there."

Gael quickly shook her head. "No way! Little Daemon took good care of me, as did Little Mei and Hannah. I had a lot of fun on the trip!"

Jaehaerys and his son Baelon approached Vaegon. The old king patted Vaegon on the shoulder, his voice filled with relief. "Vaegon, was life in the Citadel tough? It's good to be back, it's good to be back."

Our Vaegon student, unusually, didn't wear his usual disdainful expression and bowed to his father. "Father, all is well."

Baelon smiled and said, "Little brother, stay a while longer this time, let's have a good chat."

Viserys, upon seeing his friend Leonno Strong, immediately rushed over excitedly and hugged him tightly. "Leonno! Old man, you're finally back! And let me tell you, my daughter Rhaenyra recently grew another tooth, she's so cute!"

Leonno chuckled and patted him on the back, "Viserys Highness Viserys, I missed you too, and of course, Otto and Aemma as well."

Otto Hightower wanted to go over too, but his daughter Alicent stopped him. Alicent pointed to Bethany and Mund on the ship and whispered, "Father, my cousin and my younger cousin are here too."

Otto immediately understood, turned and walked over with his son Garwin Hightower, asking his niece Bethany with concern, "Was the journey peaceful? How could Hobert have let you and your brother come alone?"

Bethany smiled and pulled Mund aside, nodding in agreement, "Uncle, you're too kind. We're just following Prince Daemon's group."

Big Horas Redwyne the Elder, accompanied by his nephew Alyn and Little Horas, approached his uncle Lyan Redwyne. The four men, spanning three generations, met amidst laughter and joy.

Clymont Crabb then approached Rupert, and before he could speak, Rupert excitedly rushed over and hugged him tightly. "Uncle! I missed you so much! I learned so much on this trip!"

Clymont paused, looking at his nephew who seemed much more cheerful, then smiled and patted him on the back, "Looks like you've really grown a lot."

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Dreamfyre spread its pale blue wings and flew towards the Dragonpit's lair;

The Glutton growled at Daemon, and with his permission, flew towards the familiar hill in King's Landing —its "territory" King's Landing.

Daemon was the last to disembark, followed by Rayford, Colin, Myles, Jarman, and other followers.

He had barely stepped onto the dock when Daemon Targaryen hugged him tightly. "Little Daemon! You're finally back!"

Our "Rogue Prince's" voice was filled with excitement, the "Dark Sister" at his waist gently clattering against Daemon's "Blackfyre," "Let me tell you, after I returned from the Twins and delivered the letter, the old man and our Crown Prince saw I was too idle, so they gave me this job as the commander of the capital's guards! From now on, I'll protect you in King's Landing's Landing!"

Daemon chuckled and patted him on the back, "Congratulations, this is an important, albeit unremarkable, position. I knew you could handle it."

The surrounding nobles couldn't help but smile with envy. The royal family was harmonious and prosperous, and the princes were like brothers. Some even whispered, "The two princes have such a good relationship; they're just like Prince Aemon and Prince Baelon back in the day."

Daemon Targaryen released Daemon and went to greet Rayford, Colin, and the others.

Daemon searched through the crowd for the owner of the gaze he had previously feared: Jocelyn Baratheon, the widow of Prince Aemon, who had been mistaken for his biological father in this life, and the mother of his "sister" Rhaenys.

Finally, he saw her beside Aemma. Jocelyn was wearing a black dress, the House Baratheon coat of arms on her chest particularly eye-catching, her black hair neatly combed, her eyes filled with complex emotions—expectation, nervousness, and a hint of barely perceptible concern.

Daemon took a deep breath and walked towards her step by step. Aemma thought he wanted to see his "niece," Princess Rhaenyra, and smiled as she handed her the swaddled baby, "Daemon, look, Rhaenyra has grown a lot. She was just smiling a moment ago."

Helpless, Daemon took Rhaenyra from him. The little girl blinked her round eyes, grabbed his fingers with her tiny hand, and gently shook them. Looking at his "niece" great-grandmother in his arms, his carefully prepared emotions were instantly disrupted, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

But just then, Jocelyn spoke first, her voice trembling slightly. "You're back?"

Daemon looked up and met her gaze. Her dark eyes were filled with mist, much like the morning fog in a Stormlands.

He took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, and gently handed Rhaenyra back to Aemma. Then, he slightly opened his arms and whispered, "Yes, I'm back—Mother."

The barely audible word "Mother" was uttered by Blackfyre Black Dragon," a " the Conqueror reborn" and "warrior descended to earth," who had lived a life of blood and fire. The two words, as light as a feather, stirred up a storm on the dock.

The crowd fell silent instantly, all eyes fixed on them. Tears streamed down Jocelyn's face. She reached out and gently stroked Daemon's cheek, her voice choked with emotion, "Could you call me again?"

"Of course, Mother." The second time was clearly easier to say than the first. This time, Daemon's voice was much firmer, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.

Jocelyn could no longer hold back. She hugged Daemon tightly, buried her face in his shoulder, and sobbed uncontrollably, "I've always dreamed of having a son like you."

"Now, you have a mother—" Daemon gently patted her back, his eyes slightly red—having been reborn and traversing a century of time, he finally had a "mother" again.

Jaehaerys, Alysanne, and Baelon all wore relieved smiles, clearly having already learned of Jocelyn's thoughts from Rhaenys and Boremund's letters.

Just then, our little princess Rhaenyra suddenly burst into tears. The little one was probably frightened by the commotion around her, or perhaps for something else; she was now waving her little hands, tears streaming down her face.

The royal family immediately scrambled to their feet, with others taking turns holding and comforting the little girl. Viserys quickly left his friend's side to take his daughter, gently soothing her, "Rhaenyra, don't cry, don't cry." Aemma also tried to play with her, but the little one continued to cry.

"How about I give it a try?" Daemon reached out and took Rhaenyra from Viserys's arms. Surprisingly, the little one, who had been crying and fussing and couldn't be soothed by anyone, gradually stopped crying as soon as she touched Daemon's hand. She even reached out her little hand, grabbed a strand of Daemon's long silver-gold hair, and giggled.

Viserys and Aemma, the parents, were stunned, then smiled helplessly. Viserys pretended to be angry and said, "You little rascal, you really know how to play favorites! You cry when your father holds you, but you laugh when your Uncle Daemon holds you!" Aemma also tapped Rhaenyra's little nose. "That's right, we won't give this little crybaby honey milk anymore."

Daemon, holding Rhaenyra, shook his head helplessly, then looked apologetically at Viserys and his wife, Gael, and Jocelyn. Jocelyn, unusually, shed her aloof expression, looking at Daemon with maternal love, waving her hand with a smile, her eyes full of understanding.

As the moon rose, its silvery light bathed the dock. Jaehaerys patted Daemon on the shoulder, his voice authoritative. "Alright, everyone's tired. Let's head back to the palace. Tonight, we'll host a banquet at the Red Keep to welcome our Little Daemon back."

Everyone echoed in agreement. Alysanne took Jocelyn's hand and said with a smile, "Jocelyn, you'll stay with me tonight, and we'll have a good talk." Jocelyn nodded, her eyes filled with maternal love as she looked at Daemon, almost overflowing with it.

Gael and Alicent, best friends, were reunited after a long separation. Holding hands, they chatted excitedly.

Gael then introduced Johanna, Brienne, and Alys Rivers to her. "Alicent, you already know Little Mei, so I won't introduce them. This is Hannah, this is Johanna Swann, this is Brienne Tarth, and that's Alys Rivers. They're all playmates that Little Daemon found for me on the parade."

Alicent smiled and nodded at the princess's unconscious display of affection, saying, "It's nice to meet you both."

Viserys, accompanied by his friends Otto and Leonno, stood respectfully around Vaegon, asking his uncle about the Citadel. Vaegon, though still sharp-tongued, unusually glanced at Baelon and Jaehaerys ahead, patiently answering his nephew's questions.

Daemon Targaryen, finding their conversation rather dull, pulled Larys, who was supporting his "Mr. Longlegs" with his Clubfoot, aside and whispered, "Larys, tell me, what's the deal with Vaegon's short assistant, Maester Bernard? He seems quite impressive, always following Vaegon around."

Larys chuckled and lowered his voice, "Well, I'm not too sure about that, but I've heard he's quite famous in the Citadel, especially for his astrological expertise."

As for Daemon's followers, they walked towards the Red Keep, chatting and laughing behind the Kingsguard and the Gold Cloaks. Myles and Tybolt, the two foodies, discussed the evening's dinner with great anticipation, while Colin and Alyn were planning to go fishing at Blackwater Bay again tomorrow.

The silvery moonlight spilled into the dark night of King's King's Landing, illuminating the road ahead of the royal procession.

But no one noticed that at the stern of the Redwyne fleet's flagship, which should have long since fallen silent, a pale gray figure sensed the dissipation of the lively crowd around it and quietly took flight, disappearing into the night.

It was Grey Ghost, the cowardly dragon, who cautiously followed behind the group, its golden eyes filled with curiosity, its wings fluttering slightly as it tried not to make a sound. In the end, this timid dragon could not bear to leave Daemon's "temptation" and quietly followed him, perfectly infiltrating the night of King's Landing's Landing.

The lights of the Red Keep twinkled ahead as Daemon, carrying Rhaenyra, walked through the crowd, enjoying the warmth and liveliness around him.

He knew that this journey spanning a century had only just begun; and King's Landing, the place where he had grown up in his previous life, had finally transformed from a place he had loathed and longed for in his past life into his true "home" and "haven" in this life.