Storms over King's Landing
Recalling the past, after resting last night, Daemon and his entourage formally paid their respects.
The morning light streamed through the high windows of the Red Keep, falling on the marble floor of the council chamber and making the Targaryen three-headed dragon emblem even clearer.
Daemon followed Larys through the corridor. As he approached, the golden-robed guards bowed respectfully, the clanging of their armor revealing their awe of the dragon and their fear of power.
King Jaehaerys was already waiting on the throne, Queen Alysanne sat to his side, and Prince Baelon stood beside the king, his back still straight despite the old wound under his ribs not having healed, his purple eyes full of composure.
As Daemon stepped into the hall, the old king gestured for him to come forward, his aged voice carrying the authority accumulated over the years. "My grandson, you have handled the storm crisis in your territory of Dragon's Roost Port and the entire Crab Claw Peninsula very well."
"It is all thanks to my grandfather's teachings and the support of the Iron Throne." Daemon bowed, his gaze sweeping across the hall. Maester Alar stood in the corner, holding a book in his hands, while Otto Hightower's seat was empty, clearly not yet arrived.
"I am aware of Otto's underhanded tactics." Jaehaerys tapped his scepter lightly, the crisp sound of the ruby tip striking the ground breaking the silence. "He's spreading rumors that you're raising a private army, plotting a rebellion, and even trying to sway the lords to question the authority of your fiefdoms. He's really getting senile."
Queen Alysanne added, "Viserys is unwell, but he understands Otto's thoughts. Yesterday, he specifically sent a message saying that command of the Joint Fleet must not fall into the hands of outsiders."
Baelon stepped forward and patted Daemon on the shoulder. "You need not be afraid. At the Small Council, I will stand by your side. Otto wants to use the lords to check you, but he has forgotten your achievements in pacifying the Narrow Sea and subjugating the Iron Islands. The lords of the Seven Kingdoms have their own judgment."
Daemon nodded and said in a deep voice, "Sun Ji's return this time is not only to respond to the doubts, but also to finalize the official charter of the Crownlands and to hand over the affairs of the Minister of Intelligence. Earl Bartimos Celtigar has arrived in King's Landing and can take over the intelligence network at any time."
"Granted." Jaehaerys nodded. "I will formally confirm the development rights of Crab Claw Peninsula at the Small Council, and no one may interfere. As for Otto, show him no mercy. Let him know that the Targaryen's Dragonfire is not something he can provoke at will."
As he left the council chamber, Larys was already waiting outside, holding a banquet menu. "Your Highness, Otto's banquet is scheduled for dusk. He has invited the Beesbury family of the Reach, as well as representatives from the Vale and Riverlands families—all core forces he has been cultivating."
"Yes, and the Westerlands too. Lord Taimond of House Lannister also sent Lancel Lannister; they are all core forces he has won over."
"Did the Duke of Taimond give any information about the House Lannister?" Daemon asked.
"Duke Taimond has sent a message to Lancel, warning him to be careful with his words," clearly not wanting to get involved in Otto's scheme. A sly glint flashed in Larys's eyes. "Lord Corlys has also replied, saying he will bring Mund House Velaryon and will definitely stand by His Highness's side."
Daemon sneered, his fingertips tracing the hilt of the Blackfyre: "Otto wants to use the feudal lords to exert pressure, so I'll show him who the true core of the Seven Kingdoms is."
"As for Bartimos, have him immediately clean up Riot's intelligence network of Otto and find his secret correspondence with Ellyn Beesbury."
"I have already sent someone to arrange it. It will be delivered to Your Highness before noon," Larys replied with a bow, his cane tapping crisply on the stone slab.
An undercurrent of tension was brewing at the Red Keep in the afternoon. Daemon encountered Viserys in the courtyard; he was wearing a loose silk robe, his face was pale, and his brow was furrowed with exhaustion.
"Little Daemon," Viserys stepped forward, his voice hoarse, "Please bear with Otto's situation. Aemma is about to give birth, and I—I simply can't manage it all."
"Brother, there's no need for you to blame yourself," Daemon said calmly. "Grandfather and Uncle Baelon will make their own decisions. I only need to do my duty and uphold the honor of the Targaryen."
Viserys's eyes were filled with complex emotions. He opened his mouth, but ultimately only let out a sigh, "Be careful of Otto, he—"
More troublesome than you imagined.
As dusk fell, Otto's mansion was brightly lit, and the banquet hall was filled with delicacies. Representatives of the feudal lords gathered in twos and threes, whispering among themselves.
When Daemon arrived with Bartimos and Larys, Otto immediately rose to greet him, a fake smile plastered on his face, "Your Highness Daemon, you must be tired from your journey. Please, have a seat."
Daemon's gaze swept across the room. The House Beesbury representative was speaking in hushed tones with people from the Vale and the Riverlands, while Lancel Lannister drank alone, his expression indifferent.
He walked straight to the head seat and sat down. The Glutton's dragon roar came from outside the city, the deep sound making the window frames tremble slightly, and the whispers in the banquet hall instantly disappeared.
"Your Highness has been undertaking large-scale construction and recruiting refugees in Dragon's Roost Port. It must have cost you a considerable amount of money, right?" Otto spoke first, his tone tentative. "Recently, there have been rumors that the Crownlands several thousand private soldiers, far exceeding the limits set by his fiefdom. Is this true?"
"Does Lord Otto mean to question my grandfather's will?" Daemon retorted, the hilt of his Blackfyre gleaming coldly in the lamplight. "Dragon's Roost Port is newly established and requires troops to defend against pirates and Wildlings. The number of private soldiers is within the limits approved by the Iron Throne, and every penny of their pay is registered by Rayford Rosby and can be checked at any time."
"But you, sir, frequently contact the feudal lords and spread rumors. What is your intention?"
Otto's expression changed slightly, but he forced himself to remain calm. "Your Highness is overthinking it. I'm just concerned about how Your Highness governs your fiefdom, fearing that potential problems might arise."
"A hidden danger?" Daemon sneered, gesturing for Larys to hand over a roll of parchment. "This is your correspondence with Ellyn Beesbury, instructing him to delay the allocation of supplies to the Dragon's Roost Port drainage canal, attempting to create chaos under the guise of the torrential rain. This concern" is far too malicious.
As the parchment was passed around, the feudal lords displayed a variety of expressions.
Corlys House Velaryon put down his wine glass and said in a deep voice, "Lord Otto, the Joint Fleet has just pacified the Narrow Sea. Dragon's Roost Port is crucial for protecting the northeast of the Narrow Sea. Your schemes are likely detrimental to the stability of the Seven Kingdoms."
Lancel, representing Taimond Lannister, also spoke up, "The Duke of Taimond has instructed that the Westerlands support His Highness Daemon's expansion of his fiefdom, and any action that hinders the development of the Crownlands is an act of hostility towards the Iron Throne."
Otto was taken aback when Daemon confronted him on the spot and presented concrete evidence, leaving him speechless.
Mund Hightower, standing behind him, tried to step forward to defend himself, but Otto stopped him with a raised hand, a sinister glint in his eyes.
"Today's banquet is meant to welcome His Highness, why bring up such unpleasant things?" Otto changed the subject, trying to ease the atmosphere. "How about we talk about the trade plans for the Crownlands? The House Celtigar has just taken over as Minister of Intelligence, so they must have many ideas."
Bartimos immediately chimed in, his tone tinged with obsequiousness. "Your Highness has already planned trade routes between Dragon's Roost Port, Crab Island, and even the entire Crab Claw Peninsula, as well as Tidehead Island and Lannisport. The House Celtigar is willing to take the lead in managing the Narrow Sea merchant ships, ensuring the safety of the routes, and increasing tax revenue for the Iron Throne."
Daemon ignored Otto's roundabout approach, stood up, and said, "The Crownlands's affairs are governed by established rules and regulations; there's no need for outsiders to interfere."
Thank you all for attending today. If anyone questions the will of the Iron Throne, please speak freely at the Small Council. I, Daemon Blackfyre, am always ready to answer.
After saying that, he turned and left. The Glutton's dragon roar echoed again, intertwining with his footsteps, like an invisible intimidation that silenced the banquet hall.
Upon returning to his temporary residence, Larys immediately reported, "Your Highness, Otto has sent people to contact the lords of the Riverlands, hoping to continue to consolidate his influence."
His Highness Viserys just sent word that he would like to see you again tomorrow.
"Very good." Daemon sat at the table, his fingertips tracing the map of the Narrow Sea. "After meeting with Viserys tomorrow, we will convene Small Council to completely resolve the dispute over fiefdom rights."
"Earl Bartimos, immediately have your spies on Crab Island keep a close eye on Otto's movements. If he dares to make any further moves, report it directly to your grandfather."
Bartimos bowed and replied, "I will do it immediately and will not let Otto succeed."
As night deepened, the lights of King's Landing flickered in the thin mist, like countless pairs of prying eyes.
Daemon stood by the window, gazing towards the Red Keep. The Glutton emitted deep dragon roars from the hills within the city, their dark shadows standing out vividly in the moonlight.
He knew that this power struggle in King's King's Landing had only just begun.
Otto's schemes, Viserys's wavering, and the lords' hesitations all lurk in the shadows, but as long as he has Dragonfire and swords in hand, the support of the Iron Throne, and loyal followers, he will eventually sweep away all obstacles and let the Targaryen dragonban fly high in both King's Landing and Dragon's Roost Port.