Surging Undercurrents, Late-Night Instructions

Undercurrents surged, a late-night entrustment

The morning light had already risen high in the sky, and the cold gleam of the Iron Throne cast a long, narrow shadow on the map of Westeros. Daemon, Baelon, and Corlys's fingertips were still tracing the jagged coastline of the Iron Islands, finalizing the coded signals for the scouts and the time for the fleet to rendezvous.

Queen Alysanne's attendants continued to enter the hall one after another, bowing as they presented warm ale and pastries. The soft tinkling of the silver bells on the trays broke the last vestiges of solemnity in the hall.

Baelon picked up a piece of honey cake, took a bite, but his brow remained furrowed. "Sir Grover Medgar Tully, the eldest heir of the Duke of Grave Tully, is far too hasty. Earl Lymond Mallister of Seagard, though a veteran, is still uncertain whether he can keep him in check."

Corlys took a sip of ale, a sharp glint flashing in his cloudy eyes. "It's alright. When Seagard was sacked by Urrigon Greyjoy, it was spared from destruction thanks to the assistance of Prince Little Daemon and his followers, as well as Prince Big Daemon and Gael, who happened to be traveling there at the time."

However, the entire Eagle Cape was still reduced to a sea of fire. Even though Uragon had died, the newly rebuilt dock berths in the past two years were still limited. The three thousand vanguards were crammed there, and their food and water supplies could not last three days.

As long as Lymond Earl refuses to admit him and cuts off his supplies, Medgar Tully, despite his great ambitions, can only wait in place.

Daemon didn't speak, but simply tapped his fingertips lightly on the location of Harlaw.

He knew that Medgar Tully's current recklessness might only be the beginning.

The lords in the hall seemed to be of one mind, but the scheming in Taimond Lannister's eyes, Otto Hightower's silent observation, and the ambitions lurking in the shadows were like the undercurrents around the Iron Islands, which could easily unleash a monstrous storm if not carefully watched.

He looked out the window. Beyond the high walls of the Red Keep, the surface of the Blackwater Rush shimmered, and the masts of warships stood like a dense forest. In addition to the salty dampness of the sea breeze, the air was filled with an invisible smell of gunpowder.

Daemon approached Earl Redwyne and asked in a low voice, "How is Garlan doing lately? Is Duke Mathos trusting him to participate in the war?"

Redwyne Earl, "Garlan is a good boy, steady and pragmatic. It's a pity that Mathos is easily swayed and always influenced by his bastards. Sending Garlan to the war this time was also to give him more experience. It's just that those bastards are ambitious and might cause Garlan trouble."

Daemon nodded. "Alyn and Little Horas are both doing well under my command. This time, I will have Sir Lyonel Corbray keep a close eye on Garlan. If the Wild Roses make any unusual moves, please inform them promptly, Earl."

The Reach has a strong military force and is the backbone of the southern allied forces; no mistakes can be made.

Taimond Lannister appeared beside the two at some point, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, "Prince Daemon's considerations are thorough; truly worthy of being the Conqueror Reborn." The Westerlands and the Ironborn have a long-standing feud; this time, they will surely pay for their blood debt.

Daemon glanced at Taimond, noticing the ambition in his eyes, and said calmly, "Please rest assured, Duke Taimond, the fate of the Ironborn this time will not disappoint you. However, the Westerlands Fleet must coordinate with the Southern Allied Forces and must not act rashly on its own."

A flicker of displeasure crossed Taimond's eyes, but he still nodded. "Of course I'll follow orders."

Meanwhile, Benjen Stark and Rodrik Dustin were discussing the the North Fleet's route when Herman Dustin silently approached Daemon and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, as far as I know, the the North soldiers are ready. Although Brandon is brave, I will remember your instructions and assist Benjen in keeping an eye on him."

Daemon patted him on the shoulder. "With you here this time, I feel at ease. The soldiers of the the North are brave and skilled in battle, and are the sole core of the Northern Alliance. You must hold the northern shore of the Iron Islands and not let a single Ironborn escape north."

Inside the council hall, the various lords gradually dispersed to prepare for their expeditions.

Daemon stayed behind to finalize the details with Baelon and Corlys. Jaehaerys walked up to him, his gaze complex. "My child, this expedition to the Iron Islands carries a heavy responsibility. We must not only eradicate the Ironborn but also safeguard the unity of the Seven Kingdoms."

You have more and more followers and your influence is growing. I know you have ambition, but remember, family ties and responsibilities must not be abandoned.

Daemon bowed respectfully. "Grandfather, rest assured, I have never forgotten my original intention. Everything I have done is for the protection of my family and for the peace of the Seven Kingdoms. After the Ironborn are wiped out, I will return to Dragon's Roost Port to continue developing my fiefdom and assist the royal family."

Jaehaerys looked at him, his eyes filled with satisfaction, yet also with a hint of worry. "My youngest Little Daemon, you'll only be fifteen next year. Your growth has already far exceeded my expectations. But the road to power is always fraught with thorns. Otto Hightower and Taimond Lannister, among others, each have their own ambitions. You must be very careful."

Queen Alysanne approached and handed Daemon a small brocade pouch. "This contains the antidote I had the maester prepare. I've heard that the Iron Islands have been secretly contacting the Lys and Myr, so the Ironborn's arrows must be poisoned. The Lys ' poisons are even more unpredictable. You must carry this with you at all times and take good care of yourself."

Daemon accepted the brocade pouch, his heart warmed. "Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. I will be careful."

It was afternoon when we left the council chamber, and sunlight streamed through the high windows of the Red Keep, casting its rays onto the stone pavement.

Gael, along with Mysaria and Johanna Swann, waited in the courtyard. Seeing Daemon approach, she quickly went to greet him, "The meeting is over? Did everything go smoothly?"

"Things went relatively smoothly, but Medgar's early departure might cause some unforeseen circumstances." Daemon held her hand, feeling the warmth of her palm. "I'll be setting off in three days. The journey will be long, so please take good care of yourself in King's Landing, take Alys's medicine on time, and don't worry about me."

A hint of worry flashed in Gael's eyes, but she still nodded. "I will. You take care of yourself and be sure to come back safely."

Alys said, "By the time you come back, my health will be almost fully recovered, and then we can—"

Before she could finish speaking, her cheeks were already flushed.

Daemon lowered his head and kissed her forehead. "I understand. When I get back, we can start trying for a baby."

Mysaria stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will take good care of Her Highness the Princess. Alys will also stay in King's Landing to take care of the Princess's health as needed."

Johanna gripped the short sword Daemon had given her at her waist. "If there's any unusual activity, I will protect Her Highness immediately."

Daemon nodded and turned to look at the followers waiting in the courtyard:

Lyonel Corbray, holding "Lady Forlorn," has a sharp gaze:

Crahas Hal was dressed in black leather armor, with the longsword given to him by Daemon at his waist;

Larys Strong leaned on his cane, his eyes gleaming;

Jarman Waters, Myles Rivers, Rupert Crabb, Colin Celtigar, Harlan Hunter stood in neat rows, their eyes resolute.

"Gentlemen, we will set out in three days," Daemon's booming voice echoed through the courtyard. "This campaign against the Ironborn is not only to wash away the shame of the Seven Kingdoms, but also to protect everything we cherish."

I promise that, upon victory in this battle, your share of Daemon Blackfyre glory will forever be a part of mine; your place will forever be a part Blackfyre Daemon future great achievements!

"We are willing to follow Your Highness through fire and water!" the followers shouted in unison, their voices echoing throughout the Red Keep.

For the next three days, King's Landing was immersed in a busy atmosphere of preparation for battle.

At the Blackwater Rush docks, the Joint Fleet's warships gradually assembled, the three-headed dragon emblems on their sails fluttering in the wind; outside the Red Keep, at the training grounds, soldiers intensified their training, the sounds of clashing armor and clashing weapons filling the air.

At Viserys's residence, the clerks worked through the night, tallying grain supplies and allocating resources.

Jocelyn prepared plenty of clothes and medicine for Daemon, and repeatedly reminded him to be careful.

On the eve of his departure, Daemon came to Gael's room again, watching her pack his bags, his eyes filled with reluctance.

"Since I'm not around, make sure you eat well, rest on time, and don't stay up late reading."

Daemon stroked her long hair, "If anything happens in King's Landing, contact Uncle Baelon or Corlys immediately. They will protect you."

Kou Gael nodded, her eyes reddening. "You must come back safely, I'll be waiting for you."

Daemon pulled her into his arms, feeling her warmth, his heart filled with determination.

He knew that this expedition was not just a war, but a crucial step in realizing his ambitions.

The destruction of the Iron Islands is imminent; how far away can the conquest of the Summer Isles be?

Releasing Gael from his embrace, Daemon's gaze quickly shifted from tenderness to sharpness.

He turned to Mysaria and Johanna, who were standing in the corner of the room. Seeing Daemon's expression, they immediately straightened their backs and waited for his instructions.

"Mysaria," Daemon's voice was low but carried an undeniable authority, "After I leave, you will take care of Gael's every need."

You must personally collect Alys Rivers's medicine every day, or she must deliver it to you personally. Then, supervise her to check or observe the maid's reaction after she has taken the medicine once before giving it to Gael. There must be no negligence whatsoever.

Within the Red Keep, undercurrents were running high. Otto Hightower's spies were already spread throughout the castle, and special attention should be paid to the seemingly harmless maids and servants. If anything unusual was discovered, no need to consult, deal with it directly.

Mysaria bowed and replied, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will protect Her Highness with my life and will not allow anyone to harm her in the slightest."

Her fingertips traced the short blade at her waist, a gift from Daemon after he saved her. Now, it was coated with a mild poison concocted by Alys Rivers, capable of numbing the nerves and making it effective against sudden dangers.

Daemon looked at Johanna, the "Black Swan" he had rescued from his passionate Gael, the short sword he had given her never leaving her side. "Johanna, you are in charge of internal security, coordinating with Brienne and Lia on the outside."

In the event of an assassination attempt or armed attack, prioritize escorting Gael to His Majesty and the Queen's palace, where the Kingsguard are stationed, making it the safest place.

Remember, your safety should always be the top priority.

"Yes, Your Highness!" Johanna bowed quickly, her voice firm and resolute.

After explaining the matters inside, Daemon took one last look at Gael, a hint of lingering affection in his eyes, before turning and pushing open the door to leave.

The night wind of the Red Keep ruffled his crimson cloak, and the dragon patterns on his armor gleamed coldly in the moonlight.

Beside the pillars outside Gael's room stood two figures, Brienne of Tarth and Lia Osgre.

Brienne was tall and imposing, wielding a heavy two-handed sword. The scratches on her armor bore witness to countless battles. Upon seeing Daemon emerge, she immediately stepped forward. "Your Highness."

"Brienne," Daemon said in a deep voice, "You and Lia will take turns guarding the passage outside the princess's bedchamber. No one is allowed to approach without permission, even if they claim to be the Queen, Lady Jocelyn, or Rhaenys's people. You must announce your presence, confirm their identity, and wait for Mysaria and the others inside the room to respond before allowing them to pass. If there is any resistance, you can act first and report later."

"Understood." Brienne's voice was as steady as her sword.

Lia Osgrei stepped forward and added, "Your Highness, we have searched the surrounding rooms and corridors, and cleared three corners where there might be hidden sentries, but we cannot rule out the possibility that some may have slipped through the net."

Before her younger brother was born, she was the heir to the House Osgrey, just like Rhea was the heir to the House Royce. She was innocent and naive.

Beneath her youthful appearance lies a keen insight into conspiracies and schemes.

Daemon nodded. "Well done. I will set off after tonight. You must remain vigilant until my triumphant return."

If anyone suspicious tries to approach Gael, write them down. Those you can decide to execute yourself, kill them on the spot. Those you cannot decide, I will personally lead the Glutton and the army to find them one by one when I return."

His words were not harsh, but they carried a chilling intent, causing both of them to shudder and bow again to accept the order.

As they stepped out of the castle, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows—it was Daemon's personal bodyguard, Budimir Tarth.

He is Brienne's younger brother, the eldest son and heir of the Earl Tarth Tarth, and will be the next Earl of the Evenfall Hall and the Earl of Tarth, as well as the "Evenstar".

Only the guilt that Damon's father, Earl Tarth, felt towards Prince Daemon, whom the world mistakenly believed to be Aemon's "deceased father," and the same guilt that his sister Brienne felt when her father, Earl, Tarth her to be Gael's personal bodyguard, made Daemon's personal bodyguard.

At this moment, he was leading two fine horses, with a long sword hanging from its sheath beside the saddle.

"Your Highness, everything is ready." Budimir's voice was deep, his gaze sweeping warily over his surroundings.

Daemon mounted his horse, the black steed pawing restlessly, as if it too sensed the approaching Storm.

"To our intelligence room."

He gave the order in a deep voice, then gently squeezed the horse's flanks, and the steed galloped off towards a secluded area on the west side of Red Keep.

Budimir followed closely behind, their figures moving silently through the night like two black lightning bolts.

between.

The night breeze carried the fragrance of flowers from the Red Keep tonight, brushing against Daemon's hair.

The instant he mounted his horse, Budimir had already deftly taken the reins, and the two horses galloped off towards the oak grove to the west, their hooves shattering the moonlight beneath the veranda.

The night was as dark as ink, with only the candlelight in the distant intelligence room shining faintly through the dense foliage. That light, like the lurking eye of a dragon, quietly awaited its master's arrival.

Daemon's gaze was sharp as an eagle's, sweeping across the silent palace walls and the sentry posts hidden in the shadows.

He knew that the Red Keep, though seemingly calm tonight, was actually rife with undercurrents, and that the small house hidden behind the woods was where his core power was gathered, and where he harbored ambitions that could overturn the entire war.

As the sound of horses' hooves faded into the deep night, a conspiracy concerning the fate of the Iron Islands and, even more so, the ownership of the Summer Isles, was about to slowly unfold in the flickering candlelight.