Chapter Summaries

Jaehaerys settled postwar trade, Stepstones governance, Night's Watch aid, and the Joint Fleet's command structure at a Small Council meeting. Daemon left with Grey Ghost as Otto resolved to wait for divisions among the lords, while Daemon remained concerned about the warnings from beyond the Wall.

• Tyland, Corlys, and Daemon agreed on Triarchy tax arrangements, a joint Stepstones tax office, and measures to identify pirates posing as merchants.
• Corlys proposed governing the Stepstones from Bloodstone Island, and Viserys secured proportional appointments for the contributing lords after Otto challenged Velaryon's influence.
• Viserys, Borros, Daemon, Vaegon, and others arranged supplies, repairs, and astronomical observers for the Night's Watch, with Vaemond Velaryon and Lancel Lannister coordinating shipments.
• Corlys, Viserys, and Daemon shaped a Joint Fleet council, gave the Royal Fleet to the crown prince, and secured a wartime role for a dragonrider representative.
• Jaehaerys approved the council's decisions, and Daemon agreed to go drinking with Daemon Targaryen while Otto told Mund Hightower to wait for a chance to exploit the lords' dissatisfaction.

Theomore Harlaw arrived in King's Landing to offer the Iron Islands’ apologies, tribute, and submission on behalf of Gorne Greyjoy. Jaehaerys summoned Gorne to surrender his crown in three days, while Baelon and Daemon turned their attention to Dorne’s continued resistance.

• Harrold Westerling reported that an Iron Islands delegation had arrived, so Baelon recalled Jaehaerys, Taimond Lannister, Corlys Velaryon, and the other lords to the council chamber.
• Theomore Harlaw presented Gorne Greyjoy’s apologies and tribute, including goods recovered from Lannisport, and said the Ironborn responsible for the attacks had been bound for judgment.
• Theomore offered compensation to House Mallister and explained that Gorne had delayed submitting because he had been away in the Summer Isles and feared the Iron Throne’s victories over the Triarchy.
• Theomore delivered Gorne’s declaration of fealty and a Valyrian steel sword for Daemon; Jaehaerys accepted the offer and ordered Gorne to bring his crown to King's Landing in three days.
• Baelon said Dorne still had not sent an envoy, and Daemon proposed that its representatives witness Gorne’s surrender as a warning against continued resistance.
• After the council meeting, Daemon accepted Daemon Targaryen’s invitation to go drinking, while reflecting on the conflicts still ahead and his coming wedding on Dragonstone.

Daemon joined Borros Baratheon and their companions at the Oak Shield tavern for a victory celebration in King's Landing. As friends drank and relaxed around him, guards watched for threats and Larys Strong gathered information, while Daemon savored a rare respite after the war.

• Borros welcomed Daemon to the tavern and challenged him to join the drinking contest with Myles Rivers and Tybolt Crakehall.
• Jarman Waters warned Daemon that guards were watching three unfamiliar merchants, while Budimir Tarth kept Grey Ghost out of the crowd.
• Daemon Targaryen urged Daemon to drink, as Rupert Rosby tried to make him follow Princess Gael's orders and drink water instead.
• Larys Strong listened to merchants discuss trade and political changes across the Narrow Sea while the Reachmen and Stormlanders ate, drank, and shared stories.
• Daemon toasted with Daemon Targaryen and reflected on the bonds he had formed, choosing to enjoy the gathering despite dangers ahead.

Daemon read intelligence in the Red Keep and received letters from Gorne Greyjoy and Racallio Ryndoon about the Summer Isles. He began considering a plan to exploit the islands’ divided rulers and rich resources for the Iron Throne.

• Daemon arrived early at the intelligence room, where Gael found him reading reports and made sure he was dressed warmly before leaving him to work.
• Larys Strong gave Daemon a flattering letter from Gorne Greyjoy, who offered Summer Isles treasures and pledged the Iron Islands’ ships to the Iron Throne.
• Rayford Rosby delivered a letter from Racallio Ryndoon, who reported seizing islands near Walano and marrying a local chief on Jhala.
• Larys explained that Racallio’s position could disrupt Gorne’s planned trade route between the Iron Islands, the Summer Isles, and Slaver’s Bay.
• Daemon studied the Summer Isles’ resources and fragmented rule, then ordered Larys to monitor Racallio and Ironborn ships and investigate the islands’ princes.

After Duke Boremund Baratheon defeated Obara Sand’s raiders in the Dornish Marches, King Jaehaerys celebrated the victory and rewarded the allied forces. Daemon and Gael looked ahead to their betrothal as the Iron Islands’ submission remained the last step toward ending the year’s wars.

• A herald announced that Boremund and Donald Tarly had ambushed Obara Sand’s army, driving her into the desert and capturing twenty supply wagons.
• Daemon brought news of the victory to Jaehaerys, who praised Boremund and prepared a feast with Alysanne and Gael.
• Tyland Lannister, Corlys Velaryon, and Borros Baratheon attended the feast, where Jaehaerys awarded gold to Boremund, Donald Tarly, and the allied soldiers.
• Jaehaerys and Alysanne praised the alliance between the Stormlands and the royal family, and Alysanne promised to sew Boremund a commemorative cloak.
• Daemon and Gael watched the celebration together, and Daemon thought that Gorne Greyjoy’s submission and their betrothal were the remaining milestones ahead.

Gorne Greyjoy surrendered the Iron Islands’ crown to King Jaehaerys and secured a pardon by handing over rebels and promising compensation, taxes, and oversight. Daemon suspected Gorne also wanted royal protection for his threatened trade route, while preparations for Daemon and Gael’s betrothal continued.

• Daemon received Gorne Greyjoy at the docks as Gorne surrendered his crown and delivered twenty Ironborn involved in the attacks on Lannisport and Eagle Cape.
• Gorne offered compensation, gifts for Daemon and Gael, and a ship register, and promised the Iron Islands would stop raiding.
• King Jaehaerys pardoned the Iron Islands, allowed Gorne to remain High King, and required annual reports and royal approval of ship deployments.
• After Gorne left, Corlys and Tyland discussed how his submission would protect the Westerlands and the Iron Throne’s shipping routes.
• Larys told Daemon that Gorne’s trade with Slaver’s Bay had been disrupted by Racallio, and Daemon agreed to tolerate Gorne as long as he obeyed the rules.

King’s Landing welcomed the lords of Westeros and envoys from across the Narrow Sea for Daemon and Gael’s betrothal, celebrating the Joint Fleet’s successful patrol of Westerosi waters. After greeting their guests and preparing the ceremony, Daemon reflected on the Iron Throne’s growing strength as the betrothal was set to begin.

• Duke Boremund Baratheon returned to King’s Landing with allied forces after the Joint Fleet completed its patrol, while lords and foreign envoys arrived for Daemon and Gael’s betrothal.
• Daemon and Gael greeted guests bearing gifts, including Benjen Stark, the Dustin family, Theomore Manderly, Grover Tully, Yorbert Royce, Martyn Tyrell, and Tyland Lannister.
• Vaegon and Maester Bernard discussed Beren Dustin’s astronomy studies and the Citadel’s prediction that the cold wave would be delayed.
• King Jaehaerys, Queen Alysanne, and the Faith’s envoy reviewed the ceremony, while Daemon agreed to spar with Borros Baratheon and Brandon Stark using blunted swords.
• The gathered lords and children filled the Red Keep courtyard as Daemon reflected on the unity and growing strength of the Iron Throne; the ceremony was ready to begin after sunset.

King’s Landing celebrated Daemon and Gael’s betrothal with a dragon-filled procession and a grand ceremony at the Red Keep. Daemon played a harp for Gael before the gathered guests, while Alys Rivers and Larys Strong exchanged wary looks from the crowd.

• Dragons flew over King’s Landing as Daemon led a procession through the city with Gael and the royal family.
• Jocelyn, Rhaenys, Corlys, Jaehaerys, Alysanne, and Baelon welcomed Daemon and Gael and offered them gifts and blessings.
• Grand Maester Alar praised the betrothal of Daemon and Gael before the lords and foreign envoys gathered in the Red Keep courtyard.
• Daemon played a tender harp melody for Gael, and the guests fell silent as they listened.
• Alicent, Mysaria, Johanna, Bethany, and Alys Rivers watched Daemon play, each recalling their connection to him.
• Alys Rivers noticed Larys Strong watching her warily and answered his gaze with a mysterious smile.

Daemon and Gael celebrated their betrothal before the royal family, their allies, and lords from across Westeros, while political rivals and hidden threats watched from the sidelines. The festivities ended with Daemon raising Blackfyre as Glutton formed a three-headed dragon in the sky, though Alys Rivers and Larys Strong remained wary of the dangers ahead.

• Larys Strong spotted Alys Rivers watching Prince Little Daemon and asked Jarman Waters to keep an eye on her after Harwin Strong urged him to leave her alone.
• Daemon crowned Gael with a ruby-studded gold crown and vowed to protect her, and Gael tearfully promised to stay by his side.
• Daemon Targaryen argued with Rhea Royce while Otto Hightower, Taimond Lannister, and Grover Tully discussed Daemon's political influence, and a Braavosi envoy offered Corlys Velaryon an alliance supporting Rhaenys's succession.
• Daemon and Gael toasted the assembled lords and received gifts and declarations of loyalty from Daemon's followers as dragons flew above the Red Keep.
• Daemon reflected on his resolve to prevent the Dance of the Dragons and protect his family, while Alys Rivers watched and Larys Strong recorded his suspicions about her.
• Daemon led Gael onto the dais and raised Blackfyre as Glutton shaped dragonfire into a three-headed dragon, prompting cheers across King's Landing.

Daemon Blackfyre Targaryen and Gael Targaryen married in an ancient blood-and-fire ceremony on Dragonstone, witnessed by their family and dragons. After exchanging vows, they entered the Dragonpit together, where Daemon promised to make Gael a necklace from a black crystal.

• Jocelyn, Rhaenys, Laena, Laenor, and Queen Alysanne helped Daemon and Gael prepare for their wedding with family garments, keepsakes, and heirlooms.
• King Jaehaerys officiated as Daemon and Gael cut their lips, marked each other's foreheads with blood, drank wedding wine, and joined their bleeding palms while pledging themselves to each other.
• Glutton, Dreamfyre, and Grey Ghost circled above the ceremony as their relatives celebrated the marriage.
• Daemon accepted wedding gifts from their absent friends and relatives, then led Gael into the Dragonpit to find a black crystal for a necklace.

The Small Council argued over which fief to grant Daemon, with Otto Hightower opposing Bloodstone Island, the Crab Claw Peninsula, and Summerhall for different reasons. Daemon arrived as the council awaited his response, leaving the choice unresolved.

• Lyonel Strong rejected Bloodstone Island and argued that Daemon deserved a fief for his service to the Iron Throne.
• Otto Hightower warned that the Crab Claw Peninsula would let Daemon gain too much influence near King's Landing.
• Viserys proposed Summerhall, but Otto objected that its location near Dorne would require costly defenses.
• Vaegon Targaryen pointed out that all three proposed fiefs had serious flaws and that Daemon could not be left without a suitable holding.
• Jaehaerys asked where Daemon was, and Daemon entered the chamber as the council waited for him to choose.

Daemon chose the Crab Claw Peninsula as his fief and secured a royal charter, funds, people, and craftsmen to develop it into a strategic port and stronghold. He departed King's Landing with Gael and his followers to begin building a new city, while planning to unite the peninsula and prepare for threats ahead.

• Daemon chose the Crab Claw Peninsula and persuaded Jaehaerys to grant him authority to build castles, collect taxes, and deploy troops there.
• Jaehaerys named Daemon a prince, granted him a development charter, and promised five thousand gold dragons, three thousand Tyroshi people, and five hundred Myrish craftsmen.
• Daemon ordered Jarman Waters and Larys to survey the peninsula, coordinate supplies, gather intelligence, and prepare Houses Brune and Crabb for his arrival.
• Larys told Daemon that Alys Rivers wanted to join the expedition, and Daemon agreed while requiring her to report to him.
• Three days later, Daemon and Gael left King's Landing with dragons, transport ships, refugees, craftsmen, and supplies bound for the Crab Claw Peninsula.

Daemon began developing the Crab Claw Peninsula into a new port, organizing settlers, defenses, and construction while accepting Alys Rivers’s offer to help bring the Black Hill Tribe under his rule. As the first camp took shape, Daemon answered political offers from King's Landing and House Tyrell, then named the harbor Dragon's Roost Port.

• Daemon landed on the Crab Claw Peninsula and promised land, wages, and work to the people who joined his settlement.
• Daemon ordered refugees settled, workshops and fortifications built, marsh passages cleared, and the coastline patrolled while Gael reassured women and children.
• Alys Rivers brought three natives and offered to help secure the surrender of the Black Hill Tribe, and Daemon agreed to accompany her and restrict her private contact with them.
• Rayford Rosby reported Otto Hightower's plan to send officials and maesters and House Tyrell's offer of grain; Daemon accepted the aid while limiting the newcomers' authority and declining special treatment for Tyrell wine.
• Daemon and Gael named the harbor Dragon's Roost Port as the settlement celebrated its first night on the peninsula.

Daemon oversaw Dragon's Roost Port’s growth while managing the Black Hill Tribe’s submission and countering Otto Hightower’s influence over the new settlement. The chapter ended with Daemon preparing to lead Glutton against the cannibals the next day.

• Alys Rivers brought five Black Hill Tribe chieftains to Daemon, who agreed to help them drive cannibals from Black Hill and ordered Rupert to lead troops in support.
• Rayford Rosby told Daemon that Maester Maron and Ellyn Beesbury had arrived from King's Landing to oversee education and supplies, and Daemon restricted their authority and required Rayford to check the accounts.
• Garlan Tyrell delivered grain and wine from the Reach, and Daemon agreed to pay the asking price for the grain while giving merchants priority in buying the wine.
• Gael proposed setting up workshops for Tyroshi refugee craftsmen, and Daemon approved her plan and promised to speed up the drainage work before the expected storm.
• Daemon's people watched Otto Hightower's agents as Alys Rivers lingered by the marsh, and Daemon resolved to clear out the cannibals and bring the Black Hill Tribe into his fold.

Daemon conquered the cannibals of Black Hill and brought the tribe into his Prince's Domain Guard, securing food and ore for Dragon's Roost Port. He returned to find Otto Hightower's agents under surveillance and Alys Rivers's secretive methods drawing suspicion, while the port's construction continued under the threat of approaching rains and hidden schemes.

• Daemon led Glutton, Grey Ghost, and his troops into Black Hill, where they killed the cannibals and the old chief pledged the tribe's loyalty to him.
• Daemon ordered the battlefield cleared and the Black Hill Tribe added to the Prince's Domain Guard, while Alys Rivers revealed the cavern's stores of food and ore.
• Maester Maron secretly recorded information about the refugees and construction, and Ellyn Beesbury tried to learn about Daemon's deployments, but Rayford thwarted them.
• Gael and Mysaria oversaw the weaving workshop as Gael awaited Daemon's return and prepared for torrential rains expected in seven days.
• Daemon returned with food and ore, learned of the agents' activity and Jarman's report about Alys Rivers's poisoned needle, and ordered Rayford to keep watching them and Larys to report their movements to King's Landing.
• Daemon and Gael looked ahead to Dragon's Roost Port's future as Jarman and Harlan Hunter kept watch, while Maester Maron, Ellyn Beesbury, and Alys Rivers continued their secretive activity.

Daemon oversaw Dragon's Roost Port as a violent downpour threatened its unfinished drainage channel, while he dealt with agents disrupting the work and watched Alys Rivers's secretive dealings. The embankment held, the settlement recovered, and Daemon prepared to return to King's Landing for a Small Council meeting where he intended to place an ally of his own.

• Daemon ordered Rayford Rosby to seize timber from the warehouse and threatened Ser Ellyn Beesbury after he delayed supplies, then sent Black Hill Tribe warriors to reinforce the embankment.
• After Maester Maron disappeared while spreading distrust among refugees, Daemon sent Grey Ghost to retrieve him; Harlan also reported seeing Alys Rivers give a rune-marked black stone to the Black Hill Tribe's chief.
• Daemon ordered men to watch Alys Rivers and focused on the drainage channel as rain began, while Grey Ghost returned with Maron, whom Daemon forced to stop interfering and put to work under guard.
• When floodwater cracked the western embankment, Daemon, Rosso, Jarman, Rupert, and the Black Hill Tribe's warriors plugged it with sandbags as Glutton reduced the water outside with dragonfire.
• After the channel diverted the floodwater and the rain eased, Daemon ordered cleanup and repairs, rewarded the Black Hill Tribe with provisions, pay, and land, and decided to use Maron and Ellyn Beesbury to feed Otto false intelligence.
• Daemon watched Alys Rivers join Gael in distributing medicine and planned to return to King's Landing the day after tomorrow for a Small Council meeting, where he intended to plant a permanent ally.

Daemon traveled from Dragon's Roost Port to King's Landing, where Otto Hightower was maneuvering against his authority and influence over the Joint Fleet. After arriving, Daemon planned to visit King Jaehaerys and attend Otto's banquet, while recalling the morning after the previous day's torrential rain.

• Daemon left Gael in charge of Dragon's Roost Port and flew to King's Landing alongside the flagship Blackfyre.
• Bartimos told Daemon that Otto had been courting Reach and Westerlands lords, while Prince Viserys had refused to see Otto and might be avoiding his attempts to gain command of the Joint Fleet.
• Rupert and Berna discussed watching Alys Rivers and feeding Otto's spies false information as Alys secretly studied a rune-marked black stone.
• Larys told Daemon that Otto had prepared a banquet trap and spread rumors that Daemon was raising troops to rebel, while King Jaehaerys already knew of Otto's maneuvers.
• Daemon ordered Larys to summon House Velaryon and House Lannister representatives, then said he would visit King Jaehaerys before attending Otto's banquet.

Bartimos Celtigar arrived at Dragon's Roost Port with wealth, military support, and intelligence, pledging House Celtigar to Daemon. As Daemon prepared to leave for King's Landing, he arranged to use the port's spies to mislead Otto Hightower while Gael remained behind to oversee the growing settlement.

• Bartimos Celtigar arrived with Colin and surrendered House Celtigar's forces and resources on the Crab Claw Peninsula to Daemon, offering an ancestral seal and promising further wealth and fleet support.
• Daemon accepted Bartimos's pledge and instructed him to support Daemon on the Small Council, gather Otto Hightower's correspondence, and spread the impression that Daemon was focused on port construction.
• Bartimos gave Daemon a map of Narrow Sea pirates and trade prices, and Maester Maron and Ellyn Beesbury visited the tent to seek information about Daemon's plans.
• Daemon allowed Maron and Ellyn to continue spying so their reports would mislead Otto, and told Bartimos to portray Dragon's Roost Port's construction costs as a sign of weakness.
• House Celtigar's wealth and troops accelerated construction, while Gael distributed supplies and Daemon confirmed that he would leave for King's Landing the next day.
• Gael promised to protect Dragon's Roost Port while Daemon was away, and Alys Rivers watched Daemon and Gael from the shadows as Bartimos began considering the gains House Celtigar might make overseas.

Daemon secured Jaehaerys's support for his authority over Dragon's Roost Port and confronted Otto's pressure campaign at a banquet with evidence of his sabotage. He planned to meet Viserys and settle the dispute at the Small Council, while Otto continued seeking support among the lords.

• Jaehaerys confirmed that Daemon could develop the Crab Claw Peninsula and backed his plans to transfer the master of whisperers' duties to Bartimos Celtigar.
• Daemon learned that Otto was courting lords against him, ordered Bartimos to purge Otto's spies, and asked Larys to find letters exchanged with Ellyn Beesbury.
• Viserys warned Daemon to be careful of Otto, while Daemon assured him that Jaehaerys and Baelon would decide the matter.
• At Otto's banquet, Daemon presented letters showing Otto had tried to delay supplies for Dragon's Roost Port, and Corlys Velaryon and Lancel Lannister voiced support for Daemon.
• Daemon left the banquet after asserting that the Iron Throne's decree and his domain's charter were not open to outside interference.
• Daemon planned to meet Viserys and convene the Small Council, while Bartimos sent agents to watch Otto's movements.

Daemon visited Viserys in the Red Keep and warned him that Otto Hightower was trying to interfere with the Joint Fleet. He then spent time with Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen, setting aside political troubles for a family outing into the city.

• Daemon told Viserys that Dragon's Roost Port had weathered the rains and warned him that Otto Hightower was courting lords and obstructing supplies to challenge the Joint Fleet's command.
• Viserys said he had proposed placing the Joint Fleet under the crown prince's authority, but Otto was still disputing it in the Small Council.
• Aemma brought Rhaenyra to visit, and the little princess eagerly chose to stay with Daemon rather than go to Daemon Targaryen.
• Daemon Targaryen invited Daemon and Rhaenyra to a city tavern for sweet wine and honey-fruit pudding, while joking about his marriage to Rhea Royce.
• Queen Alysanne invited Daemon to supper, and Daemon left the Red Keep with Daemon Targaryen and Rhaenyra as Grey Ghost followed them.