114 AC
Viserys
Viserys would count himself lucky to lead a quiet life.
True, such a life might be impossible for one who bore the title of king, but even then, there were days when the burden of kingship wasn't so heavy to carry. Times when he almost pictured himself as merely another king in the long line of the house of the dragon. Should history remember him as simply a good enough king who merely continued Jaehaerys' legacy, he'd consider it glory aplenty.
He knew not all men shared his contentment. Plenty of men would never be satisfied with whatever they had, no matter how plentiful or abundant. Lord Corlys, with all his wealth. Daemon, with all his fame and prowess. Both were driven to hoard further wealth and glory.
He didn't condone them, but he did understand. He wasn't so arrogant to realize he was far more fortunate than most, nor was he so blind to not see how the ambitions of men could move the world.
A few days ago, a bundle of letters sent from the Stepstones arrived at Red Keep. One was a duplicate of the peace accord made with the Triarchy, while the others were missives sent by Daemon and Corlys, detailing what had transpired and their plans for the future.
Daemon and Corlys had returned to King's Landing with great fanfare. Viserys had ensured the news of victory would spread through the city, and they'd receive a heroes' welcome. A parade of the Gold Cloaks marching in formation led the procession through the city. Everywhere they went, men and women shouted praise and threw flower petals as the ringing of bells heralded their arrival.
He watched from his window as the procession came near. Daemon, with his easy smile on his black charger and stern Corlys on his white destrier, followed by Laenor and Corwyn, both lads distinguished themselves well in the Stepstones.
There would be a feast done in their honour tonight, but before that, there must be something to be discussed first.
The room was smaller than the one where small council meetings were held, but it was more than sufficient for a meeting between merely three men.
"Ah, welcome. Brother. Lord Corlys." Viserys greeted them. "We have plenty of refreshments ready if you need them. I hope the long travel wasn't too burdensome."
Corlys simply gave a respectful nod, though Daemon smirked in that peculiar manner of his.
"Hardly, though I will not refuse such a generous offer from my brother now, will I?"
Viserys and Daemon shared a small laugh at that, and Viserys observed the two men as they took their seats and poured their drinks. There were no servants to be had there as a precaution, and only two Kingsguard knights to guard his door.
"First, let me congratulate you on your victory in the Stepstones. I must say, to defeat the Three Daughters with barely any support from the crown is quite an achievement."
Daemon and Corlys glanced at each other but didn't say anything.
"However," Viserys continued. "The problem of holding it remains. If your letters are to be believed, then you claim to have some plan on how to move forward. A plan that requires the assistance of the crown."
Corlys put down his goblet. "Your grace." He began. "We suggest the islands are parcelled to the lords of the realm."
"So you implied in your letters. Yet I need you to elaborate on the matter before I can give my support."
Corlys clasped his fingers while Daemon continued to sip his wine.
"There are fourteen islands in the Stepstones. The largest will be taken by Prince Daemon as his right, while the second largest will be given to my younger son. The rest would be offered to anyone the King desires, provided they could fulfill a few conditions." Corlys said.
Viserys tapped his fingers on the table.In that case, each region in Westeros should receive at least one island to maintain the balance of power. Especially the Lords Paramount. Reasonable enough."What conditions?"
"The first condition is to bring a number of settlers to the island, ideally in the hundreds." Corlys said. "We have discussed this at length, and we find the situation in the Stepstones unacceptable. Stepstones have long been ruled by pirates, and it shows in what kind of people dwelled there. Pirates, smugglers, and whor*s. None are known for their loyalty or obedience to the law. Even the few honest people living there are foreigners, who have no reason to respect Westerosi rule. Those people will be knives brandished by our enemies in the coming days. Therefore, a strong nucleus of loyal citizens is important should we plan to make a lasting rule."
It rang true to Viserys. He doubted many good men could live on islands controlled by vicious, honourless pirates. He gestured for Corlys to continue.
"The second condition is that the toll rate of the islands must be set by the Iron Throne, and only the Iron Throne. It was the exorbitant rate of tolls set by the Crabfeeder that indirectly led to the war in the Stepstones in the first place. Should one of the Stepstones Lord turn greedy and do the same, we will tempt the rest of the Free Cities to unite against us."
Viserys nodded in understanding. "I will not mind if the right to set tolls and tariffs there remains a royal prerogative. Though I must question a few things."
Viserys looked at his brother in the eye. "You flew to the Stepstones with the intent to conquer a kingdom for yourself, and you succeeded. Are you fine with giving most of those islands away to people who didn't shed blood for them?"
Daemon waved his hand. "I gave my crown to you for a reason, and I've seen those islands with my own eyes besides. No worthy domain for a Targaryen king. Though, if you accept Corlys' boy's proposal, I will likely be the ruler of those islands anyway, even if my title won't be that of a king."
Corlys took that chance to interject. "Indeed, your grace. The Stepstones are simply too far to be directly governed by the Iron Throne, thus necessitating the appointment of a trusted vassal. Instead of a Lord Paramount, we proposed that a new position be created to govern the Stepstones in your name, to serve as you bid and rule as you allow. My son called it Lord Governor, though the name itself isn't as important as what the duty entailed."
"Your son." Viserys said. "Laenor?"
"No. Corwyn."
Viserys' eyebrows rose, but Corlyn continued unabated.
"The most important part of the position is that the matter of its appointment rests solely on the king's hand, where the king is allowed to revoke the privilege and grant it to another Stepstone's lord whenever he pleases. Should the holder of the title die in office, then the title will return to the king to be granted again instead of being automatically inherited by the holder's son."
Viserys thought it over. While in practice, the position would likely remain in Daemon and his line's hands, requiring the king to personally appoint anyone, giving the crown some flexibility in choosing the Lord Governor.
Viserys turned his head toward Daemon. "You're not opposed to this?"
Daemon shook his head amusedly. "I told you my loyalty is to you and the realm. I was earnest then, and I still am now."
Viserys looked down and mulled it over before he spoke again. "In that case, I'll consider your proposal. I should make my decision soon enough."
Daemon
Daemon was weary. Bored and slightly hungover, but mostly weary, as he made his way up from his bed after where he slept after the feast done in his name last night.
Daemon couldn't complain much. That was a fine feast, and twice as pleasant as usual as it was held to honour his accomplishments. Even the wine tasted sweeter.
He splashed his face with water and dressed before going outside. As he opened the door, his thoughts roamed back to the years past.
He remembered his grand plan when he dreamed to conquer the islands and build his own kingdom. That plan melted as fast as summer snow when he laid eyes on the Stepstones, and saw for himself just what was needed to transform them into something of worth. Every year, his desire to be a king dwindled. By the final year of the war, he had fought merely out of expectations instead of any genuine ambitions.
Perhaps it was a good thing for the war to end at the time it did. Should it have lasted for another year, he might've left out of sheer boredom.
The glory was enough reward for him.
As he made his way to the kitchen, he passed his royal brother, making his way to the feast hall.
"Daemon, fine morning to you." His brother said, his tone jovial. "I'm on my way to break my fast. Will you join me?"
Daemon shrugged. "I suppose. It's been a long time."
Viserys' smile widened. "Excellent. My wife and children will join us later. My wife will need to bring rowdy Aemond from his room first."
Daemon's face soured at the mention of the Hightower and her brood, but he held his tongue. He remembered just how much Viserys hated his family being insulted. Instead, he chose to speak of something else as the brothers walked side-by-side.
"Have you thought of Corlys' proposals?"
"I did, and I found no reason not to accept. Perhaps with some added caveats at most." Viserys glanced at Daemon. "I'm still surprised you refused to be named a king or even a Lord Paramount."
Daemon huffed in amusem*nt. "I have had enough talks about how much fishermen should be taxed and whether wine counts as a luxury good or not when I was your Master of Coins, Brother."
Daemon knew he lacked the patience or temperament to administer a new kingdom. Men expected something of their ruler, and he would rather not disappoint them, or at least more than he already did.
As they reached the feast hall, he saw that the table was already prepared. As he and Viserys took their seats, servants moved in carrying basketfuls of freshly baked bread, platters of eggs and sausages, along with apples and prunes.
Daemon took a piece of bread and broke it, as Viserys looked on in mild disapproval. Viserys might've chosen to wait for his family, but Daemon saw no reason to let his perfectly warm bread turn cold for the Hightower whelps.
"When did you say Rhaenyra would return from the Westerlands?" Daemon asked in between swallows.
"I don't know. The last raven only said she arrived last week. She should leave within another week or so at the earliest."
"Assuming she went back directly after Casterly Rock. For all we know, she'll tour the rest of the Westerlands looking for suitors in every nook and cranny."
His niece Rhaenyra had spent several months traveling across Westeros looking for a suitor. Being a beautiful and young heir to the throne, many lords tried to court her hands. Tried and failed, that is, since Rhaenyra made no sign she was going to accept any of them.
If he wasn't already married to the bronze bitch, Daemon might court her himself. It was unfortunate that his brother wouldn't let him annul the marriage, even though no children were produced by the union. If he read the situation correctly, then he might have another chance. Perhaps not a crown, but he would still rule.
Another road left untaken.
"This is what you get for promising your daughter she can marry whoever she wants. She'd just spend her time meandering over every choice." Daemon took another forkful of sausages before he spoke again. "Who are you inclined to choose for her, if it's up to you? I'm sure you have your considerations."
"I have several choices. The Lannisters are a respectable choice. An old and wealthy house. I also considered marrying her to Prince Qoren Martell and perhaps negotiate a peaceful annexation of Dorne in the future. My wife suggested Aegon, though their age difference made me hesitant."
Viserys didn't take long to answer, Daemon noted. He likely had pondered it for some time.
Daemon thought over the choices Viserys presented. Lannisters were prestigious enough for an Andal house, he supposed, though the idea of marrying the heiress of the realm to them galled him. The Martells were an even worse choice; he remembered how those craven snakes sabotaged his war effort without the decency to fight openly. And Aegon? That might be the worst.
"Have you considered the Velaryons?" Daemon asked. Velaryons had proven themselves to be loyal, competent, and of good Valyrian stock. Of all their options, the Velaryons came up the best.
"As a matter of fact, I do." Viserys answered. "Both lads have something to offer for the marriage. I know well they have no lack of wits, and their deeds in the Stepstones have proven their courage. I'm having a hard time deciding which one would be the superior match."
Daemon thought about it. He remembered that his first impressions of both were dissatisfactory. He thought the older was a peaco*ck, and the younger was uncanny with no will of his own. However, the war changed his perception of them slightly. Laenor was a peaco*ck, but not without a modicum of valour. Corwyn? He was still uncanny, but he proved to be the more competent of the two, and he did have a will.
He wasn't sure if either would make a fine consort for his niece, but it wouldn't be his choice to make.
The door opened, and Queen Alicent entered the room afterward with all her mewling whelps. Daemon contemplated staying before deciding against it. He swallowed his egg and gulped his wine before he made some noises about having a business with Corlys and left.
Corlys
"The king accepted our proposal." Corlys said to his sons as they lounged on couches facing each other inside the chamber provided by the king for their stay. Wine and cider were within reach, and on Corwyn's side was a jar of almonds he was fond of.
"It's a pity that we can't simply take all the islands for all that we gave." Laenor grumbled. "No other houses send men or ships there."
Corwyn was silent as he scooped another handful of almonds. He seemingly didn't like the idea either, even though it was primarily his. Corlys knew that feeling of being torn between your desires and necessity well.
"You know full well that Driftmark alone simply has no way to keep the entirety of the Stepstones." Corlys swirled his goblet of wine. "We lack the manpower and wealth necessary to settle them, nor the fleet to patrol the waters. Try it, and we'll be driven to ruin before long before we can recoup the losses." He took a small sip of his wine. "This way, we make the rest of the realm have a stake in its defense."
And that was the crux of it. They needed the backing of the whole realm if they intended to deter the Triarchy and Dorne in the coming years. Should the Velaryons take all the islands for themselves, then he couldn't guarantee they'd be able to do so or that other Westerosi houses wouldn't sabotage their effort in jealousy. Men were such petty creatures.
"I know. It doesn't make it any more pleasant, though."
Corlys would agree inside his heart. While the idea of giving away most of the Stepstones irked him, he just couldn't see another way where they could hold the entirety of it by themselves. Perhaps if Daemon agreed to be the Lord Paramount, but it was pretty clear he had lost interest in the Stepstones. Corlys couldn't be sure if he would ever be present on his island.
"It is what it is," Corlys said. He set his goblet down and gazed at his silent second son. "As for you, Corwyn, you'll be granted the Deathmaw as the second largest island. What do you have in mind?"
Building and pacifying a hostile island was no easy task, he knew. And should Daemon prove less attentive to the islands, then it would fall to his son to pacify the whole Stepstones in truth.
Corwyn filled his goblet with cider. "First, I'll change the name to something respectable. 'Deathmaw', who would want to live in such a place? I think something like Green Island would serve as a better name, unless I come up with something better in the future."
"Pirates have no naming sense. I do hope the future lords of the Stepstones will change them." Laenor added. Corlys agreed with him.
"The next step will be to survey the island thoroughly." Corwyn continued. "Look for things such as freshwater sources, natural harbours, locations suitable for settlement, and any resources fit for trade. After that, well, we need to build some defense for the island. Especially a keep and maybe some walled settlement for the settlers I brought. This phase might take three years minimum."
"And once those three years are done?" Corlys asked, curious.
"Focus on integrating the natives and building the island's economy. The 'natives' are a mishmash of different ancestry and culture with no strong identity of their own. Should I treat them with light hands and make them see the advantage of adopting our customs and obeying our laws, I'm sure they'll get around eventually. As for the economy, that would depend on our resources. But even if we lacked one, we still sit astride the best trade point on this side of the known world. Ships from Westeros, Essos, and the Summer Islands will pass through my domain. Making use of it will win my land plenty of wealth."
Corwyn had a good head for this. Laenor wasn't stupid, but he was too much of a free spirit in comparison to the dutiful Corwyn.Laenor took too much after me.Corlys thought ruefully.I spent most of my time as a lord sailing to gods know where instead of ruling as well.
At least both brothers were close. He had no doubt they would support each other in the future. Together, they would strengthen the Velaryons more than they could do alone, a sum that was greater than its parts.
"You thought of this well," Corlys said.
Corwyn tilted his head. "Thinking of it wouldn't be half as difficult as doing it."
Corlys smiled. "As in everything in life. Do what's necessary. Your house will back you to the hilt."
Corlys would consider himself a happy father. Both of his sons had grown to be impressive men. Laenor had proven his mettle beyond doubt, and Corwyn had received his own island to rule.
"You're really set on staying in King's Landing, Father? You know Mother misses you dearly." Laenor said.
Corlys nodded. "And I miss her as well, but I still have matters to settle and need to stay longer."
Laenor and Corwyn would return to Driftmark within two days, Laenor citing his need to help administer their home and Corwyn his need to prepare for his own lordship. Both opted to fly on Seasmoke, as the dragon was faster and Corlys intended to stay.
Princess Rhaenyra had spent the better part of the year looking for suitors and found none to her liking. At this rate, it was likely King Viserys who would decide her marriage. With their proven deeds and competence, either of his sons would make for a fine Prince Consort to her grace. It might take a while to convince the king and the princess both, but it could be done.
A royal marriage that would finally succeed in putting his and Rhaenys' blood on the throne would be a dream come true. And with one son to inherit Driftmark and another in the Stepstones, the Velaryons' future shall be secured forevermore.
"Good fortune to you then, Father." Corwyn said.
Otto
It was almost a perfect summer's night. The sky was clear with nary a cloud in sight, allowing the stars and full moon to shine brightly high above the Oldtown.
Otto was sitting in the comfortable hall with his nephew Ormund, watching the sea of stars from the tower window. Goblets of Arbor gold were set on the table, and the remains of their meals were recently cleaned.
"You take your duties well." Otto began. "Your father would be proud, Nephew."
"All thanks to your help, Uncle." His nephew answered. "I would be lost if not for your support."
"You do a disservice by dismissing your own skill. I doubt you would face much greater difficulty even without me being here. My heart is gladdened to see the Oldtown is in good hands."
His older brother, Hobert, had passed away four months ago because of a flux of sorts. It was a strange thing to think about. His always steady older brother, the rock pillar on whom their house leaned, could one day take sick and simply not be awake. He wasn't even that old, being only nine and forty.
It served as another reminder of the transience of life. Men lived and died just as quickly, but their blood and deeds remained.
"My father shared his plans with me." Ormund sipped his wine. "And I intend to honour his desires. I will continue to support my royal kin."
Otto dipped his head slightly. "I appreciate it, Nephew. The support of kin is always welcome in uncertain times."
"What news from King's Landing?" Ormund asked.
"Alicent said Aegon took to his lessons well, and Sunfyre is growing well and healthy."
His grandson Aegon had hatched his own dragon near a year ago. A golden dragon he took to name Sunfyre. It might not be able to grow as mighty as Vhagar in a short enough time to actually matter, but his existence served as an important symbol—that the Greens had a dragon of their own.
Otto hoped his other grandchildren would be able to hatch and claim their own dragons too, though even the second child was too young.
"I also heard news from the capital that Daemon and Corlys, along with the Velaryon sons, returned there with a triumph. The sons didn't stay too long, though Daemon and Corlys remained." Otto continued.
"That might explain the strange letter I received. Apparently, the king offered to parcel out the Stepstones to the lords of the realm. Bloodstone is given to Daemon, who's also named Prince of Bloodstone and Lord Governor of the Stepstones. Corwyn Velaryon is named the Lord of Deathmaw. The rest will be granted to other lords, provided they agree to a few conditions."
Otto quirked an eyebrow. "When was this letter received?"
"Just this afternoon." Ormund answered. "Should we make a bid? The conditions aren't so ruinous. We can spare a few hundred men to settle those islands and ships to guard them, and we have enough coins to build the place. We can have you or one of your sons as the lord there."
Otto considered it. "No, that would put me and mine under Daemon's rule. Knowing that man, he'd given me the poorest rock close to a pirate's nest and expected me to kiss his boots in gratitude."
Ormund shrugged helplessly. "Then we won't make the bid. The Redwynes must be happy. They intend to build a trade post on those islands, and I doubt there are any who can contest their offer. At least on the Reach."
Otto shifted in his chair. "The Stepstones are but a distraction. We must remain focused on the main game. What of Rhaenyra?"
"My contacts claimed the Lannisters were unsuccessful in wooing her."
"That's welcome news." The Lannisters were already predisposed to support Aegon's claim. Now, with Rhaenyra spurning them, there would be no reason for them to support her. "The Westerlands are well united behind the Lannisters. By courting the Lannisters, we can win an entire kingdom in support of Aegon."
Ormund smiled. "Patience, Uncle. Lannisters are ever a prideful lot. They'd demand something before agreeing to our offer."
Otto was silent for a moment, deliberating their next move. Courting Lannisters was obvious, along with uniting the Reach under Aegon's banner.
"We need to win support among fellow Reachermen as well, then." Otto said. "The Tyrells insist on neutrality for now, so we must focus on others. The Peakes support us, and both Fossoways and Redwynes are amenable. Given time, we can win their support."
"And Rhaenyra?"
"Her marriage is a concern. The worst possibility for us would be a marriage to the Velaryons. That would win her three dragons to her side, with Vhagar counted among those three."
"Don't you have allies in the Small Council, Uncle? Perhaps your allies can convince the king how such a marriage would be disadvantageous."
"I'll try to write to them then, though I doubt either could help. Lord Jasper Wylde is too hidebound and straightforward for such games, and I don't quite trust Ser Criston yet. The man had been Rhaenyra's supporter far longer than he had been Aegon's." Otto sighed. "Though if we can't convince Viserys away from the match entirely, perhaps we can convince him to marry Rhaenyra to Laenor, at least."
Ormund was obviously surprised by his words. "Laenor the burner? Would not tying him more tightly to Rhaenyra be more dangerous?"
"Laenor was rumoured to be a sword swallower. Perhaps his marriage to Rhaenyra would be proven unfruitful, and Aegon could ascend to the throne without any conflict or bloodshed. Besides, his reputation is wildly exaggerated. My eyes and ears in the Stepstones claimed Corwyn had the bigger contribution in the war among the two brothers, taking two islands and smashing many of the Triarchy's ships. There are even some whispers of him being the one who directed the course of the war."
Ormund looked doubtful. "Corwyn is a talented warrior, but I doubt a green boy on his first campaign can change the course of a war more than a dragon, Uncle. I don't doubt what your sources said, but perhaps his contribution was similarly exaggerated. It would be just like Lord Corlys to do such a thing."
"Perhaps." Otto conceded the point. He himself was unsure of what to take from the news from the Stepstones. "Though no matter the rumours, our course was clear enough. I'll seek to court Fossoways' support and the Lannisters' afterward. Let them stew in their discontentment for a while. In the meantime, my friends at court will dissuade the king from a Velaryon marriage."
"Or push for Laenor if it's impossible." Ormund said, finishing his dredges as he rose from his seat. "The night is late. Let us retire for the time being."
True to his words, Otto spent the next month corresponding with the Fossoways and successfully winning their promise of support to put a 'son of the Reach' on the Iron Throne. However, his friends on the Small Council weren't quite as successful, though neither did they fail, as a raven came from King's Landing announcing Rhaenyra's wedding with Laenor Velaryon in three months.
Author Notes:
Here we go.
While I have a good idea of the beginning and ending of the fic, the middle is pretty blurry and flexible. For example, I was always planning to have Rhaenyra marry a Velaryon. However, I hadn't decided which one until I wrote this chapter, and I did it by putting myself in Viserys' shoes and judging the pros and cons.
The reason why Viserys ultimately settled for Laenor is twofold. The first is that Laenor is a dragonrider, while Corwyn isn't. It makes sense, since the purpose of the marriage is to tie down Velaryon's dragon riders to the royal family. The second reason is that being the heir means that Laenor will receive the lion's share of Corlys' legendary wealth. That Driftmark is closer to King's Landing than the Stepstones is a nice bonus as well.
I also entertained the idea of having Daemon marry Alicent and fight a civil war against Rhaenyra at one point. However I just can't see him ever getting along with Otto. Of all the people he knows and at odds with, Otto seems to be the one he never reconciles with.
Someone asked me what's the inspiration for Corwyn in the PM. The answer is unironically Bittersteel, since I was reading the Dunk and Egg comics and thought, "Well, sh*t, this guy is baller." Bloodraven has magic and stuff, while Bittersteel is just an angry guy with a sword, yet he still gets pretty far in the end.
Pity that GRRM keeps sabotaging any chance for the Brackens to win. That's why Corwyn has no magic. The indomitability of human fighter build is just admirable.
For people who are wondering, the cast spent another three days in Stepstones before departing to King's Landing. That's why the last chapter was called 285 days in Stepstones, even though it ended on the 282nd day.
As always, rate and reviews!
