[Arthur's POV]
Daenerys and Raiden had both remained where Edric fell. For a long time, they remained unmoving. Mourning. So, too, was Arthur. Life was a blessing but it carried the curse of great burden. He couldn't quite shake the sense that Edric had died in his stead…
What is a knight to an Emperor?
There were thousands of knights, but only one Edric Stormfyre.
A Kingsguard's greatest act is to die protecting the man they are sworn to defend. Edric… could never quite accept that.
Arthur would cry many a tear for the loss of his brother.
[]
With all of their anchors gone, the Colossus and great undead horde was greatly weakened. Ser Arthur led the defence against them with the royal forces. Those who had awakened to their own visions had retained them, making the Stormguard the mightiest legion of all. They alone had defeated a hundred thousand undead, defending the Wall without fail.
Viserion had burned a further hundred thousand while Ser Arthur, the Kingsguard and all the other elite warriors under the winged stag's banner crushed the remaining lieutenants who did not retreat.
As for the Colossus, Raiden Shogun dealt the decisive blow.
Humanity had won.
Almost… flawlessly, in terms of the bigger picture. More than half of the North had paid the price, along with every prominent house. The rest of the world was untouched, except for the effects of Winter itself. The Night's Watch was disbanded with all of its members gaining enough land to live on, as per Edric's will. Jon chose a simpler life with Ygritte.
Sansa Stark's branch, as the eldest truly living Stark, would become the main Stark branch, with her eldest son taking the name Stark. With the bloom of spring, the world could finally breathe and prosper. Queen Daenerys would dedicate many resources and manpower to see the North rebuilt.
Ser Barristan stepped down from the position of Lord Commander with Ser Arthur inheriting his mantle. Daenerys would appoint Ser Sandor Clegane, who had accepted knighthood from Ser Arthur, and Ser Jaime Lannister for the two remaining positions. Although Daenerys wasn't the fondest of the last choice, she couldn't deny his valour on the field and ability as a warrior. Ser Arthur recommended him as well… and it made the most sense for the politics of the Westerlands.
The wounds Edric had inflicted on the Free Cities were fresh, yet, even without the Emperor's presence… the Eternal Throne was widely recognised as the one true superpower in the world. Daenerys had realised many of Edric's visions, including the Royal Order of Knights. These Royal Knights were formally acknowledged and served the Eternal Throne and Realm directly throughout the kingdoms. Robber knights, bandits and other bands of outlaws became supremely rare and were cut down within a week of activity at the very most. The Realm had never been safer.
After that… came the Reformation.
[Daenerys' pov]
"From this day forward, the High Septon will acknowledge and spread the belief that Edric Stormfyre was not the Chosen Son of the Seven but, rather, the Seven as One in living form."
Daenerys informed the High Septon.
"What God falls in battle?"
"..." Daenerys paused, glaring at him. "The kind who fights for his people. He died for you, yet you can't speak words in his favour."
"The Faith is not an instrument of the crown, Your Grace."
The High Septon seems to have grown some backbone since Edric's absence. Before, if Edric had told him to bark, he very well would have.
"I remember it differently," Daenerys remarked. "It must feel dignifying to stand up for yourself, hm? How much gold would it take to change your mind?"
"Three hundred thousand golds dragons may well be satisfactory..."
"Of course," Daenerys scoffed. "It is not the act of blasphemy you fear. The Faith is built upon greed, of which - you, the High Septon, are the greatest offender. All too fitting. It has been this way for many of the High Septons before you, hasn't it?"
"... It is hard to say," He replied, worry settling into his eyes.
"It is time for a reformation of the Faith..." Daenerys said, shaking her head. "And a change of High Septon. One who truly believes what he preaches."
"Surely we can speak more on this?"
"You had your chance. Now, you will have one more. Step down from your position and elect a successor of my choosing."
"... A chance of what?"
"Living."
Daenerys spoke bluntly, her violet eyes illuminating through the torch-lit shadows behind her.
"That... would be tyranny," The High Septon gulped.
"So be it."
As Daenerys blinked, a lightning-charged sword cut through the High Septon's chest. He tried to grasp at the blade, but its sparks only melted his fingers. He died quickly... falling right as Raiden withdrew her blade.
"I should have killed him from the first words he spoke," She said, her cold purple eyes utterly unmoved by death.
"I would not have disagreed," Daenerys took a deep breath. "Although it could not have been so difficult to simply follow orders..."
"It's better this way," Raiden withdrew her blade. "Now you can find a replacement who is truly dedicated to the vision we hold."
"You are right about that."
But who would be most fitting?
...
"Mom, when is Daddy going to come back?" Elizabeth questioned, her big lilac eyes sparkling with hope. "You said he's on a long journey… but long isn't very specific. He didn't leave us, right?"
"Of course not," Daenerys managed a smile as she lightly pinched her cheek. "He would never leave behind such an adorable princess."
"Then why does everyone look so sad?"
"They miss him, as much as you do," Daenerys reassured her.
"I miss him more than anyone," She shook her head.
Daenerys chuckled. "Mayhaps that is so. Come, let me fix your hair. It looks like a silver bush on top of your head."
"I don't care about that-"
"It's important to take care of yourself, even if you don't feel like it."
Elizabeth didn't put up much of a fight… unlike her older sister. She reminded her of what she once was, or rather, what she could have been. So sweet, lively. Unburdened by the many miseries of the world. Daenerys wanted to keep it that way.
"Can I have braids like yours?"
"Have you won any battles?" Daenerys questioned with a playful tone.
"I squashed the spider my friends were scared of," Elizabeth smiled.
"What a great victory," Daenerys chuckled. "I suppose I'll count it."
"Why would I need to win battles for braids anyway?" Elizabeth pouted. "It doesn't make sense."
"You don't have to worry about it," Daenerys patted her head. "You won't ever have to."
"... Hm," She did look a little confused. "Okay."
...
Choosing the High Septon's replacement was all too simple. Edric was very much revered, especially after his passing, which led to the blossoming of spring. With one problem solved, however, another rose. A plague of blood spread throughout King's Landing in a single day, taking thousands of lives. It was utterly unstoppable and reportedly had a mind of its own. Many had outright survived it without as much as a scratch, while others were brutally mutilated by it.
This plague would choose who to put to death.
Daenerys knew the source as soon as she heard of it.
It was the most terrifying form of blood magic... of which only one person in the world was capable of wielding.
Daenerys found Victoria on top of the Red Keep, where Daenerys could see Edric's shadow. There was an odd cloud above them, which rained blood strictly on her. Daenerys took a deep breath.
Victoria raised her head, basking in the blood.
"You must think I'm mad, mother..."
"You couldn't have consulted me before deciding on bloodying every street in the city?" Daenerys questioned.
"Why is it that my father dies while there are so many vermin in the world that get to live?"
"You decided to take justice into your own hands because of that?"
"So many horrible people get away with their devious acts..." Victoria nodded. "I got rid of them before they caused more harm. But... I didn't do it because of a sense of justice. I simply... felt... hateful. Angry. The only way I could feel better was spilling blood."
"I suppose, with that, I answered my own question," Victoria chuckled, turning to Daenerys. Scales grew from the bottom of her neck to cover half of her face. Her eyes were as red as the moon she had been born under. "Indeed, I am precisely what so many labelled me as. A monster. A walking disaster. A... mistake. Sometimes, I can't help but feel the same."
"I wish I wasn't... what I am."
"It's alright..."
Daenerys approached.
She was always the most troublesome of the three... and the one who she could never quite reach. Her admiration had been solely reserved for Edric, which Daenerys had understood. It didn't make it any better, however.
"The nature of your abilities doesn't define what you are," Daenerys raised her hand and touched the side of her face. "I know it's a difficult time for you; it is the same for many of us. This is your way of coping with your father's loss... and it's far from the worst day to do it."
"..."
"I don't disagree with justice being brought to those who have earned it. However, there are better ways to go about it. As far as most people are concerned, it is the sign of the 'end', a punishment from the gods... among many other theories. In the end, this lack of knowledge leads to chaos, instability and fear. All unnecessary and preventable, wouldn't you say?"
"... I just..."
"You were not a mistake, you were a miracle. A blessing that defied the great curse I once bore," Daenerys smiled, stroking her hair. "I should've never had a child, but... out you came. So strong, so full of life, so beautiful, and so very talented. Even if you clung to your father like wax to a seal and paid me little heed, I was overjoyed just to have you."
Her face had softened, and the deathly red glow in her eyes turned back to a deep violet. Even her scales faded.
"Visenya... you need only approach me, and I'll find an answer to any question you'd have. Any struggle, any conflict, I'll be there for you. We can solve everything together, don't you think?"
"I'm..." She fell into Daenerys' embrace, teary-eyed. "I hate myself. I hate the world. I hate everything. I... I'm sorry for being the way I am. You deserve so much better."
"I'll always love you, regardless."
Victoria burst into tears while Daenerys held her close.
She was just a little girl...
One burdened with so much at such a young age.
"I'll be better, I promise."
[Arthur's POV]
It seemed like just another day. The duties of a Kingsguard had become... largely peaceful. Even with the rise of magic wielders in the known world, Arthur thoroughly outclassed every single one. There was nothing to be afraid of. Still, he found this very same sense of 'peace' highly unsettling.
He didn't want it to take root in his mind and lower his guard, in case something suddenly dangerous arose...
"You look obscenely bored, Ser," Valaegor approached him, laughing. "The Lord Commander isn't above watching doors at night?"
"Not at all," Arthur smiled. "I'm not so special."
"I'm sure you'd rather be spending the night with Rhaerra than that door."
"The door isn't all too amusing," Arthur yawned. "It is my solemn duty, however."
"I do miss the good ol' days, venturing to the far east..." Valaegor reminisced.
"Well, you are free to venture wherever you want," Arthur remarked.
"Ah, but it wouldn't be the same, would it? You and Jaime are Kingsguard rooted to this place. Rhaerra is stuck to you and the Hound... well, he's the Hound. What is freedom when everyone else is chained, eh? A dull affair."
"Trying to relive the past isn't going to get you anywhere. Relish it for what it was. Instead, look for something new..."
"The man who stands guarding doors every other night is telling me that," Valaegor laughed.
"Precisely," Arthur smiled.
"Don't you ever wish to be free of it? Truly, honour and all of that aside?"
"No, this is my life."
"... Bloody R'hllor," Valaegor rolled his eyes. "You are one insane man."
"If that's what you would call it-"
"Argh..." Valaegor suddenly fell to his knees, holding his head. "What is this..."
"Are you alright?" Arthur knelt beside him, confused. "What happened?"
"My mind... I can't... no..."
His eyes flashed a fiery red as he suddenly rose and drew out Eclipse from Arthur's sheath - going straight for his neck. Arthur was slightly late to react, enduring a cut to his neck as the mighty sword carved through his defences.
Valaegor flashed forward with speed that... outmatched Arthur's own.
He carved into Arthur's chest, piercing through his armour.
"Edric's dynasty falls today."
Valaegor spoke coldly, entirely unlike himself.
"What happened to you... who are you?!"
"The one you call the Lord of Light."
His body began to burst in flames, ever expanding. Arthur formed a Geo shield to contain it, but it shattered instantly. At this rate... the entire Red Keep would explode right before his eyes, burning everything within it. Arthur put forth all of his magic in one last-ditch effort.
Then came the most deafening clap of thunder he had ever heard.
In the blink of an eye, a massive hole had emerged where the ceiling once was, the purple moon's light shining through. Valaegor's head had been smashed into the ground by a warhammer... the warhammer.
A golden cape waved with the sudden surge in wind while ice-cold rain poured down from the hole, putting out R'hllor's flames. Only one person could possibly make such an entrance.
Arthur managed a smile, despite his wounds... which were rapidly healing.
"The Great Other, the Lord of Light... it ain't make no fucking difference."
An unsuppressed wave of fury radiated from Edric's body.