While the rest of the lords from all of the lands sworn to them had been busy with the feasts and celebrations for the new King and Queen of Westeros, which had become quite tiresome for Rhaenys, she did her best to put on a smile and bear with it. Will this be my new reality? She might have still liked to interact with other people and enjoy festivities even after everything that had happened, but it would be a while before she got adjusted to her new settings. I don't even know how to be a queen, despite all the stories I've heard.
Looking to Jaenyx and Visenya, who were whispering in each other's ears while drinking from their goblets, most would see them as having the time of their life with their new titles as "Prince" and "Princess." However, Rhaenys knew both of them well and saw that behind their smiles hid uncertainty, the kind that she felt at that moment.
Just moons ago, House Targaryen and House Belaerys were the last dragonlord houses of Valyria. Today, they were made into royal houses through the intervention of the northern lords, the stormlords, the riverlords who had sided with Colren Blackwood, and the lords around the Blackwater Bay. All of that would not have been possible if it weren't for Brandon Snow, who she was being quite open with the servant girls and other ladies who were attending via his direwolf Autumn. Naturally, many of them were scared by the red-brown creature, but Brandon's smile and having Autumn lick their hands made them less frightened. One thing that I will say in his favor. He's no brooder like his brother Lord Torrhen is.
Going back to their present situation, Aegon, herself, Jaenyx, and Visenya were now royals, while she and her brother-husband were queen and king. In the process, Torrhen, whose house had ruled as kings for thousands of years, had surrendered his crown because he trusted his brother that much. She made sure to find him after the coronation was done.
"Lord Stark," Rhaenys was going to have to get used to saying that.
"Your Grace," Torrhen addressed her while still getting used to his new title. The same went for her.
"I just wanted to let you know that even though you've sworn fealty to our family, you won't be treated as a simple subordinate," Rhaenys tried to assure him.
Torrhen nodded in gratitude. "I appreciate you saying that, Your Grace. And I know that with Brandon helping all of us through the whole process, I should expect good results from our pact."
Rhaenys gave a small smile. "Of course. What I wanted to tell you was that while you stepped down as King in the North, you don't have to do anything else. You don't have to actually surrender the Crown of Winter itself. Keep it as your family's keepsake, but just don't wear it. As the First Men of the North will play an important role in the future, you can expect special privileges from us."
"Again, I appreciate you saying that, my queen. But, I suggest you reserve those thoughts for when the festivities are over and we move onto more serious matters."
That was when Rhaenys knew that she was going to enjoy working alongside the overlord of the North. I shall like his frankness as a queen.
"Fair enough, my lord," Rhaenys responded.
While she might have not possessed any experience ruling as a royal, Rhaenys was not going to step back from what had just happened. Brandon Snow wanted this happen and he had abilities that no man she knew possessed. She had abilities that only her ancestor Daenys Targaryen possessed, which could only mean that the gods had intervened. Combined that with how many people had trusted her and her family to keep them safe and roll back their enemies, it would have been a betrayal for her to not step up to the task. May the gods guide me and the others towards peace and allow us to witness the final resolution, she prayed.
"What are you thinking, my queen?" Aegon turned to her.
Rhaenys looked at her husband, unrestrained desire filling her as she stared at Aegon. "My king," she said breathlessly.
"You feeling all right?" Aegon asked with some concern.
She put a hand on his cheek. "Don't worry, Egg. Just thinking."
"About the future?" Rhaenys nodded. "I am worried too, but with six dragons in the sky and with our babe on the way," Aegon rubbed her belly, where her pregnancy was becoming a little more obvious, just like with Visenya. "What could possibly stop us?"
Rhaenys wanted to say that she had more worries, but considering that they had just been coronated, there was a time to worry and a time to let the worries of the world go for even a short moment. This was the latter.
"You're right," Rhaenys nodded before pulling Aegon into a kiss, prompting cheers from the hall at their new rulers showing affection for each other. "You really know what to say, don't you?"
"Hey, it's me," Aegon cracked a grin.
How could my love for Egg just keep growing? She had loved Aegon since she was eight, but the past moons had made her love him even more. Carrying their child certainly made her longing her husband more, just like with Visenya.
Pretty soon, the festivities were over as their guests started to become numb from all of the wine they drunk and became drowsy from all of the food they consumed. Aegon had told his parents to not spare any expense when it came to the feast, as might be their last one in a while before marching off to war again.
Torrhen and Jocelyn, now Warden and Wardeness of the North, were granted the guest quarters of Dragonstone and from how Rhaenys saw it, things would become quite… heated between them that night. She knew for certain that Visenya and Jaenyx would engage in some rough lovemaking that night also in order to celebrate their new titles, but it must've been the pregnancy doing much of the thinking for her. I'm certainly feeling that way.
Aegon and Rhaenys crossed the hall to the door while some of their guests remained and exited into the hallway. But for some reason, she could feel Aegon forming up a ball of nervousness that would swell up inside him at what had happened today. It's not because of the coronation. She knew that her husband went through the ceremony as seriously as he could and could feel the weight of the crown he now wore. But for him to feel nervous… What's going on?
"Egg," Rhaenys said softly. "What's the matter?"
He forced a smile. "Nothing, Rhae… Let's go to our chambers."
They walked in silence towards their room, side by side but eyes kept straight ahead. Every errant sound - from the sounds that they made with their foots stepping on the smooth volcanic floor, to his breaths, to the winds of the Blackwater Bay groaning against the castle walls. They all pounded in their ears like a raging storm. But each time he wished to speak, she saw that he couldn't. What does he want to say?
Wordlessly, he opened the door, allowing Rhaenys to enter before he did and shutting it behind him. An overwhelming cold washed over Aegon. She could see that her mighty Targaryen king was suddenly desirous of warmth, of the life-giving heat from the one he loved. And I want his warmth also. "Rhae…"
When he himself turned, Rhaenys made sure to stand close to him as she outstretched her arms. She opened wide to welcome his embrace. She knew what he needed and knew what to do in order to make him feel more at ease. "Egg, my love," she cooed, accepting him to the crook of her neck.
Aegon inhaled the familiar scent of the soft skin before kissing her neck. "Gods, I love you." "I adore you," he choked out, dropping more kisses on her neck. Making her shiver with happiness. "Today was a glorious day, but I've never felt so heavy in my life."
"Why is that?" Rhaenys kept embracing him.
"So much has happened already and so much more will happen before we know some peace," Aegon admitted. "I know that I said that everything will be fine as long as we're together, but thinking about it just makes it very heavy on my mind."
"Shhh…" One hand wrapped around his back, other in his hair, both stroked him gently. Rhaenys' touch more soothing than the softest of beds. "Let's not worry about it now, my dragon. We're here, alone in our home… and with all of us here." She pulled back, gazing at him with those wondrous violet eyes. "I just want you to be my Aegon. And I, your Rhae."
Smile curling in his lips, Aegon's heart skipped. The young dragon king, unable to resist the welcoming warmth of his dragon, leaned forward to kiss his wife. Arms tight around her still trim waist while hers weaved into his hair. Their tongues danced together much as their dragons did, playing high in the air.
Unfortunately, the compulsion to breath overcame their need for the other and they broke apart. He inhaled quick breaths, dropping his forehead on hers. "I love you, Rhae."
She seemed to melt further in his embrace. "I love you too, Egg." With all that was happening, she knew that it was comforting for her king to hear her call him by his childhood name. It was one of the things that remained of a youth that Aegon sometimes longed for, a youth that would rapidly disappear in due time like all things in life. "You are mine, my King."
It wasn't possessive to his ears, simply the deepest comfort. "Good. I'd be lost without you."
Rhaenys kissed his cheek. Eyes glowing with conviction. "You'll never have to find out ever. I'll always be here, and our babe." Turning, she gazed at their quarters. Boots clicking on the stone tiles as she ran a hand along the dusty surface of the well-carved table, the one they had used since they married under the gods of Valyria. "This has always been comfortable."
Aegon shrugged, not really caring for the table. "Well, we're on a volcano after all. Whether it be summer or winter, we'll always have the fire to warm us here and the winds to cool us."
She took a moment to look around their chambers. "If we're going to live like a proper king and queen, we might have to make things more decorative. Probably get new sheets for our bed, get a bigger one so that our children might sleep with us if they are scared, a bigger table so that we might eat our meals in private away from the others, and maybe our own hearth. That way, we can have the comforts of the castle in our room and we'll never have to leave, thus allowing us to have more time."
Shrugging again, Aegon leaned against the walls. "We'll see what we can do about that, after the war is done. And after our babe is born."
Closing her eyes, Rhaenys could only dream about what their babe would be like. "If our babe is a healthy boy like his father, with strong arms, soft hair, and piercing eyes, then we should name him after you."
"That'll be nice," Aegon kept holding her waist. "But maybe we could save that for when we have another son, if we do."
Rhaenys's heart melted at what he just said. So he wants to have more than one child. Like me. "So what name do you have in mind?"
"How about we name him after someone we care for? Someone who we knew just as long as Orys?"
There was only one person that came to Rhaenys' mind. "Daemon?"
"Yeah, yeah," Aegon nodded. "Whatever our children do, they will be good at it. And Daemon is the example that all must follow."
"Daemon Targaryen," the name rolled off of her tongue like a well-written song. "I like it. And if it's a girl?"
"Only names that I can think of are that of our mother, Daenys, or Elaena. While I really hope to have a son, since our pact with the north depends on it, just know that I will love our child and we will watch him or her grow."
Rhaenys pecked his lips. "I know we will."
"Thinking about it makes me so happy for our future niece or nephew," Aegon said with giddiness, which surprised Rhaenys. That is certainly a side to Egg that I haven't seen, till now.
"If it's a boy, then he will be a great warrior just like his parents. If it's a girl, it'll be a great beauty of Valyria just like Vis," Rhaenys declared. "But I'm a bit jealous because unlike us, they won't have to worry about what kind of child they will have."
"I'm sure that they don't really care," Aegon answered. "As long as the child is healthy, everything will be fine. But… after we have a son, then we won't have to worry anymore."
"Agreed," Rhaenys accepted. "And I also hope that the girl our son will be betrothed to will be a great beauty of the First Men. Our children deserve nothing less."
"Of course," Aegon agreed. "A dragon must have something to match it, and that applies to us. Once this is all over, we'll be doing a lot of things to make our family not worry so much as we did. It'll be great."
Of that, Rhaenys had no doubt. He doesn't need a crown to be a great father, but our children will be in good hands if he continues like this. Her smile changed into a sultry smirk… one that she knew that he knew quite well. "You know, I saw Lord and Lady Stark go into their chambers looking a little more heated than usual. We both know what Jae and Vis are doing at this moment. And it's been a few weeks since we…" Rhaenys wiggled her eyebrows.
Aegon's eyes darkened. "Oh, yes. What will we do with the time?"
The mischievous smirk on her face only widened. "Oh Egg, I didn't mean to disturb you. I'm sure you must attend to your kingly duties so late at this hour."
She saw his eyes turn, and saw that he was starting to play along. "Oh? You may be right… but someone as pretty as you can gain my interest."
"And how would I do that?" Her words were innocent, but the look in her eyes were anything but. "I certainly don't want you to squander what energies you must devote to the well-being of your people."
"With those teats?" Aegon's hands ghosted down her curves, cupping her breasts "I'm surprised he hasn't claimed you as I am about to." He pulled her flush against him, drawing a gasp from Rhaenys. "You're not a maiden, are you?"
She nodded vigorously. "No, my Lord. No man has touched me before you." And he's the only man that I will allow to touch me.
"Good." Unable to resist, he roared in. Mouth nipping and sucking and tonguing the creamy column of her neck. Fingers desperately going for the skirts of her dress, seeking to make contact with her wetness.
When his touch hit her folds, brushed against her nub, Rhaenys gasped. "Yes, Aegon… oh my love…" Just the hint of contact ended all hope to keep up the charade. So he didn't. Pulling away to a displeased pout, only to simply yank up her dress and pulling it off of her.
Rhaenys' smallclothes were already soaked. Her breasts slowly becoming heavy and full in preparation for their child entering the world. Aegon's mouth watered. "Mine." Sliding the offending fabric off, Aegon counted himself the luckiest man in the world. Pushing her to the bed, tossing her on like a ragdoll and climbing on top of her. Assaulting her breasts with his tongue, drawing out the most delicious moans and muffled screams. It wasn't enough for him. Hells, it's not enough for me.
"I need to be inside you," Aegon begged.
Her violet eyes turned dark with complete lust. Hands frantic, she tore at his clothes. Rips and tears and buttons popping creating more work for the seamstresses as she bared Aegon's body. Aegon hissed when she went straight for his cock, dainty fingers wrapping around his smooth, thick shaft. "Inside me now, Black Dragon," she called him by Taygor's chosen title.
Growling, Aegon pinned her to the bed and thrust inside her in one move. Catching her cries of pleasure with his own lips. The kiss grew languid and passionate while he rocked into her. Slow and gentle, in contrast to the frenzied lust of before. Aegon wanted her, wanted Rhaenys to know that they would always be together.
Eyes opening, she locked them with his. The new King of All Westeros staring into the glittering amethyst pools that entranced him from the moment he laid eyes on her. No matter the power of the kiss, the rocking of her body as he thrusted into her tight heat, never did they break eye contact.
She knew what Aegon was thinking: that she was breathtaking and utterly spellbinding, what enchantresses were made of. As for Rhaenys, all she could look upon was the beautiful form of her husband and how the scars on his skin added to the allur. Aegon loved her, loved her more than anything. His love. His life. His everything. The mighty dragon that had won his heart, every second of lovemaking hoping to show her just how much he truly did. "I love you," he whispered, head dropping to her ear. "I love you." It was feelings that she reciprocated in kind, feelings that she had since she was a child.
Suddenly, he heard her rasping moan, back arching. "I… fuck… love you… too… oh Egg!"
Feeling his seed spill inside of her, Aegon slid off of his wife and rubbed her belly once more. However, with the weight of the day bearing down on them and sensing what the next held, they fell asleep in each other's arms, their first as king and queen.
In the chamber with the wooden table of Westeros, Rhaenys sat alongside Aegon as the influential lords sworn to them had gathered around. Besides Jaenyx and Visenya their mother and father, and Orys and Argella, among those that were invited were Brandon, their cousin Daemon, Crispian Celtigar, Torrhen, Jocelyn, Taygor, and the Harus.
With the coronation over, it was time to make things more formal for the forces under them. The previous arrangement would not be feasible in the foreseeable future, and those with royal titles had to implement an adequate organization in order to make their affairs run smoother, an organization that they intended to implement.
"My lords, thank you all for coming," Rhaenys began. "And on behalf of House Targaryen, and I believe that I also speak for House Belaerys," Jaenyx nodded his approval. "I thank you all for supporting us as your new rulers."
"We decided to support you because you and your family represents great change, Your Grace," Torrhen replied. "And I trusted my brother enough to make such a momentous decision."
"And we shall prove that trust accordingly, my lord," Aegon spoke. "But I must admit that I am at a loss."
"What do you mean, King Aegon?" Jocelyn inquired.
"I might be your king and ride a dragon, but while our first concern is winning the war, we must have an eye of the future," Aegon stood up. "Once the war is done, there will be much reorganization, much building and rebuilding, and much formalization under the new realm. When it comes to matters such as how to handle ships or how to properly allocate harvests, I confess that I don't have the knowledge to adequately ensure that those affairs will run smoothly for our new people. And let's face it. A ruler cannot rule on his or her own."
"So, the purpose of this meeting is to come up with a solution with how to best advise your rulers," Rhaenys finished for him. "In times of war and peace, there must be a realm to rule. Do you have any suggestion?"
"I have one," Jaenyx joined in. Rhaenys nodded for her good-brother to continue. "In the days of Valyria, there was a council made up of the forty dragonlord families. These members were each referred to as Lord Freeholder and all had a say in how the Freehold was governed. Each dragonlord family represented a different interested in the Freehold and thus, Valyria was able to ensure that all of its participating groups had a voice when matters of importance were discussed."
"And you're suggesting that such a system could also work in these times, Your Grace?" Colren Blackwood asked.
"Not in its pure form, but we could adapt it to the conditions in Westeros," Jaenyx responded. "Each interest was represented, but it might not be feasible for a potential council to have members representing different geographical regions of this continent, as each region might have competing interests and thus decreasing efficiency due to internal conflicts."
"I agree with Prince Jaenyx," Crispian Celtigar bobbed his head. "If we were to form a council to rule over the realm, we must organize it based on each area of importance. Someone must be the chief advisor to our king and queen, so the person with the best ability should fill that role. Same thing in other matters such as those relating to coin, laws, warfare, and the sea. Each post will be filled with people who are best qualified for the post's duties."
Aegon, Rhaenys, Jaenyx, Visenya, and everyone else nodded at Lord Crispian's suggestions.
"And regarding the titles of each position, it should reflect one's mastery over the area in question," Daemon added. "Such as… Master of Coin."
"I like that, Daemon," Aegon concurred. "So… regarding the Master of Coin, I can only think of one person for the post." He turned to Crispian. "As the wealthiest house directly under Dragonstone and having seen you handle large amounts of coin successfully, you are the natural choice for the first holder of the post."
Crispian bowed his head. "I'm honored, Your Grace."
"Daemon," Aegon turned to their cousin. "You know how to command ships better than anyone I know. Therefore, I will appoint you as my first Master of Ships."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Daemon smiled while dipping his head.
"So for laws… that's going to be tricky," Rhaenys admitted. "Most of Westeros has been governed by the laws of the Faith, but as we are a force that is actively fighting against the Starry Sept, the realm will have need for new laws. Laws that will combine the First Men traditions and those of Valyria."
"In that case, Your Grace," Brandon joined in. Everyone eyed him, expecting him to nominate himself. "That post should go to my brother, Torrhen Stark."
Rhaenys was astonished, as was Torrhen. "What is your reason for picking him, Lord Snow?"
"Besides being the former King in the North and now Warden of the North, Torrhen is the head of House Stark, who had ruled the North for thousands of years and had resisted the Andals thanks to Theon Stark," Brandon explained. "If there is one house who is familiar with how the laws of the First Men work, it is the Starks and Torrhen can help lay down the laws that will guide all of Westeros in the future."
"But surely, such a post might be strenuous for your brother, as he has duties in the North," Rhaenys pointed out.
"His son and heir, Bennard Stark, is capable of running Winterfell and the Northern kingdom on his own," Brandon said. "Most importantly, you need a strong representative of the First Men if you want to successfully implement the First Men laws in Westeros again."
"Couldn't the same be said of Colren Blackwood?" Visenya asked Brandon.
"Your Graces," voiced the Lord of Raventree Hall. "I will consider it a high honor to advise you on matters of the realm here and in the future. But if we're talking strength and ability, then I must concede to Torrhen Stark. I have to build up my house's strength if I am to make my family relevant in the new realm."
"And you shall succeed, Lord Colren," Aegon nodded. "Which reminds me. You, along with House Mallister and House Darry, have kept faith with our family when the Riverlands were temporarily overrun. You resisted the Lannisters and their turncoats and held them off. There is only one reward that I can think of when it comes to such bravery in the face of danger."
The Lord of Raventree Hall looked at Aegon, surprised. "Your Grace?"
"As the most powerful house in the region at the moment," Rhaenys stated. "We would like to make you the overlords of the riverlands, with your new title being Lord Paramount of the Riverlands while your current title shall be acknowledged as a high one. Do you accept, my lord?"
She could see that the head of House Blackwood had not anticipated such a reward, despite him being reserved from the first time she had met him. However, the Blackwoods were Old Gods' worshippers and this was the first step to empowering the First Men south of the Neck.
"I do accept, Your Grace. Thank you… for knowing my family's sacrifice," Colren answered with gratefulness.
"We would be shit rulers if we didn't know how to do that," Aegon said bluntly, causing chuckles in the chamber. "But moving on, your argument for having Torrhen Stark be the first Master of Laws for Westeros is rooted in good sense, Lord Snow. It will be quite refreshing if all of our lords believed in, what was it? 'He who passes the sentence should swing the sword.'"
"That is correct, Your Grace," Torrhen confirmed.
"So, Lord Stark, I hereby offer you the post as the first Master of Laws. Do you accept?"
Torrhen looked to Brandon again, who nodded, before looking back to Aegon. "I do accept, Your Grace."
"Excellent," Aegon grinned before moving on. "Next, we must select a Master of War. It must be someone who understands battle tactics and can command armies for extended periods while having a well-rounded knowledge of warfare. Any suggestions?"
"Your Grace," Argella put her hands on the table. "I nominate Orys Baratheon, your brother, to that post."
"He does have merit, Aegon," Visenya added. "Not only did he command the stormlords to victory, he also led a successful expedition by sea against the corsairs in the Stepstones. He knows how to fight on land and sea while utilizing his war hammer to great effect."
"Not only that, he survived being tortured by Loren Lannister," Jaenyx joined in, to everyone's surprise. "You won't find anyone more qualified for that post."
Seeing his sister and good-brother throw their support for Orys was more than enough for Aegon to make the final decision, but Rhaenys looked to him and also decided to put in her own words of support. "He is also the blood of the dragon. It's only fitting that the dragons are seen commanding troops in the field. The enemy already fear him and imagine what he'll do once he can command armies again."
Aegon and Orys beamed to each other. "Then it's settled. Orys, will you be the first Master of War for Westeros?"
"Yes, brother," Orys replied. Since they were family, they could be so familiar with each other.
"But what about other areas of expertise?" Rhaenys looked to Jaenyx, whose skills and experience called for him to have a post. "Everyone has heard of what my good-brother and sister accomplished at Casterly Rock. Moreover, he's been handling all affairs related to gathering information on our behalf since we landed on Westeros. We must have someone who will continue to do so."
"I concur with Her Grace," Brandon said. "Prince Jaenyx has shown a particular canny when it comes to snatching whispers from the mostly unlikely sources, and he's shown to be an expert in the secret warfare. We need someone like him to advise King Aegon and the next kings after him on such matters."
"Then it is settled," Aegon turned to his good-brother. "Will you be my first Master of Whisperers, Jae?"
"Of course, Egg," Jaenyx nodded enthusiastically, pleased that Aegon remembered his promise. "But I would like to also add that we must have someone to advise you on matters of the spiritual and other intellectual pursuits, since we can't rely on the maesters at this point."
"True," Rhaenys then looked at Taygor. "You have helped very much in understanding my dreams and without your help, the pact between us and the First Men would have not occurred at all. It's only right that you have a post on our council. But do you have any titles in mind?"
"I only know how to practice the ways of the gods, Your Grace," Taygor replied. "But I do recognize the need for us to remain connected to the gods."
"I have it," Rhaenys decided. "'High Practitioner.' That's a good title. I nominate Taygor Leniar to be the first High Practitioner for Westeros."
"Which I second," Aegon agreed. "Do you accept, Lord Taygor?" Taygor sighed before nodding. "Splendid, which leaves the final post to be filled, the chief advisor. Who do you all recommend?"
"If I may, Your Grace, I believe that I have a man who can be such a person," Torrhen said.
"You may, Lord Stark."
"This might be break with all precedent in Westeros, given how such people are restricted from positions of power due to general fear of them being greedy and seeking to overthrow their other siblings, but considering the new times that we will soon enter, I believe such precedents can be done away with," Torrhen outlined.
"You're referring to Lord Snow?" Rhaenys caught on.
Torrhen nodded. "He has been my strong right hand ever since I became king. But I feel that he will be of more use by your side, Your Graces. It was his sight that allowed him to communicate with you, Your Grace, so it should be him that helps keep our pact alive until it becomes consummated."
While Rhaenys didn't mind having Brandon be on the council, some of them such as Crispian and Daemon were very skeptical. Although they had the blood of Valyria, they were accustomed to the Westerosi ways and had thus possessed the dubiety held for bastards. But he's a bastard with abilities and a direwolf, so that surely outweighs any stain that he supposedly has.
"In his defense, Egg," Rhaenys decided to intervene. "We did have a bastard, Chrass Rivers, fight alongside us until Raventree Hall was relieved. Moreover, Orys is father's bastard, but we never put him down because of it. We're already seeing the potential of those whose parents were unmarried be revealed to it. What's wrong with including on more?"
Aegon thought this for a moment before looking to Torrhen. "And you said that he was your strong right hand?" Seeing his nod, he finally turned to Brandon. "Lord Snow, I believe this post should not be called Master of Councilors, as that would send the wrong message. However, I will borrow what your brother said about you and would like to offer you the post as Hand of the King and Queen, so that you serve as our family's right hand. Moreover, you will be of great in representing the First Men's interest alongside your brother. Do you accept?"
"I do, Your Grace," Brandon quickly replied.
"Then our main council composition has been completed," Aegon announced. "In addition to the established positions, I would like to offer advisor positions to my mother and father, Lord Aerion and Valaena Targaryen of the Blackwater Bay, my sister Princess Visenya Targaryen Belaerys, Jocelyn Stark, Konno Haru, and Colren Blackwood. Do you all accept?"
Taygor translated for Konno and Kenzou Haru. Rhaenys was a little unsure of them being included in the council, as they didn't speak the common tongue well and would most likely step on the wrong toes with their attitude. But as they were now lords in Westeros, they had to make their first steps to become prominent. All of the people offered the positions, including the Harus, slowly nodded their acceptance. But before Aegon could adjourn, Jaenyx raised his hand.
"Yes, Jae?"
"Since you and Rhae are the king and queen now, you must also have a group of men to protect you."
"Protect us?" Rhaenys asked with incredulity.
"I am confident that you and Egg can fight off whatever threats that come your way with your own hands, but everything we do now sets a precedent," Jaenyx pointed out to them. "Every ruler has a group of fighters who are devoted to their protection and can issue orders on their behalf should the occasion arise. And these fighters have to be among the best that we can offer."
"He has a point, Egg," Visenya agreed. "We're not simple lords and ladies anymore. We need to have a group whose purpose is safeguarding us. Ourselves and our dragons might be enough, but we would need more protection in the years ahead."
"What Prince Jaenyx proposes is a very sound idea," Colren also threw in his support. "Besides fighting in battle, you'll have to interact with the people and lords when you dismount your dragons and many things can happen during that."
"All right," Aegon acceded. "Who do you suggest would join this… bodyguard formation? A Kingsguard if you will?"
"We have to ask all of the lords sworn to us to recommend their best fighters," Visenya said. "We can then see how they perform in close combat and various weapons before we make a final decision."
"But keep it secret," Jaenyx added. "We're still at war and the wrong person who hears of this might sneak in an agent or worse, an assassin, to get close to you both."
"I'll leave you two to come up with the specifics for this Kingsguard," Aegon directed them. "But who would you recommend to be the leader of this group?"
"I recommend Kenzou Haru to be the first commander," Jaenyx looked to his friend. "His brother, Arata, died rescuing Orys and there's no one better at armed combat and no more motivated to take revenge against the ones who harmed his family than him."
Taygor translated for Konno and Kenzou, who merely sat quietly as they absorbed his suggestion. Kenzou spoke in High Valyrian, so that all of those with the blood of the dragon could understand. "If I were to accept this position, understand that I, like my father, conduct matters very differently from you lot. You want me to protect you? I will do it. You want me to issue orders to your commanders and take command of troops if the moment calls for it? I will do it. But my methods might be distasteful for many of you, except for Jaenyx and Visenya. If you will have a problem with that, tell me now."
Rhaenys knew exactly what Kenzou was talking about. She had heard what he did at Haystack Hall and knew that he was just like his father in temperament and ability. And if she was being honest with herself, many of the methods that Kenzou willingly employed to accomplish a certain goal did not sit right with her. However, she also couldn't deny that they produced results. Sometimes, doing what is necessary means allowing those you disagree with to do the hard work for you, one of many lessons that she was taking to heart.
Aegon ignored Kenzou's lack of decorum before nodding. "I accept your conditions, Lord Kenzou," he addressed him with his new title. "Unless there are more matters to discuss, I hereby adjourn this council. But my queen, Orys, Jaenyx, Visenya, Lords Torrhen, Colren, Brandon, and Kenzou and Lady Argella shall remain for the time being."
Their parents, Jocelyn, and Konno all left the chamber as the topic changed to the current war situation. "We currently have the riverlands mostly within our control, but Riverrun is still within the hands of Lord Tully and we need to deal with the Vale soon while we're focused on the Lannisters and the Gardeners," Aegon glided his hand over the table of Westeros.
"We need to go on the offensive, Egg," Orys stated. "There are currently twenty thousand men east of the Slayne that are resisting Edmund Gardener's host of forty thousand, forty thousand northmen and fifteen thousand rivermen all over the riverlands, and roughly ten thousand scattered across the Blackwater Bay. Our numbers have improved, so we must take the fight to the enemy."
"I agree, Orys," Aegon replied. "But where would be a good place to start?"
"We can't just restrict the fighting to the riverlands," Visenya pointed at the Trident. "If we allow the enemy to regroup and launch another attack, the region will be devastated after all of our efforts to retake it."
"We certainly can't launch an offensive on the Kingdom of the Rock," Torrhen pointed to the western mountains. "The only way to enter that kingdom is through the Golden Tooth and they will likely turn it into a major choke point. We also don't have the ships to take on the ironborn, so any landing on the western shores of Westeros cannot be accomplished."
"So we go for the Reach, then," Jaenyx ran his finger along the Mander. "That kingdom is mostly flat farmland and thus easily accessible by land. We can march alongside the Blackwater Rush and into the northern parts of the Reach, thus bypassing the forty thousand Reachmen already engaged in the stormlands."
"That might work, Prince Jaenyx," Argella agreed. "But they will know where and how we'll march and there is still thirty thousand Reachmen that have not been engaged yet. We don't have the numbers to sustain a long march towards Highgarden."
"What about a two-pronged assault?" Orys offered. "We march on the northern reach and we land on their western shores from the south. I still have a fleet that hasn't been touched yet and we can use that to sail around Dorne and towards Oldtown. That way, we split their focus."
Aegon nodded, as did the others. "But you're forgetting one thing, Orys. Before you can set sail, you need to deal with Edmund Gardener. If he's still in the stormlands and you take men to sail around Dorne to Oldtown, you might weaken Storm's End's defenses."
"Leave Storm's End for me to worry about, brother," Orys declared. "And I already have a plan for Edmund Gardener. It'll be revealed in due time."
"Which leaves the Vale," Torrhen looked to the mountainous region on the table. "They still have tens of thousands of troops to call upon and the Arryns will not sit idly by while we attack the Lannisters and the Gardeners."
"I propose we split the forces then," Visenya suggested, causing some surprise from around the table.
"How so?" Rhaenys wanted to know what her sister was thinking.
"We take half of the northmen and half of the rivermen under our command and march into the Vale while we take no more than four thousand men to land on the eastern shores. But the four thousand men will be used to cause damage to the ports and all of their sea capacities while the other troops will be charged to actually take down the Arryn bannermen. But we must also travel light, as fighting in mountains is surely a strenuous type of warfare," Visenya answered.
"And who do you suggest to lead this effort?" Aegon asked her.
"Myself, Rhae, and the Mormont sisters," Visenya responded, causing more surprise. "I've had a lot of words with Bethany and Lyanara Mormont and they are very qualified to lead troops in battle. We need qualified commanders to march into the Vale and Rhae here has grown very much in the area of battle. It's time she learns how to command."
"How about we discuss this in more detail in more private settings, Vis?" Aegon asked, to which she nodded.
The next half hour was spent going over the specifics of the next stages of the campaign against the Faith. It was agreed that the Vale and the retaking of all of the stormlands would be a priority while they would make advances into the northern Reach. Aegon dismissed everyone but family in order to discuss Visenya's suggestions.
"I'm not sure if Rhae is ready to command an army into battle," Aegon admitted. "While she is becoming better at combat, leading troops is an entirely different matter."
"She'll learn, Egg," Visenya reassured. "Plus, it'll send quite the message if the queen of Westeros is shown to be willing to fight alongside her soldiers, just like at Raventree Hall. And we'll both be protected by Vhagar and Meraxes. Meanwhile, you three can focus on protecting the riverlands, ejecting Edmund Gardener from the stormlands, and moving on the Reach. We cannot just focus on one front and then the other, as that will allow the enemy to react to our movements more effectively over time."
"And you'll be there to help her along?"
"You really need to ask that, Egg?"
Rhaenys decided to put her husband more at ease. "Egg, I was able to get some experience at Fairmarket and then at Raventree Hall. I should be fine."
Aegon brought Rhaenys into a warm embrace and kissed the top of her head. "If you say so, then I trust you. Just be safe, all right?"
"Hey, it's me," she repeated his words of confidence.
Rhaenys slid off Meraxes as they returned to Dragonstone. She had only wanted to fly her dragon some more in peace before they began the march to the Vale. However, what she saw needed to be relayed.
Running through the halls and into the chamber, where Aegon and others were planning out the details for their southern strategy, she burst in and breathed in and out. Her husband walked over to her in concern. "Rhae, what's wrong?"
"I was just flying and while I was, I saw smoke plumes in the distance. I flew closer and I saw several homes and farms on fire. I took a closer look and I saw that they were holding Gardener banners, with some of them also carrying the red lion," Rhaenys managed.
Aegon's eyes widened. "The Gardeners? How did they get there so fast?"
"From what I could see, they're about to hit Stokeworth and Rosby. I counted about thirty thousand, many of them on horseback," she continued.
"No wonder they could move so fast," Aegon thought as Jaenyx, Visenya, Orys, Argella, Torrhen, and Brandon listened in. He turned to them. "How many men could we muster?"
"If we're talking the collective strength, probably ten thousand," Orys said. "But since Rosby and Stokeworth make up much of that, we can only get eight thousand."
"Okay, not something we're not used to," Aegon thought aloud. "We can ride with all of our dragons and—"
"No, Egg. I'll lead them," Orys declared.
"You?"
"Yes. I've rested long enough. It's time they see that I am not just well, but I can fight still. I'll lead the troops," Orys insisted.
Rhaenys chose not to argue with him, knowing how important it was. "If you're going to fight, take Quenton with you. I believe it's time he enters the battle."
"He's been a faithful servant of ours for years now," Aegon said. "I think it's time we reward him after this battle is done."
"How about a lordship?" Rhaenys offered, to which Aegon and Orys nodded their head.
"There'll be plenty of castles for him to choose, so we'll let him pick," Aegon walked over to Orys. "You sure you can handle this without us?"
"Just get the men ready to march on the Reach, Egg. Once the battle is done, I will return to Storm's End and beat Edmund Gardener's ass. Let him see what happens when he tries to interfere with my marriage," Orys said with an intense seriousness, and Rhaenys saw Argella nodding in approval.
"Okay," Aegon clasped his brother's arm. "Just don't take too long."
"You know me, Egg," Orys then walked out to prepare for the battle with the Gardener host.
As for Rhaenys, she went back to her chambers, dressed in her dragon coat, strapped on her bow and quiver, and walked with Visenya, also in her dragon coat and Dark Sister tied to her waist, to their dragons. But they wouldn't fly yet, not until they receive word on how Orys and Quenton did.
Aegon and Jaenyx saw Orys off with the master-at-arms of Dragonstone, who was informed of their offering him a lordship. One more Valyrian house to rule, she mused. When everything is done, there shall be more Valyrians to go around, she rubbed her belly.
Let me have a son, she prayed to the gods.