A tale: Reborn in Westeros

Chapter 28

Aegon Targaryen

Once upon a time, there were three men. They were given a choice. A choice that would shake their world in a positive way. However, they were not thrilled about the choice they were given and rejected it. "Unacceptable!" The first one said, shaking his head. "Outrageous!" The second one said, waving it away. "Unforgivable!" The the third one said. It would...

"Alex!" Daenerys says as she waves her right hand in front of my face. I snap out of my thoughts and look at Daenerys. "Yes?" I ask. "What were you thinking about? You were spacing out," she giggles. "Ah... nothing important. Have they arrived?" Daenerys nods. "They have. Let's finalise the liberation of the slaves," she says and we make our way towards the three representatives. "Dany, what will you do?"

"I will give them a choice. Either they end slavery or they die," she say simply. "I am guessing they will be very happy to oblige. I just hope it will end here and not come back when we leave." Daenerys shrugs. "They know what will happen if they go against me. I will burn them to the ground," she says. "Daenerys, I hope you remember our talk," I say to her. Daenerys nods. "I do, but sometimes one must be assertive to achieve a goal. I only mean the masters with my statement, not their cities or the people. We gave them a choice," she says. "I suppose you're right about that..." I say with a sigh.

We soon walk into a room with various chairs, a table with drinks and food. In the room several people are present, which are Tyrion, Grey Worm, and Missandei. The others consist of three men that show their discomfort at being here. As we enter they look at us with worry and fear. I recognise one of them. It was the same man that threatened us before we took Yunkai.

Daenerys looks coldly at them and sits down in a chair facing them. I sit next to her looking at each of them. A nervous sweat can be seen on their foreheads. "I gave you the choice of abandoning slavery and to live in a new and better world. Instead, you enslaved people once again, waged war against me. And now you are here, snivelling to be spared. Why would I?" Daenerys asks as her piercing unforgiving gaze never leaves the three men.

"Your Grace, I..." he did not get the opportunity to speak further. Daenerys stands up looking quite terrifying as her face shows how displeased she is. "You will go back to your cities. Free every men, women, and child. Compensate them for their hardships and never return to slavery. What do you say?" she asks. They quickly nod in agreement. It seems they rather not speak in the hope of not angering Daenerys. A cold smile forms on Daenerys face.

"Good. If I hear that you went back on your word again, you will die. Tyrion, inform Varys that he should place his eyes and ears in every city to make sure that word reaches me if they lied to me," she says as she turn around to me. She gestures for me to follow. Tyrion nods. "As you wish, Your Grace."

As I leave with Daenerys, she chuckles after we have put some distance between them and us. "Why are you smiling, Dany?" I ask curiously with a smirk. "Did you see them? I belief one of them pissed himself," she says. I laugh as she says it. "I mean can you blame him? You looked terrifying, Dany," I point out. Daenerys shrugs. "Hopefully they will finally get it through their thick skulls. I will burn them if they do not listen."

—

In the coming days, Meereen was put back together. The city was not heavily damaged by the enemy, but a few projectiles still destroyed a few buildings. Tyrion already handled most of it. Also, the men born free and former slaves that fought for Meereen caused the rift between the two group to close. Daenerys was quite pleased to hear it as was I. It was clear that this way of warfare was very effective. I instructed Grey Worm and Daario to continue with the training. It should keep Meereen safe for when we leave for Westeros. Now, we are waiting to hear from the Golden Company again. I also know that Yara and Theon are on their way here.

For now, I have to prepare for our invasion. Daenerys asked me to do it and I would do almost anything for her. I am not sure if it is still the case, but the possible betrayal of Randyll Tarly should be dealt with. It is why I wanted to speak with Margaery. As I reach her room, I knock on the door. It takes a minute or two, but the door eventually opens. When Margaery sees me, she smiles softly.

I noticed that the burns look less red and agitated. It is still very much visible and it will probably still hurt from time to time. Even so, it is good to see her getting better. "Your Grace," she greets me. "Margaery, please just call me Alex or Aegon. I have something important to discuss with you," I say. She nods and we settle down near the balcony.

"I am guessing you will warn me about something that will happen in the Reach," she says. I nod while chuckling a little. "Yes, the Reach supported Daenerys in the events I am aware off. The only thing is... your bannermen. They turn against your house, Margaery. Of course by lies from Cersei, but still, they destroyed your house," I explain. Margaery frowns deeply as she rubs her chin with her fingers.

"They won't rebel unless Randyll Tarly turns against us. He is the only one with enough reputation that could convince the other lords and ladies," Margaery thinks aloud. I nod. "You are correct. The main cause was the Dothraki, but we have no Dothraki in this world. But you must warn Olenna. I rather want to be sure of their loyalty. To protect our position and your house." A soft smile forms on the lips of Margaery.

"Thank you, Aegon. I appreciate your help. Olenna will be able to keep them in line for long enough. I wonder however. It is bold to attack Highgarden. Why would they do it?" She asks. "Cersei is weak. Her armies are exhausted and the crown is in huge debt. Sack Highgarden and her problems are solved. When she has her funds, she would hire the Golden Company most likely. We aim to avoid that if she does somehow get the gold," I answer. "I see. That makes sense. You and Daenerys are well prepared it seems."

I shrug. "What can I say? I do what is necessary and it does help that I know what could possibly happen." A sigh leaves Margaery's lips. "A shame you're already taken, Aegon. I would have loved to marry you," she says. I raise an eyebrow in surprise. "A woman can dream, Aegon," Margaery chuckles. "I must warn you. Daenerys will not like these flirts. She will be... reacting very strongly to it. And you won't win me over in any way."

Margaery holds up her hands in defeat. "I am well aware. I promise I don't mean anything with it. Daenerys is lucky to have a person so utterly devoted to her. I had to deal with a psychopath and an idealist. It was not really my dream," she says. "It does not sound appealing. But life brings you to strange and new things. You may just find that person. All it requires is time," I assured her. "Anyway, I will speak with my grandmother. We will make sure our people stay loyal," Margaery says.

It may not be very visible and she barely shows it, but she is sad. I suspect Margaery thinks she will go through her life alone. I let out a sigh and put a hand on her shoulder. "You will find your happiness. It is out there. You just need to find it." She looks at me for a moment. Her eyes show her hardship. I send her a supportive smile and squeeze her shoulder. "Trust me, Margaery. It will get better. We have all been there."