The Wrath

The dragon and the wolf

"Care to explain what in the Seven Hells we just witnessed?" Jace was furious.

Daemon took a long sip of the ale the waitress had just served them.

After exiting the pleasure house, they had walked back to the city port. They entered a small tavern right in front of the docks, an uncomfortable silence surrounding them during their walk.

The inn was quite small, filled with sailors from all over Essos. The three princes were sorrounded by brute, drunken men who were either busy playing with dices, drinking or bursting out in loud laughs, or all at the same time. At least ten different languages spoken could be heard, if one listened carefully. The smell of the sea and alcohol saturated the air.

"It was necessary." Was all he Rogue prince answered.

Jacaerys snapped. "You just betrothed my brother to a stranger. Is this all you can come up with as an excuse?"

"This is how things work all over the world, my dear Jace. Even in Westeros he would have had to perform his duty to marry an highborn lady and strenghten our legacy by producing heirs, just as you did when you accepted your bethrotal to Baela." Daemon relaxed in his chair.

"I chose Baela. My brother should have been granted the same choice. You had no right-"

"Jace, it's fine." The younger Velaryon finally intervened in the argument.

During their walk towards the harbor, Luke had thought about his family's situation.

He had thought about the possibility of an imminent war. And he thought about his loved ones. About his mother, his perfect mother. What would she have done in this situation?

The answer came easily to his mind. She would have done what was best for her family. She already had, when years earlier she had married Ser Laenor Velaryon, despite her other love interests. She had given up a piece of her freedom for the family's and the realm's wellebeing. She had made the best choice.

Luke didn't want to disappoint her. He would have done anything for their family. He resembled her in this. He understood that following his mother's example would have benefit everyone. The North's support of her claim to the Iron Throne could have been crucial, if a war was ever to begin. To be honest, he also secretly hoped no one would dare to challenge his mother if their family was bound by blood to the biggest kingdom in Westeros, together with the Eyre and Storm's End. In an innocent, almost childish way, he hoped this marriage could prevent the war.

He understood his responsability towards his House, and if giving up his freedom of choice was the price for the safety of his loved ones, he would gladly pay it.

"I already accepted this marriage offer, brother. I will perform my duty, as it is expected of me. And I'm sure it won't be too bad." Luke sent a reassuring smile at his brother.

Jace's gaze softened at his words. His little brother was growing into a wise young man. Even tho he was still angry at their father, he was proud of Luke.

"However, father, I would like to know more about my bethroted. If I have to marry her, at least I want to be aware of what I'm putting myself into."

Daemon smiled softly at his son's request. But his relaxed features were soon hardened by a stoic, almost pained expression.

He sunk completely into his chair, before beginning with his story.

"As both of you know, I spent many years in Pentos with my late lady wife, Laena, and our daughters.

Many rich merchants and local lords hosted us during our stay. They were honoured to have the blood of Old Valyria under their roofs, therefore they offered us the most of their hospitality, inviting us to sumptuous banquets, tournaments and celebrations in our honor.

The entertainment during said events was always amusing; dancers, fire eaters and fighters would perform their skills during impressive performances. It was during one of said banquets that I saw her.

Her Master had paid us visit, in an attempt to discuss with me a possible extention of his commercial routes in Westeros. She stood beside him during our whole conversation. She was a spitting image of her mother. I thought it was an allucination at first, but when I saw the direwolf by her side, I connected the dots in my mind.

I had heard stories about Rickon Stark's bastard daughter, abandoned by her father across the Narrow Sea. People whispered about her being alive, somewhere in Essos.

I had to get to know her, so, when they left Pentos, I secretly followed them to Yunkai. And I found her. My suspicions were correct.

I started visiting her often, both driven by my political project and by the affection I started to cultivate towards her. I knew the time for her to come back in the West would have come, so I did my best to ready her. I brought her books about Westerosi history, I revised with her our common language and I explained our difficult family situation to her.

I've gotten to know her quite well, she's a good fighter and has a strong heart. I think the two of you will make a fine match. If I ever had suspected otherwise, I would have never allowed for this bethrotal to happen. You complete eachother. I'm sorry I didn't inform you about my plans, but I assure you I'm doing this all for our family's sake."

The Rogue prince flickered his gaze between his sons, trying to read their expressions.

"Well, Luke, looks like you'll marry an interesting woman. But I want to get to know her; I don't want my brother to end up in uncapable hands." Jace tried to ease the tension, smiling warmly at his brother.

"Who was her mother?" Luke asked.

Daemon lowered his gaze on the table, visibly pained by the question. "Some northern lady. We were close in the past. She died many years ago." He answered shortly.

The two boys decided not to push further on the matter.

The sun was still high in the sky when they left the tavern. They escorted Jace to their ship so that he could finish arranging their departure. Daemon picked a small wooden box from his cabin, hiding it under his cloak and pulling up his hood. He smiled at Luke, ruffling his hair, earning a laughter from his son.

"Come on, let's go get your wife."