Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 40: Trial By Fire

Driftmark

It was a week after the wedding. Both newlyweds were enjoying each other fully. They went on trips all over the island. Marys was eager to show his new wife the entire island, the place where they will live for the rest of their life. Of course, there are moments when they need to go to other lords, the King, or other official events and duties. Marys is the heir and soon enough he must learn what it means to be a lord.

"The Lannister has adjusted well to living at Driftmark," Alyssa says, watching the duo return from visiting Spicetown.

"You should really call her Myrcella, love. She is our daughter by marriage."

"Yes... I know," Alyssa says with a sigh, "At least she is not like her mother. Thank the Gods for that."

"I wonder... When will Cersei strike? There's no doubt she will try to get Myrcella back."

"I have no idea. What could she even do? Kidnap her? We would spot their ship immediately with the patrols of our fleet. Our guards watch over her just as well as our son and heir. There's hardly a chance for her to do something against us."

"Precisely. It will make her take drastic actions unless she relents by some miracle. Which is possible, of course, but I can't be sure."

"It would mean war. A war they can't afford. We're not Stannis. He was an idiot by sallying forth so recklessly, but we can starve them out. Hire mercenaries which they can't afford," Alyssa says reassuringly.

"How would you know about that? Did you take a peak at their finances?" Jacaerys laughed as he enters his office again. A chuckling Alyssa followed him.

"No, but why approach us to share the cost while it is customary for the royal family to pay for everything? Simple, they lack the funds. I bet they have been taking loans from the Iron Bank."

"It's dangerous and awe-inspiring how sharp your mind is, dear. Still, good to know. It is well known that Robert was a big spender. He won't have cared about the finances. Hmm, I should probably be thinking of hoarding a good amount of coins to pay off some of the debts. The Targaryens should be given a clean start. Although they will be coming with a fair bit of gold, I suspect. Even so, we may get some concessions. It will make us more important and influential."

"In a certain way. How are our finances looking, if I may ask? I had not looked into it when you were away. The only thing I know is that we're making 'a good revenue of the mine and taxes.'"

"That is true. If no sudden attacks, wars, or disasters happen... I believe we will reach a million Gold Dragons by year's end. Admittedly, Alysanne's cargo filled our coffers the most. Her venture alone has brought in more than triple what we get from the mine."

"That's... more than I thought. Where are we keeping this? There's no way we can hold such an amount here."

"Only a few thousand in our personal vault," Jacaerys answers, pushing off the railing to walk back inside.

There were a few changes in his office. A map of Westeros was sprawled over a table in the corner of his office. Wooden figure representing forces of the Lannisters, his own, and potentially of Stannis. The Lannisters held not many forces in Blackwater Bay. Most of those were in the Riverlands and the Westerlands. On Dragonstone, he places several markers for ships and troops. His intel on Stannis has not been great. He never saw the man as a threat.

Stannis may be a mannis and a courageous fool, but he is still very capable. Even in his weakened state, he will not stop to struggle to get his throne. There is no doubt he would do something with what he has. Jacaerys send a few scouting vessels to see what is happening on the island. After all, he promised to take it and he wanted to take it for a long time too. Having both islands under his control will give him more than enough power on the seas. Jacaerys walked to the table as his gaze went over the situation, his mind turning and churning.