Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 42: Setting the Stage

Meereen

The King and Queen finally heard the news of Yunkai. It was good news, or so Hizdar claims. The trusted, well, to a certain extent, Daario played with his dagger adorned with a hilt of a naked woman. Each curve and body part is exquisite and perfect in the view of men. Or the few women brave enough to defy society's concept of love and marriage. The throne room was filled with the Unsullied guard and a few advisors like Barristan and Jorah. Baelor stood with his sister-wife near the right side, watching and observing as the news is being delivered.

Lastly, Jeyne, the newest princess of the Targaryen family, stood near the Targaryens themselves. High above the crowd with only Barristan and Jorah close enough who act as the Kingsguard. Her rise from bastard to princess has caught many peoples' attention. She was once left alone and not worth speaking to, but now she was overwhelmed with suitors. Even so, the two Targaryens have seen her dismiss them all. Much to their pleasure too, as they were not what they seemed.

Hizdahr and Daario stood together near the end of the steps leading to the thrones. Their gaze looked up but only Hizdahr was nervous and kept himself polite. Daario was not of the same mind, letting his careless attitude and what Jaehaerys believes be foolish bravado. Or carelessness.

"What news of Yunkai, Hizdahr? This better be good for how much time it took you," Jaehaerys asked, his voice neutral while his gaze is deep as he stare down at the noble. He never liked the man, too much pompous. A man that never did anything close to hard work.

"I have good news, they have accepted your terms. But expects some concessions from you in turn, Your Grace."

"What kind of concessions?"

"The reopening of the fighting pits, Your Grace," Hizdahr answered, his hand clasped together in front of him. He held his lips tight as he witness the narrowing of cold eyes on him. Not from the King but from the Queen.

"Where slaves fought slaves to death?" Daenerys asks with disgust in her voice. A hand made its way to her clenched hands, to stroke them affectionately and with love to ease her.

"Why did they ask for the reopening of the pits?" Jaehaerys asked for clarification.

"Yes, Your Grace, but now free men would fight free men. To allow the citizens of Yunkai and Meereen to enjoy the traditions of their ancestors. To show them you respect them. If not for them, do it for the pit fighters you and the fair silver queen have liberated. They plead for this opportunity to fight again."

"What else have they asked for?"

"Anything else of note will be brought before you. Only minor changes to taxation and law, Your Grace. It were changes that were supported by free men and masters alike."

"Very well, I will allow them to reopen."

Hizdahr bowed deeply with surprise on his face. He was convinced it would be harder, more difficult. There are conditions, however. And plans for the future. It made Jaehaerys sigh when he felt the fingers of Daenerys squeezing his. He will get an earful later. He knows Daenerys too well.

"However, all the pits will become the property of the Crown. Oversight will be given so that all games are fair and those that participate are indeed free."

"Your Grace-"

"That was not up for debate, Hizdahr. Inform us of what this spectacle entails and rejoice in a successful treaty."

"I- yes- As you wish, Your Grace," Hizdahr soon moved out of the hall, leaving the Targaryens and court. His posture held a tension, even irritation like a plan of his crumbled. Jaehaerys had an inkling as to why he was so persistent. He owned all the arenas. What else could it have meant?