Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 54

Dragon's Bay

Alysanne stood behind the ship's wheel, her hair dancing in the wind. Meereen slowly faded into the background, getting smaller and smaller at every passing moment. Jaehaerys watched the city fading away, his hands clasped behind his back as he thought. He wondered about many things and caught himself thinking if this is what it means to rule—thinking every waking moment about everything and anything.

It didn't matter as his mind turned to Westeros. The war couldn't be planned in Meereen. Every captain and commander could tell you that. The real plan will be forged when they reach Dragonstone. There the war will begin in earnest, and that's where his thoughts are—on the war, the death, and destruction that will be caused.

He remembered a conversation he had long ago in Astapor. Rape, plunder, and death follow every war unless the commander has a strong command over his troops. He wonders if he is such a man. Will he prevent unnecessary violence? He wonders...

"You're quiet, Your Grace," Alysanne said as she came toward him. She has remained as fair as before, with her long silver hair and adventurous face adorned with a smile. It was noticeable that she had clear sun-kissed skin from sailing and a scar mostly hidden under her clothing.

"After many years, I am going home. And with me, I bring war. It makes me think about whether that truly is a good thing to bring with you when going home."

"Ah, it is not the best gift to bring, no," Alysanne agreed, leaning on the wooden railing to watch the fading city with Jaehaerys. "I have been gone for years. But it will only be a month, perhaps a bit more or less. Yet whether we will be met with good or bad things, I can't say. But I do know that the Lannisters waged war after war after war. I do not think your war will be as destructive as theirs have been. The Houses will not fight dragons, Your Grace. You took my advice and brought an army almost none would wish to fight. Unsullied, a fool would fight them. The war will be swift."

"Hmm, I hope you're right, Lady Alysanne."

"You've changed since last we met. You matured a great deal. And got a beard," Alysanne said with a soft laugh, glancing at the king.

"Indeed, it helps me think," Jaehaerys said with an amused smile. "And I am a married man now. Although with one more wife than I first would have thought. Yet I am not against the arrangement."

"Right. The Queens Jeyne and Daenerys. Lucky man you are," Alysanne laughed. "Well, I am certain you'll find that with two wives, you'll get plenty of children."

"Yes, I already have one, and a second is on the way..." Jaehaerys said, a soft tired breath leaving him. It is as if family life has already begun to affect him. "I am not certain how I will manage to rule seven kingdoms and be a father at the same time."

"Ha! Good luck with that," Alysanne laughed, so hard it even made a few sailors look their way. "I am a mother, did you know?"

"No, you don't strike as a person for marriage."

"No, I am certainly not. To avoid it, I chose the prettiest boy in Spice Town, took him for a night, and gave him a daughter," Alysanne explained easily enough.

"I have read that a sullied woman makes for a poor match in Westeros," Jaehaerys said in a soft tone.

Their gazes going to the roars and screeching of the dragons that flew past them. They have become tame. As tame as dragons can be at least. That means that they do as their riders command. Burns nothings without commands. And they fight with one another when given the chance.