Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 59

Dragonstone

Jacaerys watched, his hand on his back. Not so long ago, it would have been two hands clasping together. He let out a breath as he turned away from the sea. There is much to be done. The king is not an idle man. Baelor was right about Jaehaerys. He acts and is true to his words.

Dozens and dozens of ravens took flight. The message they carried was clear: All Lords and Ladies must bend the knee to their rightful king. All of them must swear their loyalty to him from this day until the end of time. It was from this day forward that he is Jaehaerys Targaryen, the Third of his name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Realm.

The King in question had commanded the fleets to be readied, the army prepared, and the provisions to be moved. He prepares for war. His plans were already forged, as his ancestor Aegon the Conqueror had done by using the Painted Table. In truth, there was not much to plan. His army is the greatest Westeros has ever seen.

Almost 9000 Unsullied and two thousand mercenaries, one of the most hardened companies aside from the Golden Company. And supporting them are three dragons, bigger than Jacaerys could imagine. Daenerys has one that is so large, he is convinced Balerion the Dread has returned.

"Father," Rhaenys greeted Jacaerys, a soft smile on her face as she sat with Lelia; the two came inside and settled on the bed. The two girls had been completely smitten with one another. But the future of them together had not been set in stone. He must ensure they remain together, even after his passing. Luckily, the king was very forthcoming and helpful with it.

"M'lord," Lelia said, a small smile as she gave a not-so-well-executed courtesy. The girl is still learning. "You asked for us?"

"Ever since I... lost my arm, I have been thinking more and more about the future. Of my people on Driftmark, the realms," Jacaerys said, his face smiling at both as he sat in front of them. "And my children. I must ask, do you wish to be wed?"

The two girls looked at each other. Purple met black and green as they gazed into each other's eyes. Their hands found their way to their counterpart as they gave an easy answer. One that didn't need much thought.

"We do," they said in unison. It made Jacaerys chuckle a bit. "I'd love to call her wife, father. I fear I must apologize I cannot pass on the line with my chosen partner."

"Have no fear, Rhaenys. I am certain there is nothing to worry about concerning that matter," Jacaerys said, his hand giving the clasped hands of both girls a squeeze. "I am more focused on ensuring your happiness. Lelia, I have no qualms about this. My blessing, you have. And to take my daughter as your partner. Yet there is only one way to do so, I think. In front of the Weirwood trees, as is custom in the North. There is nothing else I can think of that is deemed legal within Westeros."

"The Weirwood trees?" Lelia whispered softly. "They creep me out. I saw one when my mother and I traveled east..."

"So what? They do not sound scary if I can take you as my wife, Lelia," Rhaenys said to her, her tone soft and gentle, sitting a bit closer as to touch their shoulders. Lelia's cheeks rose in color.

"I see, well, I guess so..."

"I'll leave to plan it then. Once the king has taken the Red Keep, we can do the ceremony there. There is one Weirwood tree in the garden there," Jacaerys explained. Their gazes went to the door as two new figures entered, Tysha and Tyrion.

"Oh, M'Lord, I was not aware you were here."

"It is fine," he said. "I have said and discussed what I wanted. Please, come in."

"Mother, what's wrong?" Lelia asked, looking quizzically at the two that entered.

Mostly to the dwarf whose lips trembled as he looked at her. A face that was filled with disbelief. Jacaerys can say he felt the same when he saw Maelys for the first time. It is always special to see a child of your own. Even now, seeing Rhaenys and Maelys gave him those feelings of pride and disbelief. As any parent should have.