Tenebris is the eighth kingdom of Westeros, a hidden realm located beyond the Wall, where the maps end. However, there was much to be discovered beyond the ice mountains of the North.
The people there liked to call themselves "the new Valyria." It...
Lurkan lay exhausted in bed next to Melaryen after reaching his climax and releasing inside her. Sweat dripped down his face, and he smiled from ear to ear.
Sex was always Melaryen's way to try to relax, but this time it hadn't worked. She still felt tense and overwhelmed.
I was afraid - he confessed, still breathless - Of losing what we have. I noticed your glances at her; I know you're in love. But now I realize that will never happen.
Of all the possible topics, this was the worst for Lurkan to have brought up.
What will never happen? - she challenged him with a look.
Your feelings are not reciprocated. That night at the brothel, Daenerys must have been just curious for a new experience - he answered calmly - Now that she will be your little sister...
Get dressed and leave my room - Melaryen shoved him, making him fall off the bed - That was the last time I make the foolishness of sleeping with you.
Lurkan groaned in pain and got up with a mischievous grin. He leaned over the mattress, completely naked, and stole a kiss from Melaryen.
You always push me away, but I always come back to you, my love - Lurkan whispered.
Indeed, that was always the case, but this time Melaryen was being sincere; it would be the last time they slept together.
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The heads of each of the five richest houses of Tenebris gathered in the castle. All those who had sworn allegiance to Melaryen on the day of her coronation, and she expected them to honor their vows.
Deimos Celtigar was with his two sons, Clio and Lurkan. The Celtigar appearance was a mystery; they were the only Valyrian descendants with dark hair and never-before-seen gray eyes. The rumors were that they had impure blood, but others said it was merely a consequence of their practice of dark magic, as their ancestors had cast the spell to hide and protect Tenebris.
Do you know what the problem is? - Deimos had a habit of speaking too loudly - Your wife is too thin, doesn't have wide enough hips. My grandson should have been born by now.
You should have married Melaryen; she has broad hips and also has personality, unlike her sister - he continued - Seven hells. Let the baby take after you.
Clio rolled his eyes, though he was used to his father's poor taste comments, while Lurkan simply moved away without saying anything.
I think he knows who his grandfather will be, which is why he refuses to come out and face his sad reality - Kaelene approached, laughing, and patted Deimos on the shoulder - We can't blame the poor child.
Long time no see, Kaelene - Deimos briefly embraced her - The last time we saw each other was at your husband's funeral... - he laughed - I still think he jumped off that dragon on purpose. If I were married to you, I'd do the same.
Kaelene Draynor, head of House Draynor and mother of Toman, the Master of Whispers, had the second largest dragon pit after the Targaryens, with nine adult dragons.
And I would be the happiest widow in the world - she replied in mockery.
Saben joined them, with a stern expression, adjusting his queen's hand brooch. House Velaryon was the second richest, owning most of the kingdom's commerce.
And you remain the same - Kaelene looked Saben up and down - Boasting about being the Targaryens' lackey.
Deimos burst into laughter, and Saben contorted his face in disgust. Zayd Belaerys was the last to arrive, and his presence seemed to irritate Saben even more.
Imagine what King Adheron would have done if he had known you barely waited for the poor man to close his eyes before starting to sleep with his wife - Deimos said, laughing with Kaelene.
If he even waited - Zayd joined the provocations - Given their character, I wouldn't be surprised if they had an affair.
The laughter disappeared when Saben hit Zayd in the face. The knuckles of his fingers were stained with blood. Clio held Zayd back, while Kaelene and Deimos restrained Saben before the fight escalated further.
I'm going to kill him - Zayd roared, throwing Clio aside.
You all remain the same bunch of fools you were when you were young - Saben raged, with exaggerated aggression.
Where's Melaryen? If she doesn't arrive soon, they'll kill each other - Lurkan whispered to his brother.
As if hearing him, Melaryen entered with Daenerys by her side. Everyone stopped to bow.
Finally - Clio laughed at Lurkan.
Apologies for the delay - Melaryen said.
The queen walked to her throne, and Daenerys climbed the steps with her, remaining by her side.
I believe you all know why I called you here - she continued - For centuries our people have been hiding. And I have decided that this will end during my reign.
Daenerys looked anxiously at each of them. Kaelene raised her hand to speak and stepped forward to Melaryen.
Sacred are the oaths - Kaelene smiled, placing her hand on her chest - This is the motto of House Draynor. We are sworn to our queen, and we will continue to be.
You have my support, Your Majesty - Deimos said, adopting a serious tone - There is nothing to fear, not when we have the power we do.
Only two remained. Zayd was looking directly at Daenerys and continued as he spoke.
Who can guarantee that you are trustworthy? - Zayd questioned her - You decimated an entire city; despite your angelic face, you are no defenseless maiden.
I didn't get here by being a "defenseless maiden" - Daenerys swallowed hard - Nor am I asking for your help for free. I made a good deal with Melaryen.
Your ambition will be our ruin, and I refuse to be complicit - Saben interrupted. His veins were bulging - At least once listen to me, Melaryen.
It's Your Majesty - Zayd corrected him - Show respect for your queen, Saben... I trust you, Your Majesty. House Belaerys will also support you.
Perhaps if it weren't for his hatred of Saben Velaryon, Zayd would have opposed, as he made a point of contradicting him.
Daenerys placed her hand on Melaryen's arm, awaiting her final decision. Dany was on the verge of returning to the Game of Thrones, this time much stronger than before, and with a much greater thirst for vengeance.
Fire and Blood - Melaryen looked at Daenerys, and then at Kaelene - It's more than the Targaryen motto; it's how we maintain our power.
