The Bronze Dragon-A House of the Dragon fanfic

Chapter 23

Around two months would pass after Kermit's knighthood before my mother and father's relationship would escalate, though I have no desire to know exactly what those escalations entailed. What I do know is that they apparently began seeking more and more time alone together; by this time, the fact that my mother was not yet pregnant was seen as a mark on my father's abilities as a man.

What I do know is that their relationship did undergo a dramatic escalation as Prince Jacaerys began preparing for his return to Dragonstone. With his visit nearly over, things were slowly returning to normal. The Prince by most accounts developed something of a respect for my father over the duration of this visit, particularly as he seemed to take his future lessons in leadership from my father . . .

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The day was approaching close when Daevar and Jace managed to return to Runestone, having spent most of the day riding between various small hamlets and villages to speak with people and render judgements. Jace had not failed to notice the respect the people seemed to have for Daevar; he was a well-liked lord, though he did have to wonder how much of that was based on their affection for Daevar's mother.

As the gates of Runestone opened for them, Daevar turned to Jace. The younger boy was clearly tired, but still seemed to have the energy to keep going. "Do you know what the most dangerous words in the world are, Jace?" He asked. Jace arched an eyebrow. Had Daevar been building to this question all day? It was likely connected to everything they had done that day.

"I . . . I cannot say." Jace said as they rode through. He peered upwards to see the trapdoors above them that would be used to drop boiling water on attackers during a siege. "Daemon always said there are many dangerous things that could be said."

"Mostly whatever threatens his reputation." Daevar deadpanned. "The most dangerous words in the world are 'what have the people in that castle done for us lately?'" He explained. It was a lesson he had learnt from Ser Gerold some time ago, and had informed his rule ever since. "If the smallfolk start asking that, you have a problem. We're outnumbered by them by quite a lot."

Jace nodded before dismounting his horse. He had left Vermax behind to allow the dragon to rest after a particularly long flight the day before, and in preparation for their departure for Dragonstone in just over two days. After all, in his experience, dragons tended to get grumpy if they didn't get their rest. "So we just need to keep them distracted from their problems?"

Daevar patted his horse's neck after he dismounted. "That will work for a time, but even the most dull-witted man will see through things eventually. Remember Jace, the palace is not safe if the cottage is not happy. The mark of a good ruler is being able to keep both happy."

"How do you do it?" Jace said, leading their horses towards the stables. Daeron was waiting there of course, and he and Jace locked eyes almost immediately. Maybe there wasn't hatred in their eyes anymore, but there was still an instant dislike.

"I don't do it on my own." Daevar said, shooting a warning look in Daeron's direction. Much as his training was coming along well, the boy still had a lot to learn in keeping his temper under control. "I have my council around me that I rely on. Barden and Ser Gerold are always with me when I'm making judgements here in Runestone." Daevar explained. He had learnt from a young age that having intelligent advisors around was even more important to a lord than an ability to fight. "I'm sure you have a lot to think about."

"I do." Jace nodded before turning to leave. He knew that he was being dismissed, but he didn't really mind. Daeron was Daevar's squire after all, despite how much Jace wished it were otherwise. He could feel his uncle's eyes boring into the back of his head as he walked away, and allowed a small smirk to himself.