Mihawk POV
The Red Keep
282 AC
It has been five years since I last stepped foot in the Red Keep. Ever since I took over the holdings of the Hollards and Darklyns, I have been too busy molding Duskendale in my image.
After my "Declaration of Fangs," I realized that my plans would be viewed poorly by other lords, even the king. Since it was a public declaration, rumors were bound to spread across the realm. So, I got to work combating them by spreading even more outrageous rumors, making the truth seem unbelievable.
I hired bards to travel and subtly spread all sorts of wild tales—from finding gold in the courtyards of Duskendale to dragons soaring overhead, even stories of smallfolk orgies near the castle. I encouraged them to invent more interesting tales for extra coin.
It worked splendidly. The truth of that day became so mixed with hogwash that no one bothered to investigate. I even laughed at one rumor claiming I was bedding a priestess from Essos so loudly her moans could be heard throughout the land.
So, in the end, misinformation saved my ass. Even with all my strength, I am not invincible; the Crown could drown me in numbers and skilled fighters, though it would be a tough fight. My people have finally come into their own and now train each other, freeing me to focus on my household guards and the knights who have come seeking fortune and a lord to pledge to—like my dear friend, Mary Ann.
"My lord, Princess Elia requests your presence in Maegor's Holdfast," said a young servant woman, calling my attention.
"Lead the way, young lady," I said, following the swaying hips of the pretty Dornish maid as she led me to her mistress. With her dark olive skin and a waistline reminiscent of Latinas from my old world, I knew I would be paying her a visit during my stay here.
"So, what is your name, maid?" I asked the curvy woman.
She turned with a sultry look, giving me a slow once-over. She smiled and said, "You will have to earn that, my lord. Perhaps tonight you might hear it… and maybe more." She drawled before continuing in silence until we reached Elia's chambers.
Truthfully, I was shocked by how freely she flirted with me, a lord. The Dornish truly are different from the rest of Westeros, and I find I quite like that "difference."
She knocked, heard a reply, opened the door for me to enter, and then closed it behind me, waiting outside.
I smirked at Elia and her handmaidens. I only recognized Ashara Dayne; the others were likely from Crownland noble houses or the Riverlands—a political maneuver I couldn't be bothered to learn about.
"Elia, you simply must introduce me to that black widow. She will be in my dreams for a while unless…" I said, playfully winking at our future queen.
She was bouncing her newborn son, Prince Aegon, on her knees while watching her five-year-old daughter, Rhaenys, play with a black cat.
"Mihawk… you have been distant these past years. You did not even come to check on me as you promised," she said, her eyes steady on me.
"Being a lord is hard work, Princess. Putting my new lands in order has been… taxing. But I am here now," I replied, noticing one of the guards in the corner bristle at my casual tone. He probably didn't know that Elia and I had struck up a firm friendship in Dorne.
She sighed, looking at me before tapping the empty space beside her, signaling me to sit. It was a weird gesture, judging by the looks from her handmaidens, but I shrugged and sat next to her.
"There is something I have been meaning to ask you," she began. "I remember you telling me of the customs of the Lengii people from Essos."
"The time I almost married their princess?" I asked for clarity. I had told her about one of my misadventures in Essos, when I was charming a random beautiful woman in Leng, hoping to get into her bed. How was I to know she was a princess? After we fucked, she declared me her betrothed. I had to escape Leng later that day. For all I know, a manhunt for me might still be ongoing.
"Yes, but not about your 'nice time' with the princess," she clarified, a slight smile on her lips. "I am talking about the custom you spoke of. The 'godfather' one."
"Hmmm, you mean their tradition where a parent designates a close friend to care for their children if they are unable to?" I explained, mostly for the benefit of the handmaidens.
"Yes. You are a good friend of mine, Mihawk—a loyal and true one. I would be honored if you would be my children's godfather."
Her intent was clear, and she had sprung this on me for reasons known only to her. I thought it over for a few seconds, and then I remembered. I remembered her fate in the original timeline, a fate that was likely still in motion here: Elia, raped and killed by the Mountain; Rhaenys, stabbed to death; and Aegon, his head dashed against a wall or involved in some plot by that bastard, Varys.
"I promise to be their godfather and care for them to the utmost of my capabilities," I said, my voice firm. "You as well, Elia. If you are ever tired or bored at court, come to Duskendale. It is not so far, and I will accommodate you every time."
For a long moment, Elia and I simply locked eyes, not saying a word. The silence was broken when the door opened and a blank-faced Rhaegar entered, his eyes fixed on us.
"Should I be worried, Lord Mihawk?" he asked, his voice cool. "It seems you are quite intent on seducing my wife."
My eyes widened immediately with the entrance of the prince and then I caught what he said amd was in shock at the conclusion he came to. Which I then voiced out quickly,
"What the fuck,Rhaegar?! Are you mad?"