[Daenerys' POV]
A grand feast would follow, and they would receive many gifts. Daenerys gained enough jewellery to cover herself from head to toe. Edric ate and drank more than his fill, though that wasn't anything new. He hardly did anything half-heartedly.
Edric was genuinely beloved by his nobility, from South to North… well mayhaps not the North itself anymore. Where the rest of the world shook in fear at his march, the Seven Kingdoms cheered. This was probably the way he preferred it.
There were seemingly many disappointed and envious ladies today.
"What a domineering banner, the best of both worlds. Although I feel horrible for every lady that will have to knit those purple sparks each time,' Renly laughed.
"It's my personal banner, the rest won't have it. I'm not that cruel," Edric smiled.
"Well, I wish you the best of fortune. I'm rather excited for some more great nephews and nieces. The Realm would be glad to have a worthy heir."
"Daenerys and I will work on that, don't you worry, uncle," Edric laughed warmly.
"We've already been working on that, haven't we?" Daenerys added.
"Shh, no need to tell the world about that."
"That would not surprise me," Renly chuckled. "You are my brother's son, after all. You wouldn't be without some of his virility."
"... When he starts, he doesn't stop," Daenerys jested, although it was very much the truth. The real trouble was starting.
"Ahaha…" Edric almost looked embarrassed.
"Well, that does bode well. Our bloodline isn't quite assured with Stannis' single daughter and…"
"Your lack of children, uncle," Edric raised an eyebrow. "Do you want House Baratheon to die out?"
"Eh, you've seduced every notable lady already. Regardless… I am in no rush - given my youth. It will also live through you and your heirs. Named Stormyfre or no, they shall be Baratheon by blood. And all of Robert's bastards, hah, Baratheon is the most assured bloodline of all."
"I suppose you'd be right, in a sense," Edric nodded in agreement. "Still, the name is important. Let me know if any lady suits you."
"Oh, I will, most definitely."
For some reason, Daenerys doubted that. Renly seemed a little too… flamboyant. And he seems to spend a little too much time with Ser Loras, as well. Something beyond simply guarding him.
Then again, the same could be suspected of Edric, but Daenerys knew the truth of that. They were much like brothers, regardless of blood and duty.
Was it that Renly was not bothered by the idea of Storm's End being succeeded by Edric? Mayhaps he even preferred it so.
"Will there be a bedding ceremony, Your Grace?" Harrold Aryn questioned.
"I don't need anyone to make sure I'm fulfilling my duties, hahaha."
There was a resounding sound of disappointment in the hall by ladies and lords alike. From what she gathered, the bride and groom would be 'escorted' by a crowd of those of the other sex… and stripped along the way, undoubtedly with some touching involved.
"The ladies would have liked to have a better look at those muscles, and much more, it would seem…" Renly laughed.
"I don't blame either side," Harrold added.
Edric's possessive nature would deny any of that. Daenerys preferred it that way…
"Oh, I would have no shame in getting naked and showing off… but I believe this night is scared and therefore belongs to Daenerys and I alone."
A wonderfully crafted 'excuse' and deflection.
No one would challenge his wishes.
They would return to their 'bedchamber' as husband and wife, without anyone 'tagging' along.
"Seal off the entrance," Edric told Loras. "No one enters, alright?"
"Understood, Your Grace."
Where was this bedchamber in question? Well, it wasn't quite a bedchamber. Edric had taken her to the top of a tower.
"The stars are rather stunning tonight, don't you think?" Edric smiled, looking up.
"Yes. I would say so…" Daenerys agreed, nodding. "Not a single angle cloud, the sky is rather obedient of its master."
"You give me too much credit," Edric chuckled. "Though as great as the view is, it does not match even a fraction of the sheer beauty of my bride."
"Aren't you the charmer tonight?" Daenerys laughed. "I might just blush. Though… why this place?"
"All important things in a person's life should be done under the open sky, right? This isn't any old tower, however. I've had quite a handful meaningful conversations here… and, mayhaps, the Dothraki were right about something."
"Didn't take you too long to learn that."
"What can I say? I'm a quick learner… although this will be far more comfortable than stone."
He summoned a feathered bed.
Someone was prepared…
Edric… definitely made it a night to remember.
…
In celebration of the wedding, there would be a great tournament. Brienne of Tarth would triumph over all in the melee, a Stormguard would win the archery contest, another Stormguard would win the throwing contest… with several more splitting the more minor events. Edric's squire, Ragnor, dominated the squire's melee. The rest of the squires were almost like children compared to his battle-hardened self.
In turn, Edric considered knighting him… but reserved that honour for a more meaningful accomplishment. He had harsh standards for knighting, it would seem.
The most important and final event was the joust.
"Are you not attending?" Daenerys questioned.
"Do I have anything to prove?" He replied in turn.
"Well, it would seem strange that you did more to impress your betrothed than your wife."
"... Women are never content, are they?" Edric laughed.
He would join the joust and, well, it wasn't far from what she expected. He'd sweep the competition - not even so much as losing his balance once. Every competitor fell in one tilt before she was crowned the Queen of Love and Beauty. Though, it was no ordinary crown. It was the crown of the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, forged in Valyrian Steel with engraved rubies. The Valyrian Steel itself was black with three red, clear, dragons at the front.
There was something about it, too… she could feel the fire behind its forging.
Another feast would follow. The nobility loved to celebrate at every opportunity.
"Did you forget it yourself?" She'd ask Edric.
"Mhm, all me," Edric said with a sense of pride. "Valyrian Steel is a stubborn bitch to work with, though. It took many sleepless nights to get the hang of it."
"You finally found your equal," Daenerys chuckled.
"... Okay," Edric laughed. "Watch what happens tonight."
"A good time never scared me."
"We'll see about that."
[Arthur's POV]
Before leaving Yin, Arthur held a meeting between his commanders.
"The men are not exactly thrilled to be fighting the Azure Emperor's battles," Rhaerra remarked.
"Neither am I," Valaegor shook his head. "The coward can take his golden guards and ride out to battle the pretenders himself."
"He is no Edric," Jaime Lannister remarked. "Nor does he possess the strength to do anything significant, and he knows it. There is some wisdom in that."
"These battles are not only the Azure Emperor's, but they are also our King's..." Arthur shook his head. "If they do not wish to fight, they do not have to. No one has to, for that matter. I'm perfectly willing to ride out on my own."
"You're not going to," Sandor Clegane replied. "I'll be damned if I watch you ride out by yourself. Let the bloody cowards stay if they want to."
"I am no coward," Valaegor frowned.
"Never said you were," Sandor Clegane smiled slightly. "But you might have admitted to believing you were one."
"... I'm perfectly content with a rematch, dog," Valaegor raised an eyebrow.
"Cease, both of you," Arthur ordered with a more stern voice. "We have a greater goal at hand than your childish quarrel."
"The valyrian has too big a mouth," Jaime noted. "You can't blame the Hound much."
"Says you," Valaegor chuckled. "You were famed far and wide for your arrogance."
"Better than being nameless, I suppose," Jaime fired back rather casually.
"I am a champion of R'hllor-"
Rhaerra glared at him, and silence followed.
It was at times like these that he wished he were with the Kingsguard instead. They were orderly, tight-knit and supportive. United. A bit like a small family. This trio? Chaos. Valaegor was like the wind, uncaring and free with an ego to match the Jaime of old. Sandor Clegane was fierce, blunt, cynical and definitely had a temper worthy of his fire, albeit still dutiful. Jaime was, amusingly enough, the best of them in terms of character. He was calm, collected, patient... dutiful even. Of course, he still held himself in high regard... but he was not so far from Kingsguard standard.
Too many egos in one room... though, really, Valaegor seemed to be the common problem. He did not have much respect for anyone who wasn't a Blue Cloak, Edric or Arthur himself. Still, he was a valuable warrior. Arthur hoped that time and experience would bind them together.
"We may all be different, but we have one common goal, don't we?" Arthur questioned. "If you disagree, you are free to leave."
There were no disagreements. Sandor Clegane was loyal to Edric, Valaegor was wholeheartedly loyal to his Red God and shared the goal of overcoming the Others - a loyalty that extended to Edric, whom he believed was Azor Ahai reborn and the Rh'llor's greatest champion. Jaime... well, he seemed loyal to Edric's cause, but Arthur could never feel entirely sure of him.
It was Edric who hammered his father's head into the ground, in the end. But it was also Edric who spared him when the rest of the Realm clamoured for his death. The cruellest blow, and the kindest grace, dealt from the same hand. Arthur would not know what to feel in his place.
Yet... there was no sense of conflict behind those emerald green eyes, only a determined, unmoving gaze.
"Good, then we advance. So long as the four of us are united, whatever foes we face, we'll overcome together," Arthur spoke with passionate compassion, inadvertently inspiring loyalty in their hearts with his fire. "Remember who this is for."
[Edric's POV]
The next couple of months were… oddly peaceful. I finally got the time to fully dedicate myself to forging, rapidly improving my skill - as Raiden once suggested. I'd need to arm the Realm with a whole lot more than dragonglass if it was going to stand the Night King and his ever-growing horde. And, well… I also needed my so-called 'Lightbringer'. Any old Valyrian Steel wasn't going to cut it. I even tried fiddling with Garth's little machine, though it was more than a bit beyond me.
As for the Realm at large, I formed my own version of the 'Citadel'; the Royal Order of the Greater Arts. Each skilled craftsman I had taken for my own in my conquests had become part of it. I spent a great deal of time demolishing the rest of the Dragonpit, laying the foundation upon which its main building would be built atop the Hill of Rhaenys. Until then, my group of specialists had been given well-suited accommodations and the tools to work.
The craftsmen specialising in glass, especially the Myrish ones, were tasked with building as many glass gardens as possible. I also made a strong emphasis on preserving food for the long term. Some others would help with the dragonglass operation, increasing the production of weapons.
I also had the artists and architects working on my throne, which would be named the Eternal Throne (I know, very original). It kept some of the Iron Throne's spirit, being supported by some of the weapons, treasures and collectables from each of my campaigns and conquests. It was made of black marble, with especially refined gold leaf 'painted' onto it, depicting the births of House Targaryen and House Baratheon, with the focus shifting to the journeys of Daenerys and me. It was more centred around me and my triumphs, of course, but she did take up quite a bit of space.
It was just as large as the Iron Throne, yet much easier on the eyes and had a sense of regal majesty rather than looking monstrous. Although, the steel around it still depicted strength. It also had plenty of space for more gold-painted events to join its black marble. The gold was especially bright and shiny, contrasting the black foundation. It was more comfortable to sit on, too.
I don't think the late Aegon would be too mad... the artists had worked up a masterpiece and a worthy successor.
I had kept an eye on the activities north of the Wall, extending my favourite raven's reach until it grew far too cold. I was forced to return. The Night King's horde of undead did not seem to advance past a certain point. Although all signs of life had ended. Even Hardhome. He had swept up everything past the Wall - but what now? From what I gained from his soul, he believed that he could break the Wall's barrier with enough time.
It seemed that he was biding his time until winter worsened and his advantage was greater. Men would be far less inclined and able to put up their best fight if they were starving and freezing to death. Not to mention, the elemental advantage... like me summoning storms, the effects of winter likely strengthened the Night King.
This strategy was very much a double-edged sword as I'd have more time to prepare.
...
It was just another day at the forge, attempting at imbuing magic with steel, when I was called up for something urgent.
"What is it?"
"Her Grace... they said she started to bleed unnaturally. Lots of blood. The maesters have no idea of what to do."
Ragnor informed me.
Pregnant women didn't have periods, to my knowledge. Was it caused by...
I went to attend her immediately, and was welcomed by Gormon Tyrell and a host of clueless maesters. Daenerys lay, with blood coming from the nose, mouth and even eyes. It was... a terrible sight. They had made an attempt at bandaging and treating the cause, but nothing could seemingly cease the surge of blood.
I grabbed her hand... it felt awfully weak.
"The causes of this phenomenon are entirely unknown," Gormon informed me. "Although, there is reason to believe that it may be caused by the pregnancy... magic, in particular."
"You may well be right," I nodded. "Would you all leave? I'll solve this myself."
"As you wish, Your Grace."
Once they left, I turned to Daenerys and empowered her with my magic.
"I thought... that would be the end."
"It won't be," I promised, smiling slightly. "Whatever this is... I'll take care of it."
"I think... I need a couple of doses of your... finest treatment."
"As much as you want."
I shared my blood with hers, making up for the lack of it. This time, however, the kisses were more than a source of treatment. I could feel the fierce, chaotic and destructive spirit growing inside of her. It was... powerful.
Was it all because of me being a 'demon', a message that I could not have more children? Mirri Mazdur's blood magic curse? Or mayhaps it was a storm of both combined...
The source was most definitely some kind of magic.
"They said Margaery had the simplest and easiest of all pregnancies any maester had ever observed," Daenerys said, sighing. "The sort of magic you wield is a reflection of one's nature, isn't it? Alysanne and Garth are kind, dutiful, and compassionate. Benevolent, even. It makes me wonder if our child... is the opposite of that."
She looked concerned. To be honest... it was something that concerned me as well, though I didn't show it.
"You don't have to worry," I smiled reassuringly. "A person can overcome their nature with enough desire. Besides, we should be good enough parents to raise our child the right way, no?"
'Can't end up all that much worse than us.'
You'd be right about that...
"Yes... you're right," Daenerys nodded, taking a deep breath. "I fear something like this happening again, yet worse, and you..."
"... I'll spend every waking moment with you, if that is what it takes." My grasp on her hand tightened. "I don't want to lose you."
Those words were sincere. I don't know when it truly happened... but Daenerys had become one of the most important people in life. I didn't see myself without her. It happened all so quickly - had I been won over so easily? Or was it that... I wanted this...
This kind of happiness...
"That... is the sweetest thing you've ever said to me," Daenerys smiled, tilting her head. "I almost want to hear it again."
"Aren't you greedy?" I caressed the side of her face with my right hand. "I'll protect you from anything that little demon throws your way, Dany. We'll get through this."
"Little demon, hm..." Daenerys chuckled. "Have you thought of any names for it? For some reason, I feel like it will be a girl."
"... Never really thought about it much," I admitted. "If it were a girl, I'd go for Victoria."
"... Victoria," Daenerys mused. "It's a strong name, I do fancy it, even though it is not one of Targaryen nature. Personally, I do like the sound of Rhaenyra... Visenya... Rhaenys... Rhaella. There's far too many to choose from."
"All Targaryen names, unsurprisingly," I chuckled.
"... Could we settle on two names, one of yours and one of mine?" Daenerys questioned. "I'd want our children to have Valyrian names in some form."
"Targaryen middlenames could work..." I shrugged. I did like the sound of valyrian names, personally. "Now, if it were a boy, what would you choose? Rhaegar?"
"... I would not be that inconsiderate," Daenerys chuckled, shaking her head. "Still, you know me a little too well because that is precisely what I'd choose if not for what others would think of it."
"It is... a unique name," I nodded. "Your big brother sullied it, is all."
"Would you hate it?"
"No," I shook my head. "Still, it's almost as bad as Aerys."
"Aerys would be a good name... if not for its history. But if one person can sully a name and have it never be used again while another can make a name great and have it passed down endlessly, like Aegon... can't a name be redeemed as well?"
It made me think of Aerion, strangely enough. Wasn't the last Aerion... Brightflame? What was his Rhaegar smoking?
"It's much easier to bear a great name than a cursed one," I replied. "Besides that, it would be frowned upon quite greatly. Some would think that you were trying to conjure up the second coming of the Mad King."
"..." Daenerys sighed. "You'd be right about that, I fear. What would you choose?"
"Well, if we're going valyrian, I do like Daeron... mayhaps a Daemon, Rhaegon? I don't think I've heard that one before."
"Rhaegon... it sounds rather dashing."
"As for non-valyrian, I'd go for an Orys, or Durran for my lineage. I do like the sound of Richard and William too, however..."
King Richard the Lionheart always had a close place in my heart. Such an epic epithet, and he was English, a crusader, a great warrior and military leader? I had quite a bit of pride for a man who reigned eight centuries before I was born. And, well, William the Conqueror is who Aegon was based upon.
"So many names to choose from, but only one child," I said, in dismay.
"... Well, if your word is true and your magical seed can truly overcome my curse... and this occasion happens to be the worst of it... which is a lot of ifs - we could have quite a number more."
"It might not be you who is cursed, but rather I," I replied, shaking my head. "Mayhaps, the way that I am... I'm not supposed to sire anything. I may well look normal on the outside, but... I've grown dragonscales from my own body, even two sets of arms once. I breathe fire like a dragon."
"... I am of the blood of the dragon," Daenerys reminded me, her violet eyes glowing with determination. "If anything, it means that we suit each other more than any other."
"You're right."
I hoped.
No... hope was for the helpless.
I was going to make it into a reality.
...
On the first day of the first moon, 302 AC.
The moon had been growing redder over the past few days, startling smallfolk and highborn alike. Even the sun had grown red, lighting both day and night in the same red colour. Some thought that the end of the world, judgement day, approached and that all would answer for their sins. The fanatics of the Faith had emerged, and suppressing them was not as simple as one would imagine. Still, they were nothing that worried me.
The worst of it was Daenerys' condition. I had to practically stay glued to her to ensure that she didn't explode from within. The surging magic within truly was something unruly.
On this night, the moon was a glowing crimson red... lighting everything in the same colour, almost like a second sun. It was the herald of my child's birth, there was no doubt. Like Alysanne and Garth bringing a sudden sprinkle of summer, this child had brought upon the blood-stained sun and moon.
Quite dramatic... all Daenerys and I had were storms, but those three? Seemingly world-altering events, if only for a short while. It seemed to be a glimpse of the future.
I stood beside Daenerys the entire time... as the maesters went through standard procedures, I was suppressing the chaotic magic energy affecting her. Although very powerful, it wasn't something I couldn't rein in. Still... I had to be considerate of Daenerys, which meant my output was much less than it would otherwise have been, making it a great and gruelling process.
The little girl didn't play around, however... the moment it was time, she practically pushed herself out.
"It's a girl, Your Grace," Gormon Tyrell remarked, holding her and passing on the little princess to me. "A big and strong one, at that."
"She is my daughter," I smiled with pride. She had big blue, sparkling, eyes like a summer sea... and black hair. All me - I couldn't find a trace of Daenerys. "You gave your mother a lot of trouble, you know that?"
She blinked at me cluelessly, waving her arms around.
So adorable.
I didn't want anything to take her away from me.
After some time, however, I passed her onto Daenerys.
"I dare say she was worthwhile," Daenerys took a deep breath. "Though... she couldn't be any more like you if she tried. Princess Edrica would be all too fitting. Mayhaps Edrya..."
As much as I wanted to say it's horrible, Edrya wasn't too bad. Still, in my mind, I had grown quite fond of 'Victoria'. The Princess of Victory. What name is more fitting for a daughter of mine?
"She will bear the name Victoria... and Visenya."
I decided.
"Princess Victoria 'Visenya' of the House Stormfyre."
It sounded just right.