-Chapter 182-
-POV MC-
"So, what are you planning to do with them?" Daenerys asked, curious about my next moves.
I shrugged before saying, "I don't know yet, but I want to hear them out first. My strength is undeniable; now I need to learn to govern."
"And if they don't listen?" she asked in a tone I found slightly naive.
"They will all burn in Dragonfire," I said without hesitation.
She nodded, and we continued to enjoy our meal in peace.
---
-15th day of the 11th moon of the year 300 AC-
-POV Cersei Lannister-
"Your Grace, Duchess, a letter has arrived by ship from your son," said Marylin.
I nodded and invited her to sit with a gesture toward the chair opposite me. As I broke the seal of Joffrey's letter, Marylin sat across from me, awaiting my instructions.
---
Mother,
It is with immense joy that I announce the engagement between Queen Daenerys Targaryen and our Emperor Aegon Targaryen.
Though I know you must be deeply saddened by this news due to the genuine affection you have for the Emperor, I am pleased that the House of the Dragon is finally united.
This was a possibility we had already considered, but it changes nothing for House Lannister. I hope you can endure this, even though I will be away for the coming moons, perhaps even years.
All traitors have been pardoned, but none will regain their lands or noble titles.
The trout seemed particularly annoyed by this verdict, but they all understood that waging war against the empire was foolish, regardless of how many Unsullied and dragons they possess.
I will return alive; this is a promise I make to you.
I will return strong like the lion I am and as you and grandfather taught me to be.
I will return covered in glory for House Lannister.
Your loving son.
---
Despite the anger I felt learning of the alliance between that bitch Daenerys Targaryen and Aegon, I took a deep breath and set it aside to make a silent prayer for Joffrey's safe return.
'The gods are cruel and merciless, that's why they are gods, Cersei.'
'Why do I still hear him even after all this time?' I thought, trying to dismiss the words my father had said when I was just a child.
"Woooooooooooo."
I rolled my eyes at my little dragon's morning roar, but before I could get up, Marylin had already risen and said, "I'll go get the little Prince."
"Thank you, Marylin," I said distractedly, still preoccupied with my eldest's fate.
'The conquest of the Summer Isles will take about a year, perhaps two if they resist well, which means when I see Joffrey again, he will already be 18 name days.'
"Y-Your Grace," Marylin called out in a high-pitched tone from Aegon's room.
I frowned and said, "Yes?"
No sound came from the room, so I got up and went to see what was happening. As soon as I crossed the threshold of my son's room, I was greeted by an incredible sight, one that filled me with hope for my future.
'I was right, I was right, I was right.'
All I could think was that I had been right.
Despite the humiliation of being the Emperor's mistress, even considered a whore by some, I had done what was necessary, and the gods were now rewarding me.
"VYLARR!" I screamed.
Seconds later, the captain of my guard entered but stopped, shocked to see my son Maegor staring at the little dragon who, from the other side of the crib, was doing the same.
"I want your best men posted in my son's quarters. He is the Emperor's designated heir, and he hatched one of Syrax's eggs. Nothing must happen to him, am I clear?"
"Perfectly, Duchess," he said, leaving my son's room.
As I gave my orders, I couldn't help but look at my lady-in-waiting.
I knew she liked to spread rumors now and then, but I couldn't risk her talking.
'Recently, we noticed how scared the cities of Essos are of the Empire and how far those dogs are willing to go to stifle the Empire's greatness, the greatness of my little dragon,' I thought, glancing at my son who was approaching the little dragon and playing with it.
---
-POV Tormo Fregar-
"This is a disaster," said Elianos Zalyne, staring at me like a predator about to pounce on its prey.
"I know," I said, lowering my gaze.
"No, you know nothing. We all supported you because you assured us of your victory. You assured us the Emperor of Westeros would die, but instead, we are all in deep trouble," yelled Luco Prestayn, throwing his wine glass against the wall.
I frowned at his disrespect but didn't respond because he was right; I had endangered us all by letting my greed and lust for power overtake our true objective.
'If I had been the Sea Lord, I could have contained all the consequences, but since I'm not, I could easily be exposed by the imperial intelligence forces,' I thought.
"All is not entirely lost for us," I said, thinking quickly.
"What are you talking about? Our families know what we've done, or at least they suspect. They won't protect us; in fact, they will do everything to limit the damage they might face," said Elianos.
"True, but we can still make me the Sea Lord."
"Are you talking about assassinations?" asked Luco, looking at me shocked as if I had grown a second head.
I nodded and said, "Don't pretend you don't understand what I'm saying or that you don't agree with my methods. We all know exactly what we've gotten into, and we're all in the same boat. If one of us sinks, we all sink with him."
"And how do you plan to do that? We can't just ask the Faceless Men or hire someone," asked Elianos.
"I have someone very close to the Sea Lord who could poison a cup, but I will need you to handle the consequences, you with your father, Luco, and you with your grandfather, Elianos. If this succeeds, those who abandoned us after Bellegere's failure will come back to kiss our feet," I said.
"Very well, but if you fail, you won't have to wait for the imperial agents because I will slit your throat myself," said Luco before storming out of the room.
---
-POV Garth Flowers-
'The Emperor was right; these dogs are going to try to kill the current Sea Lord of Braavos. Now, I just have to find a way to inform the Emperor before the Sea Lord dies.'
'If he dies before the Emperor sends me instructions, that dog Tormo Fregar could get away with it without any consequences,' I thought, gritting my teeth in anger.
---
-18th day of the 11th moon of the year 300 AC-
-POV Viserys Targaryen-
"How long before the entire fleet arrives at Bloodstone?" I asked.
"Not long, the Vale fleet arrived this morning," said Aurane, looking at Yohn Royce and his two sons.
'These fools are clearly overstepping the orders given by Aegon. Currently, the Lord of Runestone is anything but the name of this old traitor,' I thought, looking at Yohn Royce, the father of my own wife.
"The imperial fleet arrived with you, Your Highness, so we have no worries there. However, the Reach fleet has not yet arrived," said Aurane.
"And why is that?" I asked, frowning.
"The Queen of Thorns sent a message to warn us that the entire fleet would arrive in a few days. The weather wasn't suitable for sailing," said Aurane.
"When did this message arrive?" I asked.
"Just yesterday," said Aurane.
"And why did you not inform me of this?" I asked, frowning.
"Because I am the governor of the Stepstones and Grand Admiral. I am in charge of everything concerning the imperial fleet in the Stepstones. I didn't see the need to bother you with unnecessary information..."
"I am a Prince and the Commander-in-Chief of all forces that will subdue the Summer Isles. Everything related to this concerns me directly and must be reported to me without delay," I said curtly, interrupting Aurane Waters, annoyed by his superior tone.
"I apologize, my prince," he said, realizing he had crossed the line, though I could see a glimmer of wounded pride in his eyes.
I hesitated to continue reprimanding him but decided to let it go.
Turning to my squire, I said, "And your men, when will they arrive?"
"Any day now. They traveled to the capital in haste to board ships for the Stepstones as soon as I learned we wouldn't be returning to Westeros," said Cersei's son.
"They better arrive before the Tyrells, or we will leave without them. Is that clear?" I said, fixing him with a cold stare.
He nodded, maintaining a flattering smile that I knew was false, then I turned to the others and said, "You may go."
'Besides this Lannister dog, I also have to deal with this ambitious Velaryon bastard, as ambitious as his ancestor the Sea Snake, and these traitors of the Vale.'
'May the Gods give me the strength to carry out this task.'
---
It's the big comeback, after months of hiatus I've decided to finish this story once and for all and start working on new stories. I've started a few and have started posting them on my Patreon listed below. (Naruto, The Walking Dead, Marvel AU MCU)