A Deal Struck (Page 84)

~~~(POV: Raenon Targaryen)~~~

~~~(Location: Throne Room, Narrow Sea, Dragonstone)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 17 Years)~~~

~~~(Date: 301 AC)~~~

The two men who have traveled all this way to Dragonstone stand at the bottom of the stairs. Looking at me with caution and worry. Danny stands on my right side, showing a united front of Valyrian power.

Margaery is on my left, sitting in a comfortable chair as she's gently fanned. My golden rose represents my ties to Westeros. My allies are waiting for me.

Varys is someone I've looked forward to meeting on several occasions. While his mind and web are to be admired, one shouldn't hand so much power to someone who can help in your downfall. He's my ally for now.

That may change in the future if he makes it necessary.

"Is it true?"

The confident voice of Tyrion takes away my thoughts regarding Varys. I look at the Lannister. Taking him in from what I can see. He's a person who's overcome strife, torture, and abuse.

Then again, he's the wealthiest dwarf that's ever lived. I doubt his life is compatible with those who have suffered in poverty.

"You'll have to be more specific, Lannister."

Dany is the one to answer him. Her voice is quick and steady. Commanding power as she speaks.

"That you can summon a magical sword that cuts through anything. You have the power to throw red fire from your hands."

Ahh, the stories of my fights in Freedom Bay have spread even to these lands.

"Are you truly able to bend the shadows to your will..."

His voice isn't eager or probing. Only cautious. Forever cautious. Trying to discern any information he can to help his odds of survival from here.

Instead of a verbal answer, I throw out my right hand, and the blade appears. Fake Breaker. I spin it around and shove the blade's tip into the ground. Resting my hand on the pommel, I lean back in the throne chair.

The ringing of the impact bounces around the room. Leaving a hollow sound within all those who hear it.

"Magic of Asshai was taught to me at a young age. After escaping The Shadow Lands, I learned the world was far bigger than the forever dark corner I was in."

My left hand becomes engulfed in fire.

"These flames... I've had them since I could remember. No one taught me this. These red flames are the reason I'm alive today."

Varys stares into the fire and gulps deeply as if he's seen it before. There is fear in the features of the men below me. I'm not here to intimidate them. The sword disappears, and so do my red flames.

"As it stands, these weapons are branded against my enemies. Whether you prove worthy of them has yet to be seen, Tyrion."

He flinches slightly as I emphasize his name. He doesn't speak immediately; he looks at Varys for help. But all Varys does is ignore him.

"The Spider has told me you'll be an invaluable asset in securing the Iron Throne for Targaryen blood. The only Lannister worth sparing."

It's not long before he lowers his head in shame.

"King Raenon."

This time, it's Varys who speaks.

"Tyrion is the only Lannister I've seen who cares for more than just himself. His actions are greater than any man who calls him dwarf."

That's quite the endorsement for the man. Even Tyrion looks a little surprised at the vote of confidence. It's not the first time I've been told someone would be useful.

"How can I be certain you won't stab us in the back when the time comes? Tell me, Tyrion. Should I trust you?"

I lean forward on my throne, and all silence leaves the room as I focus solely on Tyrion. He doesn't flinch or show weakness under my gaze.

"No, you shouldn't trust me. I'm a Lannister, after all."

That is an interesting answer, to be sure. The shocked look from Varys tells me he thinks the same. I lean back on my throne. Staring at the man.

"I've been spit on, shit on, cursed, and abandoned. My last name is Lannister, and that'll never change. But I can't go back. The fate I'll meet there is worse than here."

Sound logic.

I can see why he was chosen as Hand of the King and Master of Coin at two points. His resentment for his family will never change. I can see it in his eyes.

"Wise words."

A smile appears on my lips, and a thought enters my mind. One that I know will work. Methods to prove loyalty exist. None such ways would a noble like Tyrion even do. He'd rather die than commit them.

There is another option for those.

"I'll take you under House Targaryen, Tyrion."

He doesn't react, knowing something else is coming.

"On what condition?"

Instead of letting me continue, he finishes the line of thought for me.

"You take Casterly Rock in my name, and I'll name you Master of Coin."

His face falls, and I can see the thoughts of me being a cruel man pass in his eyes.

"If you do this, not only will you become my Master of Coin. You'll be named the sole heir of House Lannister. I'll give you Casterly Rock."

I stand up as the words leave my lips, and I start to descend the stairs.

"I won't kill you if you refuse."

They both look at me as I stand in front of them. Taller than either of them.

"If you do this, you'll prove to me you're more than what people say about you. Just as I've demonstrated, I'm more than what people say about me."

My attention turns to Varys.

"You have proven your loyalty and allegiances, Varys. You're my Master of Whispers. If you wish to help Tyrion in his task, I'll allow it."

Tyrion hasn't spoken yet. My eyes turn back to him, and he looks up at me.

"You don't need to answer now. Spend a few days thinking about it. We'll send you on your merry way if you change your mind."

With those words, I turn my back and ascend the stairs. Walking to Margaery and helping her up. Together, we go to Dany and leave through the side door. Allowing Varys and Tyrion to talk about whatever it is they want to talk about.

~~~(POV: Tyrion Lannister)~~~

~~~(Location: Balcony, Narrow Sea, Dragonstone)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 37 Years)~~~

~~~(Date: 301 AC)~~~

Varys stands next to me as we look out into the ocean. Dragons circle above. Roaring and hunting in the water. Diving in and coming up with mouthfuls of fish.

The largest of them is flying near the Dragonmont.

"What do you plan to do?"

That's the million Gold Dragon question. Varys has helped me a great deal. Getting me even this far has cost him a great deal.

"First, I have to find a way to take Casterly Rock. My sister and her children are there. It's a viper's nest that I feel is just as dangerous as Kings Landing for me."

Raenon said I have to take Casterly Rock in his name. He didn't offer any troops, and he didn't provide any help from his dragons.

It's really a test. To see how badly I want to be on the winning side of this. Exile is starting to look more and more appealing. Taking off to Essos. It would've been an option, but most of Essos is controlled by House Targaryen.

The Free Cities are an option, but I'd be treated even worse than I've ever experienced. I've relied on my name and coin my whole life. Without it, I'd not last a week there.

"Might I give a suggestion?"

At this point, my only hope for a good life is aligned with House Targaryen.

~~~(POV: Daenerys Targaryen)~~~

~~~(Location: Jae & Aly's Room, Narrow Sea, Dragonstone)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 17 Years)~~~

~~~(Date: 301 AC)~~~

Rae spins his children around the room as they give giggles of joy and happiness. Margaery is resting in the corner near the window. Hand sliding over her belly as she watches Rae. I see the slightly solemn look in her eyes, and I approach her.

Taking a seat and letting her feet rest on my lap. Gently massaging them as I do. She looks at me with a smile.

"Do you think he'll love the ones coming as much as the ones he's already got..."

My brother already has three children. Jae, Aly, and Daenys. He adores them more than anything in the world.

"I don't see why he wouldn't, Mary. He'll love them more than he loves himself and us. Just as a father should."

I use her nickname as I whisper. Rae has his pet nickname for her, and I use the one we've developed for familiarity.

Her eyes turn away from mine, and we both look at Rae. He's helping them pretend to fly.

My heart breaks a little... They're growing up so fast... I wish days like these would last forever...