Chapter 7: The Surprises Never End

A raven flew over Blackwater Bay, below the gloomy nature of the clouds as if the brewing of a storm.

The bird landed on an outcropping that jutted from the rocks and sat there for some time staring down at the waves rolling in towards the shore.

It looked like it was looking into the past, or perhaps even into a future with its large eyes seeming to pierce through all of the dust, towards the carriage below that entered the gates of the Red Keep.

"All hail Rhaenyra of House Targaryen, Governor of Dragonstone and Heir Regent to the Iron Throne and her consort, Prince Daemon Targaryen."

The door to the carriage opened with a creak and out came a beautiful woman. Pale skin and lustrous silver hair along with a big blob stomach that held another life inside.

Behind her, a tall man supported her body, with perfect broad shoulders and a charming visage along with similar silver hair even smoother than the woman in front although his eyebrows seemed almost withered.

The guards were silent and so was the wind. Suddenly the grande door in front opened with a bang and a bald man rushed forward.

He glanced at Rhaenrya and then Daemon, a slight nod to both of them.

"Welcome back, princess and prince."

Daemon did not speak almost as if waiting for Rhaenyra to do so, bored of politics and annoyed to be back in King's Landing.

Rhaenyra nodded back, acknowledging the person in front.

"Lord Caswell."

The two entered the Red Keep astonished as they gazed inside. The symbol of the Faith clearly carved cut near the roof.

Rhaenyra had an eyebrow raised as she spoke.

"I would say it is nice to be home but I scarcely recognize it."

Daemon hummed lightly, observing the keep inside before walking further with Rhaenyra as Lord Caswell led them to the Small Council chambers.

~

"It was my understanding that Lord Corlys wished for his grandson Jacaerys to succeed him as Lord of the Tides," Viserys spoke unhappily about the upcoming discussion.

The Lannister on the side instantly butted in.

"The boy has been raised most of his life away from Driftmark. Can he fly a dragon? Yes, but could he command the Seas?"

Beesbury instantly interjected.

"Ability does not alter his claim."

"The SeaSnake never formally named him as heir." Jasper Wylde spoke by the side.

Otto looked at Viserys before speaking lightly in a submissive manner.

"The crown must choose what is best for the realm. In these troublesome times, if Lord Corlys passes away at the Stepstones, it is our duty to elect a competent ruler in his stead."

Viserys was displeased.

"Enough! Lucerys is my grandson and Laenor's son. We have no right to squabble in their family matter. Tell me more about problems in the realm instead of this rubbish."

All others by the side nodded lightly, bowing to the King's words while Otto by the side released a sigh, glancing at his daughter Allicent who seemed to be biting her nails, a habit he thought she had long since given up.

Just as the council was about to head on to a different topic, Ser Harrold Westerling entered the room and knelt instantly.

"Your grace. Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon have arrived."

Viserys's face beamed up for a second before dimming.
"Send them in."

He bowed lightly and head back. Before long the dynamic duo entered the chamber. Viserys's eye twitched a little upon seeing Daemon along with Rhaenyra but ultimately he released a sigh.

Otto by the side grimaced as he glanced at Rhaenyra, his gaze eventually turning onto Daemon.

"Welcome, Rhaenyra. I trust, the trip back home was good." He smiled, something he rarely did these days.

Rhaenyra nodded and bowed lightly. "Indeed, father." Her lips eventually curled up as she gestured towards a maid outside.
"Father, there is someone we wish to introduce you to."

Baby noises filled the chamber as a nanny arrived with two kids in her arms, both silver-haired. The members of the Small Council looked at the baby boys in shock while Daemon smirked at Otto.

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Viserys's eyes widened. Although he was bitter that his brother did his daughter he had to admit that, he was the only one he trusted enough to keep her safe.

As for the boys, his contempt would never touch them. They were his blood and family. It only made him gladder to have a few more grandsons, reminded him of his days with Jaeherys when the Targeryans were at their peak.

Rhaenyra pointed at the one on the left in Daemon's arms, "He is Aegon." Viserys nodded while Allicent by the side narrowed her eyes.

Then she pointed towards the one in her arms.
"-And this is Viserys."

The King's eyes widened, almost popping out as a huge smile smeared his face as he nodded.
"A name fit for a king."

Just as he was going to hold Viserys the Child, Ser Harrold rushed into the room once again but this time in more of a hurry.

"Your grace! There is a matter of utmost emergency." He knelt.

Viserys frowned. The cheerful atmosphere was ruined. When it came to babies, almost everyone had a soft spot well except for Otto and maybe Tyland.

"Go on. What is it?"

Ser Harrold lifted his head. His eyes were a little cold and filled with a hint of embarrassment.
"A guard has been found dead... murdered."

The Small Council members looked at each other with shock. King Viserys was dumbfounded. Astonishment plastering his face, this had seldom happened... ever.

A guard or anyone 'murdered'... inside the walls of the Red Keep.

Even Daemon by the side was surprised, a small smile almost reaching his face, amused while Rhaenyra was open-mouthed.

Otto spoke, curious... in a calm voice but shocked nonetheless.
"By murdered... what do you mean? A person murdered another in front of you or other witnesses?"

Ser Harrold shook his head to deny it.
"No... it is peculiar. It would be better if his grace sees it with his own eyes."

~

Along with King Viserys, his entire entourage followed to the hallways where the incident took place.

The maids did not allow anyone else to enter while all guards were under an all-time vigilance. The entire area was off-limits.

Viserys released a small gasp as he looked at the scene.

"By the gods..." Allicent whispered, looking away while Rhaenyra covered the eyes of her children.

Meanwhile, Daemon stared at it deeply, pondering upon something. His gaze was mysterious. All the others of the Small Council had similar reactions.

Many had been killed and some had seen real combat and war but this was something none had ever witnessed.

A corpse that looked frozen, its skin bluish-green and pale. The body had begun decomposing but all knew dead bodies did not look similar to this.

This was shriveled and it seemed as if all blood had been sucked out leaving not a trace. Every single drop.

"What... happened here?" Viserys asked subconsciously in wonder. Daemon pointed at something from behind and everyone turned to look.

It was a note. A note penned on the wall, a deeper color than its red. It seemed... similar to blood.

Beesbury squinted his eyes as he took the initiative to mutter it loud for everyone.
"Beware the Vampyre Dārilaros yond hast hath returned to claimeth what belongs to that gent by blood... for the night is dark and full of terrors."

As everyone pondered upon the note. A maid rushed towards a guard, whispering in his ears making his eyes widen as he rushed towards Ser Harrold whose eyes widened too.

Viserys and all others noticed this. He tilted his head as if to ask a question. Ser Harrold bowed submissively.

"Your grace... it seems that in the Training Grounds... Prince Aemond is having a duel with... his highness, Prince Baelon."

***

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