Family Reunion

After residing in King's Landing for around two months, Aerion had made sure that everything was progressing as it should. Usually, he would oversee the construction of the castle or assist the Dragonsguard in their training. Most nights were spent in the Arena, where he would continue to push himself to the very limit. He did visit Tai Xia's bed every now and then to fulfil his grand duties that came with being a husband. He began to notice that his sessions had provided quite the boost in cultivation strength, especially for Xia. This was something cultivators called dual-cultivation.

After a long night in the Arena, Aerion woke to a breakthrough. Tyrant Profound 6. Yes, it was impressive but no where near where he needed to be in order to match the strength that Rotias had shown. There was still much work to be done.

~

"Grand Maester Marwyn."

Aerion approached his Grand Maester with a request. It was one of the first things he did that day as it was of relative importance.

"Yes, Your Grace?"

"Send a raven to Dragonstone, requesting for the arrival of my uncle."

"Prince Viserys… I assume he will be participating in the upcoming royal progress?"

"Your assumption is correct, Grand Maester."

"Any dragons, by any chance?"

"Viserion and Moonfyre, I suppose."

"Magical creatures… and deadly, when fully grown. I find it disappointing that the mighty Rhaegal will not be making an appearance. I hear tales that he is larger than Balerion and his fire burns a crimson colour. Apparently, his roar could shake the land and sea alike… I wish to behold that kind of dragon. …Forgive me, Your Grace, I have spoken too much."

You shall see Rhaegal soon enough… even I haven't checked on him for some time. I'll do so once I make my return to the Profound Sky Continent.

"It is no issue, I understand."

"I shall be going now, Your Grace."

After a quick bow, Marwyn walked away.

~

Blue Wind Empire, Oldtown.

Rotias looked down on the city that was known by the name Oldtown. Many homes were deserted of life, so much so that it made Rotias wonder if someone else had visited the town prior. But the buildings were all in fine condition so that scenario was unlikely. He gritted his teeth.

Not only did that boy escape, but he also made sure that those around him wouldn't witness my wrath. Not all is lost, though…

He smiled mischievously at the city. He saw the colossal and arrogant statue of Jun Long… that was the first thing he turned into a ruin. Even though most of the people had left the city, there were still a few who were stubborn and those were the ones who were burnt alive that day. With a wave of his hand, thousands of his supporters rained down from the skies and began to destroy the rest.

After a few hours, everything in the surrounding area was on fire. Rotias didn't find the destruction of Oldtown quite as amusing as he thought he would.

"My Lord?"

"This was a meaningless effort...."

He moved onto other things. His conquest of the World, to be exact. It was swiftly nearing its completion. Three Sacred Grounds destroyed and the last belonged to him. Now, all that remained were the Seven Nations... a far weaker target. There was no one... not a single person in the entire Profound Sky Continent who could resist his overwhelming strength. It was only a matter of time before all would bow and acknowledge him as the Sovereign of the World.

~

"Fire."

An arrow flew straight towards the stag, but the noble creature was able to turn at the right time. The arrow hit its horns and ricocheted to the grass. After noticing its silver-haired predators, the stag fled at an unbelievable speed.

"That was a great shot, Daenerys. The stag was fortunate to flee unscathed."

"I still missed…"

You hit its horns, Aerion thought. Not a complete miss. Besides, that stag was one of the fastest I've ever seen in the Kingswood.

Aerion wished to hunt in the Kingswood by himself, as it would be quite the waste not to do so. It was a forest meant for only one person, the King. Anyone who was found hunting in the Kingswood without the King's permission would have to face death. It was an effective deterrent… Aerion had not seen a single soul hunting, besides himself and Daenerys. When he left the Red Keep, Daenerys had rushed to his side and asked to join him in the hunt. He acknowledged her request and here we are.

In the beginning, Daenerys was quite terrible with the bow. But she learned the skill of archery quickly with Aerion instructing her. Eventually, with some assistance from Aerion, she took down a stag. He was one of the slower ones, but it was still an achievement to be proud of.

"See? It isn't quite as hard as you think."

He dealt the final blow to the stag, ending its misery. Moonfyre attempted to set the beast alight with its silver flames. The small dragon succeeded... slightly. Instead of burning the entire stag, the flames only managed to burn a small hole.

A small hole, for a small dragon. Seems fair.

Aerion decided to take the stag to the Red Keep, where it would be properly cooked. On the way back, Aerion and Daenerys spoke of the morning.

"We should do this more often."

Aerion agreed. "A fine suggestion… perhaps we will get around fixing that broken aim."

It was a mere jest, an exaggeration to be sure. After seeing her reaction, all he could do was laugh. She took it too seriously.

"Is it really broken?"

"Gods no, if only you could see me firing off arrows four years ago. Now that was truly broken aim… anyway, I ultimately improved through practice…"

"Your Grace, Princess."

A familiar face dropped from the sky. What was a seemingly impossible feat became a fairly common occurrence ever since the Dragonsguard arrived. Most of them began to call Aerion by his Kingly title, something that was to be expected.

"Robb, what is it?"

"Prince Viserys has arrived by ship recently, just a few minutes ago. He seems patient enough to wait… a rare thing."

Aerion chuckled. "A rare thing indeed, he has certainly changed. I will see him in a couple moments."

"Very well."

He flew high, in the direction of King's Landing.

"Why Viserys, of all people?" Daenerys questioned.

"Why, Viserys is the Prince of Dragonstone and my uncle. I've decided it was due time I built relations with my subjects. That would be easily accomplished through a few royal progresses… which is what I plan to do. There are only three... four, now, Targaryens left in the world."

"I understand, it is because he is important. Speaking of Viserys… will he remain unmarried?"

"No, that would be a waste. I plan to marry him to Princess Arianne.

"I can not say… but I hear she is beautiful but willful. Viserys and a willful wife living well, it is hard to imagine."

Aerion shrugged. "It does not matter much, anyway. Marriages are, especially for those of noble birth, usually forged for alliances and the production of an offspring."

They walked to King's Landing and later the Red Keep where Aerion took his place on the Iron Throne. Unamusingly, a couple of people needed his approval. First it was some merchant who wanted to construct a shop that would sell tools, among other things. Aerion agreed to his request. Then some peasants came in to complain about a group of bandits who have been robbing and slaying a decent number of them. Aerion sent a dozen men to that village. Then, finally, it was Viserys who came.

Aerion dismissed his court and walked down the stairs of the Iron Throne to face Viserys.

"Greetings, uncle, how was the journey?"

"Quick enough, Dragonstone is not far from King's Landing."

"That is good to hear. Come, let us converse in a more suitable place."

They walked to Maegor's Holdfast and Aerion ordered for a small feast. He handed over the stag to the cooks and let them go to work. Daenerys soon joined the table and it became a happy family reunion, more or less.

"I hear you have four wives… it seems to me that you are relishing the title of King."

"You are misinformed, uncle. I only have a single wife… although, that number is bound to increase."

And being King is not always quite so delightful. It is tedious at times and you always have to be on your edge, unless you wish to look like a fool. That is what Robert has become… a common jest. Some fat drunkard King who did no good to the Realm, which is true... I suppose. But when he reigned, none would dare to speak against him. How things change… no, how quickly these people change. There is no doubt that it was the same when my Grandfather, Aerys II Targaryen, was slain by the Kingslayer and Robert took his place.

The only person who was truly honest was Ser Barristan. He was not afraid to tell me of why Aerys was named the 'Mad King'. He was a man who slowly turned to madness, but he was not born with it. He became obsessed with fire, even choosing it as his champion when Rickard Stark demanded a trial by combat.

"And I hear that you suit yourself an architect." Daenerys stated, with a slight tone of mockery.

"I do, indeed. Speaking of architecture… nephew, I have a grand plan that will require your approval and assistance."

"Most intriguing."

If my dear uncle means financial assistance, he might have to wait a while. Castles and walls are not cheap… but there is a way I can vastly increase my wealth. Westeros has been conquered but there are other lands, other continents, that can be conquered.