Chapter 5: Final Preparations

Chapter 5: Final Preparations

"The Lords of Westeros are sheep. Are you a sheep? No. You're a Dragon, be a Dragon."

Those are the words of advice given to her by the wise old Lady of Highgarden. They continue to ring clearly in her head as she sits at a table awaiting the arrival of her newest ally.

The elderly lady was her most important adviser. The Reach is not only the largest region in the south, holding the largest population, but also the wealthiest in terms of both food and gold.

But it was not just her armies or her gold that made her important. No.

It's her mind.

Olenna Tyrell is a woman that has not only found a place in the patriarchal society of Westeros, but has thrived and become one of, if not the best player in The Great Game as her Hand calls it.

And she did so with her cunning and intellect. Her mere presence commands respect, for she was the true power behind one of, if not the most powerful of the Seven Kingdoms.

So when the elderly lady asked Daenerys to speak after the war council she was happy to oblige. She wanted to speak more with the venerable woman anyway, hoping to pick her brain and learn more about the workings of Westeros. She would happily accept any advice Olenna was willing to give.

Be a Dragon.

That was her words and Daenerys had to admit, she was torn. She didn't want to be known as the Queen of Ashes but Prince Rhevan made valid points for why she should use her dragons and Lady Olenna's words only reinforced those points. Which is why she agreed with the Prince's plan to go to The Stormlands with Drogon. In order to show the lords of Westeros that her dragons are very real and very dangerous and if need be she would not hesitate to use their might to get what was rightfully hers.

But those aren't the only words of advice the Queen of Thorns gave her. And they aren't the words that plague her mind most. No, far from it in fact.

You are the last of your family. You need to make sure the Targaryen name does not die with you. You need to marry. Lucky for you, your best option has shown up at your shores.

Rhevan Dayne.

That is who the woman says she should marry.

In all honesty, she is not necessarily opposed to it. She knew she would have to marry for an alliance when she came here. Lady Olenna gave more than valid reasons in regard to him being her best option.

And she is not the only one, her new Master of Whispers Lord Varys said much of the same when he came to see her last night.

He was chosen by his people to be their leader. He is respected all across Westeros by commoners and lords alike, not only for his swordsmanship but his valor and honor as well. He is a brilliant commander, something she saw first hand as he came up with a superior strategy, compared to her Hand's, in mere moments.

That was all well and good but she wishes to know more about his personality. What type of man is he behind closed doors and around those he trusts. Does his demeanor change when he lets his guard down? She doesn't know.

But she knows someone that does…

"Ser Barristan can you come in here for a moment, I wish to speak with you." She says a bit loud so the knight behind the door can hear her. She sees him open the door and walk in before speaking.

"Of course My Queen. What is it that you need?" He responds kindly.

"I wish to know more about our newest ally Rhevan Dayne. He said your word holds more weight to him than any man alive. I can only assume that means the two of you were close. What can you tell me of him, of his character, of his life?" She asks as she gestures to the seat next to her. Though the old knight only shakes his head and remains standing before answering.

"His character? Well I'd say he is a good man, your grace, great even. He is a true knight. Brave and bold. Fearless in the face of danger. Ready to jump head first into action in order to protect those that need it. For better or for worse." He finishes with a chuckle. Which gets a questioning eyebrow raise from her.

"For better or for worse?" She repeats in a questioning tone.

"Yes My Queen, you see if Rhevan were to see something that he perceived as unjust he would move to fix it. While it is noble, yes, it is also foolish. He would move in to help with little regard for his own safety. Not caring for the odds he faces or the repercussions of his actions. Only that something immoral was happening and he needed to stop it." He says, though she notices his eyes start to lose focus a bit as he continues, his next words shock her.

"You know My Queen now that think about it, in a different life the two of you would've most likely grown up together in the Red Keep." He states, causing her eye to go a bit wide. Wondering what he means, she asks.

"What makes you say that Ser?" She asks simply. Leaning forward a bit, her curiosity increasing every moment.

"Well his family and yours were closely linked, my Queen. His uncle Arthur was Rhaegar's closest companion and his mother Ashara was as close as sisters with Princess Elia. As such when he was young he spent most of his time with the royal family. He was of age with your niece Rhaenys. The two of them were as thick as thieves. Where you would find one, the other was not far away. Those two were little terrors, running around the Red Keep pulling pranks and causing mischief." He continued, mind lost in remembrance. This was news to her. She had no idea he had such a connection with her lost family. Lord Varys spoke briefly with her last night but never mentioned it. Nor did Lady Olenna say anything about it. Her attention moves back to the bold knight as he starts speaking again.

"He once told me how he wished he was there the day of the Sack. That he would have saved them all himself. Or died trying. It is that regret, that pain and sadness that followed him his entire life afterward. When he became my squire, he was forced to return to Red Keep. I tried to spare him the pain, give him to another knight but his desire to learn from me and his stubbornness made him continue. He would walk around lost in memories, sorrow and contrition rolling off of him in waves. So much so that Robert dubbed him the Mourning Star for his sad disposition. An apted title. One that stuck immediately." He said, shaking his head. As if to free his mind from the past.

"If things had gone differently that day on the Trident, you would have known him from your birth. Perhaps he would've followed in his uncle's footsteps and become a part of your brother's kingsguard." He finishes with a remorseful sigh. A short moment of silence fills the room before she breaks it in order to continue the conversation.

"I wish things had gone my brother's way that day. I would have had a family, a real one, and a true home to call my own. But it did not. My family is gone and I am the Last Dragon. We cannot get lost in the past, we can only push forward and get justice for those lost." She states, determination shining brightly in her lilac orbs. Her bold knight looking at her with a proud smile on his face.

"Now tell me more about him Ser. I-" she begins before being interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Your Grace I am here with Prince Rhevan as you have requested." She hears Missandei's voice through the heavy wood of the door.

"It seems I will have to learn more about him from the source himself." She says earning a short chuckle and light agreement from Ser Barristan. "Bring him in Missandei."

Her closest friend walks in first, though the door is being held open for her by the Prince.

Dany can't stop her eyebrow from raising in curious amusement as she notices her dear Missandei's face is a bit red. While the Prince's face holds a handsome smirk and his eyes are alight with playful mischief.

His eyes.

Once again they are almost translucent in appearance. A light, soft gold that reflects beautiful as the morning sun shines lightly against his face. She swears they change colors. Something she has never seen before.

"Is everything alright?" She asks them both, earning a deep chuckle from said Prince and a deep blush from her friend.

'Now I'm really curious.'

"Quite alright your grace. I was simply telling dear Missy how much I enjoy our walks around the keep. Truly a wonderful experience, being in the presence of such an incredible woman." Prince Rhevan responds, a teasing smile on his face as he looks at Missandei. His teasing smile turns curious as he doesn't get the response he expects from her.

Instead of blushing deeper, her eyes go straight to Dany's and she answers her.

"Yes My Queen. He is quite the charmer, though I believe it was mostly teasing in nature." She answers Dany while walking toward her Queen. Leaving the Dornishman with his eyes wide and mouth slightly agape in shock.

Daenerys nearly laughs at the sight but she manages to hold it in. She understands his shock. She is sure he, like most, assumed her friend naive and innocent because of her kindness and her humble nature. While that was the case before, it is no longer entirely true.

With the help of Lord Tyrion and Lord Varys Missandei has become an adept schemer. Using her beauty and "innocence" to lure men into a false sense of security and ascertain their true nature and intentions.

At least in theory. She has only been practicing. This was her first true test. Though if her flustered face upon her arrival was any indication, her dear friend had a bit of work to do.

"Mostly?" Dany responds in question. Her eyes on her friend as she steps beside her.

"Yes, he did invite me to wait for him on his bed while he got prepared. I believe had I accepted he would have attempted to seduce me. Though I cannot be sure." She stated, her blush returning slightly, earning a small laugh from the white knight behind her.

Dany turns her eyes to the dornish prince to see his reaction to Missandei's words. Only to see the shock gone replaced by a look of admiration as he looks directly at her.

"Well played your grace. Having your innocent handmaiden be your eyes and ears to learn more about an unknown. I'm impressed." He finishes with a smirk and light laugh as he walks to the chair opposite of her and gestures to it. When she nods he takes a seat. When he does his eyes go to Missandei.

"Missy I'm hurt. I thought we were truly connecting. I was only a few days from begging our dear Queen for permission to ask for your hand in marriage. But you have betrayed me. I don't know how I will go on." He finishes, his hand holding his heart as though he feels a deep pain in it. The teasing smile on his face stopping any from believing him to be serious.

Missandei covers her smile with her hand and gives a small bow. "I do apologize my Prince."

"I do not know if I can believe your apology, my lady. You have played me for a fool once already. You must earn my trust again. Perhaps over lunch on the beach? I'll even go shirtless. I know how much you enjoy the sight." He teases back. Getting the deep blush he was no doubt pushing for from Missandei and a raised eyebrow from Daenerys.

"I-I U-umm" Missandei stutters a bit, thinking of a response. Lucky for her Dany comes to her rescue.

"Alright no teasing my advisor. Thank you for bringing him here Missandei you may go. You as well Ser Barristan. I'm sure I'll be safe alone with our newest ally." She commands kindly, getting a bow from both as they leave the room.

She watches them go and as the door closes her eyes go to the only other occupant in the room with her.

His eyes were already on her. No longer are they alight with humor. They are back to their neutral gold. He is observing her closely as though she were his prey, and he was waiting for the right moment to strike.

She is not prey. She is a dragon. She is a predator.

The predator.

She stares back. Showing no weakness. No shred of hesitance or deference.

They continue their staring contest for a moment longer before his eyes close as he chuckles. Once he opens them again he speaks.

"Is this the reason you have brought me here so early in the morning, Your Grace? For us to stare at one another? Not that I'm complaining. You are most certainly a welcome sight at any time of the day." He begins, his deep voice mixed with his Dornish drawl give his words a sensual undertone. No doubt trying to see if his flattery will fluster her as it did her friend. It does not. She has heard it all before. Flowery words no matter who they come from have little effect on her.

"It is not Prince Rhevan. I have asked you to come and break your fast with me so that I may learn more about my newest ally." She says leadingly, earning a quirked eyebrow. Whether it's from her lack of response to his flirting or her straightforwardness she doesn't know.

"Well first off, please just call me Rhevan. I have never been one for formalities, less so now that I'm a prince now all of a sudden." He responds with a smile now gracing his face. Highlighting his beautiful features.

"Not to mention he is quite appealing to the eyes, no?" The old lady said with a smirk on her face and a knowing glint in her eye.

The comment had caught Dany by surprise and got a small blush out of her, that she is sure the woman saw, much to her chagrin.

Though she could not deny it. Rhevan Dayne was more than just appealing. The man was gorgeous. Even when his eyes bled red and face was saturated with hatred toward the Sand Snakes, he was mesmerizing. He disposed of the treacherous women barely breaking a sweat in the process. Daenerys had to admit, if only to herself and never aloud, she was a bit aroused by the dominant display.

But still, she couldn't allow herself to be drawn in by his sex appeal. The fact of the matter is, that she doesn't know him. Not at all really. He could have changed drastically from the man Ser Barristan knew in the past. She is certainly not the same as she was four years ago.

"Of course Rhevan, and you may call me Daenerys though only in private." She smiles back as she answers. Her words earned a deep chuckle.

"Yes, only in private. Can't have people think anything untoward now can we?" He teases lightly, getting only an eye roll in response.

"Anyway I will answer any questions you wish as truthfully as I can. Though I must ask before you begin...Where is the food?" He asks, curious and no doubt hungry.

"Missandei went to tell the cooks to prepare it. I wanted to wait until you were here before having them serve us in case you were still asleep." She answers. He nods in response before leaning forward slightly and placing his elbows on the table while clasping his hands in front of his face.

"Well while we are waiting. Please, ask away." He gestures lightly.

"Well my first question is simple. Tell me. Who is Rhevan Dayne?" She asks seriously. Getting only silence and narrowed eyes in return for a few seconds.

"Well, that's quite the broad question Daenerys. Do you wish to hear of the type of man I think myself to be? Or perhaps my life story?" He answers her question with one of his own.

"Whatever you feel comfortable telling me. I would like to know more about you in general. Anything will suffice as long as it's the truth." She responds.

"Very well, my story is a simple one really. I was born the bastard of Ashara Dayne and a man named Draemon Aevalyon (A-val-E-on). From what my mother told me they met when she took a trip to Lys with Princess Elia and your brother Rhaegar. They had recently married and wished to visit the free city in celebration." He begins his tale while reaching for the flagon of iced wine on the table. He looks to her silently asking permission to indulge, she nods her head and he pours glasses for both himself and her. She takes the offered glass with a smile and a thank you while he continues.

"According to my mother, some slavers attempted to abduct her in order to force her to work in the pillow houses. They either didn't know who she was or didn't care. I can only assume they had been stalking the Royal party for days and waiting for the perfect time to strike. When my mother separated from the party in order to look through the markets they struck. Quickly dragging her into an alleyway before killing the guards with her. She told me she got one in the eye with her dagger before she was quickly overpowered. She thought her life over before my father showed up." He continues his story, eyes looking out the window seeming as lost in his words as she is.

"'His movements were entrancing. Like a dance of death. As captivating as it was lethal.' She told me. I get my eyes from him. As well as my smile and laugh according to her, though I do not know myself. I have never met the man."

"After he rescued her they met with the royal party and my father was thanked by getting invited to stay with them for the remainder of their time in Lys. It's somewhere around that time I was conceived." He states taking a deep sip from his cup. His eyes on the sun rise seen outside the window. She doesn't speak. Allowing him to gather his thoughts. From what she understands he lost his mother at a young age. No doubt these old memories are painful.

Mayhaps she should speak. But before she can open her mouth he continues.

"She found out she was with child shortly after they returned to Westeros. She was sent to Starfall for the birth and that's where I was born. Once I was old enough to travel, we came here."

That caught her attention.

"So you've been here before?" She asks him. His face turns back to her as their eyes connect.

"I've spent part of my childhood here on this island. This is where Rhaegar and his family spent most of their time. My mother was Princess Elia's best friend and lady-in-waiting as such, where they went so did my mother and I." He says.

"Ser Barristan told me you were close to my family. He said in a different world, we would have grown up together in the Red Keep." She reveals to him. Earning a light chuckle in return.

"I suppose so. It is a nice thought. Had the world been kind we would've been family. But alas it was not to be." He says somberly. His eyes looking out the window once again. His face now resting on one fist and his other hand tapping the table they're seated at.

"Indeed. It was not." She agrees

'Though that may change in the future.'

"Anyway, we were sent home some time after the war started because my mother was with child again. I do not know who the father was this time. So we were not there when the sack happened." He continues. His eyes grow darker with his mood as he thinks of a terrible time in his life. His fists are clenched as tight as his jaw. She nearly reaches out to grab his hand. Hoping to help ease his pain in any way she could but she doesn't. They don't know each other that well.

Which is the whole point of this meeting. They need to get back on track.

"I apologize. I didn't wish to open old wounds for you. Why don't you tell me more about other things. From what you've told me you were a bastard. How did you get legitimized?" She tries to move them forward and away from ghosts of the past. He looks at her and smiles lightly, seemingly understanding her actions.

"I was legitimized after I was knighted for my actions during the Greyjoy Rebellion." He starts but she can't help but interrupt.

"Correct me if I'm wrong but the Greyjoy Rebellion was five and ten years ago. How old were you?" She didn't mean to cut him off but she couldn't help it. He doesn't look much older than herself so he would've been little more than a boy at the time.

"You are correct and I was three and ten at the time, almost a man grown." He jokes a bit. Not at all bothered by her interruption.

"They let children participate in war?" She says

with a dull tone and a raised eyebrow. Garnering a little huff in return.

"No I was a squire as such I was left behind at the camp with the other boys and the sick and injured while the men went to Pike to finish the war." His eyes back on her as he tells his story.

"We had just received word that Balon Greyjoy surrendered and the men were headed back when scouts came running with word of a small contingent of raiders headed our way. Maybe a hundred or so."

"Everyone began panicking. Not that I blame them. We were not prepared for a fight, filled with injured men and young boys. Half the men wanted to flee. But that would mean leaving those too injured to move behind to be slaughtered. I couldn't. And I said as much. Apparently I'm quite the mummer because everyone decided to fight instead and hope the army reinforced us in time."

"Mummer? So you don't believe your own words?" She asks, immersed in his story and wanting more details. She got a deep laugh in response.

"Not at all. I was scared shitless. I was just hoping to boost the morale of everyone including myself. I was not leaving our injured to be decimated by those cowardly raiders and I was trying to convince others to stay as well. And it worked."

"We came up with a plan to have most of the men hide in tents as they attacked and surprise the pirates when they thought they had the upper hand. Not the greatest military tactic in history but it was the best we can come up with on short notice. We had the numbers so why not use them."

"It worked. And I killed Dalton Blacktyde, the leader of the raiders, myself." He finishes.

"You led a battle and killed the enemy commander at the age of three and ten? Impressive." She complimented him. And she was truly impressed. Not an easy feat for sure.

"I wouldn't say I led the battle but I helped. And Blacktyde charged at me first I didn't search him out. I don't know why. Maybe I slew someone close to him during the fight. He was arrogant. He thought I would be an easy kill I suppose. I would ask, but you know." He responds, smirk in place.

"Regardless, after their leader fell the rest scattered and ran away, we took a few losses but overall it was a resounding victory. Once the main army came back and saw the results. Ser Barristan knighted me on the spot for my courage and Robert legitimized me a few moons after." He finishes his story.

"I see, that is quite the tale."

"If you think that's impressive perhaps you would like to hear about why I'm called the Hero of the Stepstones…"

And so they spent the early morning getting to know one another better. He told her about his time at the Citadel and she told him about the house with the red door and the trials and tribulations she faced that led her to where she was now. Even after the food came and they finished their meals the conversation continued. They spoke about everything and nothing. Eventually they moved to the couches by the fireplace, a small flame coming from it.

"So they were having a contest to determine who would ride next to you?" He asks incredulously. His eyes filled with mirth. Beautiful smile on full display as he took in her words.

"Yes. It was foolish and they both rode in the rearguard for it." She says while rolling her eyes. Her words were rewarded with a laugh.

"A bit foolish I agree but could you blame them. A chance to ride beside you is a chance of a lifetime." He says playfully. This was not his first advance, far from it. He has been making those types of comments all morning. Though only in jest from what she can gather so far. She had no problem with them. It felt like she was a normal woman having a normal conversation. It's quite refreshing to be able to speak with someone who was not intimidated by her title.

That being said. He does seem a bit overly friendly.

"Do you shamelessly flirt with every woman you speak to Rhevan Dayne?" She asks, only half serious.

"Only the really beautiful ones. I am only joking. I apologize if it makes you uncomfortable." He responds, his demeanor still a bit playful but his words sincere. She lets out a small giggle and waves him off in response.

"I have no problem with it. Only curious. Though surely your lady would have a problem with you being so..friendly." She states leadingly, hoping to get a bit more personal information from him. She learned his story and has a good grasp on his character. Now she needs to know if he's attached or not. If he is, her plans for an alliance through marriage are out the window.

"Is that your way of asking if I'm with someone? Well I'm happy to tell you I am a free man. No wife, no children. I'm all yours to do with what you please, My Queen." He says, dark eyes now locked on hers as he leans back in his seat, arms spread wide over the back of the couch accentuating his muscular physique. She couldn't help but look briefly at his toned chest. She knows she got caught when she looked up and saw his smirk had widened but she couldn't bring herself to care. She has seen and heard enough. She feels as though she has a good enough grasp on his character. He seems to be a good man. And if her smartest advisors tell her she should marry this man to help secure her crown she will do so. Besides if he proves to be unworthy of her she will have no problem with feeding him to her children.

Speaking of which she needs to go see them. Mayhaps she should bring Rhevan with her. She is curious to how he would react to them and vice versa. But she will worry about that later.

"All mine you say? Quite the tempting offer. I have one of my own. If you're willing to hear me out?" She starts. He gestures for her to continue, sitting up a bit straighter in his seat.

"I was advised by my council to find a worthy consort-" she begins before being interrupted by a knock on her solar door. She can hear Ser Barristan's voice clearly as he speaks from the small crack he opened up.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, My Queen but Lord Tyrion is outside wishing to enter. Should I allow him in?" Her knight asks.

She contemplates simply sending him away and finishing her conversation with Rhevan but dismisses the thought. He might have something important to discuss.

"Send him in Ser Barristan." She says simply, as the door opens wider and her Hand walks in stumbling a bit as he makes his way toward her, bowing slightly before grabbing the flagon of wine on the small table in front of them and filling a cup for himself.

"Good morn Your Grace. I must admit I was a bit surprised when you didn't come to break your fast with the rest of us. But when I noticed our new friend here missing as well I figured the two of you were together." He states slightly slurred, ending his sentence with exaggerated finger quotes causing her eyes to narrow a bit. And getting a short chuckle of their 'new friend'.

"You're drunk." She says bluntly. All of the signs are there. "It's not even midday yet and you're already impaired and getting more wine." She continues unimpressed by his current state of being. Had he not been so smart in the ways of diplomacy and Westerosi politics she would have taken his badge by now.

"Yes all of these things are true. But they are not important. What is important is that everything is prepared for your journey to the Stormlands. A journey I'm still quite opposed to I might add. All that we need is the two of you and we are ready to move out." He continues as if his level of intoxication is not a problem at all.

"Your opinion is noted my Lord and thank you for informing me of this. Please call Missandei for me." She tells him, before she gets to her feet and her eyes go to Rhevan. She doesn't have to say anything, he is already standing and moving toward her.

"I must make sure I have everything from my chambers and see how Drey and Dae are handling the Sand Snakes. I will leave you to your business, Your Grace." He says before grabbing her hand gently and kissing it.

"I enjoyed our conversation greatly. I hope we can finish it at a later time." He finishes before heading to the door. Not waiting for a response.

The moment he walks out the door Tyrion takes his seat on the couch and starts up.

"Well the two of you were here alone for quite some time. Learn something new about our dornish friend?" He asks while taking deep sips from his cups.

She sighs while taking a seat as she watches Missandei enter her room to help finish preparations.

"Well...

_______________________________________

As Daenerys goes over her previous conversation with the Dornish Prince with Tyrion and Missandei, said Prince is walking to his room with a small smile on his face.

He truly did enjoy his conversation with his new monarch and he is now more sure than ever that he made the right decision when he bent the knee to her.

She has been through a lot and much like himself, has persevered and prospered against all odds.

That is what he admires most about her so far.

She had every reason to give up. From having to deal with a brother that not only abused her mentally, physically, and emotionally. But also sold her off to a vicious warlord for an army he'd never see. To falling in love with the warlord only to have him die because she made the mistake of putting her trust in the wrong person. A mistake that cost her the life of her unborn child as well.

Most would fold under the grief and heartbreak that losing everything at once causes. He knows the feeling intimately.

He knows quite well what a broken heart can lead to.

It's how he lost his mother.

Shaking his head lightly, he moves his thoughts away from more melancholy memories.

'I need to get the fuck out off this island.'

His thoughts haven't been this somber in years. It must be the island causing all those painful memories to resurface. The quicker he leaves the better.

He quickens his pace as he turned the corner and finally sees the door to his chamber.

As he reaches the door he can feel the presence of two familiar people occupying his solar. Their voices are muffled by the door but he can make out that their conversation is a bit antagonistic by the tones.

He rolls his eyes as he pushes through the door and sees who it is that is in his chambers uninvited.

Drey and Dae stop their conversation in favor of looking at him. Their expressions differ greatly.

Daemon is looking at him with a shit eating grin on his face. Which is not out of the ordinary normally, but when combined with the wicked look that is currently in his eyes often means he has nothing but trouble on his mind.

Drey is looking at him with a stern face and calculating eyes as though it is him with the ability to read thoughts with just a glance.

He doesn't need to read Drey's mind to know he's about to lose his mind from having to deal with Daemon.

Not that he would peak into his friend's mind anyway. He didn't want to invade their privacy in such a way. Not to mention both of them are quite adept at shielding their minds now. Something he taught them both just in case. Magic was very real and very scary in Essos. Better safe than sorry.

The first one to speak is the cocky Bastard of Godsgrace.

"Well well well, our dear Prince has finally decided to grace us with his presence. The Queen's pretty little handmaiden informed us that you were having breakfast with our new sovereign. Hours ago. Seeing how long you were alone with her and knowing you as I do, I can only assume breakfast was not the only thing you were eating. Tell me does she taste as delicious as she loo-" He begins with his lewd comments before he is cut off by an obviously annoyed Drey.

"Quiet fool! I don't have the patience to listen to your ridiculous words any longer nor do we have time to waste on it." Drey snaps harshly.

It seems that Drey is at his wits end. As Daemon said they have been waiting for hours for him to return, no doubt the heir of Lemonwood was stuck listening to Daemon's foolishness the entire time and is done with it.

Though his harsh words and tone seems to have little effect on the bastard knight because all he does is laugh. Which angers the normally calm dornishman even more.

Rhevan simply rolls eyes at the verbal altercation happening before him. He cuts in before things get even more off track.

"Alright you two calm yourselves. The Queen and I were simply getting to know each other a bit better." His words garnering a smirk from Dae. Rhevan heads toward Drey who is holding Dawn out for him. "Not that way fool. She wanted to know more about me and I wanted the same. Though before we were interrupted I am sure she was going to propose a marriage alliance." He says before pausing to allow his companions to process his words. As he does this he looks around his chambers to make sure he has everything and isn't forgetting anything.

"Hmmm...Interesting but not entirely unexpected. You are currently the most eligible suitor in Westeros with your new crown. Not to mention how much weight your reputation holds with the smallfolk. I wonder if this is something she decided to do on her own or if one of her advisers suggested it?" Drey speaks first. Having calmed down and is back to his normal over analyzing self.

Of course before Rhevan can get his thoughts on the matter out Dae gives his two cents.

"Damn, so you are about to go from Prince to King already. Moving up in the world so quickly. Who would've thought that the little crybaby I met in the Water Gardens would one day be somebody important. I feel like a proud father watching his son walk into a brothel for the first time." He says with faux emotion in his tone. He puts his arm around Rhevan and wipes a fake tear from his eye. His words and actions earning a scoff and a chuckle respectively from the room's other two occupants.

"Relax I do not know for sure if that is what she was going to say. Only a feeling. She was speaking of her advisors telling her she needed to find a consort before we were interrupted. Mayhaps she was simply going to ask my opinion on her best available options." He starts before removing himself from Dae's grip and walking towards the door and leans his back against it. "Regardless, it doesn't matter right now. We have other things to focus on. The traitors. How are they?"

"Their wounds have been tended to and they have been put in separate cells beneath The Sun Dragon." Drey answers, a sneer of disgust on his face as he speaks of the women that murdered the man he idolized.

"I still say you should have let them suffer. Let their wounds fester, let them feel an ounce of the pain they put Prince Doran and Trystane through. What does it matter if they get infections? It is not as though they'll be alive much longer anyway." Daemon let's his thoughts on the matter be known.

"I want them to face justice. Dying from an infection would be too easy an out for them. Make sure whoever is guarding them can be trusted. I don't want any annoyances on our way to the Stormlands." Rhevan tells them. "Speak of which, we are departing soon. Go make sure everything is prepared. The Queen will be sailing with us. I do not want any complications." He tells them. Which earns him a mock salute in response as the handsome bastard makes his way out the room leaving Drey and Rhevan alone.

"Is there something on your mind Drey?" He asked his friend.

"We have spoken about this before but now with this marriage proposal looming I feel we need to revisit the topic. Dorne is in a very precarious position as you know. Anders and his allies were not pleased with your ascension. Less so since it was he that was passed over for a bastard, legitimized or not. The promise of vengeance and your own reputation is the only reason you were chosen as Prince. And even then, the vote was too close for comfort. If you accept her proposal and become King you will have Seven Kingdoms to worry about not just Dorne. The High Lords may feel as though they are no longer a priority in your eyes and that will be all Yronwood needs to try and usurp your title and crown himself. I do not need to tell you how badly that will be for everyone." Drey voices his concerns.

This was something they spoke of often on the way to Dragonstone. His thoughts on the matter at the time were that he'd get revenge for the Martell family, both from the Sand Snakes and the Lannisters. Then he would settle into Sunspear and marry a noble dornishwoman, mayhaps one of the Fowler twins, or both, or more likely Gwyneth Yronwood in order to get Anders on his side and try to rule Dorne to the best of his abilities and make the changes he wanted along the way so that when his heir took over the transition would be a smooth one.

If he marries Daenerys Targaryen things would definitely become much more complicated. Which was part of the reason he fled her chamber so quickly when they were interrupted. Had she asked him then and there without him getting a chance to truly think about it. He would be stuck between a rock and a hard place with no clear right path.

Becoming King would move him closer to his ultimate goal.

He wanted to change the life of the people of Westeros as a whole. From the lowest of smallfolk to the highest of nobility. He wanted to help make everyone's lives better. Open shelters for those without homes. Build healing houses for the sickly that didn't have access to maesters. Create learning institutions for the smallfolk so they can learn to read and write and get a trade so they can make something out of themselves.

When he went to The Citadel to forge links he spent a lot of his free time roaming the streets of Oldtown amongst the common people. He saw how they lived. The poverty, the sickness, the suffering. Even in the most advanced city in Westeros the normal man still suffered.

He wanted to change that. It was just an unattainable dream, wistful thinking before. He didn't have the means or an actual thought on a starting point. But now he does. The Aevalyon Vault held a great deal of not only wealth but knowledge as well. Countless books on Valyrian architecture and advancements. From how to build something called a printing press, to different medicines and cures for what they call 'simple' illnesses. From the pox to the flux to consumption. They had cures for it all. Giving him everything he needed to make his dream of a better way of living a reality.

When he returned to Dorne he planned on telling Doran of his findings. He had no doubt that Doran would find it all fascinating and would immediately begin the ground work on it all. Unfortunately it was not to be as Doran is gone and he was Prince now and it was up to him to move these plans forward.

Which sounds like a good thing until he realizes that he actually has no idea how or where to begin. He was born and raised to be a warrior and commander, not a ruler. He was pushed into the role and while he is happy for it, that doesn't change the fact that he is mostly ignorant to the actual art of ruling itself.

He had a general path planned out. First get justice for the Martells. Then get married. Next, stabilize Dorne. Finally implement all his plans and then once the rest of Westeros saw how Dorne was thriving they would hopefully follow suit and do so as well.

Of course that would depend on the actions of the Lords of Westeros.

The avaricious, hubristic, selfish, vainglorious Lords of Westeros.

Yes.

That was the most worrying part of his original plan.

Allowing the smallfolk to learn to read and write would enormously close the gap in societal classes. The highborn would no longer have an edge. The playing field would be more equal and there would be a much greater chance for a cunning ambitious common born to somehow overthrow a lazy, simple minded lord.

Unlikely but much more conceivable in the minds of paranoid lords if the common folk can actually learn.

Even convincing the Dornish Lords would be incredibly difficult but at least as ruling Prince he would have an easier time. But to convince the rest of Westeros as just the Prince of Dorne?

Damn near impossible.

But he was going to try.

Now though things have changed.

If Daenerys truly wishes to have him be her king he can really make change in Westeros. It doesn't matter if he was just a consort and she would be the one sitting on the Iron Throne. He would still have her ear. And to be frank, the sexist Lords of Westeros would sooner listen to him than a foreign woman anyway. So he would have some kind of power regardless.

The problem would be that his focus would have to shift away from Dorne and more towards the entirety of Westeros. Also, inheritance would become a big question mark. Would he and Daenerys' first child take both Dorne and The Iron Throne? Would they have more than one child? Would she even allow any of their children to take the Dayne name? No doubt their marriage would be a matrilineal one, all of their kids taking the Targaryen name since she is the last one.

Of course that in and of itself is a problem. In fact his last name is the biggest problem since he plans on taking his father's last name.

Aevalyon.

According to the book he read in The Vault House Aevalyon was an important one back in the days of the freehold.

They were one of the Thirteen.

The Thirteen were the most important families in all of Valyria. Each family owned one of the Fourteen Volcanoes that surrounded Old Valyria PreDoom.

The Final Flame, the largest of the Old Empire's Volcanoes located in the very center of the Peninsula was the Fourteenth Flame and it wasn't owned by anyone. It was the seat of the Triarch.

There are plenty of Daynes left in this world. Edric and Allyria. Also, Gerold and his family in High Hermitage. He doesn't like that slimey fuck Gerold but he is a Dayne and so is his family.

There are no Aevalyons left besides himself. He planned on taking the name when he got the chance and reviving the dead line. Unfortunately the timing has never been right. He needs the Dayne name for the weight it holds.

If he changed his name now there is no telling how people would react and he can't afford any unnecessary problems so early into his reign.

So he will wait.

That's one problem shelved but the original problem is still at hand. Which is how to deal with Dorne should he accept The Queen's proposal.

"If she truly offers me her hand in marriage I will be sure to speak with her and her counsel about all our concerns before accepting or declining the offer. Becoming King would put me in the perfect position to achieve my goals, Drey. It is not something I can dismiss so easily." He tries to explain to his closest friend.

Drey sighs in exasperation at first before repeating his thoughts on Rhevan's ambitious goals once again.

"Of course, your wild dream to change the entire structure of Westeros. Honestly Rhevan you kn-" He starts before he is cut off by the sound of someone knocking on the door.

It's Missandei. He can feel her presence. He moves toward the door and opens it.

She looks from him to Drey then back to him before speaking.

"Everything is prepared and Her Grace is ready to depart. Are you ready my Prince?" She asks him.

He turns to look at Drey who nods his head. After the confirmation Rhevan turns back to Missandei and answers.

"Yes we are. Lead the way."

____________________________________________________________________________

End.

~It's been a minute since we've slept together. Had to get myself together, I been thinkin bout everythang!~

What's good people! I missed you guys. Did you miss me?...No?...Okay.

Sorry for the wait. Honestly, I don't really have an excuse. My muse just kinda went away. Poof. Buttttttttt...It's backkk.

Kind Of. We'll see.

See I have a mild case of ADHD. (Professionally diagnosed by myself.) So, I got the like 12 intro chapters for different stories in my mind and hard drive. I don't know if I should put them out because 1. I don't really know where I'll be taking those stories. And 2. I'm not even almost finished with this story.

I might drop them anyway just to put something out and get them outta my head...we'll see.

I've been sitting on this chapter for a while. The problem was that I was losing my mind thinking about what else to add. But I realized that I don't really need to add anything else. My chapters are long enough. Anyway, I love all of you who take the time to read my story.

Next chapter we'll have a look around Westeros. See the reactions of the other main players to Rhevan's return.

Leave a comment if you want. I appreciate the love.

Peace.