Chapter 6: Viserra

Eleventh Moon, 86 AC

Viserra Targaryen

The court had been in quite the fuss for the past month ever since it had become publicly known that the new Master of Ships was none other than Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake himself. The announcement by her father had sent the court into a flurry of gossip, rumor-mongering, and endless bounds of curiosity.

After all, the name of Corlys Velaryon was probably world famous by now, even to some of the smallfolk. Who hadn't heard of the Westerosi lordling who had adventured far and beyond to faraway lands like Qarth, Yi Ti, Leng, Asshai, Sarnor, Ibben, and N'ghai, and brought back untold riches for his house? Of the legendary Sea Snake who had braved the boundaries of the Known World and the endless open seas, been guested by emperors and magisters, and defeated pirates in legendary duels of single combat? He had apparently even obtained a new Valyrian steel sword for his house, to replace the lost Seafoam, Riptide. The name was her mother's suggestion apparently.

Viserra had heard many say there has never been a finer sailor than Corlys Velaryon. Some of the sailors and captains in the royal fleet spoke his name in admiration, awe, or envy. The fabled treasures of the Velaryons were testament at least to his adventures. And they had put that wealth to good use.

High Tide was said to be a castle that could rival any of the great seats of Westeros in size and splendor. With grand silvered roofs, white marble walls, and corridors filled with fine statues, mosaics, tapestries, and paintings, and vaults full of the Sea Snake's treasures. What a sight High Tide must be! Sat grand and high atop a hill, cliffs overlooking the sea and neighboring Spicetown, and separated from the rest of Driftmark save for a narrow causeway at high tide. The castle was said to be the pride and joy of the late Lord Daemon Velaryon, her own parents' uncle, who had passed recently.

And though the burgeoning city of Spicetown had not yet the population of King's Landing, or even Lannisport or Oldtown really, it was said to outshine all of them, with grand and luxurious parks, white cobbled streets, great domed and arched buildings, and a rich and bustling economy and populace, reminding many visitors of the Free Cities yet with a clearly Westerosi flair.

Viserra did dearly hope that she might soon be able to visit Driftmark, she had been very cross when her mother had refused to let her ride on Silverwing's back to go to Driftmark for Lord Daemon's funeral. Her mother it seemed had feared that Viserra had not had the right intentions by wishing to go and thought she might offend the Velaryons with insensitive questions and straying eyes at a solemn event.

That had honestly offended Viserra herself. Did her mother think so lowly of her? What kind of insipid girl did she think she was? Certainly, she might not have had the purest of intentions in wishing to go, but that would not have meant she would not have been genuine in her condolences to the Velaryons, or be so stupid as to not at least appear solemn. It wasn't like her own mother had the purest intentions either. Oh she claimed to be grieving for her uncle Daemon but Viserra couldn't even recall her mother ever even writing the man, perhaps she did before she was born, what did that say? And then the Good Queen just so happened to suddenly become a good niece again right as her uncle's famous grandson returned to become lord?

But alas, her mother's word had been final. Her father had not exactly been in the mood to argue on her behalf, Alyssa had straight up refused to take her on Balerion, Aemon was already taking Jocelyn, and Baelon… her favorite brother had been considering it before Alyssa had turned it down on his behalf as well.

Alyssa was honestly the sister Viserra disliked the most… actually scratch that, second-most, but at least Saera was now wed off to her favorite prissy boy Jon Mooton after the scandal her parents had covered up and out of her hair. Viserra had to deal with Alyssa every day.

She sympathized with her sister's loss, she really did, and for all of the annoyance, she did love her, all her family, even Saera and her mother. But by the gods did they annoy her a lot. Alyssa had been wild enough before, rambunctious and ill-mannered, but her entire mood and personality had just flipped after Aegon had died in the cradle about a year ago.

It had been a difficult birth, and Alyssa herself had almost died from the exhaustion. Afterward, Grand Maester Elysar had told her that she could never have another child or the birth would kill her. Even worse, little Aegon had lived for all but a year, dying in the cradle. Baelon and Alyssa had been devastated.

Since then Alyssa had become almost smothering of Viserys and Daemon in her overprotectiveness and clinginess to them. Viserra had heard them complaining to their father before. It did not help that Alyssa had fallen into a melancholy of sorts as well, having constant mood swings from moments of extreme joy to raging anger to inconsolable sadness and tears. And if she had been attached at the hip to Baelon before… gods what was she now? She plainly shut down any of Viserra's attempts to spend time with him, perhaps fearing she might take him away from her in her jealousy. She had become irrational, moody, and short-tempered and simply unpleasant to be around or talk to. Alyssa had always been annoying but at least she had used to be fun as well. She didn't even have that now, she just kind of existed, not really living for anything other than Baelon and their sons.

Viserra decided to put thoughts of her troublesome family from her mind for now. It was time. It was midday at court, and her father and mother had already handled all the other matters, now the Targaryen family and their courtiers were arranged and ready to receive the man of the hour.

"Announcing Lord Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides, Master of Driftmark, Lord of Stonedance, and Warden of the Hook! And accompanying him, his brother Ser Aurane Velaryon, and their company!" the herald shouted as the door opened and in walked the Sea Snake.

Lord Corlys was tall and tan, resplendent in his silver-sea-green doublet and his fitting pants. He was dashing and daring, his purple indigo eyes shining with confidence, and wearing a bright smile that lit up his face. He looked every inch a proud Valyrian lord, Viserra might even go so far as to say he might be as handsome as her own elder brothers. Strapped to his left hip was a long hanging sword with an ornate silvered pommel and blued-white grip with silvered seahorses rising from the crossguard, clasped with silver and sheathed in a long and ornate white scabbard. Riptide.

Beside his brother stood Ser Aurane, looking much like his elder brother, but not nearly as handsome in Viserra's mind. A biased opinion perhaps, as many other women would say Aurane was just as dashing, but there was simply something about the way Corlys carried himself that drew Viserra's eyes to him, some aura of nobility, intelligence, and perhaps even wisdom. It reminded her of the aura she felt from her own father, and from Aemon and Baelon.

Accompanying the Velaryon brothers were a few well-dressed dignitaries, likely their cousins or officials they had brought from Driftmark, and a small company of armoured soldiers. Presumably the household guard of House Velaryon, they wore an ocean-blue plate, trimmed in silver with a silver seahorse embossed upon their breastplate. Their cloaks and undershirts were a bright sea green.

Once Lord Corlys had neared the foot of the Iron Throne, where her father was seated, and near to where Viserra herself stood with the rest of the royal family, he knelt in obeisance, paying homage to his liege. His brother followed suit soon, as did their whole company.

"Your Grace. I answer your summons, and accept the post that you have bestowed upon me with honor."

"Rise Lord Corlys," her father ordered, using his kingly voice, sounding strong and stern, but she snuck a glance at him and saw that he was pleased. Once Lord Corlys and his delegation had risen, her father continued, "I welcome you to King's Landing Lord Corlys. I hope that your accommodations will be to your liking."

"Thank you Your Grace, I hope to begin work soon. Until then however, I have gifts for you and your family, symbols of our loyalty and faith in House Targaryen," Corlys answered. At his command, his servants came forward with many chests, filled with books, swords, bows, a fine chess set, and jewelry, and several exquisite toys for the children.

"For you, and your sons and grandsons my liege, fine Yi Tish swords and Sarnori scimitars. Books on the rulers and histories of faraway lands, that you might read and enjoy, and broaden your horizons. And for Queen Alysanne, your daughters and granddaughters, I give books as well on the peoples and cultures of the lands I visited, and fine silk dresses and jewelry, and much more besides. And for the Red Keep, a fine clock, made by the finest smiths and artisans in Spicetown, to aid you in the keeping of time."

The Sea Snake had the whole court's attention easily, enthralled by him like an audience captured by a mummer's troupe, their gaze fixed upon him as he presented the gifts. Jaehaerys Targaryen remained seated upon the Iron Throne, but Viserra and the rest of the family were quick to inspect the gifts. In addition to what Corlys had mentioned, there were other goods as well, fine decorations and cutlery for the Red Keep, and great sacks of rice, tea, and other foreign and exotic goods and drinks.

Viserra was given a fine amethyst pendant, ivory bracelets, a sapphire ring, and dresses made out of silk and velvet. The silk in particular was of a design that she had never seen before, but one that was exceedingly pleasant to look at, and soft to the touch, a cheongsam, as Lord Corlys had named it.

She watched as her brothers tested out their new swords and bows, and inspected the books carefully, while Alyssa and her mother kept the children from breaking all the gifts they had been given in their childhood excitement. Somehow her father had also come down from the throne before she had even noticed, and had gathered around the great golden clock presented by Lord Corlys with the Lord Hand, Barth, and other courtiers.

And this was all in the midst of court. Ordinarily they would inspect the gifts briefly before taking them away and thanking the gift-giver. Lord Velaryon however had given so many gifts, and of such exotic and thrilling new design, that the Targaryens and their court found themselves distracted by it for longer than was proper.

Tempering his curiosity for later, her father returned to the throne before having their servants take away the gifts for them to continue going through later.

"Your gifts are wondrous indeed. I thank you for your generosity Lord Corlys. As a token of my gratitude, I hope that you and your brother would allow me to dine you tonight, privately, with my family," her father said, sitting upon the throne once more as he publically invited Lord Velaryon to a private dinner to the royal family. A privilege not given to many.

"You honor me with your invitation Your Grace. Aurane and I would be sure to attend," Lord Corlys answered with a deferential nod and slight bow of his head. Though Viserra noticed that his back remained straight, much unlike all the sycophants that so often tried earning her father's favor.

That intrigued her. By giving so many generous and fine gifts, it was clear Lord Corlys was trying to make a good impression on them, and Viserra would not deny he had with his exceeding politeness, deference, and flawless etiquette. At the same time however, the way he carried himself showed he knew not to go too far, and he carried a great measure of pride and self-confidence in himself. He was their loyal vassal, not their slave. She would be watching Lord Corlys quite closely indeed.

Viserra hadn't known it at the time, but her mother Alysanne had been keeping an eye on her throughout the whole exchange and as she had watched her all but stare at Lord Corlys, the thoughts had already begun running through her head.

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Not that they'd let the court know, but the Targaryen family spent the afternoon quite excitedly cataloguing and sorting through all the gifts they had been given. Viserra's father had become quite obsessed with the clock, examining it closely with his Hand, Septon Barth, trying to figure out how it worked in a rare show of childish curiosity and delight from the old and wise king.

Alyssa, never really one for dresses and fine jewelry, nonetheless was convinced by their mother to try on the gifts they had been given, looking quite pretty for once in them. Viserra on the other hand, kept fingering the amethyst pendant she had been given, observing in the mirror how it seemed to almost match her deep purple eyes.

Viserys and Daemon, little rascals, had already conscripted Gael into some sort of game as they catalogued the gifts in their own haphazard way and went through them, having to be lectured sternly by Rhaenys to stop. Of course Rhaenys herself wasn't exactly touching everything with permission.

Aemon and Baelon had a mock spar, testing out their new foreign swords in combat briefly and Viserra overheard an animated conversation between them about how the books were very interesting and potentially helpful. They were particularly interested in a book, called 'The Art of War' by some Yi Tish general. The details flew over her head, but from what Viserra gathered, the book had very interesting ideas on warfare.

Honestly she wondered how long Lord Corlys had been planning this, there were even some books on dragons, fairy tales and the like from foreign lands, but also actually useful volumes like one from Volantis apparently concerning old Valyrian battle tactics for waging war from dragonback. It spoke a lot about how carefully he had planned out his gifts, if he had planned to impress, he had succeeded.

Finally, as the sun began to near its setting, or 5 o'clock on the dial, as the new Driftmark clock told, Viserra left to prepare for dinner, having a bath before dressing herself in one of the new silk dresses Lord Corlys had gifted them, and wearing the amethyst pendant. She could quite get used to all these gifts and to numbering the hours of the day in such a manner, it seemed far more logical than the inane animal names currently used to her.

Shortly after sunset, Viserra arrived at the hall and found a table set up, ready for dinner already. Her father and mother were there already, her father seated at the head of the table and her mother to his left. Viserra took her assigned seat and found herself on the opposite side of her mother. Soon enough, everyone else began to arrive and take their seats.

Aemon, Jocelyn, and Rhaenys were all seated to her left, with Aemon closet to her father and at his right. To her left sat Gael and then Viserys. On the opposite side, her mother was closest to her father, followed by Baelon, Alyssa, Lord Corlys, Ser Aurane, and then Daemon.

Either by coincidence or intention, Viserra found herself sitting directly opposite Lord Corlys and had to be careful to not be caught staring, that would be bad manners. She would admit to thinking Lord Corlys was handsome, very much so, but mere good looks were not enough for Viserra, not when she had grown up in the Targaryen family, with her father and brothers the perfect specimens of men.

More than simply handsomeness, there was an aura Lord Corlys seemed to radiate, a charismatic charm that had made all pay attention to him. It reminded her of the way her father had the attention of all no matter when or how, but subtler and less imposing. There was a layer of mystery wrapped around Lord Corlys, some kind of novelty that came with his reputation as an adventurer who had seen much of what there was to see in the world. No doubt he had many stories to tell, and with the way he acted and seemed to impress so easily, Viserra found her curiosity piqued, though she would reserve her judgement for a little while longer.

Before dinner was prepared, they were all poured a cup of green tea, and Viserra tried it cautiously. She had never had the drink before, though many of her friends had and they all seemed to praise it. As she raised the cup to her lips and drank, she found that it was actually quite to her liking.

It was bitter, yet not overly so, and soon the bitterness gave way to a mild sweet aftertaste. The contrast was sublime and Viserra soon found herself taking more sips. It was an acquired taste for some, but Viserra hadn't taken very long to acquire it at all.

As they all sipped at their tea, the conversation had begun in full as her mother asked Lord Corlys and Ser Aurane to relate some tales about their voyages.

"Well, where do we start?" Aurane asked stroking his chin in thought.

"Maybe with the first one? Sounds quite logical to me," Corlys ribbed his younger brother, before continuing, "It was some twelve years ago now. Once the Sea Snake was built, Aurane and I took our crew and went east, as far as we could go. We stopped over along at Pentos, Myr, Tyrosh, Lys, and Volantis along the way, resupplying our provisions. Soon we had passed Qarth and we entered the Jade Sea itself."

"You saw the Black Walls of Volantis right Lord Corlys? Are they really as grand as the bards claim?" Viserra asked, unable to restrain her curiosity. It was one thing to read about these faraway lands and wonders in books, and another entirely to hear about them from the mouth of someone who had seen them in person.

"Oh the Black Walls are glorious. I have seen them many times already, and they never fail to amaze. They are made of fused black stone, like that on Dragonstone, and set in an oval around Old Volantis. Standing an incredible two hundred feet high, they are so wide, no less than six four-horse chariots can ride abreast on its battlements," Lord Corlys answered her question with a smile, his eyes far away, likely as his thoughts drifted into his memories.

"If I'm not mistaken, exactly that happens every year, as part of the celebrations for the anniversary of Volantis's founding. Did you ever manage to see it?" her brother Aemon asked.

"Yes, we were invited inside the Black Walls by one of the Old Blood, Lord Aerion Paenymion, one of our trade partners from the Elephant Party. The Sea Snake happened to be in Volantis at the time of the celebrations and we were hosted by Lord Paenymion at his manse and attended the celebrations with his family," Aurane replied.

"It was quite the spectacle. Truly amazing to see how vast and strong the Black Walls really are. Small wonder then that Volantis has never fallen to any foe," Corlys supported.

"Does not House Velaryon have the lineage to pass the Black Walls without an invitation?" her father asked with a frown. Viserra was wondering about that as well, though not as pure or high as the Targaryens, the Velaryons were their kin and some of the purest blood for Valyrians in the world. If the Volantene Old Blood did not consider Velaryons worthy of passing the Black Walls on their own merit, it could be seen as an insult against House Targaryen as well as their overlords and kin.

Lord Corlys was quick to clarify. "The idea that Valyrian heritage is all that is needed to enter the Black Walls is inaccurate actually. In truth, no one is allowed in, be they freemen, citizens, or outlanders, without the express permission or invitation of one of the Old Blood families. It's an entire quarter of the city reserved solely for Volantene citizens of pure Valyrian heritage. The misunderstanding arose I believe, because of those who ask for permission, it's more often those with Valyrian heritage, and especially appearance, who are permitted in."

"And you did not ask before?" her mother asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No Your Grace. There wasn't a need or purpose. But when the invitation came, I took the opportunity of course. I am certain that should a member of House Targaryen visit, the Old Blood would not dare to deny you access, nor would they wish to offend you, but I do not think that you would receive a very warm welcome either. Some sore feelings from the Conqueror's burning of their fleet persist in Valyria's Eldest Daughter, especially among members of the Tiger Faction."

Her parents and siblings relaxed a little in understanding, now that any potential of insult was removed. Volantis liked to think they were the real heirs of Valyria, though the idea was truly laughable given how it was House Targaryen that was last of the Forty Families and had dragons. There wasn't really a rivalry, not on House Targaryen's part at least, and they hadn't even really interacted since her great-grandfather had burned the Volantene fleet before the Conquest. Still though, any potential insult would not be taken kindly by her house.

The conversation skimmed over the cities of Slaver's Bay then. Viserra had some interest in Tolos and Elyria, as well as the ruins of Velos where the Velaryons had set up an outpost, but she couldn't care less for Ghiscari slavers and their cities. Neither it seemed could her family as the topic soon changed to Qarth and the Jade Gates it guarded.

"Is it true that the waters of the Jade Sea are a vibrant green?" Jocelyn inquired.

"Very much so. The difference in color between the Summer and Jade Seas is noticeable as you pass the Jade Gates. It's something about the water from the rivers east of the Bone Mountains if I recall the explanation correctly," Aurane answered.

"There is also the long association with Yi Ti, and its fame for jade," Corlys said.

"So what did you do in the Jade Sea?" Baelon asked.

"We stopped over at every port we could. It's unfortunate, but the Yi Tish are rather isolationist. We were only allowed to moor at one Port, Tiqui, on our first voyage. We traded in our cargo for some silk and other goods, and moved onto Leng and even to Asshai," Corlys continued, wincing slightly at the mention of Asshai.

"Is Asshai really as bad as the stories say?" Viserra asked. She had meant to ask what Yi Ti was like, but the mention of the infamous city of Asshai-by-the-Shadow had been too alluring to resist.

The table was damnably silent after she asked. Viserra felt her mother's stare on her. Was she not supposed to ask that question? It was a fair question was it not? They had all asked about the other stops on his voyage, why should this be any different? Yet, as she felt the tense atmosphere, Viserra thought she might have made a mistake. Perhaps it was best to cut her losses before she got into more trouble.

Lord Corlys looked directly at her, their eyes locked. It felt awkward, she had to suppress a shudder as she felt his gaze almost piercing through her, but Viserra would not back down and stared back at him proudly.

 "My apologies if the question made you feel uncomfortable Lord Corlys, you don't need to answer it if you don't want to," she said.

"No, it's fine. It just took me by surprise a little. As for your question Princess Viserra, I can honestly tell you Asshai might actually be worse than the stories say. The whole city is made of black stone that seems to drink in all the light of the world. The sun can be at noon, yet it would always feel like it was overcast, and gloomy, even when there was not a cloud in sight to hide the sunlight.

"Though the city is larger in size than even Qarth, Volantis, Braavos, or Yin, barely the population of a market town lives within its dark walls, with only one out of ten buildings showing a light at night when the entire city becomes more like a ruin for ghosts. And there are no children."

"No children?" she could not help but ask.

He shook his head. "None at all. I do not know how or why. Some things in this world might be better left unknown."

"Then why go at all?"

"Why does anyone pass beneath the shadow? A desire for adventure perhaps? To see the measure of that dark city, bring back stories of it, so that Westeros might learn more of it? One visit is more than enough to sate anyone's curiosity though I think, and in truth there is not that much that Asshai has to trade. It is an ill place I would say, and not one I would wish to go back to. I returned to it only once after, when I made to venture into the Saffron Straits to explore beyond the boundaries of the Known World before my supplies ran low and I had to turn back."

Trying to steer the topic away, her mother interjected, "What of the rumors that Elissa Farman's Sun Chaser was spotted in Asshai by ships from Westeros. Any truth to them you think?"

Corlys gave his answer, saying that he personally had not seen the Sun Chaser and thought it unlikely. He then went on to point out how despite being relatively nearby, even the Yi Tish or Asshai'i knew little of what laid beyond the Saffron Straits, suggesting perhaps that the answer was that nothing but empty land lied beyond, making it extremely unlikely Elissa Farman could have made it to Asshai after without a port to resupply in, even if she had made it past the Sunset Sea.

The conversation continued after that, turning to Corlys and Aurane's later voyages and adventures, but Viserra's attention was elsewhere. Her imagination was running wild as it filled in the blanks with what Lord Corlys had told her. The picture painted of Asshai was dark and ominous. Even the fearless and adventurous Lord Corlys seemed to have been unsettled by it, as had his brother. She found herself almost cursing her curiosity because perhaps it was better to not know at all.

There were other questions she had wanted to ask. What were the Asshai'i like? Was it true that the fish were deformed and other animals would die if brought to the city? What about the Corpse City of Stygai? Now though, she feared the answers she would get and spoke no more.

To Viserra's relief the conversation stopped temporarily as the food arrived. Once the traditional grace before meals to the Seven had been said, they partook in their meal. A four course meal, with a starter, two mains, and dessert, all done in an eastern, Oriental style, with Lord Velaryon's chefs helping to prepare the dishes using the spices and other ingredients that he had gifted them earlier.

First was a shark soup, boiled and well-seasoned with a rather exquisite texture. Despite traditionally being made only with the fins, the Velaryons did not believe in waste and used most of the shark's meat. Not that Viserra minded as it tasted delicious, despite a slightly rough texture.

As they finished drinking the soup, conversation had resumed again. Her parents, Aemon, Jocelyn, and Baelon had struck up a conversation with Lord Corlys over trade and future plans for the expansion of Driftmark's enterprises. Lord Aurane had taken to entertaining Viserys, Daemon, and Gael, who had previously been looking bored, with over the top stories and exaggerations of their voyages.

In the middle of the table, Viserra found herself all but excluded from both conversations and kept silent, listening in as best as she could as she tried to figure out what she wanted to say. Soon enough the main dishes had come, a plate of white rice for everyone, and dishes roasted pork done in the Yi Tish style, Qartheen spiced lamb chops, and some kind of leafy cabbage fried in garlic oil and seasoned with salt and chicken essence. Some of them had raised their eyebrows at that last dish, as vegetables were often seen as peasant food.

The Velaryon brothers partook quite eagerly though, and Viserra vaguely recalled being told by her septa to eat more vegetables. Her septa had been reading a book published by the University of Spicetown which suggested that a balanced diet was key to a healthy lifestyle and greatly reduced the risk of gout which only ever affected the upper classes who mainly ate meat.

Shrugging slightly, Viserra took a serving of the vegetable dish, and found that she did not quite mind it. It tasted quite delicious actually, with an exotic garlic flavor. But the other two dishes, the roasted pork and spiced lamb were simply amazing and very flavorful. All of this was with white rice, not exactly flavorful on its own but when flavored with the sauces and eaten with the other ingredients, it was incredible.

Viserra found herself understanding now, more than ever, why the Velaryons were making so much money off the spice trade if it made your food taste this good. And by the look on their faces, while they enjoyed the food, it seemed like they had it regularly. Shame on her family that their vassals ate better than them! She would have to prevail on her mother to order more spices from Driftmark, although by how she saw the rest of her family enjoying the food just as much, maybe that mightn't even be necessary.

She made her thoughts clear, praising the food and the chefs who had made it, her mother and the rest of her family followed suit in their own way and she saw Lord Corlys smile. It was different than the flamboyant charming smile he had worn in court, softer, subtler, and more genuine. Viserra thought then that she wouldn't mind seeing Lord Corlys smile like that more often.

As they neared to finishing the main courses of their meal, conversation turned once more to the voyages of Lord Corlys and Ser Aurane, and this time Viserra paid attention as they had come at last to their ninth and last voyage.

She listened, enthralled as they described the experience of meeting the Azure Emperor of Yi Ti, describing the luxuries of his palace and court, and even mentioning how they had been honored by being granted the emperor's hospitality one night. She somehow got the feeling that that part of the tale was incomplete, as if they were excluding something.

If Viserra was being honest, though his court and palace sounded whimsically grand and luxurious, the arrogance of the Azure Emperor was more than a little shocking. The emperor's translator had called Westeros a land of barbarians? What? How arrogant were the Yi Tish?

Viserra might not be the best to lecture others on pride. She had gotten in trouble with that more than once with her mother, who had scolded her for being 'vain'. Many called her a goddess, the most beautiful of the Good Queen's daughters, and though her septa had taught her hubris was a sin and modesty a virtue, she could not help but agree. She saw nothing wrong in taking pride in her beauty.

At the same time however, Viserra was not so crass or impolite as to outright say that she thought herself better than others, at least not often. Manners and etiquette existed for a reason, and some that she knew, while not as beautiful as her, Viserra considered were pretty enough. The Yi Tish she thought, were quite full of themselves.

Viserra was from the line of Aegon the Conqueror, of House Targaryen, last of the Forty, and the true heirs of the legacy of Valyria, the greatest civilization in the Known World. The Yi Tish might be older, if only slightly, she'd give them that, but if they thought that made their culture and civilization greater than theirs, they were sorely mistaken.

Her thoughts were drawn to another less infuriating topic when Lord Corlys spoke a little about Velos and how it had developed since they had founded the outpost. Viserra found it quite amazing that a Westerosi-run outpost existed halfway across the world and was quite pleased to learn that they helped whatever slaves they could to escape. Slavery was simply abhorrent in every way, and something she felt actually tainted the legacy of Valyria.

After dessert, which had been an eastern-style fruit pudding, a servant came forward with a glass bottle of alcohol, which Viserra would soon learn was not wine, but brandy, a stronger beverage and one of many gifts from the Velaryons to her family. A glass was poured for all of them at the table save for Rhaenys and the other children who were considered too young for such a drink. Viserra sipped at her brandy as the Velaryon brothers continued their story, enjoying its stronger taste once she got used to the slight burn as the liquid went down her throat.

The general mood at the table soon became solemn when Corlys and Aurane told of how they learned their grandfather was bedridden at Velos and began rushing home on the Sea Snake. What followed was a rather thrilling tale of months at sea pushing the Sea Snake to its maximum possible speed and being ambushed by pirates in the Stepstones.

The way the brothers told the story left her eagerly waiting for more. She was on the edge of her seat when they told of how Lord Corlys was challenged by the pirate 'king' to a duel in single combat and somehow managed to defeat him and his followers with a clever plan. Not expecting the rest of the pirates to keep their word after they killed their leader, the Velaryons and their crew had coordinated a surprise attack the moment the duel ended and slain all on their ship before breaking loose from the pirate ship and leaving with their prize, a Valyrian steel sword for their house as trophy from the hand of the defeated pirate leader.

However, despite all their efforts, they had arrived too late to see their grandfather before he died and Viserra felt her sympathy for the brothers grow. She could not imagine the pain they must have felt, she tried not to think about how much it would hurt to lose any of her family, even the ones she disliked, without being able to say goodbye. And with their father dead, Lord Daemon had been as good as one to his grandsons.

"A toast, to Lord Daemon Velaryon, our kin," her father said, standing up with his chalice in his hand.

"A good man, uncle, and grandfather, he will be missed," her mother said as she too stood up. The rest of them stood up, even the children who lifted their own cups filled with juice, not nearly as impressive but no less meaningful.

"To Daemon," Lord Corlys said as a final toast. They all chorused in reply before drinking. For some reason, the brandy burning down her throat was more noticeable this time. Viserra could sense a slight tension in the air between the brothers Velaryon and her parents once the topic had turned to Daemon Velaryon, and for the life of her, she could not figure out why.

She was distracted momentarily from the tension in the room when she saw her nephew Daemon feeling silly that they were toasting a man with the same name as him and had to suppress a laugh. She would definitely get in trouble with her mother for laughing at such an inappropriate time.

As she sat back down, Viserra's eyes met Lord Corlys's again, almost like he had realized she had sensed the tension in the air and this time, she could not suppress the shiver that ran through her body as his gaze pierced through her.

Alysanne Targaryen

"What did you think of the Velaryon brothers?" she asked her husband when they were in private after dinner. They were in Jaehaerys's solar and he was busy going through some paperwork Barth had put on his table during their dinner.

'Always hardworking, but then I guess that's part of why I love you,' Alysanne thought to herself with a slight sigh as she saw her brother bent over looking at his papers in the candlelight.

Jaehaerys frowned slightly. "It's complicated. I can't help but like them a little. They know how to make a good impression for sure, with how they were in court this morning. They're generally friendly and affable, and always respectful, if not always deferential. At the same time however, they're hard to read. Aurane is a little easier to see through, but Corlys keeps his true feelings to himself, you wonder how much is genuine half the time. And I can't help but shake the feeling they don't entirely like us."

Alysanne nodded. "The most genuine they felt in the entire conversation, was when they were teasing each other and telling of their voyages. Otherwise it felt almost like they were putting on a polite mask, a smile that was not fully genuine."

"They are not sure what to think of us I think. They can't really trust us, or really see us as kin with the estrangement between our houses. There's definitely a little resentment for the distance between us and Uncle Daemon. I don't blame them for it, but I don't think they fully understand why we kept Daemon at a distance.

"He served Maegor. The tyrant that ripped Aegon apart, that had Viserys tortured to death. Even now when I see Alyssa riding Balerion, I can't help but think of what our brother must have seen before he and Quicksilver died, what he must have felt. Daemon stood by and watched it all happen, let Aegon and Viserys die, did nothing as Maegor took Rhaena and raped her! He did nothing at all!" Jaehaerys said, getting worked up and angry over the matter again.

Even now, over thirty years later, Jaehaerys had never quite forgiven their uncle for doing nothing to save their siblings and Alysanne knew she needed to intervene before he slipped too far into the painful memories of their past and lost himself to his anger. She placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered soothing words into her brother's ear as she hugged him from behind while standing.

"Uncle Daemon had no choice Jae, you know that. And Corlys and his brothers were very young when Cousin Corwyn died. Daemon raised them, he was their father for all intents and purposes."

Jaehaerys answered, slightly subdued, "I know. I won't hold it against them for having some kind of resentment. It's only natural. In their eyes their grandfather was shunned and 'mistreated' for no reason. And I can give them the benefit of the doubt at least, the same way Uncle Daemon tried to avoid holding it against us for not really trusting him. But the estrangement in that relationship was not wholly our fault either. Our uncle visited King's Landing once after he resigned."

"I'm not asking you to be alright with the Velaryon brothers resenting us for no valid reason. I'm quite angry myself. I just ask that you not let it affect your judgement of them. Judge them for who they are, not as Daemon's grandsons."

Her husband nodded, and Alysanne knew she had managed to calm him down.

"They seem amicable with our children at least," Alysanne noted, "Aemon and Baelon especially."

Jaehaerys smirked with fatherly pride. "Everyone likes Aemon and Baelon. If the brothers Velaryon cannot find it in themselves to forgive you or I, it matters not to me as long as they remain loyal to our house, to Aemon, and that is not completely certain, no matter how much they may seem to like our sons. The Velaryons grow richer and more powerful with each passing day. Their fleet has already eclipsed even the Redwynes. Spicetown grows ever larger and wealthier."

"You're just upset Spicetown looks better than King's Landing because the Velaryons had the foresight to plan its expansion compared to whatever mess our grandfather left us," Alysanne teased.

Jaehaerys flushed slightly and Alysanne took pleasure at breaking his 'perfect' facade. She had always been able to get under his skin, even when they were children, and over three decades of marriage had only made it easier, not harder.

"As if I would ever be so petty," he retorted.

Ignoring her unimpressed look, he continued, "In any case, the Velaryons grow strong, almost too strong some might say. There are already some predictions that in half a century they might have the strength to rival a Free City by themselves."

"And is that not why we made Corlys Master of Ships? To rebuild ties with the Velaryons and keep them close to remind them of their loyalties? Can you truly say they have been disloyal in any way other than some well-hidden personal resentment for the two of us? Did they not go above and beyond in their presentation of gifts to us?"

Jaehaerys's brows furrowed as he conceded her point. "Still, what you proposed to me, I question the wisdom in matching Viserra with Lord Corlys. The Velaryons already received a royal marriage when our mother married our father, do they really need another so soon? There are other alliances and matches that can be made."

Alysanne was quick to defend her plan. "But none with as many advantages as this. House Velaryon are our oldest and most loyal vassals. They are pureblood Valyrians, like us. And now like you say, they have grown rich and powerful.

"Viserra marrying Corlys ties the Velaryons to us again, strengthening our alliance and hopefully resolving the estrangement and resentment between us so that Aemon will have no question of House Velaryon's loyalty. He and Corlys are already friends. As goodbrothers, that bond would be even stronger and allow us to make use of the Velaryon's newfound wealth and influence in Essos for our own purposes. And if our plans to lessen our reliance on the Citadel are to proceed, we may need Driftmark's expertise as well.

"And if I'm being honest, many of our children are already away from us. Putting aside all the other advantages, Driftmark is not so far, and as Master of Ships, Corlys will be spending much time in King's Landing anyway. Viserra could remain close to us."

Jaehaerys was thoughtful. "You raise good points."

Alysanne smirked, she had him. "Admit it Jae, for all the tension that comes up whenever the topic turns to our uncle, you like Corlys. He has managed to impress you."

Jaehaerys sighed. "Who wouldn't be impressed? The man is a legend, and rightfully so. He almost singlehandedly made House Velaryon the richest in the realm. That is no small feat when considering the competition. What I want to know is if I can trust him."

"I think Corlys can be trusted, his loyalty was never in question, only his feelings toward us. He will treat Viserra well I think, and I do not believe she will mind the match. She is already showing interest and curiosity in him, and he has been the picture of politeness when answering her."

"And we might wish to move with at least a little more haste. Viserra's seventeenth nameday has already passed. The lords will begin asking why she has not been betrothed yet, we should try and avoid what happened with Saera," Alysanne said.

Jaehaerys's eyes darkened at the mention of their disgraced daughter who had bedded a man who had not been her betrothed and been hurriedly wed off. Fortunately, no match had been decided for her yet, but the scandal had been a public disgrace for their house. She knew Jaehaerys had hated the whispers, hated how it reminded him of what the realm had said of their father. For all the love he still bore for him, few things angered Jaehaerys more than the idea of ruling like Father.

Alysanne had tried for years to cool her husband's anger to their wayward daughter, convince him to allow her back home in King's Landing, but he had remained stubborn. Still she would continue to work on him slowly, and until that day came, Saera was a rather useful example to convince her husband of what was necessary for Viserra.

"I would like to think Viserra would know better than to follow Saera's example," he said, angry at even the thought.

"She does, but I thought Saera would not be so foolish either. I would like to avoid the problem entirely."

"And you think a betrothal to Corlys Velaryon best?"

"Yes. Not yet of course, it would be premature, but in a few months' time once we have gotten the chance to learn the measure of the man himself, I think it would not be out of place."

"Very well Alysanne, we'll do it your way… for now."

She smiled, happy that she had convinced him. "Now then, we are going to bed."

Jaehaerys protested. "I have work to do! You have been distracting me enough already!"

"It can wait until tomorrow. I'll help you if you wish. What cannot wait is your wife that you have been all but ignoring for your work. We are going to bed, not necessarily to sleep either," Alysanne ordered.

Jaehaerys looked at her, his beautiful purple eyes filled with love and lust, and raised his eyebrow. "Oh? Is that so. Then I must do as my queen commands."

"Indeed," she smiled before she kissed him lightly. As he made to deepen the kiss, Alysanne broke it and walked to the door, leaving Jaehaerys slightly dazed before he got up and followed after her.