Chapter 11: Wonders of Driftmark

Fifth Moon, 87 AC

Aurane

Aurane was waiting on one of the battlements of Maegor's Holdfast. His brother was currently speaking with the king, having been invited for a private audience.

The invite had been worded politely, but it had been clear that refusing was not an option. When Jaehaerys Targaryen commanded you to attend to him, you obeyed. The reason for the invite had not been said, but it had been obvious to Aurane and his brother.

Half the court was expecting a betrothal announcement any day for his brother and Princess Viserra. For all their efforts to keep their burgeoning friendship out of the public eye, it had been observed by many that they were speaking much to each other.

On paper, the match made perfect sense for both parties. For the Targaryens, Corlys was a man grown, with a legend and reputation forged, but also with the fire of youth not yet faded at the age of four and thirty. He was the Lord of the Tides, richest man in the Seven Kingdoms. Many men wanted to be tied to him, and the marriage offers had been coming ceaselessly for him for well over a decade by now.

And for them? Princess Viserra was the most beautiful of the king and queen's daughters, a woman grown past her majority by now. With her hand came a reconciliation in full with their estranged kin, and with that unity showcased to all the realm once more, Aurane knew that so many concessions and privileges could be granted to them, to strengthen House Velaryon further. A charter for Spicetown, tax remits, trading rights and privileges, and countless other such generous boons. And when the time came for the Iron Throne to annex the Stepstones, who better to entrust with the territory but their loyal kin House Velaryon?

Aurane had spent over a decade as his brother's lieutenant. He had not been formally trained for politics and governance by his grandfather like his elder brothers had been. Aurane had always been the best sword of the three of them, the finest knight, a capable commander for their fleet. Yet serving by Corlys and Rhaekar had let him pick up many things his younger self would not have been able to see. Where once in his youth, he might have seen only what was obvious until his brothers pulled open the covers, now he was capable of seeing the true scenario for himself. And that only made him a more capable right-hand man for Corlys.

He knew, just as Corlys and all the realm did, that the hand of Princess Viserra could allow House Velaryon to reach a position of power like never before, to become so strong, they could not possibly be cast down. The western bloc, the Lannisters, Hightowers, Redwynes, and their allies, they might try and weaken them, but none would dare to move openly against the goodson of the king. And when Viserra bore his brother children, those ties would cement permanently.

Yet more than just that, Aurane wanted his brother to be happy. He had shown little interest in romance for many years now, his heart too dedicated to his adventures, to strengthening House Velaryon to ever truly allow someone into his heart.

He had asked him once, why his brother had denied all of their grandfather's attempts to marry him off, attempts which had only intensified after Rhaekar had married Lady Irina of Tarth. His brother had not answered him at first, instead entering into length on a story Aurane had not heard until then, known as 'Aldarion and Erendis'.

Aldarion was the heir of a faraway kingdom named Elenna and Erendis was the noble lady he courted and later married. As a youth, Aldarion had become renown in his kingdom as the finest mariner in the land, and ever did the sea beckon at him. Upon marrying Erendis, he would settle down, and prepare to rule Elenna after his father, even having a daughter with his wife.

For a time, they had been happy together, but ever did the sea call to Aldarion, for it had a hold on his heart, and his wife Erendis was a jealous woman guarding of her husband, who would brook no rival to her husband's affections. When Aldarion at long last readied for another voyage, the grace of his father, and of his wife he did not have, and Erendis exacted a promise out of him, to return within two years. A promise Aldarion did not keep through no fault of his own, having been delayed by the urgent needs of their allies overseas, and the harsh winds keeping him from returning to the Isle of Elenna.

He returned finally after nine long years, his wife grown cold and distant, and his daughter a woman grown, recognizing him not. And for all his attempts at mending his relationship with them, they would remain estranged for the rest of their lives.

Corlys had ended his story then, saying that he wished not to subject his wife or children to a distant husband and father who would always be traveling away from them to sate his wanderlust and uplift the fortunes of their house. Time there would be, he said, for such matters later.

Aurane wondered, had the time then come at last, for Corlys to open his heart? He knew more than anyone, that Corlys had had his fair share of trysts and broken hearts left behind on their voyages. But none of them had ever enthralled him the way Viserra Targaryen had.

His brother could deny it all he wished, but Aurane saw it in his eyes whenever he spoke of the Princess. There was something about her that could not be easily put into words, a sort of spark beyond just her beauty, that drew Corlys's attention. Perhaps deep down, Corlys had realized that he had found someone that could be his partner and equal, not simply a broodmare or a roll in the sheets.

He chuckled, he would enjoy teasing his brother if he truly was betrothed to Princess Viserra. The singers and maidens alike would rejoice, Corlys Velaryon, secretly a romantic!

A roar in the distance drew his attention. Aurane looked in surprise as a sky blue dragon emerged from the Dragonpit. Aurane knew the colourings of every dragon ridden right now, and that was not one of them. As far as he recalled, a dragon could have only one rider at a time, which had to mean that the dragon had been claimed by a new rider. But who? Princess Rhaenys rode her Meleys already, Prince Viserys, Prince Daemon, and Princess Gael were all far, far too young. Princess Saera and Daella were not in King's Landing, which meant that unless someone who was not a Targaryen had somehow managed to steal a dragon from the Pit, the rider had to be either Archmaester Vaegon the Dragonless or Septa Maegelle who had arrived earlier in the week, or none other than his brother's possible betrothed.

Aurane's mind was racing, considering the ramifications when Corlys walked onto the battlements.

"I've got plenty of good news to share Aurane! Our predictions were correct!" his brother said with a smile.

"Save them for now. Everything has changed," he said, pointing to the dragon flying in the sky, watching as his brother slowly but surely came to conclusion he did.

"So… she chose Dreamfyre. Not a bad choice," Corlys said finally.

"Did you put this idea into her head?" Aurane asked, concerned and exasperated. It sounded like the kind of plan his reckless brother would come up with.

"What? No. This took me by surprise too, I had nothing to do with it," Corlys defended himself.

Aurane continued eyeing him suspiciously nonetheless, not sure if he could believe his brother's denial or not.

They watched as Caraxes and Vhagar climbed into the sky, and the three dragons rested there for a while as their riders spoke, before they descended onto the courtyard of the Red Keep. The rider of Dreamfyre was undeniably Viserra. Her brothers escorted her into the throne room, but not before she sent Dreamfyre back into the sky before the guards could chain her down.

"Clever girl," Corlys mused when he saw that.

"Let's hope that we aren't also punished for her actions Corlys. I'm not sure the King will give you her hand anymore, and if he has reason to believe that you put her up to this…"

"I know," Corlys said, watching as Viserra entered the Great Hall and disappeared from their sight. "Everything rests on Viserra now."

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Viserra

Seventh Moon, 87 AC

She wasn't sure how to explain the past six weeks of her life. They had been hellish in many ways. Every day she would be woken up at the crack of dawn, escorted to the Dragonpit to groom Dreamfyre, feed her, and shovel her shit, all by herself, before Alyssa arrived and gleefully drilled her relentlessly on the practice and theory of riding her dragon until her body and mind were exhausted. Truly her father was a petty man.

Yet despite the aches in her muscles, the bruises from the hard work, and the utter indignity of being reduced to shoveling shit, Viserra wouldn't trade any of it away if it meant losing her dragon. (Though she might need to think hard on that if it meant she never had to shovel shit again in her life.)

Nothing felt better than the moments she was free atop Dreamfyre, released from Alyssa's strict orders, from the smirking insufferable Dragonkeepers mocking her as she tried to care for Dreamfyre. Nothing could compare to the freedom she felt atop Dreamfyre, in those moments she almost felt like she could choose her own destiny, until she landed back on the ground and the illusion dispersed. Dragonrider or no, Viserra remained under the thumb of her parents.

Another day of training had ended. Viserra had enjoyed flying circles around Alyssa and Balerion, it had soundly irritated her sister, and likely made her regret her decision to choose the aged Black Dread over Meleys.

'What had been her reasoning again?' Right, to have a dragon 'bigger even then Baelon's Vhagar.'

She led Dreamfyre to her vault, noting the thick iron door that now enclosed it. Her father was taking no chances with the Dragonpit after her 'theft' of Dreamfyre. She never felt easy leaving Dreamfyre to be locked inside her vault now, always fearing that her father would change his mind at any moment and keep her locked inside, taking her away from her.

As if sensing her unease, Dreamfyre nuzzled her snout into her hand, making Viserra smile. Somehow, Dreamfyre always knew what she was thinking and how to comfort her.

Reluctantly, she led Dreamfyre into her vault, and after seeing to her food and water, she clenched her fists with restrained rage as she let the Dragonkeepers lock her inside.

It was only for a little longer, she told herself. When she went to Driftmark, there would be no Dragonpit to keep Dreamfyre locked up, her beloved dragon could have all the food and freedom she wished for.

And though she'd certainly not continue shoveling shit, she'd gladly continue seeing to much of the rest of Dreamfyre's care personally. She'd never have expected a dragon to take such a high place in her heart, but it had.

As she rode back to the Red Keep, having traded a dragon for a horse, Viserra felt the wind blowing through her hair as she released it from its braid. Thinking on how she'd care for Dreamfyre on Driftmark had reminded her of something that had been pushed to the back of her mind the past weeks. Her betrothal.

It was finally starting to sink in that she was formally betrothed, the kingdom stunned to learn that a dragonrider was being betrothed to another house. Many were no doubt seething with jealousy to learn that House Velaryon was getting a dragon riding princess. She knew her parents were already having a headache on the terrible precedent that set, though Viserra couldn't bring herself to truly care. It wasn't her problem so long as her parents abided by their agreement and let her keep her Dreamfyre.

But beyond what the match meant politically, Viserra was beginning to ponder if she felt truly ready for the role. Not five weeks ago, she would have been, had been, over the moon dreaming about the wealth and power she'd have as Lady of the Tides, but her time with Dreamfyre had humbled her somewhat, making her consider things a little more.

She would be a liar if she said that she was not excited, for was not Driftmark supposedly immensely beautiful and rich? It was any maiden's dream to be their new home if the tales told true. Yet she had learned in her time caring for Dreamfyre, that all such things came with responsibilities.

And Viserra had to consider not only the responsibilities of her new position, but also the man she would be marrying. She couldn't say she loved Corlys, she was no swooning maiden heads over heels for him. But of all the men in the Seven Kingdoms, she did think she had gotten the best she could have, in every possible measurement. Be it in looks, wealth, or personality. And she liked Corlys as a person and a friend, if not loved him as a woman. Corlys had been an ear to listen to her troubles when no one else was, perhaps the first person who had seen her as just Viserra and not Princess Viserra of House Targaryen.

It certainly helped that Corlys had the looks to go with his reputation. Flowing long silver hair, tan skin, and indigo eyes, and a chiseled body and handsome face. He was the picture of imagination to many maidens, and Viserra was not exactly immune to that.

As if the gods themselves were laughing at her, Viserra spotted the very man she was thinking of walking her way… and she was a mess. Her hair messy and unbraided, sweating and smelly, likely dirt all over her normally flawless skin… Viserra screamed inside her head.

"Viserra, tis good to see you. How has your day been?" Corlys asked, not all fazed to see her like this.

"It went well, thank you for asking Corlys. How have you been doing?" she answered and asked in turn.

"Well enough. My duties continue to remain demanding, and yet still fulfilling.

There was no way he didn't notice, but Viserra was glad that he did not comment on it. Now that she thought of it, this was their first time properly speaking since their betrothal had been announced. Corlys had given her a pair of sapphire earrings as a betrothal gift. Two small blue gems, shaped like raindrops.

He had asked her then, if their betrothal was what she wanted. She had told him it was. Yet they hadn't really been able to speak on what it meant for them personally, both of them had been very busy since then.

"I'm sorry Corlys, I didn't quite catch what you said," Viserra apologized, snapped out of her thoughts.

"Would you like to follow me back to Driftmark? I will be making my latest visit in a fortnight and you have long pestered me for tales of my home, this is your chance to see it in person.

"We would have to be chaperoned of course, betrothed or not, it would not be proper. I believe one of your siblings could serve that role well. I hope to show you my home before we wed, a time for you to truly experience what Driftmark has to offer without worrying so much about responsibilities and other such matters," he explained.

"I will gladly take you up on your offer Corlys. I look forward to seeing Driftmark. I hope it will not fail to live up to expectations?" she asked with a slightly teasing smile. Her thoughts were already drifting into excitement as she recalled the fanciful tales of Driftmark, now at long last, she could see if the isle truly lived up to its reputation.

Corlys smirked, confident and proud of his home. "I believe that we'll impress you yet Princess."

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Eighth Moon, 87 AC

"Tell me again, why I let you convince me into this?" her sister Alyssa asked. Corlys's ships had taken their guards and luggage ahead to Driftmark for them already. Viserra however had elected to fly to Driftmark, and had gotten her sister Alyssa to serve as her chaperone.

"I told you already. It would be a fine way for you to see how I handle long-distance flights on Dreamfyre. Also, you're the best person to keep an eye on me by your own words. And lastly… I'd prefer you chaperoning me rather than mother, or Seven forbid Aemon and Baelon. I mightn't be able to even speak to Lord Corlys if they were there."

Alyssa laughed. "You're exaggerating little sister, but I understand. You think that I would be more lenient on scrutinizing your interactions with Lord Corlys. Now I wonder what kind of interactions you are hoping for my dear Viserra."

Before Viserra could respond, Balerion took to the sky, leaving them by the Dragonpit. Groaning, Viserra urged Dreamfyre into the sky after Balerion. Alyssa had had the last word this time, but she swore she wouldn't let her have it the next.

Four hours later, and they were approaching Driftmark. By ship the journey took a day or two, but on a dragon? Her siblings had raced between Dragonstone and King's Landing within a day as youths.

As Driftmark came into view, Viserra looked in awe as she beheld Spicetown. The city was beautiful indeed. Neat and wide grey-white cobblestone streets weaved through a grid design with blocks of bricks and concrete. Dark blue and orange tiles covered the city's roofs in an almost mosaic pattern. In the harbor, a great traffic of ships poured into the port, navigating through a labyrinth of defensive poles beneath the watchful eyes of the harbor towers. They would all unload their cargos on the many piers and take them to the markets where the merchants sold their wares.

Leading Dreamfyre in a round, Viserra observed many other landmarks. Including a grand ornate sept, a great manse complex with gardens, a white marble building with a seahorse adorning the spire of its central towers, and much more. Great domes and arches dotted the city, adorning its streets and buildings. She found it hard to believe that none of this had been here thirty years ago, and now forty thousand souls called Spicetown home, a city it may not be yet officially, with the granting of the charter supposed to be only at her wedding, but a city it undoubtedly was.

What drew her attention more than anything however was what lied in the distance overlooking the city. Atop a small islet, raised high from sheer cliffs, was a castle made out of pale stone. Its slender towers rose like spikes of pearl, crowned with roofs of beaten silver that shone in the sun. The castle stood stout and strong, looking not only defensible, but beautiful and luxurious, resembling in many ways a palace more than a fortress, with glass windows in its keep and gardens in its grounds. A gentle sea breeze blew the banners of the Velaryon seahorse flying from the battlements.

It was high tide, only a narrow causeway connected the rest of Driftmark to the small islet upon which the castle rested, looking almost like the castle and the cliffs upon which it was built rose from the waves. Viserra knew then why the castle had been named High Tide.

High Tide happened to be their destination, so Viserra urged Dreamfyre to land in the courtyard of the castle. Corlys and Aurane were waiting for them, as was a man who resembled both of them. So this must be Rhaekar then.

"Princess Viserra, Princess Alyssa, it is my honor to welcome you both to High Tide," Corlys said with a welcoming smile as they took the bread and salt to seal their guest right.

"It's a pleasure to be here again in better circumstances Lord Corlys," Alyssa said as she greeted them.

"I must thank you again, for inviting my sister and I here Corlys," Viserra said, cursing in her mind when she saw Alyssa's raised eyebrow and realizing she had left out the address of 'Lord'.

"Please Princess, it was my pleasure. You have already met my youngest brother Aurane, allow me to introduce you to our brother Rhaekar, Driftmark's finest steward," Corlys praised his brother proudly as he introduced him.

"A pleasure to meet you Princess Viserra," Rhaekar said as he kissed her offered hand. He made to do so for Alyssa too but was waved off for a handshake instead. The only person Alyssa had ever really giving her hand to kiss was Baelon.

"Your brothers have told me a little about you Rhaekar," Viserra said then, being a little bold. She noticed the slight alarm in Corlys's eyes, hidden as soon as it appeared.

Rhaekar raised an eyebrow. "All good things I hope, Princess?"

"Very good things," she reassured him. "Corlys told me how much he trusts and appreciates you. He spoke very highly of you."

Rhaekar looked at Corlys suspiciously, almost in disbelief. Corlys conveniently changed the topic then. "Your rooms have been prepared, and my servants are waiting to escort you to them. I am sure both of you are very tired after your long flight. I've taken the luxury of having the servants prepare your clothes and a warm bath for you both."

He pointed to one of the castle keep's towers then, and Viserra was surprised to find she had not noticed the massive clock on it earlier. "Dinner will be at seven. The full hospitality of Driftmark is yours my princesses. I hope you enjoy your stay."

Corlys begged their leave and left then, Aurane quick on his heels. Rhaekar tarried a little longer to guide them to their rooms with the servants, and soon Viserra was alone in the chambers that had been prepared for her.

They were the picture of luxury. A dark mahogany wood floor gleamed with a polished shine. Several book shelves and ornate tables and chairs furnished some of the rooms. The bedroom had a large ironwood canopy bed, its canopy and bedsheets made of velvet silk and its pillows soft and fluffed with feathers.

There was a large clear glass window with two halves, both able to open out horizontally, and Viserra opened it to see a beautiful view. To her right, she could see Spicetown, and to her left and front, the waves of the sea stretched on for miles.

Tearing herself away from the view, Viserra inspected the rest of the bedroom. An ironwood closet rested in the corner, and Viserra opened it to find that all the clothes she had sent ahead had been neatly placed inside, including all of her jewelry.

Noticing the ornate silvered vanity beside the closet, Viserra set some of her jewelry on the dresser in front of the vanity and looked at herself in the mirror. As she saw the grime and sweat of a hard day flying ruining her normally flawless appearance, she thought to herself, 'This just won't do. I can't attend dinner like this.'

Viserra heard a loud knock on the door of the main entrance to her chambers. She took her time to walk there and opened it to find a young woman with hazel eyes and chestnut hair.

"Greetings my princess," she said with a curtsy. "My name is Pina. Lord Corlys has made me your servant and maid for the duration of your stay, and I have come to help prepare your bath."

Pina led Viserra into her bedroom's adjoined bathroom, and Viserra soon found herself stunned when the maid demonstrated how the complicated chamber pot was in fact a device known as a flushing toilet. There was a large bath already filled with hot water, taps with running water, and even a 'shower' which she was told, could with a hand pump, allow her to bathe without needing a traditional bath. Almost in shock, Viserra asked Pina how these things all worked.

"I am not quite sure of the science behind it all Princess. I believe Lord Corlys or his scholars at the university could tell you more. It's something to do with a water tower, and some hand pumps for pressure? I am not sure. The servants are not taught how these devices work, only how to use them. I will be waiting outside your bedroom if you need any help in dressing Princess. Will you be requiring assistance in using the facilities of this bathroom?"

"Uh… no thank you. I believe your instruction was sufficient," she answered nervously.

"Very well Princess. If you need any assistance bathing or dressing, I am nearby. Enjoy your bath," Pina said, curtseying again before she left, leaving Viserra alone in this strange bathroom, with all its fancy amenities.

It had taken her longer then she would admit to figure out how to use the devices in the bathroom, though once she had, she felt like she could never go back to the positively primitive bathrooms of the Red Keep. Her parents and siblings had resided in High Tide before, had they never thought to ask Lord Corlys how to import the system High Tide used for the Red Keep?

No matter, she pushed those irrelevant thoughts from her mind, having Pina help her dress and style her hair in front of the vanity, noticing two new books stacked on top of each other on the dresser that had not been there earlier.

"Pina, what is this?" Viserra asked her maid.

"A gift from Lord Velaryon, my princess. I was asked to put them on your dresser."

Viserra looked at the first book then, noticing that it had come with a handwritten note from Corlys hoping that she'd enjoy her stay and enjoy the book.

"The Mariner's Wife," she said the title out loud, before reading the smaller subscript, "The Tale of Aldarion and Erendis."

The book was bound with leather and the cover was a white tree above a triangular sailed ship, a caravel, if her memory was correct. She opened the book to a random page to find neatly aligned rows of word. The letters were identical to each other in size and shape, as she had expected, proving that the book had been printed by a press.

"A classic tale," Pina said as she combed Viserra's hair.

"You know this story?" Viserra asked, a little surprised.

"I do. It was first published some twelve years ago now, I read it when I was but a small child."

Viserra noted that Pina could read. She had been told that most of Driftmark's people could read, but this was her first experience with it personally.

"Could you tell me about the story?"

Pina shook her head with a smile. "I'm afraid not Princess. I wouldn't want to spoil it for you."

"And if I make that an order?" she asked, curious.

Pina again smiled. "I would answer then of course Princess, though it would only be your loss to spoil a good book for yourself."

Viserra shook her head in amusement. Were all of High Tide's servants this cheeky?

"Very well then, you may go, I will see to the rest of my dressing myself," Viserra dismissed Pina. Once she had gone, Viserra opened the book again to find the summary on the first page.

In the island kingdom of Elenna, the King despairs that his son and heir Prince Aldarion has no interest in marriage or the fathering of heirs, for his heart is called ever to the sea. Yet the King's hopes seem to be fulfilled when the Prince meets the Lady Erendis, a woman who captivates him and perhaps stands a chance at drawing his heart from the sea…

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"Are your chambers to your liking?" Corlys asked as they took their seats at the dinner table. She was seated beside Corlys at the high table. Her sister was to her left, and to Corlys's right was his brother Rhaekar and Aurane. Rhaekar's wife Irina and their children were seated opposite them, along with some of the higher ranking members of Corlys's court.

The Velaryons it seemed, had spared no expense, the great hall of High Tide was bustling with people, the Velaryon banner draped from the pillars, and many a bard or entertainer having a lucky day and invited into the lord's hall for the feast. The starter course was due to come out soon, and Viserra for one, could not wait to see what delicacy High Tide's chefs had come up with.

"They are yes, more than satisfactory in fact, they seem almost wondrous. High Tide's reputation as a palatial paradise is well-earned."

Corlys smiled at the compliment, and Viserra took the opportunity to sate her curiosity, asking him countless questions about High Tide's design, especially about the system of plumbing and water pressure used in its bathrooms.

"Viserra, I think you might have asked Lord Corlys too many questions in a single breath. Don't be impolite," her sister chided gently.

"It's quite alright Princess Alyssa. Viserra is a naturally curious person, I would hate to smother that. And answering your question Viserra, I am not completely sure myself. We will be visiting the University of Spicetown on the morrow, and I can introduce you to the engineers who designed the system, if you like."

"Really? That would be appreciated, thank you," Viserra answered.

"It seems you have taken a strong liking to your chambers," Corlys said with a smile. "I'll be pleased to tell you that you can get used to them, they will be your chambers when you become the lady of this castle."

"Giving my sister her chambers before you even wed, being a little quick are we Lord Corlys?" Alyssa said then, almost teasingly.

"I see no harm in it. It will allow the Princess to settle into her chambers more easily when the time comes."

Viserra was silent during her sister and betrothed's banter, her thoughts dwelling on the fact that the rooms she had been so intrigued by were to be permanently hers, in her role as the Lady of Tides. She was reminded then, that she was to be wed in eight months, preparations were already underway for her wedding. Viserra wondered again if she was actually ready.