33. Driftmark

The ship moved swiftly through the dark waves, its sails full of wind. Stannon stood at the front, looking ahead. Somewhere in the distance, hidden in the night, was Driftmark. The journey would take a day or more, but Stannon didn't care much about the time—it was diplomacy. Monford Velaryon was loyal to House Baratheon, and with Stannon soon taking command of Dragonstone, he needed to secure the dragon egg through proper negotiation.

Due to Stannon's presence in this world, Robert had temporarily given Stannis command of Dragonstone until Stannon became mature enough to take hold of it. This was quite different from the original plot. Stannis had now become the Master of Coin and the Lord of House Baratheon, while Renly had been pushed to the side, given some important places under Stannis to look after.

'Hopefully, that guy doesn't have any plans for the throne now,' Stannon thought. He didn't want to be the one to kill Robert's brother. But if Renly crossed the line in the future, Stannon wasn't one to remain quiet.

His thoughts turned to the dragon egg. His journey to Driftmark might have been hasty, but it was necessary. Like Stannon's spies, Varys' whispers might also be aware of the egg. If Stannon didn't act personally, Varys might approach Monford or even steal the egg and deliver it to Daenerys. And Varys wasn't the only threat. Many sorcerers, the Citadel, and even the Lannisters had an interest in the egg. While Robert's search for the egg was an official act to gift it to his son, many wouldn't care and would simply take it for themselves.

Stannon couldn't let that happen. Even if the information turned out to be false, he needed to risk it. He couldn't let this opportunity slip away by sending a spy or a messenger.

'I just hope Monford hasn't given the egg to anyone else before I arrive,' Stannon thought as a cold wind blew past him.

As his ship neared Driftmark's rocky shore, the fortress of High Tide emerged, standing strong against the sea. Stannon had only seen it in the show before, but seeing in person would definitely make one feel awed at the majesty of it.

Stannon had already sent a raven to announce his arrival to Monford and requested that his visit remain secret. The message was not a demand, just a polite request for a meeting.

"We will dock at the main harbor," Stannon ordered. "Monford has had time to prepare for us. We must arrive as guests, not as thieves."

His second-in-command, Colen, nodded. "And if he refuses to give it up?"

"Then we negotiate," Stannon said simply, though the word carried an unmistakable weight and a different meaning altogether. His men understood its meaning well.

Before entering the harbor, Stannon used his Warging ability, sending Ghostwing ahead to survey the area. After scanning the surroundings and detecting nothing unusual, he recalled his raven and prepared for docking.

Upon arrival, Stannon strategically positioned his subordinates. Colen along with Ragnok and Hilda accompanied him inside the hall, reinforcing his presence without making the meeting seem hostile. While six of them remained just outside the hall, within the inner keep, ready to act if needed. The remaining five stayed stationed at the ship, keeping an eye on the ship and securing their escape route, if needed.

Inside High Tide, the hall was as grand as expected. Monford Velaryon sat at the head of the hall, his silver hair catching the light. He studied Stannon with a calm expression.

"My Prince," Monford greeted him. "Your raven arrived before you. An unexpected visit."

Stannon pulled back his hood and met Monford's gaze. "A necessary one. I will soon take command of Dragonstone. Before that, I want to secure the egg."

Stannon didn't waste time and directly spoke on the main topic for which he had came here.

Monford's lips pressed together. "So, you know about it."

"I do," Stannon replied. "And I am ready to offer fair compensation. Name your price."

Monford smiled calmly but with a calculating look as he gestured to his guards. "Bring the egg."

Two armored men left the hall. Stannon stood still, his heartbeat steady, but his mind worked quickly. He had expected some resistance, but Monford mentioning the egg himself meant he was open to negotiation. That was a good sign.

As they waited, Monford studied Stannon. "You knew how to ask properly, my prince. Most men come demanding. You came asking."

Stannon nodded slightly. "Force can get you many things, but respect helps you keep them for longer."

Monford chuckled but did not reply, as the doors opened. The guards returned carrying a chest. They placed it on a strong oak table in the center of the hall. One of the men unlocked the chest and stepped aside, allowing Stannon to see inside.

Resting on blue velvet was the dragon egg. It glowed under the candlelight, smooth and hardened with age. Its deep green color with faint hints of black was different from the blue egg that Euron Greyjoy had once possessed.

Stannon narrowed his eyes. Either this was a different egg, or its years in the sea had changed it. He had read that dragon eggs could be affected by their surroundings, but he had never heard of such a drastic change. He reached out, hesitating for a moment before pressing his fingers against the shell.

It was warm.

His pulse quickened. If the egg was warm, then there was a chance…

Taking a deep breath, Stannon activated his system.

**

[Scanning Target...]

[Target: Dragon Egg (Unnamed)]

**

A moment passed, then another. Then, his system responded.

**

[Generating skills and abilities...]

Abilities Generated:

None

Skills Generated:

None

**

Stannon's lips parted slightly as relief and excitement filled him. Although no skills or abilities were generated, Stannon was tremendously happy, as the system had indirectly declared that the dragon inside was not dead—it was only sleeping. That meant the egg could still hatch with the right conditions. His heart pounded. He had been ready for disappointment, expecting that the egg might have turned to stone, but this was beyond his hopes.

A grin spread across his face. He looked up at Monford, eyes gleaming. "Its beautiful"

Monford chuckled, clearly pleased. "I can see that, my prince." He leaned forward slightly. "Let's not rush. This is an important deal, and I believe it deserves a proper setting. What do you say to a feast?"

Stannon exhaled, feeling some of the past days' tension ease. He had the confirmation he needed. Now, all that remained was making the deal.

"Very well," he said, stepping back from the egg. "A feast it is."

Monford clapped his hands. "You honor us with your presence, my prince. Tonight, Driftmark welcomes you."

Servants quickly got to work, and within an hour, the hall was filled with the rich smell of roasted meat, spiced wine, and freshly baked bread. The long table was covered with silver goblets, plates full of food, and a variety of seafood dishes—Driftmark's specialty. Stannon sat at Monford's right, a place of high honor.

Before the feast began, Monford raised his goblet. "To Prince Stannon Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone and Heir to the Seven Kingdoms. May your rule be long and prosperous."

Stannon lifted his cup in acknowledgment bringing the goblet to his mouth before taking a sip.

"Now," he said, "let's discuss what you want in exchange for the egg."

Monford placed the goblet down before leaning forward slightly. "Prince Stannon, the egg is priceless. I believe we both understand that."

Stannon nodded. "Indeed."

"But I am not unreasonable," Monford continued. "I know its value to you, and I have my own needs to consider. The egg is important, but what I truly seek is something far greater—security for House Velaryon's future."

Stannon thought about this. "You want an alliance?"

"In a way," Monford said. "And, if I may be bold—a marriage alliance."

Stannon paused. He had expected Monford to ask for gold, ships, or maybe a seat at court, but a marriage proposal was something else entirely. Also he has no idea that Monford had a daughter. From the knowledge of GOT he had, Monford clearly only haa a son name Monterys and no other kid. But he couldn't be completely sure.

Monford smiled and pointed to Stannon's untouched plate. "My prince, you haven't eaten yet. You must be hungry and tired from your journey. We can still talk while you eat." His voice was polite and respectful, as if he truly cared about Stannon's well-being.

Stannon sighed, still thinking about Monford's proposal. A marriage alliance was a big decision, and he needed to consider everything before giving an answer. He reached for the meat on his plate, planning to take a bite—but as soon as his fingers touched the edge of the dish, a strange sensation ran through his body.

His Lightning Reflexes ability had activated, sharpening his senses. His hand stopped midair, his muscles tensing as a strong feeling of danger washed over him. Something was wrong.

He looked at Monford, who was still smiling as if nothing had changed. But now, Stannon saw it differently. The warmth in Monford's eyes seemed fake, and his relaxed posture felt too perfect.

His ability warned him—there was poison in the food. And not just any poison. His Poison Resistance skill allowed him to survive most common toxins, but this one… this was something far deadlier. Something meant to kill him.

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