The Master of Dragons - Future plans. (Patreon)

Corlys Velaryon, the Council Chamber – The Red Keep

"Is this... are you certain of this?" the King asked, his brow furrowed and his tone carrying a restrained fury that Corlys had rarely heard from the monarch.

Lord Potter simply nodded, his expression solemn, clearly angered by whatever it was he had been forced to report to the King.

"I am. I confirmed it personally. Not only does a slave network exist within the city, but also a sort of children's fighting tournament. They force them to fight one another to the death, taking advantage of the inefficiency and corruption of the City Watch to operate with complete impunity," Lord Potter replied with a frown, causing every member of the Small Council to exchange uncertain glances.

Corlys was not ashamed to admit that he had been completely unaware that something so atrocious existed within the city.

Children's fights...

Gods, just thinking about it...

The King was furious, but apparently Lord Potter had not yet finished.

"That isn't all. Apparently, the city's slavers work for the very same man who has been attacking Westerosi ships in the Stepstones. The Crabfeeder, I believe they call him. The boys are used for the fights, and the girls... well, I don't need to tell you what awaits them," Lord Potter said, his body visibly trembling with fury.

The monarch frowned and asked,

"I know you, Harry. The moment you saw those children, you would have dealt with those animals yourself. Why haven't you acted yet?" the King asked shrewdly, something that had become increasingly common with every day Lord Potter spent at Court.

Something every member of the Council had noticed.

And something that worried the vast majority of them.

Especially the Hand of the King, Corlys thought with satisfaction, watching the man try, unsuccessfully, to insert himself into the conversation.

Alas, Corlys knew that was a lost cause. The closeness between Lord Potter and the King was more than obvious, although Corlys could hardly blame him.

Of all the men present, Harry Potter was the only one who truly needed absolutely nothing from the Crown.

Magic, wealth, a dragon, and a Princess to warm his bed.

The perfect life, in Corlys' opinion.

Along with possessing the one quality every ruler could ever wish for in a counselor.

Always telling the uncomfortable truths.

Just as he was doing now.

"The city feels abandoned. They speak of you as a kind King, but a weak one, a man who doesn't have the balls necessary to strike at the poison infecting King's Landing. I could exterminate every last one of those vermin myself, but that wouldn't solve the problem. Your brother was right. A demonstration of strength is necessary," Harry said with complete sincerity, causing several members of the Council to frown at what, to them, sounded like blatant disrespect.

However, although Corlys was proud, he was also pragmatic, and harsh as Harry's words were...

They were true.

That was precisely the way everyone, including the Lords, viewed Viserys.

Although, of course...

Only Harry Potter had the balls to say it to his face, Lord Velaryon thought with amusement, watching with intrigue as the monarch frowned, lost in thought.

"I see," was all he said, his gaze settling upon the report in his hand.

For a brief moment, no one spoke. It was obvious the King was deep in thought, until a spark of determination appeared within his amethyst eyes. Looking directly at Prince Daemon, who apparently was now required to attend every meeting of the Small Council as part of his punishment, he gave his orders.

"Harry has already cleaned out part of the corruption within the City's Gold Cloaks. According to the latest report, we have at least five hundred men confirmed to be trustworthy. You will take them, put on your armor, and raze that slavers' nest to its very foundations," the King ordered, much to Corlys' surprise, Daemon's interest, and Otto's concern.

"Your Grace... it is my duty to advise caution. While we know what is happening, the rest of the city does not. If they see Prince Daemon carrying out a massacre, the Crown's image may be damaged," Ser Otto said, and part of Corlys found himself agreeing.

Daemon frowned, preparing to answer, but Viserys raised one hand, fixing his gaze upon the Hand of the King before replying.

"I know. But Daemon is no child. He is a Prince, and I know he will conduct himself in a manner worthy of his station," the King said before looking toward a surprised and clearly grateful Daemon.

"Harry's reports are accurate. Tonight, Essosi slavers will attend the fights and collect a new shipment of merchandise.

In other words...

Westerosi girls.

I want no survivors, Daemon. You will exterminate every last one of those vermin, cut off their heads, and place them on pikes throughout the harbor, but the Essosi...those I want alive. We shall use them as a spectacle, They will be executed by Caraxes at the opening of the Tournament, and they shall serve as the prelude to our next undertaking, The invasion of the Stepstones," the monarch declared firmly, astonishing everyone present, Corlys included, who could not help but begin to feel a sense of relief.

Prince Daemon frowned, but it was obvious he was excited by the tasks entrusted to him.

"Understood, brother. Do you require anything else from me? If not, I'd like to take my leave and begin preparing everything for tonight," Prince Daemon asked with something Corlys had never thought he would hear from him.

Respect.

Toward Viserys.

Although, considering the changes the King had undergone lately, Corlys could hardly say he was surprised.

"One more thing. I have given your request considerable thought, and I have discussed it with Aemma and Harry. I am seriously considering annulling your marriage to Rhea Royce," the King said, bringing the entire Council to a standstill, though clearly for very different reasons.

As always, Ser Otto attempted to intervene.

"Your Grace! I must express my opinion that—"

Alas, the new King Viserys was not playing games, and with complete calm and unwavering firmness, he interrupted Otto.

"Your opinion, on this matter, is irrelevant, Otto. This is a decision that concerns only the Royal Family," the King said firmly, silencing Hightower on the spot.

At that moment, Lord Lyonel, one of the few Lords who actually possessed a useful head on his shoulders, spoke.

"Forgive the interruption, Your Grace. You said this concerns only the Royal Family, yet you sought Lord Potter's opinion. Could it be...?" he asked, hesitation evident in his voice.

The King looked silently at everyone for a brief moment before slowly nodding and replying.

"Well, allow me to clarify the situation to you. Lord Harry and I have successfully negotiated Princess Rhaenyra's hand. We shall make the official announcement after Baelor's birth," the monarch declared, silencing every single member of the Council, with the sole exceptions of Daemon, who apparently was already aware of the arrangement...

And Corlys, who already knew about the relationship between the Princess and the powerful Lord, courtesy of Laena.

But watching the stunned...

And fearful...

Expressions on the faces of most of the Council members...

Was nothing short of cathartic for Corlys, if he were being honest.

Otto opened and closed his mouth repeatedly, utterly incapable of forming a response, a moment the King immediately took advantage of to continue.

"Once the tournament has concluded, I shall convene a War Council. We will attack those islands, bathe those slavers in dragonfire, and you will make certain that every last one of those beasts is dead. Then, and only then, shall I make the decree official," the King ordered, his voice carrying a firmness Corlys had never before heard from him.

It was...

Reassuring, to be honest.

And judging by the look of barely concealed excitement on Daemon's face...

He felt exactly the same way.

"Your word is my command, brother," Daemon said with determination, prompting the King to nod.

"Good," Viserys replied before turning his attention directly toward Corlys, who instinctively straightened in his seat as he felt the monarch's gaze settle upon him.

"Lord Corlys, you are the man with the greatest experience dealing with the Crabfeeder. I want you to provide my brother and Harry with everything you believe may be important regarding our enemy. Ship movements, the methods they use to attack your vessels, even the smallest and most insignificant detail. You have two days," the King ordered as he rose to his feet, apparently bringing the meeting to an end.

"As you command, Your Grace," Lord Velaryon replied, genuinely excited to see that the Crown truly intended to do something about the Crabfeeder.

Viserys nodded and answered.

"Then I shall leave you, my Lords. You all have your orders. Daemon, Harry, with me," he commanded as he walked out of the chamber, followed by both men.

Daemon wore a grin that made him look like an excited puppy.

While Lord Harry, as usual, remained completely absorbed in some parchment, quietly muttering about reproductive cycles and the expedition to Dragonstone.

For several moments, no one spoke.

But Corlys could see with absolute clarity the concern reflected on more than one face.

Apparently...

Interesting times lay ahead.

Calmly, Corlys rose to his feet and spoke.

"Our monarch has spoken, my Lords. I have work to do," Lord Velaryon said in farewell as he left the Council Chamber behind.

There was much to be done.

Queen Aemma Arryn, the Red Keep – King's Landing.

"He's... beautiful," the Queen whispered, staring in astonishment, tears welling in her eyes, at the image of her beloved son.

Throughout her life, the Faith of the Seven, instilled in her since childhood in the Vale, had taught that magic was something to fear and distrust.

Something unnatural.

Even evil.

But...

What could possibly be evil about something so wonderful that it allowed a mother to see her child's face even before he had been born?

"The little one is healthy. He's responding very well to the treatment, although we cannot lower our guard. Your body has also grown stronger. Have you noticed the changes?" Harry asked curiously, prompting Aemma to look into his eyes before offering him a radiant smile.

"Yes, Harry. From the very first days I've noticed the changes. I no longer tire as easily as I used to, I have much more energy, and I no longer feel the pregnancy as a heavy burden...

But as a blessing," Aemma confessed naturally, causing Lord Potter to nod before replying.

"It is only natural. That is how every pregnancy is meant to feel. The little Prince may arrive at any moment, so we must be prepared," Lord Potter explained as he finished the spell. The image of her beloved Baelor faded away, and Harry handed her another vial containing an unfamiliar potion.

Aemma could not help but grimace in agony, making Harry burst into laughter.

"I'm sorry about the taste, but it's necessary that you drink it," he said gently, prompting the Queen to sigh and nod before swallowing the bitter, thick liquid with obvious suffering, just as her beloved daughter entered the chamber, as usual, her robes soaked with sweat and reeking of sulfur.

"Mother!" the Princess cried with a smile as she hurried over to embrace and kiss the Queen before wrapping herself around Harry's neck and kissing him passionately on the lips, while Lord Potter firmly took hold of her waist, eagerly returning the gesture.

The Queen stared at them in disbelief for a moment before sighing and reprimanding them both.

"Please, Rhaenyra, you're a Princess. Have some decency," the Queen said, blushing, causing her beloved daughter to merely roll her eyes and laugh softly without separating from Harry.

"I'm sorry, Mother, I couldn't help myself. News has arrived that Syrax has nested. Five dragon eggs, all perfectly healthy and fertile, for the future children I'll give Harry," the Princess replied with unmistakable pride, making the Queen blush even more while the Lord in question chuckled softly, gently caressing the small of his beloved's back.

The intimacy between them was more than obvious, Aemma thought, having little doubt that her daughter had already gotten into... mischief with Harry.

After all, Lord Potter answered to no one. If he remained in the capital, it was simply because he cared about the dragons...

And her beloved daughter.

The Queen silently thanked Viserys for having successfully secured the marriage between Rhaenyra and Harry. It was, without question, the finest political move her husband had made in his entire life.

Aemma could see the way the dark-haired Lord looked at her daughter. There was lust and desire, certainly, but unlike so many Lords, Harry Potter's eyes did not see a royal womb...

Nor a Targaryen Princess capable of bringing dragons into his family.

Harry already possessed all of that.

After all, there was quite literally nothing the Targaryens could give Harry Potter that he truly needed.

Except...

A wife.

Aemma would speak with Viserys. Baelon would one day require a Queen, and if Rhaenyra and Harry married soon, perhaps they would have a daughter of the proper age for her future son.

An idea she intended to discuss with Viserys very soon.

Viserys planned to grant Harry and Rhaenyra dominion over the entire northern region of the Kingswood, the small peninsula lying between King's Landing and Dragonstone.

It was a considerable territory for a new House.

A principality, as Harry had called it.

With Harry close enough to continue overseeing the dragons...

And to possess a seat worthy of standing beside her daughter.

Harry was an intelligent and capable man. Aemma was certain he would transform those untouched lands into something truly magnificent in a very short time.

From what she knew...

He already had several ideas in mind.

Her daughter was in good hands, off that, she had no doubt, the Queen thought, just as Viserys entered the chamber with a broad smile, accompanied by Daemon.

The two brothers were laughing together with a camaraderie she had not seen between them in years.

"Harry! Just the man I was looking for!" the King exclaimed, walking with a broad smile directly toward Aemma and gently kissing her on the lips, a gesture the Queen eagerly returned.

Gods...

Lately her libido had been completely out of control.

Harry insisted it was perfectly normal and a sign that her health was in excellent condition.

But Viserys stubbornly refused to make love to her until Baelon was born.

And it was driving her mad.

"Is everything ready for tonight?" her husband asked, directing the question toward Harry, prompting the dark-haired Lord to nod calmly.

"It is. I've already mapped the entire sewer system, and the moment Goldilocks here enters with his men, I'll seal every escape route. I also made certain that tonight's prize is... extremely tempting, One thousand golden dragons. That will ensure every piece of scum in the city gathers in one place. Daemon will be free to vent his frustration with me upon the enemies of the Realm, and while he's busy butchering them, I'll be rescuing the children," Harry said with complete naturalness, causing Viserys, Rhaenyra, and Aemma to burst into laughter as they watched Daemon's expression of utter indignation after hearing the nickname Harry had given him.

An insult?

Certainly.

But it wasn't as though any of them could truly do anything about it.

Besides, a little humility would do Daemon no harm whatsoever.

Watching her brother-in-law tremble with fury while being utterly incapable of doing anything about it was...

Hilarious.

Especially considering that Harry was, by nature, a genuinely kind, courteous, and helpful man.

Yet whenever Daemon was involved...

He seemed to take great pleasure in provoking him.

Perhaps that truly was the case, Aemma thought with amusement.

Viserys nodded in satisfaction at Harry's words, while Daemon looked at him with a mixture of annoyance and admiration, confronted by Lord Potter's obvious competence when it came to getting things done.

"Perfect. Then I'll leave the planning of the assault to you and Daemon. Ah, and one last thing. My brother has practically begged me for an opportunity to earn the right to ride Caraxes again. Therefore, once the attack is over, he will be placed under your command at the Sun Tower. He will obey every order you give him and learn everything possible about the care and breeding of dragons. If he misbehaves..."

"You have my permission to put him in his place," Viserys said with unmistakable firmness, prompting Daemon to let out a dissatisfied growl while Harry simply nodded.

"I understand," Harry replied, looking directly at Daemon as he gently rubbed his chin, studying the Prince from head to toe before giving a small nod to himself.

"Then let's not waste any more time. We have rats to hunt, after all," Harry said with determination before taking Rhaenyra's hand and placing a soft, promising kiss upon it, leaving his beloved laughing like a young maiden, her cheeks completely flushed.

"Come on, Goldilocks. It's time to go hunting, and I have a little gift for you," Lord Potter said.

Without waiting for a reply, he walked out of the room.

Daemon merely sighed before silently following him, leaving Aemma alone with the rest of her family.

"Oh, Uncle Daemon is furious," her daughter said between soft laughs, causing Viserys to laugh as well.

"Of course he is. Having to obey Harry is punishment enough, but Daemon literally begged me for permission to see Caraxes again. Apparently, he tried to sneak into the Tower without my authorization, and Harry's enchantments left him paralyzed out in the cold the entire night. Gods, just imagining it is enough to make me laugh," Viserys said with a grin before turning his full attention toward Aemma.

"How did the examination go, my love? Is everything alright with our little Baelon?" her husband asked as he took a seat beside her and began gently caressing her swollen belly.

Aemma smiled radiantly before beginning to explain everything Harry had told her.

Life was good.

Her family was whole.

Everything was unfolding exactly as it should.

Nothing could possibly go wrong...

Right?

She would find out soon enough.