XXXIX
In the midst of the turmoil and treachery that plagued the Seven Kingdoms, Maekar, ever the vigilant protector of his family, made a difficult decision for the safety of his loved ones. With King's Landing no longer safe and Dragonstone in the hands of the traitorous Rhaenyra, Maekar knew he had to take drastic measures.
Gathering his wife, Alicent, his daughters, Moira and Visenya and, and his daughter-in-law, Evelyn, Maekar informed them of his plan. He had arranged for a ship to take them to Dorne, a land far from the clutches of their enemies. The safety of his beloved family was paramount to him, and he would not rest until they were out of harm's way.
Ser Arryck, a loyal and skilled knight of the Kingsguard, was chosen as their protector for the journey. Maekar trusted him implicitly and knew that he would do whatever it took to ensure the safety of Alicent and their daughters. Alongside Ser Arryck, Fakko, one of Maekar's Blood Rider, would accompany them, bringing his strength and fierce loyalty to the task.
To further bolster their protection, Maekar enlisted a small handful of Dothraki warriors. Their reputation as fierce horsemen and skilled fighters would serve as a deterrent to any who might seek to harm his family. The Dothraki would provide an additional layer of security, their presence a reminder of Maekar's determination to keep his loved ones safe.
As the ship set sail towards Dorne, Maekar watched from the shores of the King's Landing, his heart heavy with concern for his family. He could have sent them to The Isle, it was still under his command, but was too close to Dragonstone to guarantee their safety. It was a difficult decision to send them away, but Maekar knew it was the best course of action.
With a heavy heart, Maekar bid farewell to Alicent, Moira, Visenya, and Evelyn, urging them to stay strong and united. He assured them that he would do everything in his power to protect their legacy and bring justice to Aegon. Though separated by distance, their bond as a family would remain unbreakable.
"Did we make the right decision, father?" Rhaegar asked from where he stood on his father's left, Baelon stood on his father's right. The two boys looked at the King for guidance.
"Yes," Maekar nodded firmly. "Prince Qoren has reassured me that they'll be safe while we plot to get Aliandra and our kin back from Rhaenyra's clutches."
Maekar, Baelon, and Rhaegar returned to the Red Keep, where they were greeted by Otto, Maekar's Hand and their grandfather. Otto informed them that the houses had already started arriving to prepare for the upcoming war. With a sense of urgency, they made their way to the throne room.
As they entered the grand chamber, their eyes fell upon an imposing figure - Lord Cregan Stark of Winterfell, accompanied by his two sons, Eddard and Willis. The Starks, known for their strength and loyalty, had answered the call for war.
Standing beside Lord Cregan was Lord Kermit Tully, the Lord of Riverrun. The Tullys, renowned for their strategic prowess, had brought their forces to support the cause, only after Baelon had threatened to bring an end to their bloodline.
To their left, Lord Borros Baratheon, the Lord of Storm's End, stood tall. His son, Royce, by his side. The Baratheons, fierce warriors, had joined their allies in this crucial time.
On the other side of the throne room, Lord Jason Lannister, the Lord of Casterly Rock, commanded attention. The Lannisters, known for their wealth and cunning, had come to stand with their kin.
Additionally, the lords of smaller houses, loyal to their cause, could be seen scattered throughout the room. Though their names may not have carried the same weight as the great houses, their unwavering support was invaluable.
As Maekar, Baelon, and Rhaegar took in the gathering of allies, they knew that the fate of the realm rested on their shoulders. The war was imminent, and the time for preparation had begun.
As Otto, Maekar, Baelon, and Rhaegar stood in the presence of the assembled lords, a hushed conversation ensued among them.
Otto, his voice filled with concern, addressed Maekar, "My King, the houses have begun arriving swiftly, the Tully's are a day out . We must ensure that our preparations are thorough and swift. The fate of the realm hangs in the balance."
Maekar nodded solemnly, his eyes scanning the room. "Indeed, Otto. We cannot afford to underestimate the gravity of this situation. We must rally our forces and forge alliances that will strengthen our cause."
Baelon, ever the strategist, chimed in, "Father, the Starks and the Tullys are powerful allies to have by our side. Their support will be crucial in the battles to come. We must ensure that our plans align with theirs."
Rhaegar, his gaze fixed on Lord Cregan Stark, added, "Agreed, Baelon. We must also consider the loyalty of the smaller houses. Though they may not possess the same resources, their unwavering support can tip the scales in our favor."
Maekar, his voice filled with determination, addressed his sons and Otto. "We shall meet with each lord individually, forging strong bonds and clarifying our objectives."
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The ship gently rocked back and forth as it sailed across the open sea. Evelyn, lying down on a nearby bench, clutched her stomach, trying to ward off the waves of sea sickness that had plagued her since they set sail. Her face was pale, and she closed her eyes, hoping for some relief.
Meanwhile, Alicent, Moira, and Visenya stood on the deck, their hair billowing in the wind. Alicent, making sure to keep her children entertained, looked out over the horizon with a gleam in her eyes.
"Isn't it exhilarating, being out here on the open water?" Said Alicent, her voice tinged with slight excitement even if she felt nauseous herself. "I've always loved the sea."
"Careful, mother, you sound like a Velaryon," Moira teased but mumbled a quiet apology when Alicent glared at her.
Visenya, her attention divided between the conversation and Evelyn's plight, chimed in, "I do enjoy the sea, but I can't help but worry about Evelyn. She's been feeling unwell since we set sail."
Alicent turned her gaze towards Evelyn, concern etched on her face. "I hope the sea sickness passes quickly for her."
As the ship sailed on, the women continued their conversation. Just as the women were engrossed in their conversation, a loud and piercing sound of an alarm bell suddenly echoed through the air. The jarring sound made them all jump, their attention instantly snapped to the urgency of the situation.
Before they could react, Fakko, one of Maekar's Blood Riders, emerged from below deck, sprinting towards them with a look of concern etched on his face. "Ladies, we need to get below deck immediately!" he shouted, his voice filled with urgency.
Alicent, Moira, and Visenya exchanged worried glances, their hearts racing with a mix of fear and anticipation. "What's happening, Fakko?" Alicent asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Fakko quickly caught his breath, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We've spotted a ship on the horizon, and it appears to be a pirate vessel. Khal Maekar believes they pose a threat, and we must take precautions. We need to seek safety below deck until the situation is resolved."
Moira bit her lip, her mind racing as she processed the information. "Pirates? This is unexpected. Are we in immediate danger?"
Fakko nodded gravely. "It's hard to say for certain, but the Khal believes it's better to be safe than sorry. We have a well-equipped crew and defenses, but it's always better to err on the side of caution."
Visenya's concern for Evelyn intensified, but she knew they had to prioritise their safety. "We can't leave Evelyn here. She's unwell. We need to help her get below deck as well."
Fakko nodded again, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll make sure the Princess is taken care of. Gather everyone and head below deck as quickly as possible. We'll keep you informed of any developments."
With a sense of urgency, the women hurriedly made their way towards Evelyn, gently helping her to her feet and guiding her towards the safety of the lower decks. The ship buzzed with activity as the crew prepared to defend against the potential pirate threat.
The women hurriedly made their way below deck, seeking refuge in the safety of the cramped quarters. The air was thick with tension and apprehension as they huddled together, their hearts pounding in their chests. They prayed for Maekar to save them, hoping that his presence would quell their fears.
Just as they began to catch their breath, a thunderous roar filled the air, shaking the very foundation of the ship. The sound was unmistakable – the roar of a dragon. Hope flickered in their eyes as they exchanged glances, daring to believe that it was Maekar here to protect them.
But as the roar grew closer, the hope slowly gave way to dread. The realisation sank in like an anchor in their hearts. It wasn't Aegar they heard; it was the Blood Wyrm. Daemon was here. The very same Daemon who sought revenge for Lucerys's death.
Alicent's hands trembled as she clutched onto Moira's arm, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's Daemon... He's come for us."
Moira's eyes widened in fear, her voice choked with emotion. "But how? How could he have found us?"
The ship rocked violently as Daemon's dragon unleashed its fury upon them. The sound of splintering wood and the cries of the crew filled the air, mingling with the anguished screams of the women. They huddled closer together, seeking solace and strength in each other's presence.
As the chaos raged above them, they clung to the belief that somehow, against all odds, they would find a way to survive this harrowing encounter. Their determination burned brighter than ever, their spirits unyielding in the face of darkness.
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