Chapter 7 - Sun and Moon - part 1

288 AC

Rhaenys (8 years old) POV

The usurper's hand sat behind his desk, one heaped with parchments.

I forced myself to cool disdain towards the treacherous Kingsguard, an ugly man with short, bandy legs, a flat nose and jowls.

Other than Ser Boros Blount, we were alone.

Again.

"Do you know why I've called you here?"

I grimaced slightly.

It was the same question I'd been asked on every other visit I'd been called here.

A not inconsiderable number of those visits had ended with me in tears of anger and humiliation that I had to wipe away before being marched out of the tower to make a grovelling apology to whoever I was deemed to have wronged.

As much as I hated it, I'd learned to keep my wrath chained.

The fury of the usurper was thus far armed with a stronger arm and more immediate support.

However, mine was building up until the day of my revenge arrived.

Still, I couldn't recall anything I'd done that seemed likely to draw the hand's eye. "I'm sure you have your reasons... my lord." I said neutrally.

"Most everyone has a reason, good or bad, for their actions. It seems you've learned something of the art of making bland statements to cover for ignorance. Not a bad skill to learn around the court." Jon Arryn frowned. "Tell me about your recent studies, girl. Are you making good progress?"

I blinked. "...I've made good progress on my writing and reading, as it's right now, the list of words which I don't know the meaning are lessening quickly. I also finished reading through the collection of history tomes that you had requested... Also, I don't really understand much about the astronomy scrolls nor the teachings about economics... mathematics is still a difficult topic for me."

Jon Arryn nodded. "I see, good enough I guess. But...Septa Sarelle had reported to me that you are having difficulty regarding the womanly arts. Is there something you wish to say to me? Something troubling you?"

"No...Nothing at all my lord, It's just that I find them terribly dull." I remarked. "It's in all honesty, a waste of my time... my lord."

"Some of them, I presume, must really feel like it." The usurper's Hand poured out two goblets of water and pushed one over to me. "Drink my, dear."

I took the goblet cautiously, swirled the contents and then sniffed it before drinking.

It was very cold but drinkable.

"Have you considered what shall be your future?" He finally asked. "What is it you envisioned yourself doing in the future?"

"I don't really care... my lord."

"My sweet girl, someday you ought to outlive the tragedy of your past and find happiness and strength in your future." He added with a caring yet serious expression.

"Am I expected to marry a high lord? To live in his castle? To give birth to children that would eventually become either knights serving under your King or follow my steps and continue the cycle." I asked him, with some semblance of anger in my tone.

"Ideally yes, my dear. Most people don't have the luxury of contemplating that possibility for their lives. Would you rather stay here and grow old like me? To never leave this place?" Jon said, still worried for the young girl's wellbeing.

I mentally rolled my eyes.

As I recalled someone I once sighted walking around the Red Keep as I made my way while being heavily guarded. "And what if your foster son decides for me to marry his son? Wouldn't all my hopes of leaving this place be all for naught?"

"I wouldn't worry about that, my dear. Although it makes political sense to secure you to his firstborn son, Robert has already stated he will not allow such marriage to occur." The hand recalled the long meetings he had wasted trying to change his foster son's mind.

I couldn't help a frown, but I said nothing, remaining silent instead. 'Does the usurper don't think I'm not suited for his children? Bastard!'

"Hmm. I must remind you, your life was spared by Sir Jaime, and after losing the war your family lost the right of ruling the Seven Kingdoms." Jon Arryn remembered her for the hundredth time in her mind. "Please, don't see this as a provocation. It's a friendly reminder alongside a humble plea for you to not waste your life hanging in poisonous revenge."

'Are we friends now, old man? And the kingslayer only came to my aid as an excuse for killing grandfather. What about my dead mother and brother?' I thought enraged before replying neutrally. "I understand, my lord."

"I expect no less from you." He smiled. "You may return to your routine."

I politely nodded before leaving the Hand's office, being immediately escorted by two Baratheon guards.

'Fool! I am a dragon, for now I might appear to be bent and broken, but I will eventually rise like the sun.' I vowed to myself for the hundredth time.

Allysse (11 years) POV

"Fine work as always! Well done!" Said the Septa.

"Thank you." I replied with a smile.

"I loved the detail that you managed to get on these corners. Quite beautiful." The septa added.

"Appreciate the praise. Unfortunately, the stitches are too tight, it got hard to move them up the needle." I pointed out, immediately noticing a flaw in my work.

"Oh no no no! The stitches are perfectly placed, the entire piece doesn't have a single hole as a result." Septa Sarelle remarked. "I think you are capable enough to begin crafting some larger pieces."

"If you think I'm ready, then I must really be. In that case, what if next time I start making a dress? I do have some ideas I wish to try." I said eagerly.

"Sure my dear. For today though, I think you've done enough. Go on, I'm sure you want to continue playing around with the Prince." The woman insinuated with a gentle smile.

"I-I'm not sure if he is available today, recently he had been spending most of his time occupied. Sometimes he trains with Sir Barristan and other times he and Pycelle get involved in some research. I've even heard from my father that the Grand Maester has been summoning some Maesters from the citadel itself to aid him in subjects he himself lacked." I recalled while looking out the window.

"Ah, a really blessed child indeed. All the workers in the castle sing high praise of his disposition and capability in providing help. The Gods clearly had favored the King and Queen's marriage by blessing them with such prodigious children." The septa remarked while bringing both hands together.

"Children? Do you mean Durrandon's siblings?" I asked curiously, I hadn't yet met the young twins after they grew up a little.

"Of course my dear, who else?" The woman laughed in a friendly manner. "I've heard that the second prince and princess are following their older brother's footsteps. Just in their second name day and both of them are walking and talking like older children. Although Lann isn't as big as his older brother was at the same age, the second prince is already learning how to read. And princess Joanna is undeniably a beauty at such a young age... If only she always behaved like she does when around her big brother... Can you believe it? I've heard that the twins are always fighting amongst themselves."

I listened to my instructor's words while picturing my friend's younger siblings.

I really do miss spending time with him, either by studying or talking about how our days have been. It always brought me a lot of joy back then.

But Durrandon was truly a rare case, the boy had only five name days and was already taller than me by quite a bit.

I eventually asked my father about the Prince and he never failed to impress me with stories like Durrandon's skill in combat or even his adventures around the capital.

He definitely would become an amazing King that would accomplish incredible feats, truly someone worthy of having his name remembered through history.

Perhaps today he might have some free time to spend.

And so, holding on to that thought, I thanked the Septa's instructions for the day and left.

As I made way through the castle hallways with my father's guard, I began noticing that the number of cats roaming around had clearly diminished.

Did the soldiers finally find a way of getting rid of them?

That wouldn't make any sense, after all, the number of pests like rats would become a problem as a result.

And I couldn't remember the last time I saw a rat roaming around as well.

Weird occurrences apart, the cold of the winter was still something I wasn't used to yet. Bath was my favorite time in the day, considering how hot the servants were capable of warming the water.

As I made my way close to the tower of the Hand, I saw someone coming down from the stairs.

It was the King's recently appointed Master of Coin.

Lord Petyr Baelish, if I wasn't mistaken.

Like the Master of Whispers, Lord Baelish wasn't directly descended from a Westerossi house. If I recall correctly, his grandfather came from Braavos.

'Braavos... wasn't Durrandon's new teacher from there as well?' I recalled hearing about the instructor..

"Greetings my lady!" The short man said to me. "And to you as well, Sir Hugh."

My escort simply nodded.

"Greetings, Lord Baelish." I replied with a courteous gesture.

"My lady, as the days come to pass your beauty only elevates further." The Master of Coin added.

"I appreciate the praise of my lord." I replied a little timidly.

"You know, your father had told me you have quite the aptitude for managing finances... if you are ever interested, I'm always available to help hone that natural talent of yours." He told her with his friendly smile.

"I'm very thankful for the offer. Perhaps one day, my Lord." We nodded to each other and continued on our ways.

After some time climbing the steps of the Hand's Tower and passing by the problematic girls' door, I finally reached my father's office.

Few knocks later, I was surprised to be greeted by... that woman.

"Oh hello my dear. Come to visit my husband?" Lyssa said with her fake smile.

'Gods, why do you insist on provoking me? Aren't you supposed to be the grown up between us? Sometimes I feel like you are an annoying sister.' I thought while putting on a gentle front.

"Yes my lady, is father available?" I asked while ignoring her condescending smirk.

"I'm afraid he isn't even here my dear. From what I heard he was busy dealing with something the King had requested of him." She smiled again.

"I see, then please forgive me for disturbing you my lady, I'll make my leave." As the Tully woman closed the door, I couldn't help but wonder. 'If father isn't here, what was the Master of Coin doing here? Was he unaware of father's location just as I was?'

After some time pondering about the matter, I just decided to forget about it. The Master of Coins was a humble man who befriended quite a lot of people.

Besides, everyone trusted Lord Baelish.

...

Walking again through the hallways, I observed Durrandon outside on the training yard alongside a slight, bald man with a beak of a nose.

Both of them were... dancing?

'This boy... it seems there's nothing that he doesn't want to learn.' I smiled, recalling his adorable face and blushing ever so slightly as a result.

Recently he has been making a lot of friends. I saw him shooting arrows with the foreigner Summer Islander Prince and even the drunkyard foreigner Red Priest.

Father even told me he is constantly visiting the city...

I wish I could go with him.

=================================

Evening in Rhaenys' chamber.

The Targaryen Princess was alone in her room, as she always had been since that cursed night.

She received lessons from the Septa and even the Grand Maester. But the latter never spent more than a few moments with her, just listing the bookstore scrolls she was expected to read, and always remarking about her affliction of having such difficulty with reading and writing..

She received three meals a day and was allowed to use the privy whenever she pleased.

But that was no life for her.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

"My lady, it's already getting dark! Please put off the candles and go to sleep!" The man guarding her door ordered after knocking.

'Everywhere I go, I'm always followed by imbeciles like this one!' She thought. "Understood sir! Have a good night!"

She heard him snicker at her last comment and smiled at his expense.

Rhaenys blew off the candles and positioned her pillows under the blanket, walking towards her wardrobe.

Behind it in the wall, she budged a loose piece of rock and retrieved a kitchen knife.

Obviously she wasn't allowed to receive combat lessons, but she didn't care.

After stealing a pair of knives last year, she exercised and trained the handling of such improvised weapons every night.

That's probably the reason the guards were so annoyed about her sleeping time.

The winters were especially difficult to her, but as time went on and after some annoying close calls, she was able to sneak around her room without alarming the guard standing outside her room.

She was aware her body will never be as strong as her mother's killer, but she was sure a knife to the throat would be enough to kill even a giant of a man.

As she proceeded with her footwork and balance, she heard a stranger voice.

"I do envy your view from up here, my Lady. This is, after all, the second highest room in the Red Keep." A stranger said with his back turned to the window.

Rhaenys pointed her improvised weapon at the intruder, wanting to question the man's identity by threatening him, but immediately remembered her guard might have noticed the sudden sound in her room.

She turned her head to stare at the door while still keeping her arm raised in defense against the intruder.

"Don't worry my lady, Sir Mikael has allowed us some time for privacy." He said, and as he turned she noticed his bald head.

"You are?" She requested coldly, trying her best to not show fear.

"Just a loyal servant, the Gods know how rare my kind is." The plump man with effeminate features spoke.

"I hate riddles. Don't make me ask again." She steeled herself for the possible threat of combat.

"Apologies, I am Varys, Master of Whispers..." He bowed in respect. "At your service my Princess."

"The usurper's bitch! Tell me, have you shared any relevant information with the bastard to hunt down my uncle and aunt?" She asked, grinding her teeth.

"Quite the contrary, my Princess. It's only thanks to me that they still haven't been captured, or worse." Varys smiled.

"I suppose you expect me to believe that." She approached, still with her knife raised. "Why should I?"

"I guess turning a blind eye to your night training for the last year should at least ease your concerns." He replied, not really caring for her threats.

"And what might you have to gain from betraying your King? What could you possibly want from me?"

"My dear Princess, I want to serve the King that recruited me, your grandfather for all his faults was still the rightful ruler of the realm. As Prince Rhaegar's daughter, you have my loyalty." Varys spoke calmly while gazing around the room.

"Don't speak that coward's name! He's dead! Alongside the Northerner bitch he stole from the usurper!" Rhaenys shouted while resisting the tears in her eyes. "It was his fault that my mother and brother were murdered!"

Not a night had passed, since she became aware of her father's abandonment, that she didn't spend cursing his name.

From what she learned, it was because of him that everything went wrong. He abandoned her mother and brother, and abandoned her as well.

"I understand your ire, my Princess. But I also have other information that you might like." Varys said.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Spill it out!" She ordered him.

Varys sighed before saying. "Although unfortunately your mother's death couldn't be prevented... I wish to inform you that your brother is alive and safe."

Rhaenys eyes widened.

"A-Aegon... is alive?" A tear finally crossed her cheek. "Where is he?"

Varys smiled and began his speech. "Aegon is being shaped for ruling before he could even walk. He will be trained in arms, as befits a knight to be, but that won't be the end of his education. He is beginning to read and write, he is learning how to speak several tongues, he will be studying history, law and poetry. A Septa will instruct him in the mysteries of the Faith when he becomes old enough to understand them. He is living with fisherfolk, working with his hands, swimming in rivers and mending nets while learning to wash his own clothes when needed. He is learning how to fish, cook, bind up a wound, and knows what it is like to be hungry, to be hunted, to be afraid. Princes had always been taught that kingship is their right. Aegon is learning that kingship is his duty, that a King must put his people first, live and rule for them."

"Will you take me to him?" She asked hopefully, almost dropping the kitchen knife.

"I'm afraid it won't be possible for at least a decade, my Princess. As I've already mentioned, he is undergoing rigorous training that requires a lot of commitment. I've come now to reassure you, my dear princess Rhaenys, you are not alone." He concluded.

Varys then approached Rhaenys and offered her a gift.

It was a proper dagger. This one had her house banner marked on the pummel.

"Remember my dear, nowadays winters come and go, the lion roars from time to time, and the storm is full of sound and fury that signifies nothing, to survive the Game of Thrones you have to play the cards you're dealt." He said before leaving through the front door.

'How did he get here? Did he hide before I arrived? I'm sure I would've heard the door opening.' She thought. 'But I guess...'

As if reading her doubts, some bricks on the wall beside her bed began moving and a doorframe appeared out of nowhere.

Coming through the secret passage, which she had never noticed before, came a young boy with silver-gold flocks of hair similar to hers.

"Thank the gods! I thought the Spider would never leave." The boy said with a calm and ȧssured voice.

It was a kid, with a tone of skin lighter than hers and his eyes were of different colors.

'Wait... I remember you.' She began. "You are..."

"Where are my manners?" He smiled before bowing charmingly. "My name is Durrandon!"

=================================

MOMENTS BEFORE

For the past few weeks, my routine has changed substantially.

Every night I sneaked away from the Red Keep and went to "hunt my prey" in flea bottom, without forgetting about the many tutors I had gained.

I quickly discovered that killing was an excellent method of leveling up, my nightly incursions allowed me to raise my stats and skills considerably.

Not to mention the loot I've acquired from the poor souls' purses.

=================================

TITLE : Durrandon Baratheon (Crown Prince)

LEVEL: 12 (40/1200)

HP: 120/120

SP: 120/120

MP: 12/12*

MANA CONTROL: 98%

ALLEGIANCE: The Iron Throne

PWR: <17>

END: <18>

MOB: <19>

INT: <21>

STL: <19>

DEF: 9* (padded clothes)

MAG: 15*

STAT POINTS: 35

PERK POINTS: 5

SKILLS: ~open list~

PERKS: ~open list~

TIME PLAYED: 5 years

MONEY: 19,015 GOLD/ 477 SILVER/ 300 COPPER/ 1000 nc

($) MARKET

=================================

Also, as it appears, the Alchemist Guild was very open to work for me.

Hallyne's allegiance immediately shifted from his Ancient Order towards me.

Even Tobho Mott and Chataya were eager to aid me.

Sure, it took me some Minor Illusion parlor tricks and some large quantities of gold to be sure they wouldn't defy my requests or question my motives.

But I would say it was a tremendous success for me.

You know, my bloody activities at night gained me the quiet unimaginative moniker of "The Stranger".

Supposedly, seeing that major criminals were being targeted, I was being recognized as a being that delivered the justice of the Gods.

Of course, I didn't try to dissuade the rumors, I liked the nickname and just wanted to continue my hunt.

During the day, I acted more normally, or at least what was considered normal for me.

I visited my mother and younger siblings whenever I could, with Cersei being gorgeous as ever, but Lann and Joanna were becoming a curious case.

{LANN, SECOND PRINCE}

LV: 1

RACE: Valyrian

PWR: 2

END: 2

MOB: 2

INT: 5

STL: 3

DEF: 1* (Baby Furred Clothes)

MAG: 0,1*

{Lann Baratheon is being raised as the second son of King Robert Baratheon and Queen Cersei. Despite his age, the boy is continuously piecing every new information together and growing to a pace faster than regular children. However, he is maturing slower than his older half-brother Durrandon, that prospect is slowly sinking into him.}

{JOANNA, PRINCESS}

LV: 1

RACE: Valyrian

PWR: 1

END: 1

MOB: 2

INT: 7

STL: 4

DEF: 1* (Baby Furred Clothes)

MAG: 0,1*

{Joanna Baratheon is being raised as the daughter of King Robert Baratheon and Queen Cersei. Despite her age, the girl is continuously piecing every new information together and growing to a pace faster than regular children. However, she is maturing slower than her older half-brother Durrandon, and the prospect makes her admire him even more.}

The twins were labeled as Valyrian, which really was a curious fact.

Initially I estimated that both of them were more akin to the golden lion's lineage than I was.

But after pondering over the newfound evidence, theories from my past life that most discarded as improbable were now becoming more reasonable.

The more logical conclusion for me was that both my mother Cersei and my uncle Jaime had the blood of the dragon running through their veins.

Which might imply that Tywin wasn't their legitimate father.

To say I was disappointed at that notion was a clear understatement.

I really respected the old lion from Casterly Rock, not being blood related was a small disappointment.

But taking into consideration that both Tywin's wife and the Mad King were dead, I was probably the only one aware of that fact.

Pushing that line of thought aside, I was still left with unnatural siblings which had the potential to become extraordinary people.

Hopefully Lann won't become as demented as Joffrey was in the original timeline.

And Joanna was already alluring to everyone around her, probably slightly less when I was around to calm her down.

From what Cersei told me, the twins detested each other to the point of constantly fighting, she argued it was probably due to their young age.

But I wasn't convinced of that, their intelligence stats were close to some of the Red Keep's servants.

Regardless of all that, what really caught my attention was the last stat I saw with OBSERVE.

{MAG: 0,1*}

Clearly it wasn't at the same level as when I was born, but the two golden haired toddlers were the first people I've ever seen having unlocked this stat.

Not even the daughter of the late prince Rhaegar had that going for her.

I was curious about his half-sibling's future.

Would I eventually be able to teach them magic?

Would I even want another wielder of magic to compete with?

Those were questions for the future.

For now, I was optimistic, if what my market foreshadowed about monsters was accurate, having some capable sorcerers and wizards to rely on would come really in handy.

After my usual visits to my mother, I continued grinding my skills as much as I could.

I had just been promoted from Page to the rank of Squire, but my skill was far superior to any other squires I had ever sparred with.

Not to mention, some incompetent Knights that I've found here and there.

Since I received the news from uncle Jaime, I was really thrilled to train with a Braavossi tutor.

The water dance from Braavos was much more than a simple form of combat art, it was a style of movement which traded strength and defense in order to reach higher levels of precision and nimbleness.

Syrio was already pleased with my combat prowess and said that I had a good grasp of the Iron Dance of Westeros.

Though he still remarked that my mobility could be better and focused a lot on sharing his experience in combat.

"My words will try to deceive you. But if you sharpen your senses you will notice my eyes and arms shouting out the truth."

I nodded, recalling the times I started to read Barristan's stances to give me an edge during our sparrings.

"In combat, some men are stronger, faster, younger, what defines the best of them? I will tell you now. The seeing, the true seeing, that is the heart of it."

Yes, I want to level my OBSERVE skill to the point it becomes just as useful passively as it is when I activate it.

"Every hurt is a lesson, and every lesson makes you better. Only by doing so, will you live to see another day."

Wait until I grow up after countless battles with even a scratch on my skin, all thanks to my Gamer Body.

"Never do what is expected."

That's a good one too.

Because of my quest to catch cats and other animals, I was finally able to reach an impressive level to my {ANIMAL TRAINING} skill.

My army of domesticated cats was finally not looking so stupid as I saw the hundreds of stray cats obeying to my commands, following Shadow example.

With the felines I caught in the Red Keep, I began commanding them to capture even more rats and doves throughout King's Landing, making sure to diversify my unorthodox army while training them to better perform their tasks.

My skill with the bow was around average, probably because I really favored the crossbow.

Even throwing stuff with my bȧrė hands came more naturally to me.

But you know me, I'm a Minimaxer through and through.

I became close friends with Jalabhar Xho from the Summer Isles, who was really easily impressed with five years old me being able to even use a real bow and arrow properly.

Seeing my marksmanship skill, the Summer Islander presented me with a bow.

"Well done my prince! Not everyone who shoots an arrow can hit their target, but only those who succeed, have taken the shot." He told me in his deep voice and that accent that reminded me all too well of Chataya.

As already mentioned, I favor really heavy Crossbows, but this fine gift of his was crafted with Goldenheart wood.

Aside from one made using dragonbone, the Summer Isles were known to produce the finest bows with Goldenheart wood.

Those weapons were so broken that they were capable of piercing even plate armor!

From my previous life's knowledge, it was a nigh impossible feat.

Wood should never be comparable with well forged steel in any shape or form, but here, things like the Ironwood from the North and the Goldenheart trees from the Summer Isles were not that rare to find.

That just made me more eager to work with Tobho Mott. If there was a chance for my skill to reach the highest level on this planet, I'm sure it would start with his tutorship.

My intelligence stat provided me some buffing effects to my charisma, which would certainly explain how well our encounter had occurred.

As a matter of fact, I've even become close friends with the Drunkard Red Priest.

"Hahaha! You have a fierce heart, my Prince. If I looked young again, pretty maids would most definitely shower me with kisses. You shall not waste your life, make sure to not miss every pŀėȧsurė it has to offer."

The Red Wizard clearly respected my inclination for adventure.

Unexpectedly, he did try from time to time to introduce me to his habits of drinking and spending time with the opposite sėx.

The first surprisingly provided me with some reliable way of leveling my RESIST POISON skill, which was really neat.

And the second I had already covered with the exotic Chataya teaching me how to be irresistible in bed.

And thanks to my rapidly increasing SEXUAL PLEASURE skill, I was sure she wasn't taking advantage of me or our deal.

I mean, she was… but not in that way.

The Pink Priest reminded me of my own father.

As a matter of fact, the King did spend some nights challenging the Myrish man into a drinking contest.

Speaking about Robert, the King announced that next year there will be a tournament in homage to my sixth nameday.

Probably to appoint me a sworn shield.

In my opinion, someone like the Hound would be a perfect candidate for the job.

I could certainly use a sparring partner much larger than me, I will consider it a stepping stone for my eventual hunt of giants.

Talking about the burned Westerlander, my plans for the Greyjoy Rebellion were finally taking shape.

Through Pycelle, I made sure that my request to be fostered at Casterly Rock would reach Tywin's eyes.

Some preparations before I moved were still required, though I still wished to spend some time with those who won't follow me to the Westernlands.

Perhaps I should meet Alysse, we hadn't been seeing each other for a while now.

Aside from my blonde childhood friend, there's also...her.

I stopped close to a corner and spied through its edge in the other hallway.

Being escorted by two guards, I saw a young dark skinned girl with hair similar to mine.

I used OBSERVE on her.

{RHAENYS TARGARYEN, WARD OF THE CROWN}

Lv: 15

RACE: RHOYNAR

PWR: 11

END: 10

MOB: 16

INT: 13

STL: 17

DEF: 3* (Thin Dress)

{Rhaenys Targaryen is officially being raised as the Ward of King Robert Baratheon, but who actually is raising her is the Hand of the King.

Despite her age, the girl continues to hold a grudge against those she considered that wronged her. She is dedicating her life to one day have her revenge.}

I think it's about time I meet this angst girl.

And so, I waited until the evening, spending some time reading through the Alchemy scrolls I've taken, before making my way through the secret tunnels I've already familiarized myself with.

This actually was fairly easy for me, not only could I identify the secret spots in the castle through my OBSERVED skill, but my MENTAL MAP perk made me memorize the maze-like passages much quicker that would otherwise have... not to mention avoiding the Spider's radar as well.

Varys was probably so used to sneaking up on people that he wasn't used to watching out for others sneaking up on him, just like with how Arya managed to spy the eunuch scheming alongside his Essossi friend.

And from what I could see, I wasn't the only one who decided to visit the damsel in distress tonight.

With a simple use of Minor Illusion and Thaumaturgy to cancel out any sound I might emit, I became a shadow to the plump bald man.

Interestingly, Rhaenys hadn't surrendered her spirit and somewhat mimicked my nightly exercises without even knowing.

Deciding to see what Varys' intentions were, K watched the master of Whispers' theatrical act.

I had to admit though, I was impressed.

Varys not only announced himself as a loyalist, but also told her about Young Griff.

If the boy was really Aegon didn't really matter, the fact was, someone was being raised to eventually claim the Iron Throne.

And I will not allow that plan to succeed.

As Varys made his ways through the door, probably to not reveal the room's secret passage location, I decided to finally act.

As soon as I stepped into the room, I said, startling the little girl who wasn't expecting another visit. "Thank the Gods! I thought the Spider would never leave."

Rhaenys' attention immediately focused on me.

"You are..." She began.

"Oh, where are my manners?" I smirked before bowing charismatically. "My name is Durrandon."

Initially the Targaryen princess stayed silent for a moment, but after finally understanding who she was facing, the girl lunged in my direction with the knife kitchen ready for the kill.

I casually planted my right leg to pivot and dodge her thrust, grabbed her wrist and back, and took her down.

While pinning her to the ground, I sighed. "A bold action my lady, but awfully stupid."

Rhaenys grinds her teeth in frustration.

"Let's fool ourselves and ȧssume you could strike me down...what then? Will you venture without knowledge through the way I came in? What if I had back up? Are you that desperate to roll the dice?" I grinned.

"Release me immediately!" She muttered, raising her face from the ground.

I simply obliged her order, taking the weapon from her. "As you wish, Princess."

She got up slowly and adjusted her posture with a little discomfort.

"I'll make my words brief and will resist myself from talking through riddles." I smiled. "I'm here to offer you two choices."

Rhaenys raised an eyebrow in response to my antics.

"One: you can take this map that will lead you safely to outside of King's Landing's walls… more precisely, just outside the mud gate and close to the capital's docks in black water rush." I raised a finger with one hand and showcased an enrolled scroll with the other.

Rhaenys narrowed her eyes but said nothing.

Durrandon smiled and continued. "The second… would be for us to join forces."

Now Rhaenys expression completely faltered.

Her wide eyes were truly a comedic sight for me, but my GAMER MIND perk kept me from laughing out loud and ruining the mood.

"Are you mocking me, you bastard?!" She shouted after recollecting her wits. "I'm not a fool! Join you?! Don't make me laugh! And how can you guarantee me that I won't be expected by the usurper himself as soon as I set foot outside this supposed magical map of yours?"

My muted expression changed into a more serious and menacing stare. "Careful now girl, I enjoy your boldness, but be careful."

Rhaenys for some reason froze in place, the easygoing boy in front suddenly made her falter under his cold stare.

I began circling around her as if to better inspect her.

"Other than my word, I will allow you to learn a secret of mine just to ease your mind." I said, turning my gaze to inspect her room.

"What... secret?" She asked meekly.

Making a few hand gestures and gesturing with my head to somewhere behind her.

Rhaenys was about to question me again when suddenly someone spoke from behind her.

It was a very familiar voice... it was herself.

The doppelgänger of Rhaenys Targaryen bowed respectfully to the two of them.

Her expression was awfully similar to hers, yet so different with a happy smile she was sure wasn't hers.

"My lady... my Prince." The third person in the room said.

"How...how is that even possible?!" She asked in a whisper.

"It's just one of my gifts. With it standing here, I'm sure you might even find a ship and sail to Essos before anyone even suspects. I know the Spider told you he has your brother, but there are still your uncle and aunt to join, besides... I know better than to trust a Blackfyre." I said while looking through the window.

"A what?...wait are you saying that Varys is a..." She began muttering something before I continued my line of thought.

"Don't get me wrong, I do favor his house more than I do yours, but..." I turned to look at her. "In times like the ones we are about to face, anyone that defies the Iron Throne shall not be trusted."

Rhaenys mind was working overtime to even understand everything I was saying, leaving her no time to even question if I was being honest.

But then again, as she turned to her living image standing right beside her, probably not even a more intelligent person would fare better with so much insanity.

I know from experience that this combination of tricks worked very well for my persuasion attempts.

"Y-you... are you a... sorcerer?" She asked the obvious.

"As a matter of fact, I am. Though probably the first descendant from old Valyria in so many years. I wish to one day meet some interesting magic wielders from around the world." I began to ponder to myself before asking directly to her. "Can you imagine? What are the limits of what one can do by using magic?"

I cleared my throat before changing subjects. "Oh yes, you were about to choose which path you are about to take. Fair warning, joining me will be extremely beneficial but you won't be the one making the decisions, and there is no going back." I then repeated those strange gestures of mine. "But if you choose to leave, be sure that I won't pursue you nor those close to you... unless you force my hand by opposing me."

"Have I made myself clear?" A voice came from the direction she last saw her duplicate.

But this time, the person standing close to them was...

Durrandon.

Me.

But this duplicate wasn't exactly like the prince she was just talking to.

We had the same height and body frame, but his hair was completely silver and his eyes were both of the color purple.

He reminded Rhaenys of her father, Rhaegar.

The one who abandoned her and her family.

"I choos... I mean…" She correctEd herself. "Prince Durrandon, I choose to join you. You have made your point clear, and I wish to be allies with you." She said while staring directly at my eyes.

My attention suddenly changed to look somewhere right in front of me, to her it was as if I was inspecting the air.

'I hope I'm not making the greatest mistake of my life by trusting him.' She thought.

With a smile, I raised both arms and announced. "I welcome you, Lady Rhaenys, to stand alongside me as I conquer this world and many others."

Rhaenys was lost for words at that statement.

Conjuring a large book out of thin air, I handed it to her. "This is a book I've personally written, there you will find all my notes detailing the map of King's Landing alongside any point of interest regarding the city."

"I-I am thankful for the gift... but what do you expect me to use it for?" Rhaenys asked me, her tone had drastically changed from the beginning of their encounter.

"Well, I do need capable hands to accomplish the tasks I might eventually burden them with. Save this for now, the night is still young, you will hunt with me now." I said while activating the secret passage to re-open.

"Hunt? Tonight? I mean, how am I supposed to hide this large book? If you leave this with me, it's bound to be discovered by any of those guards that investigate my room from time to time." She tried to put her thoughts together.

"Oh, I ȧssumed that with those kitchen knives that you were hiding in that spot you would've figured somewhere else to hide it. But if you must, say 'Save Book on Inventory'." I told her.

"What does that even mean? Will it…" She began questioning again before I interrupted her, again.

"Just do it." I said as an order.

"Alright... uh... Save Book on Inventory?" She repeated with a little hesitation.

"Not like that, it won't work if you don't actually dėsɨrė for the Book to be Guarded." I informed her.

"Understood...Save Book on Inventory!" She said, this time trusting that I wasn't deceiving her.

And just like the book appeared out of nowhere, it vanished in the same style.

In her mind, she somehow knew that the book was safely guarded.

"Excellent, welcome to the party my dear. Now, let's try a more advanced step. Make it come out of your Inventory, but this time... don't speak." I said.

"Okay... let's see..." She then tried to focus again on that same feeling she just felt. 'Take Book from Inventory!' She mentally ordered and raised her hand.

Just like I did before with the map and book beforehand, she managed to conjure up the object out of nowhere.

"Congratulations, I think you are a natural to this." I complimented her.

"Does this mean... that I am a sorcerer like you?" Rhaenys asked with hope in her heart.

"I'm afraid that's not the case. At least for now, I'm not entirely sure of what the future holds. For now, you are just... channeling magic... from me." I revealed, but just as she was about to hang her head in disappointment, I grabbed her chin with elegance and raised it until she was looking into my eyes. "As I've mentioned, no one knows everything that the future might be saving for us."

Rhaenys was about to blush at our proximity before giving her a break and changed subjects. "Now, let's go already, tonight looks like the perfect time to hunt." I released her chin and turned my back to her.

Rhaenys shook herself out of the previous distraction and said. "Hunting? What are you after?"

I laughed for the first time. "You will see when we get there... oh! Tonight you are the one going to hunt, so take these old gear I have with me, they are much better protection than what you are wearing at the moment."

"I... eh... you want me to dress it?" She looked around. "Now?"

"I see no problem with that, just think of equipping them similar to how you did with the book." I told her another thing she has been able to do since joining my party.

"I-I understand... my... Prince." She said while feeling a little overwhelmed with everything that had happened in just one night.

"C'mon, where is that high spirit of yours from before when you lunged at me, you will have to steel yourself to face our first training session." I smiled at her before entering the secret passage.

"Right!" She said before following me.

———————————————————

(22/09/2020)

(24/09/2020)

(30/09/2021)

*Hope this chapter is of your liking.

Anything you wish to ask, feel free to do so.

Check out my auxiliary chapter if you still haven't.

Thanks as always for your attention and please be safe.

Any problems with my writing, just point them out and I will correct them as soon as possible.