Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World ( Robert Baratheon OC SI AU)

[Samael61]

Robert Baratheon, through a deal made between King Aerys and his leal cousin and Lord of Stormlands Steffon Baratheon, is exiled to the Free Cities for 5 years at the age of 18 for almost managing to attack Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen for the broken betrothal between himself and Lyanna Stark.


Rhaegar Targaryen, fixated on the Prince-That-Was-Promised, convinces his father to marry Lyanna Stark, rather than wait for his eldest sister Shaena to come of age.


Negotiations between Lord Rickard Stark, Lord Steffon Baratheon and King Aerys Targaryen saw the betrothal between Robert Baratheon and Lyanna Stark broken, with the promise of a royal marriage for Robert, which is rescinded after his attempt to assault the Crown Prince.


A year after Robert Baratheon's exile to the Free Cities, news unbelievable reach the Seven Kingdoms.


A Dragon Rider, by the name of Matthew, appears in the Free Cities, selling his services for gold.


Four years after the appearance of the Dragon Rider, and many failed attempts to bring him to the Seven Kingdoms, Robert Baratheon returns, just in time for the celebration of his younger brother's wedding.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever, is 9 chapters ahead

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU, is 8 chapters ahead

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon, is 10 chapters ahead

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world, is 10 chapters ahead.

By supporting me, you can read advanced and special chapters, as well as vote on how you want the fanfiction to proceed.

Note: Apple store payments will be refunded, because of the company's 75 day hold policy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earth

It was a fine spring day as a young man was walking outside to enjoy the fresh air.

Matt turned the corner, ready to visit his favorite bakery, and before he could understand what had happened, a speeding car out of control slammed into him.

Thrown back like a ragdoll, Matt tried to breathe, only to cough blood and wheeze due to the sharp, agonizing pain of his ribs puncturing his organs. Pedestrians gathered, calling the emergency services for an ambulance, but it was too late. Blood began to pool around the young man, who was hacking and trembling in shock, before he went still.

The sunlight dimmed, and before the sight of the gathered crowd, Matt's eyes went glossy.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winds of Glory
Merchant Ship Heading to Braavos
Narrow Sea
281 AC

Matt lurched out of his bed, breathing heavily and sweating, immediately patting his chest, checking himself for any wounds.

When his hands weren't sticky and hot with blood, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Just a nightmare." Matt thought as he made to take off the covers and rise, only to see a worn-looking brown blanket instead of the usual Star Wars one he had.

Matt quickly got up but felt disoriented and stumbled, falling to the floor. The room was too dark to see anything clearly, so he reached for the window, where a small ray of light filtered into the room.

Pulling the wooden hatch open, which in itself was weird, Matt took a look outside.

"What the fuck?!" He shouted because rather than seeing the street his apartment window looked to, he saw a sea.

Endless, boundless sea.

Now that the room was illuminated, Matt could see that he was inside a wooden ship.

More importantly, his hands weren't his, and neither was the voice. The body he was seeing was muscled like a powerlifter, tall, at least six and a half feet, and nothing like his own softer and five-foot-eight body.

Ignoring his surroundings, Matt searched for a mirror or any other reflective surface to take a good look at himself.

Interestingly enough, he found shiny, gray steel plate armor with a prancing stag emblem, like the kind you would see in a museum.

Taking the chestplate closer to the window, Matt saw a face on the surface, one that most certainly wasn't his. Well sculpted, handsome, with a short but growing beard and mustache, raven-dark hair, and electric blue eyes.

This body definitely wasn't his. Matt searched the sack that contained the armor but found nothing else, except for a pouch containing gold coins with a three-headed dragon on one side, clothes, and a hammer that looked more like an anvil with a handle.

Sitting down, Matt put his head in his hands, trying to make sense of this situation.

How the fuck did he even find himself in a medieval setting like this? Was this a prank? He had some friends, but none that would go this far.

"Lord Robert, may I come in?" "Queried," a voice said, with an accent he was sure he had never heard before.

"Lord Robert?" he thought, unsure as to who the man was calling out to.

"Yes?" Matt asked to see if the man was looking for the owner of this body.

A short, middle-aged man entered, his hair just beginning to gray, and gave a shallow bow with his head.

"We will be making landfall soon, my lord; you best get ready." The short, middle-aged man informed him, and Matt nodded, playing along.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Braavos

Matt walked out of the ship in a daze, dressed in the medieval clothes that Robert had, with the armor in the same sack and the pouch tied around his neck to avoid getting pickpocketed.

It wouldn't do for him to be without money while trying to make sense of where the hell he was.

So far, all he knew was that this body belonged to a man named Robert, he had several items with the prancing stag emblem, and he had gold coins with a three-headed dragon on one side.

The conclusion was easy to make but no less baffling. Matt somehow ended up in the body of Robert Baratheon in the ASOIAF universe, but what he was doing in Braavos wasn't clear, because as far as Matt knew, Robert never left Westeros.

Of course, provided he was inhabiting the body of Robert Baratheon, the Demon of the Trident, and not a distant ancestor with the same name.

A sailor, drunk and barely able to walk, shouldered Robert. The man shouted something in a language he did not recognize, and Matt raised an eyebrow. The sailor blinked, realizing his face only came to Matt's, or rather, Robert's chest, and quickly excused himself.
Hungry and suffering from a headache, he looked around for a tavern and saw a sign with a mug carved on it. Walking inside, Matt did indeed find a tavern and took a seat out of the way.

A barmaid came after a couple of minutes and, again, spoke in a language Matt didn't understand at all.

Instead of trying to communicate with the woman, Matt just pointed at another table where several men had ordered whole roasted chickens and alcohol. The young woman nodded and left to carry out the order.

Perhaps with some food in his belly, this damn headache would go away, but for now, all he could do was to wait while massaging his temples.

Was he in the Game of Thrones era? Or sometime before that? Perhaps this wasn't the Robert Baratheon from the show but an ancestor that had decided to leave Westeros for some reason?

His questions came to a halt as the barmaid brought the chicken, and Matt's mouth watered. He tore into the chicken and bread while only drinking from the mug to swallow the food easier.

The first chicken was gone in the blink of an eye, and Matt ordered two more and demolished them as well. His headache subsided enough that he felt comfortable leaving the tavern.

Taking a gold coin out of the pouch on his neck, Robert handed it to the barmaid, who bowed deeply before handing him several silver coins.

Good to know that the gold dragon was valuable enough for him to live comfortably for some time.

His generous payment had drawn the attention of a group who surrounded Matt as he turned to leave.

Their words were foreign to him as always, and one of them stepped in his way when Matt moved to leave and reached for the coin pouch. His headache began to intensify, as if an orchestra's worth of war drums were banging inside his skull.

One of the men pulled a knife, his vision went dark, and Matt felt himself slip into unconsciousness.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Matt came to be, he was standing in the middle of the tavern. The group that had surrounded him were strewn all over the tavern. One was hanging from the candle chandelier, another had his head shown through a wall, and one of them, the one with the knife, was dead.

His guts were spilled all over the floor, and Matt looked at his trembling hands, covered in blood.

Pushing down the urge to empty his breakfast, he tossed another golden coin to the barmaid and bolted out of the door.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hiding in a different tavern, Matt rented a room for a silver coin, and to his luck, the barmaid this time spoke Westerosi common.

Apparently, he was in Braavos, and the current Sea Lord was Ferrego Antaryon, who was the canon Sea Lord as far as Matt remembered.

So, he was in Braavos, in the ASOIAF universe, most likely before the rebellion, of course if there was even going to be one, in the body of Robert Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End.

None of this made sense without knowing what the hell was going on.

Too tired from the strangeness of the whole situation and more than a little nauseous due to the bloodbath in the tavern, Matt went to sleep after barring the door with the hammer.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert groaned as he woke up. "Bloody hell, did I drink too much again?" He grumbled, getting off the bed to take a look out the window. Hopefully, they were close to Braavos now.

Blinking in astonishment, he didn't see the Narrow Sea, but Braavos itself. "Fuck. How the hell did I get here?" Even if the ship had docked, he should not have been in the city, resting in a bed.

His head throbbed, and a memory slipped through it. He remembered now the fight at the bar, the thrill of the violence, and the flow of the blood.

But nothing before that, not how he came to be in that tavern, nor how he came to be in this room.

Nothing.

Surely, he didn't drink enough to forget most of the day? It was only a couple of bottles of wine at most.

At least he hadn't lost anything, right? Jumping out of the bed, Robert saw his hammer barring the door and his armor and clothes lying on the sack, but no sign of his coin.

Emptying the sack, he found nothing and began to search the room and eventually found it beneath the pillow. It would be another notch in his string of bad fortune had he lost the pouch.

First Rhaegar and Lyanna at Harrenhal, and then being exiled.

Just remembering the Targaryen bastard made his head ache as if artillery shells were raining inside his skull.

Robert frowned. What the fuck was an artillery?

Shaking his head, he went to find breakfast to fill his starving stomach. He would think better once full.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Heir to Storm's End felt as if he hadn't eaten in ages and rectified it by eating enough to feed a family and sending it all down with a mug of ale.

Now, he needed a plan.

But first, he paid for the food.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Returning to his room, he began to consider his options. He wasn't going to sit down on his arse for five whole years and couldn't return to Westeros.

Which left joining a sellsword band as the only option that appealed to him.

To fight for glory, coin, and victory. What else could a man like him want?

A woman to warm his bed, but that thought led to Lyanna again, making his headache worse.

Well, at least Braavosi courtesans were famous, and he could afford to have some fun. Dressing, Robert reached for the door, only for his feet to not move forward.

"What the fuck?!" Robert could feel his whole body getting stiff, and no matter what, he couldn't force himself to move.

Only when he decided to take a step back did his body obey him.

Not many things could unsettle Robert Baratheon, but not being in control of his own body? That was definitely one.

Moving back and forth, he found himself unable to get out of the room.

Robert wasn't a godly man by any means, but were the Seven just telling him not to go to a pleasure house?

Sufficiently cowed, he sat down on the bed.

Rubbing his head in disbelief, Robert felt a sudden weariness wash over him, and before long, he fell asleep.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matt woke up to find himself dressed, which shouldn't have been possible because he slept almost naked, and felt a strange fullness. The coin pouch was tied to his belt, rather than around his neck, and it was almost noon.

Shit, did taking over the body make him schizophrenic? Or was the original owner, Robert Baratheon, still here?

The thought of sharing a body with someone else disturbed Matt, and there was only one way he could get answers.

Finding paper, or rather, parchment, and a quill proved to be more challenging than expected, but eventually, he had succeeded.

Laying the parchment on the small nightstand, Matt wrote down a note and put it inside the coin pouch; he began to plan.

Since he was in the ASOIAF universe, and for some reason in Braavos right now, he needed a way to make a living. Unfortunately, Matt's skills as an accountant were hardly useful, unless he found himself employed by a noble or a really rich merchant.

And the idea of spending his life as a mere worker in a fantasy world did not appeal to him.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and there was only one path he could follow.

Dragons.

He knew how to hatch dragon eggs and just needed to find them. Fortunately, Pentos wasn't that distant from Braavos, and Illyrio Mopatis should have just what he sought.

If he could steal the eggs, and preferably Blackfyre if the magister had it.

Matt stopped, thinking. This line of thought was extremely dangerous, because getting caught meant certain death, yet he found himself feeling anticipation rather than fear.

Perhaps it was because he died once, and the thought of a second time did not scare him as much as it did?

Regardless, Matt wouldn't waste this newfound life, but he wouldn't live like he used to.

Now why did the idea of visiting a brothel cross his mind all of a sudden?

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever, is 9 chapters ahead

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU, is 8 chapters ahead

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon, is 10 chapters ahead

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world, is 10 chapters ahead.

By supporting me, you can read advanced and special chapters, as well as vote on how you want the fanfiction to proceed.

Note: Apple store payments will be refunded, because of the company's 75 day hold policy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pentos

Traveling to Pentos proved to be less challenging than expected. All he had to do was join a merchant caravan heading to the city as a guard, and since Braavos was more secure than the remaining Free Cities, there practically was no trouble.

Except for the constant blackouts where Robert took over.

His note had worked, at least once the original owner of the body thought to check the coin pouch. Of course Robert didn't believe it at first, but after repeatedly waking up with missing memories, he had given it a shot, and Matt responded.

The situation was too weird for either of them.

Finding Illyrio's manor wasn't particularly difficult either, since he was a magister, but it only made getting inside the manor itself harder. There were dozens of guards, and Matt knew a rushed plan would get him killed.

He spent two weeks observing the manor, writing down the patrol routes and the switch schedules of the guards. Eventually, Matt prepared a plan to sneak in, find the eggs—and also Blackfyre if it was there—and get out.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was the noon of the day Matt would execute his plan at night, so he went to bed early to be ready.

As has been the case ever since he found himself in this body, sleep came easily.

However, what came after that felt like a fever dream.

Matt found himself in a dark place with no end in sight. He looked around to get his bearings, but a large and strong hand wrapped around his neck.

Robert Baratheon, the original owner of this body, stood before him, teeth gritted, nostrils wide, and eyes livid with fury.

"Who are you?! A sorcerer? Do you think you can take my body?!"

Since this was a dream, or rather, since they were inside the mindscape, Matt wasn't exactly choking.

"Believe me, I am no sorcerer, and finding myself sharing a body with someone wasn't my idea." Confused at how Matt answered with his hand choking him, Robert began to calm down.

"Then how?"

Matt shrugged. "I died and found myself here."

"You expect me to believe this?" Robert spat, considering violence once more.

"Perhaps I can convince you?" The young man before him offered,

If it would shed light on what in the seven hells was happening, Robert would listen, but for now, "How?"

Matt got up, rubbing his neck even though he felt no pain. "I need to know, what exactly are you doing in Braavos? As far as I know, you never stepped foot out of Westeros in all your life."

"How would you know that?" He had never seen this man before.

"This is going to take some time to explain, so bear with me."

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"We are books in your world?" Robert was lost for words. On one hand, it defied belief; on the other hand, the man knew things he should not have, nor should anyone else.

"And a TV show."Matt added, which confused Robert, and he explained it within a context the taller man would understand. "Think of it like a mummer's play."

"Prove it." For all he knew, this Matt could be a sorcerer of great strength, able to see the future or the past.

Matt knew something that would get Robert's attention. "I know how to hatch dragons, and I know where to find eggs."

Robert grasped the man's shoulders, leaning down to his face. "Where?"

"Illyrio Mopatis, he is a magister and also linked to Varys; I'm not sure how. He has three dragon eggs somewhere in his manor. If I, we," Matt corrected himself, "can find and steal them, the dragons could be brought to this world under our command."

"Dragons?" Robert began to smile, imagining himself atop the mighty magical beasts, raining fire on the Targaryens.

"Yes. Now, what exactly brought you to Braavos?" He needed to know what the hell had changed for events to differ so wildly.

Robert sighed, sitting down to tell his tale.

During the Tourney of Harrenhal, Rhaegar had apparently fallen in love with Lyanna Stark, Robert's betrothed, and opened the matter to his father, who agreed to it to finally fulfill the Pact of Ice and Fire.

King Aerys, Robert's father, Steffon, and Rickard Stark had negotiated to break the betrothal between Robert and Lyanna. In return, Robert would wed Princess Shaena Targaryen.

As expected, Robert had refused violently and attacked Prince Rhaegar and was barely stopped by the Kingsguard.

To save his life from Aerys, who, while not as mad as his canon counterpart, was still plenty crazy, Steffon had negotiated a deal to have Robert exiled to Essos for five years, while the betrothal with Princess Shaena was retracted.

"I see. You said Princess Shaena would have been betrothed to you; does that mean there were other Targaryens alive?" He remembered Aerys and Rhaella having several children die, which further contributed to Aerys' insanity.

"Aye, Rhaegar, Shaena, Daeron, Aegon, Jaehaerys, and Viserys. Why?" How could he know all that and not the living members of House Targaryen?

"In the books, everyone between Rhaegar and Viserys was stillborn or died in the crib."

Even if that was an excuse, it was one that he liked the idea of. "Huh. Sounds great."

Matt rolled his eyes. No matter the universe, Robert seemed to hate Targaryens. "Here is my offer. I am reasonably more intelligent and creative than you and have access to information neither you nor anyone else does. You, on the other hand, are a natural-born warrior and have strong instincts. I suggest we work together."

Robert glared at the man for calling him a fool, even if it was indirectly, but began to consider it. The offer, if it was genuine, was too good to refuse.

"Imagine this: us riding dragons, the beasts that made House Targaryen the rulers of Westeros, while they still have no idea how to hatch eggs. You want revenge? Tell me something sweeter than this."

"Killing Rhaegar." Robert immediately retorted, still imagining himself on dragonback.

"Why kill them when you can humiliate their entire house forever?" Not that Matt particularly cared if the Targaryens lived or died, but he'd rather not commit wanton slaughter.

"You make a convincing case. But how do we work together?" If it was through the notes, then it would make this cooperation difficult.

"For now, I have a plan to sneak into the manor. I wrote everything down. No matter which one of us wakes up, if we are careful, we should be able to find the eggs. Deal?" Hopefully, Robert wouldn't screw up the plan and get them both killed, well, again, in Matt's case.

"So be it." Robert shook the hand but couldn't pull his own back, as their hands were stuck. "What in the?!"

A force pulled them towards each other, and no matter how much they resisted and screamed, it was futile.

There was a bright light where their hands met, and everything went white.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert's eyes snapped open, and he grinned.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Covered by a dark robe, Robert hid while waiting for the guards up on the wall to pass through. The night was pitch black, and he could only rely on his hearing. As the footsteps faded, he threw the hook-rope, securing it at the top before beginning his climb.

Being as strong as he was had its perks. He checked both sides once at the top and gathered the hook-rope for later use. The guards had moved to the end of the battlement, near the stairs, and didn't seem to be going anywhere.

He checked the bottom of the wall, though it was almost impossible to see anything, and descended using the hook-rope.

Standing between bushes, he searched for any sign of danger before moving inside. It was night, and no one except the guards was around, and Illyrio was asleep.

Unless he had some weird night fetishes.

He jammed the piece of thin steel plate he had brought along to the bottom of the window and moved it around. It took too long to be comfortable, but eventually he pried the window open and slipped inside, silently pulling it down to leave no evidence.

The most likely place he could find the eggs would be Illyrio's room, the most secure quarters in the whole manor.

But getting there wouldn't be easy. There was a guard at the bottom of the stairs, looking right into the hall he had just entered. The solution was simple: draw the guard's attention, and kill him.

Robert dropped the small metal plate he had and waited on the side of the door. The guard came in, muttering something in the Valyrian dialect of Pentos, before seeing Robert.

Faster than the man could scream or attack, he drove the knife gifted to him by Jon Arryn into the man's throat, piercing the neck through.

Holding the falling man and ignoring his choking, Robert twisted the knife, and the shaking ceased. Robert dragged the man away and hid him somewhere out of sight.

One side roiled up at the feeling of warm, sticky blood on the corpse, while the other did not care.

Climbing up the stairs with as much stealth and silence as his large frame granted him, Robert stood in a hallway.

And at the end of it, there was a larger than usual door with two guards at the front. Either it contained something important, or it was Illyrio's bedroom, and either way, it required investigating.

Using the same tactic as before, Robert drew one of the guards away and stabbed him through the stomach while pushing his palm over the man's mouth to silence him while slowly lowering the dying body to the ground. The other guard came to look for his friend and met the same fate.

Careful and painfully slow, Robert opened the door and found a queen-sized bed with two people sleeping.

One was Illyrio, and the other, his wife, and even through the darkness, he could see her Valyrian features, at least the hair.

There was a significant possibility of the woman being a Blackfyre, and she was pregnant to boot. Robert considered killing her and Illyrio then and there, but killing a defenseless woman, especially one carrying a child, wasn't something he saw his new self capable of doing.

It would be more fun to fight the Young Griff man-to-man anyway.

Crouching, Robert searched the space beneath the bed for any sign of a chest, something that could contain the eggs.

He found a chest, but it was not big enough for the eggs, as far as he remembered.

Nonetheless, he opened it and grinned.

There was a well-maintained sword in it. Robert gently took it out and pulled the blade, slowly, revealing a Valyrian steel blade, one that gleamed in the moonlight that seeped into the room.

Quickly pushing the chest back, he searched for another chest to find the eggs but came up empty-handed.

Getting up, Robert looked around the room for any sign of a hidden compartment.

The only possible place was beneath the desk, which had a Valyrian steel statue on it that he took. Checking the drawers, he found a hidden compartment in the middle one and managed to open it after feeling around for a bit.

Inside it was a key, and Robert had no idea where it would lead.

Unless Illyrio had a secret vault, and the best place for it would be underground.

Robert left the room to search the manor for a basement but came up empty-handed. The only other underground space in the whole place would be the wine cellars, and who would search for eggs in a wine cellar of all places?

If nothing else, it was worth a look.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert was hiding behind a corner, waiting for the guards in front of the cellar entrance to leave.

They had been conversing for too long already, and he risked getting caught. Unsheathing the sword, Robert picked a pebble after searching the ground with his fingers and threw it to the left of the cellar, prompting the guards to turn.

It would take precious seconds he didn't have to open the door, so he approached the guards from behind, avoiding moonlight and sticking to the shadows.

He swung the sword, decapitating the first guard, but the second one was just getting up after checking the ground, and the next strike hit the man's helmet with a clang, causing the guard to let out a loud yelp.

A follow-up strike killed the second guard, but now the risk of capture had increased. He quickly kicked the head into the bushes and dragged the corpses into the wine cellar, listening for any sign of guards.

Thankfully, no one seemed to have heard anything.

Taking his flint and steel, Robert lit one of the torches up and walked inside. There were rows upon rows of wine barrels, but nothing that would indicate any secret lock to open a hidden compartment.

His attention was caught by the lack of a torch in one of the sconces. Playing with it, Robert eventually managed to pull it out, revealing a hole.

How classic, just like in a video game.

Slowly inserting the key, he had to apply a bit of muscle to turn it three times before the key activated a mechanism that slowly parted the bottom part of the wall section apart.

Inside the hidden alcove, there was an iron chest, one that barely squeezed in there, and one certainly large enough to contain three dragon eggs.

Which required another, smaller, key.

Robert considered jamming his knife into the lock to try his fortunes, but it would be too troublesome, and he had already killed too many for this mission to be a stealth one.

He needed to get the chest out of here.

Fortunately, there were ropes inside the cellar, and he tied the chest to his back like a backpack and beat it out of the room.

To his luck, there were lights burning inside the manor itself, meaning someone must have come across one of the corpses.

Shouts and screams of orders brought the guards to high alert, and they were buzzing like bees, seeking out the intruder.

An idea forming in his mind, Robert bolted for the stairs to climb up to the battlements where torches were being lit up. Someone noticed him, but Robert didn't slow down, shouldering through the people in his way. At the top, he caught one of the guards and lifted the bastard, throwing him like a log right into the group running at him.

Taking his hook-rope, Robert quickly rappelled down the wall, but someone cut the rope, and he fell the last couple of feet down.

Springing to his feet, he ran in a zig-zag pattern to avoid the crossbow bolts and, aided by the darkness of the night, left their line of sight.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carrying an iron chest on his back or not, Robert was too fast for the unprepared guards to catch him, especially with a significant head start.

With his heart beating out of his chest and a grin on his face, Robert finally reached the safety of the room he had rented.

The soon-to-be Father of the Dragons only fell asleep after the adrenaline left his system.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northeast of Pentos

Leaving Pentos so soon after robbing Magister Mopatis was ill-advised, so Robert hid in the inn, only going out to eat and see to his needs. It wasn't all that bad, as he needed time to open the chest.

Eventually, things settled down, though there were still guards searching for leads on the thief.

Now, he just needed a corpse to hatch the dragons and a place to hide.

Rather than head back to Braavos, Robert took work as a guard again, this time in Norvos.

The eggs were hidden in a saddle hanging on his horse, and since the journey so far was without any problems, he could think on how to find sacrifices to hatch the eggs. There was one obvious choice, and Robert didn't see any problem in burning slavers.

It was a blight on humanity, and if some slavers died screaming, or their corpses were used as a sacrifice to bring the dragons back to life, Robert wouldn't complain.

The Captain of the Guards, some Norvosi carrying a battle axe who sported a long mustache, screamed something, and the whole caravan came to a stop. Looking at where the men were focused, Robert saw fifty or so Dothraki riding at them, a small raiding party.

The guards gathered together, creating a wall to face the Dothraki, and the best way to face cavalry was with pikemen.

Robert joined his compatriots and raised a pike, ready to greet and break the cavalry charge.

The Dothraki, the discount Mongol riders they were, slammed into the pike formation, dying like fish in a barrel. Metal tips of the pikes pierced through the horses and some Dothraki, bringing the charge to a standstill.

Of course, that was just the thirty or so riders at the front, as the rest rode around to hit the caravan.

Fortunately, the caravan had crossbow carriers who aimed their weapons at the flankers.

The cavalry charge was stalled, and Robert would be damned if he wasted any more time with those bastards.

Mounting his horse, Robert screamed to the top of his lungs, "Come on, you horse fuckers!" They may not understand him, but a challenge was a challenge, and the Dothraki understood the intent behind it.

Two rode at him, and knowing he could only take one before the other got a shot, Robert pulled out his knife and threw it, nailing the left rider between his eyebrows, before his hammer with its longer reach sent the other Dothraki flying off with a caved-in chest.

Now he was the one flanking and swung his hammer left and right, each hit knocking a Dothraki rider off his horse and adding to his tally.

"Behind you." The owner of the caravan, his employer, and the only person who knew Westerosi common screamed, and Robert turned around, grinning with the blood of his enemies trickling down his face.

The distance between him and the Dothraki was short, and Robert could only raise his hammer to block the kopesh.

The Dothraki, realizing he couldn't win the strength contest, punched Robert.

Blinking at the audacity of getting slapped by someone hitting like a little girl, Robert's own punch hit like a meaty hammer, knocking the Dothraki out, as well as a tooth.

This was so fucking fun.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: Made some changes to how Matt and Robert interacted being in the same body, but I also tried to keep it short.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever, is 9 chapters ahead

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Road to Norvos

Horses, as the main mode of land transport in Westeros, were extremely valuable. Robert sold his share of the loot for a good amount of gold, and it made him think.

If the horses were so valuable, then dabbling in horse trading would be an excellent way to earn a fortune. Unfortunately, Robert had neither the capital nor the time to start a horse breeding business, much less wait decades for it to come to fruition.

However, there was a way of acquiring horses without putting in the required work.

The Dothraki had an abundance of horses, and soon enough, Robert would have dragons. If he could kill the horse lords while they were camping and take the horses as loot, then he could sell them to the Free Cities.

Preferably Braavos, if the city could afford to purchase everything in bulk.

No need to make the slavers stronger.

Corpses were gathered in a pile and burned. After that, it was time for the caravan to depart before they encountered any more Dothraki or anyone else. The Dothraki taken prisoner were to be sold as slaves in Norvos, and seeing as they would have faced the same fate had the horse riders succeeded, Robert found it difficult to care.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Norvos

Robert wasn't going to stay for long in the city, what with the slavery and all, and left the day after he received his wage.

Back on the road, alone, he encountered three Dothraki riders, most likely searching for the missing party. He considered ignoring them, but the dragon eggs needed a live sacrifice.

Waiting for them to get close enough, Robert spurred his horse forward and killed one of the Dothraki. The rider's head exploded like a watermelon when the hammer slammed into him at full force.

Turning around while at full speed took some maneuvering, but Robert raced at the remaining Dothraki, while they did the same with their fierce war cry.

Careful to not lose his balance and slip, Robert stood atop his horse and jumped, holding his hammer sideways to knock both riders off.

Leaping to his feet, Robert brought the spiky part of his hammer down on the rider on his right, piercing the heart and breaking ribs, an instant death.

The one on the left needed to be alive, so Robert dodged the first blow, twisted the rider's arm, forcing his enemy to drop the arakh, before slamming a palm on the throat, a knee to the liver, and a punch that knocked the horselord out.

Now, he just had to consider what to do. If he burnt the Dothraki here to hatch the eggs, then he would have to spend a month trying to transport the dragons to the cave.

The other option was to spend a month traveling with a man that would try to kill at every opportunity.

Not an easy choice to make.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Braavos

As expected, the travel itself was torture, so much so that Robert eventually tied, gagged, and knocked the man out for most of the day, unless it was to feed him.

If he died from starvation, then Robert would have to find someone else as a sacrifice.

The constant escape attempts had grated on his nerves, so he broke the horselord's leg to make him more compliant, and after over a month, finally reached the damn cave.

The rider wasn't the only issue, as the necklace with the red, unknown gem he took from the prisoner had continued to give him bad vibes.

It wasn't some stress crystal bullshit either, but there was genuinely something wrong with the necklace.

He considered resting for the day before hatching the eggs, but Robert just about had enough of the Dothraki filth he had to carry along.

Gathering what dry wood he could, Robert lit up a fire, and after knocking the rider out for the umpteenth time, tossed him into the fire, along with that necklace, unheeding of his struggles as the flames brought him back to the land of the living.

Realizing what was happening, the horselord's struggles became frantic, but it was too late. Once the wood caught on fire and the Dothraki rider started to scream, Robert tossed in the eggs.

Immediately, the flames intensified, consuming the life force of the sacrifice, and worryingly, turned blood red. Robert attributed it to the gem, but wasn't in the mood to be picky as the Dothraki was dying.

He tossed in the eggs, and as the screams died out and the crimson flames roared, he heard three distinct pops.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Covered by ash, three distinct colored dragons stood before him.

The one in the middle was blue and a bit larger than its siblings. It approached Robert first, smelling the offered hand like a cat before nuzzling his palm. Its cobalt scales gleamed in the sun, and it didn't even hesitate before leaping to the stag he had hunted to feed on.

The second dragon was more laid back, with its rust-colored scales, which hid a more deceptive nature. Robert tapped on the crimson dragon's snout to get its attention, and the hatchling nipped at the offending finger, spitting and hissing at him, but calmed down once Robert presented no more danger.

Prickly lizard.

And the last one glimmered like gold in the sun. It seemed more interested in playing with him than feeding, and Robert took a piece of rope, dangling it before the hatchling. It was a fast little creature and caught the rope several times, trying to pry it from Robert's hand, only to bring it back once successful.

Now, they just needed names, and the hatchlings had the perfect color schemes for matching names.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18 Months Later

His dragons were growing unnaturally faster. It took around five years for Daenerys' dragons to grow large enough to be ridden, yet in a year and a half, his dragons were already big enough to ride.

Which confirmed that the crystal in the necklace wasn't something ordinary.

During that time, Robert hid in the cave with his dragons. To feed the fast growing lizards and himself, he hunted frequently and gathered what fruits and vegetables he could, only leaving for the city to buy any necessities, mostly for the winter.

With his previous funds, the horses sold to a Braavosi merchant, and the occasional fur he traded, coin wasn't an issue.

Between his training and chores, Robert also wrote down plans on how to get rich, which included targeting the Dothraki.

The first phase of his plan was to convince the Sea Lord and the Braavosi merchants to buy the Dothraki horses he would take from the Khalasars and transport to the city. To achieve that, he would negotiate with the Free Cities that were threatened by the Dothraki hordes to destroy them in return for a hefty but one-time payment, certainly a much better option than paying tributes for who knows how long.

He would demand a small down payment and use it to hire drovers to herd the horses to be sold.

Once his exile was over, he didn't know what to do. On one side, his family waited at Storm's End; the other side, however, had grown up alone and wasn't sure about having a family.

It was an interesting experience, having such conflicting thoughts, and family wasn't the only matter he had conflicting thoughts on.

Lyanna and Eddard Stark.

One, his former betrothed who had chosen the Targaryen bastard; the other, his brother in all but blood, who had drawn a sword at him to protect Rhaegar, all just to stand with his sister.

Had he done nothing, Robert would have understood, but to defend that inbred bastard against him?

That hurt.

The other side didn't really care about either. Lyanna Stark wasn't a woman that deserved to be chased, and Eddard Stark, no matter how honorable due to his upbringing in Vale, would always be a wolf.

However, the opportunity to gloat to the Targaryens was one he did not intend to miss.

And today was the day it would begin.

He would be the first person to ride a dragon in almost a century and a half.

A rudimentary saddle was placed on Obelisk, and Robert uttered the command he had taught to the dragons during their seclusion in the cave.

"Volā!"

The cobalt blue dragon beat his wings, kicking up a small cloud of leaves and dust. The sudden movement sent Robert lurching, but he held onto the saddle.

Used to the extra weight, Obelisk kept rising, and once above the trees, he soared.

Robert couldn't help the sheer joy that bubbled up in his chest and began to laugh as the dragon cut through the wind.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Braavos

Covered by a hooded cape and a mask, Robert circled over the city and, once the Sea Lord had come out to greet him, landed in the courtyard of the palace.

Introducing himself as Matthew, Robert was quick to get straight to business, explaining his reason for coming to Braavos.

The Sea Lord was intrigued and offered to negotiate in a more private setting, and he agreed, as Ferrego Antaryon wasn't stupid enough to attempt to harm him.

The negotiations went surprisingly well, and Robert attributed it to the mercantile nature of the Braavosi.

His business pitch was exceptional, and Robert was sure it had helped.

The proposal required a meeting between the Sea Lord, the noble families, and some of the richest merchants in Braavos, but in the end, they too had seen the value of this agreement.

Braavos, in general, would agree to buy the horses in bulk below the market price and sell them to the remaining cities for a hefty profit. In return, they would be responsible for providing drovers to herd the horses and guards to protect them and ensure a steady supply rather than just crashing the market with a sudden flood of cheap horses.

Robert didn't have the business acumen to manage all of that, and while he would learn what he could in time, speed was essential now, so he had to concede those parts to Braavos.

Not that handling the logistics would be easy, or cheap, for the Braavosi.

A Khalasar usually has three to four times as many horses as riders, and a large Khalasar of around forty thousand would have at least two hundred thousand, and the entire Dothraki sea?

Well in the millions.

Not that anyone had the coin to buy that many horses.

Regardless, when he burned the hordes, horse deaths would be inevitable, and adding any losses that may result from sickness, wounds, and spooked horses that escaped, the number would be a lot less.

Still, it meant a lot of coin.

With Braavos handling the logistics burden, Robert started negotiations with the remaining cities for the destruction of the Dothraki Khalasars threatening them.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Call him a coward or not, Robert wasn't going to fight the Dothraki under sunlight and risk injury.

An arrow may not do anything to a dragon, but thousands of them? That would be troublesome, especially for young dragons like his.

That is why he attacked the hordes at night, while everyone was asleep and the horses were secure.

In the time it would take the sleeping Dothraki to rise and mount any defense, enough would be dead, and the rest too late to do anything.

He started with the small Khalasars to test their response time, how they reacted, and what they did when their Khal died.

Gradually, Robert targeted larger Khalasars, gathering thousands of horses at a time, not to mention the loot. The weapons of the Dothraki were rendered useless, with steel and bronze only worth as scrap, but they still had gold, silver, and gems, mostly as ornaments.

Robert had made sure to take every valuable item from the Dothraki and deposited the coin he earned from the loot to the Iron Bank of Braavos, as well as the coin from his business deals, both with Braavos and other cities.

He was steadily amassing a fortune and eventually invested in other businesses, such as spice, weapons, and leather trade, which was on the rise due to the demand for horse saddles.

Cause and effect at its finest.

Slaves kept by the Dothraki were freed and offered settlement in Braavos, funded by the fortune the city earned from the horse trade.

More citizens meant more workers, more taxes, and more business. There were several artisans among the slaves that Robert made sure to keep in contact with, to eventually offer a place in Westeros, should he return.

There was one part of the loot that he did not sell, and it was the bits of Valyrian steel the Dothraki had. An earring here, a bracelet there, and Robert had a sword forged out of all the small items, including the statue he had stolen from Illyrio Mopatis.

Who was frothing the last time Robert saw him but too powerless to do anything.

Life was nice.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: I merged chapter 3 and chapter 4, and I have a different idea for chapter 4 this time. The crystal part was something I had planned for much later, but I had to use it here due to the time it would take for the dragons to grow large enough.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever, is 9 chapters ahead

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU, is 8 chapters ahead

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon, is 10 chapters ahead

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world, is 10 chapters ahead.

By supporting me, you can read advanced and special chapters, as well as vote on how you want the fanfiction to proceed.

Note: Apple store payments will be refunded, because of the company's 75 day hold policy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Braavos

Robert's fortune grew with each passing day, while his expenditures were relatively small, only ordering armor sets, saddles for the dragons, and physical necessities like food and drinks.

His visits to brothels and excessive alcohol consumption to the point of becoming drunk had ceased due to the newfound control and mental fortitude he now possessed.

The fear of blurting out something he should not while drunk and between the tits of a woman had also played a part.

Year by year, the number in his account grew, as did the interest of the known world in him.

Marriage offers had come by the dozens. Daughters, sisters, and nieces were sent to him, sometimes as a harem, but he had refused it all.

Unless someone really interesting came along, Robert was fine with flying solo. He had chased after women who did not show interest in him in two worlds; enough was enough.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Life was nice but also hard. He couldn't stay in one place for too long due to the assassination attempts, and the Dothraki were getting smarter.

The assassination attempts were varied, sometimes coming up in the form of a drop-dead gorgeous woman, sometimes as a child. It sickened him to see the depraved ends people would go to to kill him.

Poison, arrows, hell, there was even a sort of magical attempt that had been foiled by the existence of his dragons. At least, that's what all those sorcerers he consulted for magical protection had told him.

But for now, he had a more interesting situation developing.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert was taking a bath in a little cabin built outside the city, with his dragons surrounding the place for security.

There was an attendant, one that was too old to assassinate anyone, but he still kept an eye open and didn't eat anything unless he cooked it himself.

"My lord, there are visitors outside." The old woman's voice came from behind the door while he was in the bathtub, scrubbing himself.

Robert groaned audibly. Couldn't he just have some alone time to himself? "Who?"

"They are from Westeros." Robert stopped, slowly looking at the door.


Now, these visitors were a distraction that could prove to be amusing.

"Oh? And what brought them all the way here?" Whether his identity was a secret or not, it was obvious.

Took them long enough.

"They wish for an audience to present a letter their king sent."

"Let them in."

He waited in his bathtub, thinking about who Aerys could have sent. Hopefully, it wasn't someone Robert was familiar with; otherwise, they may recognize his voice.

"Lord Matthew, I am Symond Staunton, Master of Laws to his grace, King Aerys II of House Targaryen, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm."

"And?" He had never met Symond Staunton before and was surprised at Aerys' choice. Seeing he was a lickspittle, they must have considered him expendable should anything go wrong.

"I bring a letter from my king to you. May I come in?"

"I am taking a bath, and you aren't pretty enough to watch. Read the letter for me, or leave."

"Y-yes, my lord."

"To Lord Matthew, the Father of Dragons;

As a fellow Valyrian in blood, I, Aerys II Targaryen, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, congratulate you for bringing the dragons back to life.

Essos is a treacherous place, one filled with scheming rats and vile sorcerers who no doubt conspire against you.

I hold out to you a hand of friendship and family. Should you be willing to journey to King's Landing, I offer you the hand of my sole daughter, Shaena Targaryen, the fairest maiden in the whole world, as well as lands and a house of your own, in return for sharing the secrets of hatching dragons.

I await glad tidings from you."

That was just about the best offer Aerys could have made without humiliating himself.

If only he knew.

Refusing right now would be sweet, but he could only imagine the faces the Targaryens would make.

If he gave them hope, however, and crushed it once back at Westeros, then the pleasure it would give would be unmatched.

The decision was an easy one to make.

"My business in Essos cannot be delayed nor abandoned, but I will journey to Westeros in one year. I can discuss anything King Aerys wants at that time."

"I am confident his grace will be delighted to host you in King's Landing." Staunton sounded pleased that his task had succeeded.

Aerys might not be full-blown mad, but one did not incur his wrath and get away unscathed, and failure was a great way to earn it.

"Now if there is nothing else, you may leave. I have business to attend to." Fun or not, he still didn't want this bath time disturbed.

"Of course, my lord."

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

King's Landing

Small Council Chamber

King Aerys II Targaryen scowled. "In one year? Why not now?" He was happy that the Dragonlord accepted the offer, but not that it would take him a year to appear in Westeros.

"His business in Essos could not be abandoned, Your Grace." Staunton was nervous, but he hid it.

It didn't end well for those who earned the king's ire.

"Father, do you truly mean to wed Shaena to a man we know nothing about?" His second son, Daeron, asked, and Aerys rolled his eyes.

The only reason he even allowed the boy in was because he would be the Prince of Summerhall one day.

"He has dragons; that is enough. Unless you know a way to hatch dragon eggs, you will be silent, and your sister shall do her duty to House Targaryen."

"Of course, Father." His daughter simply bowed her head, accepting her fate. She had been brought, as the matter concerned her future husband.

Not that being wedded to a dragon rider was a terrible fate.

"Now, what else can you tell me about the Dragonlord?" Matthew wasn't a Valyrian name, or one from anywhere else, which cast doubts onto the man's legitimacy as a Valyrian, rather than a fortunate upstart.

So everyone wished to know more about the Father of Dragons.

"He is a curt man, Your Grace, and a busy one." He had dismissed Staunton and his entourage after finishing his bath, and they were not able to have an audience with him again.

"What of his looks?" The Dragonlord's name might not be Valyrian, but blood mattered more than name.

"Lord Matthew was taking a bath when we had finally found him and refused to let us in."

"So you did not see him? Useless." Aerys sneered at the lord who made himself smaller to avoid the king's displeasure. "And the dragons?"

"Them, we have seen, Your Grace." Staunton nodded. "The largest is of deep blue color and is named Obelisk, with a reputation for a voracious appetite and an aggressive demeanor." The beast had given them a look before turning away and ignoring them entirely."

"Slifer is the second largest, and the people speak of how its lazy demeanor hides a terrible fury. It is a crimson, serpentine beast, and it moves as if it is flowing blood." That one did not even bother to rise from its slumber to acknowledge them.

"Ra is the smallest, as well as the fastest, and is apparently playful. To my shame, it nipped at us when we were watching him and laughed when we ran away." At least, he thought that the deep, repetitive sound was laughter.

"Hah! What I would have given to see that." Aerys cheered, unheeding of how his master of laws was mocked.

Crown Prince Rhaegar turned to the Master of Whispers, who had been unusually quiet during the council. "Lord Varys, now that it has been two years, what do your birds whisper to you?"

The emergence of the dragons was unexpected, especially for Varys, whose task was to know these things.

Varys shook his head. His good brother had let him know that the eggs were stolen, but not the person behind it since the culprit was at large. "Unfortunately, Lord Matthew is a recluse, my prince, and my birds have a hard time watching him. He rarely spends more than a night in one place, only staying longer when it comes to speaking business with the Free Cities. His mask is a constant on his face; he does not partake in pleasures of the flesh, nor does he drink to excess."

With three dragons at his command, an assassination was a costly venture, and the paranoia the Dragonlord had carried with him was praiseworthy, if detrimental to their plans.

"So you're as useful as your cock, huh? Nonetheless, we shall see in one year." Varys did not let Aerys' remark spoil his smile.

"As you say, Your Grace."

In the end, House Targaryen would pay, but now was the time to be patient.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Braavos

286 AC

Robert stood in the middle of the city, his mask and cape off for all to see his face. Now that he was returning to Westeros, there was no need to keep secrets any longer.

He pointedly ignored the stares.

"Robert Baratheon. Eldest son of Steffon Baratheon and heir to Storm's End. Exiled for assaulting Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Known to be a buffoon, a drunk, and a whoremonger." Ferrego Antaryon, surrounded by his guards and the First Sword of Braavos, sauntered into the market where Robert had been purchasing supplies.

"Go on, I don't think Slifer's furious enough yet." All three of his dragons had turned to the man, growling softly.

Ferrego continued, but in a different direction. "Yet here you are, the Father of Dragons, a successful merchant who made a fortune in three years, the Bane of the Dothraki, and the man who humiliated several cities by deceiving them into paying him for the same job. I am conflicted; which one is the real you?"

Robert rolled his eyes at the words. So unnecessarily dramatic.

"Whores and ale could only entertain me for so long before I was bored, so I decided to aim higher." With two of his main sources of joy no longer so attractive after the merging, he had to do something to pass the time.

The Sea Lord grinned. He had no love lost for the current Targaryen king and could only imagine how Robert would stir the volatile pot that was Westeros. "And may I say you succeeded fabulously? The people of Westeros are in for a rude awakening, especially Houses Targaryen and Stark."

While Essos at large did not care for the affairs of the Westerosi lords, Ferrego, as the Sea Lord of Braavos, had to keep an eye on one of the factions they heavily traded with.

The news of how the heir to Storm's End had attacked the Crown Prince and nearly lost his life for it had reached Ferrego's ears.

All over a woman, or rather, a girl.

"I'll be too busy soaring in the skies to listen to their whining." Provided his murderous side did not win and he killed them wholesale.

Ferrego laughed heartily. "May tides ever bring you profit, and may we meet again as friends and merchants."

"I am sure we will."

"Volā." With one last order, Robert left Essos.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He couldn't just fly from Braavos to Storm's End and would need to go to Tyrosh first to cross the Narrow Sea in a single flight.

But a single flight to Tyrosh wouldn't be possible either, and in the interest of not tiring his dragons, Robert made two stops on the way, one to the north of Pentos and the other to the north of Myr, before he landed on Tyrosh.

The Tyroshi were greedy people, but not foolish enough to risk a confrontation with three dragons, so Robert spent the night without any trouble and left in the morning.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seven Kingdoms

Storm's End

At last, his home was in sight, and there seemed to be celebrations.

For what, he did not know, as Braavos did not concern themselves with Westeros much but would learn soon.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever, is 9 chapters ahead

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU, is 8 chapters ahead

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon, is 10 chapters ahead

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world, is 10 chapters ahead.

By supporting me, you can read advanced and special chapters, as well as vote on how you want the fanfiction to proceed.

Note: Apple store payments will be refunded, because of the company's 75 day hold policy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seven Kingdoms

Storm's End

286 AC

Robert first circled over the Storm's End to get people's attention, and wouldn't you know it, many houses were there.

Banners of wolves, trouts, roses, falcons, and, of course, dragons could be seen outside the castle, waving over their respective camps.

Slowly, the guests came out of the castle, looking like ants to Robert, but with his telescope, seeing their faces was a simple matter.

Aerys was here, surrounded by his family and Kingsguard, as well as Rickard, Brandon, and Eddard Stark, with Catelyn and who he thought was Ashara.

His family was there too, and seeing how Stannis was dressed with Lysa Tully following her father and uncle, it dawned on him what was happening.

Stannis was getting married to Lysa Tully, and with what Robert knew of the events in Riverrun, such as Petyr Baelish challenging Brandon Stark to a duel for Catelyn's hand, it meant this damn woman who had ruined so many lives was marrying Stannis.

And here she was, getting married to Stannis.

Younger brother or not, he wasn't about to let that bitch marry Mannis.

Through his telescope, Robert noticed another intriguing figure amidst the chaos: Littlefinger himself, observing from the back.

Well, well.

Robert guided his dragons to land in the courtyard. Dressed in his gold and white armor with a helmet that only showed his eyes, they would be hard-pressed to recognize Robert unless he took it off.

"Lord Matthew, you have finally arrived. Once again I greet you in the name of…." While Aerys was rambling, Robert dropped to the ground, landing on his feet with one knee bent.

He passed by the monologuing King of the Seven Kingdoms and approached his mother while slowly taking his helmet off.

As he stopped before her, emotions swirled in his heart, and with one dramatic move, he removed the helmet. Shaking his head, Robert held his arms out. "Mother, I have missed you."

Cassana Baratheon's eyes bulged, just like almost everyone else's.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Following the reveal, the courtyard had descended into an utter pandemonium. Targaryen and Stark guards had pulled their swords in panic, while Aerys was frozen like a deer in headlights.

That was fun.

The Baratheon guards had done the same, but cooler heads had prevailed, and he didn't have to feed anyone to the dragon.

So here they were, sitting in the Round Hall, dead silent while Robert hummed a cheery tune.

"How—how is this possible?!" Aerys slammed his fists on the table like a petulant child, and Robert took his time to turn to the fuming king.

"I got bored one day and decided it would be nice to be able to fly and hatched dragons. End of story." Robert winked as he took a cup of wine to hide his smile.

Taunting the Targaryens was too darn amusing.

"But forget about me; we are here for a more joyous occasion, are we not? My little bro is getting married." The younger Baratheon brother frowned, and whether being called "bro" or Robert being happy about Stannis' wedding caused it, he didn't know.

"Too bad I didn't know earlier; I would have gotten you a gift." Then again, this wedding was about to crash faster than the Dothraki numbers back at Essos did.

Lysa was a lesser Catelyn and didn't seem happy about the wedding. "And Lady Lysa, what a lucky young woman you are to be wedded to a dutiful and considerate man like Stannis. Where others would make your lack of purity an issue and use it against you, Stannis here would not." Robert praised his brother innocently, as if the knowledge of Lysa's actions were known to them.

There was a slight widening of eyes from the Tully brothers, and his father looked at Robert, confused. "Her lack of purity? What do you mean?"

"You know, how she got pregnant out of wedlock, and then her father forced her to drink moon tea and abort the child? She nearly died from it, in fact." Now, Robert was acting confused, brows slightly furrowed, a frown on his face.

"What?! Hoster, is this true?" His father had the Baratheon fury but wasn't a man easy to anger.

Hoster Tully succeeded at earning it.

"Luckily, your father didn't let you marry Petyr over there, or you would be missing out big time." Lysa burst into tears with Robert's final needling comment and ran out of the hall, confirming his words to the shock of the guests.

"Oh dear, did I say something wrong?" Robert said, acting completely oblivious.

His father, Steffon Baratheon, dressed in splendid gold and black trousers, a tunic, and a cape with the sigil of House Baratheon on it, turned to Hoster Tully with a fury that threatened to fry the trout lord.

"The wedding's off. You're going to pay for your duplicity, Lord Tully." The Lord Paramount of the Trident didn't even answer before leaving the hall with his brother, Brynden, who was glaring at Robert.

Winking at Blackfish, Robert turned to his next target. "Ned, there you are. How are you doing, ex-bro?" Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Robert knew exactly what to hit Eddard Stark with.

"Ex-bro?"

"Yeah, as in a former brother. Why are you sitting next to Ashara?" His oblivious act was back again.

"She is my wife and the mother of my child." Eddard watched Robert with suspicious eyes. I

"Really? I thought Ashara would be wed to Brandon since she got pregnant with his child. A daughter, if my dreams are correct. Don't tell me you two married to cover it up because you fell in love with her." Robert theorized out loud.

There were several changes in the timeline, but Ned falling in love with Ashara and her getting pregnant from Brandon Stark wasn't one.

Eddard and Ashara were shocked, and Robert felt a tad guilty for throwing her under the proverbial dragon, but what made it sweet was Brandon turning red like a turnip, looking ready to attack Robert.

Only for the firm hand of his father, Rickard, to push him down into the chair.

Catelyn Tully Stark, wed to Brandon Stark this time as it was promised, looked miserable, gazing at her husband with loathing eyes.

"Damn it. I did it again. It's all because I flew three days straight with no chance to stretch my body." Done with the Starks, Robert turned to the Targaryens. "A piece of advice: I don't recommend flying on a dragon for days on end without proper rest. It's horrible for the blood circulation."

A person advising the House of the Dragon on how to ride dragons was irony at its finest.

Aerys had nothing to retort with and changed the subject. "You, how dare you return before your exile ends?"

Robert raised his index and middle fingers. "It did end, two days ago exactly."

"I do not know how you hatched dragons, boy, but I won't let this stand." Aerys threatened, but everyone knew his threats were worthless.

Clicking his tongue, Robert crossed his arms. "Sheesh, first you offer me your only daughter, now you threaten me? Seriously, make up your mind." He mockingly complained. Objectively, Shaena was beautiful, but she was the product of an incestuous union and a Targaryen.

So there would be no marriage, ever.

"You would have accepted it?" Rhaegar, who was lost in a world of his own, probably wondering how the current situation came to be, asked.

"Not with you threatening me like that."

"Perhaps my father has been too hasty." Rhaegar excused his father.

This version of Aerys did not go through Duskendale, but he still wasn't exactly sane and rational. His son correcting him wasn't the kind of thing King Aerys II Targaryen would let go.

Robert rubbed his chin, thinking. "I might reconsider it if he apologizes."

"Apologize?! I am the king." Aerys' pride would never let him apologize, and even if he had, he was going to say no again just to mess with them.

Robert shrugged, entirely unconcerned. Not like he was going to marry a Targaryen.

"Well, now that the wedding is off, I would like to go and rest, and I am sure Littlefinger has to work on robbing Gulltown." Robert winked at Jon, who was glaring daggers at the Lord of Fingers, discreetly, of course.

Well, he got rid of Baelish and Lysa, humiliated House Stark for revenge, and showed up to the Targaryens.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"My boy, welcome back." Cassana pinched his cheeks, unconcerned with the trouble Robert had just caused, just like his grandmother Rhaelle, who was cackling like a gremlin.

"Thanks, Mother."

Steffon, on the other hand, wasn't happy.

"I'll fucking kill Hoster for this insult." He was growling, and Robert almost felt bad for Hoster Tully.

Almost.

"Let me know when; I'll help." Riverrun would be problematic to breach, but not with dragonfire.

"As for you, Robert, you haven't sent a single letter to us for five years and suddenly appear out of nowhere as the Father of Dragons, no less?" The eyes of his family were suddenly locked on him, and Robert grinned.

"Calm down, old man, you're going to burst a blood vessel. I had to keep my secret, and I thought this would be more fun." His father scowled, most likely at the old man's remark, but wasn't angry.

"Well, at least you have arrived at the perfect time." Any later, and Stannis would have been bound to Lysa Tully.

Even the thought angered him now.

"Yeah, what's with Lysa marrying Stannis?" He was surprised Hoster would allow Lysa to marry Stannis, the second son, when he tried to wed her to Jaime Lannister before.

His father looked uncomfortable. "It was a way for us to be tied by blood to the alliance between Houses Targaryen, Stark, Tully, Tyrell, and Lannister."

"For the next generation." A logical choice since they didn't know who the Dragonlord was.

"Indeed. But had I known the truth, I wouldn't have agreed to it."

"You're welcome."

His grandmother finally had it with the dreary subjects and scolded her son. "Enough with the talks of an alliance, Steffon. Welcome home, grandson."

Robert got up and hugged her. Seeing how much she enjoyed the humiliation Aerys faced, he had let her. "Thanks, Grandma."

"Now, spill, how did you hatch dragons?" All of Westeros had been seeking to unearth the secret face behind the helmet of the Dragonlord.

To see it was her eldest grandson? Her father, Aegon V Targaryen, would either be pleased that someone from his line brought the dragons back to the world, even if he did not carry the name Targaryen, or roll in his non-existent grave.

"Through sheer greatness, of course." Not that Robert didn't trust them, he just didn't want to tell them he had to burn a man alive.

"Very well, keep your secrets. How did you know of Lysa Tully, then?" Robert should have had no way of knowing Lysa Tully's foolish actions.

"Dragon dreams." That was the excuse he had chosen and the most acceptable one.

The revelation further shocked the family. "Incredible." His grandmother muttered.

His mother elbowed her husband after the matter of dragon dreams had sunk in. "Steffon, don't you have something to say to your eldest?"

"Welcome home, Robert." His father finally greeted him with a hug, and he couldn't help but tease him.

"Thanks, old man."

Cassana wasn't done yet and nudged Steffon with her foot. "And another thing, dear?"

His father groaned.

"What is it?" Something important was going on, and they seemed hesitant to tell him.

Stannis stepped up since the rest weren't willing to talk. "King Aerys made threats against your life, and Father had to remove you from the line of succession to protect you."

"I see." A storm swelled up inside Robert, but his face didn't give it away. On an intrinsic level, he understood the reason.

Aerys had burned the Warden of the North and strangled his heir, along with several other heirs, including Elbert Arryn.

It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for Aerys to kill him.

Not anymore, of course, due to the dragons.

"You are not angry?" His father asked, half expecting his eldest to rage like a storm over the matter.

"It was too much work, anyway." Robert excused himself. He could always go to the Summer Isles and retire there, enjoying the rest of his life with wine, food, women, and beaches.

---

Apologies for the mistake, I posted the rewritten chapter now.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever, is 9 chapters ahead

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Storm's End

Having figuratively set the Storm's End on fire, Robert knew it was time to face the music the following day.

He had woken up later than usual, since his family had spent the night interrogating him while his father was smoothing the ruffled feathers.

The Targaryens were in a state of shock and had not done anything, but the pride of the Starks was wounded due to Robert's loose mouth.

Not that Steffon Baratheon cared much.

The first song was Eddard Stark.

"Are you pleased, Lord Robert?" Ned's was as cold as the northern winters, but Robert didn't care. One did not pull a sword on him and get away unscathed. He couldn't harm Eddard Stark, nor did he want to, but humiliating him was just as sweet.

"About?" Still, there was fun to be had.

The Lord of the newly rebuilt Moat Cailin frowned. "You humiliated me, my house, and my wife. Your revenge for what happened at Harrenhal five years ago."

The song "Non, je ne regrette rien" played in his head. "Well, Ned, I have a perfectly good song in mind to answer that question, but it would be wasted on you."

Seeing further conversation was meaningless, Eddard Stark left with final parting words. "Good day to you, my lord, and may we never meet again."

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jon, his aging foster father, along with Elbert, his foster brother, who was Jon's nephew and heir, were the parts of the next song.

There was also a lady standing next to Elbert.

Gathering the two in a hug, Robert shook them around a bit, like a bear would thrash its prey, but in a more friendly way.

"Jon, Elbert, so good to see you two."

"You as well, my boy, but perhaps you should stop shaking us?" Jon complained, though he still had a fond smile on his face.

"Yes, stop it, you big buffoon." Elbert groaned mockingly, and Robert finally put the two down.

Sniffing like a child with big eyes, Robert looked heartbroken. "Is that how you greet your brother after so long? Why, I am so hurt I might just break something by accident."

Being a mummer could be another career path in this world.

Robert Baratheon, the first superstar in Planetos, sounded rather nice.

"Hah, good luck with that." Elbert laughed heartily. "Good to see you too, Robert, especially alive and in one piece."

It took Steffon Baratheon a lot of pleading to save his son, but Jon had not stayed idle either, having appealed to the king, claiming Robert's mistake was due to Jon's insufficient teachings.

Robert winked. "Why, you had doubts?"

"I thought you might get drunk and break your neck by falling down stairs." Elbert retorted, not holding his words back in the slightest.

"Ye of little faith." Robert slapped his foster brother on the shoulder, who protested in pain.

"And this lovely young lady is…?" It was rude to ignore her, but reunions awaited, and Robert had missed Jon and Elbert a lot.

"My dear wife, Lady Carolei Arryn, of Houses Arryn and Waynwood." Elbert introduced her with shining eyes, and Robert groaned.

He missed a bro's wedding, which was inexcusable according to the bro code.

"Ah man, I missed your wedding? I'll get you a belated gift, don't worry." Robert was sure he could find something good enough, but now the lady awaited.

"And my lady, may I congratulate you on your nuptials? A rascal like Elbert is truly lucky to have wed a beautiful lady like you." Robert praised Carolei while throwing dirt at Elbert, who shouted in denial.

"Thank you, my lord; we are fortunate to have each other. My husband speaks highly of your generosity and strength of arms." The future Lady Arryn curtsied. She truly was a lovely woman, with a round face, honey-brown curls and eyes, dressed in colors to honor both houses she belonged to.

Pulling Elbert closer with a headlock, Robert barked a laugh. "He speaks the truth. Anyway, it was great to see you all, but I have headaches to cause."

"Well, now that you have dragons, I suppose I won't have to worry about you." Jon, who was watching the exchange with pride and joy, finally spoke.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lord's Solar

The third song had a lead with a voice that you couldn't help but hate.

"You knew about this, didn't you, and dared to keep it a secret from me." As he approached the door, Robert could hear Aerys' voice, which sounded like nails on a chalkboard to him.

"No, Your Grace, I was as surprised as you." His father excused himself, and from the tired sigh that followed, Robert guessed the king didn't believe him.

"Lies." Yep, the inbred fucker didn't.

Kicking the door in, which startled the people inside, Robert quickly sat down next to his father. "Hey, who the hell told you to harass my client like that?"

Steffon sighed again and looked to his son with weary eyes. "Robert, step outside; this doesn't concern you."

Robert snorted. "No, it does; you're literally talking about me."

"Don't think you can do as you please, boy, just because you have dragons." Aerys spoke as if his house did not do exactly that for over a century until they lost the dragons.

"Why not? Targaryens did." Robert pointed out, and Aerys' defense was paper thin.

"You're not a Targaryen."

Robert smirked, ready to roast the king. "Believe me, not being an inbred arrogant little shit is a blessing, not a curse."

"You dare?!" Aerys was getting angrier by the second, and all Robert lacked was popcorn.

"Yeah, I dare to tell the truth. I know you guys don't like it." After all, anyone who had the guts to tell Aerys the truth concerning him would most likely be dead.

The king's purple eyes were burning with flames of vengeance, which probably was the closest he would ever get to commanding fire by himself. "You will pay for speaking to me like that."

Robert rubbed his chin, thinking, before snapping his fingers. "We should ask that to higher authorities."

"Who?" Steffon asked. Who could his son mean?

Robert grinned and walked to the window. Poking his head out, he whistled, and within seconds, his dragons came flying down.

"Hey boys, can I talk to people as I wish without any consequence?" Robert asked the dragons, and Obelisk roared. The dragon had no idea what his father had just said but roared in agreement nonetheless.

Turning to Aerys, Robert gave the king a thumbs up. "He says yes."

With a scream of frustration and rage, Aerys left the room, with Barristan and Hightower following him.

"Don't be so angry; it's bad for your health." He shouted one last time before the door was closed.

Rickard Stark, who had been quiet so far, broke his silence. "Do you believe it wise to make everyone your enemies?"

The Father of Dragons leaned back, hands on the back of his head and not a care in the world. "If a couple of words makes us enemies, by all means. I would love nothing more than a war."

Rickard left following Robert's declaration, which only left Tywin, Robert, and his father, Steffon, in the room.

The Lord of Casterly Rock left without saying anything, his emotionless gaze hiding his inner thoughts.

"Do you enjoy turning everyone into enemies?" His father was tired, but Robert was still feeling a bit displeased with the whole heirdom to Storm's End thing.

"Yeah, it's only fun when they come in force."

"Robert, get out."

"Whatever you say, old man."

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

House Tully left Storm's End silently and quickly, the shame too much to bear. They were brought low before the Crown and the great lords, as well as the whole realm, once the news spread.

Hoster Tully's duplicity of "giving spoiled goods," as it was rather crassly deemed, would shake his house's already weak standing among the Riverlands.

His daughter getting pregnant with a bastard was bad enough, but for the Lord Paramount of the Trident to lie and offer her hand in marriage to the heir to the Lord Paramount of the Stormlands?

That was something House Tully would take years to recover from.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The final song was a bit unexpected.

He was sitting on a bench in the courtyard, watching his dragons soar, when the Queen of Thorns approached him. "Lord Robert."She greeted him, and Robert gestured to the bench next to the one he was occupying.

"Lady Olenna." He returned in kind, still focused on his dragons.

"Your acting was impressive; have you ever considered being a mummer?" Olenna Tyrell had a sharp tongue and wasn't afraid to use it.

Robert rolled with the teasing, nonplussed. "I did actually, but I would put everyone else out of work and didn't have the heart for it."

"How thoughtful of you." The Tyrell matriarch didn't find the blustering young man she was expecting.

"I know, right. I am such a softie." Robert nodded, acting proud of himself.

"I wonder, what inspired this change in you?"

"Fooling around forever got boring, and I am a man who cares very much about his pleasures." In a sense it was the truth, as after merging, his interests had changed.

"Ah yes, women, wine, and hunting." Olenna said, mentioning his old vices, the ones that caused many a noble to look down on him as a brute.

"It's mostly dragon riding, amassing wealth, and life-threatening sports these days." The dragons flew overhead, their shadows and his retort silencing Olenna.

But he wasn't done yet. "Congratulations are in order, my lady."

"For what?"

"Your daughter is to wed Prince Aegon, is she not? House Tyrell finally earned a royal betrothal after so long, provided the history doesn't repeat itself." Then again, it was Prince Daeron, the person Aegon's older brother was named after, who did not wish to marry Olenna.

That elicited a reaction from her. "It will not repeat on our side, but can we say the same for you? After all, people who remember Lyonel Baratheon liken you to him, the Laughing Storm Reborn."

"Please, unlike my great-grandfather, I wouldn't lose." Even if Robert didn't have dragons, there wasn't a member of the current Kingsguard he couldn't beat in a one-on-one, except maybe Barristan Selmy giving him a hard time.

"No hesitation in becoming a kinslayer?" It was perhaps the greatest sin in Westeros, on par with breaking guest rights, but no one in canon had portrayed Rhaegar's death at Robert's hand as kinslaying.

"Blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb." Blood didn't really matter to him, nor the stigma of kinslaying.

If someone crossed him, they would die, regardless of any familial ties between them.

"True, but I don't believe the gods care."

"I love my grandmother dearly, but the blood we share won't save the rest of her kin should they cross me."

"Who are you to wed now that the woman you professed to love has been betrothed to Prince Rhaegar?" Finally, the Queen of Thorns got to the actual matter that had brought her here.

"I only wanted to wed her to be good brothers with Eddard Stark, but I learned he wasn't worth it. As for who I will wed, honestly, I have no idea." Changes Robert had undergone meant Lyanna Stark wasn't attractive to him anymore, but the past couldn't be changed, so he had to lie.

"You are very forthcoming. Marriage could be a wonderful union with the right partner." Now, if Janna Tyrell, with her massive tits, was in the equation, Robert might have considered it.

Alas, it was time to end this.

"Can't disagree with that. I certainly wouldn't want a simple-minded spouse who would ride herself off a cliff." That wiped the insipid little smirk Olenna had.

"Good day to you, my lord." The aging woman left with a surprising vitality in her steps.

"You too, my lady."

His grandmother came out of her hiding place, cackling like a hyena.

"Enjoyed the show, Grandmother?" Robert asked, though the answer was obvious.

"Definitely.

 

[Samael61]

Storm's End

The astonishment over the revelation had slowly given way to silent contemplation.

Members of House Targaryen had a range of reactions. King Aerys was in a state of constant fury and denial, unable to wrap his head around the fact that a non-Targaryen was able to hatch dragons.

Crown Prince Rhaegar was stuck over the scrolls and books he had brought, agonizing over how the prophecy could have been shattered so easily.

Queen Rhaella and Prince Aegon were the only ones attempting to find a solution to this critical problem. However, there seemed to be only one viable option: arranging a marriage between Shaena and Robert.

And from the way he spoke, it wasn't possible either.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lord Tywin sat in his quarters, silent as a grave, considering the events of the last couple of days.

While House Lannister did not have any issues with House Baratheon—in fact, their relations were good, owing to the friendship between the heads of both houses—Robert Baratheon's dislike of House Targaryen was known.

Tywin served as the Hand of the King, and with Cersei on the verge of marrying Prince Daeron, Robert had become a wildcard—a dangerous element, especially given his dragons.

Meaning a quarrel would drag the Seven Kingdoms into a total war, and the might of the dragons was well known, even if Robert did not have any beast as big as Balerion the Black Dread.

If he had another daughter, the Lord of Casterly Rock would offer her hand to the dragonlord, but alas.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cersei did not know what to make of this situation. A war between Robert Baratheon and the Crown would jeopardize her wedding to Prince Daeron, along with her chances of becoming the queen, once Rhaegar and his northern savage of a betrothed were dealt with.

Jaime, on the other hand, remained fixated on how Robert of all people managed to bring dragons back to life.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rickard's glare silenced his eldest, who was complaining about Robert Baratheon and how he had revealed the secret behind Ashara's daughter.

As if he did not have enough to do as the Warden of the North, he had to deal with the humiliation of having his second son marry the woman his first son impregnated.

He couldn't afford a retaliation, since Robert Baratheon had to be the Father of Dragons. Now, he was stuck with having to endure the judgemental gazes of the nobles in Storm's End.

He turned his attention to his good-daughter, Catelyn, who was busy with her embroidery, ignoring her husband. He had thought Brandon would change once wed, and while their union was a happy one at the start, it did not take long before Brandon's vices caused it to sour.

At least his second son, Ned, was a more responsible child. If only he were the eldest.

Finally, his daughter Lyanna, Robert's former betrothed.

Now it looked foolish to have cancelled that betrothal, but without being exiled to Essos, Robert couldn't have dragons, so at the time, it was the right decision.

Of course, it did not change the fact Robert Baratheon was the more attractive choice between him and Prince Rhaegar, but he couldn't change the past.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lyanna Stark was aware of the danger Robert posed, as only a fool would not be. If he were to start a war with the Targaryens, there would be a lot of deaths.

Her father would fight against Robert and his dragons, but fighting against the beasts that brought House Targaryen to power would not end well for anyone.

How that oaf Robert managed to do what the Targaryens couldn't over a century baffled her.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Mother, you seem vexed." Mace noticed how his mother, Olenna, was not her usual talkative self.

"It is nothing."

"What are we to do now?" Their alliance with the Targaryens meant Robert was their enemy now, and dragons were not creatures easily slain.

His wife, Alerie, offered her own solution. "I have unwed sisters; perhaps Lord Robert could be convinced to take one on as a wife?" She had three unwed sisters, and while Alysanne and Lynesse were too young to wed yet, Denys and Leyla were of age.

Olenna's measuring gaze told Alerie she was considering the idea. "Father of Dragons does not wish to wed for now, but all the same, feel free to write a letter to your father." If not directly wed, since House Tyrell had no daughters left, then perhaps wed to a Hightower, tying Robert Baratheon to the Reach.

That is, if he would accept.

"Is that what bothered you, Mother?" Mace had heard of how her mother sought Robert, but not the details of it.

The Queen of Thorns' smile was belittling. "And what will you do about it, Mace? Complain to a Dragonlord in his home? Another brilliant idea from you."

The guilty look on Mace's face, reminiscent of a child who had been caught sneaking a pie from the kitchens, told her he had indeed thought of doing something foolish. "Apologies, Mother."

"We shall need scorpions." With Elia Martell wed to Baelor Hightower, and Baelor's sister wed to Mace, perhaps Doran Martell would be inclined to share the knowledge of how to build scorpions.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of all the guests in Storm's End, only the Stormlanders were joyful at the sight of one of their own riding dragons.

Robert was well liked by the lords due to his charisma, generosity, and the way he connected with everyone. More than one lord had grumbled when his younger, more serious brother, Stannis, was made the heir.

To see that he was the Father of Dragons? It made the Stormlords feel vindicated.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What, may I ask, is so amusing, Mother?" Steffon was trying to work in the solar, but the way his mother kept grinning distracted him.

"Everything." Her answer only made the situation more irritating.

"Could you please not?" The Lord of Storm's End pleaded, trying not to think about the chaos his eldest son had caused, at least for a while.

His mother's look told him to shut it. "Steffon, let me have my fun. It is rare for something so profoundly entertaining to happen."

"Husband, what will you do now?" Cassana was against removing Robert from the line of succession, preferring to fight the king's threats rather than bow to them.

"I don't know." Making Robert the heir again would hurt Stannis, no matter what his dutiful son would say, but if his eldest decided to fight for the seat of Storm's End in the future, it would be devastating.

His youngest son had less worrisome matters in his mind. "Mother, I wish to ride on a dragon."

"Not now, Renly; just be patient."

"Fine." Renly pouted. He wanted to ride a dragon so bad.

"I remember once when Robert was six winters old or so. He promised to hatch a dragon egg and take me flying. Turns out he wasn't just being a boisterous child." Rhaelle recalled the memory fondly.

Stannis was in deep thoughts and ignored the banter.

Being the heir to Storm's End felt incredible, and he didn't wish to give it up.

But if Robert were to push it, there wasn't anything he could do to stop him, not that he wanted to fight his older brother.

Stormlords would flock to him, as they were singing his praises now, and a lord without the support of his subjects wasn't much of a lord.

The correct thing to do, at least for Stormlands, would be to give up his position, as Robert's dragons were too valuable to lose to another kingdom with the wedding offers that would no doubt find their way to him.

All the education his father had given him in how to rule did not give him a way out of this predicament.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert had taken his dragons out to hunt. They preferred it over being fed, a side effect of living in a cave for a year and a half.

They were circling overhead, searching for prey, while Robert was resting beneath some trees, thinking about the future.

He didn't really feel like fighting Stannis for the position as heir. He had seen how much his younger brother liked it, and with a dash of what he knew, retaking his place as heir wasn't that appealing.

One option was the Summer Isles, as he had considered before, but while spending time fooling around sounded nice, it wasn't as nice as the thought of a fantastical adventure.

That and he ought to do something about the shitty world he was living in currently.

Women's rights did not exist in most of Westeros, nor did the rights of the majority, the smallfolk.

People did as they pleased to those beneath their station, and the less said about the slavery in Essos, the better.

Robert could choose to sit on his ass doing nothing or solve those problems.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morale as the Riverlands host marched home was gloomy, like the storms that plague the lands they were walking on.

How did Robert Baratheon know Lysa's shame escaped him?

"You forced Lysa to drink moon tea?" Brynden had ridden ahead to speak to his brother in private.

Hoster nodded.

"You fool." Blackfish coldly glared at his brother.

Hoster's gaze was equally icy. These clashes between the Tully brothers were common but did not make it any easier to bear. "I did it so her honor could be preserved and she could be wed well."

"You should have forced her to marry Baelish if you wished to protect her honor." He might not have chosen to wed, but he wasn't oblivious to how Lysa fawned over Littlefinger.

Brynden just did not expect it to have gone so far.

"Don't get me started on him." Hoster had agreed to foster the boy since he and Petyr's father were friends.

What a mistake it had been.

"Was that why she was sick? Because of the miscarriage?" Blackfish remembered how the maester had said Lysa was too sick to receive visitors and required constant rest. Had he known the truth, Brynden would have interfered.

"Aye." Hoster wasn't proud of what he had done, but there was no other way to cover the mess Lysa had created.

Fury swelled up in Brynden, and for a second he considered striking Hoster. "You almost killed your daughter for your ambitions, rather than just wedding her? Your wife would have been ashamed to have a husband like you."

Poor Minisa would have been disgusted by what her husband had done.

"Don't speak to me of my wife." Hoster barely stopped himself from shouting and drawing attention.

"Hoster Tully, always in the right, can never accept his mistakes." He and Hoster always saw the world differently, and it caused no amount of quarrel between the siblings, but this was a new low.

"Do you wish to start a fight, Brynden?" They had never come to blows before, but it was proving to be challenging work to keep it that way.

Brynden kept his hands where they were. Fighting with Hoster wouldn't help their house. "I don't wish to speak to you any longer than I have to. What will you do with Lysa now?"

"What is there left to do but send her to the Silent Sisters?"

Brynden considered denying it, but she might just be better off away from Hoster. "Just wait until I get my hands on Petyr." Instead, he would turn his displeasure on people he could hurt.

"Provided Jon Arryn does not kill him first, if what Robert said was true." Damn both Robert and Petyr.

"Has Lord Steffon said anything about retaliating or compensation?" This kind of an insult was not something a Lord Paramount like Steffon Baratheon would forget or forgive.

Hoster shook his head. "No, he was too busy with calming the king down." No matter, he would be ready for whatever Steffon Baratheon would do.

"He won't let things go so easily." Especially with a son who has three grown dragons.

"I know."

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert made up his mind, and once the dragons were done, flew back to Storm's End, muttering "We Are The Champions" to himself, ignoring the gazes of the guests in the courtyard.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever, is 9 chapters ahead

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU, is 8 chapters ahead

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon, is 10 chapters ahead

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world, is 10 chapters ahead.

By supporting me, you can read advanced and special chapters, as well as vote on how you want the fanfiction to proceed.

Note: Apple store payments will be refunded, because of the company's 75 day hold policy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Storm's End

Cersei Lannister was a certified bitch. Whether it was because her parents were cousins or the way she was raised, the only daughter of Tywin Lannister was a cruel, arrogant, hateful, and sadistic bitch.

Her hungry gaze sent shivers down his spine.

The Golden Bitch was planning something, and there was one thing she desired in her life.

To be the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

Knowing her, being betrothed to Daeron Targaryen must have crushed her dreams, and now she was no doubt trying to sink her claws in him to be the queen, through the might of his dragons.

She had another thing coming.

That is why he had chosen one of the guards in the keep to act as a decoy.

Davon was just a tad shorter than him but had the build to match his. He wasn't a married man and only had an elderly mother, so he wouldn't be committing adultery.

Robert had offered him more than enough coin to wed and take care of his mother in return for him acting as a body double.

The prize was too alluring to refuse, and Robert had sent the man to be shaved and cleaned.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Renly, for the third time in three days, hugged Robert's leg, demanding a dragon ride.

"Let me have some food first, Renly, then I'll take you out for a ride."

Wishing his parents good morning, he swept the hall with his eyes, watching the guests who were glaring at him.

Price of greatness.

"Father, I am taking Renly for a flight. The rest of you are welcome as well."

"I'll go wear something appropriate for a dragon ride."

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Renly shouted with all the childish glee of a nine-year-old as the dragons soared over Storm's End. It was hard to imagine that this child would one day become a man puppeteered by the Tyrells and fight against Stannis for the throne.

Only to be assassinated through the use of blood magic.

But right now, he was just a child, enjoying his life with his parents alive.

He wouldn't let the little tyke turn out to be such a fool.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cersei watched the beasts circle over the keep where they were staying as guests.

How that oaf, who was foolish enough to attack the Crown Prince in full sight of the Kingsguard and a host of other men, had managed to do what the Targaryens could not for over a century and a half and bring the dragons back to life baffled her.

As it had almost everyone else.

But it could also be an opportunity.

An opportunity to make her the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

A conflict between Robert Baratheon and the Crown was inevitable. The Targaryens would not stand someone other than their house having dragons, and Robert's fury was already well known.

If he was attacked or insulted, Robert would unleash the might of his dragons, and who else but him would be the King of the Seven Kingdoms after the Targaryens were deposed or dead?

She didn't like the idea of marrying a brute like him rather than Prince Rhaegar, with his silver hair, amethyst eyes, and noble features, but Rhaegar had chosen the wolf bitch over her.

Better Robert than marrying Daeron, who only stood to inherit Summerhall, a castle that had barely been rebuilt after Aegon the Unlikely burnt it to the ground, along with most of his family.

Her father and Lord Steffon were friends and would no doubt be willing to solve any dishonor inflicted on her through marriage.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert landed in the courtyard, though Renly was pouting, wanting to go flying again.

"Kiddo, let the others have their turn." Robert said to the spoiled child, gently lowering him to the waiting arms of his mother.

"Stannis, come on." He called out to his younger brother, who looked unsure and offered a lame excuse. "I have to help Father with work."

"I am sure he can excuse you for a short break. Now, come on before I drag you here." Sometimes you just had to push things with people like Stannis.

"Indeed he will; now go." Rhaelle gave Stannis a light push, and steeling his nerves, he took Robert's hand and climbed up.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite his trepidation, flying felt liberating, as if the earthly matters that plagued him did not matter here.

Flying among clouds took all his worries away, and Stannis smiled.

Robert glanced at his younger brother from the side of his eye and chuckled. His brother rarely smiled, and it was good to see he was enjoying the ride.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stannis was a bit hesitant to see the ride end, but all good things must come to an end.

Next was his grandmother, since his mother and father refused for different reasons.

Their loss.

Dressed in riding leathers, which would be unusual for most ladies, Rhaelle was assisted by both her grandsons to mount the dragon. Once she was secure behind Robert and held onto his broad shoulders, her grandson asked, "Are you ready, grandmother?"

"I was born ready."

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I had always imagined what flying would feel like." Rhaelle muttered, rubbing her stinging cheeks.

It had been a long time since she smiled so long and unrestrained.

"Does it meet your expectations?" Not like it got any better than this.

Rhaelle pinched her grandson's cheek. "It far surpasses them."

"You're welcome." Robert cheekily responded after the aging woman stopped her assault.

"You have changed a great deal." Perhaps too much for it to be normal.

Robert shrugged, playing it cool. "As I said before, whores and drinking could only entertain me for so long."

"How did you discover the secret to hatching dragon eggs?" Her father almost extinguished House Targaryen in his attempt, and she was naturally curious as to what they had missed.

"It truly is simple once you think about it." The best place to hide something was to hide it in plain sight.

Now she was even more curious. "Enlighten me."

"Two things. Fire and blood." Robert recited the words of House Targaryen, which contained the secret to hatching dragon eggs.

"Blood?" Did the eggs need blood to hatch?

Robert nodded. "Oh yes, you need a sacrifice, a live one, so the dragons could be resurrected." Since dragons were made with blood magic, which itself was life, it was quite natural for the power to bring the eggs to life to come from blood itself.

"You burned a man alive?" That actually explained what her father, Aegon V, had missed.

He would never consider sacrificing a living person.

"It was a Dothraki rider. Seeing as they are nothing more than slaving bastards, I don't really feel bad." He would kill as many slavers as he could and wouldn't give a damn about them.

Rhaelle stored that knowledge away. "Where did you find the eggs?" Easier to find than the secret to hatch them, dragon eggs were still a rarity in both Westeros and Essos.

Her grandson couldn't have found them on mere chance.

"I stole them from one of the magisters who I heard was in possession of Blackfyre." Hopefully she wouldn't ask how he had heard that.

If Robert had Blackfyre, then House Targaryen would be humiliated more than ever. "Did you find it, then?"

"I did."

Rhaelle grinned. Now she was sure her father was beating his knees in the afterlife. "You have one of the two ancestral blades of House Targaryen?"

"No."

She slapped Robert on the shoulder. "Stop playing coy, Robert."

"I had it reforged and renamed." Robert answered after a couple of seconds to increase the anticipation.

Rhaelle chuckled, which turned to full-blown laughter.

"Oh, if only my father had seen you, he would have swallowed his tongue."

"Why did this magister have Blackfyre, or dragon eggs for that matter?" If it was to sell them to House Targaryen, then an offer should have come before Robert stole the sword and the eggs.

"His wife looked Valyrian; it could be because of that." A Blackfyre, more specifically, but Robert wasn't in the mood to return to Essos for war and kept it a secret.

"So you have a Valyrian steel sword now?" House Baratheon did not have one, and she was sure Steffon would curse his luck.

"Two actually. I renamed Blackfyre as Stormbringer, and the other, Nightblood." When the ice zombies came, the more Valyrian steel weapons, the better.

"Two? Where did you get the other?" Now Steffon would definitely bang his head on a wall for losing this.

"I gathered pieces of Valyrian steel, statues, necklaces, rings, and such. Had them all forged into a sword after that." It took ages, but after destroying multiple khalasars and doing some trading on the side, he had enough to have another sword forged.

It was a while before Rhaelle spoke again, as she was thinking over the things Robert had said. "There is one other matter that made me curious. Why were you hunting the Dothraki? Did they cross you?"

Since it was Robert, it was equally possible he had started a fight with the horse lords.

"No, I was just selling their horses to Braavos dirt cheap in bulk while convincing the Free Cities to pay me to destroy the Dothraki." One-time payment to destroy a khalasar was more profitable than giving the horselords tribute for years and decades.

"Two birds with one stone. Though, I heard some of the cities were displeased for some reason." There were grumblings and rumors of them putting a bounty on the Dragonlord's head, but nothing had come out of it.

Robert grinned. The sour looks the many different rulers of the Free Cities had were something he would cherish. "Oh, that. I convinced each city to pay me to destroy a certain Dothraki khalasar but didn't let them know my deal with each other. So I was paid more than once for the same work."

"They couldn't have been fine with that."

"They weren't."

Both grandmother and grandson had matching grins.

"How great is your wealth now?"

"Four million gold dragons after my expenses and some losses." No person could be a hundred percent successful in trade, and he had suffered losses.

Rhaelle looked at her grandson sharply. That was an impressive wealth, the kind only possessed by Lannisters and the Crown.

She couldn't wait to let Steffon know all about this, except the part on how to hatch dragons.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Done with flights for today, Robert went to have lunch before finding Stannis.

His younger brother was in the training yard, overlooking the drills the household guards were doing.

Several nobles were also there, including Brandon Stark, who was sparring with Elbert, while Jon and Rickard were conversing about something in a corner.

Rhaegar was there with Arthur Dayne and his number one fan, Jon Connington.

"Stannis, let's see if your bladework has improved."

"Very well."

"Valyrian steel?!"

Robert didn't forgive the mistake and brought his sword down on Stannis. "Don't get distracted now." Better his brother learn it here than out in the field.

Stannis, caught by surprise or not, raised his blade to block. His fighting style was rigid, and while it gave him a solid core to work on, it didn't leave much place for flexibility.

Winning was a matter of time to Robert, and it came when Stannis overcommitted himself to an attack. Robert took the opportunity, and the younger Baratheon brother found a sword in his neck.

"Not bad, a bit stiff, but you certainly improved." Their spars were rare, mostly when their father wanted them to, but Robert could see that Stannis had gotten better.

"Thank you."

Pulling out Stormbringer, Robert threw it to Stannis, who scrambled to catch it. "Here. I am sure this will help you eventually."

"Another one?!" Shouts rose as Stannis drew the blade, revealing the valuable steel beneath.

"You're giving this to me?" A Valyrian steel sword was not something to be gifted so easily, after all.

"I have two, and not like dual wielding is a good idea." Unlike what some show writers would have you believe.

Stannis was speechless, an event as rare as the sword he was holding. "I don't know what to say."

"Just take good care of Stormbringer, that's all."

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eventually, the sun had set, and it was time for bed.

The guard, Davon, had cleaned up well, and Robert discreetly sent the man to his room, and with a little bit of luck, there would be a very amusing show come tomorrow morning.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

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Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU, is 8 chapters ahead

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------111-------------
Storm's End

Tywin Lannister made haste to Robert Baratheon's quarter.

A servant had come to inform him that Cersei was missing and that she was last seen going towards Robert's room. He feared the worst.

Bursting into the room, he found his daughter sound asleep on the bed with a man buried under the covers. Cersei woke up due to the commotion, while the man barely stirred.

"Cersei, what have you done?" Tywin looked ready to erupt and strangle his daughter with his own hands.

The prideful lioness wasn't apologetic at all and grinned like a cat instead. "What needed to be done. You are friends with Lord Steffon; convince him to wed me to Robert now that we have lain."

Steffon chuckled. Robert had played well, and he couldn't be prouder. "One problem, young lady, that's not my son."

"What?"

The man slowly rose, and while he had a similar build to Robert, muscled and hairy, with a shaven face, he, indeed, was not Robert Baratheon.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------1111---------------------------

Robert walked to his quarters to see what the commotion was. Stretching while walking, he saw the crowd clustered before his room, and there was a fierce argument going on inside.

"I want that guard's head." Tywin hissed, though his father would never back down, not even against someone with Tywin Lannister's reputation.

It was a matter of pride to Steffon. He wouldn't let anyone, not even a friend, punish his man for something that wasn't his fault. "Just because your daughter made a mistake doesn't mean you can hold my man responsible."

"He should have known better." The reputation he had created over decades would not be for naught all because of a guard and his daughter's foolishness.

"Just like your daughter did?" If Cersei had lost her mind, it wasn't Steffon's fault.

"Boys, boys. Don't fight now; you're old friends." Robert patted both men on the shoulder, though Tywin was quick to shrug his hand.

"Instead, you should duel to the death." The offer caught both lords off guard, who looked bewildered.

Robert nodded to his father appreciatively. "Father, I'll be cheering for you." He had no doubt Steffon Baratheon was a greater fighter than Tywin Lannister.

"There will be no duel. That guard deflowered my daughter; his punishment is clear." Tywin ground out.

What Robert wouldn't give for a camera to immortalize this moment.

But it was about to be even sweeter.

Pointing at the bed where the act had taken place, Robert pointed out something very obvious that everyone was missing. "There is no blood, though, and I did sleep around enough to know how this works. So either the guard didn't touch your daughter, or she wasn't a maiden in the first place. There were sharp gasps at the insinuation. Tywin yanked his daughter off the bed to inspect for any blood, but he found only remnants of a coupling—no red stain to suggest that his daughter had been an untouched maiden.

Bristling, Tywin dragged his daughter out of the room.

"Damn, what a bitch." He would definitely pay the guard more coin for the trouble.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1111

Tywin would never accept any wrongdoing on his family's part, no matter how evident it was, and still demanded Davon's head for daring to touch a noble woman, regardless that she started it first.

Robert told the guard to demand a trial by combat and declared himself as the champion. As expected, Tywin had sent ravens to summon Gregor Clegane, the Mountain That Rides, to fight as his champion.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1111

"What were you thinking?!" And his father was back to shouting, though the grin no doubt made it hard to keep the serious facade.

Robert put his legs on the table with a lazy posture, not concerned in the slightest. "Sheesh, no need to shout, old man; I am right in front of you."

"Do you know how dangerous Gregor Clegane is?" Steffon had seen the monstrous knight in a duel once and how quickly he had crushed his enemies with unmatched brutality.

The Lord of Storm's End wasn't sure if he could defeat the Mountain in a duel.

"Do you know how dangerous I am?" He hadn't just been letting his dragons do all the fighting. Khals, Bloodriders, the Unsullied, Pit Fighters of Meereen, Norvoshi Bearded Priests, and Water Dancers.He had fought and bested them all in either one-on-one or three-on-one fights.

He could handle Gregor Clegane.

His father took a minute to calm down. "Is risking your life for that guard really worth it?"

Robert snorted. "Risking my life? There isn't a man on this continent that can pose a threat to me in a duel. And honestly? Seeing Tywin Lannister's face sour like that is worth fighting Gregor Clegane." The only fighters he would worry about were Barristan Selmy and perhaps Arthur Dayne, though the latter had nowhere near the feats Barristan the Bold boasted.

"He is right, Steffon; stop pushing him." His grandmother admonished her son. "The mighty lion, brought to his knees by his perfect daughter. No one will ever let him forget this embarrassment, just as he never let the Seven Kingdoms forget about the Tarbecks and Reynes."

Rhaelle had never liked Tywin and how he had been allowed to extinguish two houses down to babes not even able to walk. Tarbecks and Reynes definitely deserved punishment, but not like that.

"Honestly, what was that girl thinking? That Tywin or Steffon could force you to wed her?" Cassana had met Cersei on rare occasions when the two families were together, and the girl left much to be desired behind her mummer's farce.

"Probably. Then again, her parents are cousins, so it might have made her more stupid compared to an average person." He should definitely do something about all the incestuous relations going around.

Eight thousand years had already turned everyone into paranoid, power-hungry morons; no need for it to progress further.

Or maybe that was just how they were raised.

"To be honest, I never liked Cersei." Stannis could not explain his reasons, as it was more instinct than anything else, and had kept his mouth shut.

Force was strong in this one. "Believe me, this is nothing compared to what I know."

"And what do you know, brother?" What other secrets did Cersei Lannister hide?

"Enough that it would take a century for House Lannister to stop being a laughingstock of the realm. Sure you want to know?"

Steffon intervened. "I don't. Tywin and I are old friends, though I don't know if it is worth something anymore. Still, I don't wish to hear his secrets."He didn't want to hear anything about Tywin right now, good or ill.

"Alright, I'll keep my mouth shut."

"How considerate of you."

"I know, right? I am great like that." Robert smiled with eyes closed, acting oblivious to annoy his father.

It was fun, and the old man needed mental stimulation.

"Forget the Lannisters; how did you hatch the eggs?" Steffon remembered the day when King Aegon the Unlikely, his grandfather from his mother's side, had gone to Summerhall to hatch dragon eggs, only to burn down the castle, along with most of House Targaryen.

"Are you sure you feel like lying to the King when he inevitably asks you?" They were cousins and had grown together, and just because Robert disagreed with the Targaryens, these bonds would not disappear.

Thinking about it, Steffon agreed. "That probably is for the best," and changed the subject, "Another thing, thank you for the Valyrian steel sword.It makes me proud to see that you have grown so much, both in mind and in renown."

Robert chuckled. "What can I say, old man? You're welcome."

Now that the matter of the duel and dragons was shut, the Lady of House Baratheon focused on more immediate issues. "Husband, what did the king say about the Summerhall matter?"

"He finally agreed that we gave enough coin for it." Robert didn't like that answer.

"I feel like I am missing something." Why would his family pay for the reconstruction of Summerhall of all places?

Stannis gritted his teeth, and Robert knew it wasn't something good. "The King had decreed that House Baratheon was to aid in restoring Summerhall as further punishment for your actions at Harrenhal."

Exiling Robert and breaking the promise to wed Princess Shaena to his elder brother was already withdrawn.

Levying further punishment was unnecessary, and his father had protested it, only for the king to listen to his lickspittles rather than his cousin.

"How much?"

"Three hundred thousand gold dragons." Robert sighed out of relief. That was nothing.

"I'll cover that as soon as my ships arrive."

It was the least he could do, except maybe squeezing it out of the Targaryens somehow.

"It was the subject of many conversations, the Dragonlord's war against the Dothraki. Is that how you earned your wealth?" Steffon remembered his royal cousin ranting about how the Father of Dragons was wasting time warring against the horse-riding savages rather than flying to Westeros.

"Yes, I hunted the Dothraki to…" Robert explained his scheme to earn money: how he sold the Dothraki horses to Braavos in bulk and really cheap, looting the horse lords, taking coin from the other Free Cities multiple times to destroy one horde, and dabbling in trade.

"Overall, I earned around five million, and of course there were losses and expenses, so I

I have four million gold dragons now. One million of it is on ships sailing here, while the rest is safe in the Iron Bank." Sometimes he, and his dragons of course, indulged in a bit of luxury, and not every business was a success, bringing his expenses to around one million gold dragons.

Far be it from them having some quality family time, Arthur Dayne showed his face after he was granted entry into the solar. "Lord Steffon, Prince Rhaegar would like to talk to you and Lord Robert."

Time for him to make his exit. "Too bad I have other matters to attend to." Robert rose and headed for the door, though Dayne ever so slightly stepped in his way.

"Such as, my lord?" He could guess that the White Cloak's pride was hurt now that Robert was running the show and he was powerless to do anything.

"Matters related to dragons, nothing Rhaegar or you would know anything about." It was the correct thing to say, at least if you wanted to irritate your enemy, and the Sword of the Morning's hand twitched.

"Come on, give me an excuse." Robert whispered. The distance was short enough for him to break Arthur's arm before he could draw Dawn.

Shouldering past the Kingsguard, Robert left the room.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------111

He didn't even leave the floor before crossing paths with Rhaegar and his cronies, mainly Gerald Hightower, who was following the prince around as another guard, and Jon Connington.

Robert was sure the Head of House Connington was trying to suck Rhaegar's peepee.

Silver hair, purple eyes, and very fair features—he only needed long, thin ears to pass off as an Elf. "Cousin, did Ser Arthur not tell you that I wished to speak?"

"He did; I just didn't care." Gerold Hightower was more expressive in his displeasure than Arthur Dayne, as his face scrunched up, but Robert didn't really care about him either.

"I wished to speak to you regarding something important, something that concerns the Seven Kingdoms as a whole." There was only one matter that fit the criteria.

Perhaps he would play along. "Do you mean the prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised?"

His guess had Rhaegar excited. "You know it?"

"More than you do, but I have nothing to tell you." Maybe he should keep edging Rhaegar, giving him bits of information to let the Crown Prince reach conclusions, false ones, of course.

"Not even if it concerns a certain raven?"

So it was confirmed that these two were in contact. "If you two are getting along, do tell him to stop watching me, or I am going to kill him sometime."

Robert wasn't in a hurry to journey to the frigid north, even with dragons.

"He claims that things are not as they are supposed to be." Rhaegar's words stopped Robert from leaving.

Bloodraven somehow knew the changes in the timeline then, but how?

"He is right, something did change, greatly, and while I know what it is, I don't know the one responsible for it." It must have started before or during Queen Rhaella's pregnancy with Shaena, who was a stillborn. With her and all the following children alive, the timeline had gone to hell.

Aerys wasn't nearly as mad or paranoid as his canon counterpart, there was no Defiance of Duskendale, and House Targaryen was stronger than ever.

"What of the prophecy? What do you know that I don't?" And they were back to the prophecy.

If Rhaegar had a lick of sense, he would prepare the kingdom, subtly, against the Night King, rather than chase a prophecy.

"I could tell you, but not for free." Honestly, giving the information to the Targaryens could actually work in his favor.

Rhaegar considered it. "What do you want?"Gold? Riches? Land? His position as heir to Storm's End?

"Convince your father to acknowledge me as the new owner of Blackfyre and Darksister." He already had Blackfyre, though none but him and his grandmother knew, and finding Darksister shouldn't be a problem once he threatened the answer out of Bloodraven.

"You want our family heirlooms?!" Rhaegar was offended, and Robert snorted.

"Heirlooms that you long stopped searching for. Otherwise, don't bother me."

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1111

His ships arrived a week later, carrying a million gold dragons, his armor and weapons, silk, spices, and other luxury goods as gifts to his family.

Perhaps the part he was most waiting for was the flight suit, something that another dragon-riding franchise had inspired him to make. It was already tested—thanks to the unwilling slavers he had thrown off cliffs—and was perfectly safe to use.

He had three dragons; falling to his death wasn't something to worry about.



Note: Chapter 10 is way longer than any other chapter at 6.5k words, so I haven't been able to finish it yet, but it is close. On better news, the rewrite is almost over, as I'll be done after chapter 11 and we'll continue the regular updates.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever, is 9 chapters ahead

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU, is 9 chapters ahead

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon, is 10 chapters ahead

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world, is 10 chapters ahead.

By supporting me, you can read advanced and special chapters, as well as vote on how you want the fanfiction to proceed.

Note: Apple store payments will be refunded, because of the company's 75 day hold policy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blood and gore in this chapter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Storm's End

When Robert Baratheon jumped off his dragon, the majority of the people gathered in the courtyard wished him dead. When he began to soar in the skies with man-made wings, they all watched with gaping mouths.

The sight of a man, flying alongside dragons rather than riding the beasts was one that would be remembered for ages to come.

King Aerys, who was watching with glee as Robert plummeted to his demise, let out a scream of frustration and ran back into the keep.

Steffon just sighed, tired from his eldest's antics, while the rest watched in awe, except Renly, who was wondering if he could do the same.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert flew over the Storm's End, the Shipbreaker Bay, Durran's Point, and finally returned back to the castle. He dived towards the people, flying above the crowd, before landing.

Immediately, he was raised to shoulders by the joyful Stormlanders chanting his name, before Elbert's voice rose above the chatter. "To the Winged Knight of Stormlands!"

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stormlanders loved celebrations as much as they loved warring, and were quick to plead Steffon Baratheon for a feast in Robert's honour.

Wine flowed like a raging river, dangerously emptying Storm's End's cellars, though Robert made sure to drink in moderation. He even sang for the crowd, just so he wouldn't listen to the Marcher Ballads.

They were long, and got boring very quickly.

Japes, stories, and toasts filled the hall, and Robert was content to enjoy it.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Cousin, your spectacle was very eye-catching." Once again Rhaegar was being pleasant, and it sent shivers down Robert's spine in disgust.

"I have a feeling you're not here to kiss up to me?" His number one fan and lackey, Connington, flared up like a puffer fish at Robert's insult.

Rhaegar did not let the words affect him. "My father has agreed to your terms, on the condition that you find the swords before us."

"Works for me, let's go." He was already halfway there anyway.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Solar

Aerys was there, as well as Queen Rhaella and their children, Rhaegar, Shaena, Daeron and Aegon, his parents and grandmother, along with the Starks except Ashara and Catelyn.

Kingsguard were standing vigilant behind the royal family, with Hightower, Dayne, Whent, Darry, and the rest he didn't know.

"Quite the audience we have, but whatever floats your boat." Robert said while taking a seat before the royal family.

Aerys opened his mouth, but Robert raised his hand to stop him. "Before I say anything, I want you to agree to our terms again, before the sight of everyone here." Targaryens were notorious for breaking promises, and Robert wouldn't be fooled.

Gritting his teeth in pain, Aerys repeated the promise. "If you get your hands on Blackfyre and Darksister before House Targaryen does, you may keep them."

"Good enough. Ask away." It would be so sweet, to let them know that he had Blackfyre, but maybe for later.

"What do you know about the prophecy that we don't?" Rhaegar was eager, as the very prophecy was the reason King Jaehaerys wed his children, Rhaella and Aerys.

"Its really simple. The prince that was promised will rise and deliver the world from darkness. Now, who the prince that was promised isn't certain but there are two possible choices." As George had said, the prophecies were unreliable, slippery and misinterpreted, and the point wasn't an answer, but how people's beliefs in the prophecy shaped their choices.

Queen Rhaella, who was wed to her brother even though she detested the idea, wanted to know which one of her children were the ones the woodswitch Jenny had brought to the court prophesied. "Who are they?"

"The first is Rhaegar and Lyanna's firstborn child, a son, the other is your daughter." Jon was older than Daenerys by nine months or so, but with how the timeline was skewed, that would probably change.

All eyes turned to the sole daughter of Aerys and Rhaella, who was taken back by the sudden interest. "Shaena?"

Raising expectations and then crushing them was one. "No, the one that will be born next, your last child, Daenerys Targaryen."

Shaena breathed a sigh of relief now that she was no longer the focus of the room. "Daenerys, after the dreamer?" The Queen asked, her hand on her womb, while Aerys looked at his wife with wonder, perhaps for the first time in their marriage.

Robert shrugged. "I guess that's why you named her that. Anyway, either one, or both of them, are the prince that was promised, which is a bit tricky, but I think it is the latter. In my dreams, Rhaegar and Lyanna's son roused men to fight, while Daenerys brought the dragons to the world."

The reason he was giving so much about the prophecy, in return for Blackfyre and Darksister, which he would have kept anyway, was because of a plan, a rather long term one.

"Then how did you do it?" Daeron, just like most other Targaryens, had questioned how the dragons could be hatched, but the answer had eluded him as well.

Leaning back with a pompous smile, Robert shrugged. "It is easy to figure out once you use your head. Continuing, the darkness mentioned in the prophecy is the Night King and the White Walkers." While the Night King was a show only invention, seeing as most characters here resembled their show counterparts, such as Tywin Lannister, Eddard Stark and Olenna Tyrell, he was going with that plot.

There was a silence in the room before Aerys scoffed.

"Peh, nothing but fairy tales."

"On the contrary, they are quite real, and have been hiding beyond the Wall, gathering a horde of undead to destroy the living." A weapon out of control that threatened to destroy the planet sounded like a fun enemy to fight to Robert.

"What proof do you have?" If those fairy tales were true, then the North would be the first line of defense against the Others.

At least Rickard was willing to listen rather than outright refuse to listen."I haven't been to the lands beyond the Wall, so nothing, but I can tell you how to get it."

"How?"

"First, there is a man right beyond the Wall, known as Caster, a disgusting abomination that needs to be put to sword. He has children from several women, and once the daughters grow old enough, he takes them as wife too. But the boys, he leaves them out in the open to die, and the White Walkers take them to be turned to their own kind and replenish their numbers." If he ever bothered to go to the Wall and beyond it, Robert would definitely kill Caster.

"The other?" The thought that the humans were turned to White Walkers was not a pleasant one.

"Buried beneath the Fist of the First Men, you will find dragonglass weapons and a cracked horn that might be the Horn of Winter, wrapped in oilcloth and old leather. Now, unless sometime in its history the Watch had fallen so low that they resorted to using dragonglass weapons, one of the rare materials that are effective against the Others, then they had another purpose." Speaking of the horn, obtaining it would be a great trump card to use against the North.

"What else?" The Northern lords had kept the Watch supplied with weapons for centuries, even in the direst of situations. There should be no reason for them to use dragonglass weapons.

"Children of the Forest, you can find a small enclave north of the Haunted Forest, in the cave of the last greenseer. I am sure they can validate my claims." Robert would need to find them first of course, to see if they were the ones responsible for creating the Night King, if it existed that is.

Aerys, who was not familiar with the Northern culture except the bare minimum that he had been exposed to, wanted to know more. "What is this horn he speaks of?"

"A horn that supposedly can bring down the wall. Is there no way to be sure of it?" Rickard explained it to the father of his good-son.

"You can blow it I suppose, and probably start the apocalypse early." If the Wall did come down, Robert, as the Father of Dragons, would have to deal with the undead horde.

Finally, he turned to the one man who was more interested in this matter than anyone else. "So, Rhaegar, while it is possible that your son with Lyanna will be the prophesied saviour, it is more likely that both him and Daenerys make a part of the prophecy. Then again, these things are vague and you rarely understand what a prophecy exactly means until it passes."

"Our son…" The Crown Prince spoke with wonder, but his betrothed did not share the sentiment.

"Are you telling me that you wanted to marry me for a gods damned prophecy?" Lyanna, who was silent until now, seethed between her teeth.

From escaping marrying a man who only wanted her to be good-brothers with her brother to a one that wanted her for a prophecy? That wasn't any better to her.

"Is this true?!" Brandon bristled. He never liked Rhaegar, who preferred to bury his head in books and scrolls.

Robert grinned from ear to ear. "Why are you so surprised?"

"Son, not now." His father pleaded, the revelations weighing down on him, and he did not wish to witness more Targaryen family drama.

Rhaegar was quick to diffuse the situation. "Lyanna, this is not the place to discuss this, and cousin, please refrain from involving yourself in our matters."

Robert raised his hands in surrender. "Anything else?"

Daeron, who was frowning during the entire conversation, spoke. "You said it was easy to figure out the secret to hatching the dragons, yet I find it hard to believe."

Robert blinked, his face blank. "I find it hard to care that you don't believe me. It's not like Storm's End will be hit first if the living dead breach the Wall." First it was the North, who did not like him, then Riverlands, who did not like him, and Vale of course, who loved Robert as one of their own, and finally the Crownlands and King's Landing before they even reached Stormlands.

Not that Robert was petty enough to let thousands of innocents die just because their lords had a grudge against him.

"You, who was nothing more than a drunken brute that attacked the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdom in full view of the royal family and the great lords, discovered how to hatch dragon eggs by thinking about it?" It was rare to find someone with so much sense who liked to talk his mind, only for him to be an enemy by association.

"Hey, not my fault you lot are not as interesting as alcohol. As for attacking Rhaegar, I don't see the white cloaks as threats."

"They are the greatest knights in the Seven Kingdoms."

"A good knight doesn't mean a good warrior, and I don't see anyone except Barristan as a great warrior." The old knight shifted in his place, and Robert couldn't help but think how he was wasted on the Targaryens.

"Perhaps we should return to the matter at hand." Queen Rhaella suggested and Aerys was quick to join his wife. "Enough with your prattling."

"Since you believe that the Night King and the White Walkers are real and a threat, should we not join forces?" Rhaegar offered to gauge whether Robert would agree or refuse out of spite.

He could hear the offer at the least. "I am open to suggestions."

Aerys, both as the King and as the head of house Targaryen, made the offer. "Shaena's hand is not yet promised, if you wed her, your first daughter with her will be wed to Rhaegar and Lyanna's son as the future queen."

"I am against incest." She was pretty, no doubt about it, but they were second cousins so it was a hard pass.

"Then your firstborn daughter with whomever you wed as the queen."

"My experiences in the last five years made it so that I am against arranged marriages, and I don't really see anyone in the Seven Kingdoms that I would wed." He was in a fantasy world, no way in hell was he going to marry an ordinary lady or a princess when he could find a warrioress or a sorceress.

"Then perhaps Jaehaerys or Visery can squire for you." They had nothing to offer except to squire one of their own.

"Sounds too much like raising children. I'll pass." Robert didn't really feel like being responsible for the upbringing of a child, especially one that wasn't his own.

Rhaegar was getting frustrated now. "There must be something you want."

"I'll get back to you if I ever figure it out." The room went silent for a while, and seeing as it was over, Rhaelle rose from her seat.

"Now, grandson, since you are finished here, can I get a dragon?" That request had the eyes of everyone in the room widen in shock, and Robert chuckled.

"What are you even waiting for? Let's go grandma."

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I was thinking of claiming Ra, do you think it would be possible?" Whenever she watched the dragons, the smallest dragon would always be up to play, whether by himself, or by annoying his brothers.

"No."

"Since you ride Obelisk, then Slifer?" That one was a moody beast, lazy one second, ready to eat someone the next, but the alternative was no dragon at all.

"No."

"We are going to hatch you an egg."

Their matching grins told the world that things would only get troublesome, for everyone but the grandmother and grandson pair.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was rare for Tywin Lannister to be so furious.

He was furious when their bannermen mocked his impotent father, refusing to pay their debts. He was seething when his witless father, Tytos, wed his only sister, Genna, to a Frey weasel.

The bannermen, Tarbecks and Reynes had paid the price of their arrogance, while the weasels were spared from sharing the same fate due to the advantage the Crossing provided, and Genna's marriage was well established.

And now, the third great insult and shame to his house came from none other than Cersei, his daughter, who was promised to Prince Daeron and would be the Princess of Summerhall.

Killing his daughter was out of the question, only because she still was a part of his dear wife, Joanna.

It wouldn't have been so disastrous if she had slept with Robert, a noble, but being deceived to lay with a commoner?

That was almost as horrible as the fact that his daughter was not a maiden.

The architect of the whole matter, Robert Baratheon, was out of the reach of his claws now, but Tywin would eventually find a way.

The door knocked, and Ser Dayne's voice called out to him. "Lord Hand, His Grace summons you."

"We should not leave him waiting then."

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aerys had never liked Rhaelle.

His aunt, she may be, but the meddlesome woman was nothing but a headache he couldn't rid himself off, since kinslaying was such a bothersome matter, and she was Steffon's mother.

Now, her grandson, that oaf Robert, had not only hatched dragons, but was going to give one of them to Rhaelle.

The broken alliance with the Lannister's would have to be renewed. Aerys would have mocked Tywin for how foolish his perfect daughter was, but did not have the mind for it.

"Your Grace, the Lord Hand has arrived."

"Sit." He ordered Tywin before the proud lion could do so. "Our houses will be tied, regardless of your daughter's dishonor. Shaena will wed your son and heir, Jaime, and your youngest will foster at the court." Aerys didn't care for the dwarf, but at least the little monstrosity could be amusing whenever he was frustrated.

Perhaps he could make the dwarf of Casterly Rock into a court jester.

"Your Grace, my youngest is…." Tywin began to refuse, but Aerys waved his hand dismissively.

"I won't hear of it. Rhaella has been troubling me over the matter, and now she can silence her mouth." If nothing, at least not having to hear Rhaella's requests would be worth it.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"That knight of yours, the Mountain, can he kill Robert?" He had heard that the Mountain was eight feet tall and could hack a man in half with a single blow.

Hopefully Robert would share the same fate.

"There is no man alive that can match Ser Gregor's strength, Your Grace."

"I suppose we shall see."

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Any idea where to find bandits or some such to burn?"

"Lord Errol's lands are plagued by a small band of outlaws, but they are hard to catch."

"We have air superiority."

"That magister, Illyrio, how did he even find five eggs?" A handful of eggs had left Westeros, whether as gifts or sold for gold, but for five of them to be in one place? It was unheard of these days.

"He only had three. I found the other two elsewhere."

"I found some old records of Cannibal flying to Valyria after the Dance, and followed its track to a small island just outside the Smoking Sea. It had a fight with a shedragon and they both died. Only one egg had survived the fight and the ravages of time." He had considered selling the bones, but they were too weathered to be of much use, and had left them there to rot.

"As for the other, a merchant approached me to sell it if I lend a hand to destroy his enemies." Which he was sure was not canon, because at the least that merchant would have offered the egg to Daenerys to gain her favor. The one on the island was a complete unknown, and following Cannibal's tracks might have led to the island, or it might not exist in canon at all, just like the other egg.

"Two eggs, grandson? Any other secrets you would like to share?" Two eggs meant two more dragons, and if any of them were to be a female, then House Baratheon's, or at least Robert's, power would be solidified for generations to come.

"I'll let you know if anything comes to mind."

"Why didn't you tell us beforehand?"

Robert wasn't exactly keeping it a secret, it was just that the matter never came up. "I was going to gift the egg to you on your name day, but since you asked, I thought today was as good as any."

"My boy, you returning alive and healthy is the greatest gift you can give me. I can't bear the loss of another family member." First the death of her parents and siblings, no matter how estranged they were, followed by her husband's death, had left deep wounds in Rhaelle.

"You're going to make me cry now. Does that mean you don't want a dragon?" Robert teased to lighten the somber mood.

It worked as Rhaelle chuckled, welcoming the distraction. "Hah, no, I still want one."

"I never got to ask, but you never liked Aerys. Why is that?" Even before the whole matter at Harrenhal his grandmother wasn't a fan of Aerys.

"It was his parents, Jaehearys and Shaera. Rhaella never wanted to wed Aerys, though her words fell on deaf ears. I wasn't silent about my thoughts on their betrothal, and they never liked me for trying to prevent their destiny. Aerys feels the same too, so we don't like one another." They had wed poor Rhaella to Aerys, who, even as a young man, was a beastly boy with no care for what happened around him.

All just to chase a prophecy.

"Speaking of weddings, I am glad you are not fixated on that Stark girl anymore." Now if only Robert would find a nice girl to settle with and give her some great-grandchildren everything would be perfect.

Just remembering the memory made Robert curse his younger self."As I said, I just saw Eddard as another brother, that's all. Not like an alliance with House Stark offered us much anyway."

"There." Rhaelle pointed out to a small camp area, with a dozen men sitting around a bonfire, and a ditch filled with corpses. Wooden stakes were built to act as protection against cavalry, but it meant nothing to dragons.

"Hello there." Robert greeted the bandits, who were terrified on the spot as they were surrounded by three dragons with no chance of escape.

"Too bad there is no one here to get the reference." What he wouldn't give to have someone who understood 21st century Earth references.

"Anyway, didn't your parents teach you not to resort to banditry? Don't you know how bad that is for your health?" He mocked the terrified bandits, who looked ready to die of fright.

Robert turned to his grandmother instead. "You don't have to see this, you know."

"If I want a dragon, I should at least be brave enough to see it through." She had no doubt Ormund would eventually have to kill someone, better be ready for it now.

"Alright." Robert nodded. His grandma was tough. "Catch!" He threw the egg to the frozen bandit, who caught it entirely on chance, before Robert gave the order.

"Ignis."

Three streams of fire coalesced on the bandits, and they barely made a peep before their throat and lungs were burned. Now, the only sound was that of the crackling flames. The signature pop sound broke through it, and a black dragon, one far larger than his three dragons were when hatched, crawled out of the dying embers.

So, the more sacrifice meant a bigger dragon, because while his dragons were kitten sized, this one was like a large dog. He remembered the red crystal on that fateful day five years ago, and how it must have affected the growth rate of Obelisk, Slifer and Ra.

He helped his grandmother dismount, and she slowly approached the dragon to not startle the beast who was looking around with bleary eyes.

Braving the stench of burnt meat, Rhaelle crouched and held her hand out to the dragon.

Cooing like a dove, the dragon nuzzled the offered hand, and Robert slid off Obelisk's back to go and take a look.

Being gentle in taking hold of the dragon, lest he loses a finger, Robert checked the beast over.

It was another boy.

Turning to his grandmother, Robert handed the dragon to her, who took the beast with reverence. It soon fell asleep, tired no doubt.

"What should I name him?" There were so many dragon names, but all were associated with Targaryens, and Rhaelle felt no connection to them.

Robert had a lot of names in mind, but his grandmother had no idea what any of them referred to. "Don't know, something fierce, perhaps?"

"Ormund."

"After grandfather? If it will remind you of the good times, sure, if not, then it is a bad idea." His father did say that Ormund Baratheon was a fierce warrior, as all Baratheon men tended to be.

"Ormund it is."

Before they left, Robert burned the corpses of the victims, the only thing he could do to honour their lives, rather than let them be picked apart by scavengers.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Storm's End

It was well into the night when they finally returned. His family had quickly come out to see the new dragon.

"Goodness, look at how big it is." Cassana peered closely as the night black beast was hard to see in the darkness.

His grandmother beamed, rubbing the dragon's head as it securely slept in Robert's arms. "Meet Ormund, my dear."

She wanted to carry him, but he was too heavy for her.

Steffon smiled, remembering his late father."After father? I am sure he would have been proud."

Anyone who had a dragon named after them would be.

"You had more eggs, Robert? Had I known, I might have asked for one myself." Steffon teased his eldest, who didn't even blink before retorting.

"What can I say? I am a man of many surprises."

"I am your father." Then again, that never made Robert listen.

A certain Jedi's reaction to learning his father's true identity came to mind. "You're lucky it's late, or I would have caused a spectacle you wouldn't forget."

Feeding the dragons first, Robert filled his own stomach before hitting the sack.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next month was relatively peaceful, and the guests only stayed for that long to witness the duel. His grandmother was the one who enjoyed the situation most, as her new dragon, Ormund, followed her around like a puppy, and she made sure that Aerys witnessed it at every possible turn, leaving the King fuming.

Targaryens and Starks came every once in a while to ask him more about the Others and the prophecy, and he was all too happy to answer.

But there were more attention grabbing matters than the prophecy.

Oldtown, the seat of House Hightower, and the sole center of learning in all of Westeros, the Citadel, were going to introduce a new healing school, called Oldtown Medicine Center, to educate a new breed of healers and seek cures for diseases of all kinds.

No matter how much things had deviated, that was not something that should have happened.

If the pace of their research was anything to go by, it wasn't just someone who wanted to save lives doing good work.

He would need to get to the bottom of it, fast.

For now, though, he had a more pressing matter. The ship carrying Gregor Clegane from Lannisport had just approached the shore close enough to lower their boats so they could row rather than try the treacherous waters and terrain of the Shipbreaker Bay.

Almost eight feet tall, with a build that screamed danger, Gregor Clegane either had some sort of growth hormone related issue, or somewhere down the line one of his ancestors had fucked a giant.

None of the actors in the show could do the bastard justice.

He did not come alone, as his men followed the enormous knight, and Robert spied someone among Tywin Lannister's little terror group.

A pig on two feet with a manticore sigil, Amory Loch's ugly face graced the Storm's End.

Which got Robert thinking.

Why not kill two monsters with one duel?

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Clegane had rested, it was time for the duel. Dressed in his white and gold armor with his trusty, double hooked hammer at his side, Robert headed for the Tourney grounds.

They were set up for Stannis' wedding, but with it cancelled, the place had been slowly torn apart, but a clearing had been left which would act as the arena.

"Did you know Gregor Clegane can rip a man's head off? And here you are, dueling him. You have outdone yourself, Lord Robert." Jaime Lannister was waiting for Robert outside the gates, an apple in his hand, and a cocky smirk on his face.

How cute, the lion thought he had a bite. "Is the Lannister pup angry that his sister tried to fuck me rather than him?"

Eyes widening in terror, Jaime looked around wildly to see if anyone had heard. "I don't know what you mean."

"Sure, you don't." Robert could have left the matter there, but it wouldn't be fun. "I was always curious about something concerning you two." The story of ASOIAF wasn't complete yet, and there was a three year gap when Joanna left King's Landing and gave birth to the twins, so anything was possible.

His smirk wiped out, Jaime was more apprehensive now. "What would that be?"

Grinning like a devil, Robert leaned down, looking the would-be Kingslayer in the eyes. "It is well known that King Aerys lusted after your late mother, Lady Joanna, and seeing as you and Cersei commit incest like Targaryens do, perhaps he is your true father?"

"You dare?!" Jaime was seething and his hand went to his word. Robert took a step forward and grasped the Lannister boy's hand, squeezing it and preventing Jaime from pulling the sword out. "Careful, pup, someone might think you are trying to kill me."

"I'll have to leave that pleasure to the Mountain." Tywin's perfect golden heir gritted his teeth, but wasn't going to attack now.

Robert stuck his tongue out like a juvenile. "Not even in your dreams, sister fucker."

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert entered the arena where Gregor Clegane was waiting for him with a great sword in one hand, and a massive oaken shield rimmed in black iron, bearing the three black dogs of House Clegane on a yellow field.

"You know, I don't think this will be a fair fight for the big and ugly here. Amory Loch should fight with him too." Robert pointed his hammer at the pig faced knight.

His parents rushed to dissuade him but Tywin was one step ahead, and accepted it with a ghost of a smile.

"Very well."

Steffon wanted to slap some sense to his son.

The herald, responsible for starting the combat, disagreed. "My lord, there is no precedent for it."

Robert patted the man on the shoulder, assuring him that it was fine. "All the included sides agree to it, there is no cause for alarm."

Amory Loch, prompted by Tywin, quickly entered the arena, taking his place behind Robert.

Clegane at the front, Loch at the back, Robert was surrounded, but not worried at all. Putting his hammer down and closing his eyes, the Father of Dragons listened.

"Begin." The herald announced, and both dogs of Tywin Lannister attacked.

Gregor brought his massive sword down, intending to shred Robert from left shoulder to hip, while Loch did the same to the other side.

Robert twisted his body to the left, far more agile and quick than his size would indicate, causing the Mountain's sword to hit the ground, while using his vambrace to block Loch's swing.

Spinning on his heel to the left, Robert grasped the hammer with his right hand, using the momentum to swing the hooked side straight at Loch's head.

The hooks pierced through the helmet, and Amory Loch's head disappeared in a shower of blood and gore, its weight, coupled with Robert's speed and size, making it a trivial show of strength.

Still spinning, Robert ducked, dodging the horizontal swing from Gregor Clegane, who had extended himself with the monstrous strength behind the attack, and twirled the hammer to the other side, using the opening to shatter the Mountain's left knee, bypassing the shield entirely.

Gregor Clegane went down with a scream, the pain from his mutilated leg too great to ignore.

The crowd was astonished that the man Tywin Lannister had trusted to kill Robert went down so easily.

"Look at you, so hopeful that your little attack dog would kill me." Robert mocked Tywin, who could do nothing but watch.

Gregor, who was spewing profanities, decided to mention Robert's family.

Narrowing his eyes, Robert brought the hammer down on the ruined knee, and tore the leg off, and Gregor's screams were deafening.

Weakened from the pain and the bloodloss, the Mountain was in no position to resist as Robert removed the helmet and took Gregor's head between his arms.

"I heard you can tear a man's head off, let's see if yours is strong enough to resist."

Pushing down on Gregor's shoulder with one leg, Robert dug his fingers to the dying man's neck, tearing through skin and flesh as hot, sticky blood flowed.

Ignoring the Mountain's futile attempts to stop him, Robert pulled.

The first tug tore the flesh where his fingers had pierced, the second pull broke bones and put the Mountain out his misery, and the last attempt caused the head to come off with blood flying spilling everywhere.

His armor now a mix of red and gold, Robert threw the head to where Tywin Lannister was sitting.

"These two were horrible monsters." Robert spoke to the stunned crowd as he removed his helmet.

"Rapists and murderers, I wouldn't even call these two animals, for it would be an insult to them."

"If only any of you knew the horrible tasks I have seen Tywin Lannister send those two bastards to commit." He could describe what they did to Elia and her children, but Robert had made his point to the relevant authorities.

Tywin Lannister and the Targaryens watched him with fear now. It was one thing for Robert to have dragons, another thing for him to kill a dangerous man like Gregor Clegane so easily.

"Come now, you didn't think this was going to end any other way, did you?" Watching the still silent crowd, Robert began to laugh, and did not stop for a while, even as he left the arena to go and wash.

Today was a productive day.

 

[Samael61]

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Storm's End

Next Day

"Where in the seven hells did you learn to fight like that?" That half-giant of a man, Gregor Clegane, had gone down so quickly and easily, Steffon wasn't sure if it was even real.

Not to mention, it was a two-on-one fight.

Robert just grinned. "Here and there. There are a lot of good warriors in Essos." It was the truth, just lacking in details.

"You were always strong, but this was astounding, though I don't think your mother liked the sight of it." His wife wasn't the only one who balked at the sight of seeing Robert rip a man's head off.

Robert winced. "I'll let you know when I intend to cause a mess like that again."

"Wonderful." His father had his sarcasm coat on today. "Here." He dropped a thick stack of letters on Robert's lap, suddenly amused.

"What are these?" Robert inspected the letters, seeing that the first envelope on top had the sigil of House Florent.

They weren't offering Selyse to Stannis, were they?

"Betrothal offers for you." Steffon dropped two more stacks on Robert's lap, enjoying his son's annoyance too much.

The Lord of Storm's End pulled the first letter on the third stack out, with the sigil of House Hightower. "Hightowers gave the best terms so far. They offered to foster Renly, allow Stormlanders to learn at their Medicine Center, and trade offers along with your pick of the Hightower sisters as a wife."

"I am against fostering Renly and not interested in the Hightowers—Malora is called the Mad Maid, and don't even get me started on the rest. Trade is fine, and so is sending people to this medicine center. In fact, if Renly ever shows interest, we can send him to learn there." Better than being fostered in the court or, worse, played by the Tyrells like a tool.

Steffon's grin did not waver; in fact, it got even more devious. "I am glad to see that you have learned how to handle these matters as well. I only wish it had happened before."

"Thank you for your unwavering support, Father." Robert replied dryly.

"My pleasure. Now, I am sure you will enjoy writing refusal letters for each and every offer. Maester Cressen is seeing to Renly's lessons and can't help you."

Quickly, each family member made an excuse and left the solar to avoid helping Robert with the tedious task.

Looking at the stacks blankly, Robert sighed. Taking enough paper and ink, he left the room.

No way he was going to write letters while stuck in this room all day.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top of the Drum Tower

In his younger days, before he went to foster in Vale, and during his visits home, his father had never allowed him to climb to the top of the Drum Tower.

But none could tell him what to do now, so enjoying the breeze and the fresh air, Robert began to write the refusal letters.

He was making good progress and had finished half before voices from the rookery broke his concentration.

"My Prince, should we not speak in a more secluded place?" Arthur Dayne's calm and authoritative voice came from the rookery.

"Rarely anyone except the Maester of Storm's End comes here, and I think one of the servants is following me. It is plausible that Robert is keeping an eye on us." Rhaegar's words further confused him.

"No, I am not." Robert thought, but if it wasn't him, then who was having Rhaegar followed?

Or was he just being paranoid?

"What are your orders, my prince?" Okay, now they were definitely plotting something, and knowing his luck, it would most likely be him.

"Robert will have to die, but it cannot be traced back to us. If we cannot secure the dragons, then the fury of House Baratheon will be upon us." Eye twitching, Robert considered going down and throwing both off the tower, calling it an accident.

"Then give me the honor, my prince." Killing him was an honor now? Robert didn't know whether to feel insulted or complimented.

"Everyone will know it was me who ordered you, Arthur."

Rhaegar's number one favorite Kingsguard killing Robert? Of course everyone would suspect Rhaegar.

"Not if I make a spectacle out of it."

"A spectacle?"

"Aye. If I slander you and King Aerys before everyone and claim I did because you were weak, that would anger the King enough to avert suspicion. If he gives my head to Lord Steffon, then you and the royal family would be safe."

The plot to kill him aside, Robert was impressed by Dayne's willingness to die for his cause. Then again, the Kingsguard were more about brawn than brains.

"Arthur, if you do this, then your honor will be besmirched forever."

"It is a risk I am willing to take."

"I won't let your sacrifice be in vain, my friend."

"Is that so?" Robert grinned.

He would make sure it would, in fact, be in vain.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A devious plan forming in his mind, Robert went to his quarters after finishing writing the letters.

Rhaegar and Dayne were going to regret trying to kill him.

Stannis, his brother, stood in front of his room with the usual servant that looked after his chores.

"Stannis, did something happen?" His little brother was frowning; whatever the servant had said must not have been good news.

"Aye. She saw Jon Connington enter your room and saw him leave clutching something."

Robert barged into the room and went straight for the nightstand, where he was keeping the diary. Pulling the drawer open, he found it to be empty and smirked.

"Brother, has something been stolen?" To think that a noble would act like a common thief and steal, much less from the son of his liege lord?

Connington had no honor.

"Yes, the false diary." Ah, Connington, willing to do everything for his one and only love, Rhaegar Targaryen.

"A false diary? Why?" Had Robert seen something in his dreams, or anticipated it?

"Just in case something like this happened." He didn't think it would be Jon Connington of all people, but he was fixated on Rhaegar like that.

"I suppose you're right." If this theft had not happened, Stannis would have thought his brother overly cautious.

Robert turned to the servant. This matter would have to be kept quiet. "What's your name?"

"Melisa, my lord."

"Here." Robert handed her a handful of dragons. "You didn't see anything; in fact, you weren't even here."

Nodding mutely, the servant left the room, still clutching the gold coins.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Do tell the King that I need an audience to discuss their alliance offer again." It was time to make Rhaegar pay for his arrogance.

Dayne, who was guarding the king's quarters today, narrowed his eyes but knocked on the door, turning back to Robert after a small conversation with Aerys. "His Grace will see you."

Entering the room, Robert examined the place given to the king as the guest of honor. "Quite the spacious quarters my father gave you. The benefit of being family, I suppose."

Aerys, who was sitting on the bed, glared at Robert. "What do you want, boy?"

"To discuss the alliance offer you made." He said, taking a seat without permission.

The king sneered. "You refused everything."

"Not out of spite, I assure you, merely because your offers did not interest me. Which is why I came up with an alternative. Rather than what I want, I'll ask you, "What do you want?" He would not give Aerys any ideas but let the king reach the conclusion Robert wanted.

"A dragon." Aerys immediately answered.

It was obvious, but Robert had a part to play. "That is going to be tough. I raised them from eggs; they are too attached to me to choose another rider. I mean, you would have to look and smell like me to fool them."

Let Aerys think he figured everything out without any help from Robert.

"What do you mean?"

"If the dragons can't see your face but recognize my smell on you, they would think you are me and allow you to ride them, but I have no idea how to do that."

"I can wear your clothes." Aerys revealed the brilliant idea, but Robert shook his head.

Not that easy.

"Our builds are too different. The dragons won't let you approach if they see your face." It was all lies, of course, as the dragons would definitely realize that Robert wasn't in the armor.

Since Robert had not outright refused, Aerys took it a step further. "Your armor. I can wear it to hide my face and body."

"No offense, but I don't think you can move well inside my armor." Now, it was time to insult the king's pride, which would only make him double down on the idea.

Scoffing at the perceived insult, Aerys did not give up. "I fought in the War of the Ninepenny Kings; I know how to carry myself in armor."

"I don't know… My armor is just too large."

"I said I can do it."

Finally, Robert gave up. "Alright, alright, I'll take your word for it."

"If you give me a dragon, then you must want something in return." Aerys might not be the most intelligent of rulers, but he wasn't a complete fool.

He knew that the dragons wouldn't come without something in return.

"Tax and fee exemption for me and my direct line, and you will have to remove Tywin Lannister as the hand." He wasn't going to pay taxes anyway, and Tywin didn't really matter to him, but Robert had to demand something in return.

"Tywin? Why?" Was it because of that stupid little whore, Cersei?

"He irritates me."

"Fine. I will do it as soon as I claim one of the dragons." With a dragon under his command, Tywin would not dare to repeat his schemes, especially after that knight of his failed.

"Works for me. Though, you should keep this a secret." This was perhaps the most important part, because if Aerys boasted to anyone, then the whole plan would go to waste and Rhaegar would be aware that Robert knew of his attempt to kill him.

"Why is that?"

"Rhaegar and Dayne, they keep meeting in secluded places, plotting something, but I don't know what. Best if the word doesn't reach them until the whole thing is over." Aerys was still a paranoid individual and agreed to keep it a secret.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"By the way, Dayne?" Robert spun around with one quick move, causing the Kingsguard to freeze in place. This would have been the perfect time for Dayne to strike, but Robert wasn't going to give him the opportunity.

"Yes, my lord?"

"Is it true that you and Connington both suck Rhaegar's peepee at the same time?" Robert asked, innocently, and Arthur Dayne flared up, hand on Dawn's pommel, glaring at him, but couldn't do anything in the end.

Grinning like an imp, Robert left the Targaryen quarters.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next Day

Arthur listened as Robert Baratheon and King Aerys spoke while the Father of Dragons wore his armor for some reason.

When he heard King Aerys leave the Sword of the Morning, he prepared himself, ready to finish his task, knowing it would cost him his life. He could no longer hear the king's footsteps and moved.

Robert Baratheon, donned in his armor, wobbled into the courtyard, but Arthur was too focused on a single purpose and did not think to question why.

Now sprinting, Arthur swung his sword while Robert tried to turn around clumsily, but it was futile.

The Dawn, forged from the heart of a fallen star, decapitated the Father of Dragons, and the courtyard fell deathly silent as Robert Baratheon's head fell.

Screams and shouts erupted out of the spectators, and the guards of House Baratheon rushed at Arthur Dayne, dogpiling the Sword of Morning, who did not offer any resistance, his task complete.

The dragons, who were watching the stranger wearing their father's armor approach them, did not even respond to the situation, going back to cleaning themselves.

Starks, Tyrells, Lannisters, and Targaryens who were mingling in the courtyard were stunned at first, what they saw taking a while to register.

Hope bloomed in their chests, thinking their greatest enemy was dead.

"What's all this commotion now?" A voice, one belonging to the man that was supposed to be dead now, came from the gate, and their hopes were crushed in the blink of an eye.

Rickard Stark, with dread pooling in his stomach, slowly turned to face Robert. "If that wasn't you, then who did he just kill?"

"Oh, that was King Aerys."

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"How did this happen?! Why was the king wearing your armor?" His father demanded. King Aerys, killed in Storm's End by his own kingsguard?

No matter what, it wouldn't look good.

Robert reacted to his father's furious questions with the serenity of a still lake. "The late king, you mean, and him donning my armor was part of a secret agreement between us. As for why Dayne killed him, no idea."

His father did not like the answer. "You appeared as if you knew everything, yet Dayne's reasons for committing kingslaying are beyond you?"

"I am awe-inspiring, not all-knowing."

"This is a nightmare."

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whether in the medieval age or the information age, public opinion mattered a lot.

Robert, seizing the chaos caused by the sudden death of the king by his kingsguard, spread rumors that it was Rhaegar's plan to kill his father so he could be the king.

Rhaegar and the Targaryens, too busy trying to calm the great lords, realized what had happened too late.

Arthur Dayne had no choice but to eventually admit that he had slain King Aerys because he was too weak and indecisive, forever marring his name as an accursed kingslayer. The Sword of Morning's closeness to Prince Rhaegar was not a secret, which had only fueled the rumors.

There were grumbles that Dayne's actual target was Robert, but he assured everyone that the kingsguard was present when he and Aerys were discussing the reason the late king wore Robert's armor.

Proud as he was, Dayne had chosen to kill the king in full view of the nobles rather than assassinating him like a knave, ending the reign of Aerys II Targaryen.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With Arthur Dayne in the dungeons, Gerold Hightower and Oswell Whent were protecting the soon-to-be-crowned king.

"Do tell Rhaegar I need to speak to him." He told the kingsguards, who were watching him with apprehension.

Hightower moved closer to the door, as if to protect it with his body. "His Grace isn't accepting visitors at this time."

"I am here to offer my condolences and support my dear cousin in his time of hardship. Just go and tell him, if he says no, I'll leave." Rhaegar would eventually come to him, but he wanted to at least speak to the Targaryen before leaving.

Hightower peeked inside the door and allowed Robert in after the king agreed. "His Grace will see you, as long as you are unarmed."

"Seeing as the Kingsguard killed more kings than me, you should be the ones unarmed."

They did not like that at all.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You are devious. You could have exposed me or killed Arthur when he attacked you, but you chose to make one of the most honorable and chivalrous knights in the kingdom commit kingslaying." Rhaegar's eyes were filled with loathing, and Robert was sure if he thought there was a reasonable chance, his Targaryen cousin would try to kill him.

"Cousin, it almost sounds like you ordered Arthur Dayne to kill me. Thank the gods neither of us believe these ghastly rumors; otherwise, I would kill you."

It was his way of telling Rhaegar to stick to the story, because it benefited Robert most of all.

"Why are you here?"

"I just came to give you my condolences for the loss of your father and offer you my voice to clear the rumors surrounding Ser Dayne's actions, for a small appreciation of my toil." Robert offered, and even if Rhaegar didn't agree, he would still be the one to win.

"And what would your price be?" What could Robert want from him?*

"Two million gold dragons should suffice." Dispelling the rumors about him being a kinslayer should at least be worth that much.

"Get out."

"As you wish, but next time, the price will go up."

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tormenting Rhaegar was fun at first but got boring quickly, and Robert turned his attention to future matters.

He, in his infinite wisdom, decided to build a trade empire, selling high-quality goods, ranging from luxury items to weapons and arms, livestock, horses, ships, and everything else worth trading, except immoral acts such as slavery.

For that, he had to have a person, a sailor, who knew the prices and where to get which goods, as well as the willingness to take risks, and he knew just the man for it.

If Stannis took Storm's End, Robert would take Ser Davos Seaworth.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Silent Sisters had prepared the king's body to be carried to King's Landing so he might be buried beneath the Great Sept of Baelor.

Robert was heading to the city as well, for personal business rather than joining the funeral or Rhaegar's crowning ceremony.

The soon-to-be king had not come to Robert during the week that had passed after their talk, but once the rumors reach King's Landing, he might just have a change of heart. The journey to King's Landing was slow, as he had to match his speed to the host's, but it gave him plenty of time to plan.

First, he would need a base of operations, and the logical choice was to build a city with infrastructure to construct a high number of trade vessels. To that end, Robert was going to buy a sizable plot of land from House Staedmon.

Of course, a city was nothing without its people, and Robert would do his utmost to recruit the best and most capable people on the continent and beyond and educate the ones with potential for his city's future.

He had rescued several artisans of different masteries from the Dothraki over the years, and they were currently in Braavos, working in whatever jobs they could find. Robert would offer them the chance to practice their craft again.

The third step was diplomacy. Trade was the lifeblood of civilization, and he would have to negotiate agreements with the rulers of Westeros and Essos.

It would not be easy or simple, but retirement sounded boring to the ear when there was adventure to be had.

Now if only the slowpokes below could move faster.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World is four chapters ahead there.

You can also check out my other stories in my page.

Her Eternal Excellency, ( Raiden Ei reborn as Argella Durrandon) a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, which is also four chapters ahead.

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, which is three chapters ahead.

Also I will create a poll on what to write next, so don't forget to join my page.

Thank you in advance.

---

King's Landing
Market Area

High quality cutlass, wooden toys, good quality wine, silver and gold jewelry and two whole mutton legs.

Robert figured these would make good "I am sorry" gifts for visiting Davos in his home without prior notice.

Finding the man's home was troublesome, as people weren't willing to snitch him to a noble, worried the man might have been in trouble with him, but gold and charisma made them talk eventually.

Finishing his shopping, he made his way to the Flea Bottom, hiding his gifts in an old looking sack to not draw attention. He found the house easily, as it was better looking than most houses in this ward.

Knocking on the door three times, he waited for his first recruit to come - he had checked, Davos was in the city.

Bolts were unlocked and a man of brown hair and eyes with an unassuming face opened the door.

"Davos! Just the man I wanted to see" Robert greeted the man before he could even open his mouth.

"Good morn Ser, have we met before?" Davos was naturally wary of a man he never met before appearing on his doorstep, asking for him.

"No, but we are about to, Robert Baratheon, a pleasure to meet you" Robert held out his hand, his charming smile on full power.

Which did nothing to calm Davos, whose face went ashen white at hearing the name of the Dragonlord.

"M-my Lord, have I done anything to displease you?" Davos couldn't think of anything he had done to earn the ire of the man, but then again why would he be here ?

"Oh, no, nothing of that sort. I am just here to offer you a job, and I'll be gone like the wind if you aren't interested" Robert waved away the smuggler's concerns, trying to ease the man.

"So, are you going to invite me in or are we going to talk out in the open like this?"

"Welcome to my humble abode, my lord" Davos just swallowed and invited him in, not knowing what to do.

Robert clapped the man gently on the shoulder and moved in. The place was cozy, giving a very homey feeling.
It was a nice change from all the splendor and shine of the noble life. He moved to the living room, watching as two boys were playing with toys. Davos ushered them away, sending them to their room.

Robert sat on a chair, putting his sack down while Davos went to the kitchen to his wife, informing her a guest had arrived.

Davos came and sat down, tentatively asking "You said you had a job offer for me, my lord?"

"Yes, but before that, I brought some gifts as an apology for coming in without letting you know beforehand"

"My lord you didn't have to" Davos was hesitant to accept any gifts, especially from a noble, knowing they just didn't hand out gifts without expecting something in return.

"I understand why you don't want to accept my gifts, but I am not giving them to put you in a bad position, and if you truly don't want to I won't insist" Davos was a humble but proud man and Robert didn't want to push him into accepting anything because of fear.

The smuggler considered it, before acquiescing, taking the sack to the kitchen, before coming back and sitting down again.

"So, let's get to business. I intend to build a trade empire that will encompass the Seven Kingdoms, Free Cities, Yi-Ti and beyond. We will trade everything from food to luxury items, weapons and armor to livestock and horses. I also intend to build larger and faster ships, capable of carrying more cargo to increase our profit. What I want to hire you for is to be the Captain of my trading fleets"

Davos' eyes widened, an offer like that would be the opportunity of a lifetime.

"What would my duties be, my lord?"

"You will have several tasks, but you will be paid according to that. First is to recruit any other smuggler that you can trust to join me when the time comes. When we start trading, you will be responsible for leading the fleets, as well as doing market research, basically knowing what could be sold for most at where and when" Robert explained at Davos' confused look at the term market research.

"You will be knighted, of course, and be granted lands of your own, as well as get a cut of the profits as your payment. I will ensure you as the Captain of my First Fleet have the most profitable trading lanes"

Davos was ready to accept the offer, knowing it would ensure a bright future for his family but something gnawed at him.

"My lord, your offer is most generous and I would have to be a fool to not accept it but why me?"

"Have you heard the rumours about my dragon dreams?" Robert asked tentatively. People tended to care more about the dragons than the non-existent dreams.

"I heard bits and pieces my lord" While Davos made sure to not cross the Dragonlord, he still kept his ears open about anything concerning their actions.

"Well, in my dreams you saved my brothers from starving while they were under siege at Storm's End, sneaking past a blockade. I also saw you serve my brother Stannis as a loyal, capable and most importantly, as a good person. That is why I wish to recruit you" Davos was one of the nicest people in the Asoiaf universe, and since Stannis got the Storm's End, he might as well recruit him.

"You… saw me in your dreams?" Davos was surprised at appearing in the dreams of the Father of the Dragons.

Robert scrunched his face at this " It sounds weird when you say it like that but yes"

They talked well into the night, Davos asking about the details, such as where would they be based on, how would they get the ships, how much would the sailors be paid, and most importantly, how much money Robert would invest into this venture.

Three million gold with the possibility of more certainly left Davos speechless.

Robert had his own questions too, such as how many smugglers he could recruit, what could they sell for the best profit when the time came, and where to find the best materials to build a city.

It was well into midnight when Robert left the humble abode of Ser Davos.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Day
Red Keep
Baratheon Quarters
Robert's Room

Robert just finished wearing his trousers and was about to put a shirt on, when the sole window of his room rattled. He watched, leaning on the wall and crossing his arms as someone was trying to pry open the window.

He was impressed, the room was two stories high and whoever it was risked it in daylight no less.

The would-be assassin finally opened the window and parted the curtains, his eyes widening when he saw Robert watching him. His hand went to his belt to unsheath a knife, but by the time he pulled it and got up it was too late.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lady Lyanna Stark, soon to be the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, along with Queen Mother Rhaelle were walking to the throne room with a plethora of ladies from all over the Kingdoms following.

It was suffocating.

Though their attention was directed up when they heard glass break, followed by a man falling right in front of them, groaning in pain.

"And his name is Robert Baratheon!!!"

And it was none but the man himself shouting, as he jumped out of a two stories high window, half naked, slamming his elbow down right into the chest of the assassin groaning on the ground.

There was a sickening crunch, and the man went still with a wet hack, his mask stained.

Robert then just got up as if nothing had happened and dusted himself, only noticing the gathered flock of ladies.

"Yo, what's up?" He acknowledged them with a nod, turning around to leave.

They were too bewildered to say anything.

The screams at seeing a dead man bleeding right in front of them brought them to their senses rather quickly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert was disappointed. Really, couldn't they at least send a professional? That would have been more fun than this second rate poser.

He shook his head, spotting a guard and telling them about the dead body he had left back.

Someone needed to clean that and he wasn't going to do it.

After a short walk he was back in his room, putting on his best outfit.

Today was going to be a busy day, and he needed to make an impression.

As if three dragons flying over the city weren't enough.

He left to find his family at the Great Hall, drawing more than one look from several unmarried ladies, as well as some married ones.

Six and a half feet handsome man muscled like a maiden's fantasy, dressed in a black and gold uniform did cut a rather striking figure after all.

"You dressed up rather nicely" commented his mother, as he drew eyes from all over the Great Hall.

"I got business today, and first impressions matter" Robert sat down on the empty chair between Stannis and his mother.

"What business is it now?" His father was wary, feeling a headache coming.

"Just some negotiations with the merchants in the city, nothing to give you a heart attack I promise" Robert cheekily responded.

"What are you buying?" Considering how much gold he had, Rhaella knew it would shake the price of whatever he was buying.

"Building materials mostly"

"For what?" Stannis asked, curious.

"For Robert's Trade Empire, name pending" Robert looked proud of himself.

"For what!?" Stannis asked again, disbelieving, mirrored by the rest.

"We can talk about the details later if you are so interested, but I am already behind my schedule because of that idiot and need to go now" Robert inhaled whatever was left of his breakfast, and bolted.

Time is money after all.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert, along with Ser Davos, spent a week visiting merchants all over the city, securing business deals for his up and coming trade empire.

First, he secured building materials, such as stones, timbers, mortar and everything else needed to build homes, warehouses and working places such as sawmills and forges, for the initial settlement where the workers would stay.

With his natural charisma and charm the deals he made were very favourable.

Second part was finding the said settlers, and Robert wasn't idle.

He recruited artisans and craftsmen down on their luck, were in debt or just wanted a new start. He also sent letters to Braavos, seeing if any of the people he saved over the fiver years were interested in joining.

He made an offer to Tobho Mott, who had arrived in the city a couple years ago, the chance to work with his dragons to see if he could discover the secrets of making Valyrian Steel, as well as giving him some clues on how to make swords with patterns similar to the vaunted steel.

But the man only agreed to join if his tips worked and he could actually turn his city to the capital of a "Trade Empire" as he called it.

Robert counted it a success, even if he couldn't figure how to make Valyrian Steel, he would still be a valuable blacksmith, capable of working with existing Valyrian Steel swords.

Educated people were necessary to build a functional settlement that would evolve into a city over time, so he recruited some old captains who left their sailing days behind unwillingly. While they couldn't work in construction or other menial jobs, they knew how to read and write, as well as keep ledgers and manage supplies, so Robert made a list, putting each person to either logistics, management or finance areas.

Another recruitment pool was noble sons who stood to inherit nothing. Usually they would go and find their own ways in life, either as mercenaries in the Free Cities, Maesters ,join another household as Knights and in rare cases go to the Wall. A lot of them were going to be in King's Landing soon enough.

He also used quite a bit of silver stags to further spread the rumors about Rhaegar.

Even if he didn't get to extort the King for millions of gold dragons, he could still use this opportunity to get a city charter.

Robert was going to build his city anyway, he just didn't want to declare war on Targaryens to do so, unless it was inevitable.

Which brought him to the most important part of the deal, getting the necessary land.

The area he wanted to buy belonged to House Steadmon, who weren't mentioned that much in the books or the show, but memories of the original showed that Lord Alesander Staedmon got along well with Robert, and a man called "Pennylover" should be open to a deal.

Which is why he was finally returning to the Red Keep after a week, as the Lord was going to be there for some other business.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Red Keep
The Day Before King Aerys' Funeral

"An assassin, Robert?! When were you going to tell us?!!" his father's face was red, and he looked a second away from going and killing someone.

"It's fine really, the idiot didn't even know what he was doing" Robert shrugged, tired and just wanting to rest.

"You should be more worried about how he jumped out of a two stories high window" His mother's glare was scarier than his father's, Robert thought.

Robert gathered them both in a hug "Thanks for worrying but believe me it is going to take a lot more than an idiot or jumping out of a window to kill me"

They just sighed reluctantly, giving up.

Instead they asked about his "Trade Empire" and he was all too happy to explain.


It was well into the afternoon his parents and grandmother stopped grilling him and he left to find Lord Staedmon.

"Pennylover" was an apt description for the man, as he understood the value of what Robert was building, and wanted to be an even greater part of it.

He proposed to give the land for free if Robert married his daughter, which he refused of course. When Lord Staedmon got insistent, Robert told him " I'll give you half a million gold dragons for the land, which is a lot more than what it is worth. You can refuse it because you want one of the things I am not willing to agree to and I can just go and find somewhere else to build my city"

He finally gave up on the marriage and they negotiated further.

Lord Staedmon also wanted the merchants and peddlers in his lands to be exempt from any tolls and have lower tariffs than the usual. Robert agreed to the exemption of tolls and lower tariffs but only offered three hundred thousand gold dragons in return for the land, which the Lord begrudgingly accepted.

Which was good and well, as Ser Barristan of all the Kingsguard came to inform him that Rhaegar wanted to talk, and off they went.


Red Keep
Small Council Chambers

Ser Barristan opened the door and Robert stepped in, his eyes landing on Rhaegar.

Surrounded by Ser Hightower and Ser Whent, the Targaryen King looked haggard, the stress of the rumours and his impending marriage as well as crowning had tired the man.

Wussy.

The only other occupant of the room was Connington, who was glaring daggers at him the moment he stepped in.

Robert sat down on the opposite side of Rhaegar, while Barristan went to stand behind his King with his brothers in arms.

"So what did you want to talk about again?" Robert clasped his fingers together on the table, smiling.

"Regarding your offer about helping me dispel the rumours" Rhaegar's voice was as cold as Eyrie in the middle of winter.

"Dreadful business, that. I thought Varys would have been able to deal with them by now" Robert had no doubt someone with his capabilities could deal with the rumours rather easily.

"My Master of Whispers have proven incapable of doing so" Rhaegar admitted, his frosty face not giving away anything.

Robert was confused but didn't show it. Varys, incapable of dealing with rumours, even if they were as widespread as they were?

Improbable.

Unless….

It was on purpose, Robert realized. The man, whether a Blackfyre or a Brightflame, probably let the rumours spread to damage the image of the royal family.

He must believe his position is secure enough to afford failing Rhaegar now.

Robert thought about getting the man a gift.

"Well, as I said I could deal with them but my price has gone up rather substantially"

Something that might have been irritation crossed Rhaegar's face, but it was only for a moment.

"What do you want?"

"Just three million golds and a city charter will do" Robert leaned back.

"That is ridiculous!" Connigton finally decided to open his blasted mouth.

"Not your money Connington"

"Maybe so, but I am a loyal subject of His Grace and I won't let you extort him like that" Connington rushed to the defence of his BFF.

"Connington! How dare you imply the King can be extorted! Do you take him for a fool?" Robert mock gasped indignantly and Connington was taken back.

"What!? Of course not!" the Griffin immediately denied it.

"Then why are you butting in huh? Do you think you know better than him?" Robert pressed Connington further, looking even more indignant in defence of Rhaegar, turning the tables on him.

It was so fun.

"Enough!" The idiot tried to refute again before Rhaegar cut them off.

Connington sat down like a scolded child, glowering.

"You will have your city charter but three million golds is too much, I will offer you one million instead"

Rhaegar was willing to negotiate at least, and Robert knew he could get what he wanted.

"Make it two and a half and I'll do you the favor of giving your father the funeral of a Valyrian"

"Still not enough"

"Allright, I will also save Dayne from execution"

Rhaegar stilled at this. He couldn't do anything to save Arthur without rumours becoming worse, and had to resign himself to ordering the execution of his dear friend.

"How?" he asked tentatively, trying not to sound hopeful, lest Robert takes advantage of it.

"Leave the how to me, do we have a deal or not?"

"Very well, but if you fail, you won't get anything more than a million golds"

They shook hands and Robert left.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He barely made it to his quarters, only for a man with the sigil of the Hightowers to stop before him, greeting him with a bow.

"Greetings Lord Baratheon, I bring a message from Lord and Lady Hightower. They wish to speak to you at your earliest convenience"

Robert was …

Intrigued.
The new medical branch the Hightowers were opening had piqued his interest, but he didn't have the opportunity to go and visit it yet.

"Very well, let's go"

Robert trailed after the man.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hightower Quarters

As big as the Red Keep was, it wasn't big enough to house every noble house in the Seven Kingdoms, so only the most important ones had their own quarters, with the Hightowers being one.

The messenger knocked on the door, informing the Lord and Lady Hightower he was here, and opened the door, letting Robert in.


There sat Baelor Hightower, the Lord of Oldtown -and while his father Leyton was alive and well, he was more interested in pursuing magic so had left the responsibilities of ruling to his son- dark brown hair and light brown eyes.

Next to him was his wife Elia Hightower nee Martell, who in another life would have been married to Rhaegar by now, with olive skin, curly dark hair and dark eyes.

Really, she was more beautiful than Lyanna, and Rhaegar would have to be an idiot to abandon her.

Of course they weren't the only ones, three ladies, Baelor's sisters, and a Dornish man that looked identical to Elia Hightower, with a woman at his side.

Oberyn Martell and his paramour.

Everyone but Pedro - he was going to call Oberyn that from now on- got up to greet him.

"Welcome Lord Robert! It is my pleasure to finally meet you!" Brightsmile indeed, and Robert couldn't help but return the Lord's enthusiasm.

"Well met Lord Baelor. The pleasure is all mine" He shook the offered hand.

"My wife, Princess Elia" Lord Hightower began to introduce his family,

"My sisters Alysanne, Leyla and Lynesse" and as Brightsmile introduced his sister, they preened at him.

Robert just offered polite smiles to each one.

"And my good brother Oberyn and his paramour" The Red Viper of Dorne just nodded at him.

"Come now Oberyn, don't be shy like Pedro and greet our guest" Elia chided her brother.

Robert turned to Elia, who had a knowing look in her eyes.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World is four chapters ahead there.

You can also check out my other stories in my page.

Her Eternal Excellency, ( Raiden Ei reborn as Argella Durrandon) a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, which is also four chapters ahead.

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, which is three chapters ahead.

Also I will create a poll on what to write next, so don't forget to join my page.

Thank you in advance.

---

"Pedro, my love?" Baelor was curious about the man his good brother was compared to.

After all, he was a very… unique individual.

"A mummer who looks exactly like your good brother, though I can't say their personalities match from what I've heard of him." Seeing as Elia came out, Robert chose to tell the truth.

"You know him too? How is it possible that there is a person that could pass off as my twin and only two people seem to know him?" Oberyn thought it was a joke when Elia talked of this Pedro, but Robert Baratheon of all people knew him too?

Oberyn definitely wanted to meet him now.

Things he could do with a doppelganger, especially in the bed.

"Too bad he is worlds away." Robert almost snorted at Elia's pun.

Oberyn just shook his head in resignation.

"Anyway, enough of the mummer. You wanted to speak to me, Lord Baelor?" Robert had already refused his offer to marry one of the sisters, and the rest of his offers would have to go to his father.

"It was my wife, actually." Baelor gestured to his wife.

"I am sure you understand the value of the new medical schools we are opening." Elia went straight to the subject.

"I do." After all, if she could improve the medicinal knowledge and practices of this world to a fraction of Earth's, it would be a massive improvement in the field of health.

"If we can come to an agreement, we would be willing to open another school at a location of your choosing after the schools in Oldtown and Sunspear are completed." Elia had figured a person from Earth just like her would be interested in a medical school in his territory, knowing how lacking—to say the least—it was in this world.
A medical school with the knowledge of 21st-century Earth in his soon-to-be-built city?

Robert wondered what the catch was.

"Well, your offer is certainly exciting, but what do you want in return? I already made it clear I had no wish to marry any of your good sisters, no offense." The father of the dragons leaned forward, focused on Princess Elia.

What was her name before coming to this world, he wondered.

"Why, if I may ask? My sisters are highly educated, and you would be hard-pressed to find a better match than them." Baelor had wondered why ever since reading Robert's letter.

"Marriage and children are a heavy responsibility and would mean I would no longer be able to go out and have fun as I wish. So unless I am really in love, I'll stay unwed." Robert explained, hoping they would just drop it.

"Yet you were ready to beat King Rhaegar at Harrenhal, all because of a girl." Pedro, it seems, wasn't going to.

"I wanted to marry her to be brothers with Eddard Stark, nothing else." Robert blankly stared at the grinning snake.

"Marriage aside, what are your plans for the future since you gave up on Storm's End?" Elia gave her brother a look to stop him, since she didn't want the talks to derail.

"I am going to build a trade empire, from the Seven Kingdoms all the way to Yi-Ti." Robert pondered, finally deciding to tell them; it was not like it was going to be a secret for a long time.

"That is a lofty goal." Baelor commented after a while, choosing his words carefully.

"Well, I have the gold, I am familiar with the markets of the Free Cities, and I know who to recruit to make it work."

Thankfully, the rest of the conversation was more about the details of his plans and less about marriage.

As it was getting late, they agreed to meet tomorrow to talk about the details, and Robert left for his quarters again, but he had told Lord Baelor to not let Lynesse marry Jorah Mormont, saying it was for her own good.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baratheon Quarters

He watched as Stannis paced in front of his room.

"Stannis, what is so urgent at this time of the night? Did something happen?" Robert called out, worried.

Stannis looked nervous, clenching and unclenching his fists, which only worried Robert more.

"I … wanted to talk to you about something." he muttered with an unusually quiet voice.

"This late? Must be important then; let's go in and talk." Robert dragged his brother in, lighting up candles and opening the curtains—they had fixed the window, thankfully—to let moonlight in.

Stannis sat on the bed, looking at his feet.

"So, what happened?" Robert prodded, running up scenarios in his mind. Was it something about his family or because of the whole thing with the future Lordship of Storm's End?

Fortunately, the real matter was less worrisome and more interesting to hear.

"There is a lady I wish to speak to, but I am not sure how to." Stannis muttered, finally letting it out.

Robert's face lit up, and he barely stopped himself from giving him a bear hug and letting the whole keep know about it, knowing Stannis would be more reluctant to speak.

"Who is the lucky lady?" Robert sat down next to Stannis, choosing to take the gentler route.

"Delena Florent." Robert stilled at this.

He was familiar with the name, as the original Robert had gotten her with a bastard at the wedding of his own brother to her cousin Selyse, no less.

"You know her?" Stannis noticed the look on Robert's face, mind wandering. His older brother knew a lot, so what was it about the name that gave him a pause?

"I saw you married to her cousin, Selyse, in my dreams." Since he couldn't tell his little brother about how the original Robert slept with his crush in another life, he decided to throw Selyse under the proverbial bus.

"Her? Why would Father make me marry her?" Stannis grimaced. He had seen the older cousin, and while he wouldn't judge someone based on looks and would do his duty, it didn't mean he liked the idea of wedding her.

"Don't worry, it wasn't Father, and I won't let it happen, I promise." Robert reassured Stannis and decided to change the subject.

"So, how did it happen?" It was important to make Stannis voice out his emotions, since he had a hard time with it.

"My chest felt… weird when I saw her smile." Stannis put his hand on his chest, remembering the moment. Embarrassingly, it took him a while to understand what he was feeling.

"Ahh, love at first sight."

"Is it bad?" Stannis didn't know what kind of a woman he would wed, but he always wanted the kind of relationship his parents had.

"Depends. If you marry a woman just because she was beautiful on the outside, you might end up disappointed if she turns out to be ugly on the inside, like Cersei Lannister." Robert didn't voice out the last part.

He didn't want to spoil the mood.

"Which means you have to go and learn about her. Such as, what flower does she like, and what is her favorite color or dish? How does she treat commoners and servants? Does she like animals? What does she do in her free time? Just looks isn't enough for a happy marriage."

Stannis looked thoughtful. "She likes birds." he muttered, having stuck around a bit to listen while a gaggle of ladies, including Delena, were conversing.

"See, you already know something about her, and since you are great with birds, you can start the conversation with that, and from there try to learn more about her."

"What about Father? He doesn't like Reachers; how will I convince him?"

"Leave him to me, little bro; just worry about your date tomorrow." Stannis nodded, and Robert patted him on the shoulder.

Robert gave Stannis further advice on what to do tomorrow at his date, and after his brother left, took his own luggage and went to find somewhere else to sleep.

No need to deal with another idiot who thought it was a good idea to sneak into his room in daylight.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next Day

As Stannis had said, his father wasn't willing to agree to the match no matter how hard Robert tried, so he used his secret weapon.

Robert went to his grandmother, who went all dragon on Steffon—along with Ormund the dragon, who was puffing smoke at the man in agitation, mimicking his favorite two legs—after hearing how Stannis had a lady he liked and how Steffon refused it all because she was from the Reach.

The Lord of Storm's End didn't stand a chance.

Which was why they were on their way to visit Lord Alester Florent to inform him of Stannis' interest in courting his niece Delena. Alester Florent's eyes lit up when Steffon Baratheon made the offer, and he couldn't accept it any faster, knowing he had struck gold, and they headed to the Great Hall, where most of the ladies were gathered to socialize.

Robert had given Stannis a light makeover, styling his beard and hair, and had him wear the finest clothes he had and a bouquet of flowers to give to the lady.

So here he was, chaperoning them, along with Princess Elia—who had seen the opportunity and offered to chaperone for Lady Delena, a look from her convincing Lord Florent.

As the lovebirds were chatting up on a corner, Robert turned to Elia.

"You told your brother about Pedro Pascal?"

"Yes, well, I always thought he was hot, and teasing Oberyn was really funny." Robert was amused at the thought of someone teasing Oberyn Martell.

"How long have you been here?

"I was reborn here, I think, sooo, a lifetime, really."

Robert was confused at this. "You think?"

"I was born premature, so the first several years of my life were hard. I was constantly sick and bedridden, as well as depressed, and don't remember much of it. When I was healthy enough, I was already six years old." Most were worried—or hoped, in the case of House Martell's enemies—she would die, but eventually, Elia persevered.

"Yes, you seem rather healthy, compared to how you were described in the books."

"I was an obstetrician and had a brother who was a pediatrician. We regularly studied each other's fields, and I knew how to take care of a prematurely born child. While I'll always be more frail of health compared to normal people, I am still healthy enough to live a good life if I am careful."

At the beginning, even the lightest of exercises left her out of breath, but she had pushed through.

"Family of doctors, huh? Must be nice." Robert didn't have a family before coming to this world, but now that he did, he understood the value of it.

"How did you die?" Elia asked bluntly, seeing no need to tiptoearound the topic, as they were both familiar with it.

"Car accident. I turned the corner and bam! Next thing I know, I was on a ship heading to Braavos. How about you?"

"They brought in a pregnant woman. She was abused, and when we called the police, the man flipped. He took a gun from one of the cops, and well, here I am."

Robert looked up to the sky, thinking, before turning to the Dornish princess.

"When did you die?"

Elia was twenty-seven or twenty-eight when she died in 283 AC in the books and thirty now since the year is 286 AC. It was 2019 when Matt died, and it has been five years since then, and George R.R. Martin published the first book of Game of Thrones in 1996. Which meant she should have died somewhere around 1995 or 1996, which meant she shouldn't know who Pedro Pascal was or that he played Oberyn Martell in the show.

"I think it was 2019 before the end of the eighth season, though I don't really remember much about those details anymore." Elia looked at Robert, noticing his troubled look. "What is the matter?"

"I died in 2019, somewhere around the beginning of October."

"Huh, so we died months apart, but I was reborn as Elia in 256 AC, while you found yourself as Robert just five years ago? How is that possible?" Elia was confused, to say the least.

"Maybe time moves faster here? Or maybe…" Robert stopped, thoughtful, before asking, "Who won the 2016 USA elections?"

"I don't remember her name, but she was the first female president of the USA, so it was a big deal." Elia had been living in Westeros for three decades by now; most details of her old life, save for the most important parts, began to elude her these days.

"Lisa Tildman?"

"I don't really remember much about my previous life these days, so I can't say." Elia shook her head, not wanting to say anything she was unsure of.

"Well, she did run for president, but it was her opponent, a man, that won the elections." Robert said, remembering the day.

Now, Elia looked troubled too.

"So not only did we come to this world at different times, even though we died months apart, but we are also from different Earths? This makes no sense."

"Princess, we are in a world where people ride dragons and there are ice zombies up in the north, not to mention all the other fucked-up places. I don't think we should be that surprised about being from different Earths."

"I suppose so." Elia sighed, her hand combing through her hair.

"You know, I am surprised this world didn't have a medical revolution. What's up with a 21st-century doctor here?" Robert was curious, knowing how high the mortality rates were, especially amongst children.

"Even in Dorne people were hesitant to accept the medical aid of a young woman that didn't study at the Citadel nor had any other training in healing, even if she was their princess." Elia snorted, agitated at remembering all those times she was stonewalled, losing valuable time and, most importantly, lives. She couldn't even treat Doran for his gout, and although it wasn't her field, she knew she could have done a better job than all the healers and maesters they brought.

"Huh, maybe you can actually do that now with your medical school."

"Hopefully"

"Any chance you don't remember the secret to hatching dragons?" Robert asked the question that was gnawing at him, hoping it was one of the details escaping her.

"Fire and blood." Elia told him with a blank stare.

Robert sighed. Guess it was too hopeful.

"Are you going to tell the Targaryens or anyone else?"

"After all the trouble I went into making sure I wouldn't marry Rhaegar? Heck no. As for telling someone else, I don't want to start a needless conflict, seeing as you can just kill whoever hatches a dragon if you care about keeping them all to yourself that much. Simply put, I won't step on your toe if you don't step on mine."

"I can agree to that."

They stayed silent for a while, watching Stannis and Delena. His brother was happy, smiling like Robert had never seen him do before.

"What trouble did you get into so you wouldn't marry Rhaegar?" Robert was curious. After all, if she disliked the Targaryens as much as he did, they would get along just fine.

"While she was pregnant with Shaena, I convinced my mother to send letters to Queen Rhaella, offering her 'advice' for a healthy pregnancy. Meal plans, whatever natural supplements I could think of, regular walks, things to stay free from stress, exercises, and so on, claiming it was from a rare tome from the Free Cities, and the only reason Elia lived. I also might have sent an anonymous letter to Aerys, telling how Maester Pycelle was working for Tywin Lannister. What do you know? All the children that died in the crib or were stillborn are alive now." Elia remembered those days, barely seven years old and already dreading the thought of marrying Rhaegar, remembering how the original Elia died.

She figured if Aerys had a living daughter, he would wed her to Rhaegar, saving Elia the trouble.

Even though it wasn't how she expected it to go, it still worked.

"Huh" was all Robert said. So the reason things were so different compared to canon was because of her.

Wings of a butterfly indeed.

"You were what? Seven? How did you convince your mother?"

"You aren't the only one to lie about dreams."

"Does anyone else know?"

"No, I didn't want Aerys to hear about it." Elia shook her head. Her mother, realizing the dangers of the dreams, had agreed to keep them a secret, especially after learning what Rhaegar's actions would lead to.

"Well, I wish you good luck with your medical school."

"And I wish you the same with your trade empire."

It was time to go, but they agreed to keep in contact, knowing cooperation would be in their best interest.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stannis was disappointed by how fast time flew while spending time with Lady Delena, but at least they had agreed to a picnic tomorrow.

With his brother's advice, he was able to keep the conversation flowing, learning much about the lady.

He spent the rest of the day with a smile.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert was getting ready to leave the Red Keep again, as he still had business to do, but had met a curious guest.

He was short with blond hair, had a face only a mother could love, and had disproportionate body parts.

Either someone had a really ugly child, or he was Tyrion Lannister, the dwarf of Casterly Rock.

"Greetings, my lord." he bowed in greeting, getting one in return from Robert.

"What a pleasant surprise. Tyrion Lannister himself. I am surprised your father brought you to King's Landing."

"Well, it was more so my uncle Kevan's doing." Tyrion said, knowing well his father would keep him locked in Casterly Rock forever if he could.

"Hmmmm. What do I owe the pleasure?" Meeting the man that offed Tywin Lannister of all people, in the privy with a crossbow no less, was a pleasure indeed.

"I heard you had a real talent for finding Valyrian steel, and I was hoping to procure one."

"To replace the lost sword of your family?" Robert tilted his head in question.

"Yes."

"With the hopes that your father's attitude toward you would change?"

"Perhaps you have one after all, if you already know why I seek it."

Witty indeed.

"I don't have one I can spare, but I can offer you a ride on a dragon. You were quite heartbroken when you learned they were all dead, weren't you?"

If Tyrion was disturbed that he knew something like that, he didn't care, his eyes shining at the offer.

"I would like that very much."

"Come along then."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Red Keep
Courtyard

Robert whistled, loud and sharp, bringing the courtyard to a standstill.

"Carry on." he said, dismissing the people watching him with the shake of a hand.

Though, it wasn't long before a shadow passed over the courtyard, followed by two more.

People below scurried off as the dragons landed in the middle of the courtyard and walked up to him.

Roberts scratched their snouts, turning to watch his little guest.

His eyes were fixated on the dragons, his mouth open in reverence.

Robert promptly picked up the little guy, and they were off.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tyrion was shouting in delight, perhaps for the first time in his life, knowing what a terrible family he had.

"Thank you, my lord. I might not have gotten a Valyrian steel sword, but this is just as, if not more, valuable to me." He thanked Robert after a while, his voice sincere and soft.

"I can get you a Valyrian steel sword, not soon unfortunately, but that isn't going to change anything in regard to your father."

Robert felt a bit bad about what he was going to do, but with how intelligent Tyrion Lannister was?

It would be a crime to not recruit him.

"How so? He has been searching for a Valyrian steel sword for a long time. If I can find one when he couldn't, he will have to stop his treatment of me, to not be seen as ungrateful if nothing else."

Tyrion was still young, and he still sought the love of his family.

"No, he won't. You see, it's not that your father hates you because you are a dwarf as much as he hates you for either not being his son and he can't admit it or being his son and "a curse from the gods for his arrogance." as some people claim. You can get him an entire armory of Valyrian steel, and he would still find a fault with you for it."

"What do you mean not being his son?" Tyrion was understandably confused. As far as everyone knew, Tywin hated him for being a disfigured dwarf, a stain on the perfect legacy of Tywin Lannister, as well as killing his beloved wife.

"Well, King Aerys had a thing for your mother. In fact, he did harm to Queen Rhaella several times for not being Joanna. Now, you are either Aerys' son, in which case he raped your mother, but Tywin can't admit it, or you are his son, and there was something wrong with him or your mother, which led to you being born a dwarf, which he can't admit either."

"That is…" Tyrion was speechless; he had known Aerys had lusted after his mother, but he had never considered the idea he was his son.

"But then, why didn't he kill me? He is not the type to raise someone's bastard as his own." Considering the man had no problem ordering the deaths of children, he was right.

"He will, as soon as he gets a good opportunity. You will find yourself on the headman's block, whether you are guilty or not."

He almost did in the canon timeline after all.

"Am I his son, or am I a bastard, born of rape?" Tyrion didn't know which answer was the worst. Knowing his father hated him for wrongfully thinking he was a bastard, or actually being one?

"Don't worry, with your intelligence you are in no way in hell Aerys' son. If anything, Jaime and Cersei are more likely to be bastards than you."

"What?!" Tyrion turned back to him so fast Robert worried he might hurt his neck.

"Well, to be honest, I haven't seen anything in my dreams about Aerys and your mother, but seeing as Cersei and Jaime were fucking regularly behind everyone's backs, I wouldn't be surprised if they were half Targaryens."

Tyrion's eyes widened. Jaime and Cersei, what fucking life do Targaryens have?!

"That, that can't be right. Cersei is twisted, yes, but Jaime, at least he wouldn't agree to it, right?" He stumbled through his speech, unwilling to believe.

Jaime was one of the few people in his life who treated him as family; imagining him doing something like that was impossible for Tyrion.

"Jaime, for all his genius with a sword, is too easy to manipulate, and your sister takes advantage of it." Robert figured if he could destroy whatever respect and love the dwarf had for his older brother, it would make it that much easier for him to question his loyalties.

"I always knew Cersei wasn't normal, but this?" Tyrion was lost for words. What could one say in this situation?
"Believe me, she is worse than you think she is. In fact there was a girl, a childhood friend of hers; Melara Hetherspoon was her name, I think. Sound familiar?"

"Yes?" Tyrion was hesitant; Melara Hetherspoon's disappearance at the Tourney of Lannisport was well known.

"You see, during the Tourney of Lannisport, Cersei and Melara went to visit the tent of a wood's witch, Maggy the Frog or someone like that, at night. Melara asked the witch if she would marry Jaime, and the witch told her that she would die that night. Do you know what happened?" Robert asked, much to Tyrion's dread.

"I have a faint idea"

"Cersei pushed her into a well for "having ideas above her station" and wanting to marry the one and only love of Cersei's life."

"Jaime."

"Jaime." confirmed Robert.

"Good thing she is heading to the Silent Sisters." Tyrion rubbed his eyes, feeling a headache building.

"She is?" Robert grinned, delighted at the news. The greatest bitch Westeros had ever seen was out of the game!

"Yes, after the whole affair with your double, no one wished to marry her, and Father decided the Silent Sisters were the best choice to be rid of her. I believe Lord Tully also did the same regarding his younger daughter" Two women belonging to two great houses being sent to Silent Sisters for losing their maidenhead before wedding, while getting pregnant in Lysa Tully's case and having slept with a commoner while betrothed to a prince in Cersei's case, had seen everyone refuse their hand.

This deserved a celebration as far as Robert was concerned.

"But, you have no reason to believe me, of course." Robert said, forcing his grin down as he prepared for the most critical part.

"You said all those things, and now you are telling me I don't have to believe you? I am confused, my lord." Tyrion truly was. If Robert told the truth, why would he do something to contradict himself now?

"We just met, and you are intelligent enough to not just take my word for it. So, I shall prove myself."

"How?"

So Robert told him about the events around his would-be first wife, Tysha. He spoke of how they had fallen in love, only for Tywin Lannister to ruin it by having his man rape her, followed lastly by Tyrion, who made him pay her a gold dragon. Not only that, but he also instructed Jaime to tell him she was a maiden whore they hired to make Tyrion a man, and the bandits were a ploy by them as well.

"Now, with how much things have changed, maybe you won't meet her at all, but if you do, well, I am building a city, and your mind would be a great addition to it." Robert finished.

Considering how much Tyrion got fucked over in the show and the books, he would be happy if he could help the dwarf a bit.

The little man was too angry to converse, so Robert left him be for the rest of the ride.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two Days Later
Red Keep
Great Hall
Trial of Arthur Dayne

King (soon to be anyway) Rhaegar sat on his throne, dressed in the finest silken apparel he had, with the crown of Aegon the Conqueror on his head, watching his friend be brought before him, forced to his knees.

Owing to the chaos caused by the death of his father, the trial was postponed.

But eventually Arthur Dayne would have to be judged—if the whole thing could even be called judging—and executed.

"Arthur Dayne, you have betrayed your oaths and have slain the king you were sworn to protect and serve. For that, your punishment will be death. Any last words?" Rhaegar kept his cool as he handed the execution order of his friend, his throat dry in anticipation, his eyes falling to Robert.

"I have nothing to say." The former Kingsguard just bowed his head, accepting his fate.

"Then, in the name of …." began Rhaegar, before Robert cut him off.

"Your Grace, if I may interject?"

"What is it, my lord?" Rhaegar swallowed.

Finally.

"I believe killing Arthur Dayne is a bad idea."

"Why is that, Lord Robert? He killed his king; his punishment is evident." Tywin didn't know what Robert was planning, but he wasn't going to let him carry it out.

Sounds of agreement rose from the crowd, wondering what Robert was doing.

"But is it a punishment when you are giving him what he wants?" Robert walked next to Arthur Dayne, turning to the crowd.

Showmanship was important to catch the hearts and minds of an audience after all.

"How exactly will sparing his life be a punishment?" Came the voice of Rickard Stark, as he walked next to the Hand of the King.

"Death is quick, my lords, and well, why should he get off so easily? Should he not pay for his crime? How will he do that if he is dead?"

"It is for the Seven-who-are-one to punish him, my lord, and for us to set the appointment."

It wouldn't sound so weird if someone other than Tywin Lannister said it.

"Good point, but is it not suspicious that Arthur Dayne accepted his fate so easily? What man would be so eager to die but one who seeks freedom?"

"Freedom?" A normal person would have sounded incredulous, but not Tywin Lannister.

"Yes, isn't it obvious that he didn't want to serve King Aerys any longer and sought a way out? After all, what other reason would he have but to be free to kill King Aerys?"

"Enough with this. Just kill me and be done with it." Arthur called out, playing along as Robert instructed him to yesterday at the black cells.

"See? He just wants to die; why give it to him? Why not deny him his wish?"

Murmurs of agreement in favor of Robert's argument rose.

"I am sure he will regret seeking death so eagerly while in the seven hells, unless he is a fool."

Ah, Tywin, making things hard for everyone since he became the Lord of Casterly Rock.

"Well, he never struck me as a bright fellow after all, but why give him what he wants? I mean, we all know if King Aerys were alive, he would have him tortured before death. Why should we grant this traitor's wish and give him the easy way out?" Robert's voice rose; he turned to the crowd.

"Should he not suffer for the rest of his life at the Wall, amongst thieves and rapists, and rue each day he lived?! I ask you, should he not suffer in this world, as he will no doubt suffer in the afterlife?!"

Robert knew his argument was weak, and he would have a hard time affecting the crowd.

But he also knew public opinion was like a snowy mountain peak, and all he needed was a noise loud enough to set off an avalanche.

That is why he paid some of the knights currently in the room to start cheering for Arthur to be sent to the wall when the time came.

Screams of "Let him rot at the Wall!" "No mercy to the traitor!" and even a "Let the bastard freeze his balls off at the North!" rose from the crowd.

Slowly, more and more people joined, more swayed by the shouts of the growing crowd and to not be left out than any desire to actually send Arthur Dayne to the wall.

The said man had conflicted feelings. On one hand, he might be sent to the Wall, where he could serve the realm for the rest of his life; on the other hand, hundreds of people were screaming profanities at him.

"Enough!" Rhaegar shouted, but his voice wasn't enough to silence the room, which led to the Kingsguard banging their swords to silence the crowd.

"What say you, my lords? Should we execute him or send him to the wall?" Rhaegar turned to the Great Lords. While their opinion wasn't necessary and he could just send Arthur to the wall, citing Robert's arguments, his cousin had impressed on him the need for the realm to see it was a unified answer taken for the good of the realm and not because of his personal feelings.

"I say the Wall, your Grace." Rickard Stark came forward. He didn't want to see Arthur Dayne, the brother of his good daughter, die and cast his vote for the wall.

A look from Robert, and Jon Arryn voted for the Wall, followed by his own father and Oberyn Martell, representing his brother, who couldn't come due to health issues.

The rest of the lords voted for the Wall as well, seeing as he was already set to go.

Arthur's eyes met Rhaegar's, who gave an almost imperceptible nod and bowed his head again.

So be it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next Day
Great Sept of Baelor

Arthur Dayne was sent off to the Wall with the first light of the day, and people made their way to the Great Sept of Baelor to attend King Aerys' funeral.

After the High Septon preached the sermon about how great the King was and some other things Robert didn't bother to listen to, Aerys was cremated by his dragons, and the remains were taken to be interred within the Great Sept.

Which meant Rhaegar's Crowning Ceremony was next, and he was one step away from payday.
Robert had spent much of the days leading up to Rhaegar's crowning finishing up his business in King's Landing.

Deals were finished, and people were awaiting word from him to set sail for their new home.

So, there Robert sat amongst the nobility in the Great Sept of Baelor once more, this time for the rise of a new king.

The crowds were muted somewhat as the ceremony began, still under the influence of the rumors he spread.

He slept through much of it, having plugged his ears and positioned guards around himself and his family, because sleeping in a place like this without protection was just asking to be assassinated.

He only woke up when his father elbowed him, as the king was about to be crowned.

Showtime.

As people began to kneel for their king, he walked up to the platform, completely ignoring the glares directed at him.

"Watch and learn how it's done, you noob." he whispered to Rhaegar, indicating to him to let the kneeling people rise.

As they slowly rose, there were cheers, again muted, before Robert held Rhaegar by the shoulder, pulling him close as one might do to family.

"Good people of the Seven Kingdoms!" Robert began, his voice loud and clear, easily reaching outside due to the acoustics of the Great Sept, and slowly raised his hand, gripping it into a fist.

"Our king has been beset with filthy lies, spread by those jealous of House Targaryen's success! They call him, our good and wise king, who spent his time with charities and acts of goodness, all for the people of the Seven Kingdoms, a kinslayer! Him, who has a soul most noble and kind! Him, who has a heart most benevolent!"

Robert wanted to continue praising Rhaegar here, but his lies were already stretching the limit of how much bullshit he could say at a time.

"They talk behind his back to disgrace him, accusing him of the foulest sin, all because they are cowards who know that our king is just and will punish them for their crimes!" He stopped there, watching the reaction of the crowd, who looked anxious.

Who was he talking about?

"But it is not just him they wish to hurt! No, they wish to hurt you good people of the Seven Kingdoms, all for their own benefit! They want to stray you from the peace created by House Targaryen and drag the realm into chaos! But our good King will not let them! Long live King Rhaegar!"

Creating a bogus enemy for the public to focus on and direct all their problems to was a favorite pastime of the 21st-century politicians, and it was especially useful in an age where information traveled so slowly and unreliably, and people were more impressionable.

"May the seven curse them for their slander and strike them down for treachery! Long live King Rhaegar!"

By now, people were cheering, either in favor of Rhaegar or cursing an enemy that didn't exist.

As for Rhaegar, his eye was twitching in barely suppressed anger.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Red Keep
Two Weeks Later
Small Council Chambers

Celebrations for the crowning of the king lasted for two whole weeks. Feast after feast was thrown in the Red Keep while foodstuffs were distributed to the smallfolk.

Which meant Robert's payment was delayed.

"Your Grace handing that amount of gold to Lord Rober, especially after the celebrations, will hurt the treasury severely." Lord Manderly, the Master of Coin, said. The man had been the latest lord to be raised to the position as a desire of the late King Aerys to reduce the Lannister influence in the court, following several different lords he had been unsatisfied with.

Lord Manderly was suggested as a way to increase the presence of the North in King's Landing following Lyanna Stark's betrothal to then Prince Rhaegar and had done an admirable job.

"I can assure you, Lord Wyman, I don't like the idea of handing that much gold to anyone, least of all Robert Baratheon, any more than you do, but we made a deal, and I am in no position to renege on it." Rhaegar confessed, unwilling to face the wrath of the dragons.

"Perhaps we can strike a deal to send the gold to him in installments?" Master of Coin said in hopes of stopping the situation from deteriorating. Ongoing efforts of rebuilding Summerhall had already affected the coffers of the crown; combined with the gold spent during the celebrations—an unfortunate necessity, lest people start talking—it meant giving two and a half million gold dragons would leave the treasury nearly empty.

"Knowing him, he would charge us a ridiculous interest rate." Rhaegar spat, displeased with how wealth-savvy his cousin had become.

"Even then, in the long run it would be better than simply giving that much gold at once." With the taxes to be collected, they could afford to pay a reasonable rate of interest. "Though we might have to cut down on spending." the Lord of White Harbor thought.

Rhaegar sighed, sitting on his chair, hands covering his face, thinking. He took a deep breath, finally having made a decision. "Negotiate with him as you see fit, Lord Wyman. I trust your capabilities."

"Yes, your Grace." the Master of Coin said, his fat frame bowing before he left the room to find the man in question.

The guards outside opened the door before Lord Wyman could do so, and he came face-to-face with Prince Daeron.

"My Prince." he bowed to the future ruler of Summerhall.

"Lord Manderly, did you speak to my brother about the matter with Robert Baratheon?" Daeron was fuming ever since his brother struck that deal with the rogue Baratheon, but his advice fell on deaf ears. He was hoping the king would listen to the man responsible for handling the finances of the Crown.

"I have, my Prince. His Grace will go through with the payment, but he has given me leave to negotiate in the hopes of paying it in settlements."

"Very well. I shall accompany you." Daeron said.

He would have to employ other means to stop this, it seems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Varys watched from the small hole in the wall as Prince Daeron went with the Master of Coin to confront Robert Baratheon.

He had hoped Robert and Rhaegar would clash, that the rumors started by the former would bring the latter to the edge; he had even helped the rumors spread for that purpose. Yet the Father of Dragons decided to give a rousing speech about how great Rhaegar was, destroying the very rumors he had started in the first place, all for gold.

Now, perhaps Prince Daeron in his stubbornness would do something rash.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World is four chapters ahead there.

You can also check out my other stories in my page.

Her Eternal Excellency, ( Raiden Ei reborn as Argella Durrandon) a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, which is also four chapters ahead.

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, which is three chapters ahead.

Also I will create a poll on what to write next, so don't forget to join my page.

Thank you in advance.

---

King's Landing

Red Keep

"I challenge you to a duel then!" Prince Daeron slammed his fist on the table. Robert Baratheon was putting his legs on, sneering at the larger man, who didn't seem impressed at all.

Lord Wyman wondered how things had come to this point. He and Lord Robert negotiated, the man agreeing to have the money in installments of five hundred thousand gold every six months. However, he had demanded another five hundred thousand, citing the loss of interest he would face by withdrawing gold from the Iron Bank.

They were negotiating on the interest he wanted when Prince Daeron interjected, saying they shouldn't be paying him anything at all, accusing him of starting the rumors in the first place. Robert Baratheon responded by calling Prince Daeron "a sore loser because his betrothed preferred a real man rather than a girly prince."

Things deteriorated quickly after that, each man throwing insults back at the other.

"No." Robert said, crossing his arms. He had nothing to gain from dueling the idiot before him, save perhaps the joy he would get from it.

"Then you won't get a single coin!" Prince Daeron shouted, as if he had any say in the matter.

Really, inbreeding was strong with this one.

"The coin is for the King to give, not you, and if you think I won't be able to get what is mine, then by all means, don't keep to the agreement." Robert put his feet down, leaning across the table to glare at the prince.

Really, he would just rob the treasury if they didn't give him his money.

Kingsguard in the room, Barristan and Jonothor, sent to make sure Prince Daeron didn't do anything, tensed as the prince and Robert Baratheon looked a hair's breadth away from a fight.

"My Prince, King Rhaegar's orders were quite clear." Ser Barristan reminded the Prince, hoping to dissuade the man from pushing it any further.

"Not unless this coward agrees to a duel." Daeron wasn't going to let Robert Baratheon get away with humiliating his family any longer.

"Go and try to goad a child into a fight; maybe you can succeed then." Robert dismissed the Prince, sitting back down. If the Targaryen thought he could taunt him so easily, he had another thing coming.

"Lord Wyman, I won't be negotiating on the interest due to his actions; as such, I want five hundred thousand gold dragons every year for six years, totaling three million gold, with the first installment paid by the end of this month." Robert was honest in negotiating the amount, but the princeling soured his mood.

"Very well, Lord Robert. Where should we send the gold?" Lord Wyman said, giving up, knowing well Prince Daeron's threats were a legitimate reason to cease negotiating.

"Send it to Storm's End for now; I'll take it from there." As it would be a while before he could build a place to store his gold, sending it to Braavos and then bringing it back for payments would be a loss of time and gold, especially with the fees.

Lord Wyman nodded, and Robert offered his hand to seal the deal.

He left the fuming prince in the room, snickering as he walked past.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I should go and find Davos to give him the good news." Robert thought, heading to leave the Red Keep. He saw a commotion near the gate, as the guards were stopping someone from entering.

Upon closer inspection, the man stalled at the gate turned out to be Ser Davos. He increased his pace and grasped the shoulders of the two guards rather forcefully, scaring the men.

"Now, now. That is no way to treat a man working for me, unless you have a death wish. Well, do you?" Robert asked the man, his innocent smile sending shivers down their spine.

"We are sorry, my lord; we didn't know he was your man." One of the guards nervously apologized.

"It's all good, as long as it doesn't happen again. Come on, Ser Davos, I was going to find you anyway." He released the guards, gesturing to the man to follow him.

"Yes, my lord." Davos complied, slipping through between the guards and speed-walking next to Robert.

"So what happened?" Robert asked, knowing the man wouldn't come to him unless it was important.

"My lord, I have spoken with some of the smugglers I know and relayed your offer, at least to those who won't sail away with the cargo or with the profits. They think your offer is too good to be true and are reluctant to join."

"No matter, we have old captains joining us; we can use their experience to train sailors and then put them in a fleet headed by an experienced captain." Smugglers were a long shot anyway, but a man or two like Davos would have been excellent additions to his fleets.

"Understood, my lord. On better news, I have arranged the shipments of the materials you bought. The captains should start arriving in six months from now on at the settlement. Have you thought of a name yet?" Davos asked, as the city had yet to be named.

Robert had thought long on this matter, not because he didn't have any idea, but because there were too many options.

From the myths of Earth to fictional universes like Lord of the Rings, Marvel and DC, Harry Potter, and Star Wars, there were too many names he could choose.

"I have. It will be named Asgard, after the golden realm of the gods in a dead religion." Robert didn't want to go into detail about how it was from another world, so he just chose to say the relevant part.

"A fine name, my lord." Davos said, liking the way it rolled on the tongue.

"Ah, before I forget. You would be happy to know our capital has doubled, as King Rhaegar has seen fit to give me three million gold dragons as a show of his appreciation for my actions." Robert said, as if he had not extorted the king.

"That is great news, my lord. With that amount the city could be built in no time." Davos said, impressed. One did not get that much gold as a gift for their actions every day.

"I know, right. Now, I need to go and do a survey of the land and draw plans for a city. In the meantime you will continue as we planned, and I will send a messenger for you when it is time to start the construction." Robert had read about the land beforehand but didn't have the chance to see it yet.

From the records, the territory was a forest and relatively flat compared to the mountainous areas of the Stormlands, with a coastline perfect for a port city.

As soon as he was done with the plans, Davos would bring in the necessary manpower to build a temporary settlement, and they would start to clean out the area after that.

Then the true construction would start, with sawmills and loggers to cut down the forest and use the trees as building materials.

Of course, Robert wasn't going to cut down the entire forest; instead, he was going to design a city in harmony with nature, as much as he could anyway.

"Yes, my lord. Is there anything else?" Davos asked, ready to get back to work.

There was much to do after all.

"No, there isn't; you can go." Robert dismissed his faithful minion.

The smuggler turned knight left with a bow, and Robert went to say goodbye to family and friends.

By noon he was off, heading to build his Asgard.

It was night when Robert arrived at the now named land of—since he chose Asgard as the name of the city, he might as well continue with it—ready to plant the seed of his ambitions.

Tomorrow, of course.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the next month Robert drew the plans for the city, separated into industrial, market, housing, and recreational districts, with the administrative center in the middle, which would include his keep, Valhalla, and the most important part of his city in his opinion, an R&D department.

The reason he needed an R&D department was simple. He had the knowledge, but that knowledge had been the culmination of centuries of research and experimentation; as such, he didn't know everything, just like no other person could.

For example, while he knew you needed saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur to make gunpowder, he didn't know in which percentages to mix them to obtain the best possible product or that you need to mix two alternating types of steel to get the swirly pattern on Damascus steel, but not the finer details.

Another reason was to create a place of learning that will innovate and create long after he is gone, advancing the scientific knowledge and technology level of this world, seeing as it has been stagnating for eight thousand years.

While designing Asgard, he had taken the lay of the land into consideration, making sure the housing district had access to the water sources first and the industrial district had it last.

And the sewage system, of course, as he did not want his city to stink like King's Landing did.

Now, all he had to do was to send a message to Davos.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert watched as Davos' ship, Sweet Mary, was being chased.

By a pirate ship.

Which should be impossible due to the relatively short distance between the Stormlands and the Crownlands, meaning any pirate who had the moronic idea of attacking a ship on this side of Westeros would quickly find themselves at the gallows.

He would find out how they managed it later; now he just needed to deal with them.

Upon seeing three adult dragons flying towards them, the pirate ship—Ironborn, apparently—panicked. Arrows and bolts did nothing, and against their captains' orders, some of them jumped as the dragons dived, not wanting to die a fiery death.

Pulling up at the last second, Robert decided against burning the ship.

It could be used for other purposes.

Instead, he took his hammer and hovered over the ship and leaped, targeting the largest pirate on the deck.

The said pirate turned to run but was too late, as Robert brought his hammer right on his skull, crushing it like a rotten watermelon and carving the man in half through sheer brute force.

Robert raised his blood-covered head, watching the terrified pirates. Rushing forward like a bull, he smashed the head of another pirate to a bloody mess before they could react.

Another raider tried to pull his sword to attack, but Robert smashed his knee, eliciting a deafening scream, before the Father of the Dragons smashed his face in and silenced him.

Smashing a sword attempting to strike him aside, Robert took a couple steps back as the rest of the pirates thought it would be better to rush him all together.

Robert whistled and then held on for dear life as Obelisk answered, perching on the side of the ship, which naturally began to tip the ship over.

Pirates, terrified and unprepared, began to slide, trying to find anything to hold onto, with some barely hanging on the rails.

"Volā!" ordered Robert, and the blue dragon immediately took off with a gust of wind while the ship righted itself, tilting like a bobo doll before stabilizing.

Robert didn't wait for the ship to stop before targeting the pirates hanging on the side of the ship, playing whack-a-mole with the raiders.

He watched as the last pirate decided being on the ship was a bad idea and turned to jump before Robert caught him by the face, slamming his head on the deck a couple of times.

He needed someone to interrogate after all.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World is four chapters ahead there.

You can also check out my other stories in my page.

Her Eternal Excellency, ( Raiden Ei reborn as Argella Durrandon) a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, which is also four chapters ahead.

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, which is three chapters ahead.

Also I will create a poll on what to write next, so don't forget to join my page.

Thank you in advance.

---

Coast of Asgard

Ironborn Ship

"So, tell me. How did you manage to get this far without the Royal Navy noticing?" Robert asked the squid tied up before him while Davos' men were securing the ship.

"They did notice him and his ship, my lord; they just didn't do anything." Davos commented from behind, checking the railings to see what parts would need repair.

"What do you mean?" Robert turned back, puzzled.

"Three Velaryon ships saw him as they were heading towards us, but something happened and they turned back."

"Heh." chuckled the pirate, suddenly deciding to make a noise.

"So you aren't mute then. Bribing three ships just to target Sweet Mary would be foolish. If you were targeting other ships, then you would be chased away as soon as the Velaryons heard about it, and you wouldn't get your coins' worth. Tell me, why did those ships turn back?" Robert did not even want to mention the fact that anyone in the navy detested the Ironborn and wouldn't take a bribe like that.

The pirate decided to shut his mouth, once more refusing to speak.

Robert sighed in frustration.

"You know if you don't give me what I want, you will die, right? But if you cooperate, I'll just send you to the Wall, rather than turning you into fertilizer." Robert looked the pirate directly in the eyes.

"Fertilizer?" Naturally the stupid squid focused on the wrong part.

"Yes, fertilizer, when I feed you to my dragon and he shits you out." The pirate's eyes widened, gulping, evidently understanding the implication.

"The king gave the Ironborn permission to hunt and raid your ships." The buccaneer finally spoke, deciding that the Wall was better than being eaten by a dragon.

"Really? And how exactly do you know that since I doubt they would go and just tell it to everyone?"

While the Velaryon ships turning back rather than engaging the Ironborn made sense if this was true, the Ironborn would have to be really stupid to just inform everyone of it.

"My brother sails with Lord Victarion; I heard it from him." the pirate confessed.

Robert groaned, rubbing his forehead.

Did that inbred moron really think this was a good idea? The Ironborn couldn't be trusted not to raid a ship and then claim they thought it was one of Robert's ships.

"Why did that moron even trust you? I would sooner trust a venomous snake not to bite me than you lot with anything." Robert questioned the man, wondering just what made Rhaegar think it was a good idea to employ the squids in this fashion.

"That's all I know; he didn't tell me anything else."

Useless idiot.

"Have this man secured well; he will head to the Wall as soon as possible." Robert ordered, getting up while the pirate was taken away.

"So what do you think? We already have a ship for the trade fleets." Robert commented while Davos kept inspecting the ship.

"Yes, my lord, but if we or the captains who work with us run afoul of the Ironborn, we won't be able to build anything." Davos was sweating the entire time the Ironborn chased them, and he knew they were lucky to outrun those bastards.

Everyone knew the stories of what Ironborn did to the crew after a raid.

"We will see if they are brave enough to repeat this when they see a dragon escorting the ships." Robert grinned.

Maybe they would be generous enough to donate their ships to his cause.

With a bit of convincing, of course.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Davos inspected the ship and gave him the good news. It only needed some surface repairs and would be good to sail.

The oarsmen were another problem, though. They had stayed below the deck during the fight, not willing to face the dragons, and surrendered upon realizing they were outnumbered.

Which meant more Ironborn for the Wall.

Maybe he would do the world a favor one day and send all of them there to freeze their bits off.

The next order of business was the Ironborn that jumped out of the ship. If they managed to swim to the land, he would have to deal with hunting them down in the forest, meaning they would have to be killed while they were in the water.

Which did not take long with a dragon.

Davos had already put a skeleton crew on the Ironborn ship to sail it closer to the coast, while Sweet Mary was busy offloading its cargo and workers, who immediately went to set up tents and fires to cook.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fed and rested after a week in the ship, the work began in earnest. Robert helped too, taking an axe to chop down the trees to make a clearing.

They stopped before the sun went down, having taken down two dozen trees, and went to dinner.

The next two days were spent like that, before it was time for Davos to depart with the newly named Prize, heading back to King's Landing to bring more workers and provisions, repair the ship, and hire sailors, as well as find someone from the North willing to take the Ironborn prisoners heading to the Wall.

Robert would be escorting the ships to ensure Ironborn did not try anything again.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

King's Landing

One Week Later

The ships, whether Royal Navy or merchant in origin, were surprised to see an Ironborn ship here, especially with the dragons escorting it.

While surprised, they weren't worried; after all, not even the Ironborn would be stupid enough to attack here, not with one ship anyway.

"AHOY THERE!" The captain of the royal navy ship called out to Sweet Mary. Davos steered the ship closer to avoid having to shout so loudly.

"Yes, Captain, how may I help you?" Davos leaned on the railings, locking eyes with the captain.

The gray-haired man narrowed his eyes, slowly drawing his sword. "I know you; you are that smuggler, Davos. And you came up to me all on your own."

"I am no smuggler, Captain. I am a loyal knight serving Lord Robert Baratheon." The name made the captain hesitate, and as if Robert heard him, the dragons passed over the ships.

"The Ironborn ship—why is it here then?" The captain slowly sheathed his sword, watching the dragons warily.

"It has been seized by Lord Robert."

"Have its sails changed; it makes people nervous." The captain told Davos before ordering his men to dock the ship.

"We will do that, good captain." Davos replied, heading back to the helm, steering the ship to the closest empty dock.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Davos was busy with the ships and the supplies, Robert flew back to Asgard, taking the same route back to check for any more Ironborn activity.

Landing back at the construction site, he went to check on their progress. The foreman he had left in charge was doing good work, as there was a noticeable clearing in the forest now.

The next group of workers Davos was bringing would be carpenters and builders, ready to use the trees they felled to make log cabins, and while Robert enjoyed camping, it would be nice to sleep in an actual bed again.

Davos returned with two ships full of workers, tools, and provisions, and most importantly, with no pirates chasing him this time.

Yay.

An interesting thing, though, was that Davos' wife, Marya, as well as his two sons, Dale and Allard, were with him, coming down the ramp.

Robert was sure Davos wouldn't bring his wife and children from their relatively cozy home to a city not yet built without a good reason.

"My lord." the man bowed his head, looking quite unsure.

"Davos, what happened?" Robert asked the smuggler-turned-knight, though he already had an idea.

"There were men watching my house, my lord; they didn't do anything, but I was worried and brought my family here." Davos explained, knowing just how dangerous the Flea Bottom could be.

"You did good, but this is no place for children. Perhaps we should send them to Storm's End with your wife, where they can be safe and your boys can learn their letters from Maester Cressen." Robert offered an alternative.

If they had lodges built, he would have already accepted them in, but the idea of children in a construction zone was begging for a disaster.

"Thank you, my lord." Davos said, once again taken aback by Robert's generosity.

"And Marya, I apologize for this; it appears we got you and the children mixed up in our business."

"Think nothing of it, my lord; I know the dangers that came with my husband being a smuggler; this is nothing." Marya said, gently grasping her husband's hand.

Robert smiled at this. In his opinion, these small moments were what separated a good wife from a bad one.

"All right then, let's find you and the children a place to stay while Davos and I talk business. You can head to Storm's End as soon as the ships are free." Robert turned around, the family following.

"I also have some other bad news, my lord. Some of the merchants are demanding higher prices for their goods, or they won't sell. From what I heard, someone has scared them from doing business with you."

Davos spoke to the merchants about it, but while some had confessed they had been warned, none of them gave any names.

"It's either Rhaegar or Daeron being a nuisance or Tywin Lannister getting revenge. Either way, I know just what to do." Robert narrowed his eyes.

They weren't going to like his response at all.

"Anything else, Davos?"

"No, my lord." replied the man, puzzled at his claim. Had King Rhaegar not given him a mountain of gold as a reward?

"Good"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ships were emptied of cargo and were already sailing to Storm's End and then King's Landing.

Robert had written a series of letters, one to his father and family, one to the Targaryens, and another one to Tywin Lannister, the Hand of the King.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Storm's End

Lord's Solar

"Come in." ordered Steffon Baratheon without lifting his eyes from the ledgers on his desk.

"Father, there are ships heading here, but their sails have no marking." Stannis reported as he entered, closing the door behind him.

"Hmm, ready the men; we will meet them and see what they want." Steffon got up, wondering who they were.

While ships that needed immediate repairs or were going to sink docked near Storm's End for help, it was rare, as they did not want to risk the Shipbreaker Bay.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A hundred men waited near the shore as the small ship approached, while the larger one hung back.

Lord Steffon did not want to take any chance in case they had ill intentions.

Soon the ship was close enough for him to see its captain, a man with brown hair and eyes with the wear and tear of the sea evident on his face.

"Lord Steffon, I am Ser Davos, and I bring letters from Lord Robert. May I land to present them?" the man said, waving a letter.

"Why did he send letters instead of coming himself?" Steffon wondered what his son was thinking.

He literally could be here on dragonback before noon if he left in the morning.

"He is busy with the city, my lord, and I was heading to King's Landing; he apologizes for it." Davos explained the situation.

"You may land then, Ser Davos." The Lord of Storm's End ordered the men he brought to stand down, while the ship laid down a gangplank for Davos to disembark.

Bowing before the Lord Paramount, Davos handed him the letter.

Curious as to its contents, Steffon opened it instead of waiting until he was on his solar with his family.

"Hey, Dad.

I know we are close by, and I could be there really quick with the dragons, but planning and building a city is time-consuming, though don't worry, I'll be back soon enough to gray your hair more.

Moving onto business, I need your help with a matter. Someone in King's Landing was targeting his family, and in the interest of not wrecking the city while hunting down the ones responsible, I thought his wife and children could reside in Storm's End until Asgard can afford to house families.

Yes, by the way, I named the city Asgard; I'll tell you all about it later if you are curious.

Also, if you could give Davos about a hundred thousand gold from my coffers and send him on his way to King's Landing, that would be much appreciated.

Now that business is done, how are you doing?

And most importantly, have you stopped grumbling about Stannis wanting to marry a Reacher?

If not, then please ignore this part.

I am sure at least Mother and Grandmother are pleased about seeing Stannis wed.

Speaking of Mom and Grandma, how are you two doing? Set up a date to marry my little brother yet?

As for Renly, you are still too young to get a dragon, but I am sending you two friends, Dale and Allard, Davos' sons.

They are good kids,, and perhaps you won't be so spoiled with two humble friends like them around.

That's all from me; I'll see you guys soon.

Love you all.

P.S: Speaking of friends, can you guys make sure Dale and Allard learn from Maester Cressen? I promised their father as much,, and who knows how long it will be until I get a maester here?

Steffon just groaned at his son's antics.

"Well then, bring your family in, Ser Davos." Steffon wasn't going to deny his eldest's request, and perhaps he would be right about Renly having friends.

"Many thanks, my lord."lord." Davos gave a quick bow, hurriedly turning back to get his family. This felt like a load off his shoulders.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World is four chapters ahead there.

You can also check out my other stories in my page.

Her Eternal Excellency, ( Raiden Ei reborn as Argella Durrandon) a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, which is also four chapters ahead.

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, which is three chapters ahead.

Also I will create a poll on what to write next, so don't forget to join my page.

Thank you in advance.

---

King's Landing

Red Keep

"I already told you, these letters are from Lord Robert Baratheon himself. He wished them to be delivered to the King and the Hand." Davos said for what felt like the thousandth time to the guard, who seemed unconcerned.

"And I told you to get lost. If Robert Baratheon wanted to send letters, he should have sent them by raven, not some no-name knight." The guard said, dismissing Davos.

"Fine. I just hope you can say the same to him when he lands here on a dragon." Davos sighed, turning back.

He was sure Lord Robert would understand.

If only the same guards were here today.

Just as he turned back to join his men, he noticed the King's Guard, followed by men-at-arms, approach the gate.

Davos and his men stepped back to not stand in their way.

"Who are they?" Eddard Stark asked the guards upon noticing Davos and his entourage.

"Says they brought letters from Lord Robert to the King and the Hand, my lord." the guard reported, standing straight now that the brother of the future Queen of the Seven Kingdoms was here.

"I am Eddard Stark. I can take your letters to the King and the Hand." Ned walked up to Davos. Usually he would not want anything to do with Robert after all he did, but he understood that official business was not something to ignore.

"Thank you, Lord Eddard." Davos handed the letters.

Lord Robert had instructed him to get them to anyone who could deliver it to the King and the Hand, saying if they did not for some reason, it was the recipient's problem.

"To Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Hand of the King

Lord Tywin, it appears someone in the city is attempting to block me from doing business with the merchants.

I am sure you wouldn't want me to come there personally and cause any damages trying to find out the one responsible for it.

As the person with the highest influence on the city next to the king, it would be in both of our interests if this was solved without dragonfire.

Have a pleasant day.

Robert Baratheon, Lord of Asgard.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To King Rhaegar,

Sorry but not sorry for not writing all your titles, cousin.

Jokes aside, someone in the city is messing with my business there, scaring the merchants.

Now, I am not blaming you, but your brother Daeron was particularly against me the last time I was here and might have decided to take things into his own hands.

I am sure you don't want your capital terrorized by dragons, but if someone takes an axe to my business, they will end up like the Hoares.

Have a nice day.

Robert Baratheon, Lord of Asgard.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stormlands

Asgard

The second wave of settlers and workers Davos brought had already begun to build the lodges he designed. They were basically longhouses with bunk beds, able to house ten workers with ease.

He could have increased the size and number of bunk beds, but he did not want to cram people working for him into houses more similar to a barn.

Maybe it cost a bit more, but he too worked for jobs where the employer did not care about the workers beyond having them fill their times.

They were also building communal mess halls and public bathrooms and showers.

Robert didn't know much about construction materials and what not, but there was one thing he knew.

In some parts of Earth, people torched one side of the timber they were using to increase its outdoor lifespan to up to eighty years, as well as make it harder for the wood to burn and protect it from insects.

It was times like these when tidbits of information he had became useful.

Workers did as they were told, of course, even if they found it strange.

Davos was back after two weeks, taking longer this time due to the issues he faced with merchants.

He had good news, though, as the merchants were suddenly back on the track.

The threat of dragonfire did bring the Seven Kingdoms to their knees after all.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

287 AC

In one year alone, Asgard came far.

Buildings, whether homes or shops, sprang up all over, in accordance with his city planning, of course.

Robert wasn't going to allow his city to turn into a dump like King's Landing.

They also built a port with docks to receive ships and make it easier to unload cargo and began to build a shipyard.

Designing ships was not something he knew much about, but thankfully there were seasoned and experienced captains to help with that regard, provided he could get shipwrights.

His keep, which would be named Valhalla to keep tradition with the whole Norse mythology, was being worked on too, as the workers were digging a foundation.

He did not want something outlandish straight from a fairy tale, both for monetary and personal reasons.

Which is why it looked like a medieval parody of the Pentagon.

One issue, though, was the sewage system.

It was expensive, which made him understand why the Targaryens did not overhaul the whole thing, especially with the population of King's Landing.

But Asgard only had a population in the thousands for now, which meant building a sewage system was much easier.

Still expensive though, especially with Robert refusing to use lead and build a subpar system that would crumble in a couple of decades.

He wanted something that would last longer and not stink up his city.

Good thing he had all that gold.

"My lord, there is a family outside requesting entry." A guard came in after knocking, standing at attention.

"So? It's not like I check every family that enters the city."

"They had horses, my lord, and claim you invited them personally." the guard explained.

Robert hummed. While a family having horses was not common, the guards knew not to disturb him unless they thought it was important.

He might as well go and see for himself and take some fresh air in the meantime.

They did not build walls yet, as the city was still expanding, so the guards were stationed on the edge of the city limits.

Robert walked to the city limits to see who had his guardsmen worried like that.

A man as tall as him, riding on a horse, his face covered with a hood, and a woman with what appeared to be her child riding on another horse, also covered with a hood.

Which under normal circumstances wouldn't be something to worry about.

Except the child was no child.

"Tyrion! What a pleasant surprise to see you here." Robert exclaimed, and it truly was.

The dwarf removed his cowl, greeting Robert with a haggard and tired face.

"My lord, I hope your offer is still valid."

"Oh, it is. Come on in then; we should talk inside and get you somewhere to sit, though who is your friend here?" Robert gestured to the man.

"This is." began Tyrion as the man removed his hood.

"Sandor Clegane." Robert finished for him, instantly recognizing the man from the hideous burn on his face.

"Yes, he was essential in helping us escape from my father." "The dwarf of Casterly Rock." he said, his eyes dropping because of fatigue.

"Let's get you all inside to rest. You can tell me about it later." Robert offered, seeing how tired they were.

The group from the Westerlands fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows; they did not even take time to eat or drink.

Tyrion and Tysha were led to one room, while Sandor was shown another.

With how bad they looked, they must have been on the run for a while.

Sandor was an unexpected but welcome surprise, and although he was seventeen right now, a warrior with his size, strength, and skill would be a good addition to Asgard.

It was back to business for now.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asgard

Next Day

Tyrion and Tysha, joined by Sandor, sat down to break their fast with porridge, cheese, and bread.

Considering they were on the road for a while and had to camp out and eat whatever they found, this was like a feast to them.

When they were done, a servant took them to Robert's study, serving them wine while they were seated.

"So, I feel like you have quite a story to tell me." Robert put down the papers in his hands, watching the dwarf.

Taking a sip from his cup, Tyrion began his tale.

Just as Robert said, he and Jaime met Tysha while returning to Casterly Rock from Lannisport after taking a ship from King's Landing.

Seeing her harassed by bandits, Jaime saved her while Tyrion kept her out of the way.

Realizing what Robert said was happening, Tyrion tried to keep away from Tysha, but her humble and honest demeanor won him over, and they spent the night together.

Deciding to be a responsible person, Tyrion wed her before a drunk septon, who, upon realizing just what kind of a problem he landed himself in once sober, immediately sent a letter to King's Landing to inform Tywin Lannister.

Tyrion treated her like she was a new servant he hired to avoid suspicion, but once Tywin's letter came ordering his brother to keep both of them locked up while he returned to personally administer their punishment, the dwarf had enough and decided to run for it with his wife.

Filling their pouches with as much gold as they could and taking enough provisions, Tyrion set his father's study on fire after sneaking out of the room they were held in, and while everyone was distracted, they made their way out of the keep through the sewers.

Their escape didn't go unnoticed, however, and they had guards searching everywhere for them before they could get away far enough.

Setting an even bigger fire at the barn after taking a horse, the couple galloped on horseback towards the Reach border, intending to cross it and then make their way to Asgard.

The two barely made it to Greenfield when they met Sandor, who recognized the dwarf and questioned them as to what they were doing here.

They thought they were caught, but once Sandor made his dislike of Tywin Lannister known, Tyrion offered to hire him as a guard while they headed to Asgard.

To his surprise though, the scarred man was heading there as well, to serve the man that killed his monster of a brother.

Tyrion instead offered him an audience with Lord Robert, mentioning how he was invited to Asgard by him.

Even though Sandor didn't trust the dwarf, he still took the offer, though he did threaten to kill them rather gruesomely if Tyrion didn't keep his end of the bargain.

With Sandor's help, they made it to Reach while avoiding any Lannister or other forces searching for them.

Their troubles didn't end once they went through the border, however. Lannister men, disguised as wandering knights, were sent through the Reach to find and bring them back, as Tywin Lannister would never let what he perceived to be an insult go unpunished, even if it was from his own son.

Camping in the wilderness and riding through day and night with barely a rest until they reached the Stormlands took their toll on the two, while Sandor was in much better condition, already used to harshness.

Just as they thought they were in the clear, a storm caught them by surprise, and they had to take shelter in a cave for three whole days, waiting for the storm to pass, with nary a thing to eat.

But in the end, they made it to Asgard.

"Well, as I said before, you are welcome to join Asgard, and I am sure I can find good work for you." Robert reiterated his offer, earning a nod and a thank you from the dwarf.

He turned to Sandor, who was watching him with a sharp look.

"You killed Gregor, my rapist, murderous monster of a brother. While I am no knight, I will serve you as a warrior if you will accept my sword." the young man said, laying his sword on the ground.

Robert watched the younger Clegane, leaning back. He could use a personal guard, not that he needed it, but it's better to have one in case things go sideways.

Or he could guard Davos, who needed it more than him, with his constant travels.

"I have to admit, I was actually looking for someone who knew how to actually fight, and you are just what I was seeking. If you are up for it, I can make you my personal guard, though you will probably be protecting Davos and other people important to Asgard more than me." Robert made the offer, knowing how strong and fierce Sandor was.

The man accepted quietly, and Robert turned back to Tyrion.

"Now, you and your wife are going to rest and recuperate to full strength, and then the work will begin. In the meantime we should celebrate this occasion." Robert said, ordering the servant to bring the bottle of Harbor Gold he had in reserve.

Say what you will about the original, but he knew good wine.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World is four chapters ahead there.

You can also check out my other stories in my page.

Her Eternal Excellency, ( Raiden Ei reborn as Argella Durrandon) a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, which is also four chapters ahead.

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, which is three chapters ahead.

Also I will create a poll on what to write next, so don't forget to join my page.

Thank you in advance.

---

Stormlands

Asgard

287 AC

Robert, unlike his canon counterpart, did a lot of administrative work, even if he found it boring.

He delegated work where he could, but there were parts where he just didn't have someone capable that he trusted to handle it.

Until now.

Tyrion's official title was "Director of Finances" responsible for overseeing the payments, salaries, tolls, and overall keeping track of where the money went and if businesses were paying their taxes, no matter how small.

It took a large load from his shoulders, allowing Robert to focus more on personally handling the construction of the city.

On other good news, some of the artisans he had saved while exiled in Essos had agreed to settle in Asgard, provided Robert agrees to cover the costs.

Expensive, but worth it in the long run. After all, if Asgard produced glass, carpets, lace, steel weapons, and tools on par with the Free Cities, he could sell them all over the Seven Kingdoms.

One specific market he was interested in was silk. People of Westeros did not know how the soft and smooth fabric was produced and paid great amounts of gold for it. Robert, or rather the Matt part of him, had watched documentaries on how silk was produced and knew what to do.

Silkworms should exist in the wild; seeing as there was no industry for them to be domesticated in Westeros, he would just have to find them.

Asgardian silk had a nice ring to it.

He would have to plant some mulberry trees first, though.

A ship had arrived at the docks, all the way from Braavos, and its captain requested to speak to him.

Robert allowed it, and the captain was let in. Dressed in armor with purple and grey markings and with a clean-shaven face, the captain bowed before presenting him a letter.

"Greetings, Lord Robert, I bring you news and gifts from Ferrego Antaryon, Sea Lord of Braavos."

Robert took the letter with a nod and unfurled the parchment.

"To my friend, Lord Robert Baratheon of Asgard, the Father of the Dragons,

My friend, I write to you with great excitement at hearing your future plans to build yourself a city and wish you the best of luck in your endeavor. As we were great trade partners during your tenure in Braavos, I hope we will continue to be for many years to come.

I have heard of your desire to employ shipwrights, and to that end I sent you a dozen talented shipwrights and their apprentices to settle in your lands if you will have them.

If you find the opportunity, do visit Braavos so we may talk of business.

I know you to be a man who understands the value of trade and one who never lets his good friends down.

Once again, I wish you the best in your work and await your answer.

Ferrego Antaryon, the Sea Lord of Braavos.

Robert almost snorted. The crafty man had sent him shipwrights as a gift and invited him for business.

Meaning he was going to ask for a preferential trade between Asgard and Braavos while reminding him of the shipwrights, and it was smart, as no one would just let a strategic resource like shipwrights escape from their grasp.

"Thank you for the letter, Captain. You and your crew are welcome to rest in one of our lodges while I write a response to the Sea Lord, and you can bring the shipwrights here."

The captain left with a thank you, leaving Robert to his thoughts.

"Sandor." Robert called out to his guard, and the man opened the door immediately.

"Go find Davos and tell him we are going to have shipwrights coming now and to find them a place to stay."

"Understood." Sandor nodded and left.

At least that was one thing he didn't have to deal with.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

His next visitor didn't have any ulterior motives, at least.

His grandmother, dressed in riding leathers atop her black dragon named after the grandfather he never met, had landed on the square, causing a commotion.

"Grandmother! You are a sight for sore eyes." Robert greeted the silver-haired and purple-eyed woman, giving her a gentle hug.

"You should have visited then, Robert; it's not like we are too far away." she chided him, pinching his cheek and checking if he was well.

"I know, I know, but building a city is no easy work; I barely have time to scratch my head." Robert made an excuse, knowing he could have entrusted others with this work, but simply put, he was too excited to leave unless it was a matter of life and death.

"Come, let me show you around." Robert offered his arm, and his grandmother took it.

Robert gave her a small tour, showing what was already built and what else was going to be. The layout of the city, allowing for wide streets and buildings with spaces between, as well as how in touch with nature the city was, had impressed her.

"I must say, these roads look good. You must have excellent workers." She commented, noticing how the road looked as if it was one solid piece.

"That was me actually."

"Why, Robert, did you already get bored of ruling and decide to be a road worker?" His grandmother teased, though she was curious what he meant.

"Not really. I just had a thought about how easy everything would be if I knew how the Valyrians constructed places like Dragonstone with magic. One thing led to another, and it gave me an idea. You see, the men flattened the soil and laid down rocks, and I used dragons to melt them. This way, I both cut down on costs and improved the durability of the roads." Robert explained, gesturing to the road stretching all the way to the port.

His grandmother gave out an unladylike snigger before it turned to full-blown laughter.

"Only you would imagine using the dragons for something so menial." she said after getting her laughter under control.

"Better than them just laying around all day." Robert shrugged.

"My lord" came in from behind as Davos approached.

"Ah, Davos. Grandmother, I don't know if you saw him when he visited Storm's End, but this is Davos, my right-hand man when it comes to sailing and trade." He introduced the man, who bowed to her in greeting.

"We have met, my lord. Welcome to Asgard, Princess Rhaelle." Davos had met the woman when he left his family at Storm's End, and from the short interaction they had, he could see why his lord spoke so highly of her.

"Thank you, Ser Davos."

"Is there something you want to report, Davos?" Robert asked, grimacing at the timing.

"Yes, my lord, but it can wait."

"Oh no, do continue your business, Robert; I am curious as to how you rule." Rhaelle insisted.

Educating Robert to be a future Lord Paramount had been an arduous affair, and at times she had been worried about his future. But here he was now, building his own city, and she wanted to see how.

"Join us then, Davos." Robert said, continuing to walk.

"Yes, my lord. The shipwrights want to know if we have a design ready to build, and they also made a list of the materials and tools they need. I have sent the list to Lord Tyrion, but planks alone will cost a fortune to buy if you truly want to build that many ships, not to mention everything else." Davos reported. His lord wanted to build the biggest trade fleet in the world, but ships were expensive.

They had a forest but not the man and workforce to make enough timber for ships at the rate he wanted.

"We will only trade with Braavos and the rest of the Seven Kingdoms for now and increase our trade routes as gold flows into our coffers. As for wood, we will increase our production and buy from the North if necessary. They have the trees to spare, and I am sure they would appreciate the gold." The Starks, and the North in general, due to how loyal they were to their Lords of Winterfell, may not like him, but everybody liked gold, and they were no exception.

That, and he didn't want to cut down his own forests.

"Shipping wood from the North to here wouldn't be easy, my lord." Davos informed, knowing even just loading the wood could take days.

"Don't worry, I will talk with the shipwrights into designing larger ships to carry more wood at once. For now, see about recruiting more workers to cut down trees and make timber for the ships, and make sure to consult the shipwrights about it."

"Yes, my lord." said Davos, and left, having finished his report.

"I was worried all those lessons entered one ear and left through the other, but look at you now, truly a lord deserving his title." Rhaelle commented, amusement and pride shining in her eyes.

"With a teacher like you, how could I fail? Now, it is almost time for lunch; would you like to join me?" Robert offered, actually happy to have lunch with a member of his family.

"Good idea; I am rather famished actually."

Lunch was a peaceful affair as they sat on the balcony of the inn Robert had taken for himself. It was mostly food with a longer shelf life, but his grandmother wasn't the type to complain about something like that.

She spoke of home, of family. His father was the same as ever, ruling, grumbling, and laughing, and his mother was the anchor to keep him down.

Stannis was more talkative now, a rather nice side effect of his betrothed. They kept in contact via raven, and apparently his little brother kept asking for help from his father on what to write.

Good for him.

Renly was calmer now with the good influence of Davos' sons and only demanded a dragon once a week instead of every day.

"The Tyrells have offered to foster Renly." his grandmother said, swallowing her bite.

"Tell Father it is a bad idea." Robert stopped, the slice of bread and cheese halfway to his mouth.

"He is considering it, against my advice, saying if we are building ties with the Florents, we might as well do the same with the Tyrells." They had a fight over it, and it was half the reason she had decided to fly over here.

"Okay, let's change our approach then. Tell Father if he does that, I'll burn Highgarden to the ground with the Tyrells in it." Robert said with a dead serious tone, earning a look from Rhaelle.

"Would you really?" She asked, trying to ascertain whether he was jesting or not.

"Their sigil should have been a vulture because they are a bunch of opportunistic bastards, Grandmother, so yes, I will do it."

"Saw something, have you?" She asked rhetorically, continuing to eat.

"Yes." Robert said simply, not explaining what he saw.

Considering how Renly became a toy in the hands of the Tyrells, he would not hesitate to commit first-degree murder to prevent it.

"Hmm, perhaps your father will listen to you." Rhaelle commented, closing the matter.

"Onto more cheery subjects. Have you thought of who to marry? You are five and twenty already; most lords your age tend to have more than one child."

With Stannis already betrothed, Rhaelle wanted to see her eldest grandson marry and be happy too.

"Unless I meet someone exceptional, I am not marrying." Robert shrugged in response.

"Exceptional? Like who?" Rhaelle asked, wiping her hands on a handkerchief.

Robert stopped. Frankly, he didn't have any idea what he meant by "exceptional" either. It was just a way for him to blow off people without bothering to explain what he meant.

"I guess I am searching for someone as great as me." Robert said, sounding narcissistic even to his own ears.

Then again, a female version of himself would be a sight to behold, he was sure.

"Oh dear, you are going to end up all alone then."

They continued to banter well into the evening.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World is four chapters ahead there.

You can also check out my other stories in my page.

Her Eternal Excellency, ( Raiden Ei reborn as Argella Durrandon) a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, which is also four chapters ahead.

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, which is three chapters ahead.

Also I will create a poll on what to write next, so don't forget to join my page.

Thank you in advance.

---

Stormlands

Asgard

Robert's Temporary Headquarters

"I am curious about something, my lord." Tyrion asked while reading over some documents.

"Go ahead." he responded, reading documents just like the Director of Finances was doing.

"You have the power; you come from the lines of kings. Have you ever considered just taking the Seven Kingdoms for yourself?" The young director put down his quill, watching his lord's reaction.

His question earned him raised eyebrows from Princess Rhaelle and Ser Davos, who were also busy in the room.

Robert put down the papers and turned to the dwarf, regarding him.

"If having power meant I could do whatever I wanted, then I would be no different from the likes of Aerys or Tywin, and I don't really feel like dealing with the problems of seven different kingdoms." he responded after a minute of silence.

"Most people would consider them, or at least Tywin, as great people." Tyrion said, refusing to address Tywin as Father after everything.

"If most people consider someone who orders the death of innocents and children as great, then there is something wrong with them, not me."

"If only everyone thought like you, this world would be a better place." Rhaelle shook her head, sighing.

She had lived long enough to see just how right the young Lannister was.

"Asgard will not be just a trade empire, but a place where law and rules matter and people will not be able to run amok as they wish." Robert declared.

"Lofty goal, my lord, even more so than a trade empire." Davos commented, wondering if he could actually do it.

"It won't be easy, and none of us may live long enough to see it, but not trying at all would be worse than simply failing." Robert sounded resolute in this, knowing change, especially in a society that rarely faced it in 8,000 years, would take time.

"How will you do it then, when even the rules and laws of gods could not?" Rhaelle asked, curious about how her grandson would change the very nature of humans.

"Through education to bring people together and make them understand we are stronger when we stand together as brothers, not when we stab each other in the back for selfish gains." Modern education systems of Earth had varying degrees of success, depending on several factors, but if Asgard could gain the wealth Robert envisioned, it would solve one of the biggest hurdles in the face of education.

Lack of financing.

There were other factors as well, but solving the problem of money would make solving the others much easier.

"I hope you can succeed, Robert." Rhaelle said with sincerity, knowing if anyone can, it would be him.

"Onto less serious matters then." Tyrion said, changing the subject to ships.

Ships of Westeros used oars when the wind blew in the opposite direction. This took space, meant more men for the crew, which led to an increase in costs, and was slow, and while Swan Ships of the Summer Isles were known to sail without oars, they also became helpless when the winds died.

Robert's solution to this was the pre-industrial ships of Earth, which, rather than having oars, used friction and angled sails to zig-zag towards the wind even when it was blowing against them, as well as special rigging to catch even the slightest breeze to sail the ship.

Which he was going to describe to the shipwrights as best as he could and let them handle the rest.

As they were technically experimental ships, Robert was going to start small and go big when they succeeded.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The shipwrights were reluctant to stray from their proven practices, but Robert was insistent as well as charming.

Their job for now was to start designing the ships, using Robert's descriptions and their knowledge to create a ship that could sail long ranges without oars.

But for now, they would have to do with the traditional ships.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Asgard was small, that did not mean there wasn't any trouble requiring Robert's attention, so here he was, holding court in the lodge he took for himself, listening to two families petition over one family's cow eating the other's crops.

How fun.

His verdict was they would build a fence, and the one with the cow would cover half plus the price of the crop, while the other family would cover the rest.

Next was a man accusing a peddler of scamming him, saying the tonic he bought for a sore throat gave him the runs.

The gurgling of his belly and the smell of the tonic made the decision fast.

Robert had banned the sales of tonics, elixirs, and other remedies without having a permit from him and ordered the man's coin to be returned.

He would have to get a maester or two to see who sold something actually useful and who did not.

Then he had to deal with several livestock farmers and the grazing rights, each one requesting they be given the rights.

Robert created a timetable for each of them to graze their animals at certain times, with penalties if they broke it.

"There is a woman outside who wishes to speak to you, though she hasn't given her name. She claims to have important news for you." Tyrion said, checking the list he had.

"Any description of this woman?" Robert asked.

"One with red hair and eyes, my lord." Tyrion said, which made Robert think.

That sounded familiar, but he couldn't remember exactly.

Ladies couldn't resist him, and it was not like he could remember them all.

She was let inside, and Robert's face dropped at seeing who it was.

With red hair, red eyes, pale skin, and way taller than the average woman, she was a beauty to behold.

"Greetings, Azor Ahai. "I am." she began, and Robert rose with a vengeance.

"Melisandre of Asshai, I know who you are." Robert seethed, which took the Red Woman back.

"Get the hell out of my city, and never set foot here again, no matter the reason." Robert's voice was cold enough to freeze the very flames she commanded.

Robert's hatred earned curious glances from around the room, while Sandor went to throw her out.

Stumped at Robert's flat-out refusal and clear hatred of her, the Red Woman left without saying anything.

"That sounded personal." his grandmother commented, wondering what just happened.

"You don't want to know, or you might just go and kill her yourself." Robert said, indicating for a wine, a rare indulgence these days.

"Tyrion, Davos, new decree. Red Priests are banned from entering Asgard, and anyone who gives them passage knowingly will face a fine of one hundred gold dragons." Robert ordered, taking a sip from the wine to cool his nerves.

Killing Renly at Stanis' behalf, and then burning poor Shireen?

The only reason he did not kill her then and there was because she technically did not do these things.

"Yes, my lord." both said at the same time.

"Next." he ordered, and Sandor opened the door, letting the next petitioner in.

It was about two men fighting over a woman.

Robert held up his sign, not wanting to look as if he did not care.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Petitioners were done, and Robert found himself doing something fun now. He and his grandmother had gone to tend to their dragons. Robert commented on how big Ormund was getting, as the black dragon was growing way faster than Obelisk, Ra, and Slifer.

She said soon enough Ormund would be bigger, and it led to back and forth about what made a dragon better—size, speed, agility, or intelligence—and here they were, testing which dragon was faster, Ra, the fastest amongst his trio, or Ormund.

They would race from the city to a hill about 20 miles away and return back with the first dragon back as the winner.

Davos was the referee, standing in front of the spectators, ready to start the race while Robert checked his flight suit and Rhaelle her riding leathers.

News had gone out quickly, and there was a crowd now, ready to watch who would win.

Davos took a piece of cloth and held it high.

"You may start when the cloth hits the ground." he said and threw it up.

Both riders locked eyes on the fabric, waiting.

"Volā!" and "Sōvēs!" they shouted as the cloth hit the ground, both dragons responding to the languages they were taught.

With flaps of their mighty wings, both dragons took off, racing towards the hill at full speed.

"Get ready to lose, Grandma." Robert shouted over the sound of the wind rushing his face.

"Hah, the folly of youth." she shouted back, trailing slightly behind him.

"Aderī!" Rhaelle shouted, urging her mount forward, and the black dragon began to gain on the golden one.

The riders locked eyes as Ormund almost gained on Ra.

"Now!" ordered Robert, and this time Ra sped up and began to widen the distance.

Rhaelle scoffed, and Ormund growled in defiance, pushing himself as fast as he could to gain on his opponent.

"Halfway there, Grandma!" Robert said, and Ra was the first one to reach the hill and began to turn back.

"I'll see you at the finish, Robert!" his grandma said, turning back before she reached the hill.

So that's how it was going to be.

Two can play that game, grandma.

Ra rose, heading above the clouds and disappearing from Rhaelle's sight.

She narrowed her eyes, knowing Robert was definitely up to something crazy.

After a while, Ra descended, somehow pulling in front of her, racing full speed towards the city, with Rhaelle and Ormund right behind him.

"Too late, Grandma!" Rhaelle turned right, seeing Robert flying with that flight suit of his.

Her shock was gone quickly as she turned back to the race, Ormund pushing with all his strength.

Rhaelle and Ormund landed a second after Ra did, almost slamming to the ground with how fast they were.

A couple minutes later, Robert landed on the square too, the crowd cheering at seeing the Winged Knight of Stormlands.

Robert took his helmet off, basking in the adoration of the crowd.

"Thank you, thank you. I know I am great. Thank you so much." He waved to the still cheering mass.

"You know, Grandma, I'll admit, I didn't expect you to play dirty like that." Robert admitted, leaning on Ra.

"Well, it didn't work on you now, did it?" She crossed her arms, smiling in exhilaration, her heart still racing.

"Of course not, but anyone else and you might have just won." Robert conceded, grinning.

It has been some time since he had fun like this.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All too soon though, it was time for Rhaelle to go back to Storm's End.

Grandson and grandmother were hugging, saying their goodbyes, but Robert also had a request.

"Can you see if you can convince the Florents to send me some grown mulberry trees?" he requested, as getting a message from Storm's End to Brightwater Keep would be much easier.

"At this rate, they would give you their whole orchard if you asked. Why do you need them, though?" She asked, knowing her grandson preferred grapes.

"If it works, it will be a nice little surprise; if not, then I'll just have some fruit trees." Robert said, not giving anything away.

"Hmm, you can keep your secrets, I suppose, but I'll see what I can do." she agreed as Robert helped her mount her dragon.

"Take care of yourself, and do visit sometimes." she ordered as Ormund took off, waving goodbye to her grandson.

"As you wish, Princess." Robert teased, waving back.

He watched until the dragon turned to a mere dot in the sky and went back to his inn.

His workload had decreased with his grandmother's help, but there was still much to do.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two weeks after his grandmother had left, the shipwrights came with a rough drawing of a schooner with three masts, just as Robert had described. He had them start the work immediately to build a trial ship to see what worked, what didn't, and what needed adjustments.

Robert liked it now that the things were underway, but he still had to secure large amounts of wood.

Perhaps it was time for a visit to Lord Manderly.

 

[Samael61]

https://www.patreon.com/posts/fourth-story-126044960 poll on the next story is open, feel free to vote

 

[Samael61]

Chapter 23 Stepstones, the first chapter of the Valyria Arc is out now, you can check it out in my patreon page for free.

 

[faruqi]

Not gonna sugar coat it, this isn't anywhere near the quality of something you would pay to read.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever,

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU,

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon,

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world.

All stories are four chapter ahead.

Thank you in advance.

---

King's Landing

Robert could have gone to other places to get the necessary timber, but the thing was he didn't want to deforest Stormlands, mostly Asgard, and with the lands lacking infrastructure, mainly a large enough port or roads, and the workforce, getting that much wood would be more trouble than it was worth.

So until he could see to the development of the Stormlands and Asgard, he was going to have to buy them.

North, as the largest and the most underdeveloped of the kingdoms, had untouched forests larger than some of the kingdoms, and White Harbour already had a fleet and the necessary workforce to build more from scratch.

It cost around five thousand gold dragons and took one to two thousand trees to build a galley, but Robert wanted bigger and faster ships, which meant higher costs, and the vast amount of forests in the North meant it was the prime place to buy cheap, high-quality timber.

His other options were Lannisport, the Redwynes, or King's Landing, but this was a long-term contract he did not want to give to any of them, especially after the whole debacle with the merchants.

So here he was, at the Red Keep.

Usually, when one wanted to visit the royal resident of the Targaryens, there would be steps to follow. Send a letter first to inform the royals of your reason for visiting, wait for an audience with the king, and then see to your personal business.

Robert had a special pass in the form of three fire-breathing flying lizards capable of burning the said keep to the ground, so he was an exception and could head straight to speak with Lord Manderly.

Wyman, as far as he bothered to remember the Lord-Too-Fat-to-Sit-a-Horse, was a shrewd, calculating, and intelligent man with a vengeance streak a mile long, if the theories about him killing three Freys and having them baked into a pie were true.

But he was lord of the only trade port in the North and good enough to be made the Master of Coin, so they should have no problem making a deal.

They didn't, but by no means was it easy.

Under all that fat was a calculating but fair businessman who would do pretty well in the 21st century Earth as a high-level executive.

For now the timber would be delivered by the fleet of White Harbour, and it would be more expensive, but as soon as Robert had his large cargo ships, the costs would go down even further.

Both sides had left that day satisfied with the deal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It wasn't all smooth sailing, of course. He had been hoping to leave the Red Keep without bumping into anyone but came across the Starks of all people.

"I read your letter." Lyanna Stark opened her mouth just as he was about to pass them by.

"What letter? I didn't send you anything." Robert replied after a moment of cursing in his head.

"The one you sent to the king." she clarified, almost causing a misunderstanding amongst her retinue.

"That sounds like his problem, not mine." he said, about to push past her guards.

"You threatened him. I want to know what exactly you were going to do." She demanded as if she had any power over him.

Robert sighed, about to tell her to fuck off, but had a better idea.

"Did the little girl get scared when the grown-ups were fighting?" He said with a mock childish tone, crouching down a bit and coming down to her eyesight.

The future queen of the Seven Kingdoms' nose flared in anger; she gritted her teeth to not lose control.

"Remember who you are talking to, my lord." The sole Kingsguard escorting her warned, though Robert couldn't put a name to the face.

"I was just going to walk past without saying anything, but she had to open her mouth. Now, get out of my way, so we don't have to see each other anymore." Robert said, shooing them away.

"No, not that easy. I want to know what you meant by that letter. Were you going to kill us if he didn't bow down to your demands?" She kept running her mouth off.

"And why would I want to kill you when you are already dead?" Robert asked with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Lyanna was taken aback by Robert's comment, confusion etched on her face.

"What are you talking about?"

"Simple, really. Lyanna Stark, who spent more time riding horses and practicing sword and jousting as a mystery knight, is dead. Becoming the queen, you will have to spend your time making connections and engaging in politics when you are not having children, and if you try to go back to your old ways, the court will eat you alive. So let me ask you again, why would I wish to kill you when you are walking to your death with a smile on your face anyway?" Robert said, stunning the whole retinue, including the dear old Ned.

He pushed past the frozen guards and left.

Really, she just had to open her mouth.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He was leaving the Red Keep when his ears caught something interesting. Rhaegar, his younger brother Aegon, and Jaime Lannister were getting married in two months in a single ceremony at King's Landing.

Rhaegar and Lyanna would tie the North and the Riverlands via Brandon and Catelyn to the crown, while Aegon's marriage to Janna Tyrell would bring the Reach into the fold, and Tywin Lannister would finally have his dream of marrying into the Royal Family partially fulfilled with Jaime and Shaena.

The weddings would have happened by now, but Queen Rhaella was severely weakened with the birth of her daughter Daenerys, born in King's Landing amidst a storm last year.

She actually should have been born in 284 AC, but with all the children Rhaella and Aerys had, she was late, so to speak.

His claims about her being the one to bring the dragons back if he had not done so already made some of the common sense-lacking lords try to offer a betrothal to the newborn.

Rhaegar, in his infinite wisdom, decided to marry his sister to the son he will eventually have with Lyanna.

Which didn't concern him at all, as he wasn't going to be there anyway.

If they didn't try anything, neither would Robert.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What a pleasant day, is it not, my lord?" A man, with a cowl hiding his face, sat on Robert's table at the inn.

You couldn't tell who he was with how much of his face was covered, but you could tell with the smell.

"Varys." he simply said after swallowing his food, wondering what the Spider wanted that brought him here.

"Imagine my shock at learning who the man that stole the dragon eggs and Valyrian steel sword of my good friend Illyrio." The Master of Whispers raised his cowl a bit, revealing his face to Robert, with a grandfatherly smile hiding his true nature.

People might call Dornish snakes, but in his opinion none could match the bald eunuch in front of him.

"Good friend? I thought you two were family, good brothers in fact. I mean, his wife was definitely Valyrian, and with what I have seen of you, I assumed she was your sister." Robert came clean, wiping the smile from his face.

"So tell me, are you two Blackfyres or Brightflames? That part wasn't really clear in my dreams." He raised the stakes even higher, watching the eunuch, but he didn't react at all.

"Quite the powerful thing, dragon dreams. They saved House Targaryen from the doom, which led to Aegon eventually conquering the Seven Kingdoms, and now they seem to have made you all-knowing." the Spider said; no doubt everything he said regarding his dreams had made it to his ears.

"So what brings you here?" Robert asked, not commenting on the whole dragon dreams thing.

"I wanted to ask you a question. You and the Targaryens harbor no good feelings towards each other, and I was wondering why you simply did not destroy them." Varys wondered, knowing he was the greater threat to his plans.

"You know, you are the second person to ask me that. As for why, beyond my personal views on power and how it should be used, I simply have no desire to rule the Seven Kingdoms and solve the problems they present. I mean, if someone repeated what Tywin did to the Tarbecks and Reynes in the lands I rule, they would face the same fate as their victims." Robert shrugged, though he couldn't help but be curious about what the Spider was playing at.

"How righteous and just of you, my lord." Varys sounded amused but didn't dare mock him.

"In a land where the rules of the jungle apply, progress would be nonexistent because of the constant fighting and lack of appreciation for scholarly matters due to what people perceive as their lack of application in warfare. That is why Oldtown is bigger and better than King's Landing, even though it doesn't have the population and is not the capital. But Asgard? It will be even greater, and when I am long dead and gone, the city I built will tame this world and then the stars. By then the Seven Kingdoms and the rest of this world will be on their knees, begging to be a part of my legacy. Do you know what will make Asgard the greatest to ever exist, Varys?" Robert asked, taking a deep breath.

"I assume you are about to tell me, my lord?" The eunuch was subdued now, listening to Robert's greater plan.

"Law, rules, and justice and the desire to be better, to push ever forward. That is why I don't care about conquering the Seven Kingdoms, because I play the longest game anyone ever has, and when it's finished, everything you ever do will be a mere footnote in history." Robert took another bite of the chicken, watching.

"Curious, why explain your plan to me and risk something happening?"

"Easy, because I don't care about your schemes or who rules the Seven Kingdoms, whether it be a Targaryen, a Blackfyre, or a wilding, as long as they don't cross me or my family."

"Message well received, my lord." Varys said after contemplating it quickly.

Robert got up and left after paying for the lunch.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After his unexpected meeting with the spymaster, Robert called Obelisk down with a whistle and left.

He had much to do.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asgard

The first thing Robert did after returning home was to inform the shipwrights they would get their timber.

Next was a meeting with Davos to tell him they were going to pick up the artisans from Braavos while he had a meeting with the Sea Lord. The journey would be longer than what he has been going on for a while, so he gave them ample time to prepare for it.

The city was left to Tyrion to manage in their absence with Sandor in charge of security, and he sent a letter to his grandmother to act as a deterrent. He didn't want to call her back so soon after her visit, but with him gone for a while, who knows what could happen?

The Black Betha and the Prize wouldn't be enough to transport all those people and their luggage, so they were going to hire ships in Braavos while Robert collected the interest his account had accumulated.

Davos had also opened the matter about bringing his wife and children to Asgard, and Robert had been open to the idea, but they would have to get a maester first, and that would have to wait until they returned.

Of course, sailing wasn't going to be easy because compasses did not exist here, and he had no idea how to make one. On Earth, the compass was first invented by a Chinese dynasty, but it was used as a tool for fortune telling at first, so perhaps they had a compass analogue in Yi-Ti?

He would have to get some scholars ASAP and have them start finding ways to bring his knowledge to practice.

It was like having a mountain of gold dragons but no way to use it.

He should actually start writing down what he remembers before forgetting things like Elia.

Dropping down another crate on the ship, Robert wiped the sweat off his brow with the back of his hand. He stopped for a while, watching the horizon, suddenly feeling the weight of his plans for the future and just how heavy it was.

But the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and he already took it.

He would finish it one way or another.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ships set sail the next day under the shadow of three dragons, taking another step on Asgard's journey to the top of the world.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: No idea how much a ship costs goldwise, so I tried to use numbers that sounded logical to me. I also confused Davos' ship with something else, so I fixed it to Black Betha.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever,

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU,

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon,

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world

All stories are five chapters ahead.

Thank you in advance.

---

Narrow Sea

Evening

A week into their journey, the ships had set anchor as the sun was setting, and the cloudy nights made sailing a risk. Robert had landed on Black Betha to rest, while the dragons went fishing thanks to their night vision.

Robert was below the deck, eating whatever preserved food they had, when he heard shouting above.

Davos went to check out but came down quickly.

"Pirates, my lord, five ships approaching off the starboard bow." he said, nonplussed.

He had a dragon rider on the ship; the pirates were going to regret coming anywhere near Black Betha and Prize, so he had nothing to worry about.

Robert sighed in irritation and went up to call the dragons back. They were going to pay for interrupting his dinner.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Raiding became harder the less light there was but tended to be rewarding when you caught ships that set anchors to wait out the night, giving them less time to get ready and escape.

That's why Captain Jala and his crew were excited at seeing not one but two ships waiting out there. Perhaps they were overconfident due to being in the middle of the Narrow Sea, but no captain worth his salt would ever let his guard down in here like that.

He watched from his far-seeing eye, seeing their target ship's captain do the same. They weren't attempting to escape, even after seeing them approach. He narrowed his eyes, searching around the ships to see if they had reinforcements. Seeing nothing, he turned to his crew, who cheered at his nod.

They would eat well tonight.

At least until someone shouted, "Dragons!"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Captain Jabal ordered the ships to turn around with dread in his voice. Of all the ships in the sea, he had to come across the one protected by the Father of the Dragons.

He knew deep down, however, they had no chance of escaping, but what else could they do—surrender and hope for mercy?

They were caught before ships were even halfway to turning back.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert circled around the ships, his dragons surrounding the pirates and halting them from escaping.

As soon as they saw the dragons, the pirates attempted to turn around and leave, but they couldn't outsail a dragon.

"Do any of you know Westerosi?" he asked, as the Free Cities spoke dialects of Valyrian.

He should get to learn the damn language sometimes, especially with plans to establish trade routes with them.

One of the pirates, a man with tanned skin, a couple of missing teeth, messy hair and beard, and dirty clothes, raised his hands slowly.

"Good, tell your captain he disturbed my dinner and ask him how he intends to make amends." Robert told the pirate, and he turned to his captain, translating, and after a small conversation turned back to Robert.

"W-we have loot and s-slaves. C-captain says you can have whatever you want if you s-spare us." the translating pirate said, stuttering every now and then.

Robert narrowed his eyes.

Slaves, huh?

He would kill them all now if it weren't that the slaves would die too.

"Does your captain think my time is so cheap? If he wants me to spare your lives, I'll need more." Robert demanded, like a thug harassing people for money, though he wasn't a thug and the people in question were pirates.

"H-he'll give you whatever you want; please just spare us" was the answer after another short conversation between the crewman and the captain.

"Whatever I want? That's awfully generous of him. In that case I'll take four of your ships and leave you with one to sail away." Robert clapped his hands, quite happy with their offer.

This ignited a heated argument in the ship, but Robert cut it off before it got out of control.

"What is the matter? Has your captain changed his mind?"

"N-no, it's just we can't all fit and sail on that ship."

"Well, you either take your chances with the ship or with me." Robert patted Obelisk on the head, and the dragon growled at the crew, who collectively took a couple of steps back.

Robert watched the crew slowly descend into chaos, shouting over who would board the ship and who would not, but of course no one wanted to be left behind. Tensions kept rising; shouts and pushes were getting more frequent before someone had enough and ran the captain through with his sword and threw the body overboard.

The sole mutineer shouted something, and the crew cheered.

"We'll take the ship."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slowly and painstakingly, the pirates emptied four of the ships, leaving behind their loot and the slaves, with only whatever food they had in the small and beat-up ship remaining.

They reminded him of those overcrowded trains from India.

He was letting them go so they could carry a message.

Robert Baratheon's ships were off limits.

That is if they didn't kill each other fighting over what food they had.

Either way, good riddance.

"Thank you for your contributions to the Asgard Trading Company!" He couldn't help but shout as they set sail, even though only one of them would understand.

Loot-wise, there was almost nothing, meaning they probably didn't find much in their last raid, as they still had the slaves.

Which was a problem. Not them exactly, but their conditions. Composed of a dozen men and women in total along with a child, they were tired and starved.

They were lucky the pirates crossed him before they managed to sell them off.

Scared as they were, they let Robert approach after he landed on the ship. They were tied with ropes, and he made quick work of them with his knife.

Davos approached with Black Betha and Prize, boarding the ship, though he stopped upon seeing the slaves.

Without even asking for orders, he had food brought over to the starving people and had them checked for any wounds. They were mostly fine, other than bruises of varying colors.

Women weren't touched thankfully, as damaged merchandise wouldn't sell well at the market.

None of them spoke Westerosi Common, nor did Davos have anyone who knew Valyrian, so communication was mostly through gestures.

"Will we leave them at Braavos, my lord?" Davos asked, coming to stand behind him.

"We'll see if they have a place to go; if not, we'll see if they are interested in settling in Asgard." Robert said, and while trying to help everyone would not be possible, he would help those he can.

"Yes, my lord."

"So, four more ships?" Robert gestured to the other pirate vessels.

"Yes, at this rate we won't have to build any ships, my lord." Davos sounded amused. While the pirate ship was more beat up than the prize when it was seized, it would still be cheaper than building one from scratch.

"They are bound to understand that targeting my ships won't end well for them. I don't think we'll be lucky like this again." He muttered, "After all, even if the entirety of the pirate existence were idiots, they would still understand poking a dragon with a stick was a terrible idea."

"If we take all four, sailing to Braavos might take even longer because of the barebones crews, depending on the winds."

"We can afford to be a bit late." Robert waved away his concerns; after all, acquiring four ships would be well worth it, especially if they didn't have to hire any from Braavos.

"As you say. There is one more thing, my lord. Are you going to use the words and sigil of your house or make new ones? At the least, we need to paint the sails with something so people know who protects those ships." Davos asked. After all, even if the news spread, pirates couldn't be expected to know who they were simply from the ships.

"I'll get back to you on that." Robert said; he honestly hadn't thought much about it. Using House Baratheon's words could be done, seeing as Storm's End didn't have a fleet, but he wanted something that represented Asgard's spirit.

Perhaps a Yggdrasil tree with words about progress and knowledge?

He would think about it later back at Asgard.

Now that they had six ships, he would see about finding a less crowded place to sleep.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Braavos

Sailing to Braavos did indeed take longer, just as Davos had warned, so much so that Robert almost decided to fly ahead. They had nowhere near enough crew to effectively sail the ships, even with the former slaves helping wherever they could.

But finally they saw the Titan of Braavos in the distance two weeks after they sailed out, and the crews cheered.

Standing 400 feet tall, it gleamed in the sunlight as if a warrior from the heavens were sent to protect the city.

Robert flew ahead to meet Ferrego Antaryon to avoid any misunderstandings due to the pirate ships.

He was circling over the Sea Lord's Palace, waiting for the man to come out and invite him down.

Never let it be said Robert wasn't courteous to the people that he got along with. Naturally the Targaryens weren't on that list.

Most Braavosi considered Westerosi to be barbarians, but he was good friends with the Sea Lord—at least as far as that mattered when it came to the nobility—and none would dare say something like that to the face of the Father of the Dragons.

The man, young and far away from being the sickly and frail man he was mentioned as in the books, had come out to greet him with his protector, Qarro Valentin, the First Sword of Braavos, and a ceremony of Water Dancers.

Draped in purples and blues, with brown skin, and a clean-shaved round face from perhaps one too many desserts, Ferrego was a perfect example of a wealthy Braavosi.

Obelisk, Ra, and Slifer landed as gently as they could, and Robert dismounted, approached the man in question, and removed his helmet, greeting the smiling ruler of Braavos the same way.

"My friend! Welcome to Braavos once more." The Sea Lord greeted, with pearly white teeth that could blind someone, and held out his arm.

"Much appreciated, my friend, though before we go in, I made some ship acquisitions on the way here, and they bear pirate flags. Could you ensure they are not sunk?" Robert took the offered arm, gesturing towards the port.

"Ship acquisition? I believe you have a story to tell me." Ferrego turned to one of the Water Dancers and muttered something in Braavosi, and the man left with a salute and then gestured Robert inside.

"Weirdest of things. Five pirate ships just sailed towards us and decided to donate four of their ships to me."

"Really? Perhaps your dragons had something to do with it?" The Sea Lord gave him an amused smile.

"Maybe, or it was just because of my charming demeanor. At any rate, they had slaves we freed, and I was wondering if they had anywhere to go here? If not, I'll offer them a place back at Asgard." Robert said. After all, Braavos was created by slaves who fled from the Freehold, and as they detested slavery, they also helped escaped slaves whenever they could.

"Of course, we are always happy to help those who escaped from the wretched grasp of slavery."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They were seated in the Sea Lord's study after Robert was given a room to change into something comfier.

"I heard about that dreadful business with Storm's End." Ferrego commented as a servant poured wine into two clear glasses, watching for Robert's reaction.

"It was their way of protecting me from Aerys; I am sure you have heard about him." Robert shrugged. While a part of him was angry, the other part had seen an opportunity.

"Most would be displeased about losing their legacy."

"Most people wouldn't see an opportunity as I do. Storm's End represents the past; Asgard will be the future."

A moment of silence took place as the Sea Lord contemplated, as if he wanted to gaze into Robert's soul to see how serious he was.

"Well then, let us raise our glasses to the future and talk business, shall we?" Ferrego held out his glass, and Robert obliged.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Davos approached the port with the ships, exhaustion clear on his face. The last weeks had been hard, with unfavorable winds and having to sail six ships with a crew of two. But at the least they were promised triple pay for this month and the loot from the ships, even though it wasn't much, making it worth their sweat.

He had a lot to do now, even more than what they had planned before sailing. New sails, new crews, at least temporary ones until they can find ones that speak Westerosi Common, and repairs for the new ships.

After he slept, of course, he was no use looking like a corpse.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever,

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU,

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon,

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world

All stories are five chapters ahead.

Thank you in advance.

---

Braavos

Sea Lord's Palace

The Sea Lord was a master of negotiation, as one who was elected to this position had to be, and just like all their previous negotiations, this one was hard and tiring.

Not to mention the shipwrights he had sent over.

But they did reach a deal after two very tiring weeks.

Both Braavos and Asgard would waive any tolls and fees for the ships and traders of the other and lower the tariffs significantly enough, with the option to fully remove them when Asgard grew big enough to handle more trade.

They also agreed on cooperation against piracy and slavery to ensure the safety of the Narrow Sea for both sides' benefit.

Ferrego also insisted on the involvement of the Iron Bank—probably requested by the bankers, knowing they were friends—as Robert refused to have much to do with them beyond the interest they gave to his gold, both in investing in Asgard as well as offers of lower interest rates for any loan he might take, but Robert only agreed to allow small amounts of investment, knowing even as wealthy as he was, he couldn't match the Iron Bank's financial strength and any investment they made would give the bankers influence in Asgard. He agreed to the loans but would try not to take any unless it became absolutely necessary.

Free lodging for up to a week would be provided for the traders to support the flow of commerce, and they also agreed any long-term trade deals would be discussed with each other first as a courtesy, and only then with others if a deal could not be reached. This would be implemented later when Asgard started to export in greater amounts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Braavos

Docks

So here he was, taking a stroll around the city with a translator and Davos, who had had the ships repaired and refurbished and filled their holds with trade items of value, such as pearls, gems, and accessories, as well as weapons, spices, dyes, and silk. Not to mention the four hundred thousand gold interest he had collected from the Iron Bank.

Being a smuggler, he knew the most profitable items of trade, as well as their prices and where to sell them.

He also visited the artisans, especially the glassmakers, and their luggage would be loaded when the Asgard contingency was ready to return home.

They were talking about gaining access to other ports in Westeros, and with Robert antagonizing the wealthiest of the kingdoms, they had to come up with a clever solution.

As they reached the market area, Robert couldn't help but notice how alive it was. Merchants everywhere, peddling their wares, from basic necessities to luxury items, and everything else one could imagine.

He decided to explore the market to see if anything caught his eye. The food section was something even the Reach would be envious of. Exotic fruits, gleaming vegetables, various kinds of bread, dried meats, cheese, and a lot more. He bought a little bit of everything to taste and was about to move to the part that contained arms sellers before his eyes fell on something.

Yellow-green, elongated pods on the ground next to a merchant selling exotic fruits. He approached the merchant, inspecting them closer.

Cocoa pods.

They were cocoa pods of all things, put on a rag as if they were not worthy of standing next to the fruits.

"How much for them?" Robert pointed to the pods, turning to his translator.

The young man and the vendor had a brief conversation before he translated back.

"He says they are too bitter to eat but are good for health if you can stomach them. It's one iron coin for all."

Right, claim something is good for health when you don't have any other way of selling it.

There were easily twenty or so of those pods, and Robert saw no issue with that. When he was done with them, they would be worth a lot more than an iron coin.

Robert handed over the coin and took the pods along with the rag until he found something for them.

"Let's go, Davos. I'll return to the palace after dropping these off."

"Yes, my lord." Davos wondered why his lord wanted to buy them, but then again, he didn't seem to do things without a good reason.

Nonetheless, the trio made their way to Black Betha, but the translator stayed out when Robert and Davos boarded the ship.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What are we to do with these, my lord, medicine?" Davos asked; after all, Lord Robert was as healthy as a horse, as far as he knew.

"Hah, no. That merchant didn't know what he was selling. We are going into the chocolate business with these."

Who knew making his own chocolate would come in handy like this one day?

"Chocolate, my lord? What is that?" Davos said, the word sounding foreign to his tongue.

"Just one of the best things mankind has ever created, and believe me, we are going to make enough coin with that to put most businesses to shame." Robert sounded so sure of it, and Davos already wondered what this chocolate tasted like.

"Now we just need sugar; we did buy some, right?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Excellent." Robert stopped, remembering something.

"Damn it, I was so excited I forgot to ask where he bought them. Find that out, will you?"

Davos just nodded.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another thing Braavos was really famous for was its courtesans. Robert had no interest in them, but they did have interest in the Father of the Dragons, if the barges berthed around them and the really beautiful ladies making eyes at Robert were anything to go by.

The crew, though, were very interested, acting like lovesick maidens, but Davos knew how to run his ship, so they didn't do anything but ogle.

He was out in the port and saw a small crowd gathering to watch one of the barges. Robert just shook his head and went to see if he could find some lodestones. He may not know how to make a compass out of it, but maybe he could find someone that could.

The crowd had turned into an agitated beehive, two men shouting at each other before they pulled out swords and the crowd parted, giving the duelists a small venue to fight.

The Braavos Water Dance was a fighting style that focused on speed, balance, and grace, similar to fencing.

It was interesting to watch, but Robert wondered why they were fighting in the first place.

"They are fighting over Nightingale." his translator supplied, probably having noticed the confusion on his face.

"Nightingale?" Both sides of him had chased women, though Robert was more successful on that front; Matt had never gone as far as to fight for someone not interested in him.

The translator simply pointed out to one of the barges where a beautiful woman of light brown skin, full lips, dark wavy hair, sapphire blue eyes, and a heart-shaped face, dressed in dark purple silken attire that left nothing to the imagination, was standing on the deck, watching the fight, pleased.

She blew him a kiss upon noticing him looking, though Robert just turned to the fight, ignoring her, more interested in the fight.

The two men had similar builds, lean and agile; the Water Dance preferred accurate strikes to target the weak points in the body.

He could see why it was called a dance, but it was over all too soon. One of the duelists, the one with longer hair, kept going for the other man's face and, when he overextended himself, stabbed him in the throat, leaving the man on the ground to gurgle and choke on his own blood.

Seeing no need to drag out his opponent's death, the victorious duelist stabbed him in the heart, putting an end to his suffering.

The man then turned around to face the crowd; Robert didn't understand the language but could guess he was asking for challengers from his demeanor and the way he brandished his sword.

When none came forward—though Robert considered doing it just to annoy the attention seeker—the man got on one knee, holding out his hand towards the most famous courtesan of Braavos.

The woman smiled, amused by the men fighting over her, and threw a rose at the man, drawing out a cheer from the crowd.

Corny.

"Come on, Davos, we are burning daylight for no reason."

Davos followed with an affirmative mutter, but Lady Luck was not on Robert's side today.

The duelist's voice rose, and the audience slowly turned, stopping him in his tracks. He looked back to see the crowd had parted and the duelist was pointing his sword at Robert, making a "come" sign with it.

Robert pointed at himself to ask if he actually meant him, and the man nodded.

"What's his problem?" He turned to the interpreter, not understanding.

"He claims you insulted Nightingale and challenges you to a duel." He pointed at the courtesan again, who was smiling with a devious grin.

"He has no idea who I am, does he?" Robert smiled, feeling giddy all of a sudden.

Robert approached the challenger when he shook his head.

"Tell him I'll fight barehanded." Robert muttered, stretching to get ready.

"He says." Robert stopped him with a hand. "I get it."

The Water Dancer probably said something along the lines of "your funeral" from the way he was posturing and the cocky grin on his face.

Robert walked into the manmade ring, his eyes locked on the brown orbs of his opponent. He raised his fists in a defensive gesture and waited. The Water Dancer was watching him for an opening and initiated the fight with a feint stab. Robert didn't react, still waiting. The Water Dancer tried a couple more feints to no avail.

He tensed, coiled like a cobra ready to strike, and stabbed at Robert's chest with the grace and swiftness of a jaguar. Robert, with a quickness that belied his size, dodged, and his opponent overextended himself, falling into the same fatal mistake the dead duelist did.

Robert's arm coiled around the sword arm of the Water Dancer like a snake, and he slammed his palm right into the man's throat, causing him to choke.

Next, Robert kicked him in the knee, and when he was on the ground, slammed the Braavosi duelist's arm to his knee with such force that the arm broke and the bone stuck out. The crowd gasped at the brutality of it, with some emptying their stomachs, and the Water Dancer let out a wail of agony.

It didn't last long before Robert jammed the bone straight into the man's throat and killed him.

The onslaught happened fast enough for the crowd to take a couple of seconds to register the death of the Water Dancer.

Robert let the corpse drop and dusted his hands, throwing a look at the instigator of it, who did seem disturbed by the violent kill.

"Anyone else?" Robert challenged, but the crowd dispersed, understanding what he meant, while some of them dragged the body away.

"That was…" Davos searched for the right word before Robert stepped in.

"Brutal?"

"But well done, my lord."

"Yeah, let's see if any of these idiots ever challenge me again."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turns out that duelist he killed was kind of a big deal in Braavos, enough that people began to challenge him, either to test themselves against the man that killed one of the foremost water dancers of Braavos so quickly and efficiently or to avenge him.

At any rate, Robert had had enough and decided that to challenge him, they would have to pay a hundred gold dragons or the equivalent as a fee, which cut the number of challengers sharply. But he still did make close to a thousand gold dragons and made sure to not kill anyone else.

No need to gain infamy in the city.

Robert didn't really care about the duels that much due to something else.

The cocoa pods.

Turns out they were from the Summer Isles, used as medicine, and somehow made their way here. They weren't known much outside of the isles due to the bitter taste, as people didn't know how to process them.

He would visit Summer Isles with a fleet to buy as much cocoa as he could after getting grinders and ovens specifically for chocolate making, and he would have to get regular sugar shipments to Asgard. Reach was closer, but since they were in the Targaryen camp, making a deal might not be easy, but shipping sugar from Braavos would increase the price of chocolate. He would make his choice based on Highgarden's—Olenna Tyrell's, in actual fact—answer.

Workers would also be needed, but perhaps Tyrion's wife would be interested? In fact, he could employ widows and women that are looking for a new life other than selling their bodies, killing two birds with one stone.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever,

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU,

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon,

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world

All stories are five chapters ahead.

Thank you in advance.

---

Braavos

Docks

"Do visit again, my friend; I am sure we both can stand to profit from further cooperation." Ferrego shook Robert's hand as the dragonrider was getting ready to leave, having concluded their talks.

"I'll be sure to, but you know how busy our jobs are. Stay well." Robert gave his good wishes and mounted Obelisk; the ships were already sailing.

They would head to King's Landing first to sell their wares and then make it to Asgard to receive the first shipment of wood from White Harbour.

Work on the prototype for the newly dubbed Merchant Class ships had already begun a month ago and would take around three months by the estimates.

By this time next year they hopefully would start constructing about a hundred ships per year with the amount of gold and time he was going to invest in it. It was a stretch, but he was going to build bigger shipyards than ever seen in this world and basically build a school to train more shipwrights.

Expensive, but invaluable in the long run.

The winds were favorable to the ships in their voyage back to Westeros.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

King's Landing

Red Keep

"She confronted Robert, and none of you thought to do something about it?" King Rhaegar Targaryen questioned the Small Council and the King's Guard he had left behind, as well as his family.

He had left for Summerhall shortly after Robert's letter arrived to see if any new insights could be gained from the diary, as the vagueness of the writings had been driving him up the walls, and he wanted to clear his mind to not cause any problems during the triple wedding they would be having.

He did not find anything new, but the journey had cleared his mind, but now he had to deal with his wife's impulsiveness.

They were all silent, avoiding eye contact with him, besides his brothers.

"We did counsel her to not do it, but your wife isn't one to back down when she sets her mind on something." Aegon tried to placate his elder brother. They had truly tried, but "she-wolf" wasn't exactly the compliment most people thought it was.

"Everyone but my wife out now." he ordered, looking at his wife, who held a defiant look in her eyes.

They were quick to leave to avoid their king's ire.

"What were you thinking, Lyanna? Better yet, were you even thinking?" Rhaegar scolded his wife, and for all that she had been educated by his mother, the future Queen of the Seven Kingdoms still acted like a child sometimes.

"He threatened you, and you did nothing." She retorted back, icy cold to his scorching fire.

"I did nothing because he has three dragons, Lyanna, in case you forgot. He can just burn down the Red Keep, and we would be powerless to stop it. So yes, we will do our best to avoid any confrontation with him until we are in a situation to deal with his dragons." The irony of what he just said wasn't lost on Rhaegar.

They, the House of the Dragon, were preparing defenses against the dragons.

Their ancestors must be rolling in their graves.

"You don't have to like it, my love, but you have to accept it." Rhaegar tried to make her understand with a gentle tone, as she would get more confrontational if they continued to bicker.

"Promise me you won't do something like this again." He knew how effective his melancholic smile was on her and didn't hesitate to use it.

"I…" Lyanna hesitated, not knowing if she could keep it.

"Please?"

"Fine. I won't confront him again." She caved in, incapable of resisting him.

"Thank you, my dear."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Docks

A Week Later

Davos had already begun to offload the wares and receive payments. His smuggling contacts, merchants mostly, were lining up to buy silk, spices, and accessories, while knights from all over the Seven Kingdoms who were visiting the city were interested in armor and weapons.

It felt good to actually trade without having to look over his shoulder every time to watch out for the Gold Cloaks.

Lord Robert had already returned to Asgard, and they would join him as soon as they sold the goods and loaded up with construction material. He also arranged for passages of the crews they temporarily hired at Braavos in addition to their pay as it was discussed and was looking to hire new crews to man the four other ships.

Luckily, in a city of half a million people, finding crews out of work was easy; ensuring they were good sailors, less so, but not impossible.

He would never imagine himself in a position like this, where crates of gold and silver poured into the ships under his command, with him earning one-tenth of the coin brought by the wares shipped by Black Betha.

A single trade voyage and he had more gold than he earned in a year as a smuggler. Not to mention Black Betha was repaired free of charge at the docks of Asgard, reducing the amount he had to spend.

But perhaps the most important part was that his wife and children wouldn't have to worry about him falling afoul of the law and ending up in a cell, or worse.

Fortune had come knocking on his door, and Davos never felt more grateful for it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asgard

"My lord." Tyrion greeted him as he landed on the solid ground after a while, stretching his leg to get the blood circulation going.

They never mentioned in the books how numb your legs could become while riding a dragon.

"Tyrion, how are you doing?" Robert could see the bags under his mismatched eyes.

"Well enough, my lord. You'll be happy to know there was nothing out of the ordinary to report."

"Where is my grandmother?"

"She left for Storm's End yesterday, my lord, to assist in preparations for the marriages of King Rhaegar, Prince Aegon, and Princess Shaena." Robert raised an eyebrow at this.

His grandmother is going to King's Landing to attend their wedding?

Weird.

"Ah well. How is Tysha? Still bored?"

"Yes, my lord, but she makes do. I have been teaching her how to read, and she has been taken with it." Tyrion was happy to have a wife who shared his passion for reading, even if she was still learning.

"You know, I just happen to have a new business idea and require a trustworthy person."

"Perhaps we should discuss it inside then?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside his temporary house and workplace, Robert finally sat down and put his feet up. He had changed out of his armor, cleaned himself up, and finally could relax.

After finishing his business, of course.

"So what groundbreaking business idea do you have, my lord?" Tyrion asked, putting down the report papers he had.

Robert held out the sack he had brought and pulled out a cocoa pod.

"This is a cocoa pod. Eaten by itself, it is bitter, but if it is processed correctly and mixed with sugar and milk, you have a sweet unlike any this world has ever seen. One that we can sell to the nobility at exorbitant prices, claiming it is very expensive and hard to produce."

"Is it, my lord?" Tyrion asked, wondering if he was actually going to scam the highborn.

"Maybe the sugar part, but the rest? Not at all, hence the need for a trustworthy person to oversee it."

"And since Tysha is usually bored at home and we are both grateful to you, you want her to take part in it to help you rob the wealthy?" The Dwarf of Asgard asked with a tone one might consider as offended.

"Exactly."

"When do we begin?"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tysha was quick to agree, especially since the offer came from Robert, and they began to plan.

A warehouse had been cleaned after a second floor was built to let the cocoa beans ferment in a clean and dry area and to avoid rodents. Manual grinders had been brought to the first floor along with large ovens outside to roast the beans.

Robert, as the only one with the knowledge of how to make chocolate, basically trained Tysha in it. She was quick-witted and did not take long to get the hang of it, though practice would have to wait until the beans fermented for a week and Davos came with the sugar.

That week was tough for Robert. He didn't really think of chocolate before finding the cocoa pods, but now that he had, after not eating any for more than six years, he was craving it.

The smell of fermented cocoa beans was strong, to say the least, enough to give Tysha doubts about whether it would work. They had roasted them in the ovens after that and separated the shells.

Grinding it up with some vegetable oil and sugar, they let them harden in the basement in steel molds.

So here they were, as Tysha carefully peeled off the chocolate from the mold. They had buttered it so it wouldn't stick, and now was the moment of truth.

She cut the bar into five pieces and served it on a platter.

They all examined the brown pieces for a while before Robert took a piece and popped it into his mouth, slowly chewing and enjoying the taste.

Seeing how he had closed his eyes to fully immerse himself, the others hesitantly took their pieces too.

They all had their own way of expressing their emotions, but Robert could confidently say they enjoyed it.

"I had my doubts, especially with how it smelled after fermenting, but I'll admit we can gouge the nobility with this." Tyrion admitted.

Nobles gouging each other for coin was nothing new; gods knew Reach did it when winter was approaching if they were left unchecked, and Tyrion was sure they could succeed.

"And we are going to. We just need to promote it as a sign of wealth and prestige, and they would line up with their coffers open just to earn the right to boast." Robert already had an idea how to do that.

"We need a place where the nobles will gather and make chocolate known to as many of them as possible." Davos offered, a bit disappointed they didn't have more. He was sure Marya and the children would love it.

"And it just so happens the Targaryens are getting married, and most of the realm will be there." Sandor joined in, grinning. He might not have the interest in business as they did, but he still could see the opportunity.

"Exactly. Now Tyrion and Tysha, find workers, make sure they won't talk about this business, and start making chocolate. The ceremony is in a week, and we need to hurry." They already had some made, but more would be needed to send to the wedding.

The Targaryens were proving to be useful to Robert again.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the chocolate bars were ready, Robert had taken it upon himself to go and deliver them to his friends and family in King's Landing. By friends, he meant the Stormlords and Arryn, as other bridges were burnt.

Dressed in his black and gold outfit, he landed in the courtyard at noon on the wedding day, as the feast was going full speed.

Robert headed inside, greeting the lords he was familiar with on the way, and stood before the door to the Great Hall. The guards, upon seeing him unarmed and carrying gifts, let him in.

"Lord Robert Baratheon, Lord of Asgard" The court herald called out loudly upon seeing him.

Cheers and merriment slowly died as people expected a commotion. Robert was going to have to disappoint them this time, but what can you do?

"Get the hell out of here if you are going to cause trouble." His least favorite Targaryen, Daeron, rose from his chair, with fire in his eyes.

"Trouble? I am hurt, cousin. Here I went into the trouble of inventing a new dessert as a gift to the couples, but you are accusing me of foul play." Robert gently shook one of the chocolate boxes he was holding to emphasize his point.

"How generous of you, my lord, but we already had dessert." Rhaegar said, a half-eaten apple pie in front of him.

"Really? Well then, I'll just pass these along and be on my way before you even know it." Robert smiled cheerfully, heading to where his family was seated.

"Here, Grandmother, I believe you will like this." He passed a box to her and to each member of his remaining family, hugging and making small talk all the while.

"We can talk later; I still need to pass the remaining boxes." This time he headed to where the Arryn's, including Denys and his family, were to spread his gift.

"You brute, you couldn't even send a letter to me?" Denys, Darling of the Vale, said, getting up to hug him. Light brown hair, brown eyes, a square face, and a fair complexion did make him rather handsome to ladies everywhere.

"Why didn't you come yourself? Not like you are busy." He rebuked, gathering him in a bone-crushing hug.

"So you decided to be a chef now?" He asked as Robert let him go.

"I am a man of many talents, Denys." he joked, before hugging Jon and Elbert and giving the future Lady Arryn a kiss on the knuckles.

"Anyway, I don't want to hold up the wedding too much. Drop by Asgard if you want to talk." He patted the old man and the man he saw as another brother on the back.

A couple more boxes were passed to the Stormlords before he spotted Elia and Baelor and approached them, offering greetings and giving out more chocolate.

Elia opened the box immediately, curious as to what he made, before her eyes widened and she shouted.

"You made chocolate?!" She had a sweet tooth before, and the simple desserts of Westeros did not exactly cut it for her.

"Yep."

Elia took a huge bite from the bar with a clear snap and began to chew, and before they knew it, it was gone, and she had her eyes on her husband's box.

"Are you going to eat that?" She asked, looking as if it was the last drop of water in the world.

Baelor, taken aback by his usually calm and collected wife's actions, opened the box and slowly took a bite. His mouth was overwhelmed with the taste at first, but he got used to the taste very quickly and nodded.

"I must say this is good. Rich, sweet, and smooth, it melts in my mouth."

Elia and Baelor's reactions spurred the rest of them into action, and they slowly bit into the sweet bar. Their reactions were more or less the same.

He passed the remaining couple of boxes to the wealthiest of houses, including the Tyrells, and headed to the exit.

"Anyway, I'll be going now to not disrupt the wedding any longer, but remember, my lords and ladies. You were some of the first people in this whole world to taste such an exquisite and expensive delicacy. If you want to buy, please send your requests to Asgard. A box of it, due to how rare the ingredients are, costs a hundred gold dragons. Oh, and I wish the couples here a good and happy marriage." Robert left, shutting the doors and leaving without explaining himself further.

"Baelor, we are buying at least ten boxes of this every month." Elia turned to her husband, challenging him to say no.

"Yes, my darling." Bealor knew that the key to a happy life was a happy wife.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The last part was a bit fast but we will be seeing those mentioned above soon.

 

[Kaiserfrost]

Truly Bealor is the wisest man in the world.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever,

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU,

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon,

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world

All stories are five chapters ahead.

Thank you in advance.

---

Stormlands

Asgard

Two Months Later

As Robert expected, the chocolate business was slow, with only the Hightowers via Elia willing to buy, both for themselves and to send as gifts.

But he wasn't selling food; he was selling prestige and a sign of wealth. It would just need some more time to work.

He was occupied with something else now, as the shipwrights were testing the Pioneer, the prototype of Asgard's first merchant class schooner. Two hundred feet long, with three masts, two decks, and more sails on it than any other ship the sailors had seen, it was a monster of a ship and could carry more cargo than they knew what to do with, and it still was a work in progress, as full-size ships of that class would be around three hundred feet.

When it was ready, they would be sailing to the Summer Isles for a trade run. It would take much longer than their journey to Braavos was, but Robert wanted to test the ship, both its speed and how it fared on open seas. Davos would be captaining the ship, leaving Black Betha behind, as they needed its experienced crew.

There were larger ships in Westeros, but none were made for trade. The Pioneer would carry the cargo of several cogs with a fraction of the crew, which would equal profit in his eyes.

Building costs were a problem, as a 130 ft. galley took five thousand gold dragons, but as a ship got larger and more complex, the gold it took to build one grew exponentially. The Pioneer had cost fifteen thousand gold with not even twice the size, but the shipwrights assured him it would go down once they completed the drawings and the ship took its final shape.

Nonetheless, it was worth it in his eyes.

Another issue was the Stepstones, where the pirate activity was plenty, while Myr and Lys continued to fight for control over the islands. He was going on a punitive campaign there, to burn every single pirate ship he came across and ensure Myr and Lys knew to keep out of his way.

Could he, he would destroy the islands, but he did not have the capability and would have to be satisfied with eradicating the pirates.

He had called a meeting with Davos, Tyrion, and Sandor to discuss the way forward now.

"My lord, perhaps you could consider delaying it? Construction is picking up, and I am having a hard time with it due to a lack of learned men. The ones you hired are all busy with their jobs, and taking one away disrupts work elsewhere." Tyrion complained. With Robert here the work was more than manageable, but left alone it was taxing on the young man.

"Hmm, when will the maester arrive from the Citadel? He can help you, and I can be on my way to purge the Stepstones."

"That would be extremely welcome, my lord, and he should be here soon." Tyrion had sent the letter himself in Robert's name, and the Citadel, especially with their lord's good relations with the Hightowers, was quick to respond.

"Alright, Sandor, how are we doing with the guards?"

They had tasked the man with training the guards, as he was just sitting around with nothing to do.

"Fucking bastards thought they would just stand around with swords in hand. Some already quit because it was too hard, but I'll make the remaining ones into proper guards." Sandor grinned. He didn't like the idea at first, but the more he did, the more fun it became.

"Excellent, I don't want a bunch of idiots guarding my city. Davos, what do you think of the ship?"

"My lord, just that it can move with so little wind would be a good reason to have a fleet of them, and their speed is truly impressive as well. "A hundred of them, and Asgard's fleet can carry more cargo than any other fleet." Davos complimented. Black Betha had and always would have a special place in his heart, but those cargo ships were something else.

"Good, what about the cranes on the docks? I don't think the workers will relish the thought of carrying the timber by hand." Robert said to the young captain.

"They are coming along well, but the work at the shipyards slowed down due to pulling out workers from there." Davos reported. He figured as they still had time before they were ready to start producing ships, the work there could be slowed for now.

"Well then, before I forget, you can go and bring your wife and children over as soon as your mansion is finished." Robert said, as he had gifted the man a mansion, built out of his own pockets, remembering him having seven children by the time of the Battle of the Blackwater.

"Yes, my lord, thank you." The mansion was a gift unlike any other the Lord of Asgard had given, but Davos now knew that the man didn't have any ulterior motives when he gave gifts.

"Tyrion, you and Tysha will get one too; just remember what we talked about." Robert wasn't the type to poke his nose into other people's private lives, but Tysha wasn't fully grown physically, and having a child could be dangerous. Better to wait a couple of years than to take an unnecessary risk.

"Yes, my lord." Tyrion nodded. He didn't feel ready to be a father anyway, especially with how much time his position demanded, and didn't see any problems with the older man's advice.

Besides the awkwardness of it.

"I am curious about something. Even at the height of their power, the Targaryens couldn't solve the issue of the Stepstones. How will you do it?" Tyrion was an avid reader, and the Dance of the Dragons as well as the events leading to it were a favorite.

"They failed because Viserys didn't have a spine. I'll burn down Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh if they don't back off, and hunt down the pirates to the last ship." Robert declared. After all, he preferred his problems solved permanently.

"No middle ground with you, is there, my lord? Either peace or total annihilation for your enemies." Tyrion could see it in Robert's eyes. He might seek peace but wouldn't hesitate to destroy them.

"There are people and matters you don't compromise with, Tyrion. Slavers and security are two of them."

"Well, let's hope they back off then; I rather like Myrish glass." the dwarf commented absentmindedly.

"And if they don't, perhaps it will be called Asgardian glass. Speaking of, did that glassmaker start working?" Robert half joked, turning to Davos.

"He has, my lord. It is slow, as he is also teaching his apprentices, but with the language difference, it makes things harder."

"Hire a translator for him, maybe even as an apprentice." he ordered. Glass, which was a common everyday item back on Earth, was a luxury here and was great for trading.

"Yes, my lord."

"So, Sandor will continue with the guards, Davos will test out the ship, and Tyrion and I will continue the administrative work until the maester arrives. After that I'll clear out the Stepstones, and we will be heading to the Summer Isles. Any questions?" Robert summarized their plan.

The occupants of the room shook their heads, and the meeting was over.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A week passed by, and the maester finally arrived via ship. A rookery had to be set up with ravens trained for carrying messages, so it took him longer to arrive than expected.

Maester Olivar was a man in his thirties, brown of hair and eyes, with chains in architecture, ravenry, Essos studies, and sums and numbers.

Robert was sure he was handpicked specifically for Asgard.

He wasn't the only one, though, as another man younger than the maester came with him, bearing a letter from Elia Martell.

"To Robert Baratheon, Lord of Asgard

I'll admit I wasn't expecting chocolate of all things. I mean, I forgot what it even tasted like over two decades ago, yet it brought back memories long gone.

Onto business, the man is Korryn Redwyne, who chose and was allowed to join the medical school, as our relations with the Arbor are very good. He was an exemplary student and one of the best doctors I taught. I am sure he will be an excellent addition to Asgard.

Now, knowing your trade empire idea, I was wondering if you could pass copies of any medical books and texts you come across to me, as there are diseases in this world I am not familiar with.

On the medicine front I am doing my best, but my pharmaceutical knowledge isn't what it used to be, so if you could send me samples or recipes of any medicine you actually see working, I can provide you with the qualified workers for joint production.

Lastly, when will you be making more chocolate?

Let me know if you succeed on any of these fronts.

I wish you the best.

Lady Elia Hightower of Houses Hightower and Martell"

"So Lady Elia sent me a doctor? How fortunate." Robert truly meant it, as in this age and time people died of things easily treatable back on Earth, and having a doctor could truly make a difference.

"Yes, my lord, Korryn Redwyne, at your service." Pale from studying indoors for who knows how many hours a day, with pale blond hair and blue eyes, the young man bowed his head, and Robert nodded.

"Well, it is a surprise but a welcome one to be sure. We will set you up with temporary housing for now until Valhalla is completed, which will take some time. In the meantime, I am sure you two could use some rest. Maester Olivar, Doctor Korryn, welcome to Asgard." Robert patted both men on the shoulders, guiding them to empty rooms.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Medical supplies, including rubbing alcohol to disinfect any cuts, camping equipment, and preserved food, were strapped on the dragons while Robert got ready to clean out the Stepstones.

With overwhelming violence.

"You all know your responsibilities; I won't keep you any longer. If you need anything that requires a dragon, send a letter to my grandmother." Robert took off, heading to the Stepstones.

He would burn down ships and any pirates he caught on the islands. Any stranglers would not pose a threat to the ships, as long as they didn't make landfall for supplies, which won't be a problem with his cargo vessels.

Next would be Lys, Tyrosh, and Myr. He would send messages to them through their ships, declaring the Stepstones a free trade zone and no tolls would be collected from any trade vessel passing through. Anyone who broke the deal would not have a fleet when he was done with them.

Regular campaigns to ensure the islands remained secure would be necessary, but he could spare the time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stepstones

Several days later, Robert finally saw the chain of islands in the distance. For three days, any ships bearing pirate flags were burnt down without mercy, and any party on the land faced the same fate as well.

Tyrosh was absent, but Myr and Lys had plenty of ships in the area. They did not take his warnings seriously, as history had shown that even the Dragonriders could not hold the islands.

Robert spared only one ship from each fleet to act as a messenger.

Stepstones were not theirs, and any attempt to come back would end with the cities facing the fate of their ships.

Robert had landed on one of the islands and set up camp to rest. He had hunted some game both for him and his dragons and leaned back on Obelisk as the blue dragon rested after eating his fill, with the other two dragons near, creating a circle with Robert inside.

He laid down on his makeshift bed and was in the state between sleep and awake when the dragons began to growl. Robert's eyes were wide open, thinking it must be a strangler approaching.

"Come to me." he heard a whisper, so low he wasn't even sure it wasn't just the wind playing games on his ears, but the second one was even stronger, agitating the dragons even more. They stood in front of him, as if seeking to guard Robert from whatever it was, growling towards the sea.

Towards Valyria.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever,

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU,

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon,

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world

All stories are five chapters ahead.

Thank you in advance.

---

Stepstones

Robert kept waking up through the night, the voice getting more and more insistent and louder whenever he tried to sleep.

Come morning he was tired and didn't want to stay on Stepstones any longer. He broke camp, mounted his dragon, and took off. Whatever it was calling him to Valyria, he wasn't going.

He remembered about that Targaryen princess who went there, and while the details eluded him, he did know of her death being a painful one.

Robert preferred living.

It was at Weeping Town he decided to rest, and it wasn't long before Lord Roderick Whitehead was there to greet him, happy to host the Lord of Asgard and Father of the Dragons.

"Welcome to Weeping Town, Lord Robert. Had I known you would visit, I would have had a feast prepared in your name." He shook Robert's hand enthusiastically, and he did his best to smile, even with how tired he was.

"I am flattered, Lord Roderick; unfortunately, I only have enough time to stay the night. I have been busy at Stepstones and need to be back at Asgard." Robert excused. In truth, he didn't want to deal with the teenage girls behind the Lord of Weeping Tower. They were preening like peacocks, and if he wasn't tired, he would laugh.

"Stepstones, my lord? What did that den of pirates do to anger you?" Curiosity overtook him, as the islands were close enough to his town.

"It's not what they did, but the safety of the Stepstones is necessary for my future trade routes, so I took some preemptive action to clean out the pirates, as well as Lys and Myr."

"Pirates are one thing, my lord, but I don't see those two cities backing down so easily." Weeping Town saw some trade from the Summer Sea, and Roderick was sure it would grow if it weren't for the Stepstones.

"I burned down their fleets and sent them a message to stay out of the Stepstones." Robert said with a flat tone and an empty smile, mounting the horse they brought while the dragons went to hunt.

"That is…" Lord Roderick was lost for words. What he did was basically a declaration of war against the two cities, yet he didn't seem worried.

"Worrying? I think not, because unlike Viserys, I won't hesitate to destroy those cities if they try anything funny." His declaration appeared to further stun Lord Whitehead, as well as his daughters, who stopped their humorous attempts to seduce him.

A small feast was prepared nonetheless, and as the guest of honor, he sat through it, but when everyone was sufficiently drunk, he made an excuse and was led to a guest room.

He didn't want any dumb teenage girls sneaking in, so the doors were barricaded.

Sleep came easy to him, and Robert thought whatever that thing was, it stopped bothering him.

He was wrong.

Robert found himself surrounded by smoke with only the broken and burnt remains of towers in the distance.

He looked around but could only see the white smoke, stretching as far as he could see.

"Come to me." The voice called out so loud and bassy it brought Robert to his knees. He saw in the distance an orb glowing blood red with a figure floating above. It was a humanoid, but with claws, a tail, wings, and the head of a dragon.

"Come to me." The voice was even louder this time and finally woke him up. Robert lurched forward, looking around to see where he was, sweating and out of breath.

Seeing he was back in his room, Robert tried to get his breathing under control and went for the pitcher, drinking directly from it.

"Fucking hell." he muttered, wiping his chin. The damn thing wasn't going to let him go that easily.

He rose from the bed, seeing as it was covered in sweat, and decided to go out. The sun wasn't out yet, but going back to sleep wouldn't be possible for now.

He dressed and removed the barricade protecting his manhood from teenage girls with more air in their skulls than brain; Robert went to get his hammer and smash some dummies to clear out his mind.

Stretching out first, he began to think.

As far as he knew, the cause of Valyria's destruction was natural. A volcanic eruption had destroyed the once mighty empire and their dragon riders, leaving the Targaryens and some other dragon lords who had disappeared after trying to re-establish Valyria.

But things in this world had already changed; first Elia, and then him, they derailed the canon and created an alternate timeline.

But what if it had happened way before them? What if they weren't the cause of the change but rather came to this world as a result of it?

There were attempts to journey to Valyria, to seek out its treasures, but he only knew of two who returned from there.

The first, and the one that didn't happen yet, was Euron Greyjoy, who would loot—or maybe not—a Valyrian steel armor from the remains of a Valyrian house, but how deep he would go into the Smoking Sea was a mystery to him.

The other was Balerion the Black Dread, and his rider at the time, a Targaryen princess whose name he couldn't remember, had journeyed there for some reason, but both returned full of wounds, and the princess had died in a rather agonizing manner.

Which could suggest there might be something alive there, but what?

Firewyrms, creatures capable of breathing fire but had no wings and lived underground, were known to exist in the mines where the Valyrians worked the people they enslaved to death, but the figure he had seen in his nightmare had wings, so it couldn't be one.

Targaryen monstrosities, humans born with draconic features, were rare but not unheard of, though they all were stillborns. Perhaps they succeeded in creating a human-dragon hybrid through their blood magic? It wouldn't be the first time in fiction where an experiment got out of control and wreaked havoc, but he had no way of confirming it, short of going to Valyria.

He needed to gather information, and since the Targaryens were out of the picture, he would have to utilize the Citadel.

And Tyrion, after all, the dwarf had a good grasp of their history, in his search for a way to bring the dragons back.

Robert would leave after staying for breakfast to not be a rude guest.

He continued to swing instinctively, clearing out his mind, switching to his sword halfway.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The girls had their courage back, sitting on his sides during the breakfast, cooing over his arms and how strong he was.

Ugh.

At least they could have been around his age and redheads, though after Lysa Tully and that damn priest, his attraction towards them was waning.

Ignoring them as best as he could, as well as Lord Whitehead's praise on how lovely they were, Robert finished his breakfast, thanked his host, and left on dragonback.

He would make haste to Asgard, and perhaps the distance would keep that thing away, but if not, he would need information to combat it, because no way in hell was he going to let it enter his mind without doing something.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asgard

By evening he was back at the city and landed on the square, jumping down and heading straight to the temporary HQ to find the dwarf. It was late for him to start the research, but it would be his job first thing tomorrow morning.

"My lord, we weren't expecting you so soon." Davos greeted, earning a pat on the shoulder.

"The Stepstones are calm for now, but an unrelated situation developed. Is Tyrion at the study?" He asked, already heading upstairs.

"Yes, my lord. He and Maester Olivar are still working."

Robert barged in, irking the occupants.

"Tyrion, remember that Targaryen who went to Valyria?"

"Aerea Targaryen." Tyrion answered after a second, taken aback by the usually laid-back Robert's serious tone.

"I need you to find out everything you can about her; don't miss a single detail, no matter how unimportant it may seem. During that you are excused from work."

"Understood, but may I ask why, and so suddenly at that? I mean, I know you enjoy defying expectations and doing the impossible, but please don't tell me you are considering going to Valyria." Tyrion asked with dread creeping up inside him.

Brightroar was lost during an expedition to Valyria, and Princess Aerea's fate was gruesome; he didn't want to imagine him suddenly going there and getting himself killed.

Beyond the gratitude he felt towards the man, Tywin would haunt him and Tysha to the end of the world without his protection.

"I won't, not unless I have no other choice. As for why, I can't tell you yet. It might just turn out to be nothing." Robert wasn't the type to hide things like that, but there was no reason to start rumors of him going mad.

"As you wish, my lord. I will start it as soon as possible." Tyrion acquiesced, still worried.

"In the meantime, I am off to sleep. Maester Olivar, we will continue tomorrow, so you may go and rest as well." Robert clapped his hands and left.

"Yes, my lord." Maester Olivar watched behind as his lord left, puzzled.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

His dragons offered some measure of magical protection, as that sorcerer from the Free Cities had claimed, so here he was sleeping amongst three enormous flying lizards who felt like furnaces blasting at his face.

Their magic wasn't enough to stop the intrusion entirely, but at least it was just voices rather than a full-on dream.

He slept better that night, still haunted by the accursed serpentine voice.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the morning, Robert woke up, stiff and feeling like a tomato dried out in the sun, and went to find some water. He would need to build a little shed or something amongst the dragons and perhaps build a place for them in the future, but not a subterranean system, though; that didn't end well during the Storming of the Dragonpit.

His dragons continued to sleep, and he decided to let them be.

Finding water, freshening up, and changing his clothes, he went down to break his fast.

His subordinates were there too, already having started.

"Good morning, my lord." Tyrion, Davos, and Maester Olivar greeted, while Sandor just grunted.

He wasn't a morning person.

"You too." Robert sat, spying some eggs, sausages, toasted bread, and fruit juice, and ate in silence, staring blankly at the wall.

"Have you rested well, my lord?" Tyrion asked with a worried glance.

"Hmm?"

"I asked if you rested well." The dwarf repeated, watching him closer.

"It was fine."

Seeing as Robert wasn't in the mood for chatter, they decided to leave him be, still pondering about his strange and sudden request.

They knew he wasn't the type to simply hide things from them, and if it was important, he would tell, but they still were worried.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tyrion, along with Maester Olivar, sent a letter to the Citadel and another one to Baelor Hightower to ask for historic records of that time. Usually one wouldn't directly contact Lord Hightower regarding business with the Citadel, but the maesters tended to keep some things close to themselves, and Baelor's intervention could convince them otherwise.

In the meantime, the dwarf and the maester began to pile up what they knew, which wasn't much more than what most literate people knew.

Each day Lord Robert looked more tired and haggard, which led to him being more irritable as time passed.

He snapped at random things, the ugly fury of his blood showing itself.

Close to a month later, they received a shipment from the Citadel with detailed records of everything they had on the ordeal of Princess Aerea. Tyrion and Maester Olivar, as well as Davos and Sandor, gathered together to present their findings.

"Well, get on with it then." Robert grunted, looking miserable after weeks of experiencing the same dream.

 

[Samael61]

Hello there,

If you enjoy my stories you can read advanced chapters in my patreon page

Commander Shepard, The Greatest to Ever Live, a Mass Effect story where Shepard is greater than ever,

Geek's Guide to Thriving in a Low End Fantasy World a Robert Baratheon OC SI in an AU,

Her Eternal Excellency, a Genshin Impact and ASOIAF crossover, Raiden Ei Reborn as Argella Durrandon,

and DCU:Blacklist, a Raymond Reddington inspired OC SI using his knowledge for his own advantage, as well as the rest of the world

All stories are five chapters ahead.

Thank you in advance.

---

Asgard

"At the end of 54 AC, Princess Aerea claimed Balerion and flew away from Dragonstone without telling anyone. More than a year later she returned, malnourished and sickly. It is recorded that she said, "I never," and then collapsed. Grand Maester Benifer's accounts of her death say her fever was unlike any he had seen before, and she was burning with red skin and had barely an ounce of flesh on her bones. There were also, and I am quoting this directly from what I read, "things inside her, living things, moving and twisting, mayhaps searching for a way out, and giving her such pain that even the milk of the poppy gave her no surcease. We told the king, as we must surely tell her mother, that Aerea never spoke, but that is a lie. I pray that I shall soon forget some of the things she whispered through her cracked and bleeding lips. I cannot forget how often she begged for death."

After that the account gets rather gruesome, with creatures described as "worms with faces, snakes with hands twisting, slimy, unspeakable things that seemed to writhe and pulse and squirm as they came bursting from her flesh. Some were no bigger than my little finger, but one at least was as long as my arm…oh, Warrior, protect me, the sounds they made," burst out of Princess Aerea's skin but died when they came into contact with the icy water she was immersed in.

Later on, King Jaehaerys I issued an edict forbidding any ship reported to have gone to Valyria or sailed in the Smoking Sea to dock at any port in the Seven Kingdoms, and any Westerosi who sailed there would be executed. Following that, Grand Maester Benifer wrote a book titled Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns.

Whatever Princess Aerea and Balerion faced in Valyria, it gave her a death I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, and if possible, I am going to drink until I forget ever reading this." Tyrion said, truly disturbed by the manner of her death, he didn't want to speak of the details further, handing the report over to Robert.

"My Lord, may I ask what brought you to ask for this?" Davos asked after an uncomfortable silence.

"There is something in Valyria, not sure what, but it has been haunting my dreams, calling me," Robert confessed, watching their eyes widen in shock. Another silence gripped the room, this one of dread.

"Please tell me you aren't going there," Tyrion pleaded. Just imagining the manner of her death was hard, yet knowing someone was going there? Someone he owed a lot to?

It was terrifying.

"As I said before, not unless I have another choice. Were there any records of her having dreams, or more like nightmares, about Valyria?" Robert asked, searching for any clues as to what the abomination at Valyria could be.

"If there were neither Maester Benifer nor anyone else to record them," Tyrion shook his head, drinking the entire goblet of wine, the fruity alcohol feeling like sweet relief.

"Mayhaps—as loath I am to say it—we should search for magical means of protecting you from those dreams?" Davos encountered sorcerers as a smuggler, who requested rare materials to work their magic, and each time he felt disturbed by them, as if an unnatural force was watching them.

"While I was exiled to the Free Cities, I did seek the assistance of sorcerers against shadowbinders to avoid any assassination attempts, but the only thing that worked besides worshipping and offering sacrifices to R'hllor is my dragons."

"That's why you have been sleeping with them." Tyrion connected the dots.

"And you detest R'hllor and the red priests of his." Sandor commented, having warned the traders about the matter.

"Are you considering it, my lord?" Davos asked, a sinking feeling in his stomach.

"I would rather die fighting than be driven mad because of those dreams," Robert answered, his eyes ablaze with fury.

"Considering how agonizing Princess Aerea's death was, being mad sounds preferable to me," Tyrion mumbled to himself.

"Not to me," Robert muttered, resolve filling him.

Whatever that creature was, it signed its death warrant the moment it decided to haunt him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of course, he couldn't just abandon everything and go to Valyria, not when Asgard's construction was picking up speed and administrative work was increasing, which led Robert to seek alternative methods to combat his sleep problem.

Maester Olivar suggested different teas and concoctions good for revitalizing the body, while Korryn offered remedies of his own.

Some helped for a while, others did not, but Robert pushed on nonetheless.

The Pioneer's tests had concluded, and Davos was pleased with the performance of the ship; however, to build the number of ships Asgard needed for its expansion within the timeframe Robert wanted, they had to massively increase the number of shipyards, not to mention hundreds more workers would be needed.

In turn, they would need more houses, granaries, and everything else to accommodate the sudden influx of people, and to build those, more construction materials were necessary.

A massive effort to build the necessary infrastructure and find enough workers began, which meant Robert had to loosen the purse strings and spend one million gold dragons in total to speed things up.

He had withdrawn the gold from the Iron Bank, and with that, half of his capital was already gone.

Robert, Tyrion, and the myriad of clerks they had handled the paperwork, while Davos personally oversaw the progress with the shipwrights.

Dreams continued to haunt him, though Robert was getting used to it slowly by learning how to ignore them. They consulted sorcerers, but just like last time, they did not have much to offer that didn't come with strings.

Red priests of R'hllor somehow heard his plight, and he received a letter, though he threw it to the fire without opening it. The Red God could go find himself another moron to play with.

It all changed one day when the dreams got worse. Rather than simply calling Robert, the voice began to order him, each monstrous hissing crawling inside his head like a thousand worms, digging into every nerve. He woke up with a bloody nose and a throbbing headache more than once.

Knowing he can't delay it any longer, Robert gathered his friends and sat them down.

"As you know, this problem with whatever creature that is roosting in Valyria is becoming more dangerous, leaving me with no choice but to go there and deal with it permanently," Robert said, watching them frown.

"My lord, the only person that returned alive from there wished she hadn't," Tyrion recalled, trying not to think of the details but failing.

"She was a little girl; I am a grown man. I can take care of myself," Robert retorted. Unlike the princess, he could fight, and damn well sure would.

"Let me come with you." Sandor rose, unwilling to let Robert face this danger alone.

"Much as I would like to have backup, it is more important you stay here. We have no one else that could command the men in case someone tries to take advantage of my absence." Robert refused Sandor's offer. He actually intended to find commanders capable of leading the defense of the city should it become necessary, but under the current circumstances he had no choice but to leave Sandor here.

"I am supposed to be your guard." The Hound scoffed, reminding Robert why he had come here in the first place.

"I told you at the very beginning you would be protecting the people in this room more than me," Robert said, his face expressionless as if carved from stone.

Sandor growled but sat down.

"Now, I have written this letter in case I don't return. Tyrion, you will personally hand it to my father and follow the instructions written there, and if someone refuses to listen, go to my grandmother; she will make them. If the dragons return without me, do not under any circumstances let any Targaryen near them, even if you have to kill the dragons," Robert said, his tone brokering no argument.

He had written his will, deciding who gets what if he kicks the bucket.

"That sounds… excessive." Tyrion blinked a couple of times, stupefied at the order.

"The Targaryens are getting increasingly demented; what do you think will happen if they get my dragons now?" Robert asked, unwilling to imagine it.

"Understood, my lord," Tyrion agreed reluctantly.

Aerys was mad, and Rhaegar was obsessed with a prophecy, and who knew what he would do to bring about his prophecy if he had dragons?

"Good. Another thing, you three are free to seek employment somewhere else if I die in Valyria. You will be given gold to start your lives wherever you want. Especially you and Tysha, as Tywin won't let you be." Robert had considered them too, knowing they would be in danger without him and the dragons just because they were associated with him.

"Well, I always wanted to see the Free Cities." Tyrion muttered absentmindedly, wondering how one was supposed to kill dragons.

"I will start preparing and leave within a couple of days."

"May the gods watch over you, my lord," Davos prayed, incapable of doing anything else.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That night, as the nightmare came again, Robert screamed first instead of the monster.

"You want me, you slithery fucking bastard?! Fine, you have my attention, and I'll damn well make sure you regret it! Grant me safe passage in the Smoking Sea, and we will face each other!"

A pleased hiss was the last thing Robert heard before he woke up. The Lord of Asgard tried going back to sleep once again and, for the first time in months, slept without any interruption till noon.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dried food, water, rubbing alcohol, bandages, wine, a map, extra clothes, soap, Nightblood, his hammer, and bow and arrows were loaded onto the saddles on his dragons, ready for takeoff. Robert had rested well with the lack of dreams.

"My lord, I feel the need to ask you to consider it one last time." Tyrion implored as Robert got ready to mount his dragon.

"There is nothing to consider; it will end one way or another." Robert shook his head, resolute in his decision.

"Then I wish you good fortune in your endeavor, and may you vanquish the creature that is haunting you." Tyrion didn't know what else he could say, knowing this could be a one-way trip.

"Thank you, take care of Tysha and yourself."

"I will," Tyrion said, stepping back to let Davos approach. The sailor was worried as well but knew the man wouldn't be convinced so easily.

"I can only hope this isn't the last time we see each other, my lord. You gave me and my family so much, and I haven't even paid a sliver of it back," Davos said with sincerity and

"The value of your good counsel and friendship is all the payment I need, Davos." Robert patted the loyal man on the shoulder, a kind smile on his face.

"We will pray for you, my lord."

"Thank you."

"Sandor, I am not going to get all emotional with you; you aren't really the type, but know this: life might have dealt you a shit hand, but it is in your capabilities to knee life in the liver and shove all that shit down its throat."

"I'll do that," Sandor said, grinning like a wolf at the analogy.

Robert gave the order, and the dragons took off, heading to the ruins of the greatest civilization this world had seen.

---

On the next chapter:
Robert woke up with the sun, a slight headache bothering him. Yawning, he went to drink water, and the dragons slowly rose from their sleep upon hearing him.

He didn't feel like having breakfast, and broke camp, and saddled the dragons with the luggage again, feeling as ready as he could be.

Mounting Obelisk, Robert took a deep breath, and they were on air once more. He would head to Valyria from the sea, to avoid prying eyes. The flight wasn't long and after a couple of hours Robert saw the Smoking Sea in the distance, covering the ruins of Valyria like a veil.

As it grew ever closer, so did the unease in his heart.

He stopped at the edge of the Smoking Sea, waiting. The sea appeared to be fluctuating, but Robert wasn't sure if it was actually happening, or just an optical illusion. He had his answer soon, as the white smoke began to disappear right before his eyes.

The dragons growled, unnerved by the magic in the air. The smoke kept receding slowly, revealing the sea at first, and then Valyria itself.

Robert didn't remember the details of the doom, but he knew it was extremely destructive so he couldn't help but be surprised at what he saw.
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