Kapitel 38: Preparations For War
~~~(POV: Raenon Targaryen)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 15 Years)~~~
~~~(Location: Manse, Astapor, Essos)~~~
~~~(Date: 299 AC)~~~
It's been four whole weeks since Jaehaerys was born, and after this week is over. It'll be an entire month. The babe has proven to be a hungry one; Dany is raw from all his suckling. Speaking of Dany, she's flying with Raevor at the moment.
I'm sitting at my desk while she's having fun. I'm glad my sister has taken a break, even if it's for a short while.
Alysanne is in her room. I don't know what she's up to in there most of the time. But I can say with confidence it's usually playing with her toys. A wet nurse is tending to Jaehaerys. We're taking all the precautions necessary; she's surrounded by Unsullied.
They're in the other room themselves. That's why I'm currently alone. But my mind is occupied with something essential, and that's Yunkai. I told Dany we'd wait a month after Jae was born before we marched North toward Yunkai.
After this week, that month's time period will be up. Oberyn has been in contact with his family in Dorne. He's trying to get some soldiers across The Narrow Sea and down here to help us.
The Unsullied are a one-of-a-kind military force. Even with that said, I'm not going to risk all 8,000 of them on a single city. Yunkai is powerful, with high walls and well-trained troops. We'll need more than just The Unsullied.
While using Rhaenys to take the city is entirely possible. Countless slaves will end up burning and paying the price for something they don't have to.
Considering what I did to Braavos, it's hypocritical even thinking about this. But I'm not leaving the option of using my dragons off the table. If it'll save my soldiers' lives, Rhaenys is my first choice. The burning of cities is of little consequence in the end.
Then again, people say the end doesn't justify the means. Which I never understood. If you reach your goal, then all means are justified. Be it cruel and unusual. That's the world we live in.
My train of thought is interrupted by a knock at the door, and I have one of the Unsullied guards open the door. In walks Oberyn, and he's wearing the same confident expression he always has. After taking a seat on the other side of my desk, he pulls out a paper.
"I bring good news from my brother. He's sending 10,000 soldiers from Dorne. All he asks in return is your protection for Dorne if the other Kingdoms move on them with a now diminished army."
That's easy enough to fulfill, but considering the economic state of Westeros. There will be no marches to Dorne any time soon.
"You can tell your brother I'll be there if and whenever Dorne needs me."
Before taking his leave, Oberyn stands up and makes his way toward the balcony. He wants to talk, and I also want to get away from my desk. After following him outside, I stand next to him and look over Astapor with him.
A small breath enters him, and he turns toward me. His expression is slightly different. Giving an air of seriousness to what he's about to say.
"I want to speak with you about joining our families in marriage. I know Jaehaerys and Alysanne are to be King and Queen, but I ask you to consider any children after them for marriage with my house."
It's not out of the question. One of the biggest failures of my family is forcing marriages where they aren't needed. I won't force my children to marry someone they don't want to. That doesn't mean I won't give the Martells a chance to court a prince or princess.
If one of my future children finds love in a man or woman in House Martell, then I see no reason for them not to marry.
"Oberyn, I'll never force one of my sons or daughters to marry into another House or have someone marry into ours. However, if one of my future sons or daughters finds love in your house, a marriage can be made."
It goes unsaid that the dragons will always and only remain with House Targaryen. While another Dance Of Dragons is unlikely, I still wish to avoid it by keeping the power of the dragons with my blood only.
That's all Oberyn needs to hear; I can tell he's satisfied. I think it's fair, the offer I've made. I'll be changing the future of my house. No longer will there be feuds and power grabs from other families. I will build my house to stand the test of time.
"Thank you, your Grace. I'll take my leave now. I can see your sister is almost back."
He turns on his heels and makes for a quick exit. My eyes turn toward the sky, and I see Dany making an approach with Raevor. Heading for the courtyard. I make my way through the Manse and stand in the courtyard, giving Rhaenys attention.
After a minute or so, Dany lands and hops off Raevor. Making her way to me. Hugging me from the side as I wrap one arm around her and keep the other arm on Rhaenys.
"I hope you had fun."
Dany deserves time in the sky with Raevor. After giving birth to two children in the span of two years, a much-needed break is in order.
"I did have fun. We took a nice glide around the area, and Raevor is taking Valyrian commands rather well now."
There was a brief time when Raevor didn't want to listen to Dany, but he's outgrown that phase in his life. I take my hand off Rhaenys, and I wrap my sister in a hug. Locking my lips with hers. I've grown even taller than her, and kissing has become a little difficult.
We part, and I can see the look in her eyes. There is a growing desire, and she holds me closer to her body, crashing them together. The smell of dragon is on both of us, but our Targaryen heritage leaves us unbothered by it.
The smell on us is the smell of our house.
"After a kiss like that, I can't help thinking we should head for our bedroom..."
The teasing and sultry edge to her voice is enough to start getting me in the mood too. But I promised her we'd be taking a break from the baby-making process. We'll still have sex, but I'll be pulling out.
"Hmmm... That's a nice idea, Dany. But I think it's a good idea we pace ourselves here. It's only been a month since Jae was born."
That's not to say we haven't had sex since then. But it is a little unfulfilling... Not releasing inside... I know Dany feels the same way... Being that connected and sharing that experience means a lot to both of us, and not being able to do that right now has left an unsatisfaction in both of us.
The issue is if I start releasing inside her, a babe will show up in her belly again. It's quite a vicious cycle and one that's got us hot and bothered all the time.
"Well, you can be sure we'll do something tonight."
She sounds so confident and certain. I'm, no doubt, having fun tonight.
"Until then, I want to hear your plans for Yunkai. Has Oberyn given an update on his talks with his brother?"
Dany is quick to change the subject to war now that we have tonight all planned out. We walk together back to our room as I fill her in on what Oberyn and I talked about. Even the marriage stuff. She was initially hesitant, but I explained it the way I did to Oberyn.
She agrees with me. If House Martell wants one of our future sons or daughters, they must be genuine. Only real and true love will take one of my children from my house or bring a person from another house to us.
We take a seat on our bed, and the wet nurse brings in Jae. Giving the babe to Dany. Thankfully, the child is asleep and full.
"Bring me Alysanne. I want her here."
The wet nurse follows my order, and soon, Aly is in the room with us. My daughter finds her way to me, and I pick her up and set her in my lap. She leans her head into my chest and relaxes. At the same time, Dany rests her head on my shoulder.
I wrap my free arm around my sister, holding her close.
All four of us are together and enjoying this little moment as a family.
"This feeling... I'll always be ready for another kid, Rae... I love every bit of this..."
Dany is going down that road again. We can start trying for another babe after a few months. I genuinely want to give her a break. And that means even in this moment of love and vulnerability, I'll have to go against her wishes.
The future is bright for my house. My armies will be marching North for Yunkai. Dany and I will be flying ahead and scouting out the area. After all, dragons move faster than horses and men on their feet.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein