Chapter 21.1- The Seadragon's Roar

Taking the castle had ended up taking the better part of the day. They had started shortly after dawn, and the sun had begun to set by the time a bloodied Borros Baratheon returned with a head clutched under his armpit in one hand and this trusty hammer in the other. If it as ever a question of whether the man could back up his arrogance and confidence, then I would always be certain the answer would be yes. Because beyond a scratch on his arm, in a gap in his armour’s protection— Borros had spurned Westerosi tradition for this invasion and declined wearing full plate. It meant he had more weak points than most others but it also meant he could be more nimble in the tight spaces they had fought in. I found it difficult to argue that it had not been the wise thing to do.

“Cousin, I bring you victory!” He yelled the last word out and his men behind hum cheered. I could see the smile appear on Rhaenys’ face as Borros thrusted the head high up in the air. They’d already killed all the proper pirate kings so this was just the poor sod who had been left in charge of the castle. Tellingly, Rhaenys did not ask him to introduce his kill. Mockery like that was reserved for enemies, and Borros Baratheon, like it or not, was an ally of theirs for the time being.

I was still less than certain that he would stand with us when the dance eventually rolled around regardless of which side we were on. Otto Hightower’s cabal was not an option. I hated the man enough, and in truth there was only ever enough space for one man to be the power behind the crown. Otto would not cede that position easily, and if I was not going to be wearing the crown of Westeros myself, then I would rule those kingdoms in all but name. How else would I ensure that the Stepstones would remain House Velaryon’s in perpetuity, or that my children and their children would continue to have the right to ride dragons?

An ambitious enough king could always sign an edict banning it. Right now, we outnumbered the Targaryens when it came to dragon riders, and we outmatched them when it came to the power of said dragons, but that would not always be the case. If Aemond had not been born yet, then his time was soon enough regardless. After him would come Daeron. Rhaenyra, with or without my involvement, would have her own brood of children all likely to claim dragons. Luckily enough they were all going to kill each other off in the Dance but it went to show how easily our numbers advantage could be usurped. When the Targaryens had more power than we did, what would stop them from destroying us. I would have to either wed my house closer and closer to the throne over time, or prepare to leave Westeros in its entirety.

“Well done, Cousin. You have done a great deed here today” Rhaenys said, sliding down from Meleys’ back to walk towards Borros.