ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 111: ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔱𝔰𝔱𝔬𝔫𝔢.
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After leaving the training yards behind and leaving behind the constant sound of clashing steel, Missandei continued along her usual route through the busiest sections of Casterly Rock, making her way toward the extensive area of workshops and forges that, under Vlad's rule, had become something far more complex than a simple smithy.
As she walked through the stone corridors, craftsmen and administrators greeted her with respectful nods, while some took advantage of her presence to hand her records and supply lists that Missandei calmly reviewed. To her satisfaction, there were no losses, thefts, or errors that could compromise the projects, something quite satisfactory considering the speed with which Vlad was transforming the fortress.
Although perhaps it was not too surprising considering the consequences of corruption during his reign. Several merchants and usurious moneylenders had already been impaled in the square for raising their prices abusively despite Vlad's prohibitions, and thanks to this, the rest seemed to have gotten the message.
Missandei continued forward without hurry until an intense flash caught her attention from one of the forge rooms. An intermittent, brilliant light spilled outside, attracting several members of Clan Tremere, who watched, fascinated, from a prudent distance.
That alone was enough to awaken her curiosity.
As she approached, Missandei gave an inquisitive look to one of the young Tremere present, the boy barely managed to contain his excitement as he explained.
—His Majesty is working on a new artifact —he explained, without taking his eyes off the room—. It's... impressive, Lady Missande, the complexity of the runes, their density... I barely understand half of it, but they are tremendously complex concepts.
Missandei moved a little closer and then understood why the young man seemed so fascinated.
Vlad was working on the other side of the room, completely focused on what lay before him. His long blond hair was tied back in a ponytail that left exposed the firm line of his neck, his broad shoulders, and a muscular back that seemed sculpted from stone.
He wore no shirt, something quite understandable given the temperatures of the forge, and his dark trousers, though simple, were tight enough to accentuate a figure that Missandei knew perfectly well Daenerys appreciated with considerable enthusiasm.
Fortunately, she was far too accustomed to certain aspects of life in Casterly Rock to be distracted by it.
In front of Vlad, several runic tongs held a large ruby while dozens of glowing runes floated in the air, rotating in geometric patterns around the artifact and the king himself. The runic circles overlapped one another and constantly changed shape as Vlad traced new symbols with simple movements of his fingers.
He did not seem to be following a rigid procedure. The different layers of that magical structure changed with every gesture, some suspended around the ruby, others surrounding Vlad, and several more inscribed directly onto the floor of the room. The most striking thing was the naturalness with which he worked, separating, modifying, or integrating symbols with an ease that made his understanding of the process clear. Even the Tremere watching him seemed unable to hide their admiration.
Missandei remained there for a few moments, watching him in silence. It was difficult to witness that scene without understanding just how much the world had changed since Vlad's arrival.
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The days passed quickly, and the queen's nameday was celebrated just as planned, in a much more intimate manner than was fitting for a queen.
If someone had asked her, Daenerys would have admitted that she found that celebration considerably more pleasant than any ceremony surrounded by nobles, as she had insisted, only those people she truly considered part of her circle were present.
Even Myrcella was there and, to the satisfaction of both, the friendship between the young lioness and the last Targaryen had continued to grow stronger over the past few months. Ser Barristan, still far from Casterly Rock on matters that required discretion, could not attend in person, although he had prepared a congratulatory letter that Daenerys received with evident affection.
Even Jorah Mormont, much to the queen's discomfort, had sent a modest gift accompanied by a few brief words. Daenerys was still resentful toward him, but she could not completely ignore the years of loyalty they had shared.
Vlad, as expected, had prepared something considerably more elaborate, although surprisingly discreet by his own standards. It was an elegant silver necklace with a round ruby as its centerpiece, beautiful without being particularly ostentatious. At first glance it appeared to be an ordinary piece of jewelry, but Vlad was not so uncreative as to limit himself to that.
He did not explain much about its functions, merely commenting that Daenerys would discover them little by little on her own. The set of jewelry, moreover, came as a pair, as he himself kept the other piece.
The second surprise came later, when Vlad hinted that he still had another gift prepared for that night. Daenerys assumed that the evening would end with another broken bed, but, for once, her assumptions did not turn out to be entirely correct.
Instead of taking her back to her chambers, Vlad had prepared something considerably more fun and novel: he temporarily altered both of their appearances through magic and, once they were ready, discreetly guided her out of Casterly Rock.
Daenerys's unmistakable silver hair was transformed into an intense red mane, and her royal garments were replaced with much simpler clothing. Vlad also altered his appearance, darkening his hair and adopting an elegant but discreet appearance that, together with the lute he carried with him, reinforced the identity of a traveling bard.
Freed for one night from the weight of their responsibilities, they both left the fortress and ventured into the streets of Lannisport. Daenerys walked beside him curiously, while their first stop inevitably took them toward the taverns and inns of the harbor.
The streets of Lannisport remained as crowded as could be expected even as night fell. Although there were still signs of the fires, damaged buildings, and some areas under reconstruction following Vlad's conquest, the city was far from looking devastated. There was work everywhere: carpenters, smiths, sailors, and masons filled the streets, taking advantage of the enormous number of repairs that had arisen with the change in leadership.
This also kept the taverns, inns, and brothels full, where workers and soldiers spent a good portion of their earnings after finishing their day's work.
It was precisely in one of those taverns that Vlad decided to stop.
The Drunken Lion, near the harbor, was large and crowded enough that two new faces would not attract much attention. Even from outside, laughter, music, and the constant clatter of mugs could already be heard. Inside, newly arrived sailors, builders, merchants, off-duty guards, and workers of all kinds occupied the tables amid wagers, songs, and arguments, while the serving girls crossed the room with trays, patiently dodging bold hands and vulgar comments. In one corner, several musicians entertained the crowd with humorous songs laden with double entendres, drawing laughter from those present.
For one night, away from crowns, politics, and war, Daenerys quickly understood why Vlad had chosen this place. However, as soon as they crossed the doors, the two of them attracted a few looks. Not because their disguises had failed; Vlad had made certain to conceal any recognizable features, but even their new appearances could not make them completely inconspicuous.
Daenerys, transformed into a young red-haired noblewoman, walked beside her supposed bard and poet in a simple dress that did not entirely conceal her beauty or the grace of her movements.
Vlad had opted for a more discreet appearance, with dark hair tied back in a ponytail and elegant clothes that would not have looked out of place among bards patronized by some noble house. Even so, the subtle scars on his face and his stern expression made it clear that this man, attractive though he might be, probably brought more trouble with him than anyone would be wise to seek out.
And Vlad had anticipated precisely that.
More than one man directed a look of interest or curiosity toward Daenerys, but it was enough for their eyes to drop to the sword hanging from her belt for most of them to regain their prudence.
Lannisport remained a large and bustling city, and although before the arrival of the Lord Impaler it had not always been a safe place, crime had fallen practically to zero under his rule.
The constant patrols helped as well, something Vlad particularly appreciated that night. He had no interest in being dragged into some absurd display in which some young master with jade skin decided to impress, provoke, or court his wife in front of him.
Not on Daenerys's nameday; his latest experiments already required enough bodies to make adding another corpse to the tally unnecessary.
Fortunately, the atmosphere of the Drunken Lion favored drinking, music, and basic survival far more than any suicidal display of arrogance. Thus, after most of the curious onlookers chose to keep their distance, Vlad led Daenerys toward the bar.
The innkeeper, an older man with a well-groomed gray beard and a surprisingly neat appearance, was serving several customers while chatting with the regulars. Upon seeing them approach, he finished pouring a mug and came closer with a friendly smile.
—Welcome to the Drunken Lion —he greeted them as he stopped in front of them—. I'm Rodrik. What can I get you?
Vlad rested an arm on the bar and gave him a smile.
—Your finest drink —he requested with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Rodrik let out a small laugh as he served them two mugs. Daenerys tasted the drink curiously, enjoying the experience, while Vlad took his first sip in silence. The old man then leaned against the bar, observing them with interest.
—You're not from around here, are you? —he asked.
Vlad raised an eyebrow slightly, amused by how easily the man seemed to have figured him out.
—Is it that obvious? —he replied.
Rodrik let out another brief laugh as he collected an empty mug from the bar.
—Well, it's not every day someone walks in with a lute on his back and a sword at his belt —he commented with a somewhat ironic tone. Then he turned his gaze toward Daenerys—. And you don't see a woman as beautiful as the one accompanying you every day, either.
Daenerys let out a genuine laugh and shifted slightly in her seat before answering, following the script Vlad had prepared for that night.
—I'm Bellatrix —she introduced herself with a slight inclination of her head—. And, as you can see, Kurt here is my bard.
Rodrik smiled as he placed both hands on the bar.
—A pleasure, my lady —he replied kindly—. What brings you to Lannisport?
Daenerys took another small sip before answering, letting her gaze briefly sweep across the bustling room.
—My family owns several ships —she explained with a smile— and we do business with the Drakul family.
The old man whistled, clearly impressed by the answer, and nodded slowly.
—Business with the Drakuls, eh? —Rodrik said, raising an eyebrow—. Well, my lady, then allow me to tell you that you won't find better ale in all of Lannisport.
Vlad placed his mug on the bar and nodded with a faint smile.
—On that, I'll have to agree with you —he admitted—. It's been a long time since I've tasted something this good.
The compliment seemed to please the innkeeper, who straightened with a proud expression as he glanced over the rest of the room.
—I make sure the finest barley reaches my tavern first —he replied proudly.
He then leaned back against the bar and looked at them with renewed curiosity, pausing for a moment on Daenerys.
—And tell me, what brings such a lady to my tavern? —he asked with interest.
Vlad smiled, amused, but it was Daenerys who answered. The dragon seemed to be enjoying the little farce just as much as he was and held the mug between her hands before replying.
—I appreciate music, poetry, and good company —she replied smoothly—. So I've decided to patronize him, so tonight we're celebrating.
It was not unusual in Westeros for minor nobles, and even some wealthy merchants, to patronize artists who enjoyed their favor.
Such relationships often went beyond simple admiration for talent and, in many cases, came close to that of two lovers. History offered plenty of well-known examples, such as the relationships Aegon the First's wife/sister, Rhaenys, had maintained with her bards.
Rodrik burst out laughing and gestured toward their mugs in a friendly manner.
—Then the next round is on me —he announced in an obviously good-humored tone.
Daenerys smiled at the gesture. She had not expected the innkeeper to be so generous with two strangers, although that hospitality fit well with the relaxed atmosphere of the tavern and made the evening even more pleasant.
—You're too generous —she thanked him, raising her mug slightly.
The innkeeper waved his hand dismissively, although his smile became somewhat more cautious.
—Enjoy the night and try not to get into trouble —he added in a lower tone—. You wouldn't want the Drakul patrols to arrest you over some foolishness.
Vlad raised an eyebrow, the warning seemed strange to him, especially since he did not remember ordering anything of the sort.
—Have they been that troublesome? —he asked curiously.
He had not ordered the patrols to be doubled, nor had he given any instructions to crack down on anyone, so he hoped that this was not a sign that someone was acting outside the chain of command.
Rodrik immediately shook his head.
—Oh, no, nothing like that —he clarified—. In fact, the harbor has never been safer.
He gently drummed his fingers against the bar as he searched for the right words.
—But nobody wants trouble with the new family on the throne, you know? If I'm honest, their arrival has been good for business —he admitted with a small laugh—. I've never seen this much work, not even in Tywin's time.
The last confession seemed to make him remember who he was speaking to, because he shook his head and raised a hand in warning.
—Though don't go around repeating that I said it —he added with a mocking smile—. The widows of half the West might want my head.
Daenerys let out a laugh and raised her mug again.
—Then it will be our secret —Daenerys replied before taking another small sip.
Rodrik smiled, clearly satisfied.
—That's more like it —he approved as he served another mug to a customer at the bar.
His gaze eventually drifted toward the lute Vlad was carrying, and a new smile appeared on his face.
—Well, lad, since you're a bard, I suppose you won't mind lightening the mood a little —he remarked with interest—. Will you be able to delight us with a couple of songs?
Daenerys then turned her face toward Vlad, curious to discover how far he intended to take this little performance.
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Good evening, everyone.
To apologize for the delay, I've left you this extra chapter for free this week. I hope you enjoy it.
This little mini-arc has several purposes. For starters, I don't know if you've noticed that the dialogues are considerably longer. Although they may contain some filler, I want to learn how to develop these kinds of scenes better. Not every dialogue has to convey crucial information for the plot; sometimes a conversation can simply be casual, especially in a situation like this, where Vlad is undercover and obviously can't start talking about world-shattering secrets.
It also serves as practice for me, because as I've mentioned before, I'm not particularly good at writing long dialogues or extended scenes. I normally structure my chapters around a narrative section that establishes the scene, the key dialogue, and then the ending, which makes it difficult to write longer chapters. I'm trying to improve in that area little by little.
The arc will have two parts. This first one will mainly be a small slice-of-life moment for Vlad and Daenerys, taking them away from their responsibilities as king and queen for a while so they can enjoy themselves and have some fun. We'll also take the opportunity to bring back some secondary characters who had been pushed into the background, such as Euron Greyjoy, and see what he's been doing while Vlad plans and unifies the continent.
I hope you enjoy the chapter, and I'll see you next week.