We Bleed Silver(GOT/ASOIAF Fanfic)

"Or do you truly believe that House Vaelarys would stand with us over a marriage pact made with a six-year-old girl who has never set foot near the borderlands?" Larys Strong's voice was low but carried clearly to every corner of the room.

"House Vaelarys should support the rightful king," Criston Cole said sternly. "The principle of male primogeniture is sacred and inviolable. Even Draezell would pass his position to Rhaegor, not Samantha."

"Ser, that is an entirely different matter," Jasper Wylde interjected. "Rhaegor was born before Samantha, so his right is uncontested. Furthermore, Rhaenyra's three sons reside in their midst."

"Without sufficient incentives, we cannot sway them," Tyland Lannister added with a resigned shrug. "Rhaenyra has already moved ahead of us. Without something substantial, we won't be able to sever their ties to her."

"Lord Treasurer, Lord Admiral, and Hand of the King," Otto Hightower said after some contemplation. "Let House Vaelarys choose any of these three positions. Tyland, you will temporarily serve as Lord Treasurer until Draezell replies."

Tyland nodded but added, "Even that might not be enough. Rhaenyra can just as easily offer them seats on her own council. Lord Otto, we must make greater sacrifices if we hope to win House Vaelarys over. They have six dragons—three battle-ready and two of truly immense size. That kind of power can decide the course of this war."

Otto pursed his lips and glanced at Alicent, signaling her to remain silent. "Jaehaera will be betrothed to Rey, Jaehaerys to Samantha, and Daenyra to Maelor. Once Aegon ascends the throne, Jaehaerys will be named heir, and Samantha will be his future queen. Additionally, the position of Royal Mintmaster at Summerhall will be given to House Vaelarys to appoint."

Alicent's face darkened, but she ultimately swallowed her objections. "If Draezell agrees to support my son's rightful claim, I can accept these terms."

Otto nodded approvingly. "We must also prepare on all fronts. We need allies."

"The lords who supported the late king during the Great Council will still rally to our true king," Criston Cole said, turning his gaze to Grand Maester Orwyle, who was still shaken by the sight of Lord Beesbury's corpse.

"Grand Maester, we need a list of the nobles who sided with the late king. Don't deny it—I know the Citadel keeps records of such matters," Ser Criston said sharply.

Orwyle finally composed himself. "My lords, I am but a Maester. I can provide only historical context. At the Great Council, the ratio of nobles supporting the late king over Princess Rhaenys was twenty to one, but using that as a basis for supporting King Aegon may be misleading."

"But the overlap is significant, isn't it?" Otto pressed. Orwyle nodded reluctantly.

"Lord Hand, I must caution you. The princess has significant support," Orwyle warned. "Through blood ties, the Sea Snake's fleet will undoubtedly side with her. Many Crownlands and eastern lords have long supported her claim, including House Staunton of Rook's Rest, House Darklyn of Duskendale, House Velaryon of Sharp Point, and others like Houses Massey, Celtigar, and Crabb. Additionally, House Celtigar has marital ties to House Vaelarys. Lord Bartimos's nephew serves as one of Prince Draezell's sworn blood brothers, and Lady Leyla has borne children to Prince Valar."

"I understand," Otto sighed. "Grand Maester, please continue."

"In the North, House Stark, House Dustin, and House Manderly openly supported Princess Rhaenys during the Great Council," Orwyle explained. "The followers of the Old Gods take great pride in keeping their oaths, and they are highly likely to support the princess. As for the Vale…"

"The Vale is currently ruled by a woman," Jasper Wylde interrupted. "Lady Jeyne Arryn is unreliable. If she opposes Rhaenyra's claim, her own rule would be equally at risk."

"I see. Grand Maester, prepare the ravens immediately," Otto commanded decisively. "We must reach out to the nobles I mention. Simply nod or shake your head to confirm whether they supported the male succession during the Great Council."

Reluctantly, Orwyle nodded in agreement.

"Send word to Lord Ormund Hightower in Oldtown," Otto ordered. "Tell him to muster his forces—no fewer than twenty thousand men, the more, the better." Hobert Hightower had passed, leaving Ormund, Otto's nephew, in control of Oldtown and the Hightower. Rich and powerful, Oldtown's resources were crucial.

"Write to Lord Loras Tyrell of Highgarden, Lord Uneyn Peake of Starpike, Lord Florent of Brightwater, Lord Redwyne of the Arbor, and every Reach noble who once supported the late king's succession," Otto continued. Tyland Lannister handed a list of Westerland lords and knights to Orwyle. "The Westerlands will stand firmly for the true king's claim."

"Focus on Lord Redwyne," Jasper Wylde added. "We need his fleet. If House Vaelarys does not side with us, we'll require additional ships."

"And the Iron Fleet," Larys Strong suggested.

"Pirates?" Tyland frowned. "The kraken's fleet is only good for raiding, not for war."

"Dalton Greyjoy commands a vast and bloodthirsty fleet. If they fight for the Iron Throne, we can use them to plunder the coastal territories supporting the princess," Larys replied coolly. "Grant them license to invoke the 'Old Way' against traitors. Dalton would be a fool to refuse."

"An excellent proposal," Otto praised, signaling Orwyle to draft such a letter.

"In the Riverlands, the Tullys are steadfastly on our side," Otto continued, stroking his beard. "But their bannermen are notoriously difficult to control. Grand Maester, send letters to the Brackens of Stone Hedge, the Pipers of Pinkmaiden, the Darrys of Darry, and the Mallisters of Seagard, requesting their support for our righteous cause."

"No letter for House Frey?" Criston Cole asked. "They hold the river crossing."

"That fool Frey?" Otto sneered. "Were you present when he proposed marriage to that harlot?"

Criston sighed, letting the matter drop.

"As for the Vale, send word to Lord Esmar Grafton of Gulltown," Otto instructed. "Promise him justice if he supports the true king."

Finally, Otto addressed the most challenging regions. "The Stormlands, the Marches, and Dorne, which favors female succession…"

"Is Aegon king yet?" Aemond's voice interrupted as he entered the queen's chambers, led by Ser Willis Fell. The first rays of dawn pierced the Red Keep's windows, casting a golden glow. The previous night's storm had cleared, leaving the morning deceptively serene.

But within the Red Keep, the storm raged on. While this secret council convened in the queen's chambers, every servant in the castle had been locked in the dungeons. Hightower guards had arrested any nobles or knights suspected of supporting the princess.

The division between black and green had solidified on that fateful day when the princess and queen wore black and green gowns to a feast. Chroniclers of the time would later immortalize these factions: the "Blacks" for Princess Rhaenyra's supporters and the "Greens" for Queen Alicent's faction.

At Jasper Wylde's command, all resisting Black faction nobles were executed. House Velaryon's spice shop in King's Landing was confiscated, its owner beheaded on the spot.

The City Watch, reorganized by Daemon Targaryen, faced a purge. Two captains, including the Commander of the Gold Cloaks, were imprisoned. Ser Luthor Largent, a towering knight and the first to swear fealty to the "true king," was promoted to commander, tasked with leading the King's personal army.

No raven flew from King's Landing, no bells tolled. Only a small boat slipped quietly from the Blackwater Bay. Its lone passenger, cloaked in black, concealed his silver hair and beard as he rowed into the mist.

Clad in chainmail, Aemond was preparing for his morning training when the Kingsguard found him in the armory, summoning him to attend a council meeting. He immediately guessed what had transpired.

Aemond's cold, single eye glanced at the lifeless body of Lord Lyman sprawled in a pool of blood. "Impressive that the old fool could still run errands for that old whore at his age. Have you all not decided to crown my brother yet? Or are you truly considering kneeling to kiss that old whore's shoes?"

"Aemond, we are simply ensuring that Aegon ascends the throne smoothly," Alicent explained. "After all, Rhaenyra has dragons, and House Vaelarys is still on her side, at least for now."

Aemond remained silent. He wasn't entirely confident about defeating Draezell and Vermithor. "So, have you reached a conclusion?"

"The Stormlands. We need the Stormlands," Jasper Wylde interjected, referencing his homeland. "But House Baratheon is blood-bound to Princess Rhaenys. Though Lord Borros Baratheon is as combative and formidable as his late father, Lord Boremund, he's still an unpredictable factor."

"We need him and his forces," Alicent said firmly. "NightSong remains under his control. If we can block the Prince's Pass, the Dornish can't intervene. Block the Boneway, and Draezell and his dragon can't move north."

"Dragons can go anywhere, Mother," Aemond countered. "Vermithor could easily destroy Storm's End. Besides, the Stormlands' elite Marcher soldiers have largely joined uncle Draezell's. How do you plan to sway Borros? With titles, or a marriage alliance?"

Otto shifted uncomfortably, as though considering his words.

"Don't be naive," Aemond said sharply. "If we win the war, Vaelarys will still provide a queen and arrange marriages with that whore's offspring. Whatever you offer him, that old whore can match."

Aemond fixed his cold, unyielding gaze on Otto. "Send me. I will go to Dragon's Nest first, then to Storm's End."

"At least I'll bring one back."

"Lord Borros has four daughters," Otto remarked.

"I'll bring back one of them, and Aegon will have Storm's End. As for Dragon's Nest, I make no promises." Aemond's attention shifted to Tyland. "You are the new Master of Coin, correct?"

Tyland nodded. "House Lannister will fully support the true king."

"I need funds, Grandfather. We need substantial gold to hire armies across the Narrow Sea and fleets from the Free Cities. If Dragonstone rejects our offer, let those fleets harass the coasts. Draezell's needs ports—so we'll make him defend them. Without Vermithor and Silverwing, Vaghar alone can take care of that whore's dragons."

Aemond's voice carried a cold certainty as he outlined his plan.

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