(Small Council Chambers, The Red Keep, King's Landing, Blackwater Bay, The Crownlands, The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, Westeros, GoT Universe)
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(Barthogan Blackstark POV)
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Barthogan Blackstark sat in his Chair having laid out his plans. The Golden Company had entrenched themselves on Bloodstone, but had most of their supplies had been stored on Grey Gallows.
The Lannister Fleet would lead the attack on Grey Gallows, While the Royal Blackstark Fleet hit Dragonstone and Bloodstone, securing Queen Rhaelle and Young Viserys quickly while also landing troops onto Bloodstone. But The Lannister's had to bury Grey Gallows into Flame and Ruin.
Barthogan had selected one man to become his Lord Paramount of the Stepstones, with the additional titles of Knight of Bloodstone and Shield of Grey Gallows; Lothor Brune. The only half-way decent person to have received gold from Littlefinger's slimy and greasy pocket.
Many raised concerns, but it was clear the Lord's were worried about what this represented. Barthogan had already commanded the Maesters to allow Women to study at the Citadel. They raised a fuss, as did many a Lord, and it was by no means the full detail as to his previous discussion with Olenna Tyrell, but it was a necessary first step to becoming more equal.
Barthogan was also putting a man whose own disowned him in their first meeting in Char of an important area along an even more important Trade Route. A man with what was essentially nothing to his name but the Armor on his back and the Sword in his hand.
He right now sat drinking a Dornish Red, weighing his options after hearing from Cassandra that she AND Ros were Pregnant with his children. He was more than a little bit upset that Cassandra fought whilst two months Pregnant. But So far the Baby seemed safe and it's growth unimpeded.
Barthogan had chosen to delay his own Journey to Settling this Rebellion to calm his aching head from the bombs dropped on him by Cassandra.
Barthogan had an offer for Queen Rhaelle. But could he afford to waste the opportunity for him to get his hands on Daenerys Dragons? Could he tempt Khal Drogo to taking the fight directly to the Others. If the Khal learned of the violation of deserved rest that the Night King gave Horses, it might piss him off just enough to march into battle against them.
But then again perhaps...no, probably not.
It amounted to nothing more or less than simple and improbable wishful thinking at best.
Sad as it was, it was better off and safer to get Dany on his Son's Cock sooner rather than later. Even if it meant loosing Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion.
Barthogan had to wonder if his lust was getting to him, and if his boys would inherit the same or a stronger lust.
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(POV Shift: Rhaelle Targaryen)
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Varys had gotten word to her. King Barthogan was willing to spare her and her unborn child if she surrendered all right to the Iron Throne and that of her children. If she had a daughter as she had long longed for the Girl would have to Wed his Second Son, but if a boy he'd eventually have to become a Black Brother, Maester, or Septon.
Varys said the King was even willing to permit her to marry Ser Bonnifer Hasty. Her true love. All she would need do is surrender without a Fight and Viserys would be given the choice of Execution or Taking on the Black Cloak of The Night's Watch.
It seemed an impossible Choice, but King Barthogan had offered mercy to many, and loathe as she was to admit it, Rhaegar had it coming after taking Barthogan's Sister, but it was Aerys who infected the wounds.
The only real question was should she trust the newly minted Northerner King of The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros???
I had intended it to be longer, but I didn't have it in me to write anything after Rhaelle.
That could be my own illness mixed in with nerve medication and loose bowels, or it could be tiredness emotionally and otherwise.
Now then, I'll throw Lothor another bone eventually but for now, let's settle one thing straight and be done with it. Someone will Drink themselves to Death and Varys position depends on the fate of Rhaelle.
But Rhaelle's future is brighter than being a Bride to House Hasty