Chapter 12
POV Change- Alexander Baratheon (17):
Standing near the helm of my War Galleon, I closed my eyes to bask in the feeling of the sea breeze that blew all around. Opening my eyes, I looked at the approaching coastline, it had been nearly four years since I returned to these lands but I despite once calling these lands home I honestly didn't feel as happy as I thought I would be about returning to these treacherous lands I called home many years ago.
But I had done all that I could and more than what was expected of me, I had conquered three cities across the Narrow Sea, I had paid half of the Crown's debt to the Iron Bank and paid a million gold dragons to the Lannister's to ease the pressure of the debt the Crown owed them as well. I ruled three cities that were known as a paradise for all merchants as there was nothing you couldn't find in my cities; it was going so well that it almost seemed as though all the trade in the known world travelled through my cities and Bravos.
Who would have thought that the child raised by the battlefield would be able to rule a merchant kingdom and rule prospering lands, I never thought things would turn out as well as they did but I guess the price paid in blood was enough to ensure the security of all I had…
Putting all those thoughts aside I would be lying if I said I wasn't surprised by the summons I received from my father ending my exile and calling me back to Westeros, but my surprise was short lived when my assassins had sent me information about the ongoings in capital. Apparently, it had been the Hand of the King, Jon Arryn that had demanded my father end my exile and have me return, looks like the old man had plans that required me. That and the man had started looking into my father's bastards as of late.
"Let the prelude begin." I whispered to the wind.
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POV Change- Jaime Lannister:
My nephew was returning from exile, and I didn't know how to feel about it, from the melodies sung by the bards across the realm of his exploits I knew he had grown stronger than ever, when he was young and barged into the throne room, he had no teal experience despite how talented he was and now he comes back a conqueror experienced and bathed in the blood of thousands.
Judging from the tense air that was surrounding the Red Keep I wasn't the only one that was apprehensive of the eldest prince's return. The last time he returned from being sent away he had and army at his back and now he has three cities and from what I've heard is building his fourth. Besides those he seems to have managed to pay most of the crown's debts and has increased trade across the realm.
I know in my heart that Alexander was born to rule without question and that because of the love I have for a woman I am forbidden to hold, I've stripped him of his birth right and allowed him to be cast out of his home and sent away from his family.
I wonder if the realm shall once again bear witness to the fury of a Baratheon…
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POV Change- Cersei Lannister:
The boy is making his way back after 3 years of exile and he is even more dangerous now than he was all those years ago, I sometimes asked myself if I could have loved him like the rest of my children would he have turned out any different than he was now.
After the incident last year where the boy had seemed to prepare to invade the Westerlands father has sent numerous letters demanding I fix the estranged relationship I have with Alexander, and I don't know if that's possible now that he has grown so old.
After making my way to a balcony that gives a view of the sea I look out to the horizon where I could make out shapes appearing one by one, and I knew them to be the fleet carrying Alexander and his army, but I wonder how many of his men did he bring back with him?
Looking at the approaching fleet I couldn't help but fear for my beloved son Joffrey, I knew from the stories and songs sung by the bards that Alexander's strength had only grown over the years and if rumours were to be believed then he had even started drinking poison 2 years ago to grow resistant to them. I only now truly realise how terrifying the man coming was and how much danger he would bring to these walls that had grown peaceful in his absence.
Thinking of the man that would make his home in the Red Keep for the years to come I thought of any weaknesses he might have if I failed to build a connection with him over the little blood ties, we have but I could think of none.
I heard hurried footsteps coming from behind me, "Mother! Is big brother Alexander finally coming back?!"
Looking at my two youngest with the brightest smiles I've ever seen adorn their small faces I couldn't recall the last time I saw them this happy unless it had something to do with Alexander. Over the years he has been gone he sent numerous gifts for Tommen and Myrcella and they loved each one and there were always letters attached that spoke of his adventures and what he had planned.
It was one of the only ways that I had that would keep me informed of his plans and movements across the narrow sea however by the time the letters arrived it was always too late as he had already achieved what he had planned, or he had moved on to other things.
Smiling I embraced my youngest cubs and scooped them up so they could see over the balcony and across the horizon. I knew the only way to get close to Alexander and learn his plans was to use my youngest children who were the closest to him and whom he loved the most. It truly pained me, but I put on a smile and kissed my little cubs as I smiled at them.
"See that shadow over there across the sea? That's Alexander and all his ships coming to see you and after I spoke to the King, Alexander will stay with us from now on."
Listening to their happy giggles I wondered if his return would truly bring joy, or would he try take back that which was stolen from him?
His may be the fury but if he came for my little lion then he would hear me raw!