Chapter 6

POV Change- Alexander Baratheon (14):

I rode at the head of my small army with Aiden by my side, he was one of Apollyon's officers and he served as my right hand for the time being. It had been a rough two years and there were a few close calls that saw me facing death, but I made it and came out of it stronger both me and my men grew from our trial by fire.

My once three hundred order grew into a ten thousand strong army forged in the flames of combat and now, they were a well-disciplined army that only answered to me and there was no chance of betrayal thanks to a little compulsion over the years.

We had hunted down every bandit and outlaw in Westeros and even decimated a few noble houses that tried their luck by targeting me. Now their families are gone and in their place are new nobles loyal to me through compulsion, but I had them feign loyalty to my grandfather and the Lannister's.

Now after my failed exile I found myself returning to my home after receiving a summons from The Hand, I wondered what they had planned seeing as how I proved to be competent enough to not only succeed but flourish when I was left to my own devices.

My order of assassins had already infiltrated all the houses in Westeros and the free cities in the east, my network was as advanced as Varys' but far more dangerous as I could kill anyone of importance at any time. It was just a matter of sending a letter and the deed would be done.

It was through my network that I learnt of the many schemes against me and gave me enough evidence to get rid of some houses and place my own loyalist in their place. Even now I got reports of new schemes brewing to get rid of me and my order as we had grown to the point where some of the great houses considered us a threat.

Some had been whispering into the king's ear to send me East and I honestly hoped he would so I could grow even more and establish my own base in this world, but I would wait and see how he dealt with his returning son. I after all had to play the ever-eager son looking to please.

I looked at the approaching walls and took in a deep breath preparing myself for what was to come.

"By the Gods, the capital smells like shit." I exclaimed to me second.

All I got in return was a hearty laugh, "I'm sure you could have that sorted in a matter of days my Lord."

Well, he wasn't wrong, but it was not time yet for me to start showing my influence, I still had to bid my time and wait for the perfect opportunity where my help would have the greatest impact.

"I suppose I could, but it is not time yet for me to act."

Aiden merely gave me a nod of acceptance as we approached the gates of the city.

As the city gates opened, I adjusted my armour to ensure it was on properly and that I could be seen in all my glory as I made my triumphant return on the wave of continues victory.

I removed my helm as I heard the cries of the people as we made our way through the streets to the Red Keep.

I kept my face indifferent as I listened to the synchronized steps of my warriors making for an intimidating site. We marched on the Red Keep where the royal family and the rest of the court was waiting for us.

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POV Change- 3rd Person:

A little over a hundred people were in attendance as waited for the return of the Young Stag to make his great entrance at the head of ten thousand men. The Royal family was at the centre and in the fore front of all those waiting. The Queen in a beautiful red dress and the king in his traditional house colours while the young Princes and Princess were in a combination of hose colours belonging to House Baratheon and House Lannister.

It wasn't long until the Alexander Baratheon made his entrance on a mighty black stallion as his forces followed behind. They were dressed in black armour with antlers on their helms while the banner of the prince was held high for all to see.

The mass of soldiers made and intimidating sight as they walked in synchronization in absolute silence. It was clear for all to see that this was a gathering of elite warriors, and they were disciplined beyond belief.

They lined up in perfect formation and stood at attention seemingly waiting for leave to relax. That was when everyone heard a booming voicing that echoed through the courtyard and off the walls of the Red Keep.

"At ease."

And as if connected to one brain ten thousand men in pitch black armour moved in perfect harmonization to relaxed but firm stances.

It was then that the prince dismounted his steed and mad his way to the king before taking a knee.

"Your grace, we are yours to command."

The voice of the prince was firm with not a trance of hesitation to betray his young age. But as he spoke there were some murmurs among those that attended court at the way the prince had addressed his father as there was not a single trace of familial bond to be found.

The king looked at his kneeling son for a second as he inspected his frame and the strength hidden under the armour he wore before casting his sights to the neat line of soldier waiting at attention with no visible faults to be seen. There was a deep silence as everyone sought to hear what the king had to say.

"When you first departed here two years ago you left with only three hundred men and were charged to purge the growing number of bandits and outlaws that plagued the realm in the seven kingdoms."

The king once again looked to the men his son had managed to gather and bring under his banner, he thought back to the countless reports he received from Varys about how they all had unwavering loyalty for his son, and he couldn't help but want to test how disciplined and loyal they really were.

"Come boy show me what this rabble you have gathered can do."

He watched to see if there was any reaction among the men but when he saw none, he was inwardly pleased but now he watched and waited to see what his son would show him and those gathered here in attendance.

'Rabble he says as if anyone else could do half of what I have accomplished at my age.' Alexander inwardly thought to himself.

None the less the prince stood and faced his men, some pride welled up in his chest when he thought of all he had gone through with them.

"Men! What do we say to death?" he shouted and in one voice all his men answered back.

"Not today!"