Chapter 65: The Iron Bonds of Blood and the Seeds of Succession
The month that followed the reorganization of Maegor's armies and the arrival of the elite summoned units passed with a deceptive swiftness. Pyrefall Castle, now the throbbing heart of the Duchy of Qehes, buzzed with constant activity. Commander Maenyx rigorously drilled the Blood Wyrms and the newly integrated Essosi Nomadic Cavalry. Aerion Lightstep and his Elves Shadow Archers, moving like ghosts, were already conducting deep reconnaissance into the borderlands of Daarno. Jorah Mormont and Gareth Blackwood were whipping their respective armies into fighting shape, while Hand Aegon Duskryn and his administrative council worked tirelessly to formalize the Duchy's governance.
But amidst the preparations for war, Maegor paused for a series of events crucial to his long-term vision: the forging of alliances through blood. He had carefully planned these unions, ensuring each marriage served not only to secure loyalty but to proliferate and strengthen the various branches of the Targaryen and Valyrian lines.
The great hall of Pyrefall Castle was transformed for the triple wedding, adorned with crimson and black banners bearing the three-headed dragon, interspersed with the black seahorse of Velaryon, the bull of Massey, and the crab of Celtigar. Lords and ladies, commanders and officers, all gathered, a testament to Maegor's burgeoning power. Khal Drogo and his ko watched with fascinated, if slightly bewildered, expressions. Even Magister Andrio Vallel, now the Count of Drasaho, attended, a nervous but calculating smile on his face.
The ceremonies were simple, but imbued with immense significance.
First, Ser Kaeto Targaryen stood tall, his eyes shining with a profound joy, as he took Rhaenys Velaryon as his wife. Rhaenys, radiant in her wedding gown, her silver-gold hair and violet eyes making her undeniably a daughter of Old Valyria, looked at Kaeto with an open affection and pride. This union seamlessly bound the newly legitimized Duskryn-Targaryen line of Prince Duncan the Small to the ancient, noble main line of House Velaryon, strengthening the very roots of Maegor's power.
Next, Ser Aelyx Brightflame, his violet eyes shining with fierce pride, wed Visenya Velaryon. Visenya, quiet but composed, her lilac eyes holding a hidden fire, accepted her new role. This marriage linked the volatile, ambitious Brightflame branch to the respected Velaryon house, further weaving Maegor's Targaryen cadet lines into the tapestry of power.
Finally, the most unconventional of the unions. Ser Rhaegar Duskryn, with his restless spirit and often-brooding intensity, took Aurane Waters as his bride. Aurane, sharp and perceptive, with the Velaryon silver hair and the knowledge of the sea in her eyes, met Rhaegar's gaze with a surprising understanding. This marriage elevated a true, if bastard-born, daughter of the Velaryons into a newly legitimized branch of the Targaryen family, further reinforcing Maegor's policy of merit and blood over traditional stigma.
Maegor watched each ceremony, a cold, satisfied smile gracing his lips. He had done more than forge alliances; he had strategically planted the seeds of a dynastic future, ensuring multiple avenues for his bloodline's proliferation, each loyal and tied to his central power.
Beyond the public spectacle, Maegor continued his meticulous work on securing his own direct lineage. He had taken Malora Celtigar, the sharp-eyed Celtigar girl from Claw Isle, as his mistress. Her wit and the fierce loyalty of her House made her an ideal choice. Their union was frequent, driven by Maegor's relentless Lineage Focus: Progeny Drive (Active). The children born of this union, should they come, would bear the proud new surname of Aegryon, signifying their dual heritage as "fire-born" and "claw of the sea," a direct nod to their Targaryen and Celtigar blood.
And in a testament to the efficacy of his commands, word reached Maegor through Ser Barristan Selmy himself. The Lord-Commander, despite his advanced years, had successfully fulfilled his duty. Rheanera Brightflame was pregnant. Barristan, the Bold, who had sworn off family and children for decades of Kingsguard vows, was now on the precipice of continuing his own prestigious line, a clear demonstration that even the most ingrained traditions could be bent to the will of the Dragon King.
The Duchy of Qehes now settled into its new reality. Its new administration was firmly in place, its military being forged into a multi-faceted weapon, and its future ensured by strategically interwoven bloodlines. Maegor, now firmly the Duke, awaited the final months of preparation. The conquest of Daarno, the next step in his inevitable march, loomed on the horizon. The calm would soon give way to storm once more.