A History of the Iron Throne II - The Black Dragons

[Midnite Duke]

My Greatest Gripe with CK2 is the bad math that is displayed on Battle and Siege Reports. A classic example from Mallowhall Victory 154 - 1 = 154. I am surely not the first math/stats geek who has gnashed their teeth when reading the details of a report. Good work, Daemon! (Is there a reason that you are not displaying the totals on the battle reports?) Thanks

 

[Crossl3ones]

Excellent Chapter! With Baelor captured, that will surely be a blow to the Targaryen base, and with such a dwindled force now facing fresh troops from the stormlands, if I were the Targaryens, I'd be trying to arrange passage across the Narrow Sea.

 

[Specialist290]

The Targaryen's main force has been crushed. Castle Belgrave may not have broken the Targaryens entirely, but it has certainly put them on the back foot, and another good blow might well lay them low for good.

 

[AxolotlKnight]

My Greatest Gripe with CK2 is the bad math that is displayed on Battle and Siege Reports. A classic example from Mallowhall Victory 154 - 1 = 154. I am surely not the first math/stats geek who has gnashed their teeth when reading the details of a report. Good work, Daemon! (Is there a reason that you are not displaying the totals on the battle reports?) Thanks

The reason why I didn't show the results is for story purposes. Like always in CK2, the enemy, despite having a numerical advantage and great commanders, the AI never uses them properly. For example at the Battle of Belgrave, the Targaryen army used random low martial commanders instead of Baelor Breakspear, Leo Longthron, Maekar, Bloodraven etc. Meanwhile they were up against Daemon, Bittersteel, and Fireball. In the end the actually victory numbers were about 100 casualties to me, and nearly fifteen thousand for them.

Excellent Chapter! With Baelor captured, that will surely be a blow to the Targaryen base, and with such a dwindled force now facing fresh troops from the stormlands, if I were the Targaryens, I'd be trying to arrange passage across the Narrow Sea.

I hear Volantis is wonderful at this time of year...

The Targaryen's main force has been crushed. Castle Belgrave may not have broken the Targaryens entirely, but it has certainly put them on the back foot, and another good blow might well lay them low for good.

The Tullys and Martells have forces that have been relatively unharmed, but still, the Targs are on the run.

 

[Crossl3ones]

Side note comment lol kinda hoping Fireball gets that Kingsguard role he always wanted

 

[Golden Dragon]

I am quite interested in this AAR considering how the actual Blackfyre rebellion ended so I am quite interested to see how this will go.

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Chapter IV: The Blackfyre Rebellion Part IV

​

There was a storm lashing against the venerable walls of Dragonstone when a sodden raven arrived in the rookery, its news as black as its wings. The King was teaching his grandchildren about the history of the First Men when the castle’s maester arrived with the soaked scroll. “We are doomed” Daeron was said to have whispered after reading the news of his son’s defeat at Belgrave. For a day and a night, the king held council with his remaining advisors in an attempt to find a way out of his predicament. “We still have the Martell and Tully armies” noted Lord Bartimos Celtigar “they have been less battle-worn than most. They could turn the tide.” Lord Corlys Velaryon (not to be confused with his more legendary namesake) was less convinced “Your Grace, I think it may be time to face the facts of the present. Most of your armies have been defeated by Daemon already, your treasury is now in their hands, and your heir and half of the lords loyal to you are captured. We must at least try and come to terms with them.” This did not please the King’s wife, Queen Myriah Martell “my father always said you Andals lacked spines. We still have sway in this war, my brother’s army will smash Lord Baratheon and his stormmen, and will do the same to the bastard traitor.”

The aftermath of the Battle of Belgrave would contain the normalcies of Westerosi warfare. The dead of the victors were collected and burned with ceremony, the corpses of the defeated were left to rot and be feed for carrion. Along with this was the true prize of victory, deciding what to do with the prisoners. The ordinary soldier would either be pressed into the victor’s army, imprisoned, or killed. The fates of the higher born and more important prisoners would be subject to much more variance based on the whims and wishes of the winning ruler. In this case, Daemon had to decide what to do with the large number of highborn prisoners he had taken, two of which were Lords Paramount. Despite some of the calls from his most radical supporters, butchering them was out of the question, lest the conflict devolves into the same wanton bloodshed of the Dance of the Dragons. No, like Aegon the Conqueror, Daemon offered them a choice, bend the knee, and accept him as their king, or resist and be punished. With great reluctance, Lord Tyrell and his bannermen bent the knee, and in turn, Daemon confirmed their titles and lordships. Lord Lannister was even more reluctant and feared reprisals from the Targaryens if he switched sides. When Bittersteel insinuated that they would name Lord Reyne as the Lord of the Westerlands if he did not bend the knee, Lord Lannister caved and bowed before the Blackfyre banner like everyone else.

This left Daemon with one major prisoner, Prince Baelor. To the Targaryen loyalists, Baelor was Daemon’s nephew, whilst to the Blackfyres he was a distant cousin. Either way, this did not stop Daemon from attempting to be reproachful to the defeated prince, who had been treated honourably after the battle. Indeed, many noted similarities between the two, both were chivalrous, merciful, kind to commons and high born alike, and exceptionally skilled at arms. For his part, Prince Baelor was gracious in defeat and congratulated Daemon on his victory, whilst also maintaining that he would not bend the knee. Though this enraged some in the Blackfyre camp, Daemon had expected as much and simply replied “a son must do his duty.” The next day Prince Baelor was sent to King’s Landing, where he was put under house arrest in his rooms in the Red Keep. His escort back to the capital would none other than Ser Tommard Ridgely, who had been recently knighted and hired by Daemon in recognition of his service.

The remnants of the Targaryen army limped north into the Riverlands, where Lord Medgar Tully had driven back Lords Lothston and Frey to Harrenhal. The Targaryen armies were now under the leadership of Prince Maekar, the hot-headed and wrathful brother of Baelor. The youngest of four brothers, who were seen as far more capable than the mad Rhaegel and overly pious Aerys, but far less merciful and wise than his older brother. Most importantly, he did not harbour any love for his wayward uncle, whom he had viewed as a threat before the Rebellion had begun. “The weeds envelop the rose if not tended to” he was reported to have said when discussing Daemon before the rebellion “my father has devoted too much time and gold on placating that bastard upstart. We should boot him, his Tyroshi wife, and their spawn across the sea.” His poor reputation when it game to rationality meant that Lord Tully and his vassals were extremely cautious when they saw that it was Maekar, not Baelor, who was leading the army. Their apprehension turned to panic when they discovered that Prince Baelor and a score of lords had been captured at Belgrave, thus depriving the Targaryens reinforcements of the Westerlands and the Reach. When Prince Maekar demanded that they march south with him, Lord Medgar Tully replied, “with the best will in the world, my lord, you are not in a position to make demands of us.”

The final battle of the Blackfyre Rebellion would take place three miles south of the castle of Grandview in the Stormlands. The Martell army, which had been bolstered by the forces of lords Dondarrion and Swann, had been able to march relatively unopposed through the Stormlands, save from bands of revolting smallfolk. This would end when they were met with the Baratheon army, which while not proven in battle yet, was a formidable force. The Lord of Storm’s End, Lord Arion Baratheon, was a veteran of countless battles, having fought against Dornish raiders for years, and had even squired for his father during the Young Dragon’s Conquest of Dorne. It was this experience that helped him decisively defeat the Martell army at Grandview. Less than three thousand survivors limped back across the Dornish Marches. The Prince of Dorne, Maron Martell, was captured when trying to flee the battlefield. Unlike Lords Tyrell and Lannister, Prince Maron was beaten within an inch of his life before being handed over to Lord Arion, who ordered that once his wounds were treated he was to be sent to King’s Landing.

​

The news of Prince Maron’s defeat at Grandview was the last straw for King Daeron, who was already on the brink of a breakdown. At the insistence of Lord Velaryon, Daeron fled boarded a cog disguised as a merchant ship and fled across the Narrow Sea. With him went his wife, Princes Rhaegel, Aerys, Valarr, Matarys, several loyal councillors, and the castle fool. Before he parted, Daeron left the crown jewels in the Room of the Painted Table, a decision that has been debated by scholars ever since. The morning after they left, Lord Velaryon ordered Dragonstone’s maester to send a raven to King’s Landing with the news of Daeron’s flight, and his supplication to Daemon Blackfyre. Within days lords across Westeros began to submit to Daemon, including Lord Donnel Arryn, who had been attempting to raise another army in support of the Targaryens. When the news arrived at Riverrun, Lord Tully warned Prince Maekar and Lord Brynden that he was going to submit as well, giving them ample time to escape into the wilderness of the Riverlands, though in the process they left their army behind. The official time of Daemon’s victory would be measured when the High Septon officially declared Daemon as the rightful heir to Aegon IV. So began the reign of Daemon of House Blackfyre, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.

​

 

[Crossl3ones]

Damn, he got relegated to Waters as well, sad day for House Targaryen, yet wonderful day for House Blackfyre. Looking forward to the next update and what happens with Darksister and Bloodraven

 

[HistoryDude]

I see Targaryen Rebellions coming up.

Also, is Dorne still part of the Seven Kingdoms, and, if so, why? Dorne only joined because of marriages to Daeron's line.

 

[Crossl3ones]

I see Targaryen Rebellions coming up.

Also, is Dorne still part of the Seven Kingdoms, and, if so, why? Dorne only joined because of marriages to Daeron's line.

I think Dorne is still in the realm as far as the AAR has gone, could be wrong, but the fallout from a Daemon victory has yet to be revealed which I would agree has the potential of a very disgruntled Dorne seeking autonomy once more.

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Damn, he got relegated to Waters as well, sad day for House Targaryen, yet wonderful day for House Blackfyre. Looking forward to the next update and what happens with Darksister and Bloodraven

House Targaryen still has many members. As one branch fades, another can blossom.

"How many eyes does Lord Bloodraven have? A thousand eyes and one"

I see Targaryen Rebellions coming up.

Also, is Dorne still part of the Seven Kingdoms, and, if so, why? Dorne only joined because of marriages to Daeron's line.

Prince Maron Martell currently languishes in a Black Cell, as do most of the Dornish nobility. Their sons and daughters could rebel, at the cost of all the captives.

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Chapter V: Daemon Triumphant​

King’s Landing had been celebrating for three days when Daemon and his victorious army returned to the city. Crowds gave flowers, wine, and bread to the soldiers as they chanted “long may he reign!” with increasing fervour. Hastily sown Blackfyre banners hung from windows and balconies, whilst Targaryen banners were torn down and burnt. A city that less than a year ago had happily lived under the rule of King Daeron, now cursed his name and the names of his children. When Daemon arrived at the Red Keep he headed straight for the throne room where he, still in his armour, was crowned by the High Septon in the sight of his soldiers, who chanted his name so loudly that it could be heard half a league away. “I had never seen myself as a king’s man” wrote Ser Tommard, who was present at the coronation “but the sight of that extraordinary man caused me to exalt him like everyone else in that grand hall.” After a night of celebration, Daemon started the task of forming his new royal court. The seats of the Small Council would be decided by “those of ability” declared King Daemon when he announced the new members of the First Blackfyre Small Council. First to be named as the Master at Arms, which was given to Daemon’s half-brother Aegor Bittersteel. Lord Aegor, as he styled himself, had been by Daemon’s side since they were boys, and had always advocated Daemon’s claim to the Iron Throne since the death of their father. Having a man of his talents in charge of the Iron Throne’s armies was a smart one, for his skills for nearly anything other than warfare were lacking.

Next to be chosen as the Master of Laws, which went to the young but extremely talented Lord Donnel Mosborough. Having only reached adulthood at the start of the rebellion, Lord Donnel had risen the Black Dragon banner above Castle Mosborough during the early days of the conflict, when it was still unclear how large Daemon’s support would be. He would be present at the Battles of Meadmere and Belgrave, the latter of which would cost him his ear. It was in the aftermath of the battle that Donnel began to ingratiate himself with Daemon, who quickly spotted his potential. He is seen by many scholars as a typical example of the early Blackfyre era lordling, young and ambitious with ideas above their station. For the position of Master of Coin, Daemon chose a man who was both able and loyal, Lord Florian Boggs. Lord Boggs was seen as “little more than a pirate” according to Ser Tommard “but in actuality was the richest man in the Seven Kingdoms, with only a tenth of that wealth being made through actual piracy.” Lord Florian had founded a mercantile empire that had spread quickly in the years preceding the rebellion and had recently begun the task of rebuilding his House’s castle on Cracklaw Point.

The Master of Whisperers, a seat which has been seen as the most important seat by some, was given to Ser Arnold Arryn, second son of Lord Donnel Arryn of the Vale, who had only recently been an enemy of House Blackfyre. Lord Arryn had bent the knee like everyone else but ensuring that one of his sons was in King’s Landing as a hostage further soothed any worries of possible treason forming in the Vale. With the Grand Maester recently deceased, Daemon bestowed his candidate, Maester Gerold, with the title of Grand Maester, though the Citadel did not approve of such a measure due to his inexperience. They demanded that an Archmaester of the Citadel be named to the spot, but Daemon disagreed “the maesters are trusted without most guarded secrets, I would rather have a man I can trust in that spot rather than an agent of Citadel.” The final and most influential seat in the Small council was yet to be decided; who would become the Hand of the King? The most likely candidate, Lord Aegor Bittersteel, was more suited to leading armies than leading council of scheming nobles. Some of King Daemon’s advisors suggested Lord Arion Baratheon, who had been the only Lord Paramount to openly support the Blackfyre cause during the rebellion. When King Daemon offered the seat to Lord Arion the aged lord politely refused, stating “I have lived long, Your Grace, I have fought many battles and killed many men. Now I wish to spend the rest of my days enjoying the pleasures of hearth and home”.

The solution to Daemon’s problem would come when Maester Gerold offered an alternate candidate. Lord Rance Hayford had been a ‘guest’ of King Daemon since Daeron’s flight across the Narrow Sea, leaving the previously Targaryen supporting Lord isolated in the new reality that was descending on Westeros. Many Blackfyre loyalists saw him as a traitor, and some, led by Aegor Bittersteel, wanted to execute him. Daemon had forbidden anyone to harm him and had posted guards around the lord to ensure his safety. This was not just done out of honour, for in the days following the Blackfyre victory, Lord Rance had risen to be the main representative of those lords seen as still of questionable loyalty. It would be his actions after this that would convince Daemon to name his as Hand of the King. Through one of his contacts, Lord Rance had discovered that Prince Maekar had been spotted in the Riverlands and had been hiding out in the area’s myriad of sunken caves. Upon hearing this he reported this news to King Daemon himself, who dispatched a raven to Lord Medgar Tully to send five hundred men to apprehend him. Knowing that this was a test of his loyalty, Lord Medgar led the search party himself and was the one to lead the assault on Prince Maekar’s camp. The prince had been bathing in a small stream when he was found by Tully men and was dragged in front of Lord Medgar half-naked. “If I had known you had been a turncloak, I would have killed you years ago” spat Prince Maekar as he sat in chains in front of Lord Medgar, who in turn replied “I gave you a chance, my lord, and you wasted it. What happens next is on your head.” Upon hearing the news that Prince Maekar was in chains and on his way to King’s Landing, King Daemon gave Lord Rance Hayford the chain of office that marked a Hand of the King.

Another matter that had to be faced was what to do with the Kingsguard. Every single white cloak had remained loyal to King Daeron and had fought up until Daeron fled to Pentos. Some, like Quentyn Ball, demanded that all the knights should be sent to the Wall due to their “disloyalty”, whilst Lord Aegor demanded nothing less than “disembowelling them in front of the Iron Throne.” Daemon was opposed to this, for why would he kill his enemies when he could just as easily make them his friends? Instead of executing the knights and possibly alienating the noble families, they hailed from, he demanded that each member swear an oath of eternal loyalty to him and if they wished not to, they could leave freely with their oaths fulfilled. Those who chose to remain in the Kingsguard were Lord Commander Kenric Darry, Ser Alyn Connington, known as the Pale Griffin, Ser Gwayne Corbray, Ser Willem Wylde, Ser Willam Chambers and Ser Rupert Crabb. Only Ser Edwyn Rosby, the second son of Lord Brynden Rosby, chose to leave the order, though this was mainly because his elder brother had been killed at Meadmere, leaving him as the next in line. To replace Ser Edwyn, King Daemon named Ser Quentyn Ball to the Kingsguard, who was seen as many as the next probable choice for Lord Commander.

​

The last, and the most pressing matter was what to do with those who had most ardently fought against Daemon and had supported Daeron. For most of those lords, King Daemon offered amnesty if they bent the knee to him and swore an oath of loyalty to his family. The vast majority did save most notably Lord Wyman Webber, who refused to bow to a “bastard usurper.” In response, King Daemon charged Ser Eustace Osgrey, a loyal Blackfyre supporter, and Lord Rowan to take the Lord Wyman’s castle, Coldmoat, and drag the lord and his family to King’s Landing in chains. The so-called ‘Webber Rebellion’ lasted three weeks, for the castle garrison, half of whom had died fighting on the Mander, turned on their master and offered up Lord Wyman to the besiegers. In reward for their service, Daemon named Lord Rowan’s third son, Nyles Rowan, as his squire, and gave the castle of Coldmoat to Eustace Osgrey, who was named Lord of the Northmarch. After a hundred and fifty years, the banner of the Chequy Lion flew above Coldmoat once more.

​

There were only three men who were would be exempt from King Daemon’s remarkable mercy. The first was Daeron Targaryen, who was declared to be Daeron ‘Waters’, the bastard son of Prince Aemon the Dragonknight and Queen Naerys. It was announced that he was an “enemy of the realm and attempted usurper.” As he was across the Narrow Sea, Daemon’s punishment would come down on his son, who was the second person to feel the wrath of the Black Dragon. Despite not holding any personal animosity towards each other, Daemon knew that so long as Baelor lived as a Targaryen, he would remain a threat to his rule. “You may be a traitor” declared Daemon to a packed throne room as he announced the sentence of Prince Baelor “but you are my kin, and I am no kinslayer. Out of both my love for my family and the respect I have for you as a knight, I spare you from the fate so many had demanded of me to give to you. Instead, you will be sent to the Wall to become a brother of the Night's Watch, where you can defend the realms of men and make amends for your treasons.” Baelor Breakspear neither resisted nor complained and instead only bowed his head in compliance.

The final man to feel King Daemon’s wrath was his brother-in-law, Prince Maron Martell, who had been languishing in a black cell since Lord Arion Baratheon had brought him in chains, along with three score lords and knights. The Dornish had been a sore point for many in the Blackfyre camp, many of whom wished to desolate the Dornish for their insolence. Indeed, if he wished it, Daemon could have wiped out more than half of the Dornish nobility right there and then. Instead, Daemon demanded that each lord pay obeisance to him, and offer him hostages. Lords Dayne, Fowler, Lady Vaith, Lord Allyrion, and Lady Jordayne all bent the knee. Ser Myles Blackmont, Ser Quentyn Qorgyle and Ser Manfred Santagar all bent the knee as representatives of their houses. Some of the knights, led by the gallant Ser Ulrick Dayne, the Sword of the Morning, even entered Daemon’s service, becoming members of his household guard. As for Prince Maron, he was stripped of his title of Prince of Dorne and was kept in captivity in King’s Landing, though now in his apartments. The title of Prince was bestowed on Lord Cletus Yronwood, who had risen in support of Daemon. To ensure Dornish loyalty, Daemon named the title of Prince as elective, meaning upon Cletus’ death, there would be an election to choose the next candidate. With the Dornish dealt with, Daemon had now secured his throne…for now…

​

 

[Midnite Duke]

Great Overview!

 

[Crossl3ones]

Yes!! Fireball got his cloak, that's win, though I am surprised so many Kingsguard were accepted to stay on. Must say a fitting fate for Baelor... that is if he makes it to the Wall or escapes as Aegor did when his ships were assailed in Canon. Looking forward to the next chapter, excellent update! Side question, do you have an end point envisioned for this, or will it evolve to show the reigns of Blackfyre Kings or Queens to come?

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Yes!! Fireball got his cloak, that's win, though I am surprised so many Kingsguard were accepted to stay on. Must say a fitting fate for Baelor... that is if he makes it to the Wall or escapes as Aegor did when his ships were assailed in Canon. Looking forward to the next chapter, excellent update! Side question, do you have an end point envisioned for this, or will it evolve to show the reigns of Blackfyre Kings or Queens to come?

I don't really have an end goal other than tracking what happens to Westrros. Hopefully I can cover at least 100 years, and maybe more.

 

[HistoryDude]

Daemon is doing some housekeeping.

I doubt the Targaryens are truly dealt with. There were five Blackfyre Rebellions in canon, after all. The Targs might be even more tenacious.

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Chapter VI: The New Royal Family

​

In the weeks and months following King Daemon’s coronation, lords and knights from across the realm trickled in to make obeisance to their new king. By this point, nearly all resistance to Blackfyre rule had melted away, and the two previously neutral Lord Paramounts, Lord Dagon Greyjoy and Lord Beron Stark had sent ravens declaring their loyalty to Daemon. In Dorne, the new Prince, Celtus Yronwood, was successfully installed without any major upset from the Dornish nobility. At least in the open, any sign of Targaryen support had melted away completely. Despite this, many on Daemon’s small council doubted that it would remain that way forever. “Memories are not things that can be easily removed,” said Lord Florian Boggs “and neither is loyalty. Give them a chance and the rats will spread.” Lord Florian was not alone in his doubts, Lord Aegor had wanted every house whose loyalty could not be counted on to provide a hostage, while Ser Arnold Arryn, the Master of Whisperers, wanted to establish a new order of spies that would monitor the day to day comings and goings of every lord. The King, ever a lover of the idea of chivalry, declared that “honour, mercy, and knightly virtue will ensure the security of my reign, not tyranny. I will not be another Maegor or, gods bless him, my father. My people will love me.” As a gesture of peace and amity, Daemon released Prince Maekar, a decision many in his small council disagreed with. However, the Prince was not free, for he was sent to be a ‘guest’ of Prince Celtus in Dorne, who would make sure that Prince Maekar would not fall back into old ways. Prince Maekar’s children, Princes Aerion and Daeron, would remain hostages in the Red Keep.

Of the many new denizens of the Red Keep were the expansive royal family, which had remained at the Venatfort throughout the duration of the war. The new queen, Rohanne of Tyrosh, quickly established herself as the Red Keep’s matriarch and took over most of the managerial duties of the Royal household. Daughter of the Archon of Tyrosh, Rohanne had grown up in a life of luxury that exceeded even the most lavish households of Westeros, with all manners of spices, perfumes, and fashion available to her. When her father became the Archon, Rohanne became an important commodity in her own right, with her hand in marriage being sought by countless suitors, both from the Free Cities and beyond. Princes from the Summer Islands attempted to woo her father with exotic feathered capes, the Yi Ti ambassador tempted the Archon with Zorses and jade jewellery, whilst one of the Triarchs of Volantis offered the Free City of Tyrosh with one thousand elephants. Whilst these gifts were grand and expensive, they did not come with what the Archon wanted most. An Alliance. Tyrosh had been independent since the destructive Daughters War, a conflict that was caused by the defeat the Three Daughters suffered during the Dance of the Dragons. Ever since Tyrosh, Myr, and Lys had fallen back into infighting, which was spurred on by interference by Pentos, Braavos, and Volantis. In the twisting wynd that is Essosi politics, alliances can sometimes last days before falling apart, and by 180s AC, Tyrosh had run out of allies. The solution would come from the west, not the east. Early into his reign as king, Daeron II had desired better trading relations with the Free Cities. His father had neglected any form of international diplomacy and had allowed tariffs on Westerosi merchants in Essos to skyrocket without any recourse. The Iron Throne’s biggest trade partner had been Tyrosh, and so for Daeron, it seemed to be the best choice when it came to sorting out a new trade deal. The Archon was amenable to the idea but demanded one thing, an alliance through marriage. Daeron agreed and offered his recently legitimized half-brother, Daemon, as a viable candidate. The Archon agreed and so Daemon and Rohanne were married, and a new trade alliance was signed.

Rohanne of Tyrosh​

Like most noble marriages, the newlyweds were not besotted with each other at the beginning. Daemon was polite but was still reeling from learning that his half-sister, Princess Daenerys, had married Prince Maron Martell. It was a poorly kept secret that Daemon had an affinity for his sibling, even though the Princess never seemed to reciprocate such a feeling. On the other hand, Rohanne saw Westeros as a backwards and barbaric place lacking in taste of any kind. At the royal court, some began to name her the “Tyroshi bitch” for soon many began to tire of her distant and cold ways. The bonding between Daemon and Rohanne would begin at the birth of their twin sons, Aegon and Aemon, and would continue to grow closer with each new child. When Daeron granted Daemon land to build the Venatfort, Rohanne was allowed to model it in her own style. Latest Essosi fashions were often seen first at Venatfort before reaching the Red Keep, and soon it was called “Small Tyrosh”. Upon the ascension of Daemon as king, Rohanne moved her court to the Red Keep, and many of the maids were replaced with her own Tyroshi household. The Tyroshi servants became known for their promiscuity, with Ser Tommard Ridgley noting “I feel as if I have only fucked Tyroshi women for my whole life. You finish with one and then another comes round the corner. Gods know what they teach them in the backstreets of Tyrosh, all I’ll say is I’m glad I’m not married.” We know now that these women were not just doing it out of lust, for they provided the Queen with all manner of secrets, which she would use to her advantage.

King Daemon’s many children would take pride of place in the new court of the black dragons and would be surrounded by the newly arrived children of those lords deemed to be of questionable loyalty. The two eldest children, the twins Aegon and Aemon, quickly established their own clique within the Red Keep’s walls, with many little lordlings vying for their attention. Despite being twins there was never any doubt who the heir to the throne was, Prince Aegon had been born first by around three minutes, a fact that the boys never failed to remind those who questioned the choice. Aegon was a proud and sometimes wrathful boy who, according to Maester Gerold, was “prone to displays wanton ranting akin to the vainest of the Valyrian lineage.” Despite his temper Prince Aegon was noted to be wise it came to the realities of life and was loyal to his friends and family alike. His brother, Aemon, was seen as a reincarnation of the Dragonknight that he was named after, for his honourable conduct on the training field and his courteous demeanour proved his valour. King Daemon often noted that “Aegon will always have Aemon to guide him when the night is darkest.” The two brothers were inseparable and were very clearly each other’s best friend. “They shared everything it seemed,” wrote Maester Gerold when reflecting on their childhood “sometimes it was easier to think of them as one person rather than two.”

​

Aegon and Aemon were not the only sons of Daemon and Rohanne, for five more were born in the years following the twin’s birth. The first was Daemon, known as Daemon the Younger, who was already known as a “vain and proud little boy who spent more time dressing pretty with stable boys than being a squire”. Then there was Haegon, a boy who many considered to be the most like Daemon than any other of his sons. Obsessed with the stories of knightly virtue, in particular, that of Ser Serwyn of the Mirror Shield, Haegon would spend most of his time with his friends recreating the escapades of yore. Haegon was followed by Aenys, who at the age of five had already learned the basics of swordplay with the help of Quentyn Ball, who named him “the greatest natural swordsman I have ever seen”. The quiet and private Aegor was born just a year later, and he was followed by his infant brother Maelys. Each of these boys would live in the shadow of their elder twin brothers, and their early lives would be spent trying to make a name for themselves outside of the confines of the Red Keep.

The daughters of King Daemon and Queen Rohanne would play an important role in the future security of House Blackfyre, are so Daemon proclaimed to them whenever he discussed their future. Already his eldest daughter, Princess Calla, was betrothed to his half-brother Bittersteel, and it was presumed that his other daughters, Daenerys and Rhaenys would also be betrothed soon to secure alliances with lords of Westeros. Whether they would accept being married off was another matter entirely for much like their brothers, the three Blackfyre sisters were not alike. Calla had been the only female Blackfyre to be present at the Targaryen court prior to the rebellion, with her being in service to Queen Myriah Martell, leaving her service just before the rebellion. Now a princess, Calla became the most coveted maiden in the Seven Kingdoms. However, she was already claimed by her uncle, Bittersteel, who guarded his betrothed jealously. Courteous and kind, Calla became known by the smallfolk as the “Princess of Bread” due to her many gifts of bread to the needy of King’s Landing. Daenerys on the other hand was by all rights a little rogue. Pranks were abounding in the Red Keep after she had arrived, with the main target of hilarity being Shackles the Fool. Despite this, she was rarely cruel in her japes and was keen to help those who fell victim to bullies. In one infamous incident, the Princess knocked out Jasper Roxton, a squire of thirteen years, when he began to spread tales about Miriam Follard's “fishy cunt.” She also had little time for talk of marriage, for she had already decided who she would marry “I will bear no one’s children bar my brothers. Which one I am not sure yet, for that is up to my father to decide, though I hope he decides soon, for I need to prepare.”

 

[AxolotlKnight]

Daemon is doing some housekeeping.

I doubt the Targaryens are truly dealt with. There were five Blackfyre Rebellions in canon, after all. The Targs might be even more tenacious.

With Bloodraven still out in the wild I doubt the Blackfyres can rest for long.

 

[Midnite Duke]

King & Queen Quite Prolific! Daenerys will lead whichever brother a wild chase!

 

[TWR97]

Seems that Daenerys girl is gonna be a willful woman when she grows up. The Blackfyres are secured now with Daemon's many sons, though I wonder how long before the Great Houses of Westeros start nagging about restoring the Targaryens.