—I've heard it —he replied with a diplomatic smile, taking a sip of wine while watching Daenerys, who remained still in her seat.
Viserys leaned back with a satisfied air.
—You can provide me with an army, and I can provide you with a wife. Seems like a fair deal, don't you think?
If the wife were someone he loved, maybe. But this was not an equitable exchange. An army in exchange for a woman was ridiculous, however, Daenerys had political advantages. If Viserys died, his marriage to her would give him legitimate rights to the Iron Throne. It was curious that at no point did he consider that this kind of deal would only be advantageous for the dead one.
—So, you want my army, and you'll give me your sister? —Vlad asked calmly.
—Yes, that, and you swear loyalty to me —Viserys added, condescending.
Vlad shook his head slightly.
—We'll talk after the war.
There was no way he would kneel before him.
Viserys shifted in his seat, visibly angered.
—I am your king.
Vlad gave him a smile that made Daenerys's mouth go dry.
—Don't worry. I'll give the Targaryen's the place they deserve on the throne —he said, laughing softly.
Viserys relaxed, not catching the subtlety of the comment. Vlad had promised the Targaryens would reclaim the throne, but never which one.
—Then let's prepare the wedding so we can go and take what's mine —Viserys declared, eager.
Vlad leaned his elbow on the armrest of his chair and looked at him calmly.
—We can't win with just my army.
—Are you a coward? —Viserys demanded, irritated.
Vlad rolled his eyes. "Is he really this stupid?"
—No —he replied, condescending—. What I mean is, we need a bigger army. And Vaes Dothrak can provide it.
Viserys eyed him suspiciously before asking:
—What do you plan to do?
—Increase my numbers. Only then will take the Seven Kingdoms be plausible.
It was impressive how easy it was to manipulate him. Not once in this conversation did I say I'd give him an army, but he assumes it. For now, that will work.
—I see… And how do you plan to increase our numbers?
Vlad allowed himself a smile.
—I'll challenge the next biggest khalasar and annex it to mine. Then, I'll do the same with the others. We should reach about a hundred thousand men.
Illyrio almost dropped his wine glass.
Viserys, for his part, smiled with satisfaction.
—Very well, I give you permission to proceed.
Vlad had to suppress the urge to punch him.
—But the wedding must be held immediately —Viserys added.
"He really wants to see the alliance sealed, unfortunately for him, he will never see his family on the throne again. Well… me on the throne, with his sister. That still counts," thought Vlad.
Vlad held Daenerys's gaze, and she blushed fiercely.
"At least, with my looks, the poor girl won't feel disgusted to have been forced into marriage."
When Viserys said he wanted to proceed with the marriage immediately, Vlad didn't expect him to be so literal. They'd talked about their pseudo-alliance just a week ago, and today was the wedding day.
Vlad wasn't particularly excited about the idea. He supposed he was still influenced by the social specters of his past life, despite not remembering much. There was something uncomfortable about marrying someone so young and whom he felt nothing for.
Now he was preparing for the big day. Wedding customs varied considerably across the different lands, cultures, and religions of this world. Since he had no ritual of his own, and Daenerys was from the south, they were left with the dilemma of choosing an appropriate style of ceremony.
However, something was constant in all cultures: after the wedding, there would be a feast where the newlyweds — meaning him — would eat, drink, and dance with all the guests. And then came the complicated part: the bedchamber ceremony, where the marriage would be consummated definitively and absolutely. Or, as some said, it was the moment when "babies were made to secure the family line."
So, basically, he had no choice but to marry in the southern style and sleep with Daenerys.
The only difference was that the wedding would be officiated by a priestess of the Lord of Light. Kinvara almost made a procession to come, but Vlad managed to convince her to stay discreet for the moment. Instead, they had an ordinary priestess.
—Everything is ready —announced Illyrio.
Vlad let out a sigh before standing up.
—Yes, let this wedding begin —he said with a smile.
The priestess agreed to marry them according to her customs, but the blessing would be for the Lord of Light.
She was a woman similar to Melisandre, which made Vlad wonder if she possessed the same magical abilities as the famous red priestess. Shaking those thoughts away, Vlad walked to his position, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
After a few seconds, Daenerys appeared with her brother. They walked side by side until she was in front of Vlad.
The priestess smiled as she began:
—Who comes before the God of Light this night?
Viserys replied:
—Daenerys of House Targaryen, here to marry. A woman of pure blood and noble lineage. She comes to ask for the gods' blessing. Who comes to claim her?
That was his signal. Vlad stepped forward.
—Vlad Drakul, the Red Stallion and Great Khal of the East.
—Who gives her? —asked the priestess.
—Viserys of House Targaryen, her brother and protector —the prince replied, stepping back from the scene.
"Yes, sure, as if you did a good job protecting her," thought Vlad with sarcasm.
The priestess continued with a smile:
—We gather here today before the God of Light and men to witness the joyful occasion of the marriage between Lady Daenerys and Lord Vlad.
It was true. After today's vows, Vlad would have a new responsibility, a new mission. There would be no turning back. He would have to take the Throne.
The priestess continued:
—Lady Daenerys, do you accept this man?
Daenerys hesitated for a second. And he didn't blame her. She hardly knew him. But after a brief silence, she affirmed:
—I take this man.
The priestess turned her ruby gaze to Vlad.
—Lord Vlad, do you accept this woman?
This was the moment of truth. The moment when Vlad truly entered the Game of Thrones, and he always played to win.
—I take this woman.
They took each other's hands, and the priestess tied them together with a red ribbon as she said:
—In the sight of the Lord of Light, I hereby seal these two souls, joining them as one for eternity.
After that, they were instructed to look at each other and speak their vows.
Vlad held Daenerys's gaze, her violet eyes locked on his, as they recited in unison:
—I am his/her and he/she is mine from this day until the end of my days. We are one.
"Until the ashes" thought Vlad.
A second of silence. Then, they sealed their destinies with a kiss, one shy and chaste. Vlad didn't want to terrify the poor girl any further.