Chapter 203 [Vault]

Title - HOTD: The Hidden Empire | Chapter 3 | Female MC

___________________________________________________

[3rd POV | 115 AC - Meroe | 1 Moon Later]

After a moon of living in Meroe, learning more about the culture of the city, and speaking with the local government, Corlys had finally gotten the ship required to leave. It was a simple merchant ship used to transport goods around the kingdom, but it was currently just sitting out of use, so it was an easy trade to allow the man to use it to get home. 

At the moment Babu stood at the docks across from the man, a smile on his face as he stared at the man that had become his recent friend. 

“My friend, I wish you safe travels back to Westeros, and I do hope that you return soon, I’d love to meet this wife that you brag so much about” Babu said with a smirk, as Corlys let out a chuckle, shaking the man's hand. 

“I will, and I’ll bring my son and daughter too, I’m sure they’d love to visit a new land that so few others will have the chance to step upon” Corlys said, as Babu just chuckled. 

“Safe travels, my friend” Babu said one last time, as Corlys gave him a nod, and walked up and onto the ship. The two waved to one another as the ship slowly left the docks, as Babu watched the ship, before turning and leaving. 

‘It would seem that the Empress was right, the Westerosi are interesting’ Babu thought with a small amused smile, as he walked off, ready to make his report to the Empress, who wished to know more about the Lord of Driftmark, and the husband of the Queen who never was. 

_______________________

As it turns out, Adreana had been keeping an eye on Corlys Velaryon the entire time. She knew when he had arrived, and knew of everything that had occurred while he was on her lands, her shadows keeping a close eye on his movements, and what he was doing. 

Corlys Velaryon was an important figure in Westeros, one of the most important. As he was the Lord of the richest family in Westeros, and the second most powerful, with only the Targaryens themselves being stronger, and even that was primarily due to their political connections more than anything.

He was also important to Adreana, as he was a powerhouse in trade, and would be a good person to work with in regards to trading with Westeros. Far better than the Hightowers, Lannisters, or a majority of the others. 

During Corlys’s time in Kush, she had made sure that he only heard what she wanted him to. Meaning, he had no idea that the “Kingdom of Kush” was in fact, a single kingdom on the continent that was a single part of the greater Empire. Nor did he know that the true ruler of the continent was an Empress, not a King. 

All to shock the Targaryens when they undoubtedly come to the continent, as she had plans for the reveal, and to show the power of her Empire, so that they don’t even think of undermining her and her rule. Like Otto Hightower no doubt would. 

As she sat in her solar once again, Adreana leaned back with a sigh. 

‘So many plans…so little time’

________________________________

[3 Moons later | Kings Landing]

After three moons of sailing, and as word of his survival had spread, Corlys had finally returned to Kings Landing. He had stopped several times during his travel back, and found out that many thought that he had died during the freak storm that he swept him far West. Including his wife, who had ridden her dragon alongside his son, Laenor, to try and find him, but neither could. 

And now he was walking off the ship that had been gifted, a smile on his face as his son, daughter, and wife all waited for him. 

“Father!” Laenor yelled, as he marched forward, hugging the man that he thought dead. Laena joined seconds later as they clung to him, Corlys hugged back with a small smile on his face, pleased to see them after so long. 

“I’m here, my son, my daughter. I’m here” He whispered to them, as they sniffled slightly, before pulling back, Rhaenys, his wife, standing there. Before he could even utter a word, she reached her hand up and slapped him, causing him to blink in surprise. 

“Never do such a foolish thing again, Corlys, or I shall castrate you” Rhaenys said with fury in her eyes, as Corlys just smiled as his wife, hugging her close, breathing in her warmth, one thought on his mind as he was surrounded by his family. 

‘…Gods I have missed this’

___________________________

[Later | Small Council Room]

”Gods, Corlys, you scared the hells out of us! It has been 4 moons since you have disappeared, where the hells have you been?” Viserys Targaryen asked, there had been no huge celebration for his return or anything, as he insisted on not having one. He instead wished to talk about something far more important, which is why he sat in the small council room, his wife at his side.

”West, your grace. I was in the lands that lie West of Westeros” Corlys replied simply, as they all stopped and looked at him with wide eyes. For decades, perhaps centuries, travelers had tried to find what is West of Westeros, but none had ever returned in all those years. 

“I was in a kingdom known as “Kush” a large kingdom that I estimate is roughly the size of the Reach and Westerlands, combined. It was…an incredible place. With spices and goods that I have never seen in all my years of exploring. With people that are free, happy. It was a prosperous place, your grace. A beautiful one” Corlys explained, causing Otto Hightower to frown. 

“And do you have any evidence of these claims? I mean no offense, Lord Corlys. But you were lost for quite some time, are you certain that you did not-“ “I did not imagine things! I know what I saw, and who I had met! As for evidence, I bear the letter of the Ruler of Kush” Corlys cut him off with a scowl, as he placed the letter onto the table. 

“Read it, Otto” Viserys said with a small look of interest. 

Looking over the letter, Otto began to read it. 

“To King Viserys Targaryen. As the ruler, and King of the Kingdom of Kush, I extend to you an invitation, so as to further the relationship between Westeros and our lands. Long have we been hidden from the rest of the world, and soon, soon it shall be time for all to know of our lands. And we believe that Westeros should be the first of them. 

Signed, Piye, King of Kush”

“…Who is Piye, Corlys?”

”I had not met the man in person, for he lived within the capital of Kush, but from my understanding, he has been the king of Piye for at least 10 years and is widely known as a skilled man and kind king. The man who had shown me through the city that I had arrived in, the city of Meroe, had said as much” Corlys responded. 

“You cannot seriously be thinking of traveling there, your grace! It is dangerous, far more than what is safe! Not to mention the distance!”

”It is a week's time sailing from the islands of Aegon, Rhaenys, and Visenya. From what I had learned, it would seem that the lands have remained under some sort of…veil, hiding it from those that wish to find it. Only those that gain permission from…the veil itself, is allowed to enter. And I was allowed through, and so too shall you be” Corlys responded, growing irritated with the Hand. 

“Magic? You speak of magic?” Rhaenys asked at his side, having not heard of any of this. 

”I do, and it is the only thing that explains it. As the sailing from the lands was indeed a week away from the three islands. As for safety, I will personally fund the trip, and will utilize the best of my ships in the travel. I-I believe this would be a worthy trip for you to personally make, your grace. This…this new land, it could be the future of the realms, it could be the beginning of something truly incredible” Corlys said, looking Viserys in the eye. 

“And who will rule while his grace is gone? Surely you cannot wish to leave the Seven Kingdoms without a ruler” Lyonel Strong asked. 

“I believe you would, Lord Strong” Viserys said, as Corlys nodded in agreement. Lyonel was an able leader, and would be more than enough to rule while they were gone. 

“And what of his grace’s safety in these lands? What’s to say that they will not simply kill him once we arrive?”

”Because we will bring our dragons” Rhaenyra’s voice spoke up, as Corlys turned to her.

”That is correct. We have been given permission to bring our dragons alongside us, so long as we do not cause harm to any of the people within the Kingdom. I believe that alone should be enough to ensure our safety, correct?” Corlys asked. 

“And my daughter and son shall be tagging along with us, so I do believe we will be bringing a total of 5 dragons, correct? Syrax, Vhagar, Seasmoke, Meleys, and Caraxes” Corlys added, as Viserys leaned back. 

“Perhaps…perhaps this would do you some good, your grace. To take a small…vacation of sorts from your duties, and to meet this King. I believe it would be a great boon to our coffers should we enter into a trade agreement with this new land” Lord Lyman Beesbury, the Master of Coin said.

”And you wish for me to come with you? To some unknown lands where we know fuck all about fuck all?” Daemon asked with a raised eyebrow. 

“Do you have anything better to do?” Viserys asked, as Daemon reeled back, staring at his brother before grunting in annoyance. 

“Corlys, when should we leave for these new lands?” 

“I believe it is best that we leave before the start of the new year. As from my knowledge, they are going to be throwing some sort of festival that I was suggested to attend. That festival will occur in 6 moons, giving us more than enough time to prepare and make our way there” Corlys said, as Viserys looked down in thought, ignoring the hopeful gaze of Corlys and Rhaenyra, who was very interested in exploring a new land.

”…Albright. Begin preparing for this trip. We shall leave at the earliest convenience!” Viserys ordered, as Otto grumbled slightly, but hid it well, while Corlys and Rhaenyra both looked pleased. 

All the while, Viserys had only one thought on his mind.

’…Let us hope this is the right decision’

____________________________________________________________________

That’s the end of the chapter!

Next chapter will be Adreana getting her next summon, and then the arrival of Viserys and such.  But that won't come for quite some time, as I am done with HOTD and GOT for a while

Anyways, have a good day!