Domonic Augustus apparated into the courtyard of Strongsong Castle, the Vale's winds carrying the scent of pine. Under a Disillusionment Charm, he slipped past guards, his Haki scanning for Desmera Belmore. The castle bustled with activity—servants hauling firewood, knights drilling in the yard—but Domonic's focus was singular. He found Desmera in a solar, her auburn hair pinned up, overseeing a group of twenty-five women and men: ladies-in-waiting, maids, and servants, all loyal to House Belmore and vetted for Aemma's service.
Desmera, her green gown practical yet elegant, turned as Domonic dropped his charm, her eyes widening briefly before settling. "King Augustus," she said, her voice steady. "These are the ones I've chosen—trustworthy, discreet, and skilled. My cousins, Lysa and Ellyn, will lead the ladies-in-waiting. The maids and servants are from families sworn to us."
Domonic surveyed the group, his Observation Haki sensing their resolve. Lysa, a sharp-eyed woman in her twenties, met his gaze boldly, while Ellyn, softer but poised, offered a curtsy. The maids, ranging from young girls to seasoned women, stood attentively, their hands clasped. The male servants, carpenters and grooms among them, bowed respectfully. "Good choices," Domonic said, his voice approving. "They'll serve Aemma well."
Desmera nodded, her tone practical. "They're ready to leave. How will they travel?"
Domonic produced a rusted iron ring from his inventory, its surface etched with faint runes—a portkey. "This will take you to Bloodstone's castle," he said, holding it up. "Gather around, touch it, and say 'Sanctuary' when I signal."
The group exchanged wary glances, Lysa muttering, "What sorcery is this?" Desmera silenced her with a look, her voice firm. "Trust King Augustus. He saved Aemma."
They formed a circle, hands brushing the ring. Domonic counted down, "Three, two, one—now!" As they chorused "Sanctuary," the portkey glowed, and with a whoosh, they vanished, teleported to Edinburgh Castle's great hall on Bloodstone. Domonic apparated after them, ensuring their safe arrival.
The great hall of Edinburgh Castle, its stone walls draped in Yi Ti silks and lit by candelabras, hummed with the newcomers' awe. The servants gaped at the lush greenery visible through the windows, the Stepstones' transformation a stark contrast to their Vale homeland. Domonic clapped, drawing their attention. "Welcome to Bloodstone," he said, his voice carrying authority. "You're here to serve former Queen Aemma and her daughter, Visenya. Your loyalty is to her, and your discretion is paramount."
He assigned tasks with precision. "Lysa, Ellyn, you're Aemma's ladies-in-waiting—attend her needs, manage her correspondence. Maids, you'll handle chambers, meals, and laundry. Servants, maintain the castle—carpenters, reinforce the gates; grooms, tend the stables. Any questions?"
A grizzled carpenter raised a hand, his voice gruff. "My lord, are we safe here? Tales say the Stepstones are pirate nests."
Domonic's grin was fierce. "No pirates left. I cleared them out. You're safer here than in King's Landing."
The group nodded, reassured. Lysa stepped forward, her voice bold. "We'll serve Queen Aemma faithfully, King Augustus."
"Good," Domonic said. "Settle in. I'll fetch Aemma."
He strode to Aemma's chamber, where she sat with Rhaenyra and Daenerys, Visenya cooing in Rhaenyra's arms. Aemma's face, once pale with grief, now glowed with hope, though her eyes held a mother's worry. Daenerys, her silver hair braided, laughed as Rhaenyra tickled the baby, her black-and-red gown a stark contrast to the room's soft silks.
Domonic knocked, entering with a smile. "Aemma, your household's here—ladies-in-waiting, maids, servants. Come meet them."
Aemma rose, her blue gown simple yet regal, her voice warm. "Thank you, Domonic. I… I didn't expect this so soon."
Daenerys stood, her tone teasing. "Dom moves fast. You'll get used to it."
Rhaenyra, cradling Visenya, looked up, her violet eyes hesitant. "Must I go back, Mother?"
Aemma's smile faltered, her voice soft. "For now, sweetling. But you'll return to us."
Domonic nodded, his voice gentle. "Time to say goodbye, Princess. I'll take you to the Red Keep."
Aemma embraced Rhaenyra, tears falling. "Be strong, my dragon. I'll see you soon."
Rhaenyra clung to her, her voice breaking. "I love you, Mother. And you to, Visenya." She kissed the baby's forehead, handing her to Aemma.
Daenerys hugged Rhaenyra, her voice firm. "You're heir now, Princess. Hold your head high."
Rhaenyra nodded, wiping her eyes. "I will."
Domonic led Aemma to the great hall, introducing her to Lysa, Ellyn, and the others. Aemma's voice was steady, her Arryn grace shining. "Thank you for joining me. I trust we'll build a home here."
Lysa curtsied, her voice warm. "We're honored, Your Grace."
Domonic returned to Rhaenyra, his hand on her shoulder. "Ready?" With a pop, they apparated to her chambers in the Red Keep, the transition smoother this time. Rhaenyra swayed, her nausea brief, her eyes wide at the familiar room.
Rhaenyra's chambers, lit by a single candle, felt cold after Bloodstone's warmth. She turned to Domonic, her voice soft. "Thank you… for saving them."
Domonic produced two necklaces from his inventory, each a silver chain with a gemstone pendant—one sapphire, one ruby. "These are portkeys," he said, handing them to her. "The sapphire takes you to Edinburgh Castle on Bloodstone; say 'Sanctuary' to activate it. The ruby returns you here; say 'Dragon's Rest.' Use them to visit your mother and sister."
Rhaenyra's fingers closed around them, her voice awed. "Magic… like yours?"
He nodded, his tone serious. "Keep them hidden. Tell no one, not even your father. You're heir now, Rhaenyra—King's Landing's dangerous. Trust only those who earn it."
She clasped the necklaces, her voice firm. "I will. And I'll protect them, like you protected them."
Domonic's smile was brief. "Good. I'll check on you, but you know where to find me."
With a pop, he apparated back to Bloodstone, leaving Rhaenyra clutching the necklaces, her resolve hardened. In her hands lay the power to bridge two worlds, a secret that would shape her reign.
Back in Edinburgh Castle, Domonic found Aemma settling into her role, her ladies-in-waiting organizing her chambers. Daenerys, holding Visenya, greeted him with a smile. "Rhaenyra's safe?"
Domonic nodded, his voice calm. "She's got the portkeys. She'll visit whenever she wants."
Aemma approached, her voice grateful. "You've given us a home, Domonic. I don't know how to repay you."
"You don't have to," he said. "Just live, Aemma. Raise Visenya. We'll handle the rest."
Daenerys handed Visenya to Aemma, her tone warm. "And we'll visit, little one."
As night fell, the Stepstones' green islands glowed under the stars, Edinburgh Castle a beacon of hope. Aemma, Visenya, and their new household began a life free from King's Landing's snakes, while Rhaenyra, armed with magic and her mother's love, faced her destiny as heir.
Meanwhile, Missandei is on her way to Astopor to take control of the Slavers' Bay.