Game of thrones: A storm is coming

*** "You can't always try to make everyone happy, You'll end up depressed yourself." - Me, after reading the last chapter feedbacks. I really wish I could just write a wish fulfillment fanfic without logic and hentai level freakiness.

I mean, I've even let you guys pick a fmc which isn't something I do, sacrificing personal preference. Gimme a break. ***

Daeron's journey in Essos began in Pentos, a city where opulence masked undercurrents of intrigue and treachery. A city ruled by merchants who are deeply connected with the economic power of Essos. The merchants and noblemen alike had never seen a dragon of Acnologia's size and ferocity, and the city's markets buzzed with rumors of the dragon rider after his arrival. Some already calculating how to use his power to their advantage.

Daeron, however, did not seek fame or glory from here, he sought to build his future, and Pentos was the perfect place to start. Among the free cities, Pentos held the status of the weakest in army, but their location defended them well. Plus, the city was an economic hub for Essos. by controlling Pentos, he can control the spice trade which is a big money maker.

He needed coin, information, and a network of loyal people. The city's wealth was largely controlled by merchant princes, each of whom vied for power behind the curtains of trade deals and political maneuvering.

Daeron's goal was simple: he would use his dragon to intimidate and gain favor with the powerful merchants and, in return, use the resources they provided to build his own influence.

During his time in Pentos, Daeron met Darios Velanti, a prosperous merchant prince known for his vast network of smugglers, mercenaries and trade contacts .

Darios saw Daeron as a potential asset—his dragon could be a weapon to secure trade routes, protect caravans, and even eliminate rivals. At first meeting, he treated Daeron as a naive kid with a dragon and offered to work with him. But Daeron was unwilling to be treated as a mere help, so He decided use intimidation to make Darios more subservient to him.

Their partnership was practical, not bound by loyalty. Daeron lent Acnologia's terrifying presence to protect Darios's trade caravans and intimidate his rivals. In return, Daeron earned enough coin to establish himself and gather resources for his own plans. Watching this, the other merchant princes also sought out Daeron for help, increasing his coffers.

But Daeron's true intent lay beyond simple trade. He spent months observing the intricate web of alliances and betrayals that governed Pentos, learning how power shifted hands not through swords alone but through whispers and gold.

As the months passed, Daeron realized that the power in Pentos wasn't solely in wealth, it was in the information and influence that flowed through the city. He spent hours in taverns, listening to the gossip of nobles, pirates, and traders, gathering the information that would later serve him well.

Daeron was building a foundation, slowly and carefully. He recruited a few key individuals, forming the first members of a secret mercenary band that would later become loyal to him alone, not to Darios or any other power in Essos.

Orlen Zo Rhokar, a Tyroshi sellsword with a mind for strategy, caught Daeron's eye early on. Orlen's tactical brilliance despite his rough exterior made him the perfect choice to lead his mercenary force.

Nessa Velathi, a Lyseni poisoner and spy, was another valuable recruit. She had a network of informants across Essos and was capable of gathering secrets and eliminating threats with minimal noise. Plus her beauty would allow her to infiltrate into even the most secure places. 

Lastly, Jax the Silent, a mute assassin from Volantis, joined their ranks. Though he spoke not a word, his skill with a blade was unrivaled, and Daeron trusted him implicitly.

These figures didn't serve out of pure loyalty at first; they followed because they saw potential in Daeron and his dragon.

Nessa, however was a different matter . The first time they met properly, Nessa just grabbed him with a hug and was squealing how cute he was and how handsome he would be in the future, he became really uncomfortable, much to everyone's amusement.

She then declared she would show him the pleasures of adulthood in a few years with a wink, to which Daeron left the room faster than Acnologia's top speed.

Despite their problematic personalities, they acknowledged Daeron's strength and chose to be loyal to him after his good treatment of them.

He found Orlen working as a caravan guard, and offered him a chance to have a better life for him and his family. He not only helped his family, he also paid him enough to get his children proper education. Orlen then swore to serve him till death. He served as the Captain of his guards.

Nessa, on the other hand was being chased by her enemies after getting stabbed, and Daeron found her in an alleyway. He rescued her and and let her go on her own way after recovery at first.

Nessa was surprised as this was the first time someone helped her without looking to gain anything, and decided to test Daeron's character.

After following him for a week, she protected Daeron from an assasin and revealed her true origins. She chose to stay by his side from then on, and became his spymaster, spinning a web of secrets.

Jax's story was more straight forward. He was a young man , and also a skilled assasin who was a slave. Daeron not only freed him, but also killed his master who tortured him since childhood and killed his mother . He got the absolute loyalty of Jax from then on. 

Daeron's plan was not to serve Darios for long. He knew the merchant would eventually outlive his usefulness. The real game, the one that would eventually put Daeron in power, required alliances with the right people at the right time.

And as long as he kept the rest of Pentos and its rulers guessing, his power would grow in the shadows, unnoticed until it was too late for his enemies.

Daeron's time in Pentos was only the beginning of his future endeavors. He had built the foundation of his influence, used his dragon to intimidate and gain favor, and cultivated a network of spies and mercenaries.

But the true test lay beyond the city's borders, across the Narrow Sea, where more opportunities awaited him. The power of Pentos was fleeting, while Essos was vast, and Daeron knew he would have to make his mark on the world in ways far more impactful than just intimidating merchant lords.

With Acnologia's mighty wings cutting through the sky, Daeron set his sights on the Free Cities, but not to settle into any one city for long. His objective was clear: gather wealth, influence, and most importantly, form an army loyal to him that would one day march to Westeros and put him on the Iron Throne.

Daeron spent his days and nights weaving himself into the fabric of Pentos's power structure. Gold flowed freely from Darios Velanti's coffers as Daeron upheld his end of the partnership, using Acnologia's presence to secure trade routes and decimate competing fleets.

But as profitable as this arrangement was, Daeron knew he couldn't rely solely on the goodwill, or fear of the merchant prince forever. He needed his own wealth, his own men, and most importantly, his own influence.

Darios had unwittingly provided Daeron with the tools he needed to build a foundation, but it was Daeron's cunning that turned those tools into weapons.

Daeron used the gold from Darios not just to sustain himself but to bribe key figures within Pentos and beyond. Dockmasters, customs officials, and city guards suddenly found themselves flush with coin and whispering Daeron's name.

Their allegiance didn't come from loyalty but from the understanding that the young dragonrider could offer them a better future, or burn them to ash.

Through Nessa's network of spies and informants, Daeron uncovered the hidden ambitions of Pentos's ruling elite.

Merchant princes hoarded wealth, noble families plotted against one another, and even the city's magisters schemed for power. By discreetly funding one rival against another, Daeron created chaos among his enemies, ensuring that none could consolidate enough power to challenge him.

Orlen Zo Rhokar proved instrumental in managing these operations. His strategic mind allowed Daeron to deploy his limited resources with maximum efficiency.

Orlen's idea to invest in Pentos's black-market trade was a masterstroke, bringing in steady streams of gold from smuggled goods, mercenary hires, and illicit contraband.

"We'll make them fight each other while we grow stronger," Orlen advised over a map of Pentos, his finger tracing the trade routes Daeron now controlled. "Every gold dragon we earn is another pawn in our pocket."

Daeron's growing wealth allowed him to place loyalists in key positions throughout the city. Dockworkers who owed him their livelihoods ensured that his ships passed unchallenged. Guards turned a blind eye to his operations, while tavern owners funneled information to Nessa's spies.

At the heart of this operation was a growing sense of loyalty, not to Darios or Pentos, but to Daeron himself. Despite his youth, his calm authority and strategic brilliance earned the respect of those who served him.

He treated his people well, ensuring that those who worked for him were paid fairly and protected from reprisals.

Even Jax the Silent, who was initially hired as a blade for hire, became fiercely loyal. In one memorable incident, Jax eliminated an entire gang of thieves who had stolen from Daeron's coffers, leaving their corpses displayed, impaled on stakes as a warning. From that day on, no one dared to cross Daeron or his followers.

One evening, Nessa returned from the docks with a sly smile on her lips and a stack of parchment in her hands. She tossed the papers onto the table in Daeron's chambers, drawing his attention from the map he was studying.

"Good news, my little dragon," Nessa purred, taking a seat across from him. "Your antics have reached Westeros."

Daeron raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "And what are they saying?"

Nessa flipped through the papers, her expression one of amusement. "Oh, the usual. A mysterious rider on a beast as black as night, sowing chaos and terror in Essos and vying to return to Westeros with a barbarian army . Some say you're a bastard of House Targaryen; others think you're some sorcerer come to claim their precious throne. Either way, they're rattled."

Daeron smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Good. Let them wonder. The less they know, the more afraid they'll be." Then his eyes narrowed. "For now, we do our thing and establish a secure stronghold." He then added, " spread the stories of generosity and bravery to Westeros, send some of the bards to sing my songs . People need to have a good impression of their future king."

Nessa tilted her head, studying him with a playful grin. "You've grown bolder, little dragon. I like it."

Daeron ignored her teasing, his mind already turning over the possibilities. Westeros would be engulfed in chaos in future, and chaos was the perfect breeding ground for opportunity.

As the months turned into a year, Daeron's influence in Pentos grew visibly stronger. He used his dragon, his wealth, and his loyal network to tighten his grip on the city's underbelly.

But Pentos was never his endgame, it was a stepping stone. He began to discreetly gathering soldiers, men loyal to him alone. Orlen trained them rigorously, transforming a ragtag group of mercenaries into a disciplined force. Daeron invested in armor and weapons, ensuring his men were well-equipped.

He also started expanding his reach beyond Pentos, using Nessa's network to establish contacts in Lys, Tyrosh, and even Volantis. Each new connection brought him closer to his ultimate goal: amassing enough power to cross the Narrow Sea and claim his destiny.

Daeron knew that patience was the key. He would continue to grow his army, his wealth, and his influence until the day came when the entire world was within his grasp.

Daeron understood one thing from his time in Pentos: that Essos now was less united than the original canon timeline 200 years later. At first, he It would be easier to just build an empire here and wait until the civil war happens.

But the Daeron found out about the council of Shadows, an alliance to ensure that the free cities remain free, and to destroy the valyrian legacy.

It seems they have been making moves recently and trying to ensue chaos. It was Nessa who found out that they were possibly responsible for the death of his father, Aemon Targaryen.

It made more sense now as reports stated it was just a random arrow. But is it so easy to sneak up to a dragon rider and crown prince with so many guards and fire a random arrow that killed him ?

Something was amiss from the begining, yet nobody even thought about foul play. Daeron vowed to himself that he would unearth all the mysteries someday.

Pentos was a city whose governance was enshrined in tradition, with a unique system of electing its ruler: the Archon. While the merchant princes held significant power, the Archon was the nominal head of the city, acting as a figurehead to unite the disparate factions.

In recent years, however, this system had grown corrupt, with elections bought and sold by the wealthiest families.

Daeron saw this as an opportunity. Through Darios Velanti, a merchant prince now firmly under his influence, he manipulated the council to elect a weak and pliable Archon who owed his position entirely to Daeron's machinations.

This new Archon, Lorian Maeric, was a figurehead with little ambition but a keen understanding of survival. Lorian knew he held his office only because Daeron had allowed it and was wise enough not to challenge his benefactor.

In a move that shocked the merchant council of Pentos, the Archon handed over control of Pentos's elite soldiers stationed in garrison to Orlen Zo Rhokar, Daeron's strategist. The soldiers, numbering 2,000, were well-trained and loyal to their Archon but had been subtly influenced by Daeron's growing reputation and the looming presence of Acnologia. 

Daeron struck at night. Orlen led city's forces, augmented by Daeron's own mercenaries, in a swift and decisive operation. Key points of the city, including the docks, the gates, and the council hall, were seized with minimal bloodshed. The merchant princes were taken completely off guard, their personal guards either bribed or too outnumbered to resist.

Nessa Velathi played her part masterfully, using her network of spies to ensure that no warning reached the council. She also spread rumors among the common folk, painting Daeron not as a conqueror but as a liberator who would bring stability and prosperity to the city.

By the time the merchant princes realized what was happening, the city's defenses were firmly in Daeron's control. Acnologia, perched menacingly atop the council hall, served as a silent reminder of the fate that awaited anyone who dared to oppose Daeron. The sight of the massive black dragon was enough to quell any thoughts of rebellion. 

The move was presented as a necessity for stability, especially given the rising tensions with Braavos and Myr. With Acnologia looming as a silent but undeniable deterrent, there was little dissent. The merchant princes grumbled, but none dared openly oppose the dragon rider.

Nessa worked behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition, spreading whispers among the populace that Daeron's involvement was a blessing for Pentos.

"He's not here to conquer," the rumors said. "He's here to protect." This narrative took root among the common folk, who welcomed the promise of stability after years of political infighting. 

Within weeks, Daeron consolidated his hold on Pentos. Orlen restructured the city's defenses, replacing unreliable commanders with soldiers loyal to Daeron.

Key merchant families were kept in line through a mix of bribes, intimidation, and strategic alliances while the rest were disposed of silently. Daeron decided to award riches to his soldiers and among the people , which made him a generous Lord.

Daeron also implemented reforms to win the favor of the people. Trade taxes were lowered, ensuring cheaper goods in the markets, and investments were made in repairing the city's infrastructure.

The common folk began to see Daeron as a benefactor, not a conqueror. The merchant princes, meanwhile, were reminded of their place. Daeron made it clear that any attempt to undermine his authority would be met with swift and brutal consequences. Acnologia's mere presence was enough to keep them in check. But Daeron took more necessary measures. He placed various spies among them to get report of their every move. Not to mention He took out the most troublesome people that could .

The last of the threats was his old partner, Darios. But he was also dealt with.

*Flashback*

Daeron entered the room with an unreadable expression. Jax politely bowed and raised his torch to shine a light upon the bound figure whimpering, revealing it to be Darios.

Daeron sighed and spoke, "Oh my friend Darios, you should have known better than to try killing a Dragon rider. You think I'd just fall for your daughter if she shows up naked in my room ? That I'd just drink the poisoned wine without thinking if she spreads her leg ?

Well, it might have had a better shot if I was a few years older. I mean, what's up with you folks and banging children! Almost all the merchant princes had child slaves for this! "

Daeron removed the gag and asked, " Now dear Darios, please tell me who's behind you. Then maybe, your wife and daughter will get the weekends off.

Darios growled and spat at him and replied, " Those whores may die. I already know that bit*h was fucking another guy. Who knows if that's even my real daughter. You can go fuck them, I hope your co*k rots off."

Daeron chuckled amusedly. " Speaking of co*ks, you won't be needing yours anymore. So maybe I can chop it bit by bit, slowly, with a dull knife. You're gonna enjoy this." He added slowly.

Darios was shocked and immediately started begging ," Please stop! It was the shadows ! They approached me with the promise to make me archon. They just wanted your dragon."

Daeron stopped smiling and coldly asked, " Tell me everything you know about them."

Darios pleaded that he didn't know anything, and after a while , his voice stopped and the room was engulfed in silence.

*Flashback Ends*

With Pentos firmly under his control, Daeron turned his sights to Volantis. The oldest and most powerful of the Free Cities, Volantis was a key player in Essos. Its influence stretched across the continent, and its wealth rivaled that of any other city.

However, Volantis was deeply divided, with two powerful factions vying for control: the Tigers, who sought to expand the city's military dominance, and the Elephants, who prioritized trade and economic growth.

Nessa brought word of growing unrest in Volantis.

The Tigers and Elephants were locked in a political stalemate, and tensions were rising among the city's vast slave population. Daeron saw this as an opportunity to insert himself into the chaos and expand his influence.

He won't take over any more cities for now, not until he has uncovered all the roots of the shadow council.

"Things are getting more interesting. It's like playing blind poker." Daeron smirked and looked at the map of Essos in front of him. He then picked up a wine cup and walked towards the balcony. The moon was shining brilliantly, illuminating the bustling city of Pentos. He allowed himself this small moment of victory as he raised the cup towards the moon and grinned, " Cheers to the uncrowned King of Pentos." Acnologia also gave out a roar from above this time , as if sharing his joy.