Chapter 63: The Unyielding Truth
Alex raised his goblet and proposed a toast to the remaining lords and ladies who had chosen to ally with him. The atmosphere in the cabin had grown more subdued, as the lords from the South who had opposed him were not present to defend their stance.
Alex's expression betrayed no concern. He had no intention of allowing their defiance to hinder his plans. Unlike Aegon the Conqueror, Alex vowed he would achieve unity without leaving room for failure.
As the dinner continued and the tension began to ease, Alex addressed Daenerys directly, his tone calm. "I understand that your primary goal in returning to Westeros is to reclaim the Iron Throne. Let me tell you this: even if I had not appeared here, you would not have been able to take the throne."
His words silenced the room. All eyes turned to him as he pulled out a crystal from his robes. The object glowed faintly with energy, pulsating in time with his touch. As Alex imbued it with his power, the crystal projected a vivid holographic scene onto the table, a glimpse of the future.
The room watched in stunned silence as the images unfolded. Daenerys was seen marching her army toward King's Landing. The vision showed her suffering immense losses, her closest friends dying, betrayals among her ranks, and the ultimate destruction she wrought upon the city. It ended with her tragic demise.
Daenerys sat frozen, her face pale and her eyes glistening with tears. Jon Snow, seated beside her, clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he struggled with the emotions the vision stirred.
Tyrion and Jaime Lannister, usually composed, could not hide the grief in their expressions. Tears streamed down their faces, though neither spoke a word. The assembled lords and ladies bore varying reactions, shock, sorrow, and a grim acknowledgment of the horrors depicted.
Alex broke the silence. "Every war causes suffering, and it is always the people who pay the price. I will not allow Westeros to remain in such a state of disorder, especially before I turn my attention to uniting the East."
His voice softened as he addressed Daenerys once more. "I will allow you to inherit the Red Keep and the Iron Throne. You will serve as the keeper of peace throughout the realm, using your Unsullied army.
When we move east, I wish for you to lead a force, training and commanding a larger army to act as peacekeepers and maintain order throughout the territories."
Daenerys wiped her tears, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her. "It would be my honor, Your Grace," she said, bowing slightly. "I wish to speak with you after this, if it is not an inconvenience."
Alex nodded. "Very well."
He turned his attention back to the room and held up a crystal ball for all to see. "What I hold here is a tool to discern the nature of a person. If someone harbors an evil heart or has committed grave sins, it will glow red and display their misdeeds. If they are just and innocent, it will glow blue. If it glows gold, it signifies they possess noble character and are fit to lead."
His gaze swept across the table, "I will station soldiers across every territory in Westeros. These soldiers will test your citizens. Any resistance will be met with force, and those deemed unworthy of life will face judgment. Those who are virtuous will be spared, and those of noble character will be considered for positions of leadership."
The lords and ladies listened in stunned silence. Alex's next words broke their trance. "You are dismissed. Outside this cabin, you will find carts filled with supplies, meat, vegetables, and other provisions to aid your people."
The lords and ladies filed out one by one, their expressions a mixture of fear and gratitude. Only the Lannisters, Starks, and Daenerys remained behind. Alex gestured for them to follow him.
Outside, they were met with the awe-inspiring sight of the Silver Moon Legion. The ranks of soldiers, elves, and fey stood motionless, their gleaming armor a testament to their divine craftsmanship. Dragons, larger and more powerful than any fire drake, loomed in the distance, their scales shimmering under the moonlight.
"These are the forces that will ensure peace," Alex said. "They do not eat the food you eat; they do not tire like mortals do, and their strength far surpasses that of mortal armies. Their dragons are impervious to man-made weapons and are highly intelligent, added to their near immortal state and so is their Elf riders, peace will last to this land for years to come until the void consumes this universe."
"I care less of your titles, king of the north, king slayer, rightful heir to the throne. there will be no kingdoms anymore, even the Gods have to go, it's time to move forward."
The gathered group was visibly shaken. Even Daenerys, who prided herself on her bond with her dragons, was humbled by the sheer majesty and power of Alex's creatures.
Turning to the Lannisters, Alex's tone grew firm. "I urge you to convince Cersei to relinquish her power and open King's Landing peacefully. I have no desire to spill more blood, but I will not hesitate if forced."
Jaime nodded solemnly, while Tyrion's gaze turned contemplative. "I understand, Your Grace. We will do what we can."
"In three days, I will march my army south," Alex announced. "Sentries will be left behind to secure each region. When I arrive in King's Landing, I will declare the members of the council and the governors of each region. I expect to find open gates and unmanned walls. No armed groups will be permitted, save for my soldiers and the peacekeepers."
He dismissed them with a nod, and they departed, each weighed down by the gravity of his words and the future he promised.