The second time in not even two days Harrenhal and its inhabitants, permanent or temporary, were stunned into silence.
Nothing at all could've prepared the Westerosi people for what they witnessed just a scant few moments before. Not that anyone would've believed it to be true, thinking it were just empty boasts from a delusional or drunk individual.
There was fear in the peoples eyes together with awe, scheming glints and everything in-between. One thing was for sure, the magicals succeeded in making their statement.
With amused grins the group strolled off the stage, erasing the ritual circle with a few gestures and with it any evidence that it was there in the first place. Smug superiority radiated off the women and a happy smile covered Harry's face, glad that they could do so much for these people. Breaking the curse on the castle, banishing all these ghosts and their harmful influence, as well as repairing the castle.
They didn't wait for the people to collect themselves or for the decision of the judges, having really no interest in it. Instead they simply left for their tent, having no intention at all to deal with the onslaught that was sure to come. No one stopped them. Everyone was still in too much shock to do so. Ros and Davos were among the ones rooted to the spot and gobsmacked.
Once inside everyone chuckled, which evolved into full blown laughter. One could even hear the odd sound of amused dragons from just outside the tent.
Fleur brought her chuckles under control after a bit. "Well, if they didn't know before then they surely know now that we are witches and wizards." amusement clearly colouring her voice together with a bit of haughtiness.
"I sure as hell hope so." Gabrielle commented, a playful grin on her beautiful face.
The rest agreed as well, but Harry found it a bit of a shame that he hadn't know the full capabilities of the resurrection stone before the artefact lost its power to summon the deceased from beyond the veil. From whatever happened to it after he reunited the Hallows. It would've spared him time with Chroyane and its many ghosts. When he got the idea it was already done and the following cities didn't have as many ghosts as to warrant such an action.
The head of House Black said with concern clear in his voice. "Hopefully our actions won't bring more ire upon us." he couldn't really imagine why people would be angry for what they had done, but none of the peasants were educated and most lords, unimportant ones, had trouble with their letters and numbers from what he gathered. Superstition ran rampant with people believing all manner of idiotic things. Anything that made their boring lives more interesting.
Bellatrix scoffed and stated confidently. "Even if that should happen these muggles can't harm us anyway." her reverent gaze falling on Harry. The eldest Black was sure none of these inferior animals would be capable of injuring him. If these beasts back home hadn't been able to kill him, then these primitives had no chance. She may tolerate the ones in their kingdom, but that was because they paid Harry, her and her sister-wives the appropriate respect befitting of their status.
Harry frowned and admonished her gently. "Did you forget already that so called muggles nearly killed you? In our home no less, not to mention all the near death encounters during the war." The many encounters all to fresh in his mind, especially the last one. Memories of his wives writhing in pain on the floor was enough for him to be cautious. "Here we are on foreign territory and evidently not well liked."
Fleur and Gabrielle appeared surprised, having just arrived after the assassination had happened and not been told of it. The surprise gave way to concern that was soon alleviated mentally by Harry's soothing presence.
This time Melisandre tried to wave the concerns away. "They most likely had help from the warlocks of Qarth in infiltrating our city." How else could these second rate assassins come even near them?
The frown on Harry's face just increased instead of vanishing. "Be that as it may, it doesn't alleviate my concerns. We also don't know that magic is completely gone from these lands and people. The Starks for example have a type of magic I've never seen before." Harry doubted the Starks would attack, not with how much Guest Right meant to them, but to know their capabilities was important.
"That much is true." Marcella admitted. "I've felt the same, but I very much doubt they know how to use their gifts. If they know that they have them in the first place." it felt primal and untrained to her and not at all controlled, much like a young child untrained in the art of magic. Not to mention that the people feared it and would rather ignore their gifts in favour of appearing normal. Marcella came to loath that word. Normal, mundane or what have you. As if it was something to aspire. She scoffed internally.
Andromeda also gave her two cents. "Not to mention that more than a few people seem to have some measure of giants blood in them." At first it was a shock to see such tall men, who dwarfed the ones from earth. With one nearly eight feet tall accompanied by a slightly smaller and disfigured boy at his side, who had a horrific burn on the left side of his face together with a constant scowl directed at the older one. Most likely his brother from the three black dogs on their yellow tabard.
A stupid looking brute who had a boar as his coat of arms, while an equally stupid looking one had the twin towers on his own. Probably from the same house as the bully whom Narcissa taught a lesson. Even the idiot who tried to pull her away seemed to have some giants blood in his veins, judging from his strength. Andy had only escaped due to the surprise of her being just as strong if not stronger. The last she could name was a boisterous man with a giant on his coat of arms. All were near seven feet.
There were even more, but she didn't bother remembering their features or coat of arms.
In contrast to their own group these people were pretty tall. Harry was the biggest with 6'4 feet. Shortly followed by Melisandre an her 6'2 feet. After that came the Delacour sisters with roughly 5'8 feet, followed by the Black sisters with 5'6 feet of height. Lastly came Kinvara and Marcella with 5'5 feet in terms of height.
"Well, it could be because giants were said to have lived on Westeros in the past. Though I have no idea how such an union would work." Kinvara chimed in confused. Her mind conjuring images that could only be painful. 'At least the male giant and female human variant. A female giant and male human could function, with more than a bit of work.' the priestess mused.
"I don't know either." Harry said with a nostalgic smile as he remembered Hagrid, his first friend from the magical world. "But I have met a half-giant, therefore it is possible."
"Really?" Melisandre said intrigued, an eye-brow raised in interest. She couldn't imagine how that worked either.
Gabrielle answered, also remembering Hagrid and Madame Maxime. "Really. My sister and I also knew a half-giant and she was a dear friend of ours." The headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic had known the hardships of a creature heritage in a world of prejudice. France was no exception to that, even if their school had allowed them to study there. Pureblood bigots were or rather had been present everywhere. Sadly, the woman had also helped Dumbledore and was sacrificed for his nebulous greater good down the line, causing the sisters to take all of the headmistress' precious beasts as their own.
Narcissa cleared her throat to get the conversation back on track. "Anyway, I think what Harry wants is for us to simply be vigilant."
"Exactly." Harry smiled at her gratefully, showing his pearl-white fangs. "I think it is best to be on our guard and don't go anywhere alone. In groups of three at least or if it is an emergence in pairs." looking each in the eyes one after the other, conveying his emotions through the bond.
Everyone gave their agreement to it. After all nobody wanted that their holiday to transform into a slaughter.
"Thank you." The last Potter said softly, clearly relieved. "Now lets prepare for our dinner with Aerys."
They just needed to change into fancier clothes. Food was already prepared and under warming charms. Harry put on his suit again, while the rest changed into formal evening wear. This time the dresses were more modest and didn't show as much skin. Harry had enjoyed the view they offered, but he and they also knew it would be better to adhere to Westerosi standards while in Westeros.
To impress a bit more they cast Bluebell flames into the air for illumination. The table was set for ten people. On it stood beautifully made crystal glasses, intricately patterned porcelain crockery and cutlery made out of stainless steel.
Preparations were over and done with not a moment too soon. For Aerys, Rhaegar, Elia and the six Kingsguard members arrived. House Targaryens did not come alone, though. Mad King Aerys brought with him an imposing looking blonde man, who had emerald eyes flecked with gold. He wore a pin in the form of a hand pinned on his chest. After the man came a young blonde girl and boy, also with emerald eyes. Both looking extremely snobbish and arrogant. Even Oberyn was there, most likely due to Elia's or Rhaegar's invitation.
It was a good thing the dinner was taking place in their tent or Aerys would grow suspicious when the more influential nobles left the great hall for who knows where.
"Good evening, King Aerys." A minuscule bow from the members of House of Black later saw Harry looking behind the unhinged man to the unexpected guests. "I see you brought a few more guests with you."
Though, Aerys seemed to be annoyed with the extra people rather than happy. "Yes," he promptly introduced them with little fanfare as if they were an afterthought. The mad king pointed to the imposing man. "this is Tywin Lannister, holding the office of Hand of the King." a negligent wave of his hand towards the children followed. "This are his children, Jaime and Cersei Lannister." A malicious glint appeared in the madman's eyes as he said gleefully. "Sadly the last of his children isn't present due to unforeseen circumstances." now Aerys looked directly into Tywin's face and asked mockingly. "I wonder what happened to cause a child to miss such a grand tourney?"
The Lord of Casterly Rock pursed his lips, which disappeared entirely, a flash of irritation came across his face and vanished just as fast, leaving a cool emotionless mask in place. Finally Tywin replied in a cool, though not disrespectful tone of voice. "He unfortunately was inflicted with Redspots and couldn't recover in time." it was short and to the point, clearly saying he wanted to talk about anything else, but that subject.
Elia appeared to be apologetic while Oberyn had a subtle and amused grin on his face, that appeared strained at the same time, making it more of a grimace. Knowing what the real problem with the third child of Tywin Lannister was, having met said child. At the same time they were incensed and slighted, due to the king ignoring them. Not even introducing them properly like he had done with the Lannisters. Elia more so with even her husband not introducing her. It shouldn't matter that she had met the group once before.
Before anything more could be said to deteriorate the situation further Rhaegar cleared his throat loudly, knowing full well the shared history between Tywin and Aerys. "Well, now that we are here I will take my leave." it had the desired effect on Aerys.
"What do you mean, take leave?" the change in expression came swiftly and abruptly. From amused to irritated and dangerous. The man was snarling out the response. "I didn't gave you permission to do so!"
Undeterred Rhaegar said unfazed by his father's change in mood with the atmosphere tense. "Well, I was of the opinion that I should train a bit more for the Tourney to increase my chances of winning." the implication was clear. Let me go and the chances increase of me winning the Dragon egg.
Aerys' eyes glazed over at that, as if in trance. All attention was on the man, preparing for a violent reaction. Instead the king simply replied magnanimously. "You are excused." and added immediately with an undertone of warning. "Do not disappoint me!"
Rhaegar just nodded and left the tent calmly.
Reactions to the prince's exit varied. Tywin looked at the prince strangely, as if calling a bluff. Princess Elia's eyes widened slightly as if it was a surprise for her that Rhaegar was leaving her alone with Oberyn among these people and not something he told her in advance. She also appeared a bit resigned before she regained her composure. Oberyn's brief glare went unnoticed into the prince's back. The way Cersei looked at Rhaegar longingly made it clear she was infatuated with him, weirdly enough her brother seemed to scowl at the prince in a manner Harry couldn't exactly place.
'Most likely he is just overprotective.' he thought unconcerned. Oberyn certainly seemed to be cut from the same cloth. Only after a sharp look from Tywin did his children compose themselves.
"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you all." nodding towards the Lannister group and finally introducing his own family once more. Each of his wives curtsied perfectly, followed by holding out their right hands for the men to greet them properly. Something that Aerys had problems with due to his extremely long nails. Besides that minor hiccup, everything went smoothly during introductions.
On the other side Harry greeted the noble ladies of Westeros in the same manner. Cersei seemed to have problems hiding her curiosity, haughtiness and disgust or any emotion at all. Which was no wonder, she was just a child not even out of her teens and no challenges in life. Elia in contrast appeared wary, but not to the point of hostility. She also hid her emotions better.
Ser Oswald Whent and Ser Jonothor Darry stood guard outside of the tent, while Gerold Hightower, Arthur Dayne, Lewyn Martell and Barristan Selmy inspected the tent with mistrustful eyes. Looking for quick escape routes and making plans mentally to protect their king.
Once the group went from the entrance of the tent to the dining room did they notice the magical ambience. "We originally planned for fewer guests, but it is no problem." Harry had assumed only Aerys and Rhaegar would come, but it was probably only understandable for the whole Kingsguard to come after the spectacle his group made. Elia was the wife of Rhaegar and expected to go where the prince went, even if he vanished shortly before. Tywin was in all likelihood here in his capacity as hand. Why his children were here was a mystery to Harry, however.
With a spell the table expanded to the appropriate size. Luckily, the tent was big enough to accommodate so many people. Harry obviously sat at the head of the table with his right occupied by Aerys as the guest of honour, followed by all his wives except Narcissa down the table's left side. On the right Tywin came after Aerys, followed by his son, daughter, Elia, Oberyn and lastly Cissy.
Harry briefly wondered why the king didn't seat the princess higher on the table. To sit that far down from the king was an obvious insult to everyone who knew what was going on. The last Potter couldn't fathom why he was so snotty towards the wife of his son. Then again it seemed Aerys couldn't resist belittling his Hand either. "I tried to dissuade Tywin" a mournful sigh escaped him in a pitiful manner. ",alas being the generous king that I am I couldn't bear to disappoint him or the others."
The House of Black didn't hear such a a big load of bullshit since the last time they had been in Minister Fudge's presence. Trying to dissolve the tension Harry waved it off. "Like I said, it is no problem. Making room for more is a simple matter, after all."
Tywin meanwhile was internally seething, while his face maintained an icy mask. "I thank you for indulging me, Your Grace." not really specifying which of the two kings he meant. Aerys no doubt thought he was addressed.
In truth the Great Lion of the Rock indulged Aerys, enduring all the humiliations and insults with grace and dignity. All because Aerys was jealous. Not that the mad king would admit that. The last few years certainly weren't very good. Aerys growing more and more erratic, paranoid and mad. Going so far as to burn people alive. Not that Tywin cared about these fools, but it was difficult to smooth over so much unrest.
'Not to mention the fools I have for children.' he thought with anger, which hadn't abated in the slightest since then. Only through luck did he overhear his idiotic daughter plotting to get Jaime into the Kingsguard. For what reason Tywin didn't care to find out, but that was irrelevant anyway. What was important was that he had prevented a disaster from happening. Losing his prized heir to the monster that now sat on the throne wasn't something he would tolerate. Insults and stupid remarks he could handle, but not something of that magnitude. Born out of the the brainless scheming of his own flesh and blood.
And just as he had thought the worst was over the gods proved him wrong again by mocking his premature relief. Granted, the last thing everyone expected was the re-emergence of dragons, but it was and is a problem regardless. Tywin had no intention to find out what Aerys would do with a dragon.
And now he had been practically commanded by Aerys to come with him and visit these newcomers. He even had the gall to lie to everyone about it how Tywin came to be here, acting as if he couldn't simply command his Hand to do as he liked. Of course, King Scab didn't say that he was to come, but had instead simply told him that they would dine together with no words wasted where they would be dining.
At first he had thought that as a chance to bring Cersei and Rhaegar closer together, under his supervision, obviously. Otherwise his daughter might do something stupid again. Which was also the reason why she was with him. Then Rhaegar just up and leaves with the transparent excuse to train for the tourney, in the evening. It could be true, but he doubted it very much. So what was Rhaegar's angle?
Then there was Jaime, who was only with him on the invitation of Aerys, also not something Tywin liked to dwell on or think about. Jaime in the Kingsguard a constant presence in the back of his mind. 'At least the talks with Hoster Tully are going well, but it seems the plans for the wedding need to be accelerated.' he thought grimly. Otherwise Aerys might still admit his son to the Kingsguard out of some madness or other.
Worse, Tywin wouldn't even be able to refuse a King's command. Not without dire consequences, though should Jaime be married by then he couldn't be sworn to the Kingsguard, due to his marriage vows preventing it. 'Maybe a quick marriage in the sept of Harrenhal.' Tywin mused. Normally he would spare no expense for it and display the wealth of Casterly Rock to the world, but a quick and simple one was better than no wedding and no heir.
One way or the other Tywin Lannister would see to it that his family legacy lasts for generations.
Luckily the House of Black seemed to be reasonable and capable. Their grandiose performance not an hour before impressed even him. After all, he would've done the same in their place. Showing the whole world how much better his House was from the others.
The Lord of Casterly Rock came out of his musings when the food came floating in. Tywin stared until the soup plate landed in front of him, looking at the thick orange liquid with a bit of green swimming on top. It was tastefully done that much he could admit. Even if he didn't know what it was made out off.
As one of the more curious ones Jaime asked the question for Tywin, unintentionally. "What is it made off?" the young boy knew it was soup, but one of such texture and colour was a new one for him. His sister made a face at her own food, clearly not liking it for whatever reason she had. Hopefully she would take his warning to heart and keep her mouth shut for the evening.
"Pumpkins." answered Harry, hoping that the King would finally take a spoon full of it and ingest the Draught of Piece already. That stuff had to be carefully administered or the one taking it would go to sleep and never wake up. "I suppose no one of you has ever heard of them?" he doubted it. Food wasn't something that could be transported and traded over long distances like on Earth without it going bad. Not right now at least. Harry had plans for it.
All shook their heads, except Oberyn who said. "Well, I think I saw something like that in Essos near Myr once, at least the merchant called it a pumpkin." Remembering his time in Essos and his life there. He looked over the table at the majority of House Black and saw them eating it, probably to show that they haven't poisoned it. He knew that poison wouldn't do anything to them, but he couldn't say anything about it, probably because of some sort of spell, for whatever reason. Though, he discussed it with Elia through writing on paper, which didn't seemed to be affected by the spell.
Not that he believed them to poison anyone. Oberyn had a hunch that they have much more subtle means of killing someone. He also had taken a discreet sniff to smell for poisons or other substances. It was more difficult when the relatively new smell of the soup could mask such things, but he was confident to detect it by taste if necessary. One small drop wouldn't be too much to damage him, should there be poison present.
In the end he took his spoon and tasted it. Or tried to at least as Arthur Dayne knocked the spoon out of Elia's hand, causing the hot liquid to splash on Oberyn's face. He wiped his face quick enough, but glared at the Dayne.
Before he could say anything Arthur already was in an aggressive stance together with Lewyn. Aerys was the first to say something, furious that they dared to interrupt what he saw as his chance to get influence with people that knew how to hatch dragons. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded shrilly, going an impressive shade of red in his fury.
The Sword of the Morning gripped Dawn tightly, having drawn the sword from its sheath, which lay on the ground behind him. "Do not eat anything, Your Grace!" Arthur commanded. "It is poisoned." He was sure of it, with all the evidence pointing towards it. They being immune to it, making him unable to speak of it and then inviting the king to dinner while Rhaegar was away. It may be a golden opportunity to get rid of the Mad King and put Rhaegar on the throne, but Arthur's honour as a Kingsguard wouldn't let him do so. It was a wonder he restrained himself for so long, indecisive on what to do or not.
Elia looked at Arthur as if he was an idiot. 'What is he doing?' she wondered nonplussed. Having been completely caught off guard by his action of slapping her spoon away. 'Why would these people reveal their abilities, activate guest right, repair this monstrous castle only to break the same law they used to gain safety?' it would be idiotic of them to do so and from the looks on their faces they were clearly offended. Who wouldn't be when someone accused you of poisoning someone under guest right?
Not to mention that it would be extremely stupid of them to poison the King of Westeros in an event everyone knew they were responsible for. From the written conversation with Oberyn she knew they most likely had other methods to achieve their goals, more covert ones. So why go to such lengths to poison them when there were much better opportunities and methods the House of Black could use?
Heck, Arthur himself experienced their abilities first hand on himself and yet seemed hell-bent on doing something heroically stupid, that wouldn't help anyone in the end.
That her uncle followed Arthur's example made it only worse for her. He was a member of her House, regardless of the fact that she was married into another House and that he wore the white cloak. She knew they did it to protect their king and her, but she wished that sometimes they would think beyond that.
Arthur especially. He was an excellent warrior and commander, but also a follower that didn't think things through. As evident from him being in the Kingsguard. He was the youngest to join to date with eighteen years in 278 AC. After the Defiance of Duskendale and the time where Aerys madness really came to the fore. Throwing his life away, together with a chance of having his own family for a mad king.
In contrast she didn't have much of a choice in her betrothal to Rhaegar. You didn't refuse a royal prince, not to mention all the work her mother had put into it. It was her duty to do so. But Arthur could've lived his life first and then ruined it, instead of going to court and eagerly advertising his excellent swordsmanship to a clearly mad king.
She knew he was interested in her. Though, she knew it wasn't love. No, he looked for a refuge to escape now that his life wasn't what he imagined it to be in his youth. She wouldn't be his refuge and support, not when she had none of her own. Bar her own daughter Rhaenys, who needed her as well. She also wouldn't betray Rhaegar even if her husband should do so himself. Varys, who was loyal to Aerys, would know of it immediately and she would lose her head for adultery. Not to mention that she wasn't weak like everyone seems to think, at least not in mind and spirit.
Between watching her back in King's Landing, helping Rhaella in her misery, caring for Rhaenys and indulging Rhaegar in his delusions she really had no time or energy to do the same for Arthur. Not with her constantly weakening condition. All these thoughts happened in a few seconds.
Everything in the last few years came back, only strengthened by Rhaegar once again leaving her without so much as a by your leave, causing the normally gentle and kind dornish woman's next actions.
"Stay down Ser Dayne!" she commanded with quiet confidence, radiating authority she learned at her mother's knee and derailing what everyone else's was going to say. Seeing he was about to protest she talked over him. "Now!" her voice laced with strength and coldness she didn't show often.
Arthur nearly quailed under her verbal assault. "Princess, I must..."
He didn't get further as Elia pinned him down with an impressive stare, accompanied by a scowl never seen before on her gentle face. "No, what you must do is cease your abominable behaviour! Insulting our hosts by accusing them of poisoning our food, despite us and them being under guest right they themselves asked for, is nothing short of atrocious! You were even present when they requested it and put yourself under it as well." she took a deep breath to control her anger and smooth over her expression to a more serene one, but no less regal one. "If you insist on breaking guest right then I am forced to remove you from our presence before you will actually succeed. That is an order you will obey, am I clear?!" also looking to her uncle to make it clear he was also included in this.
The hardness in her dark eyes was shocking to most people there, only Harry's group wasn't among them. Not really knowing the princess at all. Tywin simply raised an eye-brow, which was as good as him being impressed.
Unnoticed, Andromeda took her chance, cast the Imperius on Aerys to get him to eat the soup and get the powder keg to not explode. She relaxed after the first spoon full of liquid disappeared down the man's throat. Nobody noticed, much too focussed on the princess. She felt no remorse for casting the Imperius on the man. Besides, it was better to have the man under their control for the moment. Not that she would tell Harry that. The slightly glazed eyes caused by the curse could be easily explained with his madness.
Both Kingsguard simply nodded in reply of Elia's rant. Aerys simply spooned more soup into his mouth with a blissful expression on his face. He wouldn't notice a rampaging Nundu, with how he was being dosed to the gills with Draught of Peace on top of the Imperius, it stopped just short of sending the man into a coma. The Lannisters just looked on, not interfering or evading. Oberyn knew that side of his sister, even if he didn't want to see it often.
"Good. Leave." Elia said, her voice appearing more scratchy, but laced thick with disappointment. Nobody moved as Elia picked up the spoon off the table from where it landed. She wiped it clean, filled it with soup, and before any of the other Kingsguard could continue where the others left off, swallowed the first spoon full. When the two still did not move she barked. "LEAVE!"
That got them running outside to guard the tent from the outside.
Just as Harry thought the excitement would be over, the world proved him wrong.
Elia let the spoon full of soup fall to the ground with a clatter, splattering the liquid. Next she began to cough, which did not stop and grew more and more violent. Until blood came out of her mouth and Elia nearly keeled over. She was caught by Oberyn who prevented her to fall out of her chair.
"Elia?!" the dornishman exclaimed alarmed. He hated to see his sister so weak and not being able to do anything about it. He hated to feel so helpless, not being able to slay it with a spear and even the time he had spent at the citadel to learn healing didn't help him find a cure for his sister. Which had been his only motivation to go and learn with these old farts in the first place.
It was just another of his failures, he simply wasn't a healer or suited for such work. Only his dedication to his sister kept him at the citadel for the years he spent there, instead of the weeks he wanted it to be.
Right at that moment the prince of Dorne remembered the flask he had on his person for such an occurrence. It was the Invigoration draught he got from Marwyn. Even though Oberyn more like blackmailed the man into giving him one after Marwyn talked too much in an inebriated state. He remembered that Elia always complained about weakness in her limbs, dizziness, headaches and being constantly so fatigued. According to Marwyn it should help her even if only temporarily, but right now he would do anything for her to get better. Poison as the culprit didn't even enter his mind. It had been too fast acting for that.
Narcissa saw what Oberyn was doing, sitting directly next to him. She also saw what he pulled out. The ex-Malfoy knew it to be a bad idea. An Invigoration Draught only gave the drinker the maximum amount of energy one had to begin with. One look at Elia told her the potion wouldn't do a thing for her, causing Narcissa to snatch the vial dexterously out of Oberyn's grasp. "What are you doing?" she asked wit hall the incredulity she could muster. Giving him no chance to say anything, Narcissa continued. "That is the wrong potion to use."
Next she petrified him in his seat from the neck downwards to prevent interference, absently noting that the Kingsguard members, even the one that had come running inside, were as unmoving and stiff as a board. Somebody yelled for a Maester, but Cissy was already working, casting diagnostic spells on the princess.
Immediately afterwards she set to work, laying her hands gently on the princess' throat. She cast "Anapneo." followed by "Episkey" it cleared the throat of Elia and healed the inflammation. Soon her patient was breathing calmer and better. A few moments later Cissy pulled away.
"Take it easy." Narcissa said to the princess, cleaning the mess on the table with a vanishing spell. As she looked up the youngest sister saw that the complete Kingsguard were petrified, looking at Elia with concern and at her family with contempt. The Lannister patriarch stood by the entrance and had no discernible emotion on his face. The blonde girl seemed disappointed, while her twin was relieved and nervous at the same time. Oberyn seemed overjoyed, despite not being able to move. Aerys was simply eating his soup as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.
Elia took short breaths and calmed down considerably soon after. "You have my thanks for saving me."
Seeing that Aerys was still distracted and living, for whatever reason Tywin couldn't determine neither did he care, the Lord of Casterly Rock interjected. "Indeed, you have." his calm and collected voice catching the attention of all but one. "I would like to know why princess Elia collapsed, however." one look at the incapacitated Kingsguard he added. "As well as undoing whatever you did to our guards." right now he did not know what to think. If it was a poisoning attempt then it was a poor one, especially considering these people's various abilities. Not to mention that he and his children hadn't been affected.
"I will release them once they promise not to attack us." Harry demanded. He knew that it looked like they poisoned Elia, thanks to his bipolar luck no doubt.
Case in point. "You tried to poison the princess." Lewyn shouted aggressively, spittle flying from his mouth. Understandably more than a bit livid at having to witness his niece collapsing like that without being able to do a single thing.
Tywin just send the Kingsguard an unimpressed look. He knew that this was a delicate situation, but Aerys was still eating which indicated poison wasn't used. Not to mention that the soup barely made it past Elia's throat. A poison that acted so fast wasn't really inconspicuous. Something of a requirement for poisons otherwise the perpetrator wouldn't be able to get away in time. "I doubt they poisoned the princess, Ser Lewyn." pointing to the calmly eating Aerys, how the man did that with such long nails Tywin would never know. He said. "Otherwise His Grace would surely be in danger as well. That isn't even counting the fact that we are at their mercy and they still haven't attacked or made any move to kill us, despite us being at a severe disadvantage." that was putting it mildly Tywin had no idea of their true capabilities. But one thing was as clear as day, if the House of Black had wanted them dead they would be right now.
"What happened then?" Ser Barristan asked with more calm than he felt. Poison and sorcery were weapons of cowards and women. Granted eight of them were women, but the opinion Selmy had of them, especially Harry, was going straight into the negative. Something that was mirrored by the rest of the Kingsguard present.
Narcissa chimed in again, asking Elia directly, having rudimentary scanned the women previously. "Do you have a permanent sickness of any kind or are you allergic to anything?" an allergy was unlikely, but Cissy wasn't ready to discount it yet. After all, Elia never had that vegetable before in her life and could very well have an extreme reaction to it. Though, she showed symptoms in form of an apparent Asthma attack, either way the reaction was way too fast.
Oberyn answered for his sister, not wanting her to leave anything out. "Elia was born a month premature and as far as I know it wasn't sure she would live for long. In the end she did, but her health was fragile ever after. No Maester could find what exactly is wrong." the last part was said fairly frustrated.
"I see." Narcissa nodded, scanning the woman again with a subtle and colourless spell. The results were clear.
"Why, can you heal her?" Oberyn did not care that he couldn't move, but his face alone was enough to convey his hope. The rest looked on, unable to really do anything else.
Harry interrupted, not wanting to raise the man's hopes. "We'll see." turning to Cissy he asked. "What did you find?"
Finished with her examination of the tired looking woman, the youngest Black sister explained. "Well, due to her premature birth the princess suffers from Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotizing enterocolitis. Frankly, it is a wonder she had been able to give birth, let alone survive the ordeal."
Marcella rolled her eyes at her sister-wife. "In laymen's terms please, Cissy." The Italian woman knew Cissy hated to dumb her speech down, but she couldn't really expect these people to know as much about medicine as herself.
With a long suffering sigh Cissy explained again. "It means she has abnormally formed lungs, making it hard for her to breath, especially in stressful situations. Doing strenuous things in general is also not recommended." mostly because she lacks the oxygen in her blood, making her dizzy and weak. "It can also cause her lungs to become inflamed, which was likely the case here." indicating to Elia rubbing her throat
"The second ailment makes it difficult for her intensities to break down food and transfer the nutrients to her body properly, causing fatigue, which isn't helped by her lungs. That is probably also the reason why birthing a child was so hard on her. The child's demands couldn't be met properly by normal means, causing her body to weaken further to help the child. After the birth it most likely wasn't easy to regain her health with how little energy she gains from food. Normally both of these ailments would go away with time in the first years of life, but not always. That she had both until today is just extremely bad luck."
For Oberyn that explained Elia's problems to a T. She was constantly fatigued and was bedridden for half a year after Rhaenys birth. "So, you can help her?" when she knew what it was then she also knew how to treat it. At least Oberyn hoped so.
"Of course, I can!" came the immediate and indignant answer of Narcissa, who was insulted at having her medical know-how questioned. No mundane sickness, disease or disability couldn't be cured by magical means. Only ones caused by magic were difficult to heal, dark magic especially. Not to mention that they had Unicorn blood, Phoenix tears and Elixir of Life. From which two could heal her completely. Not that Narcissa would use such precious and or limited resources to heal the princess.
"Your Grace, do you think it prudent to let these... magicians try their hand at curing the princess." Gerold Hightower asked Aerys, just so containing his growl. It was obvious from his sneer that the man did not like Harry or his wives.
Harry's group forced themselves to calm down. The man couldn't know that being called a magician was an insult to them. Even if it was a close thing for Melisandre and Bellatrix.
Andy meanwhile commanded Aerys to answer in the positive, but with his usual insulting twist to it. "Of course it is." the man's slightly glazed violet eyes looked over to them. His voice serene and calm "Do your best to heal her, but it better be free of charge. She is no true Targaryen, after all."
Oberyn's hands clenched and his face twisted briefly into an expression of loathing until Elia touched his hand under the table with a pleading look, forcing him to calm down.
Next Andy forced the king to speak further. "You are to stand down and not attack under any circumstance, Lord Commander!" then let him add shrilly, while letting him look wildly around. "All of you!" Andy manipulated the king in such a way as if he was anticipating a spectacle. One where Elia would not walk away from.
Harry saw the typical signs of an Imperius victim in the King, but couldn't care less at the moment. Right now to control the king meant to weather this situation unharmed. Only after the Kingsguard reluctantly nodded their heads, were they released from the petrification. Though, their wariness was increased now.
"How about we finally begin to eat, while Narcissa fetches the necessary things to heal Elia." Fleur proposed, barely restraining herself from using her Allure to soothe the tempers in the room. Who knew what would go wrong if she did that. No, it was better to do nothing risky right now. Besides she knew Harry hated wasted food, having known hunger for a good portion of his life. Soon after Narcissa left to go into another part of the tent to prepare the potions.
"Excellent idea." Aerys responded enthusiastically. Completely opposite to the atmosphere in the room. Not that anybody commented on it. The man was mad after all. "The soup is truly delicious can I get seconds?"
Gabrielle beamed at the insane man, trying to ease the tension. "Certainly!" she refilled his plate this time without potion and said to the rest. "Eat up." It was done reluctantly at first, but the guests soon were eating when nobody suddenly died. It helped that the usually paranoid King was eating the soup without his food taster. Nobody wanted to do that job themselves.
Harry meanwhile was asking himself why not a single feast or dinner with guests he was involved with could go according to plan. His first four Halloween feasts at Hogwarts together with a few Slug Club parties in sixth and seventh year, when Slughorn replaced Snape. Basically all the dinners with important people at the Dursleys, the welcoming feast of Harrenhal, this one right now, where he was basically talking with a puppet Aerys. That one time he had to infiltrate a ball in London to kill a high ranking general, which ended in chaos.
That one time he had been sent to negotiate with the Vampires only for their ancient Queen to go into feeding frenzy, overwhelm him, bite him and drink his blood. Which in turn sent her into an explosive orgasm, causing her to literally burst into flame and giving the words "going into heat" a whole new meaning. It also marked the day when he learned that the mixture of Basilisk venom, Phoenix tears and his mother's blood protection made him basically irresistible to Vampires, but also immune to the Vampire disease itself. Needless to say an alliance with the undead hadn't happened.
'Don't forget that one time with that MACUSA representative, where you stumbled out of the Floo and ripped the dress clean off her body. Nearly causing an international incident, though from the look she sent you afterwards I doubt she minded it overly much. Though she doubtlessly would have preferred if it had happened in private.' Narcissa chimed in while she was getting the necessary things for healing Elia. Her voice was as dry as the Dornish desert as she said it through their link. Only the war and the need for unity had kept that situation from escalating.
'Or that other time in…'
Narcissa didn't get further as Harry interrupted her deadpan monologue. 'Alright, alright, I think we all know by now that I shouldn't be at a feast or similar without one or more of you present to run interference.' He followed up by mentally sulking.
It caused his wives to nearly lose control and laugh out loud. It was a close thing with how their lips were quivering and twitching, constantly threatening to let out the laugh that wanted to burst forth. Fleur nearly choked from getting the food in the wrong passage.
'Ah, don't be like that, Love.' Marcella cooed, trying to sooth him. Her mental giggles echoing in his mind joined with the rest made that a bit difficult.
Sending a mental pout Harry countered dramatically. 'Oh, woe is me. My wives ganging up on my little helpless self.' a mournful sigh could be heard through the link. 'Ah well, I'll simply have to sleep a few months alone to recover from the blow to my fragile male ego.' they could even hear sniffs inside their minds. Though the message was clear.
Only Occlumency prevented them from showing horror-stricken faces, but the images and emotions send through the bond were enough. 'You wouldn't?!' they simultaneously thought back aghast.
Now it was his own time to chortle and chuckle mentally. 'No, but it was worth it to prank you.' causing the eight women to calm down again. Melisandre and Kinvara had no intention to wait any longer, now that it was sure they were allowed to become one with Azor Ahai. The rest was equally unwilling to give up their fun during the nights and mornings.
The meal was interrupted by Jonothor Darry, the only Kingsguard not having been petrified and the one who had been sent by Tywin to find a Maester. He came back with the Maester Tothmure of Harrenhal sprinting behind him. "I came back as soon as I found the Maester, my Lord Hand." indicating to the man wheezing behind him together with a few servants carrying stuff.
"Where is the emergency, Ser Jonothor spoke off?" Tothmure inquired, looking around for anything resembling a patient. In the end he kept staring at the blue flames hanging in the air.
As usual Tywin took command of the situation with Aerys distracted, as usual. Not that Tywin minded. "It has been resolved. Your service is no longer required, Maester." his frown alone said that he was displeased with the late arrival. Not that it seemed to matter now.
Before the Maester could complain about being unnecessarily summoned or demand this whole situation one look from Tywin send the man packing. He knew the Maester couldn't do anything about the princess' ailment. Even Pycelle had been unable to do anything.
Just as Harry served the main course, after multiplying it by two due to the additional guests, Narcissa came back. "It seems I am just on time." she commented with a vial of violet potion in her hands. It wasn't a complicated one and they had it in stock, due to it being in constant demand. Everyday children were born in their kingdom and naturally some were premature births that could very well need that potion.
Narcissa also had a pair of glasses sitting on her nose. The glasses were enchanted to work much like x-rays, but also do much more. They let the wearer see either bones, muscles, skin, organs etc. and were not limited to just bones.
She took her place again, saying to Elia. "If you want we can do it immediately. The whole procedure shouldn't take long."
Andromeda let Aerys glare madly at the Kingsguard to keep them in place. Elia was beckoned by Narcissa to come closer. One look was enough to see the deformed lungs of her patient. "Take a deep breath and hold it, please." Cissy said. Elia did so, but it was a much shorter one than a normal person was capable of.
Now knowing how the organ's damage looked like she could simply transfigure them into the proper shape. Like all transfigurations this one would hold forever as long as it wasn't reversed. They could take it a step further and transmute her lungs, making it so as if she had healthy lungs all along, however Cissy doubted it was necessary. Even if they could do so with the Philosopher's Stone. After all transmutation was for transfiguration what enchanting is for charms, making it permanent and irreversible by simple counter-spells.
The middle Black sister put her hands directly over the lungs and concentrated on her spell, imagining a healthy set of lungs in her mind. Such a thing was immensely complicated. One needed to know how the lungs looked and worked to do it properly. Otherwise it either won't work or do even more damage. Soon enough she saw them expanding and forming into the proper shape. "There, now exhale and take a deep breath."
Again, Elia did so. Only this time she was surprised at how much air she could really take in. Her eyes were growing wide at that realisation, while her stomach and breast was bulging with air as Elia took as much as she could. "Oh my!" were the only words escaping her as she exhaled in a whoosh.
"Take a little time to adjust and then drink this." Cissy said, putting the vial into the princess hands. That alone should give more oxygen to her brain and blood, banishing her dizziness and headaches, making it easier for her body in general.
The crown princess took many deep breaths in wonderment, smiling a wonderful smile. "I didn't know how different it was for anyone else." she already felt much better. That act alone banished any thought of the potion being harmful. She had been apprehensive, but did not have any reason for to distrust them. There also was the fact that she and the rest of her group were completely at their mercy, if the various displays of power and flying flames were any indication. Soon enough the potion was swallowed down.
"It will need some time to take effect. In the meantime you should eat a little." Elia's appetite should also be stronger now that her metabolism was working correctly once more. It wouldn't be a wonder should she devour a good chunk of the food present.
"It was said my sister's sickness was incurable. You have my and House Martell's eternal gratitude." Oberyn said with his eyes a little wet. Normally he would kiss or hug the one responsible, but this wasn't the right moment to do so, nor the right company.
Harry answered with a relieved smile. "It was our pleasure and, like Aerys said, for free. Besides with our medicine it is no problem to cure most ailments." now he grew more serious. "It hopefully also shows you that we aren't here to poison or kill anyone. So I would be grateful for such accusations to stop."
He only got nods or mumbles in response. All except one, Oberyn. Now that the tension had left the room somewhat, he asked intrigued. "Is this knowledge common from where you come from?" one look at Elia showed her interest as well, but the woman was much too busy devouring the roast and trimmings. At a sedate, but still relatively fast pace for a noble lady.
Fleur answered that after flicking her hair back over her shoulder, briefly mesmerizing the men with the simple motion. "Yes, due to the harsh living conditions on Sothoryos and its disease ridden shores our people had to develop many cures and medicines for all kinds of maladies. Be it diseases ranging from the Bloody flux to Yellowgum or broken bones, missing teeth or limbs, severe burns, as well as antidotes for many poisons and venoms. Without such the chances of surviving there are slim at best." Thankfully, their knowledge on healing fit right in with their cover story.
"Missing limbs?" the blonde boy, Jaime Lannister said incredulously. "You mean to tell me that it is true what the people say? That you chopped off an arm, leg and the head from an Ironborn and then regrew those?" not much stock was put in those rumours, but it seemed they held some truth. 'Maybe they can even help Tyrion.' Jaime thought, hopeful for his brother to get a normal body. Like with Oberyn the Maesters did not have a cure for his brother's problem. The only difference was that Jaime definitely wasn't a scholar.
Just as he wanted to ask about that, his twin intervened.
As if reading his mind Cersei stomped on her twins foot, giving him a quick and significant look. A look that said 'ask it and you will no longer be getting any access to my pussy.' a small war raged inside Jaime, but like with all teenage boys his cock won that argument.
Gabrielle swallowed the food, cooked her head to the side, looking at the boy with an amused grin. The other Blacks simply chuckled at his claim. "It is true that Andromeda here" she wove her hand towards the woman in question. "chopped off an arm and a leg during a bout of finger-dancing. Though she didn't regrow them, simply reattaching them had been sufficient. Should someone lose his or her head they typically stay dead, so that was likely an exaggeration." she heard Harry's groan in her head, showing what exactly he thought of the rumour mill of Westeros.
That had the Westerosi staring. Most common sicknesses like minor colds, fevers and fluxes weren't deadly for the nobility, not with access to Maesters. For the smallfolk without access to a Wood's Witch, Hedge Wizard or other they were. The same held true with infected wounds or even just a broken tooth or bone. To be able to heal such things like the bloody flux, from which hardened soldiers fled, was nothing short of astounding.
Slowly the astonishment vanished and was replaced with something else as the Westerosi processed the implications of what Gabrielle was saying. "You let women fight?" the question, that sounded more like an accusation, came from the Kingsguard knights. It seemed their opinion of Harry could go even lower than it already was. Though it was a testament to what they thought of as important that that titbit of information was what they focussed on.
"Yes, why shouldn't I?" Harry asked calmly with a raised eye-brow. "It isn't as if it is forbidden for them to do so. Back home they fought by my side, just as they will do in the future." It wasn't what he really wanted to say, but it had to suffice right now. "Besides, there were and are many cultures throughout Essos where women are allowed to fight." he took a sip from his glass filled with water and continued. "In the ancient kingdom of Sarnor men and women fought side by side. The people of the Valyrian Freehold did the same. The Patrimony of Hyrkoon even goes so far as to only allow women to fight. Just because your culture frowns upon it does not mean ours does."
One look at the history of Essos revealed that the only true weirdos at the time had been the Andals, from an Essosi point of view. They were the only ones viewing sex as something used to procreate and not for pleasure, according to the Faith of the Seven at least. The rest of Essos was pretty open about it in contrast. That was only one of the differences, but also the biggest. Harry doubted that the Andals left Essos out of fear of the Dragonlords and neither did they because they wanted to protect their religion. Otherwise the Andals simply would've funded a city of their own like Braavos, Qohor, Norvos or Lorath had done. No, Harry was convinced they were pretty much driven out by the rest, due to them being viewed as barbarians. Which was pretty much true. One look at the cities of Valyria, Rhoynar, Sarnori or Qartheen origin made it clear that the Andals had been the inferior ones at the time. Only one other ethnicity was less evolved at the time. The First Men.
"I am assuming you intent to participate in the melee and joust as well?" Tywin Lannister asked in his typical cold tone of voice. From what he heard they already won the axe-throwing, archery and horse-racing competitions. Why would they stop at the two contest that brought the most prestige?
Harry shook his head, clearing the table with a wave of his hand,sending the used tableware to the kitchen. "Not in the joust, we are no jousters. But we will definitely participate in the melee." another wave of his hand summoned the dessert from the kitchen. Landing in front of everyone was the Treacle Tart together with custard, looking as delicious as Harry remembered it.
"Why, is that a problem?" Melisandre queried with an intense look. She herself wasn't going to take part in it. That did not mean she was pleased if it would not happen.
Andromeda mentally commanded Aerys to answer in a fashion he found appropriate. "Don't worry about it, Tywin is just surly because he is unable to shit gold with his constipation and all." here he laughed madly at his own joke, while his Hand looked as if he really had constipation judging from his expression. Even Harry's group laughed a bit at that. Not knowing that Tywin would take that bit of laughter as bad as the worst insults. "I guess there is the problem that it is highly unchivalrously for a man to fight against a woman. Also a female isn't seen as a suitable opponent for a man." it slipped out with a sneer. For some even hitting a shield with a maid painted on it was an unchivalrous action.
"So it is highly probable that they would not fight in earnest?" Bellatrix inquired with an edge of scorn in her voice, hating to be underestimated just because of her gender. It would also be a shame as she had hoped for a good fight. Bellatrix wouldn't go easy on them either way, but it was still vexing.
Tywin scoffed this time, replying with nearly no inflection. "Why would they when there is no challenge? Men are made to fight and lead and women to bear children. A woman's fight is in the birthing bed." he definitely had not liked to be laughed at. He distrusted laughter to the extreme. Painful memories of his father the foolish laughing lion without teeth coming to the fore anew and they got repressed just as fast. Due to his childhood laughter was associated with disrespect. No distinction was made whatsoever.
The female Blacks refrained from snarling, but did not stop from cursing the man in many colourful ways inside the privacy of their minds. Gabrielle countered "We have the promise of prince Rhaegar that we are allowed to participate, so it doesn't matter if people are against it or not. We will participate!" no one except Aerys could argue against that and the man was firmly under Andromeda's control.
Trying to diffuse the situation Harry asked. "How is the melee organised. Are there groups or is it one-to-one fighting?" he hadn't really bothered to learn with how much was going on in the last few days.
This time Aerys seemed to be looking at empty air, his eyes unseeing. Andy didn't want to let the man look sane with how rationally he seemed to be answering questions right now, it would look suspicious if it continued throughout the conversation.
Seeing that the king was in one of his moods Oberyn answered it for them. "It is a seven-sided melee in the ancient style." seeing their looks of incomprehension he elaborated. "There are seven teams of seven against each other. The last team or member of one standing wins and advances further."
That did not sound really appealing to Harry. Sure, it was about simulating a real life battle, but for Harry it seemed a bit unorganised for a melee in a controlled environment. His small frown vanished with him proposing. "Couldn't it be made more interesting?"
Aerys perked up at that. "More interesting, how?" he demanded giddily in such a way that was part childlike, part bloodthirsty and part deranged madman.
Harry began. "Well, a specific objective could be implemented, like letting the teams defend different positions, while the enemy teams have to capture the position or something from it, while also protecting their own from the others. The one with the most captured positions or objects and standing team-members wins. Obviously a team can still be eliminated by losing all their team-members." Harry continued, being on a roll to make the contest more interesting than just bashing at each other with blunted weapons.
"Excellent suggestion!" Aerys cried out jubilantly a grin on his bearded face. "Servant, make it happen exactly like that!" the Mad King commanded of his Hand, looking him directly in the eyes. Madness briefly clashing with loathing and contempt.
Tywin brought up one concern before consenting to his one-time friend's demands. "Your Grace, forgive me if I sound presumptuous, but isn't the notice for a change such as that too short?" he could do it somehow by working through the night, being used to Aerys' whims after twenty years of them. Didn't mean he would enjoy it. At least no more than to be addressed like a common servant instead of the Great Lord he was. He didn't work relentlessly to see House Lannister prosper only to have a madman insult him at every opportunity out of petty jealousy. 'One way or another, a Lannister always pays his debts.' he promised himself internally.
"Nonsense!" Aerys replied with a cackle. "It is perfect." with that the small nearly non-existent argument was over for Aerys. Tywin simply nodded his head stiffly. Oberyn just so kept himself from chuckling, enjoying the scene pretty much. He did not like the Lord of Casterly Rock very much. Tywin having insulted them by offering a dwarf as Elia's husband. Cersei was scowling at something or other. Jaime squirmed uncomfortably in his seat.
Elia in contrast was the picture perfect princess, despite her appetite being bigger than usual. Until today she didn't know how much she could really eat, having eaten like a bird for her whole life. Not out of some attempt to lose weight, but because she never was particularly hungry. Now she could breathe properly and her usual problems weren't bothering her anymore.
The Kingsguard just stood stoically in the background. Ready to defend their charges at a moments notice.
From then on the dinner thankfully went without incident. Everyone just doing meaningless small talk with one another. Only the reveal of Firewhisky was a small moment as Andromeda had to control her puppet in such a way that his reaction seemed real for everyone. The moment Aerys and entourage were out of the door the Imperius curse was lifted from him.
Harry slumped in his seat. "Merlin's hairy balls. I sure as hell hope Rhaegar made some headway in his endeavour. I am unsure If I can survive another week of these dinners." one was bad enough and right now he was cursing his nature that had pushed him to help Rhaegar.
"I admit it wasn't the most smooth dinner of the many I was part of, but at no point were we in any true danger." Fleur stated confidently. It was at least not as much of a disaster as the one time she had been at the Burrow. Here they had the king in their thrall and with it anyone else.
Harry sighed exhaustedly. "I know, but it didn't make it any less stressful." it went without saying that Harry disliked the use of the Imperius curse. Even if the king was an easy target due to his weak mind. In his opinion it should only be done in highly dangerous situations.
Marcella pouted a little. "I still don't understand why we can't simply put most of the leaders of our enemies under the Imperius?" it certainly would make things much easier for them. Her sister-wives seemed to agree with that. Only Harry was against it.
As Harry heard that he growled, but controlled himself. "Because it is the easy way and not the right way. Dumbledore always preached about that, but went the easy way himself in everything. I refuse to do so myself." he remembered all the times Dumbledore went the easy way out instead of choosing the right way. That Grindelwald still lived in Numengard was proof enough that the man had been incapable of making difficult decisions and that had nothing to do with the stupid belief of ones soul fracturing when you killed somebody. That was just plain bullshit designed for cowardly people, who only saw black and white.
"Then there is the reason that we are fighting for freedom and the abolishment of slavery. It would be pretty hypocritical of us to achieve that goal with a spell designed to enslave, don't you think?" he asked with a raised brow as if to challenge them to contradict him on this. "Sure, you could argue that we would do that only once, but we would also cross a line and when it happens one time then it will happen a second and third time. That does not even take into account the possibility that the Imperius can be resisted with enough willpower, even by a Muggle. Not to mention the damage prolonged exposure to the curse can do to someone."
Forcing his will on others wasn't Harry's way. Plain and simple. Yes, he practically forced his will on the slavers, but without magic and they had forced their will onto countless others in the past and reaped their just rewards for it. Now the ex-slavers were as free as the rest. Another big reason was that Harry had hated it in his youth when every choice had been made for him without even asking what he wanted. Harry would not force others to do the same against their will, if he could help it. 'I won't be like Voldemort!' he thought with resolve.
"Besides, if we do all the heavy lifting ourselves, what will happen? In the end people will be expecting us to do it for every little thing and the end result will be people completely dependant on us to do everything for them." unsaid was that it would be just like back home in Britain, with people too stupid to think for themselves. "Sure, we could conquer the cities of Essos with just our dragons and us and it would probably be faster. However, then we will deprive our people of valuable experiences. When we do everything on our own then why would we need subjects in the first place? People in general want to be needed or at least most people do."
Here he looked at his wives, one after another, because they too had that desire. "If we would've done in the past what you proposed just now we wouldn't know if our army is useless or not, having never seen our soldiers within a mile of a real battle. Neither would we know if our healers are any good in stressful situations. Our advisers will be equally useless and so on. We are just nine people and can't be expected to make every decision or do every task ourselves, that is impossible right now and will be even more so in the future."
Harry sighed and leaned back into his seat. "We have to delegate tasks and positions to people we know can do the job properly. To know that we have to let them make decisions and face difficulties on their own and see the results. Enmity makes one stronger, after all. If we don't have that our government will be as corrupt as back home with idiots in any position expecting everything to be handed to them or completely disinterested in their task." Magic had made the magicals on Earth weak minded. With it there had never been any real effort involved in anything. Only a few Muggleborn and muggle-raised Half-bloods knew true difficulty.
A good example of that were Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy. One rich and one poor, but both had never known hardship. Ron was content as long as he had food and could play chess and talk about Quidditch. Despite his love for the game he never tried to get on the team. It required effort after all. Draco was the same just rich. He thought that he could simply buy himself everything. A place on the Quidditch team, prestige, loyalty and friendship. That was only strengthened by Malfoy Sr. and the teachers at Hogwarts, who basically taught everyone that nothing had any consequences at all.
Of course there were exceptions, but these were in such a minority it wasn't even worth mentioning.
Harry refused to make the same mistakes. He would not employ magic to solve everything, which was impossible anyway, but do it normally first. A house built properly and then reinforced and improved with magic stood longer and stronger than one raised with magic alone. The Burrow was a prime example of how little wizards back home really thought things through, despite them having basically every resource they could need at their disposal through Transfiguration. In one word it was pathetic and not something Harry wanted to repeat.
That was also why Harry had encouraged his wives to take up something and learn it the muggle way first. "I am thinking in the long term here. I don't want to unite Essos as a single realm only to look helplessly on as it tears itself apart shortly after because of incompetence and greed. It will go much smoother when they can take pride in something that they earned themselves and not grow resentful by us hogging all the power for ourselves, not trusting them to do things on their own."
It also meant he didn't need to rule through fear to keep his subjects in line. Harry hoped for them to respect him in the future.
The first step to that was to give his trust to his subjects. He would not trust them blindly, of course. Something neither Voldemort or Dumbledore had really understood. Voldemort had been incapable of trust while Dumbledore kept so much vital information to himself that it made his underlings useless. People needed to know what they were doing, but more importantly they needed to know why. Both Voldemort and Dumbledore expected people to do stuff simply because they had told them to. If their people did not know why then they couldn't improvise or adapt to changing conditions.
Which ironically enough described a person under the Imperius to a T and told Harry exactly what both Tom and Albus wanted in a subordinate. Namely people completely dependant on them, who were completely useless in the end.
Harry didn't notice it, too far into his monologue, but his wives tried several times to interject unsuccessfully. His exclamation was passionate, Harry despising corruption and greed, having seen too much of it at home and here. Most rulers, be they elected or not, thought of their position as a privilege that allowed them to do anything they liked without consequence, instead of the burden it truly was.
He would've continued with his rant, had his wives not interrupted him with their giggles and laughter. "What's so funny?" he asked, not really knowing what kind of funny thing he said.
Marcella answered after getting her giggles under control. "Nothing, you just now reminded us why you are a king and the one in charge of us." The Italian woman was sure none of her sister-wives even entertained such thoughts. She herself did not. Probably because they all were raised in the magical world or held similar views in case of the red priestesses.
Silently she admitted that he was their moral compass. None of them really had a fully functioning one, to be honest. Only Fleur and Gabrielle weren't as fucked up as the rest, but they too would do anything for Harry. There weren't many lines they would not cross to please or protect Harry.
"Oh, thanks I guess." he smiled sheepishly, a hand going through his messy hair. Then he yawned only now noticing how tired he was as the fatigue caught up with him. "Lets go to bed, I'm knackered." he stopped after he extinguished the bluebell flames, just now remembering that they forgot to tell Lyanna the time and place for her training. 'I, will just have to wake up at dawn and then tell her.'
Melisandre briefly contemplated to ask if they could join in, but Harry made that unnecessary by wrapping an arm around her and Kinvara, pulling them with him. She doubted that they would get to have fun with him tonight. He was too exhausted for that from the looks of it and the rest wasn't much better. No matter, Melisandre could wait until morning.
Besides, it would be much more glorious to make love to Harry in the morning hours of a new dawn with R'hllor shining down his light upon them.