Stephen Baratheon POV
"So I find these people in that ruined Valyrian city. And I can't believe my eyes." He told the four girls as they had their breakfast, after he had just finished his check up on his men. To make sure that they were all healthy.
"You found people in Old Valyria?" Sarella asked in disbelief, while Tyene and Asha also looked curious. Missandei on the other hand, oscillated between being frightened at having to sit with them and being skeptical about his tale of Valyria. "Isn't that place inhospitable?"
"Oh, It was inhospitable, alright. No normal person could have survived that place because of its magical radiation and the volcanic smoke that still lingered in those lands." He told them. "And when I say people, I'm being overly generous. By this point, those people, whoever they once were, have all been turned into grotesque monstrosities."
"Grotesque monstrosities?" Asha asked, leaning forward in her chair in interest.
"Like the people of Mantarys. Except far worse." He said before he turned to Missandei. "Missandei, why don't you tell them about the people of Mantarys. You lived in the Slavers Bay so you should have some knowledge of them, right?"
Missandei seemed startled at suddenly being put on the spotlight like this. She stared at everyone in the table like a frightened cat, her heart beating faster, and faster, until Sarella put a gentle hand on her thigh and gave her a supportive smile.
"You don't have to tell us, if you're uncomfortable." Sarella told her before sending him a reproachful look.
Missandei remained silent for a long moment as she stared at her uneaten breakfast plate before she looked up to gaze at all of them. She visibly gathered her courage and spoke up. "It's alright, Mistress Sarella. This one will answer Master Stephen's questions."
"Please, just call me Sarella." Sarella told Missandei. "We're all friends here. And don't call Stephen master either. You're not a slave any more."
Missandei clearly disagreed if the look in her eyes was any indication but she swallowed her rebuttal and spoke up in a soft voice. "Mantarys is a seclusive place. The Slaver cities of Slaver's Bay do have trade with them, but it is forbidden for any envoys, or tradesperson to go there. This one has heard rumours that even the Dothraki horse lords hesitate to go there, calling that place Vaes Ki Narekh, which means 'City of Cursed People' in their tongue."
"If people are forbidden to go there, then how does anyone trade with them?" Tyene asked as she gazed at him with half lidded eyes and licked and sucked her fingers suggestively. The minx.
He could sense with his Shaper power that a month of dry spell had not been good on her either and she was immensely aroused by his mere presence. Had the other girls not been present, she might have leaped across the table to impale herself on his cock.
"The people of Mantarys send their own traders every now and then." Missandei said, gaining slight confidence. "This one has never seen or met those traders herself. But she has seen the slaves they sell to the Masters. One of Master Kraznys' friend had a Grotesquery full of them." Missandei visibly shuddered at the reminder and went quiet.
"Well, what did they look like?" Asha asked as she chewed on some dry meat.
"She doesn't have to tell if she's uncomfortable with it." Sarella admonished Asha with a stern gaze. Upon noticing Missandei's unease, Asha pursed her lips before huffing and turning her attention back to her food.
Missandei visibly gathered herself once again and smiled at Sarella. "It is alright Mistress Sarella. This one… this one can tell you what she saw back there."
"No." He told her before she could continue, sensing her growing distress. "You're clearly uncomfortable with the memory of whatever you saw there. I was in the wrong to push you like that Missandei. Please accept my apologies."
Missandei looked like she didn't knew what to make of his apology. The entire concept of a 'Master' apologising to her was so alien that she seemed to have blue-screened at his words.
Sarella squeezed her arm supportively. "Take a deep breath Missandei."
Missandei followed Sarella's instruction and did just that. Then she subtly glanced at him. "This one is honoured that Master Stephen would lower himself to-"
"Oh, cut the crap already, would you!" Asha barked, interrupting Missandei mid sentence as she pointed her fork at the ex-slave. "Listen here, and listen well, girl. Whoever you were before Stephen took you, you are not that person anymore. You're here, with us now. Which means that you are family. Or about to become one at least. So stop acting like a lamb being led to the slaughter and grow a spine already."
Missandei was taken aback by Asha's harsh words, causing her eyes to widen and her lips to quiver. However, Sarella intervened, taking Missandei's hands and shooting Asha a glare. "Enough, Asha. Missandei has endured a difficult life as a slave, and it's natural for her to feel apprehensive around those in positions of authority. Try to be more understanding." Sarella admonished.
"I'll be more understanding, when she can stand up for herself." Asha said, glaring back at Sarella. "Can't you see that your actions are only-"
He raised a hand and Asha went silent. She stared at him in confusion and he shook his head. "Let us give her some space, Asha. Missandei is a capable woman, and I have no doubt in my mind that she will adapt and find her place with us before long."
Although Asha appeared somewhat doubtful of his confidence in Missandei, she begrudgingly nodded in agreement.
"And Sarella. Good job in supporting her. I'm proud of you." He said and Sarella blushed, giving him a demure look that silently asked if he'll sleep with her tonight.
He gave her a wink to answer her question before Tyene butted into their silent conversation. "So… you still haven't told us the entire story about her. Did you buy her from her Master?"
He was about to answer her question before he decided that it'll be better for Missandei to answer it herself. The more she talks with the rest of his girls, the faster she'll acclimate, despite the initial discomfort.
"Would you like to answer her, Missandei?" He asked gently.
Missandei didn't look up at him but gave a nod before she turned to Tyene. "This one was sleeping in her quarters last night, when she met Master Stephen."
"I" He said interrupting Missandei who gave him a confused look. "You're not a slave anymore Missandei. You can say 'I', instead of 'this one'. I believe that saying 'I' is simpler and makes talking more easier. Plus, it'll help you get along with the others faster. Would you like to give it a try?"
Missandei gave a hesitant look but nodded. "…I was… sorry, This one forgot where she was."
"It's okay. Take your time." Sarella said gently and got a thankful look from Missandei who started speaking once again.
—
Swords clashed once, and one of the swords went flying in the air.
He gave a. kind smile to the young sailor who looked disappointed at being defeated so easily. "You did well Lemor. That was a good spar."
"It was?" The young sailor asked, looking half confused and half hopeful.
"It was indeed. I can see something in you. You might have started learning swordsmanship later than most others, but you have a gift for it." He told the 13 year old boy. "Keep working on your basics and you'll go far."
The guy looked stricken at his words (probably because they were the only words of encouragement he'd ever heard from someone in regards to his swordsmanship) and nodded vigorously.
"I'll work hard, and I won't let you down, your grace."
"I believe you, Lemor." He told the boy before he left the main deck and went to the forefront of the ship where Asha was enjoying the evening breeze.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and she leaned into him. "Hm… was that boy really all that special, or were you merely lying to him?"
"What do you think?" He asked and Asha shrugged.
"I've seen him spar a few times before." Asha told him. "He seemed nothing special to me."
"That's because he has never received any training before. Now that he has started to learn, whether he will become proficient or continue to struggle will depend on his attitude," he explained.
"So, you were correcting his attitude?" She asked.
"Not really." He said with a chuckle as he pressed her close to him and nuzzled into her hair. "I was merely helping him believe in himself. Which I think, is the main task of any leader."
"To help the men under you believe in themselves?" Asha asked, and though her tone was casual, he could feel that she was listening to him intently.
"Yes. You'll be surprised how far a man will go, once he starts believing in himself." He told her.
Asha mulled over his words and they spent the next few moments in silence before she shifted in his arms and turned to face him.
"That girl, Missandei. Is she one of those?" She asked, and he knew what 'one of those' meant. She meant one of the women who provided him with special benefits, aka Waifu Catalog points.
"Yes." He told her as he pecked her lips.
"She's a bit skittish. But I like how she brings out the protective side of Sarella. Sarella will be a good mother, one day."
"You think so?"
"Yes." Asha said. "Though, are you going to take her with us to Kings Landing? I don't think that's a good idea."
"No. I'll drop her in Dragonstone. She'll work as Mel's secretary until I return and have the time to seduce her."
Asha raised an eyebrow at his words. "We left behind Dragonstone half a day ago, without stopping." She said. "Didn't you want to see your family, and Mel?"
"I'll fly her back to Dragonstone tonight." He said. "And as for your question. We couldn't have stopped at Dragonstone. Not when the King has personally ordered us to come back as quickly as possible. And I'll meet Mel tonight, and make sure that my mother and sister are healthy once I'm there."
Asha hummed and leaned into his chest. "So… you just kidnapped that poor girl, huh? Not the best way to make a good first impression."
"I was in a hurry to get back home and finding her took a lot of time, so I might have been a bit… hasty." He admitted.
"And kidnapping her was the most efficient method?" Asha asked, sounding amused. "Should I be proud that you've already started taking salt wives for yourself?"
He grabbed a handful of her ass and gave her a dark lustful look. "What do you think?"
Asha matched his gaze with her own and cupped his slowly hardening cock. "I think that we should retire to our chambers." Then she paused. "Though… maybe have Tyene and Sarella join us as well. Both of them have missed you dearly, and I'm still sore from last night."
He chuckled at her words. "That sounds like a good idea."
—
"Are you a god, Master Stephen?" Missandei inquired as they flew over the sea that night, shielded from the harsh winds by a Mana Shield while he guided them toward Dragonstone at a leisurely pace.
"It depends on how you define a god," he replied. "If it means someone who is omnipresent and omniscient, then no. But if it means someone who possesses great power and can bring life into existence from nothingness..."
"You can create life out of nothing?" Missandei asked, staring at him in slight skepticism and he smiled.
"Watch," he instructed, holding his hand up for her to see. It was a bit challenging since he was princess carrying her through the air, but they managed.
In the palm of his hand, a small black mass began to form, courtesy of his slowly developing Shaper power, which now permitted him to generate minuscule amounts of biomass.
After the biomass reached a certain size, he altered its form and composition, moulding it into an egg that he fertilised, and then hastened its development.
Within seconds, the egg broke, and out of it came a baby turtle.
Missandei gazed at the turtle in awe and he smiled. "Do you want to keep it?"
Missandei tore her gaze away from the cute little thing and turned to look at him, a strange emotion in her eyes. "Can I?"
"Yes, turtles are not difficult to raise, although they do require a lot of space. However, it would be better if we release it into the sea, where it can have a chance at a natural life," he replied.
"Then I want to release it." Missandei said firmly. "It would be a crime to hold such a beautiful creature against its will."
He gave the turtle to her and flew down toward the sea until he was hovering on a few feet above its surface. "Would you like to do the honours."
Missandei nodded and gently released the baby turtle into the ocean.
Most turtles are known to die before reaching adulthood, so it's likely that the turtle will get eaten before long. However, if it's lucky enough to survive the initial few months, it can grow up and live a long life.
After a few moments of flying in silence, Missandei turned to him and asked, "Why me?"
"Why did I took you from your Master? Or why did I not take someone else?"
"Both."
"There are certain women in this world. Rare women. If I sleep with them, then my power increases." He told her. It was not the truth, but telling her the truth (that he needed her to fall in love with him) would be detrimental for his goals. So this is what he settled for instead.
"And I am one of these women?"
He looked into her eyes and nodded. "Yes. I will not mince my words, Missandei. I want you to be my mistress. But I would not push this on you. If you do not want to sleep with me right now, then we can take things slowly. One step at a time."
Missandei gazed at him, her eyes uncertain as she asked in a soft, nervous voice. "…what if I don't want to sleep with you? What if I want to leave?"
"I'm afraid that is not an option." He told her, being blunt about it even though he knew that the truth would hurt her. "You're too valuable for me to just let go."
Missandei nodded and lowered her gaze "So I remain a slave?"
"That's one way of looking at it. You can think of yourself as my pleasure slave. Someone that I'll only use for my own personal benefit. Or, you can see yourself as the mistress of the wealthiest and most powerful man in the world. The prince of an entire continent." He told her. "You have a choice right now, Missandei. You can see yourself as a victim, and make yourself miserable for the next few years. Or, you can see yourself as someone fortunate, and enjoy all the good that'll eventually come into your life."
Missandei stayed silent as she looked down at her lap and mulled over his words. After a long silence, she finally asked. "Would you treat me well?"
"Treat me like a King, and I'll treat you like my Queen." He said and then paused. "Okay, maybe not like a Queen but definitely a Lady of high status. I would even give you and your children lands and castle of your own if you accept my proposal."
"Really?"
"Yes. I'm taking you to my favourite mistress right now. She is a very intelligent woman who manages my estates and properties in my absence. You'll serve as her scribe for the foreseeable future and learn how to be a proper lady and mistress from her." He told her. "Is this arrangement acceptable to you?"
Missandei thought about it for a moment and then nodded. "I have some experience as a Scribe and a translator. I will serve your mistress to the best of my ability. And do my best to learn from her."
"I have no doubt about that." He told her and slowly leaned forward to kiss her forehead.
He sensed Missandei's heartbeat increasing but none of the usual arousal that girls usually felt in his presence. He thought about Shaper to make her aroused in his presence. That way, she'll start associating arousal with him, and it'll be easy for him to seduce her.
But… he decided against altering her mind.
He was not in a hurry. Not really. And he didn't mind taking things slow with her.
"So… would you like to know about the place where I'm taking you?" He asked her. Missandei responded with a quiet nod, prompting him to share stories about Dragonstone, including the dragons that once soared above its volcanic peak.
—
He flew over the castle of Dragonstone and used Create ID to enter the Empty ID.
"It went silent all of a sudden." Missandei noted and he smiled.
"Yes. Now close your eyes and cover your ears." He told her and as soon as she did so, he created a small tiny bomb and used it destroy one side of the castle.
After completing his task, he entered Melisandre's room and utilized the Escape ID to return to reality. A reality where the castle remained undamaged, and he found himself inside Mel's chamber.
The room was warm as always. The fireplace burning brightly while Mel reclined on a nearby chair, while wearing rather revealing clothes.
As soon as she sensed their arrival, she set aside her book and rose from her seat, walking towards them.
He gently lowered Missandei to the ground and smiled at his woman. "Mel. I would like to introduce you to-"
Mel interrupted him by taking him by the collar and pulling him into a deep and passionate kiss. He was stunned by her bold move but quickly responded by wrapping his arms around her and kissing her back.
They continued to kiss for what felt like an eternity before finally breaking away, leaning their heads into each other in a moment of shared intimacy.
As she pressed against him, he relished in the softness of her curves, the sweet scent of her perfume, and the warmth of her breath as their lips remained tantalizingly close. More than anything, he cherished being in her company and holding her close to him.
"Welcome home, my lord."
He smiled. "It is good to be back, Mel."