The Neck 305 AC.
Aegon.
Varys had stayed behind to send out the ravens, Aegon and Dany taking their time to decide just what words they would say. He'd thought about not sending them, where to send them from and to, and what to put in them and while he'd come to a decision, he wasn't completely convinced it was the right one. The truth would out he knew, too many people already knew for it not to but he had hoped that Dany would be sitting on the Iron Throne by then. Still, it was perhaps for the best if they took control of the situation and announced it themselves, lest anyone decided to use their silence as well as the truth against them.
Sending the ravens from White Harbor was the best choice, if they must do this then best it was done quickly and after White Harbor, it wouldn't be until Dragonstone or King's Landing itself that they'd get another chance. So after agreeing to catch up with them on the road, Varys had wished them well and they'd taken to the air. Now looking down on their army and seeing Moat Cailin in the distance, Aegon pointed to it and Dany nodded as she brought Drogon in to land. After speaking to Rhaegal and telling him to rest and eat, he took Dany's hand and walked into the keep.
The scars of battle had never truly been repaired in the Moat. They'd simply not had the time or inclination and Aegon could almost see the stains of the squids still on the walls. It would be something that he'd see coin provided for in the future, as the Moat went so did the North and the North wouldn't fall again, of that he'd make certain. Looking to Dany he could see she was unimpressed and he smiled at that, his wife had seen the greatest buildings in the known world after all. From the Walls of Qarth to the Pyramids of Meereen, not to mention Dragonstone and even Winterfell itself. Moat Cailin in its present state was poor in comparison and yet it truly was more important than almost any other keep in Westeros and certainly any other in the North.
"For thousands of years, the Moat held the South at bay, armies came and were broken against its walls and their bodies littered the ground around us." Aegon said as the guards ran their way.
"It seems so.." Dany said before he interrupted.
"Aye it does, when we sit our throne we'll rebuild it and many others Dany. This is our kingdom and we'll see it strong." he said.
"Your grace, your grace." the guard said breathlessly before Dany could speak, his wife immediately standing a little stiffer and Aegon trying to stifle a laugh as he watched her becoming Daenerys the queen and not Dany his wife.
"Our army marches this way and we'll stay here for the night, have a room prepared." he said as the guard looked at him worriedly.
"Your Grace, the rooms here are poor and ill-suited for a king or queen." the guard said.
"My wife and I are used to hardship as well as luxury, I think for now just a warm dry room will suffice." he said smiling at the man who looked relieved as he nodded and ran off to do as he was bid.
Aegon offered his wife his arm which she took and they began to walk around the Moat itself. The Children's Tower, the Gatehouse, and The Drunkard's all standing still and all in dire need of repair. As they walked, he found that he couldn't help but think of his brother and what Robb must have felt when he too marched south and stayed in the Moat. He was soon to have some sense of that as when the guard came back they were taken to the Children's Tower and he knew just by entering the room that Robb had stayed here too.
They were brought some warm food and thought it wasn't particularly appetizing it was at least something to fill Dany's belly. Aegon laughing as while he picked and prodded at what he could only say resembled a stew of some sort, Dany wolfed it down. His wife looking at him annoyed when she saw the smirk on his face.
"My wife is a hungry dragon once more it seems." he said with a chuckle that soon turned into a full belly laugh as Dany reached over and took his bowl from him before quickly finishing what he had not.
He got up from his seat and checked the bed before walking over to the fire and placing another log in it, Dany soon joining him when he moved two seats close to it.
"Wyman, Aegon, do you fear his reaction?" Dany asked.
"Despite him not rising for me when I marched against Ramsay, he and his house have always been Leal and even his reluctance to march with me I can understand." he began, Dany interrupting him before he could continue.
"Why didn't he rise?" she asked.
"Wyman lost a lot in the war, his son and heir was slain at the Red Wedding and he also watched as my brother's best friend betrayed him and took the North. He saw the Bolton's rise and no one other than those who joined me was willing to stand against them. On the night they crowned me and Lyanna Mormont shamed them all, he stood up and said he didn't commit men to my cause because he didn't want more Manderly's dying for nothing." Aegon said.
"It wasn't for nothing, Aegon, it was for you." Dany said determinedly.
"Aye, I know, but who was I but a fool who knew nothing." he said with a smile before waving Dany off before she could stand up for him "He was right not to follow Jon Snow, Dany, that man was a fool who allowed himself get played and because of that lost far too many good men. No, I've no worries about Wyman following me, following us, because Jon Snow is dead and Aegon Targaryen sits here in his stead. Only a fool will dare stand against House Targaryen my love and Wyman is anything but a fool." he said reaching out and taking her hand in his.
They made love passionately and loudly given the looks they got the next morning when they broke their fast, Aegon amazed at the difference in how he now accepted those looks. Tormund and Ygritte had often called him out for his prudishness when it came to speaking about sex. Both of them took great delight in trying to make him blush and succeeding more than once. Dany too had made comment on it, even if he was far different than the boy he'd once been. It had at first still being something easily able to embarrass him. Being with her though, laying with his wife and seeing her own carefree attitude towards people knowing that they brought each other such pleasure, it must be rubbing off on him he thought with a smirk. Aegon sitting at the table with no hint of a blush on his cheeks and in fact finding that he almost welcomed the looks he received.
"My husband seems amused?" Dany asked as he placed her food on the table in front of her.
"My wife has corrupted me." he said with a smirk.
"Have I indeed?" she asked her eyebrow raised.
"You have, though not a maid, I still blushed and acted as one and yet I find I care not what people think of our coupling." he said to a giggle.
"Why Jon Snow, what have you done with my prudish northern wolf?" Dany said giggling still as he moved beside her close enough so he could whisper in her ear.
"Replaced him with a dragon, my love." he said as he nibbled on her ear, her giggles now turning into laughs.
"Only a dragon can love a dragon." she said looking at him before kissing his lips.
They were eating their meals when they arrived, Ser Jorah, Ser Jaime and Brienne, Arya and Gendry, Tyrion, Missandei and Grey Worm and Lord Wyman, all hurrying their way. Aegon sighing knowing the time was now upon them to tell some truths and he turned to see Dany staring at Tyrion and then at the two Dornishmen who entered last of all.
"Your grace, all is well?" Tyrion asked.
"It is Lord Tyrion." Dany said.
"There is much we must discuss, so perhaps it's for the best if we stay here one more night." he said looking to his wife who seemed to relish the idea.
"Lord Wyman, once you're settled his grace and I would like a word." Dany said.
"Your grace." Wyman replied the bow he made a quick one as he turned to go and get settled in.
Before he had a chance to say anything he saw Meera Reed walk into the hall, Aegon rising to his feet and moving to the girl.
"Lady Reed." he said softly.
"Your grace, it's true, my father?" she asked and he nodded.
"I'm afraid so, my lady. You have my deepest sympathy."
"His body, he needs to be brought back to Greywater Watch." she said holding her emotions in.
"Is with your men, my lady. Your father was a brave man Lady Reed, and though nothing I can say to you will make up for his loss, I am here today partly because of him. The North survives because of men like your father and the North Remembers my lady. If there is anything I can ever do for you or your house…"
"I thank you, your grace, but House Stark has cost my house greatly over the years. For now I'd just like to take my father home." she said her voice sad and tinged with a bit of anger which he could understand and accept.
"Of course my lady, Ser Brienne, Would you take Lady Reed to her men." he said before turning back and Brienne moved quickly to escort the lady to her men and her father. Aegon walking back to the table and taking his seat, his appetite gone for now.
After Dany had finished eating and the rest of them were settled, Aegon sent for Lord Wyman and had him meet them at the Weirwood that grew amongst the ruins of one of the towers. It was old, gnarled and its roots had grown through the broken walls of the tower itself. Aegon placed Ser Jorah, Ser Brienne, Ser Jaime, and Grey Worm all on guard so they'd not be interrupted. While Ghost prowled around the walls themselves, the white wolf having feasted on a lizard lion who'd come too close to the surface.
"Your Grace, your grace." Wyman said as he walked towards them.
"Lord Wyman." Dany said.
"I asked you to meet us here Lord Wyman, both so you'd know that the words I speak are the truth and that I remain as always a son of the North." Aegon said.
"Your grace?" Wyman asked confused.
"I know no other way to say it but to say it, so forgive me, my bluntness my lord. My father was not Ned Stark." Aegon said and Wyman smiled.
"I never thought he was your grace, it never made sense to me why he'd not speak of your mother if he was your father, you're Brandon's boy." Wyman said with the smile of a man who'd just had a truth he'd long suspected confirmed.
"No my lord I'm not. My father was Rhaegar Targaryen, my mother, his wife Lyanna Targaryen." Aegon said, handing the Lord of White Harbor the papers that proved it true.
He watched him carefully as he read the words, Wyman looking at them and nodding, then looking to him almost as if he was seeing him for the first time.
"This changes things, your grace." Wyman said.
"I know. My wife and I will take the Iron Throne, my lord, together we will rule and Westeros will be at peace once more. You named me King in the North based on blood and that blood still runs through my veins, though from my mother and not my father. You have a choice before you as does the North, support me and know that a son of the North sits the Iron Throne. A son who cares for the North more than any king who came before me or reject me and name another and accept all that action would lead to." Aegon said looking at the lord who chuckled catching him by surprise.
"We unnamed you once your grace, the folly of that was soon shown to us all. You and her grace together beat back the greatest threat the North has ever faced, you've made arrangements to see us fed and wolf's blood flows through your veins just as much as dragons does."
He looked on as Wyman bent down to one knee, Dany looking to him and smiling as Aegon turned to look back to the man in front of him.
"I knelt to the man I believed to be the son of a Stark, I kneel to him still. The King in the North." Wyman said as Aegon bid him rise.
Once he had, Aegon told him of their plans and that the rest of the realm would be told by now, that the ravens had already left from White Harbor but he'd wished to speak to him personally. Wyman advised they send a letter to Maege and Lyanna Mormont and that he would see to the rest of the North. The Lord saying that while some would grumble, all would kneel.
"That went better than I had expected." Dany said.
"It did, as of now the realm probably knows the truth, I think it's time we told Tyrion and the others who don't know." Aegon said.
"This is going to be fun, Aegon." Dany said as Aegon rolled his eyes and made her laugh, the two of them walking from the Weirwood tree and back into the yard.
King's Landing 305 AC.
Cersei.
She felt the pain when he pulled her hair, the stretching of her neck as she tried to get away from him, and then she was falling. It took her some time to get her breath back, Cersei needing Euron to hand her the wine, so intense had her release been. No one other than Jaime had ever made her feel this way and she'd never expected anyone else would be able to. Her connection with her brother was far different than she had with any other man and that was what she had put down how he made her feel to. Was this love? Was that how you knew? She pondered on this as she got her breath back and drank her wine.
Beside her, Euron seemed just as worn out as she, Cersei smiling that she brought him as much pleasure as he did her. It was to her another sign of the difference between him and any other man apart from Jaime. Over the years she'd taken many people into her bed, men and women alike and all to simply bring her pleasure. She'd found her release each and every time. With some, she'd almost forced them to bring her to it. Few if any had she ever sought to do the same for and yet now she found she cared whether or not he felt it too. She wished him to feel it, to know that she made him lose himself and that he couldn't get enough of what was between her legs. To be the only one between them to feel that way would be to give him far too much power over her and that was not something she could allow.
"You look tired, my love." she said pouring herself another glass.
"You've worn me out, never have I tasted cunt such as yours." Euron said and Cersei felt her heart race.
"Nor I been pleased by a cock such as this." she said reaching out her hand to wrap it around his semi-hard length.
"Good." he said laughing "For any man whose cock pleased you better would soon be looking for a place amongst the unsullied."
It both excited her and worried her a little hearing him say such a thing. Though she'd sent Bronn to kill the Imp and her brother, she never truly believed him capable of killing Jaime. Besides, it wasn't even something she truly wished for and was more a way to force him back to her side. Euron however, could perhaps manage to do so and so for now at least she held her tongue. She'd rather concentrate on other things anyway.
"Do you believe the raven?" she asked and Euron nodded.
"Aye, they'll need to sail to Dragonstone first anyway, especially if the northern bastard is marching with the rest of the men." Euron said.
"Why?" she asked.
"They'll want to coordinate their attacks, send their ships against us along wth the dragons while the North and the rest of the forces attack us from the other side. Just like a cavalry charge uses a double envelopment they'll wish to attack us from both sides."
"And us?" she asked a little worriedly.
"We'll be waiting for them." he said with a loud laugh.
"I don't understand?"
"They need to sail by Claw Isle, but they won't sail on the eastern side of it as the dragons will want to keep near land. So to get to Dragonstone they'll have to sail down along Crackclaw Point. It's small, narrow and I'll be waiting for them there." Euron said, Cersei giggling as he drew it out on her stomach, his fingers almost but not quite going between her legs.
She was about to tell him to do just that, her own fingers reaching out to grab his cock once more when the knock came at her door. Cersei looking to it with a look that promised whoever had dared to disturb them would suffer were this not important. That Euron didn't cover up his nakedness when Bernadette came in made her smirk, that the girl stared only at her naked body may very well have saved her head.
"Your grace, Grandmasester Qyburn requests a meeting, he says it's most urgent." Bernadette said.
"Now?" she asked annoyed.
"He says your grace would wish to be informed of his news, he's received a raven, your grace."
She told Bernadette to ready her clothes and had to push Euron's hands away when he grabbed her. Cersei smiling when he did so, and when she saw his cock had hardened fully. As much as she wished for nothing more than to just have him take her however he wished, she felt an almost need to know what it was Qyburn had learned. Had her man in the Vale done the deed so soon? Was the Stark Whore dead? Had the Darkstar somehow managed to take the Dragonbitch or the Bastard Wolf? Was one or both of them dead? She found her need to find out far outweighed the ache between her legs for once.
So as she moved away from him and saw his anger flare and felt the rush of wetness it brought to her core. She dropped submissively to the floor and licked her lips, her meaning clear and taken as he moved towards her. She could still taste him in her mouth later as she walked to her solar. Euron lay resting in her bed and Cersei tried not to be upset that his seed was wasted in her mouth instead of where it should have been. The idea of birthing a babe of his was one that filled her with a sense of intrigue and excitement. Entering her solar she found Qyburn was already waiting for her, the expression on his face as hard to read as always.
"Your grace." he said with a nod.
"The message?" she asked holding her hand out.
Sitting down at the desk, she unrolled the scroll and read it, her eyes widening as she did so. She couldn't even remember reaching for the wine or pouring it into her glass. Nor did she taste it as she drank it all down in one swallow, her hands shaking as she poured another and read it one more time.
To The Lord and Ladies of Westeros,
I write to you to reveal a great truth that was kept hidden for four and twenty years. I name the man known as Jon Snow for who he truly is. Not a bastard or son of Lord Eddard Stark as the realm was led to believe but as Aegon Targaryen the trueborn son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Targaryen and the true heir to the Iron Throne. Together with his wife Daenerys they call upon every man and woman who were loyal to their family to stand with them once more. The time has come to remove false lions from the throne they stole. To see the true king and queen crowned and for the dragons to rule once more. The realm and its people have suffered under false kings and queens for far too long and just as their graces have beaten the army of dead men that sought our end, they'll do so to any who stand against them. Stand with them my lords, my ladies, stand with them and see the realm thrive once more.
Lord Varys,
Master of Whisperers to their graces,
King Aegon and Queen Daenerys of the House Targaryen.
She looked to Qyburn who was watching her intently, Cersei quickly drinking down the second glass of wine.
"Is this some jape? Some jest?" she asked holding up the scroll.
"No, your grace, I believe the words to be true. We all wondered about Prince Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark, as for Lord Eddard, it was most odd that he of all people fathered a bastard was it not?" Qyburn said.
"Lies, Lies, this is all lies, he never cared for the Stark slut, never do you hear me, NEVER…" she said screaming the last bit out as loudly as she could.
Qyburn simply stood there and said nothing, her Hand allowing her to calm herself, and when she did she turned to him and smiled.
"Send out our own ravens, have them declare Jon Snow as the bastard that he is. Say that he and Varys along with the Dragonbitch have concocted this mummery knowing full well that the realm would never accept a bastard for a consort." she said and Qyburn nodded.
"At once, your grace."
She waited until he was out of the room and once he was she screamed loudly once more, her hands hitting the desk hard as she crumpled the note up.
He was to be mine.
Father promised him to me.
She stole him, bewitched him.
That whore, that whore took what was hers.
She'd have given him a true son, a son that looked like a dragon, not some mongrel wolf who claimed to be one.
Yet despite her anger, her tears feel freely, Cersei cursing Lyanna Stark for yet another thing that she stole from her. Memories of her wedding night flashing before her eyes and Robert's voice sounding close enough as if he was still rutting on top of her.
" Lyanna."
The realm reacts 305 AC.
Dorne.
Arianne.
She had read the raven from Ned Dayne and while she appreciated the fact that the queen had accepted her proposal and fealty, she wondered what had gotten into the man to write the rest of it. Jon Snow marrying Daenerys had been a shock to her but in hindsight it made sense. Dorne had never cared for what side of the sheets someone was born on and he was a king after all. He brought the North and perhaps even the Riverlands and the Vale too. By all accounts, he was handsome and very accomplished with his sword. Even Daemon saying he'd heard tell that he was the best swordsman in all the realm.
So Daenerys being married to the man was really no true surprise, logically she doubted there was a better choice anywhere in the realm. While she may have pushed for someone even perhaps Ned Dayne to be king Consort, it was not something she could have demanded. But these words about an army of dead men and a great battle, even despite the tales she'd heard of the meeting in the Dragonpit, these words were surely some jape.
Arianne had put it out of her mind and concentrated instead on readying her forces for the inevitable call and march when they were asked to. She and Daemon had poured over routes, by land, by sea, Arianne favoring the former while Euron Greyjoy still held most of his fleet. They'd decided that Daemon would lead their forces and while she'd have wished to march with them, she knew she could not, Dorne had been without their princess for far too long. She'd travel to King's Landing to swear her fealty in person but would not leave her home otherwise for a very long time.
The wait for the order to march took some time, Arianne eventually asking Daemon to form up their men and make them ready to meet them on the road. She was doing her very best to get ahead of the game and so that Dornish spears would taste both Lion and Kraken blood. Elia and Obella had already marched with some of her own men, her cousins most eager for their own taste of revenge. Arianne worrying and yet not as she knew how capable they truly were. She was going over some papers at her desk when the second raven arrived, Arianne quickly sending for Daemon as soon as she read it.
"Read." she said handing it to him.
"They march?" he asked.
"Read." she said.
She saw his expression change as he read it. Arianne already knew it was true and Sarella had confirmed the timing matched up, though she'd not needed her to. This changed things and she knew not how, a bastard Stark was easy to support, a trueborn son though shamed her aunt far more and Arianne wasn't sure if Dorne would rise for such a man. She wasn't sure if she could either and yet she knew she must.
"What do we do?" Daemon asked.
"We march, I'm coming with you." she said rising to her feet.
"Ari?"
"Not today, Daemon, today I am Princess Arianne Nymeros Martell and it is she who orders you to take her to meet this Aegon Targaryen."
"As my princess orders." Daemon said.
Storms End.
Edric Storm.
Taking back his home was far easier than he had hoped as the Lannister lickspittle was no true soldier and Edric had raised the entire Stormlands to his side. They'd almost ten thousand Stormlanders to go with his own men by the time he reached the gates of Storm's End. Edric finding Caspar to be right, the Stormlands wished him to be their Lord which in turn would lead him right to the Iron Throne. Once he'd seen the Lannisters assembled and had met them under a flag of parley, Edric had known this would be no true fight.
The man was not his uncle and would not withstand a long siege, the forces he had at his call, not men who would wish to fight either. Other than the walls of the keep itself this man was already done for but Edric knew he'd lose many men should he try and take those walls. So instead he used the same route that he'd escaped from. Ordering the men assembled and leading them through the tunnels himself, despite his cousin's protestations. The fight itself was just as pitiful as he'd expected, the men surrendering once they knew the walls had been breached. Edric had welcomed the cheers and the looks on the Stormlord's faces when he'd opened the gates of Storm's End to let them enter.
At the feast to celebrate his victory he'd told them all what he planned to do. Some disagreeing with him about Daenerys but more of them warming to the idea of another Baratheon king. Later he'd heard tales of dead men rising, of a war to be fought in the North and then of a victory in that war, something that he found hard to believe. That dead men rose to fight again was hard enough to accept, that an army of them marched and had already been defeated made no sense. It was something he knew he'd need to find out more about though, as if his future bride claimed to have fought these men then it would do no good for him to deny her.
"My lord, a raven from the North." the Maester said, Edric took it looking at it excitedly once he saw the three-headed dragon seal.
Opening it he read through it quickly, his hopes that she'd heard of him and had decided to make the first move and reach out were quickly dashed by the words he read.
"Fuck." he said "FUCK."
The sound of the shouted the second word brought Andrew and Gerold into the room, Edric pacing up and down with the note still held in his hand.
"My lord?" Andrew asked.
"They're married." he said expressing the first thought that came to his head.
"She married the bastard?" Ser Gerold asked.
"He's not a bastard, Ser Gerold, apparently Eddard Stark fooled us all. Jon Snow isn't his son, he's the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, the trueborn son, which means he's now the fucking king of the Seven Kingdoms."
"The Stormlands won't…" Andrew began.
"Support him? What fucking choice do we have, if we don't then we'll be fighting fucking dragons and I'll not see Storm's End turned into another Harrenhal."
"Then what are we to do?" Ser Gerold asked.
"I don't know." he said slumping in his seat, laughing bitterly at the idea that a bastard had taken his queen and his throne, and finding the irony that he was not a bastard was something that he saw no humor in.
The Vale 305 AC.
Sansa.
It had been a few days ago now but she felt her meeting with the Septon had gone well, though the man himself was only really a conduit to the rest of the faith. Sansa had him send the letter to the conclave in Oldtown and she was certain that she'd receive the answer she wished for. That the man himself seemed so very eager for her to get the annulment, she could only put down to something she had counted on, the North. Not that it would actually even be possible for the faith to gain a foothold there even was she named as its lady. Still, the mere possibility that they could finally gain a foothold into the North was enough to give her a path. That she had the backing of the Lord of the Vale in making her request along with a threat from Robin to marry her regardless, only helped her case.
Since they'd spoken to the Lords of the Vale she had noticed a change and she now got more and more deference and even more people wished to be her friend. Something she welcomed as though she trusted in only herself, having friends would be far more beneficial than making enemies this early in her time here. She walked through the keep and out into the gardens, the chill in the air actually something she welcomed as she did the crisp clean smell of the winter blooms. While because of the weather they stayed mostly inside the keep and Robin himself rarely left the warmth of its interior, she had missed being outside. It had become something over time that she welcomed. The freedom to walk outside and know that the guards that walked with her did so to protect and not to keep her prisoner.
After spending some time just enjoying the fresh air, she turned to head back into the keep, Sansa deciding to go pray the Sept just as she had since she'd arrived here. Over the years she'd pretty much lost her faith in the gods and their servants, none had come to her aid after all, and praying to the Seven hadn't stopped her torment. But be that as it may, Sansa knew that appearance mattered and to all who looked at her she must look a devoted and pious woman. Bidding her guards wait, she walked into the small Sept and was soon lighting a candle to the mother and maiden before she took to her knees and began to pray.
This part of the act was true at last, Sansa did actually offer up prayers and though she doubted anyone listened, she hoped they did. Sansa asked the gods to bring down all those who had sought her ruin, Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, all of them she'd see fall while she rose. She was in the middle of thinking about what it would be like to be the last one standing when she heard the footsteps behind her. She quickly rose to her feet and turned to see an ugly man moving her way, the knife in his hands was large and the look in his eyes one she recognized all too well. Ramsay had often had that very same look and it had only ever led to one thing, pain.
"The Queen Sends her regards." the man said smiling, his rotten teeth all she could see other than the knife.
As he moved to her, she looked around her eyes flickering from side to side as she searched for some way out. Only to find just as it had been with Ramsay, there was none. She never even heard the sound of the arrow as it flew, nor did she see the man as he fell to the ground, her eyes had closed as she'd prepared to accept her fate.
"Sansa." Theon called out and then she was in his arms, Sansa welcoming the comforting feel of them "Are you hurt? he asked and she shook her head.
Over his shoulder, she looked at the man who bled out on the ground of the Sept. The arrow had caught him in the neck and punctured his throat and yet she could barely see it. She sobbed as Theon held her, not out of fear or relief though both were present, but out of gratitude. He'd saved her, once more when she'd needed someone he had come and saved her.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you." she said over and over again as Theon held her in his arms.
The guards came and Sansa finally let Theon go, she, he, and the guards all walking from the Sept and hurrying back to the keep. That Robin was almost apoplectic that she'd nearly come to harm only showed just how truly she'd ensnared him. Sansa welcoming the worry and concern that he showed and the gratitude he expressed to Theon for saving his betrothed. After assuring him that she'd not been harmed, Sansa decided to use this to her benefit, almost smiling when Robin threatened retribution on those responsible.
"He said he was sent by the queen." Sansa said to shocked gasps as Robin, Harrold, Myranda, Ysilla and the Lords of the Vale looked on.
"Cersei? "Lady Anya asked and Sansa shook her head.
"Cersei has had years to kill me, Lady Anya and though I am no friend of hers, never has she tried to."
"You believe Daenerys Targaryen ordered this?" Harrold asked disbelievingly.
"I believe so." she said as she took a breath and waited for the questions.
"If the Dragonqueen wanted you dead then she could have just set her dragons upon you Lady Sansa." Lord Nestor said.
"But had she then the North would know her and my half brother for what they truly are, my lord."
By the time she took her bath and bid Robin goodnight, she knew she had them almost convinced. Sansa smiling to herself as she climbed into her bed that night. She'd taken a terrible almost fatal event and turned it to her advantage, had found the good in the bad, and then used it for her benefit. Robin had sworn to bring the full might of the Vale down upon Daenerys with only Sansa telling him they needed to be smart and find another way, stopping him from doing so. That it took more than one long drawn out kiss to calm his ire and that were it not for the ordeal she'd just gone through it would have required more, something she didn't wish to think about.
She slept comfortably and the next morning as she walked to break her fast she was in a most excellent mood. Robin had put extra guards on her door and they walked in front of and behind her, her betrothed showing how worried he truly was for her safety. As she entered the Great Hall it became clear that something had happened though, something had occurred that she wasn't privy to. Sansa noticing the looks on the faces of each of the lords and ladies and of Robin's as well.
"What is it?" she asked as she sat down beside him.
"A raven from the North, my love." Robin said his voice soft as he reached out to toucher her, Sansa trying not to move away and fighting her instinct to do so .
"Has something happened, my sister is she well?" she asked trying to make the panic in her voice sound as if it was for Arya, and yet it was the looks on their faces as each man and woman looked to her that had really caused it.
"Jon Snow is not your brother, Lady Sansa, he's not your father's child." Lady Anya said and Sansa turned to face the woman who held the raven scroll in her hand.
"That's… my father…." she said trying to make sense of the woman's words, not her father's, Brandon, her uncle he was her uncle's son, this would be worse much worse. If true he could paint her father and his line as usurpers.
In a way she was right as she found out when she read the raven scroll that Lady Anya soon handed her, her father had indeed tried to usurp Jon's claim. First with his friend and then with her, but Jon wasn't Brandon's son, nor was he even Jon, and as Sansa read the words that were written she found she had no idea what to do. To remove the Dragonbitch's claim was one thing, to paint her as her father's daughter and tar her with that brush would turn Westeros against her. To do the same to the son of Rhaegar Targaryen was a whole different matter.
"Lies, Lies, this is all lies, Rhaegar kidnapped and raped my aunt, she would never have married him, never do you hear me, NEVER…" she said screaming out the last bit.
Around her, the lords and ladies of the Vale looked on and as she shouted out that not only was Jon a bastard but a bastard born of rape, she didn't see how they looked to each other. Had she then she'd have calmed down as she'd have realized it wasn't Sansa Stark that they saw ranting and raving but her aunt. It was a comparison that had she known they were making would have made her panic even more.
The Neck 305 AC.
Arya.
His kisses inflamed her, his touch made her shiver, and yet it was laying by his side that she found most comforting. Watching him while he slept was something she adored even if it meant it deprived her of seeing how he looked at her. She rose and quickly dressed and despite wishing to kiss his lips and wake him, Arya instead snuck from the tent and made her way to the open space to begin her morning ritual. She may not be no one anymore but the training she had gone through was something that had saved her life on more than one occasion and so it was something she continued daily.
They were near the beginnings of where the North met the Riverlands, Jon had set up camp just before they entered the Riverlands themselves. Soon enough they'd be in the South and Arya both welcomed it and feared it in equal measure. The last time she'd traveled this route had been with her father and it had taken her years to finally return to the North and home. By the time she had she'd lost two of her brothers, her mother, and her father and was parted from the rest of her family for years. She took a knee and prayed to the old gods and the new, to the many-faced god and to any god that listened, she prayed that this time it would be different.
"I've seen it all now." Jon said from behind her, Arya rising to her feet to glare at her brother "You do know that's simply a bush right, not a Weirwood sapling." Jon chuckled as he pointed to the berry bush she'd been kneeling at.
"I wasn't praying to the damn bush, Aegon Targaryen." she said rolling her eyes before ducking out of the way when he went to grab her, the two of them laughing as she dodged him and he kept coming towards her.
After a few moments they stopped, Jon looking at her and Arya appreciating the concern in his eyes, knowing that the next words out of his mouth would be an expression of that concern.
"This won't be like the last time, Arya." Jon said and Arya felt her heart still as she realized that he had known exactly how she felt.
"You can't know that." she said meaning perhaps both, that he knew her mind and the words themselves.
"I can and do. Robb was betrayed Arya as was the rest of our family, I'll never allow anyone to betray either of us ever again."
"Men betray, Jon, it's their nature."
"Women too, Arya, but the difference between me and them is I know what betrayal feels like. I've felt it more keenly than anyone." Jon said his eyes unfocussed as they looked off in the distance.
It was true, her brother had been betrayed by those closest to him and she felt her anger rise that their betrayal had almost managed to take him from her. Those men in black were lucky they'd already felt the power of her brother's resolve for had they not then they'd have surely faced her own.
"You've taken steps?" she asked moving closer to him.
"There are few we trust Arya and Dany has known what it feels like too. We've taken steps, made plans, and are ever vigilant. Honor has no place in war, trust only belongs with those who've earned it and those who seek to betray us will be dealt with."
"We will deal with them together, brother." she said and received a warm smile from Jon, Arya smiling back at her brother.
He did that far more often now, her brother was happy and she was happy for him. It had made her own happiness something that she'd accepted a little more easily too. Jon had told her that they deserved it and though it had taken her a little while to believe him, in the end, he was right. She watched as he sat down on the grass and she did her exercises. Arya noticing for the first time that Jaime Lannister stood no more than ten feet from Jon.
She'd asked about the knight and been told that he could be trusted, that he knew of Jon's secret before any and he'd not breathed a word. That he was loyal and true and the man had even allowed her to play the game of faces with him, something that he won much to her surprise. There were others that she was less sure of, Ned Dayne's cousin was one of them and Tyrion another. Arya losing her concentration and stumbling to the ground as she thought of the dwarf.
"Are you well?" Jon asked helping her to her feet.
"Aye, I'm well Aegon Targaryen." she said with a chuckle when she saw his frown.
"Stop doing that." Jon said looking at her.
"Doing what?" she replied as innocently as she could.
"You know what."
"Using your name?" she asked as Jon glared at her.
"Aye, especially when you're only doing so to irk me."
It was true, she'd been doing it ever since they left Moat Cailin. Arya had stood with the rest of the northern army as Jon had told them all the truth of who he truly was. Her brother telling any man who felt he couldn't fight for him upon knowing he wasn't Ned Stark's son that he'd allow them to return home with no prejudice. That none had wasn't a surprise to her, they loved her brother and after the Battle for the Dawn most saw him as the warrior reborn. There were some who'd been surprised and shocked of course and amongst the Dornishmen she'd noticed some strange looks. Ned Dayne had asked for a meeting alone with Jon and been given one while his cousin had simply smiled oddly. The biggest reaction came from Tyrion Lannister, Arya not liking how he looked at Jon and watching him far more carefully since then as a result.
"I'm sorry." she said as Jon mussed her hair.
"To them, I'm Aegon Targaryen, as I am to me, to Dany and to the dragons." Jon said smiling "To you, I'm your brother, Arya, only ever that. You see me as Jon and I know it's hard for you to see me as anything else."
"I.."
"I know, little sister." Jon said as he leaned in close to whisper in her ear "You're to be an aunt soon, Arya." he said hugging her tightly.
She spent the next couple of days watching Dany even closer and she began to see the telltale signs. Jon explained to her that only those closest to Dany knew and that for now, they'd prefer to keep it that way. It made her feel even closer to him and to Dany, to feel even more protective of them both. Arya finding that when not with Gendry in their tent, she kept close by and watched their each and every move. When they reached the Green Fork, she noticed she was not the only one doing so and so someone else fell under her watch now too.
The Riverlands 305 AC.
Dany.
Aegon's announcement had gone down well and Dany had breathed a sigh of relief when none of his men had turned to head for home. They could win this war without them but she knew how important it was to be seen to be united and for Aegon personally a rejection from his men would hurt. Lord Wyman had taken his leave and so had Ned Dayne, the latter coming to see Aegon and her immediately after the truth had been revealed. That he had dropped to his knee and sworn fealty to her husband in front of her was something she was incredibly grateful for. Aegon explaining to her later that Ser Arthur had died to protect him and his mother and to Ned that was all that mattered. Dany not needing him to tell her that it would not be so easy with the rest of Dorne.
Tyrion had accepted it just as graciously, Dany happy to see him say he'd come around, or at least he was doing so publicly. He'd apologized to her for ever doubting Aegon and said it was his perceived birth that had caused his distress. That he was and could lie to her so easily was something that only made what Aegon claimed he'd done seem ever more likely. Something she was even more sure of given his reaction to their march past Moat Cailin and into the Riverlands rather than to White Harbor. She'd actually enjoyed his questioning of her about that and had done her best to make it seem as if it was a spur of the moment thing.
" I thought we were sailing to Dragonstone, your grace." Tyrion said.
" That was our plan, but events have forced us to change it."
" Events, your grace?"
" The truth of Aegon is out there now Tyrion, given the Riverlands have declared for him thinking him Jon Snow, Aegon and I both agree that it's for the best if we meet with Lord Edmure and the Riverlords and see if their fealty has wavered in any way."
" Of course your grace, Perhaps we should let Dragonstone know of these changes?" he asked.
" No, let them think me coming, should your sister have any spies on the island then it will seem to be our destination."
" I think marching an army to King's Landing will make our destination clear, your grace." Tyrion said looking at her intently.
" Which is why I've left orders for some of the fleet to sail anyway." she said with a smile.
He'd sat with a sullen look each time she had caught him unaware she was looking his way, Tyrion deep in thought and Dany glad she'd taken Aegon's advice on how to deal with him. Suspicion was not proof though and only when they took to the air themselves would she find the full extent of Tyrion's loyalty or betrayal. For now, though he wasn't what was truly on her mind and instead Dany found herself contemplating what to do about Ser Gerold.
That he'd not left with his cousin had provoked a strange look on Ned Dayne's face and Dany herself had found it most odd. Only the man's looks and smiles at her showed that her suspicions regarding him had been true and she cursed herself for leading him on at the feast. She'd not had the time to put him straight and it needed to be done before Aegon decided to be the one to do so. Dorne already had enough of an issue with Aegon as it was, there was no need to give them another. Should Ser Gerold actually make a move on her, then Dragonguard, Ghost, and their dragons themselves wouldn't be enough to keep her husband from ending the man there and then.
With Aegon speaking to Qhono and the Dothraki about the battle they'd soon be facing and how it would be different than the one they'd just won. Dany decided that now was the time to deal with Ser Gerold and so she sent one of her unsullied with a note and told Ser Jorah that she was going to rest for the night. It was not something she wished to do but even telling Jorah that she wished Aegon not to know of this, was no guarantee that he'd not tell him. So after saying her goodnights to her bear, Dany covered up her usual white coat with one of Aegon's cloaks and snuck from the back of the tent. Hood up she moved through the camp and was glad to see no one paying her any attention. She moved quickly and soon enough came to the river, see that Ser Gerold was standing beside the Green Fork and he turned her way when he heard her approach.
"Your grace." the man said smiling at her, Dany most keen to get this over and done with.
"Ser Gerold." she said as she took down her hood.
"I've been longing to get you alone for quite some time, your grace" he said moving toward her.
"I believe you have the wrong idea, Ser Gerold, that night at the feast…"
"Where you all but threw yourself at me." he said with a laugh.
"I did no such thing. That night was nothing to do with you, my husband…."
"Is not half the man I am." Gerold said moving right next to her.
"You really are a fool if you believe that." she scoffed "On his worst day my husband is ten times the man you are. You got the wrong idea, Ser Gerold, and for your sake, I'd suggest you not get the right one. I have no interest in you, nor could I ever have."
"Yet my own interest in you is true." Ser Gerold said and as she slapped his hand away, she felt herself be turned around, the arm around her neck and hand covering her mouth catching her by surprise.
"Oomph." her words stifled by the pressure of the hand on her mouth.
"You should feel lucky that I don't have more time, had I then the fun we could have.." he said laughing "I'd show you what a true man does to a woman such as you, alas it's not to be and while I'm sure bringing you alive to Cersei Lannister would see me well rewarded, you head will do just have to suffice."
She heard the unsheathing of the blade and began to struggle against him, Dany biting down on his hand only to find to her horror that it didn't make him loosen his grip. When she saw the white fur and the red eyes she almost cried out in relief as Ghost moved silently toward them.
"You call that thing off." Ser Gerold said shakily before moving her towards the water "You call him off" Ser Gerold said his voice more panicked as Ghost silently stalked his way towards them, Dany soon feeling a point of a blade digging into her skin.
How it happened she knew not, only that she fell to the ground and held her throat as she checked to see if she'd been cut. She was relieved when she felt that while there was blood there, it was far less of it than there could have been.
"AEGON." she shouted out as she turned around to see where Ser Gerold was.
That he was still alive was a shock to her especially when she saw Ghost leaning over him, the wolf's paws planted on top of the unconscious man and making sure he couldn't move should he waken. Seeing Arya stand there with Needle in hand was an even bigger surprise and Dany quickly rose to her feet to hug her goodsister. Crying on her shoulder as she did so.
"Arya, Thank the gods." she said over and over.
She heard them running then, Dany letting Arya go as she saw Aegon, Ser Jaime, Ser Jorah, Ser Brienne, Qhono, Grey Worm, Missandei, and a large number of others run her way. Her husband looked from her to Arya and Ghost and then to the man who lay on the ground. He didn't say any words and Dany welcoming being swept up in his arms, Aegon looking into her eyes and she nodded before he held her tight and whispered into her ear.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." he said as she shook her head and leaned more into his touch.
She heard Arya explain what had happened and Aegon gave some orders, her husband, the Dragonguard, and Grey Worm all walking her back to the camp. Aegon never let her out of his arms all the way and she felt at one point when she stumbled that he would have carried her in his arms had she allowed it. It was something she wished for but couldn't allow as there was only so much weakness she could show her men and this was not something for their eyes. Instead, she saved it until they were back in their tent and once inside she just collapsed crying against Aegon's chest.
"I was such a fool."
"I almost…."
"Our babe, Aegon, I put our babe at risk."
All through her words, her husband just whispered that she was unhurt, their babe was unhurt and that was all that mattered. Dany welcoming that there were no recriminations and no blame in Aegon's words. She allowed him to lift her in his arms and lay her down, his arms around her as she sobbed, and finally through sheer exhaustion, be it mental, emotional, or physical she fell to sleep. That she woke up more than once crying in the night to find Aegon wide awake and staring at her, comforted her some. As did waking the next morning to find him still holding her in his arms. Aegon waiting until she was ready for her to tell him what she had done and why.
"I need to deal with him Dany." he said once she'd finished and she nodded "You can stay here if you wish, Arya, Missandei, I'll get them to stay with you."
"No, I need… we need.."
"I understand." he said kissing her and Dany almost biting his lips so hungrily did she kiss him back, the thoughts that she had come so close to death only making her wish for all that life could bring even more.
"Take me, Aegon, please… I need you, I need to feel you."
It was frenzied and fast, Aegon not wasting time in teasing her or bringing her to the edge and Dany finding she needed neither. That she found her release was only partly down to her husband's skills, her sheer need for it had propelled her to it or so she believed. As they dressed she found that she needed his touch and Aegon obliged, his hands only leaving her own when she needed both of hers to put on her clothing. Even then he stroked her back, caressed her shoulder, and more often than not he rubbed her swollen belly. The feel of his fingers and of the dragon that moved inside of her doing far more to make her feel better than any other words or actions could.
When she was ready he looked to her and she nodded, both of them walking from the tent and Aegon leading her to the Green Fork itself. She saw Missandei look worriedly at her and she smiled her best smile to reassure her, Arya simply nodding while the Dothraki and the unsullied looked on. When she saw Ser Gerold tied to the tree with Ghost guarding him, she knew he was dying here this day. Aegon would have insisted upon it and that he'd held back to comfort her was the only reason the man breathed still. Aegon held her hand as they stood in front of the man, her husband turning to kiss her before he let it go and moved closer still to the terrified Ser Gerold.
"I can tell you things, things you need to know." Ser Gerold said his voice almost breaking as Ghost snarled silently at him.
"The only things I intend to hear from your lips this day are your screams." Aegon said as he took out a dragonglass dagger and stabbed Ser Gerold hard through the shoulder, the first scream soon wrought from him as Aegon twisted the dagger deep.
She looked on as Aegon looked to Ghost, the wolf moving closer, and then the screaming truly began. Ghost biting and biting down hard between Ser Gerold's legs and Dany not needing to hear the sound it made as the wolf took his manhood away. Not that the sound of that could be heard over the screams of Ser Gerold anyway.
"This man, this thing, tried to take our queen from us, He tried to take our Khaleesi, the Khaleesi who right now in her belly carries The Stallion who Mounts the World " Aegon said moving to her and placing his hands on her stomach.
He kissed her once more and then turned to Ser Davos and nodded, Dany watching as he brought a chest forward and Aegon opened it, the egg soon held up high in his hands.
"My wife carries a dragon inside of her, she carries our child and this shall be its mount." Aegon said as he walked over to Ser Gerold and placed the egg underneath him.
Dany looked on as Ser Gerold's blood began to drip all over the as Aegon stepped away from him and began to speak again.
"You dared to place your hands on my wife, dared think you could do so to a dragon and there would be no consequences. That somehow your crimes would go unpunished. What is it you say to of yourself Darkstar, that you are of the night? Well each of us here has seen what the night is truly like and what comes in it. The night, Ser Gerold is dark and full of terrors and after facing that, you pale in comparison."
She felt them then and looked up to see Rhaegal and Drogon were flying towards them. The dragons soon landing as those around made the room for them to do so. Once they had, Aegon walked back to her and took her hand leading her to stand in front of Drogon before he walked over to do the same to Rhaegal. Dany not needing to hear his words to know what came next and yet she smiled when she did hear them.
"I am Aegon of the House Targaryen and I sentence you to die. You, like any who dares to try and harm my family, will learn that for that there can be no forgiveness and the sentence for any who seek to do so shall always be the same. The words of my wife and mine house are known throughout the realm and they are words that all should remember. You've spilled your blood Ser Gerold, it's now time for you to face the fire."
Aegon looked to her and she nodded, Drogon and Rhaegal moving their heads as one, as were the words that came from her and Aegon's mouths.
"Dracarys."
The flames soon covered him and his screams were loud but short. The sound of the loud crack was heard over them and as she looked to the flames she saw it move. It flew from them, Dany smiling when it landed in her arms, the dragon rubbing its head against her belly as the fire burned in front of her eyes. While inside of her she felt its rider reach out to touch it too.