Violet eyes stared at the rising sun from his balcony on the pyramid of Mereen, his silver hair reaching his shoulders and tied back in a low ponytail. His face was peaceful, yet his eyes stared into the horizon with longing, wanting nothing more than to go home, back to Westeros. But he can't, not until every slave is free from their masters' chains.
He's been in Mereen for over a year, lately however, his mind would wander, dreaming of the day he sets foot on Westerosi ground and sit on the Iron Throne the Conqueror forged with his enemies swords and melted together with dragon fire. The Conqueror he was named after.
Aegon let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding as he thought of the people's reaction when they see the last Targaryen return. That was something he dreaded, but had to face because he will be judged for the crimes of his Father, the Mad King, the monster that burned people alive for sick twisted amusement. Thinking about his Father rage over what he did to their House, practically burned it down himself when his mind turned into that of a demon. It is because of his Father, that Aegon has to pick up after him and redeem his House. Freeing slaves is the first step towards his family's redemption, the next one is repairing relations between his House and others and giving Westeros a better future than the shit one they were living in with his Father, then Robert Baratheon, and some twerp king named Joffrey.
His thoughts were interrupted by two distinctive footsteps that he recognized. Turning around, his suspicions were confirmed as he smiled at his advisors and sworn swords in greeting, "Good morning Ser Jorah, Ser Barristan." he said, catching the uncomfortable expressions, that usually means something happened.
It was Ser Jorah who spoke first, "Your Grace, we have received word that King Joffrey has been executed." Aegon's eyes widened at this information, "When was this?" he asked, happy that the awful excuse for a king is dead after what Ser Barristan told him about the boy himself and what the little shit did to people under his rule.
"A month and a half ago, Your Grace." Ser Barristan said, a small smile on his face, happy and relieved that the nation no longer has to suffer that creature.
"Who's sitting on the Iron Throne now?" Aegon asked, remembering that if one king falls, they must be replaced.
The two older soldiers looked at one another, for the first time since swearing to serve Aegon, they didn't how to proceed with this next bit of news. Ser Barristan directed their king to one of the chairs in the council room, "It's best if you sit down for what you're about to hear." he said as all three of them took their seats facing each other.
Aegon didn't know what to expect as he sat down, but knew that this must be very important if his best men were this tense. Ser Barristan took a deep breath and exhaled, as though he was preparing for the worst before he spoke, "Tell me, Your Grace, what were you told when you heard about Lyanna and Rhaegar?" he began, imagining all kinds of falsehoods Viserys may have told Aegon growing up.
Aegon answered, "Viserys told me that Lyanna seduced Rhaegar and tricked him into running away with her while he was still married to Elia Martell. Robert started a rebellion to fight Rhaegar win her back. While he did defeat my brother, he still didn't win her back as she died of a disease while hiding out in Dorne. It was because of her Robert started the war and sent us on the run for 20 years." he said, remembering everything his older brother told him growing up, those stories fostered anger and resentment towards the Baratheons and Starks.
Ser Barristan looked down sadly, figuring that Viserys would feed Aegon his version of the story. "That's not the whole story, Your Grace." he mournfully said, looking back up at his king. He began to tell Aegon the truth about how it all began, "Rhaegar's marriage to Elia Martell was a political one. They loved each other, but they weren't in love." he paused as Aegon stared at him, his desire for the truth clear in his eyes as Ser Barristan continued, "They knew what was expected of them, so they did their duty in order to keep the other safe from your Father. They had a daughter, then a son; Rhaenys and Aegon." The Dragon King couldn't help but smile, despite the circumstances of their marriage, they still created life. "The day he and Lyanna Stark met each other, it was love at first sight." Ser Barristan said with a smile, remembering all those stolen glances the prince and the Northern beauty would give each other, "It was forbidden, but they could never stay away from each other. He was already married and she was betrothed to another, to Robert Baratheon, who never truly understood her." he said, recalling the look of displeasure on the Stark girl's face whenever Robert would cast her lustful looks from afar, "With Elia's permission and urging, he and Lyanna ran away together and annulled his marriage to Elia to marry his true love." he paused at the look of surprise from Aegon and Ser Jorah, "The plan was supposed to be full proof, Rhaegar and Lyanna would run away and get married, while Elia would take her children to Dorne for safety. Once the prince and his lady love come back, they would explain everything to everyone and not be torn asunder." he shook his head mournfully, "But because of Robert's obsession with Lyanna, he made that assumption and accused Rhaegar for kidnapping his fiance. His blindness got Lyanna's Father and her brother killed. The Mad King summoned them to King's Landing, and they accepted to demand the return of their Lyanna. They should've stayed away; the Mad King roasted the Warden of the North in his own armor while his son was tied to a strangulation device in front of each other. Brandon Stark strangled himself to death trying to reach for his sword and save his Father." Aegon felt his stomach twist in the worst way as he pictured that horrific event, he felt even more sick and disgusted to be related to that monster. Ser Barristan stayed silent as his king turned multiple shades of green, waiting for the silver haired monarch to digest that horrific image. "Their deaths sparked the rebellion and took many lives. From many points of views, Rhaegar is responsible for the war. It was all for a forbidden love that cost the lives of thousands. By the end, there was victory against the Mad King, but no one truly won." Ser Barristan finished, watching Aegon weave his hands together and placed his mouth against the knuckles. The guilt and anger over his Father's misdeeds and Rhaegar's unfaithfulness gave him a different perspective over the fact that no one will truly forgive the Targaryens because of their follies.
"Why are you only telling me this now?" Aegon asked once he was able to find his voice.
Ser Barristan took a calming breath for the next most shocking piece of information that will shake everyone to the core, "Lyanna Stark didn't die from sickness...she died bringing the crown prince's child into the world." Aegon's and Ser Jorah's eyes widened like never before, the former forgetting how to breathe, "What?" he asked, having a hard time speaking.
"The last time I saw Rhaegar and his new wife, Lyanna was with child." Ser Barristan began, "I was one of his most trusted knights, fighting by his side, ready to give his life for the future king. Rhaegar sent me away in order to protect the next Protector of the Realm, his child. His plan was full proof, should he fall, I would be the one who takes Lyanna and her child to a safe place where Robert would never find them. But Lyanna already died in childbirth before I could get to them. She died, but their child disappeared." Ser Barristan paused at the look of intrigue on their faces, more interested as the story progressed, "I didn't know where the child was," he smiled, "until I met Eddard Stark's children." Jorah's eyes widened upon recognizing that name, "It was seven years since the war, I went North to visit old friends. We decided to gather at Winterfell where Ned was waiting, along with his family." he smiled, remembering the young Warden who created his own family, "His wife Catelyn, their children, Robb and Lyra being the first set of twins, and little Sansa. Robb and Sansa with their red hair resemble their Mother, but Lyra carried most of the Stark features. That girl was different from her Mother and siblings, but what caught my attention was how tense Ned became whenever anyone outside of the North got near his elder daughter." he added, remembering how Ned kept his eyes glued to little Lyra, like a wolf ready to attack anyone that would dare attack his brood.
"The reason why I'm telling you this, Your Grace, is because Ned's "daughter," Lyra Stark, is now the Queen of Westeros, Lyaerys of House Targaryen and House Stark." Ser Barristan words rung in the air as the two other occupants in the room were shocked beyond everything, Aegon the most as he absorbed the news which Ser Barristan just divulged.
"The only other dragon in the world, my older brother's child, is alive?" Aegon said as soon as his voice returned to him. For a long time, he thought he was the last dragon, alone in the world. He was wrong, and not only that, but she's also Queen of the Seven Kingdoms; the first queen to take the throne.
"We all know of Robert's distaste for Targaryens...how he walked over the mutilated bodies of Rhaegar's children." Jorah said gravely, the story of how Robert purchased the throne by removing the heirs, "Ned Stark knew that he would do the same to his sister's child, so he hid her in the North where she would be safe." Jorah added, admiring the man's bravery in committing treason against his childhood friend for the sake of his niece.
"A dragon raised by wolves." Aegon said with a faint smile, "Starks are loyal to the crown, but they are all about family. But certainly, they proved themselves beyond loyal by hiding a Targaryen princess among themselves." he added, respecting the Starks for their willingness to go against the usurper in order to protect their own.
Turning to Ser Barristan, he asked, "What is she like, Lyaerys Targaryen, how did she seem to you?" he wanted to know, unable to keep the excitement out of his eyes that the old knight couldn't help but smile.
Ser Barristan sighed as he recalled his memory of the young child, "Lyra Stark, the last time I saw her, she was so full of energy, and she was quite charming, especially with that beautiful smile of hers." he laughed, "The Starks were truly blessed to have her as their child, just as she was lucky enough to have them. Especially Ned, he went through great lengths to protect her...and you." immersing himself in that one memory that made him happy…
Flashback
It was a peaceful day at Winterfell where Ser Barristan was currently staying during his short leave from the Capital. While it was cold in the North, it was much refreshing to be away from the stench in the city.
Despite the snow, there was warmth within the walls of the castle, both physically and spiritually because of the Starks. Their very presence filled the occupants with welcome and love. Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, stone cold and unmoving on the outside, but kind and loving on the inside. While he had been the middle child of the previous Warden, he never really strived to become the next Lord because his older brother, Brandon Stark, was heir to Winterfell. But tragedy struck, and he became the Lord of Winterfell overnight, was never prepared, got rushed into marriage, then rode off to fight in the war. He lost many family member, yet gained was still able to get them back in the form of his wife and children. All of whom he loved deeply from the bottom of his heart and soul.
The Lady of Winterfell, Catelyn Stark, Eddard's wife, truly stood out in the North with her Tully red hair that blazed with a fire wherever she walked. She was literally a fish out of water when she first came to the freezing North. She knew she would come to live there because of her betrothal to Brandon Stark, but when he died, she was given to his younger brother Eddard to keep the alliance and give the rebellion the forces they need to win. Despite the reluctance she felt when she married Ned, they grew to love one another, and with every child they've given each other, their love became stronger.
The older of the Stark twins, Robb Stark, was a Tully in appearance but was as spirited as a wolf. He would take every chance he could get to sneak away from his lessons to follow his Father around like the pup he is and try to imitate him whenever the Warden would teach his soldiers how to wield a sword. This amused many people as well as irritate a certain Maester.
The second child, first daughter, and younger of the twins, was named Lyra Stark, in honor of her grandmother. She was truly a Stark with her dark hair and grey eyes that have that magical way of melting hearts. Though slightly shorter than her brother, she was very quick on her feet whenever she ran around the castle.
The third child was Sansa Stark, and she definitely takes after her Mother with her red hair. Only 3 summers old and she was very attached to her parents and siblings. It was rare for the younger daughter to be parted from Catelyn even for a moment. Not that anyone complained.
Ser Barristan sighed in relaxation, relieved to be around true happiness the Starks bring compared to the cold loveless marriage between the King and Queen. The old knight was currently in the training yard assisting Rodrik with training the young soldiers. He was showing the Northerners drills that would improve their performance in battle.
The sound of a child grunting pulled his attention away from the boys to see little Lyra hiding in the shadows holding a wooden sword that was slightly bigger than herself. The little direwolf was trying to copy the drills with difficulty, but didn't look like she was giving up despite the sweat building up. Lyra was dressed in boys clothes, something she must've nicked off her brother for comfort over the dresses other girls wear.
Ser Barristan couldn't help but smile at the little girl, being reminded about another Stark girl who had the same preference for swords and boys clothing. 'Ned's sister, Lyanna.' was all his mind supplied, remembering that wild wolf of a noble woman who captured the prince's heart. Thinking about the tragic love that ended in heartbreak for everyone made his heart clench painfully. He continued staring at the little girl, noticing many similarities to the prince's lady love as Lyra swung at her invisible enemy.
"Lady Lyra!" Ser Barristan along with the other soldiers were interrupted by the appearance of Septa Mordane who stood at the entrance of the training yard, her eyes locked on Lyra who froze mid-swing at the sight of the Septa. Before anyone could react, Lyra dropped her wooden sword and dashed across the yard with her Septa yelling at her to come back. Trainees tripped over themselves and each other to avoid hurting the Warden's daughter who dodged and jumped over fallen soldiers to get away from Septa Mordane. Rodrik merely laughed as the boys groaned getting up while some spat dirt out of their mouths from the fall.
Lyra didn't stop running until she swept up into familiar arms that held her securely to their person, halting her from ever escaping. Looking into stormy grey eyes that resemble her own, she smiled, "Hello Father, how are you today?" she said, trying to charm her way out of punishment and boring lessons.
Ned sighed, holding her tightly as he walked around the yard, surveying the latest destruction she wrought, "I see you've wreaked havoc upon our soldiers again." he said, keeping the smile off his face as Lyra's victims dusted themselves off. These sons of the North are always looking forward to battle, but they can never withstand a wild spirit that is Lyra.
"I didn't mean to harm them, I just didn't want to be imprisoned by Septa Mordane for more of those awful torturous lessons anymore." Lyra said, smiling apologetically at the soldiers that waved at her in forgiveness while some shuffled away from her, as though she was a demon, making others laugh at them.
Ned chuckled as he adjusted his hold on the child, "I know you didn't mean to, but you can't keep running from your lessons because they are 'torturous.'" he scolded, failing to keep the smile off his face, remembering all the times Brandon and Lyanna ran from their lessons as well.
"She kept bullying me into how to stand, how to sit and how to act like a lady. I felt like a dog." Lyra said with a pout, "If I can stand without falling, then I should learn how to use a sword as my lessons instead." she begged her Lord Father, giving her the puppy look.
Ned put a great deal of effort to resist such persuasion, 'War was easier than daughters.' he thought to as he steeled himself against her charms, "I'm afraid I can't do that love, your Mother wants you to be a lady, she doesn't want you to get hurt." he said, remembering his Father having this kind of conversation with Lyanna.
"I won't get hurt if I learn how to defend myself. The guards won't always be there to protect me, so I have a right as a Northman to protect myself." she argued, trying to get Ned to see her side before she remembered, "Visenya Targaryen wielded the Valyrian Steel blade called Dark Sister and won many battles with her siblings Aegon the Conqueror and Rhaenys. She won those battles because she learned how to fight." she said, remembering her favorite historical figure that she wants become, minus the dragon.
Ned and anyone who heard the child held an impressed look at her knowledge. The Lord of Winterfell sighed, "While I'm impressed with how you recite a chapter from Westeros History, I simply cannot abide by your request to become a warrior. Besides, you're still too young." he added, trying his hardest to dissuade the child from learning how to fight.
"Robb's about to start his lesson with Rodrik and he's the same age as me." Lyra said, remembering her brother who excitedly told her that he was about to start his training.
"Well, he's the next Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, and he needs to start early so that he's prepared to defend our home if such an occasion arrives." Ned explained, though he felt like he was getting nowhere as Lyra looked at him seriously, "Then shouldn't I learn how to defend our home as well?" she asked, staring at him directly in the eye with her grey eyes that flickered a different shade with her mood.
At that, he lost all words meant to counter Lyra's question, there was so much of his sister in this child that he forgot for a second that this was Lyra and not Lyanna before him.
Lyra smiled as she patted him on the shoulder, "Think it over and show me the basics tomorrow please." she said as Septa Mordane approached them, displeased with how one of her charges ran away from her.
Ned let out a breath as he set her down, patting her head as the Septa took her hand in hers, "I'll talk with your Mother. Now apologize to Septa Mordane." he ordered, Lyra nodded before turning to the Septa and apologized before the two of them went back to the lessons. Ned let out a deep sigh before his eyes turned to anyone who was watching them, making them return to their duties or training.
Ser Barristan approached him with an amused smile on his face, "You were defeated by a little girl of seven summers." having witnessed their interaction with intrigue, never once taking his eyes off the two who resemble each other the most. Yet there was something else in the girl's expression that was painfully familiar to him.
Ned turned to the knight before shaking his head, "I only pray to the Old Gods that the next one won't be wanting to fight as well." he said, though knowing his luck, those prayers won't be answered.
"For your sake, I hope so too." Ser Barristan said with a smile as he clapped the Warden on the back, "Why don't we take a walk, I'll be leaving in the morning and I want to enjoy this while it lasts." he said before the two of them walked together towards the Godswood. They stood before the Weirwood tree, the carved face staring at them as the knight sat on a root in front of the tree.
"Is there something you wanted to talk to me about? Is it about the King?" Ned had to ask since the last time they spoke to each other, the Warden wanted Robert to execute Tywin Lannister for the deaths of Princess Rhaenys and Prince Aegon. Which didn't end on a good note seeing how Robert looked satisfied at the dragon children's death.
Ser Barristan shook his head, "No, it's not about Robert." he said, leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees, his eyes staring at Ned intensely, "Ned, I'll only ask this once and for the sake of my own soul, I want you to answer me honestly. If you can do that, then I vow never to repeat it to Robert or anyone who might use this against you." he said as Ned's eyes widened at the request before he asked the most heart stopping question, "Are you the one who saved Princess Lyanna's child?" The Warden of the North felt his stomach drop at what this respected knight might've suspected.
After a long silence, Ned asked, "Do you swear? You will never let these words pass your lips to anyone who will want my family's lives." The knight nodded, "I swear by all that is holy and right that this conversation never happened." he swore as the Northman took a deep breath and answered, "Lyra's real name is Lyaerys Targaryen." he said, cutting the air like a knife with that secret.
Ser Barristan stayed silent for a moment before a smile crawled onto his face, "The dragon in wolf's skin." he said, pride filling his voice, peace filling him to the core knowing that Rhaegar's and Lyanna's child lives.
Ned smiled at the phrase that he and Catelyn are familiar with considering they refer to Lyra as such when no one can hear the Lord and Lady. "I've committed treason against the crown for harboring an enemy's child." he said, looking down at the pond that had steam rolling off the surface.
"As far as anyone concerned, you're protecting the crown...the real crown." Ser Barristan said, making Ned look up at the knight who smiled at him encouragingly before standing back up with a grunt, "With the way thing are in the Capital, I fear we are speeding closer to destruction. With Robert as King, I don't think Westeros will survive for much longer. We can hold out for maybe another decade, but with the Lannisters taking control of the throne. Gods help us." he said, directing his last sentence at the tree, as though actually were listening to them.
Ned kept his eyes on the knight, unsure if he made the right decision by telling him, "Everytime I take my eyes off her, I fear that someone will come and take her. Then everyone on Winterfell will die at the King's hand." he said, doubting himself as a Father who's greatest burden is the fear of what will befall their child if they make one mistake.
"Then teach her how to fight." Ser Barristan said, urging the Northern Lord to teach the child, "I fear she will be required to fight whether you like it or not. She's the princess, Westeros' last living heir." he urged further, wanting Ned to see reason if they want the Seven Kingdoms to survive.
"There are still two more." Ned said, referring to the last two Targaryen children who escaped Robert's wrath. "Young Prince Viserys is heir to the Seven Kingdoms should he ever return. If he dies before that happens, then his younger brother will come for the throne." he added, the future being uncertain for everyone who played their role in the Rebellion.
"And should the Mad King's sons not return to Westeros, the Princess Lyaerys will rule it in their place." Ser Barristan said, listing another possibility that they are gambling with before he added, "War is coming Ned, we don't know which one she will fight in, but will be fight for everyone. You need to prepare her for the worst that is to come. I'm sworn to Robert, but in my heart, I'm sworn to protect Rhaegar's heir."
Ned's face lit up as an idea came up, "Maybe you still can." he began, leaving the other confused Ned explained, "You won't be sworn to King Robert forever if the Lannisters do take control over Westeros and they'll weed out anyone that threatens their rule." he paused as Ser Barristan realized what was being said, what might possibly happen to him in the long run, "They'll dismiss me."
Ned nodded, "Should that time come, you must find the princes. If they prove to not have madness like their father before them, then you must bring them back to Westeros."
Ser Barristan nodded in return, "We know our roles in this Game then." he held his hand out for Eddard to shake, "For Westeros." Ned grasped his hand, "For Westeros." he confirmed, sealing the deal for the war to come.
End Flashback
"That's how I got here in the first place." Ser Barristan said, finishing his tale as Aegon and Jorah looked shell shocked at this revelation.
"All these years, Robert's greatest ally was a secret Targaryen supporter." Jorah said, his respect for the Warden of the North becoming ten fold.
Aegon felt happy and excited to know the existence of Lyaerys, even more so upon learning that it was Ned Stark who planned this out for them both, for Westeros. "I can't wait to meet her." he said, his voice above a whisper as he imagined what she looked like.
"Your Grace," Ser Jorah began, "she sits on the Iron Throne, the very thing you wish to claim. If she is as Ser Barristan described her, and if the people support her, then you must be willing to share it with her. A King and a Queen." Ser Jorah added, Aegon turning to the other man, realizing what he means with that sentence.
Aegon nodded, "I knew I would be needing to marry for political reasons, and this one is most beneficial for everyone." he said, happy that he didn't have to sift through noble women in order to find his ideal political match when it's sitting there on the Iron Throne, waiting for him.
"Um," Ser Barristan hummed, making the dragon and bear turn to him in question, "there's one thing you should know."
Flashback
"I'm not getting married and you can't make me! If they even try to make their wife, I'll cut them down with a sword like slicing a cake!" Lyra's voice filled the castle after Septa Mordane explained to her the reason why she must act like a lady. Everyone who heard it either laughed or stayed silent, Ser Barristan included. "Gods help anyone who tries to marry her."
