Chapter 3

Niklas Baratheon

He read the weathered book carefully and raised his eyebrows when he saw some of the descriptions. With all the talk of this supposed Dragon Queen he was fascinated by the idea. The thing about magic was that it had existed but died years ago. From all the ancient books in the castle's library, which no one used but him, it became clear that magic was something completely different than he had initially thought. Magic was like the sky, enveloping the world and tying every person together. That's why when magic starts to fade in one place, it fades everywhere.

"You shouldn't get caught reading such books, it looks suspicious." Linnea commented as she casually sat across from him in a comfortable chair.

Niklas didn't look up, "Please, tell me how you escaped the grips of the Tyrell's to get here?"

"Lady Margaery dismissed me to quote "stop being so rigid." Not to mention the fact that the sun has not even risen yet. " she rolled her eyes.

He smirked, "She's interesting, isn't she?"

"Yes, but the thing about interesting girls is that they often have more to them than you think." Linnea wisely quipped.

That was true, he would give her that. For a supposed bastard daughter, his confidant certainly had wisdom.

"Pray tell, what you have found out about this tyrant." he finally set the book down.

The blonde girl met his glowing teal eyes with steely blue ones of her own, "Nothing and that worries me."

"Yes, nice girls are a rather terrible crime." he replied.

She shook her head, "Women like that always have something to hide, if she hides it from even her closest servant it means she's clever."

"You're paranoid." he waved his hand.

Linnea stared him down in a way that made him wholly uncomfortable.

"You used to be paranoid but she's lulled you into this false comfort." the handmaiden commented wisely. "It would be foolish to trust a Tyrell."

If he were another man, he would be furious at his companion knocking him down multiple pegs. However, he was Niklas Baratheon and although he held the famous Baratheon fury he was more level-headed than his ancestors. He trusted Linnea and if she found doubt he would have to heed her warnings. Yet, the question did come to mind how she knew the Tyrell's history so well.

"It seems strange that you have such opinions on a high House." Niklas leaned back in his chair.

She rolled her eyes, "I may be a street girl but even we know things about what happens in the high and mighty castles of Westeros. Even, some words on Essos."

"Speaking of Essos, do you know the safest passage to that dreaded place?" he smoothly changed the subject.

She shrugged, "I don't know from the sea after leaving from the city port."

"No, I believe Dorne to Lys, to Essos would be the most efficient." he pointed to the map hung on the ceiling of the library.

Linnea gave him a doubtful look, "Dorne? I doubt they would accept anyone related to the Lannisters too warmly and if you're so eager for Lys whores you can go to the brothels."

"As always you underestimate me." he smirked. "I feel as if you forget that I am a prince at times."

She replied, "Sorry, my prince."

Oh, the girl's sarcasm was both rude and entertaining.

"I've been reading in these books because magic may be alive again. If there is magic, we won't have to worry about something as minor as travel." he held up his book. "I'm going to have to do some investigating. I trust that you'll hide my tracks?"

She nodded, "Of course."

"Another thing, if you cannot get anything from the main source sometimes you must look for the creeks, the small outlets." he stood and straightened his shirt.

Niklas knew she would be smart enough to understand the meaning of his words.

"Where are you going, to one of your many suitors?" she asked with a teasing smile.

The prince rolled his eyes, "No, I'm going hunting and it's best in the woods before daybreak."

A thought seemed to come to her head.

"If I have to hear another word about how wonderful you are from the Tyrell party I will have no mercy."

"Linnea, in this world it is crucial to be kind because it is the right thing. And doing the right thing often leads to good things for yourself."

"Yes, but to others you are nothing but that image. They cannot possibly understand who you truly are, Prince Niklas."

"An image is all you have to most, it's best to keep it pristine."

"Like a shirt."

"No, like a dagger."


Kingswood

Lord Tyrion Lannister

Niklas shushed him as he slipped off his majestic horse Red. He rolled his eyes and reached to his saddle for his wineskin when a sudden noise interrupted him. A stag just close enough to be in view was looking intently at them and looked tensed to attack.

"Uncle, if you even twitch the stag will be on us." Niklas spoke to him without movement. "I will act but you must stay calm."

He nodded instinctively at the comment and only realized seconds later that he had made the wrong choice when the beast came sprinting forward. His nephew immediately whirled around and threw a spear clean through the animal's center so it skid until it stopped just shy of his feet.

"Uncle Tyrion, I didn't want to kill the animal." his nephew looked upset as he crouched down to take the spear out.

He gave him a look as he slipped off his horse, "Yes, please regret killing a rabid animal to protect my life."

"It's not that, it's just that animals are kind. This one was just scared because we invaded his territory. He was just trying to protect his family." Niklas touched the large stag's antlers.

Tyrion really did love his nephew, he was one of the sweetest kids. However, he was a little strange. No fault of his own, probably his mother's fault.

"I don't get it." he bluntly stated.

The prince closed the eyes of the stag, "You've seen war, right uncle?"

"Yes, very briefly before you and my trusted friend Podrick got me out of that hellhole."

"When I went to Lord Tywin, I didn't know what to expect but I will tell you that it was a dark time. I realized that people are not always inherently good and when I look at animals they are. Animals are born with the innocence humanity lacks with growth and that's why it matters to me."

He knew that the war had changed Niklas but he hadn't calculated just how much the boy would change internally. What was the point of all his planning and worrying if he couldn't even help his own blood, especially his nephew.

"Do you know why else I decided we should go here?" Niklas somehow lifted the huge stag onto the cart behind his own horse.

Apparently, the prince didn't like anything dragging him behind and held the incredible Baratheon strength spoken of in folk songs.

"You like trees?" he tried to bring humor.

His handsome nephew smiled humorously, "No, I am looking for a sign that will lead me."

"Now, I am worried about your sanity."

The boy had gone loopy. Oh, that would be great to explain to Cersei. Hello dear sister, your son has gone mad under my watch, okay I've got to go get mad drunk now, tata.

"The Starks found direwolves before all of this war and terror happened. Apparently, the Targareyen has found dragons and her path changed." Niklas elaborated.

He gave him a look, "Wait, the girl has dragons?"

"Many here don't believe it and there are not very many who know. However, I believe it because it is felt in every inch of air. Something changed the second those dragons were born, it only took time before I noticed."

"Yes, but Niklas there seems to be a lack of grand magical creatures here."

"I know but if there was a sign it would be nice. If someone gets a dragon, I want something too."

Ah, there was the playful side of his nephew. He was afraid that war and death would change him but he still managed to hold his caring nature. Tyrion was sure that Niklas was feeling rather lost but he would never admit it.

He winked, "Maybe, you can get a goddess."

"No, a unicorn seems the best." Niklas smirked. "It's pretty and good at killing things."

He replied, "With kindness?"

"No, with a damned magical horn that can go through anything." the prince shot back.

They looked at each other for a split second after and a flood of laughter came out. It was nice, just relaxing in the woods and speaking with a boy he considered true family. He couldn't help but wonder if there would be many more moments like this.

"Well you know..." he started.

Niklas raised his hand and said in a low voice, "I heard something to the right, don't move. No nods, no anything."

"Okay." he whispered.

He watched as the knight crouched down and without a noise began to sprint towards the direction he heard something. Niklas was fluid and silent, a warrior style different than those commonly seen in Westeros. For the likes of Robert Baratheon it was all screams and the sound of an axe. At least, that was what he had heard. It wasn't quite like Ser Barristan either, the man was a great swordsman and warrior but this style was something else.

There was the loud sound, distinct sound of bones being crushed then silence.

"Uncle, I think we have our sign." Niklas walked out of a clearing.

He stuttered, "Wh...what?"

In response, the prince held up the small lion club in his arms. However, the startling part was the lion's snow white coat.

Now, that was a proper magical signal.


Lady Margaery Tyrell

"It's beautiful out today." she said.

Sansa who was walking next to her nodded, "Yes, the weather is very agreeable."

They were currently walking the path of the castle that led to a pleasant view of the sea. Margaery had decided that she liked Sansa. The girl was a companion easy to get along with and inherently sweet.

"Do you think things will be any different when we're both married?" Sansa asked curiously.

She smiled at the thought, "I think we'll both find our own ways to happiness."

"Yes, but you get a really nice husband and I get...him." the young wolf frowned.

Margaery nodded, "Yes, but I did say you would find things your own way. It's not always what you think it is but it is there."

"I heard Prince Niklas left early this morning." Sansa let her curiosity show.

She hid her own surprise, "Yes, he decided that he needed some time to himself."

Of course, he would not tell her of a sudden journey. Within most of the Seven Kingdoms, men could do anything they wanted without being questioned by their wives. However, Niklas was not some minor lord but a true gentleman and she didn't like the idea that he would keep things from her. No matter how small.

"I wish I could have your assurance and confidence." the red head wistfully sighed. "I feel so weak when compared to you."

She soothingly put a hand on the girl's back, "I am never as confident as I seem, I just act as if I am. My grandmother, she once told me that if you lead with confidence the world will follow."

"I rather like your grandmother." Sansa smiled.

She giggled, "Yes, and she likes you too."

Margaery didn't actually know that but she could assume. Her thorny grandmother was certainly a spitfire but hadn't showed any blatant dislike for the girl. For Olenna Tyrell, that was as good as a stamp of approval.

"And for your question before..." she turned to her.

Sansa tilted her head, "What?"

"What it would be like once we're grown." she explained. "I think that you and I will be just the same was we are now, friends. Does that make you feel any better of the future."

"Yes, because sometimes a good friend is better than a thousand kingdoms."

If only she thought the same.


The Castle

Tommen

He sprinted inside of his brother's room and immediately hugged Niklas.

"Brother, you're back!" he happily yelled.

Niklas laughed, "Yes, sorry we took a whole day but the stag was heavy."

"Yes, he got the stag with a single throw of his mighty arm." Uncle Tyrion replied from his spot by the window.

His eyes went wide, "Really?"

"Yes and one day it will be you with the mighty arm, taking down beasts." his brother winked.

He shook his head, "I don't think I could kill something."

"That's even better." Niklas ruffled his hair.

He loved his brother so much! Joffrey was cruel and scary but Niklas always helped him. When he grew up he wanted to be just like him!

A whining sound came from the bathroom and he curiously turned his head.

"What's that?" he asked. "It kind of sounds like a cat."

Niklas gave a look to uncle, "Nothing, it must have been a pipe or the wind."

"No, I heard it." he insisted.

Suddenly, the door of the bathroom burst open and a small animal came rushing out. He was surprised to realize that it was a lion cub with snowy fur.

"What is that?" he asked.

Uncle approached him and gently took his arm, "Tommen, this is a beast we found in Kingswood."

"His name is Pan and he's very nice." Niklas held the cub to his chest. "He's very nice but shy like you."

He smiled, "Can I hold him?"

"Yes, of course."

Tommen gently held the animal and smiled when Pan nuzzled further into his chest.

"The thing is you can't tell anyone about Pan." Niklas got on his knee so they were eye to eye. "If you do, Joffrey may do what he did to Ginger."

He frowned, remembering the way his cruel brother had skinned the cat he had nurtured carefully since its birth.

"I promise I won't." he nodded solemnly.

Niklas grinned, "Thank you, Tommen. Pan is a white lion like in the fairytales. His species is also called the Holy Lion because they were said to be relatives of the gods."

"I didn't know they were real." he thought back to the fairytales his brother used to recite to him at night as a young boy.

His brother winked, "Well, it seems as if Pan is the last of his kind and do you remember what they said about Holy Lions in the tales?"

"They only let those with good hearts near." he recalled.

"Yes, and you are one of the best hearts here so you can play with Pan whenever you want but it has to be here." Uncle said.

He replied, "Okay."

"We really need to make sure this keeps private, a new helper in my wing is needed." Niklas commented.

Uncle asked, "Is something wrong with the one you have currently?"

"She just seems less trustworthy. I'll go into the city to get some special things for Pan and you two please take care of him." Niklas said.

He hugged Pan tightly, "Okay."

His brother was the best.


Flea Bottom

Prince Niklas Baratheon

He covered his face with the dirty rags he kept around when he wanted privacy in the city. When he was around five, he had snuck off into Flea Bottom out of sheer curiosity. Looking back, it was a surprise no harm had come to him because he knew that the city was a dark place. That's when he started to realize the tricks to blend in. First, the clothes: a cloak, dirty boots, and creased clothes. Second, the attitude: no eye contact, no smiling.

If it wasn't for his new pet he wouldn't even be here.

"Get away from my cart, boy." the baker barked.

Niklas slyly looked away from the street and noticed a boy dressed in ripped rags glaring at the baker. The man was cruel and he didn't understand why a hating soul would open a business.

"I can't even walk by?" the boy's interesting accent caught his attention.

The baker replied, "Not if you're a street rat looking to steal. I've seen you around here, always snooping around."

"I work, unlike you. All you do is make your wife do everything." he spat back.

Niklas decided to intervene before the boy would get beat.

"Here, I'll buy all you have but leave the boy alone. " he threw dragons at the baker while covering his face.

The greedy man accepted the money and ignored the boy immediately.

He turned to him, "Hey, take a walk with me."

"...okay."

Niklas led the stranger that he realized was a teenage boy, maybe a year or two younger than Joffrey. They stopped in an alleyway free of beggars and others.

"Why did you help me?"

"First, tell me your name."

"Rydan."

"No last name?"

"No, I'm a nobody."

He turned to the boy and grabbed him by the shoulders.

"Rydan, a man is more than a name. Ser Barristan rose to be the greatest swordsman in the land with strength. King Robert, may he rest in peace, was just a Lord before he took the kingdom and fell into a disgusting lifestyle. A man, no a hero, is more than a name but what he does."

Rydan gave him a startled look. "Who are you to say such things?"

"At least when you're a nobody you can make yourself something. Some with a name must erase everything about themselves and build again." he stared at something far away.

"That doesn't answer my question."

Instead of answering he suddenly struck out his fist at Rydan and smirked when the boy raised a knife instantly to block him. Niklas grabbed the small knife at the hilt and threw it on the far end of the alley. Rydan had speed with his small frame but he lacked core strength. He was not a hulking mass like the Mountain but he was muscular and lean for strength as well as speed. It had taken his whole life to transform his body for a proper warrior, that and endless training.

He flipped Rydan over and pinned him down with an arm.

"Prince Niklas Danier Baratheon the first but to you, your new swordsmaster."


Personal Chambers

Queen Regent Cersei Lannister

"Why are you allowing my son to bring chaos to the castle?" she asked as soon as Tyrion walked in.

Cersei rarely called on her younger sibling but when it came to her son she was more than willing to face to imp.

"What do you mean?" he asked innocently.

She glared, "His new servant, the boy. He forced me to allow his old servant to work in the kitchens."

She could've sworn that he seemed to relax a bit.

"What does it matter if his servant isn't perfect?" Tyrion immediately went to the liquor on her table.

She gave him a tasteful look, "He is the Prince and should have servants that are Lord's sons not scum."

"Yes, but that is for regular princes and Niklas is no regular man."

"I let the other girl, Linna or something pass because she's some lowly lords fourth daughter. However, this is where I draw the line."

Her sibling sipped her favorite wine calmly before setting the glass down.

"Fine, then why don't you do something about it?" he countered. "It's not like you to just complain about something like this. Normally, you would already have the girl shamed and out the door."

Of course, she couldn't just throw the scum out. Niklas would be upset and she had already sensed him drawing away because of Margaery. Another argument and he would be fully away from her control. And she didn't like to have him angry at her.

"Exactly, so the next time you have a problem with Niklas discuss it with him. He is not a boy anymore, he won't just turn over as you manipulate his life." Tyrion continued coldly.

She glared, "He is my son, I protected him."

"He certainly didn't think he was being protected when his favorite caretaker died because of your jealousy." the dwarf reminded. "Or when that handmaiden he had a crush on at nine suddenly disappeared."

Cersei laughed bitterly, "What would you know about protecting children?"

"I don't protect Niklas, I teach him to face his problems. He is strong because I and Robert for all his flaws refused to baby him. The creation of your 'care' is Joffrey and he is nothing like Niklas."

She slapped the wine in his hands to the ground, "They are both my sons!"

Niklas was her son and he was everything good about her. She refused to have it said that she was some corruption in his life, she loved him.

"Fine, but your son is a man that does not need guidance." he wiped the wine off his shirt. "And speaking of his becoming a man, I have handled the situation."

She glared, "What does that mean?"

"I'll be hiring the best that hostels have to offer for Niklas." Tyrion answered.

He immediately bit his tongue after his slip up and a worried look came over him.

Anger washed over her again and she prepared to scream at him when a thought struck her. This may be the chance she needed to poke a hole in the relationship he had with the Tyrell. She remembered that prickle that came from the realization her husband wasn't faithful and if Margaery Tyrell truly was as similar to her as they said, the girl would not stand for it.

However, she didn't want her sweet boy being corrupted.

...decisions, decisions.


West Wing

Prince Niklas Baratheon

"What is it that I must see so urgently in my quarters?" he asked Rydan as they walked down the halls of his personal wing.

The teenager shrugged, "I don't know but Lord Tyrion just told me it would be good for you."

"Now I can only worry." he smartly replied.

They made it to the door of his chambers and found Ser Bronn waiting.

"Lord Tyrion would like your servant's help with some work, Prince Niklas." the man bowed with an unrefined air.

He nodded, "Permission granted and he is not a servant but my squire and aid."

"Of course." Ser Bronn replied.

Niklas gave one last look to Rydan and entered his chambers. He raised an eyebrow when he saw two pretty girls with minimal clothing on his bed. The sound of his door being barricaded quickly confirmed his suspicions. His uncle probably thought he was being too high strung after their hunting trip and probably had Tommen take Pan to a secret passage. Ser Bronn then told Rydan to go ahead so he could quickly block the door without the interference of his trusted squire. Huh, nice plan.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, my lady." he turned to the girl on the left.

She smiled seductively, "Yes, it is and I am no lady, just Ros."

Ros had been the one to trick him into Linnea's room, similar to his situation at the moment. It was an insult to his pride that he had been tricked twice in similar ways.

"Your name?" he politely inquired to the other girl.

She answered, "Daisy."

Niklas calmly walked to his set of alcohol.

"Would you two like anything?" he asked as he poured himself a glass of scotch.

Ros approached him from behind, "Just you."

He remained placid as she hugged him from behind and drew soothing circles in his chest.

"I'm sorry but I am intended for another." he caught her hand and gently led her to sit back on the bed.

Daisy pouted, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I loved my father but I never liked his penchant for infidelity. I would much rather not follow in his footsteps." he sat down in a chair in front of his bed.

Ros seemed to drop her seductress act, "You're interesting, no one's refused me in my whole career."

"I think you're very beautiful along with Daisy but I believe in the old fashioned ways." Niklas sipped his drink.

Daisy blew out air, "Figures, the one time I get someone hot he's actually a loyal type."

He watched in amusement as the younger looking girl padded over to the table and grabbed a wine skin.

"You're marrying Margaery Tyrell, right?" Ros asked him.

He nodded, "Yes, she is my intended."

The two prostitutes shared a knowing look.

"Is there anything I should know?" he asked.

Ros hesitated, "Do you promise this whole conversation will be kept secret?"

"Only if you promise as well." he leaned back in his chair.

She nodded, "Okay, the word in our ring of whores is that Margaery is not a virgin. Apparently, she's slept with a number of men."

Niklas frowned and set his glass down as he pondered over the girl's words. He wasn't completely innocent, evidenced by his err...sexual dreams. However, he had never even thought the girl he was to marry wouldn't wait.

"Interesting." he hid his emotions. "How do you know this is true?"

Daisy shrugged, "A girl from the Tyrell area is a horrible gossip. Apparently, one of her clients was bragging of his conquest in his drunken state."

"Is it common for you to hear such things?" he asked.

Ros nodded, "Yes, drunk men with good sex have the biggest mouths."

"How do you sleep with men so despicable?" he couldn't help the words tumbling from his mouth.

Daisy sipped her wine, "You just ignore whatever's happening and imagine something better. Most of us are born into this life and some choose it. Girls with no big family name can only hope to be some lowly kitchen girl of a lord who will most likely fuck you anyway. At least as a whore, we chose our inevitable fate."

Her honesty was startling because Linnea was one of the girls she spoke of. He had thought saving one girl was enough but there were so many he had not even considered.

"I think you are more than what you think because a typical whore would not be so wise." he gave her a gentle smile.

Ros smirked, "Do you ever stop being so perfect?"

"Perfection doesn't exist, only effort."


Daeneyrs Targaryen

She watched as Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah whispered to one another at the head of the ship. They seemed to be using the view as an excuse to whisper to each other. Daeneyrs' day had already been horrible with that sorry excuse for a man Krazyns. The fool thought she did not understand his tongue but she took her heritage more serious than most.

More disruptions would have to be settled quickly.

"Is there a reason why you two are being so secretive?" she approached them with her head held high.

Jorah bowed, "No, Khaleesi."

"We were just speaking of the eldest Baratheon Prince and did not want to disturb you." Ser Barristan explained.

She felt her curiosity grow, "I do not know much of the Baratheons."

"Prince Niklas is the eldest of Robert Baratheon's sons and a very kind man. I actually aided in raising him his whole life and became his sword instructor." the older man stared at the sea. "Niklas, he's the White Knight, a boy meant to be a hero. He would've been a great king that would have asked you, my queen, to meet him."

Jorah scoffed, "He's a Baratheon, he probably has the same prejudice as his father."

"No, he once mentioned to his father that the Targaryen's murders were wrong. It was the first time his father laid a hand on him." Ser Barristan frowned.

"He seems very unique." she commented after some silence.

The former Kingsguard smiled proudly, "Niklas isn't a beast like the rest of his bastard family, he's moral. It's his kindness that always seemed like a weakness to others. He thought of everyone's wellbeing but himself."

"Prince Niklas also has the love of the Westeros people, making him a powerful ally." her constant companion pointed out.

She turned to the white haired man, "Could he be an ally?"

"No, he's too loyal and his family has him fooled." Barristan sighed. "Niklas is a handsome kid, he's probably grown taller since the last time I've seen him."

Daenyrs could tell from the way the knight spoke of him that this Niklas was something different. She couldn't help but think that he sounded like something out of a fairytale.

"This is him." he handed her a folded paper.

It was a sketch of a man about twenty smiling charmingly. His face was strong and masculine. Even, she could admit that he was handsome but there was something about him that made her stare. It might have been his glowing blue green eyes that shined like stars.

"Are his eyes really like that?" she couldn't help but ask.

Ser Barristan smiled, "Aye, his eyes were the things that girls always swooned about but he was too focused on training to ever notice. I could tell days worth of stories about Niklas."

"And I would like to hear them." she smiled kindly.

The aged warrior lit up at her words, "Once, the boy was barely five and he got it in his head that he was going to save a princess. His little sister wasn't born yet so there was a shortage."

Daeneyrs smiled for the first time in a while as Ser Barristan told her tales of Prince Niklas. There was something more to her interest as well, like she was falling for this image she had of him.

An image, certainly was a dangerous thing.


AN: This chapter might be a little rushed because I really wanted to get it to you guys. Thank you so much for the support! I have read the reviews and think the idea of including Arianne would be interesting.

Do you like the inclusion of Dany's point of view? Please tell me what you think of the chapter!