A/N: I'm hoping to finish this with two more chapters. Thanks for the reviews and encouragement

EDDARD

Eddard Stark's anger had not cooled despite the long leagues between Winterfell and Kings Landing. Arya's letter remained on his person and every time he read it he felt his initial rage anew. He took my sister from me and now he thinks to treat my daughter in this way? It did not matter that the letter laid the blame on the princess and the queen. The king had a duty.

Hostages are to be treated gently. I did what was required of me.

Prince Aegon met them and it seemed to Ned that he almost fawned over them. His eagerness to please only confirmed the guilt of the royal family. Ned remembered Robert before he died and how his friend spoke of Targaryens. The blame then fell at the feet of Aerys and Rhaegar. Rhaegar made promises after the war ended.

His word means nothing.

The fierce embrace between Jon and Aegon reminded Ned of another promise. He thought of his sister as she lay dying. Promise me Ned, she had whispered. He had tried to keep that promise but seeing Jon in Kings Landing and the way he spoke with the crown prince made him feel like a failure.

He should have remained in the North. Lyanna did not want her son in this place.

"Lord Eddard," Prince Aegon said pleasantly as they entered the Red Keep. "May I offer you and your men refreshment?"

Ned gave him a cool look and the prince flushed. There might have been more said if he had not heard a cry and turned to see Arya running towards them. She launched herself at Jon, almost knocking him off balance and wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

"I missed you."

Jon returned the embrace and his smile was pleased even though Ned could see he knew it to be improper.

"I missed you too little cousin," he said quietly. Arya loosened her grip and regained her own footing. She cupped Jon's face in her hands and looked him over with a furrowed brow. Jon took hold of her hands with an indulgent smile and shook his head. "I'm not hurt Arya."

Arya let go of him and frowned.

"You better not be."

Seeing the two of them exchanging affection was bittersweet. She is even more like Lyanna now. Arya turned her attention to him, her smile almost appearing shy. She wore her hair quite loose and it was shorter than he remembered. She was dressed in a jerkin and leathers and it seemed so very her that Ned was surprised. I thought they might try to change her. Her dark grey eyes were the same though they seemed wiser and saddened. She and Jon appeared similar in that regard.

Jon mourns the brother who died in his absence.

"Father," she said softly. "I am sorry I did not greet you. I was with Princess Rhaenys and the babe and I did not hear of your arrival until late. She has not dealt well with Prince Aemon's death."

Arya's expression showed that she too was affected. She still seemed rather less unhappy than he might have expected given her letter. Ned gave her a stiff smile. He did not like the crown prince witnessing their greeting and he wondered if her words hid some message.

"I am pleased to see you appearing so well Arya."

A flicker of what seemed like confusion crossed her face. She opened her mouth then glanced about the yard and closed it again.

"We must speak father. I think you misunderstand."

Ned thought he understood well enough until she beckoned for them to follow into the castle. Prince Aegon hesitated but a gesture from Arya brought him along quickly enough. He seemed a little agitated when he glanced at Ned. Arya put a hand on the prince's arm.

"Why did the king send you?"

The prince glanced at Ned uncertainly.

"I volunteered."

Ned frowned to see Arya's hand lingering on Aegon's arm.

"Stupid," she hissed but the way her mouth quirked into a little smile told Ned she harboured no anger. "Why didn't you do as I said?"

Aegon moved just enough that Arya's hand fell away. Arya will befriend anybody, Ned told himself. His daughter made mention of the prince in her letters. Bran had noted they had a friendship after attending the tourney. It need not mean anything.

He caught Jon's eye and saw his nephew watching Arya. His long face had become very still and when Ned looked to his daughter again he knew he was wrong. Arya cocked her head, clearly waiting for an answer and the prince smiled brightly

"You only said I must be surprised and I am."

Aegon bent to whisper in her ear and when he stood tall again they shared a look. A smile played about the prince's lips and Arya almost seemed to have forgotten anybody else was there. Ned felt the fear grip him as it had twenty years earlier. Prince Aegon began to carry himself rather more as he did when they last met. Arya drew closer to Jon but Ned's eyes had been opened and he knew that Jon saw it too.

Jon is angry.

They stopped at the Maidenvault. Aegon gave a command and the servants present hurried to obey.

"I trust you will be comfortable here my lord," the prince said politely.

Ned frowned at Arya. She was looking from him to Jon to Aegon. She bit her lip. Ned could not help but think their accommodations to be a cruel jape. Jon clearly thought so too.

"I must speak with my brother," he said in a low voice tinged with anger.

"You can't," Arya interjected, a note of desperation in her voice. "You only just got here. Stay with me. Prince Aegon will wait a little while." She looked to the prince who nodded.

"We will sup later Jon. We have much to speak of."

He took his leave and Ned watched him, the fury still threatening to choke him. Arya's tugging at his sleeve caught his attention.

"Let us go inside father. I have much to tell you."

Ned looked into her face, the face he loved so dearly. She seemed to be pleading with her eyes even though she said no more. He sighed.

"Very well then, lead the way."

It is even worse than I imagined.


Arya all but ordered him to sit in the solar and Ned obeyed. At another time it might have amused him. Jon sat with him, a scowl on his face as Arya hurried back and forth giving orders to the servants. Her hands fluttered nervously but she spoke with confidence. A serving girl brought them wine and cheese but Ned ate little. He felt more weary than hungry.

"He promised me," Jon said sullenly.

Arya heard him and she stopped still. Ned saw the stubborn set of her jaw.

"Aegon did not break the promise."

Ned sighed.

"Sit with us sweet one."

Her smile made his chest tighten. She dropped gracefully into the seat beside him and immediately began to offer affection, kissing his cheek and patting his arm.

"I asked you here because I wanted the king to see you."

Ned clenched his jaw. "I plan for him to hear me as well as see me."

Arya shook her head. "I already told him father."

Ned listened to her tale of the games played and the attempt to have her punished. He knew some of it and he felt he knew enough but Arya insisted he hear it all. Her letter told him she no longer feared punishment. Hearing her tell of what she did in front of the king made him feel both pride and fear at the same time.

"The king might have cause to confine you."

Arya lifted her chin defiantly. "He won't. People will see me missing and too many questions will be asked. I have learned father."

Jon had remained silent but now he spoke.

"Where does Aegon fit into this?"

Arya smiled briefly then bit her lip again. "Aegon tried to warn me. He saw what they intended before I did and he supported me in front of his father and the queen." She scowled. "I was stupid not to see earlier but it makes no matter now." She touched Ned's arm again. "I am glad you are here father. I have missed you terribly."

She appeared so very innocent. Ned wanted to take her back North with him away from those who would hurt her. The thought of her suffering pained him.

"I have missed you too. What is this I hear about betrothals?"

Arya flushed but she appeared rather more angry than embarrassed.

"The princess hates me. The queen does too. They will do anything to have me gone but I won't let them. I told the king. I am not their play thing. I don't want to marry the queen's brother. They want to make me."

Ned knew Tywin Lannister's work. This had his mark on it. The realm knew of his younger son. Finding a match of suitable birth was always going to be difficult.

"You need not fear sweet one. That match is a mistake. I will have it undone."

Arya's face lit up.

"I knew you wouldn't make me." She pressed a kiss to his cheek and took his hand. "Did you read what I wrote in my letter?" She almost sounded timid. "I want to choose."

Ned braced himself. Jon interjected.

"Brynden Blackwood is still fond of you little cousin. He is a good man. He fought by my side against the outlaws. I seem to recall you were not averse to him."

Ned remembered the same. He smoothed Arya's untidy hair and dared to hope but his daughter wore a stony expression.

"I like Ser Brynden well enough but I have no wish to marry him. I don't want him."

Jon looked at her warily and Ned wanted to ask him to say no more but it was no use.

"Who do you want?"

Arya refused to look at either of them. Ned closed his eyes and put his head in his hands. He heard chairs scrape and Jon and Arya talking in hushed voices to one another across the room and when he finally looked up Arya was clinging to Jon with a pleading expression on her face. Ned cleared his throat and Arya turned to look at him. Jon pulled free and strode angrily to the door.

"Let him be Arya," Ned told her gently.

Arya blinked rapidly and returned to his side. "Jon has never been wroth with me before."

Ned pulled her down gently to sit with him again.

"He is not angry with you now."

Arya looked at him with wide eyes.

"Aegon did not make me do anything. We did not intend any harm."

Ned kissed her brow and held her. She is a child-woman. He did not let her go even though he feared she might not take his next words well.

"Did Prince Aegon extract promises from you?" Arya shook her head and Ned took another deep breath. "Did he make you promises?"

Arya frowned. "I'm not stupid father. I know he is promised to his sister. He doesn't want her. He told the king and that is when I went to Dragonstone." She smiled. "I liked being one of Rhaenys' ladies much better. Rhaenys lets me be me."

Ned wanted to be relieved. It is not the same as Lyanna. He still needed answers. He needed to know how far things had gone. First he knew he must see the father and then the son.

I must demand an explanation from Rhaegar. He owes me that.

JON

Aegon at least had the grace to appear guilty when Jon gained entry to his chambers.

"I have been knighted," Jon said stiffly.

Aegon looked a little wary.

"I expected you might be."

Jon stood looking at him. His brother was always more comely. He received every advantage. Everything he ever wished for people hurried to give it to him. Jon never resented him for it, not truly, not until now.

"I swore my oaths," he said trying to keep his voice level. "I meant every word."

Aegon looked shamed.

"Jon-"

"She is like a sister to me, more so than Visenya or Rhaenys. Did you mean it at all?"

Aegon tried to reach for him and Jon shook him off. His brother's shoulders slumped.

"I meant it. I did not know she cared for me. I never intended-"

"You have everything," Jon spat. "You could have anybody."

Aegon took a few paces back and ran his fingers through his silvery gold hair. He winced a little.

Good, Jon thought. I hope he ripped some out.

"Nobody is like Arya," Aegon said weakly. "You know this. She is dear to both of us."

Jon eyed his brother angrily.

"I will challenge you for taking her honour."

He did not know how he expected Aegon to react but his brother paled.

"What has Arya told you?"

Jon paced, still angry.

"Arya defends you. She did not want me here. She wanted me to wait until she might join us."

Aegon gave a sharp laugh.

"She hoped to calm you so you might listen, brother. I did not dishonour her."

Jon stopped. Aegon approached him, looking a little wary.

"I would make her your sister in truth. I even asked father." He grimaced. "Father sent her away after that. She and Rhaenys found a way back."

Jon knew why Arya and Rhaenys returned. I should have returned earlier. Part of him would always wonder if he might have been able to prevent it. Aemon listened to him sometimes. He knew he wasn't good with horses and most certainly not after drinking.

"Whatever Aemon did he did not deserve that."

Aegon's guilty expression gave way to a scowl.

"I never claimed he did. He was still our brother. I mourned him."

Jon did not want to think of it any more. He wanted to dwell on his anger and not his grief.

"You are marrying our sister. Father will never consent to setting aside the betrothal."

Aegon fell silent for a moment. Jon did not like his brother's expression. He had seen that look before and it meant trouble.

"I am no longer interested in father's consent. I only need Arya to be willing. She offers me hope. I believe she wishes to show me the Wall and beyond. It sounds like fun."

Jon remembered the letters, the plots his brother was engaged in and the promise the king extracted from Jon. He knew despite his anger that Arya would be better for Aegon than Visenya. He expected his brother might be better for Arya but to do it this way, to consider marrying in secret, it just did not seem right.

"You have a duty."

Aegon glowered.

"You and I must discuss what duty truly means. If we still disagree after you have heard all then you may still challenge me if you wish." He dropped into a chair and gestured for Jon to join him. "I shall beat you and the outcome will be the same."

Jon moved slowly to join him.

"Do not be so certain Aegon," he warned. "I have been at war with outlaws and it is some time since you faced me."

Aegon smiled disarmingly.

"I have missed your optimism in the training yard. I have not enjoyed it half so much in your absence."

Jon was not prepared to relent, not yet. He remembered Aegon's confession about Arya in court but Jon had been absent too long and his brother had tried to take the one thing that was most precious to him.

He told me I did not need to fear him.

"Say what you wish to say."


Jon visited the godswood after dinner. He stayed there for some time, thinking of all Aegon told him. He wanted to ask his uncle about it but his uncle was with the king. He thought of the oaths he swore in front of Ser Arthur but that was no help.

No matter what I do I am breaking a promise to somebody.

"Jon?" Arya sounded timid. She had approached so quietly he did not hear her. "Are you still angry with me?" Jon sighed and shook his head. She was by his side in an instant, raining kisses on him and putting her arms around him. "I did not mean to disappoint you."

He mussed her already untidy hair.

"You haven't disappointed me. You just grew up even more while I was gone." He sighed. "I suppose that is the disappointment."

Arya laughed. "That is stupid."

They sat quietly for a little. Jon looked at the heart tree. It truly did not seem right after being back in Winterfell even for a short visit.

"At least it is somebody you like," Arya mumbled against his shoulder. "Imagine if I chose Elmar Frey."

Jon snorted. "You would never choose Elmar Frey." He hesitated only a moment longer before making her look at him. "Elmar did not make me a promise."

"I made him break it," Arya blurted.

Jon sighed. "I suspected as much after speaking with him."

It changes nothing. A promise is a promise.

Arya was going to be stubborn. He could see that. He knew when he thought about it that Arya was strong willed. He knew that she was not coerced by Aegon. Her smile in court, the way she had looked at Aegon even before Jon left, stayed with him. Aegon's betrayal still cut deep.

Arya will only keep pleading with me if I show I am still angered.

She took his hand. "Will you help me speak to father?"

They had always been allies. Arya was looking at him with hope in her dark grey eyes, Stark eyes like his and like his mother's must have been. He did not like to deny her anything.

"Your father will not hear it Arya."

My uncle has even more reason to resist it.

Arya did not like his answer. She frowned and he could tell she would not let it rest. He thought quickly.

"You have not asked me about my time away."

It had the desired effect. Arya's frown disappeared and her face became animated.

"Tell me everything about the outlaws. I want to know all."

As he began she moved back into her former position, her head resting on his shoulder. They spoke until very late. Jon was surprised nobody came searching but he supposed Ser Barristan might see them off. The knight never seemed far from Arya.

"It is your fault you know," she told him, just before they parted. "You made me see how decent he was."

Jon made himself smile.

"I'm not taking blame for that. I know you and you would have befriended him anyway."

Arya began to walk away. "You are probably right."

"I am definitely right."

EDDARD

The king welcomed him with a smile which did not meet his eyes. Ned noted Rhaegar seemed to have aged markedly even in the year since they had parted. He took a knee even though he did not wish to. The king did not remark upon his cold demeanour.

"I am glad you are here Lord Stark."

Ned could not hide his surprise as he sat in the place the king indicated.

"I am not glad to be here your grace. I have heard disturbing tales of the court."

Rhaegar grimaced.

"Well you might. That was unfortunate my lord. I have taken measures to see that there is no recurrence."

Ned's anger was not assuaged.

"Threatening to behead my daughter for treason is something far more than unfortunate your grace."

Rhaegar frowned.

"There was never to be any harm done to Lady Arya. I have counselled both the queen and princess for their part. My daughter is spirited as is yours. They both said words which were not intended."

Ned bit back his response. It hardly compares to Visenya. He also did not doubt Arya meant every word she uttered.

"My daughter's betrothal is a matter for me to decide your grace. This promise made to Lord Tywin must be undone. It is not fitting to promise her without my consent."

His words were met with silence. Ned thought at first the king meant to refuse him. Rhaegar rose to pour wine into a goblet and set it before him. Ned looked at it and dearly wanted to decline. He only drank a little.

"It would be best if you made a suitable match for Lady Arya immediately. Her continued presence here is not without trouble."

Ned met his gaze.

"You refer to Prince Aegon."

Rhaegar expression darkened.

"My son is becoming increasingly reckless. The decisions I have made are not easy but they are right. They are what will be needed. Rhaenys had her way but the others, the other two must not be divided. I trust you are aware of the vows of the Night's Watch?"

Ned nodded though he failed to see the relevance.

Rhaegar smiled thinly. "Do you know the reason?"

Ned hesitated. "Duty must come before all else."

The king inclined his head.

"My uncle Aemon on the Wall says love is the bane of duty. Aegon cannot wed your daughter no matter how much he pleads with me for it to be so. He thinks it will make him happy but sacrifices must be made so that he might be ready. She has no part in the war to come. The first Aegon and his sisters showed what was necessary. They must be joined only to one another so that they may focus on what is needed."

It is all about that thrice-damned prophecy.

Ned's first thought was that Rhaegar was as mad as his father. His second was to wonder at the king confirming Aegon's request to marry Arya. He had thought it to be simply a story the prince told Arya. It was something men did. It was something Brandon might have done.

"Do you know the extent of the prince's regard for my daughter your grace?"

The king appeared amused for the first time since Ned met him all those years earlier.

"Aegon is not in the habit of deflowering maidens." His amusement faded. "He has other pursuits he enjoys, horses and hawking. His mother's kin encourage it."

The king began to look melancholy, a sight Ned was far more used to. He should feel shame at Princess Elia's memory. Ned wondered how Rhaegar managed to look upon Arya without thinking of what he had done to the realm. All to sire a daughter who never was a daughter at all.

"With respect, I will not send my daughter away to be wed simply because her presence troubles you your grace." He gave Rhaegar a pointed look. "She is still only a child."

The king had the grace to flush.

"You must do as you think best my lord. I trust that you will not encourage Aegon's interest."

Ned took a swallow of wine to try to hide his outrage and almost choked on it. He set the goblet down roughly.

"I have never meddled with betrothals your grace." He rose and faced the king once more, grateful to see that Rhaegar at least understood him. The king reached for his own goblet.

"Keep her with you during your visit my lord. I'm sure it will put your mind at ease."

Ned stared at him, knowing that the king did not intend it as a favour. Twenty years has changed nothing. He could only assume that the king did not talk openly of the prophecy. After Aerys such talk was sure to raise alarm. Rhaegar met his gaze again seeming weighed down and miserable.

"Do you have something else you wish to say my lord?"

Ned had plenty more he wished to say but nothing which might be of use. He took his leave, no less angered than he had been when he entered.

The Others take you Rhaegar Targaryen.

AEGON

Jon had not calmed but he no longer appeared determined to inflict violence. Despite Aegon's jape he had no desire to fight his brother. He would have done so but he did not wish to. He did not want to fall out with his brother over Arya. Thankfully Jon seemed resigned to it even if his anger remained evident.

"I love you both but this will not end well," he had said the last time they spoke.

Aegon waited for Lord Stark to seek an audience with him. He knew that Lord Eddard spoke with his father. The waiting now was agony. He finally broke and made his way to the Maidenvault. Lord Eddard seemed less cold but he only admitted Aegon reluctantly. When Aegon stepped into the room Arya was seated and frowning at a letter. When she saw Aegon she smiled and jumped to her feet. Lord Eddard did not smile.

"Arya, I believe Syrio is waiting for you."

The look Arya gave her father was a familiar one. Aegon spotted the defiance in her expression but it did not last and Arya obeyed. She still hesitated as she drew near him and Aegon knew she wished to express some sentiment. She turned to her father.

"I want the two of you to be friends."

For a moment he thought Lord Eddard might laugh. The solemn Warden of the North seemed in some difficulty but he composed himself.

"Be gone Arya. We will speak again later."

Aegon watched her leave, wishing she might stay to help him with this. He remained standing. Lord Stark did the same.

"I wished to send you a raven my lord," he began.

Lord Eddard offered only stiff courtesy. "What might that raven have contained my prince."

Aegon felt his face grow warm.

"I did not approve of the way certain of my family treated Lady Arya."

Lord Eddard simply gave the slightest of nods. His dark grey eyes, like Arya's but less lively, offered no encouragement.

"I am aware," he replied.

Aegon took a deep breath and forged on.

"I hoped to ask your approval to a match with your daughter."

Lord Eddard sighed heavily. He looked at Aegon for a long while before pulling out a chair and inviting Aegon to sit.

"I have spoken with the king. You are betrothed and will wed soon. I cannot encourage your pursuit of Arya my prince. I will not."

It was not unexpected but the disappointment still felt sour.

"This match with my sister is a mistake. Visenya is not-"

Aegon tried to think of a way to say it but he knew it was not proper to discuss his family in this way. Lord Stark seemed to soften. Aegon saw pity in his eyes.

"I thank you for coming to me Prince Aegon. Arya has also spoken to me. It will serve no good purpose for either of you in dwelling upon this. I must ask you to keep away."

Aegon was not used to the lords of the realm giving him orders. He found he did not like it.

"I do not wish to keep away my lord."

Lord Eddard became cold again.

"Arya is still young and may be forgiven. You are not. The last time one of your family pursued one of mine it did not end well."

That was the final straw for Aegon.

"I am not interested in the prophecy," he said angrily. "I am not my father. If anything will cause deaths it will be this marriage he is so set on. I am not a fool. I know what is at stake. My uncle Doran has counselled me well."

Lord Eddard looked a little startled.

"You have communicated this to Dorne?"

Aegon wished he could take it back but it was too late now. Rhaenys will be wroth with me.

"They are my mother's kin," he said stiffly. "I write them often."

Eddard Stark shook his head.

"House Lannister and House Martell might easily end up in opposition. You play a dangerous game my prince."

Aegon did not wish to back down.

"Others played it first. I am merely defending myself. Arya is not as young as you think she is."

Lord Eddard stiffened. Aegon noticed his knuckles had turned white where he gripped the table.

"Arya is the same age as Lyanna was."

Aegon understood.

"I have no intention of her sharing her Aunt's fate. I wish to have her by my side." He smiled. "She speaks so fondly of Winterfell and her hope that I might see it."

Eddard Stark seemed so very tired.

"People in our positions have responsibilities. Jon formed his own attachment while in the North. He knew well enough not to pursue it."

Aegon had heard. In the midst of their discussion of duty Lady Alys Karstark was mentioned. Their father would not allow it, of that Aegon was certain.

Jon is to pay for father's insistence on me marrying Visenya.

"Sometimes our responsibilities are not at odds with what we want," he said stubbornly.

Lord Eddard grimaced.

"I cannot give you my blessing."

Aegon rose to take his leave.

"I did not expect you would my lord."

He might not have given his blessing but he did not forbid it either.


Rhaenys was angry, angrier than he had seen her in some time. Aegon held his nephew in his lap and hoped the boy did not understand the curses his sister uttered.

"You had your way Rhaenys."

She spun around, her dark eyes looking rather too much like uncle Oberyn's.

"It was not without difficulty. I cannot believe father tried to send me away. At the least I must be allowed to properly mourn our brother."

Aegon frowned as Aelyx wiped his sticky hands on his clean doublet.

"What have I just been marked with?"

Rhaenys didn't even look at him.

"Arya keeps giving him lemon cakes. They are her sister's favourite and it seems Aelyx has taken a liking to them too. The pastry ends up everywhere but I cannot bring myself to stop it."

Aegon grinned.

"You always say I need to show more restraint. Father accepted you will not travel while with child?"

Rhaenys calmed.

"He knows it to be an excuse but I said it in front of too many people. He risked looking as though he did not care for my welfare. I did not expect to have to use the excuse."

Aegon saw Aelyx trying to reach for something and leaned over to retrieve it.

"You still like this?"

The baby looked delighted with the woven dragon doll. It kept him busy and Aegon put him down to give his sister his full attention.

"You do know it is Cersei. She does not wish me to have allies. Our cousins are fortunate to have the wedding as a pretext for being here."

Rhaenys pulled a face.

"I tried that but father thinks he has found dragon eggs. He wanted me to retrieve them."

Aegon sighed.

"It would be nice to have a dragon. I asked him again to invite the high lords to the wedding. He sent ravens but it is for a feast and tourney afterwards. Anybody might think he feared me jilting our sweet sister."

Rhaenys' grin was wicked.

"It makes no matter if they arrive for an event to be held shortly after. By then it will be too late."

Aegon wished he shared his sister's confidence.

"Jon still harbours doubts."

Rhaenys wrinkled her nose.

"Which part does he doubt?"

"All of it," Aegon conceded, "but mostly he does not think well of my plan to marry Arya."

"He is not good at this. He puts too much stock in honour. I hope he will not tell."

"I trust him," Aegon said quickly. "He brings Lords Tully and Arryn with him. The Vale required little intervention. Harry will sleep better."

Rhaenys eyed him warily.

"What of Arya?"

Aegon sighed.

"She is all that remains. Her father's presence is a blessing and a curse. He loves me not."

Rhaenys closed the gap between them and pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

"I believe her affection for you will win out. I am proof, am I not?"

Aegon did not wish to upset her by pointing out the differences between her and their uncle and his affection toward Arya so he kept silent. She took it as him still doubting and shook her head.

"Lady Arya will not give you up to our sister and she will not concede to wed another. You must know this."

He knew the latter to be true but Arya always kept him guessing. It was one of the things he liked about her. He just hoped it would not bring them problems now.

ARYA

Arya was happy to be close to her father but she knew why they moved her to the Maidenvault. They do not want me near Aegon. She wondered if it meant she might be able to return North to Winterfell. Those hopes were dashed when she overheard her father speaking with Jory.

"I still have some hope she might warm to the Blackwood boy. He would treat her well and it is a good match."

Arya made certain they did not know she heard and took herself to her chambers. She would not cry. Wolves did not cry. Her father was not listening. She wanted to choose. They weren't going to let her go home. Cersei had been right after all.

Father is going to send me off to a lordling to be a lady in his castle.

It was exactly what she said she did not want. Her father looked wary when she asked leave to visit with Princess Rhaenys. He even sent a pair of his household guards with her.

"It is for your protection sweet one," he told her.

Arya wanted to tell him she did not need protection. She could protect herself. She had shown that. She did not bring her father south for this. He was supposed to help her. Ser Barristan still lingered close but he at least seemed sympathetic, even if he was one of the king's men.

She waited a while after her father spoke with Aegon to try to reason with him.

"You love my lady mother."

Her father looked very serious.

"I do. It was not always so. It took time. You will see."

Arya bit her lip and fussed with the skirt of the gown she wore to try to please him.

"I already had time father. Aegon and I have known one another for years."

Her father put on his lord's face.

"We have spoken of this Arya. You know it cannot be."

When they went riding together he frowned at her fussing over Dancer. The mare behaved just as Arya hoped.

"She was a wonderful gift father. I do not remember thanking you."

Her father became very quiet. Arya did not look at him, hoping he did not see that she knew who truly gave the horse. His voice gave no hint of suspicion.

"You have had her for years now."

Arya nodded. "She has often made me happy when I might not have been."

When they returned to the Red Keep her father shut himself away for a long while. Arya made use of the time to venture into the castle. She gave her guards the slip, moving quiet as a shadow until none could see her. Visenya and Aegon did not see her either.

"It will not be long now brother," Visenya said in a deceptively soft voice.

They stood together in one of the passageways. Arya hid in an alcove and watched. Visenya was beautiful in a deep green gown, the front made up of more lace than Arya thought decent. Visenya ran a hand down the front of Aegon's doublet.

"Everybody will know you are mine."

Aegon glared at her but said nothing, He did not push her away and Visenya left of her own accord, walking in the other direction and appearing satisfied. Aegon did not move straight away but when he did he passed close to Arya, his brows knitted together in annoyance. Arya reached out and caught his sleeve. He made an alarmed sound.

"It is me stupid," she whispered.

He ducked into the alcove with her, his alarm quickly replaced with a pleased expression.

"I did not expect to see you."

Arya touched his doublet as Visenya had and he moved closer, cupping her face and brushing his lips against hers. Arya took a firmer grip of the material.

"You will never be Visenya's."

His breath fanned warm against her face. His lips lingered only an inch away.

"Do you wish to claim me?"

Arya kissed him and his hands dropped to her waist. Her lips moved to his jaw and his neck the way he had kissed her once before. She heard his breathing becoming shallow and his hands at her back held her close.

"This isn't wise my love."

Arya didn't know what he meant until they parted and she saw what she had done to him. When he kissed her before the only tell tale sign was swollen lips. This time Aegon wore a red mark on his neck. It wasn't fading either.

"I'm not sorry," she said stubbornly.

Aegon laughed but she could see the worried lines on his forehead.

"Your father will not be pleased."

Arya knew she scowled.

"He wants me to marry Brynden Blackwood. I won't."

Aegon's frown deepened. He took hold of her hands. They stood together in the shadows for a moment in silence.

"Tell me of Winterfell again," Aegon finally said. "I want to hear more of you bathing in these hot springs."

She knew he was trying to distract her so she did not hit him for the wickedness of the thought behind his question. Instead she lost herself in happy memories of her childhood, of laughing and playing with her siblings at home. When they parted Aegon's frown was gone.

"One day I will go there."

Arya smiled, "Only if I take you."


"You caused some trouble little cousin."

Jon was visiting in the Maidenvault. Arya resisted the urge to tell him to stop saying she was little. He would only laugh. She waited for him to explain. He did not seem in a hurry.

"What did I do?"

Jon reddened. "You must know. The mark was very visible."

"Oh," she replied. Jon seemed to be waiting for something else from her. She pulled a face. "Visenya said he was hers. He isn't."

Jon sighed. "You do not know what you are doing."

That made Arya angry.

"Yes I do. I know father thinks he can send me to Raventree Hall. I don't want Ser Brynden."

Jon dropped his head in his hands, "Oh Arya."

He sounded so very like her father that Arya felt shamed for a moment. She reached out and mussed his hair the way he always did to her. It wasn't quite the same but he did lift his head and laugh.

"I could stay near you always," she told him shyly.

Jon groaned. "You really want this?"

Arya bit her lip.

"The wedding is only a week away. Father is speaking of leaving and the lords are arriving for the tourney after. The king won't let us even if father did say yes."

Jon tried to fix his mussed hair.

"Aegon has been talking madness," he said in a low voice. "I told him you would not be willing."

That made her annoyed all over again.

"You cannot say what I am willing to do."

Jon closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"I love both of you but it is going to be the end of me."

Arya hit him. "We are supposed to be going to the training yard together. I will see who ends who then."

Jon grinned.

"I will see that as a challenge."


They did not make it to the training yard. Arya wanted to use some of the lesser used passages she knew. It was very early and few people were around. Arya liked feeling as though she wasn't seen, the way Syrio taught her. They were not the only ones trying not to be seen. Arya heard the voices first and she clapped a hand over Jon's mouth as she made him halt. She did not know either person but that mattered less than what they said.

"They will not be wed for long. She'll only need him long enough to birth a son."

A harsh laugh echoed through the passage. "I'd be surprised if she keeps him that long."

"How many do you think have been paid so see that it is done?"

"Enough to be certain it happens. When it comes to a crown they don't hold back on the gold."

Arya could feel Jon's reaction and she hissed for him to stay quiet. They waited until the two men moved on. Arya noted the lions on their clothing.

"We have to tell my father," Jon said immediately. "I do not wish to lose another brother."

"He won't believe us," Arya said, feeling miserable and frightened. "You know he won't."

Jon looked stubborn. "We have to try."

They burst into the king's solar. Rhaegar was breaking his fast. He paused in cracking one of the two eggs on his plate. When he saw her he got that look Arya hated, the sad one as though she had ruined everything.

"The Lannisters are going to kill Aegon," Jon announced. "We heard them."

The king raised one silver eyebrow.

"Which Lannisters do you speak of?"

Jon paused. "I would know if I saw them again."

"It is Visenya," Arya told him. "I thought she might hurt him. She only wants Aegon to put a child in her."

The concern the king had shown, rather more than Arya had expected, faded.

"There will be no child. That is not why they are being wed." He gave them both an indulgent smile. "Aegon is well guarded. You need not worry. I will make certain further precautions are made."

"Father," Jon said stiffly.

The king raised a hand to silence him.

"I know what you think. I am not blind but what do you expect will happen if I were to accuse Lord Tywin?"

Jon fell silent and Arya watched the king carefully. I thought him to be stupid. He almost seemed to know what she was thinking because his eyes met hers.

"I have had far more experience in these matters. I will handle this but do not be afraid for Aegon. He is not fated to die in this way."

The moment of fleeting respect Arya felt faded in an instant. She bit back a retort and took hold of Jon's arm.

"We should leave the king to break his fast."

When they were safely away she saw that Jon's determination matched hers. Arya felt no confidence at all in the king keeping Aegon safe. They both began to hurry in the same direction.

"Rhaenys," they both said together.

Arya had to laugh, even with the worry she still felt. Jon joined her in it. They hurried to the princesses chambers in Maegor's Holdfast. Rhaenys almost seemed to expect them.

"We have to stop the wedding," Arya blurted when the door closed behind them.

Rhaenys smiled. "There is a way. It only needs you Lady Arya."

Her eyes met Jon's and Jon looked uncomfortable. He knows what it is. The princess disappeared briefly and reappeared holding a garment. It was a cloak emblazoned with the direwolf of Stark. It was a maiden's cloak.