-o0o-

"Land Ho!"

The chorus of the Ironborn shiphands swept toward my ears on the wind. I smiled as the land met my eyes. Dragonstone is a beautiful place, the color of ashes and soot. The queen's dragons circled around the top of the towers, somehow I felt they understand the significance of the place and it's namesake.

How I longed to connect with one of the dragons again. To reach out with my mind and sink into the ancient being. No one but I can understand how much the beasts truly understand. Their connection with their mother runs deeper than even she knows.

"Where are we going," I asked Daenerys.

We were supposed to be going to spar but she was taking me on a journey. Past the pit was an open area that seemed to be our destination. Her lips twitched with a small smile and I knew we were doing something unorthodox.

"I want to see how well you get along with my dragons. My children are a better judge of character than I am," she said casually.

We stood in the middle of the opening, lookingup at the sky. The dragons circled around us getting lower with each pass. My heart pounded in chest. I was admittedly afraid of how they would receive me. My actions before coming here were very suspect. My loyalties were not the best and still aren't.

I jumped back as the largest of the bunch landed a few meters away from me. Daenerys walked up to the beast without any hesitation. She caressed his jaw gently and looked back at me curiously.

"Come and meet Drogon."

I heaved a breath, cursing at myself quietly. The closer I got, the more antsy he became. His lips pulled back over his teeth threatening when I finally came close enough to touch him. I was literally shaking. I could feel his heat radiating towards me, but I admired his new armor.

"He hasn't eaten me yet. That's good, right," I said tightly, staring into the eyes of the mythical beast. Daenerys chuckled under her breath and stepped back.

"I haven't told him to."

"Oh gods," I whispered.

I stood in front of Drogon, cursing Dany for virtually leaving me alone. A growl built inside his chest as I reached toward him. I pulled my hand back quickly, eyes as wide as saucers. It's funny how I'm not afraid to kill anyone but one beast can turn me into a child.

"I am Aries of House Blackheart," I said quietly. I thought maybe talking to him like a person would help. The growl dimmished slightly. "I like wine and women. I like to dance and sing and fight...I like Daenerys."

Drogon's growl increased and he roared, the force of it blowing my hair back. Even through my fear, I stood my ground, looking into the embers of his throat. Without any warning, I felt my mind pull away from me and reach out to him. My eyes glossed over immediately.

The first new feeling I experienced was the heat. It was almost unbearable before I relaxed into the feeling. Through his eyes, I saw myself standing completely still. I saw Daenerys standing a few feet behind me, staring in awe.

Inside the mind of Drogon were so many varying memories and feelings. He loved his mother, of that I was certain. He loved his brother just the same. It wasn't that he was her pet, like I once thought. He followed her because of the bond they shared. She is one of them. A dragon in her own right.

At first, Drogon did not accept me being in his body. His mind rebelled and tried to fight me out. Without any other ideas in mind, I began playing images of his mother's face in his mind over and over. Eventually he allowed me to fully connect, seeing me as no threat.

I stretched out his wings carefully, feeling more powerful than I ever have before. I never wanted to leave him, I realized. Having all of this power was addictive. However, I had already taken too long.

I pulled out of his mind gently and fell back into my body. I sucked a in deep breath, trying to get used to the cooler sensation. I don't think I will ever feel the same after that. I almost squealed like a hog when Drogon nudged his large nose up against my stomach. I was not expecting that at all.

"Whoa, hold on," I grunted, stumbling backwards. Thankfully, Daenerys caught me before I fell. She turned me around, staring at me in confusion.

"How," Daenerys asked, looking in between Drogon and I. A smile twitched at my lips. I had cheated a little bit but I couldn't tell her that. I found no desire to tell anyone about what I could do. Only my mother knew and I wanted to keep it that way.

"I don't know. I really don't know," I said softly, looking into Drogon's dark eyes. They reminded me of my own. Questions came flooding into my mind.

Why do I have this gift? Where do I come from?

A hand clasped me on my shoulder hard and I tensed up. Grey Worm had a serious look on his face.

"What is it," I asked. I found it easier to speak to him in Low Valyrian. He spoke easier in that tongue than the common tongue.

"The Queen will row onto the beach with the soldiers. She wants you as her guard," he said, before bowing deeply. I watched him leave and chuckled under my breath. He was all business, but I liked that about him.

On the small row boat, I felt awkward around Daenerys. Knowing what I knew and knowing what I gave up for my own selfish reasons made it hard to be around her. But, I calmed myself and readied for a fight. There was so much more to worry about than a love that would never flourish and grow. I am not the first to love her and I won't be the last.

I followed behind Daenerys closely, eyes shifting towards the shadows vigilantly. They way she admired every little detail of the land didn't escape my notice. A wave of warmth for her washed over me and I swallowed down the lump in my throat. I could understand how she felt, if only partially. Maybe one day I will be able to go back to where I came from.

Once we entered the castle, I didn't sense any looming danger. I didn't lower my guard either. I continued on following the queen diligently, watching ahead of her. Tyrion walked to our left, admiring the decor.

"It feels... foriegn. I expected to feel at home," Daenerys said as we made our way into the drawing room. I remained silent, still feeling awkward around her.

"That is understandable. The last time you were here you were just being born," Tyrion said quietly, running his fingers over the intricate designs on the wall.

I stood next to the door with my sword at my side, watching them examine the large table. I wondered how old it was. How many people have stood before it and planned out the demise of the people in power? Aegon the Conqueror and his sister wives come to mind. If he can see his descendent now I hope he is proud.

"Shall we begin," Daenerys said, looking at us expectantly. I paused for a second, feeling slightly nervous about everything coming together. However, I took a deep breath and remembered myself.

I sheathed my sword and walked over to the table confidently. Now is not the time to break down and become weak. The only way I can get where I want is to have a just ruler on the throne. She is here and now it's time to ensure her dominance, to give the Seven Kingdoms the best era they've ever seen.

"We shall. Let's get the counsel in here."

-o0o-

The discussion that ensued was beyond frustrating. Yara wanted to ambush King's Landing, mainly because she was in a rush to marry Daenerys. Ellaria wanted to to do the same but kill Cersei in a particularly painful way. Lady Olenna wanted to rain dragon fire down on the Red Keep.

However, Daenerys, Tyrion, and I wouldn't have that. We seemed to be the only people with strategy in mind. Tyrion detailed his idea of taking Casterly Rock. It was an okay plan but it didn't account for any Lannister ploys that would surely be in place.

I suggested the taking of the Twins instead. It was slightly due to my own hatred of Walder Frey, but it made sense. The Frey's are loyal to the Lannisters. Wiping out their house and taking the Twins would give a pathway to Daenerys' army. She could march in unannounced and give a surprise attack. And the Lannister soldiers Cersei would send to secure the castles would perish in a whisper.

They took me advice but pressed on with taking Casterly Rock. Daenerys decided that she would send a horde of Dothraki to take the Twins and Greyworm with his Unsullied to Casterly Rock. Almost immediately, I volunteered to act the commander of her Dothraki. Having them ride in screaming would be terrifying but I want to surprise and massacre them.

Daenerys didn't take it so well.

"What are trying to prove? I know you are a formidable opponent and a worthy strategist. You don't have to risk your life," she said, seemingly annoyed. I continued to strap up my boots and weapons, readying to leave as soon as possible.

"I have nothing to prove Daenerys. I'm simply trying to help you take the throne as quickly as possible. Not to mention, I've been bored out of my mind for a long time," I said, tying up my hair into a tight bun.

Daenerys groaned behind me, tapping her fingers on the table. It was almost laughable how annoyed she was about me leaving.

"You are the most irritating person I've ever met, Aries."

I smirked at her and kneeled down in front of her seat. "Then you shouldn't be worried about me, right? Shouldn't you be spending time with your bethrothed?"

Daenerys grabbed my jaw roughly and pulled me close to her. Her breath tickled across my lips. "If you die, I will find a way to bring you back so I can feed you to Drogon. Do you understand?"

My lips pulled upward into an amused grin as her eyes flicked to my lips. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't ever touch her again. So when she leaned forward to kiss me, I pulled away quickly, leaving her perplexed.

"Worry about your bethrothed, not me, your grace."

With that, I walked out of my new room without looking back. All the while I could feel her eyes on my back. The entire journey out of the castle was a rush. The excitement thrumming through me was palpable. I wouldn't be alone alone on the road, far from it, but I would be on the road.

Another adventure for Lady Blackheart. Another horde of gifts to give to the Stranger. What Daenerys didn't know was that I wouldn't be back for a while. This mission was my chance to take care of things my way. All of this planning and strategy is nice and all, but nothing works like a bit of assassination and debauchery.

The first target should be...interesting.