ARGH! BEYOND happy right now! Comments at the bottom, ENJOY!
As Jaime Lannister walked to his sister's chambers, Euron Greyjoy once again crossed paths with him. The Iron Islander gave him a mocking smile as he strode in the other direction, a swing in his step as he went. Jaime growled lowly under his breath. He did not like the presence of that little cunt. Not in King's Landing, and not near Cersei. As far as he was concerned, Greyjoys should stay on their barren little islands, and leave the rest of Westeros alone.
He nodded at the guards to either side of the door before knocking loudly. Qyburn opened the door a moment later.
"Yes?" he asked Jaime, ignoring customs and titles.
"I wish to speak with my sister," Jaime said as rudely as the man was to him.
"The Queen is resting, she wishes not to be disturbed," the former maester answered in a mocking tone. Jaime felt his anger rising, but he remained calm.
"Oh, I think she will want to hear this. Besides, I won't let a little disgraced shit like you keep me from seeing my sister," he added in a low tone. Qyburn's face darkened, but he let Jaime in. Cersei was sat on a chair by the window, staring out onto the city. She did not look at him as she started speaking.
"I am tired, Jaime. Whatever bad news you have, I am sure they can wait," she said, taking a long sip from her goblet. Jaime furrowed his brows.
"I'm afraid they can't wait. And you might like them, after all," he answered, and that got her attention. She looked at him and gestured to the seat next to hers. Jaime however, turned around and looked at Qyburn, who was hovering by the door.
"He stays. Whatever you have to tell me, he should know as well. He is my Hand, after all," Cersei said teasingly. Jaime sighed and finally sat down.
"We have had word from Highgarden. Samaya Tyrell rode off on her dragon and returned two days later telling the people that the Army of the Dead was real," he reported. Cersei snorted dismissively.
"Let her, why would that be of any interest to me?" she asked in a bitter tone. The topic of the older Tyrell girl was still a thorn in her eye.
"Well… she returned with Dark Sister, and the people… they bowed to her," Jaime answered and she looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"Dark Sister?" she mused, more to herself, than to him. Jaime rolled his eyes, Cersei had always been better with knowledge than him, but of course she would forget the name of a sword.
"Blackfyre and Dark Sister were the two Valyrian steel swords that Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wife Visenya brought to Westeros. Both were thought to be lost," he explained, and Cersei nodded.
"And she found one? Well, why would that matter to me?" she asked impatiently.
"Daenerys, who is a rightful Targaryen, did not find it. Samaya, who is a bastard, did. The people bowed to her, Cersei. It seems their alliance isn't as strong as we thought. Targaryens have a history of civil war, and if those two start squabbling, that puts us in a much better position," he explained. Silent recognition dawned on his sister's face, and she gave him a cunning smile.
"So the two Targaryen bitches can't decide which one should sit on the throne? Typical, they are children still. I am not threatened by them," she told him in a strong voice.
"After what happened on the Goldroad, you should be," Jaime replied. The events of that day were still etched into his inner eye, and he knew that even divided, dragons would kill them all.
"Well, it seems that they want to work with us, don't they? You brokered that little arrangement yourself, dear brother," Cersei was mocking him now.
"And if I thought you would actually agree to whatever they are proposing, I would not tell you this now," he replied in a dry tone. Jaime knew his sister too well to believe for a second that she would consider a peace treaty. He just hoped that whatever they were planning on doing, she would be convince of the threat in the North.
"I will listen to what they have to say. Doesn't mean I intend on calling off my armies. They came into our land! That bitch is putting her claim on a throne that hasn't been her family's for decades! I have worked hard, and I have lost almost everything to get to where I am. I will not sign this away," she told him furiously, pain etched on her face, but a dangerous glint in her eyes. Jaime shifted in his seat uncomfortably.
"Cersei… Tyrion believes in them. Samaya Tyrell returned with a legendary sword thought to be lost and believes in them. The North has united under Jon Snow, who was the first one to believe in them. This Army of the Dead is real, and if they make it past the Wall, I think we are all doomed," he said quietly, pleading with her. She let out a deep sigh and stood up.
"I believed in monsters too when I was a child. Thank you for your report, I would like to rest now," she said dismissively.
"Cersei…," Jaime started saying, but was interrupted.
"The Queen has to keep her strength, Ser Jaime. You should leave," Qyburn stepped up, gesturing to the door. Jaime looked at his sister once more, but she was already staring out the window again, ignoring the two men. With a heavy sigh, he got up and left her chambers. On the way back, he cursed himself, and he cursed Cersei, and that little weasel Qyburn. It seemed he was the only one that understood what all of this meant. Alas, his voice was not given any more recognition than if one of the kitchen girls had told Cersei.
As he returned to his sparse chambers and took off his armour, he made a decision. He loved Cersei, yes, but she was not the same girl he grew up with. If what they said really was true, and if she still refused, he would do the one thing that she could not ignore. He would leave her.
To my Queen and Sister,
I have safely returned to Highgarden and spoken to the people on your behalf. They cried out their support, and soon, the rest of the Seven Kingdoms will follow. On my way back, I stopped at Castle Black to deliver a message from Jon Snow. You will be delighted to hear that I have found the legendary Targaryen sword, Dark Sister, there. I firmly believe this is a sign of the legitimacy of your rule. I vow to keep it safe and present it to you at our next meeting. I look forward to your reply. Yours faithfully,
Samaya
Daenerys was sat alone in the council room, staring at the letter Varys had delivered earlier. She was utterly conflicted. Samaya's words soothed her, but the reports did not. Her whole life, Daenerys had fought hard to get to where she was, and she would not share the Iron Throne. She did not like that people saw Sam as the re-incarnation of the warrior sister-wife of Aegon.
The sound of a door creaking demanded her attention and she looked up to see Tyrion enter the room. Slowly, he walked closer, taking in the letter in her hand, and the look on her face.
"May I speak plainly?" he asked and waited for her approval. Daenerys nodded slightly.
"The people on this continent take to Samaya because she grew up here. They cheer at her, because they have seen her before. Barely any commoners have lain eyes on you yet; to them, you are a myth. The girl seems stubborn, yes, but from the moment I met her, I knew that it was not power she wanted," he said in a soothing voice. Daenerys searched his eyes for dishonesty, but could find none.
"What is it then that she wants?" she asked her Hand. Tyrion gave her a sad smile and sat down across from her.
"What so many noble girls want: Her freedom. And Samaya, she had to hide who she really was for years. Now, she can show her true face, but I think she is still struggling with finding her identity," he continued.
"Because I have not legitimised her yet?" the Queen voiced her suspicion. Tyrion nodded slowly.
"I do not think it has even occurred to her yet, but yes, I believe that might make it easier. She is not a true Tyrell, but also not a Hightower. Have you thought of how valuable she could be after this war is over?" he asked, his voice getting suggestive. Daenerys' eyes widened.
"What are you proposing?" she looked at him in confusion.
"If she is legitimised, you can marry her to someone who is either your ally, or who you wish to be. Alliances are not signed on paper, they are signed by marriage. Since you do not have any children yet…"
"I told you, I will never have children," she interrupted him sharply. Tyrion nodded and continued.
"Since you do not have children, she is your only 'leverage' in that regard," he finished. The Queen looked at him long and hard.
"I see your point. But even if I legitimise her and marry her off to some Lord, what happens when I die? She will be Queen," she concluded. Tyrion raised a brow at her.
"And why would that be a bad thing?" he asked. Daenerys looked away shortly, as if he had caught her off guard, but quickly composed herself again.
"You said yourself she does not desire power. I do not think she would be a good Queen," she concluded.
"Your sister is many things, and maybe you're right, she wouldn't be a good Queen, but I believe she would be a just one. Once again, I urge you to think about your succession. If anything happened to you, all of this would have been for nothing," he told her pleadingly. Daenerys clasped her hands in her lap and let her shoulders sag a little. All of a sudden, she looked like the young girl she should have been.
"I just feel like she is so much better than me at many things. She is a warrior, Tyrion. I have seen her spar in Meereen and here on Dragonstone. My dragon took to her like she had been the one to raise him. The people seem to adore her. And Jon Snow… he's in love with her," she told him quietly. Tyrion looked at her with surprise on his face. She was clearly being vulnerable, and he had not expected that of her at any point.
"Tell me, your Grace, did your sister free cities? Did she unite the Dothraki? Did she ride into battle on Drogon and scorched those who dared defy you?" he asked, and Daenerys shook her head ever so slightly.
"Exactly. She is a fighter, and I believe that she would be a great advisor. But you are the true diplomat here. The Unsullied and Dothraki are not here because you ordered them to, they are here because they would follow you anywhere," he told her, and she slowly nodded. His words were working, but she still seemed insecure and downtrodden.
"Samaya has her faults, trust me," he added, and she just replied with a dry snort.
"Is this… because of Jon Snow?" Tyrion then added, hoping he was not overstepping any boundaries. Her head shot up and she gave him a hard look.
"Why?" was the only thing she asked.
"You said he is in love with her. Does that bother you?" Tyrion did not give up. He had gotten himself in deep already, no need to back out now. Her shoulders finally straightened again and she looked every bit the Queen she was.
"It does not. Jon Snow has bent the knee, which is all I wanted from him. Now, I thank you for your council, I will take some of your words under consideration," she said in a strong voice, and Tyrion knew immediately that their little heart-to-heart was over. Slowly, he got up from the chair and walked to the door. Before leaving, he turned around and gave her a sympathetic look.
"When all of this is over, it would not hurt to further your alliance with the King in the North. Think about it, your Grace. If you have them marry, your sister will be far up North, where you won't have to see her unless you want to," he suggested in a quiet voice before he left her to all her thoughts.
Daenerys stared at the closed door for a long time. Was Tyrion right? Would that solve this stupid jealousy that had taken a hold of her? Could she trust Samaya enough to let her go? Or should she hold her close to keep an eye on her? As Drogon roared outside, and her gaze wandered from the wood to the flame crackling in the fireplace, she knew exactly what to do.
Samaya had donned a new travelling cloak as she departed from Highgarden a few days after the events beyond the Wall. The people had gathered once more to watch her fly away on Rhaegal's back, and many girls' eyes widened as they looked at the new garment.
It was a floor-length, black cloak, but unlike before, she had red and green embroidery running down the sides and arms. At her back, the two threads intertwined to form a fascinating pattern that looked as if the Tyrell rose had married the Targaryen dragon. Her hair, which was already way past her shoulders, was braided into a shield maiden's style, and at her hip, Dark Sister's hilt shone golden in the sunlight.
She mounted the dragon and took off to a few cheers, trying to ignore them. Something odd had happened upon her return, and Samaya did not like the whispers she picked up around Highgarden. These whispers that made her out to be a re-incarnation of a legendary warrior queen, she really did not like them at all.
Her sister had sent for her as promised, and she was supposed to meet her before the big gathering. Sam did not tell Rhaegal where to go, she was sure that he would find his mother and brother regardless. After some time flying over the lands of the Reach, he started descending, and she could see Drogon waiting for them in a massive clearing of the Kingswood. Both dragons started roaring in welcome, and Sam had to smile. As soon as she had gotten off his back, Rhaegal lunged over to his brother and they rubbed their heads against each other in a tender greeting.
"We should not keep them apart now that their brother is dead," she heard a voice then and turned around to see Daenerys standing there, observing the two dragons. Sam quickly walked over and bowed deep before her sister.
"Your Grace," she said in greeting, but as she lifted her head, she noticed the hard look in her sister's eyes.
"Show me the sword," Daenerys said, and Samaya was utterly confused. They had always hugged upon greeting, usually after she had addressed her in a royal manner. She tried to school her features and drew the sword, extending it to the Queen hilt-first.
Slowly, her sister took it into her own hand, staring at the fine work. Samaya had to bite her lip not to tell her that she was holding it wrong, but something had changed in her behaviour, and she did not want to risk angering her.
"They tried to explain to me why it was so magnificent, but it's beyond my imagination," her sister finally said, whispering the words in awe.
"It is yours," Samaya answered, swallowing hard. She had trained with the sword in Highgarden these past few days, and though she preferred archery, that sword almost outdid the Dragonbone weapon Rhaegar had bestowed upon her. It seemed to have a mind of its own, and when she swung at the dummy, it almost guided her arms and whole body. Sam had talked to maester Lomys about it, asking him if it was the ancient magic of Valyria, but he had no answer for her.
"We both know I am not a fighter. I want you to hold onto it for me," Daenerys then said, offering it back to her. Sam was baffled for a moment before she took it.
"Thank you, your Grace," she said quietly as she put it back into the scabbard at her hip. A hand landed on her shoulder, and she looked up to see Daenerys had finally come closer, wearing a warm smile on her face.
"It is good to see you again. I know this must be hard for you, but we have to show unity and strength," she said and Samaya nodded solemnly.
"What do you have in mind?" she asked and Daenerys sighed while her gaze wandered back to the dragons.
"I have sent almost all of my forces to King's Landing. By now, my advisors will have gathered with Cersei and her court at the dragonpit, waiting. I want us to fly in together, and you to dismount before me. Show them the sword, but keep it in its sheath. You will follow me at a distance when I start walking, and then stand behind my seat, quietly," she told Sam of her plan and followed it with a small smile.
"You want me to by your bodyguard?" Sam asked a little sceptical.
"No, I want to show them that you stand behind me, and my rule. Besides, I fear that as soon as Cersei sees you, she will want to tease you. Do not let yourself be provoked, do you understand?" Daenerys urged her. Samaya knew what she meant then. Her sharp tongue and short temper might anger Cersei, and they were not there to treat insults, but to talk about an alliance. Slowly, she nodded.
"I do," she answered her sister.
"Good. Jon Snow will demonstrate how to kill a wight. We are taking the one we brought from beyond the Wall and show them the horrors of them. I want you to stab it in the heart with Dark Sister," Daenerys explained.
"Jon Snow knows of this plan?" Samaya asked. Nothing was more dangerous than to surprise someone by suddenly drawing a sword, but actually meaning them no harm.
"Yes. It was his idea. They must have heard about your find, it is important that we show them that Targaryens are taking back what's theirs. What better way to do it than this?" the Queen said and Sam saw the point in her plan.
"There is something special about this sword, Daenerys…" Sam then started talking, but her sister shushed her.
"Yes, it is magnificent. That's why they need to see it. Now, we have to leave. They are waiting," she told her and after Sam only nodded, they walked towards the dragons. Daenerys stopped by Rhaegal and gave him a tender pet, but he seemed impatient, tossing his head towards Sam's direction. Her sister's face hardened and she mounted Drogon wordlessly. Together, they took off towards the capital and what would be either a genius, or a really bad idea.
Jon Snow had never felt more uncomfortable in his whole life. As he stood in the dragonpit amongst the people that had killed his family, he wished he were anywhere else. Cersei seemed to be extremely angry, and he felt a little bit of glee at that. No doubt had she wished to be the last to arrive, but Daenerys and Samaya were still absent.
On the way back from Eastwatch, he had tried talking to Daenerys, but she had shunned him a little. All the progress they had made before the expedition seems to have been futile when she had seen Sam and him. The Queen only started speaking to him again when they were planning this meeting. All the possible outcomes had been discussed among them and her advisors, and to his surprise, she had accepted his idea of Sam helping with his demonstration.
The tension was palpable as they all sat or stood there, waiting. Until finally, a loud cry filled the air around them, and dark shadows passed over the people that had gathered. A few of Cersei's men ducked in fear, and Jon saw sheer terror written on Jaime Lannister's face, but the dragons landed a good distance away from them in the former seats of the massive pit.
Drogon stretched his head and let out a great roar, as Samaya descended first. Jon had watched her elegantly slide of the back of Rhaegal, but this time, she jumped. Landing in the sand in a kneeling position and one hand on the floor to brace herself, she remained still for a few moments before she rose. Her black travel cloak parted as everybody saw the hilt of the Targaryen sword at her hip. He had seen her look stern and earnest before, but the look she gave them now was downright menacing. She straightened up and waited for her sister, who descended more elegantly than her. As Daenerys started walking, Samaya followed at a distance, her left hand resting on the hilt of Dark Sister, eyes fixed on Cersei. Jon, who had gotten up as many others, waited for them and only sat down once Daenerys had taken a seat. Samaya assumed her position behind her sister. Quickly, she gave Jon a sideward glance, and a barely noticeable nod. He nodded back solemnly, missing the exchange between Cersei and Daenerys.
His attention was back on the scene as Tyrion got up to start the negotiations, when rudely interrupted by Euron Greyjoy. It was pleasing to see how Tyrion shot him down with the help of Theon, though Jon assumed it must not be easy for the latter. Even though he hated Theon for what he did, he seemed to have changed around, and maybe, one day, he could forgive him for taking Winterfell and telling the world he'd killed Bran and Rickon.
Tyrion then continued his introduction, and it was instantly clear to everyone how much Cersei and he despised each other. When she questioned why they should band together, Jon knew it was his time to speak up.
"This isn't about living in harmony. It's just about living," he said as he walked into the middle of the platform. As he talked, he grew more unnerved by Cersei's response. He exhaled deeply as she started talking to Daenerys directly.
"If my brother Jaime has informed me correctly, you're asking me for a truce?" Cersei said.
"Yes. That's all," Daenerys replied in an arrogant tone. Jon cursed her inwardly. The way the Targaryen Queen was acting was not helping their cause.
"That's all? Pull back my armies and stand down while you go on your monster hunt. Or while you solidify and expand your position. Hard for me to know which it is with my armies pulled back until you return and march on my capital with four times the men. Your 'sister' here has taken back Highgarden, don't you think I know how many lost soldiers flock there every day?" Cersei said with venom in her voice, looking at Samaya with disgust.
"Your capital will be safe until the northern threat is dealt with. You have my word," Daenerys answered, ignoring the obvious jab at her sister.
"The word of a would-be usurper," Cersei replied, and thankfully, Tyrion stepped in. With kindness to his tone, he told them all that nothing could erase the last 50 years, but that they had something to show them. Jon stepped aside to give them a look at the Hound, dragging a heavy wooden box on his back.
As he put it down and pushed it over, gasps and screams filled the space as the wight started charging towards Cersei. Quick as a fox, the Hound grabbed the metal chain to hold it back just inches from the Lannister's face. Everybody watched in tense horror as he then proceeded to cut the creature in half, as well as sever one of its hands.
Jon walked up to the man that was looking at the moving hand with interest, and started telling them how to kill these creatures. He burned the hand with Ser Davos' help and then took out a dragonglass dagger.
"And we can destroy them with dragon glass," he said and walked over to the half-bodied creature writhing on the floor. Samaya then stepped up, drawing Dark Sister. While Jon held up the wight, Samaya spoke up.
"These are just their minions. Dragonglass does not kill their masters. Valyrian steel, however, does," she said in a strong voice and then plunged Dark Sister into the creature's heart. An eerie sound erupted, and the thing stopped moving as Jon dropped it to the floor. The pair shared a small look before turning back to Cersei, just as a familiar sound disrupted them. The thing on the floor had caught fire from thin air, and had started burning. Jon looked at Sam with surprise in his eyes. She, however, was looking at the sword in her hand. Jon knew he had told her enough about these creatures that she understood how unusual this incident was, and that it must be the sword. Quickly, she composed herself and started walking towards Cersei.
"I have enough reason to wage war against you, Cersei. But there is only one war that matters," she said gravely. Jon stepped up to her side and looked at Cersei.
"The Great War," he finished for her "And it is here."
Ok, first of all I am not necessarily happy with how close the story is to the actual show storyline, but I've come this far, I'll let it run with it.
Second, I cannot BELIEVE how invested you guys are! Your reviews and comments... I was close to tears when I read the last ones, because they follow my way of thinking EXACTLY. I am thrilled that you are so invested in my character, and that she seems to come across like I wanted her to. Here's a few special shout-outs, because seriously... I was so touched!
starfallen: I don't think I have to say any more to you but a huge THANK YOU! your reviews are so much appreciated, you have no idea! Also, i love your username!
Nicolaclair: thank you so much for being this excited! do let me know what you would do in Daenerys' shoes, I'm curious to hear!
StormNightSS: yes, I agree with you, D has gone through so much, so she will not give up easily! thank you for your comment!
Arianna Le Fay: oh, your reviews are also always so appreciated! thank you for being so invested and voicing your thoughts on this story! your last one almost made me cry! sounds like a speech of how they would announce her as Queen, rather than the whole 'Queen of the Andals' thing... thank you so much, really!
BeforexImxDead: roller coaster is exactly the way my writing goes... so many twists and turns, sometimes it has its own mind and goes somewhere I did not even see coming... And yes, I agree with you. One of the big problems I have with Queens like Daenerys is that they only command, they do not fight. Sitting on the back of a dragon is pretty impressive, yes, but all you have to do is hold on. But alas, we have not really seen Sam fight either except for that little incident with the Mountain. Trust me, though - the time will come! And yes, she is a little prone to the madness, as we've seen with the Tarlys... so let's wait and observe if it will come to play in this story ;)
and to all the guests: thank you for your funny, absurd, constructive, and urging reviews! I really do appreciate every single one, it is such a source of motivation!
And NOW, I have a question for all of you: Daenerys says in this one that she knows what to do with Samaya - ANY IDEAS! I already made up my mind, but what do you think it could be?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart once again! Much love!