Surprise! You may have given up on me returning to this. This epilogue is weird even for me. It's kinda like it's own little story. I just wanted to do these characters justice. I do not think i managed that but I have been working on this a really long time and have decided its not going to get any better. Also I am sorry its way long but believe it or not I cut alot! Anyways thank you so much for reading this story, thank you for all the amazing comments you gave me. I have a poll going for future story options if you are not sick of me. If you have an pairing for me not listed just message me. No oc's though. Anywho thanks for reading and let me know what you think.
Aegon lies awake in his bed, there was a cold breeze to the room. Still he was warm enough in the tender embrace of his queen. She was truly the love of his life and he took a great comfort in her steady breath but even that could not stop the feeling of dread he felt.
His wife's hand ran up and down his chest as she stirred. She shifted to get comfortable and still embrace him laying a soft kiss against his shoulder blade. "Did you get any rest." She asked concerned as only a thoughtful wife could be.
He took her slender dainty hand into his pale big one and laid a kiss to the back of her wrist. "I watched you sleep and that is the best kind of rest a man can get to watch the woman he loves safe and warm and at peace." He promised.
"My poet king." Rhaenys mused smiling up at him. "Pretty words won't run a kingdom."
"No, my wife does that." Aegon teased. In fact, though he was young he already had proven himself. First, he dealt with two problems nobody was truly thinking of. The number of boys sent to become maesters was always high as it was a good place for a meal and a place to stay as well as a good place to get rid of too many starving sons. Not all of them became Maesters and usually this kept there from being too many but as Aegon's regency ended there were more Maestor then the cidital knew what to do with and as they and their patrons the Hightower's could not support the large amount they turned to the crown.
Aegon's solution was simple the small folk never had proper medical care, he decided the crown would pay a small tax every year so that a number of Maestors could travel among the small folk and aid them. The Archmaester's agreed laughing how they outsmarted the 'boy' king. They were sure no Maestor would volunteer for Aegon's peasant quest and the crown would pay them for nothing.
However either for love of helping people or for the dragon glass chain link that was given for a year of such service by the king himself in the iron throne room; it became quickly so popular Aegon brought medicine and aid to his people. He was greatly loved for this by the peasants and when lords started requesting their maesters served the people before them because it was thought a Maestor who knew the people could better help a lord rule them so many maestors wanted to serve the poor there were not enough supplies and so far these traveling maestors had to carry their supplies with them. Aegon had the first house of healing built in kings landing for the use of the poor. It was quickly spread among the lords that if they wanted their young new kings favor they too would commission houses of healing in their lands and although some lords tried to out due each other in the houses of healing they would raise none that would compare to what Aegon had in store; his first house of healing was overrun with sick, two more opened in kings landing and were also swamped so then Aegon hired thousands of workers to turn the dragonpit into the largest house of healing in Westeroes. It would seem the sight of great failure for the Targaryens would turn into a great triumph.
Aegon was the most beloved king to the small folk since Baelor the blessed and they seemed more than happy to overlook his marriage because of the good he would do. But being loved by the small folk was not enough to secure a reign. The dragons fell because they had little numbers and friends while still acting like they were as invulnerable as they were when they rode dragons. While Aegon and Rhaenys were working on repopulating house Targaryen unlike their grandparents they had friends house Stark and House Martell first and foremost and with them all of the north and Dorne were at their disposal and Aegon was a handsome and charismatic with a joyful heart and smile and everyone who met him liked him but it was not enough to make Rhaenys feel her husband's reign secure. Though after Varys there was not an official master of secrets everyone knew it was the queen who was well connected and informed. Rhaenys was determined to make the red keep a safe home for her family, knowing who was paying whom helped with that. It also helped she had her own queens guard that also served as her handmaidens, they were her cousins formally called the sandsnakes, now most called them the queens snakes. Rhaenys showed the boldness of a Dornish woman insisting to rule with Aegon and her husband was her biggest supporter. She came to his council meetings Aegon always said she had a better mind for numbers, and she was never shy to voice her opinions. Though he was the one who was trained by ser Barristan the bold and ser Jamie Lannister she was the one feared.
"No, we do it together." Rhaenys insisted kissing her husband's cheek they were best together.
"And together we make a great king." He teased his hand went to the roundness of her belly. "We also make beautiful children." He said he couldn't help but smile thinking of their next child and it made Rhaenys happy, Aegon did not look right nervous, her Aegon always wore that glorious smile. His smile was short live as worry filled him again and he sighed. "They should be here today." He groaned.
"You should not so dread our parents visiting!" Rhae scolded. He got up going to the window.
"They are not- "Aegon started.
"You can be angry at him Aegon." Rhaenys said very seriously sitting up. "But he is our father."
"How can you defend him after all he has done?"
"Because he still loves us Aegon, even though you are angry with each other. He will always love you, and I will always love him, he molded you into the great man you are, do you think Rhaegar Targaryen would do that?" Rhaenys asked.
Aegon turned to her, she truly was beautiful with all the exotic beauty of a Dornish woman and all the beauty of the blood of the dragon. Her hair was thick and mostly dark with fine silver strands interwoven. She had high cheek bones, a graceful nose, and purple eyes like most Targaryens with thick lips and warm brown skin, and Aegon could not remember a time he did not love her.
"Why do I try to fight you, your better at it." Aegon teased.
"Yes, but you are so charming, valiant and good. It makes me rarely want to beat you in an argument." She teased.
There's was a very happy marriage that nobody wanted. Aegon showed how persistent and stubborn he could be. Everyone even Rhaenys was sure the day would never come that they would marry but Aegon knew it because he knew he would make it happen if he had to. They waited until Elia and Eddard were in Dorne and they Eloped
"Help your bloated wife." She teased he smiled helping her up.
"You are not bloated you are always radiant especially when you are with my child." Aegon mused he leaned down kissing her stomach through her robe, like every morning he told his unborn child how much he loved it.
"It's odd to me, that you with your magnificent heart that is full of love for everyone, peasants, orphans, unruly lords, their bratty children, and me for all my flaws: can still hold this grudge, while I hate everyone who has ever done anything wrong to you or our sons, understand his hesitation." Rhaenys admitted. Aegon was taller than her by a head and a half, most people thought he was all Valyrian with his pretty white hair, high cheek bones, aquiline noes, and pale skin. But Rhaenys could see the small details, his eyes though most said were a dark purple were black, his uncle Oberyn had taught him the spear and only she knew he secretly preferred it to a sword.
In truth nobody wanted them married Eddard was far from the first to complain, and every girl in the realm and several from Essos wanted him to marry them. Aegon was stubborn and hard to be swayed and Rhaenys matched if not surpassed him in will power.
"He resigned as my hand the moment they returned he would not listen to what I had to say, he was just angry he lost because for all his and mothers efforts to betroth me before my majority they could not and they knew they could not stop us once we married so he took our siblings and mother away." Aegon reminded.
"He hardly forced mothers' hand, anywhere he went she would go. She loves him the way I love you and someday soon he will understand that." She promised kissing his cheek. "Not if you avoid him every time he is here." Rhaenys reminded.
Aegon smiled whipping her hair out of her face. "You've always been the smart one."
"My lord the commander of the city watch has requested your presence." The squire said as he scuttled in and out looking at the ceiling the whole time Rhaenys laughed at the display.
"You would think we skin children in here by the way the servants act." She teased.
"I should go see what it is." Aegon said before kissing his wife.
"You will be there to greet them this morning and you will not run off." She warned as he helped her up. He dressed quickly before opening the door to let her waiting ladies in to help her dress.
"I will see them, but I am king first." He reminded.
"You realize everyone is coming here to celebrate you and 300 years of Targaryens ruling?" Rhaenys said.
"I didn't want anyone to come, I don't want them to celebrate me and I certainly don't want to spend money on celebrating a Dynasty of up and down rulers. Why don't we celebrate by working to be good rulers now?" Aegon asked making his wife laugh.
"You sound like father." She teased as he left.
"Your grace." Jamie greeted he was outside his door more mornings then not, he was Aegon's favorite knight of the kingsguard even after all these years. He nodded to his guard but smiled at his friend.
"Who is with my sons this morning ser Jamie?" Aegon asked as they walked.
"Ser Aerys Oakheart and Ser Loras Tyrell I believe Ser Humpfry Hightower is in the throne room and Ser Brynden Blackwood and the lord commander are around somewhere." Jamie said.
"We should go see what the Commander of the city watch has for us." Aegon said as they walked that way.
"The Commander of the city watch should not wake his king unless the city is under attack." Jamie said always quick to defend his king. "His appointment was- "Jamie started.
"My choice I will remind you. I thought it would keep him out of trouble, but you must admit he has done well with it."
"The city is safer than it's been in years." Jamie agreed as they approached the gates of the red keep, he nodded for the guards to flank the king. Aegon waved them away he hated being fussed over he was happy enough with Jamie protecting him. Jamie nodded to behind them having them follow after the king. Jamie understood what Aegon did not. This was only the beginning of a long glorious reign mayhaps the best king the seven kingdoms have ever had, and it was Jamie's job to make sure Aegon lived a long time so he could achieve it.
"I will be sad to lose him as the commander of the city watch, still he is my little brother so if he has taken me from my wife's arm needlessly, I will thump him." Aegon said making Jamie laugh. Jamie was who Aegon confided in about his love for Rhaenys and he found a good ally in his protector. It was Aegon's plan to marry in Secret, but it was Jamie who brought Rhaenys to Kingslanding in secret and then ushered them to the sept in the cover of night and found the septan to perform the ceremony. Aegon loved him for his undying loyalty and friendship.
They found the Commander of the city watch outside a bar waiting for them. He was not quite as tall as his brother; his skin was a dark brown, but he had grey Stark eyes. His black hair was shaggy to his shoulders, though he wore a gold clock it was pinned with Stark wolves to his leather tunic. He had been looking the stoic commander, but he could not keep it up. His mischievous smile appeared on his face making the narrow red mark that went from the corner of his lip across his cheek up to his ear all the more prominent. Next to him was a wolf whose fur was as back as Torrhens hair, he was called Cloak and was inseperatable from his master. A few years back Brandon found a back of direwolves let his daughters have them and even decided to breed a new batch giving them to his nephews and nieces.
"Your grace." Torrhen said bowing lowly he snapped his fingers and cloak bowed his own hands to the delight of the tavern girls watching. Torrhen was nothing if not charming.
"Lord Commander." Aegon addressed. "Are you aware how gods damning early it is?" Aegon asked making his brother laugh.
"The city is filling for the tourney and festivals to have in your honor."
"Haven't we given you extra men?" Aegon asked he looked to Jamie who confirmed it with a nod.
"Yes, your grace and it was enough to control the smallfolk but these lordlings are causing fights all over like the ones in there." Torrhen said.
"Put them in holding cells till they remember their manners." Aegon said easily not sure if he was need for such a simple judgement.
"You could say there are familiar faces in there your grace." Torrhen told the king. Aegon looked to the tavern then back at his brother's mischievous look before going towards the brothel.
"Let me go first your grace." Jamie instructed making sure it was safe before the king followed.
Aegon followed in to see. Steffon Barathon and some of his croonies as well as Eddie Stark. Eddie's eyes dipped seeing his brother it was not his way to get in a fight. He was tough for how young he was, but he was a good obedient quiet boy, but as a Stark he could only be pushed so far. Like the other boys he was tied to his chair.
"MY FATHER WILL NOT BE HAPPY!" Steffon shouted, as the only true born son and heir of Robert who lost his mother to young the boy was soundly spoiled.
Though close in age and cousins Steffon and Eddie could never stand each other they were so different and Steffon enjoyed getting under Eddie's skin.
"You tied them up?" Jamie scoffed.
"How else was I supposed to keep them apart, it was like herding cats." Torrhen told Jamie.
"Isn't that your job?" Jamie asked smugly.
"Your job is protecting the most beloved person in seven kingdoms." Torrhen reminded.
"Stop." Aegon said looking at the faces in the room lordlings all of them. "I will leave them in your custody, a responsible member of their family must come to claim them." Aegon said he could not have them in the red keep holding cells not after what happened when Rickard Stark came for his son. Though he was a good king and great man Aegon could not escape the dark deeds of his family.
"Yes, your grace." Torrhen said easily.
"I will take my little brother into my custody." Aegon said Jamie went and cut the ropes off Eddie's hands grabbing him up.
"Next time you want to fight you come find me." Torrhen told his little brother protectively.
"Will you be leaving with your betrothed Lord Commander?" Aegon asked if anyone could tame Torrhen's wolf blood it was the beautiful Sharra Arryn his betrothed whom he was crazy about. The voice of the vale she was called her banner men loved her she was quite persuasive and beautiful with fair Arryn hair but purple eyes.
"I need to be there to protect her, Harry Hardying thinks the vale and my betrothed are his, he is wrong and sometimes people who are wrong do stupid things." Torrhen said.
"We will miss you in the capital." Aegon said simply before he put his arm around his little brother leading him off.
"That was stupid." Aegon sighed as they walked.
"Well we all cannot be as smart as you." Eddie muttered.
"You are Smart though, taught by maestors all your life."
"I do as I am told."
"Who told you to give Steffon a black eye?"
"I hate him!" Eddie groaned.
"What did he say?" Aegon asked.
"He called me a bastard." Eddie said quietly getting his brothers complete attention.
"Were going back to the brothel Jamie!" Aegon said turning around.
"Yes, your grace." Jamie said going with him the whole party turned to follow there angry king.
"No, I do not need my big brother fighting my battles for me!" Eddie told him. Aegon looked at Eddie his brown hair was curly like their mothers hair, he had big grey eyes and pale skin like father but even at 16 he was so very Boyish and was rightfully embarrassed of the idea his brother had to fight his battles for him even if that brother was king.
"The circumstance of your parents' marriage is strange, but they were married Eddie and you and the others are there trueborn children." Aegon promised. Eddie nodded pulling his brother the other way. Aegon went on with his little brother back to the keep.
"Rhaenys has a surprise for you." Aegon told him as they walked through the gates.
"That means she has found me a bride; I want to be a man of the night watch." Eddie said.
"You have a higher calling. Like it or not you are the brother of a king."
"I usually like it, maybe not today." Eddie grumbled.
Aegon smiled at his brother. "Well it will come with a lot of inconveniences, for Jon that means never quite feeling he has a place anywhere, for Rhaenys it mean always having to worry about her children because people whisper there abominations in the dark, for you it means having to marry a pretty Nobel born girl. It could be worse." Aegon teased.
"Who?" Eddie asked drably.
"I am not sure, ask your sister the queen, though I did here the name Johanna Tully?" Aegon said simply.
"She's a baby." Eddie reminded.
"She's 10 but someday she will beautiful like her mother. And you should be happy she is young, it means you won't have to marry for some time. "Aegon told him.
"I never thought of it that way." Eddie admitted.
"Well," Aegon said victoriously throwing his arm around his little brother. "That's why I sit on the sharp chair." Aegon teased as they walked.
They arrived at the red keep Ned got off his horse ignoring the squire sent to great them and going back to the carriage opening it.
"Are you alright?" Ned asked helping his wife out. They had been married over 20 years and she was still breathtakingly beautiful to him.
"I have ridden in a carriage before love." She said elegantly stepping out into his arms. "There was this one time I rode in a carriage all the way to the north with two screaming babies and ended up marrying a northern savage." She said wittily making her northern husband smile.
"You must tell me about it sometime." He said with a gentle smile.
"But of course." Elia said with a loving smile.
"Ugh there being gross again!" Arya sighed as she got out of the carriage her mother pulled her into her arms, she knew better to fight it being Elia's baby after all.
"What is she wearing?" Eddard asked Elia his wife gave him a soft smile.
"Robes love, from Dorne."
"There's trousers under the robe Elia."
"Traditions are important, and I was happy Oberyn sent them so they could stay in the family." Elia told her husband her little daughter was a fighter and pushed for it. The Dornish woman in her promised that if her daughter wanted to fight, she should all her daughters were half Dornish and should have the rights of Dornish women. Put she knew better then to push Eddard when she could pull him gently to her side.
"I do not like our daughter wearing your brother's clothes." Eddard stated.
"They were my clothes." Elia said with a smile her youngest daughter shared.
"You wore pants?" Eddard asked surprised as he helped Raya out of the carriage.
"I did. My brothers wore them, and I was there equal as our daughters are as good as any man." Elia reminded her husband.
"Our daughters are better than most men." Eddard said kissing Rayla's head making his gentle daughter smile just as radiantly as his wild daughter. "But it is my job to protect them."
"We have to teach them how to protect themselves as well love. We will not always be here to protect them or tell them what to do." Elia reminded as the wolves pranced around happy their owners were out of the wheelhouse.
Tyrion approached with a small force of greeters.
Eddard smiled. "I love how nervous he is around me."
"You will be kind to him for our daughter!" Elia insisted as they walked towards Tyrion arm and arm with their daughters behind them. Though they were so very different they got along well, Rayla was not always well enough to play as children and Arya would sometimes keep her company telling her fairy stories and battles and woe that she would face when she was grown. Rayla for her part supported all her sister's dreams Elia swore they were just like Oberyn and she as children.
"Lord Eddard, queen mother." Tyrion greeted. "It is my profound honor to welcome you to the red keep."
"Does the master of coin have so little to do he greets new arrivals." Eddard asked getting playfully swat by his wife.
"Lord Lannister it was kind of you to welcome us." Elia said.
"Let me take you to your daughter, she wanted to come but it's hot out today and I hadn't wanted her to strain herself." Tyrion said as he led them inside.
"Mother father!" Mariah called as soon as they came into the entrance of the keep.
Elia clasped her mouth. "Look how beautiful you are!" She cried seeing her daughter all big with child. She wore a dark red dress with golden accents and tried her best to hold onto her son who was only two.
"Let me take him, you should not lift him!" Tyrion said carefully he adored his wife he was not sure how he got her or why she wanted to marry him. She told her brother who was quite found of Tyrion and Aegon made it happened, even though Tyrion did not see a whore or drink as much since they started courting Eddard threatened him with an inch of his life. Which Elia quietly approved of at the time, but she gave Eddard a look as if to say look how in love they are. Tyrion could not walk into the room without making Mariah smile and every time it was so honest and sincere he had no idea what he did to deserve her but he worked hard to keep her happy in all things including the children he had promised he had cousins who would take Casterly but she insisted on giving him children and Lorean was so prefect with his blond hair with a gentle curl Tyrion consented to another but he frantically worried about her the whole time she was pregnant.
"He fusses over everything." Mariah said as her father kissed her cheek and her mother hugged her rubbing her tummy.
"Mariah!" Rayla said happily hugging her big sister.
"You!" Arya said to Tyrion.
"Hello again little stark." Tyrion teased getting her to stick her tongue out.
"Arya!" Eddard scolded but he grinned at her approvingly getting swat again by Elia who took her grandson in her arms.
"Tyrion has some discussions about the funds for this event, he will join us later." Mariah said as they all turned to the doors opening to the throne room with Rhaenys coming in her own bump was much smaller than her sisters and she was flanked by her queensguard.
"I am so happy you came!" Rhaenys said getting hugged by Elia and then her sisters.
Eddard looked her up and down. "Where is Aegon?" Eddard asked.
"He is coming, let's go sit while we wait for him." She said swiftly taking them to a drawing room to chat.
"Arya I have great news for you." Rhaenys said making her sister roll her eyes.
"I doubt that." Arya grunted she knew her sister the queen was the matchmaker all family matches had to go through her, and she arranged most of them.
"I thought you would be more excited to visit Dorne." Elia said casually making her daughters eyes widen.
"I get to go to Dorne!" Arya said excitedly.
"Well uncle Doran isn't feeling well so Uncle Oberyn has to help him run things in Sunspear so if he is going to train you-" Rhaella started.
"Uncle Oberyn is going to train me! "Arya said jumping up and down with excitement.
"Oh, Arya you will do wonderful in Dorne!" Rayla said happily as she sat down tired from the journey.
"If you agree to my terms." Rhaenys said simply.
Jon clapped his hands together making a loud clapping sound getting there attention since he snuck in the room. "You took the bait and she sprung the trap!" He said going over to them where arya hit him. He went around getting hugs from everyone.
"What are yours terms queenie?" Arya asked making her sister smile.
"Arya. "Eddard Warned sternly.
Rhaenys looked to Jon as though he spoiled her plans, he came forward. "Your grace."
"Lord hand." She greeted as he kissed her cheek. "Where is he?" She asked softly.
"I'm told he is coming." Jon said softly.
"And if he is not here soon?" Rhaenys asked looking to Eddard who already seemed annoyed until Elia touched his arm. She was like fresh air to him in a place he thought was suffocating. Elia just rubbed his arm while asking
Mariah about the baby,
"I will send out a search part your grace." Jon teased.
"Send a man hunt." Rhaenys said before turning back to the party who were talking about baby names.
Rhaenys smiled seeing all the wolves running around. "Help me with the names." She asked Arya who gave her sister a look for getting her way but soon she took her by the hand with a smile. "That one's Eddies he's called Duncan after ser Duncan." She said pointing out a brownish wolf. "You know Mariah's wolf Eyrie and Jon's wolf ghost, Rayla's is called Song, Torrhen's wolf is off with him and he's called cloak and mine is the best wolf come here Nymeria!" Arya said happily her own wolf came to her name.
"Absolutely magnificent." Rhaenys said patting her sisters wolf.
"Why don't you and Egg get wolves?" Arya asked her sister.
"We aren't Starks." The king said evenly as he came back in with Eddie and Jamie. getting a glare from his queen.
"Do not worry about your brother Arya he takes what he wants despite rules." Ned assured getting a similar look from his wife.
"My sweet boy it's good to see you." Elia said softly as Rayla and Arya ran to Aegon hugging him.
"I get no love?" Eddie asked.
"Oh, please we saw you a few days ago before you got to ride ahead." Arya said.
"He was not a trouble, was he?" Elia asked Rhaenys gave Aegon a confused look while Eddie looked down. Aegon never missed a beat.
"He was good as always."
"Besides a bar fight?" Torrhen asked coming in.
"Torrhen why?" Jon asked.
"I'm not lying to my mother for king or country." Torrhen said with a shrug before kissing his mother's cheek she gave him a soft smile before turning to Ned who was livid.
"Eddard Stark we will discuss this." Ned warned his son.
"Yes father." Eddie said simply.
"It was not his fault." Aegon began.
"I can parent my own child your grace." Ned assured.
"I see you still use the tactic of judging before understanding what's going on has not changed." Aegon said.
"Aegon stop it!" Rhaenys told him.
"Come on girls let me show you around the red keep." Mariah said taking Rayla and Arya.
"Thank you darling." Elia said to her daughter pulling at her husbands' hand. "You go to Eddie." She instructed he took Mariah's little boy so she wouldn't have to carry him.
"You two must reconcile." Elia told them both.
"That's going to be hard mother he can barely look at me." Aegon reminded.
"You are not making this easier." Rhaenys told her husband.
"I won't apologize for loving you!" Aegon told his wife taking her hand and kissing it making Ned look away which only angered Aegon more.
"He is purposely trying to be aggravating." Ned told Elia in a growl.
"No if I wanted to be aggravating, I would point out that we are having a fourth child, so I have done more then kiss her hand." Aegon said.
"I do not care who you are you won't talk about my daughter that way!" Eddard growled moving forward and so did Aegon Jamie moved between the king and his father as Torrhen pulled his father back and Jon pulled Aegon back.
"For once don't make things worse Jamie." Jon sighed before looking to the queen. "I am going to take him to cool down." He said and she nodded the king went with his best friend knowing it was for the best.
"Ned!" Was all Elia had to say she could see he felt bad enough as it was, he felt horrible how this situation has been. How out of hand it all was and how hurt his son looked when he looked at him.
"Are you alright?" Rhaenys asked the man who raised her, it was hard facing Aegon because he was so angry and could not or would not understand Ned's position on this matter but it might have been worse facing Rhaenys because she still treated him like he was her papa. "Mayphaps a walk would help?"
"I'm fine your grace." Ned promised.
"Then you well enough to walk good." Rhaenys sang she was very good at getting her way.
"I am going to find the children." Elia said kissing Ned's cheek giving him a warning look to be nice.
Rhaenys did not wait for invitation she looped her arm with her fathers and began walking through the corridors.
"I am sorry if the hostilities ruined the visit. That was not my intention"
"No, it was not Aegon's either. He is very stubborn righteous to causes he believes in. He gets that from our father I think."
"You remember Rhaegar princess?"
"No not really." Rhaenys said smiling at Ned. "I mean you. You raised us."
"I doubt Aegon shares your sentiment."
"He loves you he is just angry. He's not one to let go of something he considers injustice when his family is concerned." Rhaenys said.
"I'd like to think he got that from me too."
"I know I did." Rhaenys said with a smile.
"I never want you to think that my disapproval of….this choice means I do not love you. I love you and Aegon as much as the other children."
"I know. Aegon struggles with that. He doesn't understand as I do that you will come around." Rhaenys said making her father smile.
"I will, will I?"
"Yes of course you will, theres hardly another choice." Rhaenys said as on of the queens snakes opened the door they walked into the nursery.
Jaehaerys the eldest of Rhaenys brood ran fourth. He was six years old and looked as Targaryen as his father. "Grandfather!" He called happily running to them followed by Daeron who at four was Jaehaerys little shadow. He looked a lot like his brother high cheek bones pale skin purple eyes.
They both ran into Ned's arms making him smile.
"I want to show you what my father taught me!" He said happily going to get his little wooden sword.
Daeron just smiled up at Maekar. "He has your smile and eyes Rhae." Ned said softly patting his grandsons head.
Rhaenys handed Ned Maekar at a little more than a year Maeker was whining a little in his grandfathers arm. "There is no going back, what's done is done." Rhaenys promised.
Ned smiled at the little wooden wolf in Maekers hands. "That was your fathers when he was a boy."
"Why is he like that!" Aegon growled.
"Because he could not keep level headed like you." Jon teased. "I really don't understand, you're the most reasonable person I know that's how you make so many enemies into friends. Your persuasive and know when to compromise but when it comes to this thing you and Uncle Ned you lose it."
"That's because I won't be reasonable when it comes to Rhaenys and the children they are the best thing that happened to me and I would sooner break then bend on this." Aegon said.
"You'll find a way to resolve it, you are always the best man." Jon said as they walked out into the city for fresh air.
"You know hand of mine you never told me your stance on the matter." Aegon said.
"I never thought it mattered. You were always going to get your way. You have your mother's determination." Jon said simply.
"You've always been a good hand and my dearest friend."
"Am I dying?"
"Eddie looks at marriage as dying so it depends on how you look at it." Aegon smirked.
"I'm afraid to ask." Jon admitted.
"Mariah is married to lord Tyrion of house Lannister, Torrhen will marry Sharra Arryn, Arya will Marry Trystane Martell whether she realizes it or not, Rayla will marry Robb Stark when she is older, and in turn Robb's sister Sansa will marry Tommen and his other sister Alyse will marry the Baratheon boy, once you beat your brother into proper shape and Minisa Stark will marry Theon Greyjoy when my little cousin is older and hopefully he will have matured" Aegon said.
"A Stark in every kingdom." Jon said before frowning. "But one…"
"Yes, Rhaenys was supposed to marry Willas Tyrell which obviously did not happen. They were quietly offended when Mariah married a Lannister and now since Rayla's engagement they have been loudly offended. Maybe I should have engaged Rayla to Willas, I was being foolish."
"You were being a good big brother; they were in love surely you can relate."
"Yes, and just like Rhaenys and I the bride and groom are related." Aegon grumbled.
"Cousins." Jon reminded.
"Ned supported the match, I thought he hated that sort of thing. It's not so different. Apologize I got off track, Olenna Tyrell did not rebuild Summerhall to be snubbed." Aegon reminded. "And she has a very beautiful granddaughter."
"Margaery Tyrell wanted to marry you not a bastard."
"You are not a Bastard you are a Targaryen as much as my siblings are starks and to prove it. I would like to grant you Summerhall."
Jon turned to his brother surprised. "I cannot except."
"What was it you were saying about me getting what I want?" Aegon teased.
"You have three sons you cannot-"Jon Started until they heard a loud foreign noise. Something they had never heard before but upon hearing could only mean on thing. Aegon immediately charged toward a nearby bridge getting up on the wall Jon and Jamie scrambled after him.
They saw it in the distance that the rumors from the east were not rumors at all. Three grown dragons charged toward the city. What they saw was being seen in the keep too. The bells rang to let the people know the city was under siege.
"We have to get him out of here." Jamie hissed.
Jon took off his cloak placing it on his brother to hide his Targaryen features. "We need a boat." Jon said.
Aegon was not listening to them he began quickly going back to the keep before breaking out into a full sprint.
"Your grace you must evacuate the city." Jamie told him going after him.
"Rhaenys and my sons are in the keep I have to get to them!" He shouted as screams flooded the streets.
"What do we do?" Jamie asked Jon as they ran.
"Keep him alive." Jon said simply.
"Where is he, where is Aegon?" Eddard asked.
Rhaenys held Maekar close to her as she watched the display get bigger.
"Jon was going to take him for a walk he likes to walk amongst the people." Rhaenys whispered.
"DWAGON!" Daeron called pointing.
"I-it won't hurt us will its mother. Because father says we are dragons?" Jaehearys said trying to be brave but there was a tremble in his voice.
"No, they cannot hurt you my sweet ones. I will not let them." Rhaenys swore a tear coming down her face.
The kingsguard all except Jamie burst in.
"The king and his hand are missing we have swept the keep for them. In their absence you are the acting monarch." Ser Selmy said.
"It's up to you to surrender the city." Ned told his daughter.
"Surrender? And then this aunt who everyone says was murdered as a babe is just going to let Aegon, Jon, the children and I go on our merry way? She is who I am afraid of more than her dragons." Rhaenys said with her free hand she pulled Jaehaerys closer as Daeron was already clutching her skirt. Her own baby Dragons were her concern.
"None of you are with the king's mother!" Ned spat barging past them to the door before looking at his daughter.
"We will be fine go." She told him.
"We need to get you and the prince's out of the city." Loras Tyrell said.
"The boys must go, but I have to stay, I am acting Monarch and I need to find Aegon."
"The streets are made he may not-" Arys Oakheart began.
"I refuse to believe that! Now two of you will accompany each of my sons, go out different way, different ports, different boats, but all three must get to Dorne."
"We should keep them separated for safety one could got to Dorne, another Winterfell, another Dragonstone." Ser Loras said.
Rhaenys looked at him annoyed. "Dragonstone is an easy journey on dragonsback and the only place that has not fallen to dragons is Dorne and that's where my sons will be!" Rhaenys said.
Ser Selmy ordered the men how he wanted them to break up while Rhaenys said here goodbyes pulling all her sons in a hug. "We will all be together again if not in this life in the next. You have a duty to survive and take care of one another if you can and wherever you are in the world never forget how much we love you. " She told them weeping softly.
"I am the king's mother!" Elia shouted hearing her voice made Eddard rush that way.
"The king is dead and we're all gonna join em might as well have fun doing it." One of two castle guards said coming towards Elia and Rayla and Arya. Elia pulled her daughters behind her.
"Get away from them!" Eddard yelled brandishing his sword they tried to run past him, but he dispatched both of them before going to Elia who wrapped his arms around him in gratitude.
"Where are the boys why aren't they-" Ned started.
"They are with Mariah they had to carry her up the stairs the shock-it doesn't matter she is having the baby now we had to get things to prepare." Elia explained they had linen and Arya had a bucket of water.
"We need to get you out of the city the kingsguard are taking the prince's out of the city I know they will, you all need to be with them." Ned said simply.
"Mariah cannot be moved and I will not leave her. Arya and Rayla must go." Elia said.
Torrhen ran down the stairs to tell Elia she was needed.
"Torrhen take your sisters to the nursery make sure they are taken with the princes to safety then return to your mother and keep her safe." Ned said Torrhen nodded.
"No, I want to stay with you." Arya told her mother.
"Mama we can help" Rayla insisted.
"This is not what we want but it's what we must do. You girls need to go with the little princess they are just babies and will need your help. I want you to make me very proud and be safe." Elia told her daughters before kissing their heads.
"You can get them there safely." Ned asked his son touching his shoulder.
"I'm the one going with the direwolves, I'll be fine. Look out for yourself old man and my mother." Torrhen said with that devious smile that only Ned noticed the wavier in it.
"Be careful." Elia said trying not to cry.
"Come on I will take you back to Eddie and Mariah before I go." Ned said as they quickly went up the stairs.
"Where will you go?" Elia asked.
"I have to find my son, No one knows where Aegon is." Ned said feeling the pain in his heart. He could not let his first son die thinking he hated him.
"I have love you so much Elia, I think I have loved you since I met you and I will love you until death stills me." Ned said outside Mariah's chamber.
Elia grabbed him by his collar. "Listen Well Eddard Stark. You are not allowed to die here and now. You are to die with me many years from now in our bed holding my hand do you understand?!" Elia asked.
Ned smiled. "Yes ma'am." Before kissing her, a kiss expressing 20 years of love, devotion, and undoubting faith in each other in a course of a few moments. She held onto him for a moment as if remembering the feel of him before he went into the fray.
"Now go find our boy." Elia said trying to be strong before they heard foot steps Ned lifted his sword and pulled his wife behind him.
"Where is she?" Tyrion asked with a full force of Lannister men.
"She is in there." Elia said hearing Mariah cry out in pain.
"Watch out for my family Lannister." Ned said.
"Be careful Stark." Tryion said and they nodded of mutual respect before Tyrion and Elia rushed into the now very secured room and Ned went to find his son.
Elia went into her daughters screams.
"The midwifes, the maestors there gone!" Mariah cried.
"I have been through many births my love and I will get you through this one." Elia promised her daughter.
"Eddie why don't you join my men outside." Tyrion said as a kindness the boy was turning very pale. Eddie nodded going with them. Elia looked towards Tyrion. "My men will not let anyone get near him." Tyrion promised going to his wife's beside.
"Wheres my son?" Mariah cried.
"On a ship to Casterly rock with an adoring staff caring for him." Tyrion promised.
Jon, Jamie, and Aegon stormed through the keep battered not by dragon fire but from the stamped they had to endure to get back in.
He found where Rhaenys was in one of the towers with the large balcony a favorite meeting spot of theirs she was looking over the city wondering where in it her boys were being smuggled out. Where in it Aegon was.
"Rhae!" Aegon called getting her attention she ran away from the balcony back into the room and right into his arms he picked her up spinning her around in his arms.
"I let them send our babies away egg." She cried.
"You did what is best for them my love. Our children will live on and our name, Jamie will take you to them now."
"No, I wont leave you." Rhaenys said firmly.
"A beautiful sentiment my beloved but I might be king of the ashes soon." Aegon admitted.
"And I will be your queen my bones next to yours." Rhaenys assured.
"No!" Aegon said with tears in his eyes he touched her stomach.
"They have only been circling so far no fire yet." Rhaenys told him. "Maybe it's just a show of strength?"
"One is feasting in fleebottom it seems like she cannot control the ones she is not on and they are getting closer to the keep." Aegon reminded.
"Then it's too late to flee if I wanted to." She told with a victorious but sad smile. She breathed deeply to keep the tears away taking his hand.
He smiled too. "Protect the queen at all cost. Jaehaerys will need his regent." He told Jon and Jamie.
"We need to go!" Jamie said as one of the dragons came towards the balcony. Aegon pulled Rhaenys behind a collom and Jon and Jamie moved out of sight but unsheathed their blades in preparation, but the dragon never came. The castle seemed to shutter around them. Aegon held Rhaenys close to him to keep her from screaming. Jon put his ear to the floor. It was under them and as quickly as it came it was clawing its way back out.
. "Rhaenys you have been the light of my life that always centered me and driven me. I love you and ask for your deepest forgiveness." Aegon told her in a whisper. Rhaenys was about to argue but Aegon kissed her hard and went away from the column running out to the balcony and jumping.
Rhaenys screamed as Jamie went to run after him and Jon stopped him Aegon did a lot of brash things, but they always had a point. Across the sky the dragon came flying up with an angry screech and a king with his arms wrapped around the beast's neck as it tried to throw the unwanted ridder off.
Torrhen came running back into the chamber. "The girls have escaped." He promised his mother who nodded softly having the girls out was a relief just as it had been delivering her daughter's baby without any complications but her worries were far from over. He looked over at his sister she held her newborn daughter as she rested while Tyrion whispered loving sentiments in her ear.
"Now you and Tya need to escape." Tyrion told his wife out loud.
"I don't think I can walk my love."
"Then you will be carried." Tyrion said simply.
"You do not want to go out there right now, dragons may not destroy Kingslanding but the people will soon. I am going to go take back the city, at least on the ground." Torrhen told his mother.
"You just said it was dangerous." Elia told her son.
"And father is still out there."
"And Aegon." Eddie reminded nervously patting his wolf.
"Aegon has actually…. gained a lot of ground." Torrhen said as delicately as he could.
Tyrion gave a curious look. "What does that mean?"
"You really don't want to know. " Torrhen warned.
"Torrhen!" Elia demanded.
"He's going to talk to the dragon queen…. I think."
"Excellent, Aegon has always been a great negotiator…I should join them where are they." Tyrion asked.
"Yes, Tyrion is so very clever he can help." Mariah assured giving her husband an adoring look from her birthing bed he kissed her hand.
"They might be meeting on Dragon back." Torrhen admitted.
"My son is on a dragon?" Elia asked astonished she fell back into a chair from the shock Torrhen and Eddie rushed to her.
"He is doing good, a little shacky at first but he seems to be getting the hang of it." Torrhen tried to assure getting a look from Eddie that told him to stop. The tears poured from Elia's eyes.
"Mother, Aegon is fighting for all of us over our heads. When he lands, he is going to expect his city to still be standing. Someone needs to be out there." He told her softly.
"I cannot lose you Torrhen." Elia told him as she ran her hand over the mark on his cheek. She was already so worried about everyone else she was hoping to keep the rest of her kids close because there seemed to be nothing, she could do to help them.
He held her hand there see mother right there the gods marked me a keeper. I will be alright. You raised us to be like this. To ride dragons, command cities, help little princes escape and save the people who need us. We are all the way we are because of you."
Elia smiled ever so slightly. "Be careful."
"I want to go with him, I'll be very careful, but I need to find father." Eddie promised.
"Good lad come on." Torrhen said their wolves went with them only Eyrie stayed at the foot of its owners bed.
They have been circling each other for an age now." Rhaenys said as she watched the love of her life in the sky.
"Aegon's always been chatty." Jamie teased.
"Or negotiations are not working." Rhaenys said with a glare.
"We need an edge, and upper hand to force hers." Jamie said.
"We need another Dragon." Jon said looking first at the one over fleebottom and then back to Rhaenys.
"We need to get her to that dragon." Jon told Jamie.
"I'll get some horses and some good men." Jamie said.
"Are you two forgetting something? I am pregnant I cannot ride a dragon!" Rhaenys reminded.
"If Aegon could subdue that dragon you can subdue this one." Jon said.
"Your not that pregnant." Jamie tried.
"The maestor says if I ride a horse, I could lose my baby do you know how dangerous it would be for my child, Aegon's child?" Rhaenys asked.
"Aegon needs you." Jon told her. "It has to be you."
"Not necessarily Jon." Rhaenys said looking at him.
"How do you know I really count as a Targaryen?" Jon asked.
"I know!" Rhaenys assured.
"We are about to find out." Jamie told Jon patting his back.
"Go, Aegon is busy and I need to lead the people. We will begin evacuating the city." Rhaenys said.
They were sure it would be chaos to get to fleebottom but it was not as panicked the city watch was organized and moving people out of the city in a relatively coordinated way. Jon and Jamie raced towards fleebottom.
Jon climbed up the building to the curled-up dragon liking at the bones of a war horse.
"My name is Jon Targaryen." He told it it got up big hissing. He repeated himself in high Valyrian and he watched the dragon blink at him like it understood the way ghost does. He reached his hand out and let him sniff it.
The dragon did so before looking up in the sky.
"You want to live up to your brothers." Jon guessed in Valyrian, the giant dragon looked back at him as if it heard him. "That's my brother up there, the man who jumps out a window for the good of his realm and wife. My other brother is going to be a great lord, I understand." Jon said in high Valyrian the dragon bowed his head and Jon went over to him and soon they took off onto the sky.
Not long after the tides turned did a peace become reached and all three riders landed in the courtyard and the dragon stables in the red keep were for the first time in a longtime.
When they entered the throne room the hall filled with cheers. The nobles who had gathered for a celebration of the Targaryen dynasty now gathered in honor of the victory of their young king keeping his throne.
Heroes of the day keep staggering in and being rejoiced but when the king and prince Jon entered the throne room the room roared with joy.
They walked through it smiling and waving.
"I need to tell you something." Aegon told Jon.
"Tell me anything."
"Well to start thank you."
"No need to thank me, it was your wife's idea and it was rather life affirming for me." Jon admitted. "It was like earning the acceptance you always gave me."
"If you are happy, I am happy but that is not what I am thanking you for." Aegon admitted however hesitantly.
"What do you-"
"You're not marrying Margaery Tyrell they will have to settle for Eddie. The Dragon queen agreed to leave Westeroes and to go back to her empire and without one of her dragons." Aegon said softly.
"One?" Jon asked already attached to his dragon his 'aunt' had said that he was called Rhaegal.
"She's strong and smart and tough but she needs someone steady to guide her like I always had when I was first ruling. I am only the king of Westeroes I cannot be that person for her, but you can."
"That was your deal she wanted a husband."
"No that was my idea, I think you will be good for each other. She is not an imposter she really is Daenerys Targaryen she really did survive, and she has been taught lies about us since she was little. She is in desperate need of love." Aegon said and Jon smiled she recently threatened to take his throne and after one talk on dragon back he was ready to help this young Targaryen girl that did not have the same advantages Aegon and Rhaenys had. They had a mother who loved them and Ned Stark as a protector.
"I am going to be king of Essos?" Jon asked the idea seemed so foreign to him.
"You are the best man for the job." Aegon said patting his back.
"Really I can think of a better one." Jon said quietly starring at Aegon. "I will never be able to repay this."
"If you would like to repay me get her pregnant and quickly." Aegon said forever looking forward to where his queen was waiting by the throne. Jon gave him a confused look. Aegon paused for a moment his smile had vanished and there was an untold sadness in his eyes. "She thinks she cannot produce an heir and she wants a Targaryen successor. That was the main part of the deal. She is going to take my unborn child unless she has her own baby." Aegon said Jon looked at the man who just gave up his child for the sake of all of Westeros. He finally realized what it was to be a good king.
"Aegon I am so-" Jon started.
"I cannot speak of it now. There's a very beautiful angry woman awaiting me." Aegon said simply walking forward and kissing his queen to thunderous applause.
"You jumped out a window!" Rhaenys hissed the smile still plastered on her face.
"To be fair between the ground and the dragon I hardly thought I would live to see the ramifications." Aegon teased.
"Oh you will live with the ramifications for a long time to come my love." Rhaenys promised.
All eyes leered at Daenerys when she entered the throne room.
"Go ahead and be the gentleman you wore born to be and help her." Rhaenys sighed and Aegon went that way.
Jon went over to jon his sister and Lord Tyrion.
"Did the king give her safe passage then?" Tyrion asked.
"Of course." Jon said simply.
"I have not, and Eddie, Torrhen, and father are not back yet."
"And the girls?" Jon asked.
"The girls are upstairs with Mariah and the baby." Tyrion promised.
"Congratulations by the way. Where are the little prince's I want to say goodbye to them." Jon said.
"I had the boys go to Dragonstone closer than Dorne but still away." Rhaenys said.
"Why?"
"Because I am not a trusting person Jon." Rhaenys said simply.
"I'll drink to that; Mariah and the children are going to Casterly Rock in the morning." Tyrion said.
"You don't think your overreacting?" Jon asked the two of them.
"Parents do not overreact Jon everyone else is simply not taking matters seriously. You will see one day." Tyrion said making Jon smile.
"What do you mean say goodbye?" Rhaenys asked.
"I am going away for a while, Daenerys is new to rule and she does not have the guidance Aegon had. I think Aegon thinks she needs someone to believe in her." Jon admitted.
"And Aegon no longer needs you to believe in him?" Rhaenys asked.
"He has you." Jon reminded.
Rhaenys smiled. "Well as much as I will miss you, I feel a lot better with you going with her. If there's anyone who can rule an empire and not let it go to their head it's you." Rhaenys said kissing his cheek. "Is there anything I can do."
"Try to get along with Daenerys?" Jon asked smiling when she scrunched up her nose at the idea. Rhaenys felt it was enough Daenerys had her husband's protection at the moment.
"Actually, I owe you. Rhaenys you had the opportunity few others have had, to become a dragon rider and you gave it up. You gave it to me." Jon said softly he would always be grateful.
"I couldn't hear whispers in the air, besides the dragon you ride is nothing compared to mine." Rhaenys teased smiling at Aegon as he explained Daenerys was his aunt to the nobles, the beneficial relationship they that would take place between Essos and Westeros and Daenerys ending slave trade in Essos.
"Maybe once I marry your aunt I can make you uncomfortable too." Jon teased watching their surprised reactions. "Aegon's idea."
Rhaenys stared at the woman her brother would marry she was a bit young but though she brought her dragons to there doorstep she never burnt the place down it was a mere threat.
"She's very beautiful, and I want you to be very happy and I will learn to trust her." Rhaenys promised.
"I should go properly meet her." Jon decided.
"You trust her I will be untrusting just in case." Tyrion told her.
"You are going to make an excellent hand." Rhaenys told him.
Elia decided to stay with Mariah and the younger girls. Arya talked about how she helped the knights with prince Daeron and that someday she will be a king's guard while Rayla talked about how cute baby Maeker was. Elia kept watching the door.
Eddie came into everyone's glee and then Torrhen. Elia was so happy to see her boys, but she could not help the pull her heart made waiting for Ned.
"Arya you would have loved it, a mob on the ground, we took back the city while dragons flew above." Torrhen said. Eddie was quiet as only you could be after killing a man in combat for the first time.
"Where is father?" Rayla asked softly.
"Is father dead!" Arya yelped.
Elia looked to her boys worried.
"No Arya, this is not how I die. "Ned said coming in he walked with a cane due to a leg injury.
"Your leg!" Elia said going to her husband.
"Will heal." Ned promised. "I am lucky my sons came to my aid when the did. You would be proud of your sons, all of them." Ned told his wife while she fussed over him.
"You would be proud of your daughters. Arya and Rayla helped the kingsguard get the boys to safety. Rhaenys ruled the kingdom and Mariah gave birth to your first granddaughter." Elia said smiling leading him over to where Mariah rested with her baby.
The days after wards were filled with work and little free time for the king and his council as they negotiated more with the Daenerys.
Ned knew exactly where to find Aegon he was the last one in the small council chamber. Looking over everything. He looked up to see Ned.
"How is your leg." Aegon asked looking back down.
"I will be fine, your mother would not allow otherwise." Ned assured, Aegon looked up at him with big purple eyes.
"You could have gotten killed why would you leave the keep."
"You were out there."
"With a knight of the kingsguard a legion of guards he has follow me around and Jon who's a great warrior. If you would have waited you would have seen I got back inside."
"Only to jump out a window."
"I did what I did to protect the people of the realm." Aegon said standing up Getting his first real look at Ned he had his cane in one hand but the little wooden wolf statue in the other hand he set it on the table. "What if you died? My mother needs you."
"I did it to protect my son. Because I still see you as the little boy who clutched this wolf and called me papa. "Ned said with a fond smile Aegon walked over to him with wide eyes he had no idea Ned still thought of him as his boy." Even though you are a great man grown now who does not need me or my opinions anymore. "Ned told him.
"I do not want your resignation from my life just your acceptance." Aegon informed with tears in his eyes.
"Egg I love you and Rhaenys no matter what." Ned promised. "I did not know how important my acceptance was to you. It wasn't when you married her without our permission." Ned reminded.
"No, I just wanted to be with her because I love her. It was only once we were married, I worried. I always thought we were like you and mother no one foresaw it, but we have a deep special love. And you see me more like Rhaegar taking what I want- "
"Is that what you thought?"
"I don't want to be like him or Aerys." Aegon admitted Ned pulled him into a hug.
"You are not, you have your mothers' good heart you always have. The stubbornness you get from me." Ned told him son. "I may not always understand but I am always on your side Aegon." Ned told him as Aegon pulled away he picked up the wolf statue.
"You know I have been a king most of my life, but as a boy I always wanted to be a Stark, I always wanted to be your son." Aegon admitted. "My father was an evil man and you were so good and righteous. You rebelled against my grandfather but gave me back my rightful throne. And when I think of true love I think of you and my mother. You always did right by her and her children."
"You may not have my name but you are my son. You will always be my son." Ned promised.
"Promise you will take care of my mother and that pack of wolves the two of you have."
"Until my dying days." Ned promised.
