Disclaimer: I don't own the A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading, reviewing, favouriting, and following the last chapter. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter, and please feel free to review.

Chapter Eleven

295 AC

Aegon Targaryen

"A letter?" Aegon asked, looking curiously at Jon. "Varys rarely sends letters addressed specifically for me. What is this about?"

It had been a couple of moons since Aegon had heard that his brother was leaving Winterfell, and he was growing ever more anxious for news. Today was the first time he'd heard anything from Varys, and although he tried to hide it his heart was hammering against his ribs.

"Your Grace, it's not really from Varys, just sent through him. It...well, it came from Winterfell, Your Grace."

"Winterfell," Aegon whispered, eyes wide. "My brother...let me see that letter Jon."

Jon wordlessly handed it over, and Aegon broke the seal. He read through it, and then read it again, a smile forming on his lips as he did.

"Good news, Your Grace?" Jon asked, looking at him.

"The best news, Jon. Jaehaerys is indeed coming here, in fact I'd say he's not far from here now. By the time the letter reached us, well his ship can't be far behind it. He wants to to be brothers, Jon. Just like I do, he wants to be my family."

Aegon looked down at the letter again, still smiling. His worries had been for nothing, it seemed, Jaehaerys wouldn't walk away from him. No, they'd stand together, just as their father would no doubt have wanted.

"This is wonderful news indeed," Jon said, offering a small smile of his own. "Didn't I tell you not to worry Your Grace? Of course the prince wants to be your family, why wouldn't he?"

"You did say that," Aegon nodded. "And I can finally believe you. Jon, we'll have to keep an eye on the docks. I want to know the moment my brother arrives."

"Of course," Jon replied. "I'll see it done, and I'll be happy to meet prince Jaehaerys on the docks as well. I will bring him here to you, him and whoever lord Stark sent with him."

Aegon wanted to protest. He should be the one to greet his brother, but maybe Jon was right. It would be best if their first meeting was private, having it so publicly could be awkward for both of them.

"All right," He said after a long moment. "But make sure you escort my brother and his escort straight back here. Do we know how many men lord Stark sent with him?"

"Just one, Varys's little bird said. He's a Dornishman, Your Grace, but the spy had no idea who he was. From the description Varys said it sounded like he could be related to house Dayne."

"A Dornishman? That's interesting," Aegon said thoughtfully. "Well, I'm sure we'll discover who he is soon enough. Did Varys tell us what ship Jaehaerys travels on?"

"A merchant galley, owned by house Manderly. It seems that Stark arranged passage for him, Your Grace."

"Good, there aren't many Manderly ships here. That will be easy enough to look out for. Has septa Lemore prepared the guest rooms as I asked?"

"Yes, Your Grace, she has. Everything is ready, I assure you." Jon said, and Aegon smiled. He was so eager to meet his brother, and his excitement was only fuelled by the thought that it would be very soon.

"That's good," Aegon said. "Do you think I should get him something? It was his nameday recently, wasn't it?"

"No, Aegon," Jon said, shaking his head. "I don't think you should do that."

"But why not?" Aegon asked. "Wouldn't it be rude not to?"

"Not at all, Your Grace. You don't know your brother yet, and I doubt he had the foresight to bring you anything."

"But I don't want anything," Aegon countered. "I only want to know my brother."

"Exactly," Jon sighed. "And that's probably exactly what Jaehaerys wants, don't you think?"

Aegon considered that for a moment. It certainly did seem that Jaehaerys wanted that as much as he did...so Jon it seemed was right again.

"All right," He sighed. "No gifts, then. No matter, there is always next year I suppose..."

"Yes Your Grace," Jon nodded, offering a small smile. "Now, I believe Haldon is looking for you. You said you wanted to revise your knowledge of the North, did you not?"

"I did," Aegon admitted. "The North is where my brother grew up, and the Starks are his family. I'd like to know about them."

"I'm sure the prince will appreciate that. Really though, Your Grace, you should not worry so much."

"I know," Aegon sighed. "I can't help it Jon. Right, I had better go to Haldon now. See you for dinner?"

"Aye, Your Grace," Jon smiled. "See you for dinner."

Aegon walked towards Haldon's study with a new spring in his step. His brother was only days away, and Aegon truly hoped that the time would fly by.

Arthur Dayne

The journey from Winterfell to White Harbor was a fairly pleasant one. His prince was a fine travelling companion, and Arthur found that he was more than happy to be at his side. He and Jaehaerys trained every morning for an hour before they rode, and Arthur was actually impressed by the boy's steadily improving skill.

"You are getting better every day, my prince," He told him one morning. The prince was just getting back to his feet, but losing another spar to him didn't seem to bother him. In fact, he was smiling and again Arthur was reminded of Rhaegar. Rhaegar had been an excellent swordsman, but he'd never been arrogant and he hadn't minded losing in training either. The thought of his old friend brought a wistful smile to his face, which the prince seemed to notice.

"Thank you, Ser," He said. "Is something wrong though? You look like you're caught in a memory."

"Aye, my prince I was," Arthur admitted. "I was just thinking that you remind me of your father at times."

"Really?" Jaehaerys asked, eyes lighting up. "My uncle says I look just like my mother."

"You have her colouring, and a lot of her features it's true. Your smile's all your father's though, and I'd say your skill with a sword comes from both of them."

Jaehaerys nodded, smiling softly. "I heard he read a lot as well, is that true?"

"It is," Arthur nodded, remembering the many nights he'd guarded Rhaegar while he'd stayed up reading past dawn. "He loved books, my prince. If I had to guess, I'd say there weren't many books in the red Keep that he hadn't read. He visited the Citadel as well, and he wrote to your distant uncle at the wall."

"Wait...what?" The prince's eyes widened in surprise. "I have another uncle at the Wall?"

"Yes," Arthur nodded. "Aemon Targaryen, brother of Aegon V and maester at Castle Black. Did you not know?"

"No," Jaehaerys murmured. "I did not. My father wrote to him, you said? Did they keep in touch often?"
"They did," Arthur nodded. "Rhaegar was fond of the man, said he'd never met one so wise or so kind. Mayhaps when you and your brother return, you can go to the Wall and meet him."

"Aye, mayhaps we will. Ser Arthur...what do you think Aegon will be like? Do you think that my uncle was right? Do you think he really wants to meet me?"

There was uncertainty in Jaehaerys's voice, and Arthur moved to dispel it quickly. "Of course he does, my prince. Elia was a good woman and kind, and Rhaegar was too. If Aegon is even a bit like them, you'll have nothing to fear."

Jaehaerys nodded, smiling a little. "I hope you're right," He said. "Now we'd best go, hadn't we? We're only a few hours from White Harbor now, we could go on our way on the evening tide."

Arthur nodded, and they quickly gathered up their supplies and got back onto their horses. They'd had to take a large pack horse too, Jaehaerys had more belongings with him then Arthur did which was to be expected. Soon enough, they were ready to go and as they rode out, Jaehaerys turned to him once more.

"You knew this Jon Connington as well, didn't you Ser? What's he like?"

Arthur thought for a minute, trying to decide how to answer that. "He was very loyal to your father," He said at last. "He loved him very much, in fact. He...well, he probably would've done just about anything Rhaegar asked of him, and I believe that he was always eager to prove himself to him."

"I see," Jaehaerys nodded, eyes thoughtful. "So, he was...in love with him? I mean, that's kind of what it sounds like."

"He was," Arthur said quietly. "But I wouldn't mention that to him, my prince."

"No, of course not," Jaehaerys frowned. "He will be loyal to Aegon then? Since he's Rhaegar's son?"

"Aye, I'd say so," Arthur confirmed. "He's a good man, my prince, and he's kept your brother safe all these years. It's clear he hasn't forgotten your father, not that anyone could."

"Oh...I'm sorry, Ser Arthur," Jaehaerys looked away. "I know I've asked about him a lot...I'm sorry if I've brought back painful memories for you."

Realising what the prince was thinking, Arthur moved to reassure him. "Oh, no my prince it's fine. You should know where you came from, and I'm happy to tell you about Rhaegar. I only meant that he was a great man, not one to be forgotten."

"Oh," Jaehaerys nodded, smiling with relief. "I see. He does sound like a good man...both of my parents sound like great people. I hope I can do them proud."

"Can I speak freely, my prince?" Arthur asked him.

"I'd rather you did," Jaehaerys replied with a small smile.

"You're a good lad," Arthur told him. "A kind lad, and a clever one. You're good with a sword, and yet you're not arrogant about it. You love your family, and you care about what they think of you. You are your parents' son, and I think they'd be very proud."

"You do?" Jaehaerys asked, turning slightly to meet his gaze.

"Yes, I do. I wouldn't have said it if I didn't think so, my prince."

"Jae," The prince told him. "Call me Jae, Ser. We've been travelling together for weeks now, and I'd rather you called me by my name."

Arthur couldn't help it, he smiled at his charge as he nodded. "Jae it is then," He said. "Did you come up with that?"

"No," The prince laughed. "Robb did actually. He said I should shorten Jaehaerys to Jae, said that it would be less...long."

"Well, he isn't wrong," Arthur admitted. "And it suits you, actually. Not that Jaehaerys doesn't, because it does, but Jae suits you as well."

"I'm glad you think so," Jae replied, chuckling. "Now come, you didn't finish telling me about the Kingswood brotherhood yesterday."

"You're right," Arthur admitted. "All right then, I'll finish the tale, and hopefully by then we'll at least be in sight of the city."

"Aye, hopefully we will." Jae said, and so Arthur launched back into the story, and soon enough he was done and they were at the gates of White Harbor.

"Are you ready for this?" Arthur asked, looking at his prince.

"Aye, I think so," He said. "Are you ready?"

"I am," He said. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be, at any rate."

"Well, we'd best go then, hadn't we? We have a ship to board."

"That we do." Arthur said, and so they trotted through the gates and easily found their ship at the docks. Ghost, Jae's direwolf pup who had been their constant companion, wasn't even complained about and soon enough they were casting off. As Arthur and Jae stood on deck, Arthur looked eastwards, and wondered about the future. He didn't truly know what it held, only that he'd serve Rhaegar's sons, just like he always thought he would someday.

Jaehaerys Targaryen

Jae didn't like sea travel. He'd discovered this on the second day, when the water was a little choppy. He'd been practically stuck with his head in a bucket all day, much to his embarrassment. Ser Arthur of course hadn't been affected, but he had been sympathetic at least. Ghost didn't seem to like the sea much either, because he sulked in Jae's cabin most of the time, looking at him mournfully.

The sickness, much to Jae's relief, was gone within a week. He was able to stumble on deck, Ser Arthur hovering beside him in case he needed his assistance.

"Let's not tell anyone about this," He muttered. "Especially not Robb and Arya the next time we see them. They'd never let me hear the end of it."

"Your secret is safe with me," Ser Arthur told him, the slightest of smirks crossing his face. "Don't feel too bad though, Jae. I remember my first sea journey."

"Were you sick as well?" Jae asked a little hopefully.

"I was," Arthur admitted. "Not quite as sick as you got though."

"Of course not," Jae muttered, smiling a little despite himself.

"Well, at least you're not sick now. How's that wolf of yours?"

"He's upset with me I think. He keeps looking at me with those big sad eyes of his."

"He probably wants to be back North," Arthur mused. "Ah well, he'll adjust I'm sure."

"I hope so," Jae murmured. "How long until we arrive do you think?"

"A couple of weeks yet," Arthur told him, looking out to sea.

"How do I do this?" Jae asked quietly. He'd been wondering this for a while, and he still didn't know what to do.

"What do you mean, my prince?" Ser Arthur asked. When Jae grew serious, the knight tended to revert back to calling him by his title. He let that go for now, too worried about the thoughts in his own head.

"I...I'm not sure I even know what I mean," He admitted. "It's only, how do I speak to my brother? I mean, he's a king...I sent him a letter, I told you that, didn't I?"

"You did, my prince." ser Arthur nodded.

"Well, I just addressed it to Aegon, not king Aegon or Your Grace. Was I right to do that? When we meet, what do I call him?"

"Let him speak first," Ser Arthur suggested. "See how he addresses you, and then respond based on that. I don't think you were wrong to address the letter as you did though. Right now, your titles don't matter. They will matter, don't get me wrong, but for now you should be brothers first and a king and a prince second."

"You really think so? You don't think...I don't know, that I offended him?"

"Jae," Arthur said, shaking his head. "You shouldn't worry so much. You haven't offended anyone, trust me."

"I do trust you," He said, and he meant it. Arthur was a good man, and Jae found that he both liked and respected him. True, Arthur Dayne was a legend, but Jae had spent a lot of time in the man's company these past weeks. He'd become more than just a legend, he was a person to Jae now and one that he was truly glad to know.

"Thank you, Jae," Arthur replied. "Your trust means much to me."

"And your advice means much to me," Jae smiled. "So, let Aegon set the tone, then? That does seem sensible."

"Aye," Arthur smiled. "Now come, Jae, you've not been eating much. It won't do if I have to carry you to meet your brother because you're too weak to walk, will it?"

"No, I suppose not," Jae admitted, chuckling. "I don't think that would make the best impression. Come on then, let's go and see if we can't find something to eat."

They headed back down below deck, and found some food. Jae ate it, and was grateful when it stayed down. As he ate, he prayed silently to the Old Gods, asking them to get him to Lys as fast as they could.

It seemed that the prayer had been answered, because about two weeks later the ship was pulling into the docks of Lys. Jae, Ghost, and Ser Arthur stood on deck, and Jae could feel his heart hammering against his ribs so hard that he feared that it would break through.

"This is it," Jae murmured, eyes ahead. "Oh gods Ser Arthur, we're here. We're really here."

"That we are Jae," Arthur reached out, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder. "Breathe, Jae, you look terrified. Everything's going to be fine."

Jae was terrified. He was excited too, of course, but he couldn't help being so afraid. Aegon could tell him to leave, he thought. He could even order Jon Connington to take his head, if he decided that he didn't want him around. Would Ser Arthur let him do that? Aegon was Arthur's king, he would do nothing for him Jae decided. After all, mad Aerys had had innocents murdered all the time and the kingsguards had done nothing. He'd be all alone here.

A slight nudge at his leg made Jae look down. Ghost was there, staring up at him with his red eyes. Well...it seemed he was wrong, he thought with a small smile, he wasn't completely alone after all. He bent down to rub the growing pup's fur, and Ghost licked his hand. The wolf turned away towards Ser Arthur and nudged at him too, as though telling Jae that he could be trusted.

"My prince?" Arthur asked, sounding concerned. "Are you all right? You still look pale."

Jae nodded, standing as straight and tall as he could. He'd be fine, he told himself, there was no need for this fear of his.

"I'm fine Ser Arthur, just nervous that's all." Jae said, and the knight looked unconvinced but he nodded anyway.

Just then, the ship bumped against the dock and the gangplank was lowered. Jae looked ahead again, and caught the eye of a man who seemed to be waiting for someone. The man had red hair, threaded through with grey, and sharp blue eyes that regarded Jae intently. He had a griffin on his tunic, Jae saw, and just like that he knew who this man was.

"Ser Arthur, look," Jae whispered urgently. "It's lord Connington, Aegon must have sent him to greet us."

"Then we'd better go to him then, hadn't we? Don't worry, Jae, stand strong. You're a prince, remember that."

"Aye Ser," Jae nodded. Arthur got the attention of one of the crew, and told them to ensure their belongings and their horses were off the ship quickly. Then, after giving Jae a reassuring nod, the three of them walked off the ship.

When Jae's feet hit the docks, he sighed slightly with relief, it was good to be back on dry land again. He began to walk towards Jon Connington with Arthur and Ghost flanking him, and he saw that Connington was moving to meet them half way.

"Prince Jaehaerys," Jon Connington addressed him, bowing slightly. "It's an honour to meet you at last. I am Jon Connington. His Grace, your brother, sent me to escort you to him."

Jae inclined his head politely, offering Connington a polite smile. "Thank you for coming to escort us, my lord," He said. "I think you already know my companion, but it has been quite a while. May I present Ser Arthur Dayne, my lord."

"Jon," Ser Arthur took a step forward, eyes wary as he looked at Connington. "I only found out about our king recently I fear. Lord Stark did not see fit to tell me until the prince was coming here."

Jon Connington's eyes widened. He'd barely given Ghost a glance, his attention fixed entirely on the knight to Jae's right. "Arthur, you live? Gods be good, the whole realm thinks you dead. Well...no matter, you are here now and they will be time for explanations later. You've brought the prince as well, King Aegon will be pleased to welcome you I'm sure."

"Mayhaps," Ser Arthur nodded. "But I'm not the one His Grace wants to see, am I?"

"No," Connington admitted after a small pause. "His Grace is most eager to meet you, my prince." He said, looking back at Jae.

"As I am to meet him," He replied, smiling. Connington gave him a nod, and a small smile in return before he spoke again.

"Shall we be off then, my prince, Ser Arthur?"

"Of course," Jae nodded. "Our things will be off the ship in a moment, we'll go then."

"Of course," Connington nodded, and they waited in a slightly awkward silence. Soon enough though, their horses and luggage arrived and they set off.

It was a short ride to the manse that Aegon called home. The gates were open, and as soon as they were through them, Jae dismounted from his horse.

"His Grace is awaiting you inside my prince," Jon Connington said. "I'll show you the way. Ser Arthur, this is Ser Rolly Duckfield," Another man came forward, bowing slightly. "He'll help you get your things settled, and you can meet the king in a while. He wants to see his brother immediately."

Arthur looked to Jae, and he nodded. "I'll see you in a while, Ser." He said, and the knight hesitated a moment before he nodded.

Jae turned away, and followed Connington inside the manse, with Ghost trailing after them. He was lead to a door, and as they reached it Connington turned to him.

"Your brother is inside," He said. "I will leave you now. I will see you later, my prince."

"Thank you, my lord." Jae said, and Connington walked away. Jae stood, simply staring at the door for a few long moments. His brother was in there. His brother was waiting for him. His brother was waiting for him, and he was standing out here like an idiot.

Shaking his head, he raised a hand and knocked on the door. There was a moment of silence, and then a voice called from inside.

"Come in." The voice called, and so he did, leaving Ghost outside for now. He closed the door behind him once he had entered. Turning around again, he found himself face to face with his brother for the first time. Aegon was a little taller than he was, Jae saw. He was standing across the room from him as though he'd been pacing, and his silvery hair looked messy like he'd been running a hand through it. He looked, Jae had to admit, about as nervous as Jae felt. Jae met Aegon's gaze, his brother's violet eyes shining as he looked back at him. Aegon smiled, and Jae found himself surprised. Aegon's smile looked like his own did, the few times he'd seen it in a glass or in a stream, and it hit him then. This truly was his brother, and that thought made him smile too.

"Jaehaerys," Aegon said, his smile growing as he caught sight of the one on Jae's face.

"Aegon," Jae said softly, his smile growing to match his brother's.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Aegon said, taking a step forward.

"Aye," He said, nodding. "It's a pleasure for me as well...brother. I'm so glad you wanted to meet me I...I mean, I wasn't sure..."

Aegon's smile had brightened to a beam when Jae had called him brother, he saw with delight. Now though, he was shaking his head, still smiling. "Of course I wanted to meet you brother," He told him, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I've wanted to meet you since I was a child, Jaehaerys. We're brothers, after all. Of course I wanted you in my life, how could I not?"

"I...Aegon, thank you," He said softly. "I have wanted to meet you too, of course. From the moment my uncle told me who I was, and that you lived...gods, all I wanted was to be here, and now I am. I'm only sorry that I couldn't be sooner."

"Don't be, brother," Aegon told him, eyes bright. "You're here now, aren't you? We can finally be brothers, just like we always should have been."

"That sounds good to me," Jae said, and they both laughed.

"Come then brother," Aegon said brightly. "Take a seat. I think it's time we got to know each other, don't you?"

"I do." He said, and so they sat, and began their first true conversation as proper brothers.