King's Landing 300 AC.
Tyrion.
The tourney was well received and both his sister and grandniece had been well feted. Seeing Elia named as the queen of love and beauty had been the highlight for him. Tyrion had sat in the crowd holding Arianne's hand as Loras rode up and placed the garland in Margaery's hands and then he like everyone there cheered when it was placed on Elia's head. Beside him, Arianne looked from the babe to the crowd and then down to her stomach and Tyrion knew exactly what she was thinking off.
Later that night they'd spoken about how the crowd had reacted to the crowning and he could see how emotional speaking Elia's name made his wife. It had been the same when Jae and Margaery had introduced Elia to them and told them what her name was and that she was to be the heir, Arianne had then needed a moment alone to compose herself. Both she and Oberyn had been almost overwhelmed that his nephew would do such a thing and though she'd japed about it to him later, he knew how much it had meant to her.
He'd enjoyed the squire's duels and the melee that followed. Tyrion remembering his own small part in making this something the realm had come to look forward to as much as the joust was at these tourneys. Arianne had cheered wildly for her cousin while he'd done the same for his own and for his nephew. Willem and Tommen both did well but Martyn proved once again to be the true talent. Now he found himself looking forward to the feast and as he dressed, he looked to his wife who was standing in front of the looking glass. She was turned sideways and the swell of her belly was even more pronounced.
"I think it's a boy." she said when she caught him looking her way.
"What makes you say that?" he asked as he moved towards her.
"It feels like a boy." she said and he chuckled as he put his hand on her stomach.
"It feels like a bump." he said laughing some more when she slapped his head.
"Our babe is not a bump." she said wrinkling her nose.
"Maybe it's babes?" he said and she looked down at him both aghast and amused at the same time "Twins." he said and she shook her head.
"One babe at a time is quite enough." she said and he nodded, making her giggle when he kissed her stomach.
"Boy or girl, it matters not little one. You'll be loved by your father and mother with all their heart regardless." Tyrion said and then moved away to continue dressing.
While he struggled to make himself look good in his own clothes, bump or not being with child suited his wife and when she was dressed she'd looked as beautiful as ever. Tyrion taking her hand and both of them making their way to the feast. He knew that she'd retire early as she did most nights now, while he'd need to stay far later. Dany was still in the first stages of being wed to her new husband and even getting is sister to come to feasts was a chore, getting her to stay was impossible. Aemon and Shiera hated them, they'd turn up and do their duty but would only stay as long as propriety demanded.
As for Margaery, with Jae away she too would only stay just as long as was proper before she'd then hurry back to her room and spend time with her daughter. So it would fall to him to represent House Targaryen and he found that he both couldn't wait for Jae to return and for his own departure back to Dorne. He missed it, Sunspear, the Old Palace, the Water Gardens, and flying over the sands at night on Lygaron with his wife behind him. The people, their own feasts, and the ruling most of all, he missed it and was keen to get back to it. Lygaron too he missed and yet he could sense the dragon and feel him somewhat, so he knew he'd return before Jae did and he looked forward to flying once more.
"Very well, don't answer me then?" Arianne said with a smirk on her face, Tyrion shaking his head as he realized that he'd not spoken once on the walk from their room to the Throne Room.
"Forgive me, I found myself lost in thoughts of Dorne." he said seeing her smile brightly at him.
"My husband misses our home?" she asked.
"Very much so." he said and she stopped their walk to place a kiss on his lips.
They entered the room to little fanfare, his nephew hated the formality of these feasts and despite Margaery having more of a grasp of the politics and the pomp and why it was necessary, she too had begun to make them less formal. Unless it was a matter of true importance where each member of House Targaryen would need to be introduced, most feasts now only needed for the king and queen to be welcomed so. Tyrion smirked as he remembered what Jaime had said about Jae's reaction to that.
"So, I'm the one who hates it so, and yet it's everyone else who gets to not have to suffer it?"
"It's good to be the king, is it not, your grace?"
Tyrion would have loved to see his nephew's face when Jaime said that. Only his brother could get away with doing so and as he and Arianne took his seat he looked to see where Jaime was. He was disappointed when he didn't see him and more so when he realized that they'd come far too early. Looking around the room he found to his dismay that he was the only member of the royal family present. Thankfully he didn't have to wait too long for the others, Aemon walked in with Shiera, and then Jaime, Dacey, and Joanna came a little after them. Dany arrived just movements before the queen and Arianne pointed out just how flushed his sister was.
"I believe your sister and her new husband have been doing many things." Arianne said making him almost spurt out the mouthful of wine he'd been enjoying.
"That is my sister, gods, I don't want to think of that." he said to his wife's laughter.
Unfortunately, the thought had been put in his head and so when Dany and Aurane nodded to him and smiled at him, Tyrion found himself barely able to look and was sure he'd gone red in the face. Arianne's continued laughter and Oberyn's chuckle when he looked at him only making this more certain. Margaery arrived escorted by her father and with her grandmother behind her, Tyrion like the others rising as she was introduced and he was glad that the feast proper could now begin.
The night seemed to pass quickly and just as he'd known and expected them to, over the course of it each of his family and his wife made their departures early. All except Aemon and he was surprised when his uncle came and sat beside him, more so that he had a glass of wine in his hand.
"Uncle." he said with a nod.
"Nephew." Aemon said both of them chuckling at the absurdity of their situations.
"I'd expected you to leave." he said as he sipped his wine.
"As had I, Tyrion, but I find myself in need of a friendly ear to speak to and we've not spent much time together during this tourney."
"I'm…I'm sorry about that." he said feeling he was the one who was remiss.
"What? Oh, gods no there's no need to apologize. By your wife's side is where you both wish to and should be, I wasn't taking you to task, nephew, more…enjoying the opportunity to speak." Aemon said and Tyrion nodded "I find I miss Sandorix, Shiera does so too with Rhaegal and while I'm sure Dany misses Ellagon, my niece has other things that take up her attention."
"Many things." he said with a chuckle.
"What's that you say?" Aemon asked not having heard him and he laughed as she shook his head.
"I miss Lygaron too, I feel they'll return soon, them but not Jae and Rhaenix." he said and Aemon nodded.
"I feel that too, I can sense him, sense his longing to have me with him once more." Aemon said and Tyrion looked at him knowing exactly how he felt.
"Do you feel….do you feel different lately, uncle, more in tune with the dragons somehow?" he asked.
"I do, Shiera too, I've been looking through the books and there's nothing in it that says the bond grows stronger once it's fully formed which I think ours are, but I think it's more to do with magic, nephew. I believe the more Jae uses it, the more he taps into it then the more it exists, strange as that may sound."
"How would this affect us?" he asked curiously.
"We are magical, Tyrion, you and I, Shiera, Dany and Jae most of all, we have magic in us. This ruby I wear, the one you own, I dare say that both are even stronger now than they were when we put them on us. I think the more magic there is, the more magical we become, as hard as that is to prove true." Aemon said and he found that while it was strange, it made sense to him too and suddenly a thought came to him.
"Do you believe we'll pass on our magic, to our babes? Or will it die out with us?"
"Magic never dies, Tyrion, it may still somewhat and seem to not be there but it never dies. To answer your question I believe so. In the little time that I've spent with the princess, I can feel it with her, it's almost like a tingle only more pronounced with her and with Jae. Whereas it's duller with Dany, Shiera, or with you nephew."
"That's real?" he asked surprised "I had thought it just an imagining, I felt it when I held Elia but put it down to the excitement of holding a babe."
"It's real and it gives me much to ponder." Aemon said rising and bidding him goodnight.
Tyrion spent the rest of his night pondering on it himself, even when he spoke to Oberyn and Ellaria or to Jaime and Dacey it was with this thought on his mind. Luckily for him, his distraction was put down to Arianne having retired for the night and him no doubt wishing to join her. Eventually, the night came to an end and he made his way to his room, drunk but not too drunk and in a most pleasant mood. He climbed into his bed and was pleased he'd not disturbed his sleeping wife and though his own sleep came quickly, it was to thoughts that his child would be magical that he fell to sleep with.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Margaery.
Her mother stayed with Elia while her father escorted her to the feast and Margaery already wished it was over and done with. She looked around the room and saw people having fun, enjoying themselves, and dancing and she found she had no true desire to be here. Not only would she much prefer to be abed with Elia but without Jae here she found these feasts to be tedious. This was the fourth or maybe even fifth she'd held in the two weeks that the tourney and wedding celebrations had gone on for.
Still, she sat, she smiled and she wouldn't begrudge those who were enjoying the night their happiness. Dany was oblivious to anyone but her husband and it made her think of her own so much that she found she could barely look at her goodaunt. Aemon and Shiera were perhaps of a similar mind as her and wished to be elsewhere and Tyrion and Arianne seemed both happy to be here and yet not at the same time.
It was mainly the youngest of them that were enjoying themselves truly. Sansa and Willas spent as much time with little touches as they did in conversation. Martyn sat with his betrothed and with his brother while Tommen was engaged in an animated and what looked like an enjoyable conversation with Arya, Lyanna Mormont, and all four of Ellaria and Oberyn's youngest daughters. Joy held court for lack of a better word with her group of ladies and with Joanna sitting by her side and Margaery got an image of the older girl sitting with Elia in the future which made her smile.
While she ate she looked around the room making sure there was nothing or no one that needed her attention. Ser Richard had told her that there were few words spoken out against her and Jae during the tourney and those manly by children who knew no better. A couple of Riverland's squires and Stormland's ones who Ser Richard said were mainly just speaking out and not of any great concern. Looking to the table where the Stormlords sat she couldn't see any reason to worry. Shireen was on her side and as Margaery looked and saw Renly sit by his niece and next to Ser Davos, as she glanced at Sebastion Errol and his mother sitting with the Westerlings and Lady Jeyne, she smiled.
"Something amusing, your grace?" her grandmother asked.
"Nothing truly, grandmother, just taking the measure and feelings of the room." she said and her grandmother moved closer to her.
"This was a great success, your grace, truly. You're not the only one taking the measure of the room, I, Ser Richard even Lord Jaime have all been doing so. Look at Lady Anya sitting with Lord Yohn, I had worried that the loss of Harrold Arryn may prey on her mind and while she mourned the boy she once knew, she cares not that the man is dead." her grandmother said as Margaery looked to the lady in question.
"I wish to see this last for as long as possible, grandmother, to keep the realm on our side for as long as it can be. I'm not fool enough to expect it to last forever and I know that's partly why Jae is so insistent on spreading our House throughout the realm, but I want this to last and to know that when someone does dare to rise, they'll find no support." she said looking to her grandmother who was watching Ned Dayne dance with Lady Celesse Footly.
"As do I, which is why we do what we must, your grace." her grandmother said and Margaery knew then what it was she was up to and it brought a smirk to her face.
"Then I shall retire for the night and we'll speak on the morrow." she said rising to her feet, Ser Barristan and Ser Jors immediately standing even more to attention than they had been.
"On the morrow, your grace." her grandmother said and Margaery leaned down to kiss her cheek before doing the same to her father and then turning to bid those present to continue to enjoy the night.
She almost hurried to her rooms and after bidding Barristan and Jors a good night and smiling at Arthur and Robar, she walked into the room to find her mother sitting by the fire and Elia asleep in her crib. After she spoke to her mother for a little while and then they said their goodnights, she walked over to the chest and took out the Glass Candle before taking it to her bed and then undressing. Just as she'd finished doing so, she heard her husband's voice and as she went to sleep that night it was with a smile on her face as he told her that he was nearly done and would be returning very soon.
Waking the next morning it was with great excitement and she almost hurriedly broke her fast as she readied for the day ahead. She dressed Elia herself and despite her grandmother trying to talk her out of what she intended, Margaery was soon was riding in the carriage with Elia in her arms as they headed to the school that Sarella had set up. The first set of students who weren't ladies were to join today and she'd promised herself that she'd be there to wish them well. Bringing Elia hadn't been part of the plan but for some reason over the last few days, she'd felt an urge to do so.
Of course, this meant extra precautions and so it was with men of the hundred and the entirety of the Kingsguard that she rode. Ghost too was running alongside the carriage as they made their way to the building. Sansa and Joy stepped out of the carriage first when they arrived, Margaery handed Elia to Joy as she climbed out, and then took her back from her once she did. She smiled at the look of reluctance on Joy's face as she gave her back her daughter.
"Your grace." Sarella said with a curtsy that was matched to varying degrees of comfort and aplomb by the assembled girls.
"Lady Sarella, are these the newest girls? She asked.
"They are my queen."
"Can you introduce them to me?" she asked with a smile as Sarella moved to the first of them.
"Of course your grace. This is Mara." Sarella said as Margaery looked at a small dark-haired girl whose eyes were on Ghost and who looked a little wary.
"Mara, that's a pretty name for a pretty girl." Margaery said as the girl stood silently "Ghost is very friendly Mara, would you like to pet him?" she asked to a reluctant nod.
Margaery tried not to chuckle at the put-out look on Ghost's face but the white wolf was on his best behavior and other than Elia was the star of the day. Almost each of the girls wished to rub their hands through Ghost's fur once Mara had and each one of them then wished to see the new princess. One girl Palla even went so far as to ask if she could hold her and when Margaery allowed her to while holding onto Elia herself at the same time, the look on Palla and the other's girls' faces was one of wonder.
"Will the princess ride a dragon like the king?" Palla asked.
"She will, her dragon has already been born and is smaller even than you little one." she said to giggles and shakes of the head from the other girls.
"Dragons can't be as small as us, I've seen them, they're really big." a girl, Elise she believed her name was. said.
"And once you were as small as Elia was and you'll grow as big as I, will you not?" she asked and heard the excited whispers.
"Will you come visit again?" Palla asked as Margaery made ready to leave.
"I will, Palla, and maybe even drag my husband with me, what say you would you like to see that?" she asked and she watched as the girl seemed to picture it in her head before nodding.
She bid them farewell and then spoke to Sarella to make sure they had all they needed. Unlike the ladies who came from families who could pay to see them educated and well clothed, the crown would pay the costs for these girls who came from Flea Bottom and the orphanages. Margaery looked to see Joy and Sansa were both speaking to some of the girls and were she in any doubt that both would seek to support this in the future, she'd not be anymore.
When she arrived back at the Red Keep she felt the day had been a good one and though Elia had slept through most of it, apart from when she was hungry, the girls had very much enjoyed meeting their new princess. In the future, as she grew, Elia would visit the school and the orphanages very regularly, Margaery would see to that. These girls would be able to say they met a princess more than once before they left for wherever their lives would take them and Elia and they would be the better for it.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Genna Lannister.
Every time she held the babe in her arms it was like being transported to another place and time. She was Cleos, Lyonel, Walder, and Tion and yet she was none of them. Elia was Lancel, Willem, Martyn, or Janei, she was Joy. Joanna or Jon, her blood by choice if not by truth and holding her in her arms was and felt the same as when she'd held any of her other kin. Genna had missed the birth and had thought she'd have moons or maybe even years to wait until she saw the babe and the rest of her family again.
She'd arrived just in time for the wedding and yet she'd cared not about it as it was Elia she had truly come to see. To see the boy that she'd held in her arms and comforted when the world had shown the true extent of the cruelty that lay within it at times, to see him hold his own babe in his arms had brought a tear to her eye. One that was soon falling when he looked at her and then brought Elia over for her to hold herself. That he then had to leave so suddenly was something she could see he was reluctant to do and it bore down on Margaery every day he was gone, even if she did her best not to show it.
There was no shortage of willing helpers to look after the babe, Margaery's mother, father, and grandmother, Dacey and Ellaria, Sansa, Joy, and Genna herself all more than eager to offer a helping hand when they could. In her case, she had to admit it was a guilty pleasure to spend time with the little princess and time seemed to just fly by when she did so. Genna had enjoyed the tourney, seeing her kin do so well and looking to Kevan when Martyn took the day and then watching on with a beaming smile on her face when Loras named his niece the Queen of Love and Beauty had been her highlights. Were Jae here then she'd perhaps have left not too long after that as her work as the acting Lady of the Rock and Castellan required her to do, but with Jae not here it meant she'd not leave until he had returned.
So she spent her days with her kin, with Jaime's children, with Kevan's, with Joy and with Elia. She spent even more time with those that she knew she'd not see for a while, and though Tommen was busy with his squiring, for Barristan while Jae was away, she and Myrcella ate with him each and every night. After the rest of the lords, other than the Northern party, had departed the days slipped back into a routine and it was only broken up by the return of the dragons Genna rushed to speak to Jaime to share her worries about not seeing Rhaenix, only to have them assuaged.
"Where is he, Jaime, he didn't come back with the others, where is he?" she asked her voice sounding panicked even to her ears.
"He had other things to do, aunt. The dragons returning means his time in Valyria is over but he had other things to do. A few more days, less than a week and I'd imagine will see him back in King's Landing." Jaime said.
"You're certain of this? And that what he's doing isn't dangerous?" she asked looking to her nephew.
"I am and so is her grace, they've spoken Genna, Jae promised her that he'd not leave Rhaenix's side. The only reason he didn't bring Arthur with him was because of Valyria itself." Jaime said finally making her relax.
Jae and Loras were the same to her as her own boys, she thought of them both the same way and cared for them as if they were her own blood and so just like the queen, she waited and worried. Unlike the queen, it was easier for Genna to get distracted and so she took full advantage. She arranged for Myrcella to spend time with the Starks and asked the girl if she'd prefer to stay in King's Landing when she returned, finding that she very much did not. Her grandniece still had bad memories of this place and other than being with her brother and with Ser Richard Horpe, who she made a point to see each day, Myrcella kept to herself when it was her own choice.
Seeing Tyrion and Arianne be so happy was a boon to her soul. Her nephew too had known the cruelties of this world and seeing him fawn over his wife and knowing that he was soon to be a father was all she'd ever wished for him. She spoke to Loras and found out he was not as happy as she would have liked and that he missed having someone in his life. His preferences had always been well known to her and she'd seen him happy with Satin until the boy had left to go to Dorne with Tyrion. She'd done her best to comfort him and had even hugged him tightly to her chest when he broke down in tears as they sat in her room. Genna glad she'd locked the door when Emmon tried to gain entry.
"I feel such a fool." Loras said wiping his eyes.
"You've no reason to, we all need a good cry every now and then, Loras. I'm happy that I was here for you and it allowed you to get it all out, you feel a little better now don't you?" she asked as she brushed away the stray tear that fell from his eye.
"I do, I…you're right, it's time for me to think of that part of myself and to not be alone anymore." he said looking to her.
"You have so much love in you, Loras, so much love to give and when you find someone who's right for you, they'll be lucky to have a piece of your heart to call their own, don't ever doubt that." she said as he hugged her tightly.
"I missed you." he said softly as she said the same back to him and rubbed his back softly, the banging on the door annoying her as they moved from each other "I'd better let the old fool in, gods whatever you do, don't waste your time on an idiot." she said rolling her eyes and making him laugh.
Emmon actually was the one who provided her with the biggest surprise of her time in King's Landing when he asked her to speak to his family. She'd not even noticed any of them during the tourney which was odd as they never turned down an invitation even if they were no great warriors. Had it been anyone other than Roslin, Perwyn and Olyvar then she'd have perhaps refused. No that wasn't quite true, there were others of her husband's family that she had time for, just not many.
"Well show them in." she said annoyed at the look on his face, though the one of relief did make her chuckle when he hurried to the door.
Roslin was a very pretty girl, her long dark hair and delicate features she'd inherited from her mother thankfully for the girl's sake, Genna shuddering as she thought of Walder Frey. Perwyn was one of the few who could be named a warrior amongst her husband's house, though not of the very top tier he was a competent enough swordsman and young Olyvar was someone she had always had time for. She welcomed them in and had tea brought and while it was clear that to both Perwyn and Olyvar that this was a social visit and nothing more, Genna felt there was more to it in regards to Roslin. After the niceties had been observed she made pretense to wanting to speak to Roslin on womanly matters which soon sent both the girl's brothers and Emmon almost rushing from the room.
"Why are you here, Roslin?" she asked once they had left, finding herself for some reason irked with the young girl.
"I was wondering if you could arrange a meeting with his grace for me, Lady Genna?" Roslin asked nervously.
"His grace is not in the city, Roslin, and when he returns he'll no doubt be a very busy man."
"I understand, but I have news of great import to share with him, my lady, truly so." Roslin said biting her lip.
"What news?" she asked curiously.
She heard the dragon before the girl answered and though she didn't move to the window she knew which dragon it was. Jae had returned and whether it was the look on her face or perhaps young Roslin was smarter than she thought she was, it was clear that the girl knew so too.
"I needs must speak to the king, Lady Genna, the news is for his ears only." Roslin said and Genna looked at her curiously for a few moments before nodding.
"I'll arrange a meeting at his grace's convenience, it may be a few days until he's free though." she said and Roslin nodded, the smile on her face one of relief Genna thought and it made her even more intrigued by whatever it was she'd come to speak to the king about.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Jaehaerys Targaryen.
Seeing the city in front of his eyes was the most welcoming sight he could have wished for. Knowing who was in the city and that he was only moments away from having them both in his arms again, was the reason for the large smile on his face. Despite the urge to land in the courtyard and race up the stairs, it was to the Dragonpit that he and Rhaenix went. Jae having to keep a grip on the Indigo Dragon in front of him as she threatened to fly from Rhaenix's back and straight to the Red Keep.
"We'll see her soon, be patient." he said to an anything but patient chirp which brought a snort from his sister.
"Children." Rhaenix said to an annoyed chirp from the Indigo Dragon and then they were landing.
He was surprised to find no sign of the other dragons before Rhaenix told him they were all on Dragonstone along with their riders. His sister was keen to join them and so he said his goodbyes and she was already in the sky by the time Arthur and Jors arrived. Jae could see that both knights were happy to see him unharmed and lifting the sack onto his shoulder he and the Indigo Dragon made their way over to them and to the horses.
"You're well, your grace?" Arthur asked.
"I am, all is well here?"
"It is, your grace, gods she's gotten bigger." Jors said as the Indigo Dragon chirped proudly, she was now the size of a large dog and when she stretched out her wings even bigger still.
"Aye, she did, can you take this, I'll need to have her ride with me on Winter." he said and Jors nodded as he took the sack that held the Glass Candles and some of his other things.
Jae wanted to speak on his wife, on Elia and yet he was even more eager to be with them both and so the ride to the Red Keep was both quicker than normal and more silent. He acknowledged any who shouted his name but he never stopped or slowed and when he reached the courtyard he was almost disappointed to see only Jaime, Oberyn, and Robb there amongst some others waiting for him.
"Welcome back, your grace." Jaime said and Jae barely resisted the desire to hug him, though he was given no choice with Oberyn and then with his brother.
"It's good to see you nephew, all went well?" Oberyn said.
"More than well, uncle, more than well, I have a tale to share with you that's going to seem unbelievable, a tale of a man who met Nymeria herself." Jae said smirking as his uncle looked at him and realized that it was not his daughter Jae was speaking of "Tonight, we'll speak tonight."
"It's good to see you brother." Robb said as he embraced him.
"You too brother, I'm sorry I've not been here, I'd wished to spend time with you, with Arya and I…"
"It's understandable and I can most readily forgive it, Arya though…" Robb said making him laugh.
"We'll speak later?" he asked and Robb nodded.
Jae followed after Jaime and Oberyn into the Red Keep, almost taking two steps to their one. He found out that Arya and Lyanna Mormont were with his cousins sparring, which really shouldn't have been a surprise. As for the rest of the women in his life, other than Dany and Shiera who were on Dragonstone, all of them were in the same place, his room. Olenna, Alerie, Ellaria, Joy, Sansa, and Joanna were all sitting around in the middle of conversations with Margaery and with each other.
He barely saw any of them though, barely heard them as he looked to see Margaery holding Elia and he dropped to his knees so that he was on the same level as they were. His eyes couldn't decide which sight it was he wished to see more his wife or his daughter and so they moved from one to the other. As for his hands, never had they been as coordinated as they were right then. His right hand touching Margaery's cheek while his left brushed ever so gently across Elia's brow.
"Gods I missed you both, I missed you both so very much." he said and then heard the Indigo Dragon as it landed out on the balcony.
Sighing he rose to his feet and made his way to the balcony to speak to the dragon and to let her know what she could and couldn't do inside the room. The argument they ended up having was one that amused his wife greatly and only her arrival while holding Elia calmed the Indigo Dragon down. He looked on as Margaery moved with their daughter and as the dragon moved her head towards her. As gently as she had before they had left, her snout brushed against Elia's chest and when he saw his daughter's hand touch the dragon and heard the happy sound that both made, he felt his eyes water.
He then had to make space for the Indigo Dragon in the room and soon enough she'd not be able to stay indoors, for now though she was happy to be close to Elia and actually fell to sleep at the same time his daughter did. The room had emptied as they'd been out on the balcony and he gently took Elia from Margaery's' arms as they moved into their bed-chamber. Jae was torn, he, on one hand, wished to hold his daughter for the rest of the night and to sleep with her in his arms while on the other when he looked to Margaery he could see a hunger in her eyes that he too shared. The compromise he felt was a good one, as they lay down on the bed with Elia in between them for a short while before he brought her to her crib and laid her down.
"I missed you, Jae." Margaery said as she undressed him, her hands moving frantically to untie his shirt and britches.
"I missed you, gods I missed you." he said his kisses and touches showing just how true that was.
Their first time was far too quick, both of them seeking their release and almost too eager to get there. The second was more to both of their liking and as he lay there with Margaery resting on his chest he tried not to chuckle at the fact that night hadn't fallen yet. His smile though must have been apparent as Margaery spoke to him and asked what amused him so.
"It's not even night yet." he said as he held her hand and stroked her fingers with his own.
"And is there some new law that his grace has passed that I'm unaware of that says a man can only lay with his wife in the darkness?" Margaery asked and he loved hearing the playfulness in her voice.
"Only a fool for a king would pass such a law." he said and he felt her turn her head more towards him.
"Aye, a fool." she said as she began to push him, giggling all the while.
"Guards, guards, protect your king." he said his voice raised just a little before he then caught her hands and rolled on top of her "Very well it seems I must protect myself. Hmmm, now how should I go about it, perhaps my kisses will stay my wife's hand?" he said kissing her neck to no avail "Perhaps I need to be firmer?" he said gently biting on her ear as she playfully slapped his back "No, hmm, perhaps its mine own hands that are needed?"
He tickled her and grabbed her, both of them rolling around on the bed and laughing at each other. When he saw her breathing deeply he stopped and got up to pour them both some water, before he lay down against the pillows and Margaery snuggled up against him. She asked him what he'd done while he was away and he told her all of it. Not once did she question him on what he'd done, instead only on what it meant. Margaery then told him of the tourney, of Harrold Arryn, and the new Castellan of the Eyrie.
"Ser Donnel?" he asked.
"Both Lord Yohn and Ser Richard say he's a good man." she said and he nodded, he'd not heard of the man but Lady Anya was not to blame for how Harrold acted.
"You ended it quickly?" he asked wondering her reasoning.
"I didn't wish that men to be alive in the same world as our daughter, each moment he was, was a moment too long." Margaery said firmly and he kissed her cheek softly.
She told him of the tourney and of Arryk winning the melee and Loras the joust, Jae closing his eyes to imagine what it looked like when their daughter was crowned and feeling his wife leave his side before she returned with the garland. It was tiny and the flowers had wilted but just imagining it on Elia's head was something he couldn't stop smiling about. Hearing that Martyn had won made him feel pride in the lad and finding out that Arthur had knighted Cregan for his showing in the melee gave him an idea.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here, I missed so much." he said as she spoke softly in his ear and told him that what he did was important and needed to be done.
"The Rhoynish, Jae, Prince Garin, you believe him Leal and true?" she asked.
"I do, he'll have set sail by now and you'll soon meet him for yourself as he wishes to swear his oath in the Throne Room."
"An eighth kingdom." she said and he nodded.
They spoke on lesser things from then on but things that were just as important to his mind. On his cousins and how she believed that Tommen may have a crush on Dorea and on Joy and how much she'd missed him and that she'd come by almost every night to read Elia her story. Margaery told him how well Sansa and Willas were getting along and were being freer with their affections and how she liked Cregan's betrothed. When Elia woke for her feeding, it was done in their bed and afterward, while he played with her, Margaery told him each and everything he needed to know.
He skipped a meal with family that night, staying in the room with them both instead, eating, laughing with his daughter and his wife, and almost forgetting about the world outside their room. The next day he held a Small Council meeting and informed them of Prince Garin and the Rhoynish, Oberyn looking at him in disbelief as did others until he told them they'd be here soon. Over the next few days, he caught up with everyone he could, Arya and Robb, Sansa and Cregan, Martyn and Tommen who were both pleased to have him back and sparring once more.
Joy spent as much time in his room as he did, as soon as her lessons and duties were over she was with him and Elia, being the big sister that his daughter would always see her as. When Genna came to ask him to meet with Lady Roslin Frey, he did so only because she asked it of him. Little did he know that the peace he'd found since he'd returned was soon to be shattered. Margaery was holding court and Elia for once wasn't with him, as Lady Alerie had taken her so she could spend time with her. His goodmother was not comfortable around the Indigo Dragon. So it was just him and Tommen in his solar when Genna brought Roslin to speak to him.
"Lady Roslin." he said after Genna had taken her seat.
"Your grace." Roslin replied and then curtsied before taking her own.
"You wished to speak to me?" he asked looking at the clearly nervous young woman.
"I did, your grace, on a matter of great import."
"As Lady Genna informed me, though I must say I've no idea of what matter it could be?" he asked curiously.
"Your grace, as you are no doubt aware, my father is not the most pleasant of men." she said and he nodded, he'd only dealt with the man briefly but Walder Frey and pleasant were not two words that belonged together "Over some time in our keep I began to hear things, one of which disturbed me and which I feel you should know your grace." Roslin said and Genna sat up straighter in his seat while Jae bid Tommen offer Roslin some water or juice.
"What things, my lady?" he asked, expecting to find his name being spoken of badly or of Walder speaking words that though not treasonous would be close to the line.
"Talk of a body, your grace, a body that my father believed would bring him great favor." Roslin said and he looked at her confusedly.
"A body, my lady?"
"When I heard the talk it made me suspect and so I sought it out, tried to find if it was real or just a castle tale, your grace. It took me some time to find it, moons, and even then I…I wasn't sure what to do once I had. I knew the right thing to do, your grace, to come and speak of it but I worried over what your grace may do once I spoke of it to him." Roslin said grabbing the mug and gulping down the water, her nervousness was even more apparent and perhaps the way he looked at her wasn't helping.
"Speak what you know, girl." Genna said a little too brusquely and Jae saw the Roslin shrink a little into herself.
"Lady Roslin, I can see whatever it is you've found out is causing you worry, perhaps it's for the best if you just speak of it?" he said looking at her and trying to put her at ease.
"My family, your grace, it's not all of them, please you must understand that." Roslin said reaching into her dress to take out a list "Those, those are the ones I know about, please, your grace." Roslin said and he nodded as he took the list from her and looked at the names.
Walder Frey
Lothar Frey
Black Walder Frey.
Ryman Frey.
Raymund Frey.
Hosteen Frey.
Walder Rivers.
Seven names, and other than the Lord of the Crossing himself none of them were ones he knew much about. He handed the list to Genna and saw more recognition in her eyes than in his own and so he knew she'd be able to give him more insight into the names later.
"My lady, the body? Speak to me of the body and you have my oath that I'll not hold your entire house responsible" he asked
"The body..it's…it's…Prince Rhaegar, your grace, the body is your father's." Roslin said and she almost shrieked when he rose to his feet suddenly.
"What's this you say? You come to me with a tale of a body and then name it as my father's? What kind of jape is this?" he asked angrily.
"It's not your grace, truly it's not, I wish it was, by the seven I wish it was. My father has the body of your own and sought to use it to gain your favor but you never came, your grace, you never came to the Twins and I…"
He didn't hear her, the words didn't register and he felt the rage, the anger, the fire inside him begging to be let loose. When he moved from his seat the girl shrieked once more and moved to Genna afraid he was about to strike her, yet he barely saw her. Jae grabbed his sword and stormed from the room, Ser Robar and Ser Richard Horpe following behind him as he moved through the corridors of the Red Keep. She was coming to him, she'd felt his anger, his rage, and knew why he felt that way and whether it was him fuelling hers or her, his, the feelings were the same.
"Fire and Blood."
"I'll bring them Fire and Blood."
"I'll fucking burn that keep to the ground."
"Damn them, damn them to the seven hells."
His words were spoken loudly but not shouted and he was out the doors and pacing in the courtyard before too long. Pacing and waiting for her to come. Harrenhal, he'd turn it into Harrenhal and before he was done with them the Freys would be no more. Each and every one of them he'd see dead for this, none would be left alive when he was done. Rhaenix was in his head telling him it was right, it was just and it was what they should do. Who sent for Margaery he couldn't tell, nor who sent for Arthur or Jaime though it was the last of them who arrived first.
"Your grace?" Jaime asked worriedly to no reply "Your grace."
"Don't try and talk me out of this, don't even fucking try." he said angrily.
"Your grace, a moment please." Jaime said softly almost as if he was dealing with an animal he feared would lash out, which at that moment he was, Jae was not a man or a king, he was a dragon, he and Rhaenix were as one and both wanted to rain down fire on the Freys.
"My father, he has my father's body, all this fucking time that fucking weasel had his body. I'll end him, I'll end his whole fucking house so help me, I'll see them all dead." he said as he saw her in the distance, Rhaenix flying directly towards him.
"Jae, Jae." Margaery said and he turned to her, seeing Elia in her arms and the worried look on her face, his anger going from him almost in an instant.
"He has my father, Marge, he has my father…." he said his voice so very different to how it had been just a moment earlier.
"We'll get him back, Jae, but this, this isn't the way, this isn't you. Come inside, my love, come inside with Elia and me." Margaery said softly and he nodded.
"Rhaenix, I need to speak to her, I need to…I'll not, I'll not…but I need to." he said hoping she understood.
"Go to her, go to her and then come back to me and your daughter." Margaery said and he moved to the empty open space where Rhaenix would land.
While Margaery was able to calm him down easily, he was not so lucky with Rhaenix. His sister roared and only that so many of those he cared about were present and in the line of fire, she'd have let loose her flames. He was almost pushed away and knocked to the ground by the force of her head as she moved it from side to side. Then had to reign her in through his mind when the Indigo Dragon landed close and chirped angrily at her. Jae worried that in her own anger and pain Rhaenix would lash out and hurt or even kill the smaller dragon.
"We'll get him back, we'll deal with them, I swear it, I swear it to you, Rhae, please, please…" he said to no response.
When she took to the sky he was relieved to see her fly back towards Dragonstone, she hadn't spoken to him and was annoyed with him that he'd calmed his own anger down. He tried to tell her it still burned and that it was only waiting to be unleashed but she felt somewhat betrayed by him. She felt they should go and go now, they shouldn't wait and they should offer no mercy or respite and while he wanted to do just that, he knew he could not. Had it not been for Margaery and Elia then he'd already have been on the way to the twins as it was, it was for the best he was not.
Margaery smiled at him when he took Elia from her and she wrapped her arms around his own as they walked back into the keep. He gave Jaime a nod and could see the relief in his expression. Despite the comfort that his wife and daughter brought him, the clarity and calm that he felt, the fire burned still. AS he walked, he planned, and by the time he reached their rooms he knew exactly what it was he was going to do. The Twins would remain unburned but a change was coming and while Walder Frey could rest in his bed today, he'd not rest long, and when he woke there would be dragons at his gates.
King's Landing/The Twins 300 AC.
Dany.
With the dragons back she'd flown back to Dragonstone and Aurane she'd found was far more comfortable in the sea than on the land, much to her amusement. She'd missed Ellagon tough, missed her truly and her dragon was the one thing she'd found that could compete with her husband for her attention. Dany had flown back alone but soon enough she'd been joined by her family. The dragons were eager to be on Dragonstone and together and their riders wished to be with them too.
Tyrion had flown with Arianne in front of him and Aemon and Shiera had come too and while they'd stayed only for a day, they'd flown back and forth for more than a few. They'd been out flying over the bay when Rhaenix had left so abruptly and so had only heard about it upon their return. Her first instinct had been to fly to King's Landing to find out had something happened but Shiera told her that now was not the time and soon enough Rhaenix returned. It was a few days later when her aunt came to her and explained what it was that had angered the white dragon so. Dany's own anger soon rising as she listened to Shiera speak.
"He has my brother's body? You're telling me that all these years he's held my brother's body in his keep?" she asked her temper flaring.
"He has." Shiera said softly and calmly.
"Jae, what's Jae doing about this? Why hasn't he flown to the Twins and burned it to the ground? What's he doing, aunt, what's he doing?" she asked, her anger not directed at her nephew but at the Freys and the thoughts of them having her brother's body for all this time.
"He's dealing with it Dany, he wishes us to join him in King's Landing on the morrow. I believe Rhaenix flying from here was when he found out. By all accounts, he was wroth and wished to go and burn the keep to the ground." Shiera said and Dany despite her anger smiled at that.
"As well he should be, he's planning something isn't he?" she asked and Shiera nodded.
Aurane calmed her down some that night, but she was even more eager to be in King's Landing on the morrow and so she found sleep hard to come by and was tired when she flew the next day with her aunt. It was to her great relief that she found that they were to wait another day to do as Jae had bid. She went to her room early that night and for the first time since they had wed, she and Aurane refrained. Though they didn't not the next morning much to her enjoyment.
She had woken up, dressed, and broken her fast and then met with her aunt, uncle, brother, and nephew in the courtyard and rode to the Dragonpit. All of them wore armor, even she, Jae in his Valyrian Steel, and each of them in their own castle forged. In time they would be fitted with chain mail to wear under the armor, mail of the same sort that Rhaenix and their own dragons would wear. For now though this would have to suffice and as they rode through the streets they looked like what they were, Dragonriders, and the dragons would fly with a purpose this day.
Each of them would take passengers, Sandor and Belwas with her, Arthur and Jaime with Jae, and Oberyn, and Bronn with Tyrion. Aemon would take Ser Richard Lonmouth and Ser Arryk while for Shiera it would be Robb Stark and the Smalljon. Of them all, it was the Northmen who seemed most eager for some reason be it the dragon ride or where they were going though she couldn't tell. The dragons waited for them in the Dragonpit and they wasted no more time than was needed for everyone to take their places before they readied to take to the sky.
"Sōvegon Rhaenix, īlon sōvegon se sōvegon adere." (Fly Rhaenix, we fly and fly fast." Jae said.
The flight took far less time than it should, Jae had bid Rhaenix to fly fast and Ellagon was just as keen as she was to get to the Twins as were the other dragons. They didn't land right away, Jae had Rhaenix fly over both keeps and let out her roars and her flames while Lygaron, Ellagon, Sandorix, and Rhaegal soon followed the white dragon and did the same. It was only after it had been made clear that the dragons were here did her nephew bid them to land and she looked to see a large force of men gathered on one side of the bridge. Jae had them land on the other side and then he had Rhaenix roar once more.
"Who are those men?" Sandor asked her after they'd climbed from the dragon's back.
"His grace sent word to Seagard and to Raventree Hall that their forces were to meet us here." she said and Sandor smirked.
With the dragons on one side of the river, a large number of the men from the camped on the other side soon crossed over the bridge. They had no fear of attack or worry about House Frey, not with dragons to call upon and she looked on as Jae spoke to Arthur and Jaime, while Tyrion laughed at something that Bronn or Oberyn had said. She was soon called over and found it was Lord Tytos Blackwood and Lord Jason Mallister that led the men, both men coming themselves when the king called.
"Your grace." Lord Tytos said with a bow that was matched by Lord Jason's.
"Lord Blackwood, Lord Mallister, I thank you both for your diligence, has there been word from the Twins?" Jae asked.
"Ser Stevron came to parley, your grace, the man is most confused by why we marched." Lord Tytos said.
"As I'm sure are you both. All will be made clear in good time, lords. Send word to Ser Stevron that I wish to speak to him." Jae said and soon enough a rider rode under a flag of truce to the Twins.
The wait was not long and a dozen men rode out, an older man leading them who Sandor identified as Ser Stevron Frey the heir to the Twins. Dany tried not to laugh at the thoughts of it, the man must have been almost seventy namedays old and was still only the heir. Even to death Lord Walder was late it would seem. To say the man was nervous would be an understatement of epic proportions. He could barely look at the dragons and almost fell to his knees when Jae moved towards him with Arthur by his back.
"In two hours, I want every single man or boy over the age of ten namedays lined up in front of those walls, unarmed and on their knees. Every single one Ser Stevron, including your father, is that understood." Jae said his voice chilling and unyielding.
"Your grace, I don't..I…" Ser Stevron stuttered.
"Every single one, Ser Stevron. If my order and let me leave you in no doubt that this is indeed an order. If my order is not followed, then before this night is done, I, my aunts, and my uncles will mount our dragons and take to the sky and we will rain down a fiery judgment on both those keeps. Everyone left inside of them will find out what Harren the Black's last thoughts were and believe me Ser Stevron they were not happy ones." Jae said almost snarling.
"Please…your grace" Stevron said trembling.
"Two hours from the moment you enter, Ser Stevron, two hours and not a moment longer, and any man who doesn't line up in front of those walls will not see the morrow, be certain of that." Jae said turning from the man who then almost ran to his horse.
Dany moved closer to Tyrion who was speaking to Aemon and Shiera, none of them seemed worried or upset by what Jae had said and she too felt neither. The Freys were lucky it wasn't her deciding their fate, if it was then they'd not have been given two hours. It actually took less than that for the men to line up, soldiers, servants, guards, the Frey's themselves, and even the Late Walder Frey had been carried out on a litter. Jae just looked at them all and she watched as with Arthur, Jaime, Oberyn, Lord Tytos, and a number of his men, her nephew walked down the line stopping at men who were then dragged away from the others when Jae spoke their names.
"Walder Frey, Lothar Frey, Black Walder Frey, Ryman Frey, Raymund Frey., Hosteen Frey and Walder Rivers." Jae said as he passed each of the men and they were then dragged to one side, Walder was pulled off his litter and thrown to the ground and none were addressed by title.
She looked at the hateful looks they threw her nephew and the worried ones that others threw and yet none spoke or made a move.
Guards surrounded the seven men and then as Jae walked towards the keep, she ran after him. Her nephew looked at her confusedly and she felt for a moment he'd send her away but he just nodded and they walked in through the gates. It was a horrible place, dank and damp, and looked as if it was barely maintained. Around her woman and children looked terrified and yet Jae barely paid them any mind which surprised her a little given how he usually behaved when children were involved. Her nephew though looked focussed, his face was schooled and impassive and it was only when they reached the room that he showed any emotion and hesitated.
"Jae?" she asked worriedly as Arthur and she looked on with concern.
"I.. I'm well, I'm well." he said softly though he sounded anything but and when he opened the door it was only that her own emotions were so fraught that she took so long to notice his tears and to hear his pained cry.
On a small table that wasn't even long enough for it to fully rest upon was a body. The black armor it wore was dirty and full of cobwebs. The rubies on its chest had lost their shine so covered in dirt were they and yet the Three-Headed Dragon was clear. She looked on unable to move as Jae moved to the body's head and she heard the pained cry once more, this one joined by another as Arthur too made his feelings clear. How she was able to move to it she had no idea but when she looked down upon it she too gasped and cried out.
The hair was almost intact and the face still bore skin, skin that had shrunken and shriveled, and yet she could see Jae's face in the features that remained. It was faint and not all that clear but she could see Jae and an image of what her brother looked like soon formed even more clearly in her mind. She didn't hear her nephew call for the banners, the black and red of their house colors, and their sigil standing out proudly upon them. Jae and Arthur wrapped the body in it and her nephew would let no one other than him and the famed knight carry it from the room and out of the keep.
Once outside she saw the worried looks on the faces of the seven men and yet there was confusion on almost all of the others. They didn't know? They hadn't known? It gave her pause as she thought of what she had wished to do to them when she had first found out. She looked to her aunt, uncle, and brother, to Jaime and to Oberyn and she could see their eyes were on the body and on Jae as he carried it to where Rhaenix waited. After he and Arthur laid the body on the ground, Dany watched as Rhaenix brushed her head against it, and as Jae then leaned into the dragons's head, his words not carrying through to her she could see he was speaking softly to the white dragon. She and then others almost jumped when Rhaenix turned and roared more loudly than she'd ever heard her. The roar one of pain and one of warning at the same time.
"Walder Frey." Jae said loudly as he walked from Rhaenix's side "The Late Walder Frey. I should kill you where you lay, take your head, and mount it on the Red Keep so the realm knows the truth of you and of what you did."
"I rescued your father's body, I.."
"SPEAK NO MORE. Speak no more lest I let my sister loose and in front of your kin and these good and true men we see a dragon's rage. Speak no more lest I let my father's truest friend do that which he longs to do and be thankful that the only reason I do not is that I'd not see him sully Dawn's blade with the likes of you. Speak no more lest I give in to the fire that rages within me and I seek to punish your house as much as I seek to punish you and those responsible for this sacrilege. Speak no more lest the next words you speak make me forget that I am my father's heir and not my grandfather's." Jae said his words listened to in quietness by each man and woman as she and they awaited his judgment.
Jae looked at Walder almost daring him to and Walder spoke no more, not even a man as irascible as he wanted to wake this dragon more than it had already been.
"Ser Stevron, from this moment forward you are Lord of the Twins, your father is attainted, stripped of rank and position. Were he a man still I'd give him the choice of the block or the Wall but he long lost the right to name himself as such. These others, these other lesser men, them I'll give the choice, the Wall of the Block, what say you?" Jae said.
"The Wall."
"The Wall."
Each of them chose it and she swore she saw Jae smile as he then turned back to the newly named Lord Stevron.
"My uncle paid a toll when he crossed your bridge, Lord Stevron, 20,000 gold dragons and I'll see it returned. As for your father, keep him in your halls and keep him as the prisoner he should be. I'll not stain my dungeons or my keep with the likes of him, but be mindful Lord Stevron, be mindful that I am watching and what I threatened here today could still be brought down upon your house. The Freys hold the crossing no more, Lord Stevron, no more do you decide to use your position to such benefits. Watch and watch closely and know that this is the man you angered here this day. Know this and fear what will happen should you anger me again." Jae said.
She like everyone there watched as Jae walked to the river bank and as he unsheathed his sword. Where he took the pouch from she didn't see but she knew what was in it. As he poured it over the blade and knelt the blade began to shine so brightly that she and others couldn't truly look at it. The song began then, its words unknown to her and Dany wasn't even sure if they could be called words at all. It wasn't sung for long and when it was done the light faded and she was finally able to see.
At first, she didn't notice anything different, and then she saw it more clearly as people were pointing up and down the river. Where once there had been but one bridge now there were many. How many she couldn't count but they stretched both North and South. The Twins was now but a keep with a bridge in a world full of bridges and she smiled at that and how people now looked at her nephew. They could have come here and burned the twin keeps to the ground. Jae could have recreated Harrenhal and people would have spoken of that for years to come, this, this, they'd sing songs about.
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed: Up Next Jae lays his father to rest and Roslin receives a reward she desires. Prince Garin arrives in King's Landing and the Realm finds out about the Eight Kingdom while Oberyn and the Dornish contingent find new friends. Jae turns to his family to put lighten his mood and we take a look at some of the preparations for the War for the Dawn as the Night King moves ever closer to his goal.