Sister's Keeper
Edited by DesertMortician
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of thrones
Chapter 107: Childhood Home
Alysanne's POV
The rest of the day, I have the armies containing any fires and searched for suitable buildings. What matters is getting the city stable for the people to come back. No doubt, there will be people who are homeless along with the refugees. This was anticipated as the Reachmen started assembling soup kitchens and tents.
One good thing about conquering is that you get all the gold to fund construction. As Tyrion explains, it will start jobs since people need work. A slow start for the economy. However, I know there will be people who will use the wildfire explosion against me. Blaming what my father has done.
It will be a battle, but I have dealt with worse with the Masters. Along with the Northerner stubbornness. What else can these southerners do? All I can do is rebuild the city and provide work for everyone to get everyone on track.
By night time, Tyrion led me to Maegor's Holdfast. Tyrion going on about the walls being twelve feet thick. A dry moat lined with a bed of formidable iron spikes surrounding it, with a drawbridge spanning the moat. The only way in and out of the holdfast is across the drawbridge. The moment we entered, I felt a sense of familiarity, except it was a stranger to me. A staff member showed where the royal apartment was and reported that Cersei hasn't been here since King Tommen's death. I thanked her as she left the room to give privacy.
Jorah entered the room, walking over to the fireplace as he started a fire. I walked around the social quarters seeing the bare walls. All of it was strange, for I do not remember this room, but I felt like I have been in here. The foundation was the same. It was the accessories that were different. There was a canopy bed with twin hearths. I walked over to the window, having a view of the private garden.
I felt my eyes water as a vision clouded them. As if I was being held looking down. I can see Viserys as a boy playing swords with his tutor. When I adjusted my head to the person holding me, I saw my mother smile. Rhaella combed her fingers through my hair before pecking my forehead.
"My Golden Dragon, shall I read you a story?" Rhaella offered.
When I blinked, she was gone, and I was staring at a pillar.
"This used to be my mother's chambers," I murmured.
Jorah looked up, "You remember?"
"A vision?" I guessed.
Jorah got up as he came over. Once he was next to me, he wrapped his arms around me. I sighed, leaning into him. I thought I lost all my memories of the Red Keep. Then again, I lived a sheltered life. Any memories I did have were the perspective Rhaella wanted me to have. Not the real nightmare Aerys made it for her. Thinking about the memory, I pulled away from Jorah.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"To find my old room," I answered.
Jorah nodded as he followed. From what Ser Barristan told me, it was the tower that faces the ocean. It took some time, yet we made it to the top of the building where a bedroom was. There was some dust around the area as if no Baratheon had ever been there nor staff. When reaching the door, I tried to open it by the handle, but it wouldn't budge. Jorah stepped in by banging his shoulder a few times until it finally budged. He pulled back, rubbing his shoulder.
I chuckled, "Not as young as you once were."
Jorah rolled his eyes.
We entered the room. It was not massive like the Queen's quarters. There was a bed where a plush chair stood next to it, with a hearth. Above the fireplace was a shield with a three-headed dragon, except it was made of gold. There were tapestries of dragons along with the dragon riders. As I reached the bed, I picked up a porcelain doll with white hair, wearing a ruby red dress. I brushed the dust off her face.
"So, Ser Barristan was telling the truth. You were kept in the tower," Jorah said.
"I had a sister who was stillborn named Shaena," I said. "Followed by Aegon and Jahaerys who died in infancy. Their deaths abated my father's madness. Then Viserys was born…and when I was born, my father believed I would be the last. Late in the night, he would sit in that chair and watch me sleep.
I set the doll down, "However, this will not be the life I want our children to live in."
Jorah nodded, seeing how much of a caged bird I was. Able to see the world but not live in it until the Mad King sent Rhaella, Viserys, and I to Dragonstone. And that is how my life came to be—a child who had to grow up so young. Jorah noticed my silence and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Let's go back to our room," he suggested.
I nodded, setting the doll down and leaving the past behind me.
When we arrived at the room, Missandei was there with a gentle smile. A trunk filled with clothes came in. Jorah had excused himself, stating he will feel safe once he patrols the holdfast. Once alone, Missandei helped me wash and changed out into my evening close. Stripping my armor and putting on a nightgown and robe. I must admit, I will miss the bathing chambers on Dragonstone.
I rested a hand on my belly, trying to figure out how pregnant I was. All I can assume, I got pregnant in Winterfell, but not right away. And it has been a couple of months since leaving Winterfell. Sooner or later, I will need a Maester to check my health. And figure out how many more months.
"You finally reclaim your home," Missandei said.
"Indeed, I have," I replied.
"Are you not happy?" She asked, surprised by my lack of excitement.
I looked at her, "I'm pleased. But lives were lost, and wildfire was involved."
"Once you are crowned queen, you'll feel better," Missandei assured, being optimistic.
I nodded in agreement.
"Why don't you go rest with Grey Worm," I told her.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"I'm sure Jorah will be here soon," I said.
Missandei nodded as she left the royal apartment. As she left, I sat down on a chair near the fireplace and rubbed my belly. Comprehending what has happened in the last week till now. Grasping the fact, I am back in the Red Keep and finally home. Although, this place doesn't feel like home. After many years of traveling, I guess home is the people you surround yourself with. Not a building.
Anyway, I closed my eyes and hummed a Valyrian lullaby.
A while later, I heard the sound of the door open. Opening my eyes to see Jorah walking in. He looked exhausted. After the last five days, could you blame him? He fought hard for my claimant and brought justice to me. There was still blood, dirt, and soot on him.
I stood up and walked over to him, taking his hand. As I led him to a chair, he did not object and helped remove his armor and gambeson. Next, I grabbed a basin of water and a rag to help wash his face. How he was still alive amazes me, which I was thankful for. As the gods spared his life. To that, I am grateful.
Once he was clean, I was about to take the basin away when Jorah stopped me. Instead, he did not say a word, untying my robe, and rested his head on my belly while arms wrapped around me. I smiled softly, combing my fingers through his fair hair. We all have come close to death. And here we are, alive with a child on the way.
We stayed like this for some time until exhaustion finally won. Jorah noticed this as he stood up and led us to the bed. I moved the blankets to cover us and curled up to my husband. Despite being in the royal apartments, we didn't think of ourselves as Queen and King. Only a couple finally at peace.
"I love you," I murmured.
Jorah kissed the top of my head, "I love you too."
Exhaustion won as we both fell asleep.
.o0o.
I open my eyes back in the Throne room, yet it was the past in its finest moments. There are dragon skulls lined along the walls, there weren't any Lannisters tapestries. Instead, there were Targaryen Banners. I was sitting on the Iron Throne, no longer aged, as if it was brand new.
"Long live the Queen," Visenya said as she walked over. "Finally, a woman on the Iron Throne who deserves it."
"Thank you," I said.
"I should be the one thanking you," Visenya said.
I looked at her, confused.
"I have taught many Targaryens throughout the years in this realm. Many became good kings, powerful knights, and diplomatic queens. Yet the cycle happens over and over again of betrayal and loss. Brother fighting against brothers. Dragon against dragons. Blood becomes poison." She murmured and rested her hand on the armrest. "My bloodline died long ago, and Rhaenys struggled. Now you remain."
"I'm nervous," I confessed.
"Which is normal," she assured. "But I have prepared you for this."
I snorted as she was referring to Slaver's Bay.
"Remember, you are a Queen now," she warned. "Many will challenge you because of your sex. They will question your leadership. But remember, you are a warrior queen. You have fought in wars and resolved political issues. And in time, you will gain their respect."
I nodded.
"Along with my visits," she added.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I only guide those to their end goal, not how to manage it," Visenya explained. "It is time for you to spread your wings."
"Oh," I look down, disappointed.
Visenya took her hand under my chin and lifted it up, "I will see you now and then. And one day, I might be guiding your children as well."
"Gods have mercy on them," I tried to joke.
Visenya chuckled from that, then tuck a strand of hair off my face, "You have grown."
"All because of you," I said.
Visenya shook her head, "No. You have done so much by yourself. You have abolished slavery in the Bay of Dragons. You prevented the Long Night from happening again. You have reclaimed your inheritance. And lastly, you have redeemed House Targaryen's name. Now you must maintain it. Never make the same mistakes, so many of us have done."
I nodded.
"Thank you for your wisdom," I said.
Visenya nodded with a sad smile.
"Goodbye, my dear," she said as she leaned down and pecked me on the forehead. "Long may you reign."
Before I had the final word, I was woken up.
.o0o.
I opened my eyes to stare at Jorah, who was still asleep. It was sad that I won't see Visenya more often than I liked. But I get where she was coming from. She can't be ruling through me. I have to do this by myself. Well, almost alone, knowing I have Jorah and my council.
I scooted closer, wrapping my arm around him, savoring his warmth. It was still hard to believe I was here. Here I was back in the Red Keep, back in my mother's bed chambers. And yet, the home was the man next to me. As his arm readjust to hold me. This made me smile, knowing he is always there.
It was still early in the morning, as the skies were dark. I snuggled up to him and breathed in his scent. That I closed my eyes falling back to sleep.
This time I had a dream that I haven't had in a long time. It was the little boy playing in the garden. This time it was not the lemon garden in Braavos. Instead, he was playing in the courtyards of the Red Keep. Being a good mix of his parents. The same boy from the Veil. He smiled, taking my hand as we walked along with the garden until spotting someone.
"Father," the boy cheered, running over towards Jorah.
For once, the man the boy ran to was Jorah. Not a faceless man I saw in my previous dreams. A vision of what is to come in the future. This is what I dream of. Not the Iron Throne but a family. One that is happening. As Jorah picked up the boy and came over, giving me a kiss.
I am happy.
.o0o.
The following day, I walk through the halls of the Red Keep seeing the servants removing the banners of the Lannisters and replacing them with Targaryen Banners. As the golden lion on a red field is replaced by a red three-headed dragon on a black field. Anything that resembled a lion was taken down.
When I found the royal study, I took custody of it. I sat down at the desk and stared at the documents, and read the reports. Missandei was by my side as she read aloud the documents as I went through the others. It is essential I get the city ready for the winter, and the refugees have their supplies to return home.
Despite defeating the Night King and preventing the second coming of the Long Night…it does not end the actual winter that is upon us. Nine years of summer, and nearly five years of autumn until now. As it has been a year coming on two, and from Jorah and any Northern states, it is not true winter yet. Northern Winters are brutal, and Southern Winters are harsh, making it hard to provide from the harvest. And long Summers mean longer winter.
And with the War, there is more to come in recovery.
And ruling during the winter will be more difficult than during Meereen's autumns when the weather is close to summer. At least my husband has an understanding of climate. Although I do need to make my council. For once, I seriously need to make my council.
The door opened as Tyrion and Varys came inside.
"I see her Grace has stepped into position right away," Varys complimented.
"There is no time for celebration when a siege has occurred and lives lost," I said, reading a document while not looking at them.
"Your Grace, a public speech is in order," Tyrion advice.
I lowered the document, "I doubt the people want to hear me speak. More concern about the possibilities of their home still standing. How are the food tents going?"
"The Unsullied and the Reachmen have set up soup kitchens and assembling tents for the homeless," Varys reported.
"And the builders, are they evaluating the constructions?" I asked.
Both Varys and Tyrion paused, baffled about it, and looked at each then back to me.
"Well?" I asked.
"Your Grace, it has barely been a day. Surely you did not expect to work on the construction so soon," Tyrion said.
"Well, when wildfire has been used in battle, the people must no longer live in the streets." I scolded. "I will not tolerate any delay when winter is upon us that can last possibly a decade if not longer."
"But shouldn't you focus on your coronation?" Tyrion inquired.
"My Coronation can wait," I said.
"For how long?" Tyrion asked.
"Until Cersei Lannister is dealt with and the child is born," I announced. "Once the child is born, shall be taken into custody by Ser Jaime as his ward in Casterly Rock, never to return to the Crownlands."
"You're going to exile a child?" Tyrion asked, baffled.
"If I keep the child in my custody, it will be a reminder of what Cersei has done," I answered. "Let alone any remaining Lannister supporters here will convince the child to take back the throne if the child is a boy. So far, the public believes the child is sired by Euron Greyjoy. If they knew the truth, that child would be murdered before seeing their fifth name day."
"She has a fair point," Varys agreed. "For the safety of the child. May the gods be merciful to be a girl."
"But Jaime will have custody?" Tyrion asked.
"Unless you prefer the child in your care?" I offered.
Tyrion paled at the thought of raising a child.
"As I thought," I concluded. "Ensure the builders are evaluating the ruins and begin the constructions. Along with a payment plan to ensure they do not cheat in cost."
"At once, Your Grace," Varys said, pleased.
There was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"It is Lady Arya," the soldier at the door announced.
"Send her in," I said, then looked at my advisors. "You are excused. We will discuss more later."
Varys and Tyrion nodded, giving a bow before leaving. The doors opened as Lady Arya came in, and the men stepped out. Arya stepped in, standing there with hands behind her back. She gave a curt nod instead of a curtsey or bow, which I did not mind knowing of her personality.
"Missandei," I glanced at my companion. "Why don't you take a small break while Arya and I speak in private."
"Of course, Your Grace," Missandei said with a bow before leaving.
Arya watched Missandei leave. We waited for a moment until Arya spoke, "Why have you summoned me?"
"I thought we could have a conversation," I replied. "I give my condolences to Ser Sandor Clegane."
"He was no Ser," Arya corrected. "He got what he wanted in his revenge."
Sandor Clegane and his brother Gregor Clegane were found dead outside of the Tower of the Hand. There was a broken window halfway from the reports, and the men were found mangled to death. Although from what the guards have said, the Mountain was still twitching despite his limbs broken. They took the liberty of cutting off his head and setting his body ablaze. Meanwhile, Sandor was found with a satisfied smile despite being dead. Satisfied, he managed to kill his brother.
There were other deaths as well, as the majority of the Queensguard was dead along with Qyburn. Tyene had cut him with a poison dagger that he did not survive today. Such a waste of an intelligent man, but one who performs without consent should not be suitable in court.
Therefore, I changed the subject and stood up, "My husband informed me of your agreement about Cersei Lannister?"
"That he has," Arya confirmed.
I walked around, walking over to the balcony, which Arya followed.
"Do you have a means of her death?" I asked.
"I don't quite understand what you mean?" she replied.
"Forgive me. I'm not very blunt as you are," I said. "What I mean to say, do you plan to have the lioness executed in the crowd or behind closed doors."
"I'm not sure yet," she confessed. "So many options in how she regarded my family."
"If you are interested in beheading, I don't mind you borrowing my sword," I offered. "I doubt yours will cut off her pale neck."
Arya gave a snort, "Needle would not. Nor the public be entertained with a stab to the chest."
"No, they wouldn't," I agreed.
"If you don't mind me giving a suggestion that way Cersei doesn't get the satisfaction," I said.
"I am listening," she said with an interested smile.
I smirked, giving her an idea that will at least satisfy my revenge.
Even if I'm not the one taking Cersei Lannisters head.
Sorry for the long wait.
So much has been going on. Work has been crazy, and the weather drastic.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review!