Months later. King's Landing. Red Keep

The silence in the chambers of the king was only broken by the whines and cries of a little boy, whose body was now being examined by the new Grand Maester Marwyn, who was appointed to his position soon after the death of Pycelle. The latter's death surprised no one, as he was found dead in his bed and it was assumed that he had simply passed away in his sleep, as dozens of his predecessors had done in the past. Anarion and Miriel, however, knew better, since before his departure to the south, Anarion made sure that the old maester died a particularly gruesome death, for all the times he had sabotaged Queen Rhaella's pregnancies and worsened her health, as well as health of now Queen Elia.

If there were some things that Anarion hated and despised more than his brother Alduin, then that would be those that purposefully hurt children and mothers. Once mighty Dovah, even before his service to Shor, always possessed a soft spot towards children, never once having hurt one and always making sure to protect them, even as a Dovah. Even after gaining a mortal form, he continued to foster such a trait, and whenever he could, he would give all he could to defend young children and their parents, and when he could not, he made sure to avenge them. Many of his former brothers among Dovah found death at his hands for having burned and devoured innocent children, ranging from pre-teens to infants, and many more mortals lost their lives for hurting children.

Even now, Anarion had to fight an urge to unleash his Thu'um at Marwyn, Rhaegar and Lyanna, for putting this your child through all this. Only the presence of Miriel and her hand holding his right one tightly stopped him, though he knew that his wife was as much, if not more, distress as he, for she grew to not simply care for this child, but love him as if he were one of their own. Moreover, Anarion could not deny her that, as nearly his entire Dragon being was screaming to him to protect this child, his child for these people, who looked at him with suspicion and some with hate in their eyes, like Lyanna. If there was once some respect for her in him, it was now firmly gone, and replaced with anger and disgust towards the young mother.

The ride towards the King's Landing was not a very pleasant one, though not a dangerous one by any means, since the new Queen and her children had a very powerful escort and best guards she could wish for in all of Kingdoms. What made the journey unpleasant was her attitude towards her third child, the Dragonborn, whom she refused to even take into her arms and even ride with her in a special wheelhouse, which was prepared in advance, much less care and feed from her breast. \

She refused to even name the child, as she has named her daughter Visenya and son Jaehaerys, while her third one was left nameless. The Kingsguards and Lord Stark did not seem to care far too much for it, but Miriel did care and had tried to reason with the young mother a number of times before their departure from the Tower of Joy. All she had gotten in return was stubborn refusal and later on insults towards Anarion's wife, which nearly made him raise his against this girl, though he did not do so and kept his mouth shut.

He knew that pregnancies were a difficult period for anyone, be they mortal or not, and he also understood that the vision had left Lyanna shaken and spooked, but the fact that she not only refused to even look upon the Dragonborn, and insults towards the woman that had saved her life… Lord Stark and King Rhaegar do not know, how lucky they are, that Miriel has a patience and good nature that rivaled and exceeded her husband's wrath and fury.

When they did depart, it fell upon Miriel and Anarion to take care for the young Dragonborn, since no one else would dare to do so, since Lyanna has made it clear that she did not wish for the child to be cared by anyone else. She didn't even let the wet nurse that was travelling with them to feed the child, something that further infuriated Anarion, though his wife was unfazed by it and instead decided to take upon that duty as well, feeding young Dragonborn from her own breast and producing milk through magic. When the others learned of this and demanded answers from Anarion and Miriel, they simply told them that since the child was hungry, his wife fed him and nothing more. Everyone knew that Miriel was not pregnant and never had a child, and with the rumors about her being still around, all quickly connected the dots. When all assumed that it was through sorcery that Miriel was feeding the infant, nearly all friends and good grace that Anarion amassed had evaporated, and he started hearing people talk behind his and Miriel's backs, with Kingsguards refusing to let Miriel even close to Lyanna, stating that this was the Queen's order.

The two former Dovah didn't care that they've basically confirmed those rumors, being more focused on the child, who during the travels has grown quite substantially for an infant and was as healthy as it could get, being bigger and stronger than his older siblings by some margin. Though the blood of Shor and Akatosh had it's effects, Miriel's feeding him also played part in his growth and health, it truly strengthened and empowered the child. Throughout the ride, the child grew attached to Miriel and Anarion, refusing to let anyone else care for him, and crying if someone did take him from them.

The long ride served not only to build a bond between the Dragonborn towards Anarion and Miriel, and the other way around as well. Anarion and Miriel weren't childless and had children throughout their long lives, a gift of their new natures from Kyne and Shor, the ability to build families and have children. Dovah in their normal form were genderless and did not have the capability for reproduction or means for it, but those Dovah that chose service to Shor and Kyne were allowed a choice of which gender they wished to have, and a possibility for children, in exchange for their service, Dovah form and names.

And through that, Anarion and Miriel became who they are and they had seven children throughout their long lives, with six of them having been lost to Alduin, who devoured both their flesh and souls. The loss of their children had long haunted the two, and yet when they started to care for the little Dragonborn… The pain was alleviated and replaced with warmth of parenthood and care for this child. Without intending it, Anarion and Miriel gained another child, with both having grown as attached to him as they were to their other children. Perhaps Mara and Kyne had blessed them one more time, though Anarion didn't want to think of that way. When they had finally reached the Red Keep and Rhaegar had finally saw his children, he embraced and welcomed Visenya and Jaehaerys, but the Dragonborn… This was the first time when Anarion truly regretted not letting Robert kill Rhaegar.

Rhaegar didn't even take him into his arms, nor did he smile or cheer for him, instead having a reaction as if he had seen death. Immediately after the arrival of everyone, he ordered Marwyn to examine the child in every way he could, both through sciences and sorcery, and now he was finishing his rough examination.

"Well, what can you tell me of… Of him?" Rhaegar asked of the Grand Maester.

"All I can say, Your Grace that the young Prince is in an excellent health condition and I've not seen a stronger or healthier babe. Though he is a bit bigger than a normal child his age and stronger, aside from this strange mark and the heat coming from it, I can't find anything wrong with him. If anything, he is in perfect health." Marwyn stated. "The wet nurse that cared for him should be praised for taking such good care of the child during the journey here."

"He wasn't cared by a wet nurse, but by this witch here." Lyanna pointed towards Miriel, drawing attention towards her.

"What do you mean, Your Grace?" Marwyn asked of her.

"Exactly what I had said: this witch, who has never had a child in her life, has cared and fed this… this thing from her very own breast." Lyanna stated to everyone, with some looking with shock at Miriel, while some looked with disgust and mistrust, prompting Anarion put himself between them and his wife. "All throughout the ride, she hardly ever allowed him out of her hands and only in her hands he would calm down. How can a motherless woman produce the needed milk to feed him? There is only one answer."

"I would not need to resort to such things, had his mother not tried to starve the child, by refusing to have a wet nurse feed him." Miriel responded with coldness and anger, surprising Elia, Rhaegar and Lyanna, as never they have heard this softhearted woman speak like this. "I will admit that I used arts that can be said to be sorcery, yes, but only because this babe needed it."

"If you are a witch, then could it be that you have even dared to curse…" Before Lyanna could even finish her sentence, Elia spoke up.

"Lyanna!" One word and it silenced the young mother, with Dornish Princess looking at her with sternness and anger. "I can see that you are in deep distress and you are still recovering from a very difficult pregnancy. However, that does not give you any right to accuse Miriel of anything that had affected your child. If anything, Miriel has always put her gifts into saving lives and it is thanks to her, that I now stand here, with my children being as healthy and strong as they can be, and it is thanks to her that you are here, with all three of your children alive and well."

"And what of this… This thing? How do you explain it?" Lyanna demanded to know, with Elia turning to Miriel. "And what about the dream? The Old Gods have sent me and Rhaegar a sign…"

"Miriel, what can you tell us of the child's mark?" Elia asked calmly, with Rhaella turning to look at her intently.

"Only that I have had no hand in it's creation and, yes, the child was born with it and I do not know how or why it appeared." Miriel answered, as she looked at the child with soft gaze. "All know, is that the child is as normal as little Princess and Princes, and that all I did was to keep him healthy and strong."

"How very curious… I've never heard of such art that could do such a thing." Marwyn responded. "And for how long have you had this power and your other abilities?" He asked.

"All my life." Miriel answered. "Your Grace, I beg of you. I know that you and your wife are in distress, but this child, your child, is a healthy, strong, normal child. Yes, he is bigger and stronger that his brothers and sister, but aside from that and his mark, there is nothing wrong or different from him. I beseech you, please let this farce end. He is tired and scared, afraid of all that is happening."

"It will end when Marwyn had finished his examination, and only then." Rhaegar stated to Miriel with a cold tone.

"Your Grace, if the child was abnormal in behavior or body in any other way, we would've long noticed it during our ride here." Anarion pointed it out to him. "For all the trust you have in me and my wife, please let the young Prince rest."

"I have already spoken, Anarion, and it will continue." Rhaegar stated, ignoring the cries of the child and not caring for it's distress.

"No, it will not." Rhaella Targaryen, who had less than a month ago given birth to her daughter, stated with power in her voice and turned to Miriel. "Miriel, please take young Prince to my chambers and look after him." Miriel nodded and moved to the child, before being blocked by Arthur Dayne.

"Mother, you I have said…" Rhaegar tried to speak up, but his mother had other ideas.

"Ser Arthur Dayne, I order you to move away." Rhaella commanded him.

"Your Grace, the Kingsguard follows the King's orders." He simply responded to her, with Rhaella then turning to Rhaegar.

"Rhaegar, that is quite enough of this. If you do not have any mercy for this child, then have some for me. Let him rest after the road." She pleaded, with Rhaegar remaining unmoved, with the cries growing in loudness.

"Rhaegar, your mother is right. Your son is crying in need. When did the graceful and kind man I married turned callous and cold towards distress of others?" Elia asked of him, with Rhaegar still not budging, with Elia deciding that this was enough. "If that is how you wish it to proceed." And with that, Elia simply moved forward and past Arthur Dayne, before taking young Prince into her arms gently and moving towards Miriel.

"Elia, put him back." Rhaegar commanded him, but Elia ignored him. "Ser Arthur, Ser Oswell…" The two Kingsguards were about to move and take the child away from Elia, but were stopped when Anarion appeared before them, his hand firmly on the handle of his dagger and eyes showing clear intent to kill.

"Out of the way, Volantene." Whent demanded, with Anarion not budging. "You would disobey the King's order, Fisherman?"

"No, but he gave no commands to me." Anarion simply pointed out, while Elia finally gave the child to Miriel.

"Take him to the prepared nursery next to Aegon's, and do not let anyone in before seeing me first." Elia told her, with Miriel nodding to her. "And tell Ser Lewyn he is to only allow in people with my personal permission in hand. Now go."

"Ser Barristan, please accompany Miriel and young Prince, and stand guard at the nursery." Rhaella commanded the man, leaving with Miriel and the child.

"Why did you do this?" Lyanna demanded to know, with Rhaegar agreeing to it. "You would just let that thing go with that witch and…" At that moment, Lyanna was finally silenced, when a harsh hand slapped her cheek.

Anarion and others looked in shock, as Queen Mother Rhaella Targaryen, slapped Lyanna across her face and silenced her for the time being. A harsh and powerful glare was present on her face, betraying deep disappointment and irritation at the girl's behavior and act. Anarion was surprised at the fact that it was Rhaella who did this.

However, now that Aerys was dead, she was free from her psychotic, and fire obsessed husband, Rhaella seemed to have finally released herself the shell she was put in, and now showed her claws and teeth, as well as her fire, so to speak. Former Dovah always suspected that the unhappy woman was stronger than she let on, and that if given chance, she would not hesitate to show what she was really made out of, and she just did. In that single act, Anarion's respect for the Queen Mother grew immensely.

"That is enough of hysterics from you, Lyanna. You've been raving about him for all morning, and unlike my fool of son here, Elia and I are tired of it. That "thing" is you child, and you are it's mother, standing here by the grace of gods, who have allowed you to live through your childbirth, thanks to Miriel and her arts, and you have the gall to try and insinuate that she had cursed you?" Rhaella asked of her, and before hearing the answer, she turned to Maester. "Grand Maester, the Queen has had a long and arduous journey here. Please give her something to sooth her nerves." After turning to Rhaegar and receiving his permission, Marwyn left to get the potion for it

"Ser Arthur, Ser Oswell, Ser Gerold, you may stand guard outside." Rhaegar commanded them, with the Kingsguards obeying him and leaving only the members of Royal family and Anarion inside. "Of all the people, I had not expected you to disobey my will like this, Anarion." Rhaegar told him with a saddened tone.

"And of all the people, I had not expected you, Your Grace, to possess such coldness towards one's own child." Anarion retorted in kind. "The child is a normal one. It is not possessed by any manner of ghost, evil or demon, or anything that you may have thought of it. It is just a baby, nothing more."

"You do not understand how wrong your words are, my friend. Had you known what Lyanna and I know, you would be the first to draw your blade against that child." Rhaegar told him, with Anarion's face showing clear insult. "That child is not as innocent as it may look or sound, but is in fact a possible bane to all that my House has built and Aegon could accomplish, and only his death could possibly stop that from happening." Elia and Rhaella looked at Rhaegar as if he was possessed.

"I am many things, Your Grace, but a child murderer I am not, and never would I even dare to think of it!" Anarion's raised tone shook Rhaegar and others, for it was first time they saw the stoic man give way to anger and wrath. "You wish to kill the child? Then find someone else to do your dirty work, because no amount of gold, silver, nor even Gods will ever make me hurt an innocent babe!"

"I thought I had raised a gentle and kind son, not someone who would so openly speak of murdering children! Even your father, in all his madness, would not dare to hurt either your or Viserys, yet you would have your own son killed?!" Rhaella asked him with disbelief and shock in her eyes. "Rhaegar, whatever your wife may have seen in her dream, does not give you the right to do it! He is just a small child, an innocent baby that has the misfortune to have something on him that others don't!"

"Mother, if only you and the others had known what I know…" Rhaegar let out a sad sigh.

"Then tell us, Rhaegar." Elia coldly told him, surprising him. "Enlighten us all, why do you find this child to be the possible bane of House Targaryen? What ancient prophecy or woods witch's words have possessed you to declare this child an enemy of you and all others?" Elia demanded to he tell them, knowing how her husband was obsessed with these kinds of things.

"If you wish to know, then I shall tell you. But before that, tell me: what do you know of how Valyria had been founded?" Rhaegar asked of them.

"Same as everyone else and what I had told you, son, that it was founded by shepherds who found the dragon eggs and learned how to raise and ride dragons." Rhaella answered in an impatient manner.

"That is only part of the whole story, mother, for there is far more to it." Rhaegar told her and everyone. "When our ancestors had fled Valyria, they brought not only their dragons and eggs to Dragonstone, but also books, manuscripts and records from their homeland. They contain much of history of the rise of Valyria, but also about the man who was the first ruler of Valyria, its first and only King." Once Anarion heard that, he understood what Rhaegar meant.

"You speak of Malerion, the Witch-King of Valyria?" Anarion asked of Rhaegar, shocking him and Lyanna.

"Where have you heard that name, Anarion?" Rhaegar asked of him.

"Not heard, but read about him in the records of my family, back in Volantis." Anarion lied to Rhaegar, since he knew the true story of Malerion, having met him thousands of years ago. "He is recorded to have been the first person to hatch and ride a dragon, as well as the one to teach others how to do. He is also responsible for uniting the feuding kingdoms of Valyrian into one hold, through his own might, and forging what would later be Valyrian Freehold."

"I have never heard of this or this Witch-King." Elia told him. "How come you know all this, Anarion?"

"The Old Blood of Volantis keeps detailed records of their past, as you know, and as for why you and others may never have heard of him, is because dragonlords of Valyrian Freehold went out of their way to destroy everything connected to him, even his memory and name." Anarion informed Elia.

"Why would they try and destroy even memories of the man that essentially made Valyrians into rulers of their land and later all of Western Essos?" Elia asked aloud.

"Because, Elia, Malerion was far more than a simple dragon rider or the man who forged an Empire out of Valyria. His birth was said to have been prophesized and expected, and from his very birth the gods, gifted in nearly all that they could gift him, and marked him to signify his divine nature. Malerion was the one who gifted Valyrians Dragons and taught them how to command and control them, forging his empire in much the same way as Aegon the Conqueror forged the Six Kingdoms." Rhaegar told her. "However, unlike Aegon, Malerion was not a simple mortal, and when his dragon fell in battle with a rebellious vassal and his dragon, Malerion used forbidden and dark arts to devour the power and soul of his fallen dragon. Taking it all to himself, and then using it to slay his opponent and his dragon all on his own, taking that Dragon's soul as well and devouring it. He grew in power and might, and that was when his tyranny and reign of terror began…"

"More like the end of that damn chaos on Valyria had begun, when Malerion had devoured that Wyrm's soul." Anarion thought to himself, recalling how ancient Valyrian dragonlords fought and battled each other endlessly for control of Valyria, and how Malerion, a Dragonborn and one of Shor's own avatars, put an end to it all.

Anarion knew the truth because he was there to witness it all those ages ago, and he knew that Valyria was a chaotic and violent land, where greedy and power hungry dragon riders, through use of armies, magic, and their Wyrms, tried to take control of the land. The endless wars and battles were so brutal and merciless upon the simple people of Valyria, that Shor himself manifested there as one of his avatars to put an end to it all and finally create a prosperous and stable land in there. And much like many of his previous and future iterations, Shor succeeded and forged the first Kingdom of Valyria, where both men and Wyrms bowed to him, the true Dragonborn. Peace, prosperity and hope finally came to the war torn land and Malerion had laid down the foundation of what would be the Empire to rule over most of Essos.

The Dragons that the Valyrians used to ride were never true Dovah, for they were not created by Akatosh and blessed by him to have true Dragon Blood. These Wyrms, or Beindiiv in Dovahzul, as all Dovah, Fallen or not, refer to them, are nothing more than abominations and unnatural beasts, a failed attempt of Alduin to increase the ranks and numbers of Dovah through sorcery and magic that not even Anarion would use or think of. These Wyrms may have the build and looks of the Dovah, and even have Dragon Soul in them, but they lack true blood of Dovah and mind, gifts of their mother Mara, and are just beasts, seen by others as such. They may grow in size and become larger by time, but in any battle or situation, a Dovah will always outmatch a Beindiiv, as was proven many times.

When Alduin's foul work was discovered, Akatosh was furious and flung the many eggs that Alduin created into land where they would not be found for hundreds of years, until Valyrians discovered them. When they did, that was when Valyria became a constant battleground, long before Malerion was actually born, and only he was able to put an end to the chaos and finally unite Valyria and subdue the Beindiiv and their riders.

At least until Alduin hadn't come, seeking his creations, finding them less than what he wanted, yet also discovering the man who managed to subdue them all. Driven by pride and hunger, Alduin challenged and fought Malerion and this was probably the only battle where Alduin was unlikely to win, had it not been for the betrayal of dragonlords and attack of their Beindiiv. After Malerion's death, Valyrians did return to their feuding days and found the Valyrian Freehold, while Alduin left, having been sorely disappointed in his creations and wanting nothing to do with them anymore.

"… And at the end, Balerion, God of Death, decided to come down upon and strike Malerion, ending his reign of terror and tyranny, striking him down and ending him for good." Rhaegar finished his tale, not knowing that most of what he told was false and lies, made up hundreds of years after what had happened. "It was only after his death that Valyrian Freehold truly came to be and the Golden Age of Valyria begun."

"Malerion had lived hundreds and thousands of years ago. Why would the man who founded the Valyria be so dangerous to us now, when he is long gone?" Rhaella asked of him. "What possible connection could he have to this child?"

"That thing is dangerous because it is Malerion reborn, that is why!" Lyanna answered to her, surprising and shocking both Elia and Rhaella. "Rhaegar told me of how House Targaryen came to Westeros, and how it was Daenys the Dreamer who led them here, and how she had made a great many prophecies over her life. One of those prophecies spoke of Malerion returning, and the end of the reign of Dragons."

"What do you mean?" Elia asked, but Rhaegar answered.

"When ages pass, the Hour of Dragon shall arise again, and return the Dragons will, their reign and might ushered in again. Yet in the same Hour, will come the one they fear, one who shares their blood and soul." Rhaegar recited the prophecy. "Cower before him shall Wyrm and Men, kin to both, and mighty his Voice, splitting the skies and blackening the Sun it is. On top the pillar of the world, the God of Death and Dragon Slayer shall fight again, their roar splitting the land and skies, and fall shall all the Dragons before his might, and take their souls he shall for himself." Rhaegar ended the prophecy.

"Daenys the Dreamer has also predicted the return of Alduin… She also prophesized the return of the Dragonborn." Anarion thought of what he had just heard. "Though the child is not Shor, he is a Dragonborn with his blood, which some could say counts as following it…"

"That is the prophecy that Daenys spoke of, and that Malerion has returned, as she had predicted." Rhaegar stated to them. "Daenys also spoke of how he would look, and from what Lyanna had described to me, it is clear as day that the ancient fiend has been reborn."

"Your Grace, with all due respect, even if that prophecy is true, acting solely based upon it is not simply foolish, but short-sighted and wrong. I have always told you about how your actions carry weight and there are consequences for all you do, and if you kill that child, you will lose whatever love and admiration you have from both the nobles and smallfolk." Anarion stated to him. "I can see that you care not if he is your child or not, but once you through with it, the people will see you not as the next Daeron the Good, but as next Maegor the Cruel."

"He is right, Rhaegar. Once the people learn of what they did, and they will, there shall be hell to pay, and our family cannot afford another war or unrest. The Faith and the Old Gods curse those that kill their kin, and those that kill their own children… You would simply be giving our enemies all the proof they need to rally others and destroy us." Rhaella agreed with Anarion.

"Robert is dead and Stannis has bent the knee. The war is over, and there won't be another one." Lyanna stated to them.

"Your Grace, wars can start as soon as they end." Anarion stated to her, before turning to Rhaegar. "You may be the King and sit on the Iron Throne, but with the Faith condemning you and smallfolk hating you? You have no Dragons, and once people learn of what you did, they will destroy you, no matter how beloved you once were or not." Rhaegar seemed to have listened to his friend's words, turning away from them for a second, and looking out in the window.

"We can claim that the child had died of natural causes. Children often die when they are small, and such things had happened before in this family." Rhaegar's mention of his mother's miscarriages and lost children seemed to have triggered her, as she walked up to him and forcefully turned him to face.

"Rhaegar, look at me and listen to me! I may not rule or be the Queen anymore, but I am your mother and you will listen to me!" She stated to him with fury, as she continued to hold his hand and forcing him to look at her. "You are a father to that child, a child that is healthy and strong, yet now you wish to kill because of a prophecy made hundreds of years back and which may not even be connected to him? I thought you were better than your father and my father, but this… If you go through this, I will renounce you as my son and take my children to Dragonstone."

"Mother, do you believe that I will allow you to do so?" Rhaegar asked of her. "The people will believe that you are simply acting out of grief and madness like…" At that point, Rhaella slapped Rhaegar for what he had implied.

"Do not compare me and your father, my son. Your father was a callous, insensitive and an abhorrent man, who never took responsibility for his actions and always found others to blame for his own faults." Rhaella spoke with fire in her voice and eyes, which Rhaegar had not seen before in her. "He was as unfaithful to me as he was to even his own ideas, growing bored and tired as quickly as he grew excited and interested. He shared his bed with dozens of mistresses, much like Aegon the Unworthy, while I remained faithful and loyal, even though it brought me pain and suffering that I would never wish upon anyone. All because of how my father was unable to make sound decisions"

"My grandfather had married you to father because he knew of the prophecy…" Rhaegar contradicted.

"My father married me to Aerys on the words of a woods witch, an illiterate, filthy and half-mad stump of a woman that held no credence or validity to her claims, and my father still did it. Because he couldn't learn how to make his own life and destiny, causing untold suffering to me and many others in the process, without a care in the world about it." Rhaella revealed to him and everyone. "And now… Now I find my own son doing the very same thing, trusting in an ancient prophecy, preparing to murder one of his own children… If you do not care for your own blood, then so be it. But, if you are going to kill that child, then you will have to first kill me."

"Your Grace, you can't serious mean that!" Anarion was shocked to hear that coming from Rhaella, and knowing that she spoke the truth.

"I do mean it, Anarion, and I can see that you and Miriel both would die for that child, something that I can't say about my own son and his new wife." Rhaella stated, turning to face Rhaegar, who seemed perplexed and could not make a good decision. "So, what shall it be, Rhaegar? Will you act like your father and grandfather would, or will you act as a man you promised to be?" Rhaegar turned away from Rhaella, trying to find the right decision, and after a few minutes, he finally turned around and spoke up.

"The boy… He will be allowed to live." He finally decided, with Elia, Rhaella and Anarion letting out a sigh of relief.

"Rhaegar, my love, you can't serious mean that!" Lyanna was in shock when she heard him say it. "You've said it yourself, that he will be the end of the Dragons, the Dragon Slayer! We can't let him grow up into one."

"Lyanna, I know what I have said, but that doesn't mean that he can be simply killed." Rhaegar stated her. "However, while I will allow him to live, it doesn't mean he will live as all of my children would."

"What do you mean by that, Rhaegar?" Elia asked of him, morbidly suspicious of his plans.

"The boy will not live alongside us or our children, and he will be kept away from them and all other people. He will live in Maidenvault, in the south-eastern chambers, where once Bloodraven lived." Rhaegar spoke, with Rhaella, Elia and Anarion not believing what they heard. "He won't be permitted to leave his room or roam around without escort and my permission, and he will always have a Kingsguard at his side, guarding and making sure he doesn't stray away. Since he is my son, he will be allowed to use the title of Prince, but he will be removed from the line of succession. Any visitors, guests or letters will be checked and only allowed to him after my permission, including those of my own bloodline. And when he is of proper age, he shall be sent to the Night's Watch, where he shall serve and live for the rest of his life, however long it may be." Rhaegar revealed his decision to the family.

"Rhaegar, that isn't a life. It is an imprisonment, a sentence to live in seclusion and alone… You would not only separate him from yourself and his family, but send him to the Wall, to serve out a sentence of being born the way he was?!" Elia could not believe what she heard. "I had thought your father was cruel, but this… I never thought you were such a heartless man, Rhaegar Targaryen."

"It is for the greater good of our family and the Realm." Rhaegar stated to them, ignorant of the boiling fury inside his now once friend Anarion. "It is either that, or the child will not leave this Keep alive ever again."

"If that is how you put it… So be it." Rhaella surrenders, with Elia following the suit. "I will prey to the Gods that one day they show the two of you fools the folly of your actions, and until that day comes, I'll make certain that Daemon has all that he needs, including love."

"Daemon?" Lyanna asked of Rhaella.

"His name, Daemon Targaryen, Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, and one who will never sit on the Iron Throne. Much like Daemon the Rogue Prince." Rhaella stated to her with steel and coldness. "Since neither of you even wish to give him a name, I will do so for you. Or would you deny him even that, make him lower than the lowest of animals?"

"No, so be it. His name will be Daemon Targaryen." Rhaegar agreed. "Now, Anarion, please escort my mother to her chambers and…"

"Your Grace, I have a request to make." Anarion suddenly spoke up, interrupting Rhaegar and surprising everyone.

"Do you and your wife both lack the sense of tact?" Lyanna asked with venom in her voice.

"They may lack tact at times, but their loyalty and valuable advice and help more than make for it." Elia stated to Lyanna, before turning to Anarion. "Of course, go ahead, Anarion."

"Since it is obvious that Your Grace does not hold any significant interest in the upbringing of Prince Daemon, I request that I take on the responsibility of raising him." Anarion spoke in strong voice, with everyone looking at him with shock. "The child is already used to me and Miriel, and she will be more than happy to be able to raise him."

"You would take on such a burden, one that you have no need to carry? Whatever for, Anarion? If you seek a reward for your services, then I shall provide it to you…" Rhaegar was genuinely surprised when he heard what Anarion wanted.

"You have stated that upon my return I could ask whatever I wished and you would give it to me and my wife as a reward for all we have done for you and your family." Anarion reminded him. "That is the reward for our services that I demand. Either you provide it, Your Grace, or we will remove ourselves from Westeros for good."

"You would leave your King because of that child? Have you no regard for the oaths you swore?" Lyanna asked of him, before shivering when meeting Anarion's glare.

"I know my oaths, and Gods know I have always upheld them. You may be a Queen, but no one dares to question my integrity." Anarion warned with a low tone, before turning to Rhaegar. "What is your decision, Your Grace?"

"If that is what you wish to have as your reward… Then you and Miriel may raise him. You will report to me his progress and how he behaves, and if I find anything suspicious or wrong, I will take measures to deal with it." Rhaegar told Anarion. "He will still be raised here, in the Red Keep, and all the previously stated conditions will need to be upheld. You and Miriel will be allowed to visit him at any time, but everything else will need to be regulated and confirmed."

"As you command, Your Grace." Anarion spoke to Rhaegar.

"You may go, Anarion." With this said, Anarion turned around and went on to leave, before he was stopped by Rhaella.

"Ser Anarion, please wait for me." Rhaella came to him. "You wouldn't mind accompanying me along the way?"

"Not at all, Your Grace." And with this, the two finally left the King's chambers and went towards Daemon and Miriel. "Your Grace, I wish to thank you for what you have said, about Prince Daemon…"

"You need not thank me for anything, Anarion. I only said what needed to be said, and what my son and his fool of a wife needed to hear." Rhaella told him, with Anarion chuckling a little. "By the Gods, I love Rhaegar and all my children with all my heart, but right now… Right now, I feel like I could stab him into his heart for what he had said and done." She said with a tired and heavy sigh.

"His Grace does have a certain… infuriating quality to him, pardon me saying this." Anarion said aloud to Rhaella.

"Yes, so I have heard from Elia, and how you've often advised him, yet he ignored your advice and acted in ways that couldn't be predicted, like with Lyanna." Rhaella told Anarion, as she looked at him. "And yet, despite never even agreeing with you, I can see that he both cherishes you and even looks up to you. In a manner that a son looks up to a father." She told Anarion, who simply let out a sigh.

"His Grace may value me and my presence, but not to the degree which you imply, Your Grace." Anarion disagreed with Rhaella. "If he did, then perhaps he would value my advice more and listen to it with greater intent, though it is not my prerogative to tell him what to do."

"No, it is not, but the best service one can do to a King or Queen is to tell them where they are wrong." Rhaella said with knowledge. "Aerys once had Tywin doing that for him, and fixing what my husband had ruined, with realm prospering. Oftentimes, rulers need people that are not afraid to tell them what they are doing is wrong."

"Unfortunately, it is not always in rulers' wishes or interests to hear where they are wrong and act out of their own desires and wishes." Anarion said with wisdom and experience. "Power brings a certain liberation from inhibitions of morals, law and common sense at times, and it is up to the one who hold the power to either become its master or its slave."

"Elia failed to mention that aside from being the finest sword she had ever seen you are also a philosopher." Rhaella noted with a small surprise in her voice. "Although, I believe I have heard, or read, what you just said, many years ago."

"I am no philosopher, though King Aegon I Targaryen seemed to have had the potential to be one, from what I have gathered." Anarion said to Rhaella, omitting the fact that he heard it from the man himself. "When I had time of reprieve from my duties, I often found myself in the libraries of Dragonstone. Forgive me for reading the records of your family."

"You have no need to apologize to me, Anarion. If anything, I have to say that conversing with you proves to be far more interesting then I had expected it to be. I half expected you to be a single-minded, blunt as a mace, person focused only upon his martial prowess. Apologies for thinking so ill of you." Rhaella apologized with a chuckle, to which Anarion decided to respond.

"Maces can be of different kind, with many having spikes as numerous as they are sharp and pointed to so many directions. If you wish to speak of single-minded and blunt at the same time, a single-edged sword would be a better example." Anarion pointed out, with Rhaella agreeing.

"I envy your wife, Anarion. To have a husband such as yourself, dedicated and loving, yet so staunch and principal in his morals and code…" Rhaella admitted to him with sigh. "What you did there, what you asked of Rhaegar... You did it not just out of duty, didn't you?" She already knew the answer to that, but wished to hear it from him.

"No, it isn't because of duty, Your Grace, and you are right." Anarion admitted to him. "There are things that my wife and I do not wish to share with others, not even His Grace and Queen Elia. One of them… involves the fact of me and my wife not have a child." Anarion said with sadness present in his voice.

"It has been noted by many, that the two of you do not have children, though you were married for years now." Rhaella said to him, noticing the saddened expression of the man, and understanding what he meant. "Your wife… How many have you…"

"Enough to stop trying, Your Grace." The implication was all that Rhaella needed. "My wife's gifts… There is always a price to pay for any kind of power."

"I see." Rhaella simply told him, knowing that no manner of sympathy would alleviate his and Miriel's loss. "My son and good daughter have decided to discard Daemon as their own, but perhaps you and Miriel will make better parents then they ever could. You will have my and Elia's support in whatever form we can give it to you. I know my first good daughter won't let Rhaegar and Lyanna just get away with this."

"You are too kind, Your Grace." Anarion simply stated to her, as they have reached the nursery, where Prince Lewyn Martell and Ser Barristan Selmy stood guard.

"Queen Elia has given us permission to enter." Rhaella simply stated, and the two let them in, finding Miriel standing, gently rocking the sleeping boy and quietly singing him a lullaby, with Rhaella smiling when she saw the child.

"Your Grace." Miriel did a curtsy, though spoke quietly, when she noticed the two arrive. "The Prince has calmed down and is now asleep. He is fed and well, Your Grace."

"I have not the slightest of doubts in that, Miriel." Rhaella assured her, stepping closer. "May I?" She gently asked, and Miriel handed Daemon to Rhaella, who took him and gently began to rock him.

"My sweet little Daemon… How could anyone not love you I do not know." Rhaella said softly and with love, kissing his forehead and carefully putting him into the crib. "Though your father and mother may not love you, know that you have my love and I will always protect you." Rhaella promised to her grandson, before turning to Miriel and Anarion.

"My son, in his wisdom, has allowed my grandson to remain here. However, there are conditions to Daemon's stay…" Rhaella said, with Miriel sensing that something was wrong.

"What conditions do you mean, Your Grace?" Miriel asked, and Anarion with Queen Mother explaining to her what King Rhaegar has decided and what Anarion has asked of him.

To say that Miriel was furious after hearing all that she did would be an understatement of the last century. Even before shedding her scales for flesh, Miriel was one of the gentlest and softhearted Dovah in existence, having far more in common with Mara than with Akatosh. She abhorred wars and violence, preferring the arts of healing and saving lives instead of harming and taking them. However, Anarion knew that his wife was no defenseless flower, and that if roused, her fury could level entire cities and regions through her fires and magic. Even the most reckless and foolhardy Dovah knew of Miriel and feared facing her in battle, with her friends knowing that it is never a good idea to rouse Miriel's anger. Rhaegar and Lyanna have no idea just how lucky they are that this woman's self-restraint happened to be stronger than her immediate instinct for killing.

"With all due respect, Your Grace, but His Grace had better not appear within my vicinity for the next several weeks, lest I hex him to the point where no priest, sorcerer or mage of any kind would be able to save him." Miriel stated with coldness and anger that made Rhaella realize that she was not joking. "If you do not mind, I wish to have a few words with my husband. May we ask you to…"

"Take your time, I will watch after my grandson." Rhaella told them, and the two exited the room, with Miriel turning to her husband with fury evident in her eyes.

"You should've let Robert kill him back on the Trident." Miriel stated to him with no sympathy in her voice. "That man has no shame or regret for beginning a rebellion that claimed lives of thousands, and now he so openly wishes to kill him?! And that damned stupid she-wolf… Starks are supposed to watch after and protect their pack, and she would so easily throw him out?! What have these two lines of Shor become, I do not know."

"Things that Aegon the Conqueror and Brandon the Builder would be ashamed of and destroy. That is what they are now." Anarion told her his opinion, as he let out a sigh. "Rhaegar is not just convinced, but is enthralled with this damned prophecy, believing that it revolves around House Targaryen and the new coming of Beindiiv. However, from what Daenys stated in that prophecy… There is no denying that it refers to someone else and something else entirely. It is a prophecy of the Last Dragonborn." Anarion told her, with Miriel looking at him with all seriousness.

"The one that was made right after Alduin was banished into the time stream?" Miriel asked of him, with Anarion nodding to her. "Hm…. The previous events do seem to align: Numidian, Oblivion Crisis, Red Mountain's eruption… All that is missing is the civil war in Tamriel, but where would it occur?" She asked of him.

"I do not know for sure, but if I were make a guess, Skyrim would be the place where it would happen. Nords are a stubborn folk, and they would never allow anyone to just order them to stop worshipping Talos, and there are more than enough fools to start a war because of it." Anarion told her, with Miriel agreeing with him. "I wouldn't be surprised if Thalmor were to try and instigate such a conflict within Skyrim or other provinces through their agents and collaborators. Damned Nikriin Fahliil know that if the next war were to start soon, they would lose it, especially if Hammerfell and possibly even Morrowind got involved on the side of the Empire."

"Regardless whether or not the war will happen sooner or later, there is still the matter of Daemon, and what are we to do with him." Miriel pointed out. "The conditions that Rhaegar has set are nothing short of outrageous, basically turning the child into a prisoner for life, and he grows old enough, he'll just ship him off to the Wall… This is beyond foolish. This is madness."

"And yet, in their eyes, this the only way to save their family, without resorting to killing the boy." Anarion let out a sharp exhale. "Not that they would get a chance to even do it. I'd sooner burn this whole damned Keep to the ground them let them touch Daemon."

"As would I, but now… Now we have to do all we can for the child, and raise him the best we can." Anarion told her. "Though with the conditions that Rhaegar has set… It will be a challenge."

"More so than when we had our children back when Wars were still being fought." Miriel admitted, reminded for a moment of their lost children. "That boy, Daemon… I will not lose him to anyone, be they his thrice-damned parents or Alduin. By the Nine and One I swear, I will give him all the love and care he needs and more."

"I believe you have made a small mistake there." Anarion suddenly said to her. "Rhaegar and Lyanna, I believe, should best be categorized as progenitors, not as parents, since parenting duties towards Daemon now fall onto us." Anarion's implication was clear to Miriel.

"Anarion, so you too… He is ours, Anarion, ours and no one will take him away from us." Miriel said to her husband, as she embraced him, and he hugged her in return.

"Let them come and try. They will learn the wrath of true Dovah." He simply said to her, promising to himself to give his life for Daemon and give him all he could, as a friend, teacher and a father.


Six years later. 289 AC. King's Landing. Red Keep.

Sun's rays shone through the small window and fell directly upon the bed, with the one occupying it opening his grey blue eyes and rising up, moving away a lock of his long black hair. As usual, Daemon Targaryen woke up when the first light of the sun came into his small chambers, and like he has done for almost a year and a half, he got up and proceeded to get cleaned up and make his bed. After a quick washing of his face in the basin nearby, he went into the cupboard and took out the clothes he would wear for the day.

There was not much of a choice, nor was what he had in any way fancy or lavish, being far plainer, cheaper looking and lacking any colors of his family or house. Those were practical, simple clothes, most of which was worn down to a various degree, something that members of nobility, much less royalty would be expected to wear. Even servants in the Red Keep sometimes had better clothes and garments, and Daemon saw them wear them whenever he had the opportunity to be outside of his room and see servants. Most of the times, he didn't have much opportunity to see many people, for he was kept in his chambers, with less than ten people visiting him, and less than half a dozen of these said people speaking to him in any way.

The room itself was small and dark, made in a form of hexagon or round, with just enough room to fit in a cupboard, several small chests, a chamber pot and basin with water, a small table, a bed, a bookshelf and a couple of simple wooden chairs, along with a fire place and chimney. The walls lacked any color and were dark grey or black, adding to the sense of dread and dreary of this chamber, with the only source of sunlight coming from the small window outside of Daemon's reach. The decoration of any sort was absent in this room and the furniture in here was well past its prime though not yet at the point where it would break. Only the lack of hay, dirt and rodents kept this place from being described as a prison cell, but in all other aspects, this was barely a chamber where a person could live, much less one of Princes of Seven Kingdoms.

However, for Daemon, this small, dark and dreary place was his home, one in which he had lived for all his life, being kept in here by whatever Kingsguard that guarded his entrance. Though Kingsguards are supposed to keep the royal family safe and not stop them in any way that was not the case with Daemon, as he was never allowed to go outside on his own. Whenever he tried, the Kingsguards would stop him, and when he succeeded in sneaking out, he would be punished, either by locking him inside for several days, removal of his books, or the worst of all for him- prohibition of others to see him for days, even weeks at time. When that occurred it meant leaving him alone and with no one to talk to, with only his thoughts and books to keep him company, with not even his grandmother, Queen Elia, and most of all, Anarion and Miriel, not being allowed to enter.

Young Prince had few people with whom he could ever communicate or speak to, with only Anarion and Miriel being the ones to keep him company and treat him not as a prisoner or a mutant, but as a child and an innocent person. It was only in their company that he was allowed to leave his room for his lessons, either in sciences or in physical training, and they've never said a bad word to him, or spoke ill to him or of him, as he had heard many times from servants, courtiers and others, even some Kingsguards.

It was Miriel who taught him how to read, write and speak in several languages, and who gifted him all of his books and taught him how to paint, giving him painting tools. The kindhearted woman was always gentle towards him, always treating Daemon not as a Prince or a prisoner, but as if he was her own child, and for this love and care, Daemon loved and cherished Miriel, for she was closer to him than his own mother, whom he had not seen in months already.

Where Miriel expanded Daemon's knowledge and gave him gentle affection of a mother, Anarion trained the boy in body and spirit, teaching him the art of combat, sword fighting and how to win fights, along with expanding his view and forging his morals and principals. Though his lessons were critiqued as being harsh and at times even cruel towards Daemon, for the man would often make Daemon train and practice for hours no end, Daemon loved every second of it. He was always excited and eager to learn something new from Anarion, and always gave all he could to his training and nothing less. There were times when he panted, fell and was left bruised and exhausted, but he never quit and always got up, with Anarion always having a small smile whenever he pushed himself further.

Although it was a little over a year since they started training, Anarion stated on a number of times that Daemon is the best student he has ever had, and that training him was as much joy to him, as it was to Daemon to train under him. This was the single highest form of praise that Daemon had ever heard in his life from anyone, and all knew that Anarion was not one to mince words or give false praise to anything or anyone. The man who essentially was a father to Daemon did not just train him in fighting, but also taught him lessons of life, of how to act and how to think for himself, and Daemon listened and learned. With Anarion, Daemon felt like he was treated as something more than he was, he felt like he was treated as not a simple child, but a grown up, someone whom Anarion saw as more than a simple charge, ward or a pupil.

The thoughts of Daemon were cut off, when he heard a knock on his heavy door, before the locks were turned and it opened, revealing Jaime Lannister from the other side, looking and seeing Daemon having finished making his bed. Daemon was glad that it was Jaime on the guard duties today, as the man treated the Prince better than most other Kingsguards, never joking about guarding the Princevault, as they called this place, or calling him the Jailed Prince. The golden haired knight at times came inside Daemon's chambers, keeping him company or playing with him. He at times even helped the young Prince get out of his chambers and go to the godswood in the Keep, one of the most beautiful places that Daemon had seen and where felt at peace and comforted.

Indeed, of all the Kingsguards, Jaime was his most favorite, with Ser Barristan coming in as close second, and infinitely more likable and better than Oswell Whent, the Foul Bat, as Miriel once called him. Jaime examined the room and chuckled, before speaking up.

"It's barely a sunrise, and you are already up and about, Your Grace? Do you even sleep?" Jaime jokingly asked of Daemon.

"I do, you can ask others. They at times check my room deep at night through the slit." Daemon pointed at the door, where a small movable slit was placed.

"And yet your bed is as tidy as if it were never used, so forgive me for having doubts." Jaime and Daemon chuckled. "Well, the servants need to dust and air the room, so come, Your Grace. Today you will be breaking your fast outside." Jaime could see the smile and elation on the boy's face, and felt his insides twist at the sight of it.

The boy quickly ran out of his furnished cell, as Jaime called it mentally, and he motioned the servants to get to work, before leaving with the boy. He did not fear that the servants would steal anything of value inside the room, knowing that there was nothing of value and even furniture was not even worth the bother. The only advantage that the young Prince had over his siblings in terms of possessions, that Jaime could think of, but aside from that, he couldn't help but feel pity and sadness towards Daemon.

Stuck inside a dark and dreary chambers for all his life, all because his mother and father were scared of him because of a mark on him, destined to waste away first in that hovel and then at the Wall… In the past, Jaime thought that Rhaegar would be different from his father, the Mad King, and while to the Realm and rest of his family he was a gracious, kind and magnanimous, to this poor child he was as cruel as he was unashamed of it. Even his own father Tywin was less cruel to his little brother Tyrion, though by a small margin, differing only the fact that Tywin openly stated to Tyrion that he hated his existence, whilst Rhaegar and Lyanna refused to even look upon the child and say anything to him. Young Kingsguard could not recall a single moment when either of those two visited the boy or invited him anywhere.

Yet despite this complete and purposeful isolation and neglecting, the boy held nothing but the purest affection towards the King and his second Queen, wishing for nothing more but to meet them, to be greeted and embraced by them. The boy did not know how his parents wanted nothing to do with him, and how his mother despised and feared his existence, while father preferred his name never to be brought up by anyone. Daemon knew of his parents only from the words of others, and he rarely if ever heard a bad thing about them, since the nobles and smallfolk loved Rhaegar and his Queens and children.

More often than naught, he found some of his brothers playing cruel japes upon the boy, all centered on how the King and Queen would visit the boy if he did something, and the boy did as they asked, and becoming a jester for them, entertaining them during the long hours of guard duty. Oswell Whent especially seemed to derive pleasure from this act, japing and joking about how the little Jailed Prince acted as a monkey. More than once Ser Hightower had to order the man to quiet down, while others laughed openly. Only Jaime Lannister, Barristan Selmy, Gerold Hightower and Arthur Dayne did not laugh, though only the latter two did not speak anything in reprimand to their brother.

In front of any other member of Royal family, none of them would ever even dare to breath funnily, much less make jokes, but with Daemon it was different, as all knew that the boy was Prince only in name and that he was only a slightly more privileged prisoner and nothing more. Since nobody cared for the boy, aside for the Queen Mother, Queen Elia, Anarion and Miriel, people believed they could get away with many things that they could not with anyone else. This disgusted Jaime and quite often he spoke at his peers, reminding who they were and what their duties and oaths were. The response he heard one day from Gerold Hightower shook him to his core.

"The boy is no Prince, never was and never will be. His Grace has made clear as day what Daemon's status was and will be, hence why we are free from our Oaths when it comes down to him."

Others may be free from those oaths, but Jaime remembered that there were also oaths of a Knight that he took, and there were words about protecting the children, the weak and the innocent. Daemon was all three, and he would be thrice damned if he would not keep them, even if it meant going against his Kingsguard's oaths. At this point, all that kept him in this place was Daemon and his damned oaths, keeping in the place where he saw no honor or valor to be found.

It took the two sometime to reach the gardens, with Daemon looking with awe at their beauty, and Jaime observing the simple and pure joy this child felt at being outside. Such a simple thing, a stroll in these gardens was a treasured gift to Daemon, while for others it was such a meaningless and mundane thing… It really did put things into a certain perspective about the obsessive ways of Rhaegar Targaryen to Jaime Lannister.

When they reached where they were intended, Daemon stopped in his tracks when he saw his grandmother, Dowager Queen Rhaella Targaryen, with her Kingsguard, Barristan Selmy standing guard, waiting for Daemon, with a table filled with food and drinks, all for her and the child. An earnest smile came to Daemon's smile, as he ran to his grandmother.

"Grandmother!" He shouted, running straight into her arms and hugging her, with Rhaella warmly embracing her grandson in return.

"Ah, Daemon, my little Dragon." Rhaella hugged him tightly, almost refusing to let him go. "Did you have a good night sleep?"

"I did, grandmother." Daemon said with honesty, with Rhaella smiled back in return to him.

"I heard from Miriel that you have been making great progress in learning High Valyrian." Rhaella told him. "Could you tell me what you have been studying lately, sweetling?"

"Riñnykeā Miriel emagon issare teaching issa skorkydoso naejot bardugon translate hen quptenkys Ēngos naejot valyrīha. Nyke really raqagon reading se vestriarzir bē Malerion ziry maghatan issa. (Lady Miriel has been teaching me how to write translate from common tongue to Valyrian. I really like reading the story about Malerion she brought me)." Daemon spoke in the pure High Valyrian, with Rhaella being taken aback when she heard her grandson speak High Valyrian as if it were his native tongue. "Did I make a mistake somewhere, Grandmother?" Rhaella saw that Daemon noticed her surprise and quickly responded.

"Not at all, my little Dragon. Your Valyrīha is very good, better than any I have ever heard. For a moment I had thought that it was your only tongue." Rhaella smiled with Daemon beamed with joy at the praise she gave him. "Not even your father can speak with such beauty and clarity as you do, my wise little Dragon."

"Lady Miriel is a really good teacher, and she teaches me many things. And Father must be even better than I am at speaking Valyrian." Daemon contradicted Rhaella, who internally sighed, knowing that it was pointless, trying to compare Daemon to Rhaegar.

"Come, let's break our fast. The sun isn't yet too high up, so let us enjoy this nice mourning before your lessons with Anarion." And at that, Rhaella led her grandson to the table and he helped her be seated. "Many thanks, gallant Ser." Rhaella chuckled at the way her grandson acted, while Sers Jaime and Barristan moved closer and spoke.

"The young Prince never seizes to surprise or amaze me. I may not have the ear for Valyrian, but that was most certainly the best High Valyrian I've heard." Barristan noted, with Jaime agreeing. "I know some lords and knights that can't even spell their name the right way, and here sits the boy of 6 speaking perfect Valyrian… He is more his father than Aegon and Jaehaerys put together." Barristan noted, with Jaime disagreeing.

"With all due respect, but I personally think him better than His Grace." Barristan turned to face Jaime with a question on his face. "I may not have as much knowledge as you, Ser Barristan, but I am quite certain that Her Grace is the better judge than both of us combined, so I'll differ to her opinion." At that one, Barristan chuckled and agreed.

"It is hard to argue with your logic, Ser Jaime." Barristan agreed. "Perhaps you are right, though. His Grace excelled at all he studied and practiced, but there was never… enthusiasm behind it all, no passion or desire. He simply did what he was told and did it very well, but Daemon goes above and beyond asked and required. Have you seen him train with Anarion?"

"Who amongst us hasn't?" Jaime asked rhetorically. "The boy is nothing if not persistent and determined, and every time he spars with Anarion, I see him swing his sword or spear with more skill, strength and instinct than before. I hate to admit it, but he might even be better than I was when I was 9."

"Now that is quite a praise indeed, especially from you, Ser Jaime." Barristan chuckled with the Golden Lion of Casterly Rock. "But you are right: the boy is both talented and determined. Give him 8 or even 6 more years- he will fight better than most Knights thrice his age. Almost like Daemon Blackfyre…" Barristan noted almost silently.

"I much rather compare him to the Targaryen one instead." Jaime confessed. "A man was known as both a wonder and a terror at the same time… Care to imagine what he will be capable of when he reaches adulthood."

"I try, and each time I think I fail to do so, while His Grace and Queen Lyanna…" Barristan stopped himself, with Jaime understanding what he meant by that. "Her Grace had tried once again to speak with the King about Prince Daemon."

"I imagine that it did not go as well as she had hopped." Jaime said, with Barristan nodding to him. "Last time she did that, His Grace saw fit to move Princess Daenerys to the same nursery as Princess Visenya's, with Queen Lyanna now practically replacing the Dowager Queen as mother to the Princess. What did he take from her this time?"

"He threatened to send Prince Daemon immediately to the Wall, if she persists with her demands. Her Grace had to promise that she wouldn't speak of it again." Barristan told Jaime, who held back an urge to curse again. "He also told her to attend to her other grandchildren, for they are greater import to her than Daemon. Her Grace refrained from response on that one, but it was clear that she did not take it well."

"Perhaps it is for the better she did not respond, or else the young Prince would not be here." Jaime noted, turning his attention to the joyful Daemon and Rhaella, breaking their fast and speaking.

Rhaella smiled and laughed with her grandson, as they ate and spoke to each other, relishing seeing Daemon so happy and able to enjoy his time with her, outside of his damned cell. She could not bring herself to call it chambers or even a room, since servants and maids had better rooms in the Keep. Compared to what his siblings had for chambers and rooms, Daemon's were a little bigger than the cupboard of Lyanna. It was so dark and dreary that Rhaella often had often wondered if Brynden Rivers' pale skin and red eyes came because of his birth, or being trapped in that hovel all the time.

At least that bastard had the ability to move in and out of there at his own volition, whereas Daemon was, being kept locked up in there, with a Kingsguard always standing and making sure that the Prince remained there. He was barely even mention among the family, with only her and Elia openly speaking of the boy, while Rhaegar and Lyanna preferred never to hear of him or of his actions. They wished to simply forget and never remember Daemon, treating him as a dark sinful secret, a flaw in their perfect family that they wanted nothing to do with them.

Daemon's siblings were no better, as they perceived the poor boy as not one of their own family, but a blemish, a freak and not their brother. Rhaegar and Lyanna have done everything in their power to keep Daemon and his siblings separated from each other at all times, while fostering unity and love within their own family. Lyanna even went as far as to use Daemon as an example to the children of what they should never be, and whom they should fear, fostering in them an open animosity and hatred. The damned girl had never moved past her unfounded fears and Rhaegar only stoked it further, with Lyanna blindingly following his example and command.

In She-Wolf's eyes, Daemon was not even a runt, but a freak, sick and plague ridden, who would kill her pups at the first opportunity. If it were up to Rhaella or Lyarra Stark, with whom Rhaella kept correspondence for years now, Lyanna would be put in that damned cell where she locked up her own son. Rhaella wished she could say that her own children were better than her eldest was, but alas, she could not bring herself to lie. Viserys was always taken by her husband's image and believed that he was the greatest of all, and now seemed to try and emulate him in all, including madness, and Daenerys…

Rhaella could not even say if she considered herself, or Lyanna, Daenerys' mother, since Rhaegar saw fit to have Daenerys raised near Lyanna's children, by the woman herself. This was his punishment to her for trying to make Daemon's life better and speaking against his attitude towards him in public. That was almost four years ago, and now whenever Rhaella spoke with Dany, she saw not adoration or love that a child would have for her mother, but boredom and lack of any affection. Rhaella could see how Daenerys was starting to take after Lyanna in some of the worst qualities, added by Rhaegar's own flaws. She prayed that the girl would not become what Rhaella feared.

With her family in such state, Rhaella's love and care for Daemon was only made stronger, as the boy lacked any of his siblings pride and haughtiness, replaced by genuine kind heart and spirit. Earnest in word and word, Daemon was always diligent and determined in his studies and training, possessing both talent and passion for improvement. He seemed to excel at all he put his mind into and achieved only the best, with not even Rhaegar in his childhood not being able to match Daemon's potential. Whenever she compared the two, Rhaella always found Daemon to be one to outshine Rhaegar, for he always studied, trained and worked with determination, passion and interest, while Rhaegar only did it out of duty and with a melancholic note.

Rhaegar was like flame of a fireplace, whereas Daemon was the flame of the Sun, burning bright and hot like a Dragon's fire. If given chance, Rhaella knew full well that the boy could become the greatest Targaryen in a hundred years, and it was a shame that he would never sit on the Iron Throne. What a strange joke of fate: potentially the best of Targaryen bloodline is raised by non-Targaryens, yet despised by his kin and blood…

For quite some time grandmother and grandson enjoyed their meal and time together, but like all the good things, they soon come to an end. After they were finished with their meal, Rhaella bid her grandson goodbye, promising to visit him later, and let Ser Jaime escort him to his lesson with Anarion. It did not take them a long time to reach the training yard, allocated to just Anarion and his sole pupil, where he was already waiting the two, holding the training blunted swords with the rest of training equipment laying near him. Anarion could clearly see the happiness and joy in the eyes of Daemon, happy to see the boy in such high spirits so early. Ser Jaime decided to take his place aside and let the man do his job.

"You seem to be in quite high spirits today, Daemon." Anarion noted, as he stepped closer to him. "Hope you are ready for the training today. Get yourself properly dressed up and start with warming up exercises." Daemon immediately went on to do as he was commanded, and soon he was doing warm-up exercises.

After Anarion deemed it enough, they finally went on to training, with Daemon gripping the training sword with skill and strength, which could not be seen by any other 6-year old child, but then again, Daemon was no simple child. He was a blessed Dragonborn, possessing the blood of Shor and soul of true Dovah, and coupled with being raised on Miriel's breast milk when he was but a babe, this made Daemon stand out. Daemon stood taller and stronger than any of his siblings, growing faster and mightier than any other of the Targaryen children, possessing strength of body and mind unmatched by his siblings. He learned subjects faster and with ease, from difficult sciences to poetry and languages, and in physical training he applied himself with passion and determination that Anarion hadn't seen in ages.

Last time, he saw only Aegon the Conqueror train and fight with such vigor and passion, whom Anarion had the pleasure of training, and the former Dovah could not help but draw comparisons. The two were so alike in many ways that it was almost mesmerizing, with Anarion clearly seeing how the Stark's features mixed perfectly well with Targaryen's features. Daemon may have possessed the Stark's dark hair and grey eyes, but his hair was black and long, with eyes having blue in them, while facial features of his reminded Anarion of Aegon, rather than Rhaegar. It was clear to the son of Akatosh that Daemon was blessed by the Gods in strength, mind and spirit, much like Aegon was. If given the chance, Daemon could easily match, if not surpass, his legendary ancestor. And Anarion with Miriel will make sure that he has all that needs for it and more.

For hours no end, Anarion and Daemon clashed with their blunted steel, with the boy doing all he could land a successful hit upon Anarion, and Anarion parrying and blocking the strikes, staying one-step ahead of his apprentice. He was a demanding and harsh trainer, always making Daemon go all out and move past what he learned, instilling in him the need to improvise and surprise, think on his feet and act on his own gut. The boy was not fighting without any consideration, and always attempted to catch Anarion off guard. Feints, blocks, evasions, false attacks, provocations- all that and more Daemon used against Anarion, and the warrior made sure to counter them all.

This time, Daemon decided to go for an overhead strike at Anarion, moving his blade down, with Anarion moving his to block and parry. Suddenly, Daemon changed the position of his blade and was now trying to strike Anarion at his side. Moving his blade to intercept, Anarion didn't expect the boy to again change the position and swiftly strike him on the opposite side, landing a successful hit. Smiling at the accomplished feat, Daemon lowered his stance and relaxed, with Anarion doing the same.

"Well struck, Daemon. Quite well indeed." Anarion told him with a smile. "Been a while since I had someone use a double feint on me. I'll have to be careful with it from now on. Did you come up with it on your own?"

"Yes. You told me that I should always try and think of different ways to strike you, so I thought how I could attack you without you blocking, and when I was imagining the fight, this came to me." Daemon explained to him.

"You were imagining our fight, in your head? How did you know that you would be able to pull it off, without a sword in hand?" Anarion asked of him.

"I simply imagined the sword and started moving like I had it, and started fighting, while I was in my room." Daemon admitted to him, with Anarion listening intently to him. "I remembered how you usually fight and when I came up with the move, I just used what I remembered and that is it."

"Not a lot of warriors can memorize their opponent's style and come up with a good counter. Even less can do so outside a fight and not having a weapon at their hand." Anarion smiled to Daemon. "Continue impressing me like that, and some day in the near future, not even Arthur Dayne would be a match to you." Daemon smiled widely at this, when he and Anarion suddenly heard another man's voice.

"That is quite a bold claim, for one who is not of Kingsguard or even a Knight." Anarion turned around, seeing that Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper of Dorne, and Crown Prince Aegon Targaryen, have joined them, followed by Arthur Dayne himself. "Do you think it is wise to stoke the child's expectations in such a way, only to later have them dashed away, Stagslayer?"

"Prince Oberyn, Your Grace." Anarion bowed, with Daemon doing the same, though keeping the head down and not looking at his scowling sibling. "May I ask what brings you two in to my training yard at this hour?"

"The Crown Prince has the right to venture wherever he wishes within the Red Keep, has he not?" Oberyn asked of him.

"Indeed he does, though I ponder a reason as to why venture here of all places." Anarion stated to them aloud.

"I heard that you claimed Daemon to be the best with a sword of all Targaryen children to my father." Aegon stated to him with anger and envy clear in his voice. "I came here to change your mind about it, Anarion."

"And in what way do you wish to do it?" Anarion asked of him.

"Is this not obvious how, Stagslayer?" The Red Viper asked him. "The Crown Prince desires a duel with his supposedly peerless sibling, to prove to all who is the true Dragon, and who is merely a jailed bird." Anarion simply scoffed at the mannerism of the Dornish Prince.

"Fortunately, we are not in Dorne, and duels here aren't allowed. And as Prince Daemon's Master-at-Arms, I prohibit a fight between the two of them." Anarion stated.

"On what right do you dare deny me and my demand?" Aegon asked in a petulant manner.

"On the right of a trainer and Master-at-Arms. I have observed your progress, Your Grace, and while you are an admirable fighter for your age and size, you are do not have the skill to take on Daemon." Anarion responded with honesty, visibly insulting Aegon.

"You dare say that I can't beat that weak freak?!" Aegon practically shouted at him, with Jaime and Arthur exchanging nervous glances.

"I am." Anarion stood his ground on the matter, with Aegon deciding to use his position to make an order.

"As the Crown Prince, I command you to let me fight Daemon!" Aegon commanded, with Oberyn smirking at this.

"Do you dare deny a direct order from your Crown Prince, Stagslayer?" Martell asked him in a mocking fashion, with Anarion seeing that he was left with not a choice.

"Daemon." Anarion got his attention. "Take your position on the field." He told Daemon.

"B-but he is m-my brother… H-how am I supposed to…" Daemon was not sure if he could even take his brother on, but a reassuring hand of Anarion, placed on his shoulder, calmed him down.

"Calm yourself, and treat him not as your brother, but as your opponent, because he will do the same. He asks for a fight- give him one." Anarion told Daemon, and he nodded, collecting himself and moving to the position.

"Who knows…? Mayhaps His Grace might actually take notice of his Jailed Prince for once, if he shows himself to be at least adequate in a fight." The Red Viper decided add up fuel to this, with Anarion glaring at the reckless man.

"You will regret uttering these words, Red Viper." Anarion simply told him, and when he saw all fighters on the position, he spoke up. "This is a simple practice fight. The first one to suffer five strikes or fall on to the ground loses. Begin!"

The moment Anarion's words left his mouth, Aegon went on to the offensive, swinging his sword at Daemon and trying to strike the boy fast and hard. Daemon did not get confused or distracted, and instead of panicking, simply began to move around and evade the attacks, with occasional parrying and deflection. Aegon pursued, hot on his brother's heels and trying hard to put him in his place, with Daemon keeping his head on his shoulders and doing what he was taught to do.

Anarion stood next to The Red Viper, and he could clearly see who had decided to have this fight in reality. The Red Viper was a man of rash temper and unpredictability, with his blood running as hot as it did in haughty Dornish people, and if there was one thing that Oberyn valued, it was his blood and family, and Aegon was part of it.

It was no secret that Oberyn did not like Daemon, considering him a waste of space and blood, and to hear that someone considers Daemon better in anything than Aegon, the Viper must have taken it personally. Aegon had always loved and admired his uncle, emulating him in many ways, including his temper, and it was easy for the Prince of Dorne to stoke the ego and pride of the boy, and now it led to this. Personally, Anarion knew that Daemon was a better fighter of the two and that this fight would end the moment he took it seriously, but what he feared were the consequences of said victory.

Anarion knew that Rhaegar and Lyanna never liked the fact that Daemon excelled seemingly everything, painting a picture in which he was better than any other of their children. If Daemon were to beat Aegon here and now, it would show to the two idiots that this was true and then things could get worse for the boy than they already were. The two were still taken and obsessed with the idea that Daemon would be a bane of House Targaryen, and if Daemon would seemingly effortlessly beat Aegon here… He did not want to think of what they would dare to do.

Of the fact that Aegon will lose to Daemon, Anarion had no doubt, since Daemon had the advantages in strength, height, speed and skill over his older brother. It was only the matter of time when Daemon decided to use that advantage, and so far he simply stayed on the defenses, which irritated Aegon to no end.

"Fight me, you coward!" Aegon swung at Daemon again, and he sidestepped again. "What, are you afraid of me?"

"No, and I am fighting you." Daemon responded in much the same manner as Anarion, before parrying another blow from Aegon.

"Oh, so you think you are so much better than me?" Aegon took his brother's distaste for battle as arrogance. "You know what you really are? You are nothing more, but a freak! An abomination, that no one loves! Did you ever ask yourself why your Mama and Papa never visit you?" Those words cut him deep, revealing the worst of fears in him

"Stop it…" Daemon asked, but Aegon ignored him.

"They don't love or care for you, and the only reason why you are even alive is because Father decided to be merciful to you!" Aegon continued to taunt his brother. "Father doesn't even want to ever hear or see you, and you are only alive so that you could later be shipped off to the Wall!"

"That is enough, Your Grace!" Anarion was about to step forward, but Oberyn stopped him by grabbing his hand

"What is the worry, afraid your favorite boy will get hurt?" Oberyn mockingly asked, but the moment Anarion's hand nearly broke his he quickly dropped his haughty persona.

"Stop it!" Daemon demanded, but Aegon did not relent.

"Face it: you are nothing more but a runt and a waste of flesh! You are not a dragon, nor a wolf, but a worthless, useless monster, whom nobody loves and never will love. Especially Father and Mother…"

"STOP IT!" And that that point, the wall that held back the Dovah broke, and Daemon has had enough.

With a ferocity, speed and fury that Aegon had never expected to see from what he perceived to be a weakling. Caught off guard and scared at the sudden shift in attitude and manner of battle, Aegon missed the first strike in his ribs, then a second one in the stomach and then Daemon laid him down on the sand, having swept him off with a powerful strike. Landing hard on the land, he suddenly found Daemon looking directly at him, blunted sword at his neck, and such fury and anger in his eyes that Aegon nearly soiled himself. It look as if the boy was ready to strike Aegon again, when Anarion suddenly called out to him.

"Daemon, that is enough! You have won, put away your sword!" Anarion's words snapped Daemon out of his rage-induced trance, and he regained his bearings, realizing what he had done.

"I-I am sorry, b-brother…" Daemon meekly said, offering him his hand to help rise up.

Aegon, reluctantly, but accepted it, rising up on his feet, with his blade in his hand… and a fistful of sand in another. Without any warning, threw it into Daemon's face, blinding him, and using the moment, Aegon struck as hard as he could at Daemon's back, forcing him to buckle, before being kicked into the ground by his older brother. With a wounded pride and infuriated rage, Aegon brought his sword down onto Daemon and struck him once, twice, thrice, each time practically howling as he did.

It only stopped when the grown-ups ran to them and Ser Jaime grabbed Aegon's sword and then did something that Anarion wished to do- he backhanded Aegon with his right hand, knocking one of the boy's teeth and sending him falling down.

Anarion forgot about Aegon as soon as he saw that Daemon was not moving and rushed to his side, already chanting healing spells in his mind and preparing to apply it, while Oberyn Martell stood in shock, unable to comprehend what had happened. It took him some time to realize, that Anarion's words were true, and he now regretted his decision, before thinking of the ways to turn it all to the advantage of his House, Elia and her children.

Meanwhile, Anarion managed to heal the worst damage done to Daemon and brought him up, trying to make him regain his conscience. Ancient former Dovah knew what had happened: a Beindiiv had incited the Dovah and Dovah showed his teeth. This was the expected result, and Anarion knew that Aegon would never win this fight fairly.

He was only now concerned about what would happen now…


Hours later. King's chambers.

The atmosphere in the chambers was as grim as Anarion had expected it to be, with both Queens, King, Dowager Queen, several of the Kingsguards, Jon Connington, who served as the Hand of the King, Oberyn Martell and Jaime Lannister, being present inside, along with Anarion. News about what had happened in training yard quickly spread throughout the castle and it did not take long for this to happen. Aegon was sent back to his room, with Daemon being sent into his own cell, where Miriel tended to him and tried to calm him down. Rhaegar listened with a grim face what had happened, hearing the versions of all adults that were present there.

As Anarion had expected, Oberyn had tried to cover everything up and make it look like Aegon was innocent in everything, and that Daemon had goaded and then mercilessly beat the boy. Judging by the fierce and furious glare that Elia was sending to her hot-blooded and temperamental brother it was clear that his time in the capital was at an end, and Anarion wished the damned Viper gone as soon as possible. Fortunately, Jaime and Arthur decided to remain truthful and told the events as they transpired, much like Anarion told them. Unfortunately, it was clear that Rhaegar and Lyanna did not care for truth and details, only focusing on the fact that Daemon beat Aegon like it was nothing, and Jon Connington was only fueling their attention to it.

Anarion genuinely hated this man, finding him to be less than capable to being the man to run this realm, focused only on his fruitless and useless quest of gaining Rhaegar's attention and affection. Anarion did not understand the reason why Rhaegar had decided to make this man his Hand of the King, as there were far better options all around him. The man lacked wisdom or knowledge needed for his position, nor seemed interested in the duties and work, instead relishing the benefits and being close to Rhaegar, while sowing discourse in the Royal family. A sycophantic bugger with a taste in Valyrian boys and men, without abilities, skills or any other significance, a leech, all and all.

"Your Grace, it is obvious that the Crown Prince had been provoked and then mercilessly beaten into the sand, not just by Daemon, but the Kingsguard assigned to protect him." Jon turned, barely hiding his malicious smirk from Jaime and others. "You have sullied your honor, your oaths and your cloak, Ser Jaime. A man like you have neither place nor right to stand among the Realm's finest. And I am severely disappointed that the Master-at-Arms nearby did not intervene and stop the fight in the first place."

"I have protested having this fight in the first place, Lord Hand. However, I have been overruled." Anarion responded. "Crown Prince ordered to have this fight, clearly having been incensed by someone who has lately been keeping him company." Anarion's glare towards Oberyn spoke volumes.

"The details like that do not matter." Jon Connington quickly brushed it aside, forgetting what he had said earlier. "What matters is that the Crown Prince has been hurt and you, Ser Jaime and Daemon are all guilty of this crime. Your Grace, if you would permit, I shall assemble the court and prepare everything for your judgement…"

"Do not be so hasty with your choices, Lord Connington." Elia warned him, staring him with her deadly glare. "If you seek those who are guilty, please do not forget to include in my fool of a brother, whose mind seems to have left his head and situated itself where it never was supposed to be."

"Elia, my beloved sister…" Oberyn tried to plead, but she shut him up.

"Quiet, Oberyn. Another word, and you, your brood and your whore will be out of this city sooner than you can say: "I did this for you and your children." Elia knew her brother better than anyone, and knew that his best was not often what she and her family needed. "Now, Anarion, do you swear upon your life that you've protested that fight from happening?"

"I do, on my and Miriel's lives, I swear that I protested it." Anarion responded.

"Of course he would say that he protested it. He and his whore are so…" That moment, Jon Connington was sent down onto the ground, his nose bloody and broken.

"Another word about my wife, you buggering maggot, and I'll remove your manhood and feed it to the dogs." Anarion's voice and fierce eye were enough to make Connington shiver.

That moment, Hightower, Dayne and Darry moved to grab Anarion and restrain him with force, but it was at that moment when Rhaegar spoke up.

"Ser Darry, escort Lord Hand to the Grand Maester and have him look at his injury." Darry did as he was commanded, before Rhaegar continued on to the point, as he turned to Jaime and spoke up. "You swore an oath of a Kingsguard, when my father granted you this cloak. You swore to serve and protect my family from all internal and external enemies. Today, I found you striking my son and Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, a Kingsguard and a sworn defender of my House and family. How do you justify your actions, Ser Jaime? What say you in your defense?"

"I only did what my oaths as a knight and Kingsguard demanded of me." Jaime simply stated, without any false pride or arrogance. "I defended Prince Daemon, when he was attacked by the one who insulted, debased and blinded him. I did what I had to do, Your Grace, and if given a choice, I would do it again."

"Your oaths clearly prohibit you from striking the Crown Prince, yet you did it anyway." Lyanna pointed it out to him with a glare. "Is that monster far more valuable in your eyes than the future King of Westeros, Ser Jaime?"

"In my eyes, yes." Jaime admitted to her and everyone. "Because I know no child who has been so unjustly and cruelly treated as he was his entire life, all because of a birthmark and a fairy tale." Jaime felt the shocked stares of other Kingsguards and Lyanna.

"For your actions and words, I should have your head." Rhaegar stated to Jaime, who did not seem to budge.

"You are the King, Your Grace. It is your right, to take the head of those who tell you the truth." Jaime simply told him.

"Enough! Ser Gerold, Ser Arthur, get this man out of here and confine him somewhere dark and…" Lyanna tried to demand, but Rhaegar interrupted her.

"Lord Commander, remove this man's cloak." Rhaegar commanded, and Gerold moved to do it, but Jaime stopped him and instead ripped the whole thing off and handed it Lord Commander.

"There you go, Lord Commander. May it better serve someone more worthy of this collar." Jaime japed, as he turned to face the King. "Am I allowed the last wish before the execution? Or am I to be sent to the Wall?"

"Unfortunately, but neither await you." Rhaegar suddenly stated to him. "Jaime Lannister, for breaking your oaths as a Kingsguard and dishonoring your cloak and your dignity as the knight, you are hereby stripped of your position as Kingsguard. You are to remove yourself from King's Landing and head back to your ancestral home, and never again set foot in this Keep or city without my express permission. You have time until dawn to do so." Rhaegar gave Jaime his sentence.

"Your Grace, this man had dared to strike the Crown Prince and doesn't even feel shame for doing such thing! This cur deserves to lose both his hand and his tongue for what he did and said." Prince Lewyn stated with fury.

"His shame and disgrace will be his punishments, Prince Lewyn. Soon all of realm will know of the man who broke his vows and raised his hand against the Crown Prince." Rhaegar stated to him. "You have ashamed not just yourself, but also your House and family. A legacy of shame and disgrace, that is what you will bring to your father, Tywin Lannister."

"If you believe he cares for such things as honor and dignity more than prolonging his so-called legacy, then you do not know him." Jaime told him, knowing why Rhaegar let him off so easy. "Before I leave, may I be allowed to pay Prince Daemon the last visit?"

"For what purpose would you need to do it?" Lyanna demanded to know.

"I merely wish to say my goodbyes to him, and tell him that I am sorry that we shan't ever meet again." Jaime told honestly. "Since I am going his way, I might as well relay what sentence awaits him."

"You are allowed to do so. As for his punishment, he is confined to his chambers for the next three months, with only Miriel being allowed in for his lessons. No one else will be allowed in, be they servants, or members of the royal family. As part of his penance, all of his books and items of comfort, aside from the most needed will be removed from his room, and he shall be visited every day by Septa, to repent for his actions before the Gods." Rhaella, Elia and Anarion were shocked at the severity of the punishment.

"Rhaegar, this is too much! You've already confined him in that damned cell for his life, and now you would have a Septa to debase and humiliate him for three months?!" Elia was quite literally losing her nerve with him. "You would even take what little comfort he has in books and…?!"

"That is my decision, Elia, and nothing will change it. This is Daemon's punishment for what he has done to our son." Rhaegar stated.

"And what of Aegon's punishment?" Rhaella reminded him and others. "Your Crown Prince insulted, debased and then tried to beat Daemon to death after losing. He acted like a spoiled brat instead of the Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. How will you punish your son for acting as he did?"

"He shall be reprimanded, mother." Rhaegar simply told her, infuriating and insulting her.

"So you would imprison one son, have a religious fanatic to drill into him how worthless and monstrous he is, while depriving him from even smallest of comfort, while the one who started it will get away with a slap on the wrist?!" Rhaella was positively furious at that point.

"He will not be getting away with just a slap on the wrist, not if I have anything to say about my son's upbringing." Elia assured her, before turning to Rhaegar and Lyanna. "Since Prince Daemon will spend three months being punished, so too shall Prince Aegon will be punished the same amount of time. Since Daemon won't be allowed to be trained and leave his chambers, so too shall be the punishment for Aegon, while learning the Seven Pointed Star to the letter in the meantime."

"Elia, that is far too harsh for Aegon. Remember, he is…" Rhaegar tried to contradict, but was not allowed to say anything.

"He is the Crown Prince and it is time he learned how to act like it, Rhaegar, Promised Prince he is or not." Elia simply glared at him and Lyanna. "I am still his mother, and I shall decide how he is to repent. Ser Jaime, Anarion, you are free to leave." She decided to let them go, and the two bowed and left the place, heading towards Daemon.

"I hope Her Grace manages to instill some sense into the Crown Prince, or else I fear for the Realm." Jaime simply said to Anarion, who nodded to him tiredly. "Do you think I was in the wrong, to have hit Aegon like I did?"

"No, for I would've hit him harder." Anarion confessed to him. "I thank you for sparing my arm from being cut off, Ser Jaime."

"I doubt you would lose much, Anarion. I've seen you fight with both your hands, and I can tell that either left or right alone would do just as well as without the other one to help it." Jaime told him, before letting out a sigh. "I must admit that I was surprised at how merciful the King was towards me. I half expected him to cut off my head."

"Rhaegar may be obsessed with mystics, but he is wiser than his father, at least when it comes down to politics. He knows that by killing you, he will completely alienate your father and drive him into the ranks of his enemies. Your father has already married off your sister to Edmure Tully, and he has not made it a secret how he desires revenge for what the King did to his father." Anarion revealed to Jaime, who nodded to him. "I imagine that through this move, Rhaegar aims to both punish you and appease your father, by returning him his son and heir."

"A son who wishes doesn't wish anything to do with his inheritance, legacy of the family or anything else that involves instilling fear and Lannister rule." Jaime noted to Anarion. "All I ever wanted was to serve alongside the most prestigious and greatest of knights to the man worthy of my talents and skills, and instead… Instead, I found myself serving to a man who imprisoned his own son just because some long dead witch predicted him destroying the world or something. You know, I don't even regret having that cloak taken off of me, but what I do regret is that I now have to leave that boy alone here."

"If that is how you feel and think, then you are a better man then most, Ser Jaime." Anarion told him. "You may have sullied your cloak and broke your oaths, but there are times when one must make a choice between keeping to one's oaths and doing what must be done despite consequences. Those that do the latter deserve far more respect than afforded to all those that can't move past their empty oaths and vows, and you have my complete respect, Ser Jaime."

"Thank you, Anarion. That… That means a lot, coming from a man of your integrity." Jaime admitted to him.

"I know that this is not my place, but may I offer a piece of an advice to you?" Jaime eagerly nodded to Anarion, knowing that he is known only for good advice. "You may not wish to return to Casterly Rock, and though you may leave Daemon here, the best you may do from there for him is make a life in there. Do not close up and be ready to accept your life as heir and future Lord Paramount of Westerlands, with all it entails. As a former Kingsguard, disgraced and sent away in shame, you may do nothing, but as the richest Lord in Westeros, your abilities and powers may be enough influence what will happen to Daemon in the future."

"You wish to make me use my position to help the boy out of his cage?" Jaime asked of Anarion. "You need not ask, Anarion. That boy deserves better than what he was handed, and I'll make sure he gets a better life if that's the last thing I do." The moment he said it, the two came across Miriel, who was walking away with bandages and a basin with water.

"Miriel, how is Daemon?" Anarion immediately asked of her.

"The armor saved him from the worst of the strikes, so he got out with only bruises." Miriel informed them, before noticing that Jaime no longer had his cloak. "What happened with your cloak, Ser Jaime?"

"Ah, that. His Grace deemed me unfit to wear it anymore, and as a punishment for striking Aegon, he exiles me back to my father for the rest of my day, to endure the duties of his heir and producer of new Lannister lions." Jaime jokingly informed Miriel. "I am now on my way to inform Prince Daemon and to say my goodbyes."

"He will be sad to see you gone." Miriel noted to him. "He always thought of you as the best Kingsguard of all in here."

"That, milady, I consider to be the greatest praise I ever heard from anyone." Jaime admitted to her.

"You go on ahead, Ser Jaime. My wife and I require a few minutes to ourselves, to discuss all that has happened." Jaime nodded and went on ahead, before coming across Oswell Whent, guarding the Prince.

"What are you doing here, Oathbreaker? Hasn't the King sent you to the Wall?" Whent asked with disdain in his voice.

"No, he deemed that too light a punishment. Instead, I am to be shipped back to my father, where I am to labor as his heir and son that he so desperately needed." Jaime responded, with Whent scoffing after hearing it.

"You deserve to lose your head for striking Prince Aegon, not sent back to your daddy." Oswell stated to him. "What is your business here then?"

"I wish to say my goodbyes to the boy, and to relay him his punishment." Jaime told Whent and prepared to move, when Whent stopped him. "I won't be there for long."

"Since you no longer wear the cloak, Lannister, I've got no reason to allow you in, and I don't care if you want to say your goodbyes to your precious Jailed Prince." At that moment, Jaime let out a tired sigh, and then suddenly punched Oswell Whent right in the jaw, knocking the man out for good.

"Should've done that years ago." He simply said, before grabbing the key and opening the door inside, seeing Daemon looking at him with surprise, bandages on his head and around his chest. "Pardon the intrusion, Your Grace, hope you don't mind that I gave old Oswell some time off?" Jaime stepped inside and close the door behind.

"Ser Jaime? What are you doing here?" Daemon asked of him. "Did… Did the King send you to punish me?"

"I am afraid that I am here to only deliver you the terms of your punishment… And… And to say my goodbyes to you, Your Grace." Daemon looked at him with confusion, and at that point, Jaime told the boy all that had happened and what was decided to be done about them both.

Daemon simply stood there and listened to Jaime, without moving a muscle and or blinking, without interrupting him in any way. By the time Jaime was finished, Daemon only then spoke.

"I am sorry you have lost your cloak, Ser Jaime." Daemon apologized to him. "I shouldn't have done what I did." Jaime felt sorry for the poor boy.

"Don't be sorry, Your Grace. That cloak once was a treasure to me, yes, but lately it has become a burden, one that I carried only because you needed a Kingsguard loyal to you and you alone." Jaime revealed to Daemon, who looked up in his eyes. "My regret is that I will no longer be here to protect you."

"You were more than a Kingsguard, Ser Jaime. To me, you a good man, and a good friend." Daemon said to him with a small smile, with Jaime smiling back to him. "I wish you to find happiness back in your home. You deserve it after all that you have done."

"Thank you, Your Grace. And I wish you only the best." Jaime told him, before preparing to leave, but stopped by Daemon, who moved to hug the man, and Jaime hugged him back.

"I will miss you, Jaime." Daemon told him.

"So will I, Daemon." Jaime dropped the title and gently let the boy go. "Is there… Is there anything I could do to you? A last gift, perhaps?"

"Yes, there is." Daemon told him. "Could you tell me the truth, about my parents?" Daemon asked of him, with Jaime finding himself unable to answer back.

"I…" Jaime struggled to speak to the boy.

"Please, I want to know the truth." He simply asked of him, and Jaime relented.

"The truth is that what Prince Aegon has said… was not false." Jaime revealed to him, with Daemon's eyes filling up with water. "His Grace and Queen Lyanna… I fear they do not hold any love towards you, and your imprisonment here is by their design, until you are old enough to be sent to the Night's Watch."

"Wh-why do th-they hate me?" Daemon asked of Jaime with tears in his eyes. "A-am I a bad s-son?" The boy's voice started to break down.

"I… I do not know why they hate you, for you have done nothing but been a son that anyone would be proud of and wish to have for his own. Even I." Jaime admitted to him, kneeling before the boy. "I know that you wish for them to love you, Daemon, but let me tell you this: they are not worthy of your love, for they have put you in this cage, for something you are not and never was. Things are bad right now, but I promise you that when I am Lord of Westerlands, I will do all I can to get you out of this cage and not let them send you to that damned Wall." He then hugged the boy, calming him down a little bit.

"Thank you, Ser Jaime… Can you do one more thing for me?" Daemon asked of him.

"Anything I can I will." Jaime told him.

"Please be happy, for both of us." Daemon simply asked of him, with Jaime smiling at the selfless request of the boy. "Even if you don't get me out of here or from the Wall, please find your own happiness in life. You deserve it far more than I do."

"I'd beg to differ, Daemon, for no child deserves to be happy and free as you do, but I will do as you ask." Jaime told him, knowing that the time was running short for him. "I fear I must leave soon. Let's not say goodbye to each other, those sound far too sad. Until we meet again, Daemon Targaryen."

"Until we meet again, Jaime Lannister." Daemon smiled for the last time to the man, before he opened the door and left, with key the key landing near still unconscious Oswell Whent.

Though the door was open and he could leave, Daemon made not a step towards it, for he knew that he would not be able to escape, and if he did try, he would simply be put him in a smaller and less comfortable cell. Instead, he quietly moved to his bed and sat upon it, letting the tears fall from his eyes, making not a single sound and not moving a muscle, as he simply sat there in his cage, silently crying and coming to terms with what he learned. He finally had to accept the fact that he was never and never would be loved by his parents, with the rest of his family seeing him as nothing more but a monster.

The moment that truth finally set in his mind, something broke inside once innocent and kindhearted boy, something that never will be repaired again…


Took me a while to get this one written up, but I hope that you enjoy it. As you can see, Daemon (yeah, I decided to go with this one, the best variant I had gotten and one that I agreed with personally) has a life that is nothing less of a prison sentence, living in a cell and surrounded by people who despise or hate him for simply existing.

If you want to know what his room looks like, it's basically the same as Tyrion's room from Season 3 Episode 1. His life is miserable, and Rhaegar with Lyanna intend to not make it any easier, but it won't last for long, that is for certain.

Now, I have gotten responses regarding the possible pairings and while many are good and make sense, I am leaning towards just creating Daemon an OC lover, but that is just me thinking of things ahead. Do still continue to send in your suggestions and comments, they do help a great deal and I love feedback from my readers. Here is another suggestion: what House name should Daemon take, since he is not really a Targaryen, and I do not plan for him to keep referring to himself as one, since all that family gave him was misery and suffering? What House name would fit him the best and what symbol he may even have? Give me your thoughts.

Next time: A Mad Wyrm tastes the fangs of Dovah; Goodbye to Targaryens; Welcome to the North and Starks.