A Son of Ice and Fire

Guest: Yeah, Margaery imprints herself on Tommen after Joffrey is killed, but it definitely won't be that simple in this story. Believe me, there will definitely be a few conversations between Astrid and Cersei, and they most likely will not be pleasant XD

Guest: A dream is just a dream, definitely no foreshadowing. No, none at all (laughs evilly to myself)

Guest: Initially, I wanted Astrid in King's landing for the battle of blackwater, but I just decided to have more Hiccstrid instead. Astrid marrying Tommen shoves her right into the heart of the capital, and I love the interactions I'll get to write in the next few weeks.

Chapter 61: My choice

Astrid

I was still in a half-concussed state when I finally rose to my feet; the full weight of the news still unable to be sink in. I hate it! I hate them! Why have my parents done this? Why? With Heather at my side, I walked slowly down the hallway with the only sound being the scaping of my boots along the stone floor. I didn't want to think of what it would mean if I left, but I just wanted to get as far from this place as I could. I can't get married if I'm a thousand miles away from here, right? And as my anger began to slowly overpower the feelings of despair, my slow trudging steps transformed into booming stomps echoing off of the walls. This will not stand. This marriage will not happen! I will make sure of it!

Everything was passing by in the blink of an eye as I tore through the castle at blinding speed. I was barely focusing on anything apart from the need to get away, and Heather was panting slightly as she almost had to jog to remain at my side. All I could think about was the future that had been so cruelly ripped away, and the hell that had been shoved in its place. I just want to get away, and go somewhere I feel safe once more. I can't stay here. But as the giant doors at the front of the castle stood tall in the distance, I found myself unable to move. If I go out of those doors, I'll never the answers I need. I'll never know for sure. I let out a deep sigh, hanging my head in realisation. I must stay. At least for now. Heather, only just realising I had stopped, turned back and a look of surprise plastered itself across her face. But it wasn't me she was looking at, her eyes focused over my left shoulder.

A sudden tap of my shoulder instantly unleashed the tension pulsing through every muscle in my body, and I whipped around, drawing my axe out at the same time. "Don't you dare lay another finger on me," I growled, as the blade of the axe swung towards the person's neck. Barely an inch from contact, the weapon held still in my hands. "Finn?" I mumbled shakenly, as my trembling fingers began to lower the blade from his throat.

"Nice to see you again too, Sister," he chuckled. I quickly returned the weapon to its previous position on my back, and then I practically threw myself at him, embracing him tightly.

"Oh, I've missed you," I beamed, resting my against his shoulder blade. In that moment, I was content. Just knowing I still had him here instantly picked up my spirits. Just the feeling of the familiar warmth allowed all stress to seemingly melt away. That was until he lowered himself to warp his arms around me, and only then I could see the tall figure behind him. Seeing the person who had put in this position sanding there, it immediately put me on edge and a deep growl escaped from the back of my throat. I couldn't stop myself tensing up, and I couldn't stop glaring fiercely at him. At well over six feet, with short blonde hair and a light boxed beard, he was an intimidating sight to most. But under the pressure of my accusing glare, he could barely meet my eyes. "Go talk to Heather, she missed you," I whispered quietly in Finn's ear. He gave me an odd look, but I just nodded sharply, and the second he released me, I charged towards past him towards my father.

Before he could even utter a single world, I had already began my assault. "HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME! HOW COULD YOU? YOU KNOW THAT THIS IS THE LAST THING I WANTED. YOU KNEW THAT, AND YOU DID IT ANYWAY. WHY?"

"Astrid, dear…" he said softly.

"DON'T 'ASTRID DEAR' ME," I snapped, crossing my arms across my chest. "YOU CAN'T JUST TRY TO ACT NORMAL AFTER YOU'VE RUINED MY LIFE!"

"I've done all I could do for this family," he sighed, "this marriage will secure our House for generations to come. One day you'll understand." I kept my eyes locked firmly on him, but he shied away from returning it.

"One day I'll understand," I laughed bitterly, as I shook my head. "Did you think for one second what this would do to me?"

"I haven't stopped thinking about it since I signed the contract all those months ago," he answered weakly. "I'm sorry but it was the best choice for our House."

"Yeah, sure it was," I spat back. He took a tentative step forward with his arms outstretched, but I just backed away to keep the distance between us. The hurt expression was clear to see, but I couldn't care less. I went to shout at him, but my voice cracked so it was barely above a whisper. "I only ever asked of you one thing," I croaked out, "I never asked for expensive jewels, or the finest dresses. I never asked for expensive balls or extravagant parties. I did everything you asked of m." I paused, dropping my head to the floor as I took a deep breath. "The only thing I ever asked of you was that if I did get married, it would be at least some part on my terms. And then you do this? How could you?"

"I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you," he said softly, as he took another step towards me.

"Well it's too late for that," I huffed sharply, "it's clear I mean nothing to you. How long after I left home did it take for you to stab me in the back, Dad? A week? Two? Is that why you sent me with Heather in the first place? So you could betray my wishes and postpone this altercation for as long as possible?"

"No," he said firmly. "I never even thought about it until I was told it was an option. You must believe me."

"But that's the problem," I sighed, "I don't believe you. You pleaded for me to go north, and I went north. I didn't fight you… much, I just went. Now you're just selling me off to someone else like I'm nothing more than a fancy necklace. An accessory. Because that's what I am here. That's what I'll be. So congratulations Dad, you've just made the rest of my life utterly miserable," I told him, unable to hide the pain in my voice. I'd dreamed of Starspike, and returning to being with my family. I'd spent hours thinking about how happy I would be to see my mother and father again, but now I couldn't even stand to look at him. I gave him one final hate-filled stare, before I barged my way past him.

"Astrid, please," he pleaded, grabbing my wrist as I attempted to storm away.

"No it's fine Dad. Clearly my name is more important to you than your actual daughter. Thank you for clearing that one up," I growled, while suppressing the tears that were trying to escape. I tried ripping my arm free, but his hand held onto me with vice-like strength.

"That's not true," he denied adamantly.

"LET ME GO!" I screamed. "I hate you. I hate you. Just leave me alone!"

"I know you don't mean that," he stated calmly. I know I didn't as well, not really, but the look I gave him only consolidated my words. He swallowed the lump in his throat, but he managed to continue, "I'll always be here for you. You'll never be alone. You can always visit home. Starspike will always be there for you."

I turned and gave him one final scowl; his bright blue eyes cracking under my glower. "Starspike… is no longer my home. Dragon's edge is!" I declared firmly, as I pulled my arm away as roughly as I could. Without even a look back I stomped away as fast as I could. Finn called out after me and I heard the sound of him running after me, but after a few quiet whispers from Heather, it seemed he took her advice and let me go.

I walked and I walked, and eventually I found myself marching through the gardens of the castle. I really wanted to scream, and to just get rid of every knot tying itself around my chest, but the lack of privacy is just one more thing added to the long list of things I despise about the capital. I wouldn't be surprised if half the castle heard my outburst, but to be honest I no longer cared. This isn't my home, it will NEVER be my home. I stretched my fingers back and forth, repeatedly curling them into fists and then splaying them flat in some attempt to vent my frustration. The length of time I roamed the gardens I could not say, but I eventually found myself resting against a fence as I stared out to sea. I gripped the railing so tightly the metal was nearly buckling in my hands, and even the calming waves of the ocean did almost nothing to ease my contempt for the whole situation.

"Astrid?" Came a soft voice from behind me.

"Go away!" I demanded, but even a few seconds later, the sound of footsteps wasn't heard. I snapped around, ready to bite the head off the person who interrupted my insolation. But when I turned, all I was met with was a flowing golden dress and a cascade of auburn hair. Even with ninety percent of my mind in a fixed state of anger, I couldn't stop the smile crossing my lips as she walked towards me.

"Well, you look like a hot mess," Margaery teased, gliding over and reaching her arms out towards me. Without hesitation, I returned the gesture, wrapping my arms around her back, as she rocked me gently. "Didn't anyone tell you that the winter wardrobe isn't in fashion for another few years," she chuckled lightly.

"Har har, very funny" I responded flatly. She isn't wrong though. The leggings were clinging to my thighs like a new-born child to its mother, and the thick furs were boiling me alive. Hours of walking had left my legs drained, and the heavy boots were feeling like iron weights on my feet. The leather skirt choked my waist, clasping to my hips so tightly that the slightest swing of them would cut off the blood supply to my lower half completely. Sweat was dripping from my forehead as the sun's heat poured down, and my skin was almost too warm to touch. I guess I do look a mess. Maybe if I look that bad, no-one will want to marry me, I sighed. If only it worked like that.

"Where have you been?" She asked softly, as she released me and stood at my side.

I simply stared back out to sea for a few moments, before I simply responded, "north."

She let an exasperated sigh and nudged me faintly with her shoulder. "I know you went north, Astrid. Your brother told me before we came to King's Landing. I mean, where were you the last couple of hours? I asked someone to inform me when you had finished with Lord Tywin, but I was told you ran away and were nowhere to be found."

"Hmm, something like that," I mumbled dismissively.

She swivelled around to face me, and planted her hands on my shoulders. "it's the marriage isn't it? I'm guessing the weather isn't the only reason your face is as red as a tomato."

I sighed heavily, but I nodded to her. "I can't do it," I admitted quietly. "I can't marry him."

"Why?" Margaery asked, with an optimistic smile on her face. "What's the worst that can happen? I can't say I know him well, but he's just a boy. Compared to the King, Tommen seems to be less of a handful. You're strong, you can make a true name for yourself at his side."

I aggressively shrugged her arms off of me. "I don't want to make a name for myself. Why is it so hard for everyone to understand?" I snapped, slapping a hand across my forehead as I tugged at my bangs in frustration.

"Understand what? Just tell me what's wrong, Astrid. You know I'm always here for you," she said with a sincere smile and a pleading glint in her eyes.

I turned back to face the sea, resting my elbows on the railing as I held my face in my hands. "How do you do it?" I sighed. "How do you just wear a smile when you've got to spend the rest of your life with someone you feel nothing for? I can guarantee you don't love this King, so how can you just pretend everything is okay?"

"You have to work at it. Love takes time. It takes years to build, and one day you'll feel that for the Prince," she said confidently.

"I'm pretty sure I won't," I replied coldly. She sighed, as she rested her hand gently on my shoulder.

"And how do you know that?" Margaery asked frimly. "Can you see the future?" I spared a look in her direction, but as soon as I met her eyes, I simply shook my head and returned to facing forward. "Maybe this is your destiny, and you'll grow old and happy together. Maybe one day you'll look at your children and you'll curse yourself for ever having any doubts. You just need to try to love him. I know it's hard, but I know you, and you never give up."

"It shouldn't be hard," I said defeatedly.

I could see her looking curiously at me out of the corner of my eye. "What do you mean by that?" She exclaimed, tilting her head slightly.

I slowly turned to face her again, dropping one hand to my side, while the other ran its way through my hair to land on the back of my neck. "Loving someone shouldn't be hard."

"I know, but it's how it has to be," she replied, her expression momentarily falling flat.

I vigorously shook my head, "No it's not!"

"Well, either you try to love him, or you'll just end up miserable," Margaery said solemnly. "And I really don't want that for you."

"I can't," I protested, though my voice had seriously lost its edge.

"Can't… Or won't?" She asked, as she shook her head in disappointment.

"Both!" I replied harshly.

"Why, Astrid?"

"Bec…" I started

"…Why can't you just accept this?" She continued

"Because…" I mumbled weakly.

"Why are you so against even the thought of this?" Margaery asked determinedly, prodding deeper in her interrogation.

"Because I…"

"Why won't you at least try?" She asked directly, unflinching in her pursuit of the answer.

"BECAUSE I LOVE SOMEONE ELSE!" I shrieked, before instantly hiding my face in my hands. All effort to conceal the silent tears failed, and as hard as I tried, I couldn't brush them away fast enough. "I love him, and he's gone," I whimpered. I stood shaking against the railing for a few moments, before a set of arms cradled me from behind.

"Oh Astrid, I'm so sorry," Margaery said softly. I turned gingerly, nestling against her so close all I could see were strands of reddish-brown hair. My heart was beating totally out of sync, and if she let go, I doubt I'd be able to keep my feet. "It's alright. It's alright," she said reassuringly, but nothing could pull me free from the grips of this nightmare. Five minutes we must have stayed there, and all I could do was hold onto her until I was in any state to dare to look up.

"Thank you," I murmured, as I looked up at her through blurry eyes. Once more I rubbed away the tears swimming on the surface, allowing me to see her looking at me with an expression of concern.

She managed to form a warm smile, "There's no need to thank me. I'm here for you, I'll always be here for you. But I need you tell me everything. It's the only way I can help you." I nodded silently, and she hooked my arm between hers. "Walk with me." I nodded once more, and slowly we began to make our way back through the gardens. When I was reluctant to start, she simply stopped and turned to me. "Astrid, no matter what you say, I won't think any less of you. I know you're usually strong, and I won't judge you. I would never do that. The fact I've never seen you like this before tells me how much this means to you. I promise I won't do anything but listen," she said openly. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, before I began to tell her everything. This is Margaery, there's few people I trust more.

Fishlegs

The gates opened up ahead of us, and Daenerys walked confidently through them to meet the awaiting slavers. Next to her was Missandei, a translator that was liberated from the masters a few hours ago. With dusky skin and a wreath of russet brown hair, the young woman strolled proudly at the side of the Queen. Behind them both were me, Sir Jorah and Sir Barristan, hands on the hilts of our swords as we headed into certain danger. Slave soldiers of Astapor parted either way as we headed into the main plaza, and onlookers peered at us from perches on top of the walls. A few thousand unsullied were stood motionless, and only their eyes followed us as we walked past. In truth, it truly was a terrifying sight. An army of the greatest warriors in Essos, and yet not a single sound could be heard as we moved across the front of their ranks.

At the far end of the square from where we entered was a wide and shallow ramp. In the direct centre of it stood master Kraznys himself. He stood loungily with an air of smugness surrounding him, as he proudly held the whip in his hand. With a shaven head and a circular beard that hugged his chin, he looked at us as if we were all beneath him. His fine clothes of gold and green rustled in the light breeze, and as the carrier was hauled in behind us, his lips twitched into a crooked smile. We advanced up the ramp, and as the cage was laid to rest on the dusty ground, he began to speak loudly in high Valerian. My father had always taught me the importance of learning, and I had my nose buried in books since I could read, so I could understand most of what he was saying. And none of which seemed to get a welcome reception from the Queen, or anyone else in our party, after Missandei had translated them to the common tongue.

With a somewhat disgruntled look on her face, the Queen slowly turned around and headed for the carrier. I couldn't help the nerves that were slowly starting to rise in my stomach, as she began to unfasten the straps. I know she said that she was going to give him a dragon, but I can't for the life of me work out her plan. We're in a city full of enemies, and there's less than half a dozen of us here. Sir Jorah was looking on, and his face showed only concern. I stole another glance back at the Queen, just as everything went silent. Even the faint murmurings from the crowd died down instantly, as a hissing sound echoed through the thin material walls of the crate. Daenerys paused for a second, but moments later she fully lowered the front. And out it came... a dragon.

I had to blink myself back to the real world, as for a second I was completely zoned out from reality. A dragon. A living, breathing dragon. How? How is this possible? I could only stare at it, its scales of midnight black from head to tail, with faint flashes of red across its underside. While letting out a high pitched roar, it padded forwards, and then spread its wings and ascended into the sky above the Queen's head. I simply watched in awe, as it rose higher and higher, only stopped at its peak by the chain locked around one of its ankles. Daenerys held the other end with a firm grasp, her face emotionless, as she stared intently at the master. I finally managed to avert my eyes from the creature of legend, to see the master practically licking his lips in anticipation. It was only then I realised the full cost of what this trade meant. No. You can't let these slavers have a dragon. All they'll do is use it to destroy more homes and families and throw more people into their vile system. I wanted to protest, but it wasn't my place to question the Queen so I bit my lip. I really hope this isn't the actual plan.

Despite my fears, all I could do was stand and watch as she strolled forward and handed the reigns of the dragon into master Kraznys' hands. He all but snatched at the chain, and thrust the whip into her hand a moment later.

"Is it done, then? They belong to me?" Daenerys asked calmly. The master spoke distastefully, and as Missandei went to translate, he rudely cut her off. He tried to dismiss the Queen quickly, as he was using all his strength to try to control the dragon that was struggling viciously to be free. The chain rattled and shook, as it fought with all its strength to escape, but he held it firm.

"It is done. You hold the whip," Missandei told the Queen coolly, ignoring the actual translation of 'the bitch has her army.'

With a face as cold as ice, Daenerys turned her back on the master and her dragon, and headed down the ramp towards the army she had just paid for at such a high cost. The mythical beast screeched frantically, struggling with all its might to follow her, but the master's grip on the leash only grew stronger. The Queen kept her eyes forward, heading closer and closer to the front line of men. With a voice firm and loud, she commanded the legions of the unsullied to march forward. Without even a moment to brink, they followed her order, and in perfect unison they strode forward. And when she told them to stop, they stopped, and the heavy sound of a thousand spears sinking into the dirt at once left the entire city frozen in silence. Tension hung in the air, and only the pained squeals of the dragon could be heard as everyone stood completely still.

"Tell the bitch her beast won't come," the master growled angrily in valerian. Instantly the Queen snapped her head around to face him, a steadfast look on her face and a fire in her eyes.

"A dragon is not a slave," she declared loudly in the master's own language, surprising everyone that was close enough to hear. She sure is full of surprises, to say the very least.

"You speak Valerian?" Master Kraznys asked in shock, now having to having on with both hands just to keep hold of his prize.

"I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen of the blood of old Valeria," she replied resolutely. "Valyrian is my mother tongue." The master could only watch on, and I instinctively reached for my sword. Quickly spinning back around to her army, she rose the whip firmly in one hand. "UNSULLIED!" The men all slammed their spears into the ground once more, and every eye in Astapor must have been on her. "SLAY THE MASTERS! SLAY THE SOLDIERS! SLAY EVERY MAN WHO HOLDS A WHIP! BUT HARM NO CHILD! STRIKE THE CHAINS OFF ANY SLAVE YOU SEE!"

I ripped my sword free of its sheath, as the two knights next to me did the same. Within moments, the first tip of a spear had plunged through a master's back, leaving the golden robes stained red as he fell forward clutching his heart. All around the masters began to suffer the same fate, and though part of me was appalled at what was going on, I only had to remind myself of the atrocities these men have committed to know that this was probably the justice they deserved. I've seen the half-naked slaves hanging on crosses and left to die. I've seen them mutilate these very soldiers just for a demonstration. I've heard about how the masters forced boys to kill a new-born baby to prove he has no weakness and become a soldier in the unsullied ranks. 'The good masters of Astapor,' they are called, I've never heard such hypocrisy in my life. The masters did this, and the masters are now paying for it.

"KILL HER! KILL HER!" Came for panicked, enraged cries of master Kraznys. His forehead was crinkled with wrinkles in his sheer terror, and pure fear was the only emotion his eyes showed.

My eyes trailed back to the Queen, who turned back to face the man. She kept her flat expression, and she seemed to be in complete control. She allowed one look up towards the dragon, and with a firm voice she called out, "DRACARYS!"

I immediately saw Sir Jorah's head snap around towards the master, as if he knew something no-one else did. When I quickly followed suit, I only had a fraction's notice to see the dragon hovering deliberately over the master. Before I could blink, a column of flame burst out of its mouth, engulfing the man in a torrent of fire that hailed down upon him. I could almost feel my dinner rising up my throat, but I swallowed it back down, and diverted my eyes away. The master's loud wails echoed all around, until the burning heat of the dragon's flame silenced him for good.

A half-dozen of slave soldiers lunged clumsily towards us, but the three of us managed to dispatch them before they even got close to the Queen. Sir Barristan was just as skilled as I heard from the stories Dad had told me, and even at his age, the soldiers didn't stand a chance. Sir Jorah performed better than I expected, and together we finished off the final soldier. All around, the masters were dying like flies. Centuries of brutality and heinous crimes had been repaid in mere moments. The unsullied swept through the plaza like a black plague, cutting down anything in its way. A few more men tried to attack us, but after their initial wave, no more soldiers opposed us. Why die fighting for a master who wouldn't die for you? Not that many of them had any masters at all now. The dragon aimed its flame downward, melting off its shackles, before it took to the sky. The banners of the masters were set ablaze, and then anyone who came anywhere close to the Queen met the same fate as Master Kraznys. The fire painted the sky orange, until black smoke bellowed up to meet it. Slowly, the clanging of metal began to die down, leaving only the crackling of fire behind as the only sound. Almost as quickly as it had started, it was over. Astapor is ours. Slavery will exist here no more.

And just like when I had saved Jon, and then when I had rescued Eret, I knew this had to be done. There are so many evils in this world, and in one lifetime it is impossible to stop them all. But this was a start. Imagine when the dragon grows larger, then we might actually stand a chance against the white walkers. With my thoughts still a bit all over the place, and doing all I could to justify what just happened, I walked silently through the streets of Astapor. It had to be done. This place can now be better. It can grow and be prosperous. A few hundred had to die so thousands can prosper. I kept moving until I was outside the gates, where the two other knights were waiting to meet me. The unsullied had once more formed up into their legions, this time outside of the walls, and Daenerys was walking briskly through the middle of them. In a swift movement, she lifted herself into the saddle of her white horse, and began to call out once more to the men.

"UNSULLIED! YOU HAVE BEEN SLAVES ALL YOUR LIFE. TODAY YOU ARE FREE. ANY MAN WHO WISHES TO LEAVE, MAY LEAVE; AND NO-ONE WILL HARM HIM. I GIVE YOU MY WORD. WILL YOU FIGHT FOR ME? AS FREE MEN?" She spoke out with confidence, a self-assurance that I had rarely seen before, and now I knew my decision was the right one. A tense silence followed her words, but then came the rhythmic beating of spears against the ground. TAP. TAP. TAP. TAP. As one, the entire army began to follow suite, pledging their loyalty. With eight thousand men with us, and a liberated city behind us, we began to march away from Astapor. The Queen dumped the whip into the dirt where it belonged, and I could sit proudly on my horse knowing I made the right decision. Maybe she isn't perfect, and maybe she won't become the ruler of Westeros, but she is the best choice. She is my choice. She is my Queen.