Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 98: Taming of the Dragon
The next day
Jon's POV
It took four days to reach Dragonstone. Far faster than two weeks on the ship and a month by horse. They had to stop during a blizzard, yet they managed to get here quicker than ever before. Rhaegal landed on the beach. Several of the Dothraki saw them and came over to ensure they were not a threat. It was until Lord Varys arrived.
Ser Davos, Ser Jaime, and Jon stretched their limbs feeling sore. Jon was determined to see Alysanne. Hoping she is doing alright. He knows what it is like to lose a sibling. How it felt when receiving news about Rob and witnessing Rickon's death. He hopes his presence can bring comfort. As much as he feels more of a Stark than a Targaryen, yet he welcomes Alysanne as family.
As he walked up, Varys came over to him.
"The Northern Armies?" Varys asked.
"I did not order them south," Jon answered. "Tyrion stated her majesty only wanted Rhaegal."
The two began walking towards the Castle.
"How is she?" Jon asked.
"At first, she refused to see anyone since we returned. Hasn't left her chambers, hasn't accepted any food. But she started coming back to us after her sister's funeral," Varys reported.
"She shouldn't be alone," Jon said.
Varys was surprised by this, "You're worried for her. I admire your empathy."
"Aren't you worried about her?" Jon asked.
"I'm worried for all of us," Varys answered. "They say every time a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin, and the world holds its breath."
"We're not much for riddles where I'm from," Jon replied.
"We both know what she's about to do," Varys said.
Jon stopped walking and looked at him with caution. After everything his aunt went through, he would not blame her. "That's her decision to make."
"Men decide where power resides, whether or not they know it," Varys said.
"What do you want?" Jon asked.
"All I've ever wanted. The right ruler on the Iron Throne," Varys answered. "I know where her coin has landed. But emotionally, she wants revenge. No matter what plan she chooses, the number of casualties is still high. Help us change her mind to go with the original plan."
Jon took a deep breath, comprehending the Eunuch's words.
"I know more kings and queens than any man living. I've heard what they say to crowds and seen what they do in the shadows. I have furthered their designs, however horrible. But what I tell you now is true: She is a queen. A queen who has lost her path."
"What did she intended on doing?" Jon asked.
"Barricade the city both gate and bay. While She and Viserion destroy the Red Keep. Many refugees have taken refuge there. The city would be saved, but those at the Keep will not. As much as it sends a message, it is a choice that she'll regret."
"I'll see what I can do," Jon promised.
Varys exhaled softly in relief.
Jon took another deep breath as he was escorted to the Castle, with Ser Jaime and Ser Davos right behind them. Jon was a bit hesitant about the Kingslayer being here. Especially when Cersei had killed Daenerys. Hopefully, Ser Jaime can help change Alysanne's mind on attacking the Red Keep.
Varys took them to the Chamber of the Painted Table. There he saw Missandei, Grey Worm, Jorah, and Alysanne at the table going over plans. Although Grey Worm and Jorah doing most of the talking. There he saw his aunt's condition. She was probably five years older than him, and she looked so much older. However, she looked a bit thin, along with bruising under her eyes.
"King Jon Snow," Varys announced. "Along with Ser Davos and Ser Jaime."
Alysanne tensed as she looked up from the carved table. She took a deep breath, contemplating the situation. Jon debated if he should have Ser Jaime wait outside. He also noticed Tyrion was not in the room. Jorah noticed this and turned to Missandei.
"Missandei, why don't you escort Ser Jaime to Tyrion's chamber?" Jorah suggested.
Missandei nodded as she walked over to Ser Jaime, "This way."
Ser Jaime opened his mouth to speak, but it was clear the Targaryen queen is in no mood to talk to a Lannister. Once the Kingslayer was gone, Alysanne relaxed for a bit.
"It's good to see you again, Jon." Alysanne greeted.
"I wish for our meeting were on good terms," Jon answered as he came over.
Alysanne nodded in agreement, as she had Varys, Grey Worm, and Ser Davos leave the room. Jon assured Ser Davos everything will be fine and to rest. The older knight nodded as he left the chamber. No doubt, Jon assumes he would like to rest. Once they were comfortable and assurance, they are alone, Jon came halfway but stopped. He wasn't good at comforting people, especially women. Alysanne, however, came over and gave him a quick hug. During the embrace, he looked over her shoulder to see how concern Jorah was doing from the situation. When they pulled back, Jon got a better look at her.
"I'm sorry I couldn't make it in time," Jon said.
"The funeral could not wait," Alysanne said. "I'm sorry, Jon. I knew you both cared for each other deeply."
Jon sighed heavily. If only they weren't blood, would they have gone deeper in their relationship? In the end, Daenerys was his aunt, and he is her nephew. A part of him wonders what his life would have been if he was raised as a Targaryen. If Rhaegar had overthrown the Mad King. But there is no point of thinking about "What ifs" as his last paternal relative stood in the room.
"I loved her, but it could not be," he sighed.
Alysanne nodded in agreement.
"Did you bring Rhaegal?" she asked.
"Yes," he confirmed.
Alysanne nodded again, "Why is Ser Jaime here?"
"He came to offer aid in the siege," he replied. "Along with something else, to which I cannot say. Give him a moment of your time. For it is important."
Her face became blank while tensed. She blinked a few times, then sighed, "You must be exhausted from your journey. A room is already prepared."
"Alysanne," Jon started.
"I'll see you later tonight, at a council meeting," she assured him before going to the balcony. "Jorah, can you show him to his chambers."
Jorah nodded as he escorted Jon out of the room and the Throne room. They walked through the corridors heading towards the Sea Dragon Tower. They were quiet for a moment until Jon spoke out.
"How is she truly?" Jon asked.
The King Consort sighed as he answered, "She has put on a mask. For over a week after witnessing Daenerys…execution, the grief was intolerable. She would not eat or sleep. When the funeral happened, I believe it made her realize her sister is gone. Missandei and I had been trying to get her to eat and drink."
"And has she?"
"She started eating again, but sleep has been a struggle," he confessed.
"And Tyrion?"
"Alysanne removed him as Hand of the Queen. She thinks anything revolving around his family, he can't before. Since Tyrion failed to save Daenerys."
"What do you mean?"
"Tyrion promised Alysanne, he will get her sister back. She told him if resigning in false surrender. The siege would happen even if the Unsullied were not involved. Tyrion did not take the offer. Whatever he said, had Cersei let the Mountain kill Daenerys."
Jon took a deep breath. He could guess Tyrion mentioned about the unborn child. Based on the conversation with Varys and Jorah, it seems they are unaware of Cersei's pregnancy. Therefore, he assumes that Alysanne doesn't know. Why Tyrion never told them, is unnerving, since his aunt is a merciful person when it comes to children. So, Ser Jaime needs to tell Alysanne before the siege.
"Is there anything I can do?" Jon asked.
"Convince her that her plan will be a mistake," Jorah answered with a sigh.
"If you don't mind me saying, why haven't you?" Jon asked.
"The plan is a good strategy; it sends a message. I know my wife; she can be feared but also loved. She has a tendered hard, yet this grieves and angers his clouding her judgment." Jorah explained. "I must take her side, and do my part of her not hurting herself. No matter the consequence."
Jon can only nod. Knowing the struggle to go against one's lover. It brought memories of Ygritte, how she wanted them to remain in the cave, or abandon their people to be together. However, Jon took his vow as a brother of the Night's Watch. His biggest mistake that leads thousands of people being killed, and no peace between the Wildlings and the Night's Watch. Let alone the impulse urge he had during the Battle of the Bastards. He knows he will try hard to convince Alysanne that anger is never the answer.
.o0o.
Tyrion and Jaime POV
Tyrion was in his chamber, nursing his cup of wine. Wine seems to help him drown out his guilt for the failure he has become. Twice he lost his position as Hand of a ruler. The first, however, was a temporary role. One, he did an excellent job in keeping Joffrey tamed due to the authority Tywin gave him. But once Tywin returned, that power he held dwindle.
He used to be the Smartest Man, despite his height. One many people caution to be around, for a single word can be used against them. How he has fallen, can probably be the betrayal from Shae. Seeing her standing there in the Throne room, lying about everything. It only made it worse, to find the woman he loved in bed after coupling with his father. The anger, the rage had him gone blind and strangle her to death. Follow by taking a crossbow, and killing Tywin on the privy.
The depression for months during his escape and hiding, until Ser Jorah kidnapped him and taken him to Meereen. There he met Alysanne, a woman Varys praised about. How she is about lawful justice and accepts her flaws. Not afraid to seek guidance. Even when he made a mistake, she educated him and call him out on it. Not to be ashamed, but to do better. He'll admit, he loves Alysanne, not in a romantic aspect, but a ruler he can follow.
However, Alysanne though the patient can lose trust. When the Greyjoy fleet with Tyene got captured…she did not blame him. Nor when the Unsullied reached Casterly Rock and Lannisport, the Castle practically empty and the Lannisters gone, she forgave him, since the plan got to help free the Riverlands, and restore House Tully. But when it came to the armistice, it was his first official failure.
He genuinely thought that after seeing the wight, Cersei would help protect her unborn child. Only Jaime came. Alysanne knew of this and hold it against him during the Second-Long Night until the war was over and gave him a second chance. So, when he was tasked to get Daenerys back, using the surrender card if needed…he failed. Thinking that he could end this war by putting the unborn child on the table. Except he was not gambling with his own possession, no, it was Alysanne…and that cost Daenerys life and his position.
Yes, he still has a Small Council position, but not as Hand of the Queen. Alysanne made it clear, when it comes to his family, no matter how much he hated the Lannisters, he somehow can't go against them. His family will always defeat him.
The door opened as his brother Jaime entered. Tyrion squinted his eyes and stared at his drink, wondering how much he drank to hallucinate about his brother.
"I must have drunk spiked wine," the half-man murmured.
Jaime sighed as he came over, taking a seat across from his brother, "I'm afraid to disappoint you."
This surprised Tyrion realizing his older brother was indeed here.
"Why are you here?" Tyrion asked. "It's dangerous and stupid to be here right now.:
"Cersei once called me 'the stupidest Lannister,'" Jaime replied.
"And you're going back to her to die with her?" Tyrion asked.
"You've underestimated her before," Jaime said, pouring himself a glass of wine.
"She's going to die," Tyrion grumbled, then paused, having an idea. "Unless you can convince her to change her course of action."
"When have I ever been able to convince Cersei of anything?" the older brother asked, before taking a sip of wine.
"Try. If not for yourself, if not for her, then for every one of the million people in that city, innocent or otherwise." Tyrion implored.
Jaime sighed, for it brought back memories over twenty years ago. The fateful day he killed the Mad King. It was a difficult choice. Should he honor his vows and bring his father's head while letting the city be destroyed by Wildfire. Or should he do the right thing despite the consequences and saving his House and half a million people. Morality won, and he spent the years labeled as a Kingslayer, a man without honor.
Over the last four maybe five years, he told the truth, and by surprise, forgiveness was given. Brienne understood his situation, being the epitome of chivalry. Yet, when Queen Alysanne asked what happened, wanting the truth, she accepted it. A woman he once saw as a little girl, finally at peace on that horrific day.
"You do care for one innocent," Tyrion continued, unsure about his brother being silent. "I know you do. And so, does Cersei. She has a reason now."
"The child is the reason she'll never give an inch," Jaime said. "All the worst thing she's ever done, she's done for her children. However, she doesn't see it. Her enemy's force is growing, from two of the highly populated kingdoms. Who has a vendetta against her. Three of the dragons are still alive." Jaime listed. "She has the Lannister army; she has the Golden company – but she woke the dragon."
Tyrion nodded in defeat, "I defended the city last time it was attacked. I know it better than anyone. It will fall." He stared at his brother. "Escape. The two of you, together. Remember where we met, where they keep the dragon skulls, beneath the Red Keep? Take her down there. Keep following the stairways down, down as far as they'll go. You'll come out onto a beach at the foot of the keep. A dinghy will be waiting for you. Sail out of the bay. If the winds are kind, you'll make it to Pentos. Start a new life."
Jaime took a gulp of wine and stared Tyrion in the eyes, "I love Brienne."
This baffled Tyrion, "Then why are you here?"
Especially at Dragonstone, Tyrion thought.
"To petition for Cersei to be spared or live long enough to give birth of the baby," Jaime confessed. "I've protected and defended Cersei longed enough. I can't protect her anymore. I've failed my children. I saw Joffrey and Myrcella be poisoned before my very eyes. I wasn't there to save Tommen from the corruption of the Game. So, I will not fail this child."
"Does Brienne know of this?" Tyrion asked.
"She does," Jaime answered. "She wanted to come, but I convinced her to stay to protect Lady Sansa. She's willing to tend to the child. Despite being a bastard of incest. She has a heart of gold to take the child as her own."
Tyrion took a deep breath and nodded. Each agreed Cersei is no longer worth saving. After all she has done in Westeros, the abuse of power, murdering people, the genocide at the Sept of Baelor, and lying during the armistice to send soldiers and refused to do so…There is no chance. And after offensively killing Daenerys Targaryen, the least they can do is protect Cersei long enough to save the child.
"Why haven't you told your queen about the child?" Jaime asked.
"I thought I could convince Cersei to surrender by using the child. My mistake that has brought the Queen in blinding rage." Tyrion answered.
Jaime noticed his badge as Hand of the Queen missing. "And a demotion."
"I'll be a Master of something when the war is over," Tyrion sighed.
Jaime nodded, "When do you think I can get an audience with the Queen?"
"There will be a council meeting tonight. The war council will be here any day now, and she wants all the battle strategies ready."
Jaime gave a whistle and didn't go further. The less he knows, the better.
"You will have to tell her about the child, she has lost trust in me," the younger brother added.
Jaime nodded, taking another sip of wine.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
I was alone in the throne room, sitting on the carved throne contemplating my decisions. In an hour or so, the Small Council will come in with multiple plans in how we will take the city, and discuss it with the War Council. The Dragon's Wrath still stirring inside me, wanting to get on Viserion and destroy the Red Keep. Spare the city, and burn the corruption and Cersei's court, and anyone who believes in her lies. However, I should not let this rage take over me. Yet it was burning inside.
The doors open as Varys came inside this time alone. None of his birds or Tyrion accompanying him. He walked with determination as he stood at the bottom steps giving a bow. A man who keeps and makes secrets, a spider. However, he has been the only one to be blunt and speak the truth when I ask him to be. Despite if the information hurts.
"The meeting doesn't start for another hour," I told him.
"I know, but I wish to speak with you privately," Varys said.
"Then speak," I murmured.
"I am going to repeat to you what I said before." He started. "Cersei needs to be destroyed, but if we attack King's Landing with Viserion, the Unsullied and the Dothraki, and the gather armies, tens of thousands of innocent people will die. That is why Cersei is bringing them into the Red Keep." Varys explained. "These are the people you came here to protect. I beg you, Your Grace. Do not destroy the city you came to save. Nor the Red Keep. Do not become what you have always struggled to defeat."
I took a deep breath as the dragon inside me growled, for it wanted violence.
"I know the situation is difficult in your time of grief. How it hurts to lose the ones you love most. I was born as a slave in Lys. My mother being used as a broodmare and fought to protect me until the slavers killed her when they try to separate us. I was filled with rage and grief, yet I could not go after the men who killed her as a mere boy. I chose to mourn my mother and move forward. I was sold as an apprentice to the murmurs, actors, traveling around Essos. But my true anger happened when I was cut."
This caught my interest since I didn't know how Varys became a eunuch.
"As a boy, I traveled with a troupe of actors through the Free Cities. One day in Myr, a certain man made my Master an offer too tempting to refuse. I feared the man meant to use me as I'd heard some men used small boys. But what he wanted was far worse. He gave me a potion that made me powerless to move or speak, yet did nothing to dull my senses. With a hooked blade, he sliced me, root and stem, chanting all the while. He burned my parts in a brazier. The flames turned blue, and I heard a voice answer his call." He took a deep breath. "I used to dream of that night. Not of the sorcerer, not of his blade. I dream of the voice from the flames. Was it a god? A demon? A conjuror's trick? I don't know. But the sorcerer called, and the voice answered. And ever since that day, I have hated magic and all those who practice it."
"What happened afterward?" I asked.
"Once I had served the sorcerer's purpose, he threw me out of his house to die. I resolved to live to spite him. I begged. I sold what parts of my body remained to me. I became an excellent thief and soon learned that the contents of a man's letters are more valuable than the contents of his purse. Step by step, one distasteful task after another, I made my way from the slums of Myr to the Small Council chamber."
I took another deep breath.
"Influence grows like a weed. I tended mine patiently until its tendrils reached from the Red Keep all the way across to the far side of the world where I managed to wrap them around something very special."
I realized who he was referring too. "The Sorcerer?"
"It took me over forty years to exact my revenge on the man who cut me." He confirmed.
"What did you do to him?" I asked.
"The same thing he did to me. Only the flames did not turn blue, nor a voice speak. But he felt my pain and died from blood loss." He answered. "I'm telling you this: I hold the same pain as you, but I did not physically hurt others to get the one individual who wronged me. So, may my story convince you that even vengeance can wait."
I took a deep breath as the dragon growled, wanting violence.
Varys saw this and sighed. "Allow me to tell you another story."
"About what?" I asked, starting to get annoyed.
"For what I saw during the Usurpers Rebellion." He answered. "For I was there the day of the
Lannister sacking."
My eyes widen when hearing this.
"I did my duty to the realm. When Lord Tywin showed up at King's Landing professing loyalty, I warned your father not to open the gates. Prince Rhaegar was dead, our armies scattered. 'The lion does not stir unless he smells meat.' I said. Grand Maester Pycelle told Aerys what he wanted to hear; that his old friend Tywin was there to save him. That 'old friend' sacked the city, and his son stabbed Aerys in the back. A regrettable though necessary action. As were the pardons bestowed upon the royalists, Mace Tyrell, Ser Barristan Selmy, and myself. King Robert wisely chose order over vengeance. A cycle who takes order. And Westeros has been burning ever since."
I bowed my head taking his words in.
"I know your family's motto is 'Fire and Blood,' how you used that motto to free the people of Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen. You have freed many people, created a government that both Master and freemen can live together. Abolishing a hideous practice. You walked that tightrope, the roped digging into your soles while people throw rocks at you to fail. Now you have stumbled trying to regain your balance. So, I ask you this, do you want to be seen as your father, the Mad King, or someone better."
The doors open which Jon entered the room. He saw Varys and his brow furrow slightly.
"I'll let you think about it," Varys said, as he left the room.
Once he was gone, Jon came over and stopped at the steps, "What did he say to you?"
That was when I realize that a few tears fell. I wiped them away, "He told me his perspective of the Lannister sacking."
It felt wise to leave it at that, instead of mentioning how the Spider was emasculated.
"You're a bit early," I said, changing the topic.
"I wanted to talk to you about your plans on the siege," he said.
"So, you were told of my suggestion," I inquired.
Jon nodded, "As much as destroying the Red Keep will kill Cersei and all those who support her, there will still be casualties."
"The city will be spared." I reminded.
"What about the refugees Cersei is holding captive." He challenged. "Have you forgotten the power the dragons have. Children, little children, burned! Mothers and Fathers, covering their bodies. Their bodies shatter by the castle debris."
"What do you want me to do!" I yelled, standing up. "Just stand aside and wait?"
"Going into a blind rage does nothing," he said. "Ramsey used that tactic on me, and I failed to save Rickon. I know how you are feeling. The vows and honors of being a warrior, either it be to a brotherhood or to yourself. I've lost two brothers. One I grew up with and one I failed to save within five feet. The anger, the hate, wanting to break every vow and moral you make to get justice. I sent a thousand men to their graves because of my anger. Their deaths haunt me every single day because I didn't wait. Because I played right into Ramsey's hands. Rickon was dead either way, and you were put on the same spot with Daenerys."
"Don't," I seethed.
"Let us help you," Jon implored. "You may think you are alone, but you are not. You are not the Last Targaryen. You have your husband, Jorah. Who gave up his name for you. One day, you will have children and restore your family."
"And what about you?" I asked quietly, walking down the steps facing him. "Are you family?"
Jon placed his hand on my shoulder as he whispered, "I am a Stark and a Targaryen. Although I crave the North, I will always be there for you."
I took a deep breath as more tears fell.
"I feel alone, like an invisible wall is separating me from the others," I whispered.
"I know, but attacking the Red Keep won't solve everything," he murmured.
I hugged Jon, who stumbled for a bit. For a moment, it brought a small memory of hugging Rhaegar. Every time I was down when locked in the tower wanting to play but couldn't. When he visited, he always hugged me. How he promised to get me out to spread my wings.
Jon and I were victims of our father's actions. We were separated, unaware of each other's existence until the past year. And here we stand, the last Targaryens of fire and ice. The dragon inside me roared, yet the fury started to dwindle. The work everyone has done for me during my time of grief. Offering support and wisdom.
I took several deep breaths trying to gain my composure before the council arrived.
When the time came, Jorah came up standing next to me as I sat in the carved throne. Varys, Grey Worm, Missandei, Jon, Ser Davos, Tyrion, and Ser Jaime was there. I still don't understand why Ser Jaime was here. For he had decided to stay in Winterfell to court Ser Brienne. Therefore, why was he hear?
At first, Ser Jaime was quiet while Varys, Jorah, and Grey Worm gave their ideas on the siege. Tyrion remained quiet. Listening as the men go over possible strategies. Until Tyrion can't hold it in anymore stepping forward.
"The people who live there, they're not your enemies. They're innocents, like the ones you liberated in Meereen," Tyrion said.
"In Meereen, the slaves turned on the masters and liberated the cities themselves the moment I arrived," I corrected.
"They're afraid. Anyone who resists Cersei will see his family butchered. You can't expect them to be heroes. They're hostages", Tyrion added.
"They are," I agreed. "In a tyrant's grip. Whose fault is that?"
"What does it matter whose fault it is? Thousands of children will die if the Red Keep burns." He argued.
"Your sister knows how to use enemies' weaknesses against them. That's what she thinks our mercy is: weakness."
"I beg you, my queen—"
"But she's wrong," I interrupted him. "Mercy is our strength. Our mercy towards future generations who will never again be held hostage by a tyrant. The War Council will be here shortly…"
Tyrion stepped forward, "Cersei's followers will abandon her if they know the war is lost. Give them that chance."
I inhale sharply, noticing how determined he was. But is it for the innocent hostages or Cersei?
"If the city surrenders, they will ring the bells and raise the gates. Please, if you hear them ringing the bells call off the attack," Tyrion pleaded.
"The bells never ring for surrender," Varys announced. "Only death of a ruler or a birth of a royal."
Tyrion turned around, giving a looked that could possibly kill.
"Tyrion, it seems like there is more that you are not telling me. I do not tolerate secrets," I warned.
Tyrion opened his mouth to speak when Ser Jaime stepped forward. "For the secret is mine. And I should be the one to share it."
All eyes were on Ser Jaime. The Kingslayer took a deep breath, "The main reason Tyrion doesn't want you to go after Cersei immediately is that she is with child. My child."
You got to be fucking kidding me, I thought.
"I could have gone straight to King's Landing and either convince her to surrender or escape. But I did not," Ser Jaime explained. "I pushed a boy out a tower window, crippled him for life for Cersei. I strangled my cousin with my own hands just to get back to Cersei. I would have murdered every man, woman, and child in Riverrun for Cersei. She's hateful. And so am I."
"Then why are you here instead of with her?" I asked.
"I've come to realize she doesn't love me," he confessed. "I'm the male version of her, and she only loves herself and power. However, the child she carries can make a difference. I ask, if not beg…once you take the city, let her live long enough to give birth. Once the child is born, do as you please."
I pinched the bridge of my nose, taking a deep breath. After three children, where one was coddled, if not corrupted by the madness of incest, Ser Jaime would still sleep with his sister. I should have him castrated to save the world of his stupidity? Hell, I'm a product of incest, and I have my issues. Already a migraine was forming.
"I have taken your thoughts and ideas and into consideration. I will tell you tomorrow what the final plan will be," I announced, standing up.
The men only nodded as I left the throne room, needing some privacy. Though I gestured for Jorah to follow. I would appreciate his insight into what has been discussed. The Lannister brothers have made things difficult to exact my revenge on Cersei. In the end, I genuinely don't know what to do.
What do you think her final decision will be?
Have Varys, Jon, Tyrion, and Jaime convinced Alysanne not to attack the Red Keep?
Let me know what you think.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review!