Burning Ice
Daenerys Targaryen
The Iron Throne seemed so close yet so far. She saw it, it was an ugly thing, not like the way she imagined it. King's Landing had fallen; the Tyrells had turned on the boy King Tommen Baratheon. That was wise of them, they gave her King's Landing and she peacefully conquered it. She could see the fear in people's eyes of her, of her dragons.
Then that was when everything changed.
"Your Grace, someone has landed at Storms End…. He claims himself to be Aegon Targaryen. Your Nephew."
Her heart stilled at that, just when she had everything fate threw something at her. She could not allow another Dance of Dragons.
"Lies, everyone knows Aegon was murdered by the Mountain." She attempted to deny it
"Yes, but Varys spirited away the real Aegon. He has been raised by Jon Connington and the Golden Company backs him."
"A Blackfyre, we all know they would never back a real Targaryen."
"It does not matter your Grace; men will believe what they want. And.." he took a greedy gulp of wine.
"You are a woman… last time a woman was intended to sit the Iron Throne…"
"The Dance of Dragons…" She clenched her armrest.
"Yes, there's also another matter." The dwarf looked nervous swallowing another gulp.
"The King in the North and Trident lives, Robb Stark."
She paused leaning back to process that information.
"I thought he died? The Red Wedding? His campaign in the North?"
"There were mixed rumours of his death. My father seemed to believe he was killed but he was always cunning. He appears to have been successful in working alongside Stannis Baratheon to destroy the Boltons. There are rumours Stannis was killed and the Stormlands have proclaimed him to be their King."
That was interesting… she knew why Robb Stark rose up, his father executed and his sisters held hostage. A just cause as any but he was also a son of one of the men who overthrew her family and forced her to flee.
"How does that affect us?" she asked Tyrion wondering why he would seem to bring it up
"If you can bring him to your side it would give you legitimacy as well as at least Two Kingdoms. Or…"
"Or he could join the Blackfyre against me." She finished her hand's train of thought. He nodded his head.
"But the situation is not that grim. You are still unmarried and that is useful to us."
"You want me to marry Robb Stark? Or the Blackfyre?" she narrowed her eyes
"I don't want you to marry anyone, your grace. Just taking stock of our hand."
"I am not some broodmare to give away Tyrion." She snarled at him, remembering when Viserys sold her for an army.
"You aren't, you are a Queen, an unmarried Queen. Your claim to the Iron Throne has now been challenged by a pretender and now you also have to deal with a rebel king who fought to avenge his father and rescue his sisters. You need allies and more importantly, you need legitimacy, your grace." Tyrion's voice was measured and calm, he rehearsed this, she knew it. He had a plan and a small smile stretched onto her face.
"What do you have in mind Tyrion?"
That's when the Hand of the Queen offered a solution.
Margaery Tyrell
Growing Strong, that was their house's words. They grew strong, marrying her off to two Kings. But now her family could not marry her off to a Queen. They had quickly turned cloaks upon word of Daenerys Targaryen's invasion. Old Loyalties died hard and the Reach always felt a debt to the Dragon Lords and Tyrell more so than others.
Tommen was a sweet boy, easily manipulated and pliable to her words but even she did not wish to risk her house against Dragons. Tyrell would find another way.
It was not all gloom, watching Cersei Lannister being dragged away screaming and frothing at the mouth was… cathartic to say the least.
But they needed a plan, there were still three major players.
"A Blackfyre, A Targaryen and A Stark walk into a great Council. Sounds like the start of a bad jape." Her grandmother scoffed, smacking her cane down onto the hard tile of the King's Landing Garden.
Daenerys Targaryen had called a great council, a clever ploy even her grandmother admitted. Clever but risky. She avoided a Dance of Dragons, but now she has to rely on charming the rest of the lords but the last time a woman attempted to sit on the Iron Throne Westeros burned.
The question was where did House Tyrell play into all of this.
"We still have options grandmother. Willas and I are still marriageable." She hummed to herself
"The Blackfyre is set to marry the Dornish Princess. That option is difficult to pursue but not impossible."
"Willas could try to court Daenerys but I am unsure, she strikes me as… unwilling to do so."
"And then the Young Wolf." His grandmother began brainstorming aloud
"What about the Young Wolf?" She asked
"That boy is legendary, never lost a battle. Survived an attempted assassination, reclaimed his home and he is… unmarried."
Oh? That was where her grandmother was going with this.
"Would he even be willing to remarry…" She whispered back, her eyes flicking down before up to her grandmother
"You mean after his wife and mother were killed at the Red Wedding?"
The whole realm had heard about it, the Red Wedding. Robb Stark on return home to the North invited in with Bread and Salt. A wedding gift of a murdered mother and wife. Most people were unsure whether he survived, there were conflicting reports but Tywin Lannister seemed he was more likely to be dead than alive and a neutralised threat.
Then his son Tyrion neutralised him with a Crossbow.
"Are you sure he's still alive Grandmother? The Lannisters seemed sure he was killed." She remembered how Sansa talked about her brother, she spoke the world of him and fervently believed he would rescue her. Her hopes were crushed at the news of the Red Wedding and then she disappeared after Joffrey's death.
"As Alive as me and you. Most likely foolishly honourable yet. We might be able to tempt the tired wolf to our garden."
"To what end?" She asked, wondering what her grandmother had in mind.
"Our end. Now come we must prepare to go to Harrenhall." Her grandmother left those words handing.
Arianne Martell
Dorne finally marched, but now she was set to marry her cousin. The Young Griff they called him. He was handsome and carried himself in a kingly manner, but she had doubts that this man was truly her cousin. Her father was more emotional concerning her Aunt Elia but she doubted her father would be so easily fooled by a fake.
Or maybe the fake was just worth his weight in gold as well.
Yet her cousin would make her queen, with the might of the Golden Company and Dorne behind them. They were asked to take part in the Great Council, Jon Connington hated the mere idea of it as did her uncle
But it was a clever ploy, both had claims that could be questioned. Daenerys just because she was born the wrong sex and Aegon's because he could be a Blackfyre.
Cooler heads won and they were off to the Great Council, with an elite guard alongside them as well as her Uncle, Jon Connington.
She wondered what the Dragon Queen was like? Was she mad? Or was she every inch the queen the rumours spoke?
A part of her was envious to have that much power and respect, especially as a woman. She hoped she would be able to do that as well when she became Queen herself.
"Robb Stark is coming to the Great Council." Her betrothed spoke
"The King in the North?"
"Mmm, seemed the rumours of his death were incorrect." He spoke as he put the parchment away. His purple eyes regarded her as he sat on his desk, leaning to rest on his fingers which were interlocked together.
"What do you think of him?" He asked her for her thoughts.
"All I know is hearsay. They say he is a great commander, honourable and brave. But also a fool, he beheaded his bannerman for honour's sake and broke a betrothal oath."
"Leading to the Red Wedding where more of his men were killed, his mother and wife killed," Aegon added to which she nodded before reclining back on her chair
"But he still managed to reconquer the North. He is now one of the most important players in the game of thrones."
"He can't be bought if he is anything like his father. He would fall on his sword for his honour before bending it."
"Arianne, I don't mean to buy him. I mean to befriend him if possible if not well Roberts Rebellion showed us how to deal with Treasonous Rebels. I would return the favour to the Son of Ned Stark." He spoke those words calmly but there was a certain fire in his tone.
"Fire and Blood my betrothed." Arianne smiled back to which Aegon gave her a sliver of a smile back.
"Unbowed, Unbent and Unbroken."
Daenerys Targaryen
The hall of Harrenhall was cavernous, to say the least. The castle dwarfed even the Red Keep, it was apt to be considered the biggest Castle in Westeros.
She had announced her presence on dragon back by now word should spread amongst the Lords she was indeed in the mother of dragons. But she sent them away, to ensure the peace and frank discussion of the council.
The hall of hundred hearths was where the meeting was to take place. Tyrion had taken the opportunity to bring a large chair for her, which she sat on. Jorah and Barristan stood next to her on guard staring directly at her 'nephew'. Tyrion is slightly in front of her already nursing a goblet of wine.
Greyworm and some unsullied guards near her, there were already some Crownland as well as Westerman Lords aligning with her. House Tyrell stood nearby but still a distance away. Tyrion had warned her; that they would ask a high price for supporting her ascension to the throne. They were playing their odds but it was obvious they would prefer her to marry Willas as Aegon was already betrothed to Arianne Martell.
But the majority of lords were neutral, in the middle of the hall. The group seemed to be headed by House Royce of the Vale as well as there was a man with a Mocking Bird. The lord protector of the Vale, Lord Baelish. Tyrion had said not to trust the man and he would cause chaos.
She stared at her Nephew, he already had some minor storm lords and the lords of Dorne supporting him. Arianne stood close by him, in a rather revealing outfit which no doubt earned a few stares. Their eyes met and the princess of Dorne smiled at her.
"Seems the King in the North is late." Her nephew spoke as his fingers idly tapped his armrest.
"what do you expect from a bunch of northern heathens." Connington scoffed, she felt Jorah tense next to her
"I don't think such comments are in the spirit of the great council are they Connington?" She spoke sternly, her eyes flashing for a moment. The Redheaded lord seemed to go still for a moment as if he saw a ghost.
"I apologize, Aunt, Lord Connington sometimes believes himself a Jester yet his skills are lacking." This earned some laughs of approval from some lords.
The doors swung open, and the marching of boots filled the room. Gasps echoed immediately and she quickly understood why. A dog the size of a horse strode on, amber eyes surveying the surroundings, its fangs bared.
"Grey Wind" A man's calm voice cut through. Her eyes trailed to the source. He had auburn hair, no curls that seemed to encase a bronze crown of swords. His eyes were blue, like northern ice. A firm jaw carved from stone. His broad shoulders were framed by a thick fur cloak. Leather fitted to him. A sword was strapped to his hip.
This was the Young Wolf. Every inch the warrior king. Grey wind headed his words and took on a less aggressive posture. His entourage was a large hairy man who towered over even the king, a grizzled veteran dressed in black scaled armour and a young lady emblazoned her coat was the bear.
"You Stand before Aegon Targaryen, the King of Andals, Rhoynar and First man. The rightful heir to the Iron Throne, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell." Connington announced proudly to some cheers from men of the Golden Company
Missandei cleared her throat and spoke evenly. Her men did not shout but rather the unsullied banged their spear against the floor. "Daenerys Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, Breaker of Chains, Khaleesi, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Queen of the Andals, Rhoynar and First men."
Greatjon chuckled before clearing his throat. "The King in the North and the Trident! The Young Wolf! Slayer of Traitors and Oathbreakers! Avenger of the Red Wedding! Protector of the Freefolk." The roars from his men shook the very hall.
Daenerys understood such voices, it was the sound her unsullied would make and Dothraki. These were loyal men. Loyal to their King. He strode forth glancing at her before glancing at Aegon.
"Your Graces. My thanks for considering the North and Riverlands in this Great Council. I hope we can come to an amicable solution to avoid more bloodshed." He spoke politely
"That being said, I hope there will be special consideration for the suffering the North and Riverlands have endured. The North has lost two wardens to the south. I have lost my sisters and the Riverlands have been set aflame." He spoke brutally and honest, earning general muttering from the crowd as they listened. She was silent as was Aegon.
"Your Grace, did you find my sister when you took King's landing?" He turned to her, his spoke had an edge of hope. She wondered sometimes if Viserys ever showed such concern for her. She bowed her head down.
"I am sorry King Robb. My men searched high and low but we did not find your sisters. Perhaps you could speak with the Tyrells. Your sister was close to Lady Margaery. They may be able to assist you." She hated to use his title but he had addressed them with respect and not to do so would only be viewed as childish.
The King turned to glance at the Rose of Highgarden who gave him a small bow and a small. The king nodded. "I thank you, Queen Daenerys. I hope we can reconvene later Your Graces. It was a long journey from the North and my men and I are tired."
"The King means his ass hurts from all the riding." Greatjon bombed with laughter earning a myriad of chuckles. She smiled on instinct before turning to regard the Blackfyre. He was silent, sizing up King Robb.
She might be able to play his ego against him. Drive Robb towards her camp. Men always competed about how had the bigger sword and used it better.
"Is the Young Wolf tired from his little jaunt coming down south?" Jon Connington spat, all eyes turned to the Lord of the Griffin Roost. Robb gave a small smile.
"Even wolves need their rest. Just as I am sure Griffins and Dragons do."
"Aye but you come in the state your demands before King Aegon or Queen Daenerys. Now you just expect to waltz off?" Jon scoffed
"I am not waltzing off anywhere Lord Connington. I also did not demand anything, I merely expressed the wishes of my Bannermen and my Kingdoms." Robb continued his cool demeanour
"I am sure your Bannermen expressed their wishes plenty at the Red Wedding."
The hall exploded into an uproar Greatjon was practically frothing at the mouth, as was Greywind. The Riverlords were joining their Northern comrades. Even the Lords of the Vale shouted alongside them. She could see several men reaching for the swords. Even Jorah was shouting in anger.
This was bad, Aegon was attempting to destabilise the council before it even started.
A dragon's roar cut through the shouting. Men stilled.
"Honourable Lords, the Great Council has barely begun and swords have nearly been drawn. I fear we may not get anywhere with such an attitude."
"My aunt is correct. Lord Connington, your words are most improper. Apologize to Lord Stark."
Lord Connington looked like he swallowed a lemon before he spat out an apology. This still earned grumbles.
Robb took a few steps closer, his eyes locking with that of Aegon's.
"I thought a man such as yourself would understand. Considering how your mother and sister lost. But it appears I may have more in common with her Grace Queen Daenerys."
Lord Connington snarled at those words, as did some of the other men of the Golden Company. She watched it all with interest, a part of her was intrigued by King Robb. It also helped that the Blackfyre did a good job of alienating the King in the North. Men and their egos.
Aegon merely grimaced, his plan clearly backfired and he had already not left the best impression.
It was incredibly satisfying seeing her Nephew making a fool of himself.
Margaery Tyrell
The Tyrell delegation was in one of the many courtyards of Harrenhall. One that was not in disrepair.
"Hmm, that boy Aegon is a fool." Her grandmother harrumphed thumping her cane
"Attempting to taunt Robb Stark. May as well just host a tourney and have themselves whack themselves silly." At that, her brother Willas and herself chuckled
"At least the Queen has put a good word to us. Robb Stark will come seeking our assistance and that of our golden rose." Willas nodded to himself
"What did you think of him Margaery?" Her grandmother questioned
What did she think of Robb Stark? That itself was an interesting question? He looked like a King, he specifically did so to make Daenerys and Aegon look equal to him. He did not dress ostentatiously. A warrior king that was the aura he tried to project. He bluntly stated his claims, but his claims were not unreasonable and would at least allow conversations to be framed around what he wanted.
"He's… not what I expected. The way the Lannisters talked about him. You would have thought he was a man-made wolf."
"I assure you I am merely a man and his wolf." A voice chimed in and the Tyrell delegation turned to face the King in the North and his retinue.
"Ah, the King in the North and the Blackgoat?" Her grandmother spoke which earned a snort from the Blackfish
"Aye, we are the only two old goats around here." Blackfish chuckled back
"Ha, old goats listening to young fool's blather." She huffed, her grandmother was enjoying the Blackfish's company.
"Uncle you can chat with Lady Olenna; I need to speak to Lady Margaery," Robb spoke, The Blackfish nodded before turning to a servant boy
"Waiting for a lady to die of thirst, scram and get us refreshments." The servant boy looked scared, it didn't help her grandmother was always scolding him. Now there were two of them!
Her eyes met the female guard of Robb Stark, she was comely but her face was set in stone as her eyes surveyed from side to side. She was on guard.
"I was hoping I could speak to Lady Margaery about my Sisters." That was why he was here then? His eyes glanced at her and she could see a fleck of hope in them.
"Of course, come let's walk." She spoke as she began walking alongside the King in the North, his direwolf moving away from her but watching her. She showed no fear of the animal, after all, she had been betrothed to one. The wolf silently regarded her but seemed almost like a loyal dog rather than a man-eater.
"Grey Wind." The king in the North spoke in his accent, her eyes glanced up at him
"It is a beautiful name." she had to admit that much, the name had a simplicity to it
"My sister Sansa and Arya were held in Kings Landing." He spoke grimacing a bit as he reached down to pet the Direwolf
"She was… she disappeared after Joffrey was killed at his wedding. We do not know where she went. Arya was never there when we arrived and we suspect she was missing the whole time."
At that, the King bit his lip and Grey Wind let out a soft whimper. "How was…" He spoke, his blue eyes boring into her. He looked vulnerable for a moment…
"She was not treated the best… Joffrey had her beat for every victory you won. Lord Tyrion tried to protect her when he could." She spoke honestly, the king let out a breath he was holding in as he took a seat. His lady guard shadowed him respectfully but the words affected her as well. She didn't want to emphasise how much House Tyrell had done, which could be interpreted wrongly.
She sat down next to him, maintaining a respectful distance. "You were fighting a war. Your bannerman would not have approved of any trades and Lannister's would not have accepted any save for Jaime."
"My mother let him go, on his word he would bring them back. But both are gone." She could see a crack in his icey visage, the pain held in his eyes knowing his sisters were still out of reach.
"I will ask my family to keep an ear for any news your Grace. I pray to the gods your sisters return to you." Their eyes met for a moment, a cool sapphire. A ghost of a smile twitched on his lips.
"Thank you Lady Margaery. My sister and you were friends? I can tell Sansa would have loved to chat with a Lady like you."
They were friends, her house did want to use her for their benefit but Sansa was a friend. They had common interests and while Margaery did find Sansa to be a bit foolish at times, she did admit the young woman had grown out of her naivety a little.
"We are friends, your grace. We kept each other company in Kings Landing. She was a kind woman, a rarity in that city." The king's lips twitched and she could see his shoulders sag a bit.
"A kind sister left by her brother in that wretched city."
He stood up and tilted his head a bit at her.
"Lady Margaery thank you for your words. I shall see you, gods know this great council will take some time."
"It was a pleasure meeting you King Robb or shall I call you the Young Wolf?" she teased at that the King let out a small laugh, it was earnest and heartfelt. A foreign sound in Kings Landing.
"King Robb will do fine Lady Rose."
"King Robb, don't trust Lord Baelish." As the King turned to walk away, he halted before turning round to face her. He leaned closer and she could smell him, he smelt like earth and sweat. A raw and overpowering scent.
"Why is that Lady Rose?"
"He coveted your sister and he betrayed your father. that man is not your friend." Why did she tell him this? Robb paused and his hand clenched. Greywind snarled.
"Thank you, Margaery for your words. I hope… we might be able to become friends."
"I look forward to it your grace." The King turned on his heel and walked away. Grey Wind came up to nuzzle her hand. Having faced a dragon, a wolf suddenly did not appear so fearsome till she felt a wet lick.
She let out a yelp and she could practically see the King in the North grinning.