The Dornish delegation moved towards Robert, and once they was close enough, they've all knelt, presenting themselves before their de-facto liege lord, with Jayce doing the same, with Ulric speaking up.

"Your Grace, Dorne and it's people present ourselves to you." Ulric spoke in an official tone, with Robert waving it off quickly, far more interested in the man who was at Ulric's side.

"Yes, and I'm pleased to see you, Prince Ulric. Now get up." Robert quickly commanded, with the Dornish rising up, but it wasn't to Ulric that Robert spoke next. "Jayce, my boy! Would you bloody look at you! Last time I saw you, you were but a boy, but now… Now you are a man, and a mighty knight at that!" Robert laughed and went to embrace Jayce as if a father was embracing his own son, with Jayce reciprocating it not unhesitatingly.

"A pleasure to see you again, Your Grace." Jayce told him with a smile, once Robert let go of him. "Apologies for the late arrival, we were delayed by urgent duties in Dorne."

"Ah, stop talking about duties, lad, or you'll turn into another Ned, and there's more than enough of him in the world." Robert laughed, with Ned smiling at the joke with Jayce. "But I'm damn glad to see you again, Jayce. I heard all about your adventures in Essos and Torrentine Valley, and I was ready to mourn you, and yet your pulled through!" Robert told him.

"Aye, I did, though I did have to go through all Seven Hells and a couple more of those just to make it back to the land of living." Jayce replied in a near carefree manner. "And to tell you the truth, they are as unpleasant and uncomfortable as the Septons say they are, so I'd recommend avoiding them."

"That bad are they?" Robert asked in a half-hearted manner.

"No vine, no women, not even a privy to relieve yourself. Truly, damnation without relief it is." Jayce replied to Robert, who laughed at it. "So, I've decided to leave the whole miserable place and here I'm now. I'm sure the Stranger is mighty happy to be rid of me."

"Ha, I bet he bloody is!" Robert laughed, as he patted Jayce on his back, before turning to Ned and his family. "Ah, bloody hell, Ned, what are you standing there like a statue?! Why didn't you stop me when I went and hogged your lad all for myself? C'mon, don't you and your family have anything to say to him."

"I've plenty I'd like to tell him, and about half of it I'll reserve for when there are no women and maidens around." Ned remarked, with Robert chuckling to him, before Ned and Jayce embraced each other. "I am happy to see you, son."

"As am I, father." Jayce told him with a smile, before they've detached themselves from each other. "I'll be sure to hear it all when we have the chance, but for now, I'm bloody glad to see you all, and I've brought gifts for you all." That immediately had gotten the smiles from Brandon and Arya, while Sansa perked up in curiosity, but Ned spoke up.

"And you can deliver them once we are all settled in, son." Ned told him, before turning to Robert. "If you wouldn't mind, Your Grace, I would like to have my family settled in, and I'm sure Jayce would like that as well."

"But of course, I've ordered the best chambers be made ready for you all in the Red Keep." Robert told them.

"It is a most generous of you, Your Grace, but I fear that I'll have to decline your regal hospitality." Jayce spoke up, surprising Robert. "I fear that Lord Laenor has already intercepted me, and offered me lodgings in his manse, and I've accepted his offer, especially after my mother had all but been ready to scowl at me for even contemplating refusal."

"The infamous Sea Wolf and The Sword of Twilight, afraid of his own mother?" Robert laughed at what Jayce just said.

"You too would be afraid of her you were her son, Your Grace. After all, she is the woman that birthed me into this world, and as I've been made aware by some men, I am a man that is feared and respected." Jayce replied, with Robert satisfied with his answer. "However, let it not be said that I'm ungrateful to you for your offered hospitality, and let me repay your offer with a gift of my own to you. A black thoroughbred Storm Destrier and five barrels of the finest aged of Dornish wine, once reserved for Princes and Princesses of Dorne themselves, rich in flavor and softer than silk in maiden's hand, all for you, Your Grace." Jayce stated, with Robert heartily accepting it.

"Still remember exactly what I need from your days as my page, eh Jayce?" Robert asked rhetorically in a half-hearted manner.

"But of course, someone has to remember how to take care of you, or else you'd again lose your breastplate stretcher." At that one joke both Jayce and Robert laughed heartily.

"Ah ha, breastplate stretcher… Ah, it is bloody good to see you again, lad!" Robert told him, before he turned to Ned. "We should all have supper tonight, so you bring your lads and your girls, Ned. And you Jayce too are invited, and I'll not accept any excuses. It'll be good for my own son to see what a real Prince should strive to be, instead of looking like an uglier version of his mother." And after that one, Robert turned to Prince Ulric and went to him, as he wished to speak with him, leaving Ned and Jayce alone.

"I imagine he'll only be on that supper just to see the two of us." Jayce commented quiet enough for Ned to hear, with him agreeing on it. "Have you too just arrived in the city?"

"Aye, less than an hour ago." Ned answered, as he looked at the Dornish delegation again. "Where is Benjen? Last he wrote me, he was coming along with you."

"He is in the courtyard, didn't want to draw too much attention to himself, or so he told me. I'm personally thinking he is looking for a way himself a drink or two in the city." Jayce joked, with Ned chuckling at it, as he patted Jayce's back.

"It is good to see you again, Jayce." Ned told him as they've turned to the rest of the Stark family.

"Jayce!" Arya was the first one to go and hug Jayce, with him hugging her back. "You are back! I thought you were gone forever."

"Is that so? My very own, most beloved little sister, thought me gone forever and never to return… How depressingly sad." Jayce said with a mummer's tone, with both him and Arya snickering afterwards at his performance. "How could I ever have stayed away forever, especially with you waiting for me? I was bound to return to Westeros one way or the other."

"But will you return back to Winterfell now?" She asked of him immediately, with Jayce letting out a heavy sigh.

"About that… Sorry, little pup, but I'm now Lord of Sunspear, and that's about as far south as you can get from Winterfell, so I fear it will be a wee bit hard for me to make regular visits." Jayce told her, before he snapped his fingers. "Oh, I know! I'll go find me one of those dragons, tame one of them, and then use it fly to Winterfell. How does that sound?" Jayce told her, with Arya laughing at it.

"Okay, but you'll also take me on the rides." Arya added with laughter.

"And me too!" Brandon spoke up, with Jayce laughing at it.

"Alright, I'll also be making stops at Riverrun then." Jayce added, as Arya detached herself from him, and he turned to Sansa. "You are quite a sight to behold, Sansa. A true fiery beauty of the North."

"Your honor me with your compliment, Lord Stark." Sansa said in a near cold neutral tone to Jayce, with Ned looking at her with disapproval. "I hope your ride here was an easy one."

"Sansa, this is your brother you are speaking to…" Ned tried to tell her, but Jayce turned to him.

"No, it is fine, father, truly. And yes, it was for the most part, a breath of fresh air after the exciting and busy months that preceded it." Jayce remarked, as he turned to Robb, who was all but scowling at the sight of him. "By the Old Gods, Robb, you are invoking in me the Stranger's gaze when I faced him with those eyes of yours. You should ease on it, lest you scare all of the ladies around you." Jayce half-heartily recommended to him, with Robb barely keeping himself from scoffing at Jayce.

"And you should've stayed in Dorne, where you now belong, and not come here, bribing the attention and favor of the King all for yourself." Robb replied, with Ned looking at him with quite a disappointing eye. "What is the purpose of your visit here, anyway, Jayce? Have you come to bluster and brag of your great victories in the Torrentine, or do you mean to mock me now before all of King's Landing?"

"Robb, that is enough." Ned tried to step in, but Jayce calmly answered.

"I am here because it is my duty as Lord of Sunspear and the Greenblood Valley, to confirm the loyalty of my people and domain to the King, and to act in favor of my people and family to which I hold allegiance to." Jayce answered to Robb in a way that a true Lord would, with many of the Dornish and Northern Lords noticing it. "I've also come here in hopes of seeing my family again, after having been away from them for a long time, and to give them my gifts. That is why I've come, Robb. And now, soften your face and come along, brother, or else I'll just give your gift to Arya." Jayce told him in a joking manner, as he led the Starks towards the courtyard, where they were greeted with Benjen Stark and Aemond Dayne, with the latter nodding to Jayce, as they along with some of the guards stood near the gifts that Jayce brought.

"Uncle Benjen!" Brandon and Arya immediately went to him, with the older man laughing and embracing them.

"Hello there, little pups! Oh, I see you are not so little anymore." Benjen joked, as he turned to Ned. "What the hell have you been feeding them, Ned? Last I remember they were not that big."

"Same as before and last I remember, you used to wear black." Ned remarked with a smile, before turning to Jayce. "But I can see that Jayce has managed to make you change your mind on it."

"Aye, he is a bloody stubborn lad, and relentless too." Benjen said.

"Lord Stark, all of your belongings and items were delivered to the Velaryon manse, as per your instructions. As for the gifts to His Grace, they've been handed to the Royal Seneschal." Aemond reported, with Jayce nodding to him.

"Father, Robb, this here is Ser Aemond Dayne, the man without whom I would've never been able to rescue uncle Benjen and win the war in the Torrentine." Jayce introduced Aemond, with the silver colored long haired man with blue eyes bowing his head in respect. "He is also perhaps one of the finest swords in all of Dorne, so if you are looking for a sparring partner to pass the time, Robb, he is your man, though I warn you, that he has quite a nasty upper side slash."

"You've fought alongside Prince Ulric in the Battle of Torrentine Town?" Ned asked of Aemond, who shook his head.

"No, milord, I didn't fight alongside him. I've entered that war as his enemy and a traitor, as a Dayne of High Hermitage, but after your son defeated us in the Battle of Dawn Road, he offered me a chance for redemption, and I took it." Aemond responded. "During the Battle of Torrentine Town, I've helped see Lady Yronwood and young Lord Edric, along with your brother, to safety, while Lord Stark and Lady Visenya stayed behind and provided us with time. I owe to your son my life, and the lives of my wife and son, not to mention the chance to restore my honor and dignity."

"In accordance with the laws of inheritance, Aemond was to inherit the High Hermitage, but refused it, instead choosing to serve me directly, even though he had more than repaid his debt to me." Jayce commented, with Aemond not adding to it. "Now then, let's get to the gifts, before we all are sweaty and dying for water. For you, Robb." Jayce motioned to Aemond, and he led out a strong stallion with a golden coat, with Robb widening his eyes at the sight of it.

"The Torrentine courser, a warhorse bred to carry the finest knights and warriors that the Dorne has to offer. Strong and bold, you'll find no better companion in battle or in tourney." Jayce told his brother, before giving the reins to Robb. "He is all yours."

"I… Thank you." Robb reluctantly stated, with Jayce smiling to him, as he turned to Sansa, moving to one of the chests and opening it, revealing many rolls inside.

"I fear my expertise in the matters of dresses for a lady is a lacking one, so instead buying you one that you may not like, I've chosen to bring along these." Jayce pointed at the rolls in the chest, with Sansa's eyes widening from what she saw. "Silks of many colors and patterns, brought straight from Volantis and Lys. With these, I'm sure you'll be able to sow gowns that will make even the Queen green with envy."

"This is… I-I thank you most profoundly, m-milord." Sansa said, still trying to fully comprehend the gift she was given, with Jayce moving on to Arya, who was practically jumping around in anticipation.

"Now, as for Arya, I've actually brought another chest, full of those, for a lady like you…" Jayce said with a straight face, while Arya's smile and hopping around disappeared, until he smiled in a mischievous way and spoke up. "…But knowing that you'd sooner strangle me with those than accept those, I've instead deciding to bring you this." Jayce produced a small sword with a thinner blade and handed it to Arya.

"A sword… It looks a bit thin." Arya said, as she took it in her hand, aweing the craftsmanship.

"Don't let the fact that it's blade looks like that fool you, it is still as deadly as it can be, and if one learns how to wield it right, they'll be as deadly with it as any other sword master." Jayce told her, before he unsheathed Dark Sister and showed it to Arya and everyone. "See this sword? It too has a thinner blade, but that allows me to wield it with a speed one would wield a dagger. I've had yours made in a similar fashion, with accounting for your size, so you can train with it, and when the time comes, you'll be as deadly with it as Queen Visenya was with Dark Sister." Jayce told her with a smile, as he sheathed his steel, with Arya accepting the gift, as Jayce turned his attention to Brandon.

"And as for you, Brandon, since you are to be the next Lord of Riverrun, you are in need of a Lord's weapon and a steed worthy of it." Jayce told him, as another younger steed, now with red coat was brought in. "A younger brother to Robb's stallion, but bound to grow into just as fierce and good of a companion, and as for the weapon…" Aemond produced to Jayce a spear, and he presented it to Brandon.

"A spear?" Brandon said in a surprised tone.

"Aye, and not just any spear. The wood is made of Rhoyne's red oak, as strong as Ironwood, and as for the blade itself… Take a closer look." Jayce brought the spear closer and showed it to all, surprising all.

"Valyrian Steel!" Brandon exclaimed in surprised.

"Yes, a true one at that. The next Lord of the Riverlands needs a symbol worthy of his status, so let this be one." Jayce remarked with a smile.

"But where did you manage to produce it, Jayce?" Ned asked of Jayce.

"I found in the vaults of Martells in Old Palace, along with the rest of their riches and treasures. You'd be surprised to learn what they've had stored there, and as for this, I think it either belonged to some Rhoynish noble, or mayhaps even Queen Nymeria herself. Whoever it once belonged don't really matter now, for it is now Brandon's." Jayce replied, with Brandon smiling to Jayce.

"I see that you are still yearning for whatever affections you can get from my family, bastard." The sickeningly malicious tone of Catelyn Tully was all that Jayce needed to lose his smile and turn, seeing the woman standing alongside her father, Lord Jon Arryn, and his wife. "You are wasting your ill-gotten coin and efforts, for no true child of mine would ever accept your foul gifts." She sneered at him, with Jayce turning to look at his gifts for a second in a mummery fashion, before turning back to Catelyn and speaking up, while also motioning Ned to lead his children away.

"Foul gifts? You know, every one of these gifts would be enough to be gifted to the King and Queen, but I see you still view yourself as someone of a higher station than that, Lady Stark, oh, I am sorry, Lady Tully." Jayce made the mistake intentionally, with all knowing it. "And here I was wondering when you would come in to ruin my day. You are like a glowworm, always flying to wherever a person is shining with happiness the most." Jayce stated to her in his usual cheek and mocking smile, immediately infuriating all four of them.

"It seems the exile hasn't changed your attitude, nor has the near death." Jon Arryn said with anger, gripping his sword's handle. "Such a shame that the Stranger did not hear our prayers."

"Oh, I'm certain he did, hence why he decided to spite you and bring me back from the dead, my Lord Hand." Jayce answered, before correcting himself. "Oh, silly me, you are now just Lord Arryn. And might I say, that you look quite regal with my blade, but then again, Nightfall can make even peon look like a sovereign."

"This sword is no longer yours, bastard, or have you forgotten how you handed it to me for your crimes against me and House Tully?" Jon asked in a sneering manner, ready all but to draw out his steel. "You should watch your mouth. Just because you are now a Lord of desert wasteland and a favorite of the new Prince of Dorne, doesn't mean you can thread as you wish in here. Here, you are nothing more than another one little lord, while I am the Lord of Eyrie."

"The Lord that hasn't been his nest for who knows how long, and who clearly forgets, that domain that I now own is anything but a mere desert wasteland." Jayce bit back with his smile, with Jon nearly already drawing the blade, but not fully out of the sheath, with Jayce motioning all to stop, as he smiled to Lord Arryn. "You wish to test your mettle against me, Lord Arryn? You are welcome to it." Jayce said, as he laid his hand languidly on the Dark Sister's handle, with Jon drawing his steel back.

"You are not worthy of it." Jon said. "I'll not fall to your petty goading." To that Jayce smirked, and laid his hand off the Dark Sister, while his other went to his dagger.

"Well, I may not be worthy of you striking me down personally, and yet I am worthy of you sending quite a few gifts." Jayce said, as he patted hid dagger, drawing attention to it from the Tully and Arryn. "Do you like it? Valyrian Steel, with Dragon bone for a handle… One of two gifts you've sent to me, through your little friend, Petyr Baelish." Jayce smirked as he saw the truth come upon their faces.

"You… You dare accuse us in some crime, along with the honored Master of Coin?! The King will hear of this!" Lysa Tully nearly shrieked at him.

"But not before he hears a small testimony from a certain Braavosi catspaw that I've brought along." Jayce told them, enjoying the shock that appeared on their face. "As much as I enjoy all this attention you afford to me, I've decided that it was time to share with the realm our little pastime. So tomorrow, the King and the rest of the court will hear all of it in full, and then… Well, then we'll see, if you are as honored as you claim to be."

"And you think that anyone would believe you and whatever ruffian you bring along with you?" Hoster asked of him with anger. "No one in the court will believe that."

"Mayhaps, but as I see it, there are quite a few people at court who would be quite interested in see you all removed for good. The days of the mighty Falcon and Trout are gone, you are all alone, with no friends or allies at court, and a whole lot of people most eager to take your place." Jayce told them with a confident smirk. "I imagine Tywin Lannister will be more than happy to lend support to my cause, and with them on my side, then it is as easy victory as it can be."

"I-if you think that this will allow you t-to claim Winterfell, t-then…" Catelyn shook from a combination of fear and anger as she spoke, until she was interrupted by Jayce chuckling openly to her. "What are you l-laughing at…"

"I'm laughing at you, Catelyn Tully, and the fact that you still think that I yearn for Winterfell." Jayce told her, as he moved closer to her and said in a quiet tone. "Remember what I promised to you, back in White Harbor? Well, I'm here to deliver on it. So I suggest you and your family here go and enjoys your day, because tomorrow you'll not have the chance for it." Jayce told her as he bowed in a mocking nod, and left them, moving to his own men, joined by Visenya and Laenor, while Tully and Arryns scurried off.

"Do you think they've taken the bait?" Visenya asked of Jayce.

"Definitely, hook, line and good bit of rod." Jayce answered as he reached them, turning to Visenya. "So, did you find them?" Jayce asked of her, and she nodded to him.

"Right where you said it was. I've checked it, and it leads from Dragonpit to the cellar of their manse, and the caches were in the Dragonpit, as you've said." Visenya told Jayce, who nodded to her. "The tunnels are large enough to transport barrels, but the entrance into the cellar is too small to get the barrels inside."

"Hm, we'll find a way around it, but good work overall." Jayce nodded to her, turning to Laenor. "How were the negotiations with the alchemists?" Jayce asked of Laenor.

"About as successful as they could have gone. With Aerys and House Targaryen gone, they've lost all of their previous purpose, power and influence, and are now scraping by with whatever they can get their hands on." Laenor stated. "Pyromancer Hallyne at first was hesitant to share information, but when I made it clear that he would be rewarded and will earn support of a member of House Targaryen, he was more than ready to share his knowledge, and more. He has offered his personal assistance in the matter, despite not knowing the nature of it?"

"Hm, sounds suspicious. What do you think, Laenor?" Jayce asked of him.

"You know my feelings on this entire affair you are concocting, but as for Hallyne… Better we use someone who knows how to handle this, rather than try and thread in the dark and risk stumbling." Laenor told Jayce. "Alchemists are by nature secretive even among themselves, and know how to keep their mouth shut, not to mention that they are all but forgotten these days. And should the need arise we can always silence him in a more permanent manner. However, Jayce, I must stress that what you are trying to achieve… Are you sure you can achieve it?"

"Positive, Laenor. If I wasn't, I wouldn't even think of attempting it." Jayce told him with a sigh. "Aegon the V nearly succeeded in it, and only failed because he was sabotaged from the start. This time there will be no such thing."

"But do you really need it?" Laenor asked of him. "With the plan and pace you've set for the conquest…"

"This is more than just reclamation of Westeros, Laenor. This is about what comes after it." Jayce told him, before letting out a sigh before he gotten out of hand, remembering where he was. "But it will all be impossible without you, and if you wish, you may leave." Laenor let out a sigh, closing his eyes, and then spoke up.

"I've known you long enough to understand that there is no stopping you, and that you are not like your grandfather." Laenor told him. "When do we start?"

"Tonight." Jayce simply answered to him, and Laenor understood that there was no turning back now.

"There is also another matter, one that you may find interesting, Jayce." Laenor added after a bit of pause. "But it is best discussed elsewhere." Jayce understood his meaning, and motioned his men to get to their work, with Aemond and Visenya following Jayce and Laenor, as they've mounted up and left for Laenor's manse.

The King's Landing, as the largest city in all of Westeros, also contained a great number of manses of the noble lords and families that often visited the place, and it was customary for a noble family to have a manse in the capitol, as it was seen as a sign of prestige and proximity to power. House Velaryon had the distinct honor of residing in one of the oldest and earliest built manses in the city, created even before the Red Keep was completed. Though it had been ransacked and destroyed in the Dance of the Dragons, Velaryons rebuilt, expanded and fortified it, turning it into a small fortress that could hold out in a siege, should it come under one. A small complex of several buildings, made in the same style as High Tide and Driftmark, it evoked the feelings of the isle on which Jayce grew up, and he was personally glad to be here.

It also served as an unofficial center of the Velaryon spy network in King's Landing and most of Westeros that late holders of Driftwood Throne had spent centuries and fortunes creating, maintaining and expanding. The nascent Targaryen had several first-hand experiences of seeing this spy network in action, or rather, how it affected the decisions and outcomes of Velaryons, with his first one being when Lucerys taught him the lesson in information, one that Jayce remembered and now used to his own advantage. Though late Lord Lucerys was no longer with them, his carefully cultivated network was, and Laenor had inherited it in the fullest, and Jayce had tasked him with putting it to use, learning all that they could about Arryns, Tully and Baelish.

Laenor, Jayce, Aemond and Visenya reached the manse's grounds, dismounting them and moving towards the solar of Lord Velaryon, quickly reaching it. And once inside, they were greeted by two women, one of them apparently being a noble lady-in-waiting, while the other was of Lyseni descent, dressed in a silvery gown, possessing unusual for her origin raven black hair, with a necklace of a peculiar design with emerald and sapphire in it. She was the first one to speak up, bowing her head in respect.

"Lord Velaryon, Lord Stark." She spoke in perfect common, with Laenor motioning Aemond and Visenya to wait outside. "This is the lady that I've mentioned, milord. Lady Elena Grafton, Lord Laenor Velaryon and Lord Jayce Stark of Sunspear." The Lyseni woman introduced them, with Jayce allowing Laenor to take the lead on this one.

"My friend here has informed me, that you have some sort of information that you are willing to share, for the right price." Laenor spoke up, with the blonde Elena Grafton nodding to him. "Now, what kind of a secret do you have to share, and why do you believe it would be worth my time and interest?"

"It is about Lord Baelish and Lady Arryn, milord, and if it were to be found out by Lord Arryn, it would ruin their lives, b-but Lord Arryn never would believe me or my word." Elena spoke with the voice laced with fear. "I am head lady-in-waiting to Lady Lysa Arryn, a-and I've become privy to her frequent meetings and… dalliances with Lord Baelish of illegitimate kind, milord, which they've carried for years."

"And why have you not gone to Lord Arryn with this knowledge?" Laenor asked of her. "You are a member of House Grafton, his vassal, and he would've granted you an audience."

"Because I know what happens to those that wish to do so and found out, milord. Lady Lysa is in the habit of often changing ladies-in-waiting, and those dismissed from her service are in the habit of meeting their end sooner than later." Elena stated. "I've been in her service for a little two years, and saw half a dozen ladies come and go, some serving barely over two moons, and all knew what I know. I know of two who attempted to speak of it to Lord Arryn, but he did not believe a word from them, and instead dismissed them without a second thought. Two days later, they were dismissed, and I've never heard of them again."

"Nor shall you, for their bodies were found in the bowels of Flea Bottom, throats slit and mutilated beyond recognition." Lyseni lady added. "A fate that befell nearly everyone that were dismissed from the services of Lysa Tully. For all his craftiness and guile, Lord Baelish is rather single-minded in how to dispose of troublesome maids and ladies."

"I see, and is this all you've had to offer us?" Laenor asked of her, with Lady Elena shaking her head at that.

"No, milord… Two days ago, I've overheard them talking in Lord Robyn's chambers, and… Lady Arryn stated, that their son will inherit all of Vale, and once it happens, they shall officially marry and he will take his rightful place." Elena stated, with all understanding what it meant. "And Lord Baelish said that he will stand alongside their son… L-Lord Robyn is a bastard of Baelish, m-milord." Laenor and Jayce exchanged looks, with Jayce speaking up.

"Are you certain of it?" He asked of Elena, who nodded frantically at it.

"I am, milord, a-and after I heard it, I've realized, t-that Lord Robyn d-does not look like either Lord Arryn or Lady Lysa, b-but as Lord Baelish. I-I've subtly asked about how L-Lord Arryn looked in the past of those who knew, a-and it does not match with what his son looks like." Lady Elena said. "I-I thought of bringing it up to Lord Arryn, b-but I remembered what happened to others, s-so instead I… I w-went to Lady Mysaria." Jayce turned his head with a slightly surprised expression after hearing that name, with the Lyseni smiling to him.

"Mysaria… A curiously familiar name." Jayce noted, with Mysaria continuing to smile to him. "Interesting, why has a lady of noble birth decided to come to you for help?" Jayce asked of her.

"I am woman who provides solutions and products of special kind to those that seek it. Most wish to satiate the desires of flesh, and I give it them the means to do so, while some require not a relief, but a salvation, which I can grant." Mysaria answered, as she turned to Elena. "And those who live in the King's Landing know of Lord Baelish, also know of how little I can tolerate him, for trespassing and seizing what was mine."

"I see." Jayce noted, as he turned to Elena. "What do you have to confirm your words, and what do you wish in return for this information?" Jayce asked of Elena.

"I… I have several letters from Lord Baelish to Lady Lysa, letters where he confirms her words about their son and their affair. I'm ready to give them to you, i-if you promise to get me away from the King's Landing." Elena told them. "A-and I-I can't go back to Gulltown, f-for Lord Baelish has too many friends there, a-and my family would sell me to him in a moment's notice."

"So you wish to leave King's Landing and Westeros, and you need a hefty purse with coins, am I correct?" Laenor asked of Elena, and she nodded to him. "Are the letters with you?" Elena produced them from behind her cloak.

"P-please, m-milord, y-you have to get me out soon. L-Lady Lysa will soon notice my absence and s-she likes to read th-these letters often." Elena gulped from fear, as she handed Laenor the letters, with him quickly reading them.

"Do not worry, milady that we shall do. In the meantime, Mysaria will see to your safety until the ship is ready to take you." Laenor told her, with Mysaria nodding to him, as Lady Elena rose up to leave, while Laenor produced a pouch with coin and handed it to Mysaria.

"A pleasure doing business with you, as always, Lord Velaryon." Mysaria told him, as she allowed Elena to leave and prepared to follow her, stopping only to look at Jayce and speak to him. "And a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Stark. If you find yourself in need of relief, I and my establishments would be happy to provide you with our finest services and attendants."

"I shall consider it, Signora Mysaria." Jayce answered in Lyseni language, earning himself a nod of respect and a seductive smile, along with a motion of a kiss by lips, which in Lys's culture indicated clear interest, with Mysaria then leaving the solar. "Quite a curious lady… Can she be trusted?" Jayce turned to Laenor, who examined the letters.

"Yes, she owes all that she has to my House, including her own life. She was a prominent actress and singer in Lys, and used her position to come into possession of various information, with which she bought my father's interest and safe passage out of Lys, when one of her more possessive patrons and customers tried to take her against her will. After that, with the investments from Velaryons, she quickly established herself as the Madame of Silk Road, and became one of our most prominent and successful information gatherers." Laenor explained to Jayce. "After Baelish arrived and started to aggressively take over her businesses, she grew quite interested in his removal, hence why she took an interest in his activities. And I'd say that you've piqued her interest."

"And she had piqued mine." Jayce noted, as he turned to Laenor. "So, what Elena said, is it there?"

"Most certainly it is there, yes, and that means that Robyn will not be an issue once he is exposed for being a bastard." Laenor noted, as he put the papers down. "That would mean that the Vale, after Jon Arryn's death, will be inherited by his great-nephew, Harrold Hardyng."

"Harrold Hardyng… If I recall correctly, I've tanned his hide in the third bout in the squire's tourney in Gulltown." Jayce remarked, with Laenor confirming it with a nod. "How strong would you say his claim to the Vale is, regardless of his name?"

"After Jon Arryn, he is the closest person to bear Arryn blood, though I imagine that there will be those who would question his rights, since he is only a son of a landed knight and a Waynwood lady." Laenor noted, as rubbed his chin at that. "After him… I believe it is Bronze Yohn Royce who holds the closest ties to Arryns, through his own mother, I believe. Are you thinking of installing Royces as Lords of the Vale instead of Harrold?" Laenor suspected this to be the case with Jayce, who nodded to it.

"The Royces are the second strongest House in Vale after Arryns, or rather, now are the strongest House, and have both allies and influence to ensure peace and stability in the vale, and they are far more open to an alliance with Starks, aren't they?" Jayce asked rhetorically. "And as for Harrold… Accidents happen even with squires and knights."

"Quite steel-hearted of you to simply state that." Laenor remarked, though not judging Jayce, as he too saw merits in his idea.

"Even Jaehaerys the Conciliator had to be ruthless for the sake of his people, and order deaths of those who didn't deserve it." Jayce noted. "Like Lord Lucerys said, it is a dirty game that we play, and in it, one must find an opportunity and seize it."

"I know." Laenor told him. "I'll pass a message to Mysaria. She'll arrange the rest, if that's what you want."

"Yes, it is." Jayce told him. "Now, I best go and find my better dress for the evening. Can't appear before the king in anything less than the best." Jayce told him with a smile.


Evening. Red Keep. Maegor's Holdfast.

By the time the evening rolled in, Jayce was already in the Red Keep, having arrived a bit earlier than need be, in order to meet up with Lord Stark before the dinner. He knew that for the realization of his plans, he would definitely need House Stark and the North, and Jayce also realized that despite all that had happened in the last few years, Eddard Stark remains a staunch ally and supporter of Robert Baratheon. Jacaerys understood, that under normal circumstances, his uncle would never provide him the support he needs for his endeavor, hence why he needed to make certain that Eddard understood what Jayce was planning exactly and how he meant to see them be made into a reality. Hence the reason why he arrived sooner than expected, and once he reached Lord Stark's chambers, with its doors opened for him, he found both of his uncles inside, and by reading Ned's expression, he understood that Benjen had already told him something. Stepping inside, Jayce turned to Benjen.

"Uncle, would you mind giving me and father some privacy? It has been a long time since we last saw each other and spoke." Jayce asked of him, with Benjen nodding and leaving, but not before patting his nephew on the shoulder, closing the door on his way out. "I take it he has told you about my decision." Jayce said, as he stepped deeper into the chambers, with Ned's eyes on him.

"Aye, he has." Eddard confirmed it to him in a cold tone. "Jayce… I plead to you, to abandon this idea, before it is too late. This ambition of yours, i-it will never work out, and you already have more than you could possibly ask for. You are now Lord of Sunspear and one of strongest Lords of Dorne, you can live your life akin to a Prince of Dorne, but…"

"But I am no Prince of Dorne, uncle, and you know it." Jayce told him in calm tone, while moving and checking the place for hidden passages and holes through which one could listen, content to find that none were eavesdropping. "I am the Prince of House Targaryen, heir of Aegon the Conqueror and House of the Dragon, and I've made my decision to stop ignoring it. I fear that there is nothing you can say that will make me change my mind, uncle." Eddard's eyes hardened upon hearing it.

"If you have come to ask for my support, then you should know my answer already." Ned told him with a stronger tone. "Robert is my friend and the King of Westeros, and even if that is not what you believe in, he is also one of those who had always stood by you despite all of your actions and all the enemies you've made. He sees you as nothing less than a son, Jayce, and you can't simply spit on all he has done for you like that."

"You are correct, and I know all too well that it is to Robert Baratheon that I owe everything, including the name Stark, hence why for as long as he is alive, I'll not challenge him or try to supplant his reign with my own. On that, you have my word." Jayce stated to Ned, surprising and shocking him. "I know how it sounds, and believe me, I've heard plenty of arguments from Ulric, Arthur and even Laenor about how it sounds silly, but… Despite what he has done to Rhaegar and how he spoke of Elia's children, he has done a great deal of good by me, and you didn't raise me to be an ungrateful son. Because of all he has done for me, he will have nothing to worry about me, for as long as he lives."

"Yet you still mean to take the Iron Throne for yourself?" Eddard asked of Jayce, who nodded in response.

"That I will do, but not while Robert is sitting on it." Jayce confirmed it to Eddard, who still looked stiff, but not as hostile towards Jayce, who let out a tired sigh. "So you can breathe easier. I'm not going to start the war any time soon, and when it does begin, it won't be me who will land the first blow."

"You say that as if you are certain that there will be war." Eddard noted, with Jayce nodding to him. "Is it based on what you've learned through that gift of yours?"

"Yes, it is, and before I say more, tell me, did uncle Benjen mention what anything about my encounters with Rhaegar and Lyanna?" Jayce asked of Ned, who widened his eyes in surprise and confusion. "I take it he didn't. To not confuse any further, while was laying in Starfall due to my injuries, my soul was trapped, and I had to fight my way out of the trap set by Brynden Rivers, who also used souls of Rhaegar, Lyanna and Jon against me, in a ploy to supplant me with Jon."

"This… This doesn't make much sense." Eddard told him, with Jayce chuckling at it.

"From your perspective, yes it doesn't, and I understand it, but… For me, it is as real as it can be, uncle. I will spare you the details, and say that Bloodraven failed, and as a silver lining, I've managed to awaken the Dragons, Vhagar and Caraxes." Ned's eyes again widened when Jayce told him. "As for how I've managed that, I have the blood of the Starks to thank for it, since it allowed me to commune with them and ask them for help against the Martells."

"Then their appearance and the attack on Martells, all of it was your doing?" Ned asked of Jayce, and he nodded to him. "But if you've already awakened those Dragons, then why haven't you already declared yourself King? With just the two of them, if rumors are to be believed, you would've already ruled the Seven Kingdoms."

"Because I only managed to direct them once as a request, and I can bond with only one of them in this world, hence another reason why I won't start any wars against Robert." Jayce added. "I will explain it all in detail later on, uncle, but, the important thing that you need to understand, is that at this moment, I need to know something- whom will you support, when the Robert is gone?" Jayce asked of him, with Ned unsure of how to answer it.

"I… The North will stand with the Crown." Ned answered in a neutral way, with Jayce raising an eyebrow at that. "Jayce, you can't ask me to betray Robert, not like this…"

"I am not asking you to betray Robert, uncle. I am asking you, what will you do once Robert is gone, because once it happens, and it will happen sooner than you think or may hope, there will be war the likes of which will make your Rebellion look mild by comparison." Jayce stated to Ned, who didn't believe what he heard. "When I said that there will be war, I meant it, uncle, and I'm not the one who will start it. Remember what I told you about trusting Jon Arryn and Hoster Tully, and how it would lead to downfall of House Stark? Well, I had another vision, much the same in nature, only about all of Westeros, with the catalyst there being the death of Robert Baratheon, which will spark another war, one akin to Dance of the Dragon."

"A war of succession?" Ned asked of Jayce, who nodded to him. "Between whom? Robert's children and his brothers?"

"Them and each other, I believe. I do not know the details, but what I do know is that Joffrey, Stannis and Renly will be at each other's throats the moment Robert dies, and the realm will bleed because of it." Jayce said with a heavy sigh, with Ned deciding to believe him in that. "I know that it will happen sooner than later, mayhaps somewhere in five to seven years, but I know that it will happen for certain."

"And when it does happen… You will strike on your own at all three of them." Ned understood Jayce's thoughts and supposed plan. "You'll use this time that you have to prepare for it, claim at least one of those dragons, and when the time comes, you'll come to lay claim to the Iron Throne."

"More like reclaim, but in essence, yes." Jayce told him.

"I… I cannot give you the answer that you wish to know, Jayce." Ned confessed to him. "What you are planning to do… I've always feared that this is how it may end up, once you've learned of your true parents, that you and Robert will fight for that Iron Throne…"

"I will fight, but not Robert." Jayce repeated his word to Ned, before letting out a sigh. "Then, can I have your word, that you'll not tell anyone a word of what I've said?"

"You have it." Ned told him, with Jayce nodding to him. "Jayce… If you are preparing for war, then why are you here, really?"

"To ensure, that there are no loose ends, once the war starts." Jayce answered to him, with Ned not understanding what he meant, but fearing that it may mean bloodshed. "That, and also do my duty as Lord of Sunspear, and a Stark, along with as a friend of House Antaryon. Believe it or not, uncle, but as always, I do have the best intentions in regards to you and your family, despite my ambitions." Jayce smiled to him a little, with Ned deciding to put his faith in Jayce one more time, knowing that he was telling the truth in this moment, when they heard a knock on the door.

"Lord Stark, His Grace has sent for you and Lord Jayce. You are expected at the supper." The servant reported from behind the door. "Your children are already on their way. Please hurry."

"Come, it's time to enjoy the company of the Royal family." Jayce told Ned, and they went out of his chambers together. "And as for what I've asked you, just make the choice when the time does come. That is all I ask you, be it my favor, or not."

"I… I will." Ned told him, and after that, the rest of their path was done in silence, and soon they entered the dining chambers, where the Stark children already were, with Robert, Cersei, their children and Tywin Lannister also present.

"Ah, there you two are! What took you so damn long?" Robert asked of them, with Jayce speaking up.

"Apologies, Your Grace, I am to blame for our delay. I fear I've longed to see my father more than I had anticipated, and had kept him for longer than I wished." Jayce spoke up, bowing in respect, with Robert satisfied with the answer.

"it's all fine. Now, let us eat, for I am starving." Robert spoke up, and all were seated and the dinner began.

The dinner was more or less a courteous affair, and while Robert was clearly having fun and concentrating his attention first on Ned, and then on Jayce, boasting of their success and how he was proud of Jayce, the Dreadwolf kept his attention sharp on the Royal family and it's members. He was trying to analyze them all, to determine who they really were and what to expect of them, and their interactions between themselves and with the Starks gave him a good enough understanding of who and what they were. He already had a couple of chances to see Queen Cersei before, and what he learned of her now only bolstered his already existing opinion of her, as he found her to be prideful and arrogant, not without mind, yet not the sharpest one at the table. She did have some skill in terms of manipulating and sweet talking with others, such as she was complimenting and playing Sansa, yet it was clear that she didn't hide her pride and seemed to wish to show her power. However, before her own father, Tywin Lannister, she was immediately obedient and subservient, as she listened to every word of his, and Jayce could sense the sheer power Tywin held over her.

As for her children, he did find it rather odd that all three looked less than Robert's children, and more like children of Jaime Lannister, and while Myrcella and Tommen were kind and nice children, with Myrcella in particular clearly inheriting her mother's gorgeous looks, without the vane persona of her mother. But their eldest brother, Joffrey, while clearly was well-built and handsome, didn't make as good of an impression of Jayce, and while he did act as a Prince should, the look in his eyes, the way he looked at all of them and how his lips and face features moved at the sight of them… Jayce recognized clear disgust and revulsion, as well as the sense of clearest superiority, something that Jayce was all too familiar with from his past. Along with that, thanks to the gifts of his bloodlines being enhanced after his confrontation with the Bloodraven, Jayce was also able to sort of sense the intentions and feelings of others that were in close proximity to him, and what he felt from Joffrey didn't make him feel well about him.

And as for Tywin Lannister, the Old Lion, he was every bit as formidable and mighty as Jayce had heard and then some, and the way he looked into Jayce's eyes, it almost made him want to look away, yet he didn't, for he suspected that this was a sort of challenge from him. He suspected that Tywin was in the habit of breaking men by exuding his inner power and confidence onto them, mentally and morally grinding them to paste, until they couldn't do anything but obey him. Jayce wasn't the sort to willingly submit to another, and instead of looking away or blinking, Jayce maintained eye contact with Tywin, showing defiance and strength, and once they both had enough of this game, they did disengage at night the same time, but not before Jayce caught a glance of respect in the Old Lion's eye. However, what he did learn from this was the fact that Tywin, more than anyone, would be his most dangerous enemy in the war to come, and that mayhaps, it would be best to deal with him early.

As the dinner progressed, Robert turned his attention to Robb and spoke up to him.

"So, Ned tells us that you are being fostered at Last Hearth with them Umbers, lad. I hear that they have to fight the Wildlings nigh every moon, so have you scored yourself any of those fuckers?" Robert asked of Robb.

"I have fought them, Your Grace, and have slain a number of them, yes." Robb replied with a bit of pride in his tone. "In one of the skirmishes, when they raided a village, I've killed four of them while on horseback, and three more while on foot." Robb boasted, with Robert looking with praise at Robb, before Joffrey spoke up.

"Even a village fool could fight off those savages, and boasting of felling so few is like saying you've only kissed a whore, instead of taking it." Joffrey said in an arrogant and crass tone, with Jayce deciding to speak up.

"I fear that I must disagree with you on that, Your Grace, for the Wildlings are anything but weak, and those who make it through the Wall are among the most dangerous, as I've learned." Jayce stated, as he drank from his cup, drawing attention to himself. "I once saw some five of those Wildlings kill fourteen of Velaryon mariners, when we boarded a slave galley off the coast of Bloodstone, and bloody many more. I nigh lost my own hand and leg to two of them, before I managed to end them, and we only killed them thanks to arbalesters. So anyone who hadn't seen or fought them and dare to call them weak, then I'd say that they clearly do not know what they are talking about." Jayce stated, with Joffrey fuming at it, while Robert laughed.

"Ha, well said, Jayce. Aye, I've heard of that skirmish too, and I hear you cut down seven men that day and was the first on that galley." Robert said with a smile, turning his attention back to his former page. "Must've been quite a fight. I myself never had to fight on the deck of a ship, but I imagine that it ain't too different from fighting on land."

"I can assure you that you are not fully correct there, but it is the same messy and bloody business as it is on land, only you have less space to move around." Jayce answered. "Once I got used to the constant rocking of the ship, I barely noticed much of a difference, though perhaps I just don't really think about it all that much."

"Battles ain't a place to think, aye, they are to be fought and won." Robert said with a booming voice.

"Yet it seems that it is the tactical mind that wins wars, not mere brute strength, as you yourself have demonstrated, Lord Jayce." Cersei decided to take a chance to shine, as she spoke up. "I hear that you've won that war in Torrentine not through direct engagement, as through less chivalrous means. While it is certainly worthy of praise, many would argue that you are not as brave or courageous as your epithets may suggest." Cersei decided to try and attack Jayce's personal pride, but he did not take the bait.

"I merely played the cards I was dealt by life, Your Grace." Jayce answered, with Cersei not liking the fact her bait didn't work. "I didn't come to Torrentine to fight for glory or bravely, I came there to win, and used whatever means I had for it."

"Including pardoning traitors?" Cersei asked of him. "I hear you not only spared the Daynes of High Hermitage, but even added them to your army when you had the chance."

"And what would you have me do with them?" Jayce asked of Cersei, who looked to her father with an expectant smile and spoke up.

"Put them all to the sword, make an example of them, instead of granting them a second chance." Cersei told him. "Traitors do not deserve any mercy, no matter their usefulness."

"On that I do agree, hence why Prince Ulric punished the prime traitor after the war, and as for those forces who fought, they've merely followed their orders and their oaths, and if I were to try and execute the entire lot of them, then I'd have a battle that would leave me weakened and unable to fight the Blackmonts." Jayce answered Cersei. "One must know when to show mercy, and when to use force. Aegon the Conqueror himself pioneered this idea with his conquest, as the history tells us."

"He had dragons to keep his rule safe and sound." Cersei countered.

"Aenys and Maegor too had dragons, yet their reign was plagued with rebellions, and they came right after Aegon's reign of peace and prosperity." Jayce reminded. "Dragons alone didn't make Targaryens masters of Westeros, Your Grace, nor was it fear of power alone."

"Power is true power, Lord Stark." Cersei contradicted him. "Without it, one can't achieve anything." To that Jayce merely chuckled.

"Bah, enough of all this philosophical nonsense, woman!" Robert decided to put an end to it. "I didn't come here to hear you try make yourself look smart, or hear anyone talk of Targaryens."

"Of course, husband." Cersei relented.

"My apologies for their mention, Your Grace." Jayce spoke, as he turned to Myrcella. "Perhaps then we shall turn our attention to more joyous and pleasant things, such as your Princess Myrcella's betrothal. My apologies for not offering my congratulations on the occasion earlier, Your Graces, and please accept my sincerest congratulations and wishes of happiness towards you and your future life, Princess." Jayce spoke to Myrcella with a charming smile, making her blush immediately.

"You are most kind, milord, thank you." Myrcella answered in a cute manner, averting her gaze shyly from Jayce.

"I merely state the truth as it is, and as I am in a confessional mood now, I shall also reveal to you one more thing." Jayce spoke up, catching the attention of Myrcella. "As I'm sure you know, I've presented to your father a mighty Destrier, but he is not the only steed I've come with, intended for Royal Family. In honor of your betrothal, Princess Myrcella, a golden coated Palfrey was brought from Dorne, as a humble gift to you." Jayce revealed, with Myrcella's eyes widening, while Cersei looked at him with surprise, along with Sansa's

"I… I thank you most graciously and profusely, Lord Stark." Myrcella told him.

"A single simple horse is all you bring as a gift to my daughter's betrothal? And I had thought that Lord of Sunspear would possess more in terms of wealth to present to the Royal family." Cersei said with played-up contempt. "But then again, none are as wealthy as House Lannister, for my father could easily procure entire stables full of those."

"And all would have the distinct golden coat and the breeding that stretches as far back as days of Nymeria herself?" Jayce asked of Cersei with a small smirk, with Cersei's smirk wiped away. "I would never offer the sole daughter of the King and only Princess anything less than then very best."

"Leave it at this, Cersei. Jayce would never buy some cheap hobbled mare to our girl." Robert spoke up, shutting Cersei up. "I've no doubt that this horse is probably as expensive as it is heavy, and as magnificent as it gets."

"Of the cost, it is worth its weight in gold, one could say. And if I may add, you and your fortunes are to truly be envied, Your Grace. House Antaryon is one of the masters of Braavos, as some may say, and you choice of future husband couldn't have been a better one." Jayce commented, drawing attention from Cersei and Tywin. "Young Rodrigo is one of the jewels of the Sealord Ferrego, and a wonderful young lad. He shall treat you as you were Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Your Grace, like your regal mother, and he'll shower you in gold, silver, and jewels of all kinds, or face a dragon and kill it, if only to earn your smile." The compliments clearly pleased Myrcella.

"You sound as if you happen to know both Rodrigo Antaryon and his father, Lord Stark." Tywin commented with interest.

"I have had the honor of attending the wedding of Lord Antaryon's eldest son Lorenzo, as well as forming a good friendship with his son Chesare during my first stay in Braavos. When I was exiled, Braavos and its people opened its gates to me, and I've come to be a frequent guest at Sealord's court and his manse." Jayce answered, with Tywin paying attention. "More than once I've also been invited to dine with the Antaryons, and with Sealord, and I've enjoyed their hospitality greatly, and I was more than happy to repay for it by defending Lord Lorenzo and his wife from the Brave Companions. I'm sure you've heard of that affair." Jayce turned to Tywin, seeing no reaction from him.

"Yes, I have." Tywin responded. "I must thank you, for disposing of those traitorous scums, and saving me and the Crown the trouble of dealing with them ourselves."

"It was truly my pleasure, Lord Hand." Jayce responded.

"Now that you are back in Westeros and are now a new prominent Lord, what are your plans for the future?" Tywin asked of Jayce, drawing his gaze. "A young Lord such as yourself needs to cement your power and authority, as well as to expand them. Such matters often require creation of powerful alliances…"

"For Gods' sake, Tywin, don't you start peddling off your nieces off to Jayce." Robert stopped Tywin in his tracks. "Let the lad enjoy his youth! He hasn't even really known what's it like to be alive, and here you are already trying to tie him up to you and your house."

"Youth is no excuse from forgetting one's duty, as Lord Stark will agree with me." Tywin commented. "The primary duty of any lord is to see his line rule for a long time, and for it, he must form a strong alliance in marriage."

"A most wise point, Lord Hand, but I fear that I'm still far too wild to settle down just yet." Jayce spoke up, as he drank from his cup a bit. "In truth, I never did expect to become Lord of Sunspear, and while I did accept the title, lands and duties… I've not yet satiated myself, hence why I plan to return to Essos, once the celebrations here are done." That news shocked the Starks and Robert, and surprised the rest.

"Return to Essos? Whatever for?" Cersei asked of him directly. "You are now Lord of Sunspear, one of the most powerful men in all of Dorne, as well as one of the richest. Surely you do not need to eke out a meager existence as a sellsword or a beggar." Cersei added the last with a particular glint in her eye.

"Of course not, but I've discovered that I have a taste for this kind of life, for adventure and travels, and that I'm not all that interested in staying in one place all the time. Being Lord of Sunspear may be prestigious and important, but I lack both temperament and interest in ruling it, and I can practically feel myself yearning for something else than that." Jayce answered. "As my father once told me, I was born with wild blood in me, much like my uncle Brandon was, I hear. Better that I tame myself and satiate my hunger, than let it devour me and leave a bitter, unfulfilled and prickly man."

"And what of your domain and people? What of your duties?" Tywin asked of him. "Will you simply abandon it all to the winds?"

"Of course not, for else I would've done so right after waking up." Jayce responded. "Now that Dorne is again peaceful and the most turbulent and problematic of times is in the past, peace and stability again reign in there, and in peace I fear I am a poor lord to rely upon. In my absence, my aunt Allyria will assume the duties of my castellan and will rule in my name in Sunspear."

"You would entrust your lands and title to a woman?" Joffrey scoffed at the idea. "What can a woman know of how to rule, or how to fight battles? All they are fit for are to bear children for their lords and to serve their Houses."

"If you say so, Your Grace, and yet I found out, that women can be more formidable than most Knights, and wiser than most Lords, like myself." Jayce commented with a smile. "After all, it was a woman who stood her ground with me in Torrentine, facing off against tens of Martells men-at-arms and arbalesters, unafraid to die. And might I add, that in battle, she held herself as staunchly and defiant of death and enemy, as I would otherwise expect of Ser Barristan the Bold." Jayce told him, with Joffrey scoffing at his words.

"You must be mocking me, Lord." Joffrey stated with irritation in his tone.

"Never in my life, Your Grace. If you doubt my words, I would be more than happy to provide ample proof of them, and if you wish, I could introduce her to you." Jayce stated. "I imagine that еру son of the legendary Demon of the Trident and slayer of Rhaegar Baratheon such as yourself must be starving for good sparring partners." Jayce noted with small challenging smile, with Joffrey averting his gaze away in a way that a petulant child would.

"Hm, fighting women is below a Prince of the Realm." Joffrey responded, trying to make himself appear important. "Only the truly best warriors can have the privelage of sparring with me, such as my uncle Jaime." Cersei smiled in a victorious way, with Jayce getting an interesting idea.

"I see, then how about a little wager, Your Grace?" Jayce caught the interest of Joffrey. "I believe there shall be a tourney held in a week's time from now, with the melee preceding the jousting. I plan on entering in it, and should I happen to come across your uncle, if I win, you shall grant me the privelage of a sparring match, and if I lose… Then you can have my blade." Jayce stated, with Joffrey scoffing at him with an arrogant way.

"I am the Prince, I can have any blade I wish." Joffrey said, with Jayce simply shrugging at his idea. "You are insulting me, Lord, with this pitiful wager."

"If that is how you wish, Your Grace." Jayce said, with Robert shaking his head.

"I'll take you up on that wager, Jayce." Robert suddenly said, surprising Joffrey. "But let's change things up a bit. Should you make it into the last four in the melee, then you can have a go at my son here, but if you also beat the Kingslayer as well, then I'll not only let you teach Joffrey a few things, but I'll also spar with you myself." Robert told him, shocking all, with Jayce smiling at the prospect.

"Well, with such a motivation, I have no choice but to win." Jayce said with a chuckle, to which Robert laughing as well, until a door into the chambers opened, and in entered one of the servants.

"Your Graces, milords, apologies for interruption, but there is a messenger at the gates, asking for Lord Stark." Both Jayce and Eddard turned to him.

"Which one is he asking?" Robert asked of the servant.

"He said that he has a message of urgent import for Lord Jayce Stark." Servant elaborated a little, with eyes turning to Jayce.

"Did this messenger say what his name or who sent him?" Jayce asked of him.

"He presented himself as member of your household guard, milord, and has stated that he was sent by your mother, Lady Ashara Velaryon." Servant stated, with Jayce's gaze turning more serious. "The messenger stated, that his words are strictly for you alone, and that they concern the well-being of your brother, Baelon Velaryon." Jayce cocked an eyebrow up, but rose up without any other word, but not before turning to the Royal family.

"Your Graces, milord Hand, if you will excuse, it would appear my brother is in need of my assistance, whatever it may mean." Jayce bowed in respect, and after Robert gave him leave, Jayce followed the servant out, and after he reached the gates, he saw the man in Velaryon colors waiting for him. "Are you the messenger from Lady Ashara? What is this about?" Jayce asked of him.

"Lady Ashara wishes for you to come to her at once, it is about Lord Baelon." The messenger stated, with Jayce giving him a questioning look. "Please, milord, she urged me to bring you as fast as possible."

"Hm, fine, lead on." Jayce told him, and the pair departed for the city, and after a certain distance away from the Red Keep, Jayce spoke up. "Tell me, when did you enter service in House Velaryon?" Jayce asked of the messenger, as they traversed the alleys.

"Um, pardon, milord?" The man asked. "I've served House Velaryon for a long time, milord."

"Is that so? Then you probably know Ser Jason, don't you?" Jayce asked of the servant.

"I know of him, yes, milord." Servant answered. "He is Lord Velaryon's master-at-arms on Driftmark."

"Right, and whenever Lord or Lady of Dirftmark wished to send for me, it was either him or one of his men who came to fetch me, not a man from King's Landing who doesn't even know the way to the mansion." Jayce stated, as they've come to a stop in what appeared to be a crossroads of back alleys. "Now then, whom are you working for?" Jayce asked of the servant, and he then tried to strike Jayce with a hidden dagger, but Jayce was faster, catching his hand, disarming him and then plunging his own dagger into his throat ending him, retrieving the blade out of his throat and letting him fall.

"Was that the best those four could come up with, or is this like a welcoming gift?" Jayce asked of none in particular, as he wiped his dagger, but then from the arches and passages appeared additional men, armed and ready. "Ah, so this is the ambush?"

"Lord Arryn sends his regards to you, bastard." The leader stated with a gruff Valeman accent. "Any last words?"

"Yes: finally, I was starting to think I got the signs wrong." Jayce stated to the man with a smirk, confusing him and others.


An hour later. House Arryn's manse.

"You need to stop pacing already, Hoster. Petyr has assured me that this plan will not fail." Jon stated to his father-in-law, as they, along with Catelyn and Lysa, waiting for results.

"That boy has said the same thing the last time, and what has changed since then?" Hoster asked with an irate tone. "Bah, we should've paid to one of those Faceless ones to get it all done for good."

"I've asked Petyr to make a venture to them already, and he stated, that they do not wish to deal with the Dreadwolf, as they call that bastard in Braavos." Jon informed Hoster. "He said that the bastard is: "exempt from the summon of The Many Faced God," or something like that. Regardless, this time he is in our snares and he'll be dead within the hour."

"I'll only believe in when I see his dead face." Catelyn stated, as the doors into the study opened and in walked Ser Vardis Egen.

"Milord, there are several men in cloaks at the gates, with one of them carrying a large sack. They claim to come from Lord Baelish, and bear a gift that you've long expected to see." Vardis stated, with the Tully and Arryn's rising to their feet, as Jon spoke up.

"Tell them to bring the sack into the cellar, Ser Vardis, this instant, and to arrive there as well." Jon ordered of him, as he grabbed his Falcon's Pride and almost ran out of the room with others, and soon reached his expansive cellar, where three men in cloaks already stood over the body in the sack. "You… I expected there to be more of your numbers." Jon stated, as he and others looked at the unmoving sack.

"There were, milord, but the bastard proved to be a difficult one to handle. Took down five of ours before we've taken him." The apperent leader stated, before kicking the sack, making it move. "Lord Baelish said you'd pay double for the live one, so here the living one."

"Of course, but first, I'll see the goods, as they say in Gulltown." Jon told him, as he drew out the Falcon's Pride, as one of the sellswords moved to remove the sack. "No, I'll do it myself." The two sellswords moved away, placing themselves near four of Jon's guards, as Jon Arryn carefully cut the sack and opened it, revealing to all bound up and gagged Petyr Baelish, much to everyone's shock.

"Petyr?!" Lysa shrieked out, but that was all she was able to say, as the sellswords made their move.

The two sellswords behind the nobles unsheathed their blades, with one of them wielding a Valyrian dagger and slashing throats of two men, while the second one had two long daggers that he plunged into the backs of the two. Jon Arryn meant to strike the sellsword in front of him, but the man quickly kicked him back, forcing him on his back with him losing his sword, as all three withdrew their steel, and pointed them at the conspirators. Once it was done, they've removed their hoods, revealing Aemond Dayne, Maelor Maegyr and Jayce Stark, wielding his Dark Sister, and sporting the Dragonscale armor on him, with the shocked eyes all on him, as he smirked at them.

"Well, I hope you all have had a wonderful evening." Jayce told them, as he motioned Aemond to move and seal the cellar from the inside, as Maelor picked up Falcon's Pride and tossed it to Jayce, who caught by the handle. "Ugh, what a disgusting and gaudy design. You deserve to die solely for ruining my sword like you did." Jayce commented, while Maelor grabbed the rope and moved to tie them all up, with Aemond helping as soon as he sealed the door.

"What do you think you are doing, you bastard?! Do you think, that you will…" Lysa tried to shriek, but Maelor silenced her with a punch in the face, knocking her out.

"Lysa! You wretched scum, you won't get away with this!" Hoster shouted at Jayce, as his partners were finished tying them up behind their backs.

"No." Jayce simply said, and then he quickly slashed at all of their legs, including Petyr's, rendering his hostages unable to stand and forcing them to fall and scream in pain, as blood started poor at the floor. "Arrange them in an open circle, with enough space for a person to move between them." Jayce told them, as he moved deeper into the cellar, where he found the false wall moving and opening a passage into a secret tunnel, from which emerged Arthur Dayne, Laenor Velaryon, carrying a chest and Alchemist Hallyne, with what appeared to be a large bottle of green substance.

"Just in time, as you've asked." Arthur told him, as he and Laenor moved in with the chest. "Are we to proceed."

"Yes, place them inside the circle, and leave." Jayce commanded, and they obeyed, while he turned to Hallyne. "Wisdom Hallyne, I presume?"

"Yes, Your Grace." The man said with reverence, forcing Jayce to look at him with steel. "Oh, you need not worry about me, my liege. I and my Order have long suspected that it was the work of a Targaryen that returned the Dragons to life, and when Lord Laenor approached me, I knew whom I was serving from the moment he spoke of your designs." The man said with extreme respect and almost fanatical zeal.

"Am I to understand that I have the support of you and your Guild?" Jayce asked of him, and the man frantically nodded to him, while Jayce looked at the large bottle. "Will this amount be sufficient for the task?"

"Oh, more than sufficient, mayhaps it may even be too much. I prepared this batch of the substance specially for this very task, and I must state, that such the results exceeded all expectations. Such concentration and power at such a small quantity hasn't been achieved since the days of King Jaehaerys the I." Hallyne stated to Jayce with a pleased tone. "This batch of substance will produce the necessary effect, and will be more than enough to wipe out all that you wish, and, as per your request, it's properties have been sufficiently altered, to make it appear to be a regular fire, Your Grace."

"Yet maintaining the temperature, I hope." Jayce asked of him.

"Oh, this sample shall burn as strongly as Dragonfire, Your Grace." Hallyne told him, and Jayce motioned him to proceed, and they went to the rest of them, where Maelor and Aemond were done with their tasks, as were Laenor and Arthur, having placed the five Dragon Eggs in the center of the room. "Ah, very well. Now, if you please allow me the space to perform my work." Hallyne said, and the men moved to Jayce, as Hallyne began pour the green substance into the pooled up blood, chanting spells in Valyrian, while all but Jayce looked at him with disturbed looks.

"Jayce, is this all necessary?" Arthur asked of him again, with Jayce turning to him with a look of determination that the Sword of the Morning hadn't seen in anyone's eyes.

"It is for the future of House of the Dragon." Jayce told him again, and Arthur knew that there is no point in arguing. "Now, how does the door mechanism operate?"

"Via counterbalance, that is in the tunnel. Once cut, it'll prevent the door from opening again." Laenor stated, with Jayce nodding to him, as Hallyne finished the spells and dispersion of the substance.

"Go, I shall see through the rest on my own." Jayce told them and prepared to move, until Laenor stopped him. "Laenor? I've already told you…"

"I know, it's not about it." He said, before he produced for him a Valyrian Steel helmet in the style of a dragon, with an aventail made in same manner as Dragonscale armor. "To protect your hair and face. One of the prized possessions of House Velaryon since the days of Old Valyria… It would suit you better." Jayce nodded to him, as he put the helm on.

"Here, take it and have it reforged in a more fitting manner." Jayce handed him his former sword, and once they've left, he turned to Hallyne and spoke up. "Are preparations complete?"

"Yes, Your Grace. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor." Hallyne said with almost childlike glee, before he went to depart, leaving Jayce with the prisoners, who mostly stopped moving and only hissed from pain.

"Whatever… Whatever madness you've planned, y-you'll pay for this!" Catelyn stated to him, as Jayce ignored her, and then walked to the eggs bunched between then, and then cut his hand with Dark Sister, pouring onto them his own blood, as the blood of his enemies circled near them. "You… You have gone mad, bastard! Do you think yourself a Targaryen now?!"

"Think? No, I am a Targaryen, Catelyn, the last son of Rhaegar Targaryen and direct descendant of Aegon the Conqueror." Jayce stated to her, and all of them widened their eyes at his declaration. "My name is Jacaerys Targaryen, Catelyn Tully, and as I've promised you, I bring you your own Winter. With Fire and Blood!" And with this declaration, Jayce struck the nearby torch, causing it to fall, and ignite the wildfire.

Jayce had heard stories of how his grandfather, Aerys Targaryen the Mad King, had chosen burning people alive as his preferred method of execution, how it aroused him and invigorated him, how the screams and show of men burned alive made him laugh with glee. A part of Jayce feared that he had inherited the same inclination towards fire and tortures with it as his grandfather, yet the moment the fire spread and it began to consume his enemies, with their screams filling the air along with the smell of their burning flesh, he did not feel joy or happiness. No, instead, he suddenly felt pity on them, for the fact that he had chosen to put them through this, that it was better to simply end them with his own blade and be done with it, but he hadn't chosen to do this out sheer malice, no, so Jayce was at least relieved that there was still humanity in him.

With his return, his powers have grown and new avenues of their usage have opened, past, present and future becoming more avid, clearer, varied and so on, and he now could through focus and concentration see the things that he wished to know. The secrets of bringing Dragons to life had been lost since the sacking of Dragonpit and end of the Dance of the Dragons, and none of the living now can truly know how to achieve it, but to Jayce, past was now more like a book, one in which the knowledge and secrets long thought lost were open. There were several ways and methods of how to bring dragons to life, but all involved one core concept: an exchange of life, through fire and blood. The words of his very own House were the main component of the ritual, blood of his enemies and fire to seal the pact, with lives of these five used to breathe life into the eggs, with his own blood poured over them to bind them to this world.

The screams soon died, and once the last of them had faded away into the inferno, Jayce, who remained at the epicenter of it all, standing seemingly untouched by the flames, watched as the seemingly stony shells began to crack. One by one, the cracks appeared and widened, before completely destroying the eggs, and from them appeared five little Dragons, as small as cats, each varied and unique in their own way, and their first screeches filled the air. Jayce smiled through his helmet, knowing that the House of the Dragon was once more living, and that when his time comes to take the Iron Throne, his enemies shall face not two Dragons, but seven.

Aegon needed but three to win Westeros, and with Jacaerys' seven he may well conquer the world if he so desires…


Sometime later. Ruins of Dragonpit.

Once Jayce picked the dragons up and cut the counterweight, he went down the tunnel and left the charred corpses and now blazing inferno of a manse to it's fate. By now, all of King's Landing should be aware of it, but he didn't much care, as he reached the end of the tunnel and made it to the Dragonpit, emerging into one of its caverns, where once Dragons lived. Remembering from the memories of Daemon and others, Jayce moved through the darkness filled corridors, until he found an illuminated spot, where the moon light shined down, revealing to him none other than Mysaria, much to his surprise.

"I see you were quite successful in your endeavor." Mysaria spoke to him, as she eyed the dragons, as they hissed and roared, but the moment they saw her, they've calmed a little since. "I admit, that you continue to impress me still, Jacaerys. I honestly didn't think you would be so successful… But I'm starting to think that the Gods truly have blessed you."

"And I am starting to think that there is far more to you than meets naked eye." Jayce stated, holding his dragons close. "Who are you, really?" Jayce asked of her, with the woman smiling to him, and then reaching for the necklace, and removing it, revealing her true look, surprising him.

"Does this answer your question?" She asked of him with a teasing smile. "Or would you wish of me to bare all of myself to your eye, unhindered by garments?" She teased him, with Jayce honestly tempted.

"Mayhaps later." Jayce said with a smile. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Shiera Seastar, in this world."

"The pleasure is all mine, my King." She bowed deeply before him with a smile.


Well… Let's just say that Jayce is quite resourceful, and ain't one to let an opportunity to slip away when he has one. Not only has he reclaimed Nightfall, taken care of the pests, met Shiera Seastar, but he now has FIVE DRAGONS! Well, they are small, but he is playing a long kinda game, so by the time he decides to start his war, he'll have a whole Dragon Flight ready for war… Is it unfair? Yes, but who gives a damn!

Also, sorry about the slight delay, this chapter was supposed to be released yesterday. However, yesterday, 19th of October, happened to be my birthday, so I decided to take a little bit of a break and celebrate it a bit. Nothing fancy, just some downtime of relaxation and a small dinner with close ones.

And as for the following chapters, I will try not to stick too long in King's Landing, so we will be here probably two more chapters, so bear with me.

If you enjoy the story, then be sure to leave a review, a suggestion or a question about the story, for your feedback helps me make it a better story.

Next time: Kingslayer vs. Dreadwolf; Dreadwolf the Diplomat; Royces and Tyrells.

See ya!