Chapter 20. Wedding Preparations.
'I dreamt of you.'
--A Song of Ice and Fire.
3rd Month. 297AC.
Red Keep.
Lyarra glanced out into King's Landing below from her balcony as the morning breeze blew rather harshly. For a moment, she imagined herself back in the North once more as she closed her eyes.
Thinking of the North reminded her of the fact that her Lord Father would be arriving in the coming weeks along with her brother, Robb.
A smile grew across her lips.
She'd missed Robb. Missed sparing with him and just being herself without worrying about disrespecting anyone.
Her father though… she wasn't so sure what to think of that. Of course she expected he would come. Finding out your daughter walked through fire and seemed to have dragons would certainly cause that.
A part of her wondered what Lady Stark thought of the news. An amused part of her imagined the woman looking like she'd swallowed a lemon or something.
Probably head into the Sept with Mordane and cry out Lyarra's potential to be an heretic.
She snorted, opening her eyes once more and walking back into her solar room. Glancing into the fireplace, she spotted the dragons asleep in the fire. They were a rather obsessive lot, she'd realized.
She found herself unable to spend too much time out of her chambers without fear of the dragons turning violent when she wasn't there.
Why, just a few days back, she was called to return to her room and when she got there, was met with shrieking baby dragons and torn settee. They had calmed once they saw her though. Ghost on the other hand had slapped them over the head with his paw, leading to another shrieking match.
Honestly.
Anyways, with the arrival of the 3rd moon, a number of things were happening.
The princess's wedding in the third week, the prince's 18th name day on the second week. That had certainly surprised her when she heard from her uncle, Arthur.
Aegon hadn't so much as brought it up with her, and it made her wonder why. Then again, she didn't believe he knew her name day as well.
Lord Manderly would also be returning back to King's Landing in but a few days, and with him, his younger granddaughter, Wylla Manderly.
It would be nice seeing another Northerner after a while away from home.
Other things had been happening, some she had no information on.
One being Aelora Mopatis.
What had happened to the girl? Where was she? Lyarra knew she had been severely burnt during their altercation, but not much was known. It was being kept a secret apparently.
And then there was Pentos. Lyarra had been learning as much as she could ever since she came South and knew the political ramifications that could come off this.
It definitely worried her. Would Pentos wage a war against Westeros for this? And then Blackfyres??
Gods, this was just a mess!
She turned as a guard stationed by her door announced visitors and just as the door opened, the Queen's Ladies swarmed in in a cacophony of noises and titters as they made for her.
Lyarra almost moved back warily before Lady Elena brought her into a hug and she let out a small 'Oof'.
"Oh you poor, poor girl! When we had heard!"
She was transferred into another's arms.
"Travesty, that is what this is! Total travesty!"
And another's arms.
"Never trust foreigners!"
Another's arms.
"I knew there was something off about that girl and her nasal voice."
Another's arms.
"Did you get a kick in or something?? Would serve the girl right!"
"Oh leave her be, you prudes!"
Calypso separated her from the numerous hugs and she tutted amusedly at the off-putting look on the younger girl's face.
"Ignore them. They were really worried."
"Of course we were!"
Falyse sniffed indignantly.
"When we found out what happened, why! I couldn't believe what the rumors spoke of! Dragons! Unburnt! Blackfyres in the castle! Propesterous!"
Calypso rolled her eyes.
"Okay, okay. You've said your bit. Lyarra…"
She turned to the younger and slightly befuddled girl, eyes glittering with excitement.
"Where are they? I want to see the beasts!"
Lyarra snorted, shaking her head.
"They're not beasts, Calypso."
Sarah Lonmouth then stepped forward.
"People are calling you Mother of Dragons around the castle, Lyarra."
Lyarra blinked at that.
Mother of…
She suddenly remembered Aegon calling her that not too long ago, and her eyes narrowed at the thought of how that name spread.
Oh Aegon…
She couldn't stifle the small smile growing across her face though…
An high pitched screech startled her out of her reverie just in time to watch the onyx dragon stumble out of the fireplace, wings raised as if in attack as it practically rushed towards the women who in turn, shrieked and all ran behind Lyarra.
"Lyarra, curb your beast!"
One of them cried out, and Lyarra stifled a laugh as she moved in front of the dragon who flapped it's wings.
"No. bad dragon."
She tutted, hands on her waist, and the dragon shrieked back at her.
Honestly, it was like talking to a dragon version of Arya and Rickon. You could only take them by the neck and lead them away before they caused anymore damage.
"Back to the fire."
She focused intense eyes on the dragon as it snapped it's tiny teeth at her, but Lyarra didn't back down.
She was the older one here… and the adult. The dragon would listen to her.
They seemed to stare at each other for a moment, before it bared it's back for her and she smiled, crouching and petting it as it let out a croon.
"There we are. You certainly are the more troublesome one, are you not?"
She chuckled as it buried it's head in her palm.
"Not like the other one. That one's calmer than you are."
The onyx dragon whined pitifully before head-butting her hand one last time and turning to toddle back into the fireplace where it settled back for a nap with it's nest mate.
She watched the two for a second longer, before turning and pausing at the scene behind her.
The Ladies, peeking from behind a settee with curious but wary eyes.
Lyarra burst into soft peels of laughter, unable to hold herself where she was still crouched low, as she collapsed on the floor, covering her mouth and ignoring the offended looks of her fellow Ladies.
"Oh laugh, why don't you."
Elena Dalt murmured as she straightened back up and moved to settle in one of the sits, well away from the sofa though she watched the dozing dragons with interest.
"Oh… my poor back. Help me up my dear."
Sylvia Fowler held out a hand to Carina Chested who helped her up with a sly smile.
"Getting old, are we?"
Sylvia huffed, patting away imaginary dust from her outfit.
"I will have you know I am 41 name days old. I am allowed to complain about my bones if I want."
"Dry bones, you mean…"
"Why you—"
"I wonder if dragons like dry bones… Lyarra dear, have you tried giving it to them?"
"They're not hounds, Elena!"
"They look like them though, albeit beautiful ones. Almost like living gems!"
Lyarra smiled at the ladies where she stood, a fond look in her eyes as she shook her head, moving towards the door to send for a maid so she could entertain the women.
It really was nice to have them here.
Small Council Meeting.
"So, it is true then… Varys brought a Blackfyre to us?"
Monford Velaryon, the Master of Ships spoke up that early afternoon at the council meeting, a wary look on his face as he spoke up, and the King nodded plunging the room into murmurs and frowns.
"That bastard!"
The Valyrian man cursed and Pycelle wiped sweat from his forehead with a nervous look.
"By the seven… it is no wonder he had a smug face most of the time."
Jon Connington snorted, a sneer on his face.
"We must ensure this is a one time thing and there are no other Blackfyres running around."
"I do believe we have the last one."
The King spoke up and Stannis Baratheon finally spoke up.
"How so, your grace?"
"Because of the one he brought. And I have also been informed that she is indeed the only one. The woman who birthed Aelora Mopatis is dead. The one who birthed the mother died a long time ago as well in a plague that wiped the whole family, leaving her with her older brother. Lady Mopatis's mother was sold to a pillow house in Lys, and her brother… the eunuch we have come to know today."
There was an intake of breath from those who had not known.
"Varys… is a Blackfyre?"
Monford whispered with a strange look in his eyes.
"How did we get this information, your grace?"
Pycelle asked curiously and Rhaegar stifled a smile glancing at his son who had been quiet since the beginning of the meeting.
"Varys isn't the only one in King's Landing with a good spy network."
"Your grace… what are we going to do about Pentos?"
Ser Barristan finally spoke up.
"Are we to expect a war from them?"
Monford snorts.
"Let them come. We will show them our might is not only on the land, but on the seas as well!"
Aegon stifled a smile at Jon Connington's eye roll.
"I am hoping it won't come to that, my friends."
The King raised his hand.
"I am already in communication with the Prince of Pentos. In fact, I have to say I got a rather odd letter from the Sealord of Braavos. Suffice to say, they are not happy with the fact that slaves were seemingly in service of Lady Mopatis. You know how Braavos detests slavery."
Jon Connington then continued for the King who took a sip out of his goblet of wine.
"He is also interested in fostering better relationship with the crown. Apparently before all this, the man had developed a surprising friendship with Prince Viserys and had gifted him some rare… breed of animal before he began his journey back to Westeros when news of what had happened reached them all."
Most of the small council blinked at that.
It was no surprise to many, the peculiarity that was Prince Viserys Targaryen.
Glancing at the king, they only saw a long-suffering look on the man's face, seeing as he was already used to his brother.
Aegon smirked, crossing his arms.
"Well it can't be as dangerous as dragons, father."
"There could be worse things…"
The man said quietly and then Ser Barristan spoke up.
"Your grace, what will be done about the now empty seat on the council?"
Everyone turned to the king once more.
"Do not worry yourselves, I perhaps already had a candidate down before all this."
Aegon stifled a smile. He already had an idea who that would be, and oh! What chaos that would bring. A woman on the council. Let them talk.
"As of now, we shall try to curb the worries from our people. My daughter's wedding is in a few. My son's name day not long as well. Visitors from other kingdoms will be arriving soon for a royal wedding, we shall show them there is no conflict whatsoever."
"And the dragons, your grace?"
Monford spoke up, an eager gleam in his eyes.
"What shall be done about them? I hear they nest with the girl still."
Pycelle sniffed, puffing up.
"They belong to the King of course! The girl has no ownership right to—"
He paused as his eyes caught the narrowed look of the prince… eyes that promised pain… and he gulped, dabbing at his forehead once more while avoiding the prince's eyes.
"—t—t—perhaps—"
The King quickly cut in, seeing the growing sneer on his Master of Law's face.
"The Lady Dayne has a right to the dragons."
Stannis frowned in curiosity, spotting the look of distaste on the Hand's face.
"Because she is an Unburnt?"
"And do we know how that is possible?"
Monford cut in.
"Witchcraft, mayhaps?"
Pycelle shivered at that and Aegon rolled his eyes, finally speaking up.
"No witchcraft was involved, Lord Velaryon. Perhaps we should watch what we say lest rumors run rampant unnecessarily."
Monford bowed at that.
"You need not worry, Monford. Lady Dayne used no witchcraft. She is of a Valyrian line, much like her Dayne relatives and they carry the blood of old Valyria, not just from their Targaryen ancestor. She is an Unburnt. And she has developed a connection with the dragons. They look to her as a… mother…"
Jon Connington huffed at that but said nothing. Being one of those who thought the dragons deserved to be controlled by the King himself, but he was ignored.
"Your grace, if I may… perhaps it would be better to bind her to your house."
Pycelle glanced warily at Aegon who said nothing in that moment. The King had a considering look in his eyes but said nothing.
"That would be better discussed with my wife. She acts as the girls ward during her stay here."
Aegon's lips quirked slightly. Trust his father to be wary of his mother.
"We shall adjourn this meeting to the coming week. I have some duties to attend to soon."
The King stood up and everyone bowed, preparing to make their leave as well.
"Jon, a moment of your time. And you too, son."
Aegon raised an eyebrow as he stood by his father's side.
"Is something the matter?"
"You shall accompany Jon and I to meet with the Lady Lyarra."
Aegon frowned.
"Has something happened?"
Rhaegar stared at his son in amusement.
"Not that I know of. But the influx of nobles in the coming week means questions will arise about her and the dragons. And after those questions… people will wish to set their eyes on them."
Jon nodded.
"It is of course to be expected. Dragons being brought back is no simple fit. In fact, it could be said an act of the gods."
Aegon snorted at that.
"Or the act of a vile and vicious woman. How is she, by the way?"
He asked as the trio headed out, Ser Barristan and Gendry taking their place behind them.
"She is still unconscious thankfully. But whenever she wakes… I hear her screams are unbearable."
Aegon had nothing to say after that.
Private Infirmary.
Red Keep.
"How is she?"
Elia asked the healer as she stood, staring at the closed curtains around the infirmary bed.
"She still lives, holding onto the very tethers of life itself, my Queen. But she still wakes up in pain, and the smell…"
The healer swallowed tightly.
"Maester Pycelle has tried all he can, but it would be better for her to pass. Milk of the poppy isn't doing much for her anymore."
Elia stifled a sigh.
Perhaps death would be a good option indeed for the Lady Mopatis. But it would not be in the best interest of Westeros, especially since she was leverage for the Magister Illyrio.
She turned towards the curtains.
"Ensure she is well tended to. If things go well, then she should be off to Pentos in no time. We shall try our best to ensure she survives the journey while at it."
The healer curtseyed respectfully, and in that moment, whimpers were heard, catching both women's attention.
"She seems to be awake."
The healer whispered quietly, going through a divider to tend to her patient, and Elia peeked slightly even as the whimpers turned to pained cries and shouts.
"Calm, my lady! Calm!"
Elia winced as she caught sight of the Lady Mopatis and quickly looked away, bile almost leaving her throat as she held a hand to her chest and quickly left the infirmary, the screams of the burnt girl trailing behind.
Lyarra smiled as her fellow Ladies in waiting finally left her to her own. She sat by the fireplace, glancing into the fires beneath the comfortable rug and Ghost's head on her lap which she softly rubbed as he relaxed where he lay.
The Queen and the Princess had been busy for quite a while now. With the upcoming wedding in but 2 weeks and even the prince's 18th name day closer.
Lyarra was rather surprised she hadn't heard preparations for that, and she hadn't asked him yet. Perhaps she should.
A knock and the announcement of the presence of the King startled her out of her reverie as she slowly got to her feet, Ghost perking up a little with a sniff as the door opened and in came the King, his Hand and the prince, Aegon.
He threw her a smile which made her stomach flutter even as she curtseyed in greeting.
"Your grace, my prince, Lord Hand."
"Lady Dayne, please join us."
The king said as he settled down, Connington sitting next to him and Aegon standing, arms crossed as he continued staring rather intensely at Lyarra who shifted a little where she sat.
"I hope you are well?"
Rhaegar finally spoke up and Lyarra nodded albeit a little nervous. She might have been in his presence a number of times already, but he was still the King and a figure of strength for Westeros as well as one of the best knights of the realm.
"Yes, your grace. My thanks for your hospitalities."
Rhaegar waved her off with a smile before looking into the fireplace at the dozing dragons, his eyes brightening up as it usually did when he saw the living embodiment of his house.
"They are quite the hibernators, are they not? Have you thought of naming them yet?"
Lyarra's eyes widened at that.
"Your grace… I… I have indeed, I just wondered, perhaps…"
Rhaegar's eyes twinkled.
"You need not worry, Lady Dayne. You have the utmost right to name them, regardless of their names, I am sure they will bear it well."
As he spoke, Lyarra's previously drooping shoulders raised and Aegon's smile grew softer.
The Hand cleared his throat and Rhaegar breathed out.
"Of course, we are here for another reason. As you know, my daughter's wedding will be in a few, and the arrival of Nobles is to be expected from the coming week. In fact, the Tyrells have all converged in King's Landing. It is to be expected, that they will be very interested in not just you, but the dragons as well."
Lyarra's grim features settled on her face once more as Jon Connington finally spoke up.
"These dragons are going to be seen as the beginning of the might of the royal family. I believe they should be paraded around for the Nobles to see, let them know the dragons are indeed real and not a fabric of our imaginations."
Lyarra's frown grew though the King cut in.
"I do not believe that necessary, Jon. Dragons are not to be controlled or herded about like lower animals."
Aegon nods.
"Indeed. A dragon does not listen when they are controlled, Jon. A dragon is no slave."
Jon Connington scoffed.
"Controlled? Look at them, beautiful they may be, but they are still small and weak. A chain on their neck and—"
"Absolutely not!"
Lyarra spat out in anger, glaring at the startled Hand. Of course, she was not the only one showing her displeasure, as the King and Aegon frowned disappointingly at the redheaded man.
"They are not to be chained. They are not beasts. How would you like to be chained?"
She stifled a sneer as Jon Connington puffed up in indignation.
"How dare—"
But Lyarra was not done.
She was usually not the type to get angered easily, but when she was, sometimes it was quite hard for her to hold her tongue.
"I know the history of other dragons. How they were chained, how they were kept in darkened domes and began dying off or shrinking in size… gaining deformities. It will never happen with MY dragons."
Jon swallowed bitterly as Rhaegar nodded approvingly. Perhaps she did have some Dornish fire after all.
Wait till he told his wife. She never did get along well with his good friend, Jon, no matter how much he tried to encourage a friendship out of the two.
"You are right, Lady Dayne. My ancestors chained their dragons but this new generation… they will be free. Lord of the skies, able to spread their wings and when they do grow enough to want to escape the confines of your apartment, I assure you we will discuss what could be done for them."
Lyarra calmed down at that, a pleasant feeling going through her and as she caught the eye of the prince, he winked playfully and she immediately looked away, stifling the smile that threatened to grow across her face even as she bowed.
"Thank you, your grace."
Jon sniffed quietly, but said nothing as he watched the pure white direwolf slink out of nowhere and watch him with blood red eyes.
He tried to ignore the growing beast but then it continued to stare at him, leaving him uncomfortable.
Aegon watched with a look of amusement in his eyes.
"I will follow your decision, your grace. But the nobles… they will not give up the chance to see the dragons."
Rhaegar nods.
"That is indeed, the truth. We will just have to deal with that when the time comes. We could tell them they are too young to be paraded about and until they grow some more, they will be protected as they should."
Connington nodded, albeit a little unsatisfied, and Lyarra said nothing.
Parading the dragons around was not something she was in favor of. But she was no King, and so she had no power to decline such a thing.
She remembered her dream… that woman… Quaithe… what she had said.
She shuddered slightly.
Later, as the King and Hand excused themselves to leave, Lyarra standing respectfully.
Aegon who stayed by the door, closed it as soon as they were out, and immediately turned, marching for Lyarra with slightly dark eyes.
As he got to her, he brought her closer to himself by her waist, and placed a long, heated kiss on her lips, something Lyarra eagerly reciprocated.
She sighed silently, hands around his shoulder and kissing him just as hard.
After a while, he leaned back, breathing out slightly and looking at the out of breath face Lyarra had, smiling satisfactorily.
"I've been wanting to do that to you for a while now, but it would seem your attention has been taken by quite the number of people."
Lyarra blinked slightly, a small smile growing across her face as she recovered her breath.
"I'm glad you're here."
Aegon's smile widened into a playful smirk.
"Oh? If I had known taking your breath away would loosen your mouth and make you say such sweet things then perhaps I should have done so long ago!"
He declared and Lyarra sniffed, escaping out of his grasp and slapping his clothed bicep.
"You are such an idiot."
"But I am your idiot, aren't I?"
Lyarra looked away, willing her cheeks to stop being hot and Aegon chuckled, standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
"Let's go on a walk."
"The dragons—"
"They slumber still. And besides, Ghost is the alpha. I believe he'd rein them in if they become wild."
Lyarra snorted, turning to stare at said direwolf where he laid by the fireplace. He glanced at her with one eye open before looking away in a dismissive tone and she grinned.
"Where would we go?"
Aegon grinned.
"Come. I know how much you've missed the North. I'd like to show you something."
She wrapped her hand around his bicep as he led her towards the door, and one last look at Ghost and the dragons, she was out the door.
"Aegon, may I ask on Missandei?"
Lyarra spoke up as they walked through the Keep, servants and guards bowing as they walked past and Gendry behind them.
"The maid servant?"
Lyarra nodded.
Aegon had told her how he'd found out about her being missing. Missandei had been the one to inform him, and Lyarra wanted to thank the girl, but she hadn't seen her since…
Neither had she seen the Lady Mopatis, but she'd heard what happened to her and she wasn't interested in seeing the girl. Lyarra believed in justice, and justice had already been served, albeit a painful one.
"She is under watch by guards. Her and her fellow servants. It was found out that some of the servants were actually slaves in disguise."
Aegon frowned bitterly and Lyarra's eyes widened in surprise.
"Slaves?? Here in Westeros?!"
"Indeed. Father wasn't happy when he found out, and with Varys gone, there is no scape goat. Another thing we have against the Magister Mopatis in the case that he tries anything untoward."
"You think he could be hostile?"
Aegon shrugged.
"We don't know yet, but it's better to expect anything at this point."
Lyarra hummed in agreement, before another question settled in her mind.
"Preparations for the princess' wedding is already underway, and yet, I've heard nothing about your name day."
Aegon chuckled.
"You are of course, right. But this moon belongs to my dearest sister, and I shall ensure she is the one to shine this time and not I."
He then glanced down at her with a smile.
"And besides, I rather enjoy the peace and quiet of my name day than the feast to be thrown. I have been granted that by my father."
Lyarra shook her head.
"I am surprised by that. I expected you would want a huge celebration and possibly a tourney to your name. Perhaps with a 40,000 dragons win."
Aegon let out a boisterous laugh and Lyarra stifled a grin even as Gendry chuckled behind them.
"Really, Lyarra? Do you see me as someone who would throw away such an amount? Even my father would not throw such money for a tourney win. What madness is that, my lady?"
The silvery blonde girl snorted and Aegon sighed.
"Come. We are near."
Lyarra looked around and realized they were already outside. They walked through what could be described as a mixture of a garden and forest of elm, alder, and black cottonwood.
"This is…"
Lyarra mumbled mostly to herself but Aegon heard her.
"The Red Keep's Godswood."
It was as old and almost weary looking. Slightly windy with the rustles of blowing leaves and flowers.
And then, there was a large tree stump. Old with it's root long and old, buried deep into the grounds. An heart tree stump, with red dragons breath growing around the stump.
"I know it will never compare to the godswood in Winterfell, especially seeing as there's no heart tree here, but I wanted to show it to you. Not many come here anymore, so it's quite private."
Lyarra glanced around with curiosity shining in her eyes. It would never compare to the godswood at her home, but it was the thought that counted.
"What happened to the tree?"
She pointed at the stump and Aegon hummed, moving to stand next to her.
"It happened during the dance. It was one of the trees caught in dragons fire and got burnt, but in order to preserve as much as possible, it was cut down into a stump."
"Oh…"
She moved past the dragons breath plants and slowly lowered herself onto the stump, sitting on it, her fingers running through the cracks and dried feeling.
Aegon joined her as they sat shoulder to shoulder.
"I don't think it's dead."
She idly told him.
"The roots still stand, and they look healthy still. Why hasn't it been regrown?"
Aegon shrugged slightly.
"Too much history, I gather. A lot happened during the dance. Perhaps one day…"
He said nonchalantly before turning to her.
"There is an heart tree in Summerhall though."
Lyarra perked up at that.
Summerhall. She had heard so much about it. It's beauty and how it stood apart from the multiple keeps and castles in the Stormlands.
"Really?"
Aegon nodded.
"Indeed. Perhaps one day you'll join me on one of my visits to Summerhall. It is my seat after all."
Lyarra snorted.
"Is that pride I sense?"
Aegon playfully puffed up.
"Being me is wonderful, is it not?"
She huffed, slapping his shoulder slightly and he chuckled, looking at her softly as she stared ahead, the afternoon sunlight filtering across and around both of them and he watched as her skin shimmered a little, her lashes catching sunlight in them, and he couldn't stop himself as he leaned closer and placed a kiss on her neck.
Lyarra gasped softly, moving away in surprise and slight embarrassment.
"Stop that…"
She mumbled, looking away and he chuckled, raising his head up.
"Oh? I can kiss my lady, but I cannot do that?"
Lyarra became even more flustered.
"Shut up… I'm not your lady… unmuzzled clotpole."
Aegon's grin widened as he leaned towards her but she kept looking forward.
"Lyarra Dayne, you must be mistaken, for if you are not my lady, then what are you?"
"… I am… the Mother of Dragons?"
She turned an impish smile at him and he chuckled, raising a hand to her neck and using a thump to softly caress her skin.
Her breath quickened a little as he glanced at her lips.
"You are maddening, Lyarra."
"You said that before…"
She whispered as he leaned towards her.
"That doesn't stop it from being true."
He placed a soft kiss on her lips and she reciprocated, tilting her head and leaning into the kiss. He softly bit down on her lower lip and she gasped a little, giving him the chance to deepen the kiss as his tongue caressed hers in a lovers embrace.
She moved a hand to his chest, grasping at his shirt as he hummed in satisfaction, moving his hand to her waist and lifting her onto his lap.
She let out a soft gasp of breath, looking around.
"Aegon… I don't think—"
"Shh… no one's here except for Gendry."
He promised her, lips already moving to bite down on a sensitive part of her neck and she bit down a moan as she looked around.
It was indeed quiet, and Gendry himself had certainly made himself scarce for the time being.
Her hand subconsciously grasped a little tightly on Aegon's hair and he groaned into her neck, lips lowering a little as he trailed light kisses down her collarbone to her cleavage.
Lyarra's eyes fluttered to a close as her heartbeat quickened and his hands tightened on her waist.
"Maybe I am indeed a scarlet woman…"
Lyarra couldn't stop herself as a feeling of bubbly amusement rose up unexpectedly in her chest.
Aegon paused, looking up at her.
"Scarlet woman?"
Lyarra opened her eyes after a moment, suddenly missing the feel of Aegon's lips on her.
"If many could see me right now, Aegon… they'd call me a wretch who has grasped way too far and sunken her witch claws into you."
Aegon opened his mouth to disagree when he paused, seeing the glitter of amusement in her eyes, enough for him to know she was jesting, and he puckered his lips in thought, something that grabbed Lyarra's attention.
"Well, if you are a scarlet woman, then you are my scarlet woman. Though…"
He grinned, in a jesting mood.
"I didn't pay for your services. Oh Lyarra Dayne, are you cheap?"
He dramatically gasped and Lyarra narrowed her eyes as he chuckled.
"Excuse me??"
"My, my… who would have thought… As the prince, I cannot put myself so low as to be in the company of a cheap scarlet wom—oh!!"
Lyarra grabbed him with his shirt and threw him to the ground, and he landed with a thud, with Lyarra on top of him, looking slightly offended, a little red and her hair a little unruly.
She looked almost… undone, and it drove Aegon mad.
"Your jesting hurt my ears, Aegon. I can still beat you up, never forget that."
Aegon let out a laugh, and for the first time in quite a long time, he was pleasantly surprised to hear how carefree he sounded.
It pleased him so much he could not contain the joy he felt in the presence of this young woman who had been a friend first, and then a close confidant… and then…
Someone he found himself not wanting to live without.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
Lyarra questioned, grasping at her face unsurely, but he only chuckled, grabbing the hand and pulling it to his chest as his other one covered hers.
She could feel his heartbeat in that moment, and she suddenly focused on it.
Steady but a little faster than normal.
Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet his and he smiled.
"You do that to me, Lyarra… my heart beats for you."
The silvery blonde swallowed at that, like he'd taken her breath away at that sentence.
It scared her. But at the same time, it excited her. Something she'd never felt before.
Something she didn't want to give up.
And so, for the first time, Lyarra leaned down and initiated the kiss, and both basked in their presence, lost in their own world but relishing the moment for it was as beautiful as one could imagine.
"My Lady, Lord Manderly has arrived."
It had been two days since Lyarra and Aegon's escape to the godswood and she still remembered every second of it and cherished it.
It felt like their own little secret. Well, Gendry knew, but he was slowly growing into someone Lyarra could regard as a friend.
Albeit a whiny friend.
"He has?"
The maid nodded.
"Yes, my Lady. They arrived this morning but he is in the Red Keep, meeting up with the King with his granddaughter."
Lyarra perked up at that, immediately getting to her feet.
"Take me to him."
The maid curtseyed, and the two began their journey out of the apartment, one eye enough for Ghost to understand she would be back soon.
The dragons hibernated as usual after heavy feeding, and Lyarra used that time to do whatever it was she wanted.
The maid directed her through some turns until they got to the throne room where she saw the large figure of Lord Manderly as he said something to a younger girl, 2 guards standing next to them.
The girl was slender and a little shorter than Lyarra herself.
With long hair in two braids dyed in a rather garish green, though her eyebrows remained undyed, betraying her natural hair color of blonde, her voice rather energetic and high as she chattered away to her very amused grandfather, her Northern accent quite pronounced.
And then he spotted her, and his eyes brightened.
"Lady Dayne!"
His granddaughter immediately turned at that as well, eyes glittering with curiosity as Lyarra curtseyed in greeting.
"Lord Manderly."
"Wonderful to see you are well. We've heard a number of rumors and stories about you, my Lady. I was beginning to wonder if I would see you in one piece or not."
He said in a joking manner but just as his granddaughter, you could see the curiosity in his eyes as well.
Lyarra forced a smile across her face.
"Ah indeed. A lot has happened."
She nodded albeit awkwardly, eyes moving towards the other girl and Lord Manderly snapped out of his assessment, clapping his hand once.
"Ah! Lest I forget, this is my granddaughter, Wylla. Wylla, meet the Lady Dayne. It would warm my heart dearly if you two kept each other's company. Northerners stick together as you both know."
He smiled tenderly at his granddaughter who kept her eyes on Lyarra. It made the silvery blonde ponder what was going through the younger girl's mind.
"Lady Dayne, pleasure to make your acquaintance."
She curtseyed and Lyarra reciprocated.
"You as well, Lady Manderly."
Just then, Lord Manderly looked behind them, spotting the Queen from afar with her Kingsguard uncle, Lewyn Martell and he perked up.
"Pardon me my dears."
The large and rotund man walked towards the queen with a welcoming smile and an excited grin appeared across Wylla's features, making her look more like the 14 name days old girl she was.
"So, is it true? Do you have dragons or not?"
She demanded curiously and Lyarra's lips quirked upward a little when the other girl paused.
"Apologies. Father tells me I have a running mouth and perhaps someday I'd meet my match. But I would be an idiot not to ask you of the dragons, do you not think so?"
She stared imploring at the older girl whose face had relaxed into a smile.
"I understand. Just like you, I would have been unable to hide my interest in dragons as well. And it is true. They stay with me in my quarters."
Wylla's eyes brightened with awe at that, and Lyarra stifled the urge to laugh. She almost reminded her of her younger sister Arya, but more in the sense of wanting to know everything.
"Will I see them?"
"They are still young and perhaps… some day soon."
She looked for the right word, and though the other girl looked a little disappointed, she got over it fast.
"I understand. So are you going to marry the prince?"
Lyarra choked slightly, eyes going round as she stared at the other girl.
"Pardon me?"
Wylla shrugged.
"It is to be expected, is it not? Dragons reborn and the royal family possibly interested in keeping you close. Or should I not have said that?"
Wylla smiled sheepishly and Lyarra thanked the old gods and new that she hadn't become flustered in that moment.
"I… uh—"
"And this is my dearest granddaughter, Wylla Manderly."
Lord Manderly walked over with the Queen who had a warm and polite smile on her face, her orange and gold embroidered saree dress making her look beautiful.
Wylla immediately curtseyed in the presence of the Queen.
"Your grace."
"Lady Manderly, your grandfather has spoken fondly of you. I welcome you to King's Landing."
Wylla looked up and smiled.
"I'm honored to be here, your grace. The Red Keep is really beautiful!"
She grinned excitedly, looking around.
"I cannot wait to unravel all it's secrets and—"
"Eh-hem!"
Lord Manderly cleared his throat, giving his granddaughter a stern look and the 14 name days old girl smiled sheepishly, hand grasping at one of her green curls.
"I-I mean… I cannot wait to tour the Red Keep. Yes."
Elia grinned, amusement in her eyes and Lyarra stifled a snort while Lord Manderly shook his head with a fond smile.
"We should be heading back to the manse, your grace. It's been quite a long day, and perhaps it would do my granddaughter to rest some more."
Wylla blinked at that but said nothing while the Queen nodded.
"Of course. And I shall take a walk with Lyarra here."
She smiled at the slightly surprised girl before turning back to the Master of coins once more.
"It is wonderful to have you back, Lord Manderly. And a pleasure meeting you, young lady."
Lord Manderly bowed as lowly as he could get while Wylla curtseyed at the queen and then Lyarra, and just like that, they were on their way, Manderly guards right behind.
Lyarra turned as Elia let out a chuckle.
"A very curious girl, is she not?"
She then turned curious eyes on Lyarra.
"Do you perhaps know why she has dyed her hair?"
Lyarra shook her head.
"Not at all, your grace. But I do know it is something she had done last year as well."
"Hm… perhaps it is some sort of… statement. It matters not. Come Lyarra, walk with me."
They crossed arms with each other.
"It has been quite a while since we have talked privately. How are you?"
Lyarra stared ahead, not sure what to say.
"I am… quite well. Albeit it has been an odd week or two. But I am looking forward to Princess Rhaenys' wedding."
Elia smiled at that.
"I look forward to it as well. I honestly cannot believe I am about to watch my daughter be cloaked and begin her life elsewhere. It certainly is something every parent dreads and look forward to at the same time."
She then turned towards Lyarra.
"I am certain your father expects such from you and your siblings as well."
Lyarra's eyes widened at that.
Marriage??
Oh how scary!
Thinking of it gave her the shivers, something the Queen noticed and she giggled behind her fingers, throwing a dainty hand at the servants who curtseyed as they passed while Lewyn Martell guarded behind them.
"Oh dear girl, you look rather pale. It is to be expected, you do know that right? Some day in your future is a wedding."
Lyarra frowned.
"I can't see it. Not now."
She mumbled. The thought of even being cloaked… she didn't see it. She hadn't thought it possible all her life, what with being a bastard.
Oh she knew it was a possibility now that she was legitimized. But it honestly scared her. Her Lord Father and quite possibly her Lord Uncle having the right to wed her to whoever they wanted. To whoever they could easily benefit from.
She didn't want to marry!
Or better yet… there was no one she wanted to marry!
Well… no one who fit the candidacy. Perhaps maybe Aegon would have but… well… okay so maybe Aegon—he is… well Aegon—
"Lyarra?"
The silvery blonde snapped out of her thoughts, her cheeks slightly red even as Elia continued.
"I am sure there is someone out there interested in you. Do not worry yourself. It will end well. Now tell me, are you planning for the wedding? Outfits?"
Lyarra cleared her throat.
"Well… I have been… but with Sarah gone… it's been hard."
She swallowed tightly as she remembered her kind maid servant who had helped her get accustomed to the Red Keep as well as been there for her whenever she needed anything. And now she was… dead.
Damn Aelora Mopatis.
Elia frowned at that too.
"I have been meaning to take care of that. It must not be easy for you. You have gone through quite a lot in the little time you have been here with us. Perhaps there is a maid you are interested in?"
Lyarra thought for a moment before shaking her head.
"No your grace. I don't really know most of the maid servants. The only other maid I knew by name was one of the girls Lady Mopatis brought with her. Missandei. And yet, Aegon—I mean, the prince has told me about her circumstances."
Elia smiled at her.
"You may call him by his name in my presence, Lyarra. I do know about your friendship after all."
She playfully winked at the slightly flustered girl before she hummed in thought.
"Missandei, you say? A girl of Summer Island descent? The one who informed Aegon of your being missing."
Lyarra nodded and a contemplative look appeared on Elia's face before it was wiped away.
"You must be excited to see your brother again."
Lyarra's eyes brightened at the thought, previous conversation immediately at the back of her mind.
"Indeed. I had hoped to see all my siblings once more, but Robb would do. He was and has always been my most constant companion, right from infancy. I have missed him so."
She grinned at the thought of sparring with him after so long as well. Perhaps Ser Rodrick would come with as well? Who knew.
As both women discussed, they came across Obara who has been searching for the queen.
"Aunt Elia, Rhaenys calls for you. Something about corrections to her face paint I believe. Ridiculous."
She scoffed quietly and Elia grinned.
"Of course, niece. Lead the way. And I will see you later, Lyarra. Do head back to your apartment. Some nobles have begun arriving. It wouldn't do to run into them on your own."
Lyarra nodded and then Obara spoke up.
"And now that your head is healed, I expect to see you at the sparring yard tomorrow. We will continue where we left off."
Obara's eyes narrowed almost challengingly as she walked off with the queen and Kingsguard, and Lyarra had the urge to gulp.
It would be another harrowing morning.
Such was her luck.
Pentos.
Varys walked into the rather ostentatious Manse that early evening.
He had safely made it to Pentos. Oh he knew his reputation was now hanging on the balance and the possibility of the Blackfyre plot probably unraveled.
All because of a stupid girl. And they had been almost at their goal. Almost! And yet, once he arrived, the first thing he heard was dragons being born once again.
Dragons.
They had dropped dragons right in the hands of the Targaryens.
And Lyarra Dayne… that girl… she was an Unburnt.
Where had it all gone wrong??
"Varys!"
The former Master of Whisperers looked up once in the solar of his old friend, Illyrio Mopatis.
And what he saw gave him a pause. The usually upbeat Magister looked ruffled and almost unkempt.
The taller man glared at him.
"What are you doing back here? After leaving my daughter to those people!"
He barked out in anger and Varys sighed.
"What did you expect of me?"
"To guard her!"
Illyrio roared back and Varys scoffed.
"Guard her? Old friend, did you even know your daughter? Her attitude? Did you think I would have sent for her if you told me the truth?"
"She was always—"
"She has been an entire disgrace ever since she stepped her foot in Westeros!"
"I care not for that! I only care about my daughter!! And Targaryens have her!"
Illyrio spat back at his friend before turning to pace from one side of the room to another.
Varys watched his friend quietly. If there was one thing he knew, it was that Illyrio was less likely to think straight when angry.
"I will hire myself an army. And I will hire the Golden Company as well."
Varys' eyes widened at that.
"My friend, throwing Pentos into a war is not how we should deal with this—"
"Or better yet, I will hire the faceless men to deal with all of them! And bring me back those dragons! They belong to my daughter! To us!"
Illyrio frothed at the mouth and Varys sighed once more. Perhaps Aelora had gotten her attitude from her father after all. His sister's soul rest in peace. She was never this stubborn. She always listened to him. She always knew he made the better decisions.
"It may do us well to lay low for the time being, old friend."
Illyrio scoffed but Varys continues.
"And quit your talks about faceless men and the lot. Your riches are not so deep you can pay for their services."
Illyrio said nothing though he knew it to be true. It would take all his riches for that to happen. If anyone hurt his daughter, he would do any and everything to get her back.
"And the Golden Company??"
Varys scoffed, a sneer appearing across his face.
"Those war mongers? They don't care about the Blackfyre line anymore! All of them are Essosi with the occasional Westerosi descendants. They don't care about a war waged decades ago! All they care about now is making money and fucking whores. They have forgotten about the greatness of the Golden Company, the true reason they were created."
"But they still care for money!"
"And let's not forget about your scheme to buy Unsullied. Are you mad?"
"They have Aelora—"
"We will get her back. Buying Unsullied so publicly for an army will make the other Magisters despise you. Pentos has been banned from owning Slaves and yet it is still done secretly, and yet you sent slaves with your daughter to a kingdom where slavery is despised. They killed one of their Northern lords for such stupidity!"
Varys threw an exasperated look at his friend who was slowly calming down, seeing reason in the things his friend was saying.
"You will get Aelora back, do not worry."
Frankly, Varys could care less for the spoilt brat. She laid her bed. But he needed Illyrio still. If the man did anything stupid, he would have no one to back him up. His life was practically on the line right now. If any mercenaries thought for a second, that the Targaryens of Kings Landing would pay for his head, they would come for him.
But in the company of Magisters, he would be better protected. Illyrio's time as one may be coming to an end, and so he needed the man's connection to build up better relationships with the other Magisters, and maybe even the Prince of Pentos himself.
"You cannot do everything on your own, Illyrio. You will need the support of the other Magisters. As well as the Prince of Pentos."
Illyrio scoffed.
"The Prince? What care do I have for the useless man? Sitting on his arse all day and growing fat while us Magisters control his every move? The Prince and his family closed their gates on me because I wed sweet Serra after the death of my first wife. I have no need for them."
Varys stifled the urge to roll his eyes. His friend was so short minded. This was the reason he was always the one with the schemes.
"The Prince is the figurehead of Pentos. We will need his support."
Just as he said that, there was a knock on the door and Illyrio sighed, rubbing at his forehead.
"Come in!"
He barked out once, and as the door opened, in came a servant who Illyrio knew was obviously a slave in disguise, what with the bronze collar which sat around his neck.
He had dark hair which framed his face nicely and dark eyes, a very good looking young man and Varys was sure he would do better in a pillow house than anywhere else.
The servant bowed.
"Magister Mopatis. Lord Varys."
Varys raised an eyebrow at that. Someone already knew about his arrival?
"You have both been called forward to the palace at the behest of Prince Arenno."
The servant spoke in bastard Valyrian, bowing low once more before waiting on their reply.
Varys turned to his friend with a look while Illyrio frowned, unhappy with the summon.
"What could he want?"
"Most importantly, how does he know I am here? We have to go, Illyrio."
Illyrio opened his mouth but one look from Varys was enough for him to keep quiet once more.
"You want your daughter back, do you not?"
The Palace.
It was one of the most ostentatious buildings in Pentos. Not as beautiful as the Red Keep, with it's walls that stood out and shone beautifully in the sun, or how it stood on Aegon's Hill, mighty in appearance. That was a home fit for a king… and now perhaps future dragonlord.
Damn Aelora Mopatis, Varys sighed internally.
As they got out of their coach, the two men were directed into the palace, walking through hallways of riches that hurt the eyes at every twist and turn, and then they finally stopped in front of elegant double doors guarded by two men who were obviously Unsullied.
As the doors were opened, the walked into a large room, and Varys' eyes sharpened as he was soon in the presence of not just the Prince of Pentos, but various high standing Magisters. Those richer than even Illyrio could dare wish for. Those who had the real powers amongst the Magisters.
While the prince sat up on a large ostentatious gold and cream chair above two stairs, the Magisters sat in a straight vertical line on the left and on the right sides, with a path between them which led Varys and Illyrio to the Prince.
Said prince perked up once they arrived.
Quite the fat man though in his late 40s there about with his beard dyed blue. He was obviously a good looking man, albeit looking like he had lost himself to food and wine.
Two Unsullied guards stood on each sides of his chair.
"Illyrio! Lord Varys. We had wondered if you would make it."
"It was rather sudden, Prince Arenno. Seeing as I haven't been invited to the palace for a long time now."
Illyrio raised his arms slowly while Varys stepped back to watch the proceedings, eyes on the 12 Magisters as he tried to gauge their reactions.
The Prince waved his hand.
"Bah! Whatever did you expect? Marrying a pillow whore after the death of one of my blood? Preposterous!"
Illyrio opened his mouth to argue when another Magister finally cut in.
"We are not here for niceties! We are here because you have put Pentos in a bad light!"
Magister Ordello barked out in controlled anger. The man was in his mid 40s but well put together, with dark black hair falling to his back and his beard dyed red.
"Put Pentos in a bad light?"
Ordello scoffed.
"Do not think we did not find out about your Blackfyre scheme! We know everything. Especially the one pertaining to Lord Varys."
The Magisters all turned to Varys who still said nothing, though one scoffed.
"Lord? That man is no Lord. He is just a disgraced eunuch."
Magister Manolo cut in, jeering towards Varys who stiffened slightly.
The Prince finally spoke up once more.
"We do not care for that. All we care for, is our reputation! This Varys has been said to be a Blackfyre! Why is he here?"
Varys frowned at that, finally stepping forward to speak.
"My Prince, where did you hear such false claims?"
Prince Arenno scoffed, relaxing into his chair.
"False claims? False?! The Targaryen family sent us a letter not long ago! Inside contains your lies, your schemes! Inside contains the truth of dragons being born! Of a girl walking through fire, an Unburnt! Inside…"
Here, he smiled rather viciously, and Varys became wary.
"Inside tells us of the madness of your schemes, Illyrio. Sending your daughter to the sunset kingdoms only for her to kidnap the daughter of a Lord Paramount and try to burn her with wildfire!!!"
Illyrio winced at that and Varys stifled a sigh.
"At least she was not successful. That would have put Pentos in the way of Westeros. Westeros is not a kingdom we want to face. They have knights of renown scattered across their lands! We could hire the Unsullied, maybe the faceless men, but do you think they wouldn't know who it came from?? At least your daughter has paid the price for her stupidity."
Illyrio frowned at that, confusion in his eyes.
"Aelora? What has my daughter done to be so callously spoken of?"
The Prince snorted, glancing at the letter in his hand.
"Your daughter was caught in the same explosion she set for that Lord's daughter. She was burned severely. All over."
Illyrio's knees have out at that as he fell to the ground with a startled gasp. Varys though, shut his eyes tightly as he finally knew the fate of his niece.
As much as the girl angered him time and time, as much as she had ruined decades of planning, it didn't mean he wanted the daughter of his sister to have suffered so.
"No…."
Illyrio let out a sorrowful moan while the other Magisters stared at him with varying degrees of disgust and sympathy.
"Aelora… Aelora…"
Prince Arenno cleared his throat.
"Yes well, she is not dead yet. Hold your tears… my marble floors cost a lot."
He grunted out and a Magister rolled his eyes at the comment.
Illyrio's head though snapped up at that, even as his eyes turned red.
"She lives?"
"Indeed. But wouldn't it have been better for her to die? A faith worse than death, that is what befalls her future."
Illyrio gritted his teeth in anger at the uncaring looks of the Magisters and the Prince.
"My daughter belongs with me! You must aid me."
Magister Ordello scoffed.
"Help you? You who have caused issues with our trades, not just with Pentos but Braavos as well?"
Varys frowned.
"Braavos?"
Ordello sneered viciously at the unconcerned eunuch before he spoke up.
"You forget, that Braavos has been building a better friendship with the sunset kingdoms? What kind of Master of Whisperers were you?"
"In any case, Braavos has been a second home of sorts to the Prince Viserys Targaryen. In fact, our sources say he and the Sealord of Braavos have been feasting together long before this happened. And you know how they despise slavery. Do you have any idea what may befall us if they decide to war with us once more?? We haven't even gotten over the last one and it was almost a century ago!"
Prince Arenno spat out in anger, waving a servant over who poured him wine which he gulped down.
"You will cease whatever ideas of revenge you have, Mopatis, or so help us, we will come down on you like moth to a flame."
Illyrio sneered, shakily getting to his feet.
"You have no power. It is us Magisters that give you and the 40 families power!"
He snarled out and Magister Ballorno, a young man in his mid 20s who had just inherited all of his father's riches after his death spoke up.
"And yet, we Magisters are all in favor. Make us look bad once again, and we will strip you of everything and anything you have."
Illyrio struggled to contain his anger.
"And my daughter?"
Magister Manolo shrugged.
"It is up to the Westerosi what they want to do with her. They deserve to kill her. They could even hold her against you, though keeping a burned thing in their palace? What nauseating smell."
The other Magisters chuckled and jeered and Illyrio's fists tightened.
"You will all regret this."
He hissed in fury and turned, storming out of the room with Varys right behind him. The eunuch already knew a loosing battle when he saw one.
As the two men left, Ballorno spoke up.
"Why are we not turning Varys over to Westeros?"
"We might despise his guts, but we still respect each other. His connection with Mopatis will hold, for now."
Another Magister grunts.
"And then what? You saw the man. Mopatis is on a blood rampage."
Prince Arenno added with a frown and Magister Ordello spoke once more.
"Varys is a slippery snake. It wouldn't surprise me if he expects an attack from us. No. We will deal with him with time. As for Illyrio, let him make a mistake. Let him destroy himself. It does us good after all. We cannot let him destroy us. Braavos has sent a letter. The Iron Bank itself is poking it's nose around. We cannot endure another war. We will dispose of Illyrio soon enough. For Pentos."
"For Pentos."
So that's it!
More Aegon and Lyarra moments as was promised as we see their relationship start to blossom as well as deepen. There will be some Rhaegar and Elia moments in the next chapter as i noticed some asked to see them.
Anyways, Lyarra is slowly settling once more. The Ladies hiding from the dragons was certainly something i wanted, lol.
More council meetings and Jon trying to strong-arm Lyarra only for him to be beat down with words.
I wonder why there is so much mention of marriages in this chapter... How odd...
As for Aelora, now you know of her suffering. It would probably have been better for her to die, but i never did say people wouldn't suffer in my fic, did i?
*Smiles intensely*
A little Pentos cameo too, because of course we HAVE to know what is going on there.
NEXT CHAPTER, the nobles arrive, Rhaenys' wedding happens, some drama fixed in here and there and Aegon dreams again.