authorsnotes: minor edits - 2022
really enjoyed writing dany's pov again as I rarely do, so do expect to see more.
just fyi this is a firm sansa/aegon pairing, secondary pairings not being revealed yet!
do enjoy!
songrecs: all I do is cry - kim petras
Aegon had happily seen Baelish taken off screaming at the injustice of it all. He'd merely rolled his violet eyes and ignored the man as he was placed in a heavily guarded tent, screaming endlessly about his riches and how they'd all regret this, how he'd have his revenge and what not. That had caused him to scoff; the man had nothing now, no power, no hope, nothing.
Sure, they would need to discover his misdeeds, discover exactly what he had been doing (and surely the list was long), but they would ensure it was met with justice.
Justice. It would be the backbone of Aegon's rule he was sure. He would not be tarred with the same brush as his Grandfather, never.
He knew he had to be careful, his Targaryen temper could often overrule his rationality, and he often felt the need for immediate vengeance rather than to wait and be patient, but he had to be patient, he had to learn to be patient. He was going to be King, once all this business was cleared up, they would go to King's Landing, and he would be crowned. He had to be better, he had to be patient, he was to be King, he couldn't afford mistakes, not now, not ever.
And there was so much to sort out, so much it almost gave him a headache.
But he had been prepared for this, trained and taught from a young age to rule. Jon Connington had been his rock, his mentor, his Father in all but name. He had taught him the way forward, taught him to be fair, but ruthless if need be.
Aegon would be a good King, he knew that, he just had to live up to what he knew he could do. He thought of Jon then and felt a small pang in his heart. He had loved Jon like a Father, but the man had died in battle against the Others, a hero's death. He had wept the night he had seen Jon's body and his brother had comforted him. As one Jon left his life another entered. It was bittersweet in every way.
Jon had taught him to be a good King, and a good King he would be.
And that would start now. Conquering and ruling were two very different things, as Robert Baratheon had failed to realise. They had conquered the Six Kingdoms, had defeated the threat of the Others beyond the Wall, they had won through bloodshed and battle, but now? Now they had so much more to do. They needed to fix the realm.
First, he would be crowned, and then he would name his small council, and deal with all those who'd stood against him. Thankfully most major houses still existed, but certain Lordships and titles would need to be revoked and handed out. He had plenty of prisoners in the black cells to deal with, and then it would be the matter of sorting out the crown's debt. Then there was the Faith to deal with, and that would not be easy.
There was so much to do, and yet Aegon looked forward to doing it. He had fought for this, he had bled for this, he had lost for this. He would be King as he had always wanted, and he would shoulder the responsibilities that came with that. He did not want to be King simply for the glory, this was his birth right, his destiny, and he would take it all.
Take it and do it proud.
"Brother" He heard Jon's voice and turned to smile at him. Aegon was delighted to have a brother, to not be a lone Targaryen as he had once believed. No, there were three of them now, the three heads of the dragon, and they would ensure the family name continued on and thrived, they would re-establish the Targaryen dynasty once and for all.. "Shall we?" And Aegon nodded but hesitated for a second and then paused.
Jon evidently had not progressed to the meeting room alone. Sansa Stark stood to his side, her eyes on the floor. A shame she acted such a way … almost as though her spirit was broken, and he felt his anger boil as he knew that was Littlefinger's doing. No beauty such as her should have her eyes on her feet. He wanted to say something, to comfort her, but what? He didn't know her. Yes, they had shared a look earlier in the courtyard … or rather he had unashamedly gazed at her for far too long … it was those eyes, so beautiful, so all consuming… he hadn't been able to help himself. But that was no excuse, he was a man grown for goodness sake, a King, not some greenboy lusting after a girl. And besides, she didn't know him, he did not want to step out of bounds, and he saw the look Jon had when he glanced at his cousin … the look of overprotectiveness, Aegon felt perhaps it was better he said nothing.
And yet of course he couldn't help himself. Aegon knew he was too impulsive, always going for what he wanted. He was ruthless in that sense too, and far too arrogant for his own good sometimes (at least that was what Daenery's said, often with a roll of her eyes), and yet here his voice was gentle … or as gentle as he could be, as he spoke to Sansa.
"My Lady, I hope you are well, we'll proceed to the main hall and discuss Littlefinger's crimes before seeing justice done" He hoped he sounded gentle, Aegon had been raised to be kind and fair yes, but not gentle, gentleness could be construed as weakness, and he couldn't afford to be weak.
The way she flinched in response told him he hadn't been gentle, and yet Jon didn't admonish him, nor react (and he knew Jon could be fiercely protective too, just one wildling had made an out of line comment towards Daenery's and Jon had first broken his nose and then near set Ghost on him), and so Aegon presumed his words had been kind enough at least.
Evidently, Sansa was a little shaky, could he blame her? He knew shortly they'd need to find out what she had endured under Littlefinger, and yet Aegon wasn't entirely sure he wanted to know; he could imagine it hadn't been pleasant. He could hardly blame her for her weakness, though he hoped it didn't last long. He had briefly seen a flash of steel in her eyes, and that he liked.
"Perhaps Sansa should sit out of this discussion?" Jon said, his protectiveness rearing its head as he turned the cousin, Aegon knew he still considered a sister. And yet she shook her head, her gaze flickering up to her cousin and then to him.
Again, Aegon found himself looking into her gaze before she looked away again … it was something about those eyes that drew him in, he couldn't quite place it.
And yet he cursed himself again, this was not how he was supposed to act. Good Lord he was acting like his Father, lusting after a Northern woman and look how that had all turned out, sure it had resulted in Jon, but otherwise? It had led to a rebellion and the end of the Targaryen dynasty. No, as beautiful as Sansa Stark was, there was nothing there that could blossom between them. Though he found himself wanting to get to know her better, even protect her, there was nothing that could happen.
He would need to marry a girl from the South, likely Margaery Tyrell or Arianne Martell. He would not be ruled by his own wants, but what was best for the realm. That was what a good King would do. He also didn't quite know why he felt this immediate need to protect her, it was odd. Perhaps it was because she was family to Jon? Yes, he nodded to himself that, that must be the answer, not wanting to probe any further than that.
"I'm fine Jon" She said, her voice quiet, and yet clear, "I know you need me to tell you what's been happening, and besides I want to help" She said, and then lifted her head, even placed a small smile on her features. "It's hard but I'm stronger now, I want to see justice done, honour demands it after all" She said, and Aegon again found himself catching her gaze, even found a smile coming to his features, now there was that steel, and he could see it in her eyes. Lady Sansa's spirit was not broken, it had just been quelled, it was still there.
He smiled and she smiled back, though it was a small smile. She was a strong woman, and a Northerner through and through apparently, honour ruling her judgement, Jon was just the same. Northerners were truly a breed of their own, weren't they? And yet he found a comradery in those ideals of honour and justice, he hoped to rule in the same kind.
"Then, let us go" He said simply, and Sansa nodded, breaking away from his gaze then. He found he regretted it but with a nod turned and made his way to the main tent. It was time to see justice done.
Everyone moves into the main tent, as servants bustled around, pouring out wine into held out goblets and plating up food on a long table at the back that would be their feast after the discussion. They marched with a smaller retinue this time, the main army already marching to Kings Landing with trusted Unsullied leading them. All they had here was a small collection of servants, advisors, guards, the Targaryen's themselves, and now Sansa Stark too.
Dany wasn't sure what to think of Jon's cousin in truth. Yes, she was a beauty as many had described her, even more beautiful than her she had to admit. And yet timid it seemed, with a quiet strength underneath. Dany approved of that and knew the girl had more to her than she had shown thus far, clearly holding something back. Dany wished she could get to know her better, and yet she knew in such a short amount of time it would be impossible.
They had Littlefinger to deal with, then to go back to the Eyrie for the reason they had originally came, and then Jon would go North with Sansa, and she and Aegon would go South to King's Landing.
That filled her with such a sense of pride when she thought of that. All these years she had fought, she had hurt, she had sacrificed and suffered, and yet they were here. She felt a little bitter it wouldn't be she climbing those steps, and taking her place on the Iron Throne, and yet she understood and agreed with the decision they had come to. It had hurt at first, acknowledging that Aegon had both the better claim, and would likely be better received by the people, but she had come to accept it. If not her, then at least a Targaryen would sit on the Throne, and she would help him rule and shape Westeros to its best.
Such thoughts filled her with pride and happiness, they were so close, so close to forging the Targaryen dynasty once more, and this time they would ensure it lasted.
They had so much to do, she knew that, and she was sure Aegon knew it too. He was cocky yes, ruthless and impatient, but she knew he would make a good King, she was sure of it. He was kind, looked out for the good of his people, loyal and true. He would do well, and this realm needed a good King, especially now, when there was so much pain and so much to be dealt with.
Jon had it easy in that sense, managing one kingdom instead of 6 … but then his Kingdom would still be larger than Aegon's combined, and he had all sorts of painful decisions to make, and so much to manage. Honestly, it was harder to see who would be getting the worst deal of it all, but they had all wanted this … well not Jon she supposed, though he had marched on the Bolton's, he had never wanted to be King.
That did not mean he would do a bad job; she was sure he would do well. The Northerners loved him, and he would marry a Northern bride to cement his claim there. He would do well, as would Aegon, she would make sure of it.
She was snapped from her thoughts as the tent flaps opened and in marched Jon and Aegon, with Sansa to. She had expected to see Sansa clinging to Jon's side, and though she was clutching his arm she had stopped shaking, was no longer staring at the floor and seemed a little stronger. Dany smiled at that and gave her a nod as she walked inside. Yes, she still looked scared but clearly, she had found some of her metal, that was good.
It didn't take long for everyone convene, chairs set up in a circle, so they could talk easily.
Aegon sat down first, and Jon next to him on his right, with Dany taking her place at his left, as it always would be.
Tyrion was then next to her, with Sansa next to Jon. Finally, Missandei sat next to Tyrion, and Vary's completed the circle next to both Missandei and Sansa. Grey Worm stood vigil by the door, everyone who needed to be here was here, except Dany knew that Jon felt annoyed not having Davos by his side, but Davos was back up North, keeping everything under control until Jon returned … when Jon returned.
The selfish part of Dany wanted Jon to remain with them. To come to King's Landing, to sit on the Small Council, to keep the three of them together. She knew if he had agreed, he would have been Aegon's hand, Tyrion would have happily stepped aside, and Aegon would have accepted nothing less. But he had told them time and time again, he did not belong in the South.
He belonged in the North, with Ghost by his side, and now Rhaegal too. He belonged in Winterfell, with the Stark and Targaryen banners flying high on the towers. It was where he was meant to be, and as much as Dany hated to admit it, she knew he was right. She also knew now he would return there for Sansa. Sansa needed the comfort of home and Jon would take her there.
And he would be fine. She would visit often, the journey on the back of Drogon would only take days rather than weeks, and he had agreed to visit Kings Landing at least once a year to see them, and they had agreed to do the same to Winterfell. They would send ravens and remain in touch, it wouldn't be the same as all being together … but it was enough, it would be enough, it would have to be.
It was surprising how close they had all grown so quickly, but then they were the last remaining Targaryen's, and there was a need to stick together. Add on to that that Jon and Aegon seemed meant to be best friends, and she was the third of the trio, keeping them in line, but loving them all the same and she knew both she and Aegon would miss Jon, and he would miss them.
They just clicked the three of them, it was natural, the way a family should be, it was a good foundation for the Kingdom's to be built on, and Dany hoped … no she knew it would be well.
Things would be well, she told herself. It was all well and good to hope, but action meant more than prayers, and she knew they had done right in their actions so far and would continue to do so.
Once everyone was seated, a few servants bustled in to pour wine and offer food. But everyone stuck to drinking, they'd have a small feast later, once they officially took the Eyrie. It was good as done with Littlefinger in chains in their camp, but they would need to return to have Robert Arryn officially bend the knee. The boys would no doubt protest, (and she was not sure how she would pry Jon from Sansa's side) but she would get them to do it. It was necessary to see them bend, not just hear word of it. She knew that, and Aegon particularly needed to know that too.
For a moment, everything was quiet as people sipped their wine, and then Aegon spoke, his voice hard and almost cold … he had that way about him, the ability to fly off the handle in a fire like fury, and then speak with a coldness to his voice that almost made her shiver. It was intimidating; but that was good.
He would need to be authoritative, to be in charge, to give off the aura that not only did he have the claim, but he had the makings of a King, and so she approved as he took the lead in the meeting and acted like a King. This was in his Kingdom after all.
"We are here to discuss the crimes of one Petyr Baelish" He said, "Vary's has already given evidence to his crimes, but we must hear from Sansa Stark, to get a better picture of what happened in the Eyrie, then we will convict him, and then return to the Eyrie to see Robert Arryn bend the knee" He said with a nod of his head, and then all eyes turned to Sansa, though Jon spoke first.
Oh Jon, so different from Aegon, humble, rougher around the edges and yet he too had the makings for a good King. He was strong, a better swordsman than most, legendary with a blade, and so brave, fearless almost. He was a Northern King though that was clear.
"Sansa has agreed she wants to speak to what she endured under Baelish, however no one is to press her" His tone was harsh, it was clear this was not a point to be argued, "She will speak as much as she wishes, and no more, understood?" He too had the authority of a King.
Neither wore crowns that was true, but they would both soon, they both had what it took to be good King's, and Daenery's felt her heart glow with pride. They would both be good, and she would be there to stand with them.
Everyone nodded in turn, no one wanted to upset Sansa, not when she looked meek sat next to Jon even if her eyes were laced with steel. Daenery's could sense a strength to her, and yet she had clearly endured much. They had a fractured picture of it; the atrocities in King's Landing, followed by her escape, but they knew nothing past that.
Now the gaps would be filled in, and yet they would not force her to detail everything, anyone who tried would surely meet Jon's fury. Yet they had to be practical, they needed to know about what had happened at the Vale, and thankfully Sansa seemed determined to tell them.
"It's alright Jon" She spoke up however, and she smiled timidly at her cousin, though it was clear they still viewed one another as siblings. She took a deep breath then, but nodded her head "I can give you an idea of what happened, but also speak to Baelish's crimes specifically, honour demands he be brought to justice" She nodded then, and Dany felt her shoulder tense, this would not be easy.
And so, Sansa began to weave a tapestry of what had happened to her, with a surprising level of detail.
She spoke of how Baelish had smuggled her out of King's Landing, taken her to the Eyrie for her protection, had her masquerade as his bastard daughter to ensure her safety. How he had killed Lysa Arryn both to protect her and secure control of the Eyrie as Regent. How he had planned for her to marry Harrold Hardying and kill off Robin Arryn, to ensure the Eyrie would rally around her taking the North and the Riverland's, how he would then kill Harrold and marry her himself, securing three of seven kingdoms under his rule in one move.
It was sinister, horrific, and yet it was a genius plan one had to admit, or would have been a genius plan, had so much not gone wrong.
Harrold Hardying had died a week before the wedding, a tourney accident of all things. They they had heard about Jon retaking the North, and the landing of the Targaryen's, of how Baelish had kept more and more from her, but had clearly still meant to marry her, to keep her in the Vale. Daenery's heard Sansa's voice grow thicker with tears as each sentence passed, and saw the girl begin to shake.
However, she brushed off Jon when he tried to insist she needed to stop, and continued on; clearly, she wanted and needed to get this out and if anything her tone hardened.
She spoke of how scared she had been that Baelish would marry her, how he had forced kisses on her and had hinted there was more to come. That was the hardest to hear, and the information that spurred the most reactions. Tyrion looked furious, Jon had let out a growl and broke the handle of his chair, and Aegon hadn't moved for about a minute, but his eyes spoke of his cold fury. No one interrupted however, as Sansa continued, steel in her voice now.
She spoke of how they had heard the Targaryen's were coming and Baelish had made it clear he had no plans to reveal her; that was when she had realised what she had to do, hence her mad dash at Jon in the courtyard, and now they were here. She stopped then, the Northern girl, and bowed her head, clearly finished, and silence fell across the room for a moment, minutes ticked by in the tense silence, before both Jon and Aegon tried to speak at once.
"I…" Aegon began.
"I…" Jon began. However, the former nodded his head in acquisition and Jon continued. "I shall take his head" His gaze was fierce, and he had reached out and took his cousins hand. "Honour demands it, I shall swing the sword" He said, and there was clearly no room for argument. He did however look for the approval of his brother; this was technically Aegon's jurisdiction, but he nodded; no one would deny Jon this right. And Aegon and Jon would never try to order one another, never. It didn't matter if they were below the Neck or above it, they would always respect one another in such a way.
"Agreed brother" Aegon spoke, his tone too was as cold as winter, evidently, he was furious. That was a key difference between the brothers; Jon when angry was like the sun, furious, fiery, but Aegon? His hot Targaryen temper often got the better of him yes, but more often his anger was displayed in a cold fury, that was often more terrifying. It also had Dany raising an eyebrow. She understood the general injustice of this had Aegon upset, and he was mad on Jon's behalf too, but his reaction was a little much for such a situation. She would need to keep an eye on that she realised, a close eye indeed.
"Bring Baelish to just outside the tent" Aegon spoke to Greyworm and he nodded, gave Jon a nod too before heading outside.
"You should burn him alive" Dany spoke up then, she had remained quiet, though she certainly wished to speak to Sansa later, she sensed the girl could use some female companionship, and a girl who meant so much to Jon was someone she needed to befriend. She had already made fast friends with Bran and Rickon, she would do the same with Sansa.
"Make him feel the pain of his flesh melting from his bones, make him feel the pain Sansa felt when he tried to trap her" She said, her voice harsh, a glint of fury in her eye, but she was serious in every word.
Sansa looked a little unsettled at that, though she offered a smile. Jon however shook his head, and Sansa followed. "No" Jon spoke, but Sansa spoke next.
"The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword" Sansa, more passionate than before … she looked less downtrodden at least. Dany suspected speaking of what had happened to her had helped, hopefully now she could rebuild her self-confidence, and make peace with her past. "That is the code us of the North follow" She said with a nod of her head, and she caught Jon smiling at her.
Dany nodded in defeat, Northerner's were indeed strange, and yet she wouldn't argue their method of punishment, not when Sansa more than anyone deserved to decide Littlefingers fate.
Greyworm appeared again then, but there was no need for him to speak, they could hear a dragging sound and then the cursing of Littlefinger outside. And so, they all stood, Jon took Sansa's hand, and Dany followed Aegon.
It was time to see justice done, and then they could move on, all of them.
It had been hard, extremely hard to speak of, there was no denying that. And yet somehow, she felt lighter … like a weight had left her shoulders.
For so long everything had been secretive, she had been suffering alone, but now? Now she was safe… she was free of Petyr's grip and the oppressiveness of the Eyrie, and she would see justice done. Sansa felt lighter than she had in months … years.
Yes, there was still a lot of mending to do, a lot of nightmares would still come she was sure, but it was better than before, much better, and that was more than she could ask for.
As they walked outside her hand clasped in Jon's, Sansa did feel safe. Yes, it was all a bit sudden, and it would take a while to adjust, but here she knew she had nothing to fear. She had Jon; Jon would protect her. And then there were the Targaryen's (though she supposed Jon counted as one now too, that was one of the strangest things of all, seeing them all together; she would always regard him as a Stark, like her), they intimidated her yes, and yet they seemed kind, and the way Aegon had spoken to her … she thought he would make a good King, she hoped he would.
"Are you alright?" Jon interrupted her thoughts and Sansa managed a nod. She certainly felt shaken up and yet it was good, it was the feeling of being … free, free of the weight of what had happened to her. There was still much healing to do, but this was the first step, and though she felt drained it was good, it truly was. She felt stronger.
She was stronger, that she had to remember. The Iron Underneath.
"I am Jon" She said with a small smile, "As long as I'm here, I am" She said, and he smiled back.
"Well then" He said, as the tent flaps were pulled back, and she nodded, it was time.
They walked outside, and though technically this was part of Aegon's territory he had clearly relented control of this situation to Jon. She liked that, that he didn't seem power hungry, this new Targaryen King, though she chastised herself for that, most Kings were power hungry, she doubted he was any different.
He seemed kind though, if perhaps quite ruthless and arrogant. He was certainly handsome. She couldn't help but think he'd make a good King, and she looked over at him again. This time he didn't notice and so she just stared at him for a moment, before dropping her gaze. There were more important things at hand now.
Particularly Petyr, who they were approaching and then came to a stop in front of. He was thrashing and trying to curse, but someone had gagged him. His eyes were wildly looking around before settling on her. She felt the clench in her stomach of fear, but found it abated quite quickly.
He could do nothing to her here, nothing at all. He had no power here. She was safe from him now, and she found something akin to a smirk come across her features. She need not fear him anymore, not ever again.
"Jon" She said gently, and he nodded at her, now it was time, to see justice carried out.
The block was set in place as Jon stepped forward and unsheathed Longclaw from his belt. Petyr went wild at that, thrashing all the more, screaming in fear and horror, and with each scream Sansa felt all fear abate, they had the power here, she had the power here, not him.
"Petyr Baelish" Jon spoke, his tone formal now, the tone of a true King, Sansa felt pride bloom in her chest, "You have been convicted of treason, of murder, bribery, corruption, robbery, and a whole host of other crimes. A trial has not been deemed necessary due to the overwhelming evidence" He said, in truth there should have been a trial, but not for this man, not after all he'd done. "My brother Aegon of House Targaryen, fifth of his name, King of the Andals, protector of the Six Kingdoms and defender of the South, and I, Jon of Houses Stark and Targaryen, first of my name, King of the First Men, protector and defender of the North, do find you guilty and so justice shall be dealt" He said, "Any last words?" He asked, with a nod for Greywind to remove the man's gag.
"Please! No, no!" He screamed the second he could speak, and Sansa flinched, but forced herself to remain in place. He could not hurt her now, that was all she had to remind herself, though it was hard as her gaze met his and she felt herself tremble.
"Sansa! Please, please!" He seemed so scared himself now but that gave her strength in a strange way, "Please don't do this! This is wrong, I am entitled to a trial! Sansa please, please. I saved you! I rescued you! I took you from the Lannister's!" He screamed, and though she had planned to remain silent, she couldn't help but speak.
"Thank you for your many lessons Lord Baelish" She said, "I will never forget them"
She wouldn't, regardless of what he'd done, how he'd treated her, he had known how to play the game, and his lessons would stay with her forever.
She simply turned then, to look at Jon and nod her head, to which he did too, before bringing the sword down and silencing Littlefinger, Lord Baelish, Spymaster, once and for all.
Silence descended across them all, and Sansa found herself letting out a deep breath she had not known she was holding. It was done, he was gone, she was safe. Her entire body seemed to relax, months of tension expelled, and she found herself squeezing her hands into fists, in satisfaction.
It was done, she was safe, that was all she could think.
"We return to the Eyrie in one hour" Aegon spoke, and she felt Jon nod, but didn't respond herself, her head was spinning with relief now, and her smile hadn't faded, if anything it widened.
"Come on Sansa" Jon spoke, his voice gentle as he walked them to one of the tents, and she jolted, turned to him, "You're safe, you're safe, you need to rest" She could only nod in response.
He was gone, she was safe … he was gone, she was safe.
The smile stayed with her.
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