CHAPTER 4
Winterfell was cold all the time of the year.
Ashara had laughed when Ned had first described the North, Winterfell, and snow. She was Dornish. While they had to deal with a lot of problems that came with Winter snow was never one of them.
Bloody hell, Ashara had not seen Snow until she got of a boat with Alysanne in White Harbour. It had been white powdery and covered the whole expanse of the North including the Castle Grounds. The cold had been a new experience for Ashara, and after all the years and a small Winter she had been in the North it still took some getting used too.
Not for her children though. Alysanne had been born in Dorne but she had been the happiest with the cold climate of the North and Robb had taken to it very easily. Arya though she was born to be in the North.
"It's the Stark in them, the cold and winter can't touch them,"
The words of Barbrey Ryswell rang in her ears during Robb's second name day. It had not been a pleasant sentence and the mocking of the statement was clear to all.
She had never seen Ned furious. She had heard from some of the men from the Rebellion that Ned had been stoic through all the fights but a single statement against her had brought out the wildness of the Quiet Wolf only she was privy too (mostly in bed).
He had snarled a sound that put the whole room including Barbrey at unease. That cunt Glover had shut up at that sound too.
Almost eleven years in this cold yet beautiful place and she was still learning new things about the North. She had not lied to anyone in almost three years. How many lies had Ashara told in the short period she had served as Elia's handmaiden. Too many. They came out the minute she talked to anyone she did not trust (which was everyone).
It was not to say the North did not have ambitious men. One lived in that cold castle of his while the other was her goodbrother's wife's father. A third controlled the only real harbour in the North. All the other lords had ambitions of their own.
Wyman really hoped to get his granddaughter married to Robb while Ryswell wanted to marry his own granddaughter to Robb (which she was sure will not happen). What that fucker Bolton wanted she was not sure. Did he want to rule the North? Did he want his son married to her daughter? What he wanted not even the most adept at playing the Game could say.
Even their ambitions were easy to see. They spoke what they meant and what they meant they spoke. This was more easily seen in either the Umbers, Mormonts or the Karstarks.
All three houses were incredibly loyal to the North and the Starks and speaking to either of them did not have Ashara checking each of her words. It was as Ned had told her.
"The North is a simple place, Ash. Winter holds us in it's cold embrace most of the time and surviving with most of your people alive becomes more important. The men are more honest, more truthful, more loyal, and honourable," said Ned.
"You calling me disloyal, Ned," said Ashara with a twinkle in her eyes.
His eyebrows rose into his hairline and stammered out something unintelligible that had Ashara laughing, clutching her stomach.
Ned had huffed in indignation at that as she continued to laugh as Ned pouted slightly. Then he joined her tickling her sides making her laugh even louder.
It was a side none of the Lords got to see. They only saw the stoic, fair and honourable Lord Eddard Stark not the sweet kind and playful Ned.
A side only for her and her children. Ashara had been no maid when she had joined Ned's bed and neither was Ned (though given his brother had to speak for him one might question that) but the first time with him had been magical and it only got better as time went on.
Bloody buggering hell, just thinking about some of the things he could do with his tongue got her wet. Even twelve years since she knew him and she wanted him as much as the first day they met. Ashara had not expected to be married to a Stark of all people and rule the North. Fuck, she had thought she would have spent her time being Elia's handmaiden far from whatever her brother was plotting (like trying to get her married To Rhaegar) but the Quiet Wolf had won her over.
The horns blowed from the top of the castle signalling her husband's arrival and the Castle immediately burst into a flurry of activity.
They had been expecting him today and she was happy he was here. She moved to the courtyard and was proud to see Robb and Alysanne arranging to household to greet it's lord. Ashara moved to the front. Jon was asleep and she breathed a sigh of relief at that. He was a sound sleeper and all this activity was not waking him up. If he did all hell would break loose.
Arya was the last to arrive her dress covered in mud and hay. She must have been in the stables, Ashara smiled to herself at that. She was very good with the horses and Ned had got her on a horse already. Her heart hammered in her chest the whole time she was on a horse but she was even better then Arthur was at that age.
The first to enter the courtyard was Big Bard along with the five guards under him and Ned followed with Jory right at his shoulder.
He looked good. While not the tallest, Ned was still very tall and broad shouldered. He was in shape too sparring every morning along with the men and Robb. His long face and grey eyes lit up as he watched all of them and his beard was the most wonderful thing she had ever seen.
Ned got down off his horse and almost immediately Arya was off jumping and hugging her father making him laugh, a wonderful sound that seemed to bring life into the keep. It was incredible to see, how loyal the people of Winterfell were to Starks.
She had been proud to be called Dayne most of her life but being called Lady Stark (something she had to earn given the reputation of Dorne in the North) made her prouder and was a greater honour.
Arya seemed to open the gates as Alysanne and even Robb rushed to hug their father. He hugged all three of them at once and when Ashara was close enough, he pulled her into the hug making her laugh with them.
It was a beautiful sight.
-X-
"By the Gods Ned," screamed Ashara as she felt Ned's teeth on her thighs.
His tongue should be a weapon.
It could strike her in points she did not know she had.
He was licking all around her kissing her on her thighs and at that point he had bitten her. Not very hard but just enough to give her a jolt down her spine.
He continued his assault as he licked over the point where he bit her before he moved ever so slowly over her thighs as he crawled towards his prize.
It was pure torture when he was in one of these moods. Sometimes their couplings were hard, fast, hot, and full of passion like it had been when they were finally alone for the night free from the Staff and the children.
Other times, he took his time, he teased her. He poked and prodded and spoke words to her that stilled her heart. He brought her pleasure and took pleasure in that act. The lovemaking was slow, deliberate, and full of adoration and love.
After the initial few trysts that had passed in a flurry of groans, moans, and releases, they had taken a small break before Ned had started kissing her neck.
He had started kissing down her body slowly paying a lot of attention to her breasts before he spent his time on her flat stomach. She was ticklish there so he has spent his time licking every spot making her laugh and then groan when he left the intended place and went down her legs. He rose from her feet kissing every inch of her skin before he made it too her cunt and was now dragging it out kissing everywhere except her cunt and she was at edge and desperate.
Her legs came around his head and she pushed him towards her centre and held him there with her fingers in his hair. Ned laughed and indulged her licking her insides.
Her mind exploded and within a few seconds he had her cumming. But he did not stop then and went on. His tongue licked into her deeply and thoroughly before they were replaced by his fingers as his mouth moved to her nub. He started licking at it as one of his fingers went in and out of her cunt.
He sucked on her clit and she exploded and screamed unintelligible nonsense as she had another mind-blowing release.
She let go of him and he moved to lie down beside her. It took her a few minutes to recover and when she did, she could see Ned above her looking at her with that same awe-struck expression on his face as that day in Harrenhal.
"What is it?" asked Ashara smiling.
"I am still not sure what it was that you saw on that day in Harrenhal," said Ned shaking his head in his lack of understanding.
"What are you talking about?" asked Ashara rising on her elbows to look her husband in his eyes.
"You were the handmaiden of the Queen to be and your brother was one of the richest lords in the land. You could have had any man on that and you chose a second son from the North and for that I am thankful for it," said Ned kissing her.
Ashara shook her head as he kissed her. He got like this whenever the time of Lyanna's name day was approaching and she hated that he put himself lower like this.
They broke the kiss and she looked him in the eye. She slapped him slightly making him smirk due to it when he looked back at her.
"You fool, listen to me carefully. You are the most caring, loving, and passionate man I have ever met. I will not have you talking bad about yourself just because of something that no one could have predicted," said Ashara.
"I could have done something Ash. He suffers in the capital and I am stuck here unable to do anything about it," said Ned.
The promise Lyanna had extracted from her husband would keep him awake through many nights in a year but it came back to haunt him with vengeance whenever her name day would come near. He was miserable the week leading to the day and the week following it.
"You have done so much Ned Stark. You have managed to keep a more important promise. The one you made to the North as it's lord and Warden. You managed to bring them back from the brink of collapse and now towards the light of progress. None of us expected Rhaegar to react the way he did and if you did something you would have just put the whole of the North in danger," said Ashara kissing the man she loved.
He nodded simply.
Rhaegar Targaryen was a very capable king but a good father he was not. It was quite visible with how he dealt with Daemon but it was also clear given the fact that Rhaegar let his son hang out with the squid and Gerold of all people.
She also remembered a different Rhaegar who had spent his time carrying and playing with the young Rhaenys. That little girl had brough a smile to the ever-brooding face of Rhaegar Targaryen.
"Besides by all things considered Daemon seems to be doing very well," said Ashara.
"Huh," asked Ned.
"Arthur was just telling me. Apparently, he is not hiding in his room anymore and made friends with some of the young kids from the Reach and Crownlands," said Ashara.
"That is good to hear Ash," said Ned smiling slightly.
Ashara smiled too before rolling onto her husband. She placed her legs around his waist and lifted herself up and descended onto his manhood slowly. They gasped when she reached his thighs and the rest of the night was a blur of activity that had Ashara feeling sore and satisfied in the morning.
LINE BREAK
Sunspear was always a welcome sight to Arianne.
Despite all the trouble she had with her father and his plans, Sunspear was her home. Everything she knew had started in these very walls.
She walked off the plank of the ship into the harbour to see her younger brother and her uncle there to receive her.
Trystane had been a sweet child since he was born and Arianne had loved and took care of him when the duties allowed her too. Her Uncle Manfrey had been a strict and stern man but she liked the man a lot. He had allowed her father the freedom to plan while he helped her run Sunspear and did a good job even when she was absent.
"Welcome back to Sunspear, Princess," said Manfrey Martell bowing to her.
"It's good to be here Uncle," said Arianne hugging her uncle. The man hugged her back after some hesitation. It was a well-known fact that Manfrey Martell was a stickler for protocol something that was rare in Dorne.
"Sister," said Trystane smiling.
"Brother," said Arianne returning the smile and hugging the boy making him smile broader.
She smelled the salty air and the sands of Sunspear while in the hug.
It was good to be here.
-X-
She was surprised her father called her to his solar so fast. She had barely made it to the castle before her father was calling her to his solar. She had went ahead putting off taking a bath and changing clothes.
She walked into her father's solar to see him seated in his chair staring out of his window at the sea.
"Take a seat," said her father and Arianne complied.
The both sat there in silence for a few minutes before her father spoke.
"Your uncle and cousins are proving themselves to be fools,"
"What did they do?" asked Arianne.
"No, it's what they want to do," said Doran making Arianne stare at her father in confusion.
"Why are they planning on killing Daemon Targaryen," asked Arianne jokingly. Given how much shit the kingdom was in the death of the prince would destroy whatever semblance of peace was left. She was pretty sure they were not dumb enough to do that.
"I wish, War we can win. Promise Aegon to Tywin Lannister and give Tarly the position of warden and the Rebellion would be crushed. No, it's their schemes that worry me," said Doran.
In a way that was true. You would have both the richest and the strongest lands in the kingdom tied to us and along with Dorne and the crowlands they would be enough to crush a weak North, Vale and Stormlands.
But wars were not fought on paper as her uncle was fond of saying. A great many things could go wrong during that time and it was one of the reasons he had no interest to get the boy killed before he served them a purpose.
Not to mention, Rhaenys was smart. She could handle stuff.
"What do you mean?" asked Arianne. Rhaenys was smart, she could handle stuff.
"Your cousin thinks herself so smart, trying to Weddle information about the bastard wolf, the only thing keeping that boy from killing us all is his love for those two," said Doran.
"Father, you worry too much, the boy is barely close his two and ten," said Arianne scoffing at the idea of the startled wolf cub doing much. The boy could barely look a woman in the eye. He was no closer to killing then she was to celibacy.
"Yet, has killed the High Septon in the Sept of Baelor," said Doran.
"Huh," asked Arianne. Shock was written all over her face as he tried to digest what her father had told her. The boy was not capable of such shit. He didn't even walk his castle walls in fear of her uncle and the Sand Snakes.
"Yes, he killed the High Septon and now the crown has the advantage over the fate for the first time in a long time," said Doran.
"Why, why kill the High Septon?" asked Arianne. She was not even sure if the boy ever went to the Sept. As far as she understood the boy kept to the old gods.
"The boy understands his duty to his family and fulfils it. He might not like Elia and hate Rhaegar but he knows who his enemies are. Anyone who stand against House Targaryen. He is our greatest ally and their stupid schemes would put us danger of pushing the boy away," said Doran.
Arianne's mind was swimming with so many thoughts her head hurt. There was something nagging at her head about what her father was telling her. Something she knew was important. She walked through her interactions with the boy and how he would look at her family. Hatred.
"But, he…," and her father interrupted us.
"wants to kill us. That is true. We have poisoned his siblings against him and he hates us for it, but if there is a weak peace and we do not make ourselves as on the other side of the House of Dragon he will not come after us," said Doran.
Arianne nodded her head as her mind filled with different thoughts. Most of them about her house's future with the looming threat of the Dragonwolf on them. He did not have a lot of power, but power was very easy to find with playing the Game of Thrones and he had a lot of potential to find it.
The ships were enough to grant him favour with every house that had a harbour. He had the North behind him and most of King's Landing and the Crownlands.
Even more powerful was his mind and skill. They would win him more favour. Comparing him to Aegon she found her cousin lackluster except for in the weapons department. Unless he tided himself and got his shit together, he would be outshone by his bastard brother.
A different part of her though talked of him as a conquest, a tasty morsel to bite into. She kept the lid on that part. There was time for that and that time was not now.
That lead her to a question.
"Why the new schemes and why tell me?" asked Arianne.
"Rhaegar decided to send the boy off to Yi-Ti to head the delegation," said Doran.
At first Arianne blood ran hot as she wanted scream. For Aegon to passed over for Daemon meant a grave insult but she did not let herself. She held back and calmed the fuck down and thought things through.
It was a sound idea. Being the boy who made the ships the emperors would appreciate talking to him despite being a child. There was also the fact that he was part of the Royal Family and it would be seen as a slight if they were absent.
"It's a sound plan," said Arianne.
Her father smiled at that making Arianne happy. Her chest filled with warmth and her smile got larger. She missed those small proud smiles of his.
"Your brother pointed out the same but your uncle is stubborn and your cousins even more so. They are going to do something stupid," said Doran.
Immediately coldness spread over Arianne as she took in the news about her brother.
Her father continued as she went through a range of emotions.
"I am sending you there, I want you to keep an eye on them and make sure they don't do something stupid," said Dorna.
Arianne nodded despite how her stomach turned at that prospect. Another time she was going to be stuck in the Capital while Quentyn sat here in Sunspear taking care of things. She hated it but they had to fucking survive if she wanted to someday take over and rule Dorne as it's heir. If they did stupid things like tailing the boy or turning him against them, there would be no Sunspear left for her to rule.
"I have always trusted and loved you, Arianne. I might not have been the best at showing it, but I want you to know that. I need you to do this for me, our position is precarious as it is. We do not need my brother fucking it up more," said Doran.
"You think I can stop him," said Arianne with a laugh.
"No, but you can stop the boy and you can stop Rhaenys. I will deal with Oberyn," said Doran.
Arianne jaw dropped as she realized what her father was talking about. He couldn't know about that, could he.
"I am no fool, Arianne but that boy is dangerous and the fact you keep him off his wits and toes is good. It will make him clumsy and once he leaves for Dragonstone it would be a different game," said Doran.
"Dragonstone," asked Arianne unsure forgetting about the clumsy part.
"Come daughter, we have some more to discuss, including where I am sending your brother Quentyn," said Doran signalling her to pull his chair contrapction.
"Where?" asked Arianne climbing to her feet and moving behind her father's chair and pushing it out of the room.
"The Free Cities, we need more allies," said Doran
The rest of the afternoon passed as such but when night came and Arianne was ready to go to sleep the Dragonwolf was back in her dreams older, taller, darker, and more dangerous.
Her father's instructions ran clear in her head.
"Don't sleep with him,"
In her eyes it only made him more desirable.
LINE BREAK
THE DANCE OF DRAGONS BY GRAND MAESTER MUNKUN.
Rhaenys was not sure what it was about this part of her history that fascinated her.
In all reality Rhaenys preferred her Dornish heritage over her Targaryen one.
"She smells Dornish to me,"
Rhaenys shook her head of her thoughts.
But this part of her history was always fascinating. Maybe it was because of the fact it showed her mother's homeland was better than the rest of the kingdom. Maybe it proved her right about how people would fight over the Iron Throne whenever Nymeria or her aunt would say her half-brother was not interested in the Throne. Maybe it was because it proved her point of peace leading to war. The Longer the Peace the more dangerous the war.
Though in reality it was the story that really intrigued her. There was no side that had a moral high ground. Aegon was no great man and Rhaenyra was no worthy queen. Both sides made all sorts of mistakes and horrible things.
It painted the world as what it was – a terrible bleak place where the strong prayed on the weak. Rhaenys loved it for that.
Grand Maester Munkun instead of making it a history lesson made it a story and she thanked the man for it. It would be boring to read otherwise.
"Princess," said Allyria but Rhaenys shook her head at her.
"Rhaenys Allyria, atleast when we are alone," said Rhaenys.
"We are not alone now your grace," said Allyria.
"Who is here?" asked Rhaenys.
"Prince Daemon," said Allyria.
Rhaenys got up and moved out of her rack. She could not see him anywhere until he walked out from beside a rack about Dragons with Jamie Lannister following him.
The Young Lion said something making the boy burst out laughing. He did not even acknowledge her before he walked out of the room with the book.
She stared after the boy, not sure why she was feeling uneasy. Her eyes turned back to the story she was reading and traced it back to Daemon Targaryen.
The Rogue Prince was a dangerous man and her father was giving a dangerous man a castle and a chance to make an alliance with a strong power in Essos. She had to stop this whatever it took. Fuck what Qunetyn said, they could not let this go through.
LINE BREAK
Nothing was better than having the mouth of the woman you loved wrapped around your cock.
It also helped that Lynesse Hightower was good with her mouth and even better with her hands.
Jamie groaned as he felt her tongue pass over the slit of his cock. His eyes, which were watching her slivery gold hair bob over his manhood closed in pleasure while head fell back onto the pillows on the bed.
They were in the Hightower manse in King's Landing. It was one of the safest places for the two of them to meet.
His train of thought was lost as he moaned when Lynesse replaces her mouth with hands. Her mouth went over to his balls and licked all over them.
He groaned again when he felt her suck one of his balls into her mouth while her hands still worked his cock in a steady rhythm. She switched to the other one while her hands sped up.
Jamie could feel his release fast approaching and he was pretty sure Lynesse did too. She licked him up from his balls to the tip before lavishing his whole cock with her tongue and spit. By the time she was done it was glistening with her saliva.
Jamie made a guttreal sound of pleasure when he felt her breasts wrap around his cock and move. He looked towards the ceiling his eyes unfocused as he felt the pleasure build.
He managed to move his unfocused eyes to Lynesse's who was giving him a look of amusement and pure unadulterated lust. She winked at him before speeding up slightly.
He growled at her before pushing her off of him. He climbed to his feet of the bed while Lynesse still stayed on her knees. Jamie lifted her up with ease and pushed her against the table in the room kissing her aggressively.
Their tongues wrestled for dominance while their hands groped whatever they could find. His arse, her tits, his chest, her thighs. The fight of dominance ended for once in Lynesse's favour when she pinched on one of his nipples and pinned his tongue below hers.
In response Jamie lifted her up onto the table before pulling away from her and attacking her neck. Lynesse's moaned at his ministrations.
"By the gods Jamie, do you know...OH, how long has it BEEN," asked Lynesse her voice loud and raspy. Her voice had spiked when his manhood had rubbed against the lips of her cunt.
"Three moons and eight days," Jamie mumbled against her skin his hot breath tickling her. She gave out a giggle when she felt the breath.
"You kept count?" she asked surprised.
He looked up to her eyes with longing, adoration, desire, and resignation. He wanted to do it. Ask it of him and Rhaegar would happily dissolve his vows, Daemon would send him off with a smile while his brothers of the White Sword would thank him for his services.
But he could not. That seat, that solar, the position, they were not something he wanted. They were not something he could manage either. They should go to Tyrion and they will. Jamie would be happy for it and if Lynesse was by his side he would never be sad.
"I always keep count until I can see you and this beautiful cunt of your again. My days are longer and harder without their presence," said Jamie smirking while his hand ran over her cunt. She shuddered before looking him in the eye.
"Fuck me," she said her eyes full of love and lust and Jamie obliged.
He drove into her cunt slowly as he felt her wetness and tightness engulf him. It was the most glorious feeling he had ever felt and by the time he was buried down to his hilt the both were breathing harshly.
Jamie took his time moving slowly trying to prolong this moment but Lynesse was having none of that. Her legs wrapped around him and she pushed him in deeper. Her eyes were full of desire.
"Fuck me Jamie, fuck me so hard the only thing I can think about when I open my legs is you. Spill your seed, I want to feel it," said Lynesse her eyes staring into his with such desire Jamie felt it might have been enough to bring about his release.
His thrusts sped up and his thighs made dull thuds as their core's made contact. He got faster with each thrust and Lynesse's got louder as time went on. She met him for thrust to thrust but as he increased his pace, she lost control of herself.
Jamie's hands that were on her tits went to her hair as he pulled her towards him and kissed her fiercely. His tongue was shoved into her mouth plundering it to his heart's content while he fucked her like there was no tomorrow.
Their release was fast approaching and the fucking had become loud and frantic. Her nails dug into his shoulder as he drove into her harder.
She had let go first clamping down on him like her life depended on it. She bit his collar to prevent herself from screaming. He held on for a little while before howling out his release.
They both collapsed back to their bed almost completely out of it in deliriousness but that was not the end of the night. There was much more to come.
-X-
"You sure about this?" asked Daemon as he sat at his table looking at his brother seated in front of him.
Tyrion for his part shrugged.
"I am pretty sure I wasn't drunk enough that I heard wrong but well, I like to drink," said Tyrion pouring himself a glass of Peach Brandy, a favourite of his from Essos.
Daemon had come to Tyrion to talk to him about some work on the harbour to make it easy for the docking of the Kostōbasegevie. Talk had moved from there to Essos and trade, then the realm as a whole and the unstable peace, King's Landing and Tyrion's work within it, the Red Keep, the woman in the Red Keep (which made Jon blush, given the stories Tyrion said) and then to the Small Council (which was getting larger by the day).
"But why me, Uncle Viserys would work just as well," said Daemon.
"Well, the babe is set to arrive at the end of the year when the ships are stated to be complete. We didn't want to separate the prince from his young child," said Tyrion.
"And it was fine for me to miss my cousin," said Daemon suspiciously.
"Father," said Tyrion pointing to his right hand holding a heavy book.
"Cousin," said Tyrion pointing to his left hand holding an empty jug which had contained a fine wine from Braavos.
He showcased his hands trying to balance the objects even if his hand kept tilting against the empty jug.
"You decide," said Tyrion shrugging.
"If the king considered family ties such important things the expedition would have been delayed," said Daemon fiercely.
Suddenly his shoulders sagged and he looked like more an old man then a young boy of ten and two.
"Then again when has his grace really understood family ties," said Daemon bitterly.
The small amount of wine and brandy seemed to have loosened his tongue. While he spoke his mind when it came to dealing with Tyrion he was never open with his feelings.
'I must teach him the trick of drinking like Uncle Gerion thought me and Tyrion or maybe build up his resistance to the drink,' thought Jamie.
The room was filled with silence as the boy descended into one of his melancholic moods. They were getting lesser now than before the boy being more open and fiercer but they were there.
Tyrion eyes softened when he heard that probably drawing similarities between his predicament and Daemon's.
"They seemed to think you capable too," said Tyrion drawing Daemon out of his melancholy. He looked up at Jamie's younger brother his eyes red.
"Who?" asked Daemon.
"My father, Tarly, Velaryon and the Grand Maester," said Tyrion taking another drink out of his glass.
Daemon leaned back into his chair contemplative.
"Tarly is showing his support," said Jamie.
"Aye, I didn't expect such a move from the rigid man," said Daemon rising from his chair towards the jugs of drinks Tyrion kept in his rooms of the Tower of Hand. He had lived in the Lannister Mance up until now but moved into the Tower of Hand upon his father's insistence (threats more like).
Father could not stop his drinking but he was trying his best to stop the whoring. Trying and failing guessing by the women asleep in the bed when they had arrived. It seemed his brother had started early today.
Daemon checked through a few jugs with disgust before finding one he liked and bringing it to the table and pouring each of them including Jamie a glass. He took it from Daemon telling himself a glass would not hurt.
"A fine northern ale, all the way from Last Hearth," said Tyrion gulping some of his drink while Daemon did the same.
It seemed like Daemon enjoyed his drink as he took another gulp.
"And to go over such fine Dornish reds and sours for this," said Tyrion shaking his head.
"I could take it to my chamber and drink it myself if you want me too," said Daemon with amusement as he took another gulp from his glass. Jamie did the same.
"I never said that," said Tyrion almost a little too quickly before pulling the jug to himself and pouring down a glass for himself and Daemon.
The two of them laughed for true as Tyrion gulped down his drink.
"Sit Jamie, your brother is about to indulge us in another one of his wonderful tales," said Daemon smiling and Jamie found himself laughing for the rest of the eve until they left for Daemon's rooms.
-X-
"What do you think they are playing at?" asked Daemon after their jousting practice.
"Who?" asked Jamie as he surveyed his target and the hits, he delivered it. He was getting better. He was no natural like with the sword but his horsemanship more than made up for his lack of talent when it came to lance work.
"You know who," said Daemon and Jamie nodded.
Tarly, Velaryon, his father and Maester Aemon.
The both stumbled back to Daemon's rooms drunk beyond belief. He was lucky none of his brothers had found him or he did something stupid like go looking for Lynesse.
"Velaryon worships the very floor you walk on. He had been doing so for close to a year now, ever since you gave him the designs to your ships," said Jamie.
"It's fairly normal that he continues to support or praise you,"
"Or, I am to be his Liege Lord and he hopes for favours with this support. To rise to the greatness of one of his ancestors Corlys Velaryon," said Daemon smirking.
"Mayhaps he wants you to be the Rogue Prince come again and wed his daughter Eleana," Jamie returned fire.
"Or maybe it's to get his younger bastard brother a better position," said Daemon.
"Or help his son Corwyn get better prospects then the Lords of the Narrow Sea, you are friends with the Redwyne's are you not," said Jamie enjoying the shudder and blush that went through his charge.
Daemon glared at Jamie.
"We promised never to speak of that," said Daemon and despite himself Jamie laughed.
Daemon was growing up and the young Desmera Redwyne had managed to charm and make the poor boy follow her around the Red Keep before they met up with Margaery Tyrell and her followers Elinor Tyrell among them.
The girl's presence alone had been enough to break him out of the Redwyne's hold and he had left after that.
The two young lovers had fought after that which ended with both kissing each other like they were possessed. Jamie was in no place to say what was wrong and what was right. He had been chasing around Elisa Farmen and sharing kisses in Casterly Rock's godswood with her when they had been of the same age.
He had not been a maid since he was ten and three.
"Whatever the cause maybe, I think I should be careful, maybe pull the Bastard of Driftmark to my side," said Daemon.
"That could help, they boy holds the respect of the Lords of the Narrow Sea with his exploits helping save Lord Celtigar's fleet from Salador Sann's clutches," said Jamie.
Daemon who had tied his horse Swift Feet to a tree beside the brook they had ridden to after their jousting was seated on a rock beside the brook. Pazavor had run off into the forest to do who knows what. The dog had grown fast and now reached Daemon's waist. Jamie was sure it would grow more and so would Daemon.
"Some people call him the Sea Snake come again," said Daemon.
"I should find out more about the Bastard of Driftmark," said Daemon before turning to him.
"Tarly was a surprise, I didn't think he would catch on to what I was doing so quickly," said Daemon.
"Tarly is a lot of things and one of them is not a politician. I would think the man did as he did because he thought it the right thing to do in his service for you," said Jamie.
"Be that as it may, we need eyes and ears in the Reach," said Daemon.
They stayed quiet for some time before Jamie.
"Do we need to talk about my father?" said Jamie.
"No, he is doing what I thought he would. Playing the right role in hopes of marrying Joanna to Aegon," said Daemon. He went into one of his more contemplative moods and Jamie did not want him to slip into the melancholy next.
He pulled out the practice sword he had carried and then pulled out his own and tried to strike the boy. Despite his distracted state his reflexes were still sharp and he just about dodged the blow.
"Jamie what the hell?" said Daemon.
"Battle doesn't come with warning," said Jamie throwing Daemon's practice sword behind his back and standing in front of it.
He threw a few quick thrusts and slashes, which Daemon dodged.
"Give me my sword," said Daemon as he put distance in between himself and Jamie.
"You might find yourself without a weapon in some situations, let's see how long you can survive in such a place," said Jamie before attacking again.
Despite his grumblings after they were done, he could see the smile on the boy's face and he knew he had done a good job.
LINE BREAK
Tyrion was skipping about as he travelled to the harbour Bronn and Jasper closely following behind him.
His niece and nephew were set to arrive in a few hours.
Tyrion was not really surprised his father had not seen fit to inform him of such a decision. His father had not told him hundreds of things, this was no new wonder for him.
His niece Joanna at ten and one was a sweet kind and beautiful girl who was yet to really experience the nest of vipers that is King's Landing. Tyrion hoped to help her and keep her safe in this nest of vipers.
His nephew Tytan a young boy of eight was showing the promise of one day being a good lord and knight. He was his father's heir since Tyrion had his own keep waiting for him in the form of Riverrun.
He had been putting off going to the keep letting his would-be wife Catelyn Tully rule the keep along with her Bastard daughter. Not many people questioned it since she had a bastard daughter with her previous bethroed.
He would rather not go to Riverrun and deal with the prickly fucking lords of the Riverlands. A bunch of moaning cunts according his sister's letter.
He rather liked what he did in this city. As it's architect, as a member of Rhaegar's court and small council, playing the game along with the other powers of the capital, pissing his father off. He was not going to Riverrun if he could help it.
"Lord Tyrion," called a young voice from behind him making him turn back.
Prince Aegon was walking towards him, his ever-loyal shadow Ser Alliser following him along with his friend Gerold Dayne and some of the knights in his reunite.
"Your Grace," said Tyrion nodding his head in acknowledgement to the Dragon Prince.
"What has you in such a good mood my lord? Perhaps a new vintage in the cellar," said Aegon smiling.
"Or a new whore in Chataya's," said Gerold smirking.
"My niece and nephew are set to arrive, your grace, I am to head to the harbour to receive them," said Tyrion shaking his head in no for their suggestions.
Aegon looked at him in surprise.
"I have heard nothing of your niece or nephew's arrival," said Aegon.
"My father's work no doubt. I am surprised they have not arrived with him," said Tyrion.
"To leave their home and come to King's Landing is not the most tempting of options, Lord Tyrion," said Aegon.
"Be that as it may, Tytan is my father's heir and he wants Tytan to learn from his side. My niece had never been far from her brother," said Tyrion.
"Ah, I have heard great things about your niece and nephew. They say she is more beautiful than your sister was at that age," said Aegon.
Tyrion looked back to see the Dornish cunt lick his lips but there seemed to be no such interest in the heir's eyes. The boy was trying to play the game. He could do better but it was good to know he was trying.
"She is a blessing to our house, Your Grace, much like I am sure Cersei was to yours," said Tyrion. The boy flinched slightly at the mention of his sister.
Interesting Cersei somehow had turned both her nephew's away from her without even trying.
"Your nephew apparently is going to be as good as Ser Jamie when he grows up," said Aegon now he could see the spark of competition in his eyes.
The boy was a regular to the sparring ring much like his brother and both showed themselves to be highly skilled with all weapons they picked up.
"I am sure you could attest to such rumours with a friendly spar, your grace," said Tyrion.
"I look forward to it Lord Tyrion as does Gerold," said Aegon and the Dayne nodded his head with a vicious look in his eye.
'Not in a million years and over my dead body,'
"I am sure my nephew would look forward to such a spar, my prince," said Tyrion.
The group walked in silence through the Red Keep and into the city. The silence was broken only by Ser Alliser's armour and Bronn's boots.
Tyrion knew what he should do now. What his father would hope him to do? Invite the prince to harbour. It was not ideal or proper for the boy to accompany him to the harbour but his father always thought too much about their family worth.
It was expected off him because his father expected it and so Tyrion did it.
"My Prince, would you like to accompany me to the harbour?" asked Tyrion even surprising himself.
If the Prince was surprised by what he said he did not show it.
"I would be delighted to, Lord Lannister," said Aegon Targaryen.
Tyrion walked with the prince to the stables to have his and his companions' horses saddled for the journey. He knew for a fact his Uncle Gerion along with his cousin Joy were coming too. Father had the Lannister Mance prepared for them.
His uncle Ser Tygett Lannister who was also captain to his father's guard was calling it home for now along with his wife and his son. They would join them for their stay in King's Landing. Tyrion already knew he would spend most of his time there.
A carriage along with horses were coming for them to the harbour Tyrion just wanted to accompany them.
Aegon Targaryen got onto his horse with all the grace Tyrion was lacking. He had to be helped onto it with Bronn's aid.
The they travelled through the city and Aegon cut quiet a figure as he moved through the city. The crowd cheered for the crown prince but other whispered about Daemon.
It was one of the advantages of being known as the Imp people talked to him without realizing what they were saying thinking him incapable.
Aegon played his part waving at the cheers and throwing out the occasional coin. It was one of the most lack lustre performance Tyrion had ever seen in his life. The harbour could not come quicker.
At the entrance they meet up with Tyrion's uncle along with the guards and the wheelhouse Tyrion gets down his horse and joins his uncle while Aegon goes off to talk with a vendor about some ware.
"What's he doing here?" asked his uncle looking at Aegon and his reunite.
"I invited him," said Tyrion.
"And he came!" exclaimed his uncle and Tyrion nodded his head.
"It seems the wyrm is learning to fly," said his uncle.
"Trying Uncle, he still has a long way to go," said Tyrion.
They walked towards the prince who picked up some flowers probably for his niece.
"Shall we, my prince?" asked Tyrion and he nodded.
They walked into the harbour and Tyrion followed his uncle to their section of the harbour. Theirs was the closest to the part given up for the construction of the huge ships. He could immediately see the advantages of Daemon's suggestions with expanding the harbour.
The semi and almost completed ships were easy to spot but what caught their eye was his brother along with Daemon another knight from the City Watch and who could only be the Bastard of Driftmark standing in the harbour talking about something.
It seemed the elder brother noticed his younger brother but his younger brother had not since he was still stuck on the paper the two of them were using to write something and explain things to each other.
Whatever the discussion was it was intense and entertaining and Tyrion wanted to be a part of it but he had come here for something different.
Finally, the Gold Cloak noticed them and Daemon turned to meet their eyes.
He immediately moved forward to introduce himself like expected.
"Prince Aegon, Lord Tyrion, Lord Tygett," said Daemon not sparing the Dayne even a single glance.
"Brother," said Aegon pulling the boy into a hug surprising him and most of the crowd.
"What brings you here, your grace?" asked Daemon.
"I could ask you the same thing and who are your companions?" asked Aegon.
"This is Ser Jaceyln Bywaters your grace. A captain of the Gold Cloaks and my soon to be captain of my personal guard. This Aurane Waters, your grace, Ser Jamie you already know. As to why we are here I came to talk to this fine gentleman about the ship and it's progress," said Daemon pointing to Aurane.
"And what can you tell us about the ships progress Lord Waters?" asked Tyrion just to take control of the situation and keep an unpleasantness from creeping up. Jamie nodded his head in thank you.
"Several things. We are on schedule to complete the ships by the end of the year and the limber wastage had been reduced by half now. We are trying our best to conserve it as much as possible. We have had a small model of the same ship made a moon ago and sent it out to see. It made the journey to and from Pentos quiet comfortably. Not to mention with the suggestions from his grace," said Aurane pointing to Daemon, "we have managed to reduce the crew number for the ship. The workers have been especially motivated to finish the work since their prince visited them. It has been a boon to their will and soul…,"
"Enough talk of ships, what brings you here your grace?" asked Daemon still with that fake smile on.
"I ran into Lord Tyrion on my way through the keep and accepted his invitation to join him in welcoming his niece and nephew," said Aegon with a better fake smile on his face.
"Then I shall make myself scarce. I have…," said Daemon ready to turn back.
"Nonsense join us in welcoming Lady Joanna and Lord Tytan to our home brother," said Aegon interrupting his half-brother with another bad fake smile and his offer. The whole harbour held it's breathe while the conversation went ahead.
Daemon responded with his own fake smile. "I'll be delighted to."
If Joanna was surprised to find both Princes of House Targaryen waiting to welcome her, she did not show it.
LINE BREAK
King's Landing had not changed much.
It was still overcrowded, poor, stunk of shit and piss but her husband was excited to be here.
There was nothing Viserys Targaryen loved more than his family for whom he had gifts made.
Cersei did not understand Visery's insistence on travelling to King's Landing. They were fine in Harrenhal but the man was stubborn and once he had his mind made nothing could change it. Not even her charms.
It was a very uphill battle to win Viserys over and she was not even sure if she was making any progress.
The man cared for her of that, she was sure. All one had to was look at him when they were on this journey to King's Landing. He had done everything in his power to keep her comfortable, entertained and fulfilled all her weird cravings.
But none of them had been done out of joy or love for her. Devan had been throwing himself at her in any way he could to ensure she was happy but Viserys kept her more comfortable and happier than Devan ever could without even trying.
She had tried everything from seducing him to getting him drunk but none of them worked. The man was not moved and did his duty.
She had thought him a sword swallower given how much time he spent with those fools that followed around him but she knew that was wrong because she had felt his eyes on her full of desire but they never stayed. He looked away or doused the flames.
It was odd given the fact; Cersei never had to spend so much time on a man. She would have found an adequate lover by now but she did not mostly because Viserys was proving to be a challenge and it helped that he was freakishly good in the bed if he wanted to be.
He had been drunk one night and she came to his chambers to talk about Jeyne Bracken who had been making noise of having slept with him but they man had pounced on her like she was a deer and he a dragon.
The act had gone for very long and it was one of the best fucks of her life. Heck she was pretty sure it was the best fuck of her life but the next day everything was back to normal, the Targaryen did not remember what happened that night.
She was not sure what caused this. Why the man could be the best husband any woman could ask for yet at the same time be a frigid and cold cunt.
The gates of the Red Keep were finally visible and Cersei breathed a sigh of relief. While the smell was getting better given what her Imp of a brother was doing, it was still very prevalent. The inside of the Red Keep did not stop the smell but it allowed them to breathe a little freely.
The gates opened and standing in the courtyard was the whole royal family.
King Rhaegar stood in the middle with the Queen Elia Martell beside him. Tywin Lannister and the Imp were stood to his left along with Daemon Targaryen and Jamie.
Rhaenys Targaryen was stood beside her mother and her brother took his place beside her. Danerys Targaryen was the last in the line.
If there was a man more desirable in the seven kingdoms then Viserys they were his nephews. Rhaegar had lost some of his beauty the stress of having the crown dulling his eyes and his hair. His face was set in a hard line much like her fathers and there was no smile over it.
In contrast his son and heir Aegon had lively lilac eyes that shone with eagerness and amusement. His short silver hair was bright and attractive and his smile would make woman swoon without much difficulty. He was tall and seemed to have put on lean muscles.
Daemon Targaryen had his father's purple eyes and they were just as eager as his half-brothers awake with adoration for her husband. His long brown hair was curled and along with his comely face made him look very pretty. His smile was like Rhaegar's the few times Cersei had seen it. He was just as tall as his brother and just as well built.
The Kings Guard and the Dragon Guard stood behind them and Grand Maester Aemon took his place beside the Dark Prince.
Cersei felt the same spark of arousal when she looked at the two of them something Daemon noticed given the fact, he turned his eyes as far away from her as he could. Aegon had turned to answer a question her good sister had asked and she could see the ambition of the girl clearly. She wanted the boy and the throne.
She was helped off her horse something she had not needed before she was pregnant. Jamie had helped teaching her ride and it was something she enjoyed. She wanted to move through the city with her head held high on a horse and regretted the decision of not getting into the wheelhouse.
They walked towards the king and she curtsied while her husband bowed
"Your Grace," said the two of them and their reunite.
"Brother," said Rhaegar with a smile. A smile Viserys returned tightly before the two of them embraced.
The greeting moved along with the rest of the welcoming party including her father and the Rogue Prince.
She could not stop from licking her lips slightly as the boy kissed her knuckles. In her opinion the boy was the best catch of the two of them. He was a perfect combination of both his parents and how much ever Cersei hated her she had to admit Lyanna Stark was beautiful.
"It's good to see you hale and hearty, my lady," said the prince.
She smiled her best smile at the boy, "You too, my prince,"
He would be hers just like his uncle one day would be hers.
LINE BREAK
"Are you sure about this?" said the silver haired bastard sitting in front of Daemon.
"I am. I need a capable man as my captain and who better than the reincarnation of the Sea Snake himself," said Daemon smirking.
Aurane Waters was the bastard son of Lucerys Velaryon. Given his father's reputation and the things people say about bastards Aurane had tried his best to be the farthest thing from treacherous as possible.
It did not mean he was stupid or used honour or such bull crap as a shield. He had a good head on his shoulders and Daemon needed that more than anything else.
"I have seen Adam Redwyne snooping around the harbour for some time now," said Aurane.
"I have seen him snooping behind the skirts of maids and whores for longer," said Daemon.
"And you think I won't go looking for whores?" asked Aurane with his eyebrow risen.
"No, I think you won't be stupid enough to risk your position or information for a tumble with a buxom maid," said Daemon giving the bastard boy in front of him a firm stare.
The boy looked at Daemon for a long moment before standing up and giving his arm for a hand shake.
"Then I will be glad to accompany you to Dragonstone and sample the brothels there," said the bastard seahorse with a smile.
"I looked forward to your surprise in realizing there are no brothels in Dragonstone," said Daemon with a smirk.
"Fuck," cursed the boy under his breathe.
-X-
"This not the best of ideas," said his grand uncle as they sat in a tavern waiting for their man to arrive.
"Yet it is what I want to do and I am the Lord of Dragonstone uncle not Mace Tyrell or some other fool who might be offended by what I do," said Daemon drinking a little bit of the ale from his tankard.
This tavern belonged to his granduncle. It was an interesting idea since he had brought it and filled it with people, he trusted to keep their business private. His uncle had used it on multiple occasions for his talks and now Daemon was doing the same.
Not even the Spider could have his spies in this room.
His recruitment for the reunite that will follow him to Dragonstone was going well. Ser Bywaters was doing a good job selecting some of the best knights under Ser Jeremy that would accompany him to the Island.
His talk with the Aurane had gone well with him managing to succeed in having the Velaryon Bastard join him in Dragonstone as his personal captain. Samwell Tarly was to accompany his granduncle as a well Daemon was not sure exactly what he was but he was coming.
He needed a captain for the trading fleet now. A man who could help navigate the ships in such a way that they were not hit by pirates and smugglers. Who better for such a role that a former smuggler turned knight who was looking for better work to be able to pay the taxes levied on the Stormlands.
He needed more capable men of course. He needed a Master of Whisperers and a Master of Coin. His great granduncle could help but he was needed as the Maester of the castle.
He was no king but if his family was to still rule, he had to eliminate any of the threats that might come their way. From the inside or the outside.
He was looking for them and managed to narrow down a list for the Master of Coin. Master of Whisperers he had no luck.
Ser Davos Seaworth was a man well into his age.
Good it means he knows his shit.
"Your grace, my prince," said Ser Davos nodding to both him and his grand uncle.
"Ser Davos, please have a seat, some wine," asked Daemon.
"I'd rather keep my wits about me, your grace," said Ser Davos as Daemon took a sip of his Ale.
That was a point in his favour
He had met two other people before Ser Davos and both men thought too much of themselves and it did not help that they were from Essos and did not think much of Westeros.
While being a man from Fleabottom given his accent the man had lived among the lords of the Stormlands by Stannis's shoulder for almost a decade and had been known as a skilled smuggler having helped keep the Garrison of Storm's End alive.
Ser Onion Knight they called him for his help to the Baratheons.
Everyone one from the loyalist faction would be pissed about this but Daemon did not care.
"Tell me Ser Davos, how well do you know Flea Bottome?" asked Daemon.
"As well as anyone can ever know Flea Bottom your grace. I can help someone move out of the place without getting lost but if you wanted me to find someone, I would have no such luck," said Davos.
"And How well is it that you know the seas?" asked Uncle Aemon.
"I could take you to Assai and leave you there or sail to Braavos and help you," said Davos.
"You won't accompany me into The Shadowlands," asked Daemon raising an eyebrow.
"I am a smuggler from Flea Bottom who was made a knight and given a castle for his services. A man who has a family he must return to. Pardon me if my safety comes above my loyalty your grace," said Davos.
"We won't ask for your loyalty, Ser Davos," said Uncle Aemon.
"But I would ask for your honesty and advice. If I am to take you into my service, you will not fear answering my questions honestly and give the best fucking advice you can. If I am being a fool I would like to know," said Daemon.
"I would be honoured to Your Grace," said Davos.
"Then I appreciate having you captain the Dragonstone trading fleet Ser Davos," said Daemon shaking the man's hand with a smile.
The Onion Knight accepted it with a guarded smile before moving towards the door of the tavern.
"And Ser Davos, I might not have asked for it but I will earn your Loyalty," said the twelve-name day old boy.
That got a real smile from the Old Knight.
-X-
"I still don't understand why you would need a Master of Whisperes," said Aurane.
"Because, he is expected to steal his brother's birth right from him and it would be better to be a few steps ahead of your enemies," said Samwell Tarly.
The boy was too smart for his own good, though Daemon with a smirk on his face.
"How are we on the coin department?" asked Ser Davos.
"Last time I was in Dragonstone, it had a full treasury. Rhaegar is allowing us to keep that treasury," said his grand uncle Aemon.
"We will have to expand on that treasury. Ser Bywaters did you find our men," asked Daemon.
"I have, your grace. They are some of the best men under Ser Jeremy," said Ser Bywaters.
"You would be expected to take some of the lords' children with you," said Jamie drinking down some Arbor Gold.
"I am also expected to be a bitter cunt who would love nothing more then stealing his brother's birth right. As you can see, I am not the type who meets people's expectations," said Daemon.
"Arianne Martell is returning to the capital," said his uncle and Daemon immediately tensed.
His aunt was easy to deal with. She though herself a lioness who hunted so showing her his discomfort kept her at bay for now but Arianne was whole new level of difficulty.
The main problem with her was that Daemon didn't know if she did things because she liked him or because she enjoyed his discomfort or she wanted to unbalance him. It was maddening being around her.
"Do you want me to move up the departure your grace?" asked Aurone with a smirk making Daemon glare at him. Most of the people in the room burst out laughing.
"We will be fine captain Waters," said Daemon.
"Well in that case, I think I have a candidate in mind for your Master of Whisperes," said Samwell Tarly.
"You do," asked Daemon sceptically while the rest of the room moved forward in their chairs.
"Yes, Sansa Rivers," said Samwell Tarly.
Jamie snorted while Davos looked confused.
"Who?" asked Aurane.
"Sansa Rivers, daughter of Cateyln Tully and my uncle Brandon Stark," said Daemon standing to his feet and moving to his window.
