In which choices are made and unmade
*Year 304 After Conquest (AC) – Present Day*
The warmth creeps into Arya's entire being as she slides her hands to tighten her hold around Daenerys. She rests her head at the older woman's shoulder. The familiar smell of lavender with a little hint of after smoke hits her senses as strands of silver hair blows her way due to the wind. A small smile forms on the young Stark's face as she leans in further to get a whiff of the soothing fragrance.
She remembers another time when she was in a similar state; waking up to a tangled mane of Daenerys hair on her face. The sound of waves crashing against rocks and the warmness that travelled into her heart. She could not be any happier then. And now, she can relish at that moment again despite knowing that this will probably not going to last. So, Arya takes comfort in the way the older woman's body is not so stiff anymore and the fact that Daenerys hasn't pushed her away.
But, her happiness is ended abruptly as hands grab her arms and take her away from the cocoon of her heaven. Arya was taken away so forcefully that she stumbles her way backwards and embarrassingly falls down on the ground. When she looks up, two arakhs are pointing at her face.
"Qorro!" Daenerys calls. "Stand down." But Qorro and another Dothraki soldier did nothing, gaze still threatening as if Arya had violated their precious Khalasar. Perhaps she was. "She's not a threat. Go back, now."
The blades finally lower but the two men look about ready to oppose though Daenerys is faster. "I'll call you when I need you. Go."
They didn't argue on that and after sheathed their weapon, walk away to stand guard at the far end. Their gazes never leaving the young Stark.
"Do you need help getting up?" Daenerys voice brings Arya back to the situation that she's in.
She gathers herself in a matter of seconds. "No." And stands again. The coldness of her body is apparent as the wind passes by and she noticed late of the tears that managed to roll free. Instantly, she looks away to wipe it off. Even though the tear tract is now gone she knew that Daenerys already saw them.
The dragons sounded far away, leaving the two women standing face to face again with no barriers and Arya can't help herself to get lost in those violet depths yet again. Despite how similar they look there is still a prominent foreignness inside them. And Daenerys proves it when she speaks again.
"Who are you?" Her voice carries firmly this time.
Arya debates within herself. She knows that once she reveals her name—her family's name—she can guess those violet orbs will not be so welcoming anymore than at this moment. Apparently, she took too long to answer, as the dragon queen sounded again.
"Do you know who I am?"
Long ago, part of her wanted to erase the memory of the silver-haired woman. But, now the young Stark is grateful that she had all of those things to remember. "I wouldn't be here if I don't."
Daenerys features change albeit not much. But, Arya knows her too well by now to notice even the smallest of details. "Then, you know that you're trespassing into my territory. I can have you punished for that and my men will gladly do that." There's definitely a trace of a threat there.
The Dothraki men that had pointed their blade to her face just now are still looking at her as Arya glances to them. "Why didn't you? You had your chance when they attack me just now."
"Because I thought everyone deserves a chance to explain themselves before they're taken away. But, my patience is wearing thin if you don't start answering my question."
There's no avoiding this anymore since this is what she intended to do anyway. So, Arya relented. "I'm here because I have news concerning the safety of your dragons and yourself."
Daenerys looks at her differently. Studying, to find any lie but she finds none. "What do you mean?"
The wind whistles as it carries the coldness and the two Dothraki seem like they are closer this time around.
Grey orbs meet violet then. "Perhaps we can talk somewhere else? Somewhere more private and warm?"
She can see the eyes in front working silently.
"Fine." Daenerys decided. "But, first tell me your name. I can't bring a stranger inside the castle. That would be careless of me… you understand that at least."
Arya savours the last moment at how those oceans of violet look at her without any burden of knowing her identity. At how all she ever is to Daenerys is a foreign girl without any connection to the Great House of the Seven Kingdoms that the dragon queen tries to rule over.
She straightens, hand gripping Needle strapping at her side. "I'm Arya, of House Stark."
*
The young Stark was brought inside the castle by the same Dothraki men that had pushed her away—which she later learn their name as Qorro and Aggo—while Daenerys had disappeared elsewhere inside the castle. The men had also taken her belongings that she carried, including Needle. She was stripped down to nothing but the clothes on her person.
It didn't bother her as much as the fact of what and how much she should tell the dragon queen about Euron Greyjoy. Her mind was so busy raking every method for the silver-haired queen to understand the oncoming disaster that she didn't even notice how much time has passed.
Only when the heavy enormous door in front of her opened, did Arya was brought back to the reality that she's in. Qorro gestures her to start walking. As she did so, a hall so massive and daunting enters her vision. Unsullied posted at the corner of the room and the interiors are dark and foreboding. Carvings of dragon motifs and reliefs dominated the space. If she had to guess, this must be the castle's throne room.
She was right as she finally comes upon a throne, upfront. A lone figure seated atop the raised dais, and more guards securing their queen. Daenerys looks small as Arya watches her from afar, apparently not granted any more access than where she was standing.
"You are in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen," A familiar voice sounded and Arya instantly recognized it. Missandei is standing at the side as she continues to recite, "Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Unburnt, Mother of Dragons and Breaker of Chains." The Naathi finished.
From where she is, the older woman looks healthy and well and the thoughts alone made Arya happy. And when the young Stark glances further, Grey Worm is there as well. At the other side of the hall, another familiar face of Tyrion. Beside him, Yara Greyjoy and Theon are standing close.
While Arya was busy studying every face in the throne room, the silence has become uncomfortable to the others as they waited for the young Stark to speak up.
When she still has not, Tyrion decides to start. "Welcome to Dragonstone, my lady." He smiles, getting her attention. "I believe we haven't got the chance to formally meet. I'm Tyrion Lannister, Hand of the Queen." He gestured to the person beside him. "This is Yara Greyjoy and I think you know who this is?" He stops at Theon.
Grey orbs find Theon then, but he doesn't hold his gaze for long and looks down instead. The timid appearance that the young man wore reminds Arya of another broken and unmade man from another life. She wonders if he had suffered the same fate under Ramsay in this life too.
"Theon." She greets and he flinched slightly.
"Arya." He answered back, still looking somewhere down at her shoes.
As he finally said that, some tension in the room dissipates only to be replaced with another, though much more subtle. Arya reckons they believed her identity now that Theon himself had proven it. "Do you need any more confirmation that I am Arya Stark?"
"Forgive us, Lady Arya, but we did not expect your presence so soon." Tyrion countered, "We've only sent the ravens to all of the Houses in Westeros this morning. The news is that Jon Snow had retaken Winterfell from the Boltons. We thought that you're going to be busy recovering from the battle. To receive such a quick reply from The North was surprising."
Daenerys joins then. "Even more so from the Lady of House Stark herself. Are you here to bend the knee?"
Arya meets Daenerys gaze—not cold, yet not warm either. "No. I'm not here on behalf of my brother or my House. I'm here because of Euron Greyjoy."
The dragon queen glances to Yara but the Ironborn offered nothing but silence—equally confused.
"You know my uncle?" Yara asked.
This is it. Arya thought. The fate of everyone in Westeros lies in how well she speaks. She wanted to laugh at the absurdity that Bran had put her into. He didn't even tell her how she should convince these people that she already had a history with —without them knowing about it— into believing the things that are going to happen. And yet, he put so much trust in her.
'You know what the right thing to do is.'
Strengthening her stance, grey orbs find black ones of Yara. "Yes. I know the Crow's Eye. He's the Captain of the Silence. His crew is made entirely of mutes whose tongues he ripped out. And with this, he sailed all over the world, including the Doom of Valyria where he found an artefact." She paused and looks to Daenerys. "An artefact called Dragonhorn. A horn that can bind dragons to his will. He's coming for you and your dragons."
The silence that stretches on felt so long. Arya waits patiently for her words to sink into everyone and more importantly of the danger.
"Is this true?" Daenerys asked Yara.
The Ironborn captain shifted her stands, looking between Arya and Daenerys before finally settling at the dragon queen. "When my uncle came to the Iron Island, he did not mention such a thing, Your Grace."
"Why would he?" Arya interrupts. "He murdered your father, and he would've murdered you had you not flee with your fleet."
"How did you know about my father?"
Arya actually did not. She had made a calculated guess based on the state of Theon that she saw. On how similar he looks in another life. She remembered what Bran said about her past lives. That they were no illusions. That they are real memories and real experiences and she reckons they would possess some similarities however small. And it is now proven when she guessed correctly of Yara's situation.
Confidence seeps inside her further. "I had visions. I saw Euron taking over the dragons. I saw the destruction that he inflicted with them." She finds the dragon queen again. "He won't stop until he gets his hands on your children."
The confidence that built suddenly evaporates when Daenerys asked, "Visions?" All sceptical and unimpressed. "I've heard that you've been missing for six years. Are you a priestess, now? Which Gods do you serve?"
Arya had thought that telling the truth about her time travel would be even more unbelievable. After all, she had failed the first time around she tried telling the older woman about it. And since Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik had believed her when she said about her visions, she thought it will work. But now seeing the negative response from Daenerys makes her think otherwise.
"Or perhaps this is some kind of twisted ploy to distract me from getting the Iron Throne?" The dragon queen's voice sounded threatening.
The young Stark can't believe what she just heard. "Have you been paying attention to what I said?"
"Yes, I have. Euron Greyjoy is dangerous and he wants my dragons, yes?" When Arya said nothing, Daenerys stands up and walks down the throne. She stops when she finds clear and harden grey eyes, waiting. "I appreciate your concern, but, I have 8,000 Unsullied infantry. Almost 140, 000 Dothraki's riders and not to mention I have the Tyrell, Martell and Yara Greyjoy's fleet under me. If Euron comes, then my armies will deal with him and his mute crews."
The numbers alone sure are impressive. But, Arya remembers how Euron managed to kill Yara despite the Iron Island's protection and how later he took over Kings Landing, killing Jon and Rhaegal. Grey orbs don't waver as she focuses again. "Underestimating your enemy is an idiotic thing any ruler can do."
"Are you calling me an idiot."
"Clearly you don't believe what I said."
"You're a Stark, a usurper who overthrown the Targaryen crown. Unless you declare your allegiance to me—unless your brother, the new King in The North bend the knee, then I consider you as one of my enemies."
Arya thought she would know the woman in front like the back of her hands. But, standing so close now, she can see those violets orbs that she once adored are no longer familiar. The older woman may have the same features and voice but she's not the Daenerys that Arya once knew anymore. And the thought ignites the cold fire within her.
"Protector of the Realm. Is that not what Missandei just said among your many other titles?" Arya asked. Daenerys gaze falters at the mention and the young Stark can feel everyone's eye on her, particularly the Naathi, but she ignores them and continues. "Your ignorant will cost innocent lives. Westeros will be nothing but ashes and dirt. You will have nothing to rule and no one to rule over. If Euron gets to Westeros then there will be no more time to sit and plan because he will attack. I don't know how much forces he has but it will be enough to cause harm if he wants it to."
Daenerys opens her mouth to speak but Arya was quicker. "And I know you need more proofs of my visions." Seeing the silver-haired queen silence agreement, Arya finally decided. "In those visions, I did not see only Euron. I saw others as well and in there it almost feels like I have known them for years." She tears her gaze away to find Tyrion. Even from afar, she can see him sporting a similar scar across his face that she was once a witness to. Remembering the times that she was with him, she made another guess then. "You always said once you retire you will make your own wine: The Imp's Delight. Only your close friends could drink it."
Tyrion blinks hard. "H-How did you—"
He didn't get to finish as Arya finds Missandei next. "You were enslaved at a young age of five by the Masters of Astapor. Father, Mother or siblings; even if you have one you wouldn't know them. The first time you met Daenerys Targaryen was when you work as an interpreter for the Masters. You had the most difficult time when you had to filter every awful word the Masters directed at the dragon queen. And you found the love of your life with Grey Worm." Missandei only gapes openly at that as she exchanged glances with the Commander of Unsullied who looks at the young Stark in disbelief.
None of them seems to be correcting her so Arya meets violet orbs yet again. The once harden gaze has now gone and instead in them, the young woman sees something familiar that she once saw in her past lives. She lets herself lost in them willingly. "You named Drogon after Khal Drogo, the man that you have come to love. Rhaegal after your oldest brother Rhaegar that you never got to know and Viserion after Viserys. Even though Viserys was cruel and weak, but he was still your brother and the names that you give to your dragons were in memory of those lost to you."
The young Stark was unaware that she had moved closer. Her body instinctively is reaching out as she continues. "You never feel cold. That's why you always have your windows wide open at night so that the cool wind may enter. You like Meereenese fruits best. Especially the roasted grapes-half raisin that the sweetness it provides. You cherish flowers, mostly roses. You had planted them yourself in your glass garden in Meereen. And sometimes at night when you cannot sleep, you sing a lullaby. An old servant, Nila that used to take care of you when you were a child always sang it to you. 'Autumn of My Day' was the song's name." She paused finally noticing how close she is to the older woman. "Do you want me to go on?"
Daenerys was frozen in her spot but Arya can clearly see her busy searching and studying. She lets the older woman do just that and bare herself in the open as she had nothing to hide.
The dragon queen focuses again. "No… I believe you."
A silent relief washes over the young Stark at the declaration. Though, it was short-lived when Daenerys continues, "But, this does not change the fact why I came to Westeros. I cannot ignore my war with Cersei regardless of Euron and his horn."
Seeing the determination in the dragon queen only solidifies Arya's next action. "Then, I'll help you take Kings Landing."
*
Later that day finds Arya in her own quarters. She had been given room to stay in and all of her things had been returned apart from Needle. Though she knows there will be no need to use it in the near future, she still has a small dagger hidden in her boot just in case. She just hopes they stored Needle somewhere safe.
Night has not fallen yet, but Arya lay back in her bed to get some sleep. She really needs one after her relentless travel. Her feet ache and her limbs sore from the excessive use. Yet, rest will not come even after some time she had close her eyes. She sighs and sits up instead.
Perhaps it was because of the things that happened earlier that are still occupying her mind. She knows she had succeeded in convincing Daenerys of what's to come. But, she can't just up and leave after that. She needs to be close to the older woman to protect her better and that was why she had offered her help earlier.
Clearly, no one knew that Cersei is dead. Not even Tyrion. So, it should be an advantage to the dragon queen and her army to take over Kings Landing without much bloodshed. After that, they could focus more on strengthening their defence in the city. When Euron comes, they will be ready for him.
Someone suddenly knocks the door, successfully vanishing her train of thoughts. "Yes?" She called.
The door creaks open and behind it stood Missandei. "Forgive me for interrupting your rest, Lady Stark. But, I brought some food."
Arya instantly gets up and take over the tray from the older woman. "Thank the Gods, I thought no one care enough to feed me." She ignores Missandei's awkwardness and settles comfortably.
The Naathi stands at the entryway for a moment longer before finally going in and closing the door behind her. She takes the empty seat at the small table to join the young Stark who is busy filling her empty stomach.
For a long while, neither said a word. Arya only glanced to the older woman once in a while as she continues eating but Missandei, on the other hand, keeps staring not even bothering to hide it.
"Something on my face?" Arya asked.
Missandei straightens. "My apologies, Lady Stark. I did not mean to stare."
Her lips upturn at how tense Missandei is but she hides it well behind the rim of her cup. "I think you do." She takes a sip and puts the goblet on the table. "You've been staring at me for a while now. Is my face that interesting?"
"It's not your face that is interesting but more so on your whole presence."
"I see… I think I know why you are here."
Missandei looks pale. "Y-You do?"
"Those visions that I said that I have, you're well aware now that I'm not lying, yes?" Missandei nods slightly. "You see, in those visions, I can also see anyone's deep and dark secrets. I can see their future if I hold their gaze long enough. Have you heard of the saying; your eyes are the window to your soul? Well, it is similar. As long as you look into my eyes as I look into yours, then all of your secrets will be mine."
In an instant, brown orbs widen and look away. Arya lets out a smile freely as Missandei is busy looking at everywhere else in the room but at her.
"Forgive me, I should not have bothered you. I'll leave you to have your meal in peace."
Without as much of a glance, Missandei bows and turns to leave. As soon as the door clicked shut, Arya laughs softly. Perhaps, she shouldn't have done that.
*
Aggo comes to her room and brings her towards a destination. Arya follows without protest and they soon arrived behind the massive door to the throne room for the second time that day. She expected to find people inside once the door opened but it was not such case.
The Dothraki leads her silently further inside the hall until he walks behind the right side of the throne where a hidden passageway is located. Another room enters her vision soon after.
A huge table dominates the room, carved in the shape of Westeros and engraved with its major cities and landmarks. Around it, people that she knows and yet to know occupies the space and Daenerys stands at the head of it, lost in the on-going conversation.
Aggo moves on to find a secluded corner to stand and Arya did the same, finding the right spot close to the entry but far enough from the people around the table and watch silently. When she looks towards the dragon queen again, Daenerys already had her eyes on hers, finally noticing her presence. The older woman offers nothing and breaks contact to focus on the council again.
"…army of fleet and three dragons." Yara continues from where she left off. "We should hit Kings Landing now, hard, with everything we have. The city will fall within a day."
"If we let the dragons loose, tens and thousands will die in a firestorm." Tyrion countered.
Someone else interrupts then. "It's called war. If you don't have the stomach for it, then scurry back into hiding." The woman's attire is a familiar pattern of what Arya used to find from a noble of Dorne.
"I know how you wage war. We don't poison little girls here… Myrcella was innocent."
"She was a Lannister. There are no innocent Lannisters. My greatest regret is that Oberyn died fighting for you."
"That's enough." Daenerys steps in before the two could do something more. "Lord Tyrion is Hand of The Queen and you will treat him with respect." When the tension finally dissipates, Daenerys continues. "I am not here to be the queen of the ashes."
"That's very nice to hear." Another said. It was an old woman, the only one seated in the room. "Of course, I can't remember a queen who is better loved than my granddaughter. The common people loved her. The nobles loved her. But, what has left of her now. Ashes. Commoners, nobles, they are all just children really. They won't obey you unless they fear you."
Everything clicked in place for the young Stark then. These people in the room are all full of vengeance. They weren't here because they believe in Daenerys. They're here because of their own personal vendetta. Arya wonders what would happen if they know they're too late. Would they thank her for killing Cersei or would they curse her instead.
"I'm grateful to you, Lady Olenna." Daenerys voice brings Arya back into the conversation. "For your counsel. I'm grateful to all of you. But, you have chosen to follow me. I will not attack Kings Landing right away. We will not attack Kings Landing."
"Then, how do you mean to take the Iron Throne? By asking nicely?" Lady Olenna quipped.
Daenerys doesn't waver. "We will lay siege to the capital surrounding the city on all sides. Cersei will have the Iron Throne but no food for her army or the people."
Tyrion decides to continue on. "But, we won't use Dothraki or Unsullied." He moves towards the end of the table. "Cersei will try to rally the lords of Westeros by appealing their loyalty. Their love for their country. If we besiege the city with foreigners, we prove her point. Our army should be westerosi."
"And I suppose we're providing the westerosi."
"You are." Tyrion reaches out a piece on the table. "Lady Greyjoy will escort you home to Sunspear. And her Iron fleet will ferry the Dornish back to Kings Landing. The Dornish will lay siege to the capital alongside the Tyrell army. Two great Kingdoms united against Cersei."
Arya frowns. That would take too much time and who knows when Euron will come. They need to take Kings Landing right away. Just then, she feels the sensation of being watched. And when the young Stark looks across the room, she finds Missandei staring, full of curiosity. She raised a brow in response and the older woman abruptly looks away at being caught red-handed. Arya can't help the smile that builds as she focuses ahead again to the conversation that is going on, unaware that certain violet orbs noticed the small exchange.
"…Unsullied will have another objective. For decades House Lannister has been the true power in Westeros and the seat of that power is Casterly Rock." Tyrion had moved to the other side of the table where the Westerlands is. "Grey Worm and the Unsullied will sail to The Rock and take it."
The silence after that stretches on as everyone seems to really ponder over the plan and Arya decides she had enough. "That's not a really good plan."
All eyes are on her in an instant. Tyrion especially looks taken aback by what she just said. Slowly, Arya steps out of the shadow and walks towards the painted table. She didn't bother to introduce herself to the others and finds the dragon queen instead.
"Do you know why your ancestor's conquest was so successful? Aegon's invasion had a pattern. He landed at a point close to Dragonstone on the mainland and then branched outward. He kept his home base close and protected. What he didn't do is he didn't capture a castle on the opposite side of the country. If you want Casterly Rock, then you should already have continuous territory in between before you go for it."
Daenerys looks down to the painted map, eyes busy and then at her Hand.
Tyrion shifts his stand. "That may be true, Your Grace but Casterly Rock still hold the power—"
"And you don't need to lay siege to Kings Landing." Arya cuts off. "I know a way to get inside. There is a tunnel from outside the city gates that connect to the inside of the Red Keep. I found it by accident as I was chasing cats in the dungeon when I used to live in the castle."
Daenerys arches an eyebrow. "Chasing cats?"
"It was part of my training." Arya offered. A sudden ache inside her heart makes way as the memory of Syrio Forell and her father invade her mind. But, she gathers herself in a matter of second. "Furthermore, we don't need to use any dragons. Instead, foot soldiers would be best. Not of westerosi but the Unsullied will be the better option. The Martell and the Tyrell are in animosity with the Lannisters soldiers similar to the Starks. If you want to save innocent lives then level-headed eunuchs' soldiers will have nothing against the women and children of the city."
Tyrion leans in to catch her attention. "Yes, that's all very nice but you forgot—"
"Cersei?" Arya cuts off again. She ignores his annoyed look and said. "There is something that I have not yet told you, Tyrion."
The Lannister imp frowns at the casual mention of his name. "And what is that?"
Arya glances to Daenerys who is looking back, waiting. But, she meets the mismatch orbs instead. "Before I came here, I visited Kings Landing and went to see Cersei. I sneaked into her room at night and slit her throat while she's sleeping."
The air stilled around her.
"What—You did what?" Tyrion closes in, still unable to process.
Arya feels no regret with what she had done. But, telling Tyrion that she had killed his sister—his family—will never feel good no matter how horrible a person Cersei was. "I killed her. Cersei is dead."
"And we should believe everything you just said, because?" Lady Olenna suddenly interrupts.
Before Arya can say anything, Daenerys beats her to it. "Lady Olenna, Lady Ellaria, this is Arya Stark. She's here to help."
Both ladies look on with more interest now. "Another Ned Stark's daughter. How wonderful." Arya's not sure if the elderly woman was being honest or sarcastic.
"I know the Starks hate Cersei more than I do. So, it is true then that Cersei is dead? You killed her?" Ellaria asked curiously.
"I made sure that there was no more life in her eyes before I left," Arya confirmed which made the two women relished silently in satisfaction. She then finds Daenerys. "Jaime Lannister would know, but he has yet made the news public." At the side, Tyrion focuses again at the mention of his brother. "I think he didn't want to cause panic or a possible coup now that there is no definite ruler. We should attack Kings Landing as soon as possible. It's the perfect time to do so."
The violet orbs in front still hold for a moment longer. Perhaps recalculating everything that Arya just informed. The dragon queen finds her Hand to gauge his reaction but Tyrion has nothing else to offer. The young Stark sees it first as Daenerys features change to what she always saw when the older woman has made her mind.
"Do I have your support in this?" Daenerys asked her allies.
Yara straightens. "You have mine, Your Grace."
"And mine." Ellaria continues and then later Olenna.
The dragon queen finds Arya last. "It's decided then. We'll do it your way."
*
Before the crack of dawn, Arya had already been up and finish packing her things. After the meeting yesterday, she received Needle back and today was supposed to be the day that they set their journey to Kings Landing.
But, it was still too early and she still has more than enough time before they depart. So, she finds herself wandering along the hallways without purpose which eventually leads her to the outside. The cool wind immediately touches her skin but she likes how the coldness is not biting in comparison to the northern wind.
As the young Stark strolls along the coastline, she soon meets with a lone figure of Tyrion Lannister. She continues walking towards him until he realized her presence and then plops down on the sand beside him.
"Is that wine?" Arya asked, eyeing the flask in his grip.
Tyrion takes a long sip. "I'm not sharing."
She looks ahead at the rippling of waves. There was no sign of sunlight yet making the scenery before her dull and grey. "I don't think getting drunk today is a wise choice."
"What, I can't even mourn my sister's death?" He jabbed, taking another sip.
"I'm sorry for your loss but I'm not going to apologize for what I did."
"And you shouldn't… Cersei was an awful, greedy and impatient person. Even though she's my sister, she never failed to remind me how I do not belong in the family—how I murdered our mother by simply being born into this world." The imp laughs softly as if something is amusing. "And she thinks herself smart. As intelligent as our father." Mismatched orbs find grey ones. "That's not true of course. Do you know who is the smartest?"
"You?"
"You are correct." He declared overdramatically. "Even my intelligent of a father didn't see what's coming for him. He thought I would never have the lion's courage to act against him. Well, I prove him wrong. A single bolt to his gut and another to his heart was all it takes." Tyrion takes a mouthful from his waterskin and then sighs in content. "And now, there's only me and Jaime left. Jaime is the only brother that treated me like a family. He always had my back no matter what I got myself into."
A sudden memory of her past life comes at the front of her mind. "Did you know that he was the one responsible for Bran's fall?"
Tyrion stills at the abrupt question. "I had my suspicion—"
"He did it. Him and Cersei."
Tyrion offers nothing and looks ahead. The silence stretches as both got lost in their own thoughts. Arya forces the serenity of the moment and the coldness to vanquish her inner turmoil and calms herself down.
"I wonder when we will end this vicious cycle." Tyrion suddenly said. "Vengeance and revenge, wars and Houses rivalry which only lead to more killing and more avenging. We've been fighting each other ever since I can remember. When we will ever find peace in this damned world?"
The sky is starting to turn something of colour now. "When Kings and Queens, Lords and Ladies start to take their position of power as a duty and not a privilege, perhaps then."
He hums thoughtfully. "Perhaps then."
*
They arrived outside of Kings Landing two days later. And as per plan, Arya leads the Unsullied soldier through the tunnel outside the city gates. Once they enter the Red Keep, she ran outside and left the Lannisters soldier to Grey Worm and his men to tend with. She manoeuvres her way through the busy streets of Kings Landing to get towards the next destination.
After knocking off the guards that are posted in the bell tower, she rings the bell to signal Daenerys that they had succeeded in getting inside. Moments later, beneath the sky, thunders of shrieking dragons sounded, mixing the sounds of the bell into some kind of approaching catastrophe that about to happen. Down the streets, common people start to panic and try to run for their lives.
But, Drogon flies past them and straight to the keep with Viserion and Rhaegal following close behind. Some of the city soldiers run after the winged beast and some stay where they are, unsure of what to do. Arya left the bell tower and starts treading back to where she came from. The roads now almost empty as the people had fled to their homes or taking refuge inside some establishments.
When the young Stark finally arrives at the Red Keep, Drogon is already there, perching himself up the castle wall at the main entry. His brothers are on the other side, surrounding the area. There are a few brave men who stand in front it, their swords were drawn yet they don't seem to want to do anything.
Drogon growls loudly. The sound resonating as if the storm itself has hit the courtyard. The message is clear in that and instantly, their blades are dropped and their hands empty in surrender. The Unsullied comes out at the right moment and ceases the men.
Grey Worm barks order and his men disperse to the streets to apprehend the remaining Lannisters soldiers in the city. As Arya closes in towards Drogon, Daenerys finally climbs down and takes the first step she ever had inside Kings Landing.
The young Stark can see so many emotions running through those violet depths as they search and study every corner of the castle grounds. She doesn't follow as Daenerys decides to venture inside the building, knowing that the insides are already secured by the Unsullied. Her mind wanders off to the conversation two days ago instead.
"So, your sister is at Winterfell?" Lady Olenna had asked.
They were waiting for the Unsullied to finish their formation before departing to Kings Landing. Arya looks to her side to find the Tyrell elderly standing close.
"Yes, she's home." According to Bran at least.
The young Stark thought she saw something washed over the older woman. Was that relief? "You knew Sansa?"
Olenna meets her eyes. "Thanks to her, I got to stop Margaery from marrying Joffrey. Though that seems useless now… Sansa must be overjoyed when she knows that you killed Cersei. The poor girl was constantly being tormented by both mother and son."
Arya's fist tightens in anger. She should have let Cersei die slowly.
"If your plan goes well, the dragon queen might give you the highest position within her court." Lady Olenna said further.
"That is not my purpose," Arya answered late.
"Ah, I've heard… Euron Greyjoy was it? He sounds terrifying from what I heard you described him."
She offered nothing to that. The monstrous memories of Euron's deed another lifetime ago still fresh inside her mind.
Her train of thoughts got cut off when some Unsullied had come back, walking across the courtyard with Lannisters soldiers in their captivity. And while Arya is happy that they had succeeded in taking Kings Landing without any apparent destruction, she can't help worrying whether this is what it should've been.
*
The retaking of Kings Landing was not without bloodshed. There were many Lannister soldiers that died trying to protect the castle from the invasion and many more knows a lost cause and surrendered. Among them, Jaime Lannister has been successfully caught and kept imprison with the other men. A few Unsullied also perished in the battle. But, aside from that, there are no casualties from the common people and Arya takes that as a victory.
It has been three days since their fruitful conquest and news had spread throughout the city which queen is currently residing in the Red Keep. Though, the people seem to not be bothered by it as shops and traders continue operating as usual. The young Stark pays no attention to that matter. Instead, she focuses on her next step. And that is to convince Daenerys to gather her armies and strengthens the city walls and gates. There is no way to know when Euron will come and the thought alone tortured every waking of her being.
She can't sleep peacefully without waking up in jolts and searching wide-eyed into the darkness of her room believing that Euron himself will show up without warning. And even her dreams now have become more and more vivid each night.
The destruction of Winterfell. The carcass of her family beneath the rubbles. And the most prominent one being Euron serving her a platter of Daenerys lifeless head.
To say that she was disturbed is an understatement. She needs to act fast and that means she needs to find Daenerys and pushes forward with the plan. But, the dragon queen in question was too busy the last three days that Arya never got a chance to speak with her.
It just so happened that luck was on her side after all when the third day, she was invited to Daenerys quarter for a private dinner.
As Arya walks along the hallways nearing the room, she instantly notices Qorro and Aggo standing guard outside. They didn't even check her person and immediately open the door to let her in. She keeps in mind and made sure to tell Daenerys later about her lack of security.
When the door clicked shut behind her, she was greeted by the sight of Daenerys standing near the opened window. The older woman wears a light blue dress that accented her figures. And when she walks, Arya can't take her eyes off at the way her body moves gracefully and how beautiful she is.
"I hope you're starving." Daenerys greets with a smile and Arya's hearts ache and blossomed at the same time.
She offered a weak smile in return, suddenly feeling herself underdressed.
"I don't know what you liked." Daenerys trails, taking a seat as Arya did the same across her.
There are varieties of food on the table. Fruits, vegetables, meats and desserts.
Grey orbs find waiting violet ones. "I'm not a picky eater. So, this is more than enough."
"I'm glad. Shall we."
The young Stark takes the first bite and they fall into a comfortable silence as hands move and mouths busy.
"I would like to express my gratitude." Daenerys suddenly speaks, getting Arya's attention. "If it wasn't for you, I might still be outside this city. I've been dreaming of this moment to happen for years."
"How does it feel now that you're finally here."
Daenerys paused and thinks about it. "Foreign. Surreal."
The violet orbs grow unfocused as she said them but whatever that was, it's gone the moment Arya tries to investigate.
"Tomorrow is my coronation. Since there is no more Sept of Baelor, it'll be held in the Throne Room instead. We'll hold a feast after and every people, commoners and noble living in this city will be invited." the dragon queen explained.
"We have enough food for everyone?"
"Lady Olenna made sure that we do." Daenerys leans slightly. "In that regards, I'm offering you a position within my court. I want you in my service as the Masters of Law. You'll advise me on legal matters, managing the dungeons and supervising the Queen's Justice."
Arya puts down her cutlery and meets Daenerys gaze squarely. "Do you really think that I fit that role? Why, because I've spent my childhood chasing cats in the dungeons?"
The dragon queen fakes a laugh but Arya wasn't jesting. "You misunderstood me. In no way that I was trying to be offensive but if I did, I apologize. Those are the common roles of becoming Masters of Law. You'll directly represent me among the people—"
"And also has the power to execute them if they betray you. Isn't that what delivering the Queen's Justice is?" Each moment that passed, Arya felt the coldness inside her began to smoulder. "If you bother to care at all, you'll know that the last royal executioner Cersei had was Ser Illyn Payne. And he beheaded my father in the Sept of Baelor… I have no interest in killing anyone that you condemned."
The silence stretch on for eternity for all Arya cares. The food has probably gone cold now, as cold as the surroundings of the room.
"Then what are you interested in?" Daenerys asked. Her friendly tone now gone and in its stead is clipped and controlled.
The frustration in Arya only multiplies. "I told you, Euron Greyjoy is coming and when he does we will have no time to execute any plan if we don't start planning now."
"I'm aware of that, but first I need to construct my governance."
"It's been three days—three full days since I've tried reaching out to you but you were too busy playing house."
The violet in front glazed with fire that Arya knew too well. "Playing? The people need to know who their new Queen is."
"Believe me, they know who you are when you fly over them with Drogon… You've taken the Iron Throne and you need to protect the people in this city—your people—from the incoming threat that will surely come. Start strengthening the walls, gates and scouts more soldiers. Whatever it is, we should do something." Arya pleads desperately.
Daenerys opens her mouth to say something but it was cut off when Qorro burst into the room without warning and beside him, Grey Worm stands tall.
"Your Grace, the prisoners have escaped." The Unsullied Commander announced, chest heaving.
The dragon queen stands up abruptly. "Jaime Lannister?"
"Yes. And some of the Lannister soldiers."
If Daenerys isn't furious back then, Arya was sure that she is now. The older woman grabs a black cloak from her bed and dons it before walking out of the room. The young Stark closes her eyes in irritation at how quickly her luck runs out. With a sigh, she finally gets up and follows the dragon queen's trails which ended up being in the throne room.
"…me how did he manage to escape?" The familiar regal voice boomed against the walls as Daenerys stands at the bottom of the Iron Throne. She looks to each one that stood in front of her but neither provides anything useful.
Silently, Arya closes in and stands at the side, getting a full view of the people in the throne room.
"So, no one knew how Jaime Lannister seemingly escaped his cell and then run off with a horse waiting outside and then still manage to get past the guards within the city walls?" Daenerys asked pointedly. Irritated and livid.
Tyrion features change for a moment though he quickly controls it. But, Arya saw it as clear as day and that small tick is enough to seal the deal for the young Stark.
"He may have hidden a key, Your Grace and he did serve here for a long time. He might've also known a secret passage out of the dungeon." Someone provided.
"We follow their horses' trail and they lead towards the Iron Gate. Should we follow them?" Grey Worm asked.
"Disperse the Unsullied and the Dothraki. Do not come back until you have Jaime Lannister and his men." Daenerys ordered.
Wait. What? Arya quickly steps forward stopping Grey Worm from leaving as she finds Daenerys. "You can't do that. We need every soldier we can get to fight Euron. You can't send your men away to capture some criminals."
The violet orbs that once are smouldering are on fire now. "Tell me what I can't do again, Stark, and your stay here will not be extended." Without as much as a glance, Daenerys strides out of the throne room.
One by one left the hall to follow after their queen leaving only Arya and Tyrion behind.
"You shouldn't take it personally, our queen had the tendency to threaten when—"
His words die when the young Stark dangerously closes in and looks down on him. Grey eyes cold and hardened. "If anything happens to her because of this, I will kill you myself."
Tyrion froze in place and Arya waits for the recognition in his eyes before she too, marches out of the throne room.
*
That night, the young Stark couldn't sleep. After endless turns and twists on her bed, she decides to stay up and strolls around the Red Keep instead. There are still soldiers guarding every corner of the castle and even some outside the city gates but those aren't enough to defend an entire city. She can't believe Daenerys had proceeded in sending nearly half her soldiers and riders just to catch escaped prisoners.
Arya knows the older woman can be impulsive sometimes but this is just absurd. What is Daenerys trying to prove? Was she really that affected to lose her father's killer?
With a sigh, she closes her eyes tiredly. Her back leans against the stone walls as she tightens her arms around herself. The night wind passes by the roof that she currently had taken refuge. The roof that she had struggled climbing after such a long and traumatic experience in the past. But, she did it nonetheless after swallowing her fear and conquering her trembles.
She opens her eyes again and continues to search the surroundings for possible threats under the opened window of Daenerys chamber. Not only until the sky has an orange hue to it, did the young Stark finally left her post and get ready to face another day.
*
The coronation takes place as what Daenerys mentioned. People files in—commoners and nobles alike—to watch the ceremony. The Martells, the Tyrells, Yara Greyjoy and smaller Houses that are tied to their liege lords and ladies were there. And there was also a bald man that Arya thinks she might know from somewhere but she can't remember from where. Apparently he was the new Masters of Whisperer that the dragon queen had appointed.
Even Jorah is there as well. This is the first time that Arya saw the older man as she never once noticed him before in Dragonstone. She guessed he must have gone to do something of importance back then and only now getting back. At least Daenerys will have more people protecting her.
The young Stark decides to place herself at a vantage point where she can secure the older woman's safety in these crowded space and that is behind the Iron Throne, shy away from the Targaryen Queen as she blends herself in the shadows.
As Daenerys finally emerges, clad in a dark-red half dress with fitted trousers, and a striking red drape over her shoulder creating a trail, the hall was rendered silence. The Maester wasted no more time and recites some prayers to begin the ceremony. Once he's done the formalities, he puts a crown of golden circlet with three dragons decorating around it on top of the perfectly braided silver-hair.
Daenerys steps forward, her chin up. "Some of you may have not chosen me as your queen." She starts looking at each and every person in the hall. "But, I'm here to prove myself to you. I have no intention to continue my father's legacy as the Mad Queen. I will be the Queen that serves the people and not my own. I, Daenerys Targaryen in the light of the Seven, vowed this to all of you."
The silence that comes after was deafening. Everyone only looks on and didn't do or offer anything. It was Tyrion who finally steps up from the raised dais and shouted. "Long live the Queen!"
And soon everyone else starts to follow. The echo that resonates through grows louder each time but Arya saw how unsatisfied the dragon queen looks despite it.
*
"It could've been worse." Tyrion offered once the feast was over.
They had gathered in the council chamber to discuss the outcome of the day. Lady Olenna, Ellaria Sand, and Yara—with Theon who faithfully stood behind her— had taken a seat around the long table.
"The people could riot but they didn't." The imp continues from where he was seated.
Daenerys offers nothing but sips her wine. Her back against them as she stands by the open balcony, staring at the darkening sky outside. From the side, Missandei looks on with a concerned expression with Jorah across her, sporting more or less the same appearance.
"I don't have the lords and ladies respect. They still see me as a foreign invader." Daenerys suddenly speaks.
"Give it time, Your Grace. They will learn to respect you." Ellaria tried.
"Besides," The Masters of Whisperer, whom Arya heard people called him as Lord Varys joins. "The people have just recovered from Cersei's cruel reign. They are still traumatized by the massacre that happened."
"These people liked Joffrey once. It's not that hard to make them like you." Olenna offered.
"Well, that's mostly because of your granddaughter," Tyrion said.
Yara leans forward. "A union could be the solution."
At the corner of the room, Arya fumes silently.
"A great match should come from one of the Great Houses."
"I could find a suitor from Dorne—"
Someone chuckles, "No one there is adequate enough for our Queen."
Daenerys suddenly turns and the on-going conversation instantly dies down. The violet gaze trails each and every one of them. "Even my advisors—my allies think that I am incapable to govern on my own." Everyone shifted uncomfortably on their seats. "The next thing I know, you will start to betray me for your personal gain." She stops at Tyrion making the air in the room even stuffier than before.
The Lannister imp reaches out. "Your Gra—"
"Tell me Tyrion, who would benefit if Jaime Lannister, your brother, escaped from the punishment that he deserved?" He doesn't get to answer as Daenerys continues. "I couldn't think of anyone other than you. Am I wrong? He is after all still your family."
Tyrion stands up and straightens. His mismatch orbs meet Daenerys desperately. "I would never do anything to jeopardize you or your position, Your Grace."
Sneaky bastard. Arya had to give him credit at his choice of words.
Even if the dragon queen said nothing else, she seems to already know what Tyrion did and Tyrion seems well aware of that too.
Arya decides to step in. "There are things much more concerning than Jaime Lannister." Daenerys turns to find her, forgetting about Tyrion. "And there are things much more urgent to do than making lords and ladies to like you."
The dragon queen's eyes are cold and distant and Arya felt equally miserable. "I thought you of all people would understand."
"I do. But, my vengeance didn't cost millions of lives in the process."
"And mine is? All I want is the Kingslayer."
"And in doing so, you left all these people in the city vulnerable. What if Euron decides to attack tomorrow? How can we defend any of these people?"
Daenerys bristled. "Do you think of me as weak? I have three dragons. I can defend this city and more."
Arya tries her hardest to be calm in this. She really did. But, the woman in front is making it impossible to stay cool. "Why do you want to be queen?"
"What?"
She knows Daenerys heard her loud and clear so she doesn't trouble herself to repeat it. "Is it because you want everyone to bow down to your feet? You want everyone to worship you and praise you from your throne? You said you will be the queen that serves the people yet you worry about the noblemen. Do your own words have any value?"
"You are treading a very thin line here, Stark and I advise you to stop."
A short and mirthless chuckle escapes Arya. "I've been treading thin lines every single day since I left Winterfell."
The young Stark doesn't know when they have become so close since they are practically in each other's personal space.
"Just because you saw me in your visions, doesn't mean that you know me. I'm not weak. I will never let anything happen to my children. I will never let anyone take what's mine ever again. And I don't need an army to defeat Euron Greyjoy. I will destroy him with fire and blood."
The memories of her past lives decide to haunt her right then and Arya clenched her jaws so tight that they hurt. "No, you cannot. You can't." Dark grey orbs are now rigid and hard. "You said you will take care of it but you failed. He got Drogon and Viserion from you. But, that was just the beginning. Dorne, Highgarden, Oldtown, the Iron Island—every Kingdom in this country; he destroyed them with fire using your dragons. He killed my family, destroyed Winterfell and served me my brother's head and you weren't even there." Her chest is heaving as if she's run a mile.
Daenerys, on the other hand, doesn't seem unnerved by the outburst and offered nothing. Arya balls her hands into fists and closes her eyes in frustration. "You're right. Just because I saw you in my visions, doesn't mean that I know you." She opens them again to study the familiar face in front. "The Daenerys that I knew was kind and strict. Tender and fierce. She cared about innocent lives and the unfairness of the world. She was a great ruler and more importantly, a great human being. You are not that person." The fight has already left her at this point.
But, the older woman doesn't share the sentiment. Something that she said had ignited the inferno within her and Arya saw them clearly at the way Daenerys vibrates with pure rage. "Do you wish to stay in the dungeon, Stark?"
"Anywhere else is better than here."
The stress is palpable to everyone presents and Arya realizes late that there are other people in this room besides them.
"Guards!" Daenerys finally shouted. The Dothraki men that are always at her side begin to stir and close in.
"Don't even bother." Arya snaps before they can do anything. Aggo and Qorro immediately stop at her snarls.
The young Stark holds still, staring at Daenerys, eyes lock right on hers. "I can get there myself. After all, I know the way to the dungeons better than everyone else here, don't I, Your Grace?"
Arya doesn't wait for anything else and turns to leave the room. A trail of wrath left behind her wake as she heads underground to seek the serenity that she desperately in need of.