Dany names Jon as her heir. And everybody has some fun for one night.
I prefer posting on Saturdays/Sundays and Wednesdays/Thursdays, but I'll be busy for a couple of days, so I decided to get this one out sooner.
Enjoy my longest chapter yet.
29. The Prince of Dragonstone - Tyrion
The arrival of Jon Snow at Dragonstone had changed the Queen's mood. Considerably. Where before, Tyrion would catch her wandering the halls alone with a melancholy cloud hovering over her head, now it was almost impossible to see her alone anywhere. She would seek out the company of whoever came close, to engage them in polite conversation, or to simply walk with them, sharing a pleasant smile. In all their time together since the fighting pits of Meereen, he couldn't remember seeing the woman happier.
What a difference one nephew makes. Tyrion had advised her to charm the man, but he hadn't considered the opposite effect. Whatever had happened between the two, it was clear she at least was quite taken by Jon. Or Aegon, as she liked to call him. So when she announced a feast only a few days after his arrival, he wasn't surprised.
"Are you sure that's wise, Your Grace?" Tyrion asked, a few hours before the banquet, while they were walking in the kitchens. The household staff was busy, servants coming and going, each with their hands full. "Our food stocks won't last very long if we waste them like this."
The Queen waved a hand. "I'd hardly consider it a waste. When I announce Aegon as my heir, it should be a celebration. We'll make sure the entire realm knows that House Targaryen has returned." She said, voice filled with emotion, as they continued walking. "Besides, it's your idea. You wanted me to get along with him, so that's what I plan on doing."
"Well, I can't argue with myself." Tyrion knew there was no convincing her. She wants to impress him. "I guess it's a good way to lure other Houses for marriage proposals. You're both available for betrothals, and when the lords and ladies of Westeros learn that, we'll be sure to find new allies for the war effort."
Everyone wants to join the royal family, he knew. Just like father, all those years ago. Tyrion remembered how badly Lord Tywin Lannister had wanted his daughter to marry Rhaegar Targaryen. So did she. Whenever young Cersei talked about the Silver Prince, his sweet sister would gush and go on and on about how beautiful their children would be. Besides Jaime, he was the only other man she loved. And considering her love of Jaime was really an expression of her love for herself, just like her children, he noted, Rhaegar might be the only man she ever truly loved.
His Queen hesitated, pausing in her tracks for a moment. "Honestly, I just want to forget about this war for a day. Not even a full day… Just for one night." She turned to face him, her expression softened. "I think we could all use the distraction."
Tyrion couldn't deny that. Months ago, when they were leaving Meereen, he had assumed the war would be over in a few weeks. They had thousands of Dothraki, Unsullied, Dornish and Reach soldiers. How could such a massive army lose? Euron Greyjoy's blasted horn had changed everything. If this goes on for much longer, she might decide to ride her dragons to King's Landing and end it once and for all. A distraction was a good idea.
"I daresay you're right." He said, giving her a smile. "Let's have some fun."
The Great Hall of Dragonstone seemed smaller when it was filled with people. Queen Daenerys had arranged for large tables to be set up along the sides, each with several seats available, yet still offering ample room for movement in the middle. Shame we couldn't get a singer. With his size, Tyrion wasn't much for dancing, but he was fond of watching women get hot, sweaty and excited. Dancing is like sex, only with more work involved.
Another smaller table was set up for the Queen and her closest advisors, higher up, in a way to allow them vision of the entire room. She was seated at the middle, with Jon Snow to her right and Missandei to her left. Tyrion glanced around, noticing the absence of Varys, who hadn't been seen for hours. Where did he go? The eunuch wasn't one to miss such an opportunity to observe people at their most vulnerable level of drunkenness. Wine can spill any man's secrets.
Standing up, the Queen began her speech, "Dragonstone is my family's ancestral seat. Long before Aegon the Conqueror brought the Seven Kingdoms to heel, this island was all House Targaryen had." She paused, seeming to collect her thoughts, then continued, "Though I have no memory of it, I was born here. Dragonstone should be my home. But it didn't feel like home when I arrived." Her eyes became unfocused, staring at the distance. "It was cold, dark and empty…"
She blinked, shaking her head. After a deep breath, she continued with a smile on her face, "However, when my nephew arrived, I realised something. Home isn't just a place." She put an arm on Jon's shoulder. "With Aegon here, Dragonstone changed before my eyes. It was brighter, warmer and… Perhaps all it needed was its Prince. As I need mine." She turned to face Jon, pulling him up to stand by her side. "Aegon Targaryen, I name you my heir, the Prince of Dragonstone. Do you accept?" She asked him, her violet eyes shining.
He can't say no to that, Tyrion thought, figuring that was her plan all along. Had they asked him in private, there was always the chance he could deny, or try to negotiate something in exchange. With everyone watching, only a fool would refuse such an offer.
"I…" Jon opened his mouth to speak, but the words didn't come. He didn't blink for a long time, staring into her eyes. She smiled at him, her eyebrows high on her forehead, her head slowly moving up and down, almost trying to convince him without words. Eventually, the young man found his voice, "I'd be honored, Your G-" His face broke into a smile of his own. "Dany. Thank you."
She kissed him on the cheek, then turned to face everyone, picking up her glass of wine. "To the Prince of Dragonstone!" The Queen cheered, raising her glass.
Tyrion raised his own glass and watched as the Great Hall erupted into uproarious applause, some people banging their feet and howling like wolves. Appropriate, he mused, thinking of how they would refer to Jon Snow now. The Hidden Dragon? The Winged Wolf? Tyrion couldn't deny the young man's story had all the elements of a great song. And his tale is far from over.
Glancing around the room, as everyone relaxed and started mingling, he noticed how his Queen had been right all along. They needed this too. Lord Paxter Redwyne seemed to be drunk already, his nose a bright red color, a wine glass on his hand and a large grin on his face, as he tried to grope a serving woman. Ironic that the Arbor Lord can't hold his liquor. On the other side of the room, he spotted Yara Greyjoy talking to Nymeria Sand, the captain leaning close and whispering in her ear, but the bastard girl didn't seem to like what she was hearing, for her head kept shaking from side to side, and a scowl marred her features.
"You scared me, nephew." He heard Queen Daenerys speaking to Jon. "For a moment there, I thought you'd refuse my offer."
Jon hesitated, before replying, "I suppose it took me a while to understand the consequences."
"Which consequences would those be?" She asked, innocently taking a sip of her wine. There's nothing innocent about her. Tyrion was sure she knew exactly what she was doing. At least Jon knows it too.
The young man grimaced. "Accepting to become your heir means accepting you as my Queen. As I'm sure you know, Dany." He raised his wine glass towards her and drained it in one gulp. He sounds bitter.
"I don't see the problem." She shrugged, her lips curling into a smile. "You said it yourself you didn't want the Iron Throne. And I doubt you want Cersei as your queen."
Jon refilled his glass. "Sansa might have a problem. Before I left, she had named me Prince of Winterfell."
That's right, Sansa is Queen in the North. With all the distractions, Tyrion hadn't considered how to deal with that development. Jon had arrived as his cousin's representative, but the more time he spent on Dragonstone, the closer his bond with his aunt became. Both Queens want the same Prince. Tyrion briefly wondered exactly how close Jon's relationship with Sansa was, before shaking his head. Not everyone is like Jaime and Cersei. Then he paused. But he is a Targaryen…
"As someone who collects titles, let me tell you there's nothing wrong with adding a few more to your name, Aegon." She said, raising her eyebrows. "Besides, didn't the North take your crown because of that name?"
Jon's face darkened, and he fell silent, taking another swig of wine.
"Forgive me." She apologised, looking worried, her voice dropping to a quieter tone. "I didn't mean to offend." Her hand reached for his, holding on. "I wasn't lying before, you know. I'm glad you're here. Before you came, I could barely sleep in my own bed, wandering the halls alone at night, looking for… I don't even know what." She sighed, shaking her head.
Jon's expression softened. "You have trouble sleeping?"
She nodded. "Sometimes I have… too much on my mind."
"I used to have a similar problem." He confessed, nodding back. "Until I found someone to share my bed."
Bold move, Tyrion thought. Perhaps the pirate captain has rubbed off on him.
The Queen's eyes opened wide. "Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" She asked, her face breaking into a grin. "It's certainly an interesting suggestion, I'll admit."
As the Prince stammered a response, Tyrion rose from his own seat. I think that's enough listening in. Time to find my own fun. He grabbed a glass of wine and made his way down, sipping as he went.
Walking along the tables, he spotted Missandei smiling beside Grey Worm. She was offering him a drink, while his attention remained focused on her lips. She can't hold her liquor, Tyrion knew. Back in Meereen, her mood had shifted after a single taste. Such a beautiful woman… But her heart belonged to the Unsullied general. I suppose they can still have fun with their tongues, he mused, thinking of how terrible it would be to have his cock removed.
What's the difference? He thought bitterly, I'm barely using it these days.
"This isn't the North, Ser." He overheard a familiar female voice. Turning towards it, Tyrion saw High Priestess Kinvara talking to Ser Davos Seaworth, the knight looking rather upset about something. "Whatever threats you and the Prince have made, she didn't break the terms. Not yet, at least." The woman sounded confident, probably due to the two muscular Fiery Hand soldiers flanking her.
The man seemed unconvinced. "She burned a little girl!" He spat, anger clear on his face. "It doesn't matter where she is, I'll never forgive her for that."
Who is he talking about? Tyrion had no idea. His queen had mentioned how the High Priestess conjured the wind that had saved them against Euron, but it was a man who had burned, not a little girl. Still a terrible sacrifice. Given their options at the time, the queen had made the right choice. Well, not right, but…
"Vengeance won't bring the child back." Kinvara replied, calmly. "Priestess Melisandre has told me everything she did for Stannis Baratheon. She was mistaken. However, following the pretender led her to Castle Black in time to bring back your Prince." She smiled, as if savoring the irony. "Everything happens according to the Lord's plan. Even your very presence here now. We are all merely puppets to His grand design." Her voice took on a fervent tone, eyes bright with intensity.
Ser Davos shook his head and stormed off. Someone won't have much fun tonight.
"Oi, Lannister!" A female voice called. He turned to see Yara Greyjoy waving him over. She was sitting next to her brother, in a quieter corner of the room.
As Tyrion moved closer, the captain continued, "You're good with words, so talk some sense into this fool." She nodded at Theon, who rolled his eyes. "This is probably the last night of fun we're likely to get in a long while, and he's just sitting here moping like a wet dog. Get up, grab yourself a woman and-"
"You know damn well I can't have that kind of fun anymore." Her brother interrupted, giving her a shove. "Not after…"
So that's what Ramsay did to him. Tyrion had seen most of the outwardly signs of torture, though he had never bothered to ask about it. That's cruel indeed. Broken bones heal, scars fade with time, and even missing teeth weren't as bad as having your very manhood cut off. Especially when lords and ladies are valued by their ability to produce heirs.
Tyrion cleared his throat, taking a seat next to the man. "Well, you should take a look at those two." He used his thumb to point back at Grey Worm and Missandei. Both Greyjoys turned to look, and he continued, "If Unsullied can find love, why not you?"
"That Missandei…" Yara licked her lips, eyes narrowing. "I doubt anyone can compare to the Queen, but she comes pretty close. And I'd love to be close when she comes."
He grinned. The woman could be witty, when it pleased her. "Well, she's taken. Unlike Nymeria Sand." Tyrion glanced at the Dornish bastard, still standing alone with a sad expression on her face. "I saw you two talking before."
The captain shook her head, waving a hand as if swatting a fly from her face. "Yeah, but she doesn't fancy women. A shame too, with that body."
"Now that's surprising." Tyrion said, his eyebrows high.
"I know!" Yara said, her voice a bit higher than usual. "You'd think those Sand Snakes would be licking each other every night, given what we hear about Dorne." She took a swig of her drink, spilling a bit down her chin.
He watched her for a while, then voiced his thoughts, "And why are you so desperate to find a woman? You seemed quite satisfied with our new Prince. Is he not enough for you?" That would explain why Jon tried to bed the Queen, he conceded. Perhaps they grew tired of each other.
"No man will ever be enough for me." She replied, with a crooked grin. Then she put a hand on her chin, seeming to think harder about the question. "But if I had to choose… I probably couldn't find a better one."
Theon spoke up, "You should be careful with him, Yara. Jon was always very serious about women. I remember taking him and Robb to a brothel once, when we were younger, and he could barely look at the girls working there. But I made sure they both had a nice girl for their first time. Only much later did Ros reveal to me that he hadn't fucked her at all, and just paid her to pretend he did." He paused to take a drink, then continued, "If he's with you now, it's probably because he feels something for you. Don't take that for granted."
Impressive. Tyrion knew they had grown up together at Winterfell, but he didn't expect that relationship to be anything beyond sheer animosity. Hate and love are two sides of the same coin. His own hatred for Cersei didn't prevent him from knowing a great deal about her. I might know her better than anyone else.
Yara frowned, her eyes unfocused, clearly affected by her brother's words. After a short while, she punched him on the shoulder. "I'm your sister, you dick! Why are you so worried for him?" She asked, with a scowl on her face. "You should be worried for me."
"I can be worried for both of you." Theon said, rubbing his shoulder. "Besides, I know you can handle yourself. I'm not so sure about him."
She huffed. "Trust me, he can handle himself just fine. And he knows I don't want to get married or have children or any of that crap. He's fine with it. We're just having fun."
"Still… You can't have fun forever, sister." Theon insisted, his voice gaining a hidden strength. "You'll have to get married and have children eventually. Unless you want Euron's bastards to rule the Iron Islands."
Tyrion tried to help. "Perhaps you could do both." He said, making them turn to face him. "I mean marry and still have fun. Jon seems… willing to allow others to join your bed. At least that's what it looked like when he was talking to the Queen earlier."
Yara's eyes shone, her lips breaking apart to reveal a wide smile. "So he was serious… I thought he was just humoring me. But that bastard will never be able to convince her on his own." She stood up, putting a hand on each of their shoulders. "Alright, boys, time to close the deal. Wish me luck."
Watching her walk away to try and get both Targaryens into the same meat pie, Tyrion felt the sting of jealousy. Lately, his most faithful companion in cold nights had been his hand. Gods, I need a woman.
"Well, I think I'll take a page out of her book and live a little." He said, picking up another glass in addition to his own and filling them with wine. After both were filled, he turned to Theon. "You should try it too, you know. The night is still young, and who knows when we'll get this opportunity again?" With a pat on his back, Tyrion stood up, grabbed his two wine glasses and left.
His feet led him to Nymeria Sand. As his eyes devoured her up close, Tyrion was struck by her beauty. The woman's slim and slender form leaned against the wall, her straight black hair bound in a braid, which fell to the front of her breasts. She was wearing a loose fitting lilac robe that left much of her pale skin exposed.
"If that's for me, save it." She said, pointing at the wine glasses in his hands. "I'm not in the mood."
He feigned surprise. "For you? How presumptuous. I'll have you know that my thirst knows no bounds." Taking a sip of both cups, he continued, "They're mine, thank you very much. And I don't intend to share."
"Really?" Frowning, Nymeria asked, "Then why did you come here?"
Tyrion took another sip, before replying, "Merely to satisfy my curiosity. I must ask why you refused to join Lady Yara and Prince Aegon in what would probably be a memorable session of vigorous exercise. In bed." He added, grinning.
"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm not attracted to her. Or him, for that matter."
He almost spit the wine in his mouth. A poor excuse for anyone with eyes. Swallowing, he said, "Then my lady must be blind. Just look at him." Turning to the high table, he saw Yara whispering in the Queen's ears while Jon looked on uncomfortable. "I'd say every woman in this room would love a taste of our new Prince. Many men too, I'd wager."
Her eyes followed his, but her expression remained unmoved. "He's too pretty. If not for that weak beard, you could almost mistake him for a woman. And that doesn't do much for me."
Interesting. Time to make my move. "Well, nobody has ever called me pretty before… And there are plenty of things I can do for you." He said, emboldened by the wine.
Nymeria's lips curled into a smile. "I don't doubt that…" She said, looking him over. Then she shook her head. "But I hate you. Maybe not you specifically, but your family. The day I take a Lannister into my bed is the day I give up the anger. And anger is all I have now." Her expression hardened again.
I won't give up that easily. "So you've never fucked in anger?" Tyrion asked, without waiting for a reply. "I have, and let me tell you it's a rush. When you don't care about the person next to you, you can truly focus on yourself and reach peaks of pleasure you've never thought possible before."
Her expression softened, as she seemed to consider his words. "Really?"
"Yes." He answered, nodding. "You can fuck me and still hate me afterwards. In fact, the anger will only make it easier to find your release. Use me, abuse me, and toss me aside." Grinning, he offered her a wine glass.
Nymeria hesitated for a moment, before grabbing it and draining its contents in a single gulp. Tossing it aside, she reached for his arm. "Let's go." She said, leading him away.
As they tried to leave the Great Hall, Varys was just entering. "Lord Tyrion, Lady Nymeria." The eunuch greeted them, looking more concerned than usual. "Have you seen the Queen?"
"Of course, she's right over…" Tyrion started, glancing at the high table, but it was empty. I guess Yara got her wish, he mused, grinning. Jon is a lucky man. "Is this urgent?" He asked, unwilling to disturb their merriment.
Varys nodded gravely. "Yes. Very much so. I have to warn her about-"
"No." Tyrion interrupted the man. The Spider tried to argue, but he raised a hand. "Varys, whatever news you wish to discuss is going to have to wait until tomorrow." He glanced at Nymeria, afraid the woman might reconsider her decision. "We all deserve at least one night of fun. The Queen most of all."
The eunuch shook his head. "Tyrion, you don't understand how-"
"No!" He interrupted again, standing his ground. What could be so important? "Promise me you'll wait until tomorrow." Tyrion demanded, staring daggers at the man.
Closing his eyes, Varys took a deep breath, then said, "Fine. Tomorrow. But on your head be it." And he walked away.
"That was strange…" Nymeria offered, watching him go. "I wonder what was so important?"
Tyrion sighed. "Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow." Taking her hand, he grinned and said, "For tonight, we have other plans."
Wow, that was quite a bit longer than I had planned. That's the problem when you add too many characters into a scene. Having to mention everyone was a pain, yet I enjoyed it more than I expected. Especially the Greyjoys, that was pretty fun to write.
Tyrion and Nymeria sure feels awkward, but Tyrion had been horny for a while now, and Nymeria was just moping around, so why not? Sex doesn't always have to equal love.
I didn't show their sex scene because it's not relevant to the plot. It might not feel that way, but every sex scene I've written has some plot relevance (yes, even Alys - just wait for it). Lemons can be fun, yet they also take up a lot of time and effort which could be used elsewhere.
As a heads up, Dany/Jon/Yara is EXTREMELY relevant to the plot. So next chapter should be fun.
The date is 21/06/2019