A/N: Hey, guys! Hope you are all safe and healthy as always.

This chapter was a bit of a struggle to write, but I hope it meets expectations.

Jon read through the journal of Bloodraven for any pieces of wisdom left behind by the famed slayer of Daemon Blackfyre. After continuing with his investigation of the "disappeared brigades" and being informed of what his uncle Benjen learned from General Lim, he realized that the problem was much bigger than he had anticipated. So many army formations in the south existed only on paper and that left so much army supplies and coin unaccounted for. And the ones who helped facilitate that were either dimwitted or were in on it, the latter being the most logical conclusion. And Jon was not stupid in trying to go after the ones who benefitted, as they would most likely include powerful people throughout the empire, and they would not take kindly to his actions.

However, what really bothered Jon was how widespread the problem was. The northern army under Lord Joon was filled with professionals whose sole focus was to defend the empire and continue to perfect the art of war. But the south was devoid of such men, as army pay was not great and the opportunities for avarice were too tempting to resist. If he tried to move against those that lined their pockets with such actions, he would have made a lot more adversaries than he could handle.

Adding to his problems was that Arya was involuntarily involved with the seedier elements of Yin, with Jon discovering that all of the gangs answered to one man, who only went by the name "Wah." Their activities included controlling brothels, fixing games that took place in gambling dens, forcing local shopkeepers to pay "protection" money, and smuggling through the ports. Word on the streets was that there were some from the capital constabulary were in his pockets and that he controlled the majority of all yapian, or opium, trade throughout the southern provinces. And Yujin was in league with them for reasons still unknown, even though Jon could only guess at some of them.

It showed Jon that for all of the empire's advances and technological levels, greed was something that would never truly disappear. And those who profited would fight back, those more skilled at politicking and backstabbing than he was.

Coming across the first entry he saw, Jon read:

"Spring, two hundred and eleven years after Aegon's Conquest,

The Greyjoys have once again turned to reaving, inciting the rage of the Starks of Winterfell and the Lannisters of Casterly Rock. The places that reported attacks from the ironborn include the Stony Shore, Fair Isle, the Arbor, and the village of Little Dosk. Lord Beron Stark called his banners to repel the ironborn from the Stony Shore, which wouldn't be a difficult given the numbers he has. The Lannisters have also restarted construction of a fleet to strike at the Iron Islands, and I have confidence that they would succeed.

But I had advised Aerys the First of His Name to not intervene for the moment. While the Greyjoys' actions merit some response from the crown, the ironborn reaving is hardly a serious issue. I instead advised him to let Lord Lannister, Lord Stark, and Lord Tyrell deal with the ironborn, while his focus should be on Tyrosh, where Aegor remained with the surviving sons of Daemon. Aerys agreed.

But of course, my advice was not well-received in court. The Great Spring Sickness has left many mistrustful of my intentions and they blame me and dear Shiera for all of the misfortunes that came with the drought. Given my baseborn status and due to Daemon's actions, I am in no position to make more enemies than I already have.

It's for this reason that I cannot respond to the request sent from Raventree Hall to intervene in the issue regarding the succession to Stone Hedge, as Ser Otho naturally presents a serious threat to the house of my mother. I might have the ability to help them, but that would damage my position because that would be what the others in court would expect and they would sneer, "A bastard might be greedy for power, but he would help his family at the expense of others."

I personally did not care much for what other people felt, but prejudice would prevent me from doing a thousand goods while taking away the one good that I could do. My family was and is always House Targaryen and my first purpose is to ensure that they remain on the Iron Throne for as long as they could. Intervening on House Blackwood's behalf regarding Ser Otho would jeopardize my purpose, so I must do nothing.

And it's because of my decision was I able to remain in Aerys' favor, and thus continue to advise him on the more dangerous threat from Aegor and the brood of the Blackfyres.

Jon rubbed his temples after setting down the journal. His first instinct after finding out about the "disappeared brigades" was to use his auditing power to have everyone arrested, but as he previously concluded, that would upset more than his share of powerful people.

But on a deeper level, Jon realized that if he made those in power upset, he would not be in a position to help himself and his family when they do have to return to Westeros. And he began to understand that to get things done, he had to sometimes work with those he wouldn't stand to be around. Bloodraven learned to not allow his emotions to affect his judgment and Jon was going to learn just that.

As his mind wondered elsewhere, Jon held up the necklace of Shiera Seastar, reflecting on the ill-fated romance between her and Bloodraven. Shiera might have loved Bloodraven, but the circumstances of her birth and the periods that made up her life prevented her from fully giving her heart to anyone. She was the object of desire for Bittersteel, which added to the hatred between the two half-brothers, and there are those that said that such a conflict for a woman made the realm bleed.

At the same time, Jon thought that Shiera was also at fault. Bloodraven had proposed to her many times and she refused, not knowing that he loved her deeply and was willing to spend the rest of her life with her. In essence, she turned down love for power over men and yet Jon couldn't blame her.

It made him wonder on how beautiful women shaped the course of history for better or worse. And he thought about the women that were currently visible to him.

He had heard tell of Daenerys from the others side of the Jade Gates and how she was dismantling slavery. However, there was talk that the slave masters were close to retaliating, since while her actions had noble intentions, everything in Slaver's Bay was disrupted. Given what he had learned from Bloodraven's journal, he was tempted to criticize Daenerys' actions because she didn't plan ahead.

The other woman, Khiara, had long worked with those who were very willing to usurp her but whose partnership resulted in stability at court and throughout the empire. She turned down many marriage proposals, even with a man who she was previously fond of, because all of them came from families that sought power and influence on the phoenix throne. Because she was able to remain independent of those families and still be in the emperor's favor, she obtained much influence in court and developed relationships with key individuals. Her policies allowed for the navy to continue to be expanded and received upgrades to their ships and weapons, the roads were maintained because she helped appoint an interior minister that would not be susceptible to bribes, and relations between the empire and the semi-autonomous island of Leng remained cordial because she kept the aggressive faction, which was controlled by the prime minister, at bay due to her hold over the fleet.

If one had to be objective, one would praise the achievements of Khiara, who did not seat on a throne, while criticizing Daenerys' actions. However, Jon got to know Khiara from her many invitations to dinner and from how she kept watch over Arya's training with the Jade Order. She might have done good, but Jon knew that she didn't really care about anyone but herself. The only difference between her, Yujin, and Sumeng was that she didn't allow her self-preservation instincts negatively affect others, and her "partners" only gave her more protection against those who sought to use her.

As Jon watched Meleys fly above his palace and rubbing Ghost's snout, he thought about Daenerys, If I had to be honest, I would have done the same thing regarding the erasure of slavery. No one should live in chains.

What's more, Daenerys possessed a certain strength that spoke to his heart, the type that showed that she would not compromise her beliefs and would stand by them when everyone told her not to. And that would be what Jon would adopt.

Like her, I won't let others determine what I should do and what I should believe. However, as I do so, I will use whatever methods they utilized to stay in power against them. I intend to show them that greed is nothing compared to strength and beliefs. The only issue left is, what sort of methods could I use?

Suddenly, that's when it dawned on Jon. He sent a message to Lord Buko's adjutant, inviting him for afternoon tea on the morrow. The adjutant of the capital garrison told him that Lord Buko was very dissatisfied with the current state of things in the empire and grumbled whenever corruption occurred in his ranks. Given that the adjutant had Lord Buko's ear, Jon thought, He might be very interested in what I discovered regarding the disappeared brigades. I might not be in a position to effectively intervene, but he is.

After sending the message to Lord Buko's adjutant, Jon had the servants dress hims in his best armor, the golden jacket of the imperial guard, strap Longclaw to his back and Dark Sister to his waist. He would have done it himself, but he had to act the part of a prince and this came with allowing his servants what they were there to do. Today was a special day and he wanted to look great for Arya's sake.

With Ghost and his entourage in tow, Jon walked to the compound of the Jade Order. As the members in the training yard bowed to him, he took his seat next to Princess Khiara's, who would arrive soon.

Benjen was back in Yin as required of him being a vice minister of war and he wouldn't miss this day for Arya also. Dressed in Yi-Tish armor, he took his seat next to Jon as he was the oldest male relative of him and Arya. But what struck Jon was that he brought along a woman companion, a singer from what he was told. After performing before the troops at Si Qo and in his private chambers, Benjen and the woman, whose name was Mingyu, had grown close and his uncle could confidently say that he was courting her. Between here and the Wall, Uncle Benjen is a completely different person, he mused.

Next came Sam and Prince Kaijin, the latter of whom came because Sam was attending. Sam had just finished with his duties with the Grand Secretary and had dressed in rich silk robes. He was also accompanied by Lady Meiying Yoon, who he had invited. After the incident at the teahouse, Sam and Meiying were courting each other and they seemed to be happy.

Gendry also entered the courtyard. Having just completed training with the capital garrison, he was now assigned to their firearms unit and would now start preparing for the officer's examination. But as he was still a common soldier, he had to stand and therefore was not given a seat. Jon persuaded his commanding officer to grant him a temporary leave, but he couldn't violate conventions in the palace.

The last to appear was Sandor Clegane. Jon was informed by his physician, Jung-Hwa, that the Hound went through some tough times under her supervision. After being denied his regular supply of yapian, the Hound went through the symptoms that came with withdrawal. The first week was especially trying, as the first day saw the Hound vomit into several buckets and that dehydrated him. Then, his eyes and entire body were drenched in sweat, as the balance in the body that was maintained by the yapian had been disturbed. He also couldn't move his arms, as he shouted, "It burns!" Other conditions that afflicted him were severe pain in his stomach, his heart rate was very fast, he couldn't sleep for four nights, and he just couldn't lie still. All of that because he didn't have yapian to smoke.

After about a few weeks, Jung-Hwa was satisfied with how he was able to overcome his addiction. But the next stage of treatment was more difficult, as Sandor was hesitant to revealing all of the painful details of his life. He also didn't want to go to the bathhouse, as he didn't like the idea of being naked around other naked men and after finding out that fire warmed the baths. Can't blame him over there. Still haven't went despite their popularity.

Fortunately, Jung-Hwa decided to take the next stage of his treatment slowly and allowed Sandor to leave her place, but she also sent a message to the Imperial Physician, which required him to report to her once a week.

Sandor was dressed in Yi-Tish robes and wore a black hat so that the shadow casted could better cover the scars on his face. Even though he was a guest, he did not hold any importance yet and thus had to stand next to Gendry. If he continues this way, I will give him work to do.

To Jon's surprise, Lord Joon and Hoon Ti had also appeared, both of them apologizing for showing up late. Jon nodded his thanks to his host and teacher for showing up.

The drums sounded as Khiara and her own entourage came forward, followed closely by Arya and her teacher Gong-Er. Both were dressed in the white silk gown and jade green shirts of the Jade Order. Even though Gong-Er was blind, she was able to find her way by tapping the ground with her cane and didn't Arya to help her.

As for Arya, with her hair tied back and her face covered in white powder, Jon almost mistook her for one of the wooden dolls that he had seen in the market. But with a newfound confidence in her eyes and posture, Arya indeed reminded Jon of his dead mother, who everyone said was the fiercest woman of the North.

After completing her training under the tutelage of Gong-Er, Arya was going to be inducted into the Jade Order. It was a source of pride for all who had relations with her, as only a few completed the rigorous training. She, along with six other women, would take the oath of loyalty to Khiara and to the azure line before beginning what would be a long period of service protecting the princess.

Jon couldn't be happier for Arya, as she would finally be around those who fit her idea of strong women and would be respected among her peers.

After Khiara sat down in her chair, Arya and the other five women knelt prostrate to the ground.

"Today is a glorious day, for we welcome six new sisters to the Jade Order," Khiara announced. "For centuries, the Jade Order has protected the imperial family and helped secure the line of emperors by protecting those who couldn't protect themselves. Many a time have the women of the Order distinguished themselves in the line of duty and we welcome them with open arms. And now, these women before me will now join the long and distinguished list of those who devoted their lives to the empire."

At her signal, six maids came forward and unrolled green scrolls, which summarized the oaths that Arya and the others had to recite. But they would have to say them word for word, in front of everyone in the courtyard.

"We do solemnly affirm that we will support and defend the line of azure emperors against all of their enemies, foreign and domestic, real and imagined. We swear to bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and that we will obey the orders of the azure emperor and the princesses of his blood, and the orders of those appointed over us, in accordance to the imperial decree of the Jade Order put into effect by the seventh azure emperor!" they all proclaimed.

But that was not the end. Now, each one had to swear another oath, one that included their name. Arya was the one to go first.

"Here do I swear allegiance and service to the Golden Empire of Yi-Ti, and to Her Highness Princess Khiara Bu, to speak and to be silent, to do and to let be, to come and to go, in need or plenty, in peace or war, in living or dying, from this hour henceforth, until Her Highness releases me, or death take me, or the world end. So have I spoken, Arya of House Stark, second daughter of Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden and Lord Paramount of the North," she proclaimed in guanhua. In the days since she arrived in the Golden Empire, her hold on the tongue had rapidly improved, but it still needed work.

Jon, Benjen, Sam, and Gendry were about to clap, but they put their hands down upon seeing the rest of the courtyard witnessing in solemn silence. The maid in front of Arya then rolled her scroll, turned around, tied it with a white string, and set it on the table in front of Khiara. The rest of the women soon followed by saying their personal oaths.

Once all said their vows, Arya and the five other women stood up, but they still averted their gaze.

As the teacher, Gong-Er brought forward a bowl of a specially mixed elixir that they had reserved for this occasion. Setting it down a lower table, the rest of the inducted members of the Jade Order lined up behind Gong-Er. To Jon's surprise, Arya's teacher unsheathed a knife from her waist and cut her palm, after which she squeezed her palm and let her blood drop into the elixir. The other women of the Jade Order, seventy in total, did as she did.

"With this release of blood from our sisters comes the ultimate expression of the bonds between each other. Upon their entry in your bodies, you will be forever bound to the Order and to each other as sisters," Khiara declared.

Arya stepped forward, grabbed onto the bowl and took a moment before drinking from it. She didn't really know the taste of the blood, but the strong taste of the elixir masked it and she nearly coughed. But she swallowed and set the bowl back down on the table for the next woman to drink from it. Once they finished drinking, the maids returned and gave them a pair of swords, one short and a long one but they were both slightly curved. Forged with the best steel available besides Valyrian steel, Arya took them eagerly.

The induction was followed by a feast in the new members' honor, where there was music, good food, and various performances. Jon clinked his cups with Lord Joon and Hoon and chuckled with Benjen, Sam, and Prince Kaijin. But seeing his uncle and friend with their own women to woo made Jon think of when he will have that chance, especially since Gendry clearly fancied Arya. I might have to do something in order to make him more acceptable as a suitor for Arya.

Upon thinking that, Jon's thoughts turned to Daenerys, who was undeniably beautiful. And him moving on from Chanhee made his thoughts turn to his aunt. He knew that romantic bonds within the family was one of the things that defined House Targaryen and if he had to admit, the feelings that he had for Chanhee had now transferred to her. He understood that no one was meant to be alone forever, and Daenerys might be the one he could very well end up with. But how and when is the question, he pondered. Might be something to think more about it when I do leave this place.

"You should be proud of your sister, Prince Daeron," Khiara said to him. "Only a few women can join the Jade Order, and she is the first white devil to do so."

"I am very much so, Princess Khiara," Jon responded. "She came a long way from when she was still struggling under Lady Catelyn."

"Who was one of the casualties of the Red Wedding back in Westeros, right?"

Jon had to stifle tears at the Red Wedding, since Robb was one of those that was reported dead. "Yes. But to be frank with you, I didn't feel anything for Catelyn."

"Why would you? She treated you very badly and you had no blood connection to her, so you had nothing to mourn for."

Jon nodded. "You are very right."

"I was told by Gong-Er that your sister has a lot of anger in her, which would be useful when she is faced with adversity. She also told me that one of her nicknames was 'Underfoot.' What does that mean?" Khiara asked.

Jon gulped. Arya, why did you reveal that? "She got that name because she was always getting in the way of the household at Winterfell and she didn't allow her position as Ned Stark's duty to stop her from making friends wherever she went."

"Ah," Khiara nodded in understanding. "She's one of those outgoing sorts, where she would have no problem drinking with commoners when the chance allows. Is that right?"

"She would do that," Jon admitted.

"And that's why she made friends with the lowborn bastard, even though he does have a drop of dragon blood in him courtesy of Rhaelle Targaryen," Khiara assessed.

Jon stopped himself from shaking his head. "Underfoot" held a lot of intimate meaning for the family at Winterfell and for Khiara to even hear of that meant that she was becoming more invasive in their past.

"Prince Daeron, I know that you don't plan to be in the empire forever, but what is your plan in getting the help you require? To take a throne, you need money and soldiers. You don't have enough of the former and you certainly don't have enough clout to get much of the latter," Khiara pointed out.

Jon had to keep it close, but he knew that Khiara would sense a lie, so he went for the old tactic of half-truths. "The only way that I can see myself with an army is through hiring those to fight for me, but I am hesitant in employing sellswords since they only follow the coin."

"Sellswords are not the only soldiers you can get," Khiara answered in response. "You already have a few who would join you, particularly that zorseman you have in your household."

"A few Jogos Nhai might not be enough," Jon told her.

"There might be some who will be willing to find the men for you, at a price," Khiara said.

Jon looked at her, unsure. "Who do you mean?"

Khiara leaned back against her chair. "Greed can be useful, especially when it comes to the merchants. For a long time, the empire sought trade routes to Westeros that didn't go past Qarth, as the Qartheans charge a huge markup for our goods to pass by there. You could offer them the opportunity to make lucrative trade deals in exchange for financing your claim. The lords of the empire are not the only people you could reach out to if you require manpower."

Jon thought about this. He found the company of merchants distasteful, as the only thing that they were loyal to was coin. However, the merchants in the empire did have control over a large portion of the money in circulation and many at court had some relationship with what they called "merchant slime." At the same time, wars cost money and he'll need a lot of it if he wanted to be successful in his eventual war on the Baratheons and Lannisters. Who shall I approach first?

The final part of the festivities had the new members perform a dance in front of the guests. Jon and Benjen leaned forward, eager to see Arya do one of the things that she loathed doing as a child.

The six women arranged in a circular fashion that resembled a cherry blossom, accomplished with fans. The drums started to be pounded on, with each strike determining the rhythm of the performance. And they all moved in conjunction with another, their formation separating like petals falling off of the blossom. All of their movements were graceful and yet there was a power behind each of them, a type that couldn't be shown with pure brawn.

All Jon could focus on was Arya, who moved with such fluidity and focus that he forgot that she had never learned to dance well in Winterfell. But here she was, giving a mesmerizing performance that would make any man drool over her. The white powder on her face, her reddened lips, her eyes lined with black, and her hair tied up in an elaborate style while spinning around with her fan… I did not expect this side of Arya to show up.

Jon then glanced at Gendry, who was still standing but he couldn't keep his eyes off of Arya. And his were very wide, almost as if he was staring at a goddess. Might have to talk to him about what he plans to do with Arya.

The six women spun around one last time before kneeling down and outstretching their arms. Jon had lost track, as he was looking at Arya for so long that he didn't realize how short it was. But he could see sweat emerging on Arya's face. Didn't know dancing could be so strenuous.

Khiara stood up from her seat and opened her mouth as if to give her final congratulations to the women, but the front doors of the courtyard suddenly burst open, catching everyone's attention.

In came Prince Yujin, with twenty men armed with swords and spears. As they formed up behind Yujin, all of the guests murmured with each other at this intrusion.

"What do you want, Yujin?" Khiara was also angry at her half-brother daring to barge in while armed.

"My quarrel is not with you, Khiara. It is with the white trash that stands before me, her family, and her companions," Yujin pointed to Arya, Gendry, Sandor, Jon, Benjen, and Sam.

"How dare you enter this place!" Lord Joon stood up in anger. "You are not welcome here!"

"I am a prince of the empire, Lord Joon, and therefore of higher rank. You do not talk back to me like we're equals," Yujin hissed.

"Then allow me, brother," Kaijin rose up. "This ceremony celebrates the inclusion of new members of the Jade Order and you were not invited."

"Oh, is that what she is now?" Yujin scoffed. "She's doesn't like Jade Order to me. She instead looks like a piece of meat, as does her bastard friend and scarred brute. And they have a debt to pay."

"Whatever debts you think she owes, they have no place here," Benjen defended his niece. "And she will never bow to the demands of scum like you!"

"Ah, the good uncle. Best be careful with your words, unless you want to end up like your dumb brother," Yujin gave him a sick smile.

Jon snapped at that last one, as Yujin extinguished his patience after trying to go after his sister and then insulting the man who was like a father to him. He rose up from his chair, circled around the table and stood between Yujin and Arya.

"You know. Now that I think of it, I always hear you talking, and others talking about you. I even saw you kicking my sister in the stomach, while you had her restrained," Jon spoke. Benjen rose in anger at the revelation of Yujin striking his niece while Gendry grounded his teeth, his eyes wanting to murder him. Even Khiara groaned in disgust, as there was nothing admirable about hitting someone who couldn't fight back. "But… the more I think about it, the more I am beginning to believe that you are all talk and not action. How about you back that up, you son of bitch?" he challenged.

Yujin laughed at him. "You really think that you have a chance against me?"

"For someone trained by an assassin, you sure talk a lot. Show me," Jon spat.

Benjen moved to protest Jon's decision, but Lord Joon looked at him and shook his head. As for Khiara, she remained silent, eager to see what would come. Arya and Sam looked on with fear, as this was the first time that they saw Jon fight someone who was too eager to draw blood.

"All right. But your white pet doesn't get involved," Yujin pointed to Ghost, who really wanted to tear into him. "This fight is between you and me."

Jon looked to Ghost, silently telling him to sit back and not intervene. Reluctantly, Ghost sat.

Without a word but giving another grin, Yujin unsheathed his swords and readied himself while Jon unsheated Longclaw and threw off his golden jacket. They circled each other, Longclaw and Yujin's katana drawn and ready to fight.

Then, Yujin let go a furious yell that could be heard throughout the courtyard and charged at Jon. He was ready for it and easily stepped aside and lay his Valyrian steel across his back. For one brief moment, everyone thought it was over, but Yujin whipped back around, as his robe was only cut and not his flesh. He moves fast.

After that he was more cautious and the two combatants circled each other, looking for an opening, as the crowd looked. Arya felt Gendry stand next to her and she held his arm tightly as the two clashed their swords together and the steel ringing loudly. Yujin's swipes were much faster than Jon's, while Jon had more strength. Yujin's move resembled a dance from how fluidly he moved while Jon learned more practical moves. As they struck against one another, Jon sought an opening…and then he found one.

Yujin attempted to jump and spin around to kick Jon, but he saw that coming and easily avoided it. Jon then sliced his sword up his tricep, causing him to hold it in pain. Arya, along with everyone, could hear him cry out as bright red blood streamed down the back of his arm and onto his hand.

Arya knew it was not over yet. Yujin stepped backwards towards one of the tables while keeping his sword aimed at Jon. He stalked him as if he was hunting, his sword out, his stout body in a crouch, both hands on Longclaw's hilt, ready to attack and defend himself. Suddenly, Jon struck and their swords clashed. The force from his attacks forced Yujin to collide into a table, the teacups and ceramic plates clinking as they shook from the impact.

Then Arya saw it, saw Yujin take his left hand from his sword's hilt and grab a teapot. As it was open, he threw all of its contents to Jon.

"JON! LOOK OUT!" she shouted.

But it was too late, as Yujin's teapot move went faster than her words and towards his face.

Jon cried out in pain, his skin slightly peeling and his face stinging from the burning feeling of the hot tea water. Jon staggered back as an awful gasp came from the audience. He shook his head furiously and tried to wipe the spilled tea from his face, but he staggered some more. Yujin used the opportunity to stride towards Jon, finally confident in a victory.

"Let's see you bleed, dragon!" he shouted and then, he laughed, and his thick lips formed an evil leer.

Jon tried to rub his eyes with his hands, but they were needed to hold Longclaw. He swung it blindly, shaking his head and blinking, trying to clear his eyes and shake off the pain, and Yujin easily stepped out of the way of Longclaw. More than one voice whispered against Yujin for his cheap move, but the challenge had to continue.

Yujin exploited Jon's blinking to strike Longclaw away from his hand. The Valyrian steel clanged against the ground and thus allowing him to whirl around him and slash at his back.

Everyone gasped at seeing the deep cut, which caused Jon to stagger more and then kneel on the ground. Yujin moved on Jon, wanting to see more blood judging from his crazed eyes, but Jon responded quickly enough by rolling to his side and standing back up, gritting his teeth in pain while unsheathing Dark Sister.

Yujin moved to stab him in the waist, but Jon caught his sword with Dark Sister's hilt. He then brought his hilt up and struck Yujin hard on the forehead, stunning him. Now wanting to return the favor, Jon slashed across his thighs. They weren't deep enough to touch bone, but they allowed much blood to exit it and effectively making his legs useless.

Yujin cried out in pain as he fell to the ground on his knees and Jon was tempted to cut him some more. But deciding to really get the message across, he dropped Dark Sister and tackled him against the courtyard's stone. He threw punches at his face and saw him bleed, but for the insults against Arya and Ned Stark, he wasn't going to stop there.

Unfortunately, he felt more than a pair of strong arms pull him off of Yujin. He looked around and saw Lord Joon and Prince Kaijin hold him while Yujin's guards got him back up.

Before Jon did anything else, Khiara walked from her chair and went between them. "I think that's enough, you two. And we both know who won."

"We're not done yet," Yujin cried out, only for Khiara to slap him hard across the face.

"I said, enough," Khiara warned him. "Or should I tell the emperor of what you tried to do? Given your history, he won't take well to you drawing your weapons during a sacred ceremony." She turned to his guards. "Get him out of here."

As the guards helped Yujin out of the courtyard, Jon fainted from the sheer exhaustion of the fight, almost bested by the psychotic prince.

When he came to, he was lying on a floor mat, with his back exposed. Glancing up, he saw Khiara applying some balm to the cut on his back.

"What happened?" Jon asked.

"You passed out, which was understandable given how much you gave against Yujin," Khiara continued applying the balm.

"Where am I?"

"You're in my quarters."

Jon's eyes widened. "Why did you bring me here?"

"I took you first to the imperial physician. After listening to his recommendations, I told him that I would apply this balm myself. You can go in the morning," Khiara answered.

"But why did you bring me here?"

"Figured that I won't get a lot of chances to be around you in this setting," Khiara admitted.

Jon knew there was something more. "Why take the trouble healing me?"

"Is there something wrong with a princess looking over a prince?" she asked suggestively.

"No, but—"

"Shhh," Khiara shushed him before leaning to whisper in his ear. "I've been wanting to see someone finally put that shit in his place. If it weren't for his blood, he'd just be another thug. To see you beat him at his own game and without your direwolf and dragon, all because you sought to defend your family… if your actions do not constitute a model of honor and loyalty, I don't know what will."

"But you don't care about that," Jon told her straight.

"No," Khiara acknowledged. "But it's still refreshing to see after all of the backstabbing that is happening. Now, hold still."

Jon felt some discomfort as she turned him on his back and was now applying the balm on his face.

"It's not serious. You can still be a comely man," Khiara smiled at him. "Otherwise, we may not drink tea as often."

Jon slightly shook under her touch. There was something in her fingers that seemed to explore his back and then his face. It was as if Khiara was using this time to closely examine him, as if examining a cheongja. He didn't like to be seen as a fine object and despite Khiara's good intentions, he wanted nothing more than to just leave her as fast as he can.

But then, Jon looked into her eyes and saw something that he never thought to see. It was a look that he had seen in Chanhee and then Daenerys, a look that resulted from true concern for his well-being. More seriously, that look resembled Daenerys' in that it seemed as if Khiara was attracted to him. The last possibility frightened him, as Khiara being smitten could lead to some dangerous results.

"Don't worry, you're safe here." For good measure, Khiara moved down and kissed his forehead. Not a deep kiss, but one given as reassurance. Standing up, she left Jon alone to rest. "I'll see you in the morning, Daeron," she gave him one more smile.

Blinking, Jon knew that sort of kiss would only come out of pure concern, which stumped him more. For a brief moment, he saw Khiara not as a princess willing to do what she needed to do to survive and gain power, but as another woman who wanted to take care of someone she had grown to really like. Given her beauty, it wouldn't be hard for Jon to fall for her, as she also had enormous strength and an indomitable will, both shaped from adversity like Daenerys'.

Jon softly groaned. Why am I feeling this way? Please let me see what's true and what's not, he prayed to his father, mother, and uncle.


Hudam Shu convened his most influential supporters under his roof. Besides the Economics Minister and Lord Dao, they included the Captain-Generals of the Southwest and Southeast Armies, both of whom were appointed to represent the ninety of the two hundred generals of the army that were on the Prime Minister's side, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Rites, the Minister of Personnel, and the Minister of Works. Also in attendance was Yuejo Chin, the master of the merchants guild in Yin and the appointed representative of the merchant communities in the southern provinces. In summary, a majority of the army generals, four out of nine imperial ministers, the most influential merchant in the empire, and the most powerful of the southern nobility had received and answered his invitation.

After the traditional feast and music and dance performances, Hudam had his servants lock the room and the guards to stand a few feet away from the main area. He knew for certain that his adversaries, particularly Princess Khiara, had spies in his household and he couldn't risk tipping his hand to her, not while so much was at stake.

"Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming here today," Shu started. "For the past twenty years, we have been tied together with the bonds of comradeship and mutual interest and there is no one in this room who hasn't benefited from our close cooperation. We have also helped ensure stability in the empire, as the bureaucracy has been maintained and the balance of power has been protected. But recent events have threatened that balance and thus jeopardizing our partnerships. I have invited you all today so that we can hear each other's grievances and come up with solutions to safeguard our interests. I will open the floor to discussion."

Shu poured himself another cup of tea as the first one, the Minister of Works, began. "Gentlemen, I hear talk of how Daeron Targaryen and his uncle Benjen Stark have been snooping around our sources of income. How did that happen?"

"He is the assistant quartermaster of the capital garrison, Minister," the Justice Minister told him. "It's his duty to go through the books and investigate. But given his honorable demeanor, it was bound to happen."

"The only reason why he has any power is because of his dragon. Without it, he's just another nobody," one of the generals sneered.

"Which is more than what you could say for yourself," Yuejo Chin answered. "I might be merchant slime, but you call yourself a soldier? You wanted to make more money because the army doesn't pay you well, even though your first loyalty is to the emperor."

"You calling me a whore, you merchant shit?" the general was offended.

"He does have a point," the Economics Minister joined in. "This is why we civil servants look down on you soldiers. The only reason why you're all generals in the first place is because we allowed it to happen. But you will always take orders from us, because that is the nature of your chosen profession."

"You seem to forget that without us, your word won't mean anything in the provinces," another general shot back. "You are just a paper pusher while we have to risk our lives and keep order in the lands where we help keep the peace."

"You're just soldiers. Who are you to say what we should do and whether our word means anything?" the Minister of Personnel spat.

Shu sighed as the discussion became a simple exchange of insults. He wasn't personally involved in the corruption that was going on, as his lands gave him an income that was more than enough for him to live comfortably and give him some bargaining power when it came to making connections. However, rather than not associating himself with officials he knew were greedy, he thought it better to instead get their cooperation and find ways to control them. He remembered what his father said about corruption after the emperor threatened to investigate him:

"Some commissioner from some backwater post, trying to investigate me at the behest of the emperor? Make a name for himself? Maybe become a minister and get lands and a subsidy so that the other officials in court can suddenly start having, at our family's expense, all the advantages we enjoy currently and have been for centuries? No, I tell you, my son. No! Corruption charges against me and my friends! Corruption? Corruption is intrusion into how us officials maintain order in the empire in the form of commissioners trying to tell us what to do. The emperor might not know this, and his lackeys have less understanding than he does, but this empire has laws against those types of interference precisely so we can get away with it. They just need to look closely at the details and really understand the ambiguities. Corruption is our protection. Corruption keeps us safe and warm. Corruption is why you and I are able to live in our house and on our lands instead of fighting over scraps of meat out in the streets. Corruption is what maintains empires. Corruption is why we win."

Naïve as he was, Shu took his father's words to heart. While he was not engaged in corruption, he would do nothing against it. And he saw that the benefits outweighed the damage it might have caused. I allow the officials to become greedy, I in turn control the debt they accumulate. Control the debt, and I control everything. That was one of the reasons that he entered into a partnership with Chin, as he could influence how much money could pass through him and to whom he gave it to. The price was that he had to turn an occasional blind eye to Chin's more questionable practices, which included smuggling illegal items and selling them to the underground.

After the discussion was going nowhere, Shu slammed his hand down. They might be officials, but they are just dogs to me. And I am their master. As if proving his thoughts, they all became silent.

"I did not invite you all here to throw personal attacks at each other, so I'll just remind you all very clearly. What should we do about Daeron Targaryen? He's becoming more dangerous especially with Princess Khiara taking on the role as his benefactor. Besides his uncle, Joon Kitara is not someone we should ignore, as he has influence over the northern armies. He's clearly not the type we want in power for long, so any suggestions on how to deal with him?"

"Your Excellency," Lord Dao made his presence known. "We currently cannot confront Daeron Targaryen directly, as that would put us in conflict with Princess Khiara and her faction. Might I suggest a more roundabout way of damaging him?"

"And what would that be, my lord?" Shu inquired.

"We all have heard of Daenerys Targaryen and her actions west of the Jade Gates," Lord Dao brought up. "Noble as her intentions may be in eliminating slavery and even though the empire doesn't practice slavery, what she did destabilized the fragile steadiness that was formed the exchange of live beings in bondage. I heard talk from traders from Qarth about how the drastic elimination of slavery led to many things such as the devaluation of live men and women on the market, shipwrights who could no longer find clients because they only built slave transports, and many brokers who provided for the fighting pits cannot find additional business."

"So, what's your point?" Shu knew all of that and didn't need to be reminded.

"We're ignoring a potential ally in the slave masters. I suggest we contact the disaffected in Slaver's Bay and find ways to help them sabotage Daenerys Targaryen," Lord Dao suggested. "As Prince Daeron is also a Targaryen, anything that could set back and damage Daenerys will affect him also."

"And what ways do you think he'll be damaged?" Shu became very interested.

"The words of House Targaryen are 'Fire and Blood.' Perhaps it's time that we remind the people how much destruction was caused in the name of the dragons."

Shu blinked in thought. The more he thought about it, the more he concluded that Lord Dao's suggestions were the most viable offered that day. His thoughts were shared with the rest who gathered, who slowly nodded their heads in agreement.

"Chin," Shu turned to the master of the merchants' guild. "Can you get into contact with the slave masters?"

"I'll have to send an intermediary through Qarth, but it is possible."

"Do it. And have one of your men personally go to Slaver's Bay to assess the situation. Once there, have him send regular reports and recommendations on who to approach," Shu directed.

"It will be done, Your Excellency," Lord Dao bowed.

"Minister," Shu turned to the Minister of Justice. "You have control over the capital constabulary and all other public security formations throughout the empire. Work with Lord Dao's son to have the Central Column and other constables who work out of uniform to keep watch on Daeron Targaryen, Benjen Stark, Arya Stark, Samwell Tarly, the bastard Gendry, and the scarred brute. Have them report closely on their activities, especially regarding Daeron's and Benjen's investigations."

"Should they come close to the truth, Your Excellency?" the Minister asked with some apprehension.

"Use your imagination," Shu scolded him. But it also gave him some deniability should things go wrong.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

"Also," Shu turned to the generals. "Arrange for your provosts to watch Joon Kitara, General Buko, and Admiral Okamoto. For those that bear arms that do not stand with us, they are now our enemies. Be vigilant and respond accordingly should they contrary to our expectations."

"Yes, Your Excellency," the generals affirmed.

"One last thing. Minister," he turned to the Minister of Personnel. "Make inquiries to the Grand Secretariat on texts regarding dragons. As their existence was well recorded, there must be some way to counter them should the need arise."

"As you wish, Your Excellency."

Shu raised his teacup, with the others following. "Let's do this right, gentlemen. The fate of the empire is in our hands. We should keep it that way."


Rhaenys thrusted her spear at the dummy in the training area of her host's house. She then spun the spear around and used the sharpened head to cut across the dummy. Finally, she used the blunt sides of her spear to strike the dummy's head, imagining it as a move that would stun her mark. She repeated those movements over and over, remembering what her Dornish teacher taught her. But as she had no one to spar with, all she could do was practice routines for the moment.

One habit she developed while training with the Dornish spear and scimitar was to practice all morning without break, pushing herself to strike harder and faster than the previous day. After she had her noon meals, she would study and go over the occurrences from all over the known world. She then finished each day with more combat training, but without her weapons. Her Dornish teacher taught her how to use her hands and legs, since he said that there will be times when she will have to kill using her limbs.

Seeing the sundial mark noon, she set down her spear and went to eat. Most of the household just passed by her, with few bowing their heads, as they were not accustomed to bowing before anyone but the slave masters. She found Varys sitting across her at the table, but he was not eating.

"Lord Varys," Rhaenys greeted him.

"Your Grace," he addressed with respect. "I assume your morning training has been productive?"

"Quite," Rhaenys was terse with her words.

"After you've finished with your meal, Your Grace, please join me for an important meeting. It'll help determine the future and greatly help you on the way to the throne," Varys told her.

"Who?" Rhaenys drank from her goblet.

"Someone from past the Bone Mountains, but one who is well-connected to the workings of the group that I intend to cooperate with," Varys was vague on the details.

"If you say so," Rhaenys proceeded to eat.

Although she was just a small child, she knew exactly where she came from and who her parents were. She remembered her father's soft touch and how he made her smile, her mother giving her many kisses and allowing her to hold her baby brother, and the days she spent running around the Red Keep without a care in the world. Little did she experience the madness that came from her grandsire the Mad King and she could only imagine how much her parents and her grandmother protected her from it.

Rhaenys remembered waking up in the sands of Dorne one time and at a place people called the Tower of Joy. She didn't understand what was happening, but she could remember seeing a northern woman there and how kind she was to her. The only things that marked her identity was the direwolf sigil and a set of mismatched armor, suggesting that she was a Stark. What really confused her was how that Stark lady, her father, and her mother were all in the same bed. If only I knew that would be the only time that I saw Lyanna Stark, she thought.

When the Rebellion began, Aerys called them back and had her mother, herself, and her baby brother confined to their quarters. When things began to really turn bad for House Targaryen after her father was killed at the Trident, Rhaenys recalled being woken up in the middle of the night and led down a dark and damp tunnel towards a small boat. The man that led her through those tunnels under the Red Keep was none other than Varys, who promised her, "You need to leave first. I'll get your brother."

For the next twenty years, Rhaenys lived in one of the pillow houses of Lys, living among other women who gave their bodies for coin. As she grew older, her caretakers told her that she was the most beautiful women they had seen, a fine combination of Valyrian and Dornish beauty. However, she was not made a pillow slave, which confused her given where she was.

Varys revealed that he had paid the pillow house to keep her maidenhead intact, but Rhaenys asked, "With what money?" Whatever the costs were, it was certainly beyond Varys' personal means, so there had to be something else going on. But Varys was tight-lipped, telling her to trust him. How could I even though he saved my life?

Another thing that Varys was tight-lipped about was when she could see her baby brother. All the Spider said was that for both of their safety, they had to be separated, but he praised his comeliness, his education, and his training and promised that when the time was right, they'll meet each other again. You already made one promise, but you didn't keep that one.

And now, after so many years, Varys had informed her that the time was right for her and her baby brother to press their claim on the Iron Throne, as the Baratheons and Lannisters had brought destruction to Westeros. But he also said that there were other threats to be dealt with, ones he called "pretenders to the throne." When Rhaenys asked, Varys said that it was her aunt Daenerys and her other brother Daeron, who he called a bastard born from Lyanna Stark's womb.

Rhaenys wasn't sure what to make of both of them, as she only heard a little of her aunt and none of her brother. However, despite the kindness that Lyanna Stark showed her, in her heart, she placed a little blame on her for the Rebellion. At the same time, she was not comfortable with confronting her family, given that she had to grow up alone and surrounded by those who didn't really care for her.

Rhaenys didn't know why she was in the pleasure houses, but she witnessed the scum of man take their sickened desires out on the woman they paid for. Many times, she heard moans, but occasionally, she heard screams. And she observed some of the women being sent there in chains, clearly being forced into servitude. But as much as she wanted to, there was nothing she could do. And that pissed her off, because she was of royal blood and that had to mean something. But alas, the Targaryen name meant shit in Lys, as poor old Saera Targaryen and Viserys the Second of His Name learned the hard way.

And even though she had good memories of her mother, father, and Lyanna Stark giving her love from that one time at the Tower of Joy, she didn't have the time to really mourn them. One wrong move on her part and one moment of weakness would unleash the pleasure house owners on her, as they circled around all of the woman like vultures and they wouldn't care how much Varys was paying them to leave her alone.

Of course, her witnessing Varys' untrustworthiness prevented her from showing her true thoughts and she decided to mask her distrust of him by acting dignified and keeping an emotional distance. Only after I see my brother will I change my mind about him. But will he recognize me?

Rhaenys was hopeful to see her baby brother again, imagining him to be a strong man who knew how to handle himself well and a spitting image of their father. Of course, that was only a hope and that's what tore at her heart, as she didn't even know what to believe anymore. Varys says that my brother is the true heir, but there's two other Targaryens running around if the rumors are true and the Baratheons are in control. And all I experienced so far was people caring for me because of my blood. What's there to believe anymore?

She had only heard tell of her aunt Daenerys and what she had done, but she so far felt nothing. If she was my aunt, why did she leave me here among these people? Why didn't she try hard enough to find me? And she was proclaiming herself a queen, making her believe that the crown was more important than her family. Is that who she really is?

And given her distrust of Varys, she didn't know if she could trust what he said about Daeron, otherwise known as Jon Snow. What if he really is a bastard of Ned Stark, the wolf traitor, and Varys is just trying to make me more confused and giving me false hope? If it was true, given how he was the product of the union that caused the Rebellion in the first place, Rhaenys couldn't find it in her to be happy that a third of her family might be alive. If he was who claimed to be, why didn't he try to find me like Daenerys? Why did leave me be?

After eating her noon meal in silence, Rhaenys followed Varys to another part of the manse in Tols, where a strange looking man was seated. Dressed in silk robes and his hair tied in a bun, he didn't look like he was from the Slaver's Bay or any other place she was familiar with.

"Good afternoon, good ser," Varys greeted him in the common tongue. "Are you comfortable speaking in the common tongue? If not, I can switch to High Valyrian."

"The common tongue is fine," the stranger replied back, but with an incredibly thick accent. "Thank you for agreeing to see me."

"No, thank you for reaching out," Varys sat down across the strange man, with Rhaenys sitting next to him. "So, how are things back in the land of a thousand cities?"

"Much tension in the air, my lord. My masters are especially anxious about the current situation in the empire."

Land of a thousand cities? Yi-Ti? "Are you Yi-Tish?" Rhaenys asked him.

"Yes. I am a native of Jinqi and have traveled past the Jade Gates, making a spot at Qarth, before making my way here to Tolos," the Yi-Tish man said.

"How did you know how to reach out to us?" Rhaenys inquired.

"Daenerys Targaryen left behind much dissatisfaction in Qarth and one of them told me to look for the Harpy. As I searched Astapor and Yunkai, I was approached by some of Lord Varys' little birds and they took me here. That's just the simple version and I don't think we have the time for the details," the Yi-Tish man divulged.

"Of course," Varys nodded. "May I ask who exactly your masters are, and why you have approached us?"

The Yi-Tish man took a moment to process that before finding the words. "I currently serve at the behest of the Prime Minister of the Golden Empire, Hudam Shu. I don't work for him directly, but I take orders from Yuejo Chin, the master of the merchants' guild. They have been running into some problems with Daeron Targaryen, as he is upsetting the balance of power in the empire and they naturally want to find solutions to control him."

Rhaenys glanced at Varys, shocked that another person besides Varys talked about her supposed brother Daeron. If he knows about him, then that means that my brother is real, and alive, she thought with happiness, but her mistrust of Varys grew.

"I would assume," Varys agreed. "And given that he was raised by an honorable man, he must be annoying many people."

"Exactly," the Yi-Tish man bobbed his head. "But I have to ask. Are you currently in a position next to Daenerys Targaryen? The Prime Minister wants to see if there is a way to damage her, as that would also indirectly damage Prince Daeron."

"At the moment, I don't," Varys admitted. "But I do know someone else who is in her circle and I have a solution that would take care of her before she becomes too much of a threat."

"And what would that be, if I may ask?"

"A rival claimant to her throne, and the Golden Company," Varys stated.

The Yi-Tish man's eyes widened, for he obviously had heard of the Golden Company's reputation. "And who is this claimant?"

"Aegon Targaryen, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell. And next to me is his older sister, Rhaenys," Varys introduced her.

"Ah," the Yi-Tish man said aloud. "So, your plan is to challenge Daenerys Targaryen by presenting a male heir, hoping that her supporters would come to him because they won't follow a woman? And the Golden Company would provide the muscle?"

"Not just the Golden Company," Varys spoke. "The Harpies and the slave masters will provide the majority of the strength needed for this plan to work."

"And you are in contact with this Harpy?"

"Correct."

"You sure that this Aegon Targaryen is the genuine article? I heard the stories also."

Varys paused. "He is. I have someone who can confirm."

But that pause made Rhaenys really suspicious, but she kept it hidden. What's going on, Varys? Why did you hesitate?

"How soon will you be able to strike against Daenerys Targaryen?"

"Soon. Which brings me to ask you. What will the Prime Minister offer us? He seeks to damage Daeron and I have the means to destroy Daenerys, so how could he help us achieve our goals?"

"I will have to contact Yuejo Chin and inform him of your plans and what you have at your disposal," the Yi-Tish man replied. "From there, they'll send me the details and we can plan together."

"Sounds acceptable," Varys smiled before they bowed to each other. "I invite you to stay here and enjoy our hospitality. Shall I arrange for a gift to be sent to your chambers?"

"I gladly accept," the Yi-Tish man knew exactly what Varys meant and was escorted by servants to where he would sleep.

"So, you intend to harm my family in order for me and brother to claim the throne? Is that it?" Rhaenys asked pointedly.

"The Targaryens and Blackfyres both have the blood of Aegon the Conqueror, but that didn't stop them from killing each other over the Iron Throne. You might have to live with being a kinslayer, but worse has been committed for crowns," Varys told her straight. "Wouldn't that be what your parents wanted? You and your brother on the throne after so long? It will be a shame if your song ended with you in the ground as another pretender, and I shall prevent that from happening."

Rhaenys' face was blank, but she merely nodded, and both went their separate ways in the manse.

Once she practiced her punches and kicks with the same dummy after dinner, which lasted until after dusk, Rhaenys withdrew to her chambers and fell asleep. She had trouble sleeping for many years now and only hard exercise exhausted her to the point where she could rest with ease. Many thoughts and worries were in her mind and she didn't want to spend most of the day dealing with them.

But as she slept, she felt her mind drift elsewhere, towards the ocean. When her mind cleared, she found herself on the deck of a ship.

The ship was empty, devoid of its crew, and all she could hear was winds blowing and sails creaking against the wood. Looking around, she saw nothing but miles of endless sea, the blue glistening against the sunlight.

But when she blinked, she was no longer on the ship again, but in a mountain pass. There were corpses lying all around here, all of them having signs of being killed in battle from their cuts and the flies and crows flying above them. The stench of rotting flesh made her cover her nose and almost vomit as she tried to make her way through and onto the mountainside.

Climbing upward, she suddenly heard a shriek that made a tiger's roar be insignificant. Looking around in the sky, her eyes widened at the sight above her. She saw a group of four dragons circling each other, one black, one white, one green, and one red. The dragon was the symbol of her house and to see them alive in this place made her smile.

But then, a fifth dragon joined them, or so it would seem. It turned out to be either a wyrm or a wyvern, as the creature might have looked like a dragon, but it couldn't breath fire. Expectantly, the creature was devoured and burned very quickly. But the corpse was falling where she stood.

Acting quickly, she got out of the way and the corpse just missed falling on her. Landing on her ass, she stood back up slowly and tried to examine the dead dragon imposter. But there wasn't much to examine, as it was badly burnt, its wings ripped to pieces, and the smell… awful.

Looking back up, she saw the black and red dragons descend to where she was. Shifting backwards, she steeled herself when both of them roared at her before clawing their way to her.

They then stopped just within arm's reach, but instead of a malicious growl, they were calm and only looked at her with some curiousness. Deciding to take the initiative, Rhaenys slowly walked forward and reached out with her hands. When her fingers touched both of their snouts, their eyes changed, and their growls turned into purrs.

Rhaenys smiled and giggled, liking the touch of dragons. But sensing someone was watching her, she looked up past their spines and saw two riders staring.

The rider of the black dragon had the traditional Valyrian looks, silver hair and amethyst eyes, and looked younger than her. The rider of the red dragon had black hair and grey eyes, traits of the First Men. But both looked beautiful and gave off that dangerous impression only earned by mastering dragons.

From those traits alone, Rhaenys figured that she was staring at Daenerys and Daeron Targaryen. Just like her, they were as confused as she was when they looked at her. They didn't expect a Dornishwoman with purple eyes to touch their dragons so easily.

"Why did you kill that creature?" Rhaenys pointed to the wyvern.

"It tried to take what was ours," Daenerys told her. "So, we had to kill it."

"Who are you?" Daeron asked her.

But before she could answer, she felt the dream disappearing and the dragons and the riders fading. "I am the blood of the dragon," she managed before they disappeared completely.

Rhaenys rose up, panting hard at the dream. She rubbed her forehead, finding sweat there. Finding her sheets also wet, she got out and walked towards the balcony, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

She had heard about such things, as only those with dragon blood could have them. But she never thought that she could have the thing that made Daenys Targaryen the savior of her family. And if what she saw was true, and she saw both her aunt and supposed her brother but not her baby brother among them…

Rhaenys sighed as she leaned on the balcony, her head hanging down. Please, tell me it's not true.

A/N: Didn't expect Rhaenys to have dragon dreams too, huh? But given what she saw, she now has a strong clue as to what will come ahead. Given her already serious mistrust of Varys, it won't take her long to figure it out.

I always intended to have Jon and Yujin duke it out, but it was not going to end cleanly. Yujin substitutes Karl Tanner in that he doesn't play by the rules, and that move with the teapot could've gone badly. But also, we see the start of Khiara being really close to Jon and that she's not above attraction after all. But Jon still better be careful.

And yes! Arya gets to join the Jade Order while many are about to get better and happier (better watch out, Benjen)

And oh boy, the adversaries of the Starks and Targaryens are really taking it up a notch. While Shu will have the every one of them under watch and Varys about to proceed, both will work together to undermine the Targaryens. Everyone really is in danger now.