King's Landing 298 AC.

Aemon Targaryen.

Each morning he woke up he found himself staring at the reflection in the looking glass, stunned at the man who stared back at him. He'd taken the pendant off only the once and had immediately regretted it. The world going black once more and the old aches and pains that had disappeared, soon returning. It had so unnerved him that for the briefest moment he couldn't find the pendant and even when he had, a part of him had thought that maybe it wouldn't work this time.

Seeing the world come back into focus had been a huge relief and he'd sworn he'd not take it off again unless he had to. He still didn't truly understand the magic's involved, Jae had told him to speak to Melisandre and to Shiera, and that they'd both look through the books if he received no answer from either of them. The red priestess had explained that her own ruby was a gift from R'hllor and she'd noticed some of the same markings on the pendant when Jae had shown it to her. Shiera explaining that hers was from Asshai by the shadow, both hers and Melisandre's had required blood also, but neither of them had access to Dragonblood and it made Aemon's pendant stronger.

Aemon thought about that a lot, there was magic in blood and in his family's most of all, though his nephew also brought a great deal from his Stark side too. Dragon's though were creatures of pure magic, other than maybe Jae's Direwolf, the only true creatures of such that there were known to be alive. There were tales of course of many others, Krakens, Ice Spiders, Grumpkins and Snarks, Aemon had read of them all, and yet other than Dragons and Direwolves, he couldn't for certain say whether they existed or not.

The library in King's Landing was both impressive and very much not so. It contained volumes that he'd read many years earlier and very few that he had not. So he'd sent word to Marwyn and Loamara to gather up all the books they'd found and to bring them to him. Yet he felt the truth of things was in the books that Jae himself held, the one that Ser Arthur had brought to him so many years earlier and the one he'd found in Dragonstone, Daenys's journal. While he waited for access to both, he threw himself into his new duties as Prince of House Targaryen. Training with a sword under Ser Bonifer something he'd not wished the need to do and yet his nephew was once again right on that.

"If I'm right about what's coming for us, and what we may need to do to beat it, uncle, then everyone will need to play their part. I know you have no wish to bear a sword, but sometimes it's forced upon us no matter what and I'd rather you able to, than not."

Jae had been right, he may see himself as a Maester and he knew his knowledge and experience would be helpful to both his niece and nephews, but their house had to be protected at all costs. Many years earlier he'd been too old, too weak to do anything when they had almost fallen, he'd never be so again. So he practiced with a sword and he practiced with a dragon. Only one of those things bringing him true pleasure.

Sandorix was everything he'd imagined, the bond they shared something he'd never felt before and something he knew only four other people could understand. Whenever he got the chance he'd take to the sky and find himself just looking down on the world below him. Seeing the Red Keep, the Sept of Baelor, Dragonstone, and Driftmark and feeling that his joy in doing so was shared by the dragon. He'd look to see Dany, Shiera, Tyrion, and Jae, his nephew's bond different and not requiring him to at times be with Rhaenix, yet all of them felt exactly the same way. They'd been gifted something truly special and unlike those who came before them, they'd not waste it.

Today though was a special day, just as it had been a couple of days earlier when he'd seen his nephew married and watched him crown his queen. To see Jae so happy made his heart fuller than it had been in years. That the young boy who'd come to him all those years ago was now a king, a husband, and by the sounds of how people cheered, loved, meant the world to him. Now he'd get to see the great and the good come and kneel and swear fealty and he'd stand and look into each of their eyes. Should any waver, show any doubt, or seem to be playing their house false then he'd see them brought low.

"Uncle." he heard the voice call out and shook his head, fixing up the last of his buttons as he walked from his room.

"Daenerys?" he asked surprised to see her.

"It's almost time, I had hoped you'd walk with me." she said and he smiled as he did as she asked.

He looked to the giant man outside his door, Ser Walder, a man who intrigued him greatly and who had almost caused his heart to still when he had first seen him. That the man was from the North had at first been the only thing that had made him question his thoughts. Until he remembered that Duncan had gone there too many years earlier, among the very many places that he and Egg had traveled. The more he then looked to the man, the more he saw it clearly. Ser Walder Alyrs was a ghost from his past and one he could barely look at, not the only one as he'd soon find out.

They were walking to the Throne Room when he met another, the girl looking even more like Duncan than Walder did. Though her hair was blond and her eyes blue, beneath that superficial difference she was Duncan come again and Aemon knew he needed to find out more about Brienne of Tarth. Now though was not the time and he walked into the Throne Room and took his place, as did the four members of the Kingsguard that were now here. Around the room, the Royal Guard stood while the room itself was as full as it had been for the feast he felt. Aemon's eyes soon roaming over all who were present, watching each of them carefully.

"His Grace, King Jaehaerys Targaryen, and Her Grace, Queen Margaery Targaryen." the herald said and he watched as Jae and Margaery walked in.

His nephew was wearing a matching outfit to his and Tyrion's, the black and red only broken by the Targaryen pin he wore on his chest. Aemon looked to see Egg's ring on his finger and the Crown of the Conqueror on his head and smiled to see them both on a Targaryen king as they should be. Margaery too wore House Targaryen colors, as did Dany and Shiera, the image they were presenting was of a house united and united they were. A large chair had been placed beside the Iron Throne and only the king and queen would sit. Aemon waiting until they did before looking out at the assembled lords and ladies once more.

He saw them then, the giant guards of Olenna Tyrell, and had he seen them alone then perhaps he'd not have noticed it, but Ser Walder, Lady Brienne, his thoughts were already there and now he could see nothing else. He found himself chuckling when he thought of it, Duncan had been far busier than he had ever known. Aemon's eyes quickly looking for large men around the room and seeing the Umbers and the Hound. Though not seeing the same looks exactly he was not discarding them either. He'd need to give Maester Maellon's tome a read he felt, just to see how many descendants of his brother's truest friend, there may be in the realm.

"My Lords and Ladies, you're gathered here today to swear your fealty to the king and queen, move forward when called." Jaime Lannister said and Aemon smiled as he looked to witness history being made.

King's Landing 298 AC.

Robb Stark.

All through Jon's, Jae's, wedding he had found himself torn between looking to his brother and to his own betrothed, Wynafred looking incredible to his eyes. When they danced later that night he had asked her if their own wedding would need to be so elaborate, both of them had agreed to have a dual wedding with both faiths to be represented. While he kept to the Old Gods and their children would be raised in his faith, he knew Jon had done the same for Margaery and Wynafred had been most delighted at the suggestion.

His father and Wynafred's grandfather too seemed happy with it. Wyman especially as he'd resolved himself to seeing his daughter marry under the old gods. For Robb himself he didn't really feel it should have been an issue, he followed the old gods, his children would and so what if his wife did not. True he knew that there may be some who weren't best pleased with another Lady of Winterfell being a follower of the seven. But those people weren't best pleased that it wasn't their daughter he was to marry in the first place.

Wynafred had enjoyed the wedding, Robb hearing her, Wylla and Elle speaking on Margaery's dress and on the crowning outside the Sept. Though both his betrothed and future goodsister enjoyed the wedding night feast even more. His father had told him that the Tyrells had spared no expense to see their daughter wed and Robb had never attended a feast the like of it before. Yet he was glad it was over and he found himself looking forward to the tourney, one that he'd actually be competing in this time. Just the jousting though and though he dared not think he'd win, the idea of crowing his love was something he couldn't quite shake from his mind.

They were having dinner when his father told him about Jae's plans for the North, Robb finding the idea of the Gift coming back into Northern hands one that most would welcome. While his father didn't see the benefits of Jae's plans for Brandon's Gift, he did. The added layer of protection and the fact they'd now have a royal house in their lands, even one sworn directly to the king, one which brought hidden benefits.

"Our bannermen won't be happy, son."

"They rarely are with any change, father." he said receiving a smile from his father "But they need to be made aware of the good points, they'll know the bad themselves, so we need to make them aware of the benefits." he said and his father looked at him doubtfully.

"What benefits?"

"We'd firstly have another Great House, father. Aye, true enough they'd not directly be sworn to us, but when it comes to protection for the North, do you care as long as they fight on our side?"

"Would they?" his father asked not sounding so sure.

"Unless we were going against the king, aye. Do we have any plans to go against the king?" he asked and his father shook his head.

"Not Jaehaerys, but how do we know there won't be another Aerys in the future?"

"How do we know there won't be another Red King, father? We don't, no one does. So we treat the Boltons with respect but never let them too close, we don't end their line or seek them gone do we? And should the North call, have they not answered it, always?" he said and his father nodded "That's not the only benefit."

"What other?"

"Should the North be faced with a threat beyond our capabilities, the crown now has another reason to come to our aid. Aye, Jae would come if we needed him, but as you say what about another king? Here we're tied to the crown by blood and they to the North by blood also, it wouldn't just be us they'd come to aid."

"It'd be their own House too." his father said contemplatively.

"Aye." Robb said and his father's smile was truer now.

That he'd been able to reassure his father was something he'd been most pleased about. He'd then at his father's request spoken to Lord Wyman, who spoke almost as he did on the benefits of having a Royal House in the North. Robb trying not to smirk at the fact his mind and his future goodgrandfather's seemed more in tune politically than his and his father's did. Dressing the next day he joined with his father and the Lords of the North as they went to swear fealty to the Crown. The Wardens and Lords Paramount to be first, followed by the other lords and their heirs.

When Jon arrived, Robb noticed immediately the image he wished to present, House Targaryen was back in power and was united. He looked to see Tyrion and Aemon, Jon's uncles, and Daenerys and Shiera, his aunts. Finding himself almost mesmerized when he looked to Shiera and Aemon in particular. The idea that these were both people over one hundred namedays old was something he couldn't get his head around. Neither of them looked as old as his father and yet, Shiera had been Bloodraven's lover, Aemon brother to Aegon the Unlikely. Were it not for the dragons or his connection to Grey Wind, then Robb felt he'd have dismissed the idea of magic such as this completely. As it was he knew it to be true, though what magic made it so he didn't understand. When he heard Jaime Lannister call, he moved beside his father. Though it should only be the Warden themselves, Jae had wished for the heirs to present themselves also.

"Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North and his son and heir, Robb Stark." a voice called out and he stepped forward with his father and drew his sword, both of them kneeling and looking to the Iron Throne.

"I Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, pledge my sword, my blood and my house to House Targaryen and Their Graces King Jaehaerys and Queen Margaery. I do so freely and without reservation. From now until the end of my days I'll serve your graces and my house will serve in my stead in perpetuity." his father said his voice firm.

"I Robb Stark, the heir to Winterfell and the North, pledge my sword and my blood to House Targaryen. I shall honor my father's own oaths and pledge my house to yours in perpetuity." he said and felt the eyes of the room on him.

Time seemed to stand still and though it was barely moments they knelt, it felt far longer than it should have been until Jon's voice rang out.

"Arise, Lord Stark and be recognized as the Warden of the North, Arise Lord Robb and be recognized as heir. On behalf of her grace and myself, we accept your oaths and pledge to ask no act of you which would cause dishonor or harm to you or to your House."

They rose and his father stepped forward, Jaime Lannister handing him the chain of Wardenship, something he'd never seen his father or any other Warden for that matter wear. Lord Jaime stepped forward alone, his daughter was his heir and while Jon he knew had no issue naming her so, the girl was far too young to be made kneel in front of such a large crowd. Lord Yohn and his heir Andar were next and then Lord Mace and Willas, Robb seeing his sister look at the new Master of Coin and smile at him which he took note of.

"I, Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South, pledge my sword, my blood, my life, to House Targaryen and to their graces, King Jaehaerys and Queen Margaery. I do so freely, happily and with no reservations. From now until the end of my days, my king, my queen, I shall serve you both and my house will serve you in perpetuity."

"I Willas Tyrell, heir to Highgarden and Master of Coin, offer my sword, my blood, to House Targaryen. I shall honor my father's own oaths and I too pledge myself and my house to yours in perpetuity."

"Arise Lord Tyrell and be recognized as our Warden of the South, Arise Lord Willas, and be recognized as heir. On behalf of his grace and myself, we accept your oaths. We pledge to ask no act of you that would bring dishonor to you or your house." Margaery said, her voice clear but her tone more friendly as she was speaking to her father and brother.

Princess Arianne stepped forward and Robb noticed how Prince Tyrion looked at her, smiling to himself at the thoughts that he wasn't only he who whose eyes were drawn to the woman he was to marry. As the prince's eyes were on his betrothed as she swore her oaths, Robb's eyes were locked on his own, Wynafred's smile in return was a welcome one. Lord Tytos Blackwood was next and then Lady Shireen Baratheon and an older man who Robb had found out was Ser Davos Seaworth, the so-called Onion Knight.

He'd laughed when he heard that, only for Ser Wylis to while not reprimand him for doing so, set him straight on Ser Davos's deeds. Robb quickly understanding why his future Goodfather thought so highly of the man, being a man of the sea his future goodfather felt a kinship with the former smuggler. Given what he found out Ser Davos had done, Robb felt the man more than most deserved his knighthood, and as he watched him kneel he did so with much different eyes than he may once have.

Feelings seemed a bit tense as Lady Shireen pledged her house to Jon's in perpetuity. Given what House Baratheon had done or almost done to House Targaryen it was something Robb could understand. Jon though seemed to feel no such tenseness, smiling at the girl when he bid her rise and named her Lady Paramount of the Stormlands. Robb's own tenseness along with his father's and the Lords of the North's, all rose far higher when Asha Greyjoy stepped forward.

"I Asha Greyjoy, pledge my sword, my blood, and my ships to Their Graces King Jaehaerys and Queen Margaery. I swear to keep my oaths to them and to House Targaryen from this day until my last and I swear House Greyjoy to House Targaryen in perpetuity." Asha said to snorts which were soon stopped when Jon glared at Lord Glover and Lady Maege.

"Arise Lady Greyjoy and be recognized as Lady Reaper and Lady of the Iron Islands. On behalf of her grace and myself, we accept your oaths and pledge to ask no act of you which would cause dishonor or harm to you or your House." Jon Said as Asha rose.

The snorts were now louder and Robb watched as Jon stood and moved away from the Iron Throne, his brother not looking very happy at all.

"ENOUGH. I'll not have anyone disparage someone for swearing their oaths. No matter their personal feelings, Lady Greyjoy is the Crown's choice for Lady of the Iron Islands, she's received the Crown's judgment and been forgiven for past transgressions, as have others in this room." Jon said his voice loud as he glared at those who'd snorted.

Robb looked to see Lady Shireen and the Stormlords nod, along with Lord Royce and one or two of the Vale lords.

"The oaths sworn before now do not matter, the oaths sworn here today do. Should anyone and I mean anyone, break these oaths then they'll find me not so forgiving, should they live up to them then they'll find the crown to be grateful and an ally. But here today, the oaths and those who swore them in good faith will be treated with the respect that you, that any of you wish the crown to treat themselves with."

When his brother had learned such resolve he knew not, but as he looked around the room he could see even those Northern Lords who'd been most displeased by a Greyjoy being named to run the Iron Islands after what they'd done, dared not speak up anymore. Their new king had steel in his veins and dragons at his beck and call and only a fool would dare to test him on either. As Robb watched Asha Greyjoy walk from the Throne Room, as the king bid them enjoy the rest of their day, he knew what he had to do. He'd put it off for as long as he could, but he had no choice now. His former friend would be losing his head soon enough and so he left to speak to Theon one last time.

King's Landing 298 AC.

Genna.

Being called to account by a boy that you used to ensure wore his best clothes and kept his hair straight, was a jarring experience. That Jae was able to do so calmly and without losing his temper only made her glad she was not Olenna. She, Alerie, Ashara, and Dacey had been called in to meet with the king, Genna knowing immediately what it was about and wondering just how angry and annoyed he was going to be with them.

Arriving at the room, she saw Loras and Ser Richard Horpe were on guard. Loras despite his white cloak and shiny armor, still looking to her like the boy who'd arrived in Casterly Rock all those years earlier. Someone who at times she'd find herself missing along with Jae. That they had grown up and achieved so much made her proud of the part she'd played, yet she missed the boys they had been too. The closeness they had all shared once now changing and still not having found it's center yet.

"Lady Genna, the other ladies are waiting inside." Loras said and smiled at her as he knocked and then opened the door. Genna stepping in to see Ashara, Dacey, and Alerie all sitting with varying degrees of comfort.

Jae himself wasn't present and given how he'd reacted earlier in the Throne Room to those who'd made their feelings for the Greyjoy clear, perhaps that was a good thing. Genna smiled and took her seat and declined when she was offered wine, only to have to rise almost at once when Jae and Tommen walked into the room. Her grandnephew looked good and she could see the differences training made to him. The small chubby boy almost completely gone now and though he was still a boy, it was a harder one he was being fashioned into.

"Ladies, forgive me, I was called away for a moment." Jae said bidding them sit while he took his own.

"That's quite aright your grace." Ashara said with a soft smile.

"I believe you know why I called you here?" Jae said and she looked to the others.

"Your grace, if I may?" she said and he nodded "I was the main proponent of keeping the news from you, I felt…"

"I know what you felt my lady." Jae said firmly "I understand your reasons for it, all of your reasons for it."

She watched as he took a breath, not to calm himself as he seemed incredibly so, more she felt to decide what to say next.

"I welcome the sentiment, if not the act itself." Jae said softly.

"Your grace..." Alerie began only for him to shake his head.

"No my lady, what you all did almost cost me everything. Were you any other people then you'd face harsher judgment for it. Had I not…was I not able to….then I'd have never forgiven any of you for it." Jae looked at them and she could see how Alerie and Ashara dropped their eyes to the ground.

She and Dacey tried to keep their eyes on his but the look he gave them was one which forced even they to turn away. It wasn't anger or even one which he was using to make them feel guilt, if anything he seemed to be hurting still, something that his next words made very clear.

"Lady Olenna bore the brunt of my anger, my ladies. But I've had time to reflect and I'll not rant or rave, scream or shout at you all. I know you did what you think was best for me, that you had my interests in heart, but by keeping this from me, you've broken the trust I have in you all. That you did it for the best of reasons matters and yet it does not, but it will not happen again, am I clear?"

"Aye, your grace." she said.

"Very good." he said standing up and turning to walk to the door, stopping at it briefly and then walking through it anyway.

She felt shamed a little, realizing now that to Jae it felt like a betrayal of sorts and though it had not been meant that way, it clearly still was a bit. The others felt it too, Alerie taking it particularly badly and on that, she could understand why. They had almost cost her everything, her home, her family, everything. and though she still felt it right they'd thought how they had, she wondered if she had made the right choice to keep it from him.

Walking from the room, she saw that Loras and Ser Richard were gone and so she headed to the sparring yard. Finding both Kingsguard, the King, Tommen and Walder, Tion, Martyn, and Willem all there readying for a lesson of some sort. Martyn was facing off against Jae as they readied to spar, a small smile on her nephew's face. Were she not clear how upset Jae was, then this would have been enough to show her. Sparring always being the way to clear his head. He was very much like Jaime in that regard, her nephew too had always sought his comfort in the wielding of a sword.

Jae spent almost an hour with the boys and she stood watching every moment. He sparred with each of them, worked on their stances, gave them pointers, and set them against each other. Her sons had come on well as had Willem, but Martyn was special and Jae gave him fewer pointers than the others. Instead, he spoke softly to the boy, Genna watching as he nodded at whatever Jae was saying and smiling when she saw Jae then do the same to Tommen.

"To be trained by a king." Jaime said and she turned to see her nephew walking towards her.

"Not many can say it." she said trying to smile, Jaime seeing her face and looking out to the yard.

"I'm sure he didn't mean to be so harsh." her nephew said softly and Genna looked at him wondering if Jae had told him that he was speaking to them today.

"He wasn't. Well not angry at least, I..it's strange that I feel worse he didn't shout."

"He's had more time to think on it, yet it's rawer too, the wedding, being with his new wife, being here in this place." Jaime said looking around "The betrayals feel more real."

"I didn't…"

"I know you didn't, as does he, gods Genna, do you really think he'd think that of you?" he asked and she shook her head "Of course he doesn't, deep down he welcomes what you did too, but being here, knowing what he has lost, what he could have lost, you got more than just your share of the blame."

She looked as Jae laughed when all five of the boys ganged up on him, swords scattered on the ground as they tried to grab the king. Of course, he'd feel it a bit more and it made more sense to her now about some of the things he was doing, the changes he was making to the realm were all because of one goal.

"He…does he fear it may happen again?" she asked her brow furrowed.

"It'll never happen again." Jaime said determinedly and she nodded her agreement, on that she'd play her part to make sure it did not.

As Jae sent each of the boys to their lessons, she watched him place each of the swords back on the rack and then scold Tommen before mussing his hair. When he looked up at her, she was happy to see his smile, glad he'd worked through things in his head and that what had been said seemed forgotten. Genna knew she'd been right to keep it from him, the boy worried far too much and the betrayal that Doran had committed would have led him down a dark path. He needed to be clear of mind to bring the realm under his control, his plans formed and readied before he dealt with a devious snake. No, she had been right to hide it from the boy, it was the king she should have told.

King's Landing 298 AC.

Shiera.

She looked out at the field and stood when Jae and Margaery entered. The tourney something she had no true interest in and something which brought up bad memories for her. It had been at a tourney that her father had set the seeds for everything, handing Daemon a blade that while he had the skill to wield, he didn't deserve. That he'd done it more to spite Daeron than for any other reason wasn't something she could be certain of, though she believed Brynden when he said it was so.

As the competitors were welcomed to the tourney and the cheers rang around, Shiera looked on as the archery targets were set up and found herself reliving memories that were best forgotten. An image of Brynden and his Weirwood longbow coming to her unbidden. While she'd not seen her father knight Daemon or gift him Blackfyre, she'd still been a babe at her mother's teat, she'd seen Brynden show his prowess in archery many times. Looking out as men lined up to take shots at targets, she found she no longer wished to be here, and so she began to cough and splutter to make a pretense to leave.

That Jae wished to show their family off to their fullest was something she understood, but she had never wished for that to be the life she would lead. When Brynden was named Hand he thought that would be enough to gain her own, that it was his position she wished for, when in truth it was only ever him. He scared her, thrilled her, inflamed her passions like no other, and shared her interests. Yet he with them, like with everything else reached too far and it turned him into something that in the end she was repulsed by.

"All you had to do was ask me to run with you." the voice called out in her head.

But she had more than once and he had chosen the throne or being close to it over her, and where he looked when it came to magic was a place she'd never dare follow. Making her way back to the Red Keep with the Royal guards by her side, she thought on her nephew and again worried he was walking the same path. Jaehaerys had more magic than anyone she'd ever believed could. He possessed more power than the warlocks, Shadowbinders, Red Priests and Brynden ever had. That he seemed inclined to look more into such thing both pleased and worried her, there was always a cost to be paid after all and most times that cost was much too high.

She and Brynden had paid that cost and she'd not see her nephew do the same and yet she knew that he must. The Prince that was Promised would Bring the Dawn, the prophecy said, but what Dawn it was had never been made clear. Shiera believed it was the Dawn of a New Age, the balance in the world would be set right and magic once again would be something welcomed and not feared, something that made lives better and not worse. Brynden believed it too in his own way, but he believed only a man with resolve could dare to harness such power, that in the hands of a weaker man, it would corrupt and destroy.

It was something she agreed with, though not with Brynden thinking that man was he. Being ruthless and willing to do what others would not, did not make you strong. Not having compassion, love, or a desire to leave the world a better place than you found it, did not make you strong. As she sat in her room later that day and looked over the gems she found. As she began to think about the enchantments that could soon be possible, Shiera hoped beyond hope that her nephew was indeed as strong as he believed himself to be.

"Aunt?" she heard the soft voice and looked to see Dany standing over her as she leaned on the table.

"Dany?"

"Did you fall asleep at the table?" Dany asked a smirk on her face.

"Obviously." she said looking at the book in front of her and closing it "How did the tourney go?"

"Archery is fucking dull." Dany said taking a seat on the edge of the table.

"Daenerys Targaryen, what have I told you?" she said and saw Dany look abashed.

"Sorry, but it is." her niece said shrugging her shoulders.

"Who won?"

"Some prince from the Summer Isles, Jalabhar Xho, tomorrow will be better, it's the melee." Dany said excitedly.

She nodded though she cared not for it either and together with Dany they made their way to the dinner that her nephew was having for family, his Targaryen family as Dany liked to call them. Jae had more than one, which was something she found incredibly amusing. The Starks, Tyrells, Martells, and the Lannisters, her nephew considered all of them family, and yet it was to their house he held his greatest concerns for. Their protection, their future, mattered far more to him than anything else in this world, just as it should be.

After dinner she asked to speak to him, it was time they discussed the nature of what he was and what he would be, Jae seeming almost eager to explore it more also. She knew that he'd looked through the books, what he'd found he'd not told her or anyone else as far as she knew and she found that intrigued her too. Was there good news in Daenys's journal, in the book Sarella had brought with her from Casterly Rock? Or was her nephew worried about something and keeping it to himself? Either way, she'd find out on the morrow and as she slept that night it was to dreams she'd rather forget. To memories of red eyes and long white hair that she had once found so attractive.

Waking early, she washed and broke her fast and waited for Jae to arrive, glad to find it was not a long wait she had to endure. Her nephew carried the books with him and she welcomed him inside, the two of them taking up their seats opposite each other. He didn't look perturbed or worried, in fact, he seemed anything but and she wondered how much he had managed to read.

"You wished to speak, aunt." Jae said and she nodded.

"What do you know about Brynden, Jae, truly?"

She listened as he told her, first the history that everyone knew and then things that even she did not, her nephew's encounters with her former lover something she'd not expected.

"I met Mya and Gwenys, his sisters, both of them warned me about their brother. Ser Walder was trapped in a cage that I believe Bloodraven built to hold him, though I'm still unclear why. Aemon obviously told me some too, but I think I saw him, or part of him when I broke Walder from his cage."

"Saw him?" she asked curiously.

"Nan, Mya, Walder's Great grandmother, told me the ravens are his. When I was helping with Walder I saw one with three eyes, it flew far North and when I followed it to where Walder was, I saw it again. Rhaenix burned down the tree it was in, whether it took flight or perished I don't know, but I believe Bloodraven to be a warg."

"He was a strong one, though I'm not sure if even he is as strong as you."

"A thousand eyes and one." Jae said and she shivered.

"A thousand eyes and one."

"These, I've read them, they…look and you'll see." Jae said handing her the books and she looked to see nothing, no words, no writing, nothing, blank pages where there had once been words before.

"I don't understand." she said confused.

"Only the Prince that was Promised can Bring the Dawn. I thought both books to be linked, two halves which together led to answers, they are far more than that."

"But they're blank, Jae, there are no words?"

"For you, aye, for me I see them clear. They were written for me and they are locked to all but me, my blood alone can open them, and now is not the time." Jae said looking at her and she shook her head.

"Why not now? What do you mean now is not the time?" she asked her voice worried and concerned.

"Until Bloodraven has passed, it's too dangerous for even me to know the full extent of what's in them, the three-eyed raven must fall, aunt. Dawn brings the light into the world and Brynden Rivers is a creature of shadow and darkness."

Shiera looked to Jae and could see he was speaking what he felt was the truth, yet it sent a shudder down her spine to hear him speak in such a way, remembering how sure Brynden had been once also.

King's Landing 298 AC.

Olenna.

Margaery had put her and Mace in their place and she had felt such pride at her for doing so. That her thorns were so sharp was something that Olenna knew would stand her in good stead. She had made it clear just how lucky they were and nothing she had said was untrue. For them to complain of receiving disfavor would smack of hypocrisy. It hadn't actually been the plan itself that she'd taken issue with, Mace had of course, but for Olenna it was that she hadn't seen it coming.

She had thought Jae intended to place their Houses in the disloyal kingdoms, that he'd seek to keep the Vale, Stormlands, Riverlands, and maybe even Dorne in check. But that they, the West and the North would be left as they were. They had after all risen and supported the king and being Leal and true. Yet it seemed they too were not to be forgotten in the King's new plans and it had taken her aback at first. In the end, she'd been glad it was Margaery who'd come to tell them, had it been Jae and they'd acted so disrespectfully then she shuddered to think how he'd have reacted.

He may have forgiven her for keeping her suspicions about Doran to herself, but she still felt the scar from that wound remained. So she'd taken the first opportunity she could to speak to Margaery and tell her how sorry she was, to explain her reasons for acting how she did. Her granddaughter understanding but not fully accepting her apology and Olenna had felt so proud of her golden rose once more.

"I am the queen, grandmother, if I come with a decree it's to be followed, family or not, what I say cannot be answered with disrespect. Questions in private are welcome, when I ask for your opinions and advice I'll be more than pleased to listen. But if I say it's to be done, then it's to be done."

Margaery had laid down the law, changing their relationship forever in the process. Her sweet beautiful little girl who had run to her for advice and deferred to her will was gone. In her place, a proud, confident young woman now stood, a queen who deferred to no one at all. Five and ten years of wishing, hoping, of lessons both overt and not. Of talks that carried little pearls of wisdom, all now proven to be more than worthwhile.

She'd seen the culmination of that as Margaery had been wed, looked on, and felt her heart threaten to burst from her chest when she'd watched her crowned on the steps of the Great Sept by the kings own hand. As the crowd had cheered, she'd felt on the verge of tears and a few had fallen after the feast that night. When Margaery had told her that things had gone well in the marriage bed, Olenna had felt the last crumbs of doubt fall away. That she and her husband had found pleasure with each other was the removal of the last stumbling block to a full and true future.

Had she her way, then she'd have wished them to have an heir sooner than they intended, but she'd not begrudge them their time together. Standing in the Throne Room when the oaths were sworn, she'd felt that pride rise once more and so it was with that thought she'd gone back to her room later that day. Willas walked with her and she could tell by the noise of his cane that he had something on his mind, Olenna simply waiting for him to bring it up once they reached her room. It didn't take long, as once they were sitting he did just that.

"I wish to speak on my future, grandmother."

"Of course." she said softly hearing the hesitancy in his voice.

"A match." he said his voice barely a whisper "Have you considered one for me?"

"You know which match I seek for you, Willas, you've made it clear how you feel about it." she said slighted irritably.

"I may have been rash." he said and she sat up a little straighter.

"Willas?"

"I had thought, the age difference, my, my leg…."

"That's no barrier to a match and should anyone dare.."

She smiled, she'd interrupted him and then he did the very same right back to her, Willas seeming more than determined to make this match.

"I know that now, grandmother. I seek a match with Sansa Stark, I understand we would need to wait a number of years but for her, I'm willing to wait." he said with a soft smile.

"It is what you wish for, truly? Not because you know it's what I desire?" she asked and he nodded.

"It is."

"Then I shall speak to Lord Stark, I will see this done, even if I need to speak to the king and queen themselves, Willas, I give you my oath on that."

"Thank you, grandmother." her grandson said standing up and turning to walk away.

"I'm happy for you, Willas, truly." she said and he smiled as he left the room.

She quickly sent Left to fetch Alerie, eager to share the news with her gooddaughter. Olenna had wished the match to tie them closer to both the king and the North. Only the West was a possible better match than the North in relation to how Jae would feel. Sansa was his favorite sister and so she knew even before she spoke to Ned Stark, she'd need to bring Jae on board first. As she waited for Alerie she wondered just how best it was to do that. Should she speak to Margaery? Jae himself? She wasn't quite sure and perhaps it needed to be them both at the same time, that way she'd not be accused of using either or subverting them to get her way.

In the end, it didn't matter, she had known from early on what Sansa felt for Willas. It was far more than a young girl's crush and the girl had come on in leaps and bounds since she'd been staying in Highgarden. She smiled remembering that Margaery had named her as one of her ladies in waiting and more so thinking of a future with her as the Lady of Highgarden. A queen and Willas wed to a good woman, a smart, capable woman, even with how far they'd climbed, they were still growing strong.

The Vale298 AC.

Littlefinger.

Her behavior was becoming more and more erratic and on the journey to Gulltown, they'd had to drug her more than once. In truth, she'd barely been conscious for more than a few hours, her screams, loud declarations that the dragon would find them and that they needed to be indoors, were not something conducive to a stealthy escape. Something that the crowning and wedding made ever more his only option.

Petyr had hoped to have more time, that the new king would move more slowly and he could have had all his arrangements in place before leaving. A wedding, tourney, oaths of fealty and just spending time with his soon-to-be new wife should have taken moons. The Dragonking was moving far too quickly though, the wedding and oaths all had been scheduled within a couple of weeks of taking the city, the tourney too, and once done he'd then look his way. The Vale offered no protection, Hardyng couldn't stand up to him and he'd received word that the man had learned of Cat and himself.

There was no way he'd allow someone to use her as their bargaining chip, she was his to use, only his, and he would do so however he wished. But to do that he needed, no they needed to be away from here and so he'd hastily arranged the ship and would see to arrangements in Braavos once he got there. This was not the end of him, his plans could still play out, they just needed to be adapted to deal with something he had never planned for, dragons.

"How is she?" he asked the servant as they sat by the campfire.

"She woke milord, said she'd seen him again, I gave her the drink as you ordered."

"Good."

Were he a man who believed in such things, then Cat's dreams would scare him too. The idea of not being safe in the open and of having a dragon chasing after them was one that held some merit, just not how she imagined it. He hated being in the open, bandits, mountain clans, patrols sent by Harrold Hardyng were all things that worried him. His own small force of men would scare most but not all off and in an encounter with any who attacked them, anything could happen. As for the dragon chasing them, he could only pray that he'd not started yet, beseech the gods, and hope he had enough time.

After eating his meal and making his way to his tent, he looked forward to making it to Snakeswood and to be indoors for a night. They'd passed Coldwater Burn and though the man was indebted to him, Lord Royce Coldwater was not a meek servant of his, nor a man who thought him a friend, unlike Lord Jon Lynderly. In time he'd have had far more of the Vale lords in his pocket. In time he'd have had the Vale itself, but he had run out of time and now was forced to deal with those he trusted completely, and they were few and far between. Lord Jon was one such man and they could take the ship from Snakewood to Gulltown as he'd arranged. He lay down beside his still-sleeping wife and drifted off himself, thoughts of revenge and of rising once more filling his head.

"Milord, it's morning." the servant said and Petyr rolled over, nodding to the girl and looking to see Cat wasn't beside him.

"My wife?" he asked slightly panicked.

"Woke an hour ago, milord, she's breaking her fast."

He felt relieved at that and hurriedly dressed, leaving the tent to find Cat sitting and eating by the fire. She was looking once more just how he dreamed she would, though it did not last long. After bidding her good morning and breaking his own fast, they were readying the carriage when it began, his wife's screams loud and piercing.

"The dragon, the dragon comes for us all."

"He watches, he always watches."

"Run we must run, the eagle sees all."

She hit him hard when he tried to calm her, the blow stunning him for a few moments and it took three of his guards to restrain her. Petyr nodded to the servant who quickly brought over the draught and though Cat resisted, she eventually was forced to drink it and not long after was finally calmed down.

"Put her in the carriage, we ride now." he said and the guards did as he asked, though he noticed the looks they gave him.

He cared not for their judgment, his coin bought their loyalty and he still had plenty of that to do what needed to be done. As he climbed into the carriage he felt the hairs on his neck begin to rise and he turned to see an eagle sitting on a branch in the nearest tree, its eyes on him all the way. Despite the momentary shudder that ran down his spine, he chuckled as he closed the carriage door, falcons, and eagles, the Vale had much of both.

They arrived at Snakeswood that night, Lord Jon greeting them and though the man looked at Cat curiously, he never questioned him on her, something he appreciated. While Cat was at rest in his rooms as he called it, Petyr listened as Lord Jon spoke of the realm. Each word from the man's mouth only making his need to depart ever more pressing. Finding out that the boat was ready and ensuring Lord Jon that his debt was paid in full, Petyr enjoyed his meal and then the comfort of his room. He was not made to sleep outdoors, it was in keeps, better ones than even this one, that he belonged.

That the ship was tattered and looked in need of repair caused him some concern but Lord Jon assured him that was helpful given his purpose.

"No one tries to attack an old wreck like this one, Petyr, we've been able to use it to great effect without the worry of pirates and the like." Lord Jon said.

"I thank you, Jon when I return I'll send for you."

"Then I look forward to your return, Petyr, I wish you good fortune."

"Aye, you too, old friend." he said gripping the man's hand tightly.

The seas were rough and it gave him more of an excuse to keep Cat drugged. The Captain happy with his explanation that his wife had sickness of the sea. When he saw Witch's Isle after almost a week of travel it brought him great relief. Knowing now that he'd be in Gulltown within the next two days and in Braavos in a little over a week. A different man may have worried for the woman who lay in his cabin, yet he did not, the illusion of who she had been soon shattered by the truth of who she was now.

When he'd fallen out of love with her, he knew not, only that he most certainly had, and were she not a means to an end then he may have instructed the servant to give her a heavier dose or simply thrown her overboard. His nights were spent taking his pleasure with a woman who couldn't even pretend he was giving her any. Only one night did she stir and the words she said had him spending far more quickly, the image she put in his head one that hastened that end.

"Sansa, my sweet child, forgive me." Cat had moaned.

Petyr smiled now not just at the memory of the last words Cat had spoken in his earshot, he now far preferred to be elsewhere when she awoke. The thoughts that had filled his head ever since were ones that refused to go away, younger and more beautiful the voice would say, and he'd close his eyes and picture her just like that. His fantasies of a night many years earlier no longer showing him Cat's face, but one younger and more beautiful and it only made his plans more desperate to succeed.

"Gulltown milord." the guard said as he entered his cabin.

"Excellent, make sure my wife is ready to disembark."

King's Landing 298 AC.

Jaehaerys Targaryen.

Happiness was a strange thing, something that he'd never known he could feel so completely and he had always expected to be a fleeting emotion. That just like when he'd get angry or sad, he'd feel it, and then it would diminish over time. It'd be less biting, not as sharp and then he'd return to his normal state until something made it rise once more. To his surprise, he'd found though it was not like that and while he'd lose his temper, feel anger and even sadness when he looked through his father's things, or when thoughts of his mother would enter his head. He now also felt true happiness each and every day.

No matter the brief turns his mood would take, the same feeling would soon come back and as he looked to his wife as she lay beside him in bed, it was clear what the reason for his happiness was. He gently moved her hair from her face and watched her sleep, that grin he loved so very much still present on her face. They'd found great pleasure with each other since they'd first lain together, both of them still exploring and learning what it was that the other liked. Both of them eager to find out everything they could about each other's wants and desires.

Yet that alone wasn't the reason he felt so very happy, it was something far simpler than even the fact they worked so well together that way. Having her with him, being able to spend as much time with her as he wished. Listening to her advice and even arguing with her about his plans, that more than anything he felt was the true reason for his joy. They were together, she and he were in this together and for that, he could only thank the gods as he knew that he wouldn't be able to do this alone.

"Jae." he heard her mumble and it brought yet another smile to his face, a chuckle soon leaving his lips a moment later when he remembered what Jaime had teased him about.

His father by choice never missed the opportunity to let him know that though he wore a crown, he was still the boy who'd rode to Casterly Rock and had the piss taken out of those many years before.

"The smiling king" he said softly, repeating Jaime's words as he leaned in and placed a kiss on his wife's forehead.

He dressed as quietly as he could and yet woke her all the same. Sneaking off for a quick spar in the morning to start his day had become part of his routine. A legacy from his time at the Rock no doubt, and though he and Jaime only sparred once a week, Jae still held the morning sessions with others now. Most mornings he was able to manage to be down and back before his wife awoke, it was not to be this morning though it would seem.

"Jae?" Margaery asked sitting up in their bed and he felt his eyes widen as he looked at the covers that had fallen away, his wife's perfect body clearly on show.

"Go back to sleep, my love, I was just heading down to spar."

"You'll be back before I rise?" she asked and he moved to the bed sitting down on it and looking into her eyes.

"I will." he said kissing her softly as she lay back down.

By the time he reached the door, she was asleep once more and he wore that same silly smile that had led to Jaime's tease, not that he cared or would wish it any other way.

Later that day they sat watching the tourney, the archery had been the day before and the melee was today and he found he had no desire to be there. Watching a tourney was boring, for him anyway, and as he looked around he saw that others who weren't' to take part felt the same. Barristan and Arthur would ride in the joust as would Loras, while Jors, Walder, and Ser Richard Horpe would take part in the melee. Jae looking to see that the three Kingsguard who weren't to fight today all looked as bored as he. Well, all except for Barristan who at least was looking on with a keen eye in the hope of finding their seventh.

When the rains began to pour down Jae welcomed them, the day having taken a much better turn and giving him the chance to go to her earlier than he had planned. They hurried from the tourney field, Jae's coat now off and covering Margaery's hair as they made it to the carriages and then headed back to the Red Keep. As they rode he reached out and soon she was on her way. Jae saw the disappointed look on his wife's face when he told her and it was only later on that he realized what she may have planned for their day.

"Rhaenix is coming, once we reach the Red Keep I'll go to her." he said as his wife wiped her face.

"It's raining Jae." Margaery said and he bit the inside of his cheek so as not to laugh.

"Aye, I can see that." he said enjoying the little scowl she gave him as she finished wiping her face.

"I thought you'd go later on, before dinner?" she asked with a note of disappointment in her voice.

"Aye, that was my plan, but this gives me more time with her and I owe her as much time as anyone, more than that."

"But, you said that you share things?" Margaery asked as she saw the regretful look on his face.

"We do, but it's like…" he tried to think of something that would make her understand "It's like the Glass Candles and when we spoke with them, it's good to see each other and hear your voice, but it's not like being able to…"

"Touch." Margaery said and how she said it made his heart beat a little faster.

"Aye, touch." he said softly.

When they arrived at the Red Keep he kissed her goodbye and then directed the carriage to the Dragonpit. Arthur riding with him and he tried not to stare at the drenched knight once they got there. There had been room in the carriage but there was no way, other than a direct order from him that Arthur wouldn't ride by its side. A Kingsguard needed to be seen to dissuade as Barristan would say. Thankfully when Rhaenix arrived there were no arguments from the Sword of the Morning, this time was for him and Rhaenix alone, and where they'd be going too he'd be more than safe.

"I'll be back at nightfall, Arthur."

"I'll be waiting, your grace."

"Not until then, I hope?" he said and Arthur smirked ever so slightly.

"No, not until then, your grace."

Bidding the knight farewell he walked to his sister and leaned in against her, the rain still falling down and steam coming from her scales where it hit her. Rhaenix was growing ever hotter to the touch, his sister's time near the Dragonmont affecting her and the other dragons in the most positive of ways. Climbing up onto her back, he strapped himself into the saddle, and then without a word she took to the sky. Jae could feel her own happiness beneath him as they flew and his sister was in a playful mood he found out, as she didn't head straight for Dragonstone.

They instead flew over King's Landing itself, the Red Keep, the Great Sept, and Flea Bottom before heading out to Blackwater Bay. His sister seeming to be in no rush to head to Dragonstone, instead turning and heading inland and soon they were flying towards Rosby and Duskendale and finally out to sea once more. Rhaenix flew slowly over Driftmark and even more slowly over Dragostone, Jae looking down on the island as they flew closer to the Dragonmont. She flew over the southern side and then down it's northern, Jae seeing the cave long before they reached it.

There were bones scattered around it, charred and of various different sizes and shapes, Whale and Aurochs mainly and he was happy to see that his sister was eating well. She moved into the cave and he followed, the lair his sister had made for herself was enormous, and though part of the Dragonmont, it felt not to be also. As if unlike other caves or lairs, this one had been made specifically for a dragon, rather than one a dragon had taken for its own.

"It was sung, Jae. This place, it was sung from stone." Rhaenix said and he lay down beside her, feeling her head rest gently on his lap.

Not truly of course, his sister was holding her head away from him so it barely touched. But it was close enough so he could rub his hands on her face and he heard her happy sounds as he did so. They sat quietly for some time, Jae knew what Rhaenix had been doing as did she with him, it was something they shared together every night. This was different, it was them and though he'd explained it as well as he could to Margaery, it was even more than that. They needed the contact, to feel each other, and to touch each other. Their magic's strengthened each other and even were that not so, he had spent time with the rest of his family, she deserved his time more than any.

"The books Jae, what you showed me, you truly think it can be done?" she asked and he looked deeply into her purple eyes.

"I think it's what I'm supposed to do. What we're supposed to do." he said as he brushed his hand close to her eye, watching as the large lid closed over.

"We?"

"Aye we. Together we will Bring the Dawn, sister. The books made that clear, three heads of the dragon, Jaehaerys, Rhaenys, Rhaenix, only together can they Bring the Dawn and see that which was lost, returned."

"The Dragon must have three heads." Rhaenix said and Jae looked at her.

"Valyria sister, together we'll rebuild Valyria and see our family live once more." Jae said and Rhaenix roared her agreement.

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed, I haven't had a chance to get to the reviews for the last chapter, my country is about to go into severe lockdown for the next few weeks and so it's all hands to the pumps until then, I will double up on them next chapter. Up Next as the Melee takes place Jae spends time with his other sisters and Aemon speaks to four people who are unaware they're kin. Kinvara makes Mance an offer too good to resist and in Gulltown bards sing and a mockingbird and trout try to escape before a trap can slam shut, while an eagle watches it all play out.