King's Landing 298 AC.
Dany.
She flew over the bay her eyes focussed on the ships below and her heart racing when she saw the silver seahorse flying proudly on the Pride of Driftmark. Seeing so many ships it had taken her a while to find it and once she did she had changed her plans for the day. Instead of spending it overseeing the fitting out of Dragonstone with Missandei and the others, she now knew she'd be spending it in King's Landing. Quickly she flew towards the Dragonpit making sure to fly over the Red Keep so they'd know that was her destination. That had been something that her nephew had been most insistent they all did, Jae not wishing for any of them, himself included, to not have an escort when they rode through the city.
Dany wasn't fearful of being alone and didn't believe there was any in the city who'd seek to do her harm, but she understood where her nephew's fears came from. While in Essos she'd seen what could happen even with guards and so while she valued her privacy, on this, she deferred. After landing she waited with Ellagon for her escort to arrive, Ser Robar and Ser Loras soon being revealed to be the ones that Jae had sent, along with men of the hundred. Ser Bonifer, Sandor, Belwas, Grey Worm, and the unsullied were all on Dragonstone, Dany having expected to be spending a few days on the island with them. As she looked to the Kingsguard she began to wonder if Aurane would like to visit there with her. The thoughts of him holding onto her as he sat behind her on Ellagon's back quickly bringing a smile to her face.
"Princess." Ser Loras said holding her horse's reins as Ellagon took to the sky.
"Ser Loras." she said smiling as she took the reins from him and mounted her horse.
Her silver had taken well to Westeros and other than her nephew's Winter or Joy's Apples she doubted there was a better horse in all the land. Even including both of those she'd not exchange her silver for either of them as her horse had come to know her mind and moods over the couple of years she had it, and even now was hurrying back to the Red Keep after sensing her excitement. She was surprised to see Jae himself was waiting for her when she reached the courtyard, her nephew looking at her with a concerned look on his face as he approached her.
"Dany?"
"The fleet has returned, Jae." she said, and then she saw him smirk, on another occasion, it would be something she wished to wipe from his face, and yet on this one, she found it didn't irk her as much.
"I'll have a raven sent to Dragonstone." her nephew said as he turned and she smiled at him before heading towards her rooms.
Her clothing didn't need to be changed and she was not in need of a bath or to have her hair brushed and yet once she reached her rooms she insisted on all three. Dany quickly bathing and going through her clothing to find the outfit she wished to wear before changing. She then performed her best mummery, making it look as if she was just casually strolling through the Red Keep and not waiting on Aurane's arrival. It was something she knew she was failing at, her nervousness, her excitement, and her constant glances through the windows all belied the casualness she was trying to portray.
Had this been just weeks ago she'd have been surprised by the depths of her feelings for Aurane. They'd spent time together and there was an obvious attraction between them both. Each of them had initiated kissing without going much further and she'd welcomed the feelings that his lips on her own stirred within her. She'd spent time with him and had spoken of the future in generalities and on her life in Essos in more specifics. Aurane other than those who had lived it with her probably now knowing more about Essos and what she had done while there than anyone else. He'd shared his own stories too, telling her what it was like growing up both as a bastard and as a Velaryon, both bringing him equal amounts of disdain in Robert Baratheon's Seven Kingdoms. Hearing what it was like to be considered a bastard had made her speak about her nephew, Aurane telling her of meeting Jae both before he knew the truth and after it. Dany smiling now as she remembered it and what had happened after they'd spoken.
"He was unlike any bastard I'd met, Princess. I put it down to Lord Jaime and the Lannister's influence, but maybe it was something inbuilt in him." Aurane said as they sat together in the gardens.
"You liked him?" she asked smiling.
"At first I did and then when I found out he was squiring for Lord Jaime, I hated him and we almost fought." Aurane said with a chuckle.
"You did?"
"My house is Leal, Princess, to us what Lord Jaime had done, what the Lannister had done was unforgivable."
"So you almost fought because of that?"
"We did, though I must admit I'm most happy we did not." Aurane said shaking his head.
"You think Jae would hold it against you?" she asked surprised.
"No, I think he may have kicked my arse." Aurane said making her giggle, Dany looking at him before she leaned over and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Princess?" he asked shocked.
"Dany, and that was for standing up for my family."
Her peck on his cheek had led to their first real kiss, Dany closing her eyes and remembering it as she rubbed her fingers over her lips. The sound of footsteps brought her out of her daydream and she turned almost expecting to see Aurane there in front of her, only for it to be the Lord Harrold Arryn who walked her way. Moving to walk away from the man she looked to Ser Robar and gave him a nod, the Kingsguard immediately standing to attention and they both began to move, only for the voice to call out and stop her in her tracks.
"Princess, you look even more beautiful today than ever." Lord Harrold said with a warm smile.
"I thank you my lord." she said politely but stiffly, word of how he'd acted with Margaery had reached most of the ladies in the Red Keep by now as had word of his humiliation at Loras's hands, Dany feeling a little more annoyed than most at his audacity.
"I was wondering if you'd like to join me in a walk, princess, I was just about to head to the gardens." he asked his smile still present on his face.
"I'm afraid I must decline my lord, I have another engagement." she said and saw the brief annoyed look before he schooled his features and replaced it with that same smile.
"Another time then, perhaps we could…."
Whatever else he was about to say was lost to her as she saw Aurane, Monford, and Lord Kevan among others walk their way. Dany feeling her heart beat that little bit faster when she saw Aurane's smile as he noticed her. She moved past Lord Harrold and this time the annoyed look on his face was much more pronounced. As was Dany's smile when Aurane rather than continue with the others, stopped to greet her.
"Princess." he said taking her offered hand and kissing it while looking deep into her eyes.
"Lord Aurane, it's good to see you've returned safely." she said meaning every word.
"It's good to be back princess, perhaps we may speak together later, his grace awaits." Aurane said, more formally and polite than she had wished for and it was only when she heard the footsteps behind her that she remembered they weren't alone.
"I would enjoy that very much, my lord, very much indeed." she said as Aurane kissed her hand once more.
She watched as he walked away and then as she turned back she saw Lord Harrold almost glaring at her, his expression quickly changing once he saw her own. A curt nod and she and Ser Robar were moving away, Dany thought she heard the lord mutter something that sounded like bastard under his breath but couldn't be certain and so she left it alone for now. Instead, she made her way to her room and waited for Aurane to finish speaking to Jae, hoping that he would come straight to her once he had. In this, he proved to be most true and after an hour or so of waiting, the knock came to her door. Dany opening it to find Aurane standing there.
There were protocols and proprieties involved in ladies who were not wed or betrothed being alone unchaperoned with men and had Dany been brought up in the Red Keep and lived the life that she should have, then perhaps she may have cared. Instead, she'd been forced to live a very different life, and rather than Septa's or ladies in waiting it was Sandor who'd been her truest guide. Closing the door behind him as she bid him enter, she was soon in his arms, her tongue brushing over his as he kissed her deeply.
'Fuck propriety.' Sandor's voice rang out in her head, her own soon joining it 'Fuck propriety indeed' she thought as she felt his hand slide down her back and land on her arse.
King's Landing 298 AC.
Margaery.
She had woken to her husband staring down at her, Jae smiling when he saw that her eyes were open and Margaery hearing him laugh as she stretched before she sat up. They'd broken their fast alone once more and while she in some ways missed them sharing their mornings with others, for now, she felt that it needed to be just the two of them. After eating and spending far too much of the morning just spending time alone together, it was her that reminded her husband of their duties.
"We really should start our day, Jae." she said after their table was cleared.
"We're king and queen, I hereby order us to do nothing today." he replied his voice taking on what was a poor impression of a regal tone and one that made her certain he was japing.
"Jae?" she said playing along.
"I hate being king, I say we get someone else to do it." he said leaning into her shoulder and looking up at her with wide eyes, Margaery finding it hard to fight the urge to smile.
"Perhaps I need a new king after all." she said giggling as she did so.
"They would have the shortest reign ever my love, but fine, I'll be the king if I must."
"You must." she said kissing him on his cheek.
She'd noticed him trying this more and more since they'd made up, each time they were alone he tried to lighten the mood or to make her laugh. Whether it was simply the true extent of the emotions he'd gone through over the past couple of moons demanded a release or that he was still trying to make things up to her she knew not, nor did she care. Having him in such a mood made her own so much better and so she played along as much as she could. That she enjoyed it as much as he did, well that was her little secret and one he didn't need to know.
"What do we actually have to do today?" he asked after a moment.
"I don't know as someone refused to let me look at my itinerary last night." she said her lopsided grin now on her face as she did so.
"Did my wife not like my attentions? It seemed that she very much did, hmmm, perhaps I was wrong and need to withdraw them next time, I mean if her itinerary is so important to her." Jae said, his own smile threatening to become a laugh as he did so.
"Perhaps next time, my husband can allow me to look at my itinerary before he seeks his pleasure?" she said raising her eyebrow challengingly.
That he actually seemed to take the time to contemplate such a thing had her very close to laughing out loud. The look on his face one of complete concentration and the silence dragging on far longer than she had anticipated.
"I've thought about it and I've reached a decision." he said after a moment, his smile fuller as he moved towards her.
"And pray tell what has his grace decided?" she asked as he took her hand in his.
"Those itineraries are dull and boring and have no place in our rooms and that it was not only mine own pleasure I sought, so no I'll not allow you to read it before I seek our pleasure, my love, I'd not be so cruel." he said grabbing her, his kisses playful rather than seeking more.
"Very well, I concur with my king's decision." she said as they kissed properly before he helped her to her feet.
While Jae went off to speak to his uncle Benjen and Val, Margaery made her way to her grandmother's rooms. She'd been neglectful with her family over the past few days and though it was understandable, it was something she intended to rectify. Sansa walked beside her with Elinor and Ser Barristan walked behind her, the Kingsguard finally settling back into a routine inside the castle. Reaching her grandmother's rooms she was shown inside immediately and she saw the disappointment on Sansa's face when she realized that Willas wasn't present.
"Why don't you and Elinor take some time for yourselves, I'll see you both later." she said looking to her friend.
"Your grace." Sansa said with a perfect curtsy before she and Elinor almost raced from the room.
Her grandmother for once wasn't sitting at her desk and Margaery moved to join her at the small table, the plate of food and wine showing she'd interrupted her doing a different type of work. Over the years she'd noticed that when it came to work relating to the realm her grandmother took care of it at her desk, when it was family-related she did so in a more relaxed manner, though only in how she approached it.
"You're too kind to her, your grace" her grandmother said as Margaery took her seat.
"I'm kind to her and to Willas." she said and saw her grandmother nod.
"His grace?"
"Busy at work."
"Good. Things are better between you both?" her grandmother asked looking at her eagerly.
"Much better, thank you for not interfering." she said with a soft smile, her grandmother matching it.
"Some things don't require a grandmother's help, your grace."
They spoke then on simple things, improvements to the city, and plans for the future including the new keep that she had requested to be built at Dunstonbury. Why Jae had wished for it there had been a mystery to both her and her grandmother and one she had no desire to ask him about. It was something that in the end she hadn't needed to as Willas informed her that it was a nod to both the Blackfyre Rebellion and more importantly to House Manderly. They were in the midst of speaking about what her grandmother was working on in relation to their family. Margaery was most eager to know what it was when Sansa arrived back and hurried over to her and carrying a note from Jae.
"It seems my husband requires my presence." Margaery said as her grandmother rolled her eyes.
"Surely not at this hour?"
"Grandmother." she replied shocked that she'd think it was for that, though not at the idea itself.
"So it's actually governing that he wishes to speak to you on?" her grandmother asked, Margaery once again noticing just how it was she did things, questions that showed her concern yet inquired all the same.
"It seems the fleet has returned and I believe my husband wishes me to be present when he hears their report on the war." she said as she rose.
"Will the Small Council be asked to sit, your grace?"
"I doubt it grandmother but I'll send for you later if there is anything that you need to know." she said moving over to hug her grandmother who'd risen as soon as she had.
She hurried back to their chambers and found Jae was already inside with the desk and chairs set up for the arrival, and so she nodded to Ser Arthur who stood in position behind the desk and she then moved over to her husband.
"Everything is well with your grandmother?" Jae asked as he kissed her cheek and she took her seat.
"Something is happening at home but we didn't get to speak on it, I'll take lunch with her later." she said and Jae nodded.
"I'd say invite her to dinner, but.."
"I know, we're supping with the Lannisters." she said with a smile.
"Aye, Genna and Gerion are sailing off on the morrow though now that Lord Kevan has returned they may delay it."
"Joy?"
"I've yet to ask them."
"Or her." she said with a smirk.
"Or her." he replied.
"How went things with Benjen and Val?" she asked.
"I never made it, Dany came back early and I worried something was wrong." Jae said shaking his head before he continued "It seems I'm not the only one that's keen to welcome House Velaryon back to King's Landing." his smile one she'd not seen before.
"Is it wise, Jae, I mean, do you see a future for them?" she said looking curiously at him, Jae taking a moment to answer.
"I care not of his birth, nor it seems does my aunt. House Velaryon has been mine own house's lealest men for longer than there even was a House Targaryen in Westeros. Should it be her wish then she has my blessing, not that she'd ask for or need it." his smile one she knew all too well now as he thought fondly on his aunt's nature.
"No she'd not." she said with a giggle as they heard the knock at the door.
Ser Barristan opened it and Jae bid Lord Jaime to enter, their Hand taking a seat beside them and he had barely done so when Lord Monford and the others arrived. Jae asking them if they required refreshments and while they accepted the wine, that was all they wished for. She found herself looking to Aurane who seemed to be eager to be elsewhere and she offered him a smile and saw him relax some as he smiled back. Turning her attention back from him to the others, she listened as Monford and Kevan spoke of the destruction of the Iron Fleet.
"We allowed some ships to retreat your grace and we took some and their crews into our care." Lord Monford said.
"Our losses?" Jae asked.
"Were minimal your grace. The Pinnacle ships took care of the vast majority of the Iron Fleet and they along with the other ships then faced an almost defeated enemy. We lost some men as did some of the ships defending the Shields but it was few." Lord Kevan said.
"Euron Greyjoy?" Lord Jaime asked and she saw Kevan look to Monford, a worried look soon appearing on both men's faces.
"Escaped, Lord Hand. His ship sailed off to the west and by the time a Pinnacle was able to give chase he was gone." Lord Monford said his tone one that seemed to expect some rebuke.
"An unfortunate occurrence but not one that takes away from the full extent of your victory, Lord Monford, nor your own Lord Kevan." Jae said looking to them both "Bear Island and Deepwood Motte both fended off lesser attacks as did Lannisport, Lord Kevan. However, your own victory is something that should be rewarded and so I'd like to honor you both in some way." Jae said.
She saw him nod to Ser Arthur who then walked from the room and came back a few moments later holding two small boxes in his hand. The knight placing them both on the table in front of her husband and Margaery looking at them curiously. When Jae opened them she like the others all found their eyes on the shining steel of the two daggers, their jeweled hilts beauty only being surpassed by their Valyrian Steel blades.
"Lord Kevan Lannister and Lord Monford Velaryon, I present you with these two daggers as a sign of both the crown's appreciation for what you've done for it and my own personal thanks for doing so."
"Your grace." Lord Kevan said with a proud bow as he took the dagger from the box, Lord Monford repeating his words as he did likewise.
"I'd feast you both if you allowed for it, but perhaps you have your own plans. If so I'd take this chance to thank you both once again," Jae said as the two men bowed once more.
She looked to Jaime as they left, a small smile on his face that was not present on her husband's, the reason for its absence clear to them all.
"That was a good thing you did your grace." Jaime said and Jae nodded.
"They deserved it, Lord Hand, they did their jobs while I did not." Jae said his voice angry though she knew it was directed at himself.
"Jae." she said softly and was pleased to see him nod.
"I'll seek the man out later." he said and she saw Jaime nod before he left the room, Ser Arthur following him outside.
"It wasn't your fault, Jae." she said looking into his eyes.
"I don't blame myself for not being here, Marge, not truly, I blame myself for not making it clearer how important it was they stopped Euron."
"You think he'll still be a problem?" she asked worriedly.
"An inconvenience." he said relaxing a little as he got a determined look on his face.
Dragonstone 298 AC.
Aemon.
The flight to Dragonstone was one he'd not intended to make today. Were it not for Shiera he'd have left it until another time and allowed Dany time to settle into the castle before coming to visit. His niece may not be quite ready to move to the island full time but she had decided to stay there for a while. She wished to be there as the refit was going on and so Aemon had wanted her to get comfortable before he also arrived. Shiera though had pointed out that their nephew's work couldn't wait much longer and they needed to be there to oversee its beginning at least. So they'd flown together and upon their arrival had found that Dany hadn't made her way to the island yet.
It made him feel a little better as he didn't wish to be seen to be overcrowding her, nor did he want her to think that either he or Shiera thought her incapable or too young to take control of the island and its people. A leader no matter how large the area they controlled, or what level of responsibility they had couldn't afford to be second-guessed. It was something he'd told Egg many years earlier and something his nephew was only now getting to grips with. Dany would need to do so also and he would help any way that he could.
Just as he had agreed to help Jae as much as he could also, be it in researching the Long Night and the Night King, something he, Marwyn, and the newly arrived Loamara spent many nights doing, or in this endeavor that had brought now him back to Dragonstone. They needed the weapons made and made as quickly as they could be done. Aemon may not know when the fight was coming but he believed as his nephew did that it would come. It had been what the Night's Watch had truly been set up for and he was now certain it was why his family had survived the doom while others had not.
"Jikagon ipradagon se ēdrugon, īlon'll sagon kesīr syt mirri jēda ñuha raqiros." (Go eat and sleep, we'll be here for some time my friend.) he said to Sandorix as Shiera said her own goodbyes to Rhaegal.
Almost as soon as the dragons took to the sky, he turned to Shiera and the men of the hundred that Ser Bonifer had sent to greet them and they began their walk to the castle. Aemon looking back at the cave and hoping that the miners had arrived before them, just as Shiera had said they would. His aunt seemed more than eager to begin and Aemon himself despite not having initially wished to be here today, was now feeling likewise. The idea of doing something tangible and not just taking notes was something that he very much looked forward to.
"Did you stay here often, nephew?" Shiera asked as they walked, Aemon turning to look at her with a soft smile on his face as he remembered his time here.
"As a boy, I visited as much as mayhap any other of our kin but when my father took the throne my brothers and I were then summoned back to King's Landing. I had forged my chain by then and was serving in a keep but I had no desire to stay in the city, so I came here to act as my brother's Maester." Aemon said the smile on his face soon fading as he thought about Daeron.
Daeron like Jae and Daenys and so many of their family had dragon dreams and the more he thought about his brother over the years the more certain he was those dreams had come true. Unlike Jae or Daenys though, the dreams took a much heavier toll on Daeron and his brother hadn't been able to deal with them, and so he had sought solace in drink. As they walked into the keep he saw the stone dragons that guarded it and found his smile returning once more. Memories of Vaella and how fascinated she was by them soon entering his mind, as his niece had been ever so curious despite what they said about her.
"Aemon?" Shiera asked seeing him lost in his thoughts.
"Forgive me, old ghosts." he said softly and was glad she didn't press him on it.
Inside the keep they found Dany's men being directed by the young girl Missandei, Aemon once again impressed by just how capable the child was. She, Prince Oberyn's daughter, and the young Baratheon girl all had shown a level of interest in the acquiring of knowledge that would put Maesters to shame and one that he had tried to encourage as best he could. That the older men listened keenly to the girl as she directed them to make the changes his niece wished, showed just how much resolve she had too. Not even one and ten namedays old and already such a confident and collected girl, Aemon found himself looking forward to seeing the woman that she would one day become.
It was something he'd thought about more and more since he'd been given his ruby and learned the truth of its properties. A life he'd thought soon to come to an end was now extended and the possibilities all that brought were now open to him. Travel, reading of books he'd never thought he would have the time to do, and family most of all, were all on his mind. He'd seen the restoration of his house and would see them grow once more, see his kin grow from boys and girls into men and women. One day he'd see their own children too and he looked forward to that most of all. That day would only come though if he and Shiera did their work, something he was keen to get started with and so he moved to Missandei to see if their workers had arrived.
"My prince, my princess." Missandei said turning their way as she glowered at a man who quickly moved the tapestry from the wall.
"Things are going well?" he asked resisting the urge to chuckle at the exasperated look on the girl's face.
"These men think they know better than my princess, they think because she's not here I'll let them decide how things shall be, they are very much mistaken." Missandei said before pointing at one of the men and Aemon once again looking to see the man move and change whatever it was that was not to her liking.
"When will my niece arrive?" Shiera asked as Missandei focussed on them, whatever had not being done now seeming to be getting done and it allowing her a moment's respite.
"Perhaps on the morrow, the note only said that the fleet has arrived." Missandei said and though Aemon could see the girl knew more it was Shiera's smile that caught his eye.
"Did the miners and the men arrive?" he asked keen to get started.
"They did my prince, I believe they are in the village awaiting your instructions." Missandei said.
"Then we'll head down there, Shiera…"
"We were just about to have luncheon, my prince, perhaps you and the princess would like to join us?"
"Shiera?" he asked turning and seeing his aunt nod.
"I think that's an excellent idea, Missandei." he said with a smile.
The lunch was something he very much enjoyed, the food was good and the company interesting. Aemon sitting with Ser Bonifer, Sandor, and Belwas while Missandei and Shiera spoke and laughed occasionally making him wonder what their topic was. Once done, Ser Bonifer insisted he be among their guard and they made their way down to the village. Aemon and Shiera getting a warm welcome from the inhabitants of the island who seemed more than happy to have Targaryen's back amongst them and were looking forward to having one in residence here once more.
The group of miners had organized lodgings in the village and had also brought tents. Their leader a man named Hugar Hill who Lord Jaime had sent for and who was an expert in mining for gold, taking the time to explain their process. They'd work in shifts and while working would stay in tents near the cave itself, and every few days they'd take some time to rest in the village before their shifts began again. Hugar told him that this would ensure the men worked when they needed but never grumbled and Aemon bowed to his experience.
It took them a few hours to reach the cave, the carts dragging their supplies, and the sheer number of men that had been sent slowing them down and so it was mid-afternoon before they even set foot inside it. Aemon quickly showed Hugar and the men to the Dragonglass and explained what it was he wished of them.
"I want you to take large pieces, pieces that can be melded into weapons. knives, spearheads, axes and hammers, whatever we can make of them." he said.
"Would small pieces not suffice, my prince?" Hugar asked as Aemon bent down to pick up a piece of dragonglass that was no bigger than his fist.
"This is very brittle Hugar." he said smashing it against the wall, the pieces breaking off into much smaller ones "We have some smiths arriving who will begin to shape it and at first it's going to be done by trial and error. So, for now, it's for the best if the pieces are large to give them room to make mistakes." he said and the man nodded.
"Of course my prince, perhaps once they've refined their process and we begin to work together they can change their demands."
"Perhaps." he said with a nod.
After showing the men the caverns, he and Shiera made their way to the back of the cave, Aemon's torch in his hand as they walked. The drawings were there and he looked at them once more, the images they displayed ones that told a story, and yet as he looked at them he felt there was something missing from the tale. What that was he wasn't sure of and even as he slept that night he found he couldn't quite shake it from his mind. Aemon woke early the next morning and headed straight back into the caves, he stood staring at the image once more and was still not sure what it was that he wasn't seeing. It preyed on his mind long after he'd left Dragonstone and they'd flown back to King's Landing. For some reason, he was certain there was something that he needed to know and he hoped the answer was in his books.
King's Landing 298 AC.
Lady Anya Waynwood.
Things had not gone as she had planned and yet compared to how things could have been they had turned out fortuitous also. The increased taxes were a burden she could have done without but she'd also learned that Littlefinger had been taken into custody. She had heard that the sentence he'd face would be most severe and Anya had smiled at that. Should he lose his head which seemed likely, then her debt to him died when he did and she'd be in a far better position coin wise than she'd been in an age. If she was also able to find a suitable bride for Harrold then she could come out of this visit to King's Landing even better off than she had hoped. Though that was proving to be a bigger problem than she had anticipated.
Lord of the Vale and Warden of the East would have seen the larger houses vying for his hand, but being named Lord of the Eyrie alone ruled out many of them. She'd spoken to Lady Mina Tyrell about Desmera and being given short shrift and had then spent almost a day in her rooms going over the names of those worthy and those who brought an advantage. Finding to her annoyance far too few of the former and not enough of the latter. The simple truth was that those that her arrogant ward would consider worthy would have no interest in him or had found their matches already. Anya had already found out that Sansa Stark was betrothed to Willas Tyrell and while she had a younger sister, she had seen the girl and she knew Harrold would never go for it. Not that the king would allow it even if she could convince her ward to do so.
Dorne was out of the question and the North other than the Starks really only boiled down to the Manderly girls, both of whom had already been matched, much to her chagrin. There were few in the Riverlands and while she may consider a match with one of the Bracken girls had Jonos been named Lord Paramount, he had not and so they really offered no advantage. The Stormlands was out too which pretty much left her with only the West and the Reach to consider. Yet even there she was finding issues and that the two most eligible girls just happened to be bastards was only the least difficult of them to overcome.
Joy Hill was in truth the most advantageous match in all the realm, the coin from Castamere made her as rich as her cousins and her closeness to the king brought additional benefits. Yet it was yet another match that couldn't happen nor could the one with Myrcella Hill which forced her to look to the lesser Lannister cousins. She had found that they wished to be no part of her inquiries and they had no desire to marry her ward. It had all left her with no other choice and so as she walked toward the room, she readied herself for the meeting inside. Anya sighing when she looked at the two giant guards who stood outside the door.
"I believe, Lady Olenna is expecting me." she said as one of the giants knocked and a servant then welcomed her inside.
Olenna sat at a large desk, Anya glad to see that there was wine and food laid out upon it and that at least this meeting would be somewhat civilized. Whether it would be friendly and help her achieve her goals however was yet to be determined. She took her seat when Olenna bid her to and happily accepted the tea when it was poured, Anya also accepting the soft cheese and glad to be eating with someone who knew how an older woman's digestion worked.
"Lady Anya, I must say I was surprised to receive a request for a meeting from you." Olenna said after taking a sip of her tea.
"I doubt you've been surprised by much Lady Olenna." she said seeing the small nod the woman gave her.
"True, then perhaps intrigued is a better word then?" Olenna said.
"Perhaps." she said sipping her own tea as she looked at Olenna, trying to decide if subtlety or directness was the best course of action and deciding on the latter "You know why I'm here don't you?" she asked.
"You've come to ask me to help arrange a match for that ward of yours, the Hardyng boy." Olenna said and Anya didn't like the look on her face as she said the name.
"Lord Arryn now." she said with a little bite.
"Not a name that carries as much weight as it once did, Lady Anya. Perhaps it would have been for the best for the boy to keep his own name or better yet that he take your own."
"The Arryn name still carries weight in the Vale, Lady Olenna."
"But not anywhere else, Lady Anya." Olenna said staring at her and Anya smiling before nodding her assent.
"Call me Anya." she said after a moment's silence.
"Olenna."
"Olenna, you're right I have come about a match, I'm sure you know all the most suitable ladies in the Reach and the one that is best suited for Harrold." she said trying some flattery to get her way.
"I do and I don't." Olenna said.
"Olenna?" she asked confused.
"I know all the suitable ladies and those who at my behest would accept a match with a Lord of the Vale, this is true. However your ward, Anya, there are few I would recommend being matched with him." Olenna said and Anya felt her breath catch in her throat.
"May I ask why?" she asked after composing herself.
"You know why, Anya, so let's not play games. That boy is a fool and while a fool for a husband is no reason to oppose a match, it's what makes him so foolish that gives me pause."
"He's made his peace with his grace, Olenna." she said thinking that was what Olenna's objection was.
"Has he? It's his current behavior that makes him a fool Anya and not his past actions. You heard about his interaction with the queen?"
"I spoke to him on that, the boy was flirting yes but I set him right after our meeting and he promised not to do such a thing again." Anya said and she saw the surprised look on Olenna's face.
"Yet he did just that, I take it you didn't hear of the spar with my grandson?"
Anya shook her head and listened as Olenna told her what had happened, the story not one she'd been privy too and she found herself furious by the end of it. It was not the last thing that would raise her ire with her ward this day she was soon to find out as Olenna continued.
"Not content with that he also tried to do the same with Princess Daenerys and also with my grandson's betrothed Lady Sansa." Olenna said and Anya felt her stomach drop.
"I was unaware." she said apologetically.
"It is no fault of yours, Anya, but as you can imagine I have no interest in helping that boy find a bride." Olenna said and Anya nodded as she went to get up from her seat "However."
"Olenna?"
"You have a grandson do you not?" Olenna asked.
"I do, he's recently been knighted, Roland." she said proudly.
"Then perhaps a match between us is possible after all." Olenna said catching her by surprise.
She sent for Harrold as soon as she returned to her rooms, the match now agreed between her grandson and one of the Tyrell cousins. Anya very happy with the dowry and with the offer of renewed trade between her and Olenna that came with it. That the Queen of Thorns also suggested that she'd speak with the king and queen on her behalf when it came to taxes, only making her visit with her even more of a success. Taking her seat she was left waiting for Harrold to arrive, time stretching on and her anger rising as it did so. When he did arrive it was with no apology for his tardiness and that self-same cocky grin on his face, Anya finding herself unable to take it as she rose to her feet. The slap rang out across the room and when he looked at her angrily, he received another.
"I raised you better than to be a fool, so mark my words well, continue to behave as you do and you'll find yourself facing not only the king's wrath but mine own."
"I'm sorry, my lady." Harrold said his voice whiny and head bowed and yet she wondered if he truly was.
"You've angered the queen, the princess, and Lady Sansa, should you also do so to Lady Joy then you'll have in turn angered the four closest women to a king who not only rides a dragon but is a sword who is almost unmatched. I'll not be able to help you then Harrold and I'll not try to." she said as he nodded "Now begone before I lose my temper once more."
She watched him shuffle out of the room and closed her eyes before she prayed to the gods. He was a fool but her kin and ward still and while he infuriated her at times she loved him all the same.
King's Landing 298 AC.
Jaime.
He looked around at the table, Jae was sitting with Joy and Joanna while Margaery sat with Dacey, Genna, Dorna, and Ashara. He, Gerion, and Kevan sat together, and across from them Lancel, Walder, and Tion sat while further down Martyn, Tommen and Myrcella sat facing Jae and tried to both to have their own conversation and to join in on the one that Jae was having with the two girls. Jaime found himself chuckling as his uncles pointed out that far from looking a king, Jae seemed more a fool than anything else as he puffed his cheeks out to make the girls laugh.
For him, it was just good to see his family like this, all his family. Soon enough they'd be heading back to the West and Jae and Margaery would be heading to Dorne and then to the North. He was already missing Tyrion and the thoughts of them all leaving, even if only for some short time, soon caused the smile to go from his face. Seeing this Dacey looked anxiously at him and Jaime shook his head and did his best to reassure her, glad when it seemed to be work. Pretty soon he was smiling again as he saw Jae whisper in Joanna's ear and his daughter nod vigorously. What was said he didn't know but it had seemed to please both Joanna and Joy too and so he was more than grateful for whatever it was. Though not so much when Joanna came over to him a few moments later.
"Is something wrong, little cub?" he asked picking her up and placing her on his lap, his daughter looking into his eyes.
"Jae said I can have a horse, papa." Joanna said and Jaime smiled at her before glaring at Jae, the king not paying attention to him as he was speaking to Joy instead.
"When you're bigger, aye, you can."
"I'm big papa, Jae said so. Big as bear just like mama." Joanna said and though he was getting more and more annoyed at Jae for filling her heads with thoughts of a horse, the way she said it had him laughing as he agreed with her.
"You are, a big she-bear just like mama and grandmamma and your aunts." he said as Joanna laughed with him.
"Aunt Genna not bear, papa." Joanna said as he kissed her cheek.
"No, she's a lion, you're a lion too aren't you?" he said softly.
"Lion and Bear, Papa, Hear me Roar…Rarrrhhhhhhhhhhh" Joanna said loudly forcing all eyes to turn to his daughter, Jaime almost curling up as she did so again when they all looked to her.
"Well you heard her, she roars." he said when he calmed down, Joanna leaning close against him and soon enough he felt her begin to drift off to sleep."
He stood up gently and walked to her room, his daughter resting against his chest as he did so. Laying her down on the bed he slowly and carefully undressed her, hearing Dacey walk in as he struggled to put her nightdress on. Jaime stood and watched as his wife took it from his hands and put it on her and then covered her with the blanket. She and then he both kissing her forehead before they left the room and walked back into the other one. They were halfway there when Dacey grabbed his hand, the pained sound she made quickly forcing Genna and Margery to rush from the other room, the others soon joining them.
"The Grandmaester, get the Grandmaester." he said panicked and who it was that went for Gormon he didn't know.
Between them he and Jae carried his wife to their bed, Jaime helping her lay down before Genna pushed past him when he did so.
"The babe is coming, Ashara, Dorna go see the children are sent to their rooms, Jae, water, Gerion go fetch some clean cloths, Now, hurry." Genna said and Jaime didn't even see them leave, his eyes focussed on his aunt and his wife.
"Is everything alright?" Dacey, the babe?" he asked worriedly.
"It will be, go and make sure that Gormon is on his way." Genna said and he looked to Dacey who nodded.
He hurried from the room, passing Jae, Gerion, and Kevan who all seemed to be doing different things, none of which he could even contemplate. Outside in the corridor, he was relieved to see the Grandmaester and some acolytes hurrying his way, Jaime following the men back inside only to be refused entry into his own bed-chamber. Before he had a chance to argue or say anything he felt himself being moved away from the door. Jae, Gerion, and Kevan all with their hands on him and moving him gently but leaving him in no doubt that he was not being allowed into the room just then.
"I should be in there." he said his voice cracking.
"Let them do their jobs, Jaime, they know better than we what is needed." Jae said and though he disagreed he accepted it for now.
Jaime paced up and down the corridor, Jae and Gerion walking with him and Kevan speaking to the guards. The children had been brought back to their rooms. Dorna and Ashara staying with them and when he asked about Joanna he was told that Margaery was sitting with her.
"I need to see her, I shouldn't be out here." he said moving only for Jae to stand in front of him.
"Joanna is asleep, Jaime, Margaery will come and let us know if she wakes, you being there will only make you worry more."
"I.."
"I know. It's hard but all we can do is wait." Jae said softly.
He refused the drink when it came, not even accepting water as a substitute, the dryness in his mouth was not something that could be removed by taking a drink. When the first of the acolytes came running from the room he almost tackled the man to the ground. Gerion holding him back while the man said that he was just going for more hot water. They stood there, Jaime leaning against the wall while men came and went, cloth, water, and then more water. Jaime looking on worriedly each time the door opened and annoyed that it wasn't to tell him that his wife was well and their babe had been born.
When he heard the screams not even all three of them could hold him back. Jaime looking angrily at Arthur and Loras when they moved to join them, a nod from Jae making them step back. He raced inside the room and was stopped at the door by his aunt, Genna looking worried and yet sounding calm when she spoke.
"The babe is coming, Jaime, Dacey is well, but you need to wait." Genna said.
"My wife, I want to see my wife." he said annoyed, moving a step forward before he heard Margaery's voice.
"Joanna has woken up." Margaery said and he found himself looking from her to his aunt, one making it clear that he wasn't going to be allowed entry and the other practically begging for him to follow.
In the end, it was knowing that his daughter was awake and probably worried that won the day. Jaime following Margaery to Joanna's room and finding his daughter climbing out of her bed and running to him as soon as she saw him.
"Mama, I heard mama." Joanna said as she lifted her up and held her against his chest, his daughter's worry reinforcing his own and yet he somehow found the strength of will to calm them both.
"Cub is coming, Joanna." he said and she looked at him.
"Cub coming now?" she asked and he nodded, seeing her smile and then feeling himself relax as much as she did.
He lay down on the bed with her beside, him, Joanna leaning in close as he spoke softly to her. Both Jae and Margaery now standing inside the room while from down the hall he heard another scream. Jae stepped out and then walked back inside before closing the door behind him.
"Tell your papa about your horsey, Joanna." Jae said as Jaime glared at him.
"Horsey like Joy's papa, like Apple's but different."
"Different?"
"Yes, indoor horsey, not outdoor horsey, Jae says." Joanna said happily.
"Aye, just like the one I had made for Joy's nameday." Jae said and Jaime smiled despite his worry, realizing now it was a wooden one and not a real one that he was gifting her.
"Cub ride horsey, papa? "Joanna asked.
"Aye, when they're big like you." he said softly.
"Cub big like me? "She asked confused.
"Not yet, soon, but for now, you're the big bear and you need to look after the cub, Joanna." he said and she nodded.
"I will papa." she said determinedly
"I know you will my brave little cub." he said kissing her cheek and making her giggle.
How long passed until she fell back to sleep he couldn't tell, though both Jae or Margaery had left the room more than once until she did so. Neither of them bringing him back the news he wished to hear upon their returns and once he was certain he'd not wake Joanna he got up and walked to the door. Jae looked over at Margaery and nodded before he followed him outside. The lack of noise that came from his bed-chamber worried him and as he moved towards it he saw the light shining in through the window.
"It's morning?" he asked.
"Aye, it is." Jae said.
"What's going on?" he asked looking to Jae who moved closer to him so he could speak softly.
"There were some complications and Gormon said it would take some time before the babe came. There was something that he needed to do so that both Dacey and the babe were safe, let him do his work, Jaime. Genna and Ashara, they're both in there and they tell me that this is for the best."
"Jae.." he said moving to the door.
"Have faith, Jaime, Dacey is strong as is the babe, have faith." Jae said, and as he did the sound of a baby's cry forced both of them to look to the door.
Seeing Genna and then Ashara walk from the room after a few movements he looked to them both, his aunt smiling at him as was his goodaunt.
"You have a son, nephew." Genna said as Jaime looked to her to see her nod "Dacey is well, both of them are well."
He felt himself being embraced firstly by Jae and then by his aunt, Gerion, Kevan, Ashara, and finally Margaery all coming to do the same after Jae had gone to fetch her. The wait for Gormon to come from the room was a long and agonizing one. Jaime very relieved to hear the Maester tell him that despite the complications both his wife and his son were healthy and that all was well. After asking for and receiving permission to see them both, he hurried into the room.
Dacey was only half awake, her eyes opening and closing until they saw him and she then opened them fully. Beside her in a small crib lay their son and after kissing his wife and telling her to get some rest, he moved to look at him. His eyes were alight, two small emerald orbs looking back up at him and he could see that the hair on his head was fair. Jaime reached in to touch his son and felt him grab at his hand and then he sat down on the edge of the bed and looked back at his wife who he was happy to see had taken his advice before he looked back into the crib and at his son. The feeling of relief and joy was one he'd only known once before and as he was staring at his son he heard the door open, Jae walking in holding Joanna's hand.
"Come little cub, come and meet your brother." he said as his daughter ran his way.
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed and Firstly I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This chapter wasn't exactly what I intended but I don't think I'll be able to update TDC next week and so I wanted to end the year a certain way. If I can't update then TDC will return on the 5th of January.
Up next a new year brings new beginnings as Jae and Margaery and members of the Royal Court travel to Dorne where two weddings take place and Jae makes an emotional trip back to where it all began for him. We take a look into the North as a Blackfish and his nephew make their way to the West.
Chapter 148 Reviews.
Daryl Dixon: So glad you liked it.
Emerald Duke: I do too, we'll see if his words stick.
Biohazard: So very glad you enjoyed it.
Anarchicmind: I am saving the Joy pov, for the next chapter. I think Stannis would enjoy the simplicity of the Watch, I agree he'd also stick close to his vows and well we'll see more of his povs because of his changed circumstance.
Anja: Really glad you liked it.
Jman: We'll be getting our first look at the NK very soon.
Dunk: The thing with the HS and the GM are both aren't appointed by the king and so you're forced to deal with them until they're removed. It's again one of the most annoying things in Season 8 in that they take Sam and make him GM, even though they don't have the power too and he hasn't even forged a link on his chain. Tywin couldn't decide the GM and Robert couldn't get rid of Pycelle, yet Bran somehow could. With Stannis he's basically Jon Snow now lol.
VFSnake: With Stannis when I was writing it I came damn close to putting people we know with him, Grenn, Pyp or even Edd and then I realized I was killing them all off and so I just couldn't, not yet lol. That's the biggest thing with faith when it gets a foothold, they begin to squash any that stands against it.
Guest: We're in that part of things now, we'll see Jae move North to parley with Mance and things like that over the next few chapters and even a little insight into the NK view of things too. I get hat with Drogo/Dany, I think book Drogo is different and while still not fully consensual there was more consent, where show Drogo they make things so much worse. I agree she convinces herself she loves him more than loved him. Which is kinda why I always wanted to see her and Jon together so we could the difference and she'd see it. With Val it's very easy to simply go, Jon and her live in the North and it's been done, my own take on it when I do it will be Val in the south. We'll see her and Benjen get closer over the next few chapters as we finally bring in the Free Folk proper. I get that about Jae/Joy, I can see where your coming from now a bit more clearly.
Supremus: He is and isn't in that when you see what's coming for them well a little exaggerating is a good thing lol.
Vdwade: On the HS that's the thing, it's in some ways the need for a slap and not having had one in so long that makes them cocky, Jae tried to remind him of that here in words, it may take deeds. Glad you liked the joy part. That's one of the big issues and I have to admit it wasn't my intent to break Satin/Loras up, but sometimes life throws you a curveball and you have to deal with it and here it seemed like the right kind of on. We'll see Jon begin to search Eurraven out soon enough lol.
Suppes: WK will update Monday.
Moonlightecho Lealest is the superlative form of the world Leal which is what they called loyal men in Westeros.
Creativo: La totalidad de nuestra historia está llena de eso, ¿no es así?
Celexys: Well Stannis will be alive when Jae meets Mance so you'll get your wish. In the books he's a much more intriguing character and the show kinda stripped him of a lot of that. The actor who played him had a big falling out with the two idiots and swore he'd never work with them again because they lied to him constantly right up to how they killed him off. But he suffers a lot from the lack of care they gave his character.
The Sphynx: More than happy to se a poem from you my friend. Have great Christmas and new year.
Silverglow: I agree completely, in essence she took it out on someone with no power to disagree with her and it's why I blame Ned too because as lord he can force her to accept his will, completely. IMO he put his own comfort and place in his wife's bed above Jon's and well that's far less honourable than we're supposed to think him as.
That was it a bit with the Stark's, calm before storms. Tyrion for the next few chapters will be in nice territory, not saying that territory will change but for the next few nice territory.
The Faith are always going to be an issue to the Targs imo, just like the Maesters, they need to dealt with and while Jae has done it with words, we'll see if that's enough. On the second guessing, for me this other than obviously set up the Lands Eternal and the battle for the NK was all about that. Jae earlier on was idealistic, it's good in theory to be questioned and doubted but constant can cause issues and as a king you can only allow so much. So it's about finding that balance, which is hard. But in this he knows more than any of them, so he needs to be the one to set the agenda so to speak.
One of Stannis's biggest strengths is he is practical, now I'm not talking about the brainwashed Mel influenced Stannis but before that he understood the nature of things. His problem is that he's too blunt and stubborn and so the life at the Wall makes that actually be a plus. I think he always loved Shireen, just was incapable of showing it and as for Davos, he knew his loyalty well I think. Here he gives us a different view of things than having Jon almost play that role does also and well we'll see more of him.
Lady Octarina: Exactly, not one man can call him a liar. It is funny as you say and tragic too in a way, Stannis is almost born to be LC of the NW in some ways. I know how you feel the interactions both don't' move the plot forward and yet move the story forward imo as they allow a feel for characters and events. At times I feel I'm overdoing it and yet at others I feel I'm not showing enough of them lol. We may or may not see the Sparrows, but one of the key things with them was the war created the need, the lack of food and the small folk being mistreated, here the war ended quickly and Jae/Marge care for the small folk and are trying to make things better, so it's harder for the sparrows to gain a foothold.
Now one thing about Westeros is magic is feared and so that could be the battleground. I agree on the Jon/Arya just ehwww and Jon/Sansa for me only works in an Au setting, like if Jon is raised at WF then no, but say Rhaegar wins and Jon is raised as a Targ in the Red Keep, then I could get with it. I always find that no one ever addresses the elephant in the room with Jon/Sansa which is she is the spitting image of her mother in both looks and mannerisms, no way Jon is attracted to her physically.
Jon/Val I like more than Jon/Ygritte too although I have to admit I like Jon/Ygritte more in the show than the books.
Kingofwarhmammer: On Loras/Satin they are still in love, but for now/maybe for good they know it's not going to work because of circumstances. The faith rebelling with dragons is a harder thing for them to do but fanatics are fanatics. Bran will be some form of Stark and the wolf will be part of his sigil. On the Frey's and the bridges with Bran/the Blackfish heading to the Rl we'll see that explored more in a few chapters.
For the house Targs, Jae in a way wants to limit the power of the LP's in all the kingdoms, so him taking Summerhall is both because of it's significance and to mess the Stormlands up kinda. In the RL it'll be Harrenhal and he's already sworn a house to it under Mychel Redfort. In Dorne it'll be the TOJ. Queenscrown in the North and Dragonstone obviously, there won't be any in the Crownlands because of Kl. The Vale is tricky, ideally it'll be the Eyrie but well we'll see, what I'll say is that if it's not it'll be strategic as for the Reach it'll be Dunstonbury which is basically between Highgarden and Goldengrove.
