As some of you may have seen on my other ongoing story No Mercy, I'm sorry for my absence in the last couple of weeks but there is a good reason for that. I'm going to try and stick to schedules, but I'm sure you'll all forgive me if not as writing, especially for a fandom such as Game of Thrones, is more difficult while I'm grieving for my dog.

My version of Archibald Yronwood is played by Rob Archer. If you google both the character and the actor then you will understand why!

As always, I own nothing but the OC's, everything else belongs to either HBO or George R R Martin.

As word reached the Red Keep of Ser Davos Seaworth's ship being sighted turning into Blackwater Bay, Durran had the full court assemble in the Throne Room. Sat on the uncomfortable Iron Throne with his Father's Crown atop his head, he looked the spitting image of a young Robert Baratheon.

He was looking forward to this being over and bringing the sheer brutality he had been showing towards House Martell to an end. Already steps had been made to safely remove all the remaining wildfire from King's Landing to be taken Northwards and used in the fight against the demons of the North. Thinking on that, Durran stole a glance at Robb Stark in the front row, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but at court.

The doors opened and brought Durran out of his thoughts. A dozen or so guards in Baratheon armour walked in, surrounding both of the prisoners, Prince Doran being wheeled in by Gendry, and Nymeria Sand to his left. Durran turned to his right, to see Stannis give him a brisk nod of encouragement.

Turning back, the Dornish pair were led to just in front of the steps up to the Iron Throne, blocked by Jaime, standing in the middle of the three Kingsguard beneath the Throne, with Ser Barristan as Lord Commander to Durran's left.

Ser Davos stepped forwards, presenting himself to the King by kneeling, but Durran bid him to rise quickly. "Ser Davos Seaworth, welcome back to King's Landing."

The knight rose to his feet. "Thank you, Your Grace. Dorne is yours, and I bring the traitor Prince Doran Martell to receive your judgement."

Doran was pushed forwards as Davos stepped back. Durran stood up and walked down the steps to stand level with Ser Jaime, who had insisted on being there while in the latter stages of his recovery. "Prince Doran. Why? Why make such a foolish error and submit the Kingdoms to more war when your Queen was a Targaryen, the Princess Elaenor having Targaryen blood." Durran asked.

Doran shook his head. "A Targaryen corrupted by Usurper influence, a Targaryen brought up not understanding the truth of her family's demise. I stand by my actions Baratheon. The rightful heir is in the belly of my niece."

Durran's eyes thinned in anger, as he looked towards the woman, her belly just noticeable. "House Targaryen lost the throne when they lost the battle of the Trident. House Baratheon rules through right of blood and of conquest. Your inability to remember that when Viserys Targaryen came calling has cost your entire House, which will end with you, My Lord. For the crime of treason, I, Durran of House Baratheon, the First of my name. King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdom's and Protector of the Realm, do sentence you to die. Take him away."

Doran just looked down at his knees as he was wheeled out, leaving Nymeria Sand alone beneath the Iron Throne. As the doors closed, Durran turned to her. "And you, Nymeria Sand. Doran Martell was right in saying that Viserys' heir now lies within you, which makes you a threat if some Lord decides to cause more problems by naming the babe as rightful ruler."

The girl looked up at Durran. "Then butcher me as you've butchered the rest of my family. Become known as the Butcher of Sunspear as you follow in the Usurper's footsteps of climbing up those steps over dead children."

Durran clenched his teeth, before relaxing. "I am not my Father. No child shall die by my hand or under my orders. Within you lies the Queen's own blood, and my own daughter's cousin. They shall be raised as such, knowing the follies of their parents. You shall be kept under house arrest until the babe is born." Nymeria looked surprised and bowed her head to hide her face as she was also led out of the Throne Room. When the doors once again closed, Durran looked out to the gathered court of nobles. "Sunspear has surrendered, and the last remnants of the Golden Company have been chased out of Westeros. I can officially declare the war to be over!"

Cheers and applause erupted throughout the Throne Room as Durran stepped back to sit on the Iron Throne once more, contemplating over what he was going to do with Nymeria Sand after the baby was born.

As court was wrapped up, Durran flanked by Ser Barristan and Ser Jaime made his way up to the rooms that had been set aside for Prince Doran. He'd given the unwell man comfortable chambers out of respect for his former position, and the trio entered to find Doran sat by a table. The Grand Maester was already there ensuring that Doran was comfortable.

"Is this it?" Doran asked bitterly. "Is my time on this world over. Am I to be taken to the block in my chair or carried?"

"Nobody is going to the block today." Durran said, sitting down opposite the Dornishman. "Your family has suffered enough at my hands, I would give you peace instead."

"Peace." Doran scoffed. "You alone have done more harm to Dorne than any other before him. The only peace I would feel is your head separated from your body."

Durran didn't respond, instead he nodded to his uncle who poured two glasses of wine and placed them both on the table. Reaching into his tunic, he pulled out a small vial of amber liquid. "Sweetsleep." Durran explained. "I never was one for the finer learning, all I wanted to do as a child was fight and hunt and fight again. Thankfully the Grand Maester has an exceptionally large poison store, and he told me in detail on what the effects of them all are, and how long they take to kill. Sweetsleep is the kindest of them all."

"It's a bit late for kindness, do you not think?" Doran glared. "My brother, my son. My nieces, my sister. All dead at the hands of your family."

"Elia I regret." Durran said softly. "I wasn't around back then, but such things would never happen under my rule. I do not kill children Doran and I apologise on behalf of House Lannister for the monstrous crimes my Grandfather committed against her and the babes."

Doran shook his head. "It's been twenty years; do you really think even on my deathbed I can forgive such a thing when the culprit still roams the world?"

Durran leant backwards, getting more comfortable. "Not at all, but it needed saying anyway. I will take the blame for your nieces; such an end isn't how I want to be remembered for but sometimes to ensure peace you must do terrible things. All could have been avoided if you had stayed loyal to the Crown."

"Ifs, buts and maybes. What ifs and what could have beens." Doran said. "It is no use discussing them now. I stand by my loyalty to the true heir of House Targaryen, and one day your family shall pay for the extinction of mine."

Durran sighed, and uncorked the tiny vial, pouring in the liquidised sweetsleep to Doran's glass. "It will be like falling asleep." Pycelle told Doran.

"Then may I dream of the ruin of everything you hold dear." Doran snarled at Durran. The former Prince looked at the glass, before hesitantly picking it up.

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry it's come to this." Durran told him.

Doran just rolled his eyes and downed the wine, spilling a tiny amount down his chin. Wiping it, he leant back in his chair, already growing drousy. "May the Seven curse your blood." He whispered, before closing his eyes for a final time.

Durran pinched the bridge of his nose briefly, letting the man have peace in his final moments before he stood up once more. "Bury him as befits a Lord." He ordered, quickly making his way out of the room.

At the end of an already busy day, Durran found himself in the White Sword Tower watching on as finally, almost three years after being coronated, the Kingsguard was filled. Ser Archibald Yronwood, the bald, six and a half feet tall, imposing nephew of Lord Anders, was being sworn in by Ser Barristan. Once the vows had been said, Durran himself handed Ser Archibald the black steel armour with purple detailing to signify Dorne, and the white cloak of the Kingsguard.

Once the ceremony had been completed, Durran walked back to his chambers. He was tired, and just wanted to stay in his rooms with Elaenor for the night, but as he was led by Ser Balon back to the King's chambers, Ser Davos and Gendry were there waiting.

"Ser Balon, I'll be fine here, go and fetch the Princess, will you?" Durran asked, and the knight bowed his head and departed. Durran opened the doors and invited the pair in. "What can I do for you?"

"Your Grace." Davos began. "I've spent over a year with Gendry here and have taught him everything I know. I'd like your permission to knight him."

Durran grinned as he sat down at his desk, happy for his half-brother. "Of course, Ser Davos. We can do the ceremony just before you depart for the Wall, if you like?"

"With respect, Your Grace." Gendry began, ringing his hands nervously. "I spoke to Lord Stark today and he told me about the problems in the North. You have been kind to me, but I know that my presence here harms you more than helps you. I… I'd like to go and join the Watch."

Durran was shocked at that. Leaning forwards onto his arms he shook his head slightly. "You will always have a place here Gendry, you know that."

"You've been kind Your Grace, but I know there are some who would have me gone. This way I can do my bit in protecting your family, while not being a threat." Gendry said, clearly having rehearsed his arguments.

Durran looked up at his brother. "I can't deter you, can I?"

Gendry looked confused and turned to Davos for clarification. "Change your mind." He explained.

Gendry nodded in recognition. "No, Your Grace. I want this."

Durran sighed and stood up. He walked around to the other side of the desk and clasped Gendry's forearm with his own. "If I can't change your mind, then allow me to knight you myself and help you to pick out a name and sigil."

Gendry smiled at that. "I'd be honoured."

And that's how Durran spent his night, allowing Gendry to sit with Elaenor as they discussed names and drew out potential sigils for the bastard, with Gendry deciding on the surname Durrande, and a sigil of a yellow Warhammer between yellow stag antlers on a field of black.

It was only a couple of days until more arrivals were coming into the dock of the Red Keep, but this time Durran was extremely excited as the ship held his own sigil of the crowned stag, and circling above the ship Durran saw Dārys and Aelyx excitedly welcoming back their sibling Rhaellar.

Durran had kept the welcoming party small, having just Stannis and Ser Barristan with him along with a few guards. Little Elaenor was squirming in Durran's arms, crying out to the dragons excitedly and causing Durran to laugh at her antics. She grew calmer as she saw the rowboat sailing into the bay however, noticing the silver hair of Daenerys gleam in the sunlight.

Durran waited until both Dany and Lord Mace had disembarked from the boat to walk forwards and greet them. Lord Tyrell bowed his head.

"Your Grace." He began. "I am pleased to report success in Braavos, the Iron Bank listened to my advice and accept a lower rate of payment for a slight increase of the interest."

Durran noticed Dany roll her eyes beside Mace Tyrell but thanked the man anyway. "Our gratitude is with you, Lord Tyrell. Please, allow the Lord Hand to escort you back to your chambers so you can rest after your wearisome journey."

Stannis stepped forwards, and after a quick greeting with Dany, led Mace Tyrell and the two Kingsguard that had accompanied them back into the castle, leaving the monarchs alone with Ser Barristan. Dany swept forward and picked up Elaenor gleefully.

"Hello baby." She cooed.

"Mama!" Elaenor cried, holding her arms out to be held by Dany. The Targaryen Queen took the one-year-old in her arms and held her tight.

"I've missed you." She said happily, plastering kisses all over Elaenor's face. "And you as well." She said, looking up to Durran.

"The city has been darker without your presence My Queen." Durran grinned, leaning down to capture Dany's lips. "You're not leaving my side again."

Dany grinned. "I can live with that." She said, kissing him once more. Durran wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they began walking back up to the castle. "What have I missed?"

Durran chuckled. "Much and more, the High Sparrow is dead and his followers are being prepared to be shipped to the Wall, Doran Martell is dead and Dorne is firmly in Edric Dayne's hands, and Robb Stark is here."

"Stark?" Dany asked surprised, shifting Elaenor in her arms so she was more comfortable. "I didn't think he'd come below the Neck again in his lifetime."

Durran's face darkened. "He tells some harrowing tales of demons and monsters North of the Wall, which is partly the reason of why I'm strengthening the Night's Watch. And why I'd like you to quietly learn how to use a sword."

Dany looked over in surprise. "Blackfyre is too big for me Durran…"

"I know." Durran interrupted. "But we may have a lead on where to find Dark Sister, which would be a better fit for you. I wouldn't normally ask but this enemy can only be killed by a couple of things and Valyrian Steel is one. I would have as many in the field as I can."

Dany nodded. "We can discuss it later, but for now if possible I just want a nice afternoon with my family, with Durran, not King Durran."

Durran grinned and kissed her head. "As My Lady commands." He said.

Dany took a few days to settle in, and happily reacquainted herself fully with every inch of her husband before she allowed herself to visit the last remaining remnant of House Martell. Nymeria Sand had been placed in a comfortable enough cell in the tower above the Red Keep dungeons, usually reserved for the knights and highborn waiting to be ransomed.

The door was unlocked to allow Dany and Ser Perwyn Frey entry, and the Queen noticed that Nymeria was stood, staring out of the window. The Dornish woman quickly glanced over at the Targaryen but returned to looking outside soon after.

"This is cruel, even for the Baratheon." Nymeria said. Dany was confused until she looked out at the view, seeing Traitor's Walk and the heads of Nymeria's two sisters and mother. Dany felt slightly ill.

"I'll see to having them removed today." She insisted. "I want to talk to you about my Brother."

Nymeria's eyes dropped to the floor. "His heir will sit the Throne one day, I promise you." She whispered.

"Do you want that though?" Dany asked, seeing how uncomfortable she was, yet trying to hide that. "I met him once, and that was enough to show that he was mad. I can't imagine what it would have been like to wed and bed him."

Nymeria sighed and looked at her sister by law. "He was a flawed man, but there was brilliance within. I am grateful he chose me to be his Queen, yet I am saddened as now his choice has left me alone."

Dany smiled softly, taking Nymeria's hand. "You are not alone. This child within you, they are my own blood. They will carry the Targaryen name and ensure my House's survival. They will never sit the Iron Throne but they will have Dragonstone. They shall be friends with my own children, and together they can help to cure the troubles that House Baratheon and Targaryen have caused one another."

Nymeria shook her head. "He's a Baratheon, he'd slaughter the babe before he allowed them to take such an important seat."

Dany shook her head. "You know only of his cruelty in wartime. If that were true he would have killed me, instead Durran made me his Queen, to ensure that the links between our two houses remain as strong as they had been for almost 300 years."

"I'm a risk." Nymeria laughed bitterly.

"You are." Dany nodded. "You're a massive risk, and your child will be born of two almost extinct houses, both at the hands of House Baratheon. And yet Durran promises me that your child will be brought up with us, as a Prince or Princess and treated as such until they are old enough to be given Dragonstone. He isn't a bad man, Nymeria."

"I suppose not to you as you let him between your legs." Nymeria told her crudely. "What about me? When I give birth?"

"You will be kept as a guest of the Red Keep." Dany told her honestly. "You can raise your child, but your freedom will be limited as retribution for your family's treason."

"Retribution." Nymeria laughed. "Such a fancy term."

"It's as kind an offer as we can give you." Dany said firmly. "For the sake of my own blood within your belly, you shan't die the traitor's death that many feel you deserve. The King has issued me with the responsibility to decide your fate due to your condition so do not test me."

Nymeria mock curtseyed. "Your Grace." She said, before turning back to the window. "I will not stop until I have justice for my family."

Dany sighed in defeat. "Then you shall plot alone in this cell until your child is born and taken away from you. Think, Nymeria. Think of your babe and the life you want them to have. If you wish to be a part of that then this stance cannot continue."

Nymeria didn't respond, and so Dany looked to Ser Perwyn to let them both out. She glanced once more at the Sand before exiting the room, not looking back as the door was locked once more.

Preparations for the Hand of the King to head to the Wall for an indeterminate amount of time took longer than Robb Stark had wanted it to, but around a fortnight after the Queen had arrived back in the Capital the ships were finally ready. The prisoners and volunteers had already departed, and all that was left was Stannis' personal ship Fury to depart. The Northerner was talking to Gendry about his new sigil and name when the King and Queen made their appearance at the beach with Stannis, as they were going through the finer details.

"Yes Uncle, Lord Randyll will do a fine job I'm sure. The capital is in safe hands." Durran could be heard saying.

"Very well." Stannis nodded, adjusting his eye patch. "I shall send a raven as soon as I arrive at the Wall."

"And often after that, I want to be kept in the loop." Durran said, as they stopped before Robb and Gendry. "That goes for Winterfell too, if there is any news whatsoever then send it to me."

"Of course, Your Grace." Robb said. "I've already sent word to Howland Reed to meet me at Moat Cailin, so I should know the truth of Dark Sister when I reach the North."

Durran nodded his agreement and the two hugged quickly. As Durran pulled away, he kept an arm on Robb's shoulder. "When the call comes from the Wall I swear I shall bring the full might of the South."

Robb smiled briefly, before his face settled in a grim fashion again. "Your Grace." He bowed to Dany quickly before heading towards the boat with Stannis and Mance Rayder.

Durran looked towards Gendry then. "Are you sure about this? There is always a place for you here."

Gendry chuckled, but nodded. "I'm sure, the Wall needs men and I'd serve you better from up there than I ever could down here."

Durran smirked. "I know I can't persuade you, but I had to try. Here, I have something for you." Durran turned to Ser Arys Oakheart behind him, and the Kingsguard handed him King Robert's Warhammer. Durran held it out to Gendry. "I want you to have this, it was our Father's."

Gendry's eyes were wide as he took the weapon. "I can't…"

"You bloody can." Durran told him firmly. "It shouldn't be sat gathering dust and I'm using a longsword, not a hammer. As the only other living son of King Robert it should go to you."

Gendry held it tighter and swung it around briefly. "I cannot thank you enough…"

"Then don't." Durran grinned. "Just make sure you take as many of those bastards as you can with it."

Gendry nodded determinedly. "I shall."

Durran grinned as he also handed Gendry the strapping to hold the Warhammer on his back. Durran pulled his brother in for a tight hug. "Stay alive until I see you again."

Gendry nodded, before Stannis called him over. As the newly knighted bastard stepped onto the boat, Durran held Dany closely, watching as the rowboat sailed away towards the Fury.

"You'll see them again." She smiled.

Durran nodded grimly. "I know, I'm just not looking forward to the circumstances is all."

The days after Stannis and the others left for the North were busy, as Durran had to spend more and more time performing his duties as King, and it barely gave him a chance to spend time with his family. One afternoon however he managed to hand off some of his pressing duties to his Small Council and went off to find Dany for an afternoon together.

It took him a while, but he found her in her own separate chambers, that were only ceremonial considering the amount of nights she spent in his. The King was surprised to see her in just a shift, being examined by Maester Hothar.

"Is everything alright?" He asked.

"Durran!" Dany exclaimed, not expecting him. "I thought you were too busy."

"I'm free this afternoon, what's going on?" He asked.

Dany blushed, as she looked towards the young Maester. The man looked up at his King. "Her Grace came to me with a concern, and I was just ensuring that her self-diagnosis was correct." He explained.

Durran grew worried. "Self-diagnosis?" He asked, kneeling beside the bed to grab Dany's hand. "Are you unwell? Let me send for more Maesters…"

"Durran, Durran calm yourself." Dany said with a smile. "I'm fine."

"But…" The King began.

"You are correct, Your Grace." Hothar said with a smile. "All the signs point to you being almost halfway through pregnancy."

That news stumped Durran, as his mouth opened of his own accord yet nothing came out. Dany wasn't quite so lost for words, as she beamed a smile. "Thank you, Maester."

The man smiled and left the room to leave the two young monarchs to process the news. Durran turned to his wife and just whispered. "A baby."

Dany grinned, and sat up to wrap her arms around his neck. "I had a hunch in Braavos, but I didn't get the time to confirm it until now. I wanted it to be a surprise."

Durran grinned, before her words sunk in. "Braavos? You knew in Braavos? You shouldn't be travelling in your condition…"

"I am not some delicate flower that needs to be coddled and kept hidden." Dany told him firmly. "I am a dragon, and having a babe in my belly doesn't mean I cannot perform my duties to you and our Kingdom."

"But what if something had happened…" Durran began, but Dany shushed him once more.

"I am fine, we are fine." Dany said, kissing him on the lips. "We have another baby coming, let's focus on that rather than worry about things that haven't happened."

Durran nodded, listening to his wife. She pulled him to his feet before dragging him back down onto the bed on top of her, as the two lovers celebrated the news by losing themselves within each other's bodies.

Well then, a couple of you were right on Chapter 29 in guessing that Dany was pregnant, so well done you! The gender and name of the baby have already been picked out, but any guesses of both are welcome, although I won't reveal anything until the birth happens.

So Dorne is sorted and Prince Doran is put to rest peacefully. I like his book character and I hope I've put more of that across than his show portrayal. While there was no way he would have survived his choice, Durran pitied the ailing man to the extent that a kind death was used.

Like I said, I'm not sure on how much I'll update while feeling as I do but I'll try and stick to schedule. Let me know what you thought of this one, and I'll see you all next time, where the King and Queen have a big disagreement over religion, and Roose Bolton gets a visitor…

Reviews:

Guest (Father): It's not always a bad thing being like Robert, his ability to turn enemies into friends was incredible. Thankfully Durran isn't in a loveless marriage and won't turn into Robert in his latter years.

Lightningscar: The sword didn't break as I don't want to set a precedent with Valyrian Steel being too OP against normal steel, but it's easily explained as Viserys and Durran were properly going at one another with all their strength, while this was Durran learning a new weapon and not trying to kill Robb. Yes Davos is Stannis' youngest, the new Lord of Wendwater. GRRM has confirmed Bloodraven took Dark Sister to the Wall, but I can't for any reason understand why he would have been allowed to take it when he had been convicted of murder, so I'm keeping my explanation that it was just hidden until someone worthy of the blade came along.

Robb vs Cersei: I would have gone onto a proper verbal sparring but I wanted Durran to come in and show us all that while he loves his Mother, he still doesn't want her to feel too powerful.

Hail King Cerion: All these babies, I'm almost tempted to do a long epilogue detailing about 15 years after the final chapter instead of just a simple one that I had been planning on!