Thank you everyone who took the time to read, left reviews, and/or are following the story.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All things recognizable are property of G.R.R. Martin, David Benioff, D.B. Weiss & company, and the asoiaf wiki.
A/n #1: There will be references to abuse and violence in this chapter.
A/n #2: "Alya" according to Wikipedia is the second brightest star is Canis Major and in Arabic means heaven, sky, and loftiness.
A/n #3: Rhaegar won at the Trident so there was no true siege at Kings Landing. Story assumes the time-frame consisting of Rhaegar and the three members of the Kingsguard leaving for the Tower of Joy, the Rebellion, and his return was about 13 months.
A/n #4: Viserys is about 7, Rhaenys is about three and a half years old; Aegon is a year old; Jon is 4 months old, & Daenerys is a month old.
Chapter Two
In the uncomfortable silence, Rhaegar let out a steadying breath. He knew his father had been especially unwell since Duskendale and steadily worsening, but, to hear what he just had was unexpected and distressing. How had his madness progressed to where his father set himself on fire? What if he hurt someone else rather than himself?
It was then that Rhaegar admitted to himself that he should have taken actions against his father before leaving with Lyanna. Perhaps if he had, many more lives would have been spared.
He shook his head slightly. There will be time mourn his father and even more time to muse on what he could have and should have done later. For now, it was well past time he saw his living family.
Rhaegar recalled when his party was met at the gates the maester informed him that his family had been in the throne room, but that Elia had barred the doors. He couldn't possibly imagine any danger possessed her to do this, now that the war was over. Even less as there was no one around. On the walk through the Keep they saw almost no one, but for a few men who nodded and bowed slightly, but, went back to their business. Still when he first heard Pycelle say it, he was puzzled at this, but, now knowing what he did about the tense atmosphere in the Red Keep, both because of the war and his father, he supposed he understood.
A few moments after the maester knocked on the door to the throne room, Rhaegar heard the faintest sound of voices and someone approaching the door on the other side. Slowly the door creaked open, the barest amount; just enough for someone to see who knocked. Rhaegar tried to get a closer look at who this was, but, Pycelle had stood in his way.
A few moments later, the youngest member of the Kingsguard, his Kingsguard, the fair-haired Ser Jaime Lannister, stepped out from behind the door, quickly and firmly shutting it behind him.
The young knight, on seeing his king and his fellow brothers, smiled broadly.
"Welcome back, Your Grace and my brothers. It is good to see you returned home and well".
Jon let out another cry and Ser Jaime's eyes widened and smile almost slipped, but, he recovered well enough to quip, "It seems I have some someone else to welcome".
Rhaegar motioned for Wylla to bring Jon forward. "Yes, this little one is my youngest son, born four months ago. His name is Jon."
Ser Jaime nodded slightly and quirked an eyebrow, but, took the child into his arms all the same. He asked, "Jon?"
It seemed as if he was expecting Rhaegar to say something more, but, when nothing else was offered, Jaime rushed out, "Ah, of course, named for your good friend and the former Hand, Lord Connington. It is a good name." He examined the child for a few more moments and handed the child back to the nurse.
Rhaegar motioned towards the door. "The Queen is inside?"
"Yes. She is with the princes and princesses, oh, and Ser Darry."
Rhaegar smiling, asked, "Good, good. Wait, I am sorry, did you say 'princesses'? My mother gave birth? I have a sister? How do they fare?"
Ser Jaime shot a sharp look at the maester before returning his gaze to Rhaegar. His expression was sympathetic but, he looked decidedly uncomfortable. "Queen Rhaella named the princess, Daenerys, before she died in the childbed."
Rhaegar almost staggered back, he finally returned home and his mother was gone too. How much more did he have to mourn? The rest of his party was no less shocked; whatever King Aerys had been the Queen had been a good woman, and they felt for their new King. No one should come home to the news that both his parents were dead.
Instead of grief, he spoke in anger. "Why was I not informed about my mother's death? I should have been told; a raven at the very least."
The Maester looked crestfallen, "Since the start of the war King Aerys had been adamant that no one but he, himself, was to have access to ravens. The day after the Queen had been delivered to the hands of the Seven I asked the King if one should sent along to you and he said there was no need for it, as he did it himself. I suppose now it was my folly, but, to question it…"
Rhaegar breathed in deeply. Downcast, he pressed forward, "I see. I do not suppose it matters now. And is the child well, at least?"
Jaime smiled faintly when he answered, "Yes, quite well. All four of the children have been mostly well-behaved and remained healthy. The Queen is relieved at that, with having to care for so many children with so little help."
"Are her ladies not with her? Especially with my mother gone, surely they would be of help with the children? What of Ashara? Certainly, she would stay with my wife."
Jaime glanced quickly at Ser Arthur before continuing, "Ah, you remember Lady Ashara had been sent back to Starfall when it was discovered she was with child. His Grace had preferred that Lady Ashara not return even after then. With the war…The Queen had just sent for her days ago. She will be returning soon."
Arthur interrupted sharply, "Ser Jaime, do you know the identity of the man who is my niece's father?"
Frowning slightly, the knight glanced at Rhaegar, before turning his attention to Arthur. "Was. Lady Alya's father was Brandon Stark."
Arthur had wanted to laugh; the Starks. It figured that the Starks would be at the center of some other scandal. Outwardly, Arthur sighed. Inwardly, he remembered the story of how the young lord died; he supposed Brandon Stark suffered enough. He wanted to be furious, truly he did, but, no good came from hating the dead. At least his sister would be here soon and he finally discovered who dishonored her. He supposed it could be worse; he could hardly explain to his niece about one day taking a sword to her father.
For his part, Rhaegar flinched when he heard the name. He had been appalled when he learned what his father had done to the young lord and the man's father, but, by then it was far too late to do anything about it.
Rhaegar swallowed thickly, "Yes. Thank you, Sir Jaime. But, where are the rest of the Queen's ladies?"
Wearily, he looked to Rhaegar and continued, "Some weeks before His Grace died, after the death of Queen Rhaella, he dismissed the rest of Queen Elia's ladies. He claimed to have not trusted them. His Grace insisted on not spending money on servants when it could be spent on war, as well. As it was, only a small number of servants were retained and the rest were cast out of the Red Keep. His Grace was adamant that only a few should have access to the royal family when possible. Of those who remained, naturally, they heeded His Grace's wishes; particularly the ladies, they were, ah, distressed, considering…"
Curiously, the young knight paused. Before he continued, he shrugged, "A few girls from the kitchen try to spare some time when they can, but, they have their own duties. The only other women that are willing to come to the Keep anymore are whores; we would probably end up staying with them to prevent their trying to steal something, it defeats the purpose of having them at all. Her Grace claims to have become accustomed to it."
It was a fair enough explanation, and Elia had always been sensible; however, there was something that Ser Jaime said which piqued Rhaegar's curiosity. "You were saying 'considering'. Considering what, Ser Jaime?"
Jaime shot another quick look at the Maester. "Maester Pycelle has informed Your Grace of the manner of His Grace's death? Had he said anything about His Grace's demeanor?"
Rhaegar suspected there was far more than what the maester told him. "Maester Pycelle informed me that my father had been unpredictable and prone to outbursts."
Jaime glanced briefly at his 'brothers'. He paused as if to give himself time to gather his thoughts.
"Though it decreased since His Grace had started spending time alone in his chambers, however, from the time that Your Grace left for the Tower of Joy, there had been frequent instances where His Grace had been, ah, unkind to the Queen".
At this, Rhaegar felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. "In what way had he been unkind to my wife?"
To Rhaegar, the young knight looked as if though he would have preferred to set sail for Valyria rather than be here recounting this. "It was rare in the beginning, but, still he would physically accost her at times. It became more frequent with the passing of the Queen, though he would not quite accost her in the same manner he used to Queen Rhaella. He also required her presence every time he would punish others so that 'she may observe how he would deal with traitors and the disobedient, no matter who they were'. On one occasion he ordered servants to bring the Prince Viserys and Princess Rhaenys to watch, as well."
Though he phrased it as well as he could, the knight's meaning was perfectly clear. Rhaegar closed his eyes and sighed. Worse and worse, Rhaegar thought; though this explained Elia's lack of mourning for his father. He could hardly blame her. He was angry himself; his wife, his brother, his daughter…It seemed very few were spared father's madness, no matter who they were, nor did it matter how innocent or young.
Rhaegar wondered what else he would learn about what occurred while he was away. A welcome home, indeed. He supposed it could not possibly get worse. Forewarned is forearmed, he mused. Resignedly, he asked, "When did all of this start?"
Jaime ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He frowned slightly and did not quite meet Rhaegar's eyes. "The day Brandon Stark came to King Landing having accused you of taking his sister.
No one could find anything to say after that.
When no one said anything, Jaime moved to open the door. "Ah, well. Let us go inside. I daresay they will be happy to see you all returned. We have talked here for far too long as it is."
Silently, the group followed as Jaime led them into the throne room. For the most part the room looked unchanged; though it looked it looked just as deserted as the rest of the Keep had. In fact, save for the small group nearest the Iron Throne, it was deserted.
Rhaegar, nor his party moved much further into the room from the door. They stood there, just watching. Rhaegar was rather shocked to see his wife. She had not appeared to be any different: still dark haired and exotic, still with a small build, but, she looked well, quite well. No, what shocked him was that his wife was dressed in the red and black of Targaryen colors. He supposed Aerys had never liked it when she dressed in the Dornish fashion or Martell colors. He wondered at this now, knowing the admittedly deserved, distaste she held for his father. Still, she looked every bit a Dragon's bride. He recalled she did not have many ladies with her so she must have picked the dress herself; he wondered what she meant by it.
She sat on a plain, wooden chair just below the Iron Throne with a child in her lap, quietly speaking to the wizened old man, who could only be Ser Darry, who was similarly seated and had a child in his lap. The pair seemingly took no notice of the silent party standing at the door; instead their focus remained on the children in their hands and the pair of children standing nearest the largest dragon skull, which Rhaegar remembered to be that of Balerion. The youngest of the pair, a girl with a black cat at her feet, poked and prodded at the skull with one hand. The girl's other hand was held by a young boy, a few years older, who prattled disjointedly about the history of the dragon, while Elia interjected here or there.
Rhaegar in spite of himself smiled at this, Viserys and his stories. Rhaegar vaguely remembered the boy enjoyed listening to their mother as she regaled him with the stories; he always liked the ones of dragons and battles best. With a jolt Rhaegar realized he could not remember the last time he told his brother or daughter a story and now it was Viserys, still a child himself, telling or rather, trying to tell his daughter about dragons, not him. Rhaegar broke out his reverie when Ser Jaime let out a rather loud cough. The cough had attracted the attention of the other group.
Elia looked over and seeing the party gathered near the door, rose from her seat, shifting the child in her hands. Ser Darry also rose though it appeared that it took some additional effort. Rhaegar decided then the old man had done his duty to his family and the children would need someone else to look after them. Jaime walked over to take the child from the old man's hands. The child went peacefully enough. Rhaegar could see that the child was fair-haired, but with the way the child was bundled unless he got closer he would not be able to tell if that was Aegon or Daenerys. Once the child was settled, Elia turned to the other children. She knelt down and spoke to the pair in her soft voice. "Come Viserys, Rhaenys. Look who Ser Jaime brought to see us". She straightened again and approached the waiting party while the old knight and two children trailed behind her.
Once she came and stood in front of him, Rhaegar found that he could not find anything to say. She leveled a steady look at her husband; she said, "Welcome home, my lord husband. Congratulations on your victory". Her tone was mild and she had a small smile on her face, but, he heard her tone and knew just then that it held little affection. She presented the child she was holding and Rhaegar smiled taking the child into his arms. He looked into the eyes which curiously stared back at him; they were exactly like his own. His son; it felt wonderful to hold his son, his Aegon, again. Elia quickly turned to the Kingsguard and welcomed them, as well.
Rhaegar reveled in the feeling of home until he saw as his wife's gaze fell on the sole woman of his party; the one holding the baby. His wife's eyes widened as if in understanding; she nodded to the other woman though she said nothing. She looked down and let out a shaky breath. When she looked up, she graced Rhaegar with an unreadable look. Clearly she had not been prepared to say anything about Jon just yet; not in front of anyone.
She smiled then, though it was almost as if in apology, "It is good to see you all. I only wish that I had been able to prepare a more adequate welcome, though we will have a feast tonight, to celebrate your return."
She moved so Rhaegar could see Viserys and Rhaenys properly, though Rhaenys having seen the group tried to bury herself into her mother's skirts. Elia gestured to Viserys first and Viserys was happy enough to see his brother who he quickly ran to give a hug and voiced a quick, "Welcome home". Rhaegar nor his party had been prepared for Viserys to point to Jon and question, "Who is that Rhaegar?"
"Ah, that is your nephew, Jon." Viserys looked back at Elia as if for confirmation, his brow furrowing in confusion. She smiled faintly and nodded, while Ser Jaime interjected rather hastily, "I am sure, my Prince, he and Prince Aegon would be a good audience for stories you can tell them." The child, not picking up the knight's anxious tone, visibly brightened at the prospect and turned his attention to the other knights to ask for stories about some of the battles they had been in; he needed new stories to tell now. The young boy was pleased when Ser Barristan, who had been a part of a few battles, chimed in to say he would share some tales later. Rhaegar saw the Maester and Ser Darry visibly relax while he observed his wife looking gratefully at the knight, who smiled back softly.
Elia then turned slightly to Rhaenys hoping to coax Rhaenys from out behind her. "Rhaenys, my darling, say hello to your father."
While the young girl looked over at the group, Rhaegar handed Aegon over to the Maester to step forward and fall to one knee. "Rhaenys, come to your father, sweetling. I have missed you."
What he had not expected was for her to let out a whimper of distress. Rhaegar froze as watched as his daughter turned her head and tried to bury herself further into her mother's side. His daughter seemed to fear him and he did not know what to do or what to say. He'd been gone for only for a year and some months; certainly she could not have forgotten him. Why would she shy away from him? Surely, she did not fear him? How could this even happen?
Rhaegar and his Kingsguard looked on in horror as Elia tried to comfort the child. It wasn't until Viserys moved to clutch the girls hand tight and whispered the words, "'Nys, This is your Papa, not my Father. He is nice. Father is gone now. His bones are in that box now". As comprehension dawned on the adults, Rhaegar inwardly cursed himself, his father, and their Targaryen features, while his wife looked at him with a look that could be only described as pity. His daughter feared him because he resembled his father. He could not begin to understand how to remedy this.
While Rhaenys began to calm Ser Darry walked up to the child and pulled her back to him; away from the group. Rhaegar and his party traded concerned looks as they remembered just what Ser Jaime told them about Aerys had done with Rhaenys and Viserys. It was equally troubling to have heard Viserys talking so calmly about the way Aerys had acted and about the dead, at his young age.
Elia frowned deeply. She turned to Viserys who seemed to feel her gaze on him and he turned to her with a rather guilty look on his face. "Thank you for calming her, Viserys." The boy's face relaxed into an almost pleased expression until Elia continued in a lower voice, "But, just how is it that you knew where your father's bones are?"
Viserys pouted and looked down. With no response forthcoming, Elia pressed further. "Viserys." The boy looked back up and took Elia's hand. In a low voice, "I saw the box."
"How is that possible? When? After I asked you not to, you still went into your father's chambers?" The last was more of a statement than a question.
"Yes; two nights ago. Some of the men ordered to clean out Father's room were talking to the servants in the kitchen about it and I just wanted to look. I snuck out of the kitchen to see. I am sorry."
"You disobeyed me." The boy nodded but kept his head down. "You know what that means?" The boy nodded again, "No pudding tonight". It clearly was a phrase the boy had been familiar with. Elia tilted the boy's chin up with her fingers, "A little curiosity is fine, however, sneaking about alone was very dangerous. We have spoken about this before. Some of the rooms within the Keep are still not safe. I am glad that you tried to calm Rhaenys, but, be assured, we will speak of this later."
Viserys looked relieved when nothing else was to be said on the matter for now, especially in front of his older brother and his knights. The group of four who remained at the Keep shared look of frustration. Now it was clearer to Rhaegar why Elia had required the door barred; it's easy to keep potential threats away and much easier to keep an eye on wayward children. King's Landing was no place for too curious, royal children to have free reign to do as they liked; certainly not anymore.
Elia took breath and motioned for Jaime, who was still holding the other child, to step closer. "My lord, allow me to introduce to you your sister, Princess Danaerys, born a moon's turn ago".
Rhaegar mused he had taken a child into his hands for the third time today. It would be exciting to have a sister; though he supposed, given their difference in age and with both of their parents dead it would be more like having a daughter again. He turned to show the rest of the party the new princess. Once he turned back to his wife he could see an almost daring look on her face.
"May I hold him?" Elia gestured to Jon. Rhaegar acquiesced though he was clearly nervous. Wylla stepped forward to hand the child to the Queen. His wife examined his child, silently taking in his features for a few moments. She looked up at Rhaegar, her gaze steady, "Jon Targaryen?" The atmosphere grew tense.
"I thought it would be best under circumstances."
She seemed to shrug it off, though her eyes definitely said they would be talking about it later. She, then, grinned wryly, "Lord Connington will be pleased." Ser Jaime choked back a laugh.
"I suppose this means Viserys will have to get his own chambers." A small, hopeful smile bloomed on Viserys' face.
Rhaegar looked at his wife, his expression a mix of hope and confusion. She looked back, steadily. "Habits of snooping aside, Viserys is generally well behaved and far too old to be kept in the nursery. The nursery is large, but, not that large to hold all five children."
This time it was Rhaegar and the knights who remained at the Tower of Joy who shared significant looks. They had known Rhaegar been prepared to argue with Elia to let Jon remain with him; for him not to be sent up North with his uncle. They had not prepared for this.
She saw their looks, "Does his mother insist otherwise?" No one thought to questioned why the Queen refused mention Lyanna by name. Ser Arthur quietly stated, "She died in the birthing bed."
Elia nodded. "I suppose the matter is settled, then." Elia handed Jon back to Wylla.
"Now that we have been introduced, I suppose you Sers, would welcome a bath or are tired and in need of some rest. Ser Jaime, will you see to the arrangements and to their comfort?" The young knight nodded and handed Daenerys to the Maester, made his way out of the throne room with the rest of the Kingsguard following in is wake.
She turned to Ser Darry and the Maester, "Will you take the children and the nurse to the nursery? Viserys, will you go with them? We will pick out chambers for you later, before the evening meal. His Grace and I have a few things to discuss privately." They nodded and quickly left.
Rhaegar was finally alone with his wife. He was rather relieved something had gone well for him on this day. He had thought it would take some more effort to convince his wife to let his son stay with them. True, he was king and he could force the issue, but, certainly this was easier if she was willing.
"I am delighted that you understand. It is a relief that you do not dislike the child. It is a comfort to me that you would be willing to raise him amongst our own children."
His wife looked at him dispassionately; her voice was steady, her tone matter-of-fact, "He is your son, is he not? Where else would he be? Who better for the task than his father's wife? Many wives would be less thrilled at the prospect of raising their husband's children by other women, but, he is yours, the boy's mother is dead, and he is young enough to where he needs a mother. As of now the children have seen him; it would be confusing for them now if Jon was sent elsewhere."
She paused to take a breath and Rhaegar did not have a chance to speak before she continued. "It would also be better for peace negotiations with Lord Stark if he sees his nephew would be well taken care of. True, Lord Stark is known to be honorable, but, I am not sure how he would react to taking Jon himself. This is better for everyone."
"What do you mean? Jon is Lord Stark's nephew. Certainly he would care for Jon."
Elia did not seem impressed by this. Though her tone remained unchanged, the look on her face reminded Rhaegar uncomfortably of her brother, Oberyn, the Red Viper. "The boy belongs to his sister, but, he is also yours. You forget while you ran off with Lyanna, she was betrothed to his best friend. He and Robert Baratheon were as close as brothers. Robert died at your hands. Your father killed Lord Rickard and Lord Brandon. I know; I was here and I saw as it happened. They went to war against us. His men died trying to get Lyanna Stark back and to avenge the deaths of the others. Even if he bears no ill will towards the child, I dare say, many others might blame the child for circumstances which caused him to be born and the events which came before and what came after. Rest assured, I will not. The child would be better served remaining here, with us."
Rhaegar could not find his voice as his wife continued on, "As to disliking the child, why would I? The child has done me no wrong." With that, she turned and left Rhaegar alone with his thoughts.
Chapter 3: Thoughts and opinions.
