Despite being in the castle she was born in for a couple of weeks, something about it still felt incredibly eery to her. Whether that was from knowing the architecture of said building was one of a handful that still stood that had been built by Valyrian's or because knowing so much had happened here that everywhere she walked it felt like ghosts were watching her. Licking her lips as she stared out at Shipbreaker's Bay from the opening of the room with the Painted Table. Seeing all her ships alongside Redwyne, Martell, and half of the Greyjoy's. People on those ships keeping them maintained and people within and around the castle she had brought with her from Meereen all itching to fight to win her the throne.
The throne was hers. She was born for it. Having been ripped from it not long after she was born when Ser Willem Darry smuggled both herself and her brother off this very island in a storm that was said to be the worst in recorded history. Where entire fleets were destroyed from the waves and wind and lightning. No one in the castle now remembered that day, something which bothered her. Wondering if all had been put to the sword when Stannis Baratheon succeeded in crossing the distance to Dragonstone from Kings Landing to sack the castle. Likely, something which tasted sour to her.
"If you want the Iron Throne, sail down the Blackwater tomorrow and take it."
For a second she forgot she was not alone in the room. Turning from where she was staring to face Yara Greyjoy, quirking an eyebrow up at the woman to silently ask her to continue.
"We have a large army, we have a large fleet, and we have three dragons. We can hit them hard now with everything we have. The city will fall within a day max, and if any of the damned gods do exist perhaps even hours- "
"If we let the dragons loose hundreds of thousands will die- "
"That's war. If you don't have the stomach for it, why are you here?"
"I know how you play war; we do not poison little girls here."
Ellaria opened her mouth to retort but she cast her gaze to Barristan which was more than enough to make the two pipe down. Daenerys knew she was going to get resistance to having Tyrion by her side, especially considering how hated House Lannister was to almost every other House in Westeros. However, as his brother wore a white cloak it meant he was the heir to Casterly Rock, meaning he was an incredibly valuable asset in winning the Westerland's to her cause.
"Remember, my Lady. There is a difference between war and petty squabbles."
The Dornish woman bristled at her comment but at least had the decency to not retort back. Yara was glaring at her for her refusal over her offer, silently awaiting confirmation on what they should do first. Some House's had flocked to her side already, one of which being House Velaryon. With Lord Monford dying in the recent wars alongside his son, there was only one thing to do. Legitimise Aurane and name him Lord of the Tides. Whilst said House didn't hold the same weight it used to; they were kin to her through numerous intermarriages. Never mind having originated from Valyria too as shown by the man's long silver hair and violet eyes much like her own.
"Lord Hand, what would you suggest we do?"
Barristan's hands trailed over the table in deep thought, her words seemingly calming the room as everyone knew the man was both a Knight and a very respected commander.
"So long as Lord Tyrion remains here, the Westerland's will be neutral. Tenuously so, but neutral all the same. Some Crownland's House's have declared for yourself but the others will not budge. The Stormland's it's a possibility you can get them on your side. I know Robert Baratheon had at least one bastard that wasn't slain according to my grandnephew. Legitimise him as a Baratheon and give him Storm's End should do the trick. Iron Islands are split behind Queen Yara and King Euron, Dorne are split behind Lady Ellaria and those who didn't agree with the killing of Doran- "
"Doran was a weakling- "
"Ellaria Sand. If you cannot keep your mouth shut I will have you escorted from this room and no longer invited to any battle strategies."
Lady Olenna had a tiny smirk on her over her retort, it being known the two women weren't fond of one another. Heck, hardly anyone in this room were fond of one another in some way. But they were at war, and as it was said, petty squabbles are nothing in comparison to the wider scope of things.
"Continuing from this. The Reach are behind Lady Olenna so as long as support is still given you'll appease them. Which leaves the Vale, the Riverland's, and the North."
"Have we received any further communication from either?"
"Nay, your Grace. But I expect we will be getting replies sooner rather than later. The one you want is the North and the Vale. The Vale Knight's remained out of the more recent wars and have only declared a side. As of right now, they're your biggest opposition."
She went quiet at this, thinking over his words and seeing the truth in them. This was so much harder than the Bay of Dragons was. There all she had to do was speak a few words and people would take the cities for her. But here, she could not do that. Her House had a sour taste for many other House's with what her father had done. Something which she knew somewhat but did not know the extent of things until Barristan had told her from an insiders perspective. Just knowing she was a product of her father raping her mother made her feel like she had thousands of bugs crawling all over her.
"In other words we need to wait- "
"Why should we wait? Start the war before it gets even worse- "
"Because I do not want the start of my reign to be seen as me following in my father's footsteps!"
Yara piped down at her words. Despite not agreeing, she knew she had a point.
"Unless you win over my home Kingdom from remaining neutral to following yourself."
Once again, Ellaria's nostrils flared in anger at Tyrion's suggestion.
"Why should we listen to you? Best thing to do is destroy that damnable castle on that rock. There is no such thing as an innocent Lannister- "
"My niece was a little girl! She would've been your niece had you not killed her and your daughters killing Tristayne Martell. No one likes kinslayers- "
"Like you're one to talk- "
"Torgho Nudho, kostilus gūrogon Riñnykeā Ellaria arlī naejot zȳhon tistākēlio se mazilībagon mirri hen aōha vali urnēbagon toliot zȳhon." (Grey Worm, please take Lady Ellaria back to her room and set some of your men watch over her.)
Her Commander of War nodded at her request as he quickly grabbed Ellaria's arms and positioned them behind her back. The woman shooting her a hateful glare but knowing there was no use in her fighting back currently as she was escorted outside. Once the door was closed, Lady Olenna let out a laugh.
"About time. I'm a vengeful woman but even Ellaria Sand holds a grudge more than I do. Then again, all the Dornish do."
"Lord Tyrion, please continue."
All turned to the small man as they waited on him calming down from Ellaria's jabs, recovering surprisingly quickly. Maybe not surprising now she thought on it, he'd been ridiculed his entire life due to his stunted frame, mismatched eyes, and awkward waddle to get around as his legs twisted strangely.
"The Reach army is nearing forty thousand. You have one hundred thousand Dothraki, eight thousand Unsullied, a few hundred Second Sons, a few thousand from Dorne who follow Ellaria, and half of the Greyjoy fleet. My sister is trapped. She'd rather kill everyone before having one of her precious husbands bastards take the Stormland's. The North, Vale, and Riverland's would likely send men to kill her then piss on her grave. The Westerland's is where she will look- "
"Will they? Because your uncle and two of your cousins were killed in the blast alongside my grandchildren."
"That is what we can use to assist. My father is dead, my uncle Kevan is dead, my aunt Genna is now disgraced considering her husband and children were killed by whoever slaughtered House Frey, my uncle Tygett is dead, as is my uncle Gerion on a fool's errand. Which leaves my cousins. Whilst a small possibility, it is a possibility all the same. If we go by typical rights of succession, this means Janei is my heir, Kevan and Dorna's youngest son."
"What happened to the other two?"
"Killed by Lord Rickard Karstark out of vengeance for my dearest brother killing two of his sons, something which lost the man his head and Robb Stark four thousand men. Other than Janei, there is Daven from my uncle Stafford from the second branch. House Lannister has been stripped rather thin as of late."
"Which cousin are we more likely to win over?"
Grey Worm walked back into the room now, standing beside Missandei and holding her hand tightly, a small smile forming on Daenerys as she watched the two of them. If anyone deserved a happy ending in this shit world it was those two.
"Both honestly. Janei will want vengeance for his father and Daven will want vengeance for his sisters. Easiest way to bridge gaps is with marriage and I believe Lady Olenna has other granddaughters who are unwed?"
Once again, Daenerys was surprised as the shrewdness of the man, looking to Barristan for a moment to see what he thought of the proposition and by his simple nod confirmed he thought it was a good idea.
"And prey tell me, Lord Tyrion. What would your cousins offer my granddaughters?"
"Casterly Rock for one, a way to piss off my sister royally and hole her into one place, the dozens of goldmines there are in the Westerland's. After all, haven't our House's been fighting for decades over which one is richer? Why not combine both and create a branch that will be richer than all the other Kingdom's combined?"
When he put it like that, it was a good offer. A great offer even. One judging from the hungry glint in the elderly woman's eyes being one she was going to seriously consider.
"I will speak to my granddaughters to see if they would be amendable to such a proposition. After Margaery, I will not push either into a marriage they want. Renly was a fool who wanted gold and glory, Joffrey was a sadistic cunt who wanted nothing but blood, but Tommen was a sweet boy. A little dim but considering he was coddled by your wretched sister not a surprise. So when will we be leaving, my Lord?"
Tyrion was surprised at her question, eyes widening as his head jerked almost comically.
"My Lady?"
"Oh surely someone with a mind like your own isn't that stupid with what's in front of your eyes. I will travel to Highgarden to speak to my granddaughters and you will come too, and if they agree we will sail to Casterly Rock to speak to your cousins."
Now, she understood. Saw an opportunity where there hadn't been one before. Looking to her Hand again who nodded a little as he thought it was a good plan himself.
"So it's settled then, Lady Olenna and Lord Tyrion will be heading for Highgarden and Casterly Rock. You will take two thousand Unsullied with you, one thousand are to remain at Highgarden to defend it as I'd imagine your sister is not going to take kindly to this if the parties in question agree to said matches. The remaining one thousand are to protect yourselves at Casterly Rock as I have a feeling Lord Tyrion is not going to be welcomed with open arms. You can take as many guards as you wish but no other Unsullied or Dothraki."
"And what about me, your Grace? Surely I'm not that forgettable?"
A small blush came onto her face as for a moment she had indeed forgotten Yara was in the room. Turning to the woman who was sitting down with her feet on the table without a care in the world.
"Queen Yara, I believe your brother spent much of his life in Winterfell did he not?"
Where was Barristan going with this? It seemed the others were confused too at the sudden change in conversation as all eyes turned to him alongside a quirked head from Lady Olenna.
"Aye, he was Eddard Stark's hostage by decree of Robert Baratheon."
"Meaning he grew up with Jon Snow."
Of course. How had none of them considered that as an option? As Barristan said, the North, Vale, and Riverland's were her biggest opposition. They had someone who likely had inside knowledge of both the man people had declared King in the North and of Winterfell itself. Heck, he'd taken Winterfell. Something which had not been done for hundreds of years. Whilst Theon regretted it massively, he had done it, which in itself was a victory.
"Aren't you also still technically married to Sansa Stark?"
"A sham marriage never consummated therefore not binding. That poor girl has been through enough. I don't like the Stark's like many of my House, but she is a good one."
"A dim one, a flighty little thing from the time I spent in Kings Landing- "
"My Lady, she is not someone to be underestimated. She was a little girl who had her head filled with stories of noble Knight's and gallant Prince's. A dream which was crushed when my wonderful nephew saw it befit to execute her father with her watching. And according to Maester Pylos she was wed to Ramsay Bolton- "
"What does that have to do with it?"
Tyrion took a sip from his watered wine at this, seemingly in deep thought before saying.
"I didn't like my father, but I respected him. My father signed a pact with Roose Bolton to kill Robb Stark at his uncles wedding, a man from a House known for flaying and the few times I spoke to him set me on edge on more than a few occasions. But what set him on edge? His bastard. Anyone who sets Roose Bolton on edge is not someone to be trifled with. You can ask Yara, out of anyone in this room she'll have the best inkling."
There was a deafening silence at these words as they sunk in, Daenerys' heart going out to the Stark. Tyrion didn't need to expand much further on his words, the quiet now in the room spoke enough words.
"Lady Olenna and Lord Tyrion, prepare to leave three days from now. Queen Yara, find your brother and escort him here. We will discuss the North together."
No further words were spoken, everyone understanding this was a command to get out. It was only once Olenna had left that she let out a long huff and reaching over for some wine herself before turning to Ser Barristan.
"Everything seemed so much simpler in Essos."
"Your name doesn't hold as much weight in Essos, what held weight is that by blood you are mostly Valyrian, your Grace. That alongside the dragons. But I will say, Lady Ellaria is going to take massive insult- "
"Ellaria is the least of my worries right now. She can stew away all she likes but like Tyrion said, we cannot let petty squabbles in between."
A smile formed on his face at her words. Whilst on the ship travelling here she had sat and listened to everyone. In doing so getting a much better perspective on how people were going to react. Maybe with some luck her letter to Jon Snow would have him come south to bend to her. It would be stupid of him to not do so considering the size of her army. But many people said the Northerner's were proud and stubborn people, and her father had wronged House Stark greatly. Never before she had left Meereen would she have felt some kind of sadness for a House that had risen against her own, but out of those who had, they had the largest reason to do so. Quickly finishing off the remainder of her glass just as Yara walked back in with Theon.
"You sent for me, your Grace?"
She nodded at his question, signalling for him to sit down beside his sister and offering him some wine which he refused. Sister immediately putting her heels on the table again and placing her fingers on the back of her head awaiting on what was going to happen.
"Tell me about Jon Snow."
Theon's eyes widened for a second and for a moment his eyes flashed with something she had not seen on him before. A slight tremor wracking through him alongside it which confirmed it was fear. But fear of what?
"What would you like to know about him?"
"As much as possible. Whilst he calls himself King in the North he is in open rebellion against me which makes him my enemy. I would like to know what my enemies are like."
Now, Theon did accept some wine, pouring himself a large glass and drinking it in one go before wiping his lips on the back of his hands. Gulping loudly and looking around the room searching for something to distract him from the awkwardness.
"The best way I can describe him, is good."
Daenerys was shocked at this and judging from the sharp turn of Yara's head she wasn't best pleased with such a description. Understandable, because in her eyes he was defending the family who'd held her brother hostage. Something she couldn't hold against her father anymore as he was dead. Words that he fell off one of the bridges connecting the numerous towers of Pyke but she was certain her uncle Euron had pushed him to usurp the Salt Throne from her.
"I wasn't the nicest to him and he made it known he disliked me too on more than a few occasions. Yet he was confident but not overly cocky. Incredible with a sword on foot and if it weren't for Lady Catelyn watching us all train most days he easily would've beaten Robb. Deeply loved all his siblings and would do anything for them. Yet he does have a temper. I only saw him lose it a handful of times but the times I did was not pretty. Although I was much younger when I last saw him, I don't know if the same still applies now."
Not much information to go on, but at least it was a start which was better than the other option of going into everything blindsided. Clearly dancing around the question to not reveal any incriminating information.
"You took Winterfell with twenty men, didn't you? An impressive move, how did you do so?"
"With trickery. Robb took most of the army with him south leaving Winterfell to be run by a fraction of what it normally was and even less defending it. I created a decoy at Torrhen's square to get those defending to go there whilst I travelled inland with twenty men and speak to Brandon."
"It was a fucking stupid move of you to do that, brother. Us Ironborn don't bother with being so far inland."
Theon's face fell a little at his sisters words, feeling intense regret for what he did but whether it was out of loyalty for the Stark's or out of loyalty of his own House she couldn't say with certainty.
"You escaped with Sansa Stark didn't you? Is she one to worry about as Lord Tyrion suspects of his former wife? And why did you not go with her?"
His eyes closed for a few seconds in thought.
"Sansa has been through enough, to the point it hardened her massively. It didn't take long for Ramsay to break me but it took longer for him to break Sansa and he done so in her own home. She begged me to go to the Wall with her but I refused. I know if I did the first thing that would've happened was execution for myself. And quite frankly, I would've deserved it. So I went to Yara, fully expecting her to shun me because she lost men trying to free me before only for me to refuse."
Dammit Theon, spill something. Those four words spinning in her head but refusing to speak to them aloud. Waiting to see if he would say anything else but he did not. Daenerys let out a small sigh and licked her lips for a second to get some moisture back into them.
"How did Sansa end up back in Winterfell?"
"Lord Protector Petyr Baelish of the Vale took her there after her mad aunt tried to throw her through the Moon Door in the Eyrie."
Barristan pulled his head back in shock at those words, clearly disturbed. Despite her upbringing she knew of said door of said castle. The castle being built atop a very narrow mountain with a door in the main hall that when opened exposed the rocky ground below. Her own family had its own share of Kinslaying but despite knowing this it did set her on edge.
"The Lady Lysa was always more than a little paranoid, but still. And Petyr Baelish is bad news. It was him who paid the Gold Cloaks to arrest Lord Eddard. The man is a weasel at best and a snake at worst. Tread carefully with him, your Grace. I am sure Varys will confirm."
"To that I will."
Daenerys snapped her head around, not even realising Lord Varys had entered the room with a scroll in his hands. Sitting down in between them all with a familiar sickly sweet scent of lavender coming from him which judging by Yara's face was not fond of. Despite wanting to laugh at her expression, that was something she couldn't do currently.
"Please elaborate, Lord Varys."
The man helped himself to some wine too, swivelling it in his glass and watching it with fascination before taking a gentle sip. Smacking his lips together a few times before answering.
"To put it the simplest way possible, the man got lucky with Hoster Tully taking pity on him and offering to foster him at Riverrun and as a result getting an incredible education. A mockingbird fell for a trout and another trout fell for the mockingbird. Mockingbird became obsessed with one who was to wed a wolf and he found out the hard way a wolf is much stronger."
"I heard about that. Lord Eddard spoke in joy over it."
At first she was confused but soon she pieced it together.
"So he was obsessed with Catelyn Tully whilst Lysa Tully was obsessed with him?"
"Pretty much. There is something he said to me once. Would you like to hear it, your Grace?"
She leaned back in her seat and awaited on him continuing.
"Do you know what the realm is? It's the thousands of blades of Aegon's enemies. A story we agree to tell each other over and over, until we forget that it's a lie. Chaos is not a pit; chaos is a ladder."
A chill wracked through her at this, but this was stopped when Varys stated he had to speak to her in private. Yara and Theon turned to her as if asking for permission and she nodded, both leaving the room. Only then did Varys hand the scroll over to her to begin reading it.
"One of us can translate for you, Lord Hand, I know you don't speak High Valyrian fluently."
"Nay, I do not. I've got a decent grasp and can have conversations but that is the extent of my talent with languages."
"Niece, nyke daor dīnagon ezīmagon udra skorkydoso ziry pleases issa bona ao issi lenton. Syt sīr naenie tubissa rȳ se dōros pendagon lo mirre sȳz would māzigon arlī naejot īlva lentor. Nyke emagon ryptan hen aōha mirre isse essos se nyke glad naejot vestragon bona nyke nykeā targārien arlī. Nyke daor sure lo ao gīmigon yn sos dārys yno sos sona released issa hen se urnēbagon se nyke sir isse ropatasōnar. Nyke jaelagon naejot rhaenagon ao, ȳzaldrīzes naejot ao, ōregon aōha laehurlion hae issa laesi qringōntan issa bōsa ago. Nyke nykeā uēpa vala sir, sȳrī toliot mēre gār brōzi tubissa. Ziry iksos mirros nyke jaelagon daor naejot sagon drēje yn nyke gīmigon nyke gaomagon daor emagon bōsa geptot. Ziry kostagon vestragon raqagon ao issi mērī, yn ao issi daor. īlva ānogar iksos kostōba. Tolī ry, zaldrīzes buzdari iksos daor se nykeā zaldrīzes mērī isse se vys iksos nykeā terrible mirre. Aemon." (Niece, I cannot put into words how it pleases me that you are home. For so many days at the Wall wondering if any good would come back to our family. I have heard of your work in Essos and I am glad to say that I am a Targaryen again. I am not sure if you know but the King in the North released me from the watch and I am now in Winterfell. I want to meet you, speak to you, hold your face as my eyes failed me long ago. I am an old man now, well over one hundred name days. It is something I wish not to be true but I know I do not have long left. It may seem like you are alone, but you are not. Our blood is strong. After all, a dragon is not a slave and a dragon alone in the world is a terrible thing. Aemon.)