Prologue: Part Three
284 AC Dragonstone – Exiled to Essos
It took them weeks to arrive at Dragonstone as a fierce storm had blown in from the North and made the waters extremely dangerous. But the Captain that Lord Dayne had found for them came through. Daella was upset at not seeing Ashara, who had gone to Sunspear after news had come of Elia and her babes deaths, but she also knew it was for the best. If Ashara had met up with them, she never would have let them leave Starfall without her. Their journey was long and Daella was thankful when they had finally docked at Dragonstone. Information had just come in about Stannis Baratheon heading to Dragonstone to get rid of the rest of the Targaryen's and she wanted to get her mother and little brother out of there.
They immediately headed for the Keep, where the Targaryen ancestral seat was. Daella knew her naneth had been in seclusion there since just before The Battle of the Trident. How she hated her ada for refusing to send Elia and her children with them because he wanted Dorne to fight for him. Aerys had instead sent away his pregnant wife and their youngest son with Ser Jonothor Darry's younger brother for protection. Viserys was only five but Aerys wanted him to be safe just in case Rhaegar perished. It seems his fears had come to pass. Rhaegar was dead, so was his first-born son, leaving only Jacaerys as the heir to the Iron Throne, with Viserys his heir until he had children when he was older.
The docks were busy as the guards and families loyal to House Targaryen rushed around, hoping to keep the Queen Mother and the heir apparent safe. Daella had never seen Dragonstone in such a state and Lord Valeryon was quick to inform her that her mother was in labour in the Great Keep and they were setting up a blockade to slow the usurpers brother down to give them time to escape. Daella kept Jacaerys pressed tight to her chest as she and the three knights of the Kingsguard moved at an almost run towards the keep.
Just as they reached the courtyard that led to the entrance of the Keep, they could hear the screams of a women in the birthing bed and the bells ringing, announcing that someone unwelcome was coming towards the harbor. Ser Gerald talked to one of the guards and then turned to his princess, "Baratheon banners will soon be coming into the harbor. We need to hurry. The guards say that Rhaella has been in the birthing bed since very early this morning and her screams have echoed just as long," he explained wearily.
Ser Gerald had been a member of the Kingsguard since Ser Duncan the Tall had been Lord Commander and before Aerys and Rhaella had gotten married. He had been there for every birth and death of their children and he above everyone knew the trouble Rhaella had suffered in the birthing bed. Rhaella had given birth to eleven children. Of that number, only three survived to adulthood. Princess Shaena, who was born after Rhaegar, would have survived if not for the Blackfyre's, who sent someone to kill her. All the other children either came stillborn or were to weak to survive after their birth.
He had even been there when Arrana Umber had given birth to Daella. Gerald had never forgotten when Aerys, scared of losing another child, had taken his bastard daughter to Rhaella and ordered her to nurse her, after losing her own child. Rhaella had done so and instantly fallen in love with the little black-haired babe. Daella had grown up safe and happy because of Rhaella's acceptance and Gerald had a lot of respect for her. Daella had proven time and time again that she wasn't like her father and that she would be a good Regent for his King. Little Jacaerys looked so much like his aunt that Gerald could almost think he was her son but his eyes gave his parentage away. Daella had eyes like violets, while Rhaegar had had beautiful purple eyes, which his son had inherited.
He watched as his words filled Daella with a new anxiety and they rushed towards the doors and into the Keep at a faster pace. Daella noticed the silence the moment they entered. There was nobody about in the hallways or guards in the castle, all having gone towards the docks to stall the Baratheon forces. She found this strange and her concern from her naneth grew before they came to the chambers her naneth used when she visited Dragonstone. The doors were slightly open and the sounds of moans and cries echoed from inside. Daella swallowed hard before she entered the room with Jacaerys strapped to her chest and the rest of the Kingsguard following her.
Ser Willem Darry, brother to the late Ser Jonothor Darry of the Kingsguard, was standing protectively in front of the Queen Mother with his sword drawn and four Targaryen Loyalists were standing protectively around Viserys in the corner. Two maids were bustling around her mother, who was covered in her own blood and was still having contractions trying to birth her babe. The room reeked of blood and Daella's heart sunk to her stomach as she realized her naneth might not make it through the birth this time.
The men stood down when they saw who entered the room.
"Princess Daella," he whispered in relief at seeing her alive and on Dragonstone. Robert Baratheon had declared her dead when no one had found her after the Battle of the Trident and no one had been able to say it was a lie as no one had seen her. Obviously that wasn't true. Just those that had seen her were Targaryen loyalists and would never betray her and someone had helped them, or she wouldn't have been there on Dragonstone and Willem felt himself sag with relief. The Targaryen's weren't as decimated as Robert would have the Seven Kingdom's believe.
Daella handed her nephew over to Arthur, who took him hurriedly, and rushed over to her naneth's side and took her bloody hand as she sat down on the side of the bed. "Naneth, I'm here," She whispered pleadingly. Queen Rhaella opened her hazy purple eyes to meet the violet eyes of her niece-daughter. The girl born from a northern mother but Rhaella had loved her as her own. She had since Aerys had brought the black-haired babe to her after she had another stillborn child. She had nursed the girl, had helped her grow into a woman and had been her closest confidant all her life.
"Daella, my daughter?" she spoke softly, unable to focus of her child's face.
Daella gripped her hand tighter, "I'm here naneth" she said eyes watering. Rhaella gave a soft smile, "I feared you were dead" she said as another contraction speared through her. She squeezed Daella hand as she groaned in pain, "I'm not, I'm here" Daella whispered as Rhaella relaxed again. The Queen mother closed her eyes, "I fear I am not long left in this world" she said faintly. Her face was sincere and her voice was calm. Daella felt a few of her tears run down her face at the truth of her mothers words and her lip trembled because she knew her naneth wasn't going to survive this time. There had been many other times that she had thought the same but this time she knew it was certain. There was more blood then should be normal and Rhaella was having issues trying to birth the babe.
A needy sound form Jacaerys had Daella turning to the two maidens who had been helping her mother, "Is one of you a wet nurse?" she asked gently, holding her naneth's hand tightly. One of them, a tall burnet with bright blue eyes stepped forward, "I am, your grace" she answered. Daella nodded, "Is there anything holding you here?" she asked as another contraction tore through her mother. The woman shook her head, "No Princess. I'm a bastard from Highgarden, Lillian Flowers. Lady Olenna Tyrell sent me to help the Queen after my husband was killed at The Battle of the Bells and my child came stillborn," she explained as she moved to settle between the Queen's legs to check for the babe again.
Daella nodded, "The babe in Ser Arthur's arms, I need you to feed him," she ordered softly. Lillian raised a brow in curiosity but followed her order and moved towards the most famous knight of the realm. Arthur passed over his King and then stood there stiffly, hand on the pommel of his sword as he watched Lillian take him over to the side of the room, where she unlaced her dress and moved to nurse his King. Daella watched and the moment she saw Lillian do what she asked without protest, she shared a look with Arthur, who nodded and turned back to her mother.
Rhaella was already looking at her, "Do you know I was friends with your birth mother?" she asked suddenly. Daella froze, she had never spoken of her birth mother. Not even when she found out Rhaella wasn't her mother when she was four. She knew her mother was from the North and had been her ada's unwilling mistress. To hear someone, speak of her now, well she wasn't expecting it. Rhaella continued, "We met in the gardens outside the keep. Her family had arrived for the tourney here, to celebrate the birth of your sister Shaena, she was from one of the vassal houses of the North. It was her first time in the capital and she was filled with wonder at the sight of the sea. We spoke briefly before heading to the tourney together. The moment Aerys seen her, I knew I had made a mistake bringing her with me, for I could see the lust in his eyes. Before I knew it, she was his mistress and two moons later, she was carrying you," Rhaella paused to release a shriek as another contraction came.
The Princess waited patiently until her mother relaxed and continued "Aerys was joyful for I had already lost another babe and was carrying another. The Maester's believed that we would birth within weeks of each other. I went into labor first but my babe was born stillborn. A week later your mother went into labor and birthed you. However, she was lost. It had to be hours later when Aerys brought you into my rooms. He said you would not nurse from any wet nurse they brought and he begged me to try. I had lost my babe, but I was close with your mother and I knew I had to try for her. You latched right away and Aerys was delighted naming you Princess Daella of House Targaryen saying that you were a gift for me from the Gods. But that was never your name," silence fell in the room, everyone subconsciously sensing that what they were about the hear would be a defining moment for House Targaryen.
"Your mother spent moons pouring over the history of House Targaryen, she wanted you to have a strong name. A name you could live up too. She named you Visenya Targaryen, of Houses Targaryen and Umber, Princess of Summerhall and the Seven Kingdoms," she announced to the room and an eyrie silence echoed. The sounds of a storm then invaded the keep, louder than before, followed by the screams of dying men as lightning flashed across the walls and outside, striking a ship which caught fire and then, as Daella... no, Visenya rose to her feet, lightning flashed again and the shadow of a dragon rose up behind her wings spread wide against the wall at her back. She was named for one of her houses most famous Ancestors, Visenya Targaryen, sister-wife to Aegon the Conqueror and the rider of Vhagar.
In the sudden silence, a feeling filled the Kingsguard. Each felt it as their hearts ached, as a hush rushed through them, as a knowing hit them. Visenya Targaryen, Second of her Name, would be the one to return the Targaryen's to power. Everyone knew that Jacaerys would be the King of the Seven Kingdoms when he came of age, but as the eldest, Visenya would be his regent. Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms. She would have to be protected; the three knights all knew that.
Arthur Dayne gaped in surprise before handing the small King to Ser Oswell and heading towards Visenya filled with determination. They had become close friends over the last year and a half and Arthur had sworn an oath to himself that he would see Daella, no, Visenya safe no matter what. He stopped a few feet in front of her and unsheathed his sword, He stabbed his sword blade first into the ground and then kneeled, "Visenya Targaryen, of Houses Targaryen and Umber, Second of Her Name and Princess of Summerhall, I Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of Morning, hereby swear my life and sword into your service and bind my life to yours and would gladly and willingly give mine in you place, do you accept my pledge?" he swore his oath to become her sworn shield.
Becoming a sworn shield was the highest honor a knight could gain. Joining the Kingsguard was a high honor but to be a sworn shield was higher. A Kingsguard dedicated their life to their King. A sworn shield became the shield before their charge, always there to give their lives first. Once upon a time, Arthur had thought he would become Rhaegar's Sworn Shield but Arthur now realized his destiny was tied to something bigger than Rhaegar becoming King. Most the time, a knight was asked to become a sworn shield, rarely did they offer but Arthur knew it was the right thing for him.
The newly renamed Visenya turned purple eyes on her brothers ex closest friend before smiling widely, "I, Princess Visenya of House Targaryen and Umber, hereby accept Ser Arthur Dayne's pledge to become my sworn shield, withdrawing his place in the Kingsguard and entering into my service till the death of his duty," she accepted before reaching out and releasing his white cloak from his shoulders and handing it over to Ser Gerald Hightower, who beamed with delight as Arthur received the highest honor of being a Knight. They may have been down a Knight of the Kingsguard but Visenya had just gained the ultimate protector.
It was then Rhaella screamed and the maiden met Visenya's eyes from between her mothers legs, "You need to push your grace, the babe is crowning," she commanded. Visenya sat down beside her, holding her hand as she labored to birth the babe. After an hour, the bells tolled again through-out the island letting the people in close surroundings know that someone was approaching the docks. Ser Gerald quickly left the room giving orders for the surviving soldiers to protect the keep at all costs. A barricade was made in the courtyard to keep everyone out, archers lined the walls and Ser Gerald had someone get a ship readied for transport at the soonest opportunity. He knew that after Rhaella had birthed her babe, they would need to get away from Westeros as quickly as possible, else they be slaughtered.
In one big final push and scream, a small white haired baby girl slid from the Queen's body in a gush of blood. The sound of a wail filled the room as the maids rushed around cleaning the babe and thunder raged through the skies as though screaming its welcome to the newest Targaryen. Visenya kept holding her mother's hand when Jacaerys released a sound, letting everyone know he was awake after being fed. Ser Oswell, who had taken the babe after he was fed, brought the babe to his princess, who took him into her arms, before turning to let her naneth see her grand son.
Rhaella gasped as the sight of her deceased sons eyes on a dark-haired babes face. She held her shaking arms out and smiled when her daughter placed the little one into her arms. Just looking at him made Rhaella sure this was Rhaegar's son. "What's his name?" she asked softly. Visenya scowled darkly, "The Stark girl tried to name him Aegon, but I would allow that. His name is Jacaerys Targaryen," she explained. An ugly look crossed the Queen Mothers face at the mention of the Stark girl. She had been angry at Rhaegar over everything that had happened during the Tourney of Harrenhal.
Rhaella had truly loved her good-daughter Elia, she had thought it was a perfect match to get there family away from incest. But her son, thinking he was wisest, wanted more than was given to him. First he had wanted his sister and when that had been denied to him, he had run off with the only daughter of the Warden of the North, not telling anyone his plans, insulting House Martell and bringing forth the Rebellion, which had united most of Westeros against her family.
Now she looked down at the babe, the Prince born of Ice and Fire, and she couldn't resist smiling at him, "I, Rhaella Targaryen, Queen Mother of the Targaryen family, give you His Grace, Jacaerys Targaryen, of Houses Targaryen and Stark, Second of His Name, the Prince of Dragonstone, Future King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm," She announced firmly, holding Jacaerys aloft where everyone could see him. All the men dropped to their knees and the woman bowed their heads in acceptance of their heir. Visenya straightened from her light bow and took Jacaerys back as the midwife handed Rhaella her babe. Rhaella couldn't help her pleased smile even though her arms shook, "Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen," she whispered naming her for the storm that raged outside.
It had taken years but Rhaella had finally given birth to a daughter, a sister, a Princess, maybe one day a Queen if they held the valyrian tradition to wed brother to sister or aunt to nephew. Daenerys opened her eyes, eyes of a beautiful purple/blue and smiled at her mother. The mother who named her, loved her in her belly and she would probably never see again. The sounds of shouting filled the courtyard and Ser Oswell rushed to the window, "The barricade is going to fall soon. We must go Princess," he explained turning towards Visenya.
Rhaella looked to Lillian and offered the girl her babe before turning back to her daughter, "You need to run," she ordered weakly, the blood loss to much on her weak body. Visenya felt a tear streak down her cheek, "I can't leave you here," she whispered, grasping her mothers hand. Rhaella's eyes softened, "I'll always be with you," she promised placing a hand on Visenya's heart. Arthur came over and placed a hand on Visenya's shoulder, "We need to go," he murmured softly, bowing his head when Rhaella made eye contact with him.
At the sound of shouting, Rhaella's eyes blazed with one final spark of life, "I, Rhaella Targaryen of House Targaryen, Queen Mother and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms hereby name Visenya Targaryen, Princess of Summerhall and of the Seven Kingdoms, Queen Regent until such a time that Prince Jacaerys is of age to take his place as the head of our family. So, I have said, who witnesses my claim?!" she commanded harshly, glancing around the room.
In shock, Visenya said nothing as Ser Gerald stepped forward proudly, "I, Ser Gerald Hightower, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, witness the announcement of Queen Regent Visenya," he answered with a bow of his head. Ser Oswell stepped forward next, "I, Ser Oswell Whent of the Kingsguard, witness the announcement of Queen Regent Visenya," he bowed his head to her and then all eyes fell to him as Viserys stepped forward, standing proudly though he was only four, "I, Prince Viserys Targaryen, younger brother to Visenya, accept her as my Queen until such a time my nephew is of age," he announced firmly, gaining a smile of approval from his mother.
All eyes turned to her, waiting.
If Visenya denied this request it would drop the burden of Regent on Viserys shoulders, but if she accepted, she would never be able to return home. To her beloved or their daughters. But she also knew Rhaella wouldn't have named her Regent if she didn't think that she could do it. Her heart ached as she realized she was going to have to let go of all her hopes and dreams for her future and put all she was into restoring the honor of her House. Visenya swallowed her tears and nodded, letting go of everything holding her back, silently swearing that she would see her family again one day, before speaking.
"I accept responsibility of the Targaryen Family. I, Visenya Targaryen, of Houses Targaryen and Umber, Second of My Name, Princess of Summerhall, Queen Regent of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, decree that one day the Targaryen Family will return to Westeros and we will claim back my Family's Kingdom," she said seriously.
All the men drew swords holding them above their heads with loud shouts, "Long May She Reign!"
Right after, a loud shout grabbed their attention, "FI IND QUEEN RHAELLA AND PRINCE VISERYS!" Visenya rushed to the window, seeing her cousin Stannis entering the courtyard as his men subdued the Targaryen Loyalists, "We need to leave, the Baratheon army has breeched the barricade," Ser Oswell and Ser Gerald collected the two babes from the women in the room before telling Lillian to grab Viserys and they rushed them out of the room towards the ship waiting in the docks under a pure black banner. Visenya could hear her brother screaming for their mother the whole way down and she hoped that it wouldn't gather the Baratheon's attention.
Arthur rushed to his Queen, who had rushed to her mother, "Mother, I promise that our family will return home and everyone who had risen against us will die it Fire and Blood," she promised her dying mother. Rhaella smiled and nodded before closing her eyes, not having long left. Visenya turned to the maid with tears streaming down her face, "Protect her until she's gone, then get out of here," she ordered tearily.
The maid, who had served the Gentle Queen through her whole pregnancy and had loved her as a daughter would, nodded her head to the Queen Regent and rushed to take the Queen Mother's hand to make sure she knew she was not alone. Ser Willem Darry and the four loyalist with him, then surrounded the Queen Regent and rushed her out of the room, Visenya frequently looking back, wondering when her mother would draw her last breath and through the halls towards the lower level where the ship was waiting.
They boarded the ship quickly, the crew rushing around to get the ship out to sea. The babes were wailing below deck and in the chaos, Viserys was trying to get back off the ship and to his mother. Visenya grabbed him and held him tight to her chest as he struggled against her, "You can't go back Viserys, they'll kill you," she yelled at him. He kept fighting as the sails were raised and the ship was pushed out into the sea, "Viserys, everything's going to be okay. We will come back home," she whispered into his hair as he clung to her sobbing. He slumped into her arms and cried, soaking the shoulder of her armor until he put himself to sleep. When he was finally out, Ser Willem took him from her arms and took him below deck and put him down in one of the beds.
Arthur and Visenya stood together at the bow and watched as fifty other ships, baring the Targaryen banner moved off in all other directions, some heading to the trading ports in Westeros, others to Essos and the rest in all other directions to confuse the Baratheon men at where the Royal Family was heading. There were to many ships for Stannis to chase them all and Visenya hoped they would be in Essos on into hiding by the time Robert caught up with them.
Ser Oswell and Ser Gerald joined them watching as the last signs of Dragonstone vanished behind them. They then turned to their Princess turned Queen, "What are we going to do now your grace?" Ser Gerald asked cautiously. As Lord Commander of the Kingsguard or now Queensguard, he needed to know what their plans were. Their King was but a child and they had been barred from their home. Gerald had no doubt that were any of Robert's allies to find them, they would instantly be handed over to the Usurper and killed for 'treason' against the crown. He would never allow that to happen.
Visenya looked at him and signed running her fingers through her dark hair, "First I need you to sign a proclamation that a Queen Regent has been named and that Rhaegar had another heir. Just don't write down his name or his mothers house. It will be harder for them to find us without knowing his name or an alias," she explained. As she talked they were doing.
~!~
To Those Loyal to The Targaryen Family;
We have not been defeated. The Targaryen Family is still strong. They stand at four members of their House. We have been commanded to send out letters to those loyal. Queen Rhaella Targaryen has died birthing another babe. She has named Rhaegar Targaryen's only surviving child as Heir to the Iron Throne. Until the child is of age, Visenya Targaryen, daughter of the King and Queen, has been named Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.
Witnesses by: Ser Gerald Hightower, Lord Commander of the Queensguard
Witnessed by: Ser Oswell Whent of the Queensguard
Witnessed by: Prince Viserys of House Targaryen
The sigil of a three headed dragon was pressed down sealing each one after they were written and when they stopped at a port in Dorne, Ser Willem Darry had a Maester send them out to all the Houses that had been loyal to Visenya. Not Targaryen's but to Visenya.
~!~
Visenya continued, "Second, I need to send a letter to Dorne. If we are to bring my family back to power, they will be our biggest supporters. They may hate the Starks but they would rather have a Targaryen on the Iron Throne then a Baratheon after what happened to Elia and her children," she explained thinking of Oberyn and their daughters. It had been almost two years since she had seen them and her heart ached as she thought of all the things she was missing out on.
To the Prince's of Dorne,
I write to you now with haste. Bend your knee to the Baratheon Usurper for now. My family is not a weak as they think it is. We must go into hiding until Jace is old enough to fight for his throne. We are heading into Essos and I hope to gather support there. At some point I will head to Valyria, I hope to find out why the dragons stopped hatching for us. I'm going to take my family's home back, I don't care what I have to do for it, but I will.
I write to you out of respect. If things had been different you would have been my good brother Doran. I wish things had worked out like I hoped. I also wanted to say I'm sorry for the grief Aerys and Rhaegar have caused your family. I Swear on My Life that the debts owed to Dorne will be repaid in Fire and Blood. Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon are never far from my thoughts. My heart is with you.
With that said, I hope when we Usurp the Usurper, Dorne will stand with us.
All My Love,
Queen Visenya of the House Targaryen
At the same time, she wrote her letter to Doran, she wrote another to her family, giving them an explanation for everything happening. She wrote it with a heavy heart.
Dear Oberyn;
I am sorry for the hurt this letter will cause you and our daughters. After the Trident, I went to the Tower of Joy to collect Rhaegar's only surviving child. It was a boy and he is now Heir to the Iron Throne by my mother's will. Rhaella has passed on after birthing another Princess. Daenerys Stormborn, for a storm raged as my mother labored and killed dozens of people on the shores of Dragonstone. She is the exquisite sight of Valyrian beauty, blonde of hair with stunning purple/blue eyes and soft features. She already reminds me of my mother, though she is only days old. Viserys is very lost without his mother. He has been quiet these last few weeks as we traveled across the Narrow Sea. We are a bit lost on how to help him. I worry for him because the world is about the change for all of us.
Arthur Dayne has left the Kingsguard and become my Sworn Shield. It was shocking, but after finding out my name was never Daella, but I was named after Visenya Targaryen, by both of my mother's, he felt it was right.
I don't know when we shall see each other again my love. We are headed into Essos. Ser Willem Darry and four Targaryen Loyalist's are going to take Viserys and Daenerys and hide them in Bravvos, we hope that by not drawing attention to themselves, people will leave them be. Ser Arthur, Ser Oswell, Ser Gerald and my nephew, who we have begun to refer to as Jace to keep him safe, are planning to find a Dothraki horde to take us in for the time being. If that does not pan out then we will hid in Lys, with people of Valyrian heritage and hope for Jace to grow big and strong, enough to one day be King.
We plan to gather once a year in Pentos. There is a man there who shall know where to find us, if you are ever in need. His name is Illyrio Mopatis and he is one hundred percent loyal to the Targaryen family. He has agreed to send messages to and from anyone needing us. We have also discovered the Varys is most loyal to my family. I have a spy in Westeros and not a single person knows that other then me and you.
I write because I love you and I miss our daughters. I know I can trust you.
Oberyn, I want you to find happiness. Don't get angry, don't yell, just listen. I don't know if I will ever return home but I will do everything in my power to do so. I want you to find happiness if you can. I will never begrudge you that. I will always love our daughters and I dread to think of all the things I will miss out on. But I know you will love and protect them; you will keep them safe in Dorne. I feel happiness about that. I wish more that anything I was in Dorne with you and we were about to get married, like all those times we talked about. I fear that we will never meet again, but I hope for the best and pray that if we one day meet again, it will be as friends at the very least and long-lost lovers at the very best.
Thinking of you with all my love,
Visenya
~!~
Visenya then turned to Ser Willem, "Lastly, we need to separate. The four of us all together is too big a target if someone sends assassins or someone to look for us. Ser Willem, I want you and your men to take Viserys and Daenerys to Bravvos. Your job is to keep them safe and I want a letter from you ever six moons on how they grow. The rest of us are going to see about going into hiding with a Dothraki horde."
"Dothraki horde? Are you of your mind your grace?" Ser Gerald asked looking at her like she was crazy.
Visenya smirked, "Can you think of better warriors? Or a better place to hide in? The Dothraki are always on the move, they never stay in one place. I will barter with one of the Khal's for a place in their horde. We need some place no one will think to look for us and no assassin is going to want to face down a whole khalasar to get to us," she said explaining her reasoning and none of the men could say she was wrong.
They nodded their understanding before she turned to the remaining Queensguard, "Your going to have to put your white cloaks away for now. Everyone knows that the Kingsguard wears white cloaks, your too noticeable as you are and we don't need another target on our back. Once they realize your missing, they're going to be looking for you," she said. Ser Gerald and Ser Oswell shared a look between them, "It's not forever," she whispered knowing how hard a choice it would be for them. Ser Gerald had been in his white cloak for over twenty years and Ser Oswell a few years less than that. She also knew they would feel naked without with them.
"You'll always be a Queensguard, even without your white cloak. I'm not ask you this to remove you from office, I ask this to keep us all safe," she whispered touching Ser Gerald's shoulder in compassion, leaving them to deice while she went below deck to where her nephew and sister were staying. The women, Lillian Flowers had been nursing them on and off as their journey continued, was still in the room when Visenya entered. She rose to her feet when she saw the Queen Regent, "Your Grace," she said with a curtsy, folding her hands in front of her.
Visenya smiled, "Lillian, please call me Visenya. It is the least I can do for your services," she said gently before taking Jacaerys into her arms. She hated how he had come to be, she hated his mother but she loved the last living piece of her brother. Before Rhaegar tried to make her his second bride, they had been as close as siblings could be and she mourned for the boy he had been and not the man he had become. Lillian watched as the Queen smiled at the babe before the violet eyes focused on her, "Lillian, I have an offer for you," she said quietly rocking Jace.
Lillian looked at the Queen regent in surprise but nodded for her to continue. Visenya smiled slightly, "We are going to separate to keep us all safe. Daenerys and Viserys are going to Bravvos with a knight loyal to my family. Jace, the rest of the Queensguard and I are heading to Pentos and then to find a Dothraki horde to take us in for the time being, until Jace is a little older. I need to know if you want to stay on as a wet-nurse and then my lady-in-waiting for Jace or if you want to go with Viserys and Daeny," she explained and then watched as a conflicted expression crossed her face.
Lillian Flowers looked at the young Queen with her heard pounding. She had never been given a choice about her life before. As a bastard there were not many opportunity's for women like her. She had been sent to help Queen Rhaella only because she had lost her babe and King Aerys had been looking for handmaidens for his sister-wife to tend her at Dragonstone. Now she was in the service of the Queen Regent Visenya, who was said to be just as kind as Rhaella, and asked what she wanted. In the weeks they had been on the ship, Lillian had fallen in love with both babes she had nursed. If anyone was to ask her though, she loved the little dark-haired prince more. He looked much like her little babe had, only his eyes were the difference. He had the Targaryen family eyes, while her babes eyes had been blue just like her own.
She looked to the Queen, the woman she would be serving and she smiled, "I would like to accompany you, Visenya" she said and felt something echo inside her, telling her what she had done was the right thing. As the people aboard the ship thought about the choices yet to be made, the decisions already done and what the future would bring them, ravens were arriving at other places all across the Seven Kingdoms bearing the information their Queen had deemed them worthy to know.
~!~
Varys read the letter of intent and he smiled knowing that Visenya Targaryen was now a player in the Game of Thrones and that he would do anything possible to help her win. He was aware that it was actually Princess Daella and that Rhaella had finally told her the truth. Already Robert Baratheon was running the Kingdom into the ground and he had only been King for a few moons. He tossed the scroll into the fire and then left his solar, mind swirling with plans an plots to help the Targaryen's claim the Iron Throne again one day.
Lord Hoster Tully received the raven and laughed with delight and relief. He had been concerned about the Princess since news went up that she was missing and he had had many men combing the Riverlands looking for her, with orders she was to be brought to him unharmed. That she got away, filled him with nothing but relief. His men may have eventually joined the Rebellion but it was only to the North because of Catelyn's marriage to the Lord of the North Eddard Stark. To know that the Targaryen family was alive and well and strong, well it made his day. He swore he would make sure Edmure held the alliance between them and the dragons no matter what. Visenya was like another daughter to him after all and his family would be apart of no plot to kill or harm her.
Lady Olenna Tyrell opened the raven and smiled with content. She now had a chance for one of her family to sit on the throne one day. She knew that the Baratheon King would never marry his children to theirs because he knew they would always be loyal to the Targaryen's. When Mace had dipped his banners to Lord Stark, Olenna had wanted to snarl at him but she knew that the Targaryen's were too resourceful to every go away quietly and the Princess had gotten away at the Battle of the Trident, even if many had declared her dead. Daella Targaryen was to crafty for that. Now she had to plan, her son Mace was an oaf, she knew she needed to prepare her family for what was to come. She had no doubt the Dragons would return with Fire and Blood.
Lord Walder Frey also received a letter. Not many knew but he was loyal to the Targaryen and the Targaryen family only. He would never ever bow before any other King who was not of their blood. The letter told him of what had happened, what was to happen and what the Dragon Queen Visenya needed him to do. Walder had met her when she visited the Riverlands before the Great Tourney of Harrenhal and he was the first to pledge his house to her and not her brother. Everything inside the letter claimed a better future for House Frey if he was inclined to agree. They would one day be one of the most respected houses in the Kingdom. He threw his head back and laughed demanding his heir come speak with him, for they had plans to make.
Prince Doran received the letters written alongside the claimant to the throne. He summoned Oberyn to his study and then read the letter out loud. Doran noticed Oberyn flinch when he read the letter sent along for him and felt his heart ache for his younger brother. At the end, a tear streamed down his cheek and he dropped the letter on the table before striding out of the room. Doran picked the letter up and read it. When he finished he grieves for the pain his Queen and his brother were suffering through. He knew very well their plans if Rhaegar had won the war. He knew they had planned to marry eventually, but now it was impossible with the usurper on the throne.
Visenya had been Doran's friend and he loved her like a sister. He had been more than ready to welcome her to their family but now… his sister lay dead along with her babes and his brother and his daughters were heartbroken. Doran signed and then reached for parchment and a quill. He wanted some compensation for what happened to his sister and her children. He wrote a letter filled with a betrothal contract between his daughter Arianne and Prince Viserys. The young man would never be King with Jacaerys being born but he was still a Targaryen Prince. He then told Oberyn to go to Essos and find Ser Willem to sign it. They would never be able to find Visenya after she entered into the Horde. He knew that she only wanted what was best so he didn't think she would disagree with his proposal.
She had loved Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon as well.
~!~
When they arrived in Pentos, the company of people, the only survivors of House Targaryen and their protectors, separated. Ser Darry taking Viserys and Daenerys and hoping to keep them safe from the usurper and the rest went to speak with Illyrio about finding a Dothraki Horde to keep them safe. After she mounted her horse, Visenya looked back across the sea one more time, in the direction for Dorne and a tear fell down her face as she mourned for the future she could have had and the one she now had to live with.
She had no idea of what would happen yet. She had no idea that the Usurper had learned of their survival but had no idea who Visenya was, as she didn't spread around she had once been known as Daella, no idea that Dorne or her allies were already preparing for war, had no idea that life as she knew it was about to change and no idea assassins were already traveling from Westeros to Essos to end the Targaryen line.
Far beyond, in somewhere unknown, Queen Visenya, Queen Rhaenys and King Aegon Targaryen were smiling at their chosen champion as she prepared to go on an adventure to reconquer the Seven Kingdoms and forge a new empire. One stronger than then one they had forged in Fire and Blood so many years before. Daenerys the Dreamer smiled too as what she had once seen in a vision, that had lead to their families survival and Aegon's determination to conquer the Seven Kingdoms would soon come to pass.
~!~
In Valyria, in the ruins of the doom, sixteen beautiful dragon eggs of all different colors, gleamed and warmed in their small patches of sunlight. A white one with purple accents much larger then the others seemed to glow from the inside as a bond slowly came into being and the magic of Valyria woke once again. In that moment the tiny dragons woke in their shells from being stone, knowing that they would soon be needed.