Chapter Seven: 299 AC, Meereen, Essos
Reunited with Westerosi allies
Meanwhile, Ser Jorah stood on the planks that made up the docks of Meereen's shipping ports and watched with anticipation in his heart as the ships that had been spotting coming into the bay earlier they bay began docking. There were so many of them, the sails a stunning array of colors against the blue of the ocean. However, only a small number of the ships docked and Ser Jorah would bet his White Cloak that it was the Lord's who had answered their Queen's call, coming to meet her for the first time. He stood off to the side with a large escort of Dothraki and Unsullied soldiers, hand on the pommel of the Valyrian steel sword on his hip.
Upon conquering the slavers cities, Visenya had sent out a summons for the best smith and then proceeded to have him make up a dozen Valyrian steel weapons with the help of Valyrian, Sunfyre, Moonfyre and Dreamfyre. A secret which had long been lost in Doom of Valyrian had been found along side the dragons and Jorah felt honored that he had been there to see it. One of the theories that Valyrian steel could only be forged in dragon fire had been proven. Without them, there was no steel. When the smith, known as Harkon, had finished, Visenya had presented those weapons to her most trusted men.
Ser Gerald and Ser Oswell both received long swords, with their names and titles etched into the blades, with dragonhead pommels decorated with ruby eyes. Ser Arthur had been offered a dagger, given he wielded Dawn, a legendary blade forged from a fallen star, he had no need for a new sword. Jorah had been given a broadsword, much like those used in the North, with his name and his House words etched into the blade, with a bear head pommel. He was the first Northerner to bare a White Cloak and so his sword showed the uniqueness of such an appointment.
Three of the daggers made, had been offered to Princess Daenerys, Lady Roslin and Lady Missandei who had started to learn basic defense just to be on the safe side. Everyone was aware that just because they were nobility, it didn't make them safe. Roslin and Missandei were faster learners than Daenerys and had picked it up quickly, while the Princess was good she was no where near her sisters league. They were determined if it came down to it, that they would be able to defend themselves as they both knew the brutality of men. Neither girl would ever be in Visenya's league but they could learn. Visenya had been the first noble girl to learn to fight since the time of her ancestors Queen Visenya and Queen Rhaenys the first and Jorah could no think of one woman who could face her and win, even his own family.
Grey Worm and Daario each received a blade too, as they were commanders in Visenya's army. The Unsullied commander was given a beautiful double-sided spear, Valyrian steel on both side and had dancing dragons etched into the blade, the also broke off into duel blades if he needed a shorter blade ranger. Daario had been given duel blades, his preferred weapon as the Captain of the Stormcrows. His were etched with crows on the blade, the pommels were a dragon head with ruby eyes that peered out at everyone whenever they looked at the blades.
The last three blades went to Visenya and Jacaerys themselves.
The heir to the Iron Throne was given a broadsword much like his own, that reminded Jorah eerily of the Stark's blade Ice. It had wolves and dragons intertwined on the blade, a dragon wrapped around the handle, while a direwolf head made up the pommel with purple eyes. Visenya had taken the other broadsword, the one very different than the others. For one, there was no etching on the blade like the others. It was just pure steel. However, the handle and guard was two dragons facing the handle, much like the Targaryen's sword Blackfyre, and was heavily decorated with jewels and her pommel was a large chunk of obsidian. The only etching on the sword was a sun, just like the sigil of House Martell. Jorah had heard the rumors in Westeros and even more once he had joined the Queensguard. Ser Gerald had made it more than clear that Visenya's personal business was just that and he wasn't to brand what he knew about to others. It wasn't anyone's concern but hers.
The last sword was a great-sword and Jorah privately though it was Harkon's best work. It was so large; it was almost the same height as Visenya and two hands wide. Thankfully, it was Valyrian steel and incredibly light, or no one would have been able to lift it. The blade had been etched with every single dragon currently in existence. Valyrian was right at the bottom and the others intertwined over the blade, ending with Silverwing right at the tip of the sword. The handle didn't have a dragon, instead it was decorated with rubies and obsidian, the colors of House Targaryen. The pommel was a large diamond, to represent that the hands holding it, didn't have to be a Targaryen and Visenya had explained it would be the Sword of Justice once they reclaimed their home.
It was the only blade that had been given a name, Sunjewel.
It didn't take an idiot to figure out it was named in honor of Elia Martell and Ser Jorah knew that Visenya, should meet Tywin Lannister, Gregor Clegane or Amory Lorch, it would be that sword that dished out their deaths. He didn't doubt for one seconds that Visenya would allow them to live. She was still unsure about Jaime Lannister's fate and Jorah couldn't blame her. Everyone knew the two of them had struck up a close friendship after the young lion had become apart of the Kingsguard. Everyone knew that Cersei Lannister would be executed, due to her placing a bastard on the Iron Throne and the war she had started by allowing a Lord Paramount to be beheaded.
The sound of shouting pulled him away from his thoughts and he looked up in time to see a group of people heading towards him. He caught sight of House Martell's sigil and the one of House Tyrell as he straightened. It was Ser Monford Valeryon in the lead, a man who Jorah had met while at Pyke during the Greyjoy Rebellion all those years ago and bore the traditional Valyrian looks. He nodded his head to the man as he stopped the group five feet from where Ser Jorah was standing, "Welcome to Essos Lords, Ladies and Knights of Westeros. I am Ser Jorah Mormont, member of her graces Queensguard. She had sent me to escort you to greet her in the Great Pyramid," he said introducing himself and offering Visenya's words of greeting.
Lord Monford's eyes narrowed, "Why you and not one of the others?" he demanded as he still didn't believe this wasn't a ploy. He had left Kings Landing when Varys had told him Visenya was gathering ships in order to return to Westeros but he hadn't really believed the spider. Now faced with a knight, who was not part of the original Kingsguard, he was thinking he was right. Ser Jorah stayed expressionless, even though he could see the curiosity on a few of the others behind the man, "Ser Arthur has been pardoned from the Queensguard and is her graces sworn shield. Ser Gerald is guarding his highness Prince Jacaerys and Ser Oswell is with Princess Daenerys," he said firmly.
Lord Valeryon's eyes relaxed slightly but he was still feeling hesitant as Ser Jorah straightened and then gestured to the large group of horses that were waiting for them on his left, "Come, the Queen doesn't like to be kept waiting," he said and started walking away. Lord Monford turned his head slightly to meet the eyes of his son, Monterys, who nodded and they lead the other lords after the knight. Among those in the group was Prince Quentyn, Lady Blackmont and Ser Brakard Sand from Dorne. Ser Garlan Tyrell, Samwell Tarly of Horn Hill and two guards from Highgarden. Lord Valeryon had brought half of those from the Crownlands, among then Lord Cressey, Lord Rosby, Roslin's uncle and Lord Thorne. The last of the group were a shocking group. Lord Theon Greyjoy and his sister Asha, with a small group of Iron Islands hailing from Harlow, followers of The Reader, their uncle.
Everyone was quick to mount up and many eyes watched in awe as Ser Jorah and the Dothraki and Unsullied escorted the Westerosi people through the streets of Meereen. As many had read about Essos, they were shocked to see not one person among them collared. Every single person they passed, smiled and waved; necks bare of the metal that had once circled them. Rumors had circled of how Visenya had liberated the slaver cities but many had brushed it off because why would someone do that, only to leave and return to Westeros. Looking over the people now, they could see that Visenya's reputation was no different that it had been in Westeros when she was known as Princess Daella.
They reached the pyramid quickly and Ser Jorah was quick to usher them through the gates, which were guarded by two dozen Unsullied soldiers, that bore the red three headed dragon on the front of their black leather armor. "Where are the dragons?" a voice suddenly broke the silence among the group and many eyes turned to the young man, bearing the Sigil of House Tyrell and then followed his gaze to the sky. Rumors had circled of dragons returned from stone but no one had seen the beasts. Looking into the sky's surrounding Meereen, they expected to see at least one in the air, but the sky was empty.
Ser Jorah looked up and a frown crossed his face, "I don't know. Valyrian will most likely be with the Queen but I am unsure about the others," he said, nodding to the guards at the Great Pyramids entrance doors. Everyone followed him, "Valyrian?" Lord Monford's voice came from behind him. Ser Jorah nodded, even though he kept walking, "Queen Visenya's dragon," he cleared up their confusion. Many eyes widened, as there had never been a dragon with that name and they were surprised Visenya would break from the tradition of naming new dragons after the old ones. They had no idea about what was in front of them.
Without another word, Ser Jorah led them through the twisting hallways of the pyramid, many looking around with wide eyes. The Great Pyramid of Meereen looked nothing like the Red Keep in Kings Landing. Not even the other Great Houses, could boast of something like this. Not even the Lannister's, the wealthiest house in all Westeros. Many eyes swept their surroundings in awe as they were led towards the throne room. Many were still cautious of the letters they received from the spider and not seeing any of the original Kingsguard present when they arrived. It made a few wonder if this was someone just pretending to be a Targaryen and they needed support to overthrow Joffrey. Monford had been the most suspicious but his father had been a supporter of Aerys Targaryen, therefore, he would meet this Dragon Queen and decide for himself. He had grown up with Daella at Dragonstone before she was dragged to the capital when she was six and he was seven.
There were six Unsullied standing guard in front of the throne room doors and Ser Jorah greeted them in flawless Valyrian. The doors opened and Ser Jorah led the way inside, his eyes widened as he realized why the dragons couldn't be seen when the Westerosi lords had arrived. The room was full of the Great Master's, a few other people of importance, Unsullied soldiers, the Targaryen party and perched protectively around the staircase in the center of the room, were all sixteen dragons. Jorah heard the shocked breaths of the others behind him and had to fight to keep a straight face. He knew some of them hadn't believed and now they were face to face with their Queen and her loyal knights and even more loyal dragons.
The moment the doors opened, Lillian received a nod from Ser Oswell from his spot at the bottom of the staircase, "You are in the presence of Her Grace, Visenya of the House Targaryen, Second of Her Name, Princess of Summerhall, The Unburnt, The Great Mother Khaleesi, Mhysa of Astapor, Yunkai and Meereen, Queen Regent of the of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, Breaker of Chains, Mother of Dragons, Mother of the Sand Snakes, Dāria to the Unsullied and Rider of Valyrian, The King of Dragons," Lillian repeated Visenya's very long title proudly, as she watched those from Westeros eyes widen at the sight of the Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms and the sixteen pairs of dragons eyes, before they dropped to their knees and bowed.
Missandei took it up from there, "Presenting His Grace, the Crown Prince Jacaerys, of Houses Targaryen and Stark, Second of His Name, Prince of Dragonstone, Commander of the Dothraki and Future King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm and Rider of Moonfyre. His betrothed Lady Roslin of House Frey, rider of Dreamfyre and her highness, Princess Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, First of Her Name, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, The Silver Princess and Rider of Drogon," she said, announcing the last of the royals.
Visenya only waited a few seconds before allowing them to rise to their feet, "Welcome to Meereen," she said warmly.
Monford Valeryon's eyes watered as they locked with his childhood friend and he stepped forward without thought, "You grace, I have brought two hundred ships from the royal fleet, we are yours to command," he said with a bow of his head. Visenya's eyes warmed as they gazed at the white, blonde hair and lilac eyes of the boy she used to play with and one who reminded her painfully of Rhaegar. "Lord Valeryon you've done well," she said from her spot at the top of the staircase. He gestured for a boy behind him to come forward, "This is my son and heir, Monterys. I hoped he might squire under Prince Jacaerys," he said, patting the eleven years old's shoulder, eyes seeking out the heir, Rhaegar last child, who bore the Stark coloring but looked every inch a Valyrian legacy.
Jacaerys shared a quick look with Visenya, and knew by the look on her face that this was a good thing and important. She nodded and Jacaerys stopped away from Roslin and gained all their attention, making tears rise in Monford's eyes because the boy may have had the Stark coloring, his face and eyes, he shared with his father. He swallowed tightly and bowed before the Prince, "My Prince," he said in greeting. Jacaerys nodded in thanks and then looked to Monterys, "I am pleased with the offer and accept Monterys Valeryon into my service until I deem him worthy of a knighthood," he said, saying the ceremonial words that Ser Gerald had forced him to memorise when he was a child.
The two Valeryon's bowed and then stepped back.
Prince Quentyn Martell stepped forward after and Visenya's face tightened because the young man looked so much like Lewyn Martell, even the Queensguard shifted in their spots. It was like looking at their brother seventeen years in the past. He moved the bottom platform and bowed to her, "Your grace, I am Prince Quentyn Martell and my father has sent me with four hundred ships to return you to Westeros," he said as she beckoned him to rise to his feet.
"You look so much like your great uncle," Visenya said, unable to stop herself. She couldn't forget the last time she saw Lewyn. He and Ser Jonothor Darry had rushed to her side after Rhaegar had fallen at Robert's hand and forced her to flee the battlefield. The last she saw of them; they were being overwhelmed by Baratheon soldiers. She had found out while on her way to Dorne, that both had been slain trying to protect Rhaegar's body. Her heart ached as she thought of them.
Quentyn's brow furrowed, "Uncle Lewyn?" he asked to clarify.
She nodded, "He saved my life during the Battle of the Trident after Robert Baratheon smashed his hammer threw my brothers chest. It's thanks to him that I am alive at all," she said bluntly, making a few people shift uncomfortably. Quentyn's expression softened, "I hope I'm as good of warrior as he was one day," he said, having heard the great deeds of his uncle many times from his father and uncle Oberyn. Visenya smiled, "I have no doubt you will," she said softly, seeing the same bearing in him that Lewyn had once carried. "The Targaryen's and Martell's stand as one." Quentyn bowed before the Queen and the knight wearing the Tyrell sigil took his place.
Visenya looked him over critically before she grinned slightly, "You must be Ser Garlan Tyrell, Olenna's second grandson," she said assumingly. The boys expression showed surprised before he cleared it and bowed before his Queen, "Yes your grace, how did you know?" he asked curiously. He and Loras looked enough alike to be mistaken for each other but as far as he knew, Visenya had never met him or his siblings. Visenya shifted slightly on her chair, "You brother Willas walks with a limp and your brother Loras is said to wear armor that has earned him the nickname, the Knight of Flowers. You have neither, leaving you to be Garlan Tyrell," she said.
A light blush crossed his cheeks and he nodded, "I have arrived with two hundred war ships and one hundred merchant carracks, wine cogs, trading galleys and whalers. My grandmother told me to tell you the Targaryen's and Tyrell's stand together as one," he said repeating her earlier words, to get rid of his embarrassment. Visenya nodded, "Thank you Ser Garlan," she said and the boy stepped aside, joining the others off to the side, watching and waiting for how this meeting would end.
Theon hesitated for a few moments before stepping forward and bowing before the Dragon Queen. Part of this felt wrong. The North had separated itself from the Iron Throne. Robb had been named King. Theon had sworn to him. This felt like a betrayal but the letter he had received, the one saying Robb's life was in peril, made him abandon his father and headed Southeast instead of North like he had promised. He had been struggling with his decision to attack the North after his father declared himself King again, the letter was a blessing, that stopped him from making a big mistake. Asha had refused to let him go alone and she had hoped maybe the Dragon Queen would be able to end the fighting among the Ironborn.
"Theon Greyjoy," Ser Jorah introduced before the boy could get a word out.
Everyone was very aware of Balon Greyjoy's rebellion so many years before. Ser Jorah had made sure to share as much information as possible once he had been accepted into the Targaryen's parties group. He had even told Visenya about trying to earn his pardon. His last report had been the night she had won the fighting against the ten Dothraki soldiers before they left for Vaes Dothrak. Visenya forgave him but he had been watched carefully. After he had saved a pregnant Daenerys from poison, he had been accepted as one of them. Jorah had told them to full story about what happened in Westeros before he fled and that had been good for Visenya.
Theon glared at the knight, who he recognized as Jorah Mormont, a traitor in the North. A man who sold poachers into slavery in order to pay for the things his very expensive wife, Lynesse Hightower, wanted. He had been stripped of his lands and titles by Ned Stark but when Lord Stark had ridden to Bear Island to execute him, Jorah had taken his wife and fled to Essos. Obviously, the Queen had forgiven his crimes, or he wouldn't have been standing there with a White Cloak on his shoulders. Theon bit his tongue, to not snap at the man, and then looked up at the Dragon Queen. Everyone knew her mother was from a minor noble house from the North, but looking at her, Theon couldn't imagen whose. The Valyrian blood of Aerys had won out over whoever her mothers family was, except for her hair.
"Your grace," he said softly.
Visenya stared at the boy, whose eyes were obviously conflicted and felt sympathy rise inside of her. She nodded to the boy, "Why have you come to Essos Theon Greyjoy? If I remember correctly, you bent the knee to Robb Stark, King in the North," she said, making Theon and Asha's hearts pound in their chests. They were nervous about this meeting. Theon looked to his sister and when she nodded, he turned back to the Queen, "I received a raven from the spider in Kings Landing. In it, he said that Robb's life was in danger and that you needed ships to return to Westeros. My sister Asha was with me and there has been fighting on the Iron Islands. We were hoping to ask for aide," he explained.
Those on the upper platform, obviously Prince Jacaerys and Princess Daenerys, shared a look with Visenya filled with unspoken words and then the Queen turned back to him. "What do you offer me in return for my help?" she asked with a raised brow. Theon and Asha had had that conversation on the ship, on their way to Meereen. Asha had pointed out that she had no reason to help them while they were sworn to the North. Theon hadn't thought that through when pledging his sword to Robb. He was the heir to the Iron Islands, what he did, they followed. Theon now had a choice to make, stay true to his friend or bend his knee to the Queen who could save his home.
Asha moved to stand at his side and the siblings shared a look, speaking just like the Targaryen's had moments before. Theon finally relaxed and then lowered himself to his knees before the Queen, Asha following his movements, "I, Theon Greyjoy, heir to Pyke and the Iron Islands, swear myself in fealty to Visenya of House Targaryen, Second of Her Name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady Paramount of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm," he pledged himself to her, Asha dropping to her knees and doing the same thing.
If either sibling would have looked up, they would have seen the victorious gleam in Visenya's violet eyes. This was another House pledged to her cause, rounding the numbers up even higher than before. She knew Balon Greyjoy wouldn't be pleased by his heirs choice but he could either follow his sons lead, or he could be disposed off. Jorah had made it more than clear that Balon and all his brothers, minus The Reader, were all snakes. Balon hadn't cared for his owns sons life when he ordered the rebuilding of the Iron Fleet shortly after Theon had become a hostage to the Stark's.
"Rise," Visenya said.
Theon and Asha rose to their feet and Visenya nodded to them, "Very well. With the collection of all the ships, I aim to returned to Westeros within the next two moons. My first point of business if to retake Dragonstone, the home of my ancestors. But afterward, when I march to take Kings Landing, I will sent aide to end the fighting in the Iron Islands," she said, making everyone cheer, as the tension that had been building in the room, released.
The tension in Theon's shoulders eased and he bowed to the Dragon Queen, "Thank you," he murmured.
Visenya nodded, "I am not my father," her word silenced everyone in the chamber. "I'm going to reclaim my home not only because it is my nephews birthright but because it will be better for the realm. If I thought for one moment that Robert Baratheon or Joffrey Waters would make a good King, I wouldn't be fighting to go back. But I knew during the Battle of the Trident, that Robert would make a horrible King and any child he had would be the same, especially if their mother was Cersei Lannister. I will not raise Westeros to the ground but I will do whatever it take to get it back and end the fighting. For those who had pledged to my cause, for those who had been by my side all this time and to those who have only recently joined me, I thank you and I promise, when I take Kings Landing, you will all be rewarded," she promised, making the Unsullied bang their spears on the ground and everyone cheered in celebration.
Silence fell though when a hooded figure stepped out of the crowd and stood at the bottom of the stairs, in front of Ser Oswell and Daario. He had been standing in the back of the group from Westeros and no one had noticed him as he had not said a word. His cloak was older and worn, a sword hilt sticking out from the side and the sight of him made everyone tense. "Who are you?" Ser Gerald's voice was loud in the sudden silence and all the dragons watched with narrowed eyes, making some of the Great Masters and Westeros shift uncomfortably.
"I'm hurt you don't remember me, your grace," a familiar accented voice said, making Visenya's heart drop to her feet, as the man shifted and pulled his hood back to the shock of many people in the room, "I did save your life after all." He smiled as she stood up form the stone bench in shock, a hand over her heart which had started to pound at the sound of his voice. Ser Oswell and Ser Gerald looked at him stunned, mouths slack but Arthur actually stumbled back at sight of the mans face.
It was almost the same, with more lines and grey through his hair but it was still the man who had been like family to her. Visenya clutched her dress up as she moved down the stairs hurriedly, "By the gods," she whispered as she hit the bottom platform, brushing aside Oswell's hand before she reached him and wrapped her arms around the man tightly, his returning the embrace just as enthusiastically. Jacaerys looked down to Arthur in confusion, who was that man? He wondered. "That is Prince Lewyn Martell," Arthur explained quietly, answering the boys unspoken question, even though everyone heard and swung to face the man just a stunned.
Jacaerys inhaled sharply, "I thought he died at The Battle of the Trident helping her escape," he asked confused because that's what she had always told him.
Lewyn Martell hugged the girl he thought of like a niece tight before releasing her, "How?" Visenya asked, eyes greedily taking in his every feature. Lewyn smiled, even as he did the same, "Jonothor pushed me out of the way of the knife, instead of going threw my chest, it went through the side of my back. Jonothor died making sure no one looked to closely at me and to give you time. At the end of the battle a few Targaryen loyalists found me in the water, they helped me away and I asked them to find Rhaegar. They snuck his body out of the Baratheon camp and took it to Summerhall," he explained watching her carefully.
"Summerhall?" she asked with confusion. Last she remembered, Summerhall had been in the process of being rebuilt when Robert's Rebellion had happened.
Lewyn smirked, "I knew they hadn't told you," he laughed at Oswell, Gerald and Arthur. "Told me what?" she asked looking at Arthur, who signed, "Summerhall was completed just before the Battle of the Trident. Aerys was wanted to wait until Rhaegar had won to announce it," he said softly and tears stung Visenya's eyes. She may have hated Aerys for all the bad he had brought to the Kingdoms but he was still her father. He was the one who taught her to ride a horse before he started going mad. He was the one who named her Princess of Summerhall after she asked for it to be rebuilt, even though Rhaegar had loved that place most.
Lewyn's eyes saddened, "We placed Rhaegar to rest in the crypts. I knew that you had gotten away and would head for Dorne to the Tower of Joy. The surviving loyalist retreated to Summerhall to either wait for you or return home. When word came that Lyanna Stark had been found and the surviving Targaryen's had fled across the Narrow Sea, we decided to wait and gather allies because I knew you would return someday. Ser Barristan managed to smuggle your mothers body out of Kings Landing, she too was placed to rest in the crypts there," he explained what happened.
Visenya shook her head in shock, "Varys never said anything," she wondered aloud. Lewyn grinned, "No one has come anywhere near Summerhall since the end of the rebellion. They don't even know it was rebuilt. Anyone who has come across it are usually killed before they can get away, keeping it a secret. Ser Barristan is aware of course because I needed his help to get Queen Rhaella's body but no one else was," he admitted. "Then a three moons ago, a letter arrived from the spider saying you had collected an army and was ready to cross the Narrow Sea, you were just in need of ships. I collected what I needed and boarded the first ship I could find coming to Essos and persuaded the Captain to come to Meereen."
Tears stung her eyes, "Thank you," she said through a tight throat.
He nodded, "Anything you need your grace, you need only ask," he swore.
"How many men is settled there?" Arthur asked as his Queen was speechless.
Lewyn looked at her before meeting the purple eyes of Arthur, "Twenty-thousand men easily," he said slowly, allowing everyone to realize the loyalist army had never been defeated, it had only retreated.
Everyone's mouth dropped in shock and disbelief.
If Visenya crossed the Narrow Sea and everyone in Westeros broke alliances, she would still have over fifty-thousand soldiers alongside the sixteen dragons to conquer her homeland. Visenya felt a vicious glee uncurl in her gut. There would be no one to stand against them if this was true. She smiled happily before turning to gesture to Jacaerys, who rose to his feet and moved down the stairs to her. When he reached her, she turned to Lewyn, "Uncle," she began affectionately, "This is Jacaerys, Rhaegar's youngest son and heir to the Iron Throne. Jacaerys, this is Prince Lewyn Martell, Knight of the Queensguard and a close friend," she said before stepping back, allowing them to meet.
Lewyn looked the boy in front of him. He looked had the coloring of his Northern mother but the face and the eyes were all Valyrian. When Jacaerys met his eyes, Lewyn almost took a step back in shock. Those were Rhaegar Targaryen's eyes staring back at him from the young boys face. It pained Lewyn to look at him because if his nephew Aegon had survived, he no doubt would have looked so much like his boy in front of him, only with Valyrian coloring and grief engulfed him because Aegon, Rhaenys and Elia were dead.
But Lewyn would never punish a child for its parents mistakes, so he looked to Visenya who nodded his acceptance, "My prince," Lewyn muttered as he bowed. Jacaerys smiled at the man who had been an uncle to his aunt, "It's nice to meet you. Naneth told me you were dead," he said unaware of his slip until he had already said it. It had been years since the word had slipped from his mouth. After Visenya had told him the truth, he had forced himself to treat her as an aunt and not a mother. Given what his birth mother had done, sending Westeros into war, he felt he didn't deserve Visenya's love, even though she had never blamed him.
Visenya herself, looked startled and then a warm smile covered her face, making Jacaerys heart aches as he realized for the first time how much the distance he had put between them hurt her. He silently promised he would do better, especially if they were going to return to Westeros soon. Lewyn looked to her startled, he hadn't heard anyone use naneth other then his great-great-nieces, so it surprised him to hear it from someone else, though it made sense in a way. They had to hide Jacaerys somehow and the son of a bastard Targaryen would do the trick, given that's what many though Visenya was until it became known she was actually Princess Daella.
Daenerys and Roslin finally joined them after Visenya had gestured for them. She gestured to the girl who was standing on Jacaerys left side, which told him something about the girl on the right, and he inhaled sharply at the white hair and purple/blue eyes. It was like looking at a much younger Queen Rhaella, before Aerys had sucked all the life and energy out of her. Lewyn's heart ached as he started at the Valyrian beauty in front of him, "You look so much like your mother Princess," he murmured as he bowed to her.
Daenerys was startled because no one had ever compared her to her mother but now that the lords of Westeros were around, many were mentioning it. Visenya too nodded her agreement watching silently from the side, because it was true. Daenerys looked so much like Rhaella had when Visenya was a little girl, before the miscarriages, stillbirths and abuse had aged her.
Finally, Lewyn tuned to the small burnet who had been standing on Jacaerys's right, the place of a persons most trust advisor, which would be a Lords wife or a Kings Hand. Jacaerys looked to Visenya who nodded her head, allowing him to make the announcement. He offered his hand to Roslin and she took it, "Prince Lewyn, this Lady Roslin Frey, my future wife and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms," he introduced them. Roslin curtsied to him and Lewyn smiled, "It is a pleasure my lady," he said as he kissed her hand. Roslin smiled, "And you, I've heard great things about you from her grace," she said softly, before stepping back to Jacaerys side.
Those of the Queensguard came forward, Ser Gerald and Ser Oswell welcoming their brother back with a warm embrace and Arthur being presented as a Sworn-Sword rather than a guard and Lewyn's congratulations ringing in the air. The two dornish men shared a look with many unspoken words but their embrace was heartfelt.
Visenya clapped her hands together, silencing the chamber and bringing all attention to her, "Welcome home Lewyn," she began and everyone shifted to attention at the tone of her voice, "For the first time in years, Westeros and the Targaryen's will stand as one. In a moons time I want everyone and everything ready for transport. First we will take back Dragonstone where a royal wedding will be held," she gestured to Jacaerys and Roslin, which gained cheers from everyone, "then we will take the rest of Westeros and I will punish the Lannister's with fire and blood. I will not rest until a Targaryen once again sits on the Iron Throne. To Arms," she shouted raising a fist into the air.
"To Arms!" the chamber roared back at the, the dragons roaring as they took to the air, leaving through the window and dancing through the skis above Meereen.
For the first time, those from Westeros could understand how Visenya had survived all the years since leaving their homeland and many cheered for her too, because she was right. The realm had been a mess since Robert Baratheon had become King and many knew Visenya, she had been a good person, a good Princess. When word got out to the minor houses that Visenya Targaryen was actually the Princess Daella, many would flock to her cause. They all knew that with Visenya's determination and cunning, Jacaerys Targaryen would probably be sitting on the throne within the next three years. With everything she had said just now, she would never let it be otherwise. Now it was time to take the Targaryen's home and make their men ready for war, because soon, it would be time to march on Tywin Lannister and everyone knew if she had her way, Tywin would die at Visenya's hand for what happened all those years ago during the Sacking of Kings Landing.
~!~
That night as an impromptu party broke out in the throne room, Arthur, Visenya and the other Queensguard were in her solar writing letters. Arthur's was for his family, hoping his sister would be there when they returned home. Rumors had surfaced about her depression after her child from Brandon Stark was born stillborn and how their elder brother had pulled her from the ledge of one of the towers, where she was going to jump. This was shortly before they had arrived from the Tower of Joy. Ashara had wanted to come with them but Visenya made her stay as their party was already too large, hence why Viserys and Daenerys were separated from Visenya and Jacaerys when they had to go into hiding.
Ser Oswell, Ser Gerald and Ser Jorah did the same, two calling their families to arms and one to let his family know he would be returning to Westeros with the Targaryen party. Visenya's were to all the Houses pledged to her cause. Within the next six moons, Visenya would be stepping foot on Westerosi soil for the first time in almost two decades and she wanted to be ready for anything once they did. There was a war going on in Westeros, an incest bastard King sitting on Jacaerys throne and a realm that was divided. It was time to bring it all back together, even if she was forced to use her dragons to do so.