AN: GRRM's beard haunts this story. And let's keep the ball rolling.

Chapter 7 Daenerys III and Arya I

Daenerys

Dany's hands were splayed on her husband's chest as she rode him. James could touch her, but he really never did, and he kept quiet. Maybe a few times a hand would reach up and grab her breast, or find their way to her hips. He claimed he was just content at watching her, feeling the heat radiating from her body. Dany remembered how James always thought she was sick, when he'd feel how warm she was, and it made her laugh. Dany would smile as his face did the talking, and he'd always cry out her name. It reminded her when she laid with Drogo in front of the Khalasar, underneath the stars. James never asked about the Khal, but he knew about him; Dany figured it stemmed from jealousy or something.

Most men would be raking their fingers up and down her body right now, but James wasn't like most men. It had been about three month's since she was married, and the ruling of the realm had finally began to go smoothly. The small council was all but complete, and King's Landing was all but restored to it's former glory. The thieving and looting was down, and Gold Cloaks were beginning to roam the streets again. Targaryen loyalists were still somewhat happy, but it was only really the Tyrells.

Dany laid down in bed when they'd finished, and she turned to her right as James jumped out of the bed and threw open the window. The sound of seagulls cawing and men at work filled the air; as the crisp breeze of the bay making the room cold. Dany pulled the sheets up as she watched James standing in front of the open window, the sun lighted up the room, the curtains flapped with the wind. In the morning she would always find him staring out the window, after they'd make love; jus thinking. Dany wanted him to stay in bed and cuddle, but he never did, he was a man of rituals. What her husband was thinking about, she didn't know, and she didn't ask him. Dany figured it was just the Wall that had made him that way, or it was just an extension of Ned. It was the blood of the First Men that flowed through his veins, and Dany accepted his stoic nature. Every morning was followed by a meeting of the small council, and Dany hated it. James was always reluctant to go, but he did his duty. Just like Tyrion said he would.

"James, why do you always stand in front of the window?" Dany asked, as he turned to face her.

"Never once you've asked, Dany, why now?"

"I don't know," Dany replied, yawning, "You do it every morning, and I'm curious."

James turned away from her and faced the window. Dany figured he'd never answer,

"It stems from my father," he finally said, his voice full of sadness as if often was when talking about Ned or Robb,

"I once saw him doing this in his room one morning, when I was no more than ten. I asked him what he was doing, and he turned to me and smiled, 'thinking,' he answered, and so I began to do the same. Every morning I'd stand in front of the window and think, or stand above the wall when I was at Castle Black. But I never knew exactly what to think about, and when my father told me, I was confused. It was enigma, 'thinking.' What does a man do when he just stands and thinks, but as the years passed I've figured it out."

"And what do you think about?" Dany asked, hoping he'd answer.

"You," he replied, his back to her, "Mostly about you and the realm; sometimes about my brother and father. It helps me get enough courage to face the day, and the small council."

"Doesn't that make you sad?"

"Sometimes," he replied turning to face her, but immediately he turned to the window again. Dany could tell he was trying to cover his sadness from her.

"Most of the times it does," he finally said solemnly, "But I have to be brave to face the day, and the only time a man can be brave is when he is afraid."

Dany smiled and laid back in bed, she stared at the ceiling and did some thinking of her own. A few moments passed before she decided to call out to him again,

"James," Dany called out to him.

He turned around to her and smiled, a calloused hand rested against his chin.

"Come back into bed, my sweet. I want to talk about thing's."

"What things?" he asked, laying down next to her as she rested her head against his chest. He kissed her. The warmth in her body, making them both warm.

"Oh, I don't know. Tell me how things are within the realm."

James sighed, "Where do I begin? We still have no Hand or Grand Maester. I've written to the Citadel, but they don't respond. All the other positions are filled and are doing their job's well. Gendry is fine as Master of Laws and Tyrion as Master of Coin."

"Jon will come around, in time."

"It's been three month's," James responded, "How much time does he need?"

"I know, I know. Just don't worry."

"The Night's Watch is not as important as it used to be," James said with disdain, it stemmed from Jon, "It's not like when I joined and wildling's were still a threat."

"They still can be," Dany replied, "We don't know when they can attack."

"Oh, the rangers will know. Wildling's are easy to track, especially in large numbers."

"Do you miss the Watch?"

James scoffed, "Some days I do, and some days I don't. It was simple and all I did was wake up every morning and track wildlings. But than I grow sad thinking, if I'd stayed I wouldn't have met you."

Dany kissed him, "Arya tells me that Myrcella has taken a liking to Winterfell," she smiled, "Sansa wrote that Bran seems to like her, although he doesn't show it."

James laughed, "Bran, in love? The boy is too bitter to consider it."

"Sounds a lot like how his brother used to be."

"Not anymore," James replied, kissing her, "Not since I met you, Dany Stormborn."

"Consider it though, Bran and Myrcella. I think that boy is due for some love, in time."

"In time," James echoed, "Bran will not show it, and if he does it'll take awhile. Sansa just likes to gossip that's all. They may not even be talking, Bran and Myrcella."

"Arya, claims it's more than gossip."

"Arya is pregnant!" James exclaimed, "It's done something with her brain."

Daenerys gave a slight chuckle and turned to her side. James knew why she'd done it, he immediately placed his head on her shoulder, nuzzling her hair. It's the only way he could make her happy without saying words. When Dany found out Arya was with child, she was happy for her sister by law. Arya was a great adviser and a good friend, but Dany couldn't help but feel jealousy: for she would never bear children. The notion of an heir was to the upmost importance to the survival of her line, and James didn't give it any thought or ever want to talk about it. The realm didn't know about her being barren, and the only people who knew were Tyrion, Jorah, and the Stark family. She knew they wouldn't say a word.

"I know," he said, kindly, "I know it must be hard to see Arya and Gendry. I'm sorry I don't ever want to talk about it, but it hurts to much."

"What are we going to do, James?" Dany asked, flipping over to face him, "We need heirs and we can't rule without them."

"What can we do?" he replied, "Steal children and pass them as our own?"

"Maybe," Dany considered, "We might just have to."

James scoffed, "I'd rather die, than steal someones child."

Dany kissed him, "Alway's the honorable man, James Stark."

"I try my best."

Dany threw herself out of bed and began to dress, "Let's go, my King. Time for the small council meeting."

James threw his face into the pillow, and screamed. The muffled screams and moans echoed throughout the room. Dany sighed,

"I hate this!" he yelled, "If I have to sit through another one of these small council meeting's I will…"

"It's expected of you," Dany said in a sing-song voice as James got out of bed.

"And what is the agenda for today?"

"I'm not sure, probably about the realm."

"Everyday is about the realm, Dany. I want specifics."

"I don't know!" she yelled, throwing her hands in the air, "Varys will have heard something and he'll talk about it, and you know how it goes."

"Yes, I alway's love waking up to the smell of lavender oil!" James complained, walking over to Dany, helping to fasten her bodice like he did every morning.

"Hopefully, he'll have news of Stannis or Littlefinger," James said, "It's been too long."

Dany began to sweat as he tugged on the laces, and she felt herself getting nauseous. Soon his words began to become inaudible as the nausea got worse, she felt as her stomach was going to explode. Suddenly, she ran over to the chamber pot and bent down as the vomit exploded out of her mouth.

"Dany, is everything alright?" James asked, bending down next to her, pulling back her hair.

"I must've been something I ate!" she exclaimed, "I'll have the cooks flogged in the-"

Dany vomited again as James stood up and fastened his doublet. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and James opened it, it was his squire Edrick. The boy was comely with dusty brown hair and came from House Baratheon.

"Your grace," Dany heard him say, "I have someone out here waiting to speak with you, say's it's urgent."

"Who is it?" James urged, "Tell me, Edrick."

"It's your brother…I mean cousin, Jon Targaryen. Your grace."

"Jon is here? When did he-"

"This morning, your grace. And the new Grand Maester is with him, a man by the name of Samwell Tarly. I robust fellow I must admit, but-"

"Sam!" James exclaimed with joy, "Why yes send them to my solar! Me and the Queen will go meet with them right away."

"As you command, your grace."

James shut the door as he began to jump and down. Dany looked up and smiled at him, before vomiting again.

"Good news?" she asked, as he bent down beside her and pulled her hair back again.

"Extremely! Jon is here!"

"That's great," Dany replied, "And I heard the Citadel appointed a new Grand Maester, Samwell Tarly?"

"Yes," James said, "He was the Maester at Castle Black, and has been for some years. He is a smart lad and has earned many links in his chain, Dany. I know he will serve us well."

"Good," Dany said eagerly, she wiped her mouth with a cloth as she stood up and James sat her down on the bed.

"Are you sure you can attend?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her, "I can tell them you don't feel well."

"No," Dany said, waiving a dismissive hand in the air, "I will attend both the small council meeting and see Jon with you."

"Are you sure?" he asked, as Dany flung herself from the bed.

"Yes!" she yelled, "Now let's go!"

Dany nodded as she finished dressing, and walked out of the door with James. They walked arm-in-arm to the solar, and a servant opened the door. Jon was sitting there with this fat man, who Dany remembered now as Sam, and both were dressed in black. Jon stood up and hugged James, as he shook Sam's hand. Both of them bowed to Dany as they all took a seat, and servant's came out to serve food.

"I'll have bread, if you have it. With bacon and eggs." Sam told the servant.

"Ale and porridge is fine," Jon said.

"I want porridge today, as well. With honey." James said, "Dany, how about you?"

Dany waived a hand, "No, No, I don't think I can eat today."

James nodded and talked to Jon about how ruling was like, and such. Dany smiled to see her husband so happy, right now. Over the past two month's, he had grown frustrated and stressed from sitting on the chair all day, listening to pleas. At night he'd talk to Dany and they'd make love, but than he'd fall right asleep. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him, and offered to hear some pleas, but he insisted he could handle it. The sound of laughter threw Dany out of her thought's as he heard James recounting a story about Winterfell,

"And I remember father getting so mad," he finished, "I believe mother had those servant girls expelled from Winterfell."

"I remember," Jon said laughing, "Father, made sure of it. He said it was for their protection."

They laughed some more before James got serious, it was time to ask. Dany feared this part, both of them were stubborn.

"So Jon," James began, "Have you come here with my answer?"

Jon remained silent as he ate a spoonful of porridge, Dany felt the anxiousness in the room.

"I have," he finally said, drinking ale, "And I've come to realize that, you're right. I accept the position of Hand of the King."

"Great!" James yelled, "Now we have a complete small council. I'm assuming you have all your belonging's here, with you?"

They both nodded,

"And who is on the small council?" the new Grand Maester asked.

Dany decided to answer, "There is myself, James, Jorah Mormont, Tyrion, Mace Tyrell, Gendry, Varys, Arya is an adviser, and now you two."

"Arya as an adviser?" Jon asked, he seemed surprised, "Why?"

"She gives prudent advice and doesn't coat anything."

"Good," Jon said, "And that's it?"

"That's it," James replied, "They do good work, Jon. Hopefully you'll get to know them, we have our daily meeting in an hour."

"An hour!" Jon yelled, "That hardly gives us-"

"-We're here to serve the realm, Jon," Sam reminded, "We have to attend the small council meetings."

Jon scoffed, "Very well than, let's go."

Dany felt nauseous again as she ran over to the nearest chamber pot, and vomited even more. James ran over to her and pulled her hair back.

"She's been vomiting all morning, Sam." he said, "I don't know what is wrong."

"Must've been some food, or it could be an ailment of some kind."

"Dany," James whispered, "You can't attend, you must rest…"

"No, no, no!" Dany yelled, "I'm going to attend, ok. I must be seen as strong!"

She vomited some more, as James just rubbed her back.

"She is the Queen, Sam. And does what she wants."

"I'll give her something, when I get into the Maester's storage. I'll see what Pycelle had in there."

"Good," James replied, as Dany stood up and he wiped her mouth with his sleeve, "Well let's go to the small council meeting, Grand Maester and Hand. Let's see if I don't decide to throw myself off the balcony, today."

-x-

Arya

Arya sat in the small council room next to her husband, Gendry, as both awaited the arrival of the King and Queen. Varys had told all of them that James finally appointed a new Hand of the King, and that the Citadel finally chose a new Grand Maester. Gendry smiled at her as he placed a hand on her newly swollen belly, and Arya smiled back. She was four month's pregnant and happy. Her marriage to Gendry was full of love, and she was happy he was legitimized. True Baratheon or not, to her it did not matter. For she would've married him anyhow,

"I've been thinking of names," Gendry said, smiling.

"Which ones?"

"If it's a boy, I want to call it Robert. And if it's a girl, you can name it."

Arya thought, "If it's a girl we can name it, Daenerys. That's a pretty name."

"You'd name our child after the Queen!" Gendry said with a laugh. Arya hated when he did that,

"It's a beautiful name and could be a good gesture. As if you could think anything better…Robert!" Arya yelled, "As if nobody has ever named their child after one of their parent's before!"

Gendry scoffed, "My father was the King and a conquerer. It will do good to call the boy after him, perhaps it'll make him strong."

"If it's a boy," Arya corrected, "If it's a girl, I choose."

"Well let's hope it's a boy," Gendry said, "I don't want my child named after the Queen."

"Nor, I the King!"

Everything quieted down as, Arya looked down at her stomach, she began to gently stroke it and think about her family. Since she'd been in King's Landing, due to Gendry accepting the position as Master of Laws, she missed her family and Winterfell. It was all she'd ever known. Arya wrote Sansa and her mother all the time, and were excited she was with child. Bran would often write and ask about James: seeing if he liked being King. James as King still made Arya laugh at night, and even though it had been three month's since his coronation it still defied belief. Gendry had not changed since accepting the position, and Arya was grateful. She also enjoyed being made an adviser on the small council, and when Daenerys came to her with the offer, Arya was happy; and it was apprantely James who suggested it.

Daenerys was a fine sister by law, and a great Queen in Arya's eyes. She was a strong woman who went through a lot in life, much like Arya. It was made her admire the Targaryen Queen. By now, both were good friends and spent much of the day talking together, but Arya grew tired with each passing day. Pregnancy took it's toll.

Suddenly the whole small council began to stand, as Gendry helped Arya to her feet. The scuffles of shoes could be out in the hall, and Arya heard a familiar voice: it was Jon. As the King and Queen walked through the door arm-in-arm, Jon and his friend Sam came in behind them. Arya smiled and Jon noticed her, smiling back. She had always loved her brother Jon, her brother and not her cousin. Their relationship did not change with the true knowledge of his parentage, and Arya didn't let it. She still called him brother. All bowed as James took his seat in the small council, and Daenerys took her seat next to him. She waived at Arya, who smiled in kind. Jon came over and gave Arya a hug before taking his seat next to James.

The King, her brother, was in a doublet of grey and never refused to wear anything but Stark colors. Everyone sat down as he ordered wine poured out for all. Servants came out and poured wine, as all the men sat there, waiting. There was Tyrion sitting next to Daenerys, the Master of Coin. Arya thought he'd be Hand of the King, but James had other ideas; and told her that he needed someone he completely trusted. Tyrion accepted the position with ease, because he hated being Hand. There was Mace Tyrell, the Master of Ships, he was a fat powerful looking man with curly brown hair and a brown beard with white spots in it. Varys sat across from Arya, ever smiling in his lavish robes. Jorah Mormont sat next to Tyrion, and he was on the small council because he was the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Jorah was not a handsome man and had a hard face, Arya could tell he hated James. Sam took his seat next to Varys as the small council meeting began. James began to speak in what Arya called his 'King voice,' drinking wine.

"Lord Varys," he began motioning to the eunuch, "What news do you bring us this morning?"

Varys cleared his throat, "My little birds have sung me a song this morning, that the smallfolk grow unsettled about the lack of food."

James shrugged, "No songs about Stannis or Baelish?"

"None, your grace," Varys replied, "I have heard nothing about either, your grace."

"And what news of Aegon?" Dany asked, "Is my beloved nephew still rotting in Dragonstone?"

"As far as I know, yes. However, it's been awhile since I've heard from Stannis."

"But you are the Master of Whisperers!" Dany scoffed, "You are to have knowledge of these things."

"No man can be everywhere at once, my Queen," Varys responded calmly, "If I get word about either, I will let you know."

"Do you not have spys in the Vale or Dragonstone, Lord Varys?" Mace Tyrell asked, tugging on his triangular beard.

"I do. However, they have sung me no songs just yet."

James cleared his throat, "Stannis and Littlefinger both make me restless. I want to know what they are up to. Neither have responded to our ravens, and I do not like it."

"What do you suggest we do?" asked Jon.

James smiled,

"I'm not sure if there is anything we can do, Jon."

"I suggest sending an envoy to both the Eyrie and Dragonstone," Jon replied, "Surely they can not ignore a person."

"I like that, Jon. Sam, see that it is done," James said, he poured himself another cup,

"Gendry!" he yelled as Arya heard her husband clear his throat.

"Yes, your grace?"

"How are the Gold Cloaks?"

"Their numbers have swelled, your grace. The promise of coin and bread have intrigued many, but that leaves the small folk without food."

"That is a problem," Dany said out loud, "I won't have them ignored again. The small folk have been nothing but loyal."

"But we have no food, your grace," Tyrion replied, "The harvest has not come yet, this year. It hasn't rained in awhile-"

"-Well see that you get some, Tyrion," James responded, "Demand grain from the high lords in the south, and pay them what they need."

The small council gasped, "But, your grace we can not ask these things of the high lords. Surely they will not-"

James dismissed a hand in the air, "I can and I will. We must keep the small folk happy, Jorah. They are the backbone of this Kingdom."

"And how do you expect to pay for all of this?"

Arya cleared her throat, "If I may, your grace?"

James nodded, as she continued, "Why not just pay the lords with gold? Surely, it will entice them to hand over some grain. We can promise to pay them back, in time."

Tyrion scoffed, "And am I supposed to find this gold out of air, Lady Stark? The realm has had to pay the debts to the Iron Bank of Braavos for the past three kings! Three Kings! Do you know how much money that is?"

"Yes Lord Tyrion, I do. And I do not appreciate being spoken to like a child," Arya said angrily, "But who said we had to pay them back in a month? or a year? Or three years? James is King and can demand it of them, if he wished."

Tyrion was taken aback, "So we are to basically steal from them, is that what you are suggesting?"

"No, Lord Tyrion I do not but-"

"-Enough!" James yelled, in his King voice, "This does not solve the problem, you two bickering!"

Silence fell the council as Arya looked over and Daenerys was sweating. Her hand was on her head, as James leaned over to her and asked her if she was alright. Dany nodded,

"Just a headache and some backpain ," she said, "I'll need some wine."

James poured her a cup and gave it to her, as she began to drink.

"Where were we?" James asked, rubbing Dany's back.

"The small folk, your grace. Lady Arya here believes that we should steal from the highborns and give to the small folk," Tyrion said, seething.

"We should!" Arya yelled, "It's about time someone gave a damn about them!"

James laughed, "The Lion and the Wolf again at each others throats! I'm sorry, Arya but we can't allow them that many privileges. The smallfolk toil and provide, while the highborn protect them."

"And if we can't protect them, why should they provide for us?" Arya asked, as the small council went quite and gave looks of concern to one another.

"Listen to me, my lords. We can change the landscape of Westeros forever, but only if we try to. Let us feed the small folk, and have the high lords give their share."

Mace Tyrell grunted, "If we give them enough, they will start to believe they are equal to us. Surely, you can see that Lady St-"

Suddenly a crash came about as Arya looked over to the head of the table. James was scrambling over to Dany, who had just fallen out of her chair. Jorah and Tyrion were hovering over her, as James was frantic.

"Dany!" he yelled, as Gendry helped Arya out of her chair and they walked over to them. Dany had fainted onto the ground.

"Sam!" James yelled, as the fat maester waddled over there. He bent down to examine her as Arya watched over. Daenerys was incoherent as she spoke, and sweating so much. Arya bent down and tried to cradle her head, as James looked at her; in despair.

"Take her to the royal chambers. I'll need to examine her," Sam said, as everyone got up to give the queen air.

James nodded and scooped Dany off the ground, as everyone stayed behind.

"Arya, you come with us!" James pleaded, "Tyrion and Jorah, follow."

"Certainly, your grace."

Arya and Gendry followed them out, as they went over to the chamber in Maegor's Holdfast. When they arrive James waited outside the door with Arya and Gendry, wanting to be alone. Arya couldn't help but laugh at how nervous the King was, pacing back and forth in from of the door; you would've thought Dany was on the brink of death,

"She'll be fine," Arya said, trying to calm him down.

"Daenerys wouldn't stopped vomiting this morning," James responded, "She is really sick."

"Could be some sort of sickness, yes." Gendry said, as Arya shot him a look of disbelief.

"Well aren't you smart?" Arya replied, sarcastically.

Gendry shrugged, "I try."

"What do you suppose is taking so long?" James asked, still pacing.

"If you'd stop pacing, maybe it'll make it go by faster!" Arya yelled, "You're making me nauseous, it's as if I'm still early in pregnancy."

"Well that can't be the case!" James yelled, "Dany is barren, last I checked."

"Yes, you like reminding us."

Finally the door opened as Sam stepped out of the room, sweating. His face showed a mixed look of shock and happiness. He closed the door as James ran over to him, placing both of his hands on the man's shoulders. Arya and Gendry huddled closer to listen, both placing a hand on her stomach.

"What is it, Sam?" James asked, frantically, "Is she ok, please tell me everything is alright?"

Sam gave him a puzzled look, calming him with his hands, "Yes, yes, everything is fine. In fact, James I believe congratulations are in order…"