AN: Still don't own anything.

Chapter 11 Tyrion III and James III

Tyrion

Tyrion sat in the small council with the rest of the member's, as day had just began to break. The rising sun peered through the jeweled window's that cast a large shadow over the table, as Tyrion idly drank his wine. Tyrion studied each individual of the small council, awaiting the arrival of the Hand, Jon Snow…or Jon Targaryen. Each day began the same: he'd get up in the morning, wash and cloth himself, and walk down to the small council meeting. Each day the men, especially Gendry and Mace, would hold daily bet's to see if the King would finally attend. Gendry would bet that he would and so did Mace, but Tyrion alway's bet against the King: and won. Today would be no different, in Tyrion's mind, and he knew the King would not attend. He'd just finished breaking his fast with these men, and was awaiting Jon Snow's arrival.

"So I have three stag's down that the King will join us today!" yelled Gendry, as all the men began to laugh: even Varys.

"I'll meet your wager, Gendry!" Mace replied, his stomach bobbing up and down with each laugh, "That the King will not join!"

"Very well then, any other takers?" Gendry said, as he met Tyrion's gaze, "Tyrion, how about you?"

Tyrion waived a hand, "Not today, Gendry. My finger's are too swore from handling all your money…"

Gendry laughed, "Alright then, no one else? Mormont?"

Tyrion looked over at the Lord Commander, and the man said or did nothing; he was probably worried about Daenerys. His affection for the Queen was growing with each day, and his hatred for the King even more so. The other member's of the Kingsguard claim that they could hear Mormont cursing the King's name from his chamber's in the White Tower, and they weren't flattering.

Mormont shook his head, and turned away. Arya Stark punched her husband in the arm, and scolded him with a look. She was alway's so protective of her older brother, and would always cover for him, but Tyrion knew the truth of it. In fact, the King talked to him personally about the situation. That execution will haunt this reign for a generation, and when Eddard Stark would come into his throne, it would even stain his. Just as much as his grandfather's execution had stained Joffrey's.

"When can we expect Jon?" Tyrion asked, but it fell on deaf ears, "When can we expect…our Lord Hand?"

"Soon," Samwell Tarly responded, "Jon is never late, and he won't start today."

"And I hope the King starts ruling today," Jorah mumbled.

"Oh, well Jon will at least. I know His Grace has been inflicted with some sort of ailment." Sam said.

Jorah laughed. "Save it, Tarly! His Grace is inflicted with no ailment, unless you call stubbornness an ailment."

"Do you not place trust in your King, Ser Jorah?" Arya Stark asked him, defending her brother no doubt. "Do you not trust the man who made you the Lord Commander of his Kingsguard?"

"I trust the woman who made me the Lord Commander of her Queensguard," Jorah bluntly replied.

Nobody responded, but Tyrion rolled his eyes. Since the execution, Jorah, had begun to hide his hatred for James Stark not as exceptionally well as he used to. It had gotten on his nerves, and Jorah always got on his nerves.

"Why doesn't James listen to Daenerys?" Sam asked, "I heard she was married to a Dothraki Khal, and she had great influence over him. Unheard of within the Dothraki for women to have such influnece."

"You obviously don't know, Her Grace, to well." Jorah answered.

Sam sighed. "Well not well enough, I suppose. But you'd think that her beauty would make James do anything, as it does most men."

Jorah grunted and sighed before speaking, raising a hand to scratch his face, "The thing you need to understand about Daenerys-Her Grace-is that while she is undoubtedly a great beauty, that is by far not her most attractive quality. She is tough, stubborn, a very quick learner-she learned Dothraki practically faster than I could teach her-and she is determined. And I believe Khal Dhrogo valued those qualities in her. But most importantly, she cares about people, hates injustice and is willing to stand up for the things she believes in." His voice dropped, as he added, more to himself than for the benefit of the maester, "She has a gentle heart."

Tyrion laughed. "As she so proved to us by having an innocent red-haired whore who the King had past affections for, murdered on our doorstep."

Jorah gave him a stern look, but than dropped his gaze elsewhere. Tyrion rolled his eyes at him, and saw Arya Stark lean forward in her chair.

"And the thing you need to understand about my brother," She began, "is that he is the most stubborn man in the Seven Kingdoms. He does not forgive slights easily and never liked admitting he was wrong. But he does have a gentle heart and is capable of love, and is not so easily swayed by the beauty of a woman as he was once used to. James will forgive her. Both he and Daenerys are so much alike in many ways. Fire and Ice, Jon says. Two sides of the spectrum always going at it."

"You out of all people here would know His Grace best, I suppose," said Jorah. "But that still does not excuse his actions."

Hearing enough of Ser Jorah's jealousy, Tyrion, laughed loudly before speaking, "I'm sorry, my council members, but Ser Jorah's a bit biased towards the Queen," he looked over to Jorah and gave a sardonic smile, "and one can only wonder...why."

"Careful, Tyrion."

Tyrion only stared at him further, both men locking eyes, before he heard Samwell clear his throat. "I hear the King is supposed to arrive today."

Tyrion laughed, turning his attention to him. "Well let's hope so, Grand Maester."

"Do not worry, Lord Lannister," Arya said. "My brother was always punctual, even as children, and he won't be late."

"Your cousin, you mean." Tyrion replied, flashing a smile and pointing at her with his cup. She shot him a look of anger and disdain, but that just made Tyrion smile even more.

"I also heard the King may arrive today," Varys said, his bald head staring back at Tyrion. "My little bird told me he saw the King up early."

"What of it?" asked Jorah, "He could have gotten up for a piss for all we know. No, no, our King won't be attending today."

"I wouldn't say that Lord Commander, turn around." Arya insisted as she stood up from her seat.

Tyrion turned around and saw the man himself; it was like seeing a ghost. There James Stark was in his grey doublet, walking with Jon Snow, and for once he looked content. Not that solemn man, Tyrion got to know. Gendry began to cheer, as Mace Tyrell slapped some coins in the palm of his hand with disdain.

"Your grace," everyone said one-by-one with their head's bowed.

All had a smile on their face, as the King sat down in his sit with Jon to his right and the chair for the Queen to his left: empty. It came to no surprise. Everyone took their seat as the small council meeting began to commence.

"I hope you can excuse my noted absence," James began, humbly.

"We are here to serve at your liege, your grace. We all humbly serve you," Varys said, bowing and smiling with that shit-eating grin.

"Thank you, Lord Varys. I do say that I missed my daily small council meetings," James replied, laughing as everyone else joined in for one, even Tyrion. Arya was happy as can be with her husband, who was just five stags richer.

"But enough of this," he finished, "What has happened in my absence? Mace?"

Mace cleared his throat, "Where do I begin, your grace?"

"Begin with the smallfolk!" Jorah interjected, sarcastically.

"Yes, the smallfolk are still starving, your grace. Some high lord's have sent in their share of grain, but most haven't; including the Martell's."

"Ahh yes, the Martell's," James said, "I hear those Dornish are unhappy with me still wearing this crown, but I know the Dayne's have bent the knee. Tell the Martell's that as long as I draw breath: I will be the King. They will obey like everyone else, and they aren't exempt."

"It's not only the Martell's, your grace. Other high lords are angry, such as Stannis and Baelish. We still have heard no word from them."

"Do not worry, Mace. I will see to both of them, soon."

"What do you mean?" Jorah asked.

James turned to him, "I plan on personally going to see them, both. I will let Baelish keep the Vale, but Stannis will give up Dragonstone. I plan on giving it to Jon, over here."

The small council gasped, as Tyrion looked over to Jon, smiling. The Hand just gave him an icy stare, as Tyrion mused at the boy embracing his Targaryen heritage.

"Dragonstone?" Jorah said, in shock, "The Baratheon's, Stannis especially, held it for awhile until…" Jorah gave a look at Mace, "Until Ser Loras took it. Do you see how this slight will be unforgivable, your grace? Stannis never forget's a slight, and I'm sorry but giving Gendry Storm's End and legitimizing him was the first one. Stannis will not like this, not at all."

Arya was about to speak up, when Gendry held her back, James shot her a look, Tyrion laughed at the ferocity of the Stark women.

"And what does Stannis presume to do about this, Ser Jorah? Will he wage war with me? Will he refuse to send me volcanic ash? No, I think not. Stannis Baratheon may have been born with a stick up his ass, but he is a dutiful man; and will obey my command, as King. He is lucky that all I'am taking away is Dragonstone, and not anything else. Plus, having a Targaryen on the ancient seat might keep the Martell's and other loyalists at least somewhat happy."

Jorah grunted as James looked around, "Is there anything else?"

Gendry spoke up, "Your grace, the Gold Cloaks inform me that their has been an influx of peasant's in the capital."

"They speak of war, your grace," Varys said, "Say that they feel it, like they do the winter."

Sam scoffed, "Smallfolk are so superstitious. Where is this war they speak of?"

"I'm not sure," Tyrion replied, "But I feel it too. Certainly, we can't house all these peasant's, your grace."

The small folk had been coming into the city for the past few weeks. Tyrion hadn't seen King's Landing get this full since before the battle of Blackwater Bay. And that was bad.

"No we can't," Jon said, "I say we close off the city, for now. We can't let it get out of control."

"No, we can't." James agreed, "Yes, yes, seal all the gate's except the Mud Gate. We need to leave the rush open for trade, and trade only. No refugees."

"-But, your grace," Arya Stark spoke up, "We need to protect the peasant's. We can't simply, shut them out, as if they are cattle."

"We can and we will," Tyrion replied, "I was here when the city was near capacity because of the War of the Five King's, and half the city starved to death. No, Lady Arya, we can't let anymore in. We'd be doing more harm than good."

"Would we?" Arya retorted, the Stark girl alway's enjoyed butting head's with Tyrion, "The high lord's won't feed them, and the crown won't either. So either way we aren't protecting them and-"

"-And you would have them die in the city? Let disease fester due to the rotting corpses, that will only lead to more death-"

"Again, Lord Tyrion. Do not presume to talk to me like a child!"

"Enough!" James yelled, everyone jumped up in their seats, Tyrion nearly shat himself, "Do you two alway's bicker like this? Arya, I'm sorry, but Tyrion is right. We can't protect them all. Seal all except the Mud Gate and-"

Suddenly everyone looked to the entrance of the small council room, as the King's squire, Edric ran through the room and stumbled on to the floor. Tyrion laughed out loud as James ran over, and picked the boy up.

"Your grace," he began, huffing and puffing as the King handed him a cup of wine, the boy grabbed it and gulped it down.

"Edric, calm down," James said, hovering over the boy, "What's happened?"

"An envoy came…." Edric began, heavily breathing, "From Stannis…"

"Stannis?" everyone said at once, in shock, all began to talk as James hushed them with a waive of his hand.

"And what did the envoy say?"

"The messenger said….the messenger-"

"Out with it!" James yelled, as Edric regained his composure.

"The messenger said that Aegon Targaryen has escaped, your grace. He has gone in the dark and his cell was found empty in the morning. Stannis has no clue as to how he escaped, it was as if it was done by magic."

"Aegon? Escaped? How did this…"

The small council began to argue, as James dismissed Edric. Tyrion poured himself a cup of wine and passed the flagon along, as all the men began to drink. The men looked like chicken's with their head's cut off, as they argued about what course of action to take. None was so adamant as, Jorah Mormont.

"We must do something, your grace!" he yelled, the devils brands lifting up on his cheek, as if the faces were smiling, "We can't sit idly by as Aegon is given time to do, gods know what!"

"I concur!" Mace yelled in agreement, "We must do something, some course of action!"

"And what would you have his grace do, Mace?" Arya questioned, her voice stern, "Declare war on a ghost? Aegon Targaryen has no army, and no-"

"-He does, my lady!" Jorah replied, "The loyalist's will go to his side, quick as spit. The Martell's will be happy to embrace him as the King, and so would many other's who were loyal to his grandfather, the Mad King." Jorah turned to James, "We must do something, your grace! We can't just do nothing!"

"And what would you have me do?" James yelled, his fists in a coil, "Would you have me raise an army and scurry across the riverlands, as if I was looking for my lost dog? No, Ser Jorah there is nothing we can do! Aegon Targaryen could be half a world's away in Pentos for all we know. No, I can't do anything."

James motioned to Varys, "Lord Varys, I want you to find out what you can about the where a bouts of Aegon. Have every 'little bird,' in your service searching high and low for him."

"Do nothing!" Jorah spat, "That is your brilliant plan, to do nothing? To have children look for him? Are you as big a fool as you let on?"

"Do you forget who you are talking to?!" Arya yelled, as Tyrion laughed to himself, "This is the King you are speaking to!"

"And what a great King he is, Lady Stark. A King who would sit idly by as his enemies gather before him, and a King who can't even speak to his wife!"

"-I have heard enough out of you, Mormont!" James yelled, in a booming voice, "I'am the King and you are the Lord Commander of my Kingsguard. You will obey my every command! You will not question me again!"

Jorah stood out of his seat in defiance, as the small council watched on, "You are no King of mine!" he retorted, "You do not know how to lead or serve, or even love your wife! You cower behind your wine, and let other men do you work for you!"

James sat up from his seat, towering before Mormont, "I want you out of this small council immediately, Jorah!" he yelled at the top of his lung's, pointing a finger toward's the two golden sphinxes.

"I will not have your affections for my wife, yes Daenerys is my wife and not yours, get in the way of your judgment. What grievances you have against me, should be put aside, but you are the fool. I should have listened to Tyrion and had you dismissed from my service; he warned me that this day would come. If were it not for the high regards in which Daenerys holds you, you'd be at Bear Island right now, or perhaps the Wall. Maybe they could use another Mormont to serve; gods know how much I respected your father, but you are pale comparison of the man. But I have had enough...you defy me in front of my peers, and I want you gone! Do you understand? And do not think to go to Daenerys with this; for she will not side with you, or protect you. At the end of the day it's me she has two children with, me who she loves, and me who did not sell her out for a royal pardon, that was you! Now, GET OUT!"

Tyrion began to laugh out loud, as Jorah stood before the small council. Eyeing everyone for their reaction, Tyrion looked around as the shock was plain on their faces. Arya was clutching her husband's hand, as her face was red. Varys fiddled with his fingers, and Mace stroked his beard, as did Sam. Jon buried his face in a cup of wine, as Tyrion laughed. Jorah stood in front of the King and ripped off his white cloak, throwing it on the floor before walking out of the room, the scuffles of his boots disappearing with each angry step. Tyrion continued to laugh, as James shot him an angry look, his face red and mouth angry. It shut Tyrion up.

The King took a seat, and poured himself a cup as he waived his hand, "We are done for today, my small council. I hope you enjoyed today's festivities. There is nothing we can do about Aegon, for now. I will write to the Lord's and tell them to look for him. So please, leave. NOW!" he yelled, as everyone began to scurry out of their seats. As if they were rat's being chased away by an alley cat.

Tyrion jumped out of his chair and was about to leave with Jon, as James stopped them with his arm, "No you two, stay." he commanded as he looked to his sister and motioned her to sit down. She gave him a curt nod and took a seat as she kissed Gendry, before he took his leave.

"What is it, your grace?" Arya asked, as James scoffed at her.

"Even now you'd still call me that, Arya?"

"Fine…James."

He nodded at her as Jon leaned in closer, as did Tyrion, "We have to do something about Aegon, James. Even though Jorah made an ass of himself, he did have a point; we can't just sit idly by as he muster's the loyalists and causes another War of the Usurper."

"Jon is right." Tyrion agreed, "We can't just not do anything."

James continued drinking as he pointed to Arya, "You have nothing to say, sweet sister? You have a big mouth when it comes to arguing with Tyrion over here…"

Arya flashed him an angry look and cleared her throat, "Yes, I'am inclined to agree with both Jon and Tyrion. We must do something."

"And what shall I do, my lords and my lady?" James replied, his face red from wine and he seemed drunk, "I can't seem to rule properly, I can't hold my small council together, I can't even reconcile with my loving wife. And now Aegon has escaped. What am I to do?"

Everyone stayed silent as he grew annoyed, "You are my most trusted advisers, I'd trust you with the world, and now you are silent?" he rolled his eyes, "Speak!"

This time Jon spoke up, "I'd say you can send raven's to all those loyal to you. Send a raven to Bran, have Gendry send a raven to Storm's End, send one to our uncle Edmure, and finally have Mace send a raven to Highgarden. Only tell the one's we can trust, and tell them of the situation. Tell them to prepare their banner men for an eventual war; unless we find Aegon first."

"And how are we to find Aegon first?" James said, "We need to avoid an unnecessary war. Westeros has had enough of them, and that blasted chair. I should just have that thing melted down, and have Westeros become Seven Kingdom's again, but that'd be folly."

"Put a price on his head," Arya suggested, the notion mused Tyrion, but perhaps it was best to not let the word out just yet.

"I would advise against that, Lady Stark." Tyrion replied, an eventual fight with Arya loomed on the horizon, "We can not let word slip that Aegon has escaped, and it would not be wise. The word would spread to the loyalists and-"

"-That's if Aegon himself hasn't sent word already," Jon interjected, "Aegon is no fool. I know him and he has no doubt gone underground, but he won't be in Essos, and he has no doubt sent word to the loyalists by now, or will soon. No he is in Westeros, but where is the question. He must be with someone he knows and trusts, but who could that be?"

"I'm not sure, Jon. This is all confusing, but I must concur with you about our course of action. We must send a raven to the Lord's of the major houses we can trust; such as the Stark's and Tully's. We can not take Lady Arya's course of action."

"Yes, I agree," James said, drinking more wine, it seemed it did not cloud his judgement. "We can't let word out, just yet. Jon, go tell Sam to prepare the raven's, and i'll personally write out the letter's. But for now, we're done here."

"James…" Arya said in a calm voice, she leaned closer to him and placed her hand on his, as he retracted. Perhaps the action reminded him of Daenerys, "James, you must tell Dany this. She deserves to know."

The King met her gaze, and resumed drinking; he didn't say a word, Arya reached out to him again,

"I know that if I were Sansa, or mother you'd listen, but I speak the truth and you know it. I wish we had the same relationship you do with Sansa, but we don't. I'am your sister and Jon is your brother, he agrees with me, and we can't stand to see you like this. You're constantly angry and aggressive, and you drink too much. Reconcile with Dany, it's about time. Listen to me, James. Please, listen and reconcile with her. For your children and for the love I know you bear for her. Go to her and tell her. It's what father would have wanted…"

"Listen to Arya, James," Jon insisted, he placed a hand on the King's shoulder, "She is right, and speaks the truth. Go to her."

James turned to Jon, "I can't. Not yet. I can't forgive her just yet, I know it's been a while, but I can't do it. She does deserve to know about Aegon, and Tyrion will go tell her, won't you Tyrion?"

"If that is what his grace commands…"

"Good. Now we are done here, for now. Jon go tell Sam and Arya go to Gendry. Winter is Coming…"

Arya and Jon shared a look, as both got up from their chairs and left the small council. Tyrion jumped out of his chair and waddled out of the room, as he made his way to his chambers for some much needed rest. He plopped into his bed and shut his eyes as sleep took him, and he woke up a couple of hours later; his eyes groggy from sleep. As he rubbed them open, he threw on his clothes, and decided to make his way to Maegor's Holdfast. He knew that at this time the Queen would be in her solar with the royal children, and possibly with Arya Stark. Tyrion was not looking forward to this exchange, and the Queen had grown more maltempered with each passing the day. It stemmed from James. The King's northern sense of pride prevented him from ruling properly, and from reconciling with his wife; it perplexed Tyrion, for he would count his blessing's if he had a wife like Daenerys Targaryen. It was then that he would agree with Jorah Mormont on one thing: James took her for granted.

Tyrion arrived at the solar and paced in front of the door, as he mentally prepared himself to spill the news of Aegons escape. He knew this would happen and it was just a matter of time. Petyr Baelish has finally come out to play, he thought as he knocked on the door. The sounds of playing and laughter echoing from the other side as he heard Daenerys coming towards the door. Goodbye head, I've enjoyed your company all these year's.

Finally the Queen opened the door, and her eyes grew wide as she noticed it was Tyrion, and not her husband.

"Tyrion," she said shocked, "I did not expect to see you here."

"I did not expect to be here, your grace. But I need to speak with you about certain matter's."

"Certainly," Dany said, opening the door as he walked in and noticed the children playing.

Arya sat in a chair and watched her kids play with their cousin's, as Tyrion took a seat next to her. Dany took a seat across from him, and watched her kid's with intent. Tyrion studied her and noticed how sad she was, and he had been able to read her face, just as good as he was able to read Cersei's.

She turned to him, "And what did you wish to speak to me about, Tyrion?"

Tyrion looked at the children, "Best said in private, your grace. I don't think the children should be here for this…"

Dany gave a curt nod and ordered the kid's removed, as Tyrion sat there with the two women; drinking his wine.

"Tell me," Dany insisted, "What news do you have? Is it about James?"

"No, no, not about your husband. James is alright, your grace. I'm afraid that it concern's your nephew, Aegon. He has escaped, Dany."

Her eye's grew wide, and her mouth slightly opened, as she flung herself from the chair. The famous Targaryen temper had come out, just like that Stark temper Tyrion had just seen earlier.

"How did this happen?!" she yelled, throwing her arms in contempt, "How did Aegon escape?"

"We don't know," Arya replied, "James ordered that no word of this be spread, and he ordered Varys to find out what he can. He also is going to send word to all the houses he can trust, and tell them about the scenario. Telling them to raise their banners in case Aegon chooses to attack." Arya paused, "And it only got worse from there."

"That is good." Dany agreed, "That is what we should do, for now. And what do you mean it got worse?" Dany asked, as Tyrion shared a nervous glance with Arya, where usually they'd be staring at each other angrily.

"Well…" Arya began, nervously, she folded her hand's, "I'm afraid the King got into a little bit of an argument with Ser Jorah about the how best to handle this, and..."

Dany sunk into her chair, and buried her face into her hand's, shaking her head. "Oh my sweet bear what have you done? I knew that man's affection for me would get in the way. How did James take it?"

"How do you think he took it?" Tyrion quipped, "James belittled the man in front of the whole small council, and threw him out. It was quite funny to be honest. He told Jorah thing's I've been wanting to say for years! For years!"

"What exactly did he say, Tyrion?"

Arya cleared her throat, "He mentioned Jorah's obvious affection's for you, and drove home the fact about how you will never love him; and how you love James. Than as if it couldn't get any worse; James mentioned how Jorah betrayed you for a royal pardon. That's when Jorah threw down his white cloak in contempt, and stormed off."

Dany sat there, as she began to laugh, "Oh James…" she said laughing, "Oh, my sweet…" than she buried her face into her hands as she began to cry. Arya ran over to her and embraced her, but it didn't help. The Queen only cried harder, and it was then Tyrion realized why Jorah hated him so much. He found he was hating James Stark a little bit too.

"I miss him so much, Arya. We don't sleep in the same bed, and he won't see the kids with me. I regret what I did that day; decapitating that women, and making him do it. I've told him that many times, but he still won't forgive me. I miss his warmth in bed with me, I miss his face in my hair, and I miss him inside me. I miss him, Arya."

Tyrion almost spit out his wine, as he pretended not to notice Daenerys's growing insanity, or hear that last comment about the King being inside her. He remembered when she flew into his room, when they were at the Wall, and complained about wanting to court him. She wanted a King and she got one, and Tyrion wondered if she regretted it.

"I hate him!" Dany yelled, her madness growing, "I can't stand him! To love a man who won't love me back! How long does he seek to punish me, Arya? How long?"

"Hush now, you don't hate him. You know that, and James will come around," Arya replied, trying her best to calm down the Queen, "He tells me he still loves you and the kids. Don't worry Dany, he can't punish you forever. If only Sansa were here….she'd coax him out of this."

"Sansa…" Dany said under her breath, whimpering, "I do miss that women. James always listens to her. If it weren't for her, we might not even be married."

"Maybe she can come visit," Arya suggested, "Jon can take Rhaegal and go get her, would you like that?"

"Yes," Dany said, "Yes, I would. If that's what it takes to get James out of this. Send a raven to her, and tell her Jon is coming. Sansa won't come if we catch her off guard."

Tyrion sat there, as Arya left the room to go get Jon. He didn't know what to do or say, as that girl he met so long ago appeared before him.

"Dany," he finally said as she looked at him, "James loves you."

She shook her head, and sighed as Tyrion clenched her hand, "He will remember it before the end."

Dany smiled. "Of course, he will."

She got up and looked around, grabbing her daughter in her arms from one of the handmaidens.

"Where are you going?" Tyrion asked her.

"I have to see my husband," she replied, stroking out her hair with her free hand.

Tyrion groaned. "I wouldn't advise that, Daenerys."

Dany turned back to him, her own image perched upon her right arm. "Do not tell me what to do, Tyrion."

"I'm not telling you what to do," said Tyrion. "Simply, advising you not to see him."

"I must break words with him."

"About what?"

"A few things."

"Such as?"

"Aegon, for starters, and what he did to Jorah."

Tyrion sighed. "Don't question his actions, Daenerys. That never ends well."

She looked him down. "James...does not control me. I may show weakness one-second, but I am the blood of the dragon. He should be afraid of me."

Daenerys turned upon heel and stormed out the solar. Tyrion looked over and saw Arya Stark sitting there with her two children and nephew, who was left behind.

"That should end well." She said, giving her daughter a toy.

"Oh, it shall be," said Tyrion, gulping wine. "...interesting."

-x-

James

The footsteps grew closer and with each passing second the furiosity echoed off the council chamber. James was there alone, of course, and wanted to be. This mornings small council meeting had caused an insurmountable amount of stress upon him, and he just wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Ser Jorah's outburst had left a bad taste in his mouth, like ashes and smoke. He had said some things that James had told himself, in times of loneliness, and they stung like a bee sting or a nip from a dog. The footsteps were growing closer right now, so close that they were almost outside the small council room and James knew it had to be one person: Daenerys. Only she can make the simple task of walking so dramatic.

He heard the laughter of a child, and it was a sweet yelp that he knew came from his daughter. She brought Rhaella with her, I see. That's smart, Dany. That way I can't deny your presence. James felt a smile tug at his face, as he finally saw mother and daughter walk through the golden sphinxes. Daenerys, looked at him, dressed in a blue pentoshi dress with her silver hair shook out. Damn her beauty, damn it! Damn, damn, damn, damn! She is beautiful, I don't know if I can resist her advances, when they come. Her deep, serene, violet eyes peered into his and James felt himself growing weak, his arms felt like that had no bones and he felt a swell in his heart. James kept his gaze upon her, as he noticed his daughter run into his arms; he held her, and placed her head upon his shoulder, but his eyes were still locked with Daenerys. Finally, a smile began to tug at his face while staring at her. A smile that gave too much, but at the same time so little. Dany noticed the smile and gave one back to him, standing before him.

"Hello," she mouthed to him.

"Hello." James mouthed back.

Dany took her index finger and pointed it at her forehead, her chest, and then pointed it at him all while mouthing, "I love you."

"I love you too." James mouthed right back. You're supposed to be mad at her, remember! This woman made you murder, Ros.

Daenerys smiled and took a seat next to him, taking his chalice in her hand and drinking out of it. She handed him the cup and he drank out of it as well, perching his daughter upon his knee.

"We need to talk," she said.

James sighed. "About what?"

"Tyrion told me what happened earlier," said Dany, "between you and Ser Jorah. He also told me about Aegon's escape."

"Don't remind me about Aegon," James said, feeling his hair being tugged at by his daughter.

"How did that happen?"

James shrugged. "The Others took him, maybe."

"I don't think they're ever coming back," Dany answered, laughing. "How did he escape?"

"Grumpkins and snarks," said James. "A puff of smoke," he moved Rhaella onto his other knee, "or maybe somebody released him. Perhaps, one of his allies."

"Yes, but who?"

"Somebody in Westeros, no doubt. Stannis?"

"Not, Stannis." Dany said, dismissing the notion with her hand. "Perhaps, Baelish?"

James sat back in his chair, thinking. Perhaps Petyr Baelish did have a hand in helping him escape. The man not only had the man power to pull off such a trick, but he also had the coin and all the Vale behind him.

"But there is no proof, Daenerys."

She shrugged. "It's what makes the most sense. Who would support my nephew, but at the same time be able to pull that off? Petyr Baelish."

"Maybe," James admitted, "but we don't know for sure. I'll have our Master of Whispers look into it."

Daenerys nodded in agreement and took a drink out of his chalice, all while eyeing James with a hungry gaze and a what could be perceived as a lackadaisical but seductive smile.

James cocked his head at her. "Is there something wrong?"

She folded her hands in her lap, all while looking at him. Her gaze was cold, unnerving even and James felt uncomfortable in it. It was as if Daenerys was studying him, or trying to convey something without saying words. Jorah, James realized.

"Just say it, Dany." James finally said.

"You shouldn't have yelled at Jorah that way," She urged with calm and poise.

"And why not?" James shot back.

"Because he is a good friend of mine and doesn't deserve that kind of treatment."

James scoffed. "Are you mad? The man insulted me in front of my peers!"

"Are you mad?" Daenerys retorted. "What is wrong with you?"

"I want him gone!" James shouted. "I want him sent back to Bear Island! I want him sent to the Wall! Perhaps they could use another Mormont in their service."

Now Daenerys got angry. "NO! Ser Jorah is a good friend of mine and he will stay!"

"Can you see it?" James asked. "The man is in love with you! And that has gotten in the way of his service."

Dany kept quiet, keeping her gaze on her lap or pretending to be distracted by something else.

"You knew it, didn't you? You have always known about Jorah's obvious affections for you!"

"Of course I have always known," Dany spoke quietly. "And perhaps I have somewhat encouraged it over the years."

"Encouraged it?" James asked in dismay. "Daenerys you are my wife!"

"A fact that you have forgotten!" Dany bellowed, startling not only James but Rhaella. The little girl began to whimper as her mother yelled, James made sure to cover her ears as she did, "When was the last time you slept in our bed? The last time you have kissed me, hugged me, spoken to me, fucked me? When, James, when?"

"When you made me kill Ros!" James shouted.

Dany shook her head. "That isn't fair, James. That isn't fair."

"That's right! That wasn't fair!"

Daenerys stood from her seat, looming over him. "You will not send Ser Jorah away! Is that understood?"

"Why?" James asked. "Do you love him, Dany? Do you wish to take him as a paramour? To whore yourself out to him as I apparently did to Ros. Perhaps I should have him executed in front of the Red Keep."

Dany stared at him angrily before slapping him across the face so suddenly. "You will never call me that again!"

James looked back at her, the sting of her slap still upon his face. Suddenly, crying could be heard as he looked down and saw his daughter crying. She should not have seen that. Rhaella should not have seen that.

"You will never hit me again." James seethed. "And you will never do that in front of our daughter again."

"Or what? Will you hit me? Will you besmirch the name of Stark by hitting me across the face."

James shook his head. "I could never hurt you, you know that. If only the same could be said of you."

Daenerys moved her face an inch from his; James backed off thinking she was coming in for a kiss, but she wasn't. All Daenerys did was stare at him with her angry violet eyes.

"You see my eyes now, James?" She asked. "Do you see them?"

James nodded.

"I have no more tears left for you. I have nothing left to give anymore, nothing but anger and contempt. I hate you."

Daenerys looked at him once more in the eyes before turning heel and leaving. James watched as she left the small council room, the footsteps echoing behind her. James sighed, running his free hand through his hair before turning back to his daughter. The spitting of image of her mother, with the silver Targaryen hair and the deep lilac eyes that her uncle Rhaegar was famous for.

"I'm sorry," James told her, but she was too young to understand. "Me and your mother are going through a tough time right now, Rhaella. I promise that everything will be as it once was one day, and that I will make it up to you somehow."

She stared at him blankly, her eyes were red from the crying that she was doing before after seeing Dany slap him.

"It is all my fault," James admitted to his daughter, taking her into his embrace with her head resting on his shoulder. "I pushed her to this, and now this is all that is left."

A couple of hours past as James sat in the small council room, with Rhaella on his lap, and two of his Kingsguard behind him, as he wrote out letter's to all the houses about Aegon's escape. He had written a letter to the Baratheons, and Tully's, but now he was writing to Bran. James figured Bran had already known about this, and maybe already knew about his situation with Dany. There were many times he wanted to go, and forgive her; that beauty would strike his anger away for a second, but than he remembered his dream and it all come back to him. There were many times where she'd come see him, usually using the kid's as an excuse to be with him, but he'd always refuse her advances.

The last time before today that she tried was in his solar with Jon, and it got bad then. She cried and threw herself on him, lashing out and yelling at him. Cursing him and damning him in sight of all the Gods, and he felt bad for her. James didn't know if he meant to be as cruel as he came off, but that eluded him. He kissed his daughters head to stop thinking about Dany, as he wrote out the final letter to Bran. The little girl was sucking her thumb, and playing with his hair, as he put his seal on the letter.

"Crown!" she yelled, as she reached for his crown and he took it off and placed it on her head. The crown slumped over her head, and sank to her neck as she laughed, and he kissed her on the cheek. If Daenerys couldn't give him the happiness he was looking for, certainly his kids could, and he had neglected them for to long, and was making that right. He'd usually spend time with them in the afternoon, and Rhaella was here to be with him just before her nap. James began to make small braids with her silver hair, as he thought about how much his daughter reminded him of Sansa. Rhaella enjoyed playing with her dolls, and pretended that it was a Queen; much like Sansa did at that age. Eddard was a Stark through and through; he may be only two, but the boy already reminded him a lot of Jon and Robb. Suddenly, she fell asleep in his arms as he handed her off to one of Dany's handmaiden's and he slumped in his chair.

James sat in his chair, drinking wine, as he heard a knock on the small council door.

"Come in." he said, expecting perhaps Gendry for their afternoon talk.

Yes, James was close to his brother by law, and they'd spend time talking about the past over a cup of wine. But Gendry was too busy for James now a days, and Arya had him on a short leash.

However, instead of hearing the booming voice of Gendry Baratheon, it was female. A soothing female voice, that was different, and he'd never heard before. He expected it to be Daenerys, but it was Margaery Tyrell standing in the doorway.

"My King," she said, "I hope you don't mind this intrusion, but I wanted to have word's."

James looked at her up and down. Margaery was thrice married, twice a widow, and once divorced from Tommen. Or were they still technically married? James did not know. Margaery stood there smiling, as she wore a green dress that revealed too much, and her brown curls were down to her shoulders. James knew this was the women responsible for Ros's death, and it was she who sent her towards James.

"Why, Lady Tyrell. This is a surprise." James said, courteously, "Yes, we can have words. Here take a seat."

Margaery nodded and gracefully walked over to a chair, and turned it sideways to face him. She sat down and bent over, folding her hands together. James tried to guess her next move, but she was good at hiding her intentions.

"Wine?" James asked, offering her a cup, which she took and drank.

"Thank you, your grace. But I'am here to offer goodbyes and condolences."

"Where are you going, Lady Tyrell?"

"Call me, Margaery."

"Fine. Where are you going Margaery?"

"Back to Highgarden," she replied, "My father think's that it would be safer for me to go back. He say's that it is going to be unsafe to be here anymore; with Aegon escaping and all that."

"Yes, war may be coming. Aegon is smart and will rally swords around him. But we have dragons."

"Dragons did conquer Westeros, your grace."

"Indeed they did. You also said you came here to offer condolences, Margaery? What condolences do you speak of?"

Margaery cleared her throat, "More advice, than condolences, your grace. I have loved and lost, as you have, and I know how you must be feeling. The whole court knows about your strife with the Queen, and I know you must be hurting. I can't imagine what it is like taking another life…"

"And I hope you never do," James responded, thinking about what she was up to.

"I'm sure it has been stressful upon you."

"It has been most…stressful."

James released a sigh as he poured himself and Margaery more wine. He did miss Daenerys with all his heart, and his family too. Maybe it was time for another trip to Winterfell.

"That is why I'm here, your grace. To offer my condolences and help you release some…let's say…stress."

And with that James found her hand's slowly creeping up his thigh, as she bent forward on purpose to expose her cleavage. He felt his manhood stirring, as Margaery's hands were getting to close for comfort. James had not slept with a women since Daenerys, before the execution, and was getting aroused to easily. It was in this moment that he missed Dany the most, missed her touch, and her smile. He missed those eyes and her silver hair. Margaery began to fumble at his breeches, as he gently swept her hand away from him.

"Stop." he said, grabbing her wrist, "I do not want this."

Margaery laughed and leaned in to kiss him, but he blocked her with his hand. "I said stop. I love Daenerys. I may be having problems with her, but I still love her, nonetheless. I share two kid's with her. I've been too long without her touch, and I need to see her now. So please, Lady Tyrell, leave."

Margaery scoffed as she stood up from her seat, and made her way towards the door. She stood in-between the two sphinxes, and turned around to face him before she looked to her left and nodded before smiling and leaving. James looked at her confused, before cleaning up the ink and parchment. It was now that he had to go see Daenerys, and now he had to be the one to beg for her forgiveness….again.

James got up from his chair and turned around, as he found his two Kingsguard before him; standing there idly.

"I would have leave," James insisted as they stood there, as if they were Wights.

Both men stood there, and drew their daggers. One lunged at him and tried to slash his throat, as he barely dodged it. James could not comprehend what was happening. These men swore to protect them and now they were trying to kill him. The second one lunged at him too, as he grabbed the dagger by the blade and it cut his palm open.

"For the Realm!" the assassin screamed as the second man attempted to cut open his throat again, but he caught his arm and thrust his dagger back into the man's throat.

The man fell to the ground as James felt a piercing sharp pain in his lower back, and he turned around to find the man standing there with blood on his dagger: his blood. The Kingsguard stabbed him once more in the stomach before James fell down to the ground, clutching his wounds. A third stab came, but all he felt was the coldness of the blade. He laid on the floor, in a pool of his blood, as the Kingsguard stood over him: dagger in hand.

He crouched over James and pulled his dagger back, as he prepared to deliver the final blow. Time seemed to move slow, as James laid on the floor; dying. Thought's of his children and family filled his head, thought's of saving Sansa from Cersei, his whole life flashed before his eyes. Then he closed his eyes, and thought of Daenerys, as he waited for the darkness. But it never came. He felt blood spray on his face, as he opened his eyes to find the man dead to his side, with a hole in his chest. James looked up and saw Jorah standing there with blood on his sword, as he began to yell inaudible orders to men.

"GET SAM!" he heard Jorah yell, as he heard the sound of Jon's voice,

"Protect the King, and inform the Grand Maester!"

"James…stay with me!" he yelled, as James felt his touch on his face. Everything around him was so cold and he felt so tired.

"Get Dany!" James whispered to Jon, as he saw Jorah run off.

James felt himself being lifted off the ground, as he went in and out of consciousness. All he could do was mutter the name of the women he loved.