A/N: You know the drill…I don't own any of these characters.
Chapter 18 Tyrion VI and Varys
Tyrion
Tyrion sat in the royal solar, breaking his fast with the Stark family before going to the small council meeting. Since the news came with the siege of Riverrun, Tyrion had been with the royals a lot more. James, would ask him to break his fast with them early, so they could formulate a plan. So far it had gone without one; hopefully today would change that. Jon, would've been the one to help formulate this plan, but Tyrion noticed the man had changed. The Hand of the King was more seclusive then he was used to, and always seemed of a mood. He grew somewhat distant from his betrothed, Arianne, and is always frustrated. Tyrion didn't know what vexed him.
Jon seemed all but fine awhile back, when James was in the Stormland's with Gendry. Tyrion noticed he was spending a huge amount of his time with, Sansa Stark. At first he thought they were making up for lost time, Tyrion knowing full well her treatment of Jon during their childhood, but that was not to be the case. It was when one day he saw them holding hands in the hall, when they thought no one was looking, was when he knew: they had fallen in love.
At first he was in shock. They both had grown up in Winterfell and were raised as brother and sister. Surely, they must have been disgusted with the notion of them having a mutual attraction for each other but apparently not. Tyrion seemed to forget that they were only cousins, in truth. It wasn't like Jaime and Cersei. Tyrion was accustomed to incest, it seemed, but Jon and Sansa were parallels away from his siblings. Tywin and Joanna were cousins. And look how that turned out, they whelped a dwarf.
He had seen, Arianne, grow somewhat distant with Jon too. Once they had been inseperable, like two young people in love, but something changed. Arianne, was constantly busy and never spent too much time with, Jon. Most of the time she spent in the city, away from the Red Keep, and met with different dignitaries that were friends of her fathers. Tyrion grew suspicious, it was not proper behavior for a lady betrothed. Not to mention that her wedding was in a few weeks. Everyone grew anxious, as the date crept closer.
"When should my brother be arriving?" an impatient Sansa Stark asked, her nephew perched on her lap.
"As much as I like to wait, my queen, I'am growing quite hungry." Tyrion said.
"Any moment now." Dany replied.
"I grow tired of waiting for James and my husband." added another impatient Stark sibling, Arya.
James had started practicing with a sword again since the news of Riverrun. He and Jon would spend the early hours in the morning practicing with the master-at-arms and Gendry. Each morning they'd come into the solar, sweating and panting, eating the food like ravenous dogs. One of them having a new story to tell or a new bruise to show off. It reminded Tyrion of Jaime at their age.
But Jon never joined them when breaking their fast; it was probably because of, Sansa.
Tyrion fiddled with his thumbs for a moment, hoping it would make time go by faster, but it didn't. Impatiently, he reached for the pitcher of ale, which Daenerys quickly grabbed out of his reach.
"Patience, Lord Tyrion. They will be here soon."
"Curse these stunted arms," he jested, "for they have failed me once again. And I would rather be waiting…drunk. If you get my meaning."
All three women scoffed at him and Tyrion flashed them each a smile. Suddenly, booming laughter could be heard from the hallway, as everyone turned their heads towards the door. The first laugh was Gendry's, of course. The man had a laugh that shook the foundation of the Red Keep, it reminded Tyrion of Robert Baratheon's. The second one was, James. He didn't hear, Jon Snow, among them. They were talking so loud everyone could hear.
"So you're telling me that you could have married, Arianne?" Tyrion heard Gendry yell, as James laughed.
"Well if her story is to be believed well then, yes...I could have."
The heavy footsteps from each man got closer and closer and their voices louder and louder. Each footstep felt like a mile, because Tyrion knew once they walked through the door it would be time to eat. He noticed all around him the women were listening in on the story. Neither of them caring about finally being able to eat. Taking this opportunity, Tyrion snatched a piece of toast from a plate and bite down on it. Savoring the crunchy texture in his mouth. A sudden laugh brought him out of paradise.
"Don't they know everyone can hear them!" Tyrion heard Arya snicker in a whisper.
"Apparently not." Dany quickly replied.
"What is the story?" Sansa asked, Tyrion could tell she was intrigued.
Both women shrugged and they turned their attention back to the conversation in the hall.
"According to Arianne, her father, Doran Martell, was talking to my father about a possible betrothal between us. Cementing House Stark and Martell."
Gendry laughed. "And what went wrong?"
James laughed before responding. "Well, I took the black!"
Gendry laughed even harder. "So you're telling me that it could be you fucking, Arianne right now instead of, Jon?"
James laughed right back, Tyrion heard his hand smack flesh. He also heard the sucking of air and turned his attention back to the women. Daenerys and Arya's gazes were both downcast, as Tyrion saw the reason why before him: Sansa was struggling to hold back tears, and was looking away from them. No doubt she heard that last comment. Didn't know Jon was fucking the Martell girl before their marriage.
"That is exactly what I'am telling you! I could be the one with her right now and not, Jon."
"At least Jon gets something!" Gendry stated. "Now I hardly ever get anything."
"I'm going to kill him!" Arya yelled, her fingers coiled around a knife.
Tyrion couldn't help but laugh out loud at the last comment, crumbs were flying off his hands as he laughed. Arya shot him a look of anger that made him laugh even more.
"I'm sorry!" he yelled between laughs, waiving a hand in apology. "I'm sorry, but that is just too funny!"
"Shut up, Tyrion." Daenerys seethed.
Tyrion stopped laughing.
He heard Gendry laughed some more. "What about you, James? Does Daenerys ever…" his voice trailed off at the end.
"Oh, let's just say she is currently making up for the lost month." James paused, before they laughed. "You see, I still have the scent of her lavender oil upon my skin!"
Tyrion heard Dany gasp, and slam something onto the table.
They're fucked, Tyrion thought. The now last piece of toast nestling in his hand. He plopped it in his mouth with finesse when the two men came into the room, James's hands upon Gendry's shoulder, Gendry laughing and jesting.
"How great of you to join us!" Tyrion jested.
Both men took their seats next to their wives, as James began to tear into the food with, Gendry. They began to eat wildly like dogs who had never been fed. Tyrion noticed their wives being reserved, whereas Daenerys would have been kissing him by now…she wasn't. James already attempted to, but she refused him. They're mad.
"Is everything alright?" James asked cautiously. Setting his fork down on the table, he had bread crumbs all over his hands.
The silence in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. But before they could speak all of them heard a crash at the other end of the table. Tyrion watched as Sansa flew from her chair, running like a woman possessed, and crying tears that ran down her face like a river. She ran out of the room and slammed the door behind her. Tyrion looked over and saw James in shock, his brow buried in confusion. Daenerys slammed her napkin onto her chair and picked up her dress before running out the door.
"Sansa, come back!" she yelled, running out the door.
Ned and Rhaella were running after her, but James caught them in time and swooped them onto his lap. He continued to eat in silence with the kids playing on his lap.
"Well that was weird." Gendry finally said.
Arya beckoned a servant girl over. "Would you mind taking the kids? I have to talk to my brother and my husband, in private."
The girl nodded and took the kids out of the room. Tyrion braced himself for what was to come next. He had seen Arya Stark or Baratheon angry only once or twice, in the small council, but never like this. The women was fuming.
"What's wrong with, Sansa?" James asked.
Fool!
Arya was now seething with anger. "You fools!" she yelled. Punching Gendry in the arm repeatedly and throwing a napkin at her brother.
"Did you think nobody could hear you out in the hall? Gods, we heard everything."
Both men remained quite. "So does that mean you heard about, Arianne? Is that why, Dany, is mad at me?"
"Yes!" Arya yelled back, "And that means Sansa had to hear about them…coupling."
"You know?"
"Yes, I know. Jon told me they did. I talked to him about it again, yesterday. He and I had a long conversation about how he is feeling, and his guilt. The man actually cried, James. Jon cried!"
"I didn't know it was that bad." James admitted.
"Sansa is not the only one capable of feelings, James."
Gendry let out a snicker.
Arya looked at him, her face twisted in anger. "It is not funny, Gendry! Sansa, is really hurt. As is, Jon."
"What else did you and Jon talk about?" Was all James could say.
Tyrion sat in his seat quietly listening to the conversation. It seemed the Stark family had forgotten he was here, or they just didn't care. Whatever conversations they'd have in secret were being told right now, and Tyrion was here to listen. I could use some entertainment before the small council meeting.
"He told me that Arianne knew about him and, Sansa. That he is trying to push her away before the wedding, which the Sand Snakes are organizing."
"What else?"
Arya gulped. "She warned Jon that if they don't marry…that she will go to, Aegon. He will gain her spears."
NO! We can't let that happen!
James waived his hand. "I thought it would come down to that. What is Jon going to do?"
"Marry her," Arya replied, "and be done with it."
"Does he even love her?"
Arya shook her head. "No. He loves, Sansa."
"Has he been yelling at her?"
"No. Jon has just been stressed out and getting angrier, is all. He isn't a fool."
"Love is a jealous bitch." Tyrion said out-loud, and to no one.
"Can't say I share your sentiment, Tyrion, but at times it can be." Arya replied.
Tyrion raised his glass to her and drank. Few moments passed and Tyrion decided to finish his meal, with the men. The three of them ate like men who had not eaten for weeks, and looked quite clumsy doing it. By the end, Tyrion, had eaten his fill and was satisfied. It looks they are too, Tyrion thought, watching James and Gendry reclining in their seats. He noticed the Stark woman get mad.
"And you!" Arya yelled, looking at Gendry. "How dare you tell my brother about…you know!"
"I'm sorry, Lumpyhead." He replied, sporting a smile.
She punched him in the arm again. "Don't call me that! I'm not talking to you for the rest of the day, Gendry."
Arya then turned her attention to, James. "And how dare you tell my husband about what you and Daenerys…do in your private time. I'm sure she didn't appreciate that either!"
"I'm sorry, Arry." James replied, remorsefully. Why did he call her, Arry?
Arya narrowed her eyes at him. "Do not call me that either! Brandon Snow."
Gendry laughed out loud, as Tyrion noticed James grow hard at that comment. Who is Brandon Snow?
"Don't call me that either, Arya Underfoot."
"Glad we could come to an agreement."
James sighed. "We need to speak of Riverrun today, in the council meeting. It is about time we did."
"Indeed we do." Tyrion agreed. "In fact, why not speak of it now? The kids are not here and we have plenty of time to do so."
"I agree we-"
"-Oh not now, please!" Arya scoffed, "Don't talk about this at the table. Leave it for the small council meeting; I don't want to see, 'James, the King,' right now."
James flashed her a scolding look, before continuing. "Fine, not now. Gods forbid, 'James, the King,' makes an appearance. However, we will figure out the Riverrun problem…today."
Both nodded at him as he went back to reclining in his chair.
"I say that we have the Martell's attack them from behind." Tyrion suggested. "Once the wedding is over, we can have them attack the roses. Both have animosity towards each other and the Martell's would be glad to do it."
James stirred from his chair. "Wouldn't it be better for them to lay siege to Highgarden, itself?"
Tyrion shook his head. "No. They will be expecting that, we need to find another way…"
"If Bran were to break through, Moat Cailin, then he will have to relieve, Riverrun. The Martell's can leave some men-at-arms here and then make their way to Riverrun too." Gendry said.
"Oh enough, please!" Arya yelled again.
James nodded in agreement with Tyrion, and both went back into their thoughts. When both of them put their minds together, they came up with good ideas. Usually, it was always James, Tyrion, Jon, and sometimes Gendry who would deliberate and figure out the solution, but Jon was never around.
"James, tell me true." Gendry said.
"Tell you what?"
"Have you ever thought about what life would have been like if you had married, Arianne?"
James laughed. "No. I can't say that I have, Gendry. Mayhaps, I'd be Lord of Winterfell right now, who knows? What I do know is that I wouldn't have met Daenerys or had my children."
"Perhaps, you could have had olive-skinned, black-haired children."
"Maybe, but I can't see myself living without, Dany. I love her too much."
Arya snickered. "I remember a time where you did live without, Dany. Wasn't too long ago if I recall."
Tyrion noticed the King's gaze fall to his lap. "And I'am forever ashamed by that, Arya. I don't know how, Daenerys, ever forgave me."
"The women truly loves you, James. That is all I could say."
"As you love this bastard bull, over here!" James motioned to Gendry.
"Him?" Arya said, with a nod of her head. "I don't love, Gendry."
Gendry laughed. "I thought you weren't going to talk to me for the rest of the day."
"Shut up." Arya spat and looked at him, with a smile.
He smiled at her and she returned it in kind, before both returned to their thoughts.
A few minutes passed, and silence was the only thing in the air during those moments. The door creaked open, slowly, as it brought everyone out of their thoughts. Everyone looked back to the door and saw Daenerys walk in with, Sansa on her heels. Her eyes were not as swollen, but her nose was red. She clutched her arm as a crying child would, and kept whimpering with each breath.
Daenerys grabbed her hand and walked her towards the table. James got up and attempted to kiss her, but she walked past him with her head held up high. Instead he stopped Sansa in her tracts, and took her in for a hug. She reluctantly accepted it and placed her head on his shoulder, like a child would to their parent.
"I'm sorry," he said, pulling from the hug and bracing her shoulders,"for saying that out loud. I didn't know you could hear, and I'm a fool for doing so. Please, forgive me."
"It is ok," Sansa replied, "I forgive you and, Gendry."
She walked over and took a seat back in her chair. "Plus, you aren't to blame; it is Jon's fault."
Tyrion glanced over as James was begging his wife's forgiveness, by repeatedly whispering in her ear, and kissing her on the cheek, but she wouldn't have it. Her face stern and stubborn.
"You shouldn't blame, Jon." Arya added. "He is in a bad place right now, Sansa. Jon is not the same man. He feels just as guilty, sad, and shameful as you do."
"But why is he acting like this? Why is he pushing me away so hard?"
"Because she knows, Sansa. Arianne knows."
Tyrion noticed Sansa's eyes widen. "She what? She knows about me and Jon?"
Tyrion turned his attention to James who was nodding. "Arianne…" he gulped, "threatened, Jon, so to speak. She said if he didn't push you away that-"
"-We'd lose the Dornish." Sansa finished. "That we would lose her army."
Everyone nodded.
"So he has to marry her." Sansa came to realize.
Tyrion watched as she began to go moved into her shell. She coiled up like a turtle would and he could tell she was sad. Here come the tears.
Daenerys reached over and placed her hand on, Sansa's.
"I'm so sorry. So, so, sorry."
"It's ok," Sansa said, waiving her hand, "I'm at fault for having fallen in love with him."
Nobody said anything. The tension was clear in the air and this couldn't get any worse. Even though the Stark's had came back from the ashes to gain the Iron Throne, it seemed they could never win or be happy. The gods never really smiled upon them. The eldest and his daughter almost being killed, a crippled boy, another dead, and Jon almost being killed too. Sansa never being able to find love. Rickon, an angry green boy who liked to womanize. It seems all the Houses have suffered enough. House Lannister is dead. Jaime's golden smile appeared in his mind, as Tyrion closed his eyes and coiled his hands. Striking the thought of his brother from his mind. For even when he found him on the floor, dead with Cersei in his clutches, Tyrion knew he still loved Jaime and always will, even in death. He decided to pay attention to the conversation in front of him.
"So tell me, James," said Sansa, "how would you have come to marry, Arianne?"
James wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Well, according to Arianne herself, her father and our father were talking about a betrothal for both of us. Between the Lord of Winterfell and the heiress to Dorne."
"Was it going to happen?"
James shrugged, as Tyrion noticed Dany becoming angry. "Apparently so, Arianne said it was near completion, but-"
"-You took the black, we know!" Daenerys spat.
"Is something wrong, Dany?" James asked, he was smirking.
"No. I just don't want to hear about it."
"About what? Me and Arianne…"
"Just shut up about it!"
James laughed. "Is Dany Stormborn jealous?"
"I'm not jealous!" She yelled back.
"Oh yes you are! How the tables have turned."
"Shut up, or you won't smell like lavender oil anymore." Dany threatened.
"Could you have married her?" Sansa asked, she was cutting her eggs into tiny pieces. Bringing everyone out the conversation that just took place.
James cleared his throat. "Arianne? No, I don't think I could. The women is too cunning and headstrong; going to whatever lengths to get what she wants. Reminds me too much of, Cersei."
Cersei? Tyrion thought, Arianne, is no, Cersei. He knew that his sweet deceased sister had an encounter with James Stark, in his youth, but he never heard the story. His whole family knew, that was sure but he never told, Tyrion. He was too afraid to ask the King, thinking that it would earn him a scolding. But his curiosity was too peaked to not ask anything, it was about time he knew. Even though he hated Cersei, she was still his sister and deserved to know.
"Well she can't have you!" Dany yelled, she grabbed his face and kissed him.
James smiled. "Glad to see you've forgiven me."
"Shut up, James." Dany smiled back.
"Don't worry, I'll make it up to you somehow." He said with a wink.
Tyrion decided to ask now. "If you don't mind me asking, James.."
"Well you have already begun, Tyrion, so go right ahead."
"I've been wondering," Tyrion said, folding his hands, "what happened between you and my sweet sister before you know you two got..." Before Tyrion could finish the sentence James shot him a cold glare. A glare that told him not to continue lest he liked his head on his shoulders. He wondered if James ever told Daenerys the truth about him and Cersei.
Tyrion watched as everyone in the room suddenly tensed. He realized he had asked an awkward question, and immediately felt embarrassed by it. Tyrion, knew it was a sensitive subject, but he was too curious to ask. He knew that his mouth got the best of him sometimes. Nobody was speaking, but he noticed James smirking, somewhat.
Tyrion sighed. "I'm sorry, James, I didn't mean to-"
"-No. It is quite alright, Tyrion. I suppose out of everyone here, you have a right to know."
Tyrion nodded and braced himself.
James set his fork down, daintily, and cleared his throat. "Cersei, first took me to her bed in Winterfell. Surely, you remember the feast my father held for Robert Baratheon."
She took you into her bed? Why what a whore my sister was. Jaime, Lancel, the Kettleblack's, James Stark, who else, Cersei? Who else? Tyrion nodded again, in silence.
"Wait you mean to tell me you and Cersei had…"
James nodded before, Tyrion could finish the sentence.
"The first time was at Winterfell, after the feast. You see, I was drunk on wine and emotion. That was the day, Jon told me he wanted to join the Night's Watch, and the day Jeyne Poole had kissed me in front of the Heart Tree."
Sansa laughed as did everyone else. "I remember when Jeyne told me about that. She was so happy that you let her kiss you, it was her first true kiss. She loved you dearly, James. I miss her so much."
"As, do I." James replied, Tyrion noticed Dany clutching his hand. He brought it up to his face and pressed, chaste kisses upon it. Tyrion knew about the daughter of Vayon Poole, but never asked about her. Everyone grew sad when they spoke of her, especially Sansa and James.
"Anyway," James continued, "Cersei came into my room and practically, almost, took me against my will, so to speak. However, I'am a man and can not deny that a part of me was willing to perform the deed."
"So you're telling me this happened more than once?"
James nodded. "The second time happened when I came to King's Landing, and she invited me to sup with her. Being the foolish green boy I was, I couldn't help but figured she felt something for me. Little did I know that-"
"-That, Cersei, only cared for one person: herself." Tyrion interrupted.
James nodded again. "So that night after we supped, she took me into her bed again, and the next night after the tourney for my father. It was during that night she threw my feelings into my face and told me the truth of it: that she seduced me to get me to betray my father, and become her informant. For her to think that I'd stoop so low…I know I didn't have much honor, but whatever I had left was with my family."
Tyrion scoffed. "This comes to no surprise, James. My sister was always toying with other peoples emotions since we were children, and had no remorse in doing so. However, having known her all my life I would say that, Arianne is nothing like her."
"How so?" Sansa asked.
Tyrion sat up in his chair, looking at the Stark girl. "Arianne, may be cunning and headstrong, not stopping to get what she wants, that much she is like, Cersei. However, Arianne is atleast compassionate, loving, and has a somewhat gentle heart. Cersei, on the other hand, was as gentle as King Maegor, as selfless as Aegon the Unworthy, as wise as Mad Aerys. She never forgot a slight, real or imagined. She took caution for cowardice and dissent for defiance. And she was greedy. Greedy for power, for honour, for love."
A knock came on the door, as Tyrion was about to respond, and everyone was startled.
"Yes?" James asked.
"Your Grace, it is me, Edric. I'm here to tell you that it is time for the small council meeting. Everyone is waiting."
"Already?"
"Yes, My King."
"Very well then, let's go."
Tyrion groaned out loud, along with everyone else, as they cleared the table and sat up. Sansa, stayed behind and departed from the rest of them. Tyrion, knew that she would be spending time with the children, and looking out for them. Sansa, had taken up the role of mother and caretaker since being here, her nephew growing attached to her with each day. It seemed her permanent living residence was in King's Landing now and not Winterfell. Her mother and brother were trapped at Moat Cailin, and her younger brother, Rickon, was alone in Winterfell with his niece, Myrcella. I wonder if she has given birth yet.
The walk down to the small council room felt like it took years to complete. Along the way, Tyrion, was entertained by stories about the new bruises James had received from Gendry's hammer this morning. Claiming, that he must be his father re-born. Arya and Daenerys spent their time talking about the children, as mothers would.
When finally they arrived and everyone sat down, Tyrion sat back and enjoyed his wine. He spotted everyone in the room. Sam, looking like the same boy he had met along the Wall. He still had a round face, but his stomach wasn't as round as it used to be. Along side him was, Varys; a eunuch that was not to be trusted. Tyrion, knew that he must have been in league with Aegon, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He had no evidence. Jon Snow was there too, looking as solemn as ever. Arianne was to his right. Tyrion, smiled to himself at the thought of the brown-haired beauty being married to, James. Who knew how that could have changed the course of history.
"Ok, lets get the usual stuff over with. Varys-" James said, groaning. He motioned to the eunuch.
"Still no news of Aegon, Your Grace. Some of my little birds could swear they have spotted him in Highgarden, but there is no evidence to support it. However, Margaery Tyrell has not been spotted around her home in weeks. I find that quite interesting." Varys gave a slight giggle at the last comment, as he was prone to do.
"That is interesting, Lord Varys." Arya said. "Why would, Margaery, leave Highgarden?"
"Because she is Aegon's betrothed, or wife. Why else?" Jon replied.
"Makes sense," Sam added, "that she would want to be by her husband. It is ever more the reason why we have to relieve Riverrun. It is just a matter of time before he is on our doorstep."
"A sentiment that I also share, Sam." Tyrion said, sitting up in his chair. "But if he wishes to come knocking, we will push him back with wildfire."
"Oh yes, wildfire!" Arya yelled, sarcastically.
Tyrion rolled his eyes and sighed. He remembered the argument they had when he had suggested the making of it, right before James and Gendry left for Storm's End.
"It is a good plan, Lady Baratheon, and will work in our favor."
"Oh yes, of course it will! When you and I are standing over King's Landing's ashes we will remember those words."
"We won't need to remember them because that isn't happening!"
"How many pots do we have?" Dany asked, ending the argument for the first time without, James, yelling.
"Enough to blow, Aegon, back to the deepest of seven hells!"
"-More like enough to blow King's Landing back to the deepest of seven hells." Tyrion heard, Arya mutter under her breath.
James shot her a look. "Ok, that is good to hear. Gendry, give me an update about how the Navy and Peasants are doing."
Gendry put on his most lordly-demeanor and sat up in his chair. "We are awaiting on Stannis and his fleet. We have a few ships, but not too many. Aegon's fleet would easy out-size us with the Greyjoy's on his side."
"It is why we need, Stannis, to get here with all haste!" Jon added.
"And he will, Jon." James answered. He motioned for, Gendry, to continue.
"The peasants have been rationed food, as have the Gold Cloaks. In preparation for the siege I have bolstered their numbers with the promise of more food and coin. We have about two-thousand at the moment and a few hundred men-at-arms. It should be a nice recreation of the Battle of Blackwater Bay."
Tyrion snickered. "Which is why we need the wildfire."
Arya scoffed out loud, as Gendry held her back.
James waived his hand. "Alright, enough of this. We have to speak of Riverrun, today."
Everyone groaned and rolled their eyes.
"We have been putting this off for too long and have to get to it. So, do we have any ideas of how to relieve Riverrun?"
"Once, Jon and Arianne, are married we could have her spears lay siege to Highgarden." Sam suggested.
Jon shook his head. "The roses will be expecting that, Sam. That wouldn't be too good."
"The Martell's could relieve Riverrun with a splinter force. After they have left some spears in the capital, of course."
"Can't we have the Baratheon's send any men to relieve Riverrun?" Arianne suggested, Tyrion laughed. She wasn't really an adviser but liked giving her thoughts. Nobody seemed to care.
James squeezed, Daenerys's hand and smirked. "The Stormland's are too far from Riverrun, and the roses would get warning beforehand. We need to take them by surprise."
"What is another option?" Gendry asked.
Jon sat up in his chair. "Well the last and final option could be, Bran, relieving Riverrun if we were to break through the Ironborn for them."
"We can't wait that long," James urged, "we need another option."
Tyrion thought long and hard about this, but he believed he had the best course of action: dragons. Surely, Jon could go from Moat Cailin to Riverrun, to maybe Higharden, if he pleased.
"Dragons." Tyrion blurted out.
Everyone turned and looked at him.
"Dragons?" Daenerys asked.
"Yes, dragons." Tyrion replied. "Certainly if Jon were to break the Ironborn from Moat Cailin, why couldn't he do the same at Riverrun?"
"Tyrion!" Gendry yelled, "Tyrion! You smart fuck!"
The whole council began to laugh, even Varys was giggling.
James silenced them with his hand. "That is a great idea, Tyrion. We could take the roses by surprise, and recreate the field of fire. If, Jon, is willing."
Jon nodded. "Sure, I'd be willing to do that. With the Northern army behind me, and myself on Viserion, should be fine."
"Good," James said, "Council adjourned."
Tyrion groaned and squirmed his way out of the chair. He did not care to stay behind and make smalltalk with everyone else, he needed a good nap. Slipping out of the council room, he made his way to his chambers in Maegor's Holdfast and opened the door. His dimly lit room had a nice breeze going through, as he laid down on the bed and let the sleep take him.
-x-
Varys
James sat up in his chair, as he stared at, Varys. "You know the man, Varys, tell me where he would go."
"I'm not sure, Your Grace. I can't answer for, Aegon Targaryen."
"But you practically raised the man!" Tyrion yelled.
"Jon Connington raised the man, Tyrion." Varys corrected, his voice very soft. "I helped in rescuing, Aegon, and sending him across the Narrow Sea, but no more. I fabricated the story of Connington drinking himself to death, and conspired with Illyrio, but that is all. I did not teach him all he knows today, My Lord."
Both men grew quite and sat back in their chairs, thinking. Varys sighed and waited for them to come up with another question. I grow tired of this, he thought, scratching his bald head. Varys was summoned to the King's solar this day because they needed to speak of urgent business. He knew that it would be regarding, Aegon, and both men needed his counsel. Yes, Varys had played his part well and was loyal where he needed to be. He did not need for anyone to be aroused with suspicion. His loyalties laid with the Targaryen's, the true Targaryen heir: Aegon VI Targaryen.
Varys striked himself from his thoughts, as he saw James sit up in his chair. "Where would he go, Varys? Where!"
Varys chuckled. "I can not answer for Aegon, Your Grace. Perhaps, he has gone back across the Narrow Sea."
"No he didn't," said Tyrion. "Aegon would not travel half-a-worlds away, right now. Not when he almost has what he wants within his grasp. No, the man is still in Westeros."
"Yes. But where, Tyrion!" James yelled.
"That is what eludes me." Tyrion replied, swirling his wine cup.
Varys knew he had to suggest something, to play his part. "Maybe he went up North, Your Grace?"
Varys knew that the son of Rhaegar and Elia was not where they thought he was. Surely, the man was not in the Vale, Varys knew that much, but he also knew that he was supposed to be in King's Landing by now. Aegon, had planned on coming a long time ago, it was the reason he left the Vale, but the man had a change of heart. He said it was too risky for him to be seen in the city, even if for a second, and he needed Varys to stay on the inside. Aegon, ordered Varys to play his part as the ever loyal Master of Whispers.
"Why would he go up North, Varys? Makes no sense."
Varys shrugged. "Who knows, Your Grace. Aegon, may have allies anywhere in Westeros."
Tyrion laughed. "Who would support his claim in the North? The Starks? No, all the Targaryen loyalists are here in the South."
Varys sighed. "I'm not sure where he is, Tyrion. I've grown tired of trying to figure this out. My little birds have seen no signs of him in Highgarden, as you know, and still haven't. Margaery Tyrell is also not there and that is another cause for concern."
"Because she is with him," James said. "Margaery is with, Aegon. To keep them both safe, or to see their betrothal through."
Varys grew tired of this conversation. He had already spoken of this topic with them over one-hundred times, and each time his answer never changed. They would never find out where, Aegon, truly was. Varys, had been speaking to Petyr Baelish for awhile now, and the Lord of the Vale kept him in touch. Varys knew not to trust, Petyr, and played a certain game around them, as he did so many years ago. He was never friends with him, but certain things had changed.
"Yes, she is with him, Your Grace," said Varys. "Of that I have no doubt."
"Well then we are at a loss here, My Lords." James said, extending his arms out. "It seems, Aegon, will forever elude us."
"Can we reconvene later, James?" Tyrion asked, he was quite formal when nobody was around.
The King nodded. "Yes, yes, we can. I grow tired of this, and would talk of this later. Now, I will have a walk with my wife in the gardens."
"Have fun with that." Tyrion jested.
"Oh I will, Tyrion. You can trust me on that one."
The King and the dwarf both laughed and got out their seats, as Varys gave them both a polite farewell. He had much to do. First he had to go back to his chambers, and listen to the whispers his little birds had to tell him. Hopefully, some of them had stories to tell about what the King was up to, or the Dornish.
Yes, the Sand Snakes were giving him restless nights. Varys, in his bones knew that the Dornish were up to no good, including Arianne. Often then not the Dornish woman and her Sand Snakes were being spotted in the city meeting with different men. Nobody knew who they were and, Varys found that suspicious. What are they planning? Varys thought, he knew he had to find out before it was too late. The women had grow apart from her betrothed since she found out about Jon and Sansa. Yes, that was a great day when, Varys, heard that song about from his little bird.
The little spy had seen them kissing in the hallway one afternoon in Maegor's Holdfast. So interesting that they would become what they hated about the Lannisters, Varys thought. But he understood in truth that they were only cousins, and cousins had married before, like Tywin and Joanna. Then after that it was a trip to the Mud Gate, to meet up with a friend.
Once more in his room, Varys lit some candles and let the light permeate through the room. He took a seat down at his desk and began to read messages that came to him throughout the day. Varys, poured himself a cup of watered wine and prepared a second cup for his little bird. The spy that was coming to him today was a girl of no more then ten, who served as a hand maid to Arianne Martell in the Red Keep, offered to her by Daenerys. She was a comely girl, with brown hair and green eyes, Varys liked her especially for her attention to detail.
A soft knock came on the door, as Varys bid the person to enter. It was the girl, dressed in a blue dress that was for comfort more then anything. She nervously approached, Varys as he flashed her a smile, hoping to calm her nerves.
"Come my child," Varys said, as she nervously sat at his table and he offered her some watered wine to drink. "What news do you bring me about, Arianne?"
"She met with someone today, in the Red Keep. A tall man who was wearing armor, my Lord."
"Do you know who he was? Did they say his name?"
"No, My Lord. Arianne, was quite secretive about it and bid me not to listen."
Varys sighed. "Did the man at least carry a sigil on his armor? Perhaps a Stag or a Direwolf?"
Varys noticed the girls eyes grow wide and she began to smile. "Yes, the man was wearing a sun being stabbed by a spear on his breast plate. It was orange."
The Martells? Varys thought, this is getting interesting indeed. Why would, Arianne meet with a single man-at-arms?
"A Martell men-at-arms is what you saw, sweet child."
"Oh, I didn't know."
"It is ok. Tell me more of what you saw; what did they speak of?"
The girl sipped on her wine. "Well I couldn't hear them too well, but I know they spoke of some plan. Arianne, kept repeating 'the plan,' over and over. Asking him if everything was prepared."
"Were they referring to the wedding? Arianne, is getting married in a couple of weeks."
"No, My Lord. It wasn't about arrangements, just a plan."
Varys smiled and handed her two silver stags, double her usual rate, and pressed it into the palm of her hand. "You've done well, sweet child. Go back to, Arianne now. She must be growing suspicious."
The girls eyes lit up as she saw the two silver coins. Varys dismissed her and watched her play with them in her hand while she walked out of the door. After he dismissed her, Varys sat thinking for a long time. He had to figure out what the Dornish were up to, and something in his stomach told him it wasn't good. Surely, Arianne did not speak to this man-at-arms to discuss what courses to have at her wedding feast, it stemmed beyond that. Varys made his decision and realized he had to double the amount of little birds within the Red Keep, and around Arianne. He had to find out what they were up to, before it was too late. For this could impede Aegon's plans.
As the hour approached to meet his friend, Varys took a lantern and left his rooms through a secret passageway and made his way deep into the black tunnels beneath the castle. After many twists and turns he came to a small room where he changed into his disguise. He dressed all in black, a cowl covering his face, along with some pretend stubble, and again made his way through the secret tunnels that the royal family knew about. He recalled giving a young, James Stark the map to these tunnels a long time ago. He completed what, Varys, knew he would.
In about some thirty odd minutes, Varys was finally outside the Red Keep, and walked the streets of King's Landing. The sun was blistering hot that day and the normal dust in the air left him coughing. King's Landings streets were filled with an exuberant amount of Gold Cloaks, and peasants begging for food. A few kids would run up to him and he'd toss them a copper or two to make them leave. Varys, knew the conditions of the city reminded him somewhat of the War of the Five Kings. It wasn't as bad under Cersei, nothing could compare to that women, but everything wasn't perfect. Atleast the peasants were being somewhat fed and the city was being close off, as it should. However, no city was without its problems and at the end of the day, Varys still realized that the smallfolk were the one who paid for the high lords and their game of thrones.
Finally, he arrived at the Mud Gate and waited patiently for his friend. It was the only gate that was left open in the city, and James imposed a fee to enter the city, at the behest of his sister, Arya. The smallfolk were out by the Blackwater Rush, rinsing their clothing and bathing. Varys, stood next to the gate and leaned back on the wall, as he watched for his friend. A few men-at-arms and about thirty Gold Cloaks constantly patrolled the entrance, and searched everyone who came in.
Suddenly, Varys saw the man he had been waiting for this whole time: Petyr Baelish. Varys, roused from his spot and walked over towards the gate, as he saw Baelish pay the entrance fee with a smile. The man was dressed in a tunic and breeches, his short hair was grown out long, with more streaks of grey appearing in his hair. He had grown out his facial hair too, and now sported a beard. Petyr walked forward and shook Varys's hand, as they both began to walk to their destination, talking as if they were old friends. Varys hoped he brought news of Aegon's whereabouts.
"Do we have news of the Young Griff's whereabouts?" Varys asked, as he strode side-by-side with Baelish at a slow pace.
"I fear I'am in the dark as you are, my friend."
Varys sighed, as both men stopped walking because a child ran before them. "Aegon did not tell you anything?"
"He told me he was meeting you here in King's Landing, but before he was about to leave he changed his mind. Said that it was too risky."
"I know that much, old friend. But he mentioned nothing else?"
Petyr shook his head. "Nothing. Aegon, told me he was going somewhere with Margaery."
"Highgarden, maybe?"
Littlefinger shrugged. "I'm not sure. That is a possible destination, I suppose."
"Yet, my little birds have had no sightings of the Young Griff in, Highgarden. And of Margaery, neither."
"That is quite interesting," said Baelish. "And you haven't found anything beyond that?"
"Not so much as the tiniest inkling of information, My Lord. Aegon is quite good at going in the dark."
Petyr laughed. "I suppose it is safe to say that Griff has taught him quite well."
"Indeed he did."
"Did he mention returning to the Vale?" Varys asked, he suspected this.
Baelish shook his head. "I don't think he made any word of it. If he needs to return, he can. I know he had to leave because, James would have found out sooner or later he was there. You also have to play your part, my friend."
"And indeed I have," Varys replied. "None of them suspect me of any sort of treachery. Expect maybe, the Imp. Tyrion, is the only one that worries me."
Littlefinger laughed. "That comes as no surprise to me. Tyrion was always an intelligent man. Do his suspicions grow?"
"With every passing day, I fear. It is just a matter of time."
"Then it is good that we do this deed today, before it is too late."
The walk towards their destination felt like forever, and each step felt like 40 leagues. The heat made, Varys thirsty and the dust made his throat itch. He tried to make his thoughts go somewhere else, so that he could take his mind of his thirst but it didn't help. It seemed that Littlefinger was having the same problem, as Varys noticed his face was growing dry.
"How much longer until we reach this destination, Lord Baelish? Aegon, never told me what he wanted us to do."
Baelish smiled. "Oh, this is a marvelous day, is it not? I know something that you don't."
Varys released a small sigh. "Yes, you do. Now tell me where we are headed."
"Why we are going to Rhaenys's hill, of course."
Varys gave him a confusing look. "But why would be heading to Rhaenys's hill?"
Littlefinger only smiled and titled his head forward, as they both saw it looming before them: the Dragonpit. The Dragonpit is a huge, cavernous building that sits atop Rhaenys's hill in King's Landing. The Targaryens would keep their dragons within the building. Its huge dome has collapsed within and its bronze doors have been sealed for more than a century. It is a ruin, blackened by fire. Thirty knights could ride abreast into its entrance. James had ordered it re-built for the dragons. Daenerys, would release them at times, so they wouldn't become stunted, but kept them in there the majority of the time. That is when it dawned on Varys. Aegon meant for them to release the dragons, like he intended. This made him very nervous. So many things could go wrong, the dragons could burn them alive or destroy all of King's Landing. He didn't like being kept in the dark about this.
"He means for us to release the dragons?"
Littlefinger nodded. "Ahh yes there we are, Lord Varys. Yes that is what his grace wants us to do."
Vary sighed. "And how does he expect us to do this? There will be so many servants there, who tend to them, and they won't let us do it willingly."
"Oh, but they will. All of this depends on nobody being around when we do it."
"And how do you expect to achieve that?"
Baelish shrugged. "We will find out when we get there. Have you ever been inside?"
"Only once," Varys replied. "And I didn't want to return. It was when Daenerys had first put them in chains, because one of them had burned some farmers sheep. They bent to her willingly and are kept down by an individual stake in the ground. It is dimly lit inside."
"Good," said Littlefinger. "Hopefully, this will all go as planned. Without the dragons this will put a big dent in their plan. They are hopeless without them."
"Why doesn't he want us to kill them?"
Baelish laughed. "They are dragons, Varys! It wouldn't be easy to do, and Aegon wants to keep them once he comes into his throne. He is a Targaryen after all."
"Well you are right about that, Littlefinger. Here we are, let us get this over with."
Both men arrived at the Dragonpit, and entered it through the bronze doors. Once inside they could see that it was dimly lit, evading the three guards around it. No servants were there, and both were thankful for that. The dome had a torch in holders surrounding the dome, and the dragons were kept in the middle. Varys grabbed a torch and both men began to walk towards the dragons, who were sleeping. Smoke puffed out of their nostrils with each breath, as Varys lifted a torch to see them. He stood in front of Rhaegal, the green dragon, and looked as its scales reflected the light.
Next to Varys, Baelish was eyeing Viserion and petting his scales.
"Don't touch it!" Varys yelled in a whisper. "You could wake it up!"
Baelish laughed, quietly. "Do you think a small creature such as myself would wake this beast up? My hand must feel like nothing."
"Well let us get this over with before they wake!"
Baelish nodded at Varys, as both men moved around each dragon and removed the stakes that held the chains. Each stake felt like it weighed one-hundred stone and it took both men to remove each one. After what felt like five years, Varys stood with Littefinger, both covered in sweat as they watched the dragons begin to stir in their sleep. They shot each other a look of worry as they began to walk towards the door in a fast pace. Varys looked back one last time before leaving the door, and saw Drogon shoot his eye open; the red-eyed dragon stared back at him.
He and Baelish stood outside the Dragonpit and watched with the other on-lookers, as the dragons cries could be heard inside. Gold Cloaks were running towards the pit, and were about to enter when the three dragons screamed. It stopped them dead in their tracks, and Varys saw them watching too. Children and peasants were screaming in delight, and calling this a sign from the Gods. Suddenly, the dome of the pit burst open, and people began to scream as the dragons flew through the ceiling. The ceiling collapsed upon itself, but the rest of the dome was kept intact. Gold Cloaks held the crowd back, along with a few men-at-arms, and all they could do was watch. The sudden flap of the dragons wings sent gusts of wind across the street, and dust clouds formed in the air. Drogon let out a might roar, which his siblings picked up on, before they made their way up.
Varys and Littlefinger smiled, as the dragons soared through the air and made their way away from King's Landing. Filling the air with the sound of their screams, as they soared deeper into the sky, the screams becoming distant with each flap of their wings.
AN: reviews and the like are appreciated.