AEGON TARGARYEN
Before returning to West Point Julian stops at Sunspear to pick up Quentyn Martell. He is to travel with Jon/Aegon VI and Rhaenys to Braavos to meet with Daenarys and Viserys Targaryen. While aboard ship Jon gets to spend time with Rhaenys. It is night and stars fill the sky, the moon is full casting a light on Rhaenys as she stands on deck with the wind blowing her long hair.
"You are so beautiful…" He says standing a few feet away. "It is as if you were made to be bathed in moonlight…"
"Thank you…" She replies.
He walks to her side, ""Champion of the Joust…Father was champion of the joust…He would be proud…"
"Yes…" They stare into each other's eyes.
"Yes…" She repeats.
"If I don't kiss you I feel like I will explode…" She leans in and they share a kiss. Then he stops and backs away. "Perhaps we need a chaperone, before I go too far…"
"Would that be such a bad thing?"
"When we make love it will be as man and wife…The anticipation of the act is all more pleasurable if we wait…"
"Then perhaps you should find that Chaperone My Lord…I fear the next time we kiss I will remove all your clothes and force myself on you…"
"Good night…" He looks up at the stars and the moon, "…my moon and stars." The next day Jon goes to Lord Julian's cabin. "My Lord I would like to marry Princess Rhaenys when we reach West Point…"
Julian smiles, "Are you sure?"
"I have never been surer of anything in my life…"
"Alright then…I will make all the arrangements…"
The next night Jon brings his brother with him as he once again he finds Rhaenys on the main deck. "I see you found a chaperone…"
"A reluctant one Princess I am eager to get back to my wife…"
Jon takes a ring from Jordan, "Princess Rhaenys Targaryen…When we return to West Point I will claim my identity as Aegon Targaryen…The Sixth of his name…Will you marry me when we reach West Point…"
"Yes my King I will marry you…" They look at Jordan.
"Go ahead and kiss…"
They all laugh and the two share another passionate kiss. After three weeks at sea they finally reach Capri. By now Petyr Baelish has been tried, convicted and hanged for murder. As soon as they reach the castle West Point a ceremony is held two days later in the Sept of Sylus. All the banners of House Romyn are present and sworn to secrecy. "My Lords and Ladies…We come before gods and men to witness the union of marriage between man and woman…You may now adorn Princess Rhaenys Targaryen in your cloak…"
Jon places his cloak on Rhaenys, "Now look upon each other and say the words…"
They smile lovingly at each and say at the same time, "Father, Mother, Maiden, Smith, Warrior, Crone, Stranger…I am hers and she is mine…" Rhaenys says; 'I am his and he is mine', "…From this day until the end of my days…"
"May I present…Prince Aegon Targaryen the sixth of his name…" It was the first time his real name is used in public. No one outside the Romyn family knew accept the Septon, Rhaenys, and her mother Elia. So the reactions of those gathered is very memorable. No one is more shocked than Varys. "…Son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Targaryen nee' Stark and his wife Princess Rhaenys Targaryen…" Everyone cheers as they kiss.
The feast is held in the Great Hall as one can walk through a hallway from the Sept to the main castle. All anyone can talk about is the Targaryen revelation. Not even Jordan's cousins knew. Aegon stands up, "My family, my friends…I consider it a great relief to walk among you as Aegon Targaryen…Know that I am not my grandfather…I hope you will all support me when I take back the Iron Throne that has been so wrongfully taken from my family…"
Next the gifts are given, Julian gives Aegon a valyrian sword taken from the shattered continent of Valyria. He names it, Balerion after his ancestors Dragon. Rhaenys also receives a sword, a hand and half sword she names Last Breath. Lady Bethany presents Aegon with a new horse and Rhaenys with new clothes.
After the gifts are given Aegon and Rhaenys retire to the bed chamber without a bedding ceremony. Aegon had forbidden it, "My moon and stars…"
"Sun of my life…" She replies.
They slowly undress one another and tenderly kiss each other as they do. He explores her body with his hands leaving no part of her body unexplored. They lay down on the bed and make passionate love three times. Two days later Aegon sets sail with his wife Rhaenys, mother by law Princess Elia, Prince Quentyn Martell, Hector Romyn, and Lord Varys. As they leave things are happening in the Capitol and the Reach as by now Randyl Tarly is solidifying his power over the Reach. Jaime Lannister is marching on the Capitol with five thousand men and the King has gone hunting.
DAENARYS
Dany is angry as her advisors reveal to her a secret they have been holding since the day she was born. "Who are they? What are their names?" She angrily asks Ser Paul Drake.
"Elia Targaryen…Your sister by law…Her daughter Princess Rhaenys Targaryen…She looks more Dornish than Targaryen, but she has the Targaryen eyes…And finally Prince Aegon Targaryen…Your nephew by your brother Prince Rhaegar and his second wife Lyanna of House Stark…"
She looks at Viserys, "What do you think of all this?"
Viserys had been getting treatments and counseling from Maester Olyse and some Eastern healers for madness of the mind. His treatments involve cold water, leeches, and milk of the poppy to ease the mind. "Why ask me?"
"My Prince…" Maester Olyse says.
Viserys sighs, "If what they say is true…Then this Aegon has more claim to the Iron Throne than either you or I…"
"Why now?" Daenarys asks.
"Things have been set into motion…By now Lord Julian has revealed your nephew's identity to Lord Stark…"
"But my brother kidnapped and raped Lyanna…"
"That lie was spread by your father King Aerys…Your brother actually loved Lyanna Stark…They married in secret…"
"So the army in Astapor is not mine or Viserys'…It is actually Aegon's…"
"No the army is yours to command on your brother's behalf…"
Daenarys stands up, "I have heard enough…"
"I'm afraid there is more Your Grace…"
"More?" She looks at him. Part of her wants to throttle Ser Drake, "What more is there?"
He clears his throat, "A marriage alliance…You are betrothed to Prince Quentyn Martell of Sunspear…"
"And what of me?" Viserys asks, "What roll do I play in all this?"
"None for now Your Grace…As I said Lord Julian and his allies were waiting to see who if any developed madness of the mind…"
Daenarys leaves the main hall and goes to the training yard. Tears fall down her eyes as above all things in life she hated being lied to. She takes a practice sword and starts stabbing the dummy repeatedly. Then she starts slashing and cutting pretending it's a living person. "A man thinks he is dead…Yes…"
She stops and looks at Armond, "A girl wants to be alone yes…"
"Being alone is not good…A Princess needs to talk…"
"Did you know…about the other Targaryens?"
He shakes his head, "If Armond knew such a thing a man would have told a Princess…"
"Why did they lie?"
"To protect a Princess…But a Princess should not cry…Forge your own path in life…"
Daenarys smiles taking his words to heart. A few weeks later the ship arrives in Braavos. Daenarys waits in the courtyard with her guards and brother. The main gate opens and in walks the people she had been told about. Daenarys immediately recognizes each from the descriptions she had been given. With those eyes Rhaenys Targaryen was definitely her kin though she favored her mother. As they said Elia Targaryen nee' Martell is very beautiful.
The young man could be no one other than Aegon Targaryen the crown Prince. He definitely did not look Targaryen with his grey eyes and dark hair. "May I present Princess Daenarys Targaryen and her brother Prince Viserys…This is…"
She cuts him off, "Princess Elia Martell my sister by law…Your daughter Princess Rhaenys Targaryen…And this is…"
"My husband Crown Prince Aegon Targaryen the Sixth of his name…"
Daenarys may have been lustfully looking at him, which prompted Rhaenys to speak up, "Husband?" She looks at Ser Drake.
"We married before setting sail Princess…" Aegon offers.
"I see…" She looks at the two men that are left, both are young and handsome. "And one of you must be Prince Quentyn Martell…You I presume by your complexion…" He walks up to her and kisses her hand.
"Prince Quentyn Martell at your service…"
"Ser Hector Romyn of Crakehall…My Princess…"
After Varys introduces himself they retire inside to eat and talk. "Upon hearing of your existence I became both parts overjoyed and upset…These men have been grooming me to take the Iron Throne and come to find out that I have no right to the Iron Throne…"
"I was just as overwhelmed when I learned of your existence Princess…" Aegon says.
"We are family please call me Dany…"
"As you wish…I…Or should I say we would like the chance to earn your trust, love, and respect…"
"So would I…But I feel I must say that I do not feel any obligation to marry Prince Quentyn…However for the sake of an alliance I am willing to give Prince Quentyn the opportunity to win my heart…"
He smiles from across the table, "That was my intention…I to feel that you nor I must marry just for power, but I am overwhelmed by your beauty and I would like the chance to earn your love…"
"Now that we have that out of the way there is the business of the army in Astapor…"
Aegon clears his throat, "Prin…I mean Dany…Since the gold was given to you and your brother to build an army with…I feel that the army by right is yours to command…"
This shocks Dany, but it is Viserys that speaks up. "That is magnanimous of you…"
"Very, but why?"
"I have my reasons…One I have already mentioned…Also House Martell and Romyn are pledged to my cause…And I feel I can raise my own army…"
They discuss other matters, then Aegon orders the servants that came with him to reveal the Dragon Eggs. "Are those?" Viserys asks standing up.
"Dragon Eggs…" Aegon says answering, "Lord Julian's father funded an expedition to Old Valyria…They found the eggs and this horn we will use to hatch them…"
Daenarys is overwhelmed by everything presented to her. She is disappointed about the Iron Throne, but the fact that she has family still alive makes up for it. As for Quentyn Martell she finds him charming and alluring, but she is attracted to her nephew Aegon. His marriage to her niece keeps her from acting on her impulse to try and bed him. Then there is Hector Romyn who on more than one occasion she caught looking at her longingly. He is handsome and also charming she finds the few times she spoke with him.
The next day they gather in the yard with the Dragon Eggs and Daenarys is given the horn. At the age of seven Daenarys' gift started to manifest. She could place her hand in fire and not get burned. She also saw visions in the fire and one of them was coming true now. She had seen herself standing in the yard with people she had never seen before; the Dragon eggs were present as well. She places the horn to her lips and blows. When she does the fire on the torches and braziers in the yard grow bigger. Anyone without Targaryen blood falls to their knees holding their ears. The eggs burst into fire as the horn starts to glow and Daenarys feints.
When she awakens she finds two Dragons crawling across her body, one black and the other green The third Dragon, the white and gold one is perched on Aegon's shoulder as he stands over her bed. "What happened?"
"You feinted…The eggs hatched and this one flew onto my shoulder as soon as he hatched…I named him Rhaegar to honor my father…"
The green Dragon lays at Daenarys' feet and the black one on her chest. She names the black Dragon Aeryon after her father and the other she names Rhaellar after her mother. Daenarys stays in her bed to regain her strength. It is during this time that they receive news from Westeros. King Robert had died after the hunt, Eddard Stark has been arrested for treason, and Tommen Baratheon made king. "I need to go home…" Aegon says, "Eddard Stark is my family…and if the Lannisters harm him…They will all burn in Dragonfire…"
Daenarys smiles, "Perhaps you should wait until Rhaegar is older…"
He smiles back, "Perhaps…"
"But please…Before you leave accompany me to Astapor…"
He sighs, "To Astapor…"
The night before they are to leave for Astapor Daenarys hears a scream. She runs from her room with the two Dragons flying through the air following. When she arrives at Aegon's room she freezes at the scene before her. Viserys stands over the bed with a dagger in hand, but he is not moving as he is impaled on Aegon's sword; Balerion. "VISERYS!" She screams. Jorah runs up and grabs her, but she fights free of his grip.
"Why?"
"He tried to kill me…" Aegon says.
"Dany…Dany…"
"I'm here…"
Rhaenys is kneeling in the bed with a dagger in each hand and she is naked. Aegon covers her body noticing the people gathering in the hallway. "…I…t's…so c…old."
"Why? Why?" She asks staring into his eyes.
"I…I…w…anted…t…o…be…King…"
He dies in her arms, "I am so sorry…" Aegon says.
As Daenarys stands up Aegon drops his sword, but Rhaenys takes up a protective position in front of her husband. "He was defending himself…"
Dany looks at Rhaenys, "I know that…I harbor no ill feelings towards Aegon…" She looks at Viserys, "My brother was a fool and it cost him his life…"
The guards take his body up on a shield and take it to the yard. They place Viserys' on a funeral pyre, then Daenarys lights the pyre. As the pyre goes up in flames she walks up to Aegon. "How did you know…I mean…"
He sighs, "I was taught to be aware of my surroundings…even in sleep…My door was unlocked and when he opened it…it squeaked…I sleep with my sword nearby and before he could strike…Well you saw…"
HECTOR
The next day they board the ship to sail to Astapor. Hector had come because he is a second son and he wanted to see Braavos. Learning his cousin's true identity was a shocker and he asked if Jordan knew. Of course his cousin did and was sworn to secrecy. Soon all of Westeros would know. As they board the ship in the early morning hours Hector notices a comet in the sky.
"They say it is a sign of Dragons…"
Hector looks at the mysterious woman who was accompanying them. She always wears a mask and rarely speaks, Quaithe by name. "Yes I know…"
"Would you die for her?"
He looks at her, "Who?"
"You don't play the ignorant man well…And you are smarter than you wish to let on…"
He sighs, "Yes I would die for her…"
"Then protect her…You are best suited for the job…You are young and strong…Win her heart…"
He smiles, "How?" She smiles back from beneath her mask and walks away. Prince Quentyn is not around and he spots Daenarys on deck of the ship watching her Dragons. He walks up to her, "I am sorry about your brother Princess…"
She looks at him, "Thank you for your words, but they are unnecessary…"
"So is this challenge to win your heart an open one?"
She blushes, "You feel up to the challenge?"
"Actually I do…"
She scoops up the two Dragons and walks away. Soon the ship is under way with the morning tide. Every morning after breaking their fast Hector trains with Aegon or one of their guards. As usual he shows off especially if Daenarys is on deck. "I will spar with you…" Prince Quentyn announces one morning. The Prince has a Braavosi sword on his hip, but he also carries a spear. "Which would you like to face? Spear or sword…"
"Spear…" Hector arrogantly replies.
"Spear!" He calls for. As they get ready to face off Daenarys comes onto deck with Ser Jorah at her side. Hector glances her way. "Keep looking at my bride like that and I may have to pluck out your eyes…"
"You are a Prince…I am just a Knight…All young ladies yearn to be courted by a Prince…I don't stand a chance…"
Quentyn attacks first thrusting his spear forward, but Hector leans to the side blocking with his sword. Then Quentyn swings his spear around like a staff aiming for Hector's feet. The Dornishmen on board cheer for Quentyn, while the Romyns on board cheer for Hector. Back and forth they fight using acrobatics in their attacks. Hector flies into Quentyn with his left knee and breaks the spear. When Quentyn hits his back he raises his feet and leaps up off his back.
Armed with two spear halves he keeps fighting. Eventually he sweeps Hector's feet from under him and places the spearhead to his neck. "I yield…"
"Wise decision Knight…"
While everyone claps Aegon walks up to Hector and helps him up, "You let him win…"
Hector smiles, "Maybe…maybe not…"
ASTAPOR
The trip to Astapor takes three months by sea. When they arrive a man takes them to inspect the royal army. "My master says that they have been trained in Unsullied style…Though it would have been prudent to geld them…"
Daenarys stops and looks at the young female interpreter, "Why?"
Master Krazyns is rude arrogant and unaware that Dany, Aegon, and Rhaenys understand everything he is saying. "My Master says Unsullied are gelded at an early age…These warriors have been purged of all fears and have mastered all weapons…"
Daenarys snaps her fingers and the men bring the chests of gold. "My master thanks you for concluding this business…"
A tall muscular man walks up, "Your highness…I Merson Bowas…Former pit fighter…I command these men on your behalf and we swear an oath to the Dragon Princess…"
"I accept your oath…"
"Where are your men camped?" Aegon asks.
"Outside the city…"
"Take us to them…" Dany commands. There are three thousand Calvary, two thousand archers and five thousand infantry…"
"Tell me about the Unsullied…" As she listens Daenarys is appalled by what Merson tells her. "This is wrong…Slavery is wrong!" She is alone in her cabin with Aegon and Rhaenys, "Don't you agree…"
"I do, but what can we do?" Rhaenys asks.
Aegon smiles, "You want to sack the city and free the slaves don't you…"
She nods, "I want to forge my own path in life…"
"I will support whatever you decide…"
Later she sends a messenger to Krazyns to tell him that she wishes to purchase the Unsullied as well. As they leave the ship to meet him they are approached by a cloaked figure. "Who are you?"
The man removes his hood, "My name is Ser Barristan Selmy…I served Prince Rhaegar in the war of the Usurper…I failed my Prince…I failed House Targaryen…I have once again to renew my oath to his son Prince Aegon the sixth of his name…The rightful King of Westeros…"
"I have heard of you…You serve Robert Baratheon now…"
"My King was murdered by his wife…I wish to serve House Targaryen…If you will have me…"
Ser Jorah speaks up, "Ser Barristan is known as Ser Barristan the Bold…He is one of the greatest swords in all of Westeros…"
"You serve and protect Princess Daenarys…"
He drops to one knee and rises after making his oath. "My master says that half of them have completed their training…The others need more but will not fail you in battle…"
"Tell your Master the gold is on the way…"
"My Master will not wait…" Missandei says after relaying her words, "…There are other interested parties who can pay now…"
Daenarys looks at him, "Ask your Master if any of them have a Dragon to exchange for these men?"
"My Master asks that you prove it…"
Dany looks up, "Aeryon! Rhaellar!" They wait and wait, Kraznys is about to leave when two Dragons the size of large dogs fly down and land beside Daenarys. She pets them and looks at Krazyns, "Do we have a deal…" Quentyn, Jorah, Varys, and Rhaenys all object to her plan, but she says it is her decision. Aegon supports her and they leave the matter alone. "You have been quiet…" She says to Hector after everyone leaves.
"Well I can see and so can Aegon…that you have no intention of giving Krazyns a Dragon…"
"You are very perceptive…Perhaps you and I can spar one day…"
"I would like that…"
"As long as you don't let me win the way you did with Prince Quentyn…"
"You have a good pair of eyes…"
The next day they meet and Daenarys hands Aeryon's chain to Krazyns and he hands her the whip. "Is it done are they mine now…"
"Yes the bitch holds the whip…"
She smiles as Missandei repeats his words and he struggles to make Aeryon obey him. "Dovaogedys!" When she starts speaking in Valyrian everyone, but Aegon, Rhaenys, and Hector are shocked. "Naejot memebatas!"
"Ivetra…j'aspo zya dyni do majis…"/Tell the bitch her beast won't come…"
Dany looks at Krazyns, "Zaldrizes buzdari iksos daor…"
"Ydra ji Valyre?"
"I am Daenarys Stormborn of House Targaryen…I and my kin are of the blood of old Valyria…Valyrian is my mother tongue…" She nods at Commander Merson who fires an arrow into the air. Then she commands the Unsullied to kill the masters and free the slaves, but no to harm any woman or child. "Dracarys!" On command Aeryon blasts Krazyns with a gout of fire as the Unsullied and Dragon army sack the city.
Later Aegon is cleaning blood off his sword with Rhaenys at his side. She too is cleaning her sword. "Well you have taken the city…Now you must put new laws in place…Give the slaves work…And set up a militia to enforce your will…"
Varys clears his throat, "My King…Princess…This was not wise…"
"Not wise…So you agree with slavery?"
"No I mean…I hate slavery with all my being, but you can't just…"
"It's not wise to tell a Dragon what he or she may or may not do…" Rhaenys says sheathing her blade.
"I mean no offence, but these people have allies…This will not go unanswered…And what of Westeros?"
Aegon stands up, "My Aunt wishes to forge her own path and I will not stand in her way…The army is hers and the two Dragons…At least until Rhaellar finds a rider…Lord Varys…You will stay at my Aunt's side to advise her…You as well Ser Jorah and Barristan…"
"My King I wish to remain as well…" Hector says.
"Why?" Quentyn asks. "We don't need you…"
"Afraid of a little competition?"
He draws his sword, "I beat you once I can do so again…"
"Put that away before you hurt yourself…"
"He can stay…" Daenarys playfully says, "He amuses me…" The next day Aegon leaves with Rhaenys and his men for Westeros. He wishes to sail to East Watch by the sea to meet Aemon Targaryen; the trip will take six months at sea. A week later Daenarys marches her army of 18,000 strong out of Astapor, as she plans to attack Yunkai next.