The morning of the invasion she woke early and moved silently so Daenerys could continue resting. She got dressed quickly, slipping into the armor Daenerys commissioned for her. Her finger traced the dragon over her heart as she watched the Last Dragon sleep. Later she would add the Black of the Night's Watch, to allow her access to the closed city. She thought of Jon as she packed up the dark robes. Wearing the face of a soldier she would waltz right up to the gate and get in. Then all she'd have to do was make the Many Faced God an offering and open the gate for Grey Worm and the rest.

It was a simple plan that was genius in its simplicity. While the guards of King's Landing watched the sky, and feared the dragons Arya'd help the Unsullied slip right in under their noses.

She was nearly ready to go, attaching the last of her hidden blades when there was a grunt and the distinct sound of a queen awakening. "You weren't planning on leaving without saying goodbye were you?" she joked, sitting up in bed, exposing her breasts and the marks Arya had left on them the night before.

"Of course not, your Grace."

Daenerys laughed, a light hearted care-free laugh that temporarily allowed her to forget all about the upcoming day. "Surely after last night, and then again early this morning you don't still feel its necessary to be formal."

Instead of blushing as she usually did when this topic was discussed Arya stood tall and looked proud. Bending down she kissed her waking Queen. "Actually your Grace, I felt that given how enjoyable last night was, I should honor you with your titles, and a few new ones you surely earned."

Laughing even harder Daenerys grabbed her lover by the front of her expensive armor and pulled her down to the bed for a more proper kiss.

"If you keep this up Daenerys we'll miss the invasion," Arya grumbled half heartedly, while Daenerys's hand slithered under her armor.

"You say that as if it's a bad thing," she teased, sucking gently on the Wolf's neck. "I'm Queen, they'd surely move the battle on my behalf wouldn't they?"

Arya chuckled, which only served to multiply the shivers rocking her body under Daenerys's skilled touch. She pulled away while she still had the restraint to do so. "You've waited long enough already for this Daenerys. Today is your day."

With her gorgeous eyes alight with humor the Queen swung her feet over the side of the bed, whining as she went. "Later then?"

"Definitely later," Arya pledged before her lips met the Queen's one last time.

R-C

Riding on horseback in front of the gathered army, wearing armor made just for her, she had to wonder if this is how Robb felt, leading his army, or if Jon felt similar on the Wall. She'd always been told such things were not possible for her, but then again she'd also been told that dragons were extinct and all Targaryen were evil.

As the troops gathered Arya sought out Kovarro. They'd become close friends since the day she saved his life and she trusted him, not only with her life but with that of Daenerys and Missandei who were far more important than her.

Kovarro smiled when he saw her and showed her the sharp edge of his blade. She complimented him on his killing tool and then got to the heart of things. She tasked Kovarro with guarding those most important, the Queen, Missandei and Tyrion. Before they parted, she wished him well.

Daenerys appeared from her tent causing the whole army, Arya included to kneel. Wearing brown leather pants and a white shirt that started just above her breasts and ended just below, she looked stunning. Traditionally Dothraki leather completed the outfit and Missandei had braided her hair elegantly, keeping it both presentable and functional.

Daenerys stood next to Arya and drew her sword. "Are you certain about this plan?" the Queen asked, sounding unusually nervous. "I do not wish any harm to come to you."

"I will be fine, Daenerys, I swear it."

The seriousness of the pledge seemed to ease some of her worry while creating others. "What if I was wrong to bring all these people here? What if they all die because of me?" With wide eyes she grabbed both of Arya's hands, dropping her sword carelessly in the process. "Are you sure we can do this."

She bent slightly so their eyes were level. "You can do this Daenerys, these people love you, they fight for you."

"They could all die because of me too."

"Valar Morghulis Dany, death comes for us all but a wise man once told me that to death we can only say one thing… not today."

"Not today," Daenerys repeated back while Missandei grinned from the background. Silent the slave turned handmaiden turned advisor took joy from the way Daenerys could show her vulnerability and weakness and how Arya could strengthen her with a few whispered words..

Later when all of her advisors stood around her, she knew it was time. "We can begin when you're ready Khaleesi," Jorah told her.

"She needs to address the army first, they are waiting," Barristan added.

"I've never led a battle before," she said, looking from Jorah to Barristan to Arya. "I'm not sure what to say to them. How can I possibly motivate them?"

Arya took her hand and squeezed. "Its as I said, they are here for you. Remind them why."

"You do it," Daenerys implored suddenly, surprising them all.

Arya thought about telling her nervous Queen that she had been in exactly as many battles as Daenerys and had led just as many armies, but she couldn't. She was bound to the Dragon and couldn't refuse her.

R-C

Riding past the group of Dothraki she jumped from her horse and drew her sword before them. Speaking to them in harsh, but improving Dothraki she sparked their thirst for death. "Cowards hide behind those walls," she told them. "Cowards who wish to harm the Khaleesi." The barbarians yelled in anger in response to these words, stomping their feet and shaking the ground around them. "Today we fight for the Khal Who Rides the Sky, for the Stallion Who Would Mount the World and the Khaleesi who saved us all." Another roar rose up from the crowd but Arya wasn't done. "Fight!" she yelled, raising her sword high in the air. "Fight with honor, defend your Khaleesi and the Horse Lord and the Mighty Khal will honor you in the Nightlands."

As she climbed onto her horse and headed to Grey Worm's Unsullied she passed Daenerys who was watching her with an odd expression, as she wiped something from the corner of her eye. This time she stayed on her horse and spoke to the sea of identical soldiers. "Once," she said, speaking in their language, just as she'd done for the Dothraki. Her Valyrian was a work in progress, so Missandei stepped up to aid her as required. "Once," she repeated, "you were slaves. Then our Queen released you, she gave you back your freedom, she returned to you your lives and you all chose to stay, to stay and fight for her. I thank you for that choice, for your help, and your friendship." After whispering to Missandei for a translation she finished. "I would gladly give my life for any of you," she said, ignoring the gasps her words induced from a royal onlooker. "When those gates open, bring death and show the cowards of the world what it means to believe in your Queen. If we must die today," she told them, "all I ask is that we don't go meet my God alone!"

With another roar the army banged their spears on the ground. Someone nearby started the chant of her name, so before long calls of 'Arya' could be heard from one side of the camp to the other.

The sell-swords were the last group to address. Arya rode to them and stopped her horse. They would be the hardest to motivate, their loyalty bought and sold. "Today is your day," she said confidently. "Whatever you wish to find, it is there, waiting for you inside King's Landing. Whether you wish gold, fame, or glory, it is all there. The heroes of today will be talked about for thousands of years, stories will be written, songs will be sung and gold will be spent. The road to all your dreams passes through King's Landing boys, so good luck one and all and once the Dragon sits on her throne may you all find what you seek."

The Hound approached her, in full armor as she jumped from her horse. "Don't remember you giving too many rousing pep-talks when we were on the road together."

"That's because I didn't."

"Why's today different?" he asked as Arya put on the black clothing over her armor.

"Today I had a reason," Arya answered, looking over his shoulder to Daenerys."

Looking behind him as well Sandor laughed darkly. "Have you told her yet girl?"

"Told who what?" she challenged.

"Don't be slow, have you told her you love her yet?"

Arya felt her heart double speed in her chest. Her rough hands began to sweat and her face felt as though it was as burned as the Hound's. "I… uh…"

He laughed. "Don't be foolish," he told her, learning all he needed to from her hesitation. "You could get a sword in the gullet today, or an arrow in the eye. So could she," he maintained, pointing to the Khaleesi. "If something happens you'll never forgive yourself for not telling her, so do it now, while you have the chance."

R-C

With Clegane's words echoing in her head she marched through the camp, talking briefly with Grey Worm and Kovarro about their parts in the invasion, but even as she spoke her eyes were searching for Daenerys.

She found her on her white horse, Nymeria at her side. Missandei who sat on a white horse of her own rode slightly behind the Queen.

Before she could reach them her path was blocked by Jorah Mormont. Without speaking she tried to side step him, only to see he mimicked her and continued to block her path. "May I help you?"

"I know who you are!" he said with fire in his voice. "The Stark's dead daughter, well I don't know why you're here or what your agenda is but I will not allow you to hurt Daenerys."

"I'm here to serve the rightful Queen, same as you Ser Jorah."

"Your father was Robert's right hand during the Rebellion. He was there the night her ancestors died. Should I really believe your motives pure?"

Normally Jorah's words rolled off her like raindrops. He'd never liked her and Arya was fine with that, but for some reason at the mention of her father she saw red. Her hands shifted toward her weapon and her mind conjured up dozens of ways to end his life painfully.

"Know this assassin," he told her after a stretch of silence. "Whatever you try, I'll be there to stop you and then to exact the Queen's justice for your crimes."

Lashing out her right hand struck Jorah in the ribs. He bent over to protect himself and she took hold of his throat, squeezing tightly while the dagger she received from Kovarro rested against his neck, the tip already drawing blood. "Think what you will," she said in a low, deadly voice, "but question my loyalty to Daenerys again and I'll take your tongue."

While the rest watched, Tyrion and Daenerys hurried toward the altercation.

"You must teach me how you inspire such devotion in beautiful women, your Grace, I'd truly love to learn!" Daenerys ignored his comment and took Arya by the arm.

As she led the furious killer away from the group she stopped abruptly and lifted up to kiss her. "I'm sorry Arya."

"Sorry? I just held a knife to your friend's throat, I should be apologizing to you."

She took the younger girl's hand and held it in both of hers. "I feel like we've had this conversation before," she joked. "Jorah's anger has little to do with you and far more to do with me."

Arya nodded. "I know," she confirmed quietly. "He loves you."

Daenerys looked away. "Yes he does. I harmed him with Darrio, but I think he knew it was harmless. He is more threatened by you I suspect."

Recalling her conversation with the Hound she ventured into questionable territory. "How so?"

She tightened her hold on the killer's hand. "Ser Jorah has been with me a long time, so he can surely see the change in me, the one brought on by your arrival."

"You changed?" Arya asked, closing her eyes as the Queen's soft finger rolled around the back of her hand, drawing invisible pictures.

Daenerys nodded although Arya wasn't looking at her to see it. "I did," she confirmed after a moment. "Love has a way of shifting one's perspective."

Love, the word rattled around in her mind like a feral beast trying to break free. Her eyes snapped open and her mouth followed although no words came out.

With his unparalleled sense of timing Tyrion chose that moment to interrupt. "Pardon your Grace, but if the Stark is going to enter the city, she'll need to do it soon. It's already midday."

"Y…yes," she stumbled before she recovered. "Thank you Tyrion, we'll be right there."

By the time she looked back to the Northern girl Arya had already mounted her horse and was adjusting her black robe on her shoulders. With a whistle she called for her wolf and Nym appeared with two from her pack. "Stay with Daenerys girl, keep her safe."

The wolf barked a reply and Daenerys squatted down to greet the fearsome puppy. The sound of Arya's horse moving drew her eyes up. She found the horse directly beside her, and grey eyes watching her unmoving. "Be safe," Daenerys pleaded.

Arya smiled sadly. "I'll see you soon, your Grace," she promised, leaning out of her saddle for a kiss. With her mouth hovering over Daenerys's she whispered. "And you should know, Queen Daenerys that as you have changed, so have I." The two shared another kiss, with Daenerys left speechless this time. The horse led her away from the camp but her voice reached out clear and strong. "I changed plenty the day I met you."

R-C

On the ride to King's Landing Arya altered her face, shifting it into the man's mask, a soldier's face with stubble and dark shadows under his eyes.

As she neared the gate she was ordered to stop with not one, but three arrows landing in front of her horse. She dismounted and stood next to the animal, keeping her hands up. "I come from the Wall seeking recruits!" she yelled.

A contingent of archers looked down from the battlements along with their commander. "Why now? The city is closed."

"The Night's Watch is always looking for new men," she said in her strongest voice. "It was a long ride down from the Wall, I meant to be here weeks ago."

From somewhere she couldn't see or hear the decision was made to let her in. "Leave your blade," the commander called to her. "Leave the weapon and you can come and gather the scum."

The face showed nothing, but behind it, Arya Stark's face smirked with triumph. Her hands reached for her belt and she removed her sword. "I mean no one in King's Landing any harm," she lied. "I'm simply doing my duty."

Leaving the sword in the dirt she walked to the bridge and waited until it was lowered. She crossed the moat and approached the gate while it was being opened from the other side.

One of Daenerys's children chose that moment to swoop down, scaring the guards and sending them running for cover. Once they recovered Arya asked, "Is that common? No dragons in King's Landing last time I came through."

The commander spit to the side. "It's that stupid fucking Dragon Whore. She's got her army of freed slaves waiting outside the city. She thinks her pets and a few peasants with spears can scare us but she's wrong. King's Landing and the armies of the Seven Kingdoms will see her dead or returned across the Sea."

While rage boiled under her skin, she was forced to act the part of Arry, a trusted brother of the Night's Watch. Although Arya wanted his head for his slanderous words, Arry knew he had to bide his time. "Its pretty quiet," she commented as they moved through the familiar streets."

With a look toward the sky, one of the men answered. "Its those damned cursed beasts, they've got everyone staying inside. Seven Hells, I'd be inside if I hadn't been ordered to patrol."

Under her mask Arya grinned. That was all she needed to know. For hours she went through the motions, she met with the captain of the guards, the Hand to the Queen and the jailor from the dungeons. "We have twelve we can give you," the captain informed. "All criminals but still."

Again she thought of Jon. "The Wall needs every boy it can get."

After a brief meal Arya was brought a line of chained criminals. The oldest appeared to be a man in his mid-twenties while the youngest didn't have ten summers, a girl with thick bruises covering her skin.

Although the Watch didn't take girls Arya didn't feel comfortable leaving her behind. Not knowing what was coming next. "The Wall has no use for the girl, but I'll take her anyway and find her a home."

One of the guards laughed, making the girl in question recoil, hiding behind the lad in front of her. "She'll fetch you a good price, the lads I have been teaching her a few things."

Arya wanted his blood but resisted. Instead wearing the face of a hardened soldier she smiled as best she could to the child and led the group toward the exit. "Leaving so soon?"

"It's a long walk to the Wall, the sooner we leave, the sooner we'll arrive."

They were back in front of the gate, with the bridge lowered over the moat when the captain provided his final pearl of wisdom. "Watch out for the Dragon Queen and her army, I hear she feeds wanderers to her lizards."

"I'll keep that in mind."

R-C

When she approached the gate with a team of eight guards and her line of convicts she could sense Nymeria presence. Arya took comfort from the knowledge that if Nymeria was close by, then so was Daenerys.

The moment the gate was open wide enough the arrows started flying. She couldn't see them in the darkness but she knew they were all out there in the shadows, the Unsullied, the Dothraki, even the sell-swords.

With a shriek a dragon dove down, breathing fire at the archers on the battlements. Arya leapt into action. With a sharp kick to the back of the knee, one of the guards fell. She capitalized and drew his blade from his belt, sticking it through is back before he could protest.

Immediately the criminals chained together began screaming for the key. Arya ignored them, as she danced away from the swipe of a sword. Steel clashed together and she heard the voice of the commander screaming to shut the gate. With a worried flick of her eyes she looked toward the gate and saw the opening getting smaller.

Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as the Hound took a massive swing and struck down two men before he avoided another and rushed deeper into the city. Arya didn't need to ask to know where he was going. He was long overdue for a meeting with his brother.

With new purpose she ducked a blow, and swiped across a guard's midsection. As he dropped she stepped over him and parried to avoid a stab. As a spear set to impale her she killed the man holding it and then turned their weapon back on them. With a grunt she heaved the wood through the air, in the direction of the two-man team working the gate. She hit her target in the heart and he dropped to the ground while his friend called for aid. Aid didn't come, but Arya did, making short work of him and the remaining guards.

Not surprisingly Daenerys was one of the first through the gate, with Jorah and Kovarro flanking her. Upon seeing them Arya altered her face to its true form and removed the Black clothing, showcasing her custom armor. Tyrion and Missandei stayed back slightly as Grey Worm's Unsullied flooded in, taking the fight to the guards deeper in the city. The Dothraki stayed close to their Khaleesi, who wouldn't leave Arya's side.

"Are you all right?" the concerned ruler demanded to know.

"I'm fine your Grace, just as I vowed I would be."

Word of the battle spread and screams could be heard from one side of the city to the other. Those the dragons didn't force into their homes were sent there by the battle, leaving only warriors and the poor out on the street.

"What of them?" Arya asked looking at her captives. "They were turned over to become members of the Night's Watch."

"Even the girl?" Tyrion wondered.

"Seems so," Arya said, certain her expression matched the horror on Tyrion's and the fury on Daenerys's

Daenerys seemed to weight her options as the fight continued on around her. "You were to become members of the Night's Watch in exchange for a pardon. I am Daenerys Targaryen and I give you your pardon. Whatever you did to get here is forgiven," she said in a loud, strong, clear voice. The chained men all grinned as if it were their name day as they realized freedom was close at hand. "But know this," she continued as she walked the length of the line, passing by each chained man to look him in the eye. "If you harm another soul for the remainder of your days I will find you and justice will come in the form of dinner for my dragons!" At the horrified expressions she smirked. "I shall remember your faces, and the second chance I provided you all today. Don't make me regret it. Any man who wishes may join my army, any man with a trade will be provided work but break this Queen's law and you'll die screaming!"

Arya felt nothing but pride as she watched Daenerys handle the criminals with ease. When she ordered Jorah to release them, Arya prepared for a battle, but it was unnecessary. The men all left as quickly as they could, desperate to get far away from the chaos. Only the scared, bruised girl remained. In a firm voice Daenerys called Missandei over and introduced her. Just before she and Daenerys stepped away Arya heard the girl say her name was Sara.

With the battle happening in front of them, Daenerys drew her sword and waved for Kovarro to provide Arya with her weapons. As soon as she had them properly affixed to her body she felt whole again, and ready for what was about to happen.

"Khaleesi, you must stay back until the Unsullied make a path to the Keep," Jorah instructed, keeping himself in front of Daenerys at all times.

"I believe the Queen Lannister and I are overdue for a chat," Daenerys commented casually. "I think its time we were introduced don't you."

Jorah turned and stared at his Queen as if he didn't understand her words. "Khaleesi…"

"Worry not Ser Jorah," she told him. "We have a plan."

"We?"

With a shrill whistle Arya brought both a direwolf and a dragon to heel. Drogon swooped down, away from his siblings and landed just outside the gate. Arya, Jorah and Daenerys walked toward the creature together.

Before they parted, they shared a passionate kiss, that had Jorah looking away and blushing red. It was Daenerys who pulled away first. "You girls be careful," she said, ruffling Arya's hair and then doing the same to Nymeria.

"You too, your Grace," she said with a royal bow, grabbing Daenerys by the hips and lifting her with ease onto the waiting dragon's back.

Daenerys flashed her a beautiful smile and held out her hand for Arya to take. The Stark held the hand and felt the dragon's blood racing underneath. "I'll meet you in the throne room," Daenerys said, making it appear as more of a pledge than a plan.

"Meet you in the throne room," she promised.

They both watched the woman they loved be carried off on the back of her son. As soon as she was lost to the clouds Jorah turned on her. "What were you thinking?" he asked, swinging his blade and nearly removing her ear. "Sending her alone like that."

"She won't be alone. I'll be there, and so will Grey Worm, Kovarro, you and any others who survive."

Caught up in their argument she almost didn't notice. The hurried footsteps coming from the opposite direction. Pulling her sword away from Jorah she pivoted and buried the steel into her attacker's gut. She danced like Syrio taught her, always striking with precision and control. As she avoided a trio of guards she noticed a man sneaking up on Jorah. She watched from the corner of her eye, waiting to see if the old knight would adjust but the interloper went unnoticed. When she couldn't wait anymore she took the dagger from her boot and threw it end over end, just as she'd done in the alley to save Kovarro months earlier. Her strike wasn't perfect, but it slowed the attacker and alerted Jorah to his presence. She finished her dance with the guards and Jorah did the same with his. They had to dodge steel and arrows all the way to the castle. "Why?"

She knew what he was asking so she didn't seek clarification. "She cares for you and you provide her good advice," Arya explained before she sliced a Lannister guard across the neck. "And… she'd be sad if you died."

R-C

Daenerys flew over the battle, watching as clouds passed all around her. As she saw the bodies falling she couldn't help but wonder if any of the tiny people below were her Wolf.

Rounding the last turn toward the castle she saw a line of heavily armored men holding longbows and crossbows. She held her sword a little tighter, and thought of her ancestors. Would they be proud of her now?

A breath of fire burned the fifty men lining a Northern battlement. When all of them were dead, or dying the dragon landed in a pile of smoke and ash and allowed his mother to climb down.

Remembering all of Arya's lessons she angled her body and moved slow, taking note of the details around her as she moved about. Tyrion had described the layout of the castle in painstaking detail so Daenerys knew where she was, and where she was most likely to find the fake Queen.

R-C

Nymeria darted away from Arya when they were only halfway to the castle. She considered calling out to her, but she knew that there was only one other person Nym would be going to protect, so Arya said nothing.

By the time they reached the castle there had been heavy losses on both sides. Fires, bodies and blood were in every direction. The dragons had helped, and most of the smallfolk stayed indoors, but Cersei still had an army standing in front of her.

Inside she felt her chest tighten with each step she took toward the throne room. Each time she bloodied her sword, each time she cursed as she avoided a strike, each time she sent the Many Faced God a new playmate, she thought of her parents, and her brothers, and Daenerys and even Sansa, and everyone else who had ever mattered to her. The horrors of her childhood and her years of pain led her here, not only to the castle where she would find her revenge, but to Daenerys, the woman she loved.

R-C

With Drogon's help she entered the throne room through a hole in the wall. As the beast stepped back, his tiny mother climbed through the opening, sword in hand.

Cersei was sitting on her throne as if she hadn't a care in the world. In front of her twelve members of her elite guard, arranged in four groups of three.

Standing from her seat, her red dress flowed down her body, like a perfect lady. "Daenerys Targaryen, I presume."

She stood straight and fearless as she watched the guards for any sign they intended to attack. "Lady Lannister this needn't go on. Step down and swear loyalty to me as your brother has and this can end."

She spat out a harsh laugh. "My brother is a fool. Apparently you are too. You came here alone? Not very clever."

"I'm not alone," she said confidently. To prove the point, the dragon inserted his head back into the opening and snapped at the nearest group of guards. Daenerys took perverse pleasure from watching Cersei pull back in fear.

"Let's talk then shall we?"

R-C

Coming from the left as she approached the throne room Arya was wounded but alive and mobile. She arrived at the corner just as Jamie Lannister approached from the right. She turned her sword on him and he stepped back. "Easy now," he said as he backed up as far as he could. With his back against the wall he let out an uneasy laugh. "Seems we both had the same idea, didn't we?"

"Think so King Slayer? I wasn't going in for a quick roll in the hay," she challenged, moving her blade down his chest, pressing against the armor over his heart.

Ignoring the quip, he only shook his head. "Seven Hells, I hate that name," he complained. "No matter what I do, I'll always be King Slayer, the King Slayer, I can't escape it."

Arya stopped moving her blade and let it rest. "Trust me Lannister, after today the people will be far more interested in my deeds than yours."

He looked suggestively at the door to the throne room. "You intend to be the Queen Slayer then?" he asked seriously.

"I do. Are you going to oppose me?"

"If I say yes?"

"Then you draw your sword and we fight," she said taking a step back in preparation.

"And if I say no?"

"Then you are free to go."

He scoffed. "Just like that? Your Queen wants me to live?"

"I don't know the Queen's opinion on the matter," she admitted truthfully. "It was Tyrion's request that I spare you, if at all possible."

"Tyrion…"

"Your brother wishes you well," she said as the nearby fighting drew closer. "I suspect you know another way out of the castle, I suggest you take it and quickly."

He looked from the assassin to the closed door and back, weighing his options. "Who are you?" he finally asked.

This time there was no delay, there was no wondering if she should reveal the truth. With her grey eyes upon him she raised her sword. "I am Arya Stark of Winterfell, daughter of Lord Eddard Stark, the Warden of the North and Hand to the King."

His mouth dropped open slightly and he was at a loss until he noticed the girl preparing for combat. The blood on her sword proved she was more than capable. He held up his only real hand, leaving the fake one at his side. "Then it appears Arya Stark that this is where you and I part ways."

"It seems so, King Slayer. Be well."

Jamie flashed her his flawless smile. "You too Queen Slayer."