A/N: I'm slower updating this time though it is a long one which should compensate you a bit. I have had other stuff on plus I spent some time reading the Princess and the Queen (I enjoyed it and it gave me ideas). I also found this chapter hard to write and hung onto it for a bit trying to tweak it. I'm still not really satisfied. I wanted to reflect that Aegon still has some learning to do and I'm afraid he comes across as a bit of a douche in parts.
Parts of this are a little indulgent, apologies to those who prefer the politics stuff. I have no intention of the story becoming all about romance. I decided to put another scene in this one because I think it fits and I wanted Aegon's POV but it is about more than that in my mind so I will shift focus to some other stuff soon. I know I have neglected Sansa. That will be fixed soonish. I am also considering putting a dany chapter in soon, just to catch up with her. One of the reviews asked how much does she know of what is happening in Westeros and I thought that was a great question. I might address that as well as making the point that she has sailed even though it will still be a little while before she arrives. Quick question, I'm trying to figure out if Daario would have survived. I'm tempted to have him alive to complicate things :D
Thanks for your reviews, I was a little taken aback by how many I got for the last chapter. They are appreciated, you guys are awesome :-)
Chapter 49: Aegon
Aegon could not sleep. He kept remembering the order from King's Landing and all that had unfolded after he read it. He was sure that Arya could defend herself, he knew she could defend herself but he also knew the order must have been sent out over all of Westeros. There were still people who would try to turn Arya in. She had laughed about the order but all Aegon could feel was anger. They had taken his mother and sister, his father had been killed and now they wanted to take Arya too. We are both hunted now.
He had not seen another assassin but he knew that did not mean they had stopped trying. Sometimes he thought he was being watched but the feeling passed. He was trying not to get complacent though it was difficult, especially with the distractions he faced. He could still hear the Northmen proclaiming her queen. He could still see her face. She had been quick to cover it but he had seen her fear and he had seen that she was not happy. He could still remember what she had told him when he had asked her again to marry him. I definitely can't be queen. He had been frustrated by her stubbornness but seeing her reaction to her own men making her queen had helped him see it was about far more than not wanting to marry.
There had been an uproar when Aegon had left the camp of the Northern army and returned to the castle. The news had spread fast. Connington was wroth though the bannermen and leaders of the Golden Company were even angrier. All they could see was the loss of half of Westeros. They had gathered in the hall and the discussion had become heated. Aegon was not happy himself but Connington had talked about the North's desire for independence enough that he could still think rationally.
"We will not dispute it" he announced.
They had looked at him as though he was mad. Connington was sitting beside him. He had gripped his arm fiercely and whispered harshly in his ear.
"Stop thinking with your cock Aegon"
He couldn't stop himself from flushing red. "I'm not" he had snapped back, trying to keep his voice low. "You will not speak to me in that way my lord".
He had then addressed the rest of the men. "The North did not promise fealty" he argued. "They have not breached the terms of the alliance. If we try to resist this we will lose the North and any chance of the Riverlands too. I do not have dragons. I cannot truly unite the kingdoms without this alliance".
He had allowed them to continue arguing amongst themselves. Some of them favoured marching into the Northern camps. He was grateful when Connington intervened to tell them the stupidity of that plan.
"That is a sure way to lose all support. We will be as popular as the Freys if you give in to that folly".
It had taken time but they did eventually calm down. They were not happy but they no longer wanted to spill blood. Aegon had left and returned to his quarters. Connington had caught him giving the crown to Duck to take to the Northern camps. He had given Aegon the coldest look and had joined him in the solar, shutting the door for privacy as Duck left to follow the instructions Aegon had given him.
"What are you doing?"
Aegon set his jaw. "I'm trying to help her. If you had seen her" he paused. "She does not want this".
Connington sighed. "There is no point in my trying to change your mind".
Aegon shook his head. "I have not forgotten her telling me of Torrhen Stark".
He saw understanding cross Connington's features. "You think this is temporary".
"I do my lord" Aegon confirmed. "The North will not kneel without dragons. Arya said as much". He paused. "The North needs this. I will never make her kneel but it will not be my choice when my Aunt arrives".
Connington had looked thoughtful. "You still should not have given the crown, Your Grace".
He had turned on his heel and left.
It had become late by then and Aegon had retired for the night, telling his guards not to disturb him. Now despite his fatigue he could not rest. He had too many thoughts keeping him awake.
Lord Connington had told him quite often after he had returned from the North that he was being foolish about Arya. He could still remember her saying he pursued her. He had planned to do things differently now. He was not going to chase her. The night before she had come to him. She had been different. He had not had to prompt her. She had desired him and she had been wet for him without him even having to try. He could still hear her.
I want you Aegon
She had never fought him when he had gone to her before but it had always been him prompting. He had always had to coax her. She had not needed much, Arya knew her mind but it was always there and before last night he had started to have doubts. He had started to wonder if he had been a fool and if he had dreamed that she truly wanted him as more than somebody to talk to. Now he had no doubts. He had seen her desire and he had also seen her hesitation before she refused to marry him.
He did eventually drift off with thoughts of death and crowns and Arya going around and around in his head. When he woke he found Arya in his chambers. He was not surprised though he wondered if he should be worried that she had gotten in so easily. Her usual guarded expression was gone. She looked troubled. She had clearly been unable to sleep though unlike him she was still dressed. The circlet he had left for her was held lightly in her hands. She looked as though she thought it might bite her.
"I'm not here to fuck you" she said quickly.
He smiled gently at her. "I did not need you to tell me that. What happened to my guards?"
She pulled a face. "They are stupid. You need to get better ones".
Aegon had to suppress the urge to laugh. It wasn't funny in truth and she didn't look to be in a laughing mood. He watched her set the crown down. She frowned.
"I did not want this".
Aegon sighed. "I know"
She bit her lip. "I cannot keep it. They think you gave it to me because you want me".
This time he couldn't hold back his laughter even though it caused her to scowl at him.
"What?" she growled.
"Arya" he said, trying to catch his breath. "Almost every man here wants you".
The look of utter surprise on her face made him laugh again even though it resulted in her hitting him.
"Stop it" she protested.
"Alright, alright" he said, trying to be serious. "It is true though". Her brow was furrowed.
"They don't know about us". She looked at the circlet again. "They told me to keep it but I still don't think I can".
"Yes you can" he said firmly. "If it makes you feel better think of it as a name day gift".
Her eyes widened and she sat lightly on the side of the bed. "You remembered?"
"Of course I remembered" he shot back.
She fingered the crown, her brow furrowed.
"Do you not like it?" he asked uncertainly.
It had been made for her but he did not dare tell her that. It had not been his idea. One of the blacksmiths had been listening to too many rumours about Aegon's marriage and thought he would earn favour by designing it with Arya in mind. Aegon hadn't been able to part with it even though he had started to become certain he would never have her wear it. The North declaring her queen had changed that.
"It isn't that" she said quickly. "I just don't think I can do it".
Her eyes were downcast. She looked as vulnerable as Aegon had ever seen her. He decided to risk her anger by picking up the circlet and putting it gently on her head before grasping her hand.
"You can do anything Arya".
She looked at him reproachfully but she didn't wrench it off her head straight away. She also didn't pull her fingers from his.
"I said I couldn't be queen" she said bitterly. "I'm not made for it. I'm not like Sansa".
Aegon wanted to shake her.
"They don't want a courteous little lady" he said, trying to keep his temper. "They are not looking for somebody who will wear gowns and jewels and sit in a castle holding court. They need a warrior. They need you".
"You're crushing my fingers" she said in a warning voice.
He quickly loosened his grip, feeling guilty but he wanted to make his point. "You don't have to change Arya. They chose you as you are. You just need to keep being you. The only change is" he reached up and adjusted the circlet "you will have to wear one of these on occasion".
She looked right at him and he was bothered to see she had donned one of her masks. He couldn't tell what she was thinking. She reached up and removed the crown. He had a sinking feeling until she moved quicker than he had expected and before he knew it she had straddled him. She leaned down over him, her dark grey eyes full of promise. Her dark hair hung forward, framing her face.
"I wanted to hate you for giving it to me. Why can't you let me hate you?"
She didn't give him a chance to answer. Her mouth enveloped his and he fought to stifle a groan as she ground her hips against him. His tongue fought hers for dominance until she suddenly pulled away. She ripped her coat and tunic off, carefully putting aside her knife and dagger.
"I thought you weren't going to fuck me?" he teased.
She scowled and he quickly reached for her before she changed her mind, pulling her into another kiss. He traced the curve of her spine before quickly undoing the bindings at her chest. As they fell away she pulled back to look at him, her hands cupping his face.
"You really think I can do this?"
He was tempted to jape with her. To pretend she was talking about bedding him and not wearing the crown she had not asked for but he could see she was serious.
"I really do" he replied "though you are better not asking me questions while you're half undressed. It makes it hard to think".
She smiled and lowered her head to nip at his neck and he took it as a sign. He savoured the way her breath hitched as he cupped her breasts and brushed his thumbs across her nipples. She held him to her as he pulled one into his mouth, cradling his head and knotting her fingers in his hair. Her breathing became more erratic and he heard her begin cursing as his teeth scraped against the firm peaks and he teased her with his tongue. When she arched her back and moaned he let his hands wander lower, feeling down across her stomach, hooking his fingers inside the waist of her pants.
"Wait" she said softly and it was his turn to curse until he realised she had only held him back to finish undressing.
She wriggled out of her remaining clothes with an ease he would have envied if it wasn't to his benefit. He swallowed hard as her fingers worked quickly to ease the furs back that were covering him up to his waist, the only barrier between them. He couldn't stifle the groan this time as her fingers ran along the length of him. They both sighed as she guided him deep inside her. He watched her, mesmerised as she rose and fell on top of him. Her skin was flushed and her lips parted. The only sound in the room was the creak of the bed, their heavy breathing and Arya moaning softly. She no longer wore the tormented expression she had when she first came to his room.
He closed his eyes for just a moment, listening to her and focusing on the way it felt being in her. He remembered what Connington had said. It was not true, not with Arya. Something that feels this good cannot be dishonour. Her hands rested on his chest for balance and he ran his fingers gently up her body and down her arms until she took his hands in hers. He pulled her close to him, his lips seeking hers again before she threw her head back and cried out her pleasure as she tipped over the edge. He panicked for a heartbeat before he remembered he had told his guards to keep away.
She allowed him to roll on top of her, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist. She looked into his eyes as he began to stroke into her and it was an effort to keep his pace steady as she writhed beneath him. It was not long before she was urging him on. He felt her nails digging into his back just before he came with a moan and her name on his lips.
He nuzzled her neck as he tried to catch his breath. He wanted to breathe in her scent. She always smelled almost earthy. Her caresses became more gentle, her fingers stroking his back and he was startled when he realised his back was stinging a little.
"I'm sorry" she whispered. "I made you bleed".
His eyes met hers and he grinned widely. "It was worth it".
She hit him lightly in the chest. "Don't be stupid".
He was surprised when she didn't try to leave straight away. She let him put his arm around her and pull the furs over both of them. He didn't want to ruin things but he had to ask the question.
"Won't they look for you?"
Arya sighed. "They will think I am visiting the Freys. We spoke about them before I tried unsuccessfully to get some sleep". There was a moment of silence before she spoke again.
"Will anybody come in here?"
"I asked not to be disturbed" he said quickly.
Her voice was small when she spoke again. "I know I shouldn't ask but can I stay a little while? I always sleep better right after you've fucked me".
He wanted to laugh over the bluntness of her request. He couldn't say no to her. He brushed his lips against the top of her head and held her close. He heard the familiar whispers just as he was drifting off. "Ser Meryn, Queen Cersei, Raff the Sweetling, the Freys. Valar Morghulis".
One day I will ask her about it.
She was gone when he woke again. He had slept late and he saw the maid smirk when she came to his room. It took him a moment to realise why and then he flushed, remembering Arya had scratched him. He knew that it would be assumed he was whoring and it bothered him.
The day had come for the Freys to face judgement. Although the North was going to dispense the judgement, Aegon had managed to gain access to witness it and Duck was by his side. Connington was also in the hall along with other leading men from their host. He was curious to see that the singer had joined them. He saw Arya stare at the singer when he entered. The man grinned at her and took a knee. She did not smile back and there was something hard in her tone when she bade for him to rise. Aegon did not dwell on it, his focus soon shifted to what they were there for.
He had seen that his words had some impact on Arya. She was wearing the crown and although he knew she could not possibly be comfortable wearing it after what she had told him she was putting on a good pretence. She had also dressed for war, donning a shirt of ringmail over her boiled leather. She did not look to be armed though Aegon knew that meant nothing. She always had at least two concealed blades.
Arya had taken the black oak seat of the Lord of the Crossing. Her small form looked rather lost in the massive seat. He could see that Nymeria was close by her as was her uncle Brynden Tully and the Lady of Bear Island known as the She-Bear. Aegon knew well that Arya had no need of bodyguards yet the two of them looked to be attempting to shield her nonetheless.
He scanned the hall looking out at the Freys gathered. He could see fear on many faces but he could also see resentment, hatred and on some, mere curiosity. His study was interrupted when Arya spoke.
"The children should not be here".
The man known as the Greatjon answered her.
"Not all children are innocent, Your Grace"
His proclamation was met with murmurs of agreement. Aegon heard mutters of "Freys" and "born treacherous". He began to worry of what exactly this justice was going to involve. He was relieved when Arya shook her head vigorously. The crown slipped a little and she pushed it back into place.
"If any have a part of the guilt they will face punishment but young children should not be here".
Aegon saw some Northmen rise and promptly begin herding the children out of the hall. Many of the small ones did not want to leave and had to be urged to go. Some of the Freys did not want the children sent out.
"Let them bear witness that the wolves are beasts" one man called out.
Arya rose to her feet in response. Her voice rang out clearly and he could hear the anger and pain in her tone.
"My mother and brother were murdered in this very hall at my uncle's wedding. They were guests and they were unarmed. Thousands of my brother's men were murdered. The beasts are those who planned and committed those murders". She paused briefly amidst loud exclamations of support from her men and when she spoke again she was calmer. "Keeping children as witnesses will not change your fate but if you insist on them staying they will witness the truth of your crimes and the justice of your sentences". She sat again.
Aegon looked around at those watching. Almost all of them had their gaze fixed on Arya. Those from his host were looking at her with interest and unveiled curiosity. Lord Connington was looking between the Freys and Arya with a cool gaze, appearing unmoved and taking everything in. Duck was calmer than most, he had a look of grim acceptance and Aegon realised that Northern justice was not new to him. He had been at Winterfell and the Dreadfort.
Arya's voice rang out again. "Alesander Frey"
The Frey in question rose to his feet. He looked anxious as he stepped forward. Aegon tried to read Arya's expression but she was revealing nothing. Alesander took a knee to the displeasure of many of his relatives.
"You may rise" Arya said softly. "Go with an escort to the other castle. You will be our guest and no harm will come to you".
There were surprised murmurs from both the benches where the Freys sat and the witnesses from Aegon's host. Alesander Frey murmured a "Thankyou your grace" and fled, still looking a little anxious. Arya did not watch him leave, Aegon could see her looking along the benches again.
"Perwyn Frey" she called out.
The man who must have been Perwyn Frey scampered forward, quick to follow Alesander's lead by taking a knee. Relief was etched in his features.
"I know you also did not take part" Arya said. "You served my mother and brother well. You have my promise that no harm will come to you from my command. You may join Alesander".
Perwyn left rather quickly and Aegon looked to see who would be next.
"Olyvar Frey"
A young man stepped forward. He knelt with his head bent and grief clouded his features.
"I am sorry about your mother and brother, Your Grace" he said. "I did not know what was planned".
Aegon looked to Arya and saw her expression soften.
"I know. I have heard my brother was fond of you and that you were very loyal. I would like you to join Perwyn and Alesander".
Olyvar left and when he left any vulnerability in Arya left with him. Her face became stony. The interrogations began in earnest. The room began to be separated. Accusations were flung around the room with Frey accusing Frey. Guilt was established for first one, then two, soon half a dozen. Aegon had known Arya could pick liars but he had never seen it put into practice like this. Her interrogations made him feel nervous and he had played no part.
The North did not care if the guilty were men or women. Both were grouped together. Once the guilty numbered a score, the announcement was made that sentencing would begin. Aegon started when Duck leaned close to him.
"Are you sure you want to stay for this, Your Grace? It will be difficult to watch".
He dismissed the question but he was not prepared when he saw Arya rise, remove the crown and walk lightly down from her seat, accepting a sword on her way. He recognised it instantly as the sword forged from her father's sword. Nymeria followed at her heels as did her protectors. The guilty Freys were taken outside while the rest remained guarded. The Northmen and witnesses from Aegon's company followed. When they reached the yards Aegon saw a block had been set up.
He had killed men in battle. He knew that Arya had killed men but this was different. Some cursed her as she sentenced them to die, other pleaded but it did not matter what they said. Their end was the same. Duck had been right, it was difficult to watch and he found himself turning away more than once. He knew their crimes, he knew the sentence was just but the woman wielding the sword did not seem the Arya he knew. This woman seemed cold, unmoved, indifferent.
He looked at Lord Connington and the expression he saw there surprised him. It was approval. It was something Aegon had rarely seen from him. He caught Aegon's eye briefly but he did not speak. Aegon saw that the other men watching looked fascinated, particularly the sellswords. The Northmen were assisting Arya, she was carrying out the sentence but they were methodical in bringing each person to her for her to carry it out. They looked grim.
Aegon did not want to stay after the sentencing was finished. He did not want to see the remaining Freys being questioned and sentenced. He began to leave but Connington must have seen him and he came after him.
"You must stay Your Grace"
Aegon faltered. "She has no mercy" he said quietly.
Connington looked irritated. "They cannot be spared. You know what they did. If you wish to rule this is something you will need to learn. Not every foe is going to come at you with a weapon and not all justice is easy".
Aegon shook his head. "It didn't have to be her".
Duck interjected. "Aye, it did, Your Grace. They do things differently in the North" he explained. "The little lady told me it is the old way. They do not use executioners. She told me her father taught them. The person who passes the sentence should swing the sword. They believe that if you can't look into a man's eyes and hear his last words then mayhaps he doesn't deserve to die".
Aegon pressed his lips together. "She looked so cold".
Connington almost looked like he was trying to hold back a smile. "Take a moment if you must but you will need to return to the hall".
When he was gone Aegon was aware that Duck was silent but he clearly had something to say. Aegon prompted him.
"She's not cold" Duck argued. "You know that. She will be miserable when it's over. I was there after the sentencing in Winterfell and the Dreadfort. The little lady takes no joy from it. I remember she looked as sad as I've seen her on the first night in Winterfell".
Aegon sighed. He returned to the hall and made himself watch the rest of the questioning. He also made sure he did not look away during what was left of the sentencing but he was glad when it was over and he could return to his quarters.
He did not look for her and she did not come to the hall. It was not until the following day when he met with some of the Northern Lords that he saw her again. Preparations were being made to leave a mix of Northmen and Aegon's men behind to take charge of the Crossing. Aegon had begun talking with Ser Brynden Tully in Arya's pavilion when he saw her emerge with parchment clutched in her hand. Her dark grey eyes met his and he saw her stiffen. The Blackfish did not seem to notice.
"Uncle I am going to find the maester" she said. "My letters are late and Rickon will have started worrying".
"Go child" Ser Brynden urged with a smile. "We can't afford to have your brother getting anxious. He may try and rescue you all on his own".
She darted from the tent and the Blackfish seemed to remember Aegon's presence. His tone returned to something more brusque as they returned to discussing the Riverlands. She returned just before they finished and sat staring into a cup of wine. As their discussion ended the Blackfish left them but not before shooting him a warning look. He was surprised they were left alone. He expected it would not be for long. Arya broke the silence first. Her tone sounded brittle.
"You are looking at me differently since the sentencing".
Aegon did not deny it. "It was not what I expected. You were not what I expected".
She stiffened again. "Duck told me what you said about me".
Aegon could not look at her. She moved so quietly that she was standing before him almost before he realised she had moved. She rested her hand on his arm hesitantly.
"I am still the same person Aegon. From the time you found out my name I have not lied to you about who I am".
He looked down at her hand and she removed it. "It was just different seeing it" he said quickly.
"What would you do if it was the people who hurt your family?" she said defensively. "It is justice. It is how we do things".
"I know" he said softly.
She turned away from him. "This is why I tried to warn you. You should have listened to me back at Storm's End the first time I told you I was not right for you". She sat back down and stared at the wine again.
"Arya" he began hesitantly.
"You can go" she said abruptly.
He paused at the entrance of the pavilion looking at her but she would not meet his gaze. Duck was right he realised. She is miserable.
"You were wrong" he said quietly before he took his leave.