A/N: This one has been hideous to write. I have hit a block with it more than once and I'm still not happy but I'm posting it so I can move on. I think the problem with it is that a lot of it is what is going on in Arya's head (as much of it as she will admit to herself) rather than interaction between the characters which I like writing better. I posted a teaser for the next chapter on Tumblr. That will partially answer questions about Dany and co. though I've stuffed up the Essos timeline. Questions about Dorne and the Sand Snakes should be answered in the Dornish chapter planned for chapter 68.
Chapter 66
Arya slipped from Aegon's grasp to return to her own tent. She watched him a moment before leaving. He looked content in his sleep. It was a far cry from how she had found him. Nymeria Sand told her he had violent nightmares and she knew that from the last time she stayed with him but she had expected it to fade. His reaction when she asked him about it suggested he was worse.
She pulled her cloak around her and moved quiet as a shadow under cover of darkness. When she made it to her tent she stopped still by her bed. Lady Nym was fast asleep, clutching tight to Arya's pillow. Good to know she doesn't wake as easily as I do. Arya had hoped to get a little more rest. She was much better but still weakened. It was most frustrating feeling so worn out from a day of riding.
Arya perched on a stool instead shooting another look at the Dornishwoman. It did not matter if she was found in Arya's bed. The Blackfish had already found her there a couple of days earlier. At the time Arya was trying not to argue with her. Ser Brynden looked puzzled when he saw the two of them.
"Good morning Ser" Nymeria had said, acting as though nothing was out of the ordinary.
The Blackfish gave Arya a questioning look. "She wouldn't leave" Arya explained.
Lady Nym looked offended and if Arya had not been trained in seeing lies she might have been fooled. "It is so cold here" she said in a wounded voice. "It would help me keep warm. Sharing a bed is not unusual in Dorne." She then smiled wickedly. "Mayhaps I should have visited your uncle's tent instead."
Arya's training fled her and she knew she blushed. Ser Brynden laughed loudly and exited the tent and Arya saw a spark of satisfaction in the Dornishwoman's eyes.
"You blush very prettily your grace" she said in a teasing tone. She knew full well Arya hated that title. "I must say it is most reassuring. I thought I would never get any emotion from you. How do you do that anyway?"
Arya hadn't answered. That was the day Sandor Clegane had left. She studied the woman in her bed. She still wasn't sure exactly what to make of her but what Arya told Aegon was the truth. Nymeria Sand was no threat to him. Arya had seen it in every conversation she had with the woman. While she tried to determine whether the Lady Nym was a threat to Aegon or her family, the Dornishwoman was trying to determine the same thing of her. The Martells protected each other whether they wore the name or not. Arya respected that.
Once Aegon's cousin had determined Arya was not a threat to him she had decided they must spend time together. She told Arya things, things Aegon had yet to share with her. She often shared them in a teasing tone but Arya read the intent. It was Lady Nym who told her of Sandor Clegane being sent to King's Landing and Lady Nym who told her of Aegon's tortured sleep. Her motive was to urge Arya to see him but Arya did not need to be urged. She did wonder why Nymeria was pushing her towards Aegon before remembering what Connington told her of Dorne.
Daenerys' dragons killed her cousin.
Arya sighed thinking of Aegon. She still planned to follow through on what she and Connington discussed. She would leave before Daenerys arrived. Until then Arya would do what was needed. Connington, Aegon and Nymeria all told her she made him better. It made no matter. Even if there weren't dragons Arya had obligations elsewhere. I have to return to Winterfell some time. Arya needed to go back once the Lannisters were defeated. She missed the castle but more than that she missed Rickon. Arya also hoped that once she returned she might visit Jon. Winterfell would survive her making a short trip North.
I will help Aegon succeed until I have to go. I will make him understand what he has to do.
Aegon thought he needed her. Arya could see he believed it and mayhaps it was true right now. Thoughts of her parents popped into her head unbidden. She remembered them together, her father taking her mother's counsel and vice versa. She quickly shook the thoughts away. I do not need Aegon. Despite what Aegon thought right now he would realise in time he did not need her.
She touched her fingers to her lips without thinking, remembering how he had touched her. It was not planned. Arya did not go there for that. Her pulse quickened remembering what he had whispered to her as he kissed her. He isn't yours stupid, no matter how many times he says it. He made her feel good though. When he was inside her she forgot everything that hurt, everything that had been taken from her. He made her feel safe for a brief time even though she knew there was no such thing as safe.
She was still sore, especially after riding but when Aegon's hands had begun to roam and she had seen and felt how badly he wanted her she did not want to disappoint him. When he realised and tried to pull away it only made her want him more. She knew then he would not hurt her and he hadn't. He was not like other men she had known. Arya might have given him her maidenhead but there were things she had done as no one, things Aegon had not been told. He did not know that there were missions where Arya had to let men think they might have her. The House of Black and White chose a pretty face for a reason and Aegon was not the first man to touch her. There had been no kisses, no attempts to please her, they just pawed and groped at her until she ended them. Those missions had been the easy ones.
Aegon was the first to make her like being touched by a man. He earned her trust first, they were friends. Arya had forgotten herself with him earlier. He treated her with affection and instead of trying to claim her by force when she was worried this time he treated her as though she was precious instead. He looked after her. He was the first person since Jon way back before Arya left for King's Landing to do so. Nobody had looked out for her like he did in years.
She could picture Aegon lying in her arms, looking up at her with those startling violet eyes. Arya had snorted with Duck and even Haldon about the ladies in Storm's End. They became such silly creatures under his gaze. None of them would have turned him down if he had visited their bedchambers. If he was not surrounded by guards Arya did not doubt some of them might have invaded his chambers of their own accord.
His eyes were beautiful but Arya had seen many handsome and beautiful faces. She had seen servants of the House of Black and White wear handsome faces but the beauty was not real. Arya did not bed him because he was handsome. She bedded him because he was good. He was good to her and better than she deserved. That was why she kept touching him and kissing him as he lay in her arms. He wanted it, she saw that in the curve of his lips, the way he responded to her hands and so tonight she had given it willingly. Now that she was away from him she saw the folly of it. She told herself it made no difference, Aegon already sought her affection but she knew she should not encourage it too much.
I may as well keep visiting him until I leave. Until he married he was not going to forget her when she was so close. She had learned that. Men are like that though. Arya had seen it of the men in the camp. They thought her oblivious, a blushing maiden who just covered it well but she saw. The same camp followers frequented the same tents and she heard the fights when another man encroached.
Movement in her bed took her mind away from it and she became aware of Nymeria Sand smirking at her.
"If you are not going to use your own bed you might as well have stayed in his."
Arya had her response ready. "You had hold of my pillow and you left no space for me." Lady Nym shifted over and Arya climbed into the bed, turning her back to the other woman. "You have your own bed you know."
"Yes" Nymeria replied and Arya could tell by her tone that she was about to make a jape. "Is it only me you don't want to share with or are you only interested in my cousin's company?"
Arya sighed. "You can stay." She had shared a bed quite a lot. Sharing did not bother her but since her training it was harder. Arya trusted less and she still did not know Nymeria. Also, the Dornishwoman did not visit Arya to sleep. She talked quite a lot and sometimes about things Arya did not want to talk about.
"Did you never share a bed with your sister?" Nymeria asked, almost as though she had read Arya's thoughts.
"I don't want to speak of Sansa" Arya said quietly.
"You did not get along?"
Arya remembered her father's words. The same blood flows through both our hearts. Arya still felt anger towards Sansa but it had faded. Arya wanted to see Sansa and have her back at Winterfell, even if it meant that Arya had to hear about how much better Sansa was at everything. Aegon asked her about her sister sometimes and she spoke of Sansa to him but she would not speak of her to his cousin.
"You should be staying close to Aegon" she said, changing the subject. "You are better than his guards."
"I am" Nymeria responded agreeably. "Would you prefer me in his bed?" Arya willed herself not to react and failed. Lady Nym must have felt her tense and she laughed. "I am japing. You will need to get used to the idea sometime" she continued on. "Aegon tells me you plan to leave."
Arya burrowed down in the bed, pulling the furs closer. Please just let me sleep. The urge to escape took hold and the smells of trees and earth grew strong. Arya had four legs instead of two and no injuries, not even healing ones. Her pack was growing again, now that the direwolf ran some distance from the men but they were hungry. The slaver ran from her jaws as they came across a stray horse. She pulled it down with ease and her brothers and sisters feasted with her.
When Arya woke again Nymeria Sand was gone. Cara was moving swiftly around the tent, putting everything in place for Arya to break her fast, change clothes if she wished and even sharpen her knives. The Freys had often treated her ill and she had begun in constant fear of displeasing Arya. That had now changed to attempts to please her rather than worry of displeasing her. Her fingers lingered on the whetstone and she looked at Arya shyly.
"Have you eaten?" Arya asked. When Cara shook her head she motioned to her. "Join me."
The young woman looked frightened. Arya looked at the food in front of her. There was more than enough.
"You won't get in trouble" Arya told her.
"I have more work to do your grace" Cara said in a timid voice.
Arya knew what she referred to. While Arya had been injured Cara had taken on more responsibility. She shook her head.
"I will help."
It took a bit more coaxing before she gave in and they ate together. Arya ate quickly and finished first. She then took the whetstone and worked on the knives while Cara watched curiously. It was only a quick sharpen. They weren't very dull. She leapt to her feet when she was done, trying to ignore the dull twinge in her ankle where she had rolled it slightly in her haste. Cara's mouth was a little agape as Arya stored the knives on her person.
"Shall we pack up?"
On her way out to find her horse Arya passed Lemore. The septa shot a smile in her direction and moved a little faster. Arya recalled what Aegon had said the night before. I must speak with her. They had gotten along at Storm's End. It felt strange to be so distant from somebody who was a friend.
Arya was adjusting to riding again. Her ankle did not bother her much and she tried to rest her still healing arm by holding the reins in one hand. The arm didn't hurt but she wanted to save it for when it was really needed. She knew she had little cause for complaint. The She-Bear was much worse off. Lady Maege had been forced to ride in a wagon until they reached Pinkmaiden. If the welcome was warm Arya would ask that the Lady of Bear Island be allowed to stay until her leg healed.
The snow fell heavier than it had the previous day and the men were cheery when they reached the castle by late afternoon. Arya rode ahead once Ser Brynden confirmed that it was safe. Her uncle was to lead a small party into Pinkmaiden and Arya was determined to be part of it. Her guards accompanied her until they approached the gates. The sentries eagerly opened the gates when they heard that Brynden Tully wished to speak with Lord Clement Piper.
Arya saw the people of the castle look at her curiously as she passed. They whispered of wolves and she gave them a smile which showed her teeth. Lord Piper was a short man with wild, bushy red hair. Greetings were brief but Arya could see the man's eagerness under his brusque manner.
"You have my son, your grace?" he asked, looking to Arya. "I had to bend the knee, you understand that?" He looked worried.
"I understand my lord" Arya reassured him. "We do what we must for family. Your son is in the camps with the Northmen. He will be on his way here shortly."
Lord Clement dropped to his knee and took hold of her hand, pressing his lips to her knuckles. Arya was taken aback. When he lifted his head Arya could see that he was emotional.
"They still have Lewys" he said. "I could not risk both sons. My castle is yours your grace for as long as you wish it."
Arya felt a little embarrassed and asked him to rise. He was bowlegged and did so awkwardly.
"Others are awaiting you, both Lords Vance are among them. We have heard much." A cautious smile spread across his face. "They are in retreat."
Arya looked to her uncle. He had clasped Lord Clement's arm when they met but he stayed silent up until now. Arya was not sure how to raise the subject of the alliance.
"The prince will wish to meet with you" she said hesitantly. "Will you allow it?"
Lord Clement raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Do I have a choice?"
"Yes" Arya said quickly. "You do not have to see him if you do not wish it." Both Lord Clement and the Blackfish were looking at her. Lord Clement looked sceptical while her uncle appeared uneasy. "It's true" she said fiercely. "He won't be happy but he won't march his army on the castle because of it."
Ser Brynden sighed. "It would be in your interest to meet with him. He and his men did play a large part in freeing the prisoners from the Twins. I expect you will find him reasonable. It can wait until after you have reunited with Marq."
Arya walked out into the yard of the castle with her uncle thinking on what was said. When they reached the gates she gave the orders for those who were to enter the castle. Ser Marq Piper passed her on the way, looking exceedingly pleased to be home.
"I said something wrong didn't I?" Arya asked the Blackfish when they had a moment. The supplies, baggage and horses were being brought into the castle ready for their stay.
"Not wrong" her uncle replied. "You were honest."
Arya frowned. "I should have said what you said instead." She hated politics. It was always games with words and even though Arya had learned how to play games with words she did not like it. She was better at it when dealing with a foe or a potential foe. Lord Piper was just a father who wanted his son back.
Arya was settling into the chambers she had been given in the castle. Cara smiled as she moved around the room and it was so unusual that Arya wanted to smile too.
"You are pleased to be in a castle Cara?"
"Yes your grace" the handmaid replied dutifully.
"You can call me Arya you know."
Cara looked as though she would rather swallow her own tongue so Arya did not push it. A bath was being prepared and Arya undressed and lowered herself into the water with a sigh. It had been warmed for her and the warmth felt good as it worked its way into her aching muscles. Cara quickly went to work washing her hair and combing out the tangles.
"Will you want a dress for dinner your grace?"
Arya tensed. She had not thought of what might be expected of her. At the Dreadfort, Moat Cailin and the Twins she was the leader of the Northern army, not a lady. Japes were made about her wearing men's clothes but those were made behind her back and with time they became fewer. Men in Aegon's army persisted in it but she ignored it as best she could. Now she was a guest in a castle, getting ready to attend a dinner.
"Do you think it will be expected?" she asked uncertainly. Arya had worn dresses on occasion in Braavos when necessary but Westerosi style was different. She had never fitted in as a lady and that had been clear in Storm's End.
Cara paused with the comb. "Not if you don't wish it your grace." She sounded worried and Arya knew she was afraid she had displeased her. Arya sighed and took her hand to give it a slight squeeze.
"I am not angry Cara. I am just not good at being a lady."
Cara relaxed and Arya shifted so that her back could be scrubbed.
"I think you are a good lady your grace" Cara said in an almost inaudible voice.
Arya would have wanted to hug her if she wasn't in the bath and didn't think it would frighten Cara further. She still did not like baths but Cara was gentle and the scrubbing was a little soothing. She finished with the soap and climbed out of the tub, taking the towelling cloth from Cara and drying herself. She pulled on her breeches and chose a long tunic to wear over them. It was very baggy and Cara fetched a belt to cinch it in at the waist.
Arya was just beginning to resist Cara's attempt to style her hair when there was a knock at the door. Cara answered it and began to make timid excuses to deny entry to the visitor.
"Her grace is not ready-"
She was clearly intimidated. "Let them in Cara" Arya said softly. When the door opened it was the Blackfish. He smiled when he saw her and shook his head slightly. Before Arya could dwell on it he began to speak of conversation with Lord Piper and Ser Marq. Arya hurriedly fixed her hair so that it was out of the way and began to walk with him to the Great Hall. She shot a quick smile over her shoulder at Cara as she left but the handmaid was already busying herself with tidying the room. Arya wanted to tell her to leave it but realised there would be no point.
When she reached the Great Hall Arya was led to one of the places of honour. Nobody said anything to her but people looked. When she cast her eyes around the hall she saw that she was the only woman not wearing a gown. Nymeria Sand sat by Aegon looking effortlessly beautiful. She had dressed in a Southron style dress and her hair was bound up in an intricate style with some sort of gold wire.
Arya looked down at her plate and wished she had Nymeria with her, the direwolf not the person. Nymeria didn't care what she wore and with the wolf by her side nobody dared to judge her. She felt her for a moment, loping through the woods near the castle. She would come if I needed her.
She lifted her chin high when dinner was finished and the men fell into conversation. Arya forgot all about dresses when the Greatjon rose and began to retell tales of the attack on the Twins. Tom began to play music for the ladies and when the singing began none of it seemed to matter anymore.
She passed Lemore on her way out of the Great Hall when it became late. The septa began to make excuses and Arya caught her arm, remembering what Aegon had said.
"I know this is a poor time but I need to speak with you."
Lemore looked resigned and Arya walked with her back to her chambers. Arya motioned for her to sit and Lemore did so, albeit reluctantly.
"Aegon told me you do not trust Nymeria Sand. She makes you uneasy doesn't she?"
"Yes" Lemore admitted, her purple eyes darting away from Arya's gaze. "That is not unusual though" she said lightly "Prince Oberyn's daughters do have a reputation. I just want the prince to be careful."
Arya ignored her reasons. She could see they were lies. "Is it because you are worried she will uncover your secrets?"
Lemore stiffened and Arya knew she was right. "I was worried you were going to want to speak of this."
Arya shook her head. "I know you are hiding things but it was not my business. You don't have to avoid me because of it. You also should not try to discourage Aegon from knowing his cousin. She is on his side."
Lemore sighed and adjusted her septa robes. "You are wrong."
Arya's anger flared. "I am not. Lady Nym is not an enemy."
Lemore smiled a sad smile. "No, I meant that it is your business... your family's business" She stood and walked towards Arya, cupping her chin and looking into her face with a fond expression. Arya was confused but she did not resist her. "I knew your uncle a long time ago. You remind me of him sometimes. He had a wild streak too."
Arya felt her confusion deepen. "You knew uncle Benjen?" She realised her mistake instantly by Lemore's reaction. "Oh, you knew my uncle Brandon." She remembered now that her father had said Brandon was wild, both him and her aunt. Lemore looked sad. "When did you meet my uncle Brandon? He died before the war."
Lemore was silent for a while and Arya thought she wouldn't answer. She looked at Arya a long time and took a step back, looking nervous. "I met him at Harrenhal at the tourney. I was there with Aegon's mother."
"You knew Aegon's mother?" Arya blurted in surprise. "Why haven't you told him?"
Lemore's hands fluttered nervously. "I have told him what I know of her but I am supposed to be dead. After the war when your father came to see me in Dorne-" She stopped abruptly and paled.
Arya looked at her closely as Lemore tried to avoid her gaze. Arya had already suspected she was Dornish. It was the best explanation for her violet eyes. Arya knew that it was a trait some of the Dornish had. Ned Dayne also had eyes which looked purple. She sucked in her breath at the realisation and looked at the septa. I bet her being a septa is a lie too. Everything she said was a lie.
"My father saw Ashara Dayne when he went to Dorne. She killed herself and people say he broke her heart."
"No" Lemore whispered "It was not him. Your father was... kind."
Arya tried to calm herself. "You are Ashara. Why would you do that? Why pretend you are dead?"
The older woman's eyes filled with tears. "I lost my child. Her father was dead and the spider came before your father did and whispered that I was needed. Another child needed me."
"Aegon" Arya guessed. Lemore looked at her imploringly and reached out to touch her cheek. "You want me to keep your secrets."
The hand remained at her cheek and a tear rolled down Lemore's... Ashara's face. "I sometimes wonder what she might have been like if she lived. Her hair was your colour but I never got to see her eyes. Seeing you makes me wonder."
Arya felt a surge of pity. She made every effort to make sure Aegon's seed did not take root. She could not imagine how it would feel having a child grow inside her only to have it born dead. Even thinking about it hurt.
"Did Uncle Brandon know?" Arya asked.
"He did not answer my letters. I do not know if he read them. He was betrothed to another."
He was betrothed to my mother.
Arya took her hand. There would be little gain in telling Aegon. She would not lie to him but it was not something he would ask. "I won't tell."
Lemore- Arya would keep calling her Lemore because she had to- held Arya's hand tightly and leaned to kiss her cheek. "Thank you."
Arya's time was well occupied at Pinkmaiden. Although both she and Aegon were eager to reach King's Landing it was necessary to delay the action. Aegon contacted Dorne to make sure their forces would be in place. Arya wrote to the Riverlands houses near Pinkmaiden. They could not have too many men. The city would not fall easily.
Brynden Tully left with some of Lord Piper's men to meet with the two Lord's Vance. Arya offered to go with him but he said it would be best if she stayed. She became annoyed but he simply smiled.
"Your brother did not do all these things himself. I have your letters, you have done your part. I am merely treating with them and they will speak with you when I bring them here."
"You expect them to come" she said hopefully.
He nodded "I do."
She rode out with him a short way and he gave her one of his brightest smiles. They left via a path through the woods and Arya could feel Nymeria close by. The direwolf would come if Arya needed her, she knew that but she did not need her now. For now she let her be.
When she returned to the castle she resumed her training. She spent time quietly gathering information. That was the easy part. The physical training was harder. Her men thought she should be resting. Arya could tell Aegon thought so too but he finally relented and said he would train with her.
He evaded his guards and they trained in the dark where nobody could see them. There was a yard near the stables where they would be alone. It was a different sort of training, Arya wanted to be challenged and she wanted to test herself more than the usual sparring against the men. It would not be solely evasion. Aegon held back at first until Arya got angry with him and accidentally inflicted a couple of bruises with her blunted sword proving to him she would not break. By the time they were done with their session Aegon had landed blows of his own. Arya had the better of their matches but Aegon still looked horrified at having hit her even though the impact was negligible.
"Every bruise is a lesson and every lesson makes you better" Arya said, remembering Syrio and feeling sad.
Aegon promptly took her mind off it, coaxing her into a secluded area of the stables. The moon shone through the opening catching the silver in his hair. Arya did not get much time to notice it before he was kissing her, his hands gripping her waist to hold her close. She responded eagerly, her fingers curling in his hair.
She led him to the loft, laughing as he stumbled in his eagerness. He made a game of it, pretending to chase her as she climbed. Somebody had a straw mattress set up there but they were alone now. It was cold out and the air chilled her skin but Aegon kept her warm enough. She felt free, not bothering to stifle her responses to him. She had no fear of being overheard. He picked straw out of her hair and off her clothes afterwards, an amused smile on his lips.
"That was different."
Arya shrugged. "I've never cared about getting dirty."
His smile widened. "I should train with you more often."
Aegon did not want to go back to the castle yet so they stayed there, speaking in high valyrian while he traced patterns on her skin. He asked her questions of dragons. Arya had learned much while with the House of Black and White. It was not the first time they had spoken of it but he did seem more intense in his interest now.
He will see them when he meets Daenerys.
Visiting the yard and their spot in the stables at night became routine for them over the next days until her uncle returned. She knew Cara saw her bruises but the handmaid did not comment. During the day Arya donned her crown and spoke with her men and those left behind in the castle. She visited the camps. They went riding in smaller groups, Aegon and his guards usually accompanying them and spoke with the villagers. Lady Nym stayed close by, alternating between teasing of what she knew of Arya's "training" and sprouting on about what she would do to the Lannisters when they reached the city.
Arya nights were a reminder of what had to be. After they sparred and after they had had pleased each other she spoke with Aegon. She resumed teaching him some Braavosi and the Old Tongue but she also prompted him to tell her his plans, not just for the remainder of the war but for afterwards. He faltered at first, particularly when she insisted it was to be his plans, she had no part in it but then he accepted albeit unhappily. They avoided speaking of marriage. Arya spoke of her plans to return North and while she could see it bothered him he did not argue. He did however interrupt her often, kissing away her words and coaxing her into wanting him again. She knew what he was doing but as long as he heard what she said she would let it go.
He never wanted to sleep and he would not tell her why. She began to realise he was afraid. They stayed in the loft a little longer on the last night before her uncle returned. Aegon's eyelids were drooping and she asked him once more about his dreams.
"They are just dreams" he said defensively.
"They bother you" she said gently. "You can tell me anything. You normally do."
Aegon reacted badly. "Not for much longer" he said bitterly.
"Don't be stupid" she said, trying not to be angry. "If you don't want to tell me then don't tell me but don't blame me for something that isn't my fault. You always knew I had to leave."
His mouth twisted. "It's not my fault either. Anyway, you don't tell me about your dreams so why should I?"
He had her there. Arya couldn't answer him. I can't tell him that I dream of my brother hiding in a cave under the earth. They weren't dreams really and she knew that. She could feel Bran. She felt him sometimes during the day but at night it was stronger. It was the raven, she knew that now. Bran was in it just as she was and when she was close to it the connection grew. Aegon knew of her wolf dreams and accepted those but this was different. She hadn't realised he knew of the change and telling him would make her sound mad.
She got up, adjusting her clothes before climbing down the ladder from the loft. She saw Aegon's mouth open as if to say something and knew by his expression what he was thinking. Don't go. He did not say it though. His pride would not let him just as her pride would not let her stay.
Arya focused on her uncle and the new arrivals the next day. Nymeria Sand drew up alongside her and gave her a questioning look but Arya ignored her. She could not think of Aegon now. There would be time yet to make peace. She adjusted the crown on her head, disliking how heavy it felt despite it being a lightweight design. It was time for Arya to do her duty both to the North, her family and to Aegon. The expectations weighed on her but she would not neglect her duty no matter how much she wanted to.
She had learned from her error with Lord Piper and would not let her guard down again. Her uncle nodded and smiled as he introduced the Riverlands lords to her and Arya held her head high and said the things she needed to say, using the skills she had learned with the faceless men. Aegon caught her eye once and she only gave him the briefest acknowledgement, nothing more than what was expected. She was a Stark and she would be strong, just as her father had been.
A/N: OK, regarding Lemore: for this I decided to go with the Lemore is Ashara theory but not that Allyria is her daughter. It may be true but it suited me to write it this way.
In response to a question about how things will go when Aegon meets Dany-all I can say is that it will turn messy. I know that is no help really, it is a terrible hint but it is all I can really say without giving too much away. It definitely won't be a smooth transition where all are accepting and friends and everything is peachy. I had suggestions that Aegon could be Dany's Hand to deal with the issue of claim to the throne. It seems a neat solution but I won't do it because a) he is the real deal in this so why would he step down and b) we know from the Princess and the Queen that the nobles would not allow it. It is a patriarchal society and whether we like it or not the male claim is stronger unless Dany sets her armies and her dragons loose and conquers Westeros and/or kills Aegon which is likely to be what GRRM will do if she is to sit the iron throne.