A/N: A few notes on this chapter... first up, I know little about tending to wounded animals (particularly wolves) so please forgive me. I kept a lot of the treatment vague to be safe. I'm also not entirely sure of a lot of the procedures and traditions in court and medieval times. I searched some of it and I keep trying to refer to chapters and maps but I may have erred in places. Some things such as timing of coronation are influenced by other factors (you will see as you read I hope). It was difficult with two Nymeria's, read Nym=Nymeria Sand and Nymeria=direwolf. Some of the character names in this chapter are lesser used ones and I go into some historical stuff-if you get lost look up Faith Militant and Golden Company on the wiki pages. I have taken the scope of the Faith Militant actions further here though.
Thanks for the reviews, I do appreciate them and they can be very helpful in reminding me of things I mean to cover. In response to the comment about the possibility of Cersei being free on Casterly Rock, that will never happen for reasons already shown in a previous chapter (hint, look at chapter 75) and events which will come to light in a new chapter coming up :P With regard to Jon's last words, the double negative was deliberate-he isn't the type to say she is worthy, not unworthy was the closest he would come to praise. The reference to needing the dragons is linked to the events of the Princess and the Queen. Two rival claimants to the throne and dragons in the mix is a recipe for disaster if not handled right.
Chapter 81
Arya disliked the Red Keep even more than she expected. She had only barely finished tending to Nymeria when word reached her that her accommodations would be in the Maidenvault. Arya thought about arguing against it but she was so tired. She did not know where the idea came from. It did not sound like Aegon and the Blackfish shrugged when she asked him. He was hiding something.
"It is for the best Your Grace" he said gently, looking serious.
"I did not stay there before" she argued.
His expression darkened in a way she did not like. "You were a girl then" he replied.
That was the first sign something was wrong. The next came when Arya said she wanted Nymeria with her. The men exchanged looks.
One of the Riverlands bannermen spoke up hesitantly. "The kennels are best suited Your Grace."
This time Arya wasn't having it. "I know what was done to Grey Wind" she replied. "If I allow them to put her in the kennels somebody will kill her. She needs me. I will keep her away from other people. I will take care of her. You have my word."
Only her closest men accompanied her to the Maidenvault. Lemore appeared to escort her and Arya knew then that appearances must be important. Although her wolf still slept, nobody looked relaxed about it. Arya knew that while her men appeared to accept her warging, they feared it too. They feared Nymeria. Arya saw their relief when the direwolf was safely closed away in the chambers.
Ser Brynden lingered but he dismissed all the others with the exception of Lemore. Arya wanted to ask questions but Nymeria Sand appeared before she had the chance. Nym swept her into an embrace, whispering quickly in her ear.
"We are never alone. Guard your tongue."
Arya might have responded with a retort about knowing that lesson better than anybody else but the concern she saw on the faces around her stopped her.
"I heard about your wolf" Nym said with no trace of a smile. "I do hope the man who did it is dead."
Arya nodded. Between the wound Arya inflicted, an earlier bite from Nymeria and the arrival of Aegon's men the Kingsguard knight did not stand a chance. He did not surrender and it sealed his doom. Arya did not even know his name.
"I will leave you for now" the Blackfish told her. "I will be just down the corridor if I am needed."
She watched him leave before moving to make her own retreat. Nym and Lemore followed Arya back into her chambers.
"You missed Aegon claiming the throne" Nym said once they were inside. "He did not look comfortable but I must say it looks to be a very uncomfortable seat. He is still sitting it now while he hears reports. I left him to it expecting to see you but you have been rather delayed."
Arya made her voice sound as normal as possible. "I had to tend to my wolf." The direwolf made a whining noise and Arya checked her over. She stirred in her slumber but moved little. I though her invincible. She protected me but I never thought to protect her. The guilt gnawed at Arya once again as she turned away.
"Your maid will be on her way" Lemore said quickly. "It is best if you prepare to retire soon."
Arya looked down at herself. She still wore her ringmail and boiled leather though her sword and helm had been discarded. Blood stained most of her clothing. She glanced up at Lemore and read her expression.
I cannot be seen like this.
She began removing her boots and ringmail. Soreness began to set in and Arya knew to expect worse on the morrow.
"Cersei became desperate in her last days here" Lemore said in strained voice. "I think she would have done anything to discredit Aegon and his supporters."
Nym spat in a most unladylike fashion and her eyes went to Arya's as Arya removed the scarf she wore around her neck. Aegon marked me. She managed to cover it during battle. It would be more difficult now.
"She is her father's daughter" Nym said distastefully. "Lannisters lie. They are capable of anything if they think it gains them an advantage."
Lemore paused. "To say something of such a nature though" she said softly. "Something so easily discredited without witnesses. The Faith should not be so quick to assume every woman is guilty of a crime. Cersei herself should know better after her walk."
Arya stiffened and began to realise what had happened.
Nym laughed and if Arya did not have her training she would have believed the Dornishwoman was amused. "She did not even try to make it sound plausible. Fancy trying to claim the Northern Queen is some whore in our new King's bed."
Arya's mouth went dry. She removed her boiled leather and stood before them in her tunic and breeches. "I have more gold than he does" she retorted. "What payment am I supposed to have collected?"
The corner of Nym's mouth lifted but her eyes held no mirth. "A crown."
Arya snorted. "I asked for no crown and Aegon did not give it. My men bestowed it on me and my brother shall have it."
Nym arched an eyebrow in what looked like true surprise. "The Faith has decided dear Lemore is not sufficient to ensure you remain virtuous. They wish to send one of their own septas as a chaperone."
Lemore hastened to interject. "The Starks have a good reputation" she said softly. "They have not said they intend to act against you. It is not certain they believe the rumour but it is best if they are not given cause to doubt."
It began to make sense now. Arya understood her accommodations and the limitations on her company. It did not stop her feeling angry. I did nothing wrong. They are not even my gods. She thought about arguing against it then remembered what she had heard of the city before the battle. If I oppose them it will not just be me who is punished. She needed to think of Nymeria, her men and of Aegon.
I will bide my time until I know more.
"They best not send a craven" she said as the door opened and Cara entered with another maid, the two of them carrying water for a bath. "Nymeria will not be moved."
Lady Nym smirked. "We can only hope for the best."
Arya felt clean after her bath but no less tense. The Septa arrived just as Cara finished helping her into a shift and warm robe. The fire warmed the room somewhat but the chill remained. Arya pulled the robe up around her neck to cover the mark.
The woman was not at all as Arya expected. She was younger than most septas and fair, golden haired with big blue eyes and a look of false innocence about her. She smiled softly at Arya but the expression somehow still had a touch of wickedness about it.
"Your Grace" she said in a sweet tone. "I saw you pass the sept. You looked as fierce as the Warrior himself."
Arya fought not to bite her lip. She had the suspicion that the words held admiration but she did not understand why. The septa stepped forward and picked up a strand of Arya's hair in her delicate looking fingers. Arya leapt back just as a knock came at her door and Nym and Lemore entered once more.
"You are not quite so fair as the Maiden for all this fuss" the septa continued. "If there be truth to these rumours you must hold other charms."
Arya made certain not to frown. She saw the septa look at her curiously. Nym looked as though she wanted to laugh.
"Will you introduce yourself Septa?" she asked.
"I am Septa Tyene" the septa said primly.
Nym snorted and leaned close to whisper but Arya still heard it. "Using your real name is a risk sweet sister."
The septa smiled and Arya was not quite sure whether to smile too now that she understood the joke.
It is another Sand Snake. I will need to take extra care with this one.
"The High Septon had a mind to send one of his other septas" Tyene said sweetly, "one of his most trusted few was to come but his High Holiness took ill and they are attending him instead now. I fear he is not long for the world."
Arya looked into those big blue eyes and knew with certainty the High Septon was not merely ill. She studied Tyene's face. Did she do the poisoning? Arya thought it must be so. Poisoning a High Septon was serious. It is an act against the gods but Arya had heard much of the man and some of it was not good. The weighing of good ad bad and method of killing reminded Arya of some of her targets from the House of Black and White.
If I had not left them it might have been me.
She watched Nym and Tyene together. Nym looked happy. Her smile seemed more joyous than her normal playful and cheeky manner. It tugged away at Arya. Tyene is her sister. Arya knew they were close. Nym had told her so. It made Arya long for her family too. It made her think of Rickon and Jon, so far away. Bran seemed closer even though he wasn't. Most of all it made her think of Sansa.
Wherever she is I wonder if she thinks of me.
Arya could not do anything to determine why the High Septon was targeted yet. If it was Tyene as she suspected she needed time to understand. Tyene is Aegon's cousin too. Nym had earned Arya's trust though she still made Arya worry at times. Arya did not trust Tyene but there was little she could do right then. She needed the opportunity to watch and to learn. Arya needed to use her training to know those around her. She needed to learn more about the High Septon himself.
Her chambers were rather occupied. Cara stayed at her request as well as Lemore and Tyene who were required to stay. Nym lingered rather long, sitting on the other bed in the partitioned room and having cryptic conversations with the septa Tyene. Obara did not join them, a fact for which Arya felt grateful. Two Sand Snakes were quite enough for the moment.
Arya climbed into her over large bed with Cara and Lemore trying to decide what to do about monitoring the direwolf during the night. Nymeria lay on a rug on the floor. The decision was made for her when sleep took her. Her night became a series of wolf dreams, each filled with pain. She warged at night before but this felt different. When morning finally came, Lemore enticed her into the other part of the chambers with tea and some food to break her fast. Arya eyed Tyene and sniffed it suspiciously. Tyene smiled at her sweetly.
"Dear Lemore is the only person to touch it Your Grace. You are safe unless she wishes you harm."
Arya saw it was the truth and drank the tea down. She refused to leave the Maidenvault, preferring to care for Nymeria. The direwolf whined when she saw her again and Arya saw she had pulled at her stiches. She frowned as she looked them over. They were crooked but they might have held well enough. I need to stay close to her while she heals. Arya set to work fixing the stitches. She left while the wolf slept but she did not go far.
Arya remained in her quarters for two days. It was long enough to be sure that Nymeria would recover. Haldon stopped by on the first day and he helped fashion a better treatment to help the leg heal. Arya saw he was angry but he did not speak of it. He gave her advice to stop the wolf ripping her stitches.
"How is the King" Arya asked hesitantly.
Haldon gave her an icy look and did not respond. Nym gave reports whenever she returned from court but all she shared were details on proceedings. Arya did know that Aegon did not suffer the scrutiny she did over the rumours Cersei spread. He met with those from the Faith over spiritual matters and matters regarding his rule.
The Blackfish was a little more forthcoming on his visits. They ate dinner together each night.
"The King destroyed much of his new chambers" Ser Brynden told her after her first full day in the Maidenvault. He looked concerned and he spoke hesitantly, as though worried about Arya's reaction. "He took his sword to everything with a lion or stag on it and many other things besides. I do not know how much of it has to do with the escape of Cersei Lannister and her daughter and how much is grief."
Arya gripped her cup tightly in response and did not answer him. I cannot go to Aegon even if I wish it. She worried to leave Nymeria yet and she also knew it would only cause more trouble. By the second night the Blackfish only told her scarce details of the King. Aegon held court and met with petitioners but he delayed on naming a new Hand. The Small Council contained vacant seats.
On the third day Arya dressed for court. She knew she must play her part. Breeches were fitting for much of the Red Keep but not court. Nym had told her so and Lemore did not deny it when Arya asked. She did not wish to attract unwanted attention and she did not want to bring shame. She sighed as she fiddled with her crown.
I must be the queen today.
Gowns had been brought to her quarters and she fussed as Cara helped her dress. Arya had treated the mark on her neck and it was much faded but she knew her maid still saw it. Cara said nothing, merely dusting it with powder to cover. Arya gave her fingers a gentle squeeze and Cara gave her a soft smile as she placed the circlet on Arya's head..
We know each other's secrets.
Arya still felt torn leaving the wolf. Nymeria had recovered little and would be limited in her ability to defend herself. She managed to urge the wolf to drink milk but she did not like to leave her unguarded. It was not until Lady Nym offered to keep watch that Arya truly relented.
"I must make sure no harm comes to my namesake" Nym japed.
Arya allowed herself a genuine smile. Nym might jape but Arya knew the words were truth. She pulled a woollen cloak around her shoulders in an effort to keep warm and accepted the company of Lemore. Tyene was occupied elsewhere and Arya knew the presence of one septa would surely suffice.
At least this one is my friend.
Arya still did not know Tyene and she did not know if she truly could be trusted. Arya did not feel as though Tyene wished her harm. Nym was close to her sister but Arya knew the Sand Snakes could be unpredictable. Tyene cared little about Arya being near Aegon, Arya had learned that. If the Faith wished to watch her, the eyes they sent were the wrong ones. Arya still mused over what Tyene told her. She still did not know what had happened in the matter of the High Septon.
"You will hear me called Ashara" Lemore confided as they walked.
Arya did not falter. She had not forgotten the emphasis Tyene put on the name. She knew from that moment the secret was out.
"How did the King take it?" she asked.
Lemore smiled wistfully. "I confessed the truth to him on the march from Harrenhal. He already knew. Lord Connington told him of it. I do not know when."
"You knew the Dornish might recognise you" Arya guessed, working out the timing.
Lemore nodded. They entered the Throne Room and found court well under way. Aegon sat on the Iron Throne with a face of stone. The Blackfish had a seat on his right and was speaking quietly in his ear. On his left sat the eunuch, Varys. Gorys Edoryen, the company paymaster of the Golden Company held another seat and Nym's seat sat empty nearby the Blackfish. Arya knew there should be more seats.
Certain of her men were in attendance at court. They gathered around her offering greetings and told her they were pleased to see her. Arya knew she neglected her duties to them. It will not be for long. I just need Nymeria to get better. She spoke with them briefly and resolved to find time to meet with her bannermen soon.
She heard Lysono Maar before she saw him. "I wondered when we might see you" he said in a whisper.
Arya did not make excuses. "You know where I have been" she told him quietly.
"Aye, I do" the spymaster responded. Arya saw him look darkly at Varys and understood immediately.
"It is not intended as a slight" she said quickly. "I'm sure he is grateful for your service."
Lysono gave her a bright smile and she saw he had a jewel put in one tooth to match those that donned his ears. "I believe you mean that."
"You know I do" Arya retorted.
They stood together while Aegon spoke with men who had fought in the battle. Arya tried to study him discreetly. He was clean shaven and he had cut his hair. It looked rather more like when she first met him. He wore a black doublet with gold trim. It made him look very pale but Arya suspected part of that had nothing to do with his attire. He wore no crown but Arya knew that would come at his coronation.
He did not notice her at first. Arya knew he must be distracted. A large crowd gathered and Arya did not wish to be close to the front but it did not completely hide her. She wanted to observe and that was easier unnoticed. Once proceedings began nobody paid her any attention. Lysono spoke in her ear, telling her things she had missed. Aegon had knighted many of his unknighted supporters on the first day. It took up many hours. The dungeons were full to overflowing but Aegon refused to see the defeated foe yet.
"What of the archer outside the Red Keep?" Arya asked.
Lysono looked grim. "We found him. It was one of Black Balaq's men. He claimed Connington slighted him. He said he would not stand for Connington to have the powers of a King."
Arya bristled. "I want to speak with him. I will have the full truth."
Lysono shook his head. "He is dead now."
She felt dismay. "He may have lied."
"You were not here. We will never know now."
Arya chewed her lip briefly and watched as some of the petitioners knelt and swore allegiance. Lysono told her it had been a part of the previous day's proceedings too. The next people to approach were merchants. They told of damage to the marketplaces and the wharves. Aegon turned to Gorys and there was a quiet exchange.
"The repairs will be made" Aegon announced in an almost flat voice.
The merchants knelt and thanked him and were followed by Septons. Arya tensed.
"They come every day" Lysono told her. "Tell me, do you know of the first Faith Militant uprising?"
Lemore had remained silent but she made what almost sounded like a hissing noise. "Not here."
Arya had been watching those around her. Most seemed no more than what they appeared but a young girl watched too closely.
She listens.
Arya made herself smile at the child and the girl darted away. A moment later a young boy took her place. They were unobtrusive, they blended in as servants but Arya knew spies when she saw them.
The crowd in the Hall thinned out with time and Arya knew when Aegon spotted her. His gaze lingered on her as a young man asked about the whereabouts of his father. She saw Aegon frown at her and his jaw tensed. Arya looked down at the gown self consciously and flushed against her will. Lemore put her hand on her arm and Arya raised her eyes. Varys spoke in Aegon's ear and the King no longer looked at her.
"If your father served with the gold cloaks he is likely dead" Aegon finally responded.
A wail pierced the air and Arya looked to see a woman fall to her knees. The young man rushed to her speaking quietly and Arya saw the resemblance. She is his mother. Arya knew that meant the man who served with the gold cloaks was her husband. Something unpleasant began to twist in the pit of Arya's stomach.
The next petitioner was Margaery Tyrell. She dipped into a low curtsey before the throne and begged pardons for her family.
"I pray for your mercy Your Grace" she said with lowered lashes glittering with tears. "Cersei Lannister held me here as hostage to prevent my father raising his banners for you. My dearest brother Loras died in their wars. Willas and Garlan did not provide aid to them. I beg your forgiveness."
The Lady Margaery made Arya feel like a girl playing at being a lady. She wore her gown as though she was born in it. Her curtsey was polished, her courtesies perfected. Arya could mimic them but it was not easy for her. It looked easy for Margaery. Margaery was beautiful and confident, ladylike and more womanly than Arya.
She reminds me of Sansa Arya thought with a pang. She supposed Sansa must be grown too. Often she pictured the girl she left in Kings Landing. There was a difference though. Sansa did not manipulate people the way the Lady Margaery was. Arya saw the flutter of the eyelashes, the curve of the lip that did not match the humble display. She looked to see Aegon's reaction. His eyes were on Margaery Tyrell but he appeared almost to not see her properly.
"I will think on it my lady" he said curtly.
The Lady Margaery thanked him for his wisdom and kindness and Arya watched her turn to join her minders. Their eyes met and Arya saw a challenge in the older woman's eyes. She paid it no mind. Aegon was stepping down from the throne and the remaining people in the room dispersed quickly. Arya did the same, retreating to her chambers once more.
Arya learned much from that first session in court. She learned that the Maidenvault did not have as many listeners as much of the Red Keep as long as doors were opened to check for empty hallways. She learned that she must not stay in the Maidenvault all day. There were things to learn and she needed to find safe places to speak. She summoned men she trusted and assigned a watch for Nymeria.
A visit to the godswood accompanied by Tyene helped her discover one safe place. Lysono Maar found her there and resumed their conversation. He seemed to pay no mind to Tyene.
"The High Septon is immovable on many things" he informed her. "He opposed Myrcella as queen because he believed her to be born of incest. He did not oppose Aegon but he also did not look eager to offer his blessing. Aegon might not be born of incest but his father was."
Arya remained silent and let him continue. He pursed his full lips, gave his white gold hair a flick and kept speaking.
"The High Septon spoke of the country needing to be cleansed. He wanted a new order, a renewal of the Faith to wash away the sins blighting the land."
Arya began to understand why the man had taken ill. She glanced at Tyene.
"You he called a Northern infidel, a font of corruption practising dark arts." Tyene's expression remained serene as she clasped her soft hands together. "He said worse of Daenerys but I do not care much for Daenerys. Aegon on the other hand... he is blood. His reign cannot begin with bloodshed on religious grounds and I am afraid if he refused to add his seal it might have gone ill for him."
Arya hesitated. "If he did add his seal what would have happened?"
Tyene looked at Arya with all her pretences dropped. "The red priest, Thoros, is in hiding. He must have help because they search for him. They seek Sandor Clegane too. He is wanted for crimes in the Riverlands. They believe he entered the city after the battle ended. One wonders whether he and the red priest are together."
Arya heard Lysono snort and she suppressed her own laughter. The thought of Sandor and Thoros in the same room for any length of time was too funny. She took a deep breath and concentrated on the non amusing aspect of it.
"Sandor did plenty wrong but he committed no crimes in the Riverlands" Arya protested.
Tyene gave her a measured look before changing the subject. "The Northern army is untouched because Aegon resisted his allies being treated with disrespect. It won him enmity after Harrenhal. A raven came to the Great Sept. The High Septon knew he sympathised with followers of the Old Gods."
Arya tried to suppress her outrage. "I thought they were only wanting to protect the septons and septas in the country. I thought they wanted to defend them."
Tyene nodded. "That is the role of most of the poor fellows. The Warrior's Sons differ and the High Septon became more fanatical with time, especially upon hearing rumours that the new Queen might worship the Old Gods and of powers arising from those gods. He feared the influence of the religion on the new King."
"I will not be Queen" Arya protested.
Tyene waved one soft hand dismissively. "Our King has said the same. It mattered little."
Arya thought a moment. "What will he do?" she asked quietly.
Tyene gave her a smile she did not like. "His Grace says the dragons are coming. Nobody will withstand dragons."
Arya's nights still hurt but Nymeria began to grow stronger. Arya fed the direwolf scraps of meat and tried to keep her subdued. The wolf needed to be confined until the stitches were removed.
She will still be at risk even then.
Tyene's talk of the dragons chilled Arya. Aegon never spoke of them as a weapon to her in the past apart from in jest. They were a symbol of his house and something to be feared for sure but Arya did not think he meant for them to be used to kill. His dreams and his reaction to them suggested he wanted the opposite.
Arya attended court with Nym and Tyene. Obara greeted them. Nym and Tyene always met with kisses. Arya could tell their bond with Obara was strong but the greeting was less warm. The session in court was shorter this time. The only matters discussed were damage to the city and the wolves lingering in the streets. They continued to feed on the remains of those men yet to be buried.
Arya tensed, waiting to hear what Aegon's orders would be. He did not look at her.
"They do not fear men" he said in a level voice. "If they threaten harm, kill them."
Arya hastened after him when the throne room emptied. She heard Nym behind her trying to attract her attention but Arya ignored her. She saw Aegon in the covered gardens. He looked lost in thought and Arya began to approach him until she saw he was not alone.
"Your Grace" a female voice greeted him.
Arya tried to fade into the shadows. Neither Lady Margaery nor Aegon noticed her.
"Lady Margaery" Aegon replied, sounding almost amused. Arya saw him smile and Tyene's grip tightened on her arm. Arya shook her off.
"It is most beautiful here even in winter" Margaery said. "It must be a welcome change from war. I imagine you are an able commander but my brother Garlan says it is most weary work."
Aegon nodded. "It is my lady" he replied "though I must tell you, while the garden looks beautiful, it still cannot quite make up for that smell."
Margaery laughed and Arya breathed deeply when Aegon let her take his arm and walk with him. They stopped a few paces away and Arya tried not to scowl as they japed together and spoke of plants. Barely anything even grows. She saw Margaery raise her hand to Aegon's face.
"You must tell me the story of that scar one day Your Grace. I am sure it is one of great bravery."
Arya's anger and discomfort faded in an instant as Aegon pulled away from her abruptly. "I would prefer not to speak of it my lady" he said curtly. "I must be getting to my meeting now."
Margaery Tyrell looked confused and a little frustrated. Her family wanted her to marry Aegon. Arya moved quickly, making sure Aegon did not see her. She waited until he was safely past before following him. Tyene's footsteps echoed behind her and Arya saw her smiling when they reached the door to the room where the meetings were held.
The room fell silent and all eyes fixed on Arya when she stepped inside. Nym barely contained the delight in her expression but Ser Brynden looked concerned and Varys' titter did not hide his unhappiness. Aegon cleared his throat, looked at her briefly then looked away.
"We are planning the King's coronation" Nym offered. "Gorys is working out the gold now as the Master of Coin."
Arya looked at each person at the table. "Lysono is a good spymaster" she said slowly. "I know Varys has helped but he also served when Robert was King. Do you know-"
Aegon cut her off. "Lord Varys made certain the drawbridges were down for us" he said dismissively. "He aided me during many of the years Robert sat the throne. He is a friend."
Arya studied the eunuch and saw him doing the same to her. He smiled at her but did not look amused. He was not my father's friend.
"May I join you?" she asked.
Aegon did not look at her and excused himself, calling a recess to the meeting. Arya watched him leave and saw the way he held his shoulders.
He avoids me.
Her uncle rose and she walked with him. "This was ill advised Arya" he said quietly. "I cannot speak of it with you now but you must tread carefully with him. He needs time." He paused. "Did you not say you must not keep from your wolf for long?"
Arya read his expression and nodded. She excused herself and returned to her chambers. Nymeria's guards looked pleased to see her. She politely dismissed them, tended to Nymeria and gathered furs so that she might be close to the wolf. Nymeria licked her hand and took the food she offered and Arya tried unsuccessfully to brush some of her matted fur.
Lemore and Nym found them together. Arya woke with a start when they entered. Arya cut off Nym's explanations for Aegon. She had her own plans. She waited until she was certain she might get away. Nym still caught her but Arya needed to speak with her anyway.
"I need you to watch Nymeria" Arya urged her.
The Sand Snake nodded and made no objection. She expected this Arya realised. She hurried through the Red Keep, keeping to the shadows and made her way into Maegor's Holdfast. She used a disguise similar to that used before. The guards at the drawbridge took her for a servant and did question her. She kept her eyes down.
It was not until she reached the Royal Apartments that she realised there was a problem. She knew the guard on the door and he would not be easily distracted or fooled for her to gain entry. She also did not wish to fool him. Arya stood in the shadows for a moment feeling indecisive before deciding to reveal herself.
Ser Brynden sighed. "I suppose I should be relieved you waited this long" he said in a hushed voice. "You should not be here. It will do no good for either of you. Gods child, you truly are stubborn."
Arya hesitated then stood her ground. "I have to speak with him Uncle. That is all I want. I only want to know what he truly thinks."
Ser Brynden's craggy features fell into a deep frown. "He says everybody lies" he said finally.
The emphasis on the word everybody told Arya what she needed to know.
"What are you doing here?" she asked curiously. "It is not your role to guard him."
Ser Brynden frowned. "He is fearful and trusts few people. He dismissed some of his guards. It appeared nobody might keep him safe and Varys whispers of threats. He cannot be harmed. I thought it best..."
Arya caught his hands and gave them a squeeze. There was a time when she made the same decision. She still remembered watching over Aegon in Storm's End. Her uncle did not do it for the same reasons but it was still the right thing to do.
She stepped forward and made to move past the Blackfish. He looked as though he might try to stop her but she darted past and he did not hinder her.
"He sleeps" Ser Brynden whispered behind her.
The room still displayed signs of destruction where Aegon had cut down banners and broken ornaments. The mess might have been cleared but the damage remained. Arya paid it no mind, walking quietly to the side of the bed. A clink of armour drew her attention and she saw her uncle had entered the room with her.
Arya glanced at him but his face had a stubborn look she knew well. He knows there must be a witness.
Arya tried to act as though it did not matter. Aegon still breathed deeply and evenly but he rolled onto his side. Arya perched on the edge of his bed and watched him. A strand of silver gold hair fell across his face and she reached out to brush it back. The Blackfish shifted and cleared his throat and Aegon's hand shot out and caught her wrist. He blinked sleepily then his eyes narrowed.
"What are you doing here" he hissed.
Arya's temper flared and she pulled her hand back. "Did you expect Margaery Tyrell instead?"
Aegon barked out a harsh laugh. "She knows better than to be so reckless." He let go of her and moved to sit. "She will keep finding her way into my company." He gave her a sidelong look. "Does that bother you?"
Arya did not like his tone. It seemed the idea of it bothering her gave him some bitter enjoyment. She spotted the bandage on his hand and focused on that.
"You hurt yourself" she observed.
Aegon looked over the cuts in the walls. "It was dangerous work shredding all those sigils. Cersei does like to cover everything in lions." His tone was bitter. "Why are you here?"
Arya faltered. "You are angry with me." She misinterpreted his expression in the Throne Room as a reaction to her dressing for court. I thought he could see I don't belong. She now knew that was wrong.
Aegon looked sullen. He scowled at Ser Brynden. "You should not have let her pass."
The Blackfish looked uncomfortable. "You know her as well as I do" he said in what looked like an attempted jape by the strained smile. "Arya is difficult to stop if she has her mind made up."
"I needed to speak with you" Arya said defensively.
Aegon's expression darkened. "Do you want to tell me more lies?"
"I never lied to you" Arya said indignantly.
"Of course you didn't" Aegon said "you just omitted the truth. That is what you are good at."
Arya tried to reach for him, to show him she was the same but he had no smile for her and he resisted her attempts to take his hand. She gave up.
"It was not my secret to tell" she said softly. "Lord Connington made me promise."
Aegon flinched when she spoke the name. "You said you would keep no secrets from me" he complained. "If I had known he would not have been in command. He would not have been in the battle and he would still be alive."
Arya remained silent. It is true. She chewed her lip uncertainly thinking on it. "I knew him. He was my friend. He would have preferred death in battle to a second exile" she argued. "He raised you. You know that of him too."
Aegon's face contorted, "He was not my father." His voice sounded strained and Arya knew he held back emotion.
"He was" Arya said quickly. "He was not your blood but he was your family. You are allowed to grieve for him."
Aegon shook his head. "A King has no time for grief. There are things I must do."
"What things" Arya asked quickly.
Aegon closed his eyes. "I will do what has to be done to unite the realm once more."
He looked determined but he also looked tired. Arya wanted to speak to him of the wolves and of the dragons but it was not the time. His anger ensured he would tell her little and listen to her less. She reached out to him and took hold of his injured hand. The bandaging covered whatever damage lay underneath but the way Aegon flinched told her the cut was deep. He only tolerated her touch a moment before pulling his hand free.
"Varys will know of your visit" he said accusingly.
Arya sighed. "He might" she admitted. "Be careful of him. Lord Connington did not trust him."
Saying the name again was a mistake. Aegon reacted badly.
"You need to go" he said in a harsh tone.
It hurt seeing the way he looked at her. "I will tell you more when you want me to" she said as she rose from his bed. "You are angry now but you will realise there was no other way when you have thought on it."
"Go" he repeated again, sounding more broken than harsh this time.
Arya did as he asked. Ser Brynden stepped through the door first then beckoned for her to follow. She kept her composure until she stepped clear of the room then she slumped against the wall and put her face in her hands. Her uncle rested his hand on her shoulder.
"He hates me" she whispered. She dropped her hands and looked up at her uncle's face.
"No sweet one" he said quietly, gently cupping her chin. "It would be much easier for him if that were so."
"Will you stay close to him" she said, trying not to sound desperate. "He doesn't see people the way we do and they will take advantage of this, of how he is now."
Ser Brynden nodded wearily. "I am not made for these games Arya. I am not made for this place."
Arya gave him a quick kiss. "None of us are made for it" she told him "but some of us learn."
A/N2: There is so much to resolve, I almost need GRRM length chapters. Not everything from the battle and KL is resolved here. It will be covered over more than one chapter (including the sword I was asked about). The next one will likely be Arya's POV too. When I move on from KL, I will write Dany's POV. Also, I was asked how I picture Aegon and said I really don't have a fancasting in mind. Since then I found a post on tumblr which has somebody close to what I imagine him as. I don't really picture him but the guy in this picture seems right. Message me on tumblr (you can do it anonymously if you don't have an account) and I will point it out to you (I can't post links here)