A/N: Thankyou for the kind messages, I am getting back on track.I think it will help matters that this should be the last long chapter for a bit. The last few have been double the length of what I consider a normal chapter but there has been a lot to cover. It has been a challenge!
Thanks for the feedback on the Hand question. Doran might have been best but not an option with his health sadly. The Dornish have an agenda too whereas the Blackfish does not apart from what he has already stated. I will stick with him for now.
Chapter 84
Arya dreamed that Aegon was rather less than angry with her. He smiled brightly at her and laughed and when he embraced her and kissed her Arya felt it with all the intensity that came with dreams. She forgot the trouble it might cause and lost herself in his affection. He was not King and her hated crown was gone and it felt as though all the problems in the world had vanished. In the moment between sleeping and waking, when she felt him leaving her far too early she reached for him.
She woke to Cara's ruffled dark blonde hair and startled brown eyes. Arya loosened her grip on the maid feeling torn between frustration, disappointment and embarrassment. She mumbled apologies but all Cara did was flush and fuss with the coverlets before rising to make sure that they might have everything they needed.
Arya was thankful Nym was not there. It was enough that she rose to Tyene's knowing smile. She may tell Nym anyway. Arya sighed and sat down to break her fast. It was the day of Aegon's coronation. She wanted things to go well but she worried. His Kingsguard now only had two vacancies and Arya knew from speaking with them that they meant to do their duty. Still Arya knew there were threats out there that Kingsguard could not protect him from.
Cara had not long left them when Arya became aware of Tyene looking at her an expression which told Arya she wanted to ask something.
I do not like that look.
"Do you truly trust your maid?"
Arya hid her anger at the question. "Cara is my friend" she said. "She would never betray me."
Arya knew it to be true. She knew from the first time the timid woman offered her a shaky smile.
Tyene smiled sweetly. "Never is a long time and friends are not always what you might think. With the right inducement-'
"No" Arya said stubbornly. "I am not stupid. Cara does not think like that. You might be better worrying about Nym."
The slightest shadow darkened Tyene's expression. "You know where she is."
Arya nodded. The Fowler twins came to Kings Landing with the Dornish army. Nymeria Sand spent quite a deal of time in their company. Arya tried not to worry about the way Nym looked when she returned from seeing them.
It does not mean she tells them anything.
Tyene said no more and Arya dressed to blend in. She did not plan to be amongst Aegon's supporters during the coronation and blessing itself. That would draw too much attention but she wanted to watch and she wanted to see as Aegon rode through the streets. She passed the guards disguised as a servant and watched carefully this time to be certain she was not followed. Varys should have more important things to worry about than me.
Little time passed before she saw the procession headed for Visenya's Hill. Arya knew that Aegon was to receive the blessing before the crumbling Great Sept of Baelor. She darted quick as a snake amongst the people making sure to behave in line with her disguise. She made sure she appeared meek as she made her way past the guards in the plaza, glancing at each one to see if they harboured any ill intent.
The crowd gathered in the plaza was large and reminded Arya of another day. I must not think of that now. She tried to focus instead on Aegon. From the place she chose, so similar to that six years earlier she saw him kneel. The High Septon seemed solemn and he spoke at length of suffering and duty and defending the people before he gave the blessing. Arya heard it but she barely saw it. She did see the guards close to him and the Warrior's Sons formed up. She watched them and the crowd instead.
Aegon rode back through the streets of the city when they were done. When the horses drew closer she saw him wearing the crown his great-grandfather wore. The people cheered him when he passed and Arya felt disquieted. She had not forgotten the unrest and knew that the reception Aegon received now was not a true one.
If he disappoints them they will turn on him.
Aegon did make a striking figure though. He waved as he passed and his smile looked genuine. He wore red and black once more, no doubt trying to distinguish himself from the Lannisters. Arya knew his course did not include the poorer areas of the city where the people suffered the most.
She watched his slow progress and took note of how vigilant his guards were. The white cloaks gathered around him in force and Arya saw them keeping close. The guard was twofold, the white knights riding closest and other loyal men riding as a second barrier from the crowd. Arya scanned the faces of the guards first looking for anybody out of place.
She had already gone through the same process when the guard was chosen the previous day but she wanted to be certain. When she was done she turned her attention to the crowd once more, trying to keep pace with the procession and avoid grabby hands. Some faces barely hid their unhappiness but none posed real harm. Arya tensed when one man threw something rotten but it fell harmlessly under the hooves of the horses. She almost held her breath but Aegon did not react.
I warned him about this.
Aegon received the warning the same way he received everything she said now. His guard was up and he gave short answers. He softened a little when he thought no one watched, just enough to let her knew her letter must have touched him. Arya restrained herself still. She spoke her mind and Aegon enforced his rule but he listened first before making his decision
It still isn't the same as talking with him alone. I cannot truly speak freely.
They agreed he needed to keep calm if he met with unrest. The city has had enough of suffering the wroth of Kings and Queens. Arya heard Aegon say something about food when another projectile dropped in his path and she tensed once more. The cheering grew louder and the crowd pressed closer. The guards had to clear the way for Aegon to proceed but the risk passed. Arya breathed a sigh of relief.
Magister Illyrio better be able to deliver on his promises.
The Magister was on his way to Kings Landing from Pentos. Aegon spoke well of the man and Arya knew the magister sheltered Aegon as a boy. He still sends him gifts now. Arya might not have worried so much if Varys did not look so pleased. They are friends she told herself that is all. She must hope Illyrio Mopatis truly intended to help Aegon.
The procession began to wind its way back to the Red Keep and Arya followed. She still did not know Varys plan. He spoke with her, warned her and Arya knew he mistook her intentions. He thinks I might start a war. Varys seemed to really want peace for the realm but Arya worried about his methods and worried about what it meant for Aegon, Aegon was far more restless than she was. He was more impatient over the enemies still out there.
I have seen enough of the result of war.
That did not mean she would not punish those when justice required it. If Cersei stood before her now she knew she would not stay her hand. The other battles were not hers though the thought of Aegon marching to war without her made her feel something unpleasant. Her Uncle Edmure must be recovered if he lived, Arya knew that. He is my mother's brother. She wondered if they looked at all alike.
The time would come very soon for Arya to leave. Nymeria walked more easily with each day and Arya would not stay on the pretext of her injured finger. They would ride for Casterly Rock and once they determined if her Uncle lived, once they retrieved him if he lived, she could go to Winterfell. The Blackfish offered that she might separate her men into two groups and ride on ahead to Winterfell while he led men West but Arya felt she owed it to her mother to go with him.
Aegon clenched his jaw whenever mention was made of the West. He will send men but he should remain behind. The same advice was given by all but Aegon wanted to lead the army. Arya did not know where the greater danger lay. Kings Landing was full of threats but after what happened to Lord Connington Arya knew that Aegon's safety was not certain even within his own army.
He must not look as though he abandons the city already.
Arya waited until Aegon was safely within the Red Keep before entering it herself. She ducked into empty chambers and shed her disguise. When Nym met her at the door she pretended that nothing was out of the ordinary. Nym laughed and retrieved a silken handkerchief. Arya made herself remain still while Nym wiped at her face.
"I looked for you" she said in an amused voice.
"You found me" Arya replied.
Nym smiled and wiped a little harder. "You know that is not what I mean." She retreated with the handkerchief and Arya stood still for inspection. "I think I got all the dirt anybody might see."
Arya looked down at herself. Her boots were filthy but she could do nothing about it. Nobody will look at my feet. Nym offered her arm but Arya shook her head. The dornishwoman had dressed for the celebrations already.
"I will ruin your gown."
"It is past time you put your own on. Anybody might think you did not want this."
Arya sighed and made her way to the Maidenvault. Cara waited for her with a gown ready. She offered Arya a smile. Arya tried to dress herself but Cara insisted on helping, She finished with Arya's hair and fetched a looking glass. Arya looked into it and saw her long face and dark grey eyes. The same as Jon's she thought with a pang. It was enough to make her want to stay in her chambers or better yet, ride straight for the North. Gowns and dinners and dancing were not her but her men wanted to celebrate and she must be there.
Gowns did have a place she had to admit. They were no good for riding or running or fighting but she had learned in Braavos to blend in. Arya could wear her breeches to most things but people watched her even more when she did that. She stood out and her movements were watched by all. In a gown, when she gave herself a new name in her head and pretended at being a lady people let their guard down.
She took her seat in the Grand Hall. People immediately came to speak with her, both her men and Aegon's. Randyll Tarly gave her a dark look but she paid that no mind. Lord Randyll did not like women in the Council Chambers. The exchanges between him and both Asha Greyjoy and the Lady Nym had been less than helpful. Arya spoke out too but Asha was most vocal and very blunt.
She takes her appointment seriously.
Arya was not there when Aegon made the offer to the Lady Asha but she saw her when she entered her first meeting. Asha held herself with pride and sat straight down to establish her value. She really does know the most about ships and the water. Arya wondered what it had been like being groomed as her father's heir with Theon living at Winterfell.
I would not have wanted it, not if it meant my brother was held captive.
The thought of freedom did sound appealing though. Asha has travelled and had adventures and it was not because she had nowhere else to go. Arya's thoughts were interrupted when the announcement came for the King to enter. He smiled for them as he crossed the Hall, speaking to people as he went. He stopped before her and Arya stood to greet him. There was a moment of silence between them and she saw him look at her hands.
"It seems strange seeing you wear a gown like this. It does not quite fit you."
The words stung and Arya bristled before regaining her composure. "Others have had kinder words to say."
Aegon flushed. "You mistake my meaning. I only meant to say I think you more at ease in your usual dress."
Ser Daemon Sand stood beside the King. He took one look at the expression Arya could not hide and gave her an almost indecent smile.
"Your Grace they are waiting for you" he said and Arya knew which of them he spoke to. "There are others to speak with and gifts to receive and I believe this lovely lady might make my job of protecting you more difficult if you speak to her anymore."
Aegon lingered a moment looking as though he wished to speak again. He grimaced and Arya looked away from him. He knows how I feel about this. She took a deep breath. Calm as still water. Her scarred and roughened hands were difficult to hide. She clasped them together and looked around as Aegon moved on and she took her seat again.
Other people do not think me out of place.
She tried to forget but Aegon's words hurt. I did not expect it from him. She paid the minimum attention as he accepted his gifts. When dinner was served she focused on eating her food though she kept aware of those around her. Nym came to join her between courses but did not stay long. She has her own duties. The dinner was not extravagant and soon gave way to dancing. Arya rose and made excuses to watch the interactions but her time as an observer was brief. Soon she was coaxed into the dance.
Her first partners were her own men and Arya laughed and japed with them as they took their turn around the floor. It was not unpleasant. She even received a compliment on her dancing though she had to check to see they were not teasing. When she began to dance with others it became less comfortable but useful. Some of her partners told her things Aegon held back, others told of squabbles over claims and valuable items from the battle. One grumbled about a sword taken from him.
If they think I will speak for them they do not know me well.
She almost lost her composure when the time came to change partners and Aegon stood before her. Before she could decide what might be best, whether to excuse herself, Aegon set him mouth in a line and took her in his arms. Arya yielded to him but she knew she must look unhappy.
"We are only dancing" he said defensively.
Arya hesitated. "It would look odd if I refused you."
Aegon frowned. "About what I said before, I did not mean to anger you. I just wondered- Did you choose that gown?"
Arya looked down at the gown, trying not to lose her footing. Aegon slowed for a moment and the gentle way he held her reminded Arya that this was not their first dance. She looked up at him and caught him gazing at her intensely with a strange look on his face.
"Cara chose it. I almost ran late. Is there something wrong with it?"
Aegon flushed and shook his head. His grip at her waist tightened a little. "No."
Arya had had enough. "Tell me what the problem is" she hissed. "I need to know if I look a fool. You know I do not belong here."
"You carry it off as well as you do with everything else" he said quickly. "Nobody might know you do not wish this."
Arya calmed a little at his reassurance. "What is it then?"
Aegon looked for a moment as thought he might not answer. "It makes me think of another gown I saw once" he said softly with a trace of a smile.
Arya thought back at the other gowns she had worn and felt her colour rise remembering the gown he spoke of. She quickly looked to be sure nobody heard. He is thinking of the first time he bedded me. Arya remembered it wistfully. It seemed so long ago now. She now knew Aegon was a little clumsy then, nervous and only a little more experienced than her even though he did look after her. She thought of her dream and glanced at him relieved he could not read her thoughts. His expression had changed and he began to look strained.
"I must speak with you" he said, almost under his breath.
Arya inclined her head a little, just enough to signal she heard him. They only had a moment, soon she would have to change partners.
Aegon's gaze went to her injured finger. "You will need to be more careful."
Arya frowned. "It may give me trouble on the morrow" she said quietly, hoping he knew she did not speak of the finger. "The following day I have less of a burden."
They parted soon after that. Her next partner was Randyll Tarly. Arya did not know why he danced. He clearly did not enjoy it. He looked as unhappy as Arya felt though she wondered if her presence might be the cause.
"You dress as a woman should for once" he said in a hard voice.
Arya chose not to be offended. It was not unexpected. Lord Randyll thought it past time she married and returned to Winterfell. He thought her marching with armies was inviting rape and dishonour. He will dispense justice, she reminded herself. Aegon charged Lord Randyll with tracking down those who harmed the people after the battle. Lord Randyll planned to try them in the marketplace by the Gate of the Gods.
It will not be as it was with Bella.
Arya now knew the story, or as much as she was likely to find out. Aegon begrudgingly answered her in one of the meetings, offering his suspicion that Lord Connington was responsible. Arya felt foolish that she did not suspect him sooner. I knew his history with Robert Baratheon. It also explained in part why Aegon behaved as he did when Arya confronted him over it.
He thought of her only as a whore.
The idea bothered Arya but the impulse to protect his friend was one Arya understood. Lord Connington was family to Aegon whether he would admit it now or not. There was no such notion over the men who harmed people in the streets after the battle. Arya heard excuses about their blood being up, that these things happened in battle but she would not budge. Reminders of the Sack of Kings Landing helped make her point though the victims being of low birth seemed of more importance to the men than she thought right. It was only after Varys interceded that moves were truly made.
"The people will not love you if you do not act Your Grace. An unpopular King might not keep his throne for long."
Those words spurred Aegon on and removed the last of his indecision. The new Master of Laws seemed suited to the task. There was just one concern. It requires the people to come forward and name those who caused harm. Arya knew they were frightened and the man in front of her now did little to dispel those fears. Lord Randyll fully intended to dispense justice but the people did not know him. Arya only knew because knowing people and learning them was in her training.
Lord Randyll spent their entire dance pressing her to move on. Her response that she planned to leave did not satisfy him. She excused herself as soon as she could and left the Grand Hall. She quickly found herself in the gardens. They were dimly lit with torches but Arya had no trouble finding her way. She did not need light. She found a place to sit but was not alone for long.
"May I join you?"
Arya recognised the voice. "You may my lady."
Margaery Tyrell sat, looking pensive in the flickering torchlight. "I leave for Highgarden very soon."
Arya nodded. She already knew. "I hope you have a safe journey."
Lady Margaery smiled and arranged her skirts. "I believe you mean that."
Arya paused a moment. "I have no quarrel with you."
Margaery sighed. "I suppose you know I knew your sister. At one point she and I might have been sisters."
Arya stiffened. "The Lannisters married her to the Imp."
Margaery looked uncomfortable. "Sansa wanted to marry Willas. They found out before we could take her from here."
Arya arranged her own skirts. "I am not my sister my lady. I do not believe in the songs and I know how betrothals work. I will not be fooled into thinking your family meant it purely as a kindness."
Margaery smiled again but this time it was tinged with bitterness. "It would have been a kinder fate that what she got I can assure you of that. We meant no harm. A woman has her duties to her family. I know that well. Mine will have another match in mind."
Arya felt a sudden surge of pity. "Can you not say no?" she asked.
Margaery laughed and put her hand on Arya's arm. "Grandmother is not one to refuse." She let go of Arya but she still looked amused. "It will not be so bad." She gave Arya a long look. "I was once told I might look like your Aunt."
Arya did not know what to say. "You don't."
Margaery nodded solemnly. "So I have heard. You are the one to carry that- I don't know whether to call it a blessing or a curse. It seems to appeal to Kings."
Arya made herself refrain from biting her lip and she did not answer. Margaery simply kept on speaking.
"Grandmother will ask why I could not attract Aegon's interest. He was charming enough and gave me some attention but another has too much of a hold on him.
"He is not free to marry" Arya said quickly. "There is another."
Margaery looked amused once more. "I have heard. He might have kept me here as a hostage but he is kind enough to let me leave."
Arya knew he committed a mistake. "Your family must remain loyal."
Margaery smiled sweetly. "As yours is? Never fear Your Grace. There are no plans to rebel. In fact I wondered about visiting the North when you depart for Winterfell."
Arya hesitated. "The North might not suit you" she said slowly before realising the older woman's intent. Her eyes narrowed. "Rickon is too young and he will choose his wife."
Margaery was not deterred. "The alliance would benefit the North and Aegon. The Reach still has food. Highgarden is a good friend and we might be sisters just as Sansa and I might have been once."
They want a crown. They know they cannot have the seven kingdoms so they think to take the North instead.
Arya had to laugh. "You are not the sort of woman my brother admires. His direwolf might savage you if you get too near. Besides, Rickon is not the Lord of Winterfell."
Margaery looked confused. "Do you mean to deny him his seat?"
"No" Arya replied, "It belongs to my brother Bran. I will speak to him of you when he returns but you would be better looking elsewhere."
Margaery looked even more confused but she behaved friendly enough when they parted. Arya took her leave once she entered the Grand Hall. She stopped by the kitchens briefly on her way and spoke with the cooks. They were always friendly to her and gave her some leftover meat to take when she returned to her quarters. Nymeria waited for her, happily accepting the food and her guards looked relieved. Arya knew they missed the celebrations but the direwolf was her bigger concern.
She must be kept safe. It will not be much longer.
The next day was a whirl of meetings and plans. With the coronation and blessing having passed other matters became more prominent. Arya listened to the plans for fixing the damage in the city and heard of the new ranks of gold cloaks forming the city guard. Aegon hoped to have food brought by ship from Essos along with that from the more plentiful areas of Westeros.
None of it was new but it did appear that order was beginning to be established. The Faith Militant did not get mentioned but Arya knew they worried Aegon still. She knew the history. They did not just rebel against the dragon kings, they tried to slay the dragons.Arya also knew arrivals were impending. The Manderly fleet might arrive any day and Asha Greyjoy for one looked enthused by the prospect.
Arya was less than thrilled when she and her uncle were summoned by Randyll Tarly at the end of the day.
"Reports so far are that the Dornish and the Northmen were the most at fault."
Arya felt dismayed but it confirmed her suspicions. She remembered the men at Stoney Sept back when she was with the Brotherhood. My own men, the wolves can be no better. Arya heard some of it from being amongst the people but this made it even more certain. She gave the nod for Lord Randyll to make more inquiries.
"I will speak to them myself as well."
He gave her a doubtful look. He wonders why I have waited. Arya wondered the same herself. Mayhaps I did not want to know.
She joined her bannermen at dinner. They gathered in the Small Hall and Arya mingled with them. Tom still lingered and it was quite usual for them to sing along with him. Arya joined them, laughing when Asha Greyjoy changed the lyrics to make the songs even bawdier than they already were. She joined in enjoying the looks of mixed horror and delight on some of the faces of her men.
These are not the men responsible. She knew them and she knew that was certain. She spoke with them after her discovery in the city. It must be men-at-arms or some of the lesser known soldiers.
She had a restless night. Nymeria slept after joining her in the training yard. The direwolf moved more easily though she did not like to put full weight on her injured leg yet. The sleeping wolf meant no wolf dreams. Instead Arya dreamed of ravens and darkness and the cave in which she knew Bran dwelled. He called to her.
You are needed in the North.
When Arya woke she moved quickly to the rookery. The raven was hard to distinguish from the others until it cawed and flew to her.
"Sansa" it shrieked. "Sansa."
Arya smelled Varys before she saw him. When she turned to face him he was looking at the raven. It had landed on her shoulder and Arya decided not to disturb it.
"A bird like that seems quite useful my lady."
Arya met his gaze. It is not the bird. She said nothing but her eyes were drawn to the parchment he held in his hands.
"Yours" the raven cawed.
Varys tittered but Arya saw the hard look in his eyes. "Aegon did not tell me of your raven."
Arya put her hand out for the parchment. "I'm sure I don't know all your little birds either" she retorted.
He handed it to her. "It only arrived this morning. A messenger brought it."
Arya's hands shook a little. She knew Varys was aware of the contents. Even if he was not Master of Whisperers his lack of curiosity gave it away. Arya unfolded it.
Your Grace,
I write this in the hopes that should we cross paths you might not kill me. I feel that hope is in vain but I thought I must try to prevail on the Stark sense of honour. I found your sister Sansa hidden in the Vale. I will fulfil my vow to return her to safety and ask that you will allow me to return to my sister. I wish to see her before judgement is passed. I must warn you to avoid the Vale in your travels. There is a nasty war about to be underway there. Something about a missing betrothed.
Jaime Lannister
Arya read it twice before raising her eyes. Before she could say anything Varys gave her confirmation.
"It is true. My birds further North tell me the Vale has been at war for a fortnight at least. The mountain clans began to trouble them and it is thought that one of them took the betrothed of the new Lord of the Eyrie. It is unclear how they snatched her from within the Bloody Gate. She was beautiful girl by all accounts." He shook his head sadly but Arya felt as though he laughed at her. "A natural daughter of Lord Baelish."
It did not add up. Why was the Lord of the Eyrie marrying a bastard? She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Does Lord Baelish have a natural daughter?"
Varys tittered. "You are quick my lady. He does not. It is curious that Alayne Stone disappeared after Ser Jaime visited the Vale."
"Sansa is already married" Arya argued.
Varys looked extremely amused. "Lord Petyr must have thought her a widow."
Arya knew that people thought Tyrion dead. The eunuch was not one of them. He showed it when he spoke of Sansa. My sister. Arya did not know what to do for a moment, She thought about what Varys told her of Lord Baelish and her father. Now there was this with Lord Baelish and her sister. Arya did not like what it suggested. Her anger at the man began to build.
If he hurt Sansa I will kill him.
The anger was replaced with uncertainty when she thought of her sister. Why did she not return to Winterfell earlier? Why did she not write? Is she still angry with me? Arya had thought of Sansa in their time apart, her own anger had faded. She looked at herself quickly.
What has she heard of me?
Arya could be a lady if she really tried but Sansa did not know that. I'll tell her I'm sorry. I'll even give her some of the gifts they keep offering. Sansa likes nice things. She remembered Varys and focused on him once again. He was looking at her expectantly.
"She is still wanted for kingslaying" Varys reminded her. "Even if he was not the rightful king, murder is still murder."
Arya did not agree. I prayed for his death.
She tucked the parchment away and all but ran to find her uncle. Her mind raced. She must find Sansa. Her sister would not be in Winterfell yet even if Ser Jaime tried to go straight there. The Northern snows were heavy. She thought of what Brienne said of Jaime Lannister. She claimed he was a changed man but Arya did not trust him.
He is still in league with his sister. His letter says so.
Arya knew the Lannisters wanted Winterfell. They lost everything else. She blurted the news quickly to the Blackfish and told him to keep quiet about Sansa.
"I will take men North" she said. "That is all people need to know. They can think I am weary for home if they wish."
The Blackfish looked worried. "I will come with you Arya."
Arya shook her head. "We must do as you suggested once before uncle. You must see if Uncle Edmure lives and give Aegon counsel."
Brynden Tully accepted her kiss. "Do not underestimate Jaime Lannister" he warned. "He is capable of atrocities. I told you what he said to Edmure."
Arya nodded. He threatened to kill my uncle's babe.
She located her advisors and told them to prepare the Northmen to leave on the morrow. She wanted it to be sooner but she knew arrangements must be made. She had returned to her chambers and was gathering up her things when she remembered Aegon.
He was pacing back and forth past the dragon skulls when she let herself into the cellar. She entered quiet as a shadow and he did not hear her. He started when he realised she was there.
"I am leaving" she told him.
Aegon almost looked like he did not hear her. She realised he did not know she meant soon.
"I am leaving on the morrow."
His mouth opened and shut and he frowned. "I knew you planned it but the West is not-"
"I am not going West" she corrected. "I am going North. My family needs me. Sansa has been found."
Aegon looked stunned. He blinked at her and seemed to be struggling. "You are leaving" he repeated.
"I know you do not want to hear it but I need to tell you what Lord Connington said before he died."
Aegon shook his head. "I bet I know what he said. He always said the same things. I have to be King. I have to wed Daenerys and I need the dragons." His mouth twisted.
Arya sighed. "You knew him well. He did not want to fail your father or you." She wanted to tell him what Connington said of her, it was on the tip of her tongue but she knew no good would come of it. "What will you do?"
Aegon tensed. "I will do as he suggested. He was not wrong."
It felt worse than it should have. Arya knew it but to hear him say it without reservation stung. The question slipped from her lips before she could call it back.
"Is it what you want?"
Aegon gave her a long look with a dark expression. He still feels betrayed.
"What I want does not matter." He paused a moment. "I do want a dragon. It is my birthright."
Arya bit her lip. "You won't get far if you treat it as a right."
Aegon began to pace. He clenched his fists and Arya saw the gold on the pommel of his sword shine in the torchlight.
"Daenerys cannot refuse me this" he said angrily. "The dragon must have three heads."
Arya took a breath. "The dragons might have something to say about that even if Daenerys doesn't. Do not forget your cousin Quentyn."
"I have not forgotten" he said quickly. "I did not thank you for the coronation present."
The change in topic almost caught her off guard. The Blackfish procured a history book for Aegon, something he might find useful. Arya hid notes inside it. Things she learned in her training, things about identifying poisons and things about dragons.
"The occasion required a present."
He nodded. "I have something I must give you too."
Arya took a step back when he unsheathed his sword. He held it out to her, hilt first. Arya approached and took it. She turned the blade and saw the ripples in the steel. It is valyrian steel. She took in the lion's head pommel and the resemblance to the other blade and tears formed in her eyes.
"You found the other blade from my father's sword."
"My men found it when they searched the royal apartments" Aegon said stiffly. "They are quarrelling over it."
Arya set the blade down and ran at him, throwing her arms around him. Aegon's arms remained at his sides at first but when Arya continued to cling to him he rested his hands gently at her back. Her vision blurred when she looked up at him.
"I did not give it to you because I wanted something in return" he said softly.
"I know" Arya whispered. She rested her head at his shoulder and felt him touch her hair. "I need you to be safe when I leave Aegon. My uncle will stay with you and there are men who are loyal." She began to list the names and he stroked her hair. He trembled a little and when she looked up at him again he pressed his lips to her forehead.
"Say you forgive me" she blurted. "I do not want to leave with you angry with me."
"You make it impossible to stay angry" he complained.
Arya touched his jaw and he caught her hand and kissed her fingers. He is making it difficult to leave. She felt torn in two once again. There was still unfinished business in Kings Landing and in the West. Arya might find plenty of reasons to stay. Aegon's soft expression and his sad smile, somehow still reminding her of Jon, drew her to him. She held onto him again.
He is not my family she told herself. He is not my pack. My pack is Jon and Bran and Rickon and Sansa. I have to find Sansa and Ser Jaime.
Thinking of Jaime Lannister made her feel more anger than she had in some time. The feeling was almost overwhelming and she did not quite know why. She felt it earlier when she read the letter too. It even overshadowed her anger at Cersei. Aegon stroked her back, bringing her back to the present and Arya met his gaze again. She saw his internal struggle and thought to end things by kissing his cheek. Instead her lips landed at the corner of his mouth.
"Arya" he said almost pleadingly.
"I should leave" she murmured but he did not let her go.
The kiss did not take her by surprise. Aegon deepened it with his tongue and Arya rose as high as she could on her toes, her arms locking tightly around his neck. Aegon's hands gripped her waist, pulling her flush against him. She wanted more, she wanted everything and she could feel he wanted it too. Aegon looked flushed when they paused for breath. He loosened his grip on her.
"I am not being fair. I want you in my bed."
Arya pulled away from him. "The gods are cruel."
Aegon did not ask what she meant. "They are" he agreed. "I don't suppose I could say we were worshipping like the Summer Islanders."
Arya smiled weakly. The jape was a poor one but it eased the tension. Aegon reached for her again and she let him hold her. He kissed her once more, this time gently. This time Arya knew it was goodbye.
"Be safe Arya" he said softly.
She did not want to let him go but she made herself. She retrieved the sword and Aegon passed her the scabbard to keep it in. She had begun to step away from him when she heard him speak again.
"You never once told me you love me."
Arya took a shaky breath and willed herself to stay calm. "I did not want to love you."
You were never meant to be mine.
She did not look at him but she heard his shuddering breath. The gods are cruel she thought once more as she left him alone in the cellar.
A/N 2: Next up will be Dany, then Sansa, then I plan to return to Aegon. I know there are others I need to check in with but I think those three are the pressing POVs and I think that order will work.