A/N: This one involves groundwork, exposition and some insight into Aegon's current thinking on everything currently going on. I know you are keen on the action and it is coming but unfortunately these things must be covered first.

Chapter 87: Aegon

Aegon grimaced whenever he remembered his last conversation with Arya. Her affection and the need for him to distance himself, knowing what he needed to do, made it all sound wrong. He hated that his regard for her appeared to only extend to wanting to bed her. He did want to make love to her, that was true but more than that he wanted what she had given him the night before the battle to take the city. He wanted her comfort, her encouragement, her smile, her affection and most of all her love. He thought again on what she said when he pressed her.

"I did not want to love you."

It cut deep until he thought on it and he thought of little else at first. It was not a denial. She said she did not want to love him. The words tormented him. It only served to confirm what he once thought he knew. Arya loved him and he must forget her to pursue another. Daenerys was his kin. He expected that in the absence of a need to woo her he might feel a bond of some sort. They were the last of their House.

If she will have me we will marry but I will not love her as I do Arya.

He remembered what Lord Connington told him many times before they came to Westeros. Aegon always knew his marriage would be political. He was raised knowing he must marry somebody who might help secure the throne and keep peace in the realm. My parents married without knowing one another, my grandparents had an arranged marriage too. He could not help but think of how both ended very badly.

If I married Arya we might have been happy. Aegon certainly would not look to another woman as his father had. With distance from Arya and forgetting her resemblance to her Aunt he thought more on his mother. My father shamed her. Lord Connington did not speak of it but Nym did. She meant no harm by it but it was truth.

I would not do the same to my wife. He tried not to think of Arya when he told himself this. She would not consent to be my mistress anyway.

Lord Connington was to ensure his match with Daenerys happened. If he had not died Aegon might have sought his counsel once more. Aegon did not doubt his Aunt would marry him until Tyrion planted doubts in his mind. The faceless men targeting him did not help and Arya's rejection of his proposals only added to it. If a woman who loves me will not marry me what hope do I have? He had to try not to dwell on that. He must pursue his Aunt just as originally planned.

She wishes to be queen so that is one less obstacle.

The thought might have comforted him if not for the reminder of his family history. People whispered of Daemon Blackfyre and of Rhaenyra Targaryen, both traitors to their kin. Her wanting to be queen might not help me if she wishes to be far more than a consort. Aegon did not intend to be king in name only. He intended to be the king he was raised to be but Daenerys had been queen far longer that he had been king.

She was only queen of Meereen though. Varys promised she would greet kin warmly.

He just hoped that warm greeting did not involve dragon flame. He watched the Northern army gathering outside the Red Keep along with those accompanying them. Some emerged from within the Keep but Aegon watched from a distance. He already said his farewells. He thought he saw Haldon in the midst of the army but could not be certain. The Halfmaester was not happy when Aegon told him to go North.

He thought my reasons to be poor.

The direwolf still needed some care though that excuse did appear flimsy. The more convincing reason was the sudden illness of the maester who had travelled with the army to Kings Landing, The man did not look likely to recover any time soon and his incapacity meant another maester must be sent North.

This way I will feel as though I have some presence at her side.

Haldon questioned him sharply when he gave the order.

"Do you wish me to inform on her to you Your Grace?"

Aegon hesitated before shaking his head.

"No, that will not be necessary."

Haldon smiled at that. "She would know of it if I attempted it."

Aegon smiled a weak smile. "Yes, she would."

He looked down upon the gathering again and saw the guard for the wolf. He knew Arya did not trust that she would not be harmed. She is not wrong. He made out Brynden Tully's figure and saw him embracing a cloaked person Aegon knew must be Arya. The crowd of men parted a little and he saw the Blackfish look up at him before kissing Arya's hand.

He is not happy either.

A soft footfall alerted Aegon to a presence and he turned to see Nymeria Sand. She did not hide her frown.

"This is foolish cousin," she scolded him. "You should not let her go."

Aegon glanced at the knights posted at the door. Their expressions flickered but they remained silent.

They must keep my secrets.

"Mind your tongue Nym," he replied. "Besides, you know Arya. Nobody tells her what to do."

Nym walked to the balcony, leaning out far further than even Aegon dared and he grinned at her flamboyant wave.

"You should go with her then," she insisted. "You might bring her back once this mess with her sister is over."

Aegon sighed. "It is you being foolish dear cousin. You know I cannot leave."

Nym glowered at him. "You will leave for the dragons."

He looked away from her and back down at the slow moving army. The Blackfish had finished his farewells and they were beginning to move.

"That is different," he said softly.

Nym remained silent for a moment before taking his hand in hers.

"I quarrelled with her," she confessed.

Aegon lifted her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it before letting go.

"I thought you might."

She sighed and her arm snaked around his waist. He let her lean into him.

"I told her I did not wish for her to leave. I tried to make her see but she did not listen. Even the fear of you burning will not change her mind."

Aegon frowned and pushed away the doubts about the dragons. I cannot let Nym see that I am worried.

"She did not choose easily. It is her sister. Besides, I will not burn. Don't be foolish."

Nym made a rude noise and put her head on his shoulder.

"It is not foolish. I know of this sister of hers. She showed no loyalty. I am closer to Arya than she ever was. Even after our quarrel she still kissed me farewell and shared her hopes and fears with me. She is meant to be kin."

Nym thinks of her as another sister.

"Sansa Stark was a hostage," he reminded her. "She is Arya's blood."

Nym had no answer to that. His cousin meant well, he knew that. If Arya knew what she did it might change things. Varys told him of Tommen's death and of how Nym was seen near the boy when he climbed into the saddle. He was a usurper. Aegon did not know for certain Nym was responsible but the mention of the boy's name in her presence made him suspect.

If Cersei knew Nym might not have remained safe in Kings Landing.

He tried not to let the death trouble him but Arya's voice niggled at him in his head. On top of that he learned of Myrcella's illness, a suspected poisoning. It took little to realise who the expert in poisons was. Tyene might be responsible. Again, he had no proof and they were his blood.

They wanted vengeance and they made certain to get it.

He did not want to take the throne in the same way as Robert Baratheon, climbing over bodies of dead children. Myrcella still lived, he did know that but she was not expected to survive. It all comes back to blood, grief from blood spilled and blood spilled from grief. He knew that the thirst for blood was not sated yet.

The Martells hold Daenerys responsible for Quentyn's death.

He knew it would be a problem when Daenerys arrived. It concerns me too. With his reconciliation with Arya, his plans tasted bitterly of duty and burden. He wanted a dragon far more than he wanted his Aunt. The thought that he was parted from Arya and his Aunt might still refuse him a dragon, the sigil of their House, made him feel bitter and angry at first. When he truly thought on it he knew the dragons were his Aunt's and that she had suffered to hatch them and suffered to bring them to Westeros but he had suffered his own losses and he did not fancy threat of burning if judged unworthy.

I lost Duck and Lord Connington and Arya in pursuit of the throne.

He knew from the first time Arya looked at him wearing his crown. She told me she never wanted this life in Kings Landing. He had acted impulsively with her from the moment he realised he cared for her, long ago back in Storm's End. He fancied himself in love with her before he ever bedded her. He felt hollow when he thought of Lord Connington but the man had been right. He told Aegon how it would end.

I refused to listen. I knew Daenerys was coming and I pursued Arya anyway.

He had gained something from their interactions. It was not all folly. He might have made things more difficult by growing to truly love her but she taught him things. She gave him information but not just that she helped him learn things about himself. Arya knew his faults just as he knew hers but she reinforced his strengths too. She also knew how to solve problems in a way others did not and she was wise beyond almost any other in his circle.

I need her counsel and now she is gone.

He separated himself from Nym and moved away from the balcony as the army moved through the city. Varys had his little birds watching, Aegon knew he would gain nothing by continuing to look out over the city. He had other things to attend to. He made his way through the Red Keep to find Randyll Tarly. The white knights shadowed him silently but he still felt their presence. Lord Randyll turned when he heard Aegon enter the council room.

"Your Grace," he said abruptly.

"Lord Randyll," Aegon began. "Has there been any news of Cersei Lannister?"

"Not as yet," Lord Randyll replied in a curt voice.

A moment of silence followed in which Aegon wrestled with his displeasure. Lord Randyll merely waited with a stony expression. Aegon realised once again what an imposing figure Tarly was. He stood a little straighter in an attempt to show he was not intimidated.

"You wished to see me my lord."

"I did Your Grace." He eyed Aegon with a shrewd expression and his demeanour promised an unpleasant conversation. "I wish to know what you hope to achieve from the information I gather in the market. It seems a somewhat selective justice."

Many were sorry to see Arya leave. Aegon knew that the servants in the Red Keep became fond of her and his own men enjoyed her company far beyond their hopes of making a match. The Faith shared no such feelings. Neither did Randyll Tarly. Aegon quickly determined his meaning.

"It was not practical to delay the Northern army when we do not know the individuals at fault. You have your orders. Follow them as instructed. The Northern Queen will deliver justice to her own men."

Randyll Tarly did not hide his disapproval.

"Forgive me Your Grace but she is a woman."

Aegon did not manage to hide his grin. "I had noticed my lord."

Lord Randyll did not smile. "Women have soft hearts."

Aegon's smile dried up thinking of his cousins, of Arya and of Lady Stoneheart. His Aunt came to mind as another example of how wrong the statement might be.

"I believe you to have a limited knowledge of women Lord Randyll." He turned on his heel to signify the end of the conversation. "Follow the orders I gave. Do not question it again."

Even though he stood firm the challenge still bothered him. He sent some of his own men North with the Northern army, partly in fulfilment to his promise to the Night's Watch but also so that he might have his own forces in the North should they be needed. They were not to take the black. Aegon assured them they need only assist the men already at the Wall. They escorted some prisoners from the cells who were to take the black though Aegon did not send as many of the prisoners as he might have.

I only sent those who did not bend the knee until forced to.

He knew he must spare these who surrendered as his ancestor, the first Aegon, had. It still felt difficult after the losses suffered. He might have executed them but Arya kept telling him of Jon's request and of Stannis having already heeded him. If they do not follow orders the Lord Commander will execute them. It still felt rather too merciful. Their initial opposition to his rule should have sealed their deaths.

If I made the decision before Arya resumed giving me counsel they might already be dead.

He would not dwell on the decision just as he tried not to dwell on Arya and her justice but the thought of Jaime Lannister unsettled him. The news was enough to make him want to go North with her but Ser Brynden counselled him against it. The Lady Brienne had shared Ser Jaime's justification for killing his grandfather. Aegon doubted the truth of it. He spoke with the pyromancers and had the city searched but there was no sign of wildfire.

Arya will not allow him to escape judgement.

She seemed in a fury at the mere thought of him. He felt certain Arya would see to Jaime Lannister just as he planned to see to Cersei. He would send men West soon. The arrangements were being put in place for part of his army to accompany those from the Riverlands. In the meantime Aegon just needed to focus on the matters still needing his attention. The Manderly fleet was due to arrive any day as was Magister Illyrio and provisions for the city.

Calm seemed to descend on King Landing once the Northmen left. Aegon rose in the morning to find that fewer petitioners required his time in court. The Faith are satisfied that Arya and her men are gone. He resented that they held such power but the order Tommen made could not be undone easily. Maegor had found that out in the uprising and Aegon did not intend to repeat his mistakes. Varys advised him of the deaths it would cause to oppose them.

I do not intend to be known as the Cruel.

The Faith Militant would need to willingly agree to disband and Aegon knew they would take no such action during winter. They insist they must defend those who are defenceless in the realm. As long as they were going into the Riverlands offering food and protection to septons, septas and the poor Aegon would look like the enemy if he appeared to hinder them.

If I had the dragons I still might give them cause to think.

The Faith Militant might have tried to slay the dragons during Maegor's time but they did not succeed, as far as Aegon knew. Aegon still thought the dragons might make the difference. They speak poorly of Daenerys. The new High Septon held greater concerns about Daenerys than Arya. Between the dragons, the reported slave soldiers, the red priests and her parentage they deemed her highly unsuitable.

They hate incest. They barely overlook my blood.

Aegon knew he needed to do good deeds and the dragons might do the rest. If the people viewed him as a good king and he had dragons the Faith would lose their power to oppose him. Even if a marriage to his Aunt meant more of the incest the Faith opposed, the people would not support their uprising. They would not want more war against a King who offered them hope.

He needed the ships to arrive and fast. He sat in the Council room half listening to his small council. His mind was occupied with the dragons and his Aunt. He thought back to what Lord Connington and Lemore told him of his birth. My father spoke of the dragons. His father spoke of Aegon being part of the prophecy from the time of his birth. It sounded like madness until Daenerys hatched her dragons. With the beginning of his dreams it seemed certain Aegon had a purpose to fulfil.

I am meant to have a dragon

He felt Arya's absence during the meeting. Even if he was only half listening, it was far too quiet. The discussion lacked passion, even with Nym and Asha Greyjoy present. He dismissed everybody but the Blackfish once it became clear that the meeting had no real agenda. Brynden Tully looked at him warily from across the table and Aegon fidgeted trying to decide how to begin.

"Arya told me of your plans," Ser Brynden offered.

Aegon might have sighed with relief but the Blackfish knowing his intent to make a match with his Aunt did not make things easier. He cleared his throat and drummed his fingers on the table.

How do I speak of my plan to make a match with my Aunt with the uncle of the woman I have bedded countless times?

"Arya refused me," he said very quietly, glancing to see who listened. "This is not what I wish but I must find a way to succeed Ser." He lowered his voice even further. "The match had been planned for some time but I am no longer certain it might be made."

The Blackfish went rapidly from looking rather uncomfortable to trying to contain his laughter.

"Are you asking for my advice on women?"

Aegon flushed and wished he had not opened his mouth. Ser Brynden appeared to be having a lot of difficulty gathering his composure. He reached for the water on the table and almost choked on it.

I may as well forge on now.

"You are my Hand Ser," he said defensively. "I require your counsel."

Brynden Tully wiped a tear from his eye.

"My brother might have told you I am not the man to ask these things." He grinned a little more before becoming serious. "You look worried."

Aegon pressed his lips into a line and pushed his hair out of his eyes. He had it cut and it felt strange being shorter. His noticed his wounded hand finally bothered him a little less. He tried to gather his thoughts.

"I do not know my Aunt," he said. "She does not know me. If Arya said no-"

"Forget about Arya," the Blackfish said gruffly. His expression looked pained. "You cannot judge all women based on my niece. You must look at this match differently." He paused. "It is a military decision."

Aegon resisted the urge to tell Ser Brynden that he often felt like pursuing Arya required battle tactics too. He nodded instead.

"When Tyrion Lannister told me she might refuse me he said I would look like a beggar. She has dragons and a large army. She has sacked cities."

The Blackfish inclined his head. "What of now?" he prompted.

"I have a large army," he said slowly. "I have conquered most of Westeros and I have ascended to the throne. We will meet on more equal terms but for her dragons."

Ser Brynden nodded. "You have the allegiance of most of the realm. You have earned the loyalty of the high lords. There are some who whisper still that Tywin Lannister killed Aegon Targaryen but it does not seem to hinder your rule."

Aegon frowned. "The whispers never go away. The dead baby was not me."

The Blackfish gave him an amused look. "Clearly, given you sit before us. Still she will think herself the only real Targaryen if she hears and believes the whispers."

This is why Harry Strickland insisted I need her too. Marrying Daenerys makes my claim more legitimate.

He touched the crown on his head. It still did not sit comfortably. He wondered if it ever would.

"I will convince her of who I am," he said insistently. "She cannot think to displace me. I have the stronger claim and I sit the Iron Throne."

Ser Brynden nodded. "She has dragons but you are not without advantages. If she is wise she will see the gain in making the match."

If she is wise...

Aegon thought of Quentyn Martell again and hoped Daenerys did have some wisdom. He might form plans for when they met, arguments to persuade her to make the match but he did not know if he could convince her he truly desired it. I desire the dragons. He hoped that this sacker of cities feared the curse of the kinslayer.

Magister Illyrio and the ships bringing provisions arrived together within the next day. The Magister greeted Aegon warmly, offering gifts as he always did. Aegon fought the boyish impulse to display affection to the man who had sheltered him. He had fond memories of Illyrio giving him sweets and telling him stories.

I am King now.

He heard the cheering in the city as the offerings were dispensed. The repairs to the damage from both before Aegon arrived and from the battle itself proceeded slowly but steadily. Lord Randyll showed them some of the King's justice for the aftermath of the battle and they now had some better supply of food even if it was still rationed.

Aegon might have slept easier if not for the dreams. They came to him even more violently that night. He saw the dragons and then he felt it turn from excitement to war. He saw the flame once again and the woman with silver hair in a fury. Aegon felt the worry within him but it was the very last of the dream that truly brought the fear. He woke with Arya's scream ringing in his ears.

He had not recovered yet when he heard the voices outside his chambers. He rose to find a messenger looking agitated. Daemon Sand stood guard and his expression told him the matter was not a trivial one.

"Two matters of importance, Your Grace," he offered.

"Tell me," Aegon prodded.

The messenger held parchment in his hands but he did not offer it immediately.

"The Northern fleet is sailing into the harbour Your Grace," the man said nervously.

Aegon smiled. "This is good news." He had hoped Manderley's ships might arrive. He wished to send men to oppose the Greyjoys. The messenger did not return his smile and Aegon realised that the second matter must not be pleasant. "What of the other matter?"

The messenger passed him the parchment and Aegon took it to read.

To His Grace, Aegon Targaryen,

Casterly Rock has fallen. It required very little taking as I am sure you can imagine. I am after all somewhat familiar with the castle of my birth. I pray you will remember me fondly though our parting was on less than desirable terms on my part. You will have questions and I will give you the answers in due time.

I am in the company of Her Grace Daenerys Targaryen. I imagine this is still of great interest to you. I congratulate you on your successes and we extend you an invitation to attend us in the West. I'm sure you will find much of interest here.

Tyrion Lannister

Rightful Lord of Casterly Rock (if it pleases you)

It did not please Aegon. I thought him to be dead. Aegon never considered that the dwarf might have eluded Haldon in order to pursue Daenerys and the dragons himself. He dressed quickly and roughly, trying to concentrate on the people involved rather than the dragons. His dream lingered with him still. He strode through the castle and Varys joined him not long after he left his chambers.

"Summon the small council," Aegon said tersely. "My Aunt has arrived in Westeros."

A/N 2: The next chapter will be a Tyrion chapter. I know that you are all keen for certain things to happen (reunions, information to be revealed) but I will have to ask for patience :) I am eager to progress the story too but the quality will suffer if I rush through it and then I will have to play catch up with the other POVs (which never goes that well). I do expect chapter 88 to contain at least some of what you have been waiting for...