A/N: Thanks to those who reviewed, the friendly comments help keep me motivated. On a less pleasant note, the majority of readers are great but every so often I get a comment on speed of my updates. My quick (almost daily) updates at the start were because I had time off. That is no longer the case. I am writing this for fun and I update as quickly as I can (I should be taking a short hiatus to deal with some real life stuff but I keep writing because I'm too attached). Writing this is not effortless. It takes work and it can't be rushed or it will be crap (and I will be too stressed to enjoy it anymore). A chapter a week (or thereabouts) is reasonable to me. With regard to POV structure I have a story in mind and while I will try not to double up on stuff too much, geographic separation of characters makes it necessary for some of them. It might take a while to get there but the full story will eventually be told.

Chapter 90: Daenerys

Daenerys tried to steady her nerves as she looked upon the visitors. She kept her gaze on Aegon at first. He was unmistakeable even if he were not flanked by guards with white cloaks. His hair and eyes marked him as much as his proud bearing. She thought for a moment he might smile at her but it turned to a frown.

He expected me to rise to greet him.

Dany had been Queen for too long to forget the lessons she had learned so quickly. I do not know him and I do not know that he is kin. She was not prepared to humble herself and henceforth be seen as weak, as somebody to be trodden upon in order to gain any advantage. Men had tried to do so before and Dany had not forgotten what it was to be vulnerable and frightened.

I am the mother of dragons and I will bow to no one.

She felt the tension rise in the room. He will want the dragons if nothing else. Many before him had tried and Dany knew the look by now. Nobody hid it from her very well. She watched him and saw him clear his throat and shift awkwardly. Ser Jorah made a noise by her side and Dany offered the guests a smile, knowing that she must not push them. She wanted to be certain of motives, not make enemies.

"Welcome to Casterly Rock," she said warmly.

Aegon nodded stiffly and she knew he still felt some annoyance.

"I have wished to meet you for some time Aunt Daenerys."

Dany smiled in response. He has wished to see my dragons for some time. She studied him, trying to see any resemblance to the brother she had only seen in a vision. Dany wanted him to be kin, she did not want to be the last of her House but she feared to be taken in by an imposter and she also feared what it might mean if he was kin.

It will change everything and mayhaps not in a good way.

She once might have offered him anything freely but Dany no longer gave so freely. The dragon must have three heads. Yet the vision she saw haunted her. If one of her dragons were to be ridden by the wrong person she knew countless people would suffer.

"I might have used your assistance in Meereen," she told him.

He frowned. "I was to join you," he said quickly. "The Volantenes had no ships to take us East and my men would perish on the Demon Road. We would have arrived late and been of little use to you."

Dany wanted to believe him. "We might have conquered Westeros together," she said carefully. "Joining our strengths would have ensured success."

Aegon shook his head. "Forgive me Aunt but you did not return to Westeros. I wished the same but it matters little. We are both here now and I have reclaimed the throne that was meant for my father."

Dany let the silence linger for a moment, trying to think of a tactful response. She glanced at his companions. Asha Greyjoy appeared almost amused. Nymeria Sand stood to attention, her eyes flicking between Aegon and Dany as if she feared to miss something. Her expression appeared far more neutral than Dany expected. The sellswords showed Dany and Aegon equal deference.

Their allegiance is bought. Sellswords cannot be trusted.

She caught Tyrion's eye and saw that the dwarf observed everything shrewdly. He looked as though he found the scene rather entertaining. He likes to play with people. Dany turned her attention back to Aegon and chose her words carefully. She tried to keep her tone soft and to disguise her disapproval.

"My father reigned as king of the Seven Kingdoms."

Aegon flushed. Nymeria Sand gave Dany a look filled with venom and Tyrion gave just the slightest shake of his head. Dany realised that Ser Barristan remained distant. Her white knight looked strained. He met her gaze only briefly.

I must find out what it is that he discovered.

"Your father was also prone to burning people," Aegon replied. "A fate I hear my cousin shared."

Dany flushed this time, her anger trying to threaten her composure. She heard her men muttering amongst themselves. They will spill blood in the hall if they think me insulted. She took a deep breath to calm herself and looked first to Ser Jorah and then once again to Ser Barristan. The white knight looked saddened.

I will not have them think me mad.

"Prince Quentyn tried to take one of my dragons," she said clearly for all to hear. "I did not intend for harm to befall him but my dragons are not so particular when threatened."

Nymeria Sand began to move and Dany saw one of the Kingsguard knights restrain her, whispering something in her ear. She shook him off but stayed where she was.

"My cousin offered you no threat. To say he did is to offer an insult to Dorne."

Dany looked at the now unfriendly faces. This is all going wrong. Aegon's mouth tightened and she knew that unless she wished to quarrel she must calm them. Her advisors told her of Dorne, she knew that of all the seven kingdoms they were not to be trifled with. Tyrion liked to remind her of the fate which befell Meraxes.

"I meant no insult to Dorne my lady," she said quickly. "The Prince approached the dragons with a group of sellswords. I believe they, more than he, provoked the dragons. I was sorry for his death."

The tension barely abated and Dany still had no answers. It is time for a different tactic. She called for Missandei. The scribe hurried to her side and Dany sent her to the kitchens with instructions. When the girl left, Dany rose to her feet.

"Will you sup with me?" she asked. "The cooks here are very good."

Aegon offered a curt agreement. Dany turned her attention to Tyrion.

"Will you show our guests through to the small hall?"

The dwarf showed the slightest hint of resentment.

"I shall your grace," he said pleasantly. "I do believe I know the way."

Nymeria Sand laughed a breathy laugh and even Aegon smiled a grim smile. He cast a glance in Dany's direction.

"I will be joining you," she said reassuringly. "I merely need a moment."

Tyrion japed as he led them from the great hall. This is his home. Dany did not mean to offend him but he became touchy where his family castle was concerned. He need not fear me claiming the castle as my own. Dany admired it. It was the first Westerosi castle she had truly known but it would never feel like a home to her. She still felt like a stranger within the fortress and the people looked upon her as one.

Westeros is meant to be my home but this does not feel like my place.

She waited until they left the hall before consulting with Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan. Her Bear had remained by her side well into the night while her envoys visited the guest camp. He passed on the information from the messengers as they came and went. She learned from him of Brynden Tully acting as Hand of the King, of Dorne allying with Aegon and the presence of the Golden Company. Dany listened to Ser Jorah's counsel but she had brooded on the things she heard.

If Aegon is who he claims to be how can he ally himself with those who wanted to extinguish our House?

She pulled the hrakkar pelt more tightly around her, taking strength from it. It helped remind her who she was.

"Ser Barristan, I must know what you have learned. Can Aegon be my kin?"

Selmy hesitated only a moment.

"He does favour your brother, Your Grace."

Dany did not need to ask which brother. Aegon did not have the hard, gaunt look of Viserys. His features seemed softer and even though she did not wish to think it, he was more comely, even with the scar down the side of his face. There were lines around his mouth too, tell-tale signs of smiles and laughter.

"Is there anything else I must know Ser?"

"There is your grace," Ser Barristan said. A little colour rose to his cheeks. "A lady is in his company. She served as one of Princess Elia's ladies in waiting. The Lady Ashara Dayne lives."

Dany thought for a moment. "Ser Arthur Dayne was Sword of the Morning. He was in my father's Kingsguard."

"That is correct Your Grace." Ser Barristan avoided her gaze. "Lady Ashara is his sister."

"You knew her," Dany guessed.

The knight looked flustered. The way he behaved seemed unfamiliar yet familiar and Dany pieced it together. Her white knight never behaved in such a way before but other men displayed the signs often. She gave Ser Jorah instructions to pass on to her men and placed her hand on Selmy's arm once they were alone.

"You cared for her."

Ser Barristan stood a little straighter. "I swore vows. I kept them."

Dany wondered whether Aegon knew of Ser Barristan's affection toward the Lady Ashara. It is a convenient way to manipulate the Lord Commander of my Queensguard. She pressed Ser Barristan to tell her of how Lady Ashara came to be in Aegon's company. While she listened Ser Jorah joined them once again. He frowned.

"It sounds like a story made for a song Khaleesi."

Dany had to agree. It sounded too good to be true and yet Lady Ashara gave it credibility. She was one of Elia's ladies in waiting. Between her and the knowledge that Lord Connington fought for years to protect Aegon Dany began to truly doubt. She knew Connington to be loyal to her brother. Tyrion told her so and even if he did like to play games this did ring true.

They both believe he is Aegon Targaryen.

Dany did not know where that left her. She came to Westeros thinking she might conquer it and claim her father's throne giving meaning once again to her House words. Instead it appeared that her brother's son might have already claimed it.

His claim is stronger than mine.

Aegon only lacked her dragons. Dany remembered the vision she saw of her dragons fighting. She closed her eyes and saw Aegon with the girl. Even if he is kin I must be wary. Viserys taught her that blood ties did not always ensure safety. Her brother no doubt loved her but he tried to harm her all the same. Dany would not let another, one she did not know, take her children and use them against her or others.

She resolved to be firm as she made her way to the small hall. She did not want him as an enemy, Ser Barristan's information suggested she must seek some common ground with Aegon. She needed to know him, to understand who he was and what he was capable of. Voices carried as she approached and a laugh pierced the air. Dany entered to see Aegon smiling and shaking his head at Asha Greyjoy.

"I'd like to keep my fingers."

Dany's men quickly responded to her presence. This time it was Aegon who did not rise when she entered. She chose not to feel slighted and took a seat at the head of the long table. Tyrion sat to one side of her and she gave him a questioning look.

"We speak of the finger dance Daenerys," Aegon answered from the other end of the table. "You must be familiar with it. I hear you know the Lady Asha's uncle and her people."

"I know of it," Dany replied with a laugh. "I have not had the urge to play either."

Aegon smiled in response. Whatever passed in her absence it had put him more at ease. Dany sat a little straighter in her chair. The food might offer the opportunity to ask questions. The cooks had prepared a rather more extravagant meal to the ones they had been taking. The smell carried through the hall and made her mouth water.

"You eat well here your grace."

The sentiment came from one of the sellswords. He did not say it as an accusation but Dany felt it. The food brought to the table smelled of spiced meat and Dany knew from Tyrion of the starvation elsewhere. She waved the serving girl on and knew that defending herself would only make her appear soft.

"We eat as well as we need to. The people have been most kind."

The cooks prepared the meal to impress the guests. It seemed to achieve the purpose. Dany had wine brought to the table and saw Aegon mutter to a man behind his chair, one of his guards. Her own guards stood vigil, no matter that she meant for it to seem a peaceful meal. Ser Barriston took his place, her silent white shadow standing behind her. Ser Jorah sat next to her. Nymeria Sand took a place beside Aegon and Dany supposed the space between them was something to be thankful for.

Tyrion raised his goblet as the servers poured the wine and moved along the table with the food. Dany drank a little of hers. Tyrion snorted beside her and she heard others at the table mutter angrily. She looked down the table to see Aegon take his goblet back from the man behind his chair. The knight wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Aegon still did not drink his wine.

Dany did not know whether to feel wounded or outraged.

"Do you really think your wine is poisoned?"

Aegon looked at her quite calmly. He even smiled.

"It would not be the first time."

Dany remembered what Viserys told her. The Usurper sent his hired knives after us. Others at the table still looked angered though Nymeria Sand only gave Aegon a fond glance and turned her attention to the guard.

"Do you feel poorly Ser Daemon?"

The knight gave her a familiar smile and shook his head. "Mayhaps I need a little more my lady."

Nymeria shook her head and laughed but her face held no warmth when she turned her gaze back towards Dany.

"I believe you are safe from harm this time your grace."

Aegon raised his goblet to drink and Dany wondered to whom the Dornishwoman directed her words. The room seemed to crackle with tension still. Aegon murmured to Nymeria before acknowledging Dany again.

"Do not think I accuse you Aunt," he said. "It is something one of my advisors suggested some time ago. A most tedious habit but it does pay to be careful."

Tyrion frowned beside Dany.

"A good thing Joffrey never took up that habit."

Dany knew full well what Tyrion thought of his nephew. It still bothered her when he expressed his pride in his deeds. At least he does not smile this time.

"Who tried to poison you?" she asked Aegon.

He seemed for a moment as though he might not answer. "I did not get their names. They wished for you to sit the throne."

Dany gripped the table firmly. She saw anger flash across Nymeria Sand's face. Dany rose to her feet.

"I would not do such a thing." Her voice shook without her meaning it to. "I know what it is to live in fear of knives."

Aegon placed a hand on his cousin's arm and Dany saw him narrow his eyes. Nymeria submitted to him but Dany sensed it to be temporary.

"I wished to speak of it to you in private," he said stiffly, "Not like this. I do not think you behind it Daenerys. Poison does not seem your method for enemies. You live by our House words."

Fire and blood.

Dany had little choice but to sit again and eat an uncomfortable meal. My questions must wait still. She barely tasted it after all the efforts of the cook. Aegon seemed to share her lack of appetite. He eyed her warily and conversed sparingly with those at the table. Dany did much the same. She did show an interest in happenings in Kings Landing, asking more about the city and he accommodated her but she struggled with the revelation of the attempts on his life. When they finished the food she called for his attention.

"May we have a private audience?"

He nodded and promptly rose. His guards moved to follow him along with the Lady Nymeria. Aegon said something to make her remain behind. He joined Dany with two guards and Dany chose likewise, bringing Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan with her. She saw Aegon glance curiously at Jorah's slave tattoo but he kept silent.

They walked close together but in silence until they reached the solar in Dany's quarters. She urged him to sit and he did so. He still looked wary. He produced an object and placed it on the table.

"I brought this as a gift for you Daenerys. I did not get a chance to give it earlier. I am told it is a good likeness."

Dany reached for it but Ser Jorah moved quicker. He studied it before handing it to her. Dany frowned at the miniature portrait, so small she might wear it on a chain around her neck and Ser Barristan answered her question.

"It is a good likeness of Queen Rhaella."

Dany felt the tears try to come. The blood of the dragon does not cry. She took a deep breath and composed herself. She wished to look at it longer but raised her eyes from it to focus on his face. His expression had softened and she knew she must have betrayed something of what she felt.

"That is most kind of you. It is a thoughtful gift."

All the things she wanted to say seemed so much more difficult now. The portrait reminded her of family, of Viserys. She looked at Aegon again. Things might have been so different if she met him earlier, if he had come for her when Drogo died. Magister Illyrio sent her Ser Barristan and Strong Belwas but Aegon, Aegon would have been different.

We might have been allies. We might have ruled together, restored House Targaryen together.

It was all different now. Dany looked at the portrait and wished it were not. Aegon had the lords of Westeros aiding his claim. Dany had her unsullied, the Dothraki and the Greyjoys. The two were set up in opposition, A queen and a king. Dany still might have weakened, she still wanted to weaken and join her forces to his but for one thing.

He will want my dragons.

She wanted to go with him, to abandon Casterly Rock and see Kings Landing and the Red Keep. She wanted to see where her family once lived, to go where she might have a home. She wanted it so very badly. Instead she steeled herself, remembering the vision and the warnings from Quaithe.

"I have many questions."

He nodded. "As do I."

She paused but he seemed content to let her go first.

"Your choice of allies raises questions."

He did not blink. "The Dornish are my kin. As for the rest... the Lannisters made enemies more easily than friends."

Dany smiled at him more warmly than she meant to. "You seem to have the opposite talent."

Aegon clenched his jaw. "I have my own share of troubles."

Dany pulled the pelt around herself once more. She remembered what Ser Jorah told her the previous night and of what Tyrion discovered when they took Casterly Rock. He has fought battles and lost people he loved. The scar made her curious but she did not ask.

"I know of troubles." She touched the portrait. "My brother and I only had each other. Viserys mourned our mother. I never knew her. I'm sure you understand the feeling." Aegon gave a nod and Dany saw he listened intently. "I might have married him in Targaryen tradition but we had no way home. I was not what I am now. Drogo made me a Queen. He promised to bring me home before he died but... it makes no matter. I found my own way."

Aegon's expression darkened and Dany wondered what he was thinking.

"We are kin," he said. "The dragon must have three heads."

Dany nodded. "I know of the prophecy. I know what it is that you want. I must ask for time."

Aegon frowned and she saw him clench his fist.

"I do not intend to oppose you Aunt."

Dany began to feel unsettled. He has a temper. His dark expression gave her pause. She did not know if he meant to threaten her or reassure her.

"I only asked for time. We do not know one another. I wish to learn to know my brother's son. I also wish to know why those who aided the Usurper eat from your table and you honour them."

He became more visibly angered.

"I did not intend to repeat your father's mistakes. I also had more limited options. I was not gifted dragon eggs."

The resentment in his tone made her glad her dragons were kept far away. She wanted to choose when they might be seen. She wanted to control the first impression of them.

They must not think I cannot control my children.

"My father might have made mistakes but the Starks and Tullys fought in the war that killed your father. They are not the allies of my House."

Aegon frowned. "Our House," he corrected. "Do not speak to me of the Starks. Ned Stark is dead. The Tullys fare little better. Will you exterminate houses based on allegiance in a past war? Even Aegon the Conqueror did not do that."

Dany bristled. "Aegon spared those who bent the knee. The North and Riverlands have declared themselves traitors. They claim their own crown. They must be brought to heel."

She almost spoke of the girl but Aegon did not give her the chance.

"She does not want a crown," he said softly before his tone hardened. "She will give it up."

He did not say her name. Dany studied his face. She heard a noise through the vents and frowned. Aegon did not seem to notice.

"You seem very certain of this," she said finally.

"I am," he replied in a clipped tone. "Arya Stark wants no crown."

Dany expected he told what he believed to be the truth. In doing so he answered more than the question she asked of him. The girl does not want him. She wondered how the vision she saw fit into what he told her now. The previous anger she saw in him seemed to have melted away and despite her misgivings she reached out to him. He took her hand.

"Time is all I ask Aegon. Let us become true kin."

He raised her hand and pressed his lips to it. Dany watched him, feeling wistful. She wished once again that she did not have to harbour doubts and that she did not have to question his motives. She wanted to be free to sit with him, to exchange stories and laughter even if no love existed between them. Dany had no love to give after losing Daario. She did not want to look for signs of betrayal but there was too much at risk to ignore the warnings.

"I will give you time Daenerys," Aegon said.

"Call me Dany," she said impulsively. "Viserys always called me Dany."

Aegon smiled and Dany hated herself for how pleased the simple gesture seemed to have made him. His smile faded and he looked a little conflicted.

He harbours his own doubts.

The realisation made her feel a little more at ease for what she needed to do.

"Dany," he said quietly. "We do have much to learn of one another."

Dany nodded. On that point we can agree.

A/N 2: I'll give you warning now that the next chapter might take extra time. I need to work out the best order of chapters for Arya and Sansa's arcs. I have them in note form and may need to work on both POVs before choosing which to include as the next chapter. I originally planned on Sansa/Jaime but I might need to change that.