A/N: The Dany POV only contains probably less than half of what I intended to cover but I prefer to update now rather than end up taking longer and having a chapter which tries to deal with too many things. Thanks for the reviews, I know I don't reply much but I am taking notes :)

Chapter 99: Asha & Daenerys

Asha

Asha supped with the king and his advisors. She caught Aegon looking at her more than once. He seemed in higher spirits after seeing the dragons though not as high spirits as Asha might have expected him to be. His brow furrowed when he caught her eye again.

He lacks patience. One day it is likely to get him killed.

She knew she might distract him and even make him laugh if she were inclined to produce her axes. She chose not to. His laughter served her well, it had won her his ear and a place in his council but she knew she must seek Victarion and not just because a king wished it.

I must know what he intends. I must know what the Crow's Eye has planned.

Aegon rose when she did. He smiled but not confidently.

"I fear your uncle wishes to quarrel with me," he told her.

Asha laughed.

"Leave my uncle to me."

He walked with her, a frown marring his features. It did not stop his gaze dropping to her rear as she walked. He did not redden when she showed she had caught him looking. Asha grinned, wondering if he wanted her. Daenerys did not seem interested if the talk was to be believed. He was comelier than any man she had seen. She might have been interested in fucking him just the once out of curiosity.

If I did not know he imagined the girl I might.

"I hear you are a widow my lady. May I offer my condolences?"

"You may," she said with another laugh, "but they are not needed. The Crow's Eye will be more disappointed than I am."

She doubted Euron even cared. Asha had mourned her dead husband by fucking Qarl. The memory did nothing to stop her smiling, even if it did cause Aegon to look a little taken aback.

"You did not wish the marriage."

Asha snorted.

"I was not present for it." She eyed him again. "You do not truly care about my grief or lack of it. What is it your grace?"

Aegon's mouth twisted a little.

"I know you want Sea Dragon Point my lady. I know you have spoken with my aunt."

Asha knew she must tread carefully. Aegon could be influenced but he was not a fool. If he thought she had betrayed his trust it would not go well for her.

"We had tea," Asha told him. "Daenerys asked me about my uncles. She wished to know why Euron sits the Seastone Chair instead of my father's heir. She asked my feelings on the succession."

Aegon's eyes narrowed and he stopped walking. Asha halted beside him. His kingsguard knights were eyeing her warily.

"Do I have cause to question your allegiance?"

Asha wanted to scoff, to jape as she would with other men. Aegon looked like a boy who was frightened his friend had found somebody they liked better. Part of him fears and envies Daenerys even as he still claims kingship. She thought of Theon back in Winterfell, a prisoner still and alive only to ensure loyalty. She thought of her mother back at Ten Towers. Her mother needed to see Theon again if she still lived. Asha needed to earn his freedom.

"We have an agreement," she reminded him.

Aegon still studied her face as though searching for falsehood but finally he nodded, glanced around them and began to move again. He seemed to relax a little though tension remained. He gave her a smile, one Asha expected had melted the hearts of many maidens.

"I find it hard to imagine you sipping tea my lady."

Asha grinned back at him, taking long strides to keep pace.

"Ale is more to my taste. It is best not to refuse a princess."

His eyes brightened at that, just as Asha knew they would. He chafes at those who have called her queen. It was easy for her to appeal to his pride. It had been much harder with Daenerys. The Mother of Dragons fascinated Asha and she could not deny that a woman with such power gave her ideas. She had seen her like with Arya Stark and the notion of their similarities brought another laugh to her lips.

The king should not be finding the courtship so difficult.

"You might fare better if you appeared to want to share her bed half as badly as you wish to share her dragons."

This time Aegon did flush.

"I did not ask for your counsel my lady."

He was offended. Asha sighed. Men can be such fools when they do not want hard truths. She might like him better than Stannis but she was still a kraken and bending her knees did not please her even if she had made some gains. He might not like what she had to say but Asha knew her history and she knew the match must happen.

"That does not mean you do not need my counsel," she replied.

He clenched his jaw, for a moment bearing the slightest resemblance to Stannis as he glowered. It did not last and soon gave way to a resigned expression.

"I wish to see you again after you speak with Victarion."

Asha inclined her head.

"As you wish your grace."

She parted from Aegon, hoping that her message had reached enough ears to draw her uncle out of his reported sulking.

Asha was seated with Tyrion Lannister when she finally received word Victarion Greyjoy was within the castle. Her uncle was meeting with Daenerys.

"I am afraid he will have poor luck," Tyrion said with exaggerated sadness. "If the Khaleesi is not swayed by Aegon's considerable charms then she is not likely to fall at your uncle's feet. How many times is it now Mormont?"

The big knight looked at Asha as though she were dirt off his boot.

"I believe I have lost count."

Ser Jorah did not want her there. He did not make a secret of it. He did not want any Greyjoys allied with his Khaleesi. Crueller whispers told he wanted no man near her at all.

"My uncle Euron is the one you must concern yourself with," she told them, wondering what game Victarion was playing at.

She diced and japed with Tyrion while she waited, deciding he was not all bad for a Westerman. He seemed to have decided the same of her if his amusement was anything to judge by. The sound of a harsh voice told her not all shared her view.

"I suppose I might have warned you," Tyrion told her with a hand around his mouth which did nothing to stop his voice carrying. "Your uncle does not like me much." He grinned. "I cannot think why."

His laughter tinged with mockery told Asha why and she jumped to her feet. The hall had fallen silent apart from Tyrion's continued banter. It was on the tip of Asha's tongue to greet her uncle with a jest but his appearance stopped her. The look in his eyes reminded her uncomfortably of Euron and the length of his arm was burnt.

"Nuncle," she called.

Victarion glared at the dwarf still seated on the benches but as she approached he tore his gaze away to look at her. He smiled and that at least was familiar.

"Asha," he said in a voice which was half a command. "Niece."

"I hoped you might seek me sooner," she scolded him when she drew close. "We have much to speak of."

"I received your messages," he grunted.

Asha looked at the man beside him in scarlet robes. She had her own shadows, the eunuch Grey Worm seemed intent on accompanying them and Lysono Maar kept an even closer eye. Victarion was not pleased with the Lyseni, Asha saw that at once.

"This creature will not be welcome," he said harshly.

"I might say the same of the priest," Asha replied, remembering the march from Deepwood Motte to Winterfell. Thoros had posed little harm but Thoros was Thoros and Asha sensed this priest might be cut from a cloth far closer matched to Melisandre. "I have my own men."

She gave a whistle and two of them joined her. Qarl gave Victarion a grin but her uncle did not return it. .He also did not send the priest away.

"Moqorro has served me well," he told her in a voice which offered no compromise.

Asha shrugged and accompanied him through the passages to an empty chamber. When they passed through the doorway Asha dismissed Grey Worm.

"We will cause very little mischief closed inside these chambers. It will go easier if I talk sense into my uncle in private."

The eunuch nodded obediently and took a step back but his eyes glittered strangely. Asha sensed he was displeased but it was not that which made her shiver. She felt glad when the door closed and it separated them.

"Theon lives," she began. "Euron cannot sit the Seastone Chair."

Victarion shook his head.

"The Crow's Eye has given the Ironborn conquest. The Kingsmoot—"

"It can be overruled," Arya said quickly. "It has happened before." She meant to continue but she realised he was not listening and tried a different tactic. "There are ships headed to Oldtown. They will burn the city rather than let Euron keep it."

Victarion did not look at all bothered at the news.

"The dragon queen will not like that. Euron might show himself and make this easier. He failed to take Highgarden. He will not want to lose his other spoils."

Asha shook her head.

"None of this will be easy uncle."

"You doubt me," Victarion looked displeased. "I have sailed past Valyria and returned with dragons."

"As the Crow's Eye commanded," Asha pointed out. "You always obey nuncle."

"He also commanded I deliver Daenerys to him," Victarion said gruffly. "I have not and I will not."

Asha laughed. "You make it sound as though she might give you a choice in the matter. I cannot see her embracing the Old Way." She had damaged his pride, she saw that at once. "Turn away from this path my father set us on," she urged more gently.

"The dragons," Victarion muttered. "The dragons will end Euron and they will give me the Seastone Chair. Moqorro has seen it."

Asha shifted uncomfortably in her chair and glanced at the red priest.

"No godless man can sit the Seastone Chair," she reminded him. "Aeron will not be pleased."

Victarion laughed.

"I have the Red God and the Drowned God. No man may call Victarion Greyjoy godless."

The red priest smiled broadly.

"R'hllor has a need of Lord Victarion."

Asha bit back her retort and studied Victarion again. The burning of his arm did not appear natural and he seemed no less strong for it. Asha did not trust the priest and she remembered Euron and his pets. The Crow's Eye had been called mad before and Asha feared that Victarion had gone mad somewhere past Valyria.

"The dragons will help remove the Crow's Eye," she said. "Let us make peace with them. Let them see us as allies and we might gain an advantage while the Northmen do not comply. We will not survive the war if you follow this path."

Victarion did not heed her. He made a fist with his burned hand.

"This Aegon, this pretender will die. He will wrong the dragon queen. I am certain of it. He is an enemy, a soft boy who has no place here."

The fury in his voice gave Asha pause.

"Aegon is Daenerys' kin. They grow closer and he is not unbearable company. The dragons may not see him in the same light you do from what I hear."

Victarion's mouth twisted and Asha saw she had found the source of his anger.

"I will claim Daenerys and her dragons. I will restore the Old Way. You will see."

Asha saw the look on Qarl's face. She expected it matched her own skepticism.

"How exactly do you think you will do that?"

Moqorro laughed a booming laugh.

"There is more to be known of dragons if you only take the time to see."

Victarion did not supply any further answers. Asha tried one last time.

"We are krakens, do you remember what my father said? Those who bend the knee survive to rise with blade in hand. We do not rise against dragons uncle, that will be certain death and not a good death."

Her uncle was unmoved.

"The gods are with me niece," he said sternly. "You do not have faith. With time you will see this is best. Either stand with me or stand aside. If you do not join me you would be wise to leave until I take my seat."

Asha knew all hope of reaching the uncle she once knew was lost.

He has gone mad.

Daenerys

Tyrion was looking at her in that way he had again, his head was tilted and his mismatched eyes were fixed on her in a way she knew was intended to be unsettling. It no longer unsettled her. She adjusted the horn beside her when it began to slip.

"You have something you wish to say," she prompted.

Tyrion sighed rather wearily.

"You do not need that," he said, pointing at the dragon horn. "Why do you insist on using it?"

It was not the first time they had spoken of it. She could see he was frustrated. They were relatively alone in the solar, only Ser Barristan and Grey Worm were present.

"You think I ignore your counsel," she said gently.

"It bloody well looks like it," he said resentfully with another hard look at the horn.

Dany had turned it all over in her head again and again. She was so tired of questioning who might betray her, so tired of being lonely. Quaithe spoke of not trusting, of a lion and griffin and the sun's son. She spoke of Aegon too. The griffin was Lord Connington and he had died without harming her. Quentyn had only wished to wed her until her disappearance and he died without causing harm. Aegon was her blood, her family, the only one left. The lion was in front of her now and while she knew she would be a fool to let him too close she was tired of trying to decide if he was an enemy.

Mistrust breeds mistrust and I am only making certain enemies with this course.

"I can assure you that I listen. I have my reasons for keeping the horn and for using it."

Tyrion laughed almost instantly.

"You don't want another to use it," he said with a wry smile. "You do not want them to know your bond is through blood."

Dany ran her fingers over the valyrian glyphs. She remembered what Benerro showed her in the flames.

"I cannot allow another to use the horn."

"Another might not need it," Tyrion pointed out.

Dany frowned. She and Aegon shared blood. Blood had not helped Prince Quentyn though and Dany did not feel certain if it might help Aegon. Aegon had been afraid, she had seen it. If he had not covered it well then things might have turned far worse with Viserion. She remembered Brown Ben Plumm and how fond the dragons were of him. She remembered her own fondness for the sellsword, a fondness tainted by the knowledge of him betraying her.

It was not just his blood, they knew him.

That was why Viserion let the sellsword climb on his back in her absence. That was why even more lives were lost including that of Brown Ben himself. Dany remembered the vision Benerro showed her. Dany knew all too well how dangerous her children were.

"Viserion might have harmed Aegon. There might have been war. This is why I delayed."

Tyrion's expression showed he thought her to be a liar.

"A lot of things might happen your grace," he said dryly. "Some are rather more certain than others. Consider our ironborn friends for example. I am certain you will not wed my dear friend Victarion."

Dany tried to hide her frown.

"He offered to conquer the North for me. He did so once before."

Tyrion looked very knowing.

"He did so when Winterfell was weakened." He drummed his fingers on the table. "I'm sure his terms were very reasonable."

His tone was full of mockery. Dany knew he mocked the captain and not her. She still did not like it. Victarion might be a brute, he might lack courtesy but he joined her cause before any other. He disobeyed his older brother, he disobeyed a usurper to remain by her side. He had wronged her with his misguided notions about Aegon. If Aegon were to be an enemy Dany could decide that herself but Victarion had also served her.

He tried to save my people. He brought us home.

It still did not feel like a home. Dany wondered whether Kings Landing might feel any different.

"Victarion wants me and he wants a dragon," Dany conceded. She thought of Aegon. "He is not alone in that."

"Give him dragons then," Tyrion replied swiftly. "Give him the golden kind and send him away."

Dany eyed him warily. Her Bear had offered similar counsel but Dany refused it. Aegon insisted the North would not oppose them. He would be unhappy if he knew of Victarion's offer. Dany could not accept it but neither could she do as Tyrion suggested.

"Where will I find this gold?" she asked. "Will Casterly Rock provide it?" She saw the glint in Tyrion's eye and shook her head. "Victarion does not want gold. You know the ways of the ironborn as well as I. I might let him try with my dragons. That will put an end to this."

Tyrion laughed at that.

"It saddens me that you say that only in jest after all the times he has wished the same fate upon me."

Dany merely smiled. She did not intend to owe Tyrion or Victarion any greater debt even if she did not wish to view them as enemies. She allowed them to stay and advise her, keeping them apart given their hatred of one another. Each wanted the other gone and each wished death upon their kin. Tyrion seemed more trustworthy, he was certainly more likeable but Victarion had his uses and he was not entirely wrong in warning her about Aegon.

"I can assure you I will not treat him gently if he gives me reason," she told Tyrion.

The dwarf cocked his head and his smile seemed more a grimace.

"I will remember you said that."

Tyrion took his leave and Missandei returned. The scribe brought her lemon water, dried fruit and a smile which did not hide plots and lies and demands. Dany suddenly felt almost as though she wished to cry.

"Will you stay with me a while Missandei?"

The girl dropped down readily beside her, her golden eyes concerned.

"Your Grace is troubled."

Dany took sip of the water and picked up a piece of the dried fruit.

"I am only tired. You are good to worry but there is no need." She pointed to the book sitting on the sideboard and Missandei fetched it. Dany opened it and made herself smile. "Let me tell you a story, let me tell you of Westeros."

Missandei leaned close to look at the page.

"This one wants to learn of your home." Her fingers traced the word Targaryen on the page. "This one wants to learn of your family."

Westeros did not feel like home but it did have family. She thought constantly of Aegon's first encounter with her dragons. They did not harm him, that was true and she did not know what that meant. She did not know if it meant anything at all.

He and I might have wed if not for the war.

A lot of things might have happened if not for the war. The war of the usurper changed everything. Dany took a deep breath and began to read to dull her thoughts.

A/N 2: The next one will continue with Dany and more in the West.