A/N: I know this update took a terribly wrong time. I've been struggling a lot. Things are very hard right now. I did not want to be whinging but I want to explain. The dissertation has reached a point where it is taking pretty much all my writing capacity. Technically I'm not supposed to be doing anything else over these months but I did not want to put this on hiatus again. The next month or so is still going to be difficult. I have to give the dissertation priority but know that I'm not giving this up and I will be wanting to finish more of this fic and update as soon as I can. I just cannot promise when that will be.
If you ever want to know where I'm at with my writing you can check out the "fic update" tag on my tumblr. I am madaboutasoiaf there too for those who do not already know.
Chapter 100: Daenerys & Aegon
Dany smiled at Aegon when he joined her at the table. They did not eat in the hall. She wanted to see him and speak to him without the extra ears. Her smile became strained when Nymeria Sand joined them. The Dornishwoman did not offer a warm greeting though she did lavish attention on Aegon.
"You must not linger too long in this dark and dreary place cousin," she said in a light and affectionate tone. "The Dornish need the sun and my uncle longs to look upon you at least once."
Aegon offered her a bright smile.
"There is little sun anywhere Lady Nym. I shall leave but not until the time is right."
Nymeria Sand took Aegon's goblet, peered at the contents, cast a hard look at Dany and drank deeply.
"You might have asked my lady," Aegon said in an annoyed tone.
"Forgive me your grace," Nymeria replied. "I did not think your usual taster equal to the task."
Dany watched the two of them. Even their quarrels were tinged with affection. She remembered Viserys and how she once loved him and it hurt a little. Viserys would have wanted her dragons too she did not doubt. Dany would have given them to him freely when they hatched. The very thought of what he might have done filled her with dread. Still she could not forget what he taught her, she was the blood of the dragon.
The dragon must have three heads.
If not for the vision in the flames she would not hesitate. There needed to be two more and who would be more suited than her last living kin? She knew that reading with Missandei about her ancestors had made her long to be loved, to have what her kin had before the usurper killed her brother and Jaime Lannister broke his oath and murdered her father.
Nymeria and Aegon no longer quarrelled about wine and the lack of sunlight. The subject changed to the book Aegon kept in his chambers.
"You have not been seen reading of late. I pray that you have not tired of history."
Dany felt a flash of anger at the Dornishwoman's impertinence. The colour rose to Aegon's face.
"Do not presume to counsel me in this my lady," he said sharply. "You forget your place."
The two cousins eyed one another, both tense and unhappy and Dany knew it to have nothing at all to do with the book.
"Mayhaps we might read it together Aegon," she offered. "I learned histories as a girl but there is always more to know."
Aegon gave her a queer look. He seemed lost for words but he gathered his composure quickly enough.
"I am certain there is little in the book which is of interest to you Dany. I have put it aside. I think that is for the best."
The way he said it made her feel for him even though she did not wish to. The book interested her because it was not just a book. It represented the girl in some way but Aegon's bearing and the pained look on his face made her think of Daario and her own feelings when she knew she must marry Hizdahr.
I am not Hizdahr.
The idea of wedding another without love or passion did not appeal but she knew that a queen, a princess if that is what she truly was, must do what was necessary for her people. The prospect of a wedding would not trouble her so much if not for her dragons. Her interest in the book remained but Dany did not intend to press him over it, not yet anyway.
"Mayhaps there are other things we might read. Tyrion tells me there are ravens from Kings Landing."
"I had heard the same," Aegon conceded. "Mayhaps you should read them. There are matters in them which concern us both."
Nymeria Sand stood, her dark eyes flashing.
"Shall I take my leave your grace? These matters are not ones I can assist with."
The tone was light and the words chosen carefully but Dany understood. Lady Nym will never be my friend. Aegon stood and appeared angered. His beautiful cousin did not shrink from him though she did press her lips to his cheek.
"I do not require your assistance my lady," Aegon bit out. "You may go."
They both watched Nymeria leave and Aegon's eyes remained narrowed even after she passed through the door.
"Dorne is slow to forgive," Dany said.
"They will not trouble us," Aegon said quickly. "My cousin is hot tempered but she will obey."
"She disapproves of your suit," Dany said.
Aegon tensed. "I do not require her approval."
Dany hesitated and Aegon moved to the seat beside her. He reached for her hand when he sat and Dany let him. They sat together, Aegon's expression clouded over but his fingers linked with hers. She waited for him to speak of the dragons. He always spoke of them whenever he offered anything close to affection but this time he kept quiet.
He still wants them.
"If you attend my chambers I will share the ravens with you," he finally said.
When he rose Dany stood with him and he bent to press his lips to her cheek, the same as she had seen him do with his cousin. The kiss was brief but it startled Dany and confused her further. Both the affection and the offer of information were new. Previously he had guarded it. Dany knew that his pride hurt at every reference to her being queen in her own right.
She nodded and reached for him, putting her hand on his arm. Dany knew men, she was twice married but with Aegon everything felt different. He wasn't just a man for her to decide if she might wed him, if she might bed him. The silvery gold hair and violet eyes and the resemblance to her brother made him different. He was kin and if it were to go wrong, if he were to betray her it would be so much worse after feeling she might not be alone.
He smiled at her touch, a friendly smile. People were joining them, entering through the doorway and Ser Jorah frowned. Ser Barristan looked rather more pleased.
"Give me an hour," she told Aegon.
Dany did not know what she expected. She did not expect this. She did not know whether she felt more hurt by the rejection or angry by it. Aegon held the parchment in his hand, frowning at Randyll Tarly's words.
"I knew the Faith would not be pleased," he admitted.
Dany tried to remember what she knew of the Faith Militant. Tyrion contributed more knowledge.
"They want to kill the dragons."
Aegon's expression darkened.
"They can try. They did not succeed the first time."
The chambers were rather crowded. Dany knew they should move the discussion to one of the larger rooms but Aegon did not seem inclined to move. Tyrion likewise seemed rather settled beside him, another piece of parchment in his hand.
"It seems they can inflict plenty of damage without harming a dragon. Lord Randyll has not been a calming influence. The city burns."
Aegon flushed.
"He only reported a fire in the godswood."
"And another at the sept," Tyrion said mildly. "It will escalate if not handled in the right manner."
"They think Aegon abandoned the people to seek Daenerys' favour," Nymeria Sand said lightly. The Dornishwoman attended despite her earlier claim but she did not appear happy.
Aegon scowled and Dany was uncomfortable remembering that Tyrion predicted it. The tension in the room rose. Dany looked to Grey Worm. The captain of the unsullied watched those in attendance but his expression was odd. He caught her looking and stood to attention. Dany studied him for a moment as Aegon uttered an objection and Ser Barristan interceded.
Grey Worm would never betray me.
It had only been a heartbeat and he now awaited her command should she wish to give it. Dany smiled and turned her attention back to the discussion.
"They need to see their king Aegon," Ashara said softly. "Your presence will calm the people. They will remember your kindnesses and the justice you gave them."
"They forgot quickly my lady," Aegon said, looking rather prickly. "Besides, the poor fellows spread their message farther than just the city. They preach against Dany throughout the Riverlands."
"They spoke against Daenerys in Essos as well," Ser Jorah interjected. "They speak from fear." He met her gaze. "When they know you they will love you."
Dany did not feel so certain. How am I to earn their love? In Essos she freed slaves from their chains but the people in Westeros did not wear chains, not visible ones at least. They wanted food but she had none to give them.
"The dissent will not end," Marwyn said, giving voice to her fears. "The people will blame you both for their woes and speak of sorcery. The maesters will be only too happy to confirm their fears even if they do not speak it where you might hear. This is not your fight Daenerys."
Dany listened to him but she could not accept it. Her whole life had been about reclaiming the throne stolen from her family. The archmaester spat and Dany remembered Mirri Maz Duur and Quaithe. Quaithe did not warn against him but the godswife was warning enough.
"Lord Randyll is not like to calm tensions," Tyrion pressed. "I have people searching for my sister. Cersei cannot stay hidden long, you may be certain of that. The very thought of me as Lord of Casterly Rock will be maddening. There are other options."
Dany hesitated but Aegon pounced eagerly.
"What do you propose?"
Tyrion smiled an unsettling smile.
"Move the court if you must. The king can do that. Let them see the dragons. Let them see Balerion come again. Some of them could do with a good dose of fear. You can claim the city again any time you wish. The people will be glad of it once they realise they cannot survive on their faith alone."
Dany examined the dwarf. Lysono Maar spoke quietly in Aegon's ear and Aegon narrowed his eyes at Tyrion. The offered solution benefited her. It also benefitted Tyrion. It did not offer an advantage to Aegon, not a true one and the people in the capital would suffer.
"Kings Landing was built by our ancestors," Dany said. "It cannot be abandoned. I did not come all this way to hide from those who oppose me."
"I have no interest in hiding either," Aegon said sharply.
They eyed one another and Dany thought quickly.
"It is time for us to see more of the realm. I know what must be done." Aegon gave her a smile and Dany took a breath to strengthen her resolve. "We will unite the kingdoms and secure my father's throne."
Aegon's smile slipped a little.
"We will show them that we are dragons," he said boldly.
Dany knew it of herself. She smiled at him and hoped that she chose the right course. If harm came to him there would be certain war. Whether he was a true dragon remained to be seen but the time to test it would come soon.
Aegon
Arya was smiling his favourite smile. It was the one where he knew she was pleased. Her hair hung loose the way he liked it but seemed much longer. It was odd that she dressed like Dany. Aegon pushed the thought aside, his focus on trying to resist stepping forward and gathering her in his arms. He needed to speak with her.
"You must bend the knee," he told her.
She did not appear angered. If anything her eyes sparkled and he tried not to smile at her. He failed and cursed himself for not remaining kingly.
"We spoke of this," he said, trying to sound reasonable.
"We did," she agreed. "You did not act so stupid then."
Aegon's smile faded. She did not treat him with respect. He knew he must quarrel with her, must make her see that this was the only way. Daenerys would insist upon it but Aegon was not simply doing it for her. He knew he must restore the kingdoms, even if it displeased Arya. It did not turn out to be easy though.
Arya shook her head and stepped towards him. He wondered if her hips had always swayed that way or whether he had spent too much time near Lady Asha and imagined it.
"Arya," he began but instead of chiding her it came out low and hoarse.
"You need the dragon Aegon," she told him, looking up at him with those wise dark eyes. "That is why you are here."
He looked into her face without speaking for a moment. "You need to bend the knee," he repeated.
She dropped suddenly to her knees. Her hands reached to lift his tunic and her fingers began deftly untying the laces of his breeches.
"What are you doing?" he asked, startled.
"My knees are bent, stupid," she said, cocking her head and grinning at him. "I'm doing what you asked.
"That isn't," he faltered as her hands reached into his smallclothes. His cock did not listen to his protests and he was hard before she even touched him. He missed her mouth on him but it had never been like this, not with her on the floor. "I still need your men to-"
He stopped speaking at the feel of her tongue. He fought to keep his hips from jerking as she took him into her mouth. Arya looked up at him and when he caressed her, smoothing her hair back from her face she seemed even more determined to please him.
He woke with a start to a servant in his chambers and immediately felt the dampness from his seed. He knew it must be morning despite the perpetual darkness. The disappointment mixed with frustration and he turned on the woman.
"Leave me be."
She scurried out the door and he turned on his side, closing his eyes to block out the light from the torches. He wanted to remember his dream. It had been such a good dream, not like the others. If he really tried he could hear her laughter and see her grin, the way it lit up her long face.
Asha Greyjoy knocked at his door while he broke his fast. He tried not to look at her hips as she approached him, the dream still lingering though he knew he must forget it. He was finally going to ride a dragon. It was what he came here for. His dream told it true. Part of him felt a little ill but he tried to ignore that part.
"Good morrow my lady," he greeted Asha.
Lady Asha did not seem to think it a good morrow. She dropped into the chair across from him with a frown on her face, her usual smile nowhere to be seen.
"You are still planning to leave your grace."
"I never intended to stay," he replied. He offered her a smile. "Will you miss me? I will be back before you know it."
Asha still did not smile. Aegon began to feel troubled.
"My nuncle listens too closely to Moqorro. The priest is dangerous."
Aegon exhaled.
"Is that all? You had me worried." He pushed a piece of hard bread in front of her. "I am not afraid of the priest. Thoros did not frighten me and Dany has Benerro offering counsel."
Asha gnawed on the bread and Aegon swirled his lemon water before taking a swallow. She set the bread down after only a couple of bites.
"Moqorro is not Thoros. You'd do well to keep that in mind. I'd also ask you to remember that I have honoured our agreement."
Doubt began to creep in. Aegon knew Victarion misliked him. The man saw him as a rival but Aegon did not fear him either.
"Our agreement involved Euron not Victarion," he reminded her. "You assured me that Euron was the danger."
Asha seemed to be struggling. She did not answer straight away.
"I am not your enemy," she finally said. "I have served you well, have I not?"
Aegon pushed the bread closer to end the discussion.
"You have. Your uncles will yield or they will die. See that Victarion knows this before I return."
He left her there. A horse waited for him when he reached the yards and Aegon rode to the camp to meet with Ser Brynden. He did not ride alone, Lord Edmure offered sullen company for a man offered a reprieve from his confines.
"What do you want me to tell my uncle your grace," Edmure asked.
"You can tell him whatever you wish my lord. I'm sure you have much to speak of."
Dany made the suggestion and Aegon took it. He knew there must be a price but for now he accepted it. When they reached the tent Ser Brynden looked almost as sullen as his nephew.
"What did they ask of you Edmure?"
It was not the welcome Aegon expected but Edmure did not look surprised.
"I am still a guest uncle. Daenerys expects me to return." He frowned. "Riverrun is still in Lannister hands."
The Blackfish scowled.
"It will not remain so."
Aegon cleared his throat and both of them looked at him.
"I must speak with Ser Brynden."
Edmure took his leave and Ser Brynden's expression darkened even more.
"Is this where you tell me Edmure will die if I do not kneel and write to Arya?"
Aegon knew he reddened.
"I am to meet Dany Ser," he said stiffly. "I must take action to end the unrest. The realm will see what they are opposing."
"It will be blood and fire."
There was judgement in the tone and Aegon did not like it.
"Mayhaps," he said defensively. "I will return." He hesitated before producing parchment. "These are my orders in my absence."
Ser Brynden eyed him warily as he took it.
"It is unlike you to be so cautious your grace."
Aegon grinned. "Nym has counselled me."
The Blackfish laughed. "It is unlike her to be so cautious."
Aegon's grin faded. "Edmure is to return on the morrow. I am trusting you Ser."
The knight read the parchment in silence and nodded.
"Your army is melting away with the wait but I will be here when you return, your grace."
Aegon clasped his arm warmly and bade him farewell. It was late when he met his aunt.
"Illyrio left Kings Landing at my behest," he said. "He thinks to meet us here to answer your questions."
Dany seemed unconcerned.
"We will not be gone long."
Ser Barristan stood only a few paces away, his expression unreadable. Nym was by his side. Aegon joined her and he felt her worry by the tightness of her grip. His other guards looked no less concerned and he knew they did not agree with him leaving without protection.
I have my sword. I can protect myself.
Nym looked to the sky.
"I will kill the beasts if harm befalls you."
Part of him suspected that she might try it regardless.
"Behave cousin," he chided her, offering his cheek to kiss. "I do not wish to return to a war."
Nym gave him the kiss.
"I will not be the cause of it," she said, a little too sweetly.
Tyrion Lannister waddled up to join her.
"I shall endeavour to keep her too amused. I can be very amusing if I wish it."
"I remember," Aegon replied.
Dany spoke with Ser Barristan, extracting a promise.
"I shall guard them with my life your grace," the old knight said solemnly.
The shadow and the thunderclap of Drogon's wings caught him unaware. Dany held the horn but she had not blown it. The dragon landed and called to her and Dany handed the horn to Grey Worm. She then strode to meet Drogon and the dragon stilled, submitting to her touch.
"The saddle has taken too long I'm afraid," Tyrion said apologetically.
Aegon did not understand at first. He watched Dany climb on Drogon's back. When she shouted to him and held out her hand he felt like a fool. Tyrion made a tsking noise.
"You did not think she meant for you to ride one of the others?"
Aegon wanted to vent his frustration.
"She did not tell me."
Tyrion shook his head.
"You did not listen. Consider it a test and think of it this way. You will be only the third person to ride a dragon in more than a century." Drogon looked to be impatient. Tyrion seemed half envious and half laughing at him. "Your person is precious to many. I would not take unnecessary risk."
Aegon struggled with the urge to stand his ground and demand another dragon. He quickly realised it to be futile. The others were nowhere in sight this time. He approached Dany cautiously. The dragon snorted smoke and spun to look at him, its red eye huge and trained on him. Dany spoke loudly to it in high valyrian.
"He won't hurt you."
The small tremble in her voice gave her away. Aegon looked up at her. She hid it well but she was afraid. Aegon took a breath.
I am a dragon.
He did not hesitate this time as he closed the gap. He knew if he did his courage might fail him and the dragon would know. Drogon's scales offered little grip but somehow he managed to vault on. At Dany's instruction he held onto her as Drogon roared. He twisted and lurched beneath them and Aegon's heart thudded in his chest.
"SÅvegon," Dany cried, raising the whip high over her head and bringing it down on Drogon's scales with a loud crack.
The dragon obeyed, his wings folding and muscles tensing and Aegon clung to Dany as huge wings stretched out and whipped the air around them and the ground shrank beneath them. It felt exhilarating and frightening at the same time and despite his resentment at being a passenger, he was finally flying and it felt right.