The Winter King and the Queen of Summer

by Alperez16

A Jonerys set at the beginning. A Raven flaps it's wings and instead of swearing his oath Jon Snow learns the truth of who he is. How is the game changed when Jon instead of wearing black, dresses in black and red and seeks his crown.

25. The Grand Council

Winterfell 300 AC.

Arya Stark.

The closer she got to it, the more excited she felt. It had been more than a year since she'd seen Winterfell or her brothers and she missed them terribly. Yet it wasn't Arya who was the happiest person on Ōñosmaghare's back as they flew over the Wolfswood. That distinction belonged to the Children of the Forest behind her. While Arya, Arthur, a man she still couldn't quite believe was the infamous Bloodraven, and Shiera all held on tightly to each other, the Children seemed to simply balance in the dragon's back with ease. It almost made her wish to tell her brother to have Ōñosmaghare turn sharply, just to see if they could hold on still, almost.

Seeing it when it came into view, Arya's breath stilled in her throat and she felt a tear come to her eye. Meeting back up with her mother, her sister, and her uncle Benjen, all of it had made her feel like a little girl and not the warrior woman that her brother named her. Looking down on Winterfell as they flew over it, believing she saw her brothers for the first time in moons, it was only the little girl that she now wished to be. After Ōñosmaghare had done two circles of Winterfell to mainly show those below that they meant them no harm, her brother then bid the black dragon to land outside its gate. As soon as it did so, Arya and the Children of the Forest almost raced off its back and were on the ground before anyone else.

Arthur, Shiera, Bloodraven, and finally Rhaegar soon joined them. As she looked to the gates and the familiar sight of Ser Rodrik Cassel and then the black and grey wolves, Arya waited not for permission to run towards them. As Rhaegar spoke to Ōñosmaghare and while Ser Rodrik found his eyes torn between looking at the dragon and the Children of the Forest, Arya saw the auburn hair and heard the excited voice of Rickon as he called out for her and Rhaegar.

"ARYA! JON!" Rickon said excitedly and before she knew it she was being tackled to the ground, her laughter ringing out for true as Rickon both hugged her tightly and looked over her shoulder to see where their other brother was.

"By the Old Gods, you've grown so much, Rickon," she said when they got back up from the ground they'd tumbled onto.

"I missed you, I missed you all so much." her brother said excitedly before he was running from her and towards their brother, Rickon's laughter now even louder and truer than hers had been.

"JON!"

"Rickon you little scamp," Rhaegar replied and Arya wore a beaming smile as she watched her older brother swing her younger one around and forget that he was now the King of the Seven Kingdoms as he did so.

It was her that moved to Ser Rodrik and somewhat explained who everyone was. Rhaegar and Rickon walked toward them after Ōñosmaghare had taken back to the sky. Where the black dragon was headed to, Arya knew not and it'd not be until the morrow that they saw him again.

"Ser Rodrik," Rhaegar said as he and Rickon joined them, Shaggy Dog walking by her younger brother's side while Summer looked to Bloodraven and the Children before turning and heading back through the gates.

"Your grace." Ser Rodrik stuttered.

"Has Arya told you who our companions are, Ser Rodrik?"

"She has, your grace." Ser Rodrik said looking not to Rhaegar but to Ser Arthur and Arya resolved to see that he was rewarded with a spar before they left here.

There was no sign of Bran which concerned her for a moment until she remembered his accident. A frown then came over her face as she wondered how he'd not look when she did see him. Walking in through the gate, all eyes were on them and mostly on the Children. Though she did hear more than one person name Rhaegar as king which she was pleased about. The thought that here in Winterfell they'd not acknowledge him as such was not one she wished to ponder on.

Seeing Bran sitting in his wheeled chair was a shock to her. The true extent of his injuries and his future were now finally laid bare and Arya felt a little guilty when she looked at him. Her brother had wished to be a squire, to be a knight, and the life she was now leading would have been Bran's ideal one. While she knew he'd not begrudge her getting to live it, she still felt saddened that he'd now not know it. Arya worried that he may look at her slightly differently because of it. Bran, however, very much did not. His smile was one of his true ones and when she embraced him, he hugged her back just as tightly.

"Winterfell is yours, your grace," Bran said when he looked up to Rhaegar and around them men and women took a knee.

"I thank you, Lord Stark. Everyone, please rise." Rhaegar said before moving a little closer to Bran "Now that the formalities are done, it's good to see you brother, truly."

"You too J…Brother." Bran said.

Hodor pushed Bran's chair and Arya looked to see a dark-haired girl and a young boy with green eyes look at her curiously. The girl was older than her, somewhere around Rhaegar's age, and she was armed which Arya was happy to see. As for the boy, his eyes seemed more focussed behind her and when Arya turned to see what it was he was looking at, she noticed that Bloodraven, Shiera, and the Children of the Forest were no longer with them.

Moving to Rhaegar, she was about to ask him where they'd gone when her brother noticed her expression and answered her unasked question.

"The Godswood, Arya." Rhaegar said and Arya nodded "And Aye, Rickon went with them."

Only at Rhaegar's words did she realize that her younger brother and Shaggy Dog had made themselves scarce too and a part of her wished to run to the Godswood to make sure he was well. Instead, her duties as a squire won out and so she took her place next to Ser Arthur behind Rhaegar's back and they were soon at what had been her father's solar. Arya felt almost unable to move and then felt Rhaegar's hand touch hers, a soft smile on her brother's face that was more than enough to get her to enter the room and put aside her feelings for now. Though they'd need to be addressed later she would imagine.

"You're truly Ser Arthur Dayne?" Bran asked, sounding excited and how she had remembered him before his accident.

"I am, Lord Stark."

"And you guard my brother's back?" Bran asked, slightly more seriously.

"With my life, Lord Stark."

"Good," Bran said and Arya smiled at him warmly.

They took their seats and were then joined by Ser Rodrik and Maester Luwin. Arya listened as Rhaegar told them about the deal he'd done with the Free Folk. What it was he wished done with the children and that yes, it was true that Bran was now Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell.

"Robb, Jon?" Bran said before trying to apologize for slipping, Rhaegar waving it off as he had done with both her and Sansa ever since the truth of him was made known to them.

"Is to be Lord of Riverrun though not Lord Paramount, Bran. I had intended to leave his fate up to you, to let you choose whether it was lands he was to rule over or some other role you wished him to play."

"Could he not be…."

"No. I know it's hard brother, but your mother will soon return to offer you guidance. Ser Rodrik, Maester Luwin, they too and though mine own home is now far from here, I'm but a raven away. Should you need me, I'll come and come quickly."

"Mother will return?" Bran asked, looking to Rhaegar and then to her.

"Aye, she will," Arya answered firmly.

"The Free Folk, your grace, is it wise to let them roam the North?" Ser Rodrik asked.

"They'll not, Ser Rodrik. I've given them leave to name the lands of the Gift and New Gift theirs. They are under no illusions that they're not to travel beyond those lands. I'll send word to the Lords of the North and tell them what I'll now tell you all. The old tales are true, Ser Rodrik. You've seen those who travel with me, the Children of the Forest. Though they're not here now in this room, later tonight you'll hear words spoken by my great aunt Shiera Seastar and my great uncle Brynden Rivers."

"Surely not, your grace." Maester Luwin said.

"As I sit before you, Maester, so too will they. Yet those are but the boons we've been given. Boons needed to deal with the threat we'll all face."

Arya shivered as Rhaegar spoke about the army of the dead and the king who led them. She looked at Bran, Rodrik, and Luwin's expressions when they were told that a war was coming that would take the entire realm to win. She, like they, was much happier when talk turned to the Children of the Forest and how they'd now make the Godswood their home. Rhaegar told both Luwin and Bran that they'd learn much to benefit the North from their new guests. Eventually, the words were finished being spoken and they were given rooms to rest and change in and even a bath to wash herself, a bath which she actually enjoyed for once.

That night they were feasted and she much enjoyed eating the food she'd grown up with. Especially with it being cooked by those who'd done so in Winterfell for so many years. Arya sat by Rickon's bed when Rhaegar read their brother a story and walked beside her brother when he helped Bran to his room. Then she and Rhaegar made their way to the crypts and she paid her respects to her father as Rhaegar did so to his mother.

She both didn't want to leave and was happy to do so the next morning. After breaking her fast and walking with Rhaegar to the Godswood, where the children had indeed made their home, it was to the Great Hall that they went next. Bran swore an oath of fealty to Rhaegar and Daenerys and handed Rhaegar a letter to be presented at some council or other. Arya barely held back her tears as she said her goodbyes to her brothers. Then she, Rhaegar, Arthur, Shiera, and Bloodraven all made their way to the gates where Ōñosmaghare was waiting for them. No sooner had they taken to the sky than she was looking back at the familiar grey walls, Rhaegar's whispered words enough to make her look south and not north and to do so with a smile on her face.

"We'll see it and them again, Arya. I promise." Rhaegar said and she knew he spoke true. He never lied, not to her.

Kings Landing 300 AC.

Olenna Tyrell.

Waiting to find out your fate was not a pleasant way to spend your time. Though Olenna did welcome the chance to spend time with her family, if not with her thoughts. Word had reached them about the Lannisters' punishments and they had surprised her somewhat. In truth, she'd expected them to be much harsher and while it didn't necessarily mean that her own would be lesser, she took hope in the fact that they might be.

Mace had recovered from his wound and would suffer no lasting effect and her talks with Garlan had given her some insight into the true strength that the Targaryens possessed. As it had the full extent of the betrayal her House had suffered from those they'd named as Bannermen. Though in truth, those Houses were loyal to the dragons first and foremost and only them because of it. As much as she now regretted the course of action she'd taken, there was little that could be done about it now. There was no going back and so whatever consequences they faced were ones they had little hope to mitigate. Or so she'd thought.

First of all, it was a note from one of Varys' little birds. An offer to support another Targaryen king. One whose tale was even more unbelievable than Rhaegar Targaryen's. Or it was if you had a mind that was dull and you were a Lackwit. Rhaegar Targaryen being named a bastard by his uncle and so protected from the wrath of Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister was one thing. A prince whisked away from a city under siege and raised in Essos. The deed going unknown to anyone but a man who lied for a living and a cheesemonger, well that was quite another. Olenna however, needed another set of eyes and ears to look at the board before she made her decision. So she called on Margaery and handed her the note once she'd read it herself.

"Yet he has Jon Connington by his side too, grandmother," Margaery said once Olenna finished telling her what the contents of the note suggested.

"Compared to Arthur Dayne? Dragons? By the Seven Margaery, even Ser Richard Lonmouth follows after King Rhaegar and Queen Daenerys."

"Would we not fare better under this new king, grandmother? Does Varys not make us a better offer?" Margaery asked, curiously though not suggestively.

"He does, but can he deliver upon it? And should we risk even more than we already do just to take a chance that Rhaegar and Daenerys Targaryen will accept the words of a Grand Council should it not go their way?"

She talked to her granddaughter for some time and then asked for the chance to speak to the queen. Though it was not the queen who came her way but Prince Aemon, the Hand of the King. In another life, this man would be her granduncle. Yet looking at him was like looking at a far younger man. Olenna had reached her one and seventieth Nameday, she'd wager that Prince Aemon had easily reached his one hundredth. Though she looked far older than he did and far less full of vigor.

"You wished to see me, Lady Olenna?" Prince Aemon asked, his voice firm as he and his guards stood in front of her.

"May we speak alone, Lord Hand?" she asked and after he'd bid his guards wait outside, he walked with her into the solar.

"I received this earlier today," she said handing him the note from Varys.

Olenna watched as Aemon read it quietly, its words not seeming to surprise him in the least as he did so. Once he was done, he offered no comment and simply looked at her bidding her speak her mind.

"I have no wish to play further in the Game of Thrones, Lord Hand. Nor to go against their graces any more than I already have."

"A wise option, Lady Olenna."

"Yet I'd be a liar if I said I don't fear the punishments that are to come to me and my House."

"I'm not here to trade, my lady." Prince Aemon said harshly before softening his expression a little "We have no need to and my niece and nephew have already promised you a fair hearing. However…."

"Olenna moved forward in her seat, hopeful that there was some path being made available to them that would see them survive as a large if not a Great House.

"There have been some developments in the Reach, Lady Olenna. Highgarden has fallen…"

"Willas?" she interrupted.

"A most clever young man by all accounts. Your grandson is safe and free as of now, my lady." Aemon said and Olenna breathed in relief before moving her hand to the water jug and pouring herself a glass of it which she drank down quickly.

"Who?" she asked.

She listened as she was told a tale of the Golden Company and Stannis Baratheon. How they'd joined up was something that not even Prince Aemon knew. What he did know was that they'd invaded the Reach and sacked Highgarden only to find that Willas was long gone. Olenna felt her pride in her grandson rise as Prince Aemon spoke of Willas' escape. Then she felt her heart begin to race when she was told firstly that he'd taken their treasury with him and secondly of the offer he'd made for their ransoms. An offer that may not have been needed but one which had led to mayhap an even further softening of the punishments they'd now face.

"Her grace has sent men to see that your grandson and his treasury make it to King's Landing unhindered, Lady Olenna. Lord Willas will be treated as a guest and not subject to the same restrictions that we've placed upon your family. His offer is one we find most intriguing and that along with your bringing of this note to our attention will both serve you well. As would one more task you can complete for us."

"Name it," she said far too eagerly.

Margaery and Mace both hurried into the solar as soon as Prince Aemon had left. Garlan coming in a few moments later. Olenna had risen and moved to the window to gather her thoughts. As she did so, she saw it in the sky. Larger by some distance than the other dragons she had seen, the black dragon covered the ground beneath it in shadow. Though she felt they were safe from its flames both now and in the future, she shuddered still at the sight of it. Leaving the window behind, she moved back to her sat and looked at the eager faces of her family.

"Willas may well have saved us all." she began, the story taking some time to tell and once it was done and she was alone once more. Then and only then did Olenna write her reply to give to Varys' little bird. A reply that had been truly written by Aemon Targaryen.

King's Landing 300 AC.

Ser Richard Lonmouth.

Never had he imagined this would be what he'd be doing. Not even when he was younger and Prince Rhaegar's squire did he truly expect to serve in such a lofty position. Moons ago when he saw Arthur again and first laid his eyes on his prince's son, little did he think he'd ride to more than just a knight in Rhaegar's army. All he'd actually wished for was a place by his side. A chance to put the ghosts of the past in the graves that they belonged to. In truth, he'd almost hoped to give his life for the son as he'd not been able to do so for the father.

His travels had taken him far and wide since then. He'd fought in a battle that was not truly one. Not given the dragons that they had to call upon. He'd witnessed Tywin Lannister's punishment for his evil deeds and had rejoiced when the man was finally taken from the world. Then he'd seen a city fall without barely a whimper. Finally, he had stood with men he named as good and true and looked on as Rhaegar took the seat that should have been his father's.

The dragons were finally back where they belonged and Richard would have gladly accepted that as the end of his service. It was not to be. There was still a place for him and now he, Richard Lonmouth, a man who'd been lost for more years than he could count, was Master of Laws to their graces King Rhaegar and Queen Daenerys of the House Targaryen. It brought a smile to his face, a lightness to his heart, and most of all, purpose to his life. Each morning he woke, he did all he could to make certain that this reign of dragons would not end like the last one.

Together with one of the commanders of the Unsullied, a man named Black Ant, Richard had set out to make King's Landing safe and secure. The Unsullied served as both the Red Keep's Houseguard and a new and improved City Watch. Richard had let a large number of the old City Watch go from their positions and replaced them for now with Unsullied. In time, it would be men he trained and selected himself, but for now, there was no place for lazy or corrupt guards and crime was no longer something that had a blind eye turned to it. Yet that was not the full extent of his duties and his cooperation with Lord Howland Reed was something unexpected. Especially today.

"Lord Reed is expecting me," he said to the two small men who stood at the door that led to Lord Reed's chambers.

Richard walked into the room to find Howland Reed sitting with his back to him. The man was as still as a corpse and not even the polite coughs that Richard made seemed to disturb him. Taking his seat, he waited until Howland turned to face him and found it was to be some time until he did so. When he did, the man's green eyes seemed to have lost some of their luster and it took Howland a moment or two to even notice his presence.

"Forgive me, Ser Richard. I find when my mind wanders in this place it takes some time to focus once more."

"There is nothing to forgive, Lord Reed," he said.

The Crannogman was a strange and odd fellow at the best of times. Though he'd not said so, Richard believed he was a warg and that it was to his home and family that he would occasionally travel. Ser Barristan disagreed and said it was on the king's business that Howland Reed was always about. Thus far neither of them had been proved right or wrong about the man.

"Lady Lysa and Lord Baelish have left Gulltown and should arrive by week's end, Ser Richard," Howland said, taking Richard from his thoughts.

"They actually traveled," he said surprised.

"As has Lord Tully."

"Are these people fools, Lord Reed? Do they truly believe that their graces would simply hand over the throne after they've fought a war to win it?"

"People believe as they wish to believe, Ser Richard. I've found that to be true the more time I've spent around them. Lord Stark believed he was doing what was best for his nephew and honoring his promise to his sister. Yet we both know he was very much not."

"No, he certainly was not." Richard spat.

"Until you're faced with an undeniable truth it's easy to believe the lie is what I've found."

"Lord Reed?"

"I saw it with the men and women of the North, men, and women I'd have named as smart and clever. Yet still at first, they denied Rhaegar his right. Look at them now. Speak to them now."

"Indeed." he smiled, the North may have taken some time to come around but come around it truly had.

"You believe the Eunuch has made offers to the Tullys?" he asked to a nod of Howland's head "So they come to declare for Aegon."

"They do. You've allowed the Eunuch to keep using his little birds?"

"As you suggested."

"Good. Then he'll think himself more in control than he truly is."

Richard sat looking at the other man for a few moments. It was clear to him that Howland had no desire to be here. Unlike him or Monford, Oberyn or Marwyn, Arthur or Aemon, this wasn't a role he served because he wished it. Not that he wasn't fully behind Rhaegar and Daenerys and as true to them as Richard or any of them were, but more because he wished to be back in the North. Yet, he doubted there was a truer servant to the king and queen in their service right now all the same. Enigmatic didn't even come close to how he'd name Lord Howland Reed and he wondered who the king wished to see replaced him when he finally did leave.

"The king returns, Ser Richard. What say we both go and greet him."

"He does?" he asked as Howland rose to his feet.

"Aye, he does."

Richard was not alone in hurrying through the Red Keep nor was he alone in the courtyard when the king arrived. Prince Oberyn, Lady Catelyn and Sansa Stark, Lord Robb, and men of the North. Varys, Illyrio, and Aegon as well as Tyrion Lannister and the Lords of the Reach all looked on eagerly as Rhaegar rode in through the gates. None did so as keenly as the queen and the white wolf. Richard smiled when Arya jumped down off Rhaegar's horse, beating her brother barely when she did so.

Rhaegar wasted no time on protocol or true greetings and moved past everyone, other than the white wolf, as he embraced the queen. One hand wrapped around his wife's back while the other brushed softly through the white wolf's fur. Soon enough it was the loud gasp from Prince Aemon and not the show of affection being shared between the king and queen that everyone's attention turned to. That and the tall, silver-haired man who wore a thin sword on his hip and bore armor embossed with a white dragon.

"Brynden?" Prince Aemon said as he moved to the younger man.

"It's been far too long, Aemon." the man, Brynden, replied.

As they walked back into the Red Keep, the king and queen were speaking to each other in hushed whispers while holding hands. Richard looked to see Princess Shiera, Prince Aemon, and this Brynden fellow all speaking animatedly together. Arya Stark walked with her sister, mother, and her other brother. While Prince Oberyn moved to join him and Howland Reed. The Red Viper had as many questions as Ser Richard had and yet none of them expected the answer to come from Howland Reed. Nor what that answer would be.

"My replacement has arrived," Howland said as the king, queen, and the others moved out of sight.

"Your replacement?" Prince Oberyn asked.

"You've just seen the new Master of Whisperers, Prince Oberyn. A man more capable than even I and one that should send shudders down the spines of any who are fool enough to threaten the dragons' rule."

"You know this man?" Richard asked.

"Everyone in Westeros knows this man," Howland replied cryptically.

"Howland?"

"How many eyes does Lord Bloodraven have, Ser Richard?"

"A thousand eyes and one," Oberyn responded and Richard shook his head in disbelief, surely Howland wasn't saying what he believed him to be.

"The lovers reunited," Howland said, a small smile on his face as he did so and Richard found he'd many more questions that needed to be answered.

King's Landing 300 AC.

Dany.

Each time she went to speak to Rhaegar about the Grand Council and her plans for it, he silenced her words with a kiss. They'd barely spoken of the fact that yet another long presumed dead Targaryen was not only alive and well, but looking nothing like the over-a-century-old man that he truly was. Nor what the reason for bringing Bloodraven back to King's Landing was. As for the Free Folk and Children of the Forest, again not even a single word. Instead, Dany would begin, Rhaegar would smile, and then she'd feel his lips on hers and all talk would end. Not that she was complaining mind. She had quite missed those lips after all.

"Rhaegar I…" she tried once more only to find the same result.

"Gods I missed you so much," Rhaegar said after some time.

"I missed you just as much," she replied before they snuggled up to one another and just welcomed being together again.

"Bloodraven, Rhaegar?" she asked after a few moment's respite during which they'd not been kissing each other.

"Is just like Shiera, Dany. He's not only on our side but he was my guide just as Shiera was yours. I understand it not, the truth of him or how he is how he is. All I know is that he's somehow the Old Gods' representative and he possesses powers the likes of which I've only read about."

"Powers?"

"Foresight and the ability to see things as they are happening. As a warg, he puts both me and Howland Reed to shame. More than that, he understands this place better than anyone."

"The Red Keep?"

"King's Landing. The Game of Thrones. Bloodraven was playing it all his life and he always won."

"So he'll help us to win too," she said happily.

"As he has been for some time, aye."

Moving even closer so that her head now rested on Rhaegar's shoulder, Dany began to speak on the Grand Council and Aegon. Rhaegar interrupted her not and let her tell him of the plans she and Aemon had agreed to. After that, it was Stannis Baratheon and his taking of Highgarden, Willas Tyrell and the offer he'd made, and finally words on the Golden Company. Once she was done she waited expectantly for him to tell her what he thought of them. It took so much time for him to speak that Dany turned to him and half expected him to be sleeping.

"Rhaegar?"

"Forgive me, my mind drifts."

"The Grand Council?"

"The Golden Company." Rhaegar answered "It's almost poetic don't you think? Bloodraven is here to fight by our side and help us be the dynasty that our family was always meant to be and one of the enemies that seek to stop that from happening turns out to be an enemy he helped create."

"I don't understand?" she said.

"The Golden Company was formed by Aegor Rivers, Dany. Bloodraven and Shiera's brother. Its first attack on our House was led by Daemon Blackfyre, their other brother, and it fell to Bloodraven to see that attack failed."

"You don't think, Aegon…" Dany asked, worrying that she'd overlooked something.

"What? Oh no, no, that would be far too ironic." Rhaegar chuckled.

"Rhaegar." she chided.

"You have the right of Aegon, Dany. I've no doubt you judged him true."

"You don't?"

"No, you said the dragons and Ghost were relaxed in his company did you not?" Rhaegar asked and Dany nodded "And your own impression of him was that he spoke the truth."

"It was, I saw no lie in his words, Rhaegar."

"I can see no game afoot with him, none that would lead to anywhere but his death were he to play us false and mayhap the gods are at work even with him."

"How so?"

"Having him here at the same time as Bloodraven and Shiera, with the Golden Company arriving on our shores, it could only be the gods at work."

She wished to speak more, only for the kisses to begin again. This time it was not to end simply with them. Dany moaned when Rhaegar undressed her and as excited as she was for what was to come, she smiled when he softly kissed the swell of her belly and spoke words she heard not to the babes she carried. From that point on until she was sleeping in his arms, it was only moans and pleading for her release that left her lips.

They ate dinner that night in the Throne Room. The great and the good all looked to the high table where she, Rhaegar, Aemon, Shiera, and Bloodraven sat along with some invited guests. Prince Oberyn was engaged in what looked to be a most interesting conversation with Bloodraven. Though both men were paying the woman by their sides even more attention than they were to each other. Arya sat with her mother, sister, and Granduncle along with her brother and his wife. While Varys, Illyrio, and Aegon sat together and only moved from each other to work the room. To her surprise, Rhaegar paid attention to them not, and if anything, it was Bloodraven and Aemon who did so.

After eating it was to the Dragonpit and soon she and Rhaegar were flying over the bay. The night sky felt cool on her face as they simply enjoyed their time together. Just the two of them, Ōñosmaghare, and her children. At some point, Rhaegar bid her fly further and they were soon flying out to sea, Dany looking at her husband and wondering where it was he was taking her. Eventually, they found the ship that Rhaegar was looking for and turned back. The dragons soon landed in the Dragonpit where Ser Jorah and Ser Arthur awaited.

"Whose ship was that, Rhaegar?" she asked.

"Littlefinger's."

"So it begins," she said softly, welcoming once again the feel of her husband's arms as he took her into his warm embrace.

The Grand Council 301 AC.

Bloodraven.

Her body was just as he remembered it. Something so perfect and exquisite that it was impossible to forget once you'd been allowed to see its charms. Their coupling had been frenzied at first. The need they both had for each other won out over the normal savoring of each encounter that their trysts had evolved into during their few short years together. Soon though, it was to the slower and more languid form of lovemaking that they returned to. Kisses were placed on every inch of Shiera's perfect skin and her own lips more than returned the favor.

"I had not dared to hope," Shiera said, reaching for the wine they had on the table near their bed.

"Hope is all I dared," he replied, as she poured them both a glass.

"How does it feel, to be back here?"

"Welcome for once," he said taking the glass from her and sipping it slowly.

After close to fifty years of eating naught but Weirwood paste, Brynden was surprised by just how keen his taste buds were for true food. He'd eaten heartily at the feasts and family dinners in the few days he'd been back in King's Landing. He had found he very much missed the wine of his youth and even the spars he'd rarely taken part in. Spars he'd had against both his grandnephews. While he was more than a match for Aemon, he was far from one from Rhaegar, which pleased him greatly.

Brynden had spent much time in the archery field too. His fingers had found the bowstring of his weirwood bow to be almost those of a long-lost friend and he wagered there wasn't a finer archer in the land even now. Yet other than in Shiera's arms, it was as he went about his new duties that Brynden felt the most comfortable. Duties that seemed to be ones that needed a man of his unique talent more than ever before.

The gods truly liked their games, Brynden thought as he drank his wine and Shiera rested her head on his chest while doing likewise. Another Blackfyre, though this one was not a pretender to the Iron Throne and instead was one who sought nothing but to right the wrongs of the past. To bring their Houses back together as they always should have been. A Grand Council. Oh, Brynden had much experience with one of those and he tried not to shudder as he pictured Aegon in Aenys' place. Then to top it all off, the Golden Company had come once more to wreak havoc on the shores of Westeros. Laying in his bed, Brynden couldn't but help to chuckle.

"Brynden?"

"The more things change the more they stay the same, Shiera," he said and Shiera laughed with him.

After finishing their wine, they both rose and dressed. Brynden soon stood in front of the looking glass and though he was older than he had been the last time he'd stood in front of one in this very same room, the image he presented was almost the same. Tying his hooded cloak to his shoulders, then placing Dark Sister on his hip, he turned to see Shiera looking at him all the while. The hunger in her eyes as she did so was one he knew all too well and one he more than shared. Yet for now, it would need to go unfulfilled.

The pout his love wore as they left his room was one that brought a half-smirk to Brynden's face. He wore it still when they reached the rooms they'd break their fast in and they walked inside to find they were amongst the last to enter. Rhaegar sat with Daenerys and split his attention between his wife and his fierce young sister. Daenerys too was torn between speaking to her husband and a young girl who Shiera thought so very much of. It was Aemon who noticed them first of all. So after Brynden had grabbed some food for both himself and Shiera, it was his grandnephew that he sat down beside.

"All is ready for tomorrow?" Aemon asked quietly.

"Some last-moment things to take care of, but all is ready."

"You worry about it not?"

"We've planned it out, Aemon. I've set my thousand eyes to work and have seen all I need to with my one."

"And there will be no surprises?" Aemon asked somewhat worriedly.

"Not for us, no," he replied, a half smirk on his face as he did so.

After breaking his fast, he joined the king as he went about his rounds. Brynden quickly pulled his hood over his head when they left the Red Keep itself. Each morning, Rhaegar would head to the sparring yard and with the Grand Council but a day away, it was even more important for the appearances to be kept up. Today, just as Brynden expected, the sparring yard was full of those who'd name a true king and queen or name a mummer on the morrow. The battle lines were clearly drawn and yet looking to the Eunuch who spoke to the stunted lion and to an auburn-haired trout, Brynden wondered if the man had even half an idea about what was to take place.

As the king began to spar, joined by his young sister who served as his squire, Brynden was pleased to note, it was others around the yard that Brynden's attention soon focussed on. The Roses were released somewhat from their chains, metaphorical though they may have been. Aegon split his time between them and the Snakes. Off to the side, a small and slender man stood with a woman who was a far cry from her far prettier sister. Littlefinger believed himself a player of the game as too did Lord Varys. Brynden almost laughed at their childish attempts to win seats at the table his family had forged.

Their true enemies were not here in this place. Though those here were enemies all the same. A Stag and a Golden Army, as well as a red priestess with murder on her mind. Brynden had seen their coming and yet had not known how or when it had occurred. He knew it now and he'd made plans to deal with the second of those personally. While together with the king and queen, other plans had been made to deal with the first of them. Hearing the footsteps behind him, he turned not his head and allowed the man to walk and take his place by his side.

"All is set."

"Then soon you shall return to you home, Lord Reed. In time your guests should arrive."

"Are they not best served at Winterfell?"

"For now. Yet it's far from men that they truly need to be."

"Until the morrow."

"Until the morrow," Brynden said, and as his one eye watched Rhaegar and Arya laugh at something one of the others said, a thousand others watched everything else that happened all around him.

Varys.

They had another one. A much larger one. Varys was left stunned and shocked when he saw it in the sky above his head. As if that was not enough of a shock for him, then seeing those that Jon Snow, or Rhaegar Targaryen as he clearly was now, traveled with certainly was. It had been bad enough to find out that there was another Targaryen not only alive but standing by Daenerys and Rhaegar's sides. To now see that there were more, and just who exactly these others were, Varys had almost lost his mind.

Shiera Seastar.

Brynden Rivers.

Everything in him told him it couldn't be and yet they were right there in front of him and everyone else to see. Varys wished to name them mummers. To claim them as two Lyseni and yet he knew he could not. Not only could someone then aim the same charge at Aegon. But those around the king and queen had already accepted that Shiera and Bloodraven along with Aemon Targaryen were exactly who they claimed to be.

It created another problem too. One that as of yet he'd found no answer to. Most of what he planned to do required Rhaegar and Daenerys to be naïve and no true players of the game, and so Varys had worked with that in mind. Having Bloodraven by their side changed the game dramatically and Varys needed to take far more precautions. Up to now they'd been safe in King's Landing and allowed to go about their plans, Bloodraven's arrival may very well change that. He'd killed members of Varys' family for much less after all.

Varys had doubled the guards around Aegon and informed Illyrio that he too needed to be even more protected than he had been up to now. For the first time since they'd arrived in King's Landing, Illyrio had begun to use tasters before eating his meals and Varys was back using his disguises as he walked through the city. He changed where he met his little birds and was doubly careful when he spoke to those he conspired with. They were precautions he felt necessary with the Kinslayer in town. Ones that he now employed as he made his way to the brothel to meet with Littlefinger. His thoughts soon turned from the fear and possibility of death to the price that Littlefinger would wring out of him for his and Lysa Tully's support. As he entered the brothel, he was well aware that it would be a hefty one indeed.

"A mockingbird sings," he said to the young man who served both as one of Littlefinger's most expensive attractions and a manager or sorts.

"That he does." the young man said back as he bid him follow.

He was led down past rooms that were even busier than usual. The sounds coming out of them were a mixture of pleasure and pain and Varys tried not to grimace at the knowledge that everything was available for a price to Littlefinger's customers. Soon they came to an overly elaborate door and the young man knocked thrice before they were bid to enter. Littlefinger sat there at a large desk with what looked to be ledgers in front of him.

"That will be all, Daeron."

"My lord."

Varys took a seat and shook his head at the offered wine. While he doubted that Littlefinger would poison him, he didn't trust the man enough to give him a chance to do so. Looking around the room, he was both surprised and not that Lysa Tully was not present. Something that Littlefinger picked up on given his ever-present smirk. Wishing to be back in the relative safety of the Red Keep and knowing that by this time on the morrow they'd either be dead, at war, or Aegon would sit on the Iron Throne, Varys asked Littlefinger what his price was.

"I want my old position back on the Small Council."

"Granted."

"My position as Lord of Harrenhal confirmed."

"Agreed."

"The Vale is to be granted five years of no taxation."

Varys looked at the man in front of him and began to see that he was, even more, the man that he had always thought him to be. His greed and lust would be the end of him and he was showing his hand once more. The taxation would still be collected, of that, Varys had no doubt. It would just go into Littlefinger's coffers instead of the crown's.

"Agreed."

"The Targaryens, Varys. They and their dragons, how do you plan to deal with them should they refuse to accept the will of the Grand Council?"

"Who says they will?" he said somewhat smugly.

"And the new arrivals?" Littlefinger asked curiously.

"Were it them in charge then things would be far more difficult would they not?"

"They would. So we should be grateful they are not then." Littlefinger chuckled.

Littlefinger asked more about his plans and who he had already brought on to his side. Varys told him little of the former and only the basics of the latter. After some of the usual back and forth, Varys let with Littlefinger's vote in his pocket. The only true thing he'd come to the man for. Scurrying through the streets, he soon reached the Red Keep and was then himself once more. Here he met with Edmure Tully far more openly and brought the man to his side far less expensively than he had Littlefinger.

Varys was then met by one of his little birds long before he reached his rooms. The note the young boy bore one that brought a true smile to his face. He, Illyrio, Aegon, and Jon Connington ate their meal at the same table again that night. The Throne Room was far more welcoming to him now he knew he had the votes in hand. Each time he looked to the High Table it was to see the red eyes of Bloodraven staring back at him. The look in those eyes was more than enough to send a shiver down his spine. So he was happy when the night came to an end and happier still when he broke his fast the next morning.

There was some nervousness as they rode to the Dragonpit. Aegon needed to be seen by those he'd soon rule over and so he and Jon Connington rode on horseback, while Varys and Illyrio took a carriage. Each sound, each bang or knock made Varys fearful that Bloodraven had struck. That just as he had at Redgrass Field with Daemon and his children, as he had Aenys, he'd taken more of his kin from the world. Yet the gods watched over them and they arrived without incident. They were not the first to do so, much to Varys' relief. As they could be executed just as easily here as they could have been on the journey to the Dragonpit. Taking his seat, looking out on all those watching, Varys could only wish that Serra was alive to see what was about to occur.

"He's about to do it, Serra. About to fulfill all our hopes and dreams." Varys whispered as the dragons flew overhead and the Targaryens finally entered the Dragonpit.

Catelyn Stark.

The letters from her sons brought tears to her eyes. They missed her as much as she missed them and yet they forbore her absence well. Arya spoke of just how lordly Bran was becoming and that Rickon's wildness and enthusiasm for mischief had returned in spades. When she spoke to Rhaegar about her boys, he told her that while they both missed her terribly and eagerly awaited her return, they were in much better spirits than when last he'd seen them.

"They hold no fear, Lady Catelyn. I believe that is why things are better. When last I saw them they held the fear that none of us would ever return to them. Now they know that we will and that some returns will be soon."

"I thank you, your grace. For looking in on them."

"There is no need, my lady, they are my brothers still."

Would that her own brother cared as much for family as a boy she'd named a bastard once. Or that her sister followed their family words as much as she followed that poisonous snake of a husband of hers. Littlefinger had the actual nerve to come and speak to her as if they were still friends. To blatantly ignore all he'd done up to that point and the lies he had spoken to her. Catelyn hoped his cheek still bore the mark from where she had slapped him hard.

She cared not for the man and hoped that Rhaegar and Daenerys would make him pay for all he'd done. Robb had suggested doing so far more quickly and without a need for it to be seen as fair punishment. Yet Catelyn had gotten her son to stay his hand. How she'd gotten her uncle to do so with Edmure and Lysa, she knew not.

"Of all the fool ideas."

"Uncle?"

"That brother of yours has lost his mind, Cat. He truly believes that he still remains Warden of the Trident and denies that the king has any right to strip him of that title and Riverrun itself."

"I worried it would be so."

"Would they were his only fool notions."

"There are more?"

"He believes that once the Riverlords see him vote against their graces they'll then add their voices to his own."

"He'll lose his head for this." she sighed.

"He's lost his head long before this day, Cat."

Catelyn had gone to speak to Edmure soon after her uncle's words, only to find herself losing her temper with her brother almost immediately. He had dared to name Robb as a usurper and that was among the kindest things that he'd said about her son. Edmure blamed him for the losses he'd not had to endure. He damned him for accepting Rhaegar was king and told her that they'd need to besiege Riverrun if they wished for Robb to ever sit its seat.

"I'll see you both dead before I give up my home, Cat, test me not on this."

"You truly are a fool, Edmure."

Meeting with Lysa was just as fraught and tense. Firstly because Catelyn refused to meet with her if Littlefinger was present. She'd already spent all the time in that man's company that she intended to. Eventually, Lysa agreed to meet and though Catelyn had suggested Sansa attended it not, her daughter wished to try and talk some sense into Lysa too. Not that it did any good and before the meal was even finished, Cat had sent Sansa from the table. She liked not the looks that Lysa threw Sansa's way and the snide remarks that were made at her daughter's expense. Catelyn almost lost her temper when Lysa spoke down about the match that had been agreed upon with Ned Dayne. Once Sansa had left, then the truth about Lysa was finally shown and it proved everything her uncle had said about her and Edmure.

"You must support the king and queen, Lysa. To not do so risks more than their disfavor." she pleaded.

"Must I Indeed. Why should I support this bastard king?" Lysa sneered and Catelyn angrily told her that to name Rhaegar as such was beneath her "As is he when compared to his trueborn brother."

"Rhaegar is trueborn. By the Seven even the High Septon acknowledges it as such. As for this other boy, where was he when wars were being raged? Where was he when the Old Lion rampaged through our father's lands or when my daughters were being held, hostage?"

"It was your own and your fool of a husband's fault that the girls were held, not mine or Petyr's nor King Aegon's."

"Speak not about Ned that way, lest you feel my temper for true," Catelyn said rising to her feet.

"Finally the claws come out." Lysa said with a laugh that Catelyn liked not "Unlike you dear sister I am not fool enough to fall for a bastard's lies. Nor to throw my lot in with the shame of our House."

"You and Edmure are proving yourself such with each and every act you do, Lysa. I beseech you to see sense."

"Oh I see it all so clearly, Cat. It's not me who has lost mine senses, sister dearest."

Cat had spoken to her uncle, to Sansa and Arya, and to Robb. Then she'd made her way to speak to Rhaegar and Daenerys and tell them of her failure. To her surprise, they had not named it as such and instead told her that they knew full well what both Lysa and Edmure intended to do. While they'd not said how they planned to counter it, Catelyn had no doubt they had some way to do so. Given all they'd done to win the throne, she very much doubted that they intended to just give it up so easily.

Rhaegar had refused to accept Robb's claim on the Throne of Winter, even though they were brothers and had grown up together. True he'd named his own claim as the good and true one and had been in the right to do so. It made Catelyn certain that there was more afoot than it would seem. For if Aegon was truly who he said he was, something she found difficult to believe, then wouldn't Rhaegar's argument against Robb now be one that haunted him? Wouldn't he seek to give up his claim to the truer one as he had made Robb do? Catelyn believed he would and so there was more to things than she knew about.

The morning of the Grand Council soon came and Catelyn broke her fast with two of her children only. Arya was in the sparring yard with Rhaegar no doubt. Before they would then break their own fast together. Sitting at the table, Catelyn wondered if Sansa knew more about what was truly going on than she did. So much did this thought prey on her mind, that later when they were making their way to the Dragonpit, Catelyn asked her daughter about it. Sansa's response both showed just how much she'd grown these past couple of years and how ill-advised the game that Lysa and Edmure were playing truly was.

"I know no king but the king from the North whose blood is Stark, mother. The Dragon who is part wolf and the Dragonqueen who is my sister by marriage are the true rulers of Westeros and any who claim otherwise are fools, liars, or mummers."

"Mummers?" she asked.

"Aye, mother. Mummers." Sansa said while smiling almost wickedly.

Aegon.

Today was the day, the culmination of so many years of planning. Aegon stood and looked at himself in the looking glass, the red and black outfit was not one he relished wearing. Nor was the three-headed dragon the sigil he wished to show to the world. Yet needs must and the mummery had to last until the time was right to reveal the truth. In time he'd be dressed how he wished and would bear the true sigil of his family. For now, he would do as his father and uncle bid him. Placing the locket beneath his shirt, Aegon took one last look at himself. The prince and king that they wished him to be or so he'd seem.

Walking out of his room, he took his seat at the table and offered a warm smile to his uncle and his father, or tried to at least. Upon seeing that his mummery wasn't being completely bought, Aegon feigned nervousness for the day ahead. Something that wasn't a complete lie. Though he didn't speak as he ate and made a mummery of being lost in his head, Aegon listened to each word spoken. How they had the Martells, Tullys, Tyrells, and even the Lannisters on their side, and how Rhaegar and Daenerys would be left with no other choice but to accept Aegon as king. If he was a different man he'd almost believe them. Was he as in the dark as they believed him to be, he certainly would.

Aegon offered Jon Connington a more true smile when the Griffin took his seat. Yet it was not until Septa Lemore entered the room that he truly felt himself relax. He had missed her greatly and so with words to his father, the Septa had been sent for and had joined them once more. Out of all of them, she deserved to be here on this day, Aegon believed. For without her, he'd still be in the dark and think it was but dreams and not the truth of himself that he had remembered. He ate his meal, his appetite surprising him somewhat and once he and they were finished, it was to the Dragonpit that they were to make their way. Riding on the horse outside of the carriage, looking at the people in the streets, and finally the imposing view of the Dragonpit, Aegon found his mind torn between what was to come and what had already happened. His thoughts soon turned to days long past and a truth that had cost his father and uncle his love and respect.

The little boy ran around the garden, happy to be far from the river for once. His laughter caught the attention of the gold and silver-haired woman and her looks caught his own. Stopping his game-playing so he could move to her, Aegon was stunned when she let him run his fingers through her hair. The feel of it in his hands put the softest silk to shame.

"Like the moon," he said as he turned to look at her bright blue eyes.

"Like your own." the woman replied, her voice melodic and comforting.

Aegon couldn't sleep. The sound of the argument kept him awake and so he rose from his bed and snuck out of his room. It was something he was good at, sneaking around, and people rarely looked at a young boy who hid in the shadows. Their eyes would always seek out larger and truer threats than his. So he moved unseen down the corridor and found himself by the open door of the room. Looking inside, he saw the large man whose home he believed this was and the woman from earlier that day, they were arguing with each other and he liked it not.

"This is folly, Illyrio."

"He would be King, Serra. Your family would finally be avenged and given what was rightfully theirs."

"We never had any right to the Iron Throne, Illyrio. My brother is a fool to think so. Were we wronged, yes, but to deny us leave to name ourselves kings and queens was not part of that wrongness."

"The mummery can work, Serra. We have made contact with the Former Hand of the King, in time I'll bring the Golden Company to bear, and more than that, we have Aegon."

Aegon moved forward, his name had been mentioned and it made him keener to hear what was being spoken of.

"We risk too much and for what gain? At what loss? You would deny us the years of knowing our son, Illyrio. I cannot live a life where I'm not a part of his."

"We must, my love. For some time at least."

"But he'll never know the truth, Illyrio. Don't you see….don't you understand. It's not just the years apart but it's the knowledge that he'll never know the truth…"

Aegon saw the woman's tears as they fell and wanted nothing more than to enter the room and comfort her. The sound of footsteps behind him was enough to dissuade him of that idea and so he scurried away from the room and made his way back to his bed. When he drifted off to sleep he had the most wonderful of dreams. He was being held in a woman's arms as she sang softly to him and named him, her son. It was a dream he'd have for many years to come. A dream that never came true. A dream of a mother's love.

"Aegon." Jon Connington called out and Aegon shook his head before turning to look around at where they were.

"Forgive me, Jon. My nervousness threatened to take hold of me."

"You have nothing to be nervous about, Aegon. You are the rightful king and this is your destiny."

"I know, Jon," he said as he dismounted from his horse.

Watching his father and uncle as they climbed out of the carriage, Aegon almost felt the need to take a sword and gut them both. They were who had denied him what he sought all his life, what he truly sought. Was it not for their ambition and desires, then he'd have known his mother and gotten to spend time with her before the gods took her from this world. More time than those few fleeting moments in the garden of the manse that he should have grown up in. Stopping his fingers from moving to the locket she'd gifted him, Aegon instead put on his mummer's face and readied for what was to occur.

He smiled at Septa Lemore as she climbed out of the carriage, her own smile that she returned was one that added to his resolve. At first, she'd refused to tell him the truth and had named what he'd woken up from as a dream and no more than that. Eventually, she'd admitted that she'd brought him to and back from the manse, and the woman he'd seen there was real and not some specter from his dreams and nightmares. Aegon had plenty of both over the years when it came to his mother. While it had been Lemore who'd taken the hope of ever seeing his mother again from him, she'd in turn given him enough information to find out the truth about her. After that, it was others whom he found what he needed to know from, and over the years he'd become a practiced liar.

"I wish to know about the Blackfyres so I'll never make that mistake, Jon."

"Why would a Magister wish me to be king, Jon?"

"A spider, what's a spider got to do with anything?"

Walking into the Dragonpit and taking his seat, Aegon looked not at those there or the dragons in the sky. Eyes closed, he looked deep in thought and he very much was. He sought out any last objections he had to the things he was about to do. Looked deep inside of himself for the forgiveness of his father and uncle that up to now he'd not found. Aegon searched for a voice to tell him that he should not do this, that this was wrong and he was being unfair to them. Any inclination of doubt or persuasive argument that they'd done what they'd done for him and him alone, he found none. Instead, he found a voice that calmed his troubled heart and brought a smile to his face.

"You are my son and I love you with all I am, Aegon Blackfyre." his mother said, and though she'd never actually spoken the words, Aegon heard them all the same.

Rhaegar.

He should not be here. The threat that Stannis Baratheon posed to them was a truer one than this mummery did. Rhaegar understood Dany's plans and he could fault them not. Not even Bloodraven could do so and other than his granduncle wishing to simply deal with the threats ruthlessly and efficiently, he had not argued against Dany's course of action. A Grand Council, a mummery, a showing of who was on their side and who was not.

Was it not the same thing that Aemon had bid him to do when he made his claim?

Had that not led to the outcome that Aemon had said it would?

Then why was he so ill at ease with doing so again?

The answer was simple. Stannis had men and an army. Though he'd failed in his taking of King's Landing, he posed a risk to Rhaegar, Dany, and their unborn children. He needed to be removed from the board and beaten to submission. For he'd not simply go away. His actions thus far had proved just how stubborn and resolved he could be. Had they not?

As they made their way to the Dragonpit, Rhaegar played out battle plans in his mind. Stannis would know about the dragons and so the chances of him giving them the same type of battle that Tywin had were slim and none. They'd not be able to act as mummers with him as they had with Tywin and Mace Tyrell. Yet the Golden Company couldn't be housed in a single keep. Nor could they be truly split up as it would cost them their effectiveness. So mayhap there was still a way to cause the most harm to the army that supported Stannis before then facing the man himself.

"Rhaegar," Dany said squeezing his arm as Arya looked at them both with concern.

"I was thinking of Stannis," he said as Bloodraven and Aemon turned to look at them.

"One battle at a time, nephew," Aemon said and Rhaegar nodded.

They entered the Dragonpit on foot rather than on their dragons' backs. Two large seats had been placed on a platform and while they took their places on them, their Kingsguard took theirs behind them. Outside the Dragonpit there were close to two thousand Unsullied armed and armored. Inside it, another thousand stood with their spears at the ready. With a look to Aemon, Rhaegar waited for the proceedings to begin.

"Good Lords and Ladies of Westeros, We have been called here today to this Grand Council to judge the claims of two sides of House Targaryen for the right to sit upon the Iron Throne. King Rhaegar and Queen Daenerys or Prince Aegon. It is up to those here today to weigh up both claims and to speak out their decisions on who of them we name as the rightful and true rulers of the Seven Kingdoms and Protectors of the Realms of Men."

Aemon's voice boomed and Rhaegar looked around the assembled lords and ladies ready to judge them as surely as they believed they sat in judgment of him.

"Lord Varys if you will state your claim," Aemon said before taking a seat.

There was not a single sound as Varys moved forward. Every eye in the Dragonpit other than Rhaegar's own was focused on the eunuch and when he spoke, his voice then carried to each and every man and woman there.

"I thank you Prince Aemon for this chance to speak. As I do you all for your attendance and consideration of this matter. To Rhaegar and Daenerys, I offer my thanks as well for no one can doubt their achievements in seeing Westeros somewhat righted."

Varys' words were like poison to Rhaegar's ears and yet he let him spew them for a little longer.

"The rules of ascension to the Iron Throne were forged in Fire and Blood, my lords, my ladies. They were laid down by the Conqueror himself and were recognized as such in the Great Councils of 101 AC and 233 AC. Here today however we're faced with a different and in some ways unprecedented dilemma. On one hand, we have Rhaegar and Daenerys, both who have a claim of blood to the Iron Throne and now too a claim of Conquest. While on the other we have Aegon, the firstborn son of Prince Rhaegar and by right of blood alone, the true heir to the Iron Throne."

Rhaegar watched as around the Dragonpit some nodded, some shook their heads, but all listened as Varys continued.

"I would hope that as a family, House Targaryen could decide this amongst themselves, and yet here we are." Varys sighed "Though at least it will be with words and not swords that we reach the heart of the matter. My lords, my ladies, I call upon you all to remember your oaths and what they truly mean. To stand up and name Aegon Targaryen as the true king of Westeros as the right of blood demands you to."

After Varys was finished speaking, Dany looked to Bloodraven who then moved forward.

"Lord Varys speaks well and with some truth. Though as a man who was there during the Great Council of 233 mayhap mine own words carry more weight." Bloodraven said to some laughs "Right of Blood and Right of Conquest, two separate and yet united things in the case of King Rhaegar and Princess Daenerys. It was they who removed the false lions from the Iron Throne and not this so-called Aegon. They were who righted the wrongs that Westeros has known in these troubling times. Yet that alone is not why I would name them as the only true choices to sit on the Iron Throne."

The pause was for effect and Rhaegar wondered if it was a learned thing or a natural one. In his own case it certainly wasn't natural, but seeing how everyone eagerly awaited Bloodraven to speak some more, he resolved that it would be something he too learned.

"King Rhaegar and Queen Daenerys' right of blood is unchallenged and undisputed. We have the letters signed by Prince Rhaegar and Princess Lyanna that name their son as true. The wedding notice signed by High Septon Maynard and witnessed by Ser Oswell Whent and Set Arthur Dayne proves the marriage legal." Bloodraven said as Arthur moved forward as if waiting to be called "Ser Arthur is here by his king's side as his Kingsguard should there be any need to confirm my words."

Rhaegar looked to see that not a single man or woman asked for him to do so and after he'd waited a moment, Bloodraven began to speak again.

"Ser Richard Lonmouth, Ser Arthur Dayne, Shiera Seastar, Prince Aemon Targaryen, and me myself, Brynden Rivers, all of us name King Rhaegar and Queen Daenerys as who they are, true children of House Targaryen. Their dragons name them so as well. As for Aegon, who names him true? Where is his proof that he is who he claims he is? Believe me, none would like it more than for it to be so than the brother and aunt of the true Aegon Targaryen, and yet other than some whispered words and a fantastical story, what proof is offered?"

"Is not your own story fantastical too, Lord Bloodraven?" Jon Connington said as he rose to his feet. "How are we to know you are who you say you are? For should you not be dead and buried by now?"

"I should, but I am not. As just like the dragons that fly over my head, my time in this world is not yet done, Lord Connington. Were you there when Aegon was secreted away from the Red Keep, my lord? Were you present when Princess Elia gave up her son and yet not her daughter?" Or was it many years later that a boy was presented to you and a tale spun?" Bloodraven said and Jon Connington quickly sat back down in his seat.

"Were you when your own so-called king and queen were born, Lord Bloodraven?" Illyrio said only for Arthur to then step forward.

"No, but I was," Arthur said as the crowd hushed.

"My lords, my ladies, I speak the truth when I say that Aegon is who he says he is. Just as Rhaegar was hidden from those who'd sought him harm or Daenerys was forced to flee and hide from assassin's blades, Aegon too had a need to be hidden. So much so that not even his kin in Dorne was informed of his survival. We are here to judge the true claims of all three Targaryens. I say we vote and let this Grand Council decide." Varys said loudly.

"Lord Varys is right, my lords and ladies. Mine own claim is tied to my husband's and so the choice that faces you all is but two. Rhaegar or Aegon?" Dany said her voice echoing in the open air as her dragons flew above and judged all those below them.

It was Randyll Tarly who rose first. The Lord of Horn Hill moved to speak and again a hush fell over the crowd.

"I name Rhaegar Targaryen as the One True King, Horn Hill, and its lord kneels in our support of his right and true claim.

Mathis Rowan was next and he too named him as king before being followed by Robb and Lady Catelyn.

"On behalf of House Stark, I name my cousin Rhaegar Targaryen as the rightful king of the seven kingdoms," Robb said and offered him a small smile which Rhaegar returned.

The crowd grew somewhat excited as Lysa Tully moved forward. Littlefinger by her side as they both glared at him. For the briefest moment, Rhaegar actually thought they'd name him. That Littlefinger had judged the odds and would try and be on the winning side. To his and Dany's relief, he did not.

"I name Aegon Targaryen as the rightful king and pledge the Vale in his name," Lysa said and though Dany tried to draw his attention to Varys and Illyrio, it was Littlefinger that he watched as he and Lysa retook their seats.

"I Lord Edmure Tully, Warden of the Trident and Lord of the Riverlands do name Aegon Targaryen as the Rightful king and pledge the Riverlands to him and him alone," Edmure said almost gleefully.

Though he had no true vote, Rhaegar wished to see who he'd name and so Tyrion stepped forward. Looking past him, Rhaegar could see that Varys was almost giddy. Illyrio too sat with a smug look on his face and then both men looked on in shock when Tyrion wiped that smugness from them.

"On behalf of House Lannister, I name Rhaegar Targaryen as the rightful king," Tyrion said moving so that Mace Tyrell could step forward a moment later.

"I Mace Tyrell, Warden of the South and Lord of Highgarden name Rhaegar Targaryen as the rightful king."

Rhaegar could see Olenna nod her head at her son and though he had named himself as what he no longer was, it suited them for now. More and more lords and ladies stepped forward. Riverlords, Stormlords, Westerlands and Crowlands, men of the Reach, and Lords of the North. Each of them named him as king and pledged themselves to him and Dany and each of their words was like arrows through the hearts of those who stood against them. While the last words spoken were much like the spear he wielded and they delivered a fatal blow. Prince Oberyn moved forward next and again an air of expectancy came over one and all as the prince looked to Aegon and then to him and Dany.

"Would that it was true and my nephew lived still. Would that my sister would give up one child for another. Yet while I may wish it, it does not make it so. Rhaegar and Daenerys Targaryen gave me justice for my sister and her children. They have both shown they are true friends of Dorne and House Martell. On behalf of my brother Prince Doran and myself, I humbly kneel before them and name Rhaegar Targaryen as the one true king." Oberyn said as he took a knee.

Varys deflated, Illyrio seemed fit to rage and Lysa Tully and Littlefinger made to leave the Dragonpit. At a nod from Arthur, the Unsullied moved forward and made sure they could not and then Aegon rose to his feet. A simple smile was all it took to show that he was going to do as he had said. Aegon had suggested to Dany that he'd do so right from the beginning of these proceedings, but Dany had decided that this was how they'd play out.

"My name is Aegon, that much is true. Yet I am no Targaryen prince." Aegon said as Varys rose to his feet only for two Unsullied to move to him and force him to sit "Like King Rhaegar I too was lied to for all my life. Told a tale of who I was while the real truth was kept from me. My time with my mother was stolen from me by men who sought to claim a throne they had no right to. A mummery they believed I knew little about was put into place and I was to unknowingly play my part. Yet, my mother was with me always."

Aegon reached under his shirt and took out a small locket. Both Varys and Illyrio looked at it with a dawning realization of just how fucked they were.

"I am Aegon of the House Blackfyre. The man known as Varys is my uncle, and Illyrio Mopatis is my father. I curse them both for what they stole from me and my mother. I damn them to the seven hells and ask for naught in return. Our Houses were once as one, your graces. It is time they were one once more." Aegon said to dumbfounded looks and loud recriminations.

Ōñosmaghare roared loudly and was joined by Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegar when he did so. Rhaegar rose to his feet after the dragons had silenced the now more worried-looking participants of this farce of a Grand Council. He moved to where Aegon stood and looked the man in his blue eyes before embracing him as he would a brother.

"House Targaryen welcomes you back into the fold, Aegon of House Blackfyre. Let us leave the wrongs committed by both our Houses in the past where they belong. May we from this moment forward, do all we can to make up for them."

"I thank you, your grace."

Raising his hand, he dropped it quickly and the Unsullied moved instantly. This was the one part of the plan that he and Bloodraven had agreed to, even if the ends of those they arrested here today would be ones they'd know far from anyone's sight. Bloodraven wished a message to be sent in blood and Dany and he were not averse to spilling it when needed. Yet it didn't need to be public and there were other things to consider too.

"Lady Lysa Tully, Lord Petyr Baelish, Lord Edmure Tully, Lord Varys Blackfyre, and Magister Illyrio Mopatis, for the crimes of treason against the crown you are hereby sentenced to death. However, Lord and Lady Tully as a result of your family's beseeching of the Crown your sentences are commuted to the Wall and the Silent Sisters instead. You are stripped of your holdings, rights, and claims and are to be taken from our sight. May the Seven have mercy on your souls."

They would need to name a new Warden of the Vale and Lady Catelyn and the Blackfish may wish for some time with their kin before their sentences were carried out. As for Varys and Illyrio, Rhaegar was unclear if Aegon wished to be present when they lost their heads. He would wager there would be a large group of people who requested to be there when Littlefinger lost his own. There was much to do and little time to do it. For soon enough he'd be flying high in the sky once more. One last enemy to be dealt with before he looked North to the true one.

"That went well," Arya said as she joined him and they walked to where Dany and the rest of his family stood.

"Aye, it did, didn't it." he japed.

King's Landing 301 AC.

Ōñosmaghare.

He and his brothers had welcomed being back together just as much as his rider and his rider's bonded had. Ōñosmaghare had shown them the things he'd seen beyond the Wall and had done his best to relieve their worries. His brothers felt his fear and while he wished they did not, it would be much needed in the moons to come. After he'd done so, it was to other things they put their attention to. They hunted together, Rhaegal and Viserion share their growing excitement about the hatchlings with him and then they all felt their rider's worries about those who traveled to the city they now named their home.

Drogon and he both offered their riders their strength and their flames to deal with any they saw as threats only to find that the threat came from further afield. Another sought to take their riders' place, to name themselves as above the dragons, and soon enough the time to fight once more would be upon them. Ōñosmaghare relished this upcoming fight far more than he did the other. The living were better to face than the dead for they at least still belonged in this world. Those things he'd burned beyond the Wall very much did not.

All four dragons felt it when the day arrived. Their riders wished to put on a show and they too would play their parts. Each of them circled above the Dragonpit as below them more and more people arrived. They flew low enough to be seen and though they loosed not their flames or their roars, their presence alone was more than enough. When the call came from his rider, Ōñosmaghare and the other dragons flew even lower. As Rhaegar bid him roar, he and his brothers answered as loudly and as truly as they could. It was not only their message that was heard. When they flew back to their lairs later that day, they did so knowing that their riders had shown themselves to be the dragons that they were.

It was a day later that he and his rider flew together once more. Just the two of them as they soared in the sky and shared their time with each other. His rider spoke of war and battle and of the flames they may need to lay down while Ōñosmaghare shared with him his willingness to do so. A fool wished to once again part them, to take his rider from this world and replace him. Ōñosmaghare had no time for fools and so he'd show him the true strength of his flames. Be it alone or with his brothers, Ōñosmaghare would be more than ready for the battles to come.

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up Next: The fallout from the Grand Council takes place as Lysa and Edmure plead with Catelyn to speak on their behalf, while Varys, Littlefinger, and Illyrio seek their way out of an impossible situation. Willas Tyrell arrives in King's Landing and meets with a king and queen as his family's fate is revealed. While Tyrion learns of his own fate too. Aegon is welcomed into the fold and finds himself more rewarded than he'd expected to be before Melisandre tries to kill a king only to find her every move had been anticipated and others have magic too.

For those following my other fics, Dragonverse and Brother's keeper are up next. Both should be this week.

Finkarhu: You're more than welcome.

Redlox: Yes Varys completely missed it, in a way he gives Aegon lots and yet enough credit. He thinks him smart and the perfectly trained prince, but doesn't allow himself to follow that train or thought and thinks he may have figured things out. I do so love playing with some of the cockiness of the characters and there are a lot of them who show hubris at times. Tywin, Varys, Littfinger, and Tyrion are all clever men, but sometimes they believed themselves far too clever.

Deluxehipster: Thanks so much.

Tfranco: With Aegon, it's such a rarely done thing, we usually get him as a villain, and even when he knows, he always wants the throne anyway, so I felt it would be nice to have him be a good Blackfyre, and to want to heal the rift. The same with Bloodraven, even when he lives or is around, he's still basically the man in the tree and so here I wanted to do more with him, to have him play a much different role. So since we can have Shiera maybe, or Melisandre definitely being somehow able to defy age, I felt it would be fun to have Bloodraven do so too. Plus what better player of the game to have by your side?

Daryl Dixon: So very glad you enjoyed it.

Matt Black: I hope this puts any fears that he may be playing a game to rest.

Dunk: The twist with fAegon was one I came up with right at the start, it's part of not wishing to do the same thing with the characters all the while. I've done evil and deluded Faegon's so it felt fun to go a different route with him. As you see I went with multiple povs for the GC, I sort of saw it almost like a battle chapter in a way, a different arena obviously. Mel's doubt is but a fleeting thing, it will be more apparent when she arrives in KL, but she's on a mission from god, to badly quote the blues brothers lol.

Changeisneed: Really glad you liked it.

Celexys: Very much so with fAegon, I'm not a good enough writer to make him suddenly have a master plot and it all being a ruse. It would be basically just pulling something out of my arse and make no logical sense, so it was what it seemed to be, honestly. He is in some ways a tragic character, I tried to show some of that here in his FB, as when you think about it, he could have had a really good life without ever looking to the Iron Throne.

Biohazard: So happy you liked it.

Rhatch: Hopefully this cleared up fAegon's motivations. If not then they were twofold, 1. Yes, he could see that death was the only outcome should he press his claim, though that was a minor motivation 2. His main one was he was aware of the truth from a young age, aware he had a mother and that he was denied seeing her, growing up with and being with her all so his father and uncle could plot to put him on the Iron Throne. With that in mind, he delved into the history of his House and worked on a plan to one day get his vengeance on them. He then adapted it as the situation changed. So had Dany/Jon not been around, he may have taken the crown and then taken direct action against Illyrio and Varys, with them being around, he went this route instead.
Sventhedecoy: I got ya.

Irish Hermit: Stannis is much in the dark yes, but not for long. Hence why Jon reckons the battle would be different than against Tywin. Stannis also believes that he will be a Dragonrider at some point. As for Faegon, hope this cleared it up. With Jon C, you'll just have to wait and see. You're spot on with Tyrion, and he is aware of it, it was more he was trying to figure his position out in his mind and what Varys was offering.

King Mern: Thanks so very much.

Orthankg: So glad you liked it.

Theon: Right or wrong matters not, yes it was what happens in war but that doesn't mean if the other side eventually wins that you won't pay for it. Not to mention if you go with the logic that it's what happens in war, then what goes around comes around in regard to the Lannister's fate, does it not? The Tyrells have more mitigating factors than the Lannisters who turned on House Targ twice, as opposed to their once. No House would be more punished by the Targs than the Lannisters.

Dixon Holmes: What opportunity do you think the losers would be given to kill the Targs? Seriously, on one hand, you preach that the Lannisters should be treated in a fashion that makes no sense in the circumstances and then come out and say, they should kill the Targs. Surely that attitude would require the Lannisters to all be killed to prevent it then? Myrcella is being treated far more fairly than Rhaenys or Elia were, bear that in mind when next you complain about how the Lannisters are being treated. Bear this in mind also, was this Robb or the Starks who took the Iron Throne, do you really think the Lannisters would fare any better?

Vwchick: Glad I caught you by surprise. In regards to Jon C, we'll find out soon enough.

Jonfan: At what point in this story or any story that isn't the idiocy of the show is Dany a mad queen? When other than in that ridiculous clusterfuck of an ending did she ever show she was mad? As for her and Jon being politically bad, firstly as has been shown throughout this story there are reasons beyond politics why it can only be Jonerys. Secondly, on a purely political level, taking canon into consideration, other than Jon/Margaery, Jonerys is the marriage that makes the most political sense. Especially if Dany has her dragons and her unsullied.

Aerys: She isn't serving as a maid, that's not her sentence. And it's a far better fate than death, being a Septa or the Silent Sisters. it's a far better fate than her grandfather gave to the last princess he dealt with too.

Alysanne: So glad I could surprise you.

Guest: Well since you asked nicely.

N7-Greek-Valkyrie: Aegon has just seen to the rejoining of the lines.

Anarra: Sorry it took a bit longer than I'd hoped.

Vein: Your timing couldn't be better.