DISCLAIMER: chapter prologue.
Chapter rating: T
XXII
A young girl covered in soot ran through when men behind her. "Arry!" It was a higher boy's voice as an older boy ran through, dragging a girl with him and a plumper boy joining them.
"Get them!" A voice snarled before fire broke through.
"Run!" The girl screamed. Arya? That's Arya's voice!
"Arya?" she called out cautiously.
"You're in danger Rhae," the girl spoke as Rhaenyra turned to her. The girl no longer looked like her old self, but was dressed like a boy, something she knew the girl preferred. But her long brown hair was choppy.
"Arya, come here!" Rhaenyra ordered as she attempted to come closer before another voice made her freeze.
"She's no longer here," a woman whispered, she had an accent, Rhaenyra turned completely confused. "She's at Dragonstone, she won't know," the voice spoke once more before blue flames made her wake.
A man screamed in agony as Rhaenyra surged awake, he was coated in her youngest's blue flames. She was sweat covered before Ser Barristan busted in with some men as Selyse pushed through grabbing Rhaenyra's arm as she aided in pulling the younger queen away from her attempted attacker as Alysanne growled and set another burst of fire at the man angrily.
"Get her out!" Stannis ordered as Rhaenyra was pulled away from the older woman by Valaena and Lynara as Tyene snuck into the room to ensure both balcony doors were open, allowing the dragon to take her prize and fly off, shrieking as she did so. The women ushered her into a spare chamber room while Maester Cressen races in, followed by Selyse and Stannis. Ser Barristan settled himself against the door, keeping it opened a bit so he could listen in. Having her sat the Maester quickly started his examination as Stannis talked with an alarmed looking Valaena.
"I don't know Your Grace, last time this happened the dragons were babies, they had no interest in the body but now obviously, they do. We have reason to believe they come from Cersei Lannister, as our queen is apparently a bigger problem," the tone and the way she talked told many she thought it was stupid.
"She's the last living Targaryen, of course she will remain a threat to anyone who goes for the throne," he spoke as both watched Selyse stand alongside Maester Cressen as Melisandre entered.
"Allow me, Your Grace," she spoke about to approach before a sharp look from Rhaenyra made her pause. "I mean you no harm," she reassured the girl as she shook her head.
"Maester Cressen is doing just fine," she spoke, voice low and soft. Valaena quickly left the king's side as she joined her queen. Stannis watched with a frown as Rhaenyra nodded to something the Maester asked but walked out quickly. Coming face-to-face with Ser Barristan.
"Your Grace," he greeted quickly bowing. "How is my queen?" He asked worry clear in his face.
"She is okay, I believe. No wounds," he claimed as the man nodded softly.
"She's had a few attacks like this, but they've always stopped it," he looked out the window to see the dragons flying quickly around the castle, shrieking and snarling. Alysanne continued to clutch something as her sisters ripped at it.
"The dragons?" he asked as the knight nodded.
"They're becoming more bolder, the more that attack their mother," he commented as Stannis watched them with slight caution. "But they leave their allies alone, I don't think the girls have friends. Not many have attempted to get close but those that are close to the queen," he finished as Stannis nodded. "Your daughter though, Princess Shireen, Rhaenys seems to like her," he smiled as Stannis looked away. Thoughts whirling as his wife and the Maester left the younger queen's temporary chambers.
"I will have the guards tighten around Queen Rhaenyra's room," he announced before Tyene spoke up.
"If it will not offend, Your Grace," she bowed her head in respect. "But my men have asked that they guard the queen with Ser Barristan," she requested as Selyse tensed.
"That is-" she stopped at a look from Stannis.
"That is fine. She is their queen," he reminded as Selyse sighed. Having wanted her men to care for the girl.
"My men have traveled with Her Grace and her dragons, they are more accepting of them then yours," Tyene gently countered the Southern queen, she wasn't trying to be a bitch, she just trying to protect her queen that she joined.
"Will your men be ready to leave at early light?" Stannis asked as Tyene nodded.
"Always," she swore.
XXII
Rhaenyra moaned softly in discomfort as she clung to the boat while Valaena remained at her side to help her while Ser Barristan and Lynara watched over Edrick and the dragons who flew over head, fishing as they did so. The Dornish were hesitant to sail to another location before Rhaenyra claimed it was for the alliance, Tyene reassured them that they would still remain under Rhaenyra's order as their treaty became solid.
"You need something for the sickness," Valaena muttered as Rhaenyra groaned softly.
"I need to go back to Robb. I have a bad feeling," Rhaenyra hated thinking anything bad about Robb, he's always been loyal and faithful to their betrothal, despite the boys not having too, the girls of course. But the boys could lay with anyone, but he didn't, she hoped that meant something.
"He would never do anything," Valaena spoke sternly as Rhaenyra smiled. "Baela has been watching him for a while when you leave or are separated for long," Valaena warned as her queen laughed softly. "She, of course, would never do anything to Robb, but the women are another story," she warned as Rhaenyra smirked, thinking of her cousin who is apparently making sure to ensure Robb stays faithful.
"We will be docking soon Your Grace," Tyene spoke as Rhaenys shrieked and landed on the dock while Rhaella and Alysanne continued to fly around. The moment they pulled up Rhaenyra carefully climbed up with Ser Barristan's aide while her maids looked around, finding all possible dangers.
"Your Grace," a guard approached carefully as Rhaenys growled as he offered her a letter. "I found this for you," he showed it had no seal but written on it 'To Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.' "I did not open it nor anyone else," he reassured as she took it before her knight could.
"It's alright, I recognize the writing," she smiled in gratitude to the guard who bowed his head before leaving as Tyene joined.
"Everything alright?" she asked as Rhaenyra read her letter before folding it back. Ser Barristan barely caught anything as it was in High Valyrian.
"Yeah," she spoke as she hid the letter. "From my Maester back in Winterfell," she claimed. "Do you know where we're going?" she asked suddenly, a bit confused by their surroundings.
"Storm's End," Ser Barristan spoke as Rhaenyra hummed in interest as she looked all around. Her dragons though suddenly took off. "What in the-"
"People are coming," Tyene spoke quickly as Rhaenyra mounted a horse with Ser Barristan at her side on his own. "I'm staying here," she claimed as Valaena was elected to go between her and Lynara. So Rhaenyra rode with her knight and Valyrian maid along with Stannis, Ser Davos and Melisandre to meet with Renly Baratheon. Stannis decided to wear his crown which bore red gold with points fashioned in the shape of flames. Selyse had suggested Rhaenyra wear hers as well for the strength many saw in it, she did so with a mother glare from Lynara. It was a bit of a march up the rocky cliff as they left the beach, Rhaenyra worried where her dragons disappeared but could hear the distinction between their wings or the winds, all she heard was wind. As they met up she spotted her good mother instantly, but along with a few guards which alarmed her as Ser Davos and Ser Barristan were their only protection aside from Stannis.
"Rhaenyra," Catelyn greeted softly but frowned when she noted no dragons.
"My Lady," Rhaenyra beamed, her crown had been settled on her head perfectly, it showed Renly who frowned as he looked to Stannis.
"You seem to have acquired a new queen among your army," he commented softly but Rhaenyra saw his eyes carefully look around. He knew they were nearby. "Queen Rhaenyra," he greeted softly as Rhaenyra smiled, almost greeted him before loud ear piercing shrieks came out as the dragons surrounded Catelyn's horse. While it did spook not only the horse but the men who were with Renly, Catelyn remained calm and even offered her hand down. Alysanne carefully climbed up and laid her head in the open palm, purring openly and crooned when Rhaenys nudged her to gain attention as well, Rhaella though kept her distance, but deeply inhaled at the Tully woman. Catelyn then got a good look at their sizes now, while it wasn't as noticeable they were a great size bigger than before, she did not even have to bend down to greet them now, they could reach up to her.
"Gods be good," a man muttered, he looked withered and almost bald.
"I wish you all to meet my dragons; Rhaella, Rhaenys and Alysanne," she introduced them as Renly swallowed. "My husband and I had sent a proposition for both of you. Stannis has agreed already," she revealed as Renly looked intrigued.
"Has he?" he asked.
"I have agreed to be allied with Robb Stark. He will be King in the North and should we win, I would be King of the South. You my heir until I have a son," Stannis explained as Renly looked to Rhaenyra who kept his gaze, her dragons though took off, some muttered and became nervous while Catelyn kept watching her good daughter.
"This is something you have agreed to?" he asked nervous, his brother may not have many but with the Northern forces and Dornish he knew hated him for being at Storm's End, he could overrun him and those dragons were bigger than Catelyn described, though he could see the shock in her face when they landed, they must have grown while at Dragonstone.
"Yes, we even have a marriage alliance between it," he spoke as Rhaenyra sighed softly, knowing yelling will ensure from it.
"Whose? Her children?" he asked as a small smile played on his lips.
"No, her's," he nodded to Catelyn who's mouth fell open in horror.
"You bartered one of my sons?" she asked incredulous.
"You did the same to me, a child I do not even have yet," she growled out irritated about the marriage pact between Frey and Stark still.
"Your son, Rickon, is to marry my daughter, Shireen," Stannis revealed as Renly bit the inside of his cheek. His young wife seemed to be put out too, unsure of what to do as she looked to whom Rhaenyra assumed was her father. The plump man known as Mace Tyrell, stuttered before sighing, deflating a bit. Catelyn nearly yelled as she heard the stories about the Baratheon Princess, but remembered in guilt of what she had promised about her unborn grandson. A burned stag dropped in front of everyone as they all jumped.
'Horrible timing,' Rhaenyra joked in her thoughts with a tiny grin though she saw the lip-biting smirk Ser Davos gave as Ser Barristan coughed in shock. Renly coughed softly with a smirk before looking to his brother and the Northern queen.
"How about we take a walk?" he offered as the two nodded. Ser Davos was already helping Rhaenyra down before Ser Barristan could move, Stannis waited for her as Renly carefully approached, being deliberately slow so he could examine the dragons, watching them eat together or fight for certain pieces. Rhaella didn't fight or get her pieces snatched, he could see the dominance in her stance. Quickly the three leaders walked a bit from their guards as Rhaenyra noticed Rhaella stop eating and lift her head suddenly, frills flaring up as she turned away from the food.
"Catelyn obviously did not realize your plans for her youngest," Renly commented as Rhaenyra scoffed.
"She auctioned off my future son who I don't even have yet, she has no reason to snarl at me," the Dragon Queen growled as Stannis scoffed.
"Walder Frey? And you trust him?" he asked as Rhaenyra laughed with a hate in her tone.
"I'd rather toss him in his precious river his beloved bridge resides in," she growled as Renly laughed, realizing that Rhaenyra held no love for the Frey blood. "He gained quite a bit in letting my husband cross. Catelyn is to ward two grandsons, Arya is wed his son once she is found and as you both already know when I am to have a son he is to be warded at the Frey house then marry a granddaughter," she growled as Renly look stunned.
"I bet if he could, he would have offered another wife for Robb," he muttered.
"He did or a mistress. Despite their sizes, that girl would have been sent back burned or dead, I would not have cared," she muttered making Stannis chuckle. "So My Lords?" she asked dropping all titles with them as they did with her.
"I will set aside my crown," Renly announced, it surprised both that he said so, so easily. "If you remain true to your word Stannis, I will bow and name you my king," he claimed as Stannis paused. "It would do well to merge our armies together, in better protection," he spoke as Rhaenyra nodded.
"You agree to this? Why?" Stannis asked as Renly froze.
"You are in an alliance with quite a big army where they number in 20,000, give or take a few from the battles you've suffered," he commented as Stannis huffed. "But if you do plan on attacking King's Landing like I figured you would given the fleet you have, it would do well to have a land army just in case," Renly claimed as Stannis thought. Rhaenyra felt nervous and a bit nauseous thinking about all of it.
"Okay," Stannis agreed as the two men shook hands while Rhaenyra sighed softly in relief as Rhaella approached and nudged her mother's hand, allowing her to pet her dragon. Together they all walked back to their party as they mounted up with ease while Rhaella took the remains as her sisters whined, following quickly.
"I have made my decision," Renly announced. "I will renounce my claim and agree to be heir to Stannis Baratheon, King of the South," he spoke as his part of the army muttered in confusion and shock.
"What?" Mace Tyrell asked in shock as Catelyn looked to Rhaenyra who watched her dragons instead with a fond look. She frowned softly at seeing the look as Ser Barristan and Valaena watched her with their own soft expressions.
"It is my decision and that's final. I will fly my banner underneath my brother King Stannis Baratheon, ally of Queen Rhaenyra and King Robb," he declared as his army started to talk before nodding and accepting his decision.
XXII
(King's Landing)
"Send Myrcella to Dorne?!" Pycelle nearly choked as he drank some wine. "But they are allied with Robb Stark!" he cried out.
"Easy, old man," Bronn warned offering more to drink as he took it quickly.
"My friend is right, I don't want anyone to hear of this," Tyrion spoke. "But yes, I was sending my niece south, what is better than supporting a rebel?" Tyrion claimed as Pycelle watched him with a look.
"The Dornish have been against the Lannisters since the beginning," he tried.
"But she is a Baratheon Princess," Tyrion reminded him as the Grand Maester nodded slowly. "So I assume that would alleviate any issues," he shrugged as Pycelle narrowed his eyes. "But remember the Queen mustn't know," he reminded as he knew how this might turn out. Both watched as he left with smirks, Bronn quickly poured drinks for him and Tyrion.
"So, really. Why Dorne?" Bronn asked as they sat and drank.
"Because it's the safest place for her, even if they remain allies with Robb Stark. Both the northern leaders and Doren Martell are not children beaters nor dishonest people, she'll be protected. Even if they find out she's there" Tyrion revealed, knowing the Dornish might not break their alliance and even if Doran wrote that they would he doubt Oberyn would leave the army, nor would his men.
"How can you be so sure?" the cutthroat asked.
"You know that necklace my niece wears?" Tyrion asked softly, a small smile on his lips.
"The tulip? Aye, I've seen. A bit plain for a princess with Lannister blood," he shrugged, having noticed it.
"Because Queen Rhaenyra gave it to her," he smiled sadly, surprising the man.
"From the Targaryen Queen?" he asked, both have already acknowledged that she was the queen of the North. "Why?" he asked.
"Because she thought it'd cheer her up in being north for the first time. Sweet gesture," Tyrion commented.
"You like the girl," Bronn said shocked.
"She was a sweet girl, I saw her like a niece and also felt sorrow for her. But she flourished in the north, everyone thought she would wither and grow bitter," he thought aloud.
"But she didn't," Bronn countered. "I've heard the rumors down in the streets, even from the Lannister men who've met her. Sweet kid, like you said. Very beautiful," he added with a smirk.
"Gorgeous, if you like young girls," Tyrion said offhandedly. Shae was his sight, he told her having met the Targaryen girl and commented she held the Valyrian beauty that most did. She commented about the violet eyes they supposedly had, he confirmed it, along with her silver hair that wasn't mistaken for blond or gold, closer to white. "Looks like a true Targaryen," he smiled softly.
"And if rumors are to be true. Your niece through Jaime is a Velaryon, that bastard girl Baela right?" Bronn asked having heard the stories from northern camps that somehow traveled south.
"I don't remember anything about Valaena when we were younger. I knew she was a lady-in-waiting for Rhaella, she went with her to Dragonstone when the former queen went into confinement at their former castle during the war," he informed as Bronn continued to wait. "Never even seen the girl or knew she existed until recently," he informed the man who shrugged.
"I could find out," he offered as Tyrion nodded with a small hum.
"Lord Tyrion?" Podrick came in with a small frown.
"Pod?" the small lord asked worried. Despite their short time together, he's grown fond of the young man he's taken under his wing, he knew this young man also kept his ears out for him when he needed it. "Is something wrong?" he questioned as Podrick let a guard in.
"A man named Cleos Frey is here from Riverrun with peace terms from Robb Stark," he spoke carefully as Tyrion ushered the man to be let in.
"Cousin," he greeted in shock.
"Tyrion, you are a sight to see," he spoke in happiness. "It's bad, the river lords have been burning their crops to starve us all out. The North doesn't worry as they gain food from the Dornish. Your father's foragers set fire to every village they find," he revealed as Tyrion sighed looking over the parchment he took.
"The way of war," he muttered before scoffing and paused. 'Stark only asks for half the kingdom and our hostages, including his sisters- wait, he assumes we still have both.' He frowned when he read the end. "Cousin be truthful," Tyrion spoke suddenly as his cousin who accepted water from Podrick when offered wine.
"Yes, Tyrion?" he asked, eager to help.
"Are the rumors true?" he asked, to the other's confusion. "The dragons?" he specified as his cousin paled.
"Yes," he whispered. "But they were smaller when I was captured. When I saw them again they were much bigger," he shuddered. "They were terrifying," he whispered in fear.
"How big would you say they were?" Tyrion asked softly.
"Wolfhounds, but they must be bigger by now, I overheard the men talking about how the dragons were growing faster and faster," he warned as the dwarf scoffed as Bronn exhaled sharply.
"Great, how fast do dragons grow?" he asked sarcastically but also worried.
"We need to find all we can on dragons," he claimed taking the note. "Rest cousin, I will return for you," he patted the man's shoulder. As Tyrion walked he could hear the cries of 'Dragon Queen,' 'Mad King Joffrey' and 'Usurper Bastard.' 'This will not do,' he thought fearfully and hurrying with Bronn behind him.
XXII
(Dragonstone)
"So we are in accordance with our new treaty?" Stannis asked as Rhaenyra nodded, signing her name on the treaty and would return it to Robb. "And you are to leave on the morrow to return to your husband?" he asked as Ser Barristan spoke this time.
"A storm is due soon. We are hoping to be inland by the time it hits, hopefully away from the sea," he spoke as Ser Davos nodded.
"Aye, the storm's are dangerous and even with their strength those dragons could get hurt," he worried for their young wings.
"We will have everything ready," Rhaenyra spoke with a small smile. "But if you do not mind, I will return to my chambers to rest," she spoke, standing, as he nodded while Valaena joined her. Lynara had been helping with Edrick while they prepared for everything on the ship ride home and the trek home on horseback.
"Rest well," he urged before pausing. "And congratulations," he spoke making everyone pause the three froze in alarm. "I know a pregnant woman when I see one," he reassured them as Rhaenyra laughed softly.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I hope to have a healthy child," she urged before Selyse smiled.
"I pray the Gods give you a son, Your Grace," Selyse spoke as Rhaenyra smiled back.
"I will be honest, boy or girl. I just want them healthy," the Dragon Queen claimed.
"I will send another boat to make sure you all reach the shore," Stannis decided as Rhaenyra opened her mouth to decline before sighing and nodded.
"Thank you, Your Grace," she thanked him and left as Ser Barristan chuckled softly. They continued to walk through the hallway with Ser Barristan keeping a constant look out while Valaena watched her queen who walked like a leader. Her face always remained passive and never betrayed her emotions, she once overheard a servant comment how the queen would turn her head like her dragon's.
"Are happy to be returning back to your husband, Your Grace?" Ser Barristan asked as Rhaenyra nodded, a small smile lighting up her face.
"I only hope to not be too big by then," she joked as Valaena scoffed.
"Do not worry child, you will not worry about that until you are further along. You are barely a few months," she reassured but knew the pregnancies were different for everyone, thankfully she knew the difference between one babe and two inside a mother.
"Well if I do, he better shut up," she mumbled gaining a laugh from both as they entered the chambers.
XXII
"Can't you stay a bit longer?" Shireen asked, holding the queen's hand as they walked to the boat. The dragons were still gorging on a carcass om the beach, not looking ready to go, Ser Davos suggested they'd follow when they saw their mother leave.
"No, Shireen. I have to go back," Rhaenrya smiled, kneeling softly, now the girl was a bit higher in height. "My husband and the army need me," she commented with a wink as Shireen giggled. Softly leaning up, she pressed a gentle kiss to the girl's scarred cheek, before embracing her to her body as the girl clung to her. "You can always write to me. And practice in your Valyrian," she whispered that last part as Shireen smiled and nodded. "Even see if Ser Davos will finally learn," she grinned, knowing the older man could not read and seemed quite determined to keep it like that.
"I'll try," she giggled. Standing with grace and embracing the girl one more time she turned and also embraced Selyse, it surprised the elder woman who chuckled softly and hugged her back gently. Stannis was more sombre and kissed her hand in goodbye as she curtsied for him.
"Safe travels," he wished as she bowed her head.
"And safe warfare. Write back when reach either King's Landing or Dragonstone. But I do wish for your luck on the battlefield and hope you take Joffrey's head," she wished, eyes hardening at the end as the people laughed or cheered. Even Shireen grinned, knowing Joffrey needed to die, or Rheanyra might.
"I will give it my all. When our gods will it," he decided as Milassandre looked to him betrayed a bit before schooling her features back into place. "May the Old and New Gods watch over you," he prayed as she grinned, seeing the relief in Ser Davos' gaze.
"And you," she spoke before leaving with her group. Edrick waved bye to the others who smiled and did the same while Stannis watched, the dragons had finally noticed their mother leaving and Rhealla was first to take off quickly flapping her wings alerted her sisters who followed after. Rhaenyra watched them as they shrieked and happily glide along the water, Edrick still looked sullen before Rhaenyra sighed, thinking something over.
XXII
End how was this? I'm trying to make them longer but I wanted to get you guys the next chapter! And I was braindead during the meet with Renly, so I'm so sorry if it's horrible.
Uzukaki: Thank you and it a shock as we have a 14 year old dog and she was only 9. But I'm happy you like the chapter And yes, yes she is! Please enjoy the story~
ej101: I'm going to hopefully tune that down, I actually liked his character but not the attitude, and especially after what he did to his daughter.
Wolfygirlxx: Thank you, and I'm glad you like the story!
RHatch89: Thanks, hope you enjoy!
NicoleR85: Hope you enjoy this one!
Svenion: Thank you.
Bvy (Guest): Glad you enjoy it, hope you enjoy the rest~
LunaDoesArt: It's sad I can't do that, it's like too much of one thing overworks my brain. Once I went completely braindead at the end of my semester when I didn't work, failed all my tests T-T. I swear your hijacking my thoughts ;)
bfireworks5: We'll see -.-
Patriot-112: Yeah she doesn't like the red priestess. Let's see how much she affects the Baratheon family.
~Rusty14~