DISCLAIMER: chapter prologue.
Chapter rating: T
XXVIII
Rhaenyra paused as she came to Catelyn's door, they put off on the household leaving as Robb left to go secure Harrenhal. She all but forced her maids to remain in her chambers so she could do this on her own, Ser Barristan refused to listen.
"Everything will be alright, Your Grace," he reassured her as she went up and knocked softly.
"It me, Cat," she called gently as her mother by law opened the door.
"Your Grace," she greeted with a bow as Rhaenyra winced.
"No, don't call me that," she ordered in a whisper as she closed the door before embracing her stunned caretaker. "I'm so sorry," she cried softly while Catelyn held her too.
"No, I am. I should not have hit you," she pulled away and winced at seeing the mark, it was still there but fading. She always did heal fast. "I am so sorry, Rhae, please," she implored as Rhaenyra smiled.
"It's me who should be sorry Cat. You can't understand how sorry I am," she cried as Catelyn sat her down and gave her some tea. "You are right, we should continue to try and save the girls," but it was Catelyn who shook her head.
"I know you are trying to think of what is right for everyone. I know as Queen you have that right," Catelyn spoke softly. It was then that the red haired Tully saw the terrified girl that was always hidden inside the strong girl she raised. "You are Rhaenyra Targaryen, daughter of King Aerys and Queen Rhaella. The Mother of Dragons and Queen in the North," Catelyn declared. She and Rhaenyra got off on the wrong foot when it came to this ruling over the people, the mother knew that as Queen, Rhaenyra had the choice to make but it was harder as she helped raise this girl but she was not as easy like Robb to make listen, she was more stubborn and strong headed, she figured that came from Valaena being her constant shadow.
"I don't know what I'm doing," Rhaenyra told her as Catelyn frowned.
"You were born a princess but raised a lady, I will help you Rhaenyra, if you will accept it," the woman decided wanting to help her daughter by law to reign as queen.
"I do Cat, I swear," she promised as the other nodded and embraced her pregnant daughter.
"First is to ensure our safe travel to Winterfell," Catelyn resided herself to knowing that Sansa and Arya will have to remain in King's Landing a little longer. Hoping for their safety. She did know that so long as Jaime remained unharmed within their clutches, the girls were to be kept safe as well.
"Lyanna and Valaena have already started to tell the maids and soldiers to start everything," Rhaenyra revealed as Catelyn frowned.
"You will have to start doing this yourself Rhaenyra," she informed sharply as the girl nodded cautiously. "But as you are here talking to me and expecting, I assume they were trying to help take the pressure off," she surmised as Rhaenyra nodded a small smile on her lips. "Now let's get started," she ordered.
XXVIII
Rhaenyra walked alongside Ser Barristan as she breathed softly, inhaling the scent of the forest and water. Her growing belly was something she adapted too, it wasn't huge, but it was not small anymore. Shrieking made her turn back to see Rhaella land in front of her, it has been nearly a week since Robb left, near a week that Rhaenyra and Catelyn came to terms with how to rule the North. It was as though the dragons started to grow in random growth spurts now, either that or it was her imagination as Rhaella lowered her head a bit more to her mother's growing stomach. Purring softly she nudged her hand Rhaenys dove into the water for her fish while Alysanne slept.
"The dragons are growing. Soon they will be the size of ponies," he joked as she smirked.
"And they are just as agile and sharp with their reflexes," Tyene spoke up as she came over, binding the small journal that Maester Luwin started. "I believe your maester will be pleased with how much is recorded," she smiled as Rhaenyra giggled softly.
"I will as well," she took it so she could read it later. Ser Barristan had told her that Tyene had taken
"But Ser Barristan is right, they will be getting bigger soon. Already they tower Grey Wind," Tyene began as she looked to Rhaella who was still being pet. When Rhaenyra stopped, the red dragon herself growled softly before nudging her hand once more, bringing a laugh from her mother who sighed and resumed her petting. "Very attention seeking," she added with a smile as Alysanne slowly awoke from her nap, trilling as she spotted her mother. Softly she huffed but stood to approach them, out of curiosity, the blue dragon nudged her mother but jerked back when Rhaella snapped at her. Rhaenyra stopped her petting instantly and almost scolded the growing creature who turned her growling head in the woman's direction. It alarmed them to hear her growling at her mother who she was just wanting attention from seconds ago. Rhaenyra took a cautionary step backwards along with Ser Barristan and Tyene, the two hadn't expected that reaction either as Alysanne growled softly, causing her sister to look back at her, orange-red eyes narrowed. Rhaenys decided to intervene herself and dropped a freshly killed stag in between the growling dragons which Rhaella took before flying off as Rhaenyra instantly approached her smaller child, who lowered her head as Rhaenys joined.
"What was that?" Ellaria's voice came as all three turned, the two dragons ignored the new voice in the interest of their mother's belly. Curious as they trilled and chittered to one another.
"I am not sure," Rhaenyra spoke while continuing to pet Alysanne who left her stomach alone and just licked her wings as Rhaenys nudged her mother for attention as well. Switching dragons was easy, Alysanne left while Rhaenys came closer for easier access, they did not snap at one another like Rhaella did but she was more cautious, like Grey Wind, Shaggydog was just untrained with Rickon's temper trickling into his thoughts.
"It seems that Rhaella would prefer your full attention when petting her," Ser Barristan has always been cautious with the dragons but now felt a bit nervous about being around the red one. "Though I have… never seen that type of reaction from her," he commented. Rhaenyra though continued to listen to the angry screeches of her daughter, soon the dragons will continue to dominate their nature.
"Then we must do everything in our power to ensure she is well fed and never hungry. For I fear for the horses should they grow unsettled," she requested as they all nodded. "You will tell me?" she asked of Tyene who nodded, understanding her question.
"Of course, Your Grace," she chuckled softly when Rhaenys nudged her shoulder softly, sniffing her hair as her mother smiled, seeing the dragon inspect the two human beside her mother.
"Do you worry for the temperment, Your Grace?" Ellaria questioned worried, she was more cautious about coming closer to the expecting mother.
"Yes. I have always worried. I knew the moment they started to grow big, they would dominate and soon take flight," she softly touched her growing belly as Rhaenys turned back to her, instead of fear or anger she felt love in her dragon's eyes, the green irises that held dragonfire in them. "Jikagon," (Go,) she ordered as her last dragon left. "At least two of the three listen to me. It's better than none," she claimed as they agreed.
XXVIII
Rhaenyra was helped out of her dress by Sauna and Baela, her belly was continuing it's growth as she felt it. It was not huge but it was no longer small, smiling softly she carefully sank into the hot waters and watched the women work about her. "How was Catelyn?" Baela asked as her queen smiled.
"Fine, we have… come to an agreement I believe," she smiled as her friend cheered happily.
"Good," Sauna praised. "There should never be conflict within the family," she claimed as Baela agreed.
"Is everything set?" the maid asked as Rhaenyra nodded.
"They just wait for my word, he will wait to bring her," Rhaenyra beamed as Sauna bravely sank her arms into the hot water to wash her mistress, finding the harsh heat soothing. Smiling, she allowed the maid to help her before shrieking caught them off guard as Rhaella flew up close to the castle when Baela opened the window and jumped as the dragon flew nearby.
"What is going on with her?" Baela asked worried as she looked back and forth from the red dragon roasting some of the fish near the surface of the water, creating steam as her sisters joined.
"I do not know," Rhaenyra frowned as a knock sounded.
"Your Grace, Lady Catelyn is here," Ser Barristan called out as Rhaenyra nodded to Baela who quickened her pace to the door. Carefully allowing her lady in Catelyn paused in spotting Sauna helping her queen.
"I do not believe I know you," she spoke as Sauna stood before curtsying, with grace and poise which made Catelyn smile.
"My name is Sauna, My Lady," she greeted with a smile and bow. "I have resided in Riverrun for some time now, I do enjoy it," Sauna was true and honest in her words as Catelyn saw.
"And would you join us on our march back north?" she asked as Sauna nodded.
"Yes, My Lady. Wherever my queen goes, I go," she decided as Catelyn smiled.
"Good answer," she said as she walked closer to the tub where her pregnant daughter by law sat, watching with a small smile. Sauna took her seat once more to finish the bath, Baela resumed her watch of the dragons. "Are you well Baela? You seem to have withdrawn, more to watching the dragons," Catelyn asked as she joined the young woman watching the fire breathers fish or just fly around. Rhaella's nature had already started to be shown and it becomes known around Riverrun that she's become snappier and is more avoided than before.
"Rhaella has started to show a harsher temper," Rhaenyra revealed as Catelyn looked to her sharply.
"Harsh?" she asked as Rhaenyra stood, finished with her bath as Baela produced her a sheet so she could dry.
"She snapped at me the other day," Rhaenyra claimed, while she looked completely calm about it, but on the inside she panicked and felt fear.
"Snapped at you?!" Catelyn nearly shrieked as Sauna helped her dress in a slip, Rhaenyra sat in a chair as Baela started to help braid her hair when Valaena slowly entered the chambers.
"My Lady?" Valaena called out her tone sullen and low. Catelyn frowned, she and the elder maids had gotten along better since she and Rhaenyra came to terms. "It is your father, Lord Tully," she frowned as the women froze. Rhaenyra felt her insides run cold as Baela paused in her braid before slowly continuing as Sauna's eyes filled with tears.
"T-thank you, Valaena," Catelyn's shaky voice came as she left the rooms before anyone could go to her.
"Have you-"
"We've sent word to Robb," Valaena responded quickly as Rhaenyra nodded, feeling nauseous. Instead of accepting the dress, she slowly crawled back into bed before crying as Baela sat nearby, comforting her queen as they waited.
"We'll wait for Robb to return before deciding anything else," Valaena swore as Rhaenyra nodded.
XXVIII
The days were slow as they waited for Robb's return, this would delay their return as Catelyn would refuse to leave without laying her father to rest. Rhaenyra didn't want to leave either, from all the help Riverrun has been she wanted to help in turn. She pushed herself to join in preparing everything as Robb's return, Rhaenyra has been having a bad feeling these last few days until her husband's return. Slowly she felt her stomach grow more and more as her sixth month approached like their oncoming winter, soon she will have to be confined so her childbirth can come easier. But she wished for that to be in Winterfell under her husband and dragons protection. Rhaenyra was always guarded by Ser Barristan, Tyene and a few Karstark guards, Rickard refused to allow his queen harm and now Catelyn requests her to be protected as her children were becoming bigger and left her a larger target than she already was.
But now she would wonder further with her dragons who were taller, Ser Barristan confirmed their size growth suddenly when Rhaenys landed on the wall of the castle. Her tail now rested in the water when she landed, a week ago it rested above the water level. Rhaella was just half a size bigger, taller than her sisters and more grumpier lately.
"Rhaella," Rhaenyra called as her resting dragon lifted her head, immediately focusing on her mother and her larger stomach. Eyes narrowed, she stood and started to tower over the Valyrian woman who watched with calm and no fear present in her eyes or face, growling the red dragon lowered her head and allowed her mother to stroke her nose, purring as the sensation of her touch soothed the weary beast.
"Is she calmer?" Tyene asked, worried. They refused to approach out of fear of the ill tempered dragon.
"I don't know," Rhaenyra revealed as she pet her tense dragon, soothing her in soft tones of Valyrian. "I just thought of how I befriended the direwolves; Grey Wind, I was another master, but the others I just became another person to gain affection. Summer, Bran's direwolf, loved to lay his head in my lap while I'd pet his ears, Shaggydog, was a more rough and hunt wolf so he'd be sitting beside me, allowing me to softly pet his back," the queen thought about the two wolves she missed dearly like their masters.
"I overheard about what Ned had to do to Sansa's wolf, poor girl," Ser Barristan had been eager to see the wolves, only to learn about what happened and who was involved. He had suggested the young lady see the pups of their hounds, their cuter ones anyway, Ned had rejoined and claimed it did bring a smile to both girls. Ser Barristan had also revealed to learned there is an unusual number of wolves somewhere within the riverlands that a soldier told him about. Robb had instantly thought it was Nymeria who Arya sent away, with Jory's aid. The alpha was presumably the 'biggest beast' men have witnessed, but they hunted after the Lannisters, they joked that even the wolves hated the southerners.
"Ned swore that woman would never get the pelt," Rhaenyra spoke as she continued to pet the dragon's face. Rhaella nudged and moved her face like a cat's and even got closer to her mother as Rhaenys and Alysanne came up, nudging their sister and spotting their mother. "And she will not get anything from them," she finished as her violet eyes locked with the red-orange eyes. Rhaenyra could not deduce if her eyes were one color or both, one day they were red, the other they will be orange. Then both, but Rhaenyra loved her colors so much, all of her dragons colors were beautiful, they darkening as they grow. Maester Lyon said it was the black bones the dragons had, because of the food they consume is only flesh and blood. The older they get, the darker they're scales will become.
"Your Grace?" a man asked worried.
"It is nothing, I will accompany my dragons further out so they will eat something other than fish and those, what are they?" she asked confused.
"Crocodiles, Your Grace," Tyene smiled, having seen them. Alysanne had a particular taste for them.
"Right, I've only seen those once and prefer to stay away from them," Rhaenyra spoke as Ser Barristan nodded. "You can all return back to the castle the dragons will be nearby so we will be safe," Rhaenyra spoke as they looked ready to say no before Rhaella looked to them with a small growl.
"Of course, Your Grace," Tyene nodded, she led the men away as they returned to the bank to give their queen some time. Ser Barristan would always follow his queen, so it wouldn't be hard knowing who would be with her. As the two walked further into the forest, a large direwolf came into view both tensed, the wolf looked different, slimmer than Grey Wind.
"Can't be," Rhaenyra stared as the forest remained quiet as the wolf continued to stare. A sudden howl caught their attention which confused the woman as it was more human than animal but it made the creature in front of them turn and howl back. It sent chills down the pair's back as they watched as it continued, shrieking and snarls broke the howling off as the direwolf took off.
XXVIII
(Arya)
Arya had gotten tired of altering between riding on horseback or on the cart so she'd walk alongside some of the men who enjoyed teaching her what she should know. But Beric always made sure she was nearby lately the howls and snarls were getting closer and closer; Arya would stay up and listen to them as she'd whisper her list. She kept dreaming about wolves, being surrounded by dozens. It was during their march that a high howl came from their direction they were heading in. Arya mimicked it as Hot Pie tried to stop her, but the Brotherhood joined in, not caring if they were caught. It was only when more howls came back that made them curious, Beric ordered Arya to sit behind him as Hot Pie sat on the cart at Thoros' order.
"What could it be? The wolves?" the large boy whimpered as Gendry hissed him to be quiet.
"What else makes those noises?" he growled. Figuring it was the wolves, they continued to march that way as Arya spotted scorched land and charred bones as she realized with alarm what they were approaching. Shrieks cut them off as a large golden dragon hissed and stood up, Arya was surprisingly stunned by their size. The creature was the size of horses but with her long neck made her head tower over them.
"Seven Hells," Gendry cursed as the dragon growled, the green eyes focused on them. The way it moved made him want to fight before spotting her slowly opening mouth.
"Keligon, Rhaenys," (Stop,) a voice called out as Arya looked around and leapt off. Before anyone could stop her she tore off and right up to a familiar white haired woman who looked to Arya with shock and glee. "Arya!" she hauled the girl as close as her belly would allow her. The large golden dragon turned her attention suddenly to the interaction. And carefully approached.
Arya could not believe that her sister-by-law was expecting, but what startled her the most was when a giant red head lowered itself to her suddenly as red-orange eyes pierced into her grey ones. The growling that was coming out would terrify anyone and it was in fact scaring her before a softer nudge made her whip around to see a blue/white head and a purr coming out made her ease her muscles.
"Calm down. They are inspecting you because of the baby," Rhaenyra soothed her younger sister. "This one is Alysanne," she nudged the large blue head a bit as she huffed before moving as the red dragon head came back into view. "This one is-"
"-Rhaella," Arya spoke, remembering her names for them. "You told me when I was leaving," she told as Rhaenyra grinned. "The other is Rhaenys. After your niece or ancestor," Arya commented as Rhaenyra pulled her closer as Rhaella glared with a small growl.
"Lyka," (Quiet) Rhaenyra demanded as the dragon pulled back with a small glare at her mother before pushing herself off and went to hunt as her sisters joined. The group watched with pure shock and awe as Arya's mouth fell open while Rhaenyra laughed at the look. "Come along Little Wolf, we should reunite you with your mother." Arya noticed the pain in her eyes as she nudged her.
"What is it?" Arya asked as Ser Barristan encouraged the group to return with them.
"I will tell you sweet, but let you and your mother see one another first," Rhaenyra told as they all walked as a group. Later on once they were in the castle walls, Rhaenyra was grinning as she hid Arya behind her as she approached the lady's chambers. The Brotherhood had been given shelter and food for the return of the princess. Knocking made the woman lift her head inside as she sighed. She had been praying these last few days before going to answer the door. As she opened she frowned at seeing the queen before noticing the happy look in her eyes. "Who do we love that loves being a boy and tore all her dresses off the moment we got her in one?" Rhaenyra asked, tears gathering as Catelyn looked at her with confused hope. Arya stepped from around her sister as her mother gasped in happy shock.
"Arya!" Catelyn cried as Rheanyra watched. Instead of focusing on her appearance like Arya feared a moment, she held her youngest daughter to her and gasped softly.
"I will let you two talk. I need to go rest," Rhaenyra spoke softly as Catelyn held her hand.
"Thank you," she whispered as Arya held onto her mother, inhaling her scent as shrieks returned outside making the girl look out and seeing figures flying nearby the walls.
XXVIII
Rhaenyra moaned as she laid in her bed exhausted, Baela had helped her undress to her slip so she could just sleep. Lynara sat at her head so she could undo her braid, freeing her hair. She was going to go and check on mother and daughter as soon as she finished but as she noticed her queen slowly falling asleep. The door opening surprised her before a bloody Grey Wind came into view brought a bright smile to the elder woman who spotted her king entering right after. He motioned for her to stay quiet when he spotted his wife sleeping, but kissed her cheek in greeting when he shed his cloak, armour already off. The direwolf licked her hand in greeting as well as she whispered a bright hi and used her free hand to stroke the fluffy ears as he also sniffed Rhaenyra's forehead.
"Grey Wind," Robb's firm voice, quiet, ordered him away before she woke up. "Go on Lynara, I'll finish," he urged as she nodded. Carefully moving away but paused to talk with Robb.
"Did you see them?" she asked, voice hard and quick.
"Yes, they've doubled. How is that possible?" he asked, confused.
"They're eating somewhere else," Lynara frowned as Robb bit his lip.
"Uncle has told me there are deer surrounding and other animals; bears, lions. I haven't heard anything about farmers or livestock. You would think dragons attacking a farm would gain attention," he commented as she scoffed.
"Not if they fear them. Welcome Robb, truly," she gave a genuine smile before urging the direwolf to follow. Robb sighed as he looked back out the window he had spotted the dragons instantly and nearly did a double take like his men who stumbled at seeing them bigger. Rodrik and the Umber father-son stuttered a bit at their sizes as Theon praised them. It seemed to be Theon's voice that attracted Rhaenys who rose and approached the blood soaked men which terrified them all, except the ironborn who offered his hand. The purr that exited the female soothed some but they still moved at a quick pace when Rhaella looked at them all, narrowing her eyes but locked onto Robb who she approached. Allowing only him to pet her as Edmure and Blackfish guided their men through and Oberyn watched the interactions of the two dragons while Alysanne continued to sleep. Theon had a bond with them like the maids; Baela and Valaena, Robb of course was closer and the only one he's witnessed pet Rhaella, other than her own mother who is only allowed to get close enough.
"Robb?" Rhaenyra's tired voice came as he turned to see her slowly sitting up before he rushed to keep her down so she could rest.
"Shh, go back to sleep," he urged as she held his hand tightly.
"Your Grandfather," she whispered, voice thick with tears as Robb nodded.
"I know," he whispered. "I know, I heard," a letter had been sent to his uncles and he was told. Robb felt pain for his family and knew they'd be staying longer, as expected when he arrived Ser Barristan, who had gone to greet them at his queen's insistence, told him how the queen has been helping with the preparations for the funeral.
"There is a surprise for you in the morning," Rhaenyra spoke as he looked curious. "Sleep husband," the soft pulls from his wife and the longing to sleep alongside her won out as he nodded. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he stood and started to undress as she watched, not wanting to think it was a dream. She had a nightmare about the boys but was happy to see her husband return. When Robb returned to bed, he pulled his wife close and threaded his fingers through her hair while she snuggled into him more and inhaled his scent.
"I love you Rhae," he whispered as she hummed softly.
"Avy Jorrāelan," (I love you) she grumbled as he smiled before closing his eyes.
XXVIII
(Qarth)
Daenerys read the letter as her dragons squealed and squaked at her, smirking as she read her sister's proposal. From what she read her sister was returning to the North because of the Ironborn raiding their lands. Ser Jorah confirmed it when she let him read it after telling her what the gold the Dothraki stole bought them. But all her people were congregating in the lands of the north so it would help her, they would keep talking through messages.
"Ser Jorah," she called as her loyal knight appeared. "It seems my sister has a plan for when she goes against the Lannisters," she smirked.
"Are you involved?" he questioned in curiosity.
"Not yet, but she is returning home for now so she will stay there for some time. But when she is ready, I will be too," Daenerys decided as Jorah watched with hidden pride. She gathered her dragons before leaving the wretched place known as Qarth and onto their next location.
XXVIII
End of chapter hope it was good! I'm working between this, my Supernatural story and my Vampire Diaries story.
Also Rhae's dragons sizes are about the size of horses now, as they gorge and eat whenever they grow nonstop and Dany's are size of cats-dachshund size (I'm trying to pinpoint them sorry).
NicoleR85: We'll see~ Please enjoy
Guest: Long review! Do not worry those will all be addressed! But yes they seem to only care for the North for now and making sure their lands and people are safe.
RHatch89: Thank you, please enjoy~
10868letsgo: Yes she should, but she's angry and missing her children.
Bhn (Guest): I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
LunaDoesArt: I'm happy at hearing someone get excited about my story! OH I hope you had fun and that's so awesome! And sorry I was working on a Vampire Diaries story with Kol~
devinvis: Believe me I want Arya to see her family again more than anyone. Oh I hated Talisa and claim she's the reason Robb died! I loved Robb so much and she just ruined that part of the storyline. And I'll be very honest, I'm half and half with Roose Bolton, I have two different ways his family could go in this story ^.^ I hope you guys like it, please enjoy!
Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967: Glad you're liking it! Please enjoy more~
Guest: Thank you for your review and I hope you keep enjoying this story!
recey2010: I'm always finding ones where the wives are just good wives and few that the women are the warrior too. But I'm happy you love it. I hope you enjoy what I have planned~
Fallondyson: Here's the next update~
~Rusty14~