Canix: I'm not sure about screwing over but Quentyn asked for a lot. And by a lot, it's a lot, he was going to block the Narrow Sea trade for everyone important, funneling everything through Dorne: Aegon could see perfectly well it wasn't going to fly if he wants his dynasty to last.
osterreicher: Connington does bring up a good point, though, his pride aside, the Stormlanders will be extremely unhappy with this annexation. And Quentyn can be unhappy about the change, but he's certainly not going to ditch Aegon-Daenerys: he needs them just as much as they need him.
MrKlortho: They do, but they also know Daeron feels less like Daeron and a lot more like Jon, which makes them treat him like he's a Stark, not a full Targaryen. As for Aegon, since we have no POV of him, it's hard to discern his feelings for Daeron, but we did have a hint when Quentyn came to reveal Jon's parentage to him in a previous POV.
Gladium: Daenerys hasn't betrayed Dorne but she did give them a reason not to trust her for sure. This will have political consequences.
daspeed: I mean, Quentyn couldn't possibly have anticipated Jon's dragon. His plans were laid on the long-term and it made no sense for him to ditch 3 dragons for 1.
Weenie: He was more meant as a comic relief background character (and, I'll admit, a way of saving Renly for some time so I could kill off Stannis). He's still there, in the shadows. I'll make sure he makes an appearance at the Aegon-Daenerys wedding.
Jennelyn
Jennelyn Fowler stood still, in silence, watching the armada of ships coming into the port of Sunspear, from the large windows of the inner keep.
Besides her, Gulian Qorgyle was just as anxious, likely for different reasons. The first being that he would soon be discharged of his duties in Sunspear, the second being…having to deal with the logistics of feeding three large dragons, which had flown over the keep a few moments earlier.
Besides her, Prince Oberyn also watched, motionless, the large vessels bearing the flag of House Martell, along with a banner not seen in Westeros for nearly twenty years, that of the house of the three-headed dragon.
"Jennelyn," the prince finally called out, "please prepare our guests for the welcoming party. I think it's time that we greet our new King and Queen."
Jennelyn bowed respectfully, and left the room with a small smile on her lips.
Her stay in Sunspear had been rejuvenating. Not only did she get to visit the Water Gardens often, which she loved, but she finally got her hand at what she did best: counting coppers.
Yes, many lords would frown at that, but Jennelyn was raised as heir before her father saw that she had no interest in siring one of her own. Of course, Dorne was a lot more lenient than other kingdoms for these types of things. The burden of responsibilities just silently shifted to her twin sister Jeyne, and no one was the wiser.
But Jennelyn still enjoyed ruling! Well, part of it. She loved her numbers, that was certain. And Lady Alyse Ladybright, the treasurer of Sunspear, was all too eager to teach her all the workings of the trade.
Not that Prince Oberyn or Ser Gulian minded. For the former, it was a way of handing over power to Quentyn's new administration, in a way, since Alyse Ladybright was his father's treasurer, and Jennelyn was very much Quentyn's pick to fill that position once his rule was definitely established.
As for Gulian Qorgyle, busy as he was, he was very much relieved by the fact that his burden was lightened.
And all of this under a lovely weather, amidst the soft breeze coming from the sea, the Water Gardens at just half a day's ride, or even a relaxing evening on the soft beaches around Sunspear, feeling the warm water soothe her skin and wet her hair.
No, truly, she never would have expected this when she entered Quentyn's rooms in Yronwood, almost five years ago now.
And besides, it was a great time to meet new faces. Such as Gerris Drinkwater…or was it Dayne, now? And his lovely wife Elinor. A match made in the heavens, clearly. They had had a son, and Elinor's belly had swollen again recently: the birth would likely not wait more than a few moons.
It was truly a time for rejoicing. Already, Quentyn's daughter was born not so long ago, and Prince Oberyn's paramour Ellaria gave him another daughter only a month prior, a little Mara, who is likely to be quick to join the other little vipers in the Gardens.
Ellaria would logically not be here for the festivities. A shame, truly, but at least most of the residents of the Gardens had been able to make the trip.
Quentyn's brother, Prince Trystane, would be amongst them, along with his betrothed Myrcella, and alongside Princess Sansa Stark.
Princess indeed, because Quentyn insisted on the fact of calling her this, despite Dorne never recognizing Robb Stark as King in the North. Well, no matter now…
Jennelyn therefore walked down the steps leading from the Sun Tower, and into the old keep, the Sandship.
The original keep of Sunspear, it had been mostly converted into a massive garden, based on the model of the Water Gardens, with hanging waterfalls and flower beds on several stories.
The first people she found were Gerris Drinkwater and Elinor Dayne. The blonde-haired man was sitting on a bench with his wife, while trying to teach their child to walk.
An amusing sight, seeing the silver-haired boy trying to awkwardly reach the pair.
Jennelyn stayed in the shadows a few moments, letting the parents bask in their moment together, before appearing behind them and clearing her throat.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but Prince Oberyn has tasked me to say that we must prepare for our ruler's arrival."
The pair turned around, and looked at each other with sad eyes. They probably knew this was the end of their tranquility. For if Gerris Drinkwater was supposed to be Qorgyle's enforcer, the only thing he usually enforced were the cleanliness of the rooms and halls his wife passed through.
Well, the break was over, and it was time to go to more serious things once more.
Elinor thanked her, and, helped by her husband, rose, holding her swollen figure as she wobbled to her feet. Then, the pair left down the hall, without a second thought.
Thankfully for her, she did not have to play hide-and-seek for much longer. Prince Trystane was with both his betrothed and Princess Sansa, apparently deep in conversation with the pair. But neither women were jovial at all, quite the opposite.
"Prince Trystane," Jennelyn respectfully curtsied in front of the boy of four-and-ten namedays, "I believe it is time."
The prince looked awkwardly in front of him, and then spared a look at both women.
"Is there something wrong?" Jennelyn asked.
To her surprise, it was Sansa Stark that answered first. "Myrcella is being led to the slaughter, I would wager that it does trouble her."
Jennelyn turned back towards Myrcella, who had found refuge in her betrothed's arms. Her vision troubled, she could only shake her head at the silent blonde."She is safe in Dorne, you know that."
"Safe with us, yes," Trystane replied, "but you cannot deny that one can feel fear as to who will likely call for her head to clean out the problem of the succession."
Jennelyn bit her lip. She already knew that Myrcella's life was not in danger, but her name would likely change, from Baratheon to Waters…
But she knew better than to break Trystane's heart. Poor boy was smitten with her, or at the very least felt compassion.
"She won't have to worry about that. Quentyn gave his word that she would not be harmed."
Trystane didn't react but Sansa Stark's gaze darkened, her face turning towards the burnt side.
"I know what words are worth."
"Quentyn's word is not that of the Lannisters," Jennelyn angrily retorted. "Or have you forgotten who got you out of the capital?"
Jennelyn regretted the words as soon as they came out of her mouth. They were carried by anger and frustration, but the girl had really only traded a cruel prison for a golden one. The pretty bird was in a cage, certainly being treated well, but without any space to spread its wings.
To her surprise, though, the Northerner just shook her head.
"I'm sorry, my lady", the auburn-haired girl lowered her eyes, turning heels, "We shall go."
And with that, Sansa Stark led the way down the stairs of the Sandship, towards the great courtyard of Sunspear, quickly followed by the Prince and his betrothed.
Jennelyn followed at a distance, echoing each step of theirs, until they reached the great courtyard, almost a floor below, with the Sandship facing the new Keep in the background.
The great courtyard was a large, open space, only traversed by a large pool and fountain, where we would usually hold tourneys and celebrations. The open space was large enough so that they could have horse obstacle races and parades, and would probably be large enough to fit a small dragon, if one saw fit to land here. After all, did Queen Rhaenys not appear in this deserted courtyard, almost three hundred years ago, leaving Meraxes to wait silently here?
It is said the dragon got impatient and struck a piece of the courtyard with his tail, causing the water in the large pool to rush into the cracks, forming a sort of T in the upper courtyard. Legend has it that the Dornish covered the gash with marble and called it the Dragon's corner, giving the previously rectangular shape a small addition towards the side of the castle.
Jennelyn crossed the Dragon's corner, and wondered if three hundred years after Meraxes, another dragon would add another addition to Sunspear's great castle.
For three dragons were indeed circling overhead, captivating the attention of many of the palace guards, servants, guests or residents standing on the sides of the courtyard.
In the middle, their backs to the New Keep and facing the ramparts and the Sun Door, were the important members of the castle. Prince Oberyn in the center, with the 'old guard' to his right, Alyse Ladybright, Ser Manfrey Martell, Ricasso and Maester Caleotte, and the 'new guard' to his left, with Gulian Qorgyle, Gerris Drinkwater and Elinor Dayne, the former carrying the small child in his arms, Prince Trystane, Princess Sansa, Myrcella Baratheon, and, finally, herself.
It only took a few moments for the large wooden door to creak open, giving a glance into the celebrations that were going on in the streets, where cheers were aplenty, and where banners with both the Sun and Spear and the Three-headed dragon floated wildly.
A large escort started pouring in, taking position perpendicularly to the small group in front of the pool, forming two almost perfect lines.
Then the banners announced the presence of the important guests. There, arriving side by side, hand in hand, were Aegon and Daenerys Targaryen. Both clad in black-and-red, both with silver-gold hair, and both being absolutely gorgeous.
Damn Targaryens.
Aegon Targaryen looked magnificent with his short hair, purple eyes and toned body, while Daenerys Targaryen looked like a goddess amongst men, her hair flowing freely towards her neck, her eyes shining like two amethysts on a golden crown.
Jennelyn had never seen a more beautiful woman.
Immediately, the entire group knelt in front of them, until Aegon's voice beckoned them to rise.
When Jennelyn stood up, the two of them were no longer alone. Quentyn and Nymeria stood to their right, while Ned Dayne and Daeron Vaith stood further back.
At the sight of the two Targaryens, Prince Oberyn almost collapsed, he took a step forward, and did not even bother with the usual polite phrases which would have welcomed a ruler into their house.
Instead, he looked him up and down with a judgemental air, and finally let out,"Seven Hells, you have her nose, her lips, her ears…it's really you."
"I have returned to my mother's land, Prince Oberyn. Or should I say…uncle?"
Both fell into each other's arms, hugging fiercely for a few moments.
Then, as the atmosphere relaxed, Prince Oberyn bowed and kissed the Queen's hand.
"Welcome to Sunspear, Your Grace. I hope your return to Westeros is as greatly rejoicing as it was hoped."
The Queen thanked him and exchanged a few pleasantries. Meanwhile, a relieved Gulian Qorgyle shook Quentyn's hand as they hugged as well.
"You took your damn time…" Gulian Qorgyle let out, "I couldn't wait till you finally let me go."
"It was complicated," Quentyn sighed, "and the war is unfortunately not over."
Then, Quentyn made his way towards Gerris, and another hug followed.
"Look how little Julian's grown!" Quentyn exclaimed with a wide smile, before seeing Elinor's state. "And another on the way? Lady Dayne, you shouldn't have come here in your state!"
"It's not everyday that one can see a Targaryen in the flesh," Elinor let out, not noticing the two monarchs right behind him.
"But we would have never missed the opportunity to have met one of our dear cousin's friends!" Aegon let out, kissing her hand, "And our cousin is indeed quite right, you should have some rest instead of talking with us, standing up, in your situation. No, this cannot do, right, dear?"
Daenerys Targaryen's attention was focused elsewhere, however. Her face was captivated with the little boy in Gerris' arms, who played with Daenerys' finger as she extended it to him.
The Queen of the Seven Kingdoms cast a sad smile and asked,"What is his name?"
"Julian, Your Grace," Gerris answered. "My wife and I are expecting another. Elinor, sorry, Lady Dayne thinks it will be a girl and we had thought of naming her…"
"After you, Your Grace." Elinor Dayne smiled widely.
Queen Daenerys was caught off-guard by this, and had a brief moment of astonishment before collecting herself.
"I would be honored, my lady."
"And if it's a boy?" the king asked mischievously.
Elinor and Gerris blushed and looked to his right, to an oblivious Quentyn.
When he finally understood what was going on, he couldn't help but shake his head.
"No, not me. No, no, no, Gerris, you honor me too much."
"But you are the one responsible for me and Elinor…and them. It would be fitting, I think."
Quentyn blushed deeply while Nym cracked a grin beside him, amused to find him in such a position.
"I must agree with my husband, Lady Dayne," Daenerys took both her hands, "in your state, you must rest. I will immediately send for someone to help you to somewhere more comfortable."
A few orders were all it took, and soon a horde of servants quickly appeared to help Elinor Dayne to a more comfortable place.
The mood quickly dropped once they had reached Prince Trystane.
Although King Aegon stayed dignified, exchanging a few words with Prince Trystane, then kissing Myrcella's hand and wishing her well, Queen Daenerys' gaze was piercing through the poor girl of barely ten namedays.
Myrcella's gaze stayed dignified for a few moments, but it was clear that she was on the verge of breaking into tears. Quentyn quickly came to her rescue, placing himself next to Queen Daenerys and urging her towards Sansa Stark, while himself staying put, whispering a quick few words into Myrcella's ear which made her faintly smile again.
While Quentyn and Trystane talked for a few moments, the attention shifted to Sansa Stark.
Contrarily to Myrcella, clearly on the verge of breaking, the Northern girl stood proud and firm, not letting any emotion show, although she clearly did bow her head and formulate the usual courtesies.
Just as he did before, Aegon smiled and kissed her hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Sansa. We have been told a great deal about you and it is a pleasure to finally meet the girl who stood tall against Joffrey the ill-born and Cersei the mad without flinching."
"Your Grace is too kind," Sansa Stark replied simply.
"Do not worry, Prince Quentyn told us everything about your trials, and I promise that we are not here to extend them more than they have already," Aegon said, looking at the burnt side of her face without trying to look away, "you have been through a lot of tragedy and the loss of your father will not remain unpunished, I promise you."
Queen Daenerys grit her teeth and added herself into the conversation.
"Your house may be a traitorous one, but we have decided to be generous to those who bend the knee," she smiled at her, "and if your cousin is bound to us by blood, he will understand that it is futile to resist against us, and as my husband said, we will have no use for you."
The Queen's words were harsh, but the Stark girl didn't even flinch.
"Yes, Your Grace," Sansa bowed her head, "I am grateful for the mercy you give me, and I am sure that House Targaryen will know how to prove itself merciful, like it has done in the past."
Queen Daenerys seemed satisfied, but Aegon looked wide-eyed at the Northerner. What did he pick up on that Daenerys did not? That I did not?
The King instead shook his head and replied softly, "My aunt meant no insult, Lady Sansa, only that we will welcome the North back into the fold graciously, and we hope that your cousin will mend the bridges that both our families have broken over the past years." He took her hand with his and kissed it again. "I promise you that our intentions are not to wage war, but build peace. It is with this objective that we come here, not so much as conquerors, but as uniters of the realm. It has been a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, and I hope to see more of your beautiful figure in the upcoming days."
With that, Aegon switched to greeting Jennelyn, and she barely had time to register the half-shocked, half-relieved face of Sansa Stark.
Once the presentations were over, the two monarchs were then led to a visit of the New Keep and its brand new amenities by Ser Manfrey, Prince Oberyn, and Ser Gulian, only too happy to show off the achievements of his past year's work.
Meanwhile, Quentyn and Nym had made their way to her side.
"King Aegon is quite the man," Jennelyn voiced aloud.
"He knows how to make himself sympathetic to his enemies, which is something Daenerys lacks," Quentyn replied. "I do not dare to imagine what would have happened if I had come back with only Daenerys."
"Not to mention they are not so much fond of each other as they see the necessity of working together." Nym sighed. "But there are still some years ahead of them! And hopefully the Dragon Queen may be brought to reason. After all, if Septa Lemore taught her religion, she can teach her history."
"And you, Jen, how have you been faring?" Quentyn asked.
"Wonderfully!" she exclaimed. "Oh, the work has been the most pleasant, and it has been an absolute joy working on the Royal Wedding!"
"Perhaps not the only wedding you'll be working on," Nym teased.
"So, you've finally chosen? Come on, Quent, can I be the first to know?" Jennelyn rubbed her hands in excitement. "Who is it? Myria Jordayne? Oh, she was always your type, I know that. Or Valena Toland? You might need a dragon of your own."
Suddenly Jennelyn had a realization and gripped him by the shoulder.
"Is it my sister Delilah? Oh gods, please don't make me and Jeyne call you good-brother, Jeyne would tease me endlessly…"
"Calm down, Jen, nothing is set yet…" Quentyn chuckled.
"But we're planning on a wedding right after the war, whatever happens." Nym nodded. "It's for the best, and we don't intend to delay it."
"So you are looking at ideal candidates…" Jennelyn looked at Nym now, "…and I'm guessing you wish to…interrogate them?"
"I'm not going to let my Quentyn marry the first girl he finds pretty." Nym nudged Quentyn sideways with a small grin. "I think that I have my say in it."
"Don't be too picky, Nym," Jen shot back.
"Oh, why is that? For if Quentyn enjoys his wife, we'll have more time to spend together," Nymeria teased her with a smile.
"You haven't changed." Jennelyn shook her head. "In the meantime, I've managed this wedding well enough. All of Dorne will be here to pledge allegiance to the new rulers, including my father, Anders Yronwood, Trebor Jordayne and Nymella Toland. I believe some lords did have to stay to ensure the transfer of troops to Yronwood, but I think Ynys Allyrion is in charge, especially since her duties have doubled with the death of Lady Delonne…"
Quentyn and Nym looked at each other.
"What?" Jennelyn asked.
"Ser Ryon died in Volantis. This means Ynys Allyrion is the new Lady of Godsgrace, until her son comes of age."
"Well, that won't be a fun thing to reveal to her. Glad I won't be doing that." Jennelyn shook her head. "Poor girl, maybe her mother will go to Godsgrace instead of returning straight to Yronwood."
"You've done a lot already, no need to be the bearer of bad news." Quentyn shook his head.
"Oh, don't worry, I enjoyed the work I've been doing, and I can't wait to show father and my sisters the work I've helped build!" Jennelyn declared proudly.
"Who will come?" Nym asked.
"Father and mother, of course," Jennelyn counted. "Then Jeyne and Delilah, and Fiora too. Maybe little Quentyn if he has had a chance to recover from the cold he caught a moon ago, but he was so excited I doubt mother would let him stay in Skyreach."
"Oh." Nymeria smiled. "Then I'll need to talk to you."
"Well, you can talk to me now!"
"Uh, away from prying eyes." She nudged Quentyn. "It's about your nameday present and I still don't have ideas."
Jennelyn laughed.
"I have a few that could work, perhaps we can discuss for a moment before I guide you to the new additions we made in the New Keep and Sunspear as a whole?" Jennelyn asked.
"That would be perfect!" Nymeria nodded eagerly. "Love, why don't you find something to do for an hour or so?"
Quentyn sighed.
"I'll go find Trystane. Poor Myrcella got quite a fright and I intend to show her that I will not let harm come to her."
Jennelyn and Nym both nodded at the same time, that would indeed be needed, especially since the poor girl was crying into Prince Trystane's lap on the pool, while Princess Sansa looked on from a small distance, without a word.
With Quentyn moving away, Nym brought her into the shade of the Sandship, where she finally put a hand over Jennelyn's shoulder.
"So, you need ideas?" Jennelyn asked.
"Actually, I already have one, but I need your help," she confessed.
"Oh, do tell."
"Well, not just your help, I'll also need your two sisters." Nymeria smiled widely.
Jennelyn raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and crossed her arms.
"What do you need from me?"
