DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.
Chapter rating: T (hints of touching)
Arcturus Potter-Greengrass: No, they are Tywin's children. In the end of last chapter I wrote that you do not need to be a Valyrian descendant to claim a dragon as many did not believe that some who were the dragonseeds of the Dance of Dragons (i.e. Nettles: she was reported to not look like a Valyrian) and those who were were even attacked and killed by the beasts. So I do believe you do not need to be a Valyrian to claim a dragon but you must basically earn their favor to claim them. But please enjoy!
harlequin320: Now, it sounded crazy in my mind when I thought of the plan for him, and with my luck it won't be that nuts, but in all he will be used for some strange things and will be of use soon. Hope you like the next chapter!
brachelle80: I am happy you are enjoying it so far, hope you continue to do so~ also I actually read a bit about that to ensure I was doing everything still somewhat like G.R.R. Martin's ASOIaF story using the terms brave, bold, and cunning to claim the dragons. I have found discussions when creating the last few chapters of my story. I liked finding this stuff and reading it. They say it did not need Valyrian blood with some claimings. Jaime gained Rhaenys' respect by challenging her to protect his little brother, bravery and fearlessness. A she-dragon, who already knew could kill with her fire and was about to before Jaime, a tiny human basically, stopped her and intrigued her interest. Sorry for the little rant, please continue to read and enjoy!
NicoleR85: Glad you liked them! Jaime, who had gone through the Mad King's time of burning everything, will see the power of fire but also know the destruction. So, maybe he can help keep the girls' from going truly burny-burny on everyone and everything who opposes them (cough-Dany-cough).
Wolfygirlxx: As Jaime has been nothing but a compliant prisoner since his capture and has helped them when he returned from the North, there really is no reason to kill him and even if he just now bonded with Rhaenys, the dragon might react in aggression if her rider was killed. And Jaime proved his loyalty by telling them of Cersei's letter and the Lannister scout sent to him. Rather than respond to it or keep it secret. So, unless he turns that dragon on Rhaenyra and Robb, he's a threat to his own family right now.
LoneButterfly05: I love both the book and show Jaime up until season 8 when he decided to return after helping in Winterfell. I hope I can do him justice and Roose Bolton basically just agreed about his bastard son being killed. And I do have a way to kind of get back at Walder Frey and his whole Robb and Rhae's son has to marry a daughter of his once the kid's old enough to ward? thinking she would be Queen after Rhaenyra. Please enjoy the next chapter!
Chapter Forty-Two - XLII: The Lion's Den Invaded
(Northern Army)
"How can you sit so calmly and allow this man to tame and bond with your dragon?" Oberyn demanded Rhaenyra as she stood watching as Jaime and Baela worked together on Rhaenys bonding with Jaime.
"Rhaenys is not my dragon as much as Alysanne is. Once I bonded with Rhaella, I lost most of my familial bond over her sisters. The dragons bond with us. I did feel a connection with all three when they were babies, but as they grew older, the she-dragons started to develop their own personalities and their own minds. Once I claimed Rhaella, Alysanne and Rhaenys would not come as close as they used to and would ignore my demands many times, Alysanne started to listen to Baela more once she mounted her, Rhaenys was my wild card. She had no connection with a human like her sisters." Oberyn still scoffed at her words. "Do you have a problem with this, Your Highness?" Rhaenyra knew the Dornish still hated the Lannisters, Baela was an exception as she was raised like a northerner and her mother was loved by the Dornish, Jaime was still regarded carefully. Now, they were a little unhappy with the turn of events as Oberyn found it odd that Jaime was now a dragon rider.
"I want to know, how could Jaime have become a dragon rider?" he asked as she frowned.
"You do not need to be a Valyrian to ride a dragon, I find it ridiculous that only my kin could ride them. No matter what people say, the dragons, despite their intelligence, are like other animals. If you find the right way to befriend them or gain their friendship/alliance, whatever you wish to call it, you could try to mount them. Jaime has yet to do that, we will see if Rhaenys truly accepts him as her rider. Though I am sure she already has," Rhaenyra said as Rhaenys crooned to her new rider as he offered his hand to her as she nudged him.
Tyrion watched from behind as Shae also stood there with Bronn, watching the she-dragon bond with her new rider. Tyrion was seen helping Jaime with pronouncements and how to properly talk with her in High Valyrian. Sansa sat with them with her niece in her arms, bonding with her and allowing the small child to see the dragons upclose.
"How can you just so easily trust him?" Oberyn asked. "After all-"
"If you were about to mention my father," Rhaenyra cut him off. "A mad man who burned people alive for pleasure and was how my sister and I came to be, it was reported that many claim the burning of my husband's grandsire was what caused my mother to fall pregnant one last time, with us. So yes, I do accept Jaime within my circle because he stopped a madman from destroying a city that housed a million innocent souls. Some were slaughtered, aye. But in the end more would have been killed, more lives wasted and different than it is now," Rhaenyra spoke hotly and determinedly about her choice. She was young, yes. But if she had to go and stumble a bit to learn then that was how it worked for her. Rhaenyra knew it was just how it went, but prayed she wasn't wrong. Prince Oberyn eyed her as he stuck his tongue into his cheek before returning his gaze onto the Lannister man who smiled when Rhaenys lifted up at his command. Robb had sent for a saddle to be made by the North for Rhaenys' rider a week back. He just never told any others just who rode her, but that information of Rhaenys gaining a rider quickly spread like wildfire across the Seven Kingdoms. Many in the kingdoms were wondering who claimed her though.
Tyrion and Shae's laughter could be heard as Rhaenys bowled Jaime over in jest with her growing head as she chortled softly, amusement in her eyes as Jaime barked at her to send her off. Shae held Sansa close as they coiled ontop of Daenaera to protect her from the sudden onslaught of dirt and debris flying around from the firepit they were next to as Bronn stood between them and it.
"Seven Hells, look at them," he muttered, truly feeling terror at the sheer size of them.
"This is nothing Bronn," Tyrion said, watching them fly in amazement as Baela was on Alysanne now, leading the she-dragons around the campsite to ensure they were still in top shape before fighting.
XLII
(King's Landing)
"You foolish girl!" Tywin roared at Cersei who glared at the table, seething at his words, while being berated in front of others. "You endangered our host that was marching to the Reach. Sending that letter to Jaime would cause Robb to think we were attempting something and we were, now half his host are marching to aid the Reach who are already being surrounded by allies and their lord returned early. With no Sansa Stark. Which means she is now back with her family," Tywin snarled, he watched over everything as soldiers were heard fighting the people, riots starting, and Tywin was realizing he couldn't stay here, he needed to fight to ensure they win and end this quickly before the people somehow overthrow them. He needed to ensure his legacy remained and would not fall because of his reckless children. "I have sent word for your uncle, Kevan, to replace me while I will go and take his position to ensure we win this war," Tywin cautioned as Cersei scoffed.
"You tried to have a man do your job, maybe it takes a woman to do it," Cersei gave a sneer while her father looked back with a cool look.
"You have failed, allowing him to take Ned Stark's head and we lost all our northern prisoners that were useful," he hissed as she flinched. As though he smacked her with his words. "Your uncle will be given more access than Tyrion was given, so ensure he is given everything," the Lannister lord said. Cersei bit her cheek before marching out. Angrily throwing things and tearing some of her gowns. Roaring at the maids who were foolish to remain there, some getting hit with some items as they fled. Cersei did not understand. Why did Jaime not respond or return to her? The scout's headless body was returned to the Capitol when a burned man rode a horse back. He was among the few that survived the dragon attack on Sarsfield and suffered horrific burns as Grandmaester Pycelle studied them and deemed some untreatable but gave him salves to help the burn. Tywin stared at the burns with a look Cersei never thought she'd see in his eyes. Caution, against a girl. She remembered her response to his actions in the council room.
"You show caution? To a little girl?" Cersei laughed.
"This is not a laughing matter, these dragons grow faster than the ones from the past that belonged to the Dragonpit," Tywin said as Varys spoke up.
"Free of confinement the dragons grow faster and larger when allowed to roam and eat to their content," the Spider said as many turned to him.
"You have conveniently left this information out," Cersei hissed. Varys stared at her, no fear on his face.
"It is common thinking, Your Grace. The creatures of the Dragonpit were bound and kept here, fed by hand and not in an abundance. But these dragons are free and can fly to their content," Varys spoke as she looked at him. "And it seems to think that Robb Stark holds no fear of using his wife's dragons to win the war, seems like a northerner who accepts Targaryen fire," Varys spoke softly as Cersei glared.
"We will have to rethink some of our planning, if they are growing this quickly, than Daenerys Targaryen's dragons are growing just as quickly if not, soon," Tywin said, upset he has not heard anything from Petyr Baelish yet, he has not heard much from the former master of coin once he reached there and was talking with the Iron Bank. Tywin assumed he would hear back by now about the Iron Bank and its choice regarding their debt. So now, he was going to be handling their slowly growing problem here before his grandson became too uncontrollable, before Tywin could set everything into place for him to rule as regent as long as possible. Just as he did with Aerys before Rhaegar went mad and Tywin hoped Joffrey could have a child and they'd be the next replacement. Tywin needed to think as far in the future as possible and the sooner they found a suitable bride for Joffrey the better.
XLII
Tywin sat as he wrote letters to Casterly Rock and others within the Westerlands, Cersei watched him, impatiently sighing. Shifting in her seat as she just listened to his quill scratching along the paper.
"You wanted to speak to me?" Her father said while looking up as she pursed her lips about his tone and regard of his speaking to her, the Queen Regent.
"Yes, it is about Jaime," she spoke, sitting quickly as he paused before looking up at her with a silent sigh.
"What about him?" Tywin questioned as he was disappointed in her one-track mind of her twin brother.
"I wanted to make sure we're doing everything we can to get him back," Cersei asked as he shook dust on the paper. "I know the few plans that were designed in the beginning were-"
"Stupid. Is the word you are about to say, they were stupid. You would think after the first time a burned body piece came back you'd have learned. But no, send a second to ensure what we already suspected," he hissed. He stopped from writing the letter he was working on. "When Catelyn Stark took Tyrion prisoner, what did I do in response?" he asked, blowing the dust off as she stopped.
"You started a war," she answered. Feeling like she was a young girl again being lectured.
"And if I would start a war for that lecherous little stump, what do you think I did when his brother, who was meant to be my heir, first got caught?" Tywin started, looking at her before resuming his writing.
"Whatever you can," she said as he nodded.
"Whatever I could," the man corrected before scowling at a thought as Cersei frowned with his wording. Tywin seals the letter he finished and starts another one. Before seeing that his daughter still sat there. "You're still here," he claimed.
"Yes," Cersei refused to accept the defeat of her father's trust. She knew he had found out the multiple times they've tried to get to Jaime.
"Why?" Tywin asked. He wished to have quiet while working and Cersei was not even paying attention as she was just sitting there and tapping her fingers. It amazed him how she survived this long without Robert.
"Did it ever occur to you that I might be the one who deserves your confidence and your trust, not your sons? Not Jaime or Tyrion, but me. Years and years of lectures on family and legacy- the same lecture, really, just with tiny, tedious variations- did it ever occur to you that your daughter might be the only one listening to them? Living by them? That she might have the most to contribute to your legacy that you love so much more than your actual children?" Cersei asked, anger flooding her veins as she thought of all the times she was disregarded for what was between her legs. Or rather lack of.
"All right. Contribute," Tywin claimed, not even giving her his full attention as she bit her cheek at his dismissal of her offer.
"The Tyrells are a problem, of course, they sided with the Baratheons and refused your generous offer to make their lord's daughter queen if she were to marry Joffrey," Cersei started as she knew to phrase her words carefully.
"And I have paid for the Golden Company's help to defeat Stannis Baratheon. And now Stannis Baratheon is dead with his weak brother as the new leader of their family and weak claimant," Tywin claimed as Cersei clenched her fist.
"Why do you trust the Golden Company so much? We owe the Iron Bank a great deal, yes? So, all it would take is a simple missive and they could wipe us out for defaulting on our loan to them. Why would you have them so close?" She demanded as he glared at her.
"Because it splits their forces in half, they are much better when in full force, but so long as we owe them a significant amount they will side with us until a better deal comes along," he said before staring her down. "Also, the fact that the Commander has given me a list of names of noble girls of the East, who would adapt to the Faith and be obedient when she arrives. So, yes, the Golden Company is being quite useful," Tywin finished as she bit her lip.
"A girl who could manipulate him? Do her bidding? Is that truly what you want for your legacy?" she asked, a laugh light on her lips.
"If it keeps him compliant, yes. I wish you knew how to manipulate him. I don't distrust you because you're a woman. I distrust you because you're not as smart as you think you are. You've allowed that boy to ride roughshod over you and everyone else in this city. And you do not think things through," he said, grabbing a paper and resumed his writing.
"Perhaps you should try stopping him from doing what he likes," Cersei said.
"I will," he claimed before she couldn't help but ask.
"What did you mean? When you claimed that you 'did everything you could for Jaime.' He is still your heir and-"
"Jaime turned the messenger into the Stark boy, allowing the Targaryen girl's dragons to burn him rather than return or even write back. The messenger who brought the headless body back told me this once all of you had left. Not wanting to let it slip that he could be a traitor," Tywin spoke as he paused. "Unless he is trying something to kill the girl when he's had ample time. He's chosen his bastard daughter and whore," Tywin snarled, continuing his writing as Cersei felt her lip twitch at that. Bile in her throat at the fact that Jaime chose the Velaryon woman over her, her bastard daughter over their precious boy. She felt anger fill her blood and come roaring back in the lioness she is.
"He is our family, he will choose correctly, I am sure," she reassured as he hummed unconvinced before resuming his letters, both now silenced as Cersei stewed in her seat about her twin's reaction to the letter.
XLII
(Essos)
Daenerys smiled as she read some more letters from the Stark family in Winterfell. Daenerys had sent some inquiring about Jon to his younger brother and the Maester. The old man had written to her personally and told him everything about Jon, even some of his insecurities that the elder knew about, knowing he should tell his Queen's sister everything. Daenerys felt her heart go out to the young man as she read that because of his rearing, Jon thought he should not have children. It was why he joined the Night's Watch when he assumed himself a Snow bastard. Daenerys was too busy reading the multiple missives about Jon's character and his interests that she missed Daario appearing in her tent. Drogon, who usually resides in her tent with his growing size fitting one at a time, started to growl and smoke at the man just coming in.
"Khaleesi?" Daario said he froze when the dragon lifted himself. Being now taller than
"Why were you not announced when you came to my tent?" Daenerys asked sharply, not enjoying being disrupted.
"I did not think I had to," Daario grinned while Daenerys stood.
"It is what is custom for a Queen's chambers, all visitors are announced as there is always a servant or guard present when an unmarried woman is alone," she claimed as Raynor and Ser Jorah stepped out into view as a few handmaidens were around as well.
"Why-"
"Her Grace needs to start going by the Westerosi ways, so she can adapt better once she makes it to Westeros," Missandei said as she stood behind the queen.
"As is custom, Missandei will always be beside her so our queen will never be alone," Ser Jorah spoke. Watching the man with caution.
"Our queen does not have to do anything! She is Daenerys Targaryen, the mother of dragons-" Daario hated how he had been able to flirt with her in the beginning and now, any chance he could he is always guarded against and reminded to keep specific steps back.
"A mother of dragons, not the mother of dragons," Raynor reminded sharply. "Our queen, who is a woman, will be expected to be loyal and true to her husband, as he will be. A Stark raised husband who is unable to lay with another if he is to be married, it goes against his whole nature, a man who will do everything and anything to please his wife and would keep her daughter, Princess Rhelli, safe from any treasonous acts. So, who better a husband would be for our dragon queen? Her sister has one. A loyal and true husband who is so protective that he argues with his own family and his men, who think the queen should return and rule her lands, but he fights to keep her at his side and to fight with him. Many have told our king to send our Queen home, but no. He keeps her with him because he values her opinions and her wants. His cousin, Jon, would do the same for you, Your Grace," Raynor defended. He knew Jon from personal experience of helping raise that boy, he knew Jon would value Daenerys above everything, including his own right to rule the Iron Throne as Rhaegar's last son.
"You seem to praise Jon quite a bit," Daenerys commented, coming to stand with Raynor.
"I watched him grow into a fine young man, not anything like your former husband but not as ruthless," he claimed as Daenerys smiled.
"Tell me more," Daenerys encouraged as she walked alongside the northern knight. Unaware of the jealousy coursing through Daario as he realized this new man arriving might automatically be placed above him, should Daenerys say yes. So Daario makes a decision to show his dragon queen which man was a better husband. Him, a sellsword who would do anything and everything for Daenerys and ensure she was queen of whatever she liked, or some Westerosi man who will no doubt expect her to give him many children no matter her health and possibly rule over her, as he heard was custom for Westerosi men. He could not wait to test the northman who will be here soon.
XLII
(Northmen)
"Dokimarvose," Jaime called as Rhaenyra ordered him to use the whip.
"It's the only way they truly listen," Rhaenyra told him with a shrug. Like horses, dragons needed the whip to reinforce the lesson. Jaime had been hesitant before agreeing. He's never used the whip on his horses and did not wish to use them on the dragons but knew it was needed. He'd seen Rhaella fight her mother when Rhaenyra needed her to listen, it was when it was feeding time and the dragons did not leave but were offered sheep.
Twisting the whip oddly in one hand before licking his lips, he used the whip as it licked across her chest. The dragon shrieked in startled pain. Hissing, she growled, showing her teeth while Jaime bit his cheek. He flicked the whip once more, catching her neck as she backed up. Jaime had seen her deadly black teeth as her throat started to light up golden.
"Embrot! Dohaerās!" Jaime demanded her to lay down. She growled before Jaime caught her once more as she whined and laid down. Smoking emitted from her closed mouth. Her green-fire filled eyes meeting her rider's Lannister green ones. Baela had joked that her father and Rhaenys matched in their coloring, golden with green eyes.
"Sȳz riña," Rhaenyra praised as Jaime repeated the phrase when his daughter told him the translation. Jaime knew he'd struggle to remember all the commands and words that would help him control Rhaenys.
"Why are you doing this?" Baela asked Rhaenyra softly as her father pet the golden snout as she trilled.
"Because I am pregnant once more," Rhaenyra revealed to her cousin who smiled but kept quiet. "And I will need you both to do what Aegon's sisters did. Be my voice and my flames," Rhaenyra told her cousin her plans as Baela frowned softly. Slowly as Rhaenyra talked, Baela looked slightly horrified and ensured no one heard their words hissed.
"That was not agreed to, you said the Riverlands and the North would be your Kingdom, why go for Catelyn's sister's lands?" Baela asked.
"Because she knows that if she can encase the Vale, no one can block her if she does what Visenya did. Fly into the Vale, hold Sweet Little Robyn in a mock threat. Do not threaten him but do not let them know that," Jaime said, having overheard them talking.
"Before we talk anymore, I must discuss this with Robb. And try to convince him about this," Rhaenyra claimed. She knew Catelyn would be against this as it would threaten Lysa and Robin Arryn. Which her sister would take as a slight and quite possibly side with the Lannisters.
"He might be against it with his mother," Baela said as her cousin hummed while petting Rhaella who approached, wanting her rider's attention while nuzzling her belly, it was still flat and Rhaenyra knew it would not be as noticeable as it was with her twins. So, she made a decision and decided to let Rhaenys and Alysanne bond with their riders before Rhaenyra needed to start training them like she was forcing herself to train to fight the Ironborn.
XLII
Rhaenyra greeted Grey Wind whose tail wagged at seeing her as he sniffed her thoroughly, he seemed to whine with an all-knowing glance. Shushing the wolf, she entered and kissed her husband in greeting. Robb frowned softly as she pulled away to discard her clothing.
"What?" She asked.
"It's nothing, it's just you have an off scent now," Robb smiled as she threw her hands up.
"Seven Hells! What am I supposed to do?" she laughed while asking as Robb chuckled.
"It is fine," he grinned. Rhaenyra just shook her head as she rolled her eyes before settling into the hot water to wash herself. Rhaenyra paused in wondering how she should bring it up.
"There is something I found out recently," Rhaenyra said, Robb continued his gaze over the map.
"Found out how Jaime was able to mount Rhaenys?" Robb asked with a small smile, his wife splashed him as he gave a sharp 'oi' to his maps, almost getting the water attack, but laughed at her scowl.
"No, you arse," she cursed while taking the sponge to wash herself. "It is something dealing with us," she emphasied as he paused.
"Like what?" he questioned her. Looking at him as he knelt beside the tub she gave him a small smile.
"I know we talked about waiting to have more children until this war was closer to being over, but it would appear my body has decided to choose against us," Rhaenyra said as Robb frowned, not fully understanding as she smiled. Taking his hand, she laid it across her small swell. Robb stared at her with shock while Rhaenyra smiled. He stuttered before looping down and pressing a few kisses to her face.
"You are sure?" He knew her bleeding was on and off during her breastfeeding their twins.
"I had Thoros confirm and also the fact that I cannot stand the smell of fish anymore," Rhaenyra shuddered when she had been served trout earlier she almost lost her composure before Dacey had it removed. She had seen the signs instantly and reacted accordingly, said Ser Barristan when he praised her efforts to Maege. The mother was quite proud of her daughter as well.
"You are carrying my child once more?" Robb asked as she agreed. He gave his wife his full attention as she laughed at his reaction. "You are staying with me this time, unless you wish to return to Winterfell." She stopped him with a firm 'no.'
"I am not returning without you, Robb. I already have a plan in place but not yet active. I want your approval, but it is a good plan," Rhaenyra said as he smiled.
"We can discuss this tomorrow, for now, I am going to enjoy the news of being a father to a newborn once more," he said as she rolled her eyes, knowing he would keep her pregnant, though she would not fight him on that, enjoying the thought of baring more children for him.
"I pray the Gods give us another boy," Rhaenyra hoped as Robb grinned.
"And I pray for more girls," he commented as she glared.
"You better pray I have a single child, those two almost killed me," she growled, motioning to her twins' craddle.
"I pray you give me a number of girls, My Love," he hoped as she smiled softly. "Boys are a handful and I grew up with many brothers. I would love a horde of girls," Robb beamed as Rhaenyra chuckled while holding her husband close and reveling in their bonding moment.
"Well, I hope for another boy, we will name him Torrhen if he is," she said as he grinned.
"And Aerea if it is a girl," he claimed.
"Agreed," Rhaenyra agreed to her husband's deal as he kissed her, allowing his hand to drift down and cup her womanhood as she moaned, fisting his curls as his lips drifted to her neck as he brought her under.
XLII
"Your best way of breaking through Casterly Rock's defences are with the dragons to attack the seaside and from a host attacking the walls by the land but they are double-stone enforced. Father made sure they were reinforced after the Reynes rebellion," Jaime said as Robb nodded, listening to the blonde's words.
"Then how would one get in?" Greatjon questioned as Rickard Karstark eyed the terrain.
"Dragonfire, using it on the walls," Jaime claimed, moving the dragon heads to where they should be, to the weakened parts of the wall.
"Just as Aegon the Conqueror did to Harrenhall," the Karstark patriarch said as the other nodded a small yes.
"Only, not attacking the inside is all I ask with the fire, I'll help open the walls if I can, though with my luck I'll only have Rhaenys trained enough to fly around and scare the people, unless she knows what to do," Jaime claimed as Roose nodded.
"The dragons do, I've seen it. When one is targarted they work together to protect one another and can defend a small cluster of men before we are overtaken," the Hand said as Robb nodded.
"Then we will start pairing the dragons up with units of the army, now that they have riders. Rhaenyra, this is your part," he urged. His pregnant wife, her stomach swelling once more already, stood with Dacey behind to help ensure she didn't weaken.
"Jaime, Baela. We will start flying together once the third saddle is brought so that the girls can get used to not flying together in a single unit. They need to start flying separately and attacking on their own," Rhaenyra revealed as they both nodded. "But soon, we will start flying over our parts of the army. Baela, you will, of course, fly over the northern army men, Jaime, you will stay with the southeron men. I will be scouting ahead when I can and joining in ensuring we are not attacked-"
"Your Grace, it would be better for Jaime or your cousin to scout and be the defender, not yourself in your condition," a lord spoke up softly before a growl from Grey Wind silenced him quickly. Many noticed how the direwolf would silence others when the Queen or King spoke.
The large male did not appreciate the disrespect his Alphas were receiving from other lower members of the growing pack. Lady would join occasionally when Sansa would defend her King brother and sister by law.
"Grey Wind," Robb started, though he was amused by his wolf's attitude. "My wife's dragon is more aggressive and faster than her sisters. Also the fact that Aegon's sister-wife scouted ahead, my wife knows what to do," he defended his wife's choice. She wanted the army to trust Jaime in protecting them when it came down to it and knew that he would. Slowly. He was learning quickly and might be of help when they attacked Casterly Rock.
XLII
Jaime watched as Rhaenyra raced around the Keep of Sarsfield, having stayed next to the Keep, it was also a way to help the girls bank around the walls and towers. Robb had been sent a missive about the third saddle arriving as he held his son in his arms, the babe sleeping peacefully as Daenaera was held by Sansa. Rhaenys was carefully being saddled as she suddenly dove for a man who hooked the strap too tightly. The man screamed as he was burned a bit by the dragonflames as Jaime used his whip to calm her down and called for Thoros to help for the burned man. Robb had watched as Jaime soothed his dragon while they continued to strap her saddle on, she seemed disgruntled by it unlike her sisters which worried Baela that Rhaenys might try and reject the saddle but a simple swipe of the whip by the golden dragon's rider made the she-dragon submit to the saddle and reins. A man from Dorne asked what the difference of saddle type was before Robb claimed northern leather was harder and tougher, it held better than southern leather. Jaime had seen the difference in horse saddles. But could see his dragon calming once he started to pet her and keep her calm.
"There Ser. She should be saddled properly," the saddlemaker swore while patting the female's hide softly and tried to help keep her calm. "It's alright girl, I've made your sister's saddle and her rider is kept safe, so shall yours. I wish you luck, Ser, I will be watching to be sure it holds," the man said. He wanted to be sure of doing the saddles right as his wife hoped that if dragons start to populate once more, it would be a great expense to expect from the royal members as Robb paid heavily for two of the three saddles and their transporation. Jaime breathed heavily feeling some nausea at the prospect of falling to his death should the saddle fail.
"Worry not, Father. My saddle holds well and I will be below should something happen," Baela grinned as others laughed.
"Oh, that reassures me." Jaime shook his head before being encouraged by Tyrion.
"Come on already, before we die of old age!" the dwarf shouted, half-drunk but wished to see this as Shae stood beside Sansa who also wished to watch a first ride.
"You remember the words, yes?" Thoros called as he pulled the wounded man away with some guards' help. Once Jaime was seated and bound properly and took the reins as Rhaenys perked up, turning her head in confusion, eyeing him with her emerald eyes.
"Sōvēs!" Jaime called. Rhaenys faltered only a second before surging into the air as she roared and shook her head as Alysanne, who had landed to allow Baela on, followed. Eagerly shrieking at her sister as they took to the skies together. Jaime held in a yelp as he was pushed against the saddle from the air current before being pitched forward as she dove only to ascend once more. Jaime heard a whistle from Alysanne as she flew near as Baela motioned for him to use the whip and reins. Using her dragon as an example. Baela used the whip when she pulled her dragon's reins to descend when Alysanne fought for a moment. The sharp sting of her rider's whip made her obey. Alysanne was still one of the most easily trained dragons and seemed to have a lighter body structure as she was still thinner than her sisters but ate just as much. Oberyn assumed speed would be Alysanne's favor as she was quicker than her sisters.
Jaime quickly did as his daughter did, though it was hard when he had to get his body positioned correctly. But he had done the whip once as Rhaenys shrieked before obeying the command, Rhaenyra had instilled the fear of the whip in her dragons early on and this allowed the rider's to use it as well. Jaime smiled as flew on Rhaenys with Baela who beamed seeing her father enjoy the sensation of dragonriding. Fly side-by-side, Rhaella joined as she made the other two fly a bit lower, though Jaime knew it was a hierarchy. Rhaella knew she was the leading animal as her rider was a leader herself, so she pushed her way through her sisters many times. Rhaenyra smiled at her two dragonriders as they flew together on the she-dragons. And so Rhaenyra led them to start attacking the cliffside to start training them. Robb knew the three would be ready soon, but he needed to know if Jaime would attack his own people. Renly had sent him word about needing his men, not him.
"Attack the heart of the Lannister men. If you do this you will indeed prove Lannisters are not untouchable. I wish you luck Robb Stark, and I pray for your success in both endevors," Renly's letter said as Robb read it before sending a handful of lords and a good number of their forces to help Renly's men. Rhaenyra claimed she would join soon after to be of help if she could be. Robb did not like that before claiming he'd join too so they could show a united front with the Baratheon Lord.
XLII
(Essos)
Daenerys stood there in her fine gown as her pony sized dragons hovered around her. They shrieked in anticipation as the small fleet of northern ships made its way to the dock.
"That is Danish made," Jorah started as he pointed out the differences between her ships and the Danes' ships. "They are northern seafarers, and can never get lost on the open sea," Jorah spoke as Daenerys listened.
"How does one prevent themself from being lost at sea if you cannot tell where you are going unless using the stars at night?" Missandei asked, unsure.
"Sunstones and sundials. Seafarers use them to find the sun and navigate their direction. Whatever direction the dial shadow is meant to face most use that to go or from that point. If it's past a certain line, they're off their point and need to reconfigure their numbers," he said as Missandei nodded. "Do the Summer Isles children not use this way?" He asked as she shook her head.
"No, we use the visible sun position and stars to guide ourselves," she said.
"But what about cloudy days? Or days where you cannot see the sun? That is the point of the sunstone, child, to always find the sun, no matter a day time," he spoke as she listened. Daario could not believe how easily it was to entice the young translator to listen to the stories of northern man.
"There are not that many," Daario commented as Daenerys frowned.
"This is only a small portion of the fleet, they did not see a reason to bring them all in," Raynor said as Daario glared. "They are raiders but hardy people," Raynor claimed as Daenerys frowned.
"Raiders? They steal, how can my sister allow this to remain in her army?" Daenerys questioned.
"It is a part of their way of life, and they do not attack those of Westeros, unlike the Greyjoys," Raynor defended Uthred's people.
"Your Grace! We see them docking," an unsullied soldier ran to her, bowing as Daenerys breathed to steady herself.
Jon sighed as he helped haul Ghost off and groaned as Sigtryggr and Stiorra helped. The Dane softly petted the white furred wolf to rouse him fully, they had kept him somewhat sedated during the trip here as he had been uncomfortable and it was dangerous for his health, Jon had worried so much Stiorra had called him a nervous mama.
"Animals die easily onboard ships," Jon defended his nerves while Stiorra agreed but reassured him, her people knew how to keep animals alive better than anyone on ships, it was how they kept alive the animals they raided on the way back, people were not their top priority but the loot from raids.
"Come on, Ghost," Stiorra cooed as the wolf stood, shaking off his fur as the male wolf followed his master. Ghost disliked the heat instantly and continuously would shake his fur, the sand no doubt was bothering him as well.
"Hopefully, we do not need to stay here so long boy," Jon promised Ghost while petting him, he had shed most of his heavy clothing while dressing in Dornish clothing that Oberyn had spared, knowing the heat of Essos compared to his northern atmosphere. He wore lighter colors and silk that was cool and also the same that Stiorra's people also wore to keep themselves at ease while waiting for Daenerys' decision. Jon actually worried about how to present himself to her, despite growing up with her sister and knew the mother language, High Valyrian, a bit.
"I am sure she will accept Jon, you are a handsom man and a loyal one, the only reason you left the Wall was not only to gain help for when they are attacked by The Others or the other Wildlings," Eadith said as she walked with him as her husband and children joined. "And, it would strengthen her claim to this throne every southeron family wants," she commented as he grinned.
"Aye. It was something our family's ancestors created once they brought all seven Kingdoms together. Many were the melted swords of the fallen soldiers," Jon told them as Stiorra listened to the history with a small smile. She never knew it truly but after seeing the dragons, understood how Jon's ancestors could be called Aegon the Conqueror.
"What if she means to test you? With her dragons?" Stiorra asked as her husband shushed her softly as to not worry Jon. The northerner had thought of that and was nervous about meeting her dragons, but knew this is what his King and cousin needed of him. He would meet either dragon-flame or be accepted by the dragon queen.
"Now announcing, Jon Snow, cousin to King Robb and nephew to Queen Rhaenyra," a squire called as Jon approached the sitting queen who was being fanned by a Dothrak servant. Daenerys was beautiful when he saw her, she was tanner than Rhaenyra from her time in Essos and wearing little clothing for the heat. But it enhanced her white hair and indigo eyes. She wore a beautiful blue silk dress that was cinched around her neck with a metal collar of sorts, it flowed and also cupped her body suggestively as Jon cleared his throat with a small blush at realizing he was eyeing her. Though it seemed to brighten her and also amuse her as she giggled.
"Welcome to Essos, Jon Snow," Daenerys greeted as Jon approached, bowing with all those around him following suit. Daenerys seemed to like what she saw as Jon approached with a missive from her sister personally. As she stared into his dark eyes that reminded her of Drogo, but held warmth, calmness, and above all adoration in the sight of her, even after seeing her sister's dragons, seen her flying them but even now still reveled in being able to be in Daenerys' presence as well. Daario seemed displeased with this small display as Daenerys obviously seemed taken with this northerner's appearance. Though what Jorah, amusingly surmised, was a dragon recognizing another dragon. Maybe it was the same thing that attracted Rhaegar to Lyanna and Robb to his Targaryen wife. A union of fire and ice once more.
XLII
(Kevan Lannister)
He stared on with horror as he watched the dragons descend to start their attack on the fields just outside of Casterly Rock, aiming for the heart of the Westerlands. Tywin had tried to get to him before the Northmen reached Casterly Rock, but it would seem his Dragon Queen was faster when her dragons started to attack the castle before his army arrived. But what horrified him the most, was to see Jaime on the golden she-dragon's back. Jaime had gone for the archers on the walls as many fled when the dragonfire destroyed some structured part of the wall.
"My Lord!" One soldier ran in panting as he was dust covered. "Queen Rhaenyra's dragon has broken through the walls and northern soldiers are pouring in, there's no stopping them or the Dornish that are fighting the people," the soldier explained as Kevan paled. Robb had sent the Dornish through first, allowing them to go for the people they hated most while keeping his men safe.
"The King?" Kevan was not his brother, he would call these people what they are, rebellious King and Queen who truly have a following that can destory their control over the two of the Seven Kingdoms that were now under the dragon queen's control.
"He is seen with a large part of his army waiting, I believe he is waiting for his wife's signal," the soldier explained quickly with a frown.
"Why-" a sudden burst of blue flames to the side of the castle caused Kevan and the soldiers to fall sideways as his wife gave a startled cry while holding her child, Genna held her close to calm both her and her niece down.
"Hush now, come on. Everyone, into the mines for safety," Genna ordered.
"No," Kevan started, getting up with his guard's help. "The mines opening are near the outskirts of the walls. You will be caught before making it to the safety of the mines," he said. Genna scoffed at his words as she moved from her good-sister's side.
"And what do you think that Targaryen girl will do when she gets a hold of us? We are Tywin's siblings. They will make an example of us. Just like he did her family," she recalled as he frowned.
"Not if we try to surrender to Jaime only," he said as the women looked at him stunned.
"Surrender? Tywin would have our heads and allow us to be sacrificed for the sake of the family," Genna said. Their brother would not allow this to happen and she knew what his decision would be, die fighting or try and take her out.
XLII
Jaime pulled Rhaenys as she growled before spitting fire once more, aiming for the gates that would allow others to escape. A sudden arrow grazed Jaime's cheek as he yelped. The sudden reminder of what he was doing made Rhaenys shriek in anger before diving down and burning the men along the ramparts. He ignored the screams as Rhaenys raced past the gate opening after destroying it, allowing more men inside. The cheers of the northerners won as Kevan Lannister was forced out as his sister and wife were also held at knife point by the northern men under Roose Bolton with the Sand Snakes listening to his orders. Robb's Hand had been given the control of this attack while his wife fought on dragonback. He had gone for the small army that was fighting the backend of the northern forces. Rhaenyra felt something was wrong, she had Rhaella circle the Keep with a frown as she tried to look for what tickles the back of her mind, her sixth sense Smalljon joked she had with her dragon connection. But it was the sudden jolt of a bolt piercing her ribs. This time, they pierced her hard. Rhaella roared in agony as she breathed fire on Casterly Rock, now enraged her rider was wounded. Rhaenyra moaned in agony as she felt pain erupt throughout her body. Rhaella, with no direction, started to attack any Lannister she saw. Rhaenys and Alysanne confusingly followed her trying to make her land, but the she-dragon refused. Roars were answered by howls. Grey Wind was calling the female to the land, Rhaella torn to listen and know her rider needed help, wished to continue her attack before a bite from Rhaenys forced Rhaella to return to Robb, who saw his wife now slumped over her dragon and bleeding heavily as her breath was erratic.
"Get her down!" Robb roared as he dismounted his horse and ran to help keep Rhaella down so others could detach Rhaenyra from her dragon. "Fetch the maesters and Red Priest, now!" Robb demanded as he saw Jaime and Baela dismount. Both covered in soot but held worry in their eyes as Rhaella shrieked and roared in pain or rage, Robb could not tell as Rhaenys and Alysanne tried to coo to their sister. But the enraged she-dragon snapped, biting Rhaenys sharply and was nipped by Alysanne in warning as Grey Wind watched cautiously.
"Will she live?" Baela asked her father who shrugged and shook his head.
"I do not know, sweet girl," he said as Baela felt tears gather while Wolland held her close to comfort her as Jaime looked to the dragons, the red-black she-dragon glaring at him as though angry with him. He looked back at his home and paused. Jaime knew this would be mixed results of his actions, going against his own kin even if at the commands of his Queen and King. But he would claim it was actions he should have taken many years ago for Rhaegar, the Prince, he would have done his duties for. But the Mad King who had produced three sane children and one mad son, who he heard was killed by Khal Drogo for threatening Daenerys' twins when she was pregnant. So, Jaime understood the Khal's decision, but now as he thought of Rhaegar's actions, they did not seem mad nor like he hated his wife, Elia. If anything it was Elia who seemed to always want information on her sister-wife, worrying herself so much that she made herself sick to think Lyanna was not doing well or the babe might take both of them. Rhaenyra had told him everything she read in the letters between the three, Lyanna's pregnancy had evoked worries in both southeron royals who worried about her delicate health. Jaime had remembered the times he met Lyanna Stark and could see why the Prince had fallen for her. Jaime now realized Jon would have been the baby he would defend had Rhaegar won. Lyanna might have survived, had Rhaegar won. Catelyn had claimed that it was months after Rhaegar's death that they found Lyanna or Ned returned with her remains.
Robb had wanted this to be victorious for the army at Tywin losing his house seat, but now they would all be praying the Queen survived. Or her dragon might go on a burning rage. Rhaella continued to roar in anger before following Rhaenyra's body back to the camp where the Sand Snakes were taking her with her Queensguard. Dacey felt she failed, but no more than Ser Barristan and Jaime Lannister who both swore to defend their Targaryen Queen after failing to protect her brother.
XLII
End of the chapter!
How was that? They technically won the fight against Casterly Rock but Rhaenyra took a big hit.
What do you think will turn out after the bolt pierces her? Let me know! Please read and review ?
~Rusty14~
