9th Moon, 97 AC
Castle of Highgarden, the Reach
The torches flew through the air as the troupe of mummers danced and juggled about the hall of Highgarden, the smell of food from the kitchens masking the scent of treason for the moment.
Jaerion had brought the mummers to Highgarden himself, while fond of his kinsman Ellard Tyrell, the Lord of Highgarden, he knew enough about the man to know he could expect little in the way of revelry or entertainment from his host, Ellard was a frugal man.
The traitors were all in attendance, Ellard sat at the head of the table, his pale face looking somewhat taut though Jaerion supposed it was the cancer which afflicted him as opposed to anything else. The illness however had not lessened his social nature and he was deep in conversation with his neighbor and fellow conspirator, Lord Willem Lannister.
The Prince of Dragonstone was seated next to Lord Gesmund Martell, the venerable lord of Dorne, who intently watched the revels.
''Let us see the Dragon roar!'' Jaerion called out loudly, leading to shouts of approval from the guests.
The mummers obliged, and one of the mummers, a firebreather let out a torrent of fire earning a gasp of shock from the crowd before the fire spread to the backside of one of the mummers who comically ran around in circles before being extinguished by his fellows, causing a roar of laughter to spread through the feast hall, lead by Jaerion whos booming laugh was easily recognizable, even Lord Tyrell had a small hint of a smile on his wan face.
''And with that….I do believe it is time to begin our business.'' Lord Tyrell said, ordering the room cleared as Jaerion had his people reward the mummers generously for their performance, leaving just the Prince of Dragonstone alone with the Lords Tyrell, Martell and Lannister.
''I suppose I shall start…..the spears of Dorne are with you my Lord, though I would voice my support that we resolve this peacefully and with as little bloodshed as possible…if that fails….we must be patient and let her strike the first blow….let the realm see we are merely defending ourselves.'' Lord Martell began.
Jaerion raised his wine cup lightly to that ''None of us wants a war Lord Martell…I mean to rule these people not subject them to Dragonfire ….I will give my grandmother every chance to submit to me peacefully…..but we have the means necessary if it comes to war.''
Willem Lannister, a quiet man, nodded his assent ''Your mother had planned a coup….your father commands the Dragon Cloaks in the Red Keep and I am entitled to mine own humble retinue as Master of Coin….should you come to the capitol with your own guard we would have enough men to overwhelm the Queensguard and your grandmother and aunts loyal retainers….if conducted correctly…it would be over in a day….there would be blood….but compared to civil war….''
Ellard shook his head at that ''News of our presence here will soon reach Laenas ears, any chance of surprising her or Vaella has passed my Lords…..''
''What do you suggest then?'' Lord Martell questioned.
''We surround the capitol with such a host that the Queen has no chance of resisting, hosts from Highgarden and Casterly Rock in the west and your own host from Dorne in the south while Jaerion and the royal fleet blockade Blackwater Bay….that is the strategy my uncle Vaekar counseled to my mother.'' The Lord of Highgarden answered
''And unlike Vaekar I have an army behind me…..we could have nearly 100,000 men outside the walls of Kings Landing…a show of strength….my grandmother would be foolish to resist.'' Jaerion said, liking the idea already, not only would such a move show his grandmother his overwhelming strength, but also command respect from the other lords of the realm, and it likely would allow his brother and father to survive what was to come, a prospect which was quite uncertain in a potential coup.
''Are the Tullys with us?'' Lord Martell asked.
Jaerion paused a moment, Riverrun and the Riverlords swore fealty to Leonette Tully, his sister-by-law, the woman was a just one and would find it hard pressed to break her oath to the Iron Throne, but his wife Belles mother Daena had assured her she would plant the seeds, and Leonette was a humble woman, making it more likely she would follow her mothers lead.
''If it comes to war I believe my sister-by-law will follow her mothers lead and rally for her rightful King….regardless of what the Riverlords do, Daena has promised me her support along with the dragon Moondancer.'' He answered.
''We must not neglect the dragons in the capitol…it is said there are many dragons within the Dragonpit…even if we raise 100,000 men they cannot stand against Vhagar and Meraxes…the field of fire showed that.'' Lord Lannister cautioned.
''My grandmother has many dragons and none to ride them…..she is a woman of seventy and two and has not ridden Vhagar in years…..Vaella has Narrah it is true, but Daena or myself could account for her on Moondancer though it would be an even fight….my aunt Jaehara has a small dragon as well but she is a coward and a drunkard….not a fighter.'' Jaerion said.
''It is said your cousin Aenys has claimed Oathwing….your grandfather Jaekars dragon.'' Ellard said.
''Aenys is no threat…and Andalax is near thirty feet and quick at that….if it came to it I would make short work of him.'' Jaerion said disdainfully, showing what he thought about his cousins ''prowess''.
''I feel it to be unlikely that we would be allowed to bring near 100,000 men before the gates of Kings Landing without causing an outright war….the Queen would surely call for aid…..perhaps merely the act of raising our forces will force her surrender.'' Lord Martell suggested.
''Call for aid from where? When the lords of the realm see the amount of men I have gathered to my cause they would be foolish to cast their lot in with her, even those that don't pledge their support to my cause won't defend a doomed woman.'' Jaerion said confidently.
''There will no doubt be some that will remain loyal to her, despite her reputation…..we must consider the Stormlands uncertain….should Laena call her banners….'' Ellard Tyrell suggested.
''My aunt will ensure Ronnel never moves against me…..Storm's End will prove no trouble.'' Jaerion answered.
His aunt Larrisa had been present at his mothers funeral and had seem quite favorably disposed towards ''Liannas boy.'' and had embraced him tearfully and promised her support should he ever need it. Jaerion had seen the letters his mother had written and it seemed that she trusted her sister Larrisa even to the point of asking her to oppose her own mother, though Jaerion had not disclosed this or his current plans as of yet to Larrisa. He had met his cousin, Ronnal Baratheon a few times as well, though a man grown by now, Ronnal was a humble man who would no doubt take his stepmother Larrisa's council, whom he saw as a mother, to heart.
Let her call for aid all she wants Jaerion thought to himself smugly as he reached for his wine cup, he could not see any support for his grandmother arising, especially when the Lords of the Realm saw the strength he commanded, he could not see the Ironborn declaring for the losing side and the North, while somewhat of a concern due to Mariah Starks just and honorable temperament, was too far to be of any help, if it did come to war Kings Landing would fall long before any potential northmen could arrive to help. He could not see the Crownlands rising to help her either, not after burning Lord Rosby.
''When should we make our move and raise our forces?'' Gesmund Martell asked.
''Soon….I mean to come into my Throne within the year.'' Jaerion answered, he had no intentions of any more long drawn out planning, the time to strike was right, every day that passed not on the throne was another day wasted, Jaerion was almost 30 years old and had great ambitions, he would wait no longer.
''I believe it is time to see what has been cooking back there…..plotting a rebellion does give one an appetite.'' Jaerion quipped when it was clear the talk of strategy had run its course, he had contracted one of the finest cooks in the Reach as his personal cook and was eager to see what his coin had bought him.
As the food was brought out, Jaerion sat and thought about how close he was to all that he dreamed of, the thought of him ascending the steps to the Iron Throne clear as day in his mind.
He had never truly expected to be in this position, as third in line to the Throne he had always expected he would become King at the age of forty or fifty after his grandmother and mother passed, never expecting he would have the chance to accomplish much.
But with his mothers death, he was poised to ascend the Iron Throne in his prime and he intended to have a reign which eclipsed that even of the Conqueror.
As a youth Jaerion had always avoided power and responsibility, his mother had often tried to appoint him to various positions at the court of Dragonstone in the Royal Fleet, but Jaerion had always shirked them in favor of parties, hunts, feasts and balls throughout the realm.
His perception of power had changed when his position had. As third in line to the throne and a Targaryen Prince he had always been welcome in any castle he wished to enter, with his hosts welcoming him with open arms. Something had changed however after his mothers death, and these same lords and ladies began to look at him differently as the heir to the Iron Throne.
Where before he had primarily caroused and feasted with the sons of the High Lords, he soon began to be invited to private dinners in the solar of the High Lord or Lady themselves and instead of mundane questions such as which course of the feast should be served next he was used to being consulted about, the nobles would seek counsel on matters of far greater importance….which marriage should they pursue, what was his opinion on various conflicts….it was clear he was no longer just a prince in their eyes but the most powerful man in Westeros…..the future of the seven kingdoms.
Jaerion was shaken from his thinking by Ellard Tyrell who lightly coughed.
''I hear your sister is in the capital.'' The man said in a quiet tone underneath the other conversation between Lannister and Martell, his fork dipped into his salad, ever since his cancer Ellard had never been one for rich foods.
Jaerion nodded, his younger sister Jaenyra was in the Red Keep in addition to his father and brother, providing yet another complication to his plans should it come to war with King's Landing. In truth he knew little of the girl as she was born when he was already a man grown and he was near twice her age, she had chosen to leave Dragonstone after their mothers death and join their father and brother in the capitol, rather than be left alone on the gloomy island while Jaerion traveled the realm.
''My son and heir Norman is in need of a wife…I have offered you much support Jaerion, my hall, and the promise of all the chivalry of the Reach….it seems to be that a royal match for my son would be a fitting reward.'' Ellard posed, never looking away from his plate as he ate his salad.
Jaerion was not accustomed to demands being made of him, but he had to agree his kinsman was owed something for his support, and Jaerion was never stingy when it came to rewarding followers.
''Consider it done.'' Jaerion promised before raising his wine cup in the air, silencing all other conversations in the hall.
''To the House of the Dragon.'' He said with a smile, toasting his fellow conspirators.
5th of First Moon, 98 AC
The Red Keep, Kings Landing
A heavy wind came in from the water but the Queen of Skulls stood motionless on the balcony parapet, looking out to sea, many of her advisors and court close behind her.
The ships covered Blackwater Bay like a small forest, their masts rising out of the water like trees. There were over a hundred of them sporting many different banners, most prominent among them was the silver seahorse on seagreen of House Velaryon and the three headed dragon banner of her own house, though there were other ships present as well, the crab banner of House Celtigar among them.
Seeing her own banner being used against her filled the Queen with no small amount of rage. Her daughter Vaella had wanted to mount Narrah and give the blockading fleet dragonfire but Laena had refused to allow it…..also visible on the ships were the bristling spikes of the scorpions her brother Vaekar had outfitted many ships of the Royal Fleet on Dragonstone with and any attack on the fleet would likely end with another one of her daughters deaths. Sending her own fleet in Kings Landing out to give the Narrow Sea Fleet battle was also a \dubious proposition, Laena had just 44 ships in Kings Landing ready for battle, and they would be facing a dragon as well, Jaerions dark purple dragon Andalax had been a common sight during the past few days of the blockade, flying through the sky over the fleet.
The situation was a dire one, her daughter Vaellas informants reported that large hosts numbering almost 80,000 men were being raised to the west at Casterly Rock and Highgarden, while a Dornish army was mustering in the Princes Pass, a vanguard of several thousand men from Highgarden had already arrived in the vicinity, though they had been careful not to cross the Blackwater Rush and had committed to open acts of hostility as of yet, though their tents and cookfires were visible from the city walls she was told, growing by the hundreds every day.
When Laena had received reports of so many forces mustering it had not taken her long to deduce the reason for it…especially when she received word of her grandson Jaerions presence at Highgarden with Lords Tyrell, Martell and Lannister had reached her….her grandson had rallied near half the realm against her.
She had of course sent out ravens demanding that all loyal vassals ride to Kings Landing at once and reinforce the city, but the response from the realm had been tepid at best. Many of the castles she had sent ravens too, even as near as Rosby had openly defied her by not deigning to respond, while others had offered vague explanations that as war had not officially broken out they would not act, while others had promised to marshall their forces but so far none had arrived.
The sight of Andalax making another circle over the rebel fleet filled her with a flash of anger.
Vaekar has come to haunt me again Laena thought to herself grimly before wheeling around to face her grandson Aemorys, the Lord Commander of her Queensguard.
''Before this is over I may command you to bring me your traitor brother's head…..do you hear me boy!'' Laena snarled, the commander of her dragon cloaks Ronnel Baratheon, the father of Aemorys and Jaerion had already abandoned her when news of Jaerions treason had reached the Red Keep, sailing in the direction of Dragonstone according to witnesses….and no doubt he was one one of the blockading ships as of this very moment, she would suffer no further betrayals…the boy would need to make his choice and she needed to be sure her Lord Commander was willing to do what must be done.
The young man looked endlessly uncomfortable, running a hand through his thick brown beard, his white cloak waving in the wind.
''I will do as I am commanded.'' He answered finally, looking downwards.
Her daughter Larrisa stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Aemorys's shoulder and looking at Laena with a look of shock and anger.
''You speak of murdering Liannas son…..her own flesh and blood…he is her SON mother.'' Larissa seethed.
Laena looked towards her daughter with disdain, Larissa had arrived shortly before the blockade from Storms End when word of Jaerions intentions became clear, and had been in her ear incessantly since then, attempting to convince her to surrender the city while saying nothing of what her nephew Ronnel in Storms End intended to do.
''That'' Laena began in an equally cold tone, nodding towards the flying dark purple dragon and its rider ''is a traitor…..and it won't be murder.''
Larrisas tone changed at that, to one more pleading and gentle ''Mother…..this can be avoided….surrender the city….Jaerion will be fair I know he will be…..there doesn't have to be a war.''
It was at that moment Laena knew for certain that her daughter was truly aligned with Jaerion and his treason, no doubt sent by the rebels to try and weaken her resolve and arrange her surrender….and there was little doubt in her mind that Larrisa's foster son Ronnel and the Stormlands were similarly disposed.
Jaehara nodded her assent, looking at her mother with her puffy face, ever since the deaths of both of her daughters Aerea and Vissera her daughter had fully devoted herself to the comforts of wine and scarcely said anything of value.
''Thousands will die if it comes to war…..my son Aenys would be at the front…..let it end mother….just let it end.'' Jaehara pleaded.
Vaella was at Laenas side at once ''You both bet..betray our mother w…with your o..own words.''
Laena studied her two daughters coldy, the rage rising inside of her ''These daughters of mine'' she sneered venomously'''More like a flock of frightened hens….surrender the city you say…..I will not give up my throne on the advice of the likes of you….a drunkard and a cowardly traitor…..get out of my sight before I have you both scourged.''
''Mother.'' Jaehara began, tears in her eyes.
''I said out girl…..OUT.'' Laena shouted and Larrissa grabbed hold of her older sister and led her away.
She stood there in silence, the wind whipping her hair around.
''Everything I have done has been for the good of this family….and the boy means to tear it all down'' Laena said softly when they had left, she was certainly in a predicament, Jaerion was her clear and apparent heir and opposing him could mean the end of her house and spell ruin and uncertainty for the future of the Targaryens.
''D..Disinherit him.'' Her daughter Vaella, standing at her side said suddenly.
Laena turned to her.
''D…Disenherit Jaerion and all h…his s…sons….r…remove them from the succession.'' She continued.
''The realm will fall into chaos without a clear heir….you know that as well as I…uncontrollable chaos….it could be the end of our family….all that I have built destroyed.'' Laena said, though she already knew what her daughter would suggest next.
''Le..Legitimize my son's mother….Viserys a..and Matagar…..Liannas line h..has proven unfit to s..sit the throne….as y..your second daughter the succession should fall to m…me and my children.'' Vaella said, just as the Queen had expected.
''The realm will never follow your bastards.'' Laena scoffed, looking out to sea once again.
''They will f…follow or face d..dragonfire.'' Vaella said.
''Your boy would not survive the throne….he does not have it in him….bastard blood aside….he would be dead within the year.'' Laena said, the little she knew of Vaellas eldest boy did not fill her with confidence that he would be a worthy successor to her, the boy was soft and honest to a fault…..ill suited to the Iron Throne.
''B…better him than a t…traitor.'' Vaella shrugged.
Laena heard a shift in the wind and turned, seeing an orange dragon flying from over the city, returning to the Red Keep, and landing with a thud in the castle courtyard….it was Aenys, who had taken Oathwing from the Dragonpit and flew above the city on her orders, both to scout the growing forces across the Blackwater Rush and to be ready in case Jaerion and Andalax were to attack the city.
''You have given me much to think about….now leave me.'' Laena commanded her daughter as Aenys dismounted Oathwing in the courtyard and made his way up the ramparts towards the walls where Laena stood.
Her grandson gave Vaella a glance as he passed her, joining his grandmother on the walls.
''Well?'' She demanded.
''At least two thousand more arrived overnight…..most under the banner of House Peake.'' Aenys replied simply.
Laena took the news of the growing rebel force in silence.
''Is that all?'' She finally snapped, wishing to be alone.
''No.'' The dark haired man replied, giving a last look towards Vaella ''She wanted you to legitimize her sons?'' He said….it was not a question.
''That is not your concern.'' Laena said coldly.
''You have another option….a better choice than legitimizing a pair of bastards whom the realm would never accept.'' Aenys said.
''That is rich…let me guess boy…you think the realm would accept you more instead….a bastard bearing the Targaryen name….but a bastard all the same.'' Laena sneered.
To his credit the young man kept his anger in check, though she did not fail to notice the tensing of his jaw and hands….no doubt the boy had his suspicions but neither Laena or his mother had ever disclosed the truth of his birth to him.
''Ive never desired the throne grandmother.'' He said finally.
''Then what is your wise counsel.'' She asked.
''Aemorys.'' He said simply.
Laena scoffed ''That boy is no leader…he is a good follower ill grant him that….but he is not capable of leading seven kingdoms.''
''Not without help….but he is the only true choice…..the blood of Baratheon and Targaryen runs through his veins….your eldest daughter's son…the realm would sooner follow him than a septons get.'' He replied.
Laena was silent at that, it would be a simple enough matter to arrange her grandson's departure from the Queensguard but it was not an ideal choice all the same….a choice between an elderly septons bastard seed or a dull man who did not want the throne.
Suddenly she heard shouts from the walls of the Red Keep and trumpets blowing from the outer sea walls. Turning she saw the dark purple dragon Andalax flying away from the fleet in Blackwater Bay….and towards the city…
''I'll get Oathwing.'' Aenys said, sprinting away from Laena and towards the courtyard.
On the distant city walls she saw scorpions being prepared and aimed towards the sky as the dragon approached, while she saw men rushing to the walls of the Red Keep, armed with crossbows, her grandson Aemorys emerged from the white sword tower with his sworn brothers as well, sword in hand as they ran towards her.
The dragon Andalax approached closer and closer to the city walls, scorpions and ballistae aimed at the beast, when suddenly it flew upwards into the clouds, disappearing out of sight far above and even from the Red Keep she could hear shouts of panic from the city.
She allowed her grandson Aemorys to take her by the arm and escort her down the ramparts towards the courtyard, her Queensguard in full armor close behind.
Her legs began cramping from the quick escape and she was forced to stop breathlessly as they approached Vaemonds Holdfast, the fortified inner castle of the Red Keep, and her Queensguard were forced to half drag and carry her away as her legs failed her.
As they neared the entrance to the Holdfast, there was a sudden change in the wind, a heavy breeze from above.
She saw a dark shape land upon the courtyard of the Red Keep, a purple as dark as the blackest night…..it was Andalax, a heavy thud reverberated throughout the courtyard as the dragon landed.
Several of her Queensguard had stumbled due to shock and the force of the beasts heavy landing on the courtyard and Laena found herself laying on her back, looking up at the dragon, its maw open, and for a moment she thought she could see the face of her brother Vaekar, whom had once been the dragons master before Jaerion, sneering down at her.
Get on with it The Queen thought to herself, looking into the dragon's mouth, waiting for the flame which would extinguish her life.
''PROTECT THE QUEEN!'' Her grandson Aemorys shouted, pulling himself off the ground and attempting to shield her from the dragon, crossbowmen on the walls aimed down at the dragon but held their shot, no doubt because the Queen was directly in the crossfire.
Suddenly there was another loud thud on the courtyard, causing Andalax and its rider to turn to its source.
Oathwing, mounted by Aenys had also landed on the courtyard to confront Andalax, the orange dragon was about the same size as Andalax, and its orange scales shone in the light like a burning ember.
The two dragons snarled at each other, and Andalax let out a great roar, forcing many on the ground to cover their ears, Laena included, yet Aenys sat determined on the back of Oathwing, unarmored but with a look of fierce determination on his face as he stared down the other dragon rider.
Just as it seemed the two dragons were about to lunge at each other and begin their deadly dance, a loud voice rang out from Andalax's rider.
''GĪDA ANDALAX, GĪDA.'' The dragonrider, armored in black plate shouted, commanding its dragon to calm.
Andalax, which just moments before had been close to attempting to tear the other dragon apart quickly became calm, closing its toothy maw, though the beast still remained alert and tense as if ready to strike at a moment's notice.
''Ive calmed Andalax cousin…..now you do the same….i'm not here for a fight.'' The dragonrider commanded loudly over the sounds of Oathwings snarls and snaps, and Aenys gave Laena a look.
The Queen, composing herself nodded and Aenys commanded his dragon to calm, a much harder task then it had been with Andalax, the orange dragon snarled and roared in confusion in the sudden change of prospects, angrily thrashing its thin tail, almost taking one of her Queensguard in the head, with only a lucky drop saving him from certain death.
Aenys cursed and shouted for calm again, and the dragon, still protesting and angrily shaking its head and snapping, eventually relented and backed off to the point that any attack seemed at least a little less likely.
The dragonrider, armored in black plate adorned with rubies and wearing a black helm with a rather ridiculous looking red plume shouted a command and Andalax obediently crouched, and the man slid off onto the courtyard.
Jaerion removed his helm and flashed the Queen of Skulls a smile.
''Grandmother…..we have much to talk about.'' He said,paying little attention to the mass of armed men who swarmed around him.
A Short Time Later
The Throne Room of the Red Keep
Laena looked down upon the foolish man that stood before her throne, who was seemingly unbothered by the dozen crossbowmen who stood in the gallery above the court, crossbows loaded and ready to fire upon the Queen's command. A similar lack of concern was shown to her Queensguard, who stood in a semi-circle around the throne, their hands upon their swords.
It was a command she had almost given as the man was escorted to the throne room to face her judgment. One wave of her fingers and the fool would feel the embrace of a dozen quarrels or be cut down by the steel of her Queensguard. She had very nearly ordered it, even going so far as to remove her hand from her throne, but something had prevented her from raising it….namely the previous words of her daughter Larrisa.
That is Liannas boy…her own blood Laena had remembered as she saw her two daughters Larrisa and Jaehara in the small crowd that had gathered in the throne room, their eyes wide and pleading.
It was for her eldest daughters sake she did not immediately have the man butchered where he stood, that and some measure of curiosity and disbelief that her grandson had been so foolish as to deliver herself right to her that gave her pause.
''I could have you killed where you stand boy…as easy as a wave of my fingers and your own brother will deliver me your head.'' Laena snarled.
The threat did not seem to phase Jaerion in the slightest, his slight smile never wavering ''I suppose you could…..it's been some time since ive sparred with my brother….but there would be nothing easy about it….if you think killing me changes the outcome of this you are mistaken….I have four strong sons and another child on the way….how long do you think it will take for the rest of realm to rise up for the sons of an innocent man who has committed no crime…. The heir to the Iron Throne murdered by the Queen…..the loyalty I command extends to my sons as well.'' Jaerion replied.
''Innocent…..you stand here as a traitor.'' Aenys, who was in the small crowd, said angrily.
''And what crimes have I committed, cousin….enlighten me if you will.'' Jaerion replied, directing an easygoing smile to Aenys, though his eyes seemed to darken.
''You've raised a rebel army and set siege to the capitol….you brought a dragon into the Red Keep.'' Aenys responded, a similarly dark look in his own face.
Jaerion laughed at that, a booming laugh which echoed through the silent, near empty massive throne room ''Set Siege…..believe me cousin…if I had set siege even you would be able to figure it out….Lords Tyrell and Lannisters forces have not crossed the Blackwater Rush and are peacefully encamped with Lord Chelsteds own permission….no violence has taken place…as for my fleet I am the Lord of the Narrow Sea am I not…and as for bringing a dragon into the Red Keep….you are guilty of the same crime as I recall.''
Laena saw her grandson's face grow dark red and it looked as if he were about to respond in kind, but Jaehara quickly pulled her son, almost thirty years back into the crowd at a glance from Laena…she would not allow Jaerion to turn this into a spectacle.
''Japes won't save you boy….I will ask you once….what do you hope to accomplish with this madness.'' Laena said coldy to her grandson.
''I wanted to speak with you….Targaryen to Targaryen…..alone.'' Jaerion responded cooly.
The Queen of Skulls was silent for what seemed like a long time before finally nodding, ordering the room cleared…..all her grandson Aemorys, the Lord Commander of her Queensguard standing at the foot of her throne, staring down his brother.
''You were a fool to come here.'' Laena said venomously when the throne room was cleared.
''Perhaps….my vassals thought the same….but I thought it the best choice….I don't want a war grandmother….and if there is one it won't be of my own making…..you kill me and 70,000 men attack Kings Landing from the West while another host from Dorne comes from the south…the Tullys have not declared for me yet but they will certainly help my sons…their own kin, take the throne should you murder me…..120,000 men are preparing to storm this city grandmother….and I am all that is preventing that…i'm your best chance of surviving this.'' Jaerion began.
Laena was silent at that before at last she spoke ''Go on then boy….say your piece…but choose your words carefully…they may be the final ones you speak.''
Jaerion nodded ''You've ruled admirably grandmother….for nearly 4 decades you have sustained our power…but the truth is you are not the Queen of Westeros but the Queen of the Red Keep, you have not left this castle in years….you've conquered no cities….no lands, done no great deeds….it is time to let another sit the throne….…..I mean to usher in a new age of greatness for our family..a new era….it is time for you to rest.''
The Queen of Skulls looked down at her grandson with cold fury and once again felt the urge to give the order to strike down this arrogant fool.
''The truth is grandmother…..the realm doesn't want you for their Queen….they deny you in the vineyards of the Reach, in the deserts of Dorne….the mines of the Westerlands….and even in the taverns of King's Landing they whisper that it is time for a change.'' Jaerion began before pausing, some uncertainty showing in his face for the first time.
''Go on.'' Laena demanded, seething with anger.
''Even your own daughter…my mother…..didn't want you as her Queen…and denied you at the end.'' He finished composing himself.
A silence fell over the hall, and the Queen felt a ringing sensation come over her but quickly fought through it.
''You lie boy…you lie.'' Laena hissed.
''I do not lie…..it was to be a coup….she laid the foundations for my own ascension in truth.'' Jaerion said, his tone gentle and apologetic.
Lianna would never have betrayed me Laena thought to herself, trying in vain to calm the ringing in her head which assailed her….and yet…there was something which Laena had found odd about the speed in which her grandson had gathered followers.
''It is time for me to ascend my throne grandmother….it is time for you to res…'' Jaerion began but Laena, the ringing still heavy in her ears, rose from her seat in a fury, her hands gripping the sides of the Conquerors Throne.
''THE THRONE IS MINE.'' The Queen of Skulls screamed down at the man, both anger and grief evident in her voice.
Suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her hands, and raising them from the throne she saw dark red blood flowing from her hands, the swords on the side of the Iron Throne greedily drinking the blood of the dragon.
It was often said that the blood of the dragon is imbued with both prophecy and special properties, but Laena had never paid any heed to it….until now and as she watched the blood trickle from her wounded hands onto the throne and marble steps she understood.
I will be dead within the year She thought to herself, somehow knowing that the truth had been shown to her.
''Your Grace?'' Aemorys asked, noticing her wounded hands and making his way up the steps towards her.
She pushed him aside and glared down at Jaerion, the ringing slowly subsiding in her head, replaced with a tiredness she had never felt before in her life, the weight of her years and many murders finally hitting her.
''You want the throne boy?'' She demanded towards Jaerion who nodded slightly, looking quite confused.
''Then take it…..take it and be cursed.'' Laena said.
As I have been She thought to herself, collecting her dress in her bloodied hands and slowly making her way down the steps of her grandfather's throne, refusing the hand offered by Aemorys.
Jaerion looked as if he were about to say something but the Queen of Skulls paid him not even a glance, moving past him, her eyes far away and trained on the ghosts which were visible only to her.
The first was her father, who stood at the base of the throne talking to a young silver haired girl.
Will I sit there one day father…will I be the Queen one day the girl asked.
Laena moved past them, and in front of her were her three dead daughters, Syaella, Daeoril and Lianna as well as her husband Jaekar, looking sadly at her.
She moved past them too, making her way towards the open doors of the Throne Room where one final crowd awaited her.
A mass of empty bleached skulls of the dead stood upon the floor, hollowed eyes following her, watching accusingly, there were dozens of them….paying tribute to their Queen….to their killer.
The Queen of Skulls paid them not even a glance, exiting the throne room, never to set foot inside again.