This is my final buffer chapter for the moment… and it should have been uploaded a lot earlier, but again life has found a habit of getting in the way! It's finally here for you all though, and I really hope you enjoy it.

The Winterfell scenes are immediately after the last chapter, the Crownlands scenes are 3 months after the last chapter.

Visenya and Aegon were born at fairly similarly times of the year, so Visenya's birthday has fallen in the brief jump, while Aegon's is in this chapter.

I own nothing of the recognisable characters or locations from A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon. All of those rights belong to George R R Martin and/or HBO.

After the reality shattering revelations in the Godswood, Jon knew there was only one place that he could go to get the peace of mind he felt like he needed. He introduced Ygritte to Ser Kyle Condon, the Master at Arms, before he quickly made his way to the Crypts of Winterfell alone. He had planned on going there anyway to pay his respects, but the identity crisis he was feeling now made it essential to him.

The dark was comforting, as were the soft light of the candles flickering down the corridor. Jon paused for a moment on his way down, stopping by Lyanna Stark's statue involuntarily before he moved along to the next section of sarcophagi, where the stone figure of Lord Eddard Stark stood tall. Jon couldn't bring himself to say anything, instead the silent questions ran through his mind, the main one being a simple one. Who was he?

Without knowing if he had stood there for minutes or hours, Jon barely moved a muscle. Instead he stared up at the stone likeness of his father… or Uncle as he had to remind himself. No matter how long it had been though, eventually he heard footsteps coming towards him and the flickering of light indicating a torch, and the face of the current Lord of Winterfell was illuminated into view.

"I thought you might be here." Robb said, a smile on his face but Jon knew when he was nervous. "We tried to get it right, but it still seems off."

"You did a good job." Jon said, his voice calmer and more measured than he felt.

Robb stopped and stood at his side, the pair of them looking up at him. "If the baby is a boy, we are to call him Eddard. Roslin suggested it and I agreed. If it's a girl, then Bethany is a good name, after her Mother." He said, his face losing the smile. "She's in her labours now."

Momentarily, all of Jon's issues were gone and he turned to face Robb. "Then why are you here? Shouldn't you be with your wife?"

Robb shook his head. "It's not what happens, apparently. Mother is with her, as are the Maesters. I am considered obsolete and unwanted."

Jon wanted to laugh, but the reminder of a baby brought back the vision. He stared up at Ned's face again. "The last time I saw him, he promised me he would tell me about my mother." Jon explained.

He didn't need to look at his brother… no, cousin, to know that there was a pained expression on Robb's face. "I'm sorry, Jon. I know you've been wondering ever since that stupid moment in the yard…"

The memory was a painful one. They had been playing a silly game and had called themselves historical figures, but when Jon had exclaimed that he was the Lord of Winterfell it was the first time that Robb had ever called him a bastard. "You were right, I am a bastard." Jon sighed. "But just not the way I thought I was."

That confused the Lord of Winterfell. "How so?" He asked.

Jon sighed dramatically. "Lord Stark… your father, he isn't my father, Robb. He lied in order to keep me safe."

"Of course he's your Father." Robb scoffed, but Jon's face stopped him. "Who are your parents then? Surely Father wouldn't have stolen you…"

"He promised he would look after me." Jon said, the vision still prominent in his mind. "In Dorne, after he found Lyanna. She is my mother, Robb. I'm not your brother, I'm your cousin, the bastard of a rapist Prince."

He was scowling then as tears threatened to fall down from his eyes. He went to turn away from Robb to hide it but suddenly leather gloves gripped his left arm, pulling him back around until Jon was enveloped in a fierce hug. "Whoever your parents, whatever the circumstances of your birth, I want you to get one thing through your thick skull." Robb pulled away slightly before resting his forehead on Jon's, holding the bastard's head in place. "You are my brother, now and always. Father was your Father, if not by blood then by actions. He could have fostered you out to a loyal vassal but he wanted you close, not just for your protection but because he loved you as a son. So what if Rhaegar Targaryen provided the seed, you are a Stark in all but name."

Jon sniffed, wiping his eyes dry. "But I'm not, I'm a Targaryen… a Targaryen bastard."

"Only if you wish it." Robb stated. "But I know you, Jon. You've always wanted to be a Stark, and now you're back at Winterfell you have the chance to be one. You have winter in your veins the same as I, and I want you at my side helping me to rule the North."

Jon was touched. "I'll be at your side for as long as you'll have me." He said softly.

"Good, because I'll need you now more than ever. You were always better with the others when they were babies." Robb smirked. "And I want my child growing up knowing their uncle Jon."

"They will." Jon insisted. He turned around and looked over at the statue of the only woman buried in the Winterfell crypts… his mother. "It will take a lot of getting used to…" He said quietly.

"Of course it will." Robb said. "Even I'm struggling to get my head around the fact that you're my cousin with the blood of the dragon. But it doesn't change anything about who you are or what you've done, nor does it change what is coming and what we need to prepare for." He wrapped his arm around Jon then, and started leading him away from the statues. "Come, I don't know how long I have left before I become a Father, I want to see if the Night's Watch made a swordsman out of you or not."

Chuckling and grateful that Robb was there to take his mind off of everything, Jon allowed himself to be led, firing one final glance at the effigy of his mother as he left.

Despite the King spending the first three months of his return to King's Landing focusing on the logistics of needing to move well over a hundred thousand men up to the North and keeping them fed, trying to mute the grandeur and pomp of House Tyrell was an impossible task. Despite Luke being adamant that there were more important matters that needed funding, Lord Tyrell had insisted on spending Tyrell money on a fine hunt in the Kingswood to celebrate Prince Aegon's second nameday. Crownlanders, Stormlanders and Reachmen alike had all gathered to shower the young Prince with gifts, though Lucerys knew that he wouldn't remember it at all. Not wanting to portray a miserable figure however, Lucerys went along with it, putting on the show of happiness in front of his subjects, even being the one to fell a large boar to the delight of the crowds.

He and Margaery had been strained since his return. The dragon warning and the exile of Lady Olenna had been enough to stop any whispers of plotting, but the marriage bed had been cold ever since his return and the pair only saw one another in official circumstances. That didn't bother Luke too much, although he still desired the Tyrell Queen he didn't miss the post intimacy whispering, instead preferring to learn as much about Aegon's dream as he possibly could. In the amount of time he had spent pouring over books, letters and scrolls he had only recently found out about the importance of the Valyrian Steel dagger that had been passed down from King to King in the past.

That was why after the Prince had been put to bed he had retired to his tent. He had placed the dagger in the brazier while he undressed to ready himself for bed and waited for the steel to heat up, revealing a cleverly placed secret that had been hidden so long ago.

He was interrupted by voices outside. "Queen Margaery wishes to enter, Your Grace." Ser Franklyn called from outside the tent.

"Let her through." Luke stated, his eyes not leaving the Valyrian text that was now visible on the blade. He heard his wife walk inside and move closer to him.

"I wished to speak to you about us, Your Grace." Margaery told him. "It has been three months since your return, and this frostiness between us must be at an end. I admit, it is mostly my doing, and I am willing to put aside my hurt if you are willing to allow us to be friends again."

Smiling, Luke turned to face her. He stared into her eyes for a moment and could see no signs of falsehood. "I have been a terrible husband to you." He admitted. "And I apologise for that. Though you are not blameless in our troubles either."

"No, you are right." Margaery nodded. "I felt jealous of your sister and the relationship you share and I used what power I had to send her away, but in doing so I also lost you, and for the sake of our son I cannot bear that any longer."

Luke returned his gaze to the dagger. "Can you read High Valyrian?" He asked her.

Margaery shook her head. "We had lessons in speech back when I was a girl, but I'll admit I don't remember much."

Luke shifted his body so he could show her the dagger. "This dagger has been in my family since before the Doom. We lost it when the Usurper took the Throne but I found it again. Queen Rhaenys wrote in her journals that Aegon enlisted the last of the Valyrian Pyromancers to place his dream in the steel, so that if he was wrong and the threat came after his death, it would never truly be lost."

Margaery took the dagger, wincing at the heat. "What does it say?" She asked.

"From my blood comes the Prince that was Promised." Luke explained. "And his will be the song of Ice and Fire." He took the dagger back, holding it away from the fire to cool it down. "Targaryen blood is different to others. There is magic deep within it, a magic that connects us to the Dragons in a way that nobody understands any longer, not even me. It is vital that Targaryen blood survives, and too often my House has found a way to destroy itself leaving but a handful remaining with the name." He turned to her, and with his free hand he grabbed one of hers gently. "I swear on my Mother's ashes that I shall do better towards you, Margaery. We have been estranged long enough and to the detriment of my House. That must come first now, House Targaryen must remain strong if we are to survive this coming Winter."

Margaery nodded. "And I swear to you, that I will do everything in my power to see that House Targaryen remains strong under your rulership. Aegon will grow up a true Targaryen, understanding all that comes with it."

Taking a sigh of relief, Luke again looked to see if he could see any deceit, but there was none. He stepped closer, careful to keep the searing blade away from her as he leant in slowly for a kiss. Margaery reciprocated, and together they stood there hand in hand and locked at the lips, gently reigniting the passion that they had once felt for one another. After a minute, Luke pulled away slightly. "Aegon cannot be the only child we have if we are to strengthen the House." He said softly. "If you are willing…"

Margaery simply nodded, and without words Luke sheathed the dagger in its specially designed scabbard and placed it down on the table, pulling Margaery over to the bed to join as one for the first time in a very long time.

Ever since the departure of her Father the Princess Visenya often brought her dragon into the Chamber of the Painted Table. Ser Caspor had arrived at the island fortress three days after his King's return, back to perform his sworn duty of protecting the firstborn child of the King. It was a role that Ser Caspor was happy to perform, and one that he had been doing since Volon Therys all those years ago. The burly Kingsguard knight had never regretted taking the White Cloak, and he considered guarding the Princess the highest of honours.

With his prolonged exposure to the young girl he had grown increasingly fond of her. Visenya was a smart girl, and the newly 5-year-old knew that and enjoyed pushing her boundaries, including missing her lessons with Maester Pylos to enjoy the view of Bloodwing flying around the chamber.

"Princess, it is time for your Valyrian lessons." The knight tried to tell her, but the young girl simply pouted at the white cloaked knight from her perch on top of the Painted Table.

"Bloodwing, eat him." She said childishly, pointing at Caspor. The red dragon was barely the size of a Labrador, but Caspor had been exposed to the dragons enough to still look over at the dragon cautiously. Thankfully the child hadn't gotten around to many of her taming lessons yet as she was still mastering the language needed, and so the dragon simply cocked its head towards Caspor as it hovered before flying around once again. "And that is why you need your lessons, Princess. Once you know enough, you can move on to learning how to control Bloodwing."

Visenya sighed dramatically, before she stood up and gestured for Caspor to lift her down. The Kingsguard knight did just that, and soon enough he was following her through the castle towards the Maester's chambers. "I didn't really want him to eat you." She told him.

Caspor chuckled. "I know Princess."

"Would Father's dragon have eaten you?" She asked curiously.

Caspor nodded. "Valaxes is much bigger, and is truly bonded to King Lucerys. One day you shall share that bond with Bloodwing, but before then you must learn."

"But Father didn't learn." Visenya said, obviously preparing to recite one of her lessons. "Dragons were gone for 150 years before Valaxes, Viserion and Rhaegal."

Caspor was constantly impressed by the Princess' knowledge. "They were."

"Did you see them born?" Visenya asked.

Caspor remembered it vividly. "I did."

"Tell me!" She exclaimed. Caspor simply stopped walking and looked at the young, silver haired Princess pointedly. "Please." She added, slightly less forwardly.

Taking his mind back to that fateful day in Volon Therys, Caspor did as asked. "It was a sad day, Princess. We were saying goodbye to your Mother when Princess Daenerys put the three eggs on her pyre." Visenya didn't look saddened, instead more intrigued and so the knight continued. "We stayed watching the fire for hours as Malanar spoke his prayers, and by the time the fire had died out there were three dragons crawling over the wood. Your Father was the first to go and pick them up. It was magic, Princess, there is no question of it. Magic brought the dragons back to the world, and now you have hatched your own naturally."

"Egg's hasn't hatched still." Visenya stated, as the pair continued their walk towards Pylos' chambers.

"Not yet." Caspor said.

"Will it?"

That made Caspor think slightly. "One day, I am sure." He nodded. "Though there are other eggs too that could hatch without one of your family. Viserion has recently laid two more eggs."

That brightened the Princess' face up infinitely. "Can I see them?" She asked excitedly.

"After your lessons, if the Princess allows it." Caspor stated firmly. "And if Maester Pylos says you've been good."

"I will be good!" The Princess exclaimed. "I will!"

Caspor chuckled again, thankful that his lot in life had placed him as the girl's protector. "We shall see, Princess." He stated, as they arrived at their destination. He knocked on the door and opened it up. "The Princess Visenya." He called out.

"Ah, finally Princess." Maester Pylos stated from his desk. "I was close to going to find your aunt."

That made Visenya's eyes widen in horror, which Caspor agreed with. The Princess was only to be disturbed in the most extreme of circumstances since the departure of the King. "I'm here now!" She stated.

"You are." Pylos nodded, gesturing to a seat. "And now we shall see how much you remember from last time…"

Caspor closed the door once the child had walked in and took his place with his back to the wall beside it, his hand on the pommel of his sword. His old life had been full of excitement and danger, and while he missed the plunder that had been constant with the Company, his new life as the friend and protector of the delightful young Princess left him far more contented.

It had been years since Jon Snow had sparred against Robb, and the two weren't holding anything back, whilst also giving everybody else in the courtyard a bit of a show. A large crowd had gathered with everybody eager to distract themselves from Roslin Stark's labours. It was just the distraction that Jon needed too, as with both men having been to war the bouts were less frivolous than they were as children but more aggressive. Robb was still the superior swordsman as shown by Jon being on the defensive more often than not, but Jon had learned plenty of tricks from his time North of the Wall and training with men of all different backgrounds. The former Night's Watchman ducked under Robb's swing before jabbing his elbow forward into Robb's midriff, causing the Stark to wheeze as he tried to catch his breath. Jon took the advantage though, raining blow after blow upon his brother before Robb struck out with his fist, catching Jon on the jaw.

Grimacing, Jon backed up with a grin as he used his free hand to check for blood. Not seeing any he massaged his jaw with a painful grin. "You're playing dirty too then Stark."

"Winning is all that matters, Snow." Robb smirked back as he stretched out his torso.

The Master-at-Arms, Ser Kyle Condon, shouted over the pair of them. "Are we children in need of a break?"

Jon chuckled and flicked his wrist to spin the tourney blade in his hand, before he lunged in again. Robb had recovered however and quickly batted it away before swiping at Jon's chest. The bastard jumped back to avoid it, but in doing so he almost lost his balance, to which Robb pressed the advantage, slamming the flat of his blade on Jon's knee to send him flying to the ground. The next thing Jon knew, he had a sword pointed at his neck.

"Fuck…" He gasped. "I yield." Applause sounded in the circle of onlookers as Robb swapped the sword for a hand, which Jon happily took in order to haul himself up. "You've gotten much better." Jon stated.

Robb nodded, though his smile had gone. "We had to." Was all he said, a sentiment that Jon greed with completely. They both moved over to the side to grab some water. "We made light of war as children. It's only through experience that you know the truth."

"Aye." Jon agreed. "Though if we could tell ourselves this back then, we'd never have believed it."

"True enough." Robb nodded. "Come on, let's go again. The people want a show."

Jon chuckled, sending a nod over to Ygritte who was watching on amusedly before the pair returned to the centre of the circle, readying themselves to fight once more. They were interrupted however when the crowd parted, and for the first time since his return to Winterfell Jon was in the presence of Lady Catelyn. His head immediately dropped to the floor, but thankfully she didn't even bother with him, making her way over to Robb and whispering in his ear. Jon looked up to see a look of pure fear quickly spread across Robb's face and without a word the Lord of Winterfell ran towards the Great Keep, closely followed by Lady Catelyn.

The crowd soon began to whisper before they dispersed, and Ser Kyle came over to retrieve the tourney blade from Jon's hand. The bastard made his way over to Ygritte in sheer confusion. "What just happened?" He asked.

Ygritte meanwhile looked downcast. "Only one reason for Robb to rush off like that, Jon Snow. His Lady's birth is going badly."

That sentence filled Jon with almost as much dread as the knives that had killed him had done.

"The latest shipment has departed the island this morning, Princess." Lord Rickard Karstark was explaining. The Princess was stood overlooking the balcony in the room, watching the waves crash gently into the rocks beneath her. "We should expect word from Lord Manderly within the week. As of right now, we are still on schedule."

"Excellent." Daenerys stated, not moving from her position. "Thank you, Lord Karstark."

"I was wondering if I may take a leave to go to King's Landing." The Northman asked.

Dany sighed, but she nodded her head. "You mustn't stay there long, My Lord. The days are growing shorter, and we shall soon be out of time."

She heard the man bow from behind her, and then the footsteps fading that indicated his departure. Sighing, she closed her eyes to take a deep breath of the volcanic air, calming her stomach.

"The Princess Visenya is here, Princess." Her ever-faithful shield, Ser Jorah, stated. "Along with Maester Pylos."

Smiling, Daenerys knew what it would be about. She took a deep breath and placed a smile upon her face as she turned around to see the young Princess running towards her. Dany grinned as she picked up the young girl, gently stroking her long hair. "Hello sweetling." She said gently to her niece.

"Has Viserion laid eggs?" Visenya asked, the girl rushing straight into it. Laughing, Daenerys nodded. "Can I see them?"

The regent of Dragonstone looked over towards the Maester. "That depends on whether Pylos believes you deserve to see them after your lessons today, doesn't it?"

"I was good!" Visenya protested. "I learnt how to say serve."

Smiling, Daenerys joined the girl in speaking their native tongue. "Very good, little Dragon."

"And the Princess has also been given the task of learning her family history." Maester Pylos explained. "We shall come back to that next time, shan't we, Princess."

"King Lucerys, King Aerys." Visenya recited. "King Jaehor… King Jaehar…" She was struggling to pronounce it.

"Jaehaerys." Daenerys said slowly, to which the Princess repeated it correctly. "Well done." Dany smiled, placing a kiss on the child's cheek. "I think that is deserving of a trip to the incubation chamber."

"Yay!" The child exclaimed informally. Dany placed her down and the girl ran over to her protector Ser Caspor and almost dragged him away by the hand, leaving just Dany, Jorah and Pylos in the chamber.

"She is truly a remarkable child." Pylos stated. "The sea air has done wonders for her."

Dany shook her head. "It's the volcano, Maester. Fire is in our blood, and Dragonstone is not only good for dragon development."

Pylos nodded knowingly. "How are you feeling, Princess?"

Dany sighed. "I struggled to get out of bed this morning, I was so ill." She explained. "Though the air is helping."

"Illness is natural at this stage, Princess." Pylos explained. "Though I will continue to check up on you daily."

Dany appreciated that, nodding her head. The Maester then bowed and departed, allowing Dany to return to the balcony as she took deep breaths. Ser Jorah joined her, standing closely beside her as he said. "The young Princess is enamoured with the dragons. I fear for the day that the King summons her back."

"He won't." Dany said confidently. "Luke knows the benefits of Dragonstone just as well as we do." She saw Jorah look at her unconvincingly. "And besides, it's in everybody's best interests for us to remain here, out of sight."

Her hands moved from the obsidian balcony ledge to her stomach. Only Pylos and Jorah knew the truth at the moment, but Daenerys knew that it wouldn't be long before the truth came out, and the Princess wanted to spare Luke of that trouble for as long as she possibly could.

I'll get to the Dany bit in a bit… but first I want to say how much I love writing for Robb Stark. He's my favourite character, I don't think I've ever kept that secret, and to get him in scenes with Jon is always really fun because I love their relationship and dynamic. I'm really looking forward to the future with them two, especially given what's just happened… Jon needed the support of Robb here, but his tormented feelings won't just go away because of one conversation. They'll remain for a long time.

Only the one scene with Luke in this time as well but I think it's a really important one. I've borrowed a bit from Episode 3 of House of the Dragon of course, but the married pair have called a truce and are currently aligned once again. Though how long that will last you lot will have to guess!

Finally, Dragonstone. Visenya is getting to the age where she can be a bit more involved rather than as a background character now so I wanted a scene where we saw her interests, and we could also explore her feelings on never knowing her mother (she only really cared about the dragon part of the day, not her mother's death)

But of course, the final scene is the important one and is only bound to cause a lot of aggravation and tension going forwards…

Thank you all for reading, I'll hopefully be back next week, but I need to write the next chapter in full so we'll see.

Next Time: Bran arrives at the Wall and meets the new Lord Commander. Winterfell reels from the events of childbirth.

Reviews:

TehStorm: All I'll say is that I think the ending I have in mind for Jon is really fitting to both his character and this story.

SpartanWolfj6: Literally anything I say about that is big spoilers, because it comes at a pivotal time for both Jon and Luke.

Guest (TPTWP): See my reply to SpartanWolfj6 above!