Chapter 12.

Something In The Air.

"Fireworks can make us both happy and sad. It just depends if we are talking about fireworks in the sky or fireworks with another."

--Anthony T. Hincks.

1st Month, 297AC

King's Landing.

A few days had passed, and everyone was a week into the New Year.

With the celebrations over and done with, while many nobles were strutting around court looking for opportunities to win a favor or two here and there, many began their journeys back home.

Lyarra's aunt, Allyria had begun her journey to her future home with her betrothed, Edric and the red priest Thoros of Myr a few days back.

Lyarra felt honored to have been able to spend some time with her Dayne relatives. Allyria had thought her some Valyrian words and while she still had some issues with pronunciations mainly due to her Northern accent, she wasn't so sure she'd ever master such a beautiful language.

But it didn't stop her from still trying, of course.

As for Edric, her beloved cousin has gifted her with a beautiful dagger which she'd immediately taken to, always keeping it on her person wherever she went.

It wasn't like she feared being attacked, no. She just felt much more comfortable with a weapon on her.

Speaking of weapons and fighting, the silvery blonde and Obara Sand had taken to training together the past feel days to the extent of Lyarra feeling her muscles beginning to toughen up back to how they were back home in Winterfell.

She was more energetic now, more easy on her feet, seeing as the Dornish way of fighting was being light on ones feet. It didn't stop the many bruises the other girl had given her though Lyarra gave back whenever she could.

She quite liked the Sand Snake. In fact, she could say she liked all of them.

Tyene could be awfully sarcastic and she had this cloak and dagger thing going on about her. Obara had mentioned her sister was always decked in weapons but nobody would ever suspect it of the blonde. Sarella Sand was one who was rarely ever around. A scholar through and through, but the little time they'd spent amongst each other, Lyarra saw the bright and intelligent half summer islander in a respectful light.

And then there was obviously Nymeria. As much as Lyarra liked the older girl, Nymeria seemed to make it her duty to tease her red in the face. It could get unbearable sometimes but she never let the girl know. She suspected she'd prod even worse.

One major thing was her occasional avoidance of wherever the prince was. Lyarra didn't think she could look him in the eye for long anymore.

After that night…

She shivered slightly.

If only Robb was here to see her, he'd probably be crowing out in laughter. Him and Theon.

Her mood went down just a little at the thought of her family. She really missed them.

"You have to come visit with Ghost soon, Lyarra."

Jon crouched as he placed soft pets on the pale white fur of an unconcerned direwolf, his eyes filled with awe. Same as Steffon who tried to gain Ghost's attention but the growing pup only stared him down with blood red eyes.

Lyarra smiled as she nodded.

"Of course. I'll make sure to bring him when he is fully grown. Scare the daylights out of some nobles, hm?

Lyanna chuckled.

"How you could ever be my dour brother's get, I will never know. Ned could never joke for his life. His jokes usually ended up heavy and moral based. It drove Benjen mad sometimes."

Her eyes glittered in amusement and Lyarra laughed softly.

"It was nice seeing you all again, aunt Lyanna."

Lyanna grinned.

"Don't be a stranger now. Just because you're the Queen's Lady in Waiting, doesn't mean you have to be at the capital all the time. You are allowed to travel whenever you want, understand?"

"Of course."

She nodded firmly, her face set almost grimly and Lyanna shook her head in wistful remembrance. She rather looked like her brother Ned at the moment.

A few moments after, Lyarra walked back towards the Red Jeep after waving her BARATHEON cousins goodbye.

Maybe she'd get the chance to visit them someday soon?

Perhaps sometime in the coming moons. She couldn't remember much about the Storms Ends, only that it held a beauty to it, like it had been etched by the gods themselves with lightening and thunder.

"Lady Lyarra!"

A soft and melodic voice called out to her and Lyarra paused, turning to look out the large courtyard, and she spotted the Lady Margaery who had a slight smile on her beautiful face.

She had one green embroidered lacy wear with a soft blue and gold toned cloak wrapped around her person.

A coach by her side pulled by 2 magnificent looking horses with her guards nearby.

Ah yes, the Tyrell's were still at the Red Keep.

Lord Tyrell, his wife and heir had left for Highgarden to begin preparations for the wedding, leaving behind Lady Margaery, Ser Garlan and their grandmother.

Lyarra stood still at first, not sure what to do, but then decided to go over to the girl. It wouldn't do to disrespect a daughter of a great house after all. She motioned for Ghost to stay where he was and away from sight, seeing as it wouldn't do to startle the other girl.

"Lady Margaery."

Margaery Tyrell's smile widened as she looked up into the sunny skies.

"Such a beautiful morning already, is it not? Personally I think Highgarden itself shines much more than the Red Keep, but it just might be my bias. Just like I'm sure you have some bias with the North, hm?"

Lyarra blinked, not sure what to say.

"Ah yes. I'm sure Highgarden is beautiful."

Margaery's eyes turned wistful at that before she snapped out of it, her eyes going to the dagger on her waist.

"Oh my. A dagger? Whatever does a Lady need it for? Not when there are guards for us?"

The brown haired beauty waved haphazardly at her guards and Lyarra held the hilt of the dagger, smiling slightly.

"My cousin gave this to me before he left."

"Oh? The Baratheon heir?"

"No, Edric Dayne."

"Ahh… well, if you enjoy such… pursuits, then to each her own."

The silvery blonde did not know whether to be offended or not, but before she could speak up, Margaery looked behind her and perked up.

"Ah, my brother has arrived. Would you perhaps like to accompany us? I'm headed to one of the orphanages not too far from here. Princess Rhaenys has talked about it quite a lot. Perhaps the prince has told you about it?"

The silvery blonde got startled at the line of questioning.

"Pardon me, but the prince?"

Margaery smiled demurely, saying nothing else as Ser Garlan finally made it to them.

"Apologies dearest sister, grandmother had some errands for me."

He turned immediately towards Lyarra and bowed dutifully.

"Lady Dayne, wonderful to see you here."

Lyarra curtseyed as was due.

"Ser Garlan."

"I was just inviting Lady Lyarra to join us on our little adventure. But she has things to do."

Margaery said almost chidingly and almost immediately, Ser Garlan's eyes narrowed in on her waist where a dagger sat, a disapproving look in his eye that irritated the Dayne girl.

"I see. Well, perhaps another time then. Come along dear sister, we do not have all day. Duty calls."

Ser Garlan bowed once more before moving to open the coach door for his sister, and Margaery smiled at the other girl one last time.

"It was nice seeing you again, Lady Lyarra. Perhaps we could have tea together sometime. My grandmother would be delighted to meet you."

And with that, the Rose of the Reach was helped into the coach by her brother who entered with her.

Lyarra watched them leave with a weird feeling blooming in her chest.

She didn't know whether to be offended or uncomfortable with the Tyrells. They were certainly a beautiful family. Seemingly nice, but there was just something off, whenever she interacted with the Lady Margaery, and she has no idea what to think of her yet.

Her brother though…

Lyarra threw a displeased look at the coach as it turned out of sight

Ser Garlan was perfectly responsible, but he had a very traditional way of looking at women.

Hopefully it didn't come back to bite him in the end.

With a soft sigh, she turned and walked towards the Keep. She had a spar with Obara to look up to.

"Come along Ghost."

Small Council Meeting.

"Your grace, perhaps it is not a good idea for Prince Oberyn to be here?"

Jon Connington whispered quietly to the King as they walked towards the Small Council Chambers that afternoon, the redheaded man looking like he'd swallowed a lemon.

"He is representing his brother, Jon. Why would I ban my good brother from attending a session?"

Jon made some noise behind his throat in disagreement.

The Hand having never liked the prince… or many Dornish in general. Seeing them as too wild and too hot to be acceptable.

While many thought that the reason for his secret dislike for the Queen, no one knew why he actually did. Perhaps the Queen did?

"But your grace, he is a… a menace!"

As a guard opened the Chamber doors, they walked in to see everyone already there and Oberyn sitting haphazardly in the Hand's chair, feet on the large round table used for the meeting as he teased away at the Grand Maester.

"—now Pycelle! I'm pretty sure I saw those delectable looking girls leaving your chambers last night."

"H-how dare you! I will not take such uncouth words from you, Prince Oberyn!"

The fat man tittered angrily, face red and sweating albeit profusely.

Varys sat with his hands clasped on the table, a mysterious smile across his face as he enjoyed the spectacle before him. Ser Barristan pretended to be in a conversation with an irritated looking Stannis Baratheon, while the silver haired Mondor's Velaryon looked fit to burst into laughter.

But Oberyn continued, uncaring of his audience.

"Don't try to deny it, Pycelle. Who knew you had it in you, you educated bastard—"

"Why I never!!"

Jon turned a beseeching look on the King who only blinked before walking further into the room and Jon sighed, following after his King like he always did.

They were noticed immediately, as everyone stood up.

"Your grace."

"Lord Hand."

Murmurs of greetings resonated around the room and the King nodded politely as he moved to sit in his chair.

Jon walked over to Oberyn, looking at the smirking man and clearing his throat.

"I believe you are in my seat, Prince Oberyn."

He spoke up stiffly, and Oberyn looked up, his grin widening as he stood up.

"Jon! I haven't been able to talk to you this past few days. Good to see you are well. Rumors said you lost the use of what makes you a man, my condolences."

He patted the reddening man on his shoulders as some of the council members tittered in amusement at Jon's stutters.

"I-I didn't—who said—I demand—Rumors… Preposterous rumors!!!"

But Oberyn had moved away, sitting in the seat next to him with a happy grin.

Jon turned to his fellow council members, obviously hoping for someone to back him up, but no one did, and he slumped into his chair slightly.

The King cleared his throat.

"We shall begin the first meeting of the year. First of all, it is good to see you all well, my friends. Good to see you all."

Rhaegar nodded at each and everyone before glancing down at the parchments of documents on the round table and beginning.

They spent the first 30 minutes talking about the kingdom itself, issues of trade was brought up as well as news from far and wide, and then each member took turn discussing their line of duties and the things the King ought to know. A couple of disagreements here and there, settled before it could escalate, the prince Oberyn occasionally trying to stare the boiling pot of emotions whenever possible, the King bringing his hammer of justice down and proving just why he was the King of the Seven Kingdoms and they soon moved onto miscellaneous news.

"Before I forget, Tyrion Lannister has brought his son to begin his squireship here."

A look of distaste appeared in some at the mention of Lannister, but Rhaegar continued.

"As such, I have discussed it with my son, your prince. It was decided that the boy will be his squire."

"Your grace, is that wise?"

Varys spoke up with a look of concern.

"The Lannisters are still a house looked unfavorably upon, even with all the current Lord has done to ensure the continued prosperity of the Westerlands."

Ser Barristan nodded in agreement and Stannis added.

"Wouldn't it be better to have him under someone able to discipline the boy in the case of him being disrespectful."

"Making him squire under the prince… your grace that is granting them too high of a position."

Jon added and even Oberyn nodded. His distaste for anything related to Tywin quite known.

Varys cut in again.

"While I believe he could squire under others, perhaps it is not a good idea for him to be under someone willing to discipline him too much. Like yourself for instance, Lord Baratheon."

Stannis' grinded down on his teeth with frustration and Varys continued.

"No offense to yourself, of course. But we do not need another Tywin Lannister from the boy. Catastrophic."

Pycelle shuddered at that and the usually quiet Monford Velaryon spoke up.

"Perhaps it would be a good idea for him to squire under the Prince."

Rhaegar nodded at him in thanks.

"Do continue, Monford."

"I think we have all heard of the skirmishes and underhanded unrest going about the Westerlands. None of those lords have been particularly happy with the imp as it's lord, especially when he married some common girl."

Pycelle huffed at that.

"No one knows what that boy was thinking. Ruining his Lannister heritage—"

"Oh we all know how aroused you are for the Lannisters Pycelle, no need to show it even further."

Oberyn drily cut in and Pycelle turned red.

"Oberyn…"

Rhaegar threw him a look and the Prince of Dorne raised his hands in defeat, his smile playing across his lips.

Monford then continued.

"As I was saying, with the obvious issues in the Westerlands, perhaps showing such a relationship between the royal family who are seemingly happy to embrace the future Lord of Casterly Rock, and maybe even choosing a suitable enough bride for him for a respectable house—"

"And who in their right minds would let their daughter marry the son of an imp?"

Jon scoffed and an argument burst open once more.

Rhaegar sighed.

"I certainly wouldn't want my daughter—"

"You're not married Pycelle, shut up."

Monford Velaryon cut in and Pycelle puffed up.

"How dare—"

"Overgrown bat—"

"Nothing but rolls of fat beneath those robes—"

"Master of Laws with the grinding teeth—"

"You incorrigible—"

"Silence."

Rhaegar's whispery voice emanated across the room without needing to shout, and everyone quietened up once , Oberyn snickering into his hands as he enjoyed the drama.

Perhaps he'd have to visit King's Landing more if this was how he was bound to be entertained.

"The decision is final. The boy will be my page for the next two to three moons, stepping in as my cupbearer when needed, and then once my son is ready, he will take him under his wings and raise him to be a knight."

Ser Barristan nodded in approval. Stannis grinded his teeth silently but nodded once, the other slowly but surely coming to agree with the King who nodded and brought up his final decree.

"Before we bring this to an end, with everything settling back to normal, how many prisoners do we have in the dungeons, Lord Stannis?"

Stannis frowned in thought for a moment before answering.

"A little over 100, your grace."

Rhaegar nodded.

"That would have to do for now. Offer all of them, including those there for petty crimes the chance to go to the Wall."

Everyone stared at the unconcerned King in surprise even as he continued.

"Also, I would like it known across the seven kingdoms, those common folk willing to join the Nights Watch, their families will be given 20 gold dragons as compensation for their services rendered to the protection of the Kingdom."

"Are the wildlings acting up?"

Oberyn spoke up as the rest of the table looked concerned.

Rhaegar shook his head.

"Not at the moment. But not all the Keeps are manned. At the moment, it is very easy for the Wildlings to overtake the watch if something is not done."

Of course, that wasn't the only reason he wanted more helping hands at the wall, but he wasn't going to say that.

Jon made a noise at the back of his throat.

"Is it a problem then? Are we to be worried?"

"Do we need to worry about wildlings? With their handmade weapons and vileness, they should be nothing against the men up at the wall."

Pycelle scoffed and Ser Barristan cut in.

"I would like to disagree. We have no idea how much they number. They have been left alone to breed for thousands of years. Our numbers grow on this side. Why not on their side as well?"

Pycelle swallowed at that, and even Oberyn nodded in agreement with Ser Barristan.

"You are of course right, Ser Barristan. And that is why I'd prefer not to take chances. They have been quiet for a long time, according to the Lord Commander and my uncle. They suspect things won't be that way for much longer. We must prepare for the future. You never know where an enemy could come from."

Sparring Yard.

"Ah!"

Lyarra grunted as she gathered momentum and used all her body weight to physically push Obara to the ground and with a victorious grin, pointed her practice sword at the girl.

"Yield."

Obara sneered slightly before huffing and slapping the side of the wand out of her face.

"Not bad for someone as tiny as you."

Lyarra smiled, feeling happier than usual even as she held out a hand and helped the other girl to her feet.

"Although that won't work on me next time."

Lyarra smiled wryly.

"I already know that. But anything to win."

Obara snorted, cracking her neck slightly and stretching.

Just then, they both heard claps which startled Lyarra mostly as she turned to see the Prince watching them with a familiar looking Kingsguard, Prince Lewyn Martell.

He was tall, much like the other Martells and even the prince, with golden skin and dark black hair. Similarities between him and the Prince Oberyn could be seen as well though he didn't have the sneaky look the other prince always had on his face.

"You've gotten better than when we last sparred."

Prince Aegon walked over to the two girls, one his unconcerned cousin and the other steadily trying to escape the prince.

She cleared her throat, looking anywhere but right at him.

"My thanks. Obara is a great teacher."

"Nothing less could be expected from the daughter of the Red Viper now, am I right?"

Lewyn Martell spoke up before turning to Lyarra for the very first time, a curious look on his face.

"And you are the Lady Dayne. My… you do look a lot like your mother."

The silvery blonde perked up at that, but Aegon threw his uncle an exasperated look.

"I'm sure she has heard that a thousand times already uncle."

Try as she might though, Lyarra couldn't stop herself from chiding him.

"I quite love to hear it though. It's not a bad thing."

She threw him a look before blinking, realizing where she was and the people around her.

As she opened her mouth to apologize though, Lewyn Martell let out an amused laugh much to Aegon's amusement and Lyarra's confusion.

"I see what you mean, Aegon. She does have the Dornish fire, no matter how long she has stayed in the frosty North."

At the mention of Dornish fire, Lyarra's face turned red and she suddenly couldn't look at the Prince… or anyone, anymore.

She cleared her throat.

"Pardon me, but I have somewhere to be at."

She bowed hastily, turning from the two even as Aegon opened his mouth.

She looked at Obara already grabbing her spear to practice with.

"Will I see you again tomorrow?"

Obara nodded.

"Where else would I be?"

With a small smile at her, and another bow at the prince, she practically marched off, taking advantage of her slender legs to cross the yard in record time.

As she turned the corner though, a sigh of relief escaped her lip and she finally slowed down, resting against the wall and closing her eyes.

This was odd.

Everything was odd.

Maybe a cup of ale or wine would do the trick and make her stop acting like she was?

The hurried steps of someone running snapped her out of her reverie as she jumped slightly at the call of her name.

"Lyarra!"

Prince Aegon stopped as he saw her, an odd look on his face.

"Is everything okay?"

He looked at her, his purple eyes as intense as ever and she looked away, shifty eyed.

"Yes. Why wouldn't I be? I do have to go though…"

She pointed at her destination as she moved to keep going and the prince overtook her, stopping in front of her with a playful look.

"Lyarra… are you avoiding me?"

He said her name with a lilt, as if playing with the words at the tip of his tongue and Lyarra's face set into its usual Stark grimness.

"Not at all."

His grin widened as he took a step forward and she subconsciously used a fist to push him back, making him laugh slightly as she huffed, eyes suddenly flashing in annoyance.

"My apologies, Lyarra. It would seem that I am annoying you. How about I make it up to you?"

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"How?"

She demanded and he seemingly brightened up, looking around subtly, and then leaning closer to her ear.

"Would you be up to accompanying me out to town sometime by the evening?"

Lyarra turned to him, startled.

"Town? Alone?"

He grinned.

"My Young Griff persona is not a once in a blue moon thing, Lyarra. I don it to be around the people I will one day come to rule. Now, will you accompany me or not? I'd have to take Gendry, and he's a terrible conversationalist."

He paused, tilting his head slightly before glancing at Lyarra through long lashes.

"Perhaps keep that to yourself. He can be a bit touchy about these type of things."

Lyarra fought down her amusement for a second though her eyes glittered, before she thought about the Prince's invitation.

She didn't have anything to do at the moment. No meetings and no duties.

Besides, getting to know more about King's Landing was an opportunity she very well couldn't pass off.

So why not?

She glanced at the prince who held an hopeful smile and decided perhaps her evening would be better than outside than spending it in her room, even though Ghost was a perfect companion regardless of his muteness.

She gave him a stiff nod.

"Very well then. I accept the invitation."

Aegon's smile widened and Lyarra internally bemoaned the unfairness of his beauty.

"Wonderful. Meet me by Redbeard's place?"

The streets still looked to be in the mood of celebrations.

Lyarra looked around with a slight smile. Red lanterns hung on lines above the streets with candles lit in it and people haggling over goods by kiosks.

She tried her best to fit in this time. Without Ghost around she donned on a simple brown gown of leather make, her hair in two braids down her back and leather boots, complete with her dagger on her waist.

Let it never be said that she put herself in—

"You there! Halt!"

The silvery blonde jumped slightly startled, as she turned to see 3 members of the Gold Cloak running towards her with grim faces.

Looking behind her, she saw nothing to worry about, and yet they all seemed to look right at her which immediately put her on edge even as they stopped in front of her.

"You! You dare steal from a poor lady!"

"Wha—"

Lyarra gasped as the man harshly grabbed her wrist dragging her towards him even as she resisted.

"You are under arrest for thievery you scum!"

He spat into her face and anger filled her up as she angrily yanked her hand from his in anger.

"I have stolen nothing!"

She stood her ground, looking into the black eyes of the Gold Cloak member.

"Ser, maybe she isn't—"

One of the younger Gold Cloaks spoke up but the older man seemingly in his early fifties or so turned to hiss at him.

"Are you blind, Thane! The thief had white hair like this!"

He moved to grab her wrist but this time, Lyarra was ready as she jumped back, hands raised slightly.

"I am not a thief, you stupid man! Where is your proof?"

By now, some passers-by watched the scene happening, some whispering amongst each other and some amused.

The older man gritted his teeth in anger and indignation.

"Your hair is proof enough! Who are you? Are you one of the whores stationed in the streets of silk??"

He roared and Lyarra scoffed internally, speechless as to whatever was going on.

"What is going on here?"

The familiar voice of Aegon pulled her out of her mind as she turned to see the now blue haired boy walking over, pushing his way through the crowd with a frown on his face, his eyes darkening slightly as he laid eyes on the Gold Cloak who scoffed.

"Of course you show your face here, you cretin. Is she one of yours? Have you paid her to service you?"

The man sneered and Lyarra's anger built up so much she tried to land a punch on the man but Aegon got to her before she could, holding her against him.

"Let me go! Let me—"

"Ah! He just saved your life, whore! Hitting a man of the law gets you in more trouble than you already are! Now hand her over Griff, she has to pay for her thievery!"

Aegon frown in confusion.

"Thievery?—"

"I haven't stolen any—"

"AND I DON'T CARE!!!"

The man screamed back out, seemingly on his last patience.

Just then, one of the other Gold Cloaks cleared his throat almost timidly.

"S-ser?"

He pointed behind Lyarra and Aegon who both turned as well, just in time to see two Gold Cloak members dragging a petite looking middle aged man with dyed white hair and a small bag of coins in his hands as he struggled to escape.

"We've found him! Tried to push a pregnant woman to escape, but her husband wasn't one to watch that happen."

One of the Gold Cloaks dragging the man jeered humorously and Lyarra turned angry eyes at her attacker.

"I told you I wasn't the one!"

"It matters not. You should have adhered to my rules as an officer of law—"

"You should apologize, Ser."

Aegon cut in, voice very bland and the man's nostrils flared.

"I will not apologize for doing my duties to protect the people from known thieves and especially not to some little girl!"

He then turned to his fellow members.

"Let's go. Now!"

They matched away, with one throwing an almost sorry look at Lyarra as they turned the corner and the crowd began to disperse.

Lyarra moved away from Aegon's grasp, almost vibrating with anger.

"That… man! Has he no honor?! That he could just arrest any man or woman on the street says a lot about him! And calling me a whore! Because I am a woman?!"

She ranted in anger while Aegon watched her, his lips turning upwards the more she spoke, and her Northern accent becoming even more pronounced to the extent of him finding it rather difficult to understand what she was saying.

When she noticed his almost amused face, she paused, chest beating rather harshly.

"What?"

She demanded with an offended face and he chuckled, walking up to her and bowing slightly while holding her hand.

"My apologies, Lady Lyarra. If I had come earlier, all this could have been avoided."

Lyarra puffed out slightly, eyes moving down to her hand in his as she slowly tried to remove it, but he held on firmer.

"It was no fault of yours."

She forced out and he smiled.

"Very well then, but I promised you a surprise, did I not? Come with me, there's a ferry ride just down the street. I think you'll love it."

He finally let go of her hand and she hid it behind her back, clenching her fingers almost reflexively.

"Well, if you insist."

She replied almost stiffly and Aegon chuckled.

"Well come on then! Let's forget about Alliser Thorne and his rather vile attitude. The day is still young."

He playfully winked holding his arm out for her and she breathed out, staring at his arm for a second before crossing her with his.

His grin widened and his eyes seemed to brighten up as they walked away.

As for Lyarra though… she remembered that name and scrubbed it into her memory so she could bring it up with Arthur next time.

Alliser Thorne.

"—bitter because his betrothed left him for another man days before he was to marry her. Not that I can blame her. He is said to be a violent man which makes people wary around him."

"He seems to know you though…"

Lyarra pointed out and Aegon shrugged haphazardly.

"Young Griff is known to be a free man of sorts around here. Well liked but occasionally in a trouble or two."

She snorted quietly.

"It certainly does not surprise me anymore. You are like a force of something unknown."

The silvery blonde said mostly to herself, but Aegon heard her well enough as he grinned down at her.

"You're one of the rare few to see this side of me. It's rather alarming, really."

Lyarra frowned as they walked on the docks by Flea Bottom.

"Alarming?"

Aegon sighed.

"Like I once said, the life of a prince is very insular. It was one of the reasons I made sure to befriend you. Mother always talked about the wonderful friendship she had with yours. I've always wanted something like that. I have had friends and companions, but never close enough to share things with. It is rather nice, being able to share things like this with someone."

He grinned at her before looking away, and Lyarra stared at his face almost lost in thought, before looking away as well.

"Ha! There's our ferry."

He pointed towards a rather small and flat boat. It looked able to carry about 25 or so people in it and had some decorations as some gathered on it and others paid to get on it.

"Come on."

She followed him as he paid 7stags for them to be let on.

Lyarra had to admit it was peaceful, being on the waters.

She stood on the deck, looking down into the waters below and sighing slightly.

"I take it, you like it?"

She turned to Aegon with a slight smile.

"It is very calming."

Aegon hummed in agreement.

"Come on… I want to introduce you to something absolutely amazing."

He nodded towards one of the small kiosk stands and Lyarra perked up at the strange goods.

"What are those?"

"Imported from Braavos. Called chocolates. Very nice."

As they walked towards the kiosk though, Lyarra suddenly felt eyes on her… well, on both of them. And it seemed Aegon did as well, as he stiffened up slightly, and they both turned to see a woman in all red garb.

Her hair was a dark brunette color and her features showed she was probably of Yi Ti. Her eyes shined bright and Lyarra could guess who she was.

A red priestess.

"Curious…"

She finally spoke up, looking from Aegon back to Lyarra occasionally.

Aegon frowned.

"Can I help you, priestess?"

The lady smiled.

"Touched by fire and ice."

Aegon stared down the woman as his mind brought up an old memory of something his father used to tell him as a child.

A prophecy.

He hid a shudder, turning away from the woman even as she greeted him in Valyrian and walked away.

He turned back to Lyarra, giving her a small smile.

"Come on."

He gestured once more to the small kiosk as she followed him.

"What was that she said? In Valyrian?"

They stopped in front of the stand and Aegon smiled even as he haggled with the seller.

"She only said goodbye."

"Are you fluent then?"

The silvery blonde paused.

"Of course you are. You're a Valyrian prince after all."

"I've been fluent since I was 7 name days old. My grandmother had been the better teacher."

Lyarra sighed wistfully, eyes curiously on the square shaped thing wrapped in something odd.

"My aunt Allyria told me the Daynes are fluent. I wish to learn it, but it is quite difficult. T'is but a few words I know."

Aegon turned after paying, smirking down at the Northern girl.

"Shall I guess? One is Dracarys."

He teased and Lyarra's face turned red in embarrassment even as she playfully hit him and he laughed.

"You cannot blame me for that one. I believe every noble child knows that word."

He stopped laughing as he directed her back to rest by the docks even as he nodded.

"You are right of course. Even I dream of being a dragonrider."

His face then turned wistful.

"I sometimes imagine myself on a dragon as black as Balerion. Up high, the true lord of the skies."

A smile grew across Lyarra's face involuntarily as he looked like a boy rather than a young man.

"I like to think dragons still exist. It gives the world more of a magical tale."

Aegon chuckled as he broke the dark chocolate in his hand.

"My father believes dragons will be reborn one day. He also believes, through lots of readings and mappings as a younger boy, that the dragoneater, Cannibal, lives somewhere on Skagos. But he is very old and either reaching it's death, or is already dead."

Of course, Lyarra had heard of the stories of Cannibal, the dragon who preferred to feast on its own kind. Newborn and otherwise, said to be so large and dangerous that whenever it flew near a town, it was said to raze it to the ground just because it could do that.

A sadistic thing, capable of whatever destruction it set it's mind to.

She shuddered at the thought of such a thing still operating around Westeros. Without any other dragon around to battle it, only the gods know what would be left of the seven kingdoms.

"Of course, no one is foolish enough to go hunt it down in Skagos. Apart from the Skagosi being unfriendly to foreigners, dragon fire alone scares the willfully stupid."

Aegon added and Lyarra snorted.

"I don't think anyone is stupid enough to go hunting after such a beast."

The Prince of Westeros smiled wanly as he handed her the dark chocolate bar.

"You'd be surprised. One time, Gendry tried convincing me to go on an adventure with him, much like Ser Duncan and Aegon amongst the small folk. But this time, rather than the small folk, we'd sail to Valyria in search of riches untold."

"What?"

Aegon chuckled as he bit into his chocolate, humming out in pleasure as it practically melted in his mouth.

"No one ever said Gendry was normal."

Lyarra grunted.

"I agree with that motion."

Aegon's smile morphed into one of amusement.

Gendry had taken to teasing Lyarra whenever they were in close proximity of each other and he didn't think his loyal friend would be stopping anytime soon.

He snapped out of his thoughts, turning to his companion who stared curiously at the chocolate bar, even as the slight evening breeze blew around them and he grinned.

"I could teach you."

Lyarra's head snapped towards the Prince.

"What?"

"Valyrian, I mean. You could also ask my mother, of course. The Martells also train their children to be fluent in the tongue, seeing as they have Targaryen blood in their veins too."

Lyarra's eyes glittered as the skies turned a beautiful orange color, making her eye look like fire caught in ice.

"You don't have to."

She replied softly and he playfully nudged her with his shoulder.

"I am your prince, I command you to be happy with my decree."

He replied playfully and Lyarra snorted, raising the chocolate and slowly taking a bite out of it.

As it melted in her mouth, she subconsciously lets out a moan of ecstasy at the sweetness in her mouth and what it did to her taste buds.

She'd never tasted anything like this. Rickon would absolutely love it! Arya too!... Well, all her siblings would!

Aegon though, stared at her with eyes widened slightly at the sound she'd made. His eyes slanted a little as he looked around and back at her.

"You probably shouldn't make that sound just anywhere anymore."

Lyarra looked up from her new found love, to the prince with a confused face.

"What sound…?"

Aegon's amusement grew even as he struggled not to stare at her in amusement as he playfully wiggled his brows.

Lyarra blinked a few times before she then got what he was trying to say and she gasped out loud, making him burst out into laughter.

"You depraved—ugh!"

She turned away from him, embarrassment building up again, though a smile threatened to grow across her lips at the sound of his very attractive laughter.

In that moment, the skies burst into fire works of beautiful colors, the last bunch that had been imported from Yi Ti for the New Years which many had come to watch closely.

Lyarra stared up in awe of the beauty. If only she could have it painted and sent up North.

"What are you thinking?"

Aegon softly asked as he watched her, and she smiled.

"Not really thinking… just wishing my siblings were here to see this with me."

Aegon shook his head slightly, turning to watch the fireworks too, much like the people on the ferry.

"You are a delight, Lyarra Dayne."

As he said that, Lyarra's head snapped towards him, and he turned to look at her.

In that moment, something went between them… fondness perhaps, as they smile at each other, before looking back at the fireworks as it exploded across the slightly darkening skies and eliciting happy murmurs from people.

And as it exploded into the skies, miles above them… Lyarra's tummy flutters.

Meanwhile, eyes watched them both from further behind.

The red priestess staring with contemplative eyes as she watched the Prince.

"Azor Ahai…"

Blackwater Docks.

Varys stood with his arms crossed behind him as the skies began to brighten.

It was dawn. Peaceful and calm. A day perfect for his plans to slowly take fruition.

He watched the ship on the horizon that seemed to be ushered in by the day.

It was of Pentoshi make.

Bringing his visitor. The plan was finally in motion. The Game slowly working in his favor.

He smiled.

Finally.

And that's it!

A little shorter than the last but that is only because the next one is a little more longer.

But anyways, now we're moving towards the other arc. And as for those asking, yes the dragons will be coming in chapter 17, lol. But yeah! this was more fluff and fun. Bringing Aegon and Lyarra together as well as more Small Council drama because why not? Poor Connington though.

NEXT CHAPTER: Varys' guest arrives, Lyarra worries and Rhaenys' eyes open a little further.