Aegon Targaryen

Pentos, 301 AC

"If you can't get him safely, don't do it."

He spoke to Ser Rolly. Four days had passed and in that time all they done was plot and plan, then plan and plot, then plot and plan again. Everything having flipped once again and the pieces he had been so careful to place and hoped would not change too much being thrown across the room in the process. The first thing they had done once everything had blown over was to get a detailed map of every region of Westeros which luckily the Magister had as they moved multiple pieces to their places to assess the situation as clear as possible. To say the odds were against them was putting it lightly.

Other than the Vale, the Stormland's, the Westerland's, and most of Dorne, Jaeron had all Kingdom's on his side. Well, excluding the Iron Islands but that was up for debate whether it was one of the Kingdom's or not so no one really counted them. The only chance Aegon really had was to continue with his plan of taking Storm's End which would grant him at least some House's in the Stormland's to declare for him if his brother didn't get there first. Pentos was still more than a month away by ship to Westeros and all it took was days for things to change. The Vale was possible, they'd remained out of it until now but if what the Magister spoke was true then they were not pleased with sitting it out and were planning a revolt of some kind. Again, that was something they could not take into consideration as it was solely rumours at this point and right now, he couldn't risk such a thing. No, he needed allies, and he needed them quickly.

"Your Grace- "

"No, I will not risk you, Ser."

Ser Rolly closed his mouth slowly before nodding his head in obedience. It had been his wife who had suggested such when it was confirmed it was indeed Kevan Lannister they had seen wandering the streets of Pentos. What was known was that Joffrey had seemingly vanished as had the other Lannister's. Hence why they had waited and watched, checking to see where he went at all times but remaining out of it, listening carefully to see if he would reveal any incriminating evidence. Either the man was remaining incredibly tight lipped or he genuinely did not know. Yet Aegon suspected all the same, as did his wife, uncle, and Lord Jon. Plus, he would make a fine hostage. His brother and Robb Stark had kept Jaime hostage for a while which bought them time to do a lot of damage, perhaps it would work for him as well.

A further two days passed before there was any further movement on their part. They'd been in a large room planning heavily on what to do before a few guards appeared alongside people who worked within the manse itself. Confirming that Ser Rolly had been successful in his mission and that they now had the Lannister in their hands. Immediately dismissing the court and reaching down to let Vēzos climb onto his arm and perch on his shoulders. According to Torghen, he was growing quickly but nowhere near the same quickness as his brothers had grown. Estimating a couple of years minimum before he could mount him.

"What do you plan on doing?"

He turned his head to face his wife. That was still a strange thought- that he had a wife now. There was no love between them but there was no hatred either which was better than most political matches. It was rare for a political match to bare fruit into something other than that. Mayhaps in time that would come, but it would not be for many years.

"The plans haven't changed- "

"With Kevan, not the battles."

Aegon sighed as he thought it through in his head. What did he plan on doing? He'd be useful for information for certain, and he would also be a good way to goad the lions towards him. Yet Kevan was a second son, a younger brother, and younger brothers were often just seen as an accessory of the older brother.

"I am yet undecided- "

"You need to decide. If you mean to claim yourself as King you need to learn to make decisions and quickly."

Anger swelled within him for a split second before breathing slowly to calm down, not liking the barb she had thrown towards him even if there was truth to it.

"My niece makes a point, nephew."

Both turned to see Oberyn walk inside now, not even attempting to hide the bruising on his neck from whatever whore he'd lain with this morning.

"What suggestions do you both have?"

It becoming clear now both had an idea of what to do, and it irked him he had yet to think of anything other than the most basic possibilities. Moving to sit down at the large table in the room as some servants appeared asking if they would like some food and a few minutes later appearing with a tray of cured meats ranging from boar to venison, buttered beans and spiced onions, fresh olives, soft cheeses, and an array of fruit. Aegon reaching for some of the cheese and an olive and almost moaning as the juice from the olive exploded in his mouth.

"I would not use him for information, I would use him strategically."

Their uncle spoke, turning to him curiously as they awaited on him expanding on his words.

"He's married to Dorna Swyft, the daughter of Lord Harys Swyft of Cornfield and they have multiple children together. Or had multiple children together if my sources are correct on one of your brothers bannermen."

His eyebrows creased as he looked to Arianne curiously, her sporting a similar expression.

"Rickard Karstark cut down Willem and Martyn Lannister in response to Jaime killing two of his own sons. That leaves Lancel and Janei. Lancel was squire to the Fat Stag so he likely knows a lot of inside information so it would be a good idea to keep Kevan around because it would hold Lancel's hand alongside the Swyft's."

"Go on."

He spoke, looking down at the map and finding Cornfield. Close to the border of the Reach and just slightly south east of Casterly Rock itself. A plan beginning to form in his head as he stared at the map thoroughly.

"How powerful are the Crakehall's, uncle?"

"Not very, but I know them decently. My mother tried to betroth myself to Cersei of all people there as did she attempt to betroth my sister to Jaime."

Aegon's face screwed up in alarm at that and if Arianne weren't sporting a similar expression he had no doubt she would've laughed at how ridiculous he almost certainly looked. That was news to him. Trying to imagine what would've happened were it to go ahead and shivering just at the thought.

"Why were they there and not in Casterly Rock?"

"Jaime squired under the Crakehall's before being taken on as Ser Arthur's squire, I suspect his twin wished to see him."

Or wished to bed him, although he dared not speak those words aloud.

"They have a large fleet, do they not?"

Again, Oberyn nodded as he rolled a piece of cured venison up into a spiral and eating it with some of the soft cheese.

"And a trading port."

Yes, that could work. Mulling it over in his mind but knowing it would require a lot of refinement. Which they had more than enough time for as they were sailing out of Pentos the following morning heading for Sunspear whilst the army sailed for Claw Isle which according to Torghen he had somewhat secured under Lord Ardrian. If they managed to cut off that trading route it would mean less food in the Westerland's which in turn would mean less money. That would create unrest with Lord's and Merchants whilst also angering the smallfolk at the same time. The remainder of the day went by terrifying quickly, and the next morning when they had broken their fasts and were making their way to the many ships aligning the Bay of Pentos, it began to sink in. He was going home, and for good this time.

The first week was easy, no one could deny such a thing. The second week not as easy but not terrible. But on the third week they got hit with a horrid storm which had almost caused them to wreck. Puddles of vomit in the cabins, on the deck, down the side of the ship from people being unable to keep their food down with the frantic waves. Eight days it lasted for and by the end of it he was almost certain he never wanted to step on a ship ever again. People left them mostly alone though, which Arianne took advantage of by having him in as many ways as she could think of. Not that he complained, mayhaps a seed would take root soon. The last week they had broken off south whilst the remainder travelled northwest. Deciding to sail around the Stepstones because it was far too dangerous to do so with a singular ship. It added extra time to their journey but as his wife said it was better to be safe than to be sorry. Eleven days after they had split from the army he had been woken by his uncle confirming Sunspear was now visible on the horizon. Quickly dressing and heading up to deck to stand beside Arianne who was looking to the castle she had grown up in fondly.

"One day it'll be mine, even if my father does not wish that to be so."

Confusion whirred in his mind as he turned to her, awaiting on her expanding. His wife looking down at the water and sighing deeply before looking ahead determined.

"I found a letter a long time ago, only half-written but the words there was on the parchment was enough for me to put it together. My father wishes for my brother Quentyn to inherit Sunspear- "

"But you're his eldest and Dorne follow Rhoynar laws of inheritance?"

She scoffed a little and rolled her eyes in annoyance, wondering what he had said that had worked her up.

"My father doesn't care about that, it's one of many reasons he sent me away in the first place. Plus, why do you think he was so adamant on us wedding? Don't get me wrong cousin, I care for you, a lot. I'll do anything for you or Rhaenys but lets not deny had my father not been so insistent we would not be wed."

She had a point there, he had to admit to himself. Thinking it through in his head before figuring out what he was planning, face blanching in realisation.

"He doesn't want you to be Princess of Dorne- "

"He wants me to be the Queen, and there is only one way for me to be the Queen."

A tightness rapidly spread down his spine causing his body to stiffen as he looked ahead at the massive white castle which was getting closer and closer by the minute. The crew were all awake now preparing to land in the harbour of Planky Town so they could ride the remainder of the way.

"Depose Jaeron."

"Indeed. I've never met him but my father and our uncle have twice. Did Oberyn tell you he rode on his dragon when they teamed up against the monster who murdered your mother?"

No, he had not. Wondering now if that was why Oberyn wasn't as against his brother. It was clear he didn't like him, but he didn't dislike him and that was clear from the many arguments they'd had over what to do.

"I can't just give it up, Ari. So many people have put their trust in me- "

"As have they your brother. You should not have banned Torghen from telling the truth of yourself and Rhaenys when he first went to Greywater Watch to help train him because then we would not be in the mess we currently are. I will tell you one thing though, family does not go against family. We share many ancestors with one another, and if one thing became clear from the many fights within, it never ends on a good note."

Aegon hadn't thought on it like that, feeling a tingling sensation rippling through his body now and only realising now he was gripping the railing of the ship so hard his knuckles had gone ghostly pale.

"Then why marry me then? If you do not want to be Queen?"

She smirked then, lips pulling apart before beginning to walk away. Looking over her shoulder and speaking.

"I expect a fight for when I make my rightful claim on Sunspear, and you come with an army that will come in very useful."

And then Arianne Martell walked away and disappeared below deck, leaving him to his thoughts as he continued to stare at Sunspear up ahead and what was going to happen. They would not be staying for long, it was solely to call the Dornish banners to him and for them to have a proper wedding and not the tiny one they'd had in Pentos. Afterwards they would be sailing north to meet with his army to begin the assault on Storm's End. It was beginning to seem real now, soon he would be deep within the game and it was a game that ended either in success or death. One that was rarely fun but was forever changing. It wasn't much longer before they were in the harbour and walking off into Planky Town.

It wasn't much really, a small town halfway between Sunspear and Lemonwood directly at the mouth of the Greenblood. Numerous eyes turned to them and it didn't miss his gaze the way they were bowing their heads ever so slightly at seeing his wife. Horses had been readied for them and there was also a litter. It was obvious which one they were going to use because after such a long journey on the sea the one thing everyone wished to do was to sit down. Arianne, Oberyn, and Ser Torghen sat on one side whereas himself, Lord Jon, and Ser Rolly sat on the other. It was an odd thought, that he was home again. Yet this time, it was home for good. No more hiding, no more scuttling around on the Shy Maid up and down the Rhoyne. Soon, people would know that he had survived as had his sister which would further destabilise the Lannister's.

"Is he still alive?"

He asked, looking to his uncle who had a wicked grin on his face. Clearly understanding what he was silently asking.

"He is indeed, nephew. With a few pieces missing though."

Good. A smile creeping onto his face as he thought on what he could do to the monster who raped his mother and split her in half with his sword. One thing was for certain though, it was not going to be pretty.

Jaeron Targaryen

Kings Landing, 301 AC

It was something he had not wanted to do yet he could not deny there was merit to it and so he had done so. Sent one final summons for Lysa Arryn to raise her banners in his name. Jaeron knew it was useless for how many had they sent? A dozen? Twenty? Mayhaps more? From himself, from his aunt, from Robb, from Ser Brynden to many others yet all had either been unanswered or the few that did return had firm words written in response. However, there was one major difference between now and all the other times he had sent communication- he held Kings Landing. The Seat of power for the monarch and it was his. Had been for weeks now and there was no way she did not know of such a thing.

This time though, the answer was just insulting. A reply being sent back via a rider with a small box filled with frog spawn. To say he had been furious was an understatement, immediately figuring out what she was getting at with such an insult. Many people called the Targaryen's the spawn of dragons, and she was further rubbing salt into an already insulting referral. The letter that had come with the box was filled with nothing but more insults and further stating that she was not going to send her men and the Vale was out of the loop.

"Your Grace, this- treason- must be answered!"

Grand Maester Pycelle spoke, his voice quivering as it always did. Not that it fooled him, and probably most people at the table saw straight through it as well.

"As much as I want to fly there and pick her out of that damned castle I cannot do so, I share family with her. Make no mistakes Grand Maester, I may be blood of the dragon but I grew up as a Northerner and us Northerners are fiercely loyal to ones own family."

Murmuring broke out at this but no one dared to speak a word against him, although it didn't miss his gaze that the Grand Maester looked shocked that he wasn't doing anything. Lysa Arryn would bend one day as would her son and that was a given, but today was not that day.

"If anything you should send her a broken falcon egg- "

"Or trout roe, both would be sufficient and would sprout similar results."

He turned to Lord Howland at that, not expecting words as such to leave his mouth. From Arthur he'd expected it, but not from the mostly silent Crannogman. Sighing deeply as he thought on the matter before deciding against it but keeping it in his mind because it would be useful in the future should the Arryn's not bend for him.

"There is something to know, your Grace. As you've likely heard through your wargs many people in the Vale are not happy to be sitting it out. I have knowledge from my little birds of some- potential- allies."

Slowly, he took a sip of the wine there was in front of him as he leaned back to await the eunuch's next words.

"House's Waynwood, Templeton, Redfort, Belmore, and Royce are refusing to remain neutral any more."

He'd expected two, perhaps three. Five had been a surprise. Yet there was no denying there was a but to the mans statement and from a simple gesture he continued.

"However, the Royce's do not want to do so for what happened with Ser Robar."

Confusion whirred in his mind as he tried to recall any mention of what had happened with him. Yet he came up with nothing. Margaery was currently visiting the best seamstresses in the city so he couldn't ask her either, her brother having gone with her to guard her back.

"There was... a disagreement between Ser Rober and Ser Loras when they were Kingsguard to Lord Renly, your Grace."

Immediately, fury began bubbling within but he kept it down well enough.

"I am guessing by disagreement Ser Loras slew Ser Robar."

There did not need to be an answer to his statement for it was clear.

"I will write summons to the other four this evening. As for House Royce I will find a way to soothe his wounds of losing a second son."

It would be difficult though. There was no doubt in his mind that he would demand he take Ser Loras' head for such a thing but if he were to do so it would sour the alliance with the Reach. Something he could not afford to lose.

"Has there been any further response from House Staunton, House Buckwell, and House Whent?"

"We have received confirmation from the rider sent to Harrenhal that the Lady Shella has unfortunately passed of this world, your Grace."

He closed his eyes at those words and sighed deeply, glad his hands were underneath the table so no one could see the way he was knotting his fingers together. That was a loss, a big loss. With her death House Whent was now extinct and the curse of Harrenhal claimed yet another name to add to its growing collection. He'd need to find someone to take the Seat because it would further secure his hold on the Riverland's.

"As for the Buckwell's and Staunton's, they sent their reply being the fingers of the two riders sent to Rook's Rest and the Antlers respectively."

Jaeron felt ill just at the thought. By now, much of the Crownland's had declared for him but those two were remaining loyal to Joffrey. Speaking of the golden-haired cunt, there had still been no news on his whereabouts. Or any of the Lannister's whereabouts for that matter. It bothered him because with them still alive his rule was not secure in the slightest. Whilst not as tenuous as it had been when he'd taken the city, it was still tenuous.

"Anything from my cousin?"

Even now, it was odd to call Robb his cousin. They'd grown up as brothers, had called one another brothers, had treated one another as brothers, yet they weren't brothers in truth.

"Prince Robb has safely arrived at Riverrun with his host and is preparing to ride out to Seagard and Oldstones."

Good. The sooner the Ironborn were out of the Riverland's the better. He had half a mind to just incinerate their damned rocks for good yet the only thing that stopped him was that not all thrived on raiding and raping. Hardly anything naturally grew there, they didn't have much they could use for trade, they didn't have a lot of resources in general. Many would've left in search of a new place to settle in such circumstances and he hated that there was a small shred of respect for them not wanting to give up their ancestral lands so easily. The meeting did not last much longer than this, retreating to his solar to begin drafting letters to send to the Vale House's to see if he could sway them to his side without Lysa's leave. It would be a difficult thing to do given to do so they would have to break their oaths to their liege which may prove more difficult down the line once Robyn Arryn was old enough to no longer require a regent.

A couple of hours passed before his betrothed came back and from the beaming smile on her face he knew she'd found a seamstress. When it was agreed they would wed one another he'd been adamant that they wait until the war was won. Yet as time went on the worse of an idea that was. The week prior he had finally consented and now wedding preparations were in full swing. It would be one of two weddings he would be attending this month if the timing worked out well enough. The first being Robb and Roslin, then his own. Marriage was something Jaeron had grown up accepting would never happen for him, yet it was, and soon. It would bind the Reach to him fully which would put him in a much more stable position.

"Ser Loras, I was told of a rather curious thing in the council meeting this morning."

There was no use beating around the bush, better to get straight to the point. Margaery turned to her brother oddly before looking back towards him. He nodded at her to confirm he was happy for her to remain and so she sat down in front of him and smiling prettily his way.

"What exactly was spoken, your Grace?"

"Of your...disagreement with Ser Robar."

The awkwardness that came from his words was all the confirmation needed that it was true. Leaning over and pinching the bridge of his nose for a moment before looking him in the eye.

"He let Renly die- "

"Did he? Or was he just not quick enough?"

Loras closed his mouth at the snappish tone in his voice, balling his hands into fists and pressing his fingertips hard into the palm of his hands.

"I try not to misjudge on previous deeds yet on this I have to make you aware that your actions have caused a ripple. House Royce are refusing to join the fold unless Ser Robar is dispensed justice."

Margaery's face blanched at his words but he calmed her down by continuing.

"I will not kill you, Ser Loras. Yet it must be known you have likely cost me a powerful ally in the Vale. I want to make one thing clear to you for future reference. If at any point you suspect treason within the Kingsguard you come to me. If not to me then you do so to Ser Arthur. You do not dispense the justice yourself, am I clear?"

By the end his voice had gotten dangerously low, almost to a growl which attested to his wolf blood. It was obvious he understood the words as he pressed his lips together in anger at being chastised before leaving the room to guard them from the outside. It was deadly silent now, neither daring to speak until cooler heads prevailed. Eventually, it was himself who broke the tense atmosphere.

"Was your trip successful, my Lady?"

"It was indeed, my King. I have found a seamstress whose work is truly exquisite."

"We have still to finalise a guest list, there is still plenty of planning to do."

"We're expecting numerous Lord's to arrive in the coming fortnight to pledge their fealty to yourself, why not take advantage of such a thing?"

She made a good point with that, a very good point. It would also work in his favour because it would secure his hold quicker which in turn may allow the war to actually end soon. Some House's in the Stormland's were beginning to consider swearing fealty to him after what he had done with Shireen but they weren't officially swearing until Lord Stannis had bent the knee. Something he was still refusing to do. Whilst it annoyed him greatly, he could not deny there was immense respect between them both. They were cousins a few times removed twice over. Betha and Melantha Blackwood had been sisters, then there was a direct royal link through Shaera, Jaehaerys, and Rhaelle all also being siblings. Stags were stubborn, wolves were stubborn, and dragons probably more stubborn than the other two combined.

"Would you wish for a wedding in the Faith or?"

She trailed off as he thought his answer through.

"We'll need to marry under the Faith. I mislike it for my beliefs are well known. Yet I cannot afford to lose favour with them and so I have to ponder to their wants and needs."

"I sense a but, my King."

She teased, knowing he hated being referred to by his title.

"I would like to wed in a Godswood too. Not just because it would be in mine own faith but because my parents also done so."

Her smile disappeared at his words and features tightened just a tiny bit. Not long enough for him to decipher what was running through her mind.

"I must admit I know nought of weddings in the Northern fashion."

He offered her some wine now which she took without question, sprinkling a small amount of hippocras within the deep red liquid before taking a long sip. He followed too and found the spice made the wine much more palatable on his tongue.

"The ceremony is quick, over in a matter of minutes. Held in front of a Heart Tree for the Gods to witness the union. The bride is often escorted to her intended by her father but in the absence of her father the closest male relative. Traditionally done at the hour of the wolf so it is very cold yet with the snows that often litter the ground at night in the North it's really quite beautiful looking. There's no grand affair, it is simple as we like. Yet the feasts and celebrations afterwards definitely make up for it."

She laughed a little as she tried to imagine what he was describing.

"I think I would enjoy- "

She was cut off from the door being opened, Ser Arthur and Ser Loras looking to them in alarm which confirmed something was happening. Something big. Finishing his glass as Margaery done the same and asking why they had barged in so suddenly.

"A report has come in from Elissa."

"What kind of a report, Lord Commander?"

He asked as they left his solar and following them back towards the council room. Upon entering he saw all the others members seated there and all had worried expressions on their faces. In fact, Pycelle's face was ashen like the life had been scared out of him. Taking his position at the head of the table for the second time that day and demanding an answer to what this was about. Howland gave him a worried look and he knew then whatever news had arrived was bad, nerves beginning to bubble up deep within his gut and fighting hard to keep his face still.

"Princess Arianne Martell has wed, your Grace."

Despite nothing being there, it felt like someone had punched his gut at those words.

"Joffrey?"

He questioned, not knowing any other name he could throw into the mix that would cause this kind of reaction from his council.

"Worse."

No further words were spoken as Howland slid over the report given by Elissa as he scanned the words. To say he felt ill when he finished was an understatement.

"No, it can't be- "

"A man has landed in Sunspear who has wed Arianne Martell claiming to be your supposed deceased older brother. Dorne has sworn for him other than mine own House."