Chapter Ten: 298 AC Dragonstone, Westeros
Her name had once been Ara daughter of Arathorn II and his wife Gilraen and sister to Aragorn Elessar, returned King of Gondor. Exile was a concept well known to her. Her father was killed when she was only a year old in her first life and she grew up in Rivendell, cared for by the House of Elrond. She and Aragorn had been given different names, Estel for her brother and Almárëa for her. Hope and Blessed were the meaning behind the names. When they came of age, their mother told them the truth and they had to live with that.
She had traveled all over Arda with her brother, forever hiding their bloodline, even when they served in Gondor during the reign of Steward Ecthelion. She was familiar with not having a home. Even though they had claimed Gondor eventually, the wilds always felt more like home to Ara, given that her parents were dead, and she had been made barren by an injury during the Battle of the Black Gates, leaving her unsuitable for marriage. She had been alone all her life, never loving anyone the way her brother had loved Arwen, their adoptive sister.
When she had been reborn after her death of old age, Ara had felt something she never had before, belonging. She was born a bastard, but Rhaella Targaryen never made her feel like an intruder. Even Aerys, before he lost himself, had loved her deeply. Rhaegar had dotted on her all their lives until he started wanting something she would never give. She remembered from her last life what happened when siblings had children with each other, they usually had difficulties or went mad, as their histories had proved over the years.
The Red Keep had been her home and she had loved it more than Rivendell or even Minas Tirith. She had a mother, father and brother there. While she had always had Aragorn, after reclaiming the throne and marrying, the siblings had drifted apart. She had never gotten mad at him for it, as she knew most siblings went through the same thing after marrying. The problem was, she never wed and always felt misplaced.
In Kings Landing, she had belonged but the true home of her heart had always been Dragonstone, the start of the Targaryen Dynasty. So, stepping foot on Dragonstone felt just as uplifting as she had when she had entered Gondor as its royal family returned for the first time.
There was a chill in the air the day Visenya stepped foot on Westeros soil for the first time since her exile so many years before. Arthur, Daario and Lillian were with her, the four dressed in simple black cloaks. On their way across the sea, Arthur had pointed out that the Baratheon's had lived on Dragonstone for the last fifteen years and the people might not be too receptive of the Targaryen's return. So, when they had come within sight of the island, Visenya had everyone drop anchor and then moved ships, so they could get to land without the Targaryen sail announcing her arrival.
So, she decided to go because the people might remember her, and Lillian followed because it would look strange with one woman and two heavily armored men entering what was considered a safe island. The exited the ship seamlessly, a noble woman, Lady-in-waiting and guards, passing beneath the Baratheon soldiers notice easily. They entered the village outside the Great Keep, where her mother had died, and walked through it. They didn't turn a single eye.
Visenya was looking at jewellery, eyes peeled, when she saw her. A woman with heavy dark hair and a blood red choker at her throat walking through the village towards the Sept, Baratheon guards on either side of her. She spun to the one of the men standing around her, "What game is Stannis playing that he lets a red priestess of all things stand on this island and preach her vile faith?" she hissed, disgusted to see a Shadow Woman polluting her ancestor's islands with her presence. "Stannis doesn't give a bloody fuck, traitor that he is. He follows her now," one of the commoners who had heard her spoke as he spat angrily at the ground. "Aye," another man agreed, "Gone to the dogs this place has, ever since good Queen Rhaella passed birthing her daughter."
Visenya felt glee fill her, instantly noting the distaste for Baratheon soldiers in the faces of those surrounding them, "I take it none of you are pleased having a Baratheon ruling the island then."
"Se skoros iksis ziry naejot ao pār? iksi mirre pazavor naejot se zaldrīzoti kesīr, (And what is it to you then? We are all loyal to the dragons here.)" one of the men surprised her by speaking High Valyrian. He was dressed well and of the classic valyrian features, she was sure they were related somehow, probably a bastard son. A crowd had gathered around them now and Visenya smiled slightly at the man, "Ñuha kepa's qogron ēza udrāzmi bisa tēgembōñ syt naenie jēdri,(My father's line has ruled this island for many years.)" she replied proudly, causing gasps and wide eyes from all around her as people took a closer look, many whispering in awe or had tears in their eyes, while other noticed or recognized Ser Arthur.
"And..." the man swallowed, "Who is your father? What is your name?"
Arthur looked around seeing the hope and happiness of the peoples faces. He then realized how much the Rebellion had cost the realm. This was Visenya's home, these were her people, a people the Targaryen's were forced to abandon when they had to go into hiding. "Āerȳs iksin ñuha kepa, iksan visenya hen Targārien Lentor se eman māzigon naejot gūrogon arlī ñuha lenton, (Aerys was my father, I am Visenya of House Targaryen and I have come to take back my home.)" she announced to the crowd who now recognized her as Daella.
Happiness burst through on many faces, "Welcome home my queen," the dragon seed said as he bowed low many following his lead.
Visenya smiled, "Please stand, it is nice to be welcomed home," she said to him.
The man straightened, "I am Daemon Waters, I am the harbor master of Dragonstone," he said as though he carried a secret.
A truly devious plan entered Visenya's mind and she leaned in closer, "How would you like to help the Targaryen's return home?" she whispered to him.
His lilac eyes widened and he nodded his head enthusiastically. He was well aware who she was, especially to him and he was willing to do anything to return the Targaryen's to power. Visenya leaned until her lips touched his ear, "Tonight after dark I need you to allow my ships into Dragonstone. My army is thirty-thousand strong. Ñuhor līr gūrēnna isse Perzys Ānogār, (I will take what is mine in Fire and Blood)" she whispered before pulling away quickly.
While she and Daemon had been speaking, one of the guards had noticed the crowd and now Baratheon soldiers had come running to see what the problem was, two men headed them off as Arthur grabbed Visenya pulling her away. The last Daemon seen was her flashing violet eyes and then vanishing from sight with the three others who had been with her. He was filled with determination; he knew the Targaryen's were strong again and it was time for them to be welcomed home. He gathered the three men who had been standing with him when she had begun to question them and explained what she had said to him, being the only one who knew High Valyrian.
They were in agreement to allow them into the harbor that night.
~!~
Later that night Daemon and his three friends, William, George and James opened the gate to allow the Targaryen ships passage and he watched with pleasure and pride as the three headed dragon ships entered the gate for the first time in a decade and a half. He could see the dark head of Visenya on the bow of the biggest ship right at the front, three white cloaks stood behind her, two young women and a man stood to her right, Ser Arthur stood to her left and many people covered the port and starboard. There had to be hundreds of people on one ship to transport thirty-thousand men and horses.
Visenya arrived at the pier, she was dressed in her black leather armor with ruby encrusted three headed dragon across the front. A sword was strapped to her back, a dagger at her waist, another one strapped to her thigh and following behind her was a white and purple dragon big enough to be ridden. Daemon stopped and stood there stunned as he looked at his Queen and her Bonded dragon. Visenya looked at him and smiled, "His name is Valyrian, and he is the King of Dragons," she said as he stopped next to her. The dragon was beautiful and on all fours was now bigger than a war elephant.
He bowed low to the dragon and was stunned when a nose pressed to his forehead before he pulled away and snorted at him, it was like it was saying that Daemon was acceptable to him. Daemon laughed slightly hysterically as he stood up straight. He never thought the dragons would return and even when the rumors had reached Dragonstone, that the dragons had been woken from stone, he had taken them as just rumors. But now… he was stunned silent as he saw shadows of dragons rise across the water as they quietly landed on the grounds around the docks. He watched as the others moved off the ships, silently and with precision and he almost swallowed his tongue when he saw the blonde-haired girl with a black and red dragon following her move to stand beside Visenya. He felt like he was looking at a young Queen Rhaella. Visenya noticed the look and smiled, "Daemon, my sister Daenerys Stormborn, Princess of House Targaryen," she introduced him.
Daemon bowed to her, "Princess Daenerys, welcome home," he murmured to her.
They moved off the pier and waited silently. Daemon watching as thousands of men silently climbed from the ships and onto the island. He didn't recognize any but knew they were from Essos. Many were darker skinned like the dornish but they all carried themselves differently. He noted the arrival of Lord Valeryon and his young son, and had to hide his smile. It sure hadn't taken long for the last of the Valyrian families to unite had it. As he was watching Visenya talk to a few men, no doubt giving orders, one of his men came delivering a message to him.
"You grace," he called out when the man had left.
Visenya looked at him expectantly, "Stannis and his red priestess are having a bon fire, they are going to burn Edric Storm, Robert Baratheon's bastard son alive," he explained furiously. Fire seemed to burn in her eyes, "Where?" she hissed. He shuddered at the anger, hate and malice in her voice, "In the courtyard by the keep," he explained.
Visenya hissed again before turning to and barking in dothraki to begin moving.
The fifteen thousand men, a mixture between Unsullied and dothraki begin mounting horses or putting their helmets one as they begin moving. Ser Gerald and Ser Oswell took the lead, Visenya kept behind a host of a hundred soldier, with Jacaerys and Ser Arthur. Daeny and Roslin staying behind with the other fifteen thousand men and ships, guarded by Ser Jorah. Ser Loras, Theon and Asha Greyjoy follow behind her all feeling nervous, wondering how Visenya would handle the coming confrontation. Valyrian and Moonfyre were the only dragons accompanying them, the others left on the ships are they were growing slower than Valyrian and Moonfyre had.
Anger and disgust pulsed around Visenya as the moved through the town towards the keep. How dare her cousin hurt a child? He knew what Aerys had done and now he was lining up to do the same? Maybe her father had gotten Cassana Baratheon without anyone knowing, she thought darkly. Everyone was well aware Aerys had lusted after both of his wife's Ladies-in-waiting, which was why Rhaella had dismissed Joanna and Cassana right after they each wed.
Ser Oswell and Ser Gerald stopped at the gate that stretched into a wall forming a circle around the Great Keep. The two stone dragons on either side of the door looking imposingly down on them and Visenya had to hide her flinch from the last time she saw them. Her naneth had died here and the Targaryen's were forced to flee Westeros. She nodded and two Unsullied stepped forward and pushed the doors open, meeting not resistance. They gave way with a heavy groan and everyone was instantly moving into the courtyard.
Silence had fallen as over a hundred men moved into the yard before stopping and facing the door, which led to the courtyard. Visenya moved through the door, stalking like an avenging Queen as she entered past the wall and swept the area with her eyes. A pile of wood was waiting to be burned and she was surprised to see not one but two children tied to the wood. A boy who looked like a Baratheon and a little girl who had greyscale covering the left side of her face. Fury pulsed through Visenya as more men followed her though the wall. She had never felt so furious before and it took everything inside of her to not reach for her weapon. She would not be accused of being a Kinslayer.
She spun to face her stunned cousin Stannis, who was gaping at her, "Have you gone out of your mind cousin?" she roared at him as she stalked through the crowd. They parted like the red sea however when they saw Valyrian following after her. No one had seen a dragon in living memory and here was one following after a beautiful woman who seemed to pulse with power. Stannis stumbled away from the pyre at the sound of her voice. He remembered the anger of his older cousin and now couldn't help his flinch as violet burning eyes glared at him. Melisandre stepped forward to reach for the dragon, knowing her god would protect her from harm only to be stopped. A sword stopped her and she spun to see a dark-skinned man with purple eyes looking at her, "Touch him and die," he hissed keeping his sword at her.
Visenya stopped by the pyre and her face softened at the frightened face of the little girl, who was sobbing from her spot tied to the pyre. She stepped forward onto the wood and let them see her hands as she reached for her dagger. The boy flinched when he saw her grab it but relaxed when she began to cut him loose. The girl began to sob harder when she realized someone was saving her, "It's alright. I won't hurt you. What's your name?" Visenya talked softly and quietly so not to frighten the girl anymore as she cut through her bindings. It had fallen silent in the courtyard, no one believing what they were seeing, where the locals inwardly released signs of relief.
The little girl looked up at the purple eyed women and sniffled, "Shireen Baratheon," she said quietly as the bonds broke. Visenya instantly wrapped her in a hug, Shireen clinging to her and then she spun to face Stannis cradling the girl closely, "Your own daughter?" she roared at him angrily and Shireen fell apart in her arms, unable to believe that her own father was going to kill her. "People call my father my father the Mad King, yet your about to burn your own daughter alive, what does that make you?" she hissed. Realization was now coming across his face and horror filled him, eyes immediately going to his daughter, who refused to look at him.
Visenya shook her head in disgust and crouched down to Shireen's height.
She slowly stroked her thumbs under her cheeks, wiping away her tears. Shireen flinched as Visenya's fingers touched the greyscale and she expected the woman to back away in disgust the way everyone else had. But she didn't. Shireen was surprised to feel those fingers continuing to wipe her tears away. She calmed down and looked at the woman, "Who are you?" she whispered slightly afraid and confused but so thankful.
Visenya grinned, "I am Visenya Targaryen. Did you know that you're my cousin?" she whispered back. Shireen smiled slightly, "Your so pretty," she said touching her face sadly. Visenya took her hand and squeezed it, "So are you little one," she whispered. Shireen shook her head in shame, "The greyscale makes me ugly," she said bitterly making her father flinch. Visenya smiled, "You are beautiful now as you will be when it's no longer there," she said turning to Arthur, having already planned for the next part.
He smiled and handed her a small vial and little tin of paste. She accepted them and then smiled at Shireen, "You see these, they are magic," she whispered opening the tin. Shireen giggled, "What kind of magic?" she wondered glancing at the smelly green paste. Visenya smiled, "While, if I rub this paste on your greyscale, you drink the vial and go to sleep. There will be no greyscale when you wake up tomorrow," she explained simply, spreading the paste on Shireen's face. Her nose twitched as the smell, but she held still, "It feels warm," she whispered. Visenya nodded, "That means its working sweetling," she said as she finished putting the paste on her face. Shireen nodded as she was handed the vial. It had looked small in Visenya's hand, but it looked huge in her own and she was nervous about taking it.
Visenya smiled slightly, "It's okay, it won't hurt you. But it tastes nasty, best to swallow it really fast," she explained softly. Shireen nodded nervously before pulling out the cork, she took a deep breath and then downed the vial in one go. When she had swallowed, the vial slipped through her fingers and her head spun. She fell asleep before she was even aware of what was happening. Visenya caught her gently and handed her to Daario, who knew he was to keep a close eye on her.
Visenya then turned to Edric, "Are you alright?" she asked. He nodded nervously, "Thank you," he whispered. He had known who she was the moment she had stepped into the courtyard and the dragon banners followed her. The Maester at Storm's End had made sure his education was through and Edric knew everything about the Targaryen family. Visenya was just as legendary as her namesake after all. Arthur put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed assuringly before moving Edric over to Daario, who still held Shireen in his arms.
Visenya then spun to face Stannis who was looking at his daughter in shock. He didn't even realize his men were surrounded and the fight was over before it even began. Anger poured off of her as she looked to the Unsullied, "Tie the priestess to the pyre. The god R'hllor is not welcome on Dragonstone," she ordered. Melisandre didn't have time to moved before two men had a hold of her and forcefully bound her to the pole Visenya had just released Shireen and Edric from. Melisandre was now feeling fear as she watched the purple eyed woman, who turned back to Stannis.
"Lord Stannis and Lady Selyse Baratheon you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Shireen Baratheon and Edric Storm, the destruction done to Dragonstone while in your care, and attempted Kinslaying, take them," she ordered as her people fell on the Baratheon's before fighting could break out. Stannis walked to his cell as though he was in a dream, while Selyse was knocked out, due to her kicking and screaming, and then locked in the dungeon. Visenya hadn't moved from her spot and watched impassively as they were dragged away. The she turned back to Melisandre who now looked frightened as the two dragons circled her, realizing that Queen Visenya wasn't playing around.
"I will not have your vile faith spread in my home. Goodbye Melisandre," she said before taking a step back. For a moment Melisandre thought she would live, but then she noticed the dragons had circled her, one in the front, one at her back. Dread filled her and she screamed when Visenya ordered them to kill her.
"Dracarys."
Dragon fire was the last thing Melisandre seen before darkness claimed her. As her body burned to locals who had been forced to listen to her cheered and began to celebrate, shouting for the Targaryen Queen that once more graced their home. The Targaryen's had finally returned. Visenya knew she still had a lot of work to do, but she knew with her friends and family, things were looking up.
~!~
That night they returned to the ships, the Keep needing to be cleaned and aired out before the Targaryen's returned to it, and some of the soldiers stayed on the beach, the Dothraki's encampment quickly taking shape in the torchlight. Visenya laid sprawled across her bed and laughed with triumph and filled with victory, Dragonstone was theirs. This must have been what her ancestors felt when the conquered the Seven Kingdoms, she thought. The dragons had been released from the ships and were now flying around but staying close to the encampment, Valyrian having taken over the deck of the ship after they had returned to the ships.
Her mind went South, towards Dorne and her heart pounded in her chest, this was the closest to Oberyn she had been in fifteen years, and she ached with want of him. She couldn't wait until they were reunited. She fell asleep with the thought of warm dark brown eyes and the phantom feel of warm arms cradling her body.
~!~
As everyone slept that night, they had no idea of what was to come. Robb Stark woke in the middle of the night, looking over to his sleeping wife before looking to Grey Wind who was already watching him. They both knew something had happened that would soon change everything, a heavy weight of something hung in the air.
Oberyn Martell woke from a dream of his purple eyed beauty and couldn't help the shiver that ran through him. Something inside him said Visenya was close by, and they would meet again soon. A thrill ran threw his body and his cock hardened painfully as he imagined their reunion. He groaned before rolling over and burying his head in his pillow. He wanted his wife so much and she wasn't anywhere near him.
Shireen Baratheon slept through the night as the paste and dragon blood did its job. A dark grey dragon with deep blue accents and golden eyes watched over her through the night and Shireen had no nightmares of being burned alive. When she would wake the next morning, she would be a totally different little girl.
Sarella Sand arrived on Dragonstone to see around over a thousand ships in the harbor and soldiers making camp on the beach. She seen the three headed dragon banners flapping in the wind and she knew her naneth was somewhere down there. She decided to bunk down for the night in a tavern and wait till morning to approach. She couldn't help the longing that filled her to just go down and find her naneth, she had missed her so much.
Jacaerys sat in his room, Roslin was with him still and they just stared at each other in silence. They both knew that soon everything would change, especially between them. Now that they had Dragonstone, Visenya would expect them to wed. Jacaerys wanted to and had wanted to since three moons after they first met but Roslin was nervous to be intimate with a man. Finally, Roslin stood gathering her courage and offered her hand to Jacaerys, who looked at her questioningly. She smiled, "We're going to be married soon. We can sleep in the same bed for one night," she said softly. The boy grinned and accepted her hand letting her lead them over to the bed. They both stripped down to their small cloths and then crawled under the covers together. That night they slept peacefully around each other, even though they both knew the next day would change everything.
~!~
Two days later, Visenya led the way through the gates, through the courtyard and into the Keep with confidant footsteps. Jacaerys walked a little behind her on her right with Roslin at his side, Daenerys on her other side. They were followed by their dragons, except for Valyrian, as they walked through the halls. It was Jacaerys and Daenerys first time entering the Keep since their arrival on Dragonstone, as Visenya had spent the day before preparing the Keep for a special ceremony and had told them to wait.
She noticed that Targaryen banners and tapestries had already been rehung, curtains had been pulled back and servants were rushing too and from trying to get the Keep back into proper order and she smiled slightly as she walked towards the throne room.
When they reached the doors, carved with the Targaryen sigil, she looked at Jacaerys, "Are you ready for this? As soon as we go through those doors, everything changes," she asked him. She wanted him to be sure this is what he wanted, because if he wasn't ready, she wouldn't force him to be. Jacaerys drew in a deep breath and released it nodded, "I'm ready to go home," he said confidently.
Visenya grinned at him and nodded for the two Unsullied guarding the doors, to open them.
The throne room was huge and carved out of rock, the room easily big enough to hold seven fully grown dragons. The room was full on their allies, Lord's who had defected from Joffrey's side, commanders among the Dothraki and Unsullied, a handful of Stormcrow's were present with Daario, those who had arrived in Dragon's Bay, including Theon Greyjoy, Garlan Tyrell, and Lewyn Martell, were already present. Ser Gerald and Ser Oswell stood at the front of the room, in front of the stone dais, holding the throne which had been carved there centuries before.
Jacaerys stepped into the room, eyes instantly focused on the huge rock throne that sat on the podium. A giant three headed dragon banner had already been hung behind it and a space cleared on the side for Moonfyre to lay down. All eyes were on them as Visenya led the way up to the throne. When she stopped in front of it, Jacaerys held his breath. This was it; everything was going to change now. Visenya's thoughts were somewhere else entirely. The last time she had seen this throne room, her brother was sitting on it as he ran his household. She had seen him hold Rhaenys on it when she had briefly stopped at Dragonstone on her way to Kings Landing before the Tourney of Harrenhal. That chair was apart of the legacy of her family. Now it was time for it to be claimed by a Targaryen once again.
Everyone had spread out throughout the room, but Jacaerys had stayed standing to the right behind his aunt. His eyes never left the throne, "He sat there, once, didn't he?" he asked gaining everyone's attention. Visenya signed, turning her head towards him "Yes he did. Now you will, are you ready?" she asked, determination building inside of her. Jacaerys nodded once before his aunt turned to fully face the room and stand before the throne.
"Jacaerys of House Targaryen and Stark, you have been named heir of to the Iron Throne, Future King of the Realm but first, you must prove yourself worthy. Do you accept this responsibility?" she asked watching him.
Jacaerys nodded, "I accept," he said moving closer to her.
"Do you swear to uphold the laws of Westeros?"
His face instantly smoothed as he realized just what was happening, this wasn't just any ceremony. This was his appointment of Crown Prince of the realm. His heart skipped a beat as fear rushed through him, he was only ten and seven, he didn't think he was ready to be King. His eyes caught hers, the violet vibrant and all Jacaerys could see in them was pride, Visenya was proud of him. And his shoulders stiffed as her belief filled him, if she thought he could do it. Jacaerys would never let her down.
"I swear," he spoke clearly, making the pride gleam brighter.
"Do you sweat to govern justly and truly, to lead with a level head and true heart?" she asked.
Anticipation rose in the room, "I solemnly swear on my honor as a Targaryen, I will lead the people of Westeros with pride!" he swore with a fist over his heart.
Visenya beamed brighter than she ever had before, "Come closer and kneel," she said quietly.
Jacaerys did as he was bid, the black armor decorated with rubies, once worn by his own father, fit him perfectly. On his back, he bore a black silk cloak with a red Targaryen crest stitched into it. Unlike his father before him, it wasn't encrusted with jewels, just simply sewn into the fabric, that pooled around him. His hair was brushed and rested in curls to his shoulders, face set into an expressionless mask, not wanting anyone to see his nerves.
Arthur moved from where he was standing and handed her what he had held in his hands. It was a piece of fabric but when she unfolded it, there sat her brothers crown. It was a circle of three dragons with a large ruby shaped like fire set between each one. Rhaella had had the crown specially made for Rhaegar. Now Visenya held it in her hands and smiled down at her nephew, "I Visenya of House Targaryen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, crown Jacaerys of House Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone and Heir to the Iron Throne, Future King of the Realm" she claimed placing the crown around his head. It covered his forehead and then wrapped around in a full circle, making the boy look regal.
He rose shakily to his feet and walked up the steps to the rock throne as Visenya had stepped aside and extended her arm towards the throne. Uneven breaths fell from his mouth, he was really doing this. It was finally happening. He turned to the gathered crowd, Ser Gerald, Ser Oswell, Ser Arthur, Prince Lewyn, his aunt Daenerys, Ser Jorah, his betrothed Roslin, Daario, Lady Missandei, her two brothers, Grey Worm, Lillian Hightower, Ser Loras Tyrell, Theon and Asha Greyjoy, Captain Whitefang, his men, Daeny's handmaidens and the two dragons Valyrian and Moonfyre all watched him as he sat on the throne.
"All Hail His Grace, Prince Jacaerys, of Houses Targaryen and Stark, Second of His Name, Prince of Dragonstone, Commander of the Dothraki and Future King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm and Future Rider of the Dragon Moonfyre" Visenya's voice echoed and everyone bowed low to Jacaerys with a shouted, "Long May He Reign."
Jace knew that time for being childish was over. He was now officially the Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, Future King of the Realm and he had to see this war through until it was won or lost. It was real now. All his life he had known that he was heir to the Iron Throne. But being in exile, he had never given it serious thought. Now, being on Westeros soil, in the birthplace of the Targaryen Dynasty, everything became real. This moment was real. He was the Prince of Westeros, and he would do his family proud, not matter what. He looked to Roslin, the woman who would be his wife and Queen, who would stand at his side and birth his children, and she was already looking at him and he knew she would stand by his side through it all.
His eyes turned to the woman who had raised him, who was his aunt, but he still thought of as his mother. He saw the pride in her eyes as he took his place on the throne, felt a warmth flow through him at the sight of her beaming smile. She had raised him to be a good man, a good King. He promised on everything he was, in that moment, to do whatever was necessary to make her proud for the rest of his life.
As everyone rose to their feet, they too knew everything would be different. The Targaryen's were officially back in the Game of Thrones and you either won or you died. Only time would tell which.
The celebration broke out, music filling the room as people began to mingle, and Visenya stood at the dais watching as Jacaerys mingled with his peers, talking to the warriors and even joking around with Theon Greyjoy, who was holding a cup of wine and laughing. Roslin was with Daenerys, Missandei, Lillian, Lady Valeryon and her young daughter. They were speaking of something that Visenya couldn't hear but obviously funny as the group broke into laughter.
She didn't turn when the sound of footsteps reached her. They were so soft she almost couldn't tell they were there; it was only Valyrian and Moonfyre's heads turning that made her notice. The door on the side, by the dais, opened and she was surprised to see a small dark-skinned woman walked into the room looking around curiously. She turned to look at her, eyes widening as violet eyes met hers, "Who are you?" Visenya asked softly, noting there was something familiar about the young woman. She didn't get a change to answer because the moment the girl turned, Visenya's eyes caught the choker around her throat and the Mother of Dragons eyes watered, as her eyes took in the girl she had last seen as a toddler.
"Sarella," Visenya choked out in shock, making the girl nodded eagerly with watery eyes.
"Hello naneth," she murmured.
They moved at the same time, and they met in the middle of the dais, arms around each other and holding tightly. The familiar scent of her slammed through Sarella as Visenya's arms wrapped so tight around her, she had trouble breathing, one hand tangled in her dark hair. Jacaerys caught sight of them over the sea of people and instantly started walking towards them, wondering who the girl holding his aunt was. Visenya pulled away after a few moments and cupped Sarella's chin gently, greedily drinking in her features, "You look just like you ada," Visenya whispered softly tucking a piece of her daughters' hair behind her ear.
Sarella had tears in eyes as she nodded smiling, "Aye, uncle says so all the time," she murmured still a little shocked. She was standing with her naneth. She had hugged her naneth and now she was speaking to her. Sarella couldn't control her tears as she looked at the woman who had been a mother to her as a child. A naneth her three older sisters always told her stories about. She was beautiful with long wavy black hair that hung down past her waist, her violet eyes shined, and she was dressed in a gown of flowing silver. It was low cut down between her breasts where it met a band of red rubies, before falling to the floor. The straps were thin ruby chains that flashed like fire. She looked beautiful.
"Sarella, I want you to meet the rest of our family," she said linking their arms and leading her down the steps to where Jacaerys and the others are waiting. Sarella followed close behind and smiled at the group, "This is your aunt Daenerys, your cousin and heir to the Iron Throne Jacaerys and Jacaerys's wife to be Roslin," she said pointing to each of them. Sarella bowed to each as they looked at her surprised, "Everyone this is my youngest daughter and the fourth Sand Snake, Sarella Sand," she explained softly, a gentle smile on her face.
Many faces smoothed out and they smiled at her, noting the happiness on Visenya's face.
Only the Queensguard, Roslin and Lillian knew that she claimed the oldest Sand Snakes are her daughters. The remaining Targaryen's were surprised to learn how much their sister/aunt had given up keeping them safe. Jacaerys now understood why his aunt looked sad when he called her naneth sometimes as a child and he promised to welcome her daughters among them, not matter their birth status. Daenerys greeted the girl happily, pleased that her sister introduced them without issue. They greeted Sarella warmly and welcomed her to their group as the talked about what they had been up to over their journey to return to Westeros.
As the Targaryen's united under a single goal and Visenya met her daughter again for the second time, the future of Westeros shifted once again. The first time had been the death of the Targaryen family. The second, when Ned Stark had been beheaded by the incest bastard King. The third when Westeros was thrown into another war, due to the actions of Catelyn Stark. The fourth time, was now, as the banner of the Dragon rose once again, and all of that bloodline were united to take back the throne.