The writers strike is over… House of the Dragon Season 2 has wrapped… it's an exciting time for sure! With any luck Winds of Winter is just around the corner too, though I'm not holding my breath on that.

This is an important chapter for a few reasons, so I'll let you all get straight into it. I own nothing but the OC's, all actual characters and locations are the property of George R R Martin or HBO.


The second day of the jousting started in the same exciting manner as the first had, as two of the champions were replaced within the first couple of hours. Ser Daeron had beaten Lord Loras in five tilts to take the Warden of the South's place amongst the champions, whilst a surprising competitor had ensured Ser Oscar Tully's reign as champion was extremely short lived, as a mystery knight had knocked the heir to Riverrun off of his horse in only two tilts.

Bearing a green shield with a lone white scallop shell, the mystery knight had been introduced only as the Knight of Shells, constantly wearing a helm that looked like an enlarged sea shell that Aegon would find on the beaches of Dragonstone as a child. The Prince could sense that the attendance of the mystery knight unnerved his Father, though Aegon himself was simply fascinated by this knight that could defeat Ser Oscar, before fending off challenge after challenge. By the time of the midday break the Knight of Shells had won four further bouts, and as the competitors made their way over to the food tents Aegon made sure to step with the mystery knight.

"You joust well." The Prince complimented as he walked behind the man, causing the knight to turn around in surprise. "It makes me curious to know who you are, Ser."

The knight bowed his head. "My identity will be made clear once I am either victorious, or defeated, My Prince. I swore a vow before the Seven to do so no sooner." He stated, in a voice that depicted a man in his twenties to the Prince.

Appreciating that the man had his reasons, Aegon simply held his hand out to shake. "Then I shall bid you good luck, and hope that come tomorrow you are still a champion for the final tilts."

The knight nodded. "If the Gods are good, My Prince."

Aegon agreed, clapping the man on his armoured back before walking swiftly past him and into the food tent where another Champion stood. Grinning, Aegon gestured for the nearby Jaehaerys to gather his meal and sat beside the Knight of the Kingsguard. "Cousin." He said loudly and knowingly. "That was some bout earlier."

Daeron gulped down the chunk of bread he had been chewing. "Lord Loras is a fine competitor, it took all of my skill." He explained, before leaning in closer and saying quietly. "And a mare to counter his Lordship's tricks."

Laughing, Aegon clapped the Kingsguard on the back. "You must be enjoying the time away from guarding our royal arses."

Shrugging, Daeron looked around before leaning in again. "His Grace is agitated by this mystery knight. He has already questioned Ser Petyr about the extinct Vale house, and he has invited Ser Jaime Lannister to watch the afternoon bouts with him too."

Aegon understood immediately what his Father was thinking. The White Cloak Ser Petyr was from House Waxley in the Vale who had once been home to a House Shell before the Andal Invasion, whilst in the Westerlands there was House Westerling who had a sigil of shells, though Aegon thought that was unlikely as the only male left was Lord Rollam, and too old in the Targaryen's opinion. "He seems affable." Aegon shrugged. "Father worries too much."

"Father sees knives where you see shadows, My Prince." Daeron whispered. "He has not stayed on the Iron Throne for this long by being careless."

"If it were not for the Great War we would have faced more revolts than just the Estermont's." Aegon said bitterly. "Though the people forget that it was Lord Stark that ran the Night King through, not Father."

"But it was His Grace that gathered the force." Daeron countered. "His role was not small, Aegon. You have your feelings on His Grace, I know, but you must be patient."

"I am always patient, Dae." Aegon said coldly. "I watch as the people of King's Landing are treated harshly for minor crimes, I smile and play my part when I know it is not the way that I…"

Daeron placed his hand firmly on Aegon's arm, stopping his tirade. "You know as well as I do what happened under the reign of our Grandfather. His Grace is doing what he feels right to quell revolts before they can start."

Sighing dramatically, Aegon just shook his head as Jaehaerys returned with his lunch. "You would make an excellent herald, Dae."

"I'm simply telling you what I have heard." Daeron stated, rising to his feet. "Just… be on your guard. The winds are growing, and something is coming. His Grace can feel it." He bowed formally. "My Prince."

And with that the Kingsguard knight walked away, ruffling Jaehaerys' hair as he passed the younger boy. "Here you are Egg." The squire stated proudly. "I piled on plenty, you need to keep your strength up. I overheard Corlys Velaryon saying that Ser Gunthor was thinking of challenging you…" His little brother carried on explaining whatever squire gossip had been ongoing, but Aegon simply zoned out as he tried to calm himself down before the afternoon's festivities, Daeron's words sitting firmly in his mind.


The final joust of the second day, and the final chance for any of the champions to be replaced, pitted Aegon against the heir to Sweetport Sound Ser Gunthor Sunglass as Jaehaerys had predicted. The Prince of Dragonstone was in his armour and walking over to the arena where the sun had started to set below the top level of the crowd and the evening sky glistened off of his armour. Jaehaerys was ready with his horse, and the Prince patted his brother on the shoulder before placing his foot in the stirrups and hoisting himself up.

As soon as he was sat in the saddle however, one side of the stadium had almost all gasped and many were pointing above Aegon's head. Swivelling, he turned to see what the commotion was all about, and the sight that met him brought a large grin to his face. High in the sky and blocking out the lowering sun was a dragon soaring towards them. The identity of the flying beast was obvious as soon as Aegon's dark purple eyes adjusted and spotted the colour of its scales. Blood red.

"Is that…" Jaehaerys trailed off.

"Bloodwing." Aegon grinned. "And Visenya."

The speedy dragon swooped down over the arena to the thunderous applause of the crowds, and Aegon simply shook his head amusedly as his sister gained the plaudits with a bit of an aerial display over their heads before she flew away towards the Dragonpit, allowing him to focus fully on his joust.

Ser Gunthor was just a year older than Aegon, and yet their skill level was almost incomparable in previous tournaments. Grinning with confidence, Aegon lowered his visor with his gauntleted hand and held it out for his lance, which was quickly placed in his hand. "Ser Gunthor will aim low." Jaehaerys stated.

Nodding, Aegon narrowed his eyes in focus, staring at the shield depicting a ring of seven seven-pointed stars on white. He waited as the Master of the Games announced the two competitors, and the horn blast signalled him to kick his horse into a gallop and charge.

It only took one tilt. Jaehaerys had been right and Ser Gunthor's aim was low, and it allowed Aegon to quickly deflect the incoming lance as his own crashed into the Sunglass' right shoulder, sending him sprawling to the ground. The crowd once more erupted at the result, and Aegon made sure to hold the remains of his tourney lance high in the air as he wheeled around the wooden tilt toward the slowly rising Ser Gunthor. Once again Aegon jumped off his horse and dropped the lance to the ground before making his way to help his defeated opponent up to his feet. "Are you well?" He called over as the Sunglass was cradling his arm.

"My shoulder." The knight stated painfully through gritted teeth. Aegon knelt by him and noticed that the joint was out of its socket. Quickly Aegon helped Ser Gunthor to his feet and began leading them towards the Maester's tent, though his thoughts were focused solely on the returning Princess.


In celebration at Visenya's return, Lucerys had arranged for a large family meal to be held in the Queen's Ballroom. Other than the absent Saera, every member of the House was in attendance as well as Saera's husband, Lord Dayne, and all were listening intently to the stories that Visenya was telling about her latest journey, taking her over to Volantis.

"Benerro won his election." The woman was explaining while tucking into a chicken leg. "He's come into power as an Elephant however."

The King looked surprised at that. "His Grandfather Malaquo was always a tiger, something I appreciated more often than not when it came to the Golden Company." He explained.

"He aims for peace among all, though there are those that disapprove of his generosity to the slaves."

"Talisa spoke often about her brother's wish to free the slaves." Ned Dayne explained, and Luke was instantly reminded that it had been 9 years since her passing, a fact that surprised and saddened him in equal measure. "As an elephant he will have an opportunity to campaign for them."

"The Elephants hold all three roles in the Triarchy." Visenya explained. "Peace has been beneficial for Volantis." Visenya shrugged. "And they know that Old Balaq is there nearby if the need for war arises after all."

The mention of Balaq also brought a smile to Aegon's face, as he enjoyed the company of the old Summer Islander greatly. "And Volon Therys?" Aegon asked.

"Thriving." Visenya smirked, pointing the bone at their Father. "The Golden Tower is impressive, Father."

"It cost far too much to build." Lucerys chuckled. "But I'm glad it remains standing."

"Balaq showed me the rooms that Mother stayed in." Visenya smiled fondly, before dropping the smile in a frown. "And where she died."

Lucerys' face also fell at that, the stain of Viserys still fresh all these years later. "A foul business." Was all he could say.

"What happened?" Little Alyssa asked, unaware of the hurt that such a topic caused the adults in the room. "Grandmother is fine."

"Hush, Alyssa." Jocelyn whispered to her daughter. "You know that Aunt Visenya's mother is not Grandmother."

"Oh, yes." Alyssa nodded.

Visenya took it in her stride however, grinning at her nieces. "Be sure to finish your meal, sweetling, and then perhaps I will give you your presents…"

"Presents?" Rhaella was the first to perk up.

"After your greens." Aegon scolded warmly, ignoring his pouting middle daughter.

"Where else did you go, Vis?" Daenys was the one to ask, turning the conversation back to the eldest siblings travels.

And Visenya happily obliged, spiralling into another story where she joined the Golden Company on campaign into the heart of the Dothraki Sea, with Bloodwing being the reason for a swift and quick victory. "They wouldn't allow me a gold band as I did not sign up for a year's service, but we came to a compromise." She rolled up her shirt sleeve to show a black ring that encircled her upper arm.

"What is that?" Jaehaerys asked, puzzled.

"A tattoo." Lucerys answered, his voice concerned at the sight of the ring. "They use them in Volantis to mark slaves…"

"And for body decoration if you can afford it." Visenya countered coolly. "Which of course, I could." She glared at her Father. "You have your bands, now I have mine."

Jaehaerys interrupted the glaring contest between Father and Daughter with a simple statement. "I want to join."

"When you are a man grown we will consider it." Margaery stated firmly. "No sooner."

"I'm the size of a man grown." Jaehaerys pouted.

Lucerys was firm however. "But not the age of one, and you are not yet a knight. You know the rules for Westerosi volunteers."

Jaehaerys frowned and looked like he was about to continue arguing, but thankfully for Luke yawn changed the subject as Rhaella couldn't hold it in. Jocelyn turned to their daughters. "Time for bed then, I believe."

Alyssa pouted yet again. "But I want to hear more stories."

Visenya rose to her feet and pressed her lips to the tops of the girls heads. "And stories you shall receive, my loves. But go with your Mother, I shall be here tomorrow."

The girls nodded sadly, but accepted their Mother's hands as she began to lead them away. Lord Dayne also stood up at that moment. "I shall retire too, I am glad that Benerro is doing well. Talisa would have been proud."

"We shall join you, Ned." Lucerys said, also standing up and causing the rest of the table to follow suit. "Good night all." He moved around the table and pressed a hand onto Aegon's shoulder. "Do not stay up too late, Aegon, I have money on your victory tomorrow."

Grinning, Aegon simply nodded, before the elder adults also departed the room leaving only the recognised Targaryen siblings. Once the door shut, Visenya's face turned serious as she looked over to Aegon. "I couldn't mention my last stop in front of the girls… After Volantis I flew to Lys."

Visenya's maternal family were one of the most important on the island state and so the visit was no surprise to him, but the urgency of his sisters tone worried Aegon. "You have information." He surmised.

She nodded. "My cousin, Aelor, he told me that his Father is worried. Myr and Tyrosh are in talks for an alliance."

"For the Disputed Lands?" Jaehaerys asked. "I thought that was settled years ago."

"It will never be truly settled, Jae." Daenys explained. "Lys controls it for now thanks to our sister and Bloodwing, but the peace will never hold."

"That's the thing that worries him, a new war in the Disputed Lands is predictable and with me, defensible." Visenya explained. "But all reports are saying that they are looking West, not East."

"To the Stepstones?" Aegon asked.

Visenya shook her head slowly. "No, to the Stormlands."

Aegon's blood ran cold. "Impossible." He whispered, all mirth gone from his face as he heard the faint screams of the burning deep within his memory.

Visenya rose to her feet and moved closer to Aegon. "Has there been any whispers in the Small Council about unrest in Cape Wrath?"

He could see that his younger siblings were looking at him intrigued and almost excited for information, but with how nervous Visenya was making him he didn't hide anything. "No." Aegon said firmly. "That matter was settled with the destruction of the Estermont's. Father made sure of that when he razed Greenstone."

"You killed Robert and Alaric, Father killed Alyn and more of the lesser branches burned in the castle or died in the sortie… but did all of them die?" Visenya raised an eyebrow.

Aegon knew that all of them that had been on the island had been executed for sure, though the question irked him. "That matter was settled." He repeated, though less assuredly this time around. "Even the women and children burned. None survived inside that castle."

Sighing, Visenya leant back and brought her hand to her chin thoughtfully. "All I know is that a man bearing the green turtle sigil arrived in Tyrosh a couple of months ago." Visenya continued to explain. "And now Tyrosh have met with Myr in negotiations. Uncle Lotho is worried, but refuses to do anything so long as it is Father that is the target and not Lys."

Daenys sighed. "Will they ever become friends?" She asked sweetly.

Visenya nodded. "Lotho considers Father to be the reason that he is all alone. My Grandfather died because of him, My Mother died with him, Uncle Draenor died fighting for him, and he has decided that Aunt Elaena died trying to replenish the family because of Father's actions against House Rogare."

"That's preposterous." Aegon sighed. "As is the thought of a renewed Estermont conspiracy. The matter was settled, I killed both of Lord Alyn's sons myself and Father took care of the rest. I saw the castle burning with my own eyes. I heard the screams until they stopped." He remembered the sight of a woman jumping out of one of the windows, her clothes aflame, and shuddered.

"Resentment runs deep, Egg. You should know that." She stated bluntly. "A Baratheon marriage was a boon to them, whereas to Father…"

Aegon scowled. "Enough, Visenya." He warned, tired of having to defend his marriage.

"No, you need to hear me." Visenya stated coldly. "Father's coldness towards Jocelyn even now is proof that resentment breeds and festers throughout generations. If one Estermont did survive… how would they feel towards Father? Towards us all?"

"They would hate us." Daenys answered for him. She turned to her older brother. "We should talk to Father about this."

"I shall." Aegon said, though mainly to get his sister off of his back. "After the tourney."

Visenya nodded, and then turned to her youngest siblings. "This also means that you both must take care with your own betrothals. We do not want to alienate House Tully or Velaryon if Tyrosh and Myr are gathering swords, we shall need them both."

"I like Oscar." Daenys smiled brightly. "He's kind, and funny, and really quite handsome."

Jaehaerys meanwhile looked thoughtful, though not as enthusiastic about his 10-year-old betrothed. "And Laena is… nice."

Aegon patted his brother on the back. "She is young yet, Jae, but she will grow into a great beauty." He then turned back to Visenya. "You are one to talk about betrothals though sister. Or shall we remind ourselves of the strain you put Father under a decade ago? We still suffer Ser Edwell on the Small Council because of you."

"Cristian and I shared the opinion that we would be ill suited." Visenya scowled back. "I had no interest in Claw Isle or men, he had no interest in me. He has no festering resentment and we remain friends to this day."

"And yet Lord Edwell threatened war because of your escape to Essos." Aegon countered. "I was Jae's age then, I remember it all."

"I did it, you did it." Visenya bit back. "even Saera… she was lucky that Father had not yet betrothed her when she and Dae…"

"We mustn't fight." Daenys cried out exasperatedly. "Please, we are family. If it is true that Tyrosh and Myr are allying then we must all stick together!"

Aegon took a deep breath, his frustration subsiding at his sweet sister's outburst. "Daenys is correct." He agreed. "And the hour grows late, I must retire." He then turned to Jaehaerys. "As must you, we have a busy morning tomorrow." He kissed his two sisters on the cheek before ruffling Jaehaerys' hair. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Egg." The calls came back, and so Aegon departed the room, his thoughts resting firmly on Cape Wrath and the horrors he had seen there on campaign.


When the next day came about all of the champions were summoned into the arena for noon. In his full armoured regalia Aegon stood proudly beside Daeron on one side of the Master of the Games, whilst on the other side stood Lord Tristan and the Knight of Shells. He looked up towards his champion box, where Jocelyn was sat with his girls and Visenya. He gave Alyssa and Rhaella a wave as the Master of the Games held his arms aloft and waited for the arena to fall silent.

"MY LORDS AND LADIES, CITIZENS OF KING'S LANDING! I PROUDLY PRESENT TO YOU YOUR FOUR CHAMPIONS!" Applause rang around the arena. "PRINCE AEGON TARGARYEN OF DRAGONSTONE! LORD TRISTAN GOLDRIVER OF DYRE DEN! SER DAERON OF THE KINGSGUARD! AND OUR MYSTERY KNIGHT, THE KNIGHT OF SHELLS!" All four got rapturous applause and cheers as they waved to the crowd. "NOW, THE FOUR CHAMPIONS SHALL EACH DRAW STICKS TO FIND OUT THEIR SEMI FINAL OPPONENT! TWO ARE SHORT, AND TWO ARE LONG!"

The Master of the Games turned to his companion and made sure that none of the competitors could see the small sticks as he clasped his fist around them, turning back to face the jousters and walking over to Aegon. "My Prince, if you would draw first."

Aegon did just that, and picked the third stick, finding it to be one of the longer ones. He held it up in the air for the crowd to see, relishing the cheering. Beside him Daeron picked out a shorter one. "I'll see you in the final, cousin." Aegon smirked at the White Cloak.

The final two champions also drew their sticks, and Aegon was happy at his own opponent as the Master of Games went back to addressing the crowd with his booming voice. "OUR JOUSTS! FIRSTLY LORD TRISTAN GOLDRIVER SHALL FACE SER DAERON! AND SECONDLY, PRINCE AEGON SHALL FACE THE KNIGHT OF SHELLS!"

"Good luck." Ser Daeron turned to say to Aegon. "This mystery knight is a fine jouster."

So was Aegon, but he didn't voice it, instead he simply shook Daeron's hand and moved away to the side where Jaehaerys was stood grooming Aegon's mount. "The Knight of Shells then." His brother remarked.

"A shame, it would have been a fitting finale." Aegon commented, patting his horse gently. "What have you noticed?"

Jaehaerys furrowed his brow in thought. "He has not had one particular style, simply matching up his opponent. Though he is an aggressive jouster, it would be wise to play it defensively for the first couple of tilts to get a feel for it."

The Prince of Dragonstone nodded in agreement as he turned around to watch the first of the semi-finals. Daeron was at the far end and he looked resplendent in his all white armoured attire, whilst Lord Tristan too was armoured in a shining light coloured steel ensemble, though the Lord's cloak was golden to mark his roots. The horn blew once the pair had taken their lances, and Aegon watched as the duo charged at one another, applauding along with the crowd as their lances splintered with neither falling from their horse. The second tilt continued in a similar fashion, though the third Daeron shifted his body slightly differently as his lance glanced off of the inside edge of Lord Tristan's shield, almost sending him flying off his horse. The former sellsword stayed mounted though, but not for long as the younger Kingsguard knight connected perfectly once again and at the fourth time of asking, Lord Tristan crashed to the ground to the sound of loud applause.

Aegon and Jaehaerys were among the loudest in their vicinity, though the Crown Prince didn't allow himself to get too caught away in the celebrations, instead beginning to focus on his own bout. His horse was brought towards him, and after mounting he noticed the Knight of Shells also mounted, making his own way to the arena floor. "Congratulations on your performance thus far, Ser!" He called over, surprising the knight.

"You are too kind, My Prince." The man called back, shifting in his saddle.

"Once this is over, we must share a cup." Aegon retorted. "I must admit I am eager to know who you are."

The helmeted knight was silent for a moment, before his neck turned and he faced the arena. "I aim to keep this helm on a little longer."

Aegon grinned. "And I aim to see you unmasked this morning. We will see who's aims shall come true."

The knight nodded the once. "That we shall."

The Knight of Shells waited for Aegon to gesture him to depart, and Aegon looked at the exiting knight, trying to gain any advantage possible by the manner of his movements. He was quickly ushered out into the arena by the attendants however, and made a point of waving up at the cheering crowd, spotting his wife and daughters in the royal box with his Mother and giving them a wide grin before returning to his side of the tilt where Jaehaerys handed him his helm.

"Good luck, brother." The younger Targaryen offered.

Aegon smiled brightly. "Prepare yourself for the final, brother. We are not done yet."

His lance was also handed to him as the Master of the Games took to the arena. "AND NOW, JOUSTING TO FACE SER DAERON WATERS IN OUR GRAND FINALE! PRINCE AEGON TARGARYEN, AND THE KNIGHT OF SHELLS!"

The noise of the applause would have made Aegon's leisure horse jumpy, but thankfully his war mount was made of sturdier stuff and stayed deathly still as Aegon readied his lance, his eyes once more narrowing in focus. He could see his opponent and the white shell on the green shield, keeping his focus there until the horn blew, and he kicked his horse into a speedy gallop.

The first pass was about as standard as any that Aegon had been involved in as both lances shattered upon impact with the others shield, with no real threat of either jouster being knocked off. The second was similar, but by the third Aegon switched his stance and got a better connection with his lance. The reaction of the crown and the lad handing him a new lance told him that the Knight of Shells still hadn't been knocked off his horse however, and so Aegon raced down the track once more, clattering his lance into the shield of the mystery knight once more. The 5th tilt was also evenly matched, and Aegon could feel the crowd's excitement growing.

On the 6th pass, Aegon felt a better connection and in his peripheral vision noticed the Knight of Shells floundering in his saddle. A quick turnaround proved that the man had stayed ahorse, but Aegon grinned with anticipation as he grabbed his seventh lance, readying himself for the seventh tilt. He aimed for just inside the knight's shield, keeping his breathing steady as he grew closer and prepared himself to strike…

Just as his own lance hit, the Knight of Shells' lance struck him in the right shoulder and almost instantaneously Aegon found himself spinning in mid-air as he was forced off the back of his horse, spinning around until the last thing he saw was the wooden beam of the tilt.


A couple of you guessed that there would be a tourney accident… so kudos to you! The rule of the world is that the 'good' Targaryen's usually meet unfortunate and premature ends and I wanted to play around with that thought here. The fall out from this is the entire idea for the story, and so I hope you all buckle up and enjoy!

The other main thing to note is the return of Visenya. I threw in a few throwbacks to the early parts of The Golden Dragon there including Volon Therys, the mention of the Maegyr family (Benerro is my name for Talisa's brother) and the reminders of what Viserys did to Valarra. She's been flying around as a bit of a sellsword as well as both a diplomat and an informant for Luke in Essos, and the news she brought back here is troubling for the Targaryen's…

Thank you all for reading!

Next Time: We return inside King Lucerys Targaryen's head for the first time since 307 AC, as he and the rest of the city react to the accident…

Reviews:

DonquixoteMel: That's the exact angle I was going for. The man he hates with a passion is similar to him in quite a few regards.

Hail King Cerion: You were both right… Lucerys is right for the realm, but often teenagers don't care for the realm when their own interests collide. As for Saella, she's a small part of the story but she won't be off screen forever.

Tom2011: He's trying to protect his siblings. There have been some kind of scandal with the elder three (four with Daeron) and now Luke is forcing marriages on the youngest two.

Dante687: 10 in total, 9 chapters of story and then the family tree at the start.