Tywin told Visenya everything, sparing no details. She was no child but a grown-ass woman, one smart enough to understand the motives behind each action. She did not comment on anything but the night she spent mostly thinking and glaring at the ceiling.

She felt bad for Elia and her children, whom she had not truly met. Elia was a frail but kind-hearted woman and Visenya knew she was not a bad person. She had learnt of the two children through letters since she had already moved to Casterly Rock when Rhaegar came to show them to his parents.

The Crown Prince had written to her how his father refused to touch them, saying that 'they smelt Dornish' to him but she was not even surprised. The way they met the Stranger was the one she did not approve but it was clear Tywin had not planned it that way either.

She knew of the Mountain, having seen him from afar those two years she was at Casterly Rock. She did her best to avoid him and keep Trystan away from him as well. There was something...eerie that did not settle well with her.

She was not intimidated by him but her instincts were on alert whenever he was close. Perhaps it was his immense height and unnatural strength, perhaps it was his past of rapes and brutal murders or that bloodthirsty look he always had in his eyes...

Visenya never truly understood.

Tywin did not have an explanation truly as to why Jaime stabbed Aerys in the back but he did mention that they found Rossart dead as well. Visenya had a suspicion of what might have taken place but she wanted to discuss it with Jaime in private.

One would expect her to be angry at Tywin but she was not, because he only did what many would expect him to do. She understood that and while not approving of his order to harm the children, based on Robert's reaction; she knew the Stag would have done the job himself if he had been given the chance.

His anger was redirected elsewhere that night, to those truly responsible for all this chaos and the situation they ended up with. One of them was Rhaegar, whose childish naiveness had caused that rebellion but the boy had paid for it with the ultimate price; his own life.

On the other side of the coin was Robert, whose obsession with Lyanna and bloodthirst made him rile up troops and go as far not only to kill Rhaegar but to take the throne for him. Unlike her nephew, the Stag was still alive and she would have to bend the knee in front of him.

It angered her, more than anything else had so far but her cunning mind brought her different ideas. She would bend the knee and remain silent, for now. She would wave her web like a patient spider and she would take her time but in the end, she would take her revenge.

One day, she would give justice to her nephew and all those, who perished under this stupid war.

One day, she would remind the world that dragons never forget and rarely forgive.

But until then, she had to play her part. The only thing offering her comfort was Rhaella and Viserys and she slept that night, hopefully dreaming of their return to take down Robert and bring up the power of their family.

That night, she dreamt of an older Viserys surrounded by topless muscled men on horses; his sister by his side as they rode through open green fields.

Alas, the day of the coronation arrived; 4 days after Robert sat on the throne for the first time. It was the day Visenya dreaded but knew she could not avoid it. Many Lords that were allies of Robert had presented themselves and many former Lords that had once pledged loyalty to Ares.

With the new King, they had to bend the knee or suffer the consequences and no one wanted the latter option; no one was stupid enough to do so. The only one missing was Eddard Stark, who after his argument with Robert had decided to continue alone.

He took his men and headed for Storm's end to help Robert's brother, Stannis, fight the remaining Royalists under the command of Mace Tyrell; unknown to him that he would find his sister there as well.

The Coronation was not such a big event but many pretended to be, faking smiles and claps as the golden crown of Aegon the Conqueror was placed upon the head of Robert. Due to his father, Steffon Baratheon, he did have a stronger claim to the throne compared to anyone else but he was not a Targaryen; something that many would eventually use and justify calling him a usurper.

Once the Coronation was over, the big events of the night would take place and it was not the feast. It was the time when the ones he would call enemies would ask for his forgiveness and be granted his mercy.

At first, it was Jaime, who received many glares from the Lords he passed by on his way to the Iron Throne. By now everyone knew what he had done and despite the madness of Aerys, no one took well the fact that he stabbed his own King in the back.

Yet, Robert did not seem to truly hold such a grudge and instead, he forgave him publicly; like he had agreed to do. He even allowed him to return to the King's Guard, forcing Jaime to take the oath and serve Robert as the new and rightful King.

Ser Barristan was next and Visenya barely managed to exchange a look with him as he was brought forward. His wounds had healed and not a day had passed since the battle for him, although there was this darkness in the depth of his eyes.

Rhaegar was his true King and he had failed him, watching him die under the war hammer of the same man that now asked for his loyalty. He glanced quickly at Visenya, who was seated next to Tywin and both mentally knew they had no choice on the matter.

So, he bent the knee and pledged his loyalty to Robert as the new King of the Seven Kingdoms. Robert not only forgave him and accepted him into his service but even named him Lord Commander of his Kingsguard.

To the surprise of many, Robert pardoned both Lord Varys and the Grand Maester Pycelle before appointing them as members of his small council; with the Eunuch continuing his role as Master of Whispers.

After that was done, it was time for the biggest spectacle. Robert had intentionally kept it for last and took pleasure when he called Visenya forward.

The proud Dragoness stood up from her position next to Tywin and marched towards the Iron Throne with her head held high. Since they had been given their old chambers, she had found some dresses she had left behind 3 years ago; much to her luck.

Thus, at the time of the coronation she was adorned in a bright red dress with golden lace. She walked with pride and confidence, unbothered by the looks and whispers around her.

The Lion doesn't bother with the opinion of the Sheep, she repeated in her mind as it was something Tywin had told her a while ago.

She stopped close to the base of the Iron Throne and looked up at her nephew, her eyes emotionless but there was this contained rage within them. Her weeks of imprisonment were barely visible as were any of her scars.

To everyone around her she was the proud Princess they always knew, who stood her ground and faced the man that took the throne from her family and had murdered her nephew. Some commented on her composure, others wondered what the verdict would be.

"Visenya Lannister" Robert started, looking down upon her. "You have been given the chance to be forgiven of your crimes in the war against me. Bend the Knee, pledge your loyalty to me as your New King and you will walk out of here a free woman to return to her family"

There was a moment of silence to the point that if a pin was dropped, it could still be heard.

Visenya silently glanced to the side where Ser Barristan stood with his new white cloak. They both shared similar feelings of resentment but they knew there was no other way, it had to be done.

A part of Ser Barristan even begged her not to do anything stupid, similar to how she had looked at him when they were captured in the Trident.

Momentarily, her eyes fell on Tywin as he watched from his seat. He did not say anything, and he did not let anything show on his face but she knew what he would be telling her,

Do not hesitate, would be his words.

I will not, was her silent reply as she finally bent the right knee. For Trystan and for my new family...for my pack.

"I, Visenya Lannister, bend the knee and pledge my Loyalty to the one True King, Robert Baratheon," she said, her voice flowing without a moment of hesitation.

She could feel her thoughts fighting her, the ghosts of her ancestors shouting at her. Dragons had never bent the knee to anyone, not even to other Dragons. There were enough Dances to prove that.

A smirk formed on Robert's lips. "You are forgiven, Lady Lannister. You may return to your Lord Husband" he said, openly dismissing her.

There was a big feast right after, to celebrate the New King and the mood had quickly changed. There were more honest smiles, lips getting looser with the continuous consumption of wine.

Visenya had her hand wrapped around Tywin's elbow at all times during socializing, not once leaving his side. He did not tell her to do that but he expected it since they were a couple and currently in a hostile area.

He had barely spoken any words to her since the Coronation, but she knew he was pleased with her; for doing as she had to. He was not happy with the arrangements or the fact that he had to pledge his loyalty once again to another idiot, who wore the crown.

He was too prideful for that but he had to do what he must to ensure the safety of his house, of his legacy. Many Lords were of similar position, having supported the Targaryens till the end but with Aerys and Rhaegar gone; they had no choice.

Their only hope was Rhaella, who had been sent to Dragonstone with Viserys before the sack started. This allowed the faintest of hope to remain in Visenya's heart, although she prayed her sister would leave Westeros before Robert sent his brother and their men to find her.

She was pregnant but she could still travel. They had the money and the resources, they could survive just fine in Exile and return when Viserys would be old enough to lead an army and take back his birthright.

She let Tywin do most of the talking, although it was often forced on him. He was not in the mood to stay and he simply waited for the perfect opportunity to leave. His eyes scanned the room, keeping track of his son Jaime as he had isolated himself from everyone and had barely spoken a word.

Eventually, Visenya noticed Ser Barristan and she faintly squeezed Tywin's arm. He glanced at her and then where she was looking, understanding what she wanted. After the festivities, by the following day, they would return to Casterly Rock and this was the last time for her to talk to him.

Very much aware of the teacher-student relationship those two had, Tywin released his grip on her and silently permitted her to walk towards the knight.

Thank you, said her eyes as she pulled away from him.

Do not take long, said his as he then turned his focus on an approaching Lord.

Visenya moved like a feline amongst the guests, many of whom sent her looks. Some were filled with rage, for she was a Targaryen. She looked like one, she walked like one and she was a reminder that the line of conquerors had not disappeared yet.

Others were just amused and in the mood to gossip about her, talking of her capture in the Trident. It was unheard of, almost, for a woman to participate in a war and many blamed the loss on her in the first place. Some brought up the fact that she would be dead if her Lord Husband was not powerful enough to bail her out.

Last, were looks of sympathy from the few Targaryen supporters that were present. They knew it was not easy for her to bend the knee, give away what little bit of Targaryen pride and power she had to usurper nonetheless. They felt sorry for her loss, many knowing that she was the closest to the deceased Crown Prince.

Ser Barristan noticed her coming his way and excused himself before meeting her halfway, close to one of the less crowded corners of the room. His eyes scanned her form, checking for any signs of injuries or abuse that could have come from Robert, his men or even Tywin.

"I am fine, Barristan. My wounds have been healed and as you can see am still standing" she told him, reassuring his growing worries.

He moved his eyes to look at her and let out a heavy sigh. "I can see that, I am relieved. I truly was ready to ask Robert for your life if he was going to kill you" he confessed, his voice low.

Visenya did not smile but her eyes did soften upon hearing his words. "As much as I know both of us would enjoy that, I wouldn't dare to see your head on the chopping board," she said.

A small pause between them. "I was informed of what your dear Lord Husband did," he said, his eyes hardening as he sent a quick glare at Tywin. "I only do not despise him because he used it as leverage to eventually pardon you and save your head. Yet I do not know whom of the two I feel the need to stab first, him for what he did to the two babies or Robert for smiling at the sight of their bodies" his body was now stiff, his dominant hand clenched into a fist to contain his temper.

The Dragoness took two goblets from the tray of a servant and passed him one, trying to distract him from his anger before he did something he would regret.

"I do not approve it more than you do but your anger on it will not change anything. It will not bring them back and it will not summon the Stranger to take him" she told him as he took the goblet and squeezed it.

Eventually, after a few sips, the noble knight tried to control his anger. "You were always wise for your age, ever since you were young," he said with small sadness in his voice. "You shouldn't have carried the weight that you did, not back then and not now"

She did not drink nor did she bend her head but she did cast her eyes down for a moment. She then looked back at the older knight, who had been her tutor all those years. He had taught her how to wear armour, and how to handle a sword, a dagger and a shield. He taught her how to ride a horse and fight on it like a knight.

He had been there to help her tutor Rhaegar, even when the White Bull had often warned him not to get involved with the Royal Family. Ser Barristan Selmy was perhaps, the noblest of men she would ever encounter.

"I decided to do it back then as it is my decision now" she reminded him, her chest feeling heavy but she did not show it. "I never bent under the pressure and I am not planning now. My knee may be bent for the Stag but I have not given up my battle yet"

There was this glimmer of fatherly pride in his eyes, often seeing Visenya as his own daughter through the passing years. She was always smart, strong and independent. She understood better what it took to rule, what had to be done and he knew if she ever had the chance; she would make a fine Queen. Perhaps, she would make the finest Queen of all but alas that would never come; not when she gave up her birthright to marry that Lion.

Barristan never truly understood why she did it, knowing very well it was not Aerys' idea but he never asked. It was clear that those two worked together, had their plans but he could not see her with him. Tywin was a prideful, cold man, who was not afraid to stain his hands with the blood of innocents and sacrifice them for his own goal.

She deserved a better man, in his eyes, but it was too late for him to truly say anything. He suspected that they would not see each other again, since Tywin would not waste any chance to return to Casterly Rock and lick his wounds after bending the knee to Robert.

"No matter what the future may bring to us, let it be better than what the past was" he finally said, offering his goblet for a quick toast.

"You and I, Ser Barristan are all that's left from our age. Let us make the rest of the life count" she added, letting her goblet cling against his as the smallest of smiles formed on her rosy lips before she finally took a sip of the wine.