Arianne Nymeros-Martell

Shipbreaker's Bay overlooking Storm's End, 301 AC

She was seated on the edge of the stony beach, with her shoes off and toes dipped in the cool water of Shipbreaker's Bay. How long she'd been doing so was difficult to say, but there wasn't much else for her to do. Ser Rolly had remained behind to guard her back but everyone else had charged ahead along the coast towards Storm's End.

At least she wasn't alone. Looking to her right to see Tyene doing the same as she was but also splashing her fingers in the cool water too. Oberyn had been a mixture of furious and proud when she had appeared, and she wasn't alone either. Nymeria and Obara riding with the others towards the castle Aegon was attempting to take which would ensure he would have better than a tenuous hold. If only Sarella were here too, at least then they could have something to talk about as she had been hiding as a boy in Oldtown for years now. A part of Arianne wished to see the faces of the grey rats when they realised that women were knowledgeable and weren't simply just something to be carried prettily on a mans arm or for birthing babes.

It would happen some day, she knew. For the time being however, she was pleased to drink moon tea the morning after herself and Aegon spent a night and he didn't hold it against her either. No one else was aware other than Tyene now who had wiggled it out of her a couple of hours before. Her promiscuities weren't a secret, it was one of many reasons Lord Jon despised her after all, and her father was willing to ignore such a thing so long as she had no proof of such. Meaning she could brew it herself and brew it she did. A sudden splash of water her way broke Arianne from her thoughts as she turned to Tyene and glared, before proceeding to scoop as much up as she could and throwing it towards her pale golden-haired cousin.

"Ari!"

She yelped and tried to run but she was stopped when she grabbed her leg and pulled it back just enough that she would topple backwards. Taking great amusement as she disappeared into the shallows and came up a few seconds later spluttering out salt water. It was rare to have moments like this again, especially outside of Dorne. They done this often with each other in the Water Gardens, recalling how little Elia had helped Nym in taking out Sarella on one of her rare visits back from her studies in the Citadel. It reminded her of their childhood, something that was so far away now and it hurt it would never be the same again.

It may have been childish to do so given what was happening across the bay. Not that they could see anything from the fog coming from the waves that were battering the opposite side of the coast currently. It wasn't a surprise it was called Shipbreaker's Bay. There had to be thousands of ships on the bed of the sea and countless bodies. They were still trying to piece together the political climate currently in place but to do so they would need loyal people behind them who knew or were a part of it. Something they currently did not have. Ser Torghen was good for information on the King, but they'd not communicated since he had been sent to Claw Isle which was before the claim had even been made.

What they did find out however was that Storm's End was being held by the bastard son of Robert Baratheon. Someone that was inconsequential in their plots. Mayhaps they could even take him alive and marry him to one of her cousins to tie the Stormland's to Dorne somewhat. It was something to be discussed if they succeeded in taking the castle. All the waiting was beginning to get to her, wishing to find a steed and charge towards the castle in question. Yet even Arianne knew that would be futile.

And so she stayed. And watched. And waited.

Night was beginning to fall when she heard the sound of galloping hooves. Standing up from where she was as did Tyene whose hair was now a frizzy mess from being soaked in the salty sea water. A few horses appearing from the dimness and relief washing through her at seeing both her uncle and husband at the front. Aegon had a noticeable gash on his cheek but it wasn't deep enough to pose any problems. Not being able to stop her legs from running his way and practically leaping on him. His arms wrapping around her waist before giving her a triumphant grin.

They'd done it. They'd taken Storm's End. Her next words were taken out of her mouth by her cousin who asked Nymeria who was getting off of her horse and clearly trying to hide a laugh at seeing the state of her younger sisters hair.

"Where is Edric Storm?"

It went quiet for a few seconds, the confirmation being clear that he had not made it. This may not bode well for them. Even she knew Edric was loved by many of the Lord's of the Stormland's, and he was a great bastard as his mother is a Florent. With Margaery set to marry Jaeron in a matter of days if what they'd found out was true, said House were sworn directly to the Tyrell's. Another political mess to weave between, as if they needed any more to fill their already bursting plates. She kept such thoughts to herself though as those who had survived slowly grouped back together again and setting up tents so they could sleep off the days events.

"Shall we, dear wife?"

Aegon spoke, reaching his hand out as they jumped onto his horse and rode hard for the castle with Ser Rolly behind. Only then did she notice Lord Jon was not with them.

"He's confined to the ship for the time being."

Confusion whirred through her mind but he must've sensed it because he turned and mouthed 'later' to her. Nodding her head in acceptance. It didn't take long before the large imposing walls were in front of them and Arianne could not deny they definitely made her feel tiny. The courtyard filled with a few bodies but not as much as she would've expected but still an unpleasant sight. A man in grey robes appeared then who guided them inside towards chambers they could share and asking if they would like any food brought up to them. Once they were alone, Aegon spoke.

"There were hardly anyone here."

She turned towards him to see he had sat down in a chair beside a desk, taking the remaining chair herself and waiting on him to continue.

"Only a little over a thousand people to garrison Storm's End of all places."

That…did seem low. Too low actually.

"Why did it take so long then?"

"We had to ensure there wasn't a trap set up."

It could still be a trap, trying her best to ignore the way her stomach flipped uncomfortably at the thought. Why were there so few people here? Mayhaps if it was a Holdfast they had taken or a castle that had recently been attacked and they didn't have time to replenish their numbers it wouldn't seem so strange. But according to what they had heard, for the most part the Stormland's weren't overly affected by the war. There should've been at least a few thousand to attack, not a little over one thousand. A horrible gnawing eating away at her as realisation washed over her. Given the way Aegon's lips were tightened, he had come to the same one.

"They allowed themselves to be taken."

"Why not take Edric with them though?"

Aegon had no words to her follow up question, clearly as confused as she was over it all. They made their way to the bed then but it was clear they would not be laying together this night. Feeling him wrap an arm around her shoulders to keep her close as they sat in silence.

"What now?"

He was shocked by her words, waiting on her to continue.

"What now? The aim was to take Storm's End and have survivors bend the knee to you. If there were so little people here that is no longer happening. You have Storm's End, but you don't have the Stormland's."

"There's something else too. I heard it from one of those who put their sword down in surrender. Jaeron named Shireen his Heir openly. Until a child comes from himself and Margaery at least."

Horror blossomed through Arianne at those words. That would've been information that would likely have diverted their plans. From the way Aegon had gone quiet again confirmed once more, he had reached the same conclusion. Raising her hand and slowly dragging it down her face to prevent herself from screaming in frustration. If Shireen was named Jaeron's heir, by them taking the ancestral Seat of House Baratheon, they had also officially taken up arms against Jaeron. Whilst her husband actively was pressing his own claim against his younger half-brother, neither had actively struck against the other yet. Now that had happened. The following words falling from her lips before she could even process them.

"You need to speak to him. Face to face. With no one else in attendance."

Aegon scoffed at the suggestion.

"He'll try to lop my head off- "

"He was raised as a Stark, they are known to be incredibly honourable. He won't kill you for the precedent of being a Kinslayer."

Again, he went quiet as he thought it through. It was the only thing they could do, anything else would damage her husbands reputation, her own reputation, her family's reputation, and the entirety of Dorne. Not that they were already favourably looked at due to their vastly different cultures, but they would face much more scorn than before. That would only invite even more people to go against them in the long run. The door opened a moment later, both snapping their heads and glaring at Ser Torghen but this was replaced by worry as they saw how pale he looked.

"Your Graces, you'd better come quickly."

They done just that, disentangling themselves from the warm blankets and following the man. Arianne noticing then that he was breathing hard which he never did. Something had happened, something big. Entering a small council room and quickly noticing the lack of Harry Strickland but he was likely just with his men counting their losses. This thought was destroyed a moment later by Lord Jon though who had clearly been allowed within at some point in the last few hours instead of being confined to the ship.

"The Golden Company have abandoned the cause."

The words span in her head but they didn't register for a while. When they did, she took a few steps back as her eyes widened and her own breathing began to quicken.

"What do you mean, Lord Jon?!"

Aegon spat back in fury. Vēzos trying to climb onto his shoulders but the small dragon was too big to do so and instead clamped onto his back and spat towards the man in anger from over her husbands shoulder.

"They found out."

Those words were an even bigger blow to them than before. It was a strategy that was always going to work provided the truth never was revealed. They had sworn for Aegon believing he was a Blackfyre pretending to be a Targaryen. Yet in actuality he was a Targaryen pretending to be a Blackfyre pretending to be a Targaryen. Deep violet eyes met her own dark brown ones and she saw the worry, the fright, and the unknowing in them. It hurt to see him like this.

"How many men do we have left?"

How she got the words out was unknown to her, but she did. It was silent again before Aegon repeated the same question but with decidedly more bite than she had. Ser Torghen biting his lower lip and giving them the answer.

"Seven thousand."

Seven thousand. It hit her like one of the large sandstone blocks near Sunspear. Realisation sinking in on what this meant. For once, even the Chicken didn't seem to have anything to say which was not like him at all. What else could they do? Whilst it was true Aegon the Conqueror had less men at his side when he began his campaign- he'd had three grown dragons. Her husband did not, it would be at least a year before Vēzos would be large enough to ride and even longer before any considerable damage could be caused. In that time, Jaeron's own dragons would grow even larger. They were beaten, with almost nothing done on their side. How had the Golden Company found out? Only realising something else then.

"Harry Strickland knows our plans."

It was clear from the way a few people closed their eyes and hissed that they had not realised that yet. Now it had been spoken aloud they were spinning theories in their heads. This meant if they were to continue pursuing as they were, they would always be at a disadvantage as now they had an enemy that knew their steps. Plans they had carefully lain out for months and in her husbands case years all going up in flames like a letter thrown into a hearth. They had nowhere to go. They'd already established they had lost the Stormland's, the Westerland's were with Joffrey, the Vale were vehemently staying out of it, and every other Kingdom had sworn for Jaeron besides her own. They definitely weren't defeating the Lions with so little numbers, and they couldn't give the Vale anything of value considering both her brothers were betrothed. One was set to marry Myrcella Baratheon- or Myrcella Waters, and the other set to marry Sansa Stark. The Vale were also too strong to take given the terrain and the fact they had not bled during the war for the Iron Throne. No one dared to speak the words aloud despite everyone knowing the truth of them.

They had lost the game.

When Aegon walked over to her and took her hand, she knew nought. Seeing the tears in his eyes that he was keeping from spilling but she was the same given the way her own were stinging. Taking a deep breath to compose herself and nodding silently that she was agreeable to what he was about to do.

"Ser Torghen, I want you to reach out to Lord Howland Reed and arrange a meeting with my brother."

Jaeron Targaryen

Kings Landing, 301 AC

"Guests have started arriving, your Grace."

A guard spoke to him as he walked through the large castle with his uncle attached to his arm. Nodding the mans way in appreciation for such a thing before dismissing him to continue with what they were going to discuss. Elissa had sent communication that it had been successful, and he needed to know just how successful it had been.

Jaeron had felt disgust by it, but it was something that needed to be done. Arthur agreed despite being against it, his uncle did, Margaery did, and he knew if Robb were here he would be much the same as his Lord Commander. Not for it but would agree it was the better way to handle the situation. At least he had something to keep his mind occupied so he wouldn't think everything through on the less than honourable move he had made. One which may bite him back in the future but not any time soon which was what was needed currently. As the guard had spoken, guests were beginning to arrive for the wedding which would be happening in a measly ten days.

He was going to be married.

He knew it already, but now it was so close it felt strange to him. Only a few years before he would've laughed at the sheer thought of ever marrying someone. He was a bastard, a stain, someone who would always be seen as lesser than his peers despite the name his father held. He'd changed so much, and there were a few times where his bastard self came to the forefront and now was one of those few times. It was rare he let it peek through his mask, the mask required for being a King. Even if he didn't feel like he was better than everyone else, he did have to make it appear he did. Otherwise there was a high chance of anyone seizing the opportunity and would pull him apart limb from limb to elevate themselves further. Entering the private solar attached to his room in Maegor's Holdfast not long after and smiling Margaery's way who returned it earnestly. Standing up to help him in seating Aemon and waiting on Elissa's official report.

"You say it was successful?"

"Indeed, your Grace."

Her dark hair was messily braided over one shoulder and her eagle perched on the window staring at them with its black beady eyes. Feeling Ghost trot over as he entangled his fingers in the thick white fur to keep his nerves at bay.

"May I enquire what was successful?"

Aemon asked, sighing a little before replying.

"I sent a raven copying the hand of one of Lord Varys' little birds of the truth of Aegon, Elissa used her eagle to deliver the message."

Arthur's eye twitched somewhat, clearly still disapproving of the move even if he agreed that it may bring a better outcome in the end. The words tasted like sour milk on his tongue, every part of his body flipping uncomfortably at what he had done. Of course, he knew he would have to make dishonourable moves at some point, but this was perhaps too dishonourable. Especially if people found out it was he who had done so.

"The Golden Company have abandoned the cause. It is difficult to tell the numbers left, but it is less than ten thousand. That I can say with certainty, your Grace."

Less than ten thousand. That was workable and manageable. Even more so because they would be scrambling which gave him the much needed time to think of a way to bring them into the fold. Shireen had been made aware of the taking of Storm's End already alongside the death of her cousin Edric Storm, Jaeron had watched as she took the knowledge with utmost grace and simply nodding her head in acceptance for what this now meant. Aegon had meant to take the Stormland's for himself, but in doing so he had instead gotten them running right into Jaeron's lap. He felt Margaery's hand rest above his, clearly sensing his tension but he didn't look her way. Instead gripping her fingers for a second as a show of appreciation for the little show of comfort she was giving him.

"Lady Shireen is now the Lady of Storm's End and Lady Paramount of the Stormland's. Uncle, I wish for you to write the ravens to the Lord's and Ladies of the Stormland's of this fact."

Aemon nodded in agreement at this and replied he would start writing them out that very night.

"There is also something else, your Grace."

Elissa spoke again, clearly noticing they were about to leave the room. All pausing as they turned to the Crannogwoman and awaited her response.

"Prince Doran has succumbed to his sickness, your Grace. He did so a little more than a week before. His son, Prince Quentyn, has seized Sunspear for himself. Prince Trystane escaped with his betrothed, we are still working on locating where they are headed."

To say he was shocked was an understatement, and from the faces of everyone else in the room they were too. Noticing Ser Loras looking to his sister strangely and only remembering then that he may have some connections in the Stormland's considering he had squired for Renly. Not the only thing he'd done for Renly either, but he didn't dare voice that aloud. They didn't talk for much longer, clearly needing to let the newest information sink in.

"Guests have started arriving."

Margaery gave him a sweet smile at that, having figured out when she was truly smiling and not doing so to keep up an appearance it was slightly lopsided. Which it was now, confirming she was indeed pleased by the news and not pretending to be pleased.

"Ten days, my King."

"Aye, it doesn't seem so close, does it?"

"Nay, it does not."

It had been months since he had sent the raven to Willas with the truth of his status and what he was offering for an alliance. Before he had taken the capital, before he had taken Dragonstone. Speaking of Dragonstone, he would need to fly there to speak to Lord Stannis to confirm what had happened at Storm's End. The man would likely push to have his ancestral Seat but he was not going to risk such a thing. He had been in open rebellion against him. Rightfully, no one could deny such a thing, but he had been. If he were to pardon his cousin removed for such a thing he was leaving an opening for others to do the same. Shireen on the other hand had done nothing other than be the daughter of someone in open rebellion against him. She was innocent in the whole mess, and he couldn't deny the political aspect of putting her in her place.

"My family are set to arrive on the morrow."

He knew that already, they'd been sighted leaving Rosby the day prior. The Red Keep was bustling and soon to burst at the seams from the sheer number of people there were. Lord's, Ladies, their children, their guards, and their households. Even more were set to arrive. A raven had also been received from the Citadel confirming the appointment of a new Grand Maester finally after what had occurred with Grand Maester Pycelle. Mayhaps this new one whose name he had yet to find out would not be in cahoots with the Lannister's and would truly be loyal to the Red Keep. He could never trust a Maester except his uncle and perhaps Maester Luwin considering he'd grown up with the latter. They were not sworn to a Lord never mind to a King, they were sworn strictly to the castle they served and nothing more than that.

"My brothers are set to arrive on the morrow as well."

It had been so long since he'd seen them last. Years actually. Gods, his dragons had only been hatchlings when he'd left Winterfell. How tall were they now? Had by some miracle Bran gotten some feeling back in his legs? Was Rickon's hair still as wild as ever? Would they be bringing their own direwolves? Excitement was there, ready to burst out of its tiny pocket. Robb wasn't here as he was held captive, Sansa was also held captive, and Arya was gods know where still. Some family was better than no family though.

The day after was not as hectic in the morning, yet as the day went on the busier it got as more and more people arrived. He'd thought Winterfell had been busy when Robert Baratheon had come so long before but in comparison that was nothing. The Tyrell's arrived not long after they broke their fast and his betrothed was helping them settle in. Whilst that was going on, he was remaining with Arthur as they waited on his brothers arrival.

"It will be fine, your Grace. They're your brothers."

"It's not that, it's- "

"That when you saw them last you were still seen as the bastard Stark and now you're the King of the Seven Kingdom's."

Except he wasn't, not yet. He was awaiting a response from the Vale regarding the appointment of Lord Yohn Royce as Robyn Arryn's regent still, hoping they would accept because if they did they would finally be entering the fold somewhat. Dorne was sworn for Aegon still, and the Westerland's were firmly still loyal to the Lannister's. The war may have reached a point that everything was beginning to calm somewhat, but it was far from over. Then there was the very real looming threat to the North. Only a handful of people knew of that, and he had to play his cards carefully so as to not be labelled mad for that was the last thing needed currently.

"We should head downstairs to meet the new Grand Maester. He arrived this morning."

It was decided a moment later. Both making their way towards the Maester's chambers so he could get a general idea on the new man who was sworn to the Red Keep and would soon be a part of his councils given his position. If he didn't keep both his allies and those he distrusted somewhat nearby he would be in an even more difficult situation. A part of him wanting to ask Elissa to send her eagle to Storm's End to get more information on the fallout that was undoubtedly happening. At least the Golden Company were being tracked, if he timed it right he would be able to get them into a field and put an end to them so they couldn't join forces with anyone else. Knocking on the door and hearing someone huff before opening it.

Much to Jaeron's surprise, he wasn't really old. Likely not even reached his fiftieth nameday. There was still some black hair spread throughout the mostly grey hairs and his face wasn't covered in too many wrinkles yet. The man paused and straightened the moment he saw him though despite his lack of crown, he would've known what he looked like and why Ser Arthur was here guarding his back.

"Your Grace. It is an honour to be in your service."

Except he wasn't in his service, he was in service of the castle. He'd take it for the time being but nothing more than that until he had a better scope.

"It is an honour to have you in my household, may I know your name?"

He coughed a little as he took the opportunity to look into the room to see it was surprisingly well organised given how little he had been here. Either he'd come with little or there was something else at play, something he would find out eventually.

"Leodore, your Grace."

An easy enough name to remember. Nodding slightly his way before saying he would not be expected to be in meetings for a few days until he had fully settled in. Just as he was about to leave though there was another visitor. A smile forming on his face at seeing Lord Howland. Whilst they saw one another relatively often in the last couple of weeks they had not. He had helped him in planning the desertion of the Golden Company from Aegon's side. Recalling when Arthur had taught him that sometimes it was easier to make it harder for others to get allies than it was to get allies oneself. At the time he'd understood it, but now he knew it was definitely the truth. The less allies there is to join other sides, the less support other sides have, meaning in turn they would be less likely to try anything. There would always be the odd outlier, but that was expected and a part of the way the political map of Westeros worked.

"My Lord, what brings you here?"

Grand Maester Leodore asked, momentarily confused by the fact he knew his name but Howland was the one to answer in surprise.

"Gods, cousin Leodore?"

Cousin. The relief that washed over Jaeron at hearing that was palpable. Knowing then he likely could trust the new Grand Maester. Not that he ever would fully, but knowing he was from the Neck was a great boon.

"Your Grace, a rider has arrived carrying a letter."

The stern way Howland spoke the words confirmed whatever it was or whoever had sent it was important. Leaving to head towards the small council chamber where many were already seated as he took his own with Arthur. Margaery was biting her lip and looking elsewhere which only added more to his uneasiness to what was this was about. Howland wasted no time in taking it from the table and sliding it his way. It was a seal he recognised, anger forming deep within him at who had sent this.

"He dares send a raven after what he did?"

Howland too was angry as was Arthur. From the lack of confusion in the room it was clear they had been made aware of what the seal was. Taking a deep breath and cracking it open to read the words on the parchment. The anger was there still, burning more than it had for weeks. He'd trusted Torghen and he'd spat in his face by not only directly disobeying orders but by then taking Sansa from Kings Landing across the Narrow Sea. That was a betrayal he was never going to forgive, he didn't even trust himself in not unsheathing one of his swords and shortening him of a head at first sight. Only when he finished did he take a deep breath to calm himself.

"Aegon wants to meet to discuss in person."