Jaeron Targaryen
On route from Starfall to Sunspear, 300AC
Ever since he had been told, Jon could say with certainty he rarely got nervous. But as he and Arthur got onto the boat that would take them to a town outside Sunspear, he could say with certainty he was. He'd always known he wanted to get the Martell's on his side, but now he was attempting todo just that, and it struck him just how unprepared he really was with everything. But as Howland had said to him so many months ago, there was no turning back now. He'd made too many moves to backtrack, the only thing to do now was move forward. They had remained at Starfall for ten days, solidifying how many men could be spared as they were going to support him.
Edric had rode off a few days prior with a small guard surrounding him to meet with Lord Beric Dondarrion. Luckily, the Seat of who he was going to be squiring under was right on the border of the Reach and the Stormlands. They would be heading for Skyreach first, then north through the Prince's Pass to Nightsong, and then east from there to get to their destination. The young Lord had also received a raven a couple of days in that they would be heading to Kings Landing as they were summoned by King Robert. It wasn't going to be long before everything was set in motion. The pieces were all in place, now it was a waiting game to see when the first piece will fall.
Now, he was standing at the prowl, looking out at the Summer Sea. According to Arthur, it would take five days to reach the Seat of the rulers of Dorne. The sun was setting and he watched as the sky turned into a brilliant patten of red, orange, and purple, mirroring on the calm water. Normally, this would be a calming thing for him, but the young male was anything but calm currently. The closer they got, the more nervous he got. And nerves were not a good thing. Hence why two days into their journey, he had pulled Arthur into his cabin and began asking questions about them.
It didn't do much for him considering he didn't know them well. He knew Lewyn Martell well considering he had been on the Kingsguard, but he had gone down during the battle of the Trident. The man had been uncle to Doran and Oberyn, this being how Arthur knew them before Elia had wed Rhaegar. Other than this he'd met them a handful of times in the Water Gardens when they were still children but never knew them. The only thing he knew for certain he had to emphasise on was that even though they were not blood to one another, they did share a blood link through the deceased Prince and Princess. There were times where Jaeron wondered what could have happened if things had worked out in different ways.
What if his father had been the one to strike the killing blow on Robert and not the other way around? What if Brandon hadn't assumed the worst immediately? What if his mother survived the birthing bed? Would she have set things straight or would she have done what duty dictated of her? A part of him doubted it. From the little he had heard of his mother; he knew she would not have taken kindly to being made to wed the Baratheon. Even more so as he had killed Rhaegar. What if Tywin arrived at the capital after Eddard? Would Elia and the babes be saved? And if so, what would she think of him? Would she just see him as a product of a union she never had with her husband, or would she treat him as family? Would his blood siblings have treated him as their little brother or treated him like he was an outsider?
Questions he will never get an answer for, and that is something he needed to make peace with. Even if he hated it. He tried desperately to remember what Arthur had told him regarding them that day he asked in Greywater Watch, but it all seemed a blur to him. It hadn't even been that long ago but it felt like it was years ago with how fast everything was moving. The only thing that stuck out to him was that Elia had apparently broken Oberyn's nose for calling her weak. With the thought in mind, three days into their journey, he finally cornered the Knight.
"Ser, I know it pains you so, and it pains me to ask it of you. But I need to know everything. I can't do this without knowing it all in detail."
Purple eyes dropped down to the deck of the ship before he exhaled hard, softly nodding, and gesturing the younger under the deck to the room he was in. They were the only ones aboard apart from one other guard alongside the captain of the ship. All of which were in on it which he was glad about as it meant they didn't need to hide. If he didn't need to smear that nasty brown paste through his steadily growing back hair he was happy.
"What do you remember of the Martell brothers?"
He watched as the older took a long sip of his wine, and subconsciously resting his hand over his sword. As someone who had grown up hearing the tales of him and the legendary sword that had been forged from the remnants of a falling star, seeing it made him turn into a giddy toddler for a moment. Valyrian steel was beautiful to look at, but Dawn was something else. The blade so pale that it was almost translucent and with ripples all over it that seemed to glow every time the light hit it. The pommel and hilt were understandably covered with a device much like he had with Dark Sister to detract suspicion.
"I don't remember much I'm afraid, I didn't know them well. And what I did know of them is outdated. We're going back decades here, Jaeron."
"Anything is better than nothing, though."
That stopped the brewing argument that was about to break out with them. He hated having him feel uncomfortable, but he can't go on not knowing everything around him. That leads to downfall from the beginning.
"Elia was extremely close with her brothers, and she spoke of them often. I knew them myself considering their uncle was in our brotherhood and he spoke of his nephews too. Of how Oberyn was extremely inquisitive but rarely could keep concentration. To him also having a temper that could rival a raging Baratheon. I know he loved his little sister fiercely, and ultimately; he always respected her decisions. Even if he hated it, he knew she liked to be her own person. Doran on the other hand, was always a quiet man. There were times where his uncle joked he'd had his tongue removed as he always spoke so little and when he did it would just be a few words here and there. I always got the consensus he was someone who watched and learned more than learned by doing things.
"But when his gout started and he steadily got weaker as time went on, he spoke more. I won't lie to you, but that man is incredibly intelligent. Sometimes the quiet ones are the ones that make the greatest impact in the long run. I heard Elia talking to your father in passing a few times of how he used his weakness as his greatest advantage. People think he's useless due to it, so they're always shocked that he is anything but. I think that was something she took to heart. Aye, she was sickly. That much was known. But she was no weakling, that much I'll tell you. I've never seen someone throw a spear like Elia could, and she had a wicked strong punch. Not many people who are considered weak, are short, are sickly, would be able to break their much older and stronger sibling's nose."
This surprised the younger. Arthur was being careful in what he was saying lest the other two overheard. Even if they know the truth, the less people who know of their plans, the better.
"You think she used her sickly nature as a weapon?"
"Aye, I do. I don't know if she was in on what Rhaegar was planning with Rhaella, but I'd be willing to bet she was. If she weren't summoned to the capital during it all, I genuinely believe there is a strong chance she would've survived. She probably would've taken the children and disguised them and went somewhere in Essos. Possibly even take Viserys and Daenerys under her wing. I know your uncle is dead and it was at the hands of his sister's husband of all people, but he wasn't always like that. He did spend a lot of time with Aerys, but he spent just as much time with Rhaella. He loved his mother dearly, that much is known."
It went quiet for a few minutes as the words sank in for him, each heavier than the last. But it was something he needed to hear. And Arthur knew from first-hand experience.
"I need to tell you something, Jaeron. And you're not going to like it."
He frowned a little at this before looking him directly in the eye.
"Allyria isn't my sister, she's my niece. She's also a lot younger than she appears to be, only a couple of months older than yourself."
He felt like a boulder had been dropped on him at this as he reeled back in shock. Why had he lied about that? He opened his mouth about to retort but then he closed his mouth and carefully thought. He knew of his older brother Amaric, but he had been dead for a long time. Was she his daughter? If that was the case, then Edric was her little brother. Now that he thought on it, he noticed she looked quite a bit different from the rest of them. Whereas they all had a deeper caramel shade to their skin, she did not. She wasn't pale, but she wasn't dark either. From what he had seen, their hair was all curly but hers was not. And she was eighteen? She presented a lot older than she was. But what if Amaric wasn't her father? If this was the case, then that must mean...
He stopped as realisation kicked in. He'd heard about Ashara a lot. Of how she had acted as a mediator during it all. Had essentially been used as a raven to allow everyone to communicate. Of how she'd had a fling with someone at the tourney and had fallen pregnant. They'd said the babe had been a girl but was apparently stillborn. The dates added up.
"She's Ashara's daughter? Who's her father then?"
"I'm afraid I don't know with certainty. But all I can tell you is that it was not Eddard. She spoke fondly of him, but she did confirm they did not lay together. I've tried to figure it out for years, but I was never able to do so, unfortunately."
He was looking around the small cabin in shock now. He'd heard a little about the tourney, but this was turning everything on its axis. They were openly playing against him, and this set him on edge. If the Dayne's were who had now sworn to him, who else was playing against him? He doubted it was Howland, he's proven to be the most loyal out of them all so far. And he knew it wasn't the Stark's because family always comes first for them. Catelyn had confirmed it was not the Tully's because she was the only one who knew it. This only left the other occupants at Greywater Watch, Maester Luwin, or the brothers at the Night's Watch. Luwin was sworn to the castle though and not to anyone in it, so that was unlikely. And he'd received a raven from Jeor confirming the one who had spoken up had been executed for breaking his vows. This would've scared the others into compliance, and they had seen the dragons.
"Don't lie to me again, Ser. No matter how difficult it is, I will not have liars in my service- "
"Everyone is a liar, Jaeron. You're doing so yourself by setting yourself up as being lost beyond the Wall."
His lips twisted at that. He despised lying, it had been drummed into him for years in Winterfell how bad it was. Yet he would be a hypocrite otherwise.
"Okay, if I ask you anything directly, don't lie to me about it."
This was something they could both agree on.
"Did you know my siblings well?"
That seemed like a good place to start. He'd asked before but he had promptly changed the topic of discussion by detailing everything. He tried his best to remember what he had been told. Elia was aware that Rhaegar was going to do what he did and she supported it, had apparently laughed when she was told what his mother had done. And it was also when Doran and Oberyn found out that they'd annulled their marriage a couple of months prior.
"I didn't know your brother well. He was only a name-day old when it all kicked off. But the few times I met him; he was a happy baby. Your father adored him, just as much as he did Rhaenys. There wasn't much your father was open about, but the love for his children was one of those few things. He believed Aegon was a symbol for some prophecy he was obsessed with. I didn't take part in these notions though. Now, I did know Rhaenys well. She was an absolute delight. A bit of a terror at times too. I can't count the number of times I found her stuck in a tree because she climbed so high. Had a bit of a mouth on her too. I remember a time where she called Oswell uncle poop because he didn't let her have more of her favourite treat. She was obsessed with Volantene nut pastries, had always been."
Now, Jaeron let out a cackling laugh. Something Arthur followed soon with. Gods, she sounded like a little character. And he knew if she had survived, he would have loved her dearly.
"What did he say back to her?"
By now, the older was shaking in his seat trying desperately to stop laughing but was failing massively so.
"I can't remember actually, only that it caused her to stomp off in a toddler tantrum."
Jaeron managed to keep a straight face for approximately ten seconds before laughing all over again. It felt good to do so, it felt like it had been years since he had laughed like this, and it certainly helped with his nerves over what he was going to be doing very soon. Even if he can get them to remain neutral would be a miracle. After a long time, he managed to stop and took a long drink of the wine Arthur had taken from Starfall when they had left. It pained him so that he would never be able to meet them.
"Arya found Rhaenys' cat in the tunnels below the Red Keep. No idea if she kept it or not but it wouldn't surprise me. She also found a brooch they all apparently had- "
"One of their sigil. I remember. Wait, where did she find it? Because they never had them off when Doran had them made."
He thought for a few seconds, trying to remember the raven sent so many weeks before.
"Found it in a box if I'm remembering correctly. She was chasing cats for some reason and somehow found Balerion. She followed him out of a tunnel into a cave off the Blackwater where it was hidden from view. Apparently there was a teddy in it too."
Arthur was stunned at this before leaning back quietly. The younger swirled the deep red liquid around but didn't take another drink, he hadn't acquired a particular taste to southern drinks yet.
"You said my father believed my brother was a part of some prophecy? This is the first I'm hearing of this."
The older bit his lips a little but he elaborated further on the question. Remembering they had agreed not to lie to one another if asked directly.
"It started with your twice-great-grandfather Aegon V. I'm not sure where he heard it from but he did. Something about someone being born from salt and smoke and would bring the dawn. I didn't pay a huge amount of attention to it though. Something about said person being a promised prince and about a flaming sword- "
"You mean the legend of Azor Ahai?"
Arthur was shocked at this but then he remembered he had grown up in Winterfell. If anyone would know of said prophecy, it was him. Unease settled in his gut but he asked him to continue.
"Your father was a bookish type. Then one day he arrived in the training grounds asking to be taught how to fight. A few people laughed at him but he proved them wrong very quickly. He was an incredibly gifted fighter, and his abilities showed from a young age. When we asked him why he suddenly took an interest, he said he'd come across his grandfather's research. Jaehaerys much like his own father, believed in the prophecy. So much so this was what drove him to the decision to wed his children together. He genuinely believed this promised prince would be born from their line. He believed he fit the criteria, but this changed when Aegon was born and he instead believed it would be him. But both are dead, so we won't know the full details- "
"Yes we do."
Jaeron stood up and began pacing the room. He and Howland had agreed not to talk about what they had witnessed, of what his first kill was. Then again, was it his first kill? Because technically they were already dead. How does something that was already dead die again? Arthur was looking to him quizzically, clearly noting the uncomfortable look on his face.
"Ser, what I am about to tell you is going to sound insane, but I swear to you under every possible god there is, that I am speaking the truth."
Nerves were eating him up as he steadily sat back down in front of him, could see the emotions running through the boy. Expressions he hadn't seen in almost two decades.
"Azor Ahai is another name for a promised prince. The full legend is that a betrayal from the Bloodstone Emperor in Yi-Ti began an age of darkness, which would be coined the Long Night. It was said he was born amidst salt and smoke under a bleeding star, and during this time the White Walkers came with their army. This was why the First Men and the Children signed a pact, to fight their common enemy as one. Azor Ahai had a wife called Nissa Nissa and apparently to defeat the threat, she allowed her husband to sacrifice her. And once his blade was covered in her blood, the sword glowed red. This allowed him to be able to kill the leader of the Walkers thus ending the devastating event."
"It's just a legend though- "
"I don't think so, Ser. I don't know if I believe in the prophecy, but there's no denying there is truth to it. Surely a magical ice wall wasn't built to keep Wildling's out. What if it was built to keep the Walkers out and they were just the unlucky lot who got cut off during the construction?"
The older shook his head, clearly finding it maddening.
"Ser Arthur, look me in the eye."
His voice dropped a little at this and Arthur clearly noticed the change in atmosphere with them as he looked at the young King.
"The Walkers are real. I know with certainty as does the Night's Watch and Howland. I told you how my uncle went missing and Ghost found the two he was with, didn't I?"
The older nodded lightly, confirming he did remember.
"The bodies had no rot on them, nor did they have any scent to them at all. They'd been gone for weeks and with the decay on their bodies, they should've had a stench so putrid one would never forget it. It was late so they were put in a spare room so Aemon could examine them in the morning. Ghost woke me up a few hours later and led me to the Lord Commander's chambers. Nothing was out of place and he was asleep, but then the door slammed and one of them came at me- "
"Jaeron, are you saying what I think you are?"
The younger nodded frantically, panic beginning to sink in. It had been so long ago now but the memory was as fresh to him as what he had eaten to break his fast that morning.
"As you'll know, Dark Sister is a longsword, which isn't ideal for fighting in proximity. I grabbed a knife and stabbed him but nothing happened. Just continued like it was a papercut. I ended up throwing a desk between me and it and this allowed me to get the hit in which killed it. Jeor saw what happened himself and ordered both bodies to be burned immediately. But I did cut the arm off him first with the knife and said body part was still wriggling. Alliser Thorne was tasked in presenting it at Kings Landing but I've not heard anything about it since. I thought it was all tales as well but seeing it- "
He trailed off as he took a large gulp of the sour liquid. It had a pleasant taste to start with, but it didn't remain for long. But he needed something to district himself from what he was talking about. The whole time, he didn't break eye contact with the Knight, letting him come to his own conclusions. From the way his face was steadily getting paler, he knew he believed him.
"You're being serious? A Walker was going to attack Jeor Mormont?"
"Not a Walker, a Wight. Walkers are the leaders according to the stories, Wights are just their army."
Silence surrounded the pair and it struck him how only ten minutes prior they had been laughing merrily over his deceased sister. Nothing could be said, what had been spoken shocking them both into a trance almost. The next day no words were spoken between them of their talk from before. Both planning on how to bring Dorne into the fold considering they would be docking the following day. Nerves were eating the younger up massively but he cannot back out now. The Martell's knew they were coming. And deep down, he had a feeling they knew more than they were letting on. When they weren't planning, they were sparring. Of course, Jaeron was not carrying Dark Sister nor had he taken said sword with him, it was far too recognisable. He was pleased with just Longclaw strapped to his hip currently. It had been a while since they had done so considering just how busy they had been over the last however many weeks. When the town with the castle overlooking it came into view, Jaeron felt as though his stomach was going to eat him from the inside out. But he couldn't show just how scared he was. He was doing this, and he had to remain the one on top.
They docked at the harbour there and immediately went to work on finding an inn. Despite hoping everything went well, there was no denying that would be overstepping boundaries perhaps a little too much. It took them roughly an hour to find one that was relatively close to the castle but still being within view of the coastline so they wouldn't get lost. Arthur stating the town surrounding Sunspear had gotten substantially larger from the last time he had been here. It took them three days before a messenger was sent their way to alert them they were being requested for an audience. Probably a power play on the ruling family's part, but Jaeron didn't voice this aloud.
"You know, I just remembered it's your name-day in a little more than a week."
Jaeron paused at this as he did the calculations in his head. He was correct. Gods, had it really been almost a year already? It feels like seconds have gone by but at the same time feels like numerous years have gone by. But he didn't have the time for such menial thoughts as they left the room, following the messenger to the castle up ahead.
Doran Nymeros Martell
Sunspear, 300AC
It was rare he heard from her. Something which he knew hurt his younger brother considering she was his daughter, but she had to remain hidden. If even a whisper got out of just who was in the Citadel, this would anger the Reach even more against them. However, when they did receive communication from her, it was only with important information she had come across. A couple of weeks prior he had received a raven from her after being told by Allyria Dayne to look out for two people, something Doran found odd. But as he read into it, his lip curled in out of anger and had asked his guards to find his brother and to get him here immediately.
Oberyn had been annoyed with him for that, and with the bright red marks on his neck, he knew what he had interrupted. But his incoming rant was stopped as he was handed the parchment, quietly reading the words. This was going to mess with his plans massively. He wasn't stupid, had never been, but everyone assumed him to be so. When his people had almost revolted against him for not getting justice for his butchered sister, he had to calm the waters. It left House Nymeros Martell in a tricky situation at best. One he had worked out a plan for which was almost fault proof.
Fifteen years prior, he had sailed to Braavos to meet with Ser Willem Darry on his way to visit Norvos. There, he had signed an agreement that once his daughter Arianne became a woman, she would wed the young Prince Viserys. But before he did so, he needed to make sure he had an army, and Varys sent him the letter informing him of the large Khalasar that loomed outside of Pentos where Viserys was currently residing with his little sister Daenerys. Ever since he was young, Doran had wanted his family to be elevated from their current position. Prince's and Princess' was not enough for him. He wanted King's and Queen's of his blood.
"The Sword of the Morning is alive? And escorting the Northern whore's bastard whilst he's at it?"
Doran snapped out of his thoughts as he looked to his brother.
"The child isn't a bastard, Oberyn. Lewyn confirmed it to me during it all, as did our sister before she was summoned back to the Red Keep to be held hostage. He is legitimate whether we like it or not."
"But it's not time for- "
Doran shot his brother a look, frantically looking around for anyone who might have been listening in. When he was certain this was not the case, he turned to him.
"Nay, it is not. But I can work with this. The boy is coming here with Arthur Dayne of all people. If there is anyone to blame for the death of our sister and her children, it is him. The boy was only a quickening in his mother's womb when they were killed, he is innocent. And I'd rather not anger the North because in case you've forgotten, it's larger than the other Kingdom's combined."
The younger shut up at this, but it was clear from the pinched expression on his face that he was angry. His main plan had fallen through with the death of Viserys, but he can always make more. From Sarella's raven, he knew they were headed for Starfall, and it was known there were people there who were in on it. Heck, Eddard Stark had ridden there after beating the Kingsguards stationed outside that damnable tower in the Prince's Pass. Except they hadn't been beaten if Arthur Dayne was walking around. That was a name that carried a lot of fear and even more respect, and this angered Doran. He knew they were probably ordered by Rhaegar to guard the pregnant Lyanna, leaving only Jaime Lannister of all people to remain. And instead of protecting the royal family, he had drove his sword into the King's back whilst his father's men went after his own family when their only crime was being alive.
"I will listen to the boy and what he has to say. Nothing more, and nothing less. But there's one thing for certain, he will want revenge. And we can use that to our advantage."
Oberyn was still furious judging from how red his face was, but curiosity peeked through as he sat down in front of his brother to hear him.
"I believed the babe had perished with his mother hence why I've never considered this before. But he has direct links to the North, Riverlands, and Vale. That and the fact the Stark's have the Greyjoy heir as hostage which to an extent means the Iron Islands too. That's an impressive force. Now, I hate Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister as much as you do for what happened, but I'd be willing to bet my weight in gold that boy feels the same as us."
"You're not thinking of backing him? What about- "
"Not now, Oberyn. Listen to me first before jumping to conclusions. From his point of view, the man sitting on the throne is the reason his grandfather's, uncle, and mother are dead. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding, perhaps it was a blatant lie, we may never know. Only that Rhaegar and Lyanna were wed and that he and Elia had annulled their marriage behind everyone's backs before that tourney. I'm sure you'll remember the punch our dearest sister gave you?"
Subconsciously, he watched as his brother's hand went to his nose which was a little crooked from said incident. She'd felt horrible for it when she had done so, but he did deserve it. One does not walk away from calling a Martell weak. Not even within the family.
"I taught her well."
He smiled a little at this, that he had.
"Fetch me some parchment, I need to write some ravens. Then you can go off to whatever brothel you and Ellaria were visiting before I summoned you."
Oberyn did just that, handing him a stack over before disappearing. Doran thought carefully into everything. Ever since news had been received of Viserys being dead, he had been at a stalemate, had been a major block in his plans. He'd been considering sending Quentyn to Essos to search for Daenerys but he wasn't of age yet. That combined with the fact no one knew where the Princess was. For all they knew she was holed up in one of the ruined cities of Sarnor. Firstly, he wrote a raven to his daughter who was currently visiting her mother in her home city. It wouldn't reach her for a good month or two, but she had to be made aware. She was his heir after all. Women are not discriminated against in Dorne unlike the other Kingdoms.
He could agree to a betrothal with her and this other boy whose name he did not know. There was an age difference between them, probably about eight years- possibly nine. But that's never stopped this before. But if he did when the time comes, he does not want her to be stuck between sides. He would need to run it by her before doing anything. But there were others. He hated to admit it, but he had a fantastic advantage in comparison with everyone else. His spies had reported about Stannis building a fleet and going around the Crownlands and Stormlands looking for allies. And he knew from his insiders that the royal children were the Queen's bastards with her twin. The second raven was to be sent to Illyrio but just as he was signing it off, there was a knocking on the door. He gave permission for them to come in and noticed it was one of his informants.
"My Prince, a boat has arrived from Essos. I believe the occupants are rather shy and would like to speak to you in solitude?"
His lips turned into a smile at this before nodding, quickly throwing the second raven scroll into the roaring fire. Seems like that was not needed after all.
Jaeron Targaryen
Sunspear, 300AC
When they arrived outside the castle, Jaeron could say nothing. The splendour of the place completely taking his breath away. Something that seemed to be happening a lot more lately. He'd seen castles aplenty in the North, but there they were built for function. In the south, they were built for function and for show. Each grander and larger than the last. To think he was only a few days away from the Red Keep was startling to him, but it was years away. His mind had still not changed regarding that damned chair, wanting nothing to do with it, but it is where he will end up whether he likes it or not if he succeeds in settings things right. The inside was another matter entirely.
The floor was of a deep red carpet with golden designs in it, alongside a few suns and spears surrounding it. On the walls were gemstones and tapestries and precious metals and paintings galore. In amongst this were multiple weapons mounted on the walls that he had never seen before, some with whoever had owned them engraved on a golden plaque below them. One caught his attention, of a short blade that was incredibly thin, with a small curve to it. One that according to this, had belonged to the famed Warrior Queen who had been granted sanctuary by the Dornish for her and her people when escaping the Freehold. Thus, creating House Nymeros Martell, even if they only went by the latter of the names. But it was something he had to learn, and he could use it to his advantage.
They were led into a large room also with mostly white décor but with a blue mosaic wall and a balcony overlooking the sea outside. No windows were needed here because it was warm here, and the gentle breeze coming from the sea was pleasant to them both. There was a large table that had an array of different foods on it, and Jaeron's eyes lit up at spotting some nut pastries. Just as he picked one up, he remembered with a small pit of sadness these had apparently been his sister's favourite as well. Steadily, he placed it back down and he noticed Arthur was sniffing some lemons and blood oranges. Clearly wanting to make sure there was nothing suspicious going on here.
"May I present to you, Prince Doran Nymeros Martell of Dorne, alongside his brother Prince Oberyn Nymeros Martell."
Immediately, both fell into a bow despite it feeling awkward. Three Prince's and a Kingsguard in the one room, this was going to be interesting. He tried his best to remember his courtesies but this was the first time he was dealing with nobles directly. The Dayne's didn't wholly count considering they knew from the beginning, but he didn't know if they were aware on it. It's a strong possibility, but it's just a possibility. Not a certainty, and that is what he needs.
"May I ask your name, your Grace?"
He paused for a moment at this, clearly surprised he knew already. But he didn't break eye contact with the older Martell. They looked to be of a similar age to one another, but one was seated on a chair rather than the bench surrounding the table they were at. He knew he was crippled from his gout, that was a known fact throughout Westeros.
"Jaeron Targaryen, my Prince."
There, he'd done it. Outed himself. The first time he had done so of his own accord was in a fit of anger, but this was much different in comparison. This time he was deliberately doing so with the intention of trying to at the least have them be complicit.
"I'm surprised you are showing your face, Ser. Considering you did not help our sister and her children."
Arthur bristled at this but Doran shot Oberyn a look which caused him to go quiet instantly.
"I'm sure you're aware of the situation. My uncle discovered that the Prince's and Princess are not Robert Baratheon's, and that Stannis is currently working to gain allies."
"You do not use titles referring to the King?"
Jaeron took a long sip of water which he'd squeezed a bit of lemon into, the taste surprisingly refreshing. The Dornish heat was beginning to get to him, his skin beginning to blister underneath his clothing and would probably shed in a matter of days.
"Nay, I do not, nor will I. He sits on the throne that rightfully should've been my father's and my brother's after him. But his claim was built on a lie, and in the North where I was raised, we consider false claims to hold no merit. In my eyes, he is simply a usurper."
"Yet your uncle is serving as his Hand, correct?"
He could tell Arthur wanted to interject, but he needed to do this himself.
"Indeed. A position he did not want to take but felt like he needed to. He wanted to find out about Jon Arryn. And what better way to find out than to take up his mantle? Something that has worked as we are now aware of Cersei's treachery. I don't know about you both, but I'm going to take great pleasure in telling the man the truth of everything."
It was only there for a split second, but he spotted Oberyn's lip uptick a little. Whether it was a smile or not he wasn't sure, but it was there, He also noted both were leaning forward ever so slightly, confirming they were either masters with body language, were genuinely interested, or were a mixture of both. This seemed to break the dam and they spoke, but it was obvious they were tiptoeing around one another. No matter what they have in common, he is always going to be the item that caused everything to occur. Misunderstanding or lie aside, that would always be the case, and it was something he needed to take into consideration.
"I believe I am yet to receive a response, Ser?"
It went quiet at this, and his eyes momentarily moved to Doran's face but now he was staring directly at Arthur.
"I must say, I find it strange why there were three of you situated outside that tower when it was a second son that wasn't even born yet within. Why were you not protecting the firstborn?"
Jaeron already knew it, and the plans that were being made for them all to tie them together if his father had won. Plans which never came to the surface as Robert landed the killing blow, completely crushing his chest in and falling into the Trident.
"I was commanded- "
"Why were you commanded? A part of me doesn't believe this- "
The younger suddenly shot a glare at his older brother. Despite not having seen it, he knew what had happened. Doran must've either kicked him or punched him beneath the polished wood. It was something he done often with Robb and Arya growing up, and siblings will always be siblings no matter what.
"I was commanded by my Prince to protect his pregnant wife. He charged me, Oswell, and Gerold to the task because he had plans with Elia to free her children. Your sister was willing to sacrifice herself if her children got out alive. But the plans failed. I was asked to watch over Aegon, that is true. But I couldn't guard him considering King Aerys had him locked up in Maegor's Holdfast. The same goes for Rhaenys, he had Gerold picked specifically because he was considering a betrothal offer for her. Oswell was commanded to guard Jaeron because through marriage bonds, they are related. Just not by blood."
Despite having heard it before, hearing the clipped way he had spoken the words made it seem worse. What Hightower was his sister going to be betrothed to? It must've been either Gunthor or Baelor. If she had survived, she would've been twenty-two now. If his records were correct, they were both married into House Rowan and House Fossoway.
"You'd think people were able to pull off hiding the female heir of the North and the fact she was carrying a son would've been able to rescue our family- "
Before he could think on it, Jaeron snapped.
"Prince Oberyn, you will not accuse Ser Arthur of neglecting his duty because he did not. He did as he was commanded. We are here to discuss terms for moving forward because I am going to get revenge for what happened. And we won't be able to do that if we're acting like immature children screaming the rules are not fair."
Oberyn stiffened at this as he glared at him, but he cut him off again.
"I know what I am to you, I'm a walking talking reminder that your sister and her children were butchered on Tywin Lannister's orders who sided with Robert Baratheon solely because they were the winning side at the time. But whether you like it or not, Rhaenys and Aegon were my siblings. Siblings I will never know. I won't know what they sounded like, I'll never know what they looked like, I won't know their personalities. But I can get justice for them, but to do so I'm going to need all the help I can get. I'm not going to be dumb and ask you to swear to me or anything, but right now your choices are limited. Either me, or Stannis. I didn't even know myself of who I was until a little under a year ago. My mother made my uncle swear that he would not speak a word of it until my sixteenth name-day. I've accepted who I am now. Rights of succession puts me as first in line even if I want nothing to do with a crown. But I will tell you this, if either of them survived, I would've happily denounced myself of the titles if Aegon had children of his own. But he didn't, because he was a baby when the Mountain threw him against a wall and cracking his skull open like a duck egg. It sickens me that Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch were rewarded for their 'services', and I will guarantee that when we corner them, they will be tortured without mercy before being killed. I'm thinking in the same fashion for poetic justice."
He stopped in his rant at this, noticing he was breathing hard as he'd barely breathed whilst he was getting it all out. Arthur was looking to him in a mixture of shock and awe, but the other two were still as silent as a statue. But he did note they didn't seem as angry as before.
"I will be making the claim soon, certainly before the end of the year. And I will tell you this, the Kingdoms are not ready for what is about to happen. Especially because I have two dragons which are almost large enough to be mounted."
It probably wasn't a good idea to confirm that out aloud, but it had the desired effect. Both Doran's and Oberyn's eyes widening ever so slightly. Catching the thinly veiled threat. Despite their link to one another, it was now made clear he wasn't going to be giving free passes.
"We won't be joining no Baratheon claim, that I will tell you. But I cannot promise to back you either. You've already pointed out our reasoning. Dorne will remain neutral during the war."
Hours had passed since then, and once they were on their own, Arthur turned to him in anger.
"You should not have made them aware of Rhaegon and Lyrax, you know that? Threatening the Prince's of Dorne, we want them on our side Jaeron!"
"I know that Ser. I admit it was a dumb thing to do, but I will figure something out. We did promise not to lie to one another, didn't we?"
The older was still furious with him, but he simply pinched his nose before beginning to head outside. The brothers had asked for people to escort them to the town as they wouldn't know their way around Sunspear. On the way down though, he got a funny feeling, and from the way Arthur paused, he knew he had a similar sensation. Both turned to look down a corridor and they saw a flash of two people with dark blue hair. Probably Tyroshi considering they were known for dyeing their hair unconventional colours. One seemed to be of an age with Arthur, perhaps a few years younger, but the other appeared to be his age. Jaeron quickly shook the thoughts from his head before they made their way back to the inn they were staying in. On the morrow, he would be travelling back to Greywater Watch.