Torghen Hill

Volantis, 301AC

His mother used to tell him that a new moon at the beginning of the year was a good omen, whether that was true or not though, no one could say. The beating sun over Old Volantis making his clothing stick to his body with sweat, having long gotten used to such a feeling and therefore did not attempt to stop such a thing. What was the use in it? He knew the moment he removed his clothing, washed, and changed, it would take a couple of hours tops for the sun to work its magic and he would be right back where he started again.

The streets of the city that were behind the famous black walls which separated those with the blood of Valyria to the outside of the city was like night and day. Within the walls, everyone walking around had either purple eyes, silver-gold hair, or there were even the lucky few who possessed both as their blood was so noble. Or in their beliefs- noble. Scoffing simply at the thought because all they needed to do was to go to a pleasure house in Lys to see they were not the only people who could trace their blood to Old Valyria.

Slaves walking around with collars on their necks adorned with pendants of Valyrian steel to signify these slaves were 'high up', but slaves nonetheless. The tattoos on their cheeks confirming which type of slave they were. Soldier? Pillow? House? There seemed to be slaves for everything, it not even shocking him anymore that it was common knowledge that every nobleman in this blasted city could always name five slaves to them and them only. It was disgusting, but it was something he'd had no choice but to get used to when he had been exiled from Westeros by the Stag King.

At least he was dead, and with it the ending of his exile. Not officially of course, but an end to it. The sooner he got out of the damned Free Cities of Essos, the better. Granted, they weren't all bad, but there was a lot that outweighed the good and Torghen had long come to the conclusion he would rather live in the vilest area of Flea Bottom than live here.

In a few days they would be setting sail for Westeros, something that had been carefully planned for eighteen years. First, they had planned with Rhaegar but he had died. Then, they had planned with Rhaella but she had died. Then, they planned with Ser Willem Darry and he also died. But now, now they were finally planning with people who with luck would survive until the Iron Throne was back in House Targaryen where it belonged. The throne had been forged by Aegon the Conqueror, it symbolised everything to do with the monarchy of Westeros. If the man were still alive, he knew he would rage at what had happened.

Nay, there was a common cause now, one that had been built up over nearing two years. If they succeeded with their first move, they would be even closer to winning. A flash of white and orange came into his vision then, blinking rapidly and cursing quietly to himself. Out of everyone, he should be used to seeing dragons, having watched Jaeron's grow at an absurd rate. Lord Howland had believed it to be a mixture of the magic that lingered in the air of the Neck, the magic Jaeron himself possessed as a warg, and being allowed to roam freely instead of being cooped up which resulted in their rapid growth. What Maegor the Cruel had been thinking when he had commissioned the Dragon Pit to be built no one could say. If anyone did say anything about it, they at the very least would've lost their tongues.

He reached up to push his golden blonde hair off of his forehead as he turned around to where he had seen the flash. The hatchling being a few months old now and growing rapidly too. Nowhere near on the scale Rhaegon and Lyrax were growing, but still quite rapidly. Vēzos Aegon had called his dragon, the High Valyrian word for sun. Mostly orange it was- both a mixture of a burnt orange and a bright orange, with a white underbelly and bronze coloured horns that pointed backwards on its head instead of straight up alongside bronze swirls along the back. At best, the dragon tolerated him, which he was glad for.

"Lord Torghen."

Torghen turned his head at this to face the boy- no man- he had helped raise. All traces of blue rinsed from his hair and now wearing the colours of his House proudly. There was no need to hide anymore, the truth was going to be coming out very soon.

"I am not a Lord- "

"You will be when I take my throne and the Lannister's are only bodies under the ground like millions of others."

If he takes the throne. It was a thought he didn't want to consider but it was one he had to consider all the same. They had worked to put Aegon on the throne and he believed it to be his by right, but then Jaeron found out and was actively pressing the claim as he did not know his older brother survived.

"Has there been any further news regarding my brother?"

At least he had that going for him, always having called Jaeron brother and not half-brother which is what they were as far as blood was concerned.

"Nothing further I'm afraid. All attempts at getting information are not getting through. Whether that is being blocked by your brother or the Lannister bastard, is tricky to say."

They fell into step at this, Vēzos letting out an angry chirp at them ignoring him but Aegon simply shook his head in annoyance.

"You are so needy."

"He's a lot like Lyrax in that regard. Always wanting to be petted and gets annoyed when left alone."

That brought a small smile to Aegon's face as he reached over to pet the dragons snout before stepping into line with him again. The manse they were in was owned by a very wealthy nobleman by the name of Naemor Lerantys, a ancient name in Valyrian records. Going back almost four thousand years to the time the Freehold was at its might. Having a library of books which documented everything about the Freehold from the names of the Forty, where each of the Forty stood in hierarchy, to a handful of their practises. Only a handful though, for if Valyria let all of their secrets out, the world would come to a stop.

"Is the plan still going ahead?"

"Aye. My uncle is still chasing down my betrothed wherever she is now but other than this everything is going forward as is."

This unnerved him. He'd been there when Jaeron had began to press his claim and he'd been nervous then. But if anything, he was more nervous now. This could easily get ugly if an accord was not reached with the brothers and quickly, the realm would bleed in a way it hadn't in a very long time.

"Storm's End is still our first port of call?"

"Indeed. We will set sail by the end of the month and should be there in a little more than two months provided the winds are kind."

That gave him time to try and do something. Torghen wasn't stupid, the moment Jaeron got word from him he would rain fire down on him for taking Sansa even if he was ordered to do such a thing. It didn't help he'd heard nought from his sister or Rhaenys since they had left for Qarth. This was very much not the plan. The original plan was to have Rhaenys travel with Sansa to meet Jaeron to act as an envoy so when the inevitable clash came, there would be someone to mediate. Yet now they had lost their mediator, and he didn't know how to feel about such a thing.

"Should we not wait until Rhaenys and my sister get back?"

"No. We have stalled long enough."

Immediately, anger bubbled up deep inside at the voice. Torghen had never liked Jon Connington. Why Rhaegar ever put up with the man was lost on him because it was obvious there was more than admiration there.

"If you move now with no notice, this will get ugly, your Grace."

"It is precedent, Torghen- "

"Yet many people have sworn for Jaeron. It wouldn't be an issue if they swore for House Targaryen itself but they did not as they believe Jaeron is House Targaryen. You've been away for so long, you don't know how much things have changed. His Grace's brother is currently fighting for the Iron Throne for himself because he is unaware- "

"It is not the time to- "

"Both of you shut up!"

They did just that, tightening their lips as they refused to back down, waiting on Aegon to speak.

"Lord Connington, Lord Torghen does have a point. But Lord Connington also has a point Lord Torghen. We are in this together and we cannot do this together if my two most trusted advisors are at one another's throats."

Bile formed in the back of his throat because the last thing he was going to do was to apologise to the man in front of him. A man everyone back home believed to have died after Rhaegar fell. So many people had come back from the dead. House Targaryen, Jon Connington, Arthur Dayne, and likely many more that were still remaining in the shadows awaiting to strike.

"I shall send missives to Jaeron to meet before we take Storm's End."

Jon opened his mouth to retaliate but Aegon gave him a stern glare as did Vēzos along with a spit of annoyance. Dragon and mate very much acting as one like Rhaegon and Jaeron did.

"If it weren't for my brother figuring it out, dragons would not be of this world again. If it weren't for him working in the shadows to get allies and begin spreading the truth, we would not be in the position we are. I owe that much to him and I've never even met him."

And then Aegon left, leaving them both to stew in their annoyance. Jon had a pride that was unmatched, but Torghen's mother was a Lannister and he had the blood of lions in his veins and it was fit to burst any moment.

"What are you playing at Jon?"

"Aegon is the King- "

"Aye, he is. But you forget Jaeron does not know he is alive. I don't know what part of that doesn't make sense to you, but it better soon before something you counsel him to do has diabolical consequences."

"Jaeron is only half Targaryen though. He has filthy wolf blood- "

The look Torghen gave him could've burned a hole through the black walls themselves.

"So this is what this is? You hate him because Rhaegar married Lyanna who you despised just as much as you do Elia? You're a hypocrite, my Lord. Take a look at yourself in a looking glass and search for the truth. Aegon and Jaeron are brothers both in marriage and in blood. And there is no one more reviled than someone who declares war on ones own blood."

Then he walked away, leaving the griffin to stew in silence. Three weeks quickly passed, the ships all being ready to leave any day now as they awaited on their guest. Having received communication the day prior that Prince Oberyn had found Princess Arianne and they were in Volantis heading for the manse they were currently in. Ever since his last conversation with Jon Connington, the man had refused to even so much as look at him. Clearly not liking the fact he had spat the truth to him.

It wasn't a secret he despised Elia, had even gone to Aerys on a few occasions to try and arrange an annulment but every time Rhaegar found out had put his foot down. Jon wanted Rhaegar, in a way a man should not want another man. It was a vile thing, it went against nature and every Faith there was. Then a wheelhouse came into view. An ornate one coloured cream and inlaid with gold in swirling designs throughout the whole thing. Being pulled by four of the purest bred Valyrian horses there were with their gleaming golden coats and hair so white it did not appear real. Six people stepping out- four of which clearly being guards as they got closer to the manse.

"It is good to see you again, uncle."

"It is good to see you as well, nephew."

They were invited within and immediately retreated to a private solar to discuss matters thoroughly. The first being the marriage of Aegon and Arianne, it not being lost to him neither appeared pleased over such a thing but they accepted their duty. Jon had tried to push for a match to Margaery Tyrell but that had gone up in flames when she had married Renly Baratheon. Arianne was their second best option. They all knew the agreement for the annulment of Rhaegar and Elia. It would only be granted if both parents swore in blood that Aegon and Rhaenys would not wed one another despite their Targaryen blood. No, there were more opportunities if they remained apart from one another, and they were using that to their advantage.

"My brother wishes for them to wed in Sunspear."

Again, it didn't miss his gaze when both sighed in relief as that meant there was time for such a thing. Storm's End was the first place they were going to strike, but it wasn't where they were going to land. No, they would land on Claw Isle. Disgust still ate at him over playing Jaeron like he had, but he needed to get back to Essos to make everyone aware of what was happening in the Sunset Kingdom's. Lord Ardrian had bent the knee to but not to Aegon, to House Targaryen. That is, unless a storm hadn't hit again which would not be surprising.

"Any further news? We've not been able to break through."

"Jaeron is now betrothed to Lady Margaery Tyrell."

The honeyed wine he had been drinking then got caught in his throat at this as he began hacking. Only once he had caught his breath did he speak.

"But she's married to Renly Baratheon!"

"She can't be married if he's dead, can she?"

This changed everything. Turning to Aegon who had seemingly come to the same conclusion. The reason they were going for Storm's End in the first place was to trap Renly whilst they slowly took over the Stormland's to gather a decent force.

"Renly's men?"

"A bunch swore for Stannis, some ran home, some are with Jaeron."

Someone swore aloud then, not being able to tell who it was as his mind was spinning at the information.

"There is more you are not telling us, my Prince."

"Indeed."

Prince Oberyn leaned back and kicked his feet up onto the table. Completely ignoring the looks of insult of many at the table at such a blatant show of disrespect but nobody dared say anything. Even in Essos tales of the Red Viper made their way over here, no one was going to willingly provoke him.

"Lord Stannis is a prisoner in Dragonstone. Jaeron somehow got word if him striking the capital with the men he received after the death of Renly and he used it to his advantage. Dragonstone is now firmly in House Targaryen's hands. However, many of the men that did survive the attack swore for the Lannister cunt."

Anger was billowing within him now, as that meant the Lannister's had inside information on what Stannis planned to do.

"What is my brother doing now, uncle?"

Prince Oberyn shrugged and removed his feet as he reached for some Braavosi ice wine. It was way too strong for Torghen, bordering on sour and not in a pleasant way.

"I do not know, nephew. However, he did avenge your mother."

All sound seemed to be sucked out of the room at such a thing before numerous yells echoed around the room. A mixture of shock and delight. Jaeron had taken down the Mountain? Oh he'd have loved to have seen the look on Tywin Lannister's face at such a thing when he heard.

"How?!"

"He found out where he was through his spies and then he came to Sunspear. He wished to be on good terms with us and so he offered for myself to join him. We rode to where he was and the beast is now in the dungeons of Sunspear begging for the sweet mercy that is death."

Those words were sweeter than spun sugar. Making his mouth water in hunger as this meant they were even closer to succeeding. Once an accord was reached Dorne, the Reach, the Riverland's, and the North would stand united against the lion. Tywin would have no choice but to run or stand tall to the bitter end, and that thought was even more delicious.

"Then we shall strike them where it hurts most."

Now that was something he agreed on wholeheartedly. Turning to the others and it not missing his gaze Jon as usual had a sour expression on his face.

"First, House Targaryen needs to be united first- "

"I think it best we strike first to show force."

Just like that, all feelings of joy left him as he turned to the man who was now seething in his seat and failing to hide such a thing.

"You know what happens when House Targaryen doesn't stand as one, Lord Jon. Aegon needs to do what is right for his House and his family and not for himself."

"Those words are treasonous, my Prince- "

"Are they? Or are you just insulted that you never got to stab Rhaegar and are taking it out on anyone who is a result of such a thing? Oh wait, I got that wrong. It is a different form of stabbing you wished for."

This was the final nail for him as he stood up and was about to speak but Vēzos hissed aloud from where he was as a warning. Turning to look at everyone as he realised no one else in the room thought the same way he did. But instead of swallowing his pride, he left them alone and not even attempting to hide his anger at being called out like such. Good riddance, Torghen thought to himself. Many a time he had wished for him to be banished from their services but no one could deny he was loyal.

"Lord Jon does have a point. For my brother to take us serious we should strike first- "

"There are two types of truth boy. There is the official truth that everyone agrees on, and then there is the real truth. Learn the difference."

It went quiet after these words left Prince Oberyn, it not blatantly obvious Princess Arianne had yet to so much as speak a single word. But her gaze was sharp, taking in how everyone spoke and deciding for herself what was the best course of action.

"You are a dragon, there is no denying such a thing. But you are failing to understand that you are not the only beast. Everyone has a beast lurking within, and some it never shows. But occasionally, someone prods too deep and are faced with the beast. Enough angry beasts can be a match for a dragon- and history proves this."

Margaery Tyrell

Dragonstone, 301AC

There was something almost magical about the island she was currently on. Almost everywhere she walked she could've sworn she felt something tingling throughout her entire body in a way that she had never felt prior. Not in Highgarden, not in the Red Keep which she'd visited when she was a little girl with her father and brothers, and definitely not the Hightower which she frequented often as her mother was a Hightower and her grandfather was the current Lord.

Tyrell's and Hightower's had always had a tumultuous relationship with one another. When Aegon the Conqueror had named her own House as Lord's Paramount of the Reach, many had rose in anger at such a decision. They were stewards, not Lord's. Their blood wasn't as direct to Garth Greenhand as theirs were and they did not deserve the position they received. Beesbury's, Tarly's, and many others rose but none of them were really cause for concern other than the richest House in the Reach at the time. They had Oldtown, they had the largest army in the Reach left after the Field of Fire, they had the Faith on their side.

But the decision had been made, and they all knew to refuse an order from a dragon would end in a fate like House Hoare. Which was something no one had wanted. However, that had been three hundred years prior, and a lot had changed in that time. Now, House Targaryen were claimants to the throne and weren't already holding it, and not everyone was in favour of it. In the little time she had spent with Jaeron, she had liked him well enough. Not being much of a talker but that was something many people said about Northerner's and he had grown up in the North.

Margaery had been raised to be able to play people as easy as a fiddle to better herself, but in those few minutes she had spent with him she knew he would see right through her. It was a difficult pill to swallow but she accepted it. She was going to be his Queen and Loras was now a member of his Kingsguard. Under none other than Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Brynden Tully. Names that were famous through Westeros as people to not mess with because rarely did an opponent come out of the opposite side unscathed. Her own granduncle had died protecting him, and that was something that secured both her mothers House and her fathers House as one on the matter.

House Targaryen would have the throne again, but the when was the difficult question to answer. Jaeron had the entirety of the North, the Riverland's, most of the Reach as the Florent's had sworn for Joffrey, a handful of the Crownland's House's alongside the Dayne's of Starfall. That was a force which more or less ensured victory. The only thing stopping such a thing was the fact a Lannister bastard sat the Iron Throne, Dorne were remaining neutral despite being thankful for bringing justice for Princess Elia and her children, and the Vale also remaining neutral.

Not much knowledge had been sent her way which annoyed her massively but the reasoning was clear. The less she knew, the less valuable she was in the event she were to be taken hostage. Yet they were closing in, so close she could almost smell the sweet scent of victory. Hearing a gentle thump which was so normal to her now she didn't need to turn to see who it was.

"Brother dearest, has there been any further news?"

"Surprisingly aye, sister."

Her eyebrows rose a moment because that was the first time news had reached them since Jaeron had left to join with his armies once more. Walking back into the royal quarters she was staying in and inviting for him to sit down as she knew if he remained upright his leg would hurt terribly quickly. Reaching for a sugar cookie a servant had brought a platter of up as she waited on him to speak.

"The Karstark's have turned their cloaks."

"They're kin to the Stark's, are they not?"

"Aye. House Karstark would not exist if it weren't for a Stark hundreds of years before being granted a Keep of their own for some reason I am unaware of. Prince Robb executed Lord Rickard himself after he murdered Martyn and Willem Lannister to get revenge."

She sighed deeply at this, understanding where the man came from because she had been made aware Ser Jaime had killed his own sons in battle.

"There is more isn't there?"

"It's not good news."

"Willas."

"Margaery."

It went quiet for a few moments before both began chuckling at one another. Being vague with one another was something they always resorted to as they knew it annoyed the other something mad.

"Lady Catelyn set Ser Jaime free. According to his Grace's words, she feared someone would kill him in the camp and she believed he was better free and alive than in a cage with thousands trying to kill him. As she did disobey the order, his Grace has had no choice but to have her imprisoned. She is now in Riverrun."

Now that was bad news. Very bad news. Pinching the bridge of her nose hard as she cursed the Lady Catelyn silently for being so damn short sighted. The reasoning wasn't the issue, it was that she set him free. All that had to be done was to have Ser Jaime moved to a safe place where he wouldn't be at risk to be killed by someone in Jaeron's army. Riverrun would've taken him, or any of the other castles whose Lord's had sworn for Jaeron. But no, now he was free which meant there were no more bargaining chips.

"He'll be furious."

"You only spent a few hours with him, sister."

"I might've, but grandmother did teach me to get a good overview on a person. When I say to you he will be furious, I mean he will be furious- "

She was cut off at this as a large shadow was seen on the water outside. Turning to her brother before getting up from where she was to outside of the castle. It didn't take long to figure out the layout of Dragonstone castle, but she wasn't stupid. There were secrets in these walls, secrets that were not meant to come to light. Secrets that Margaery herself did not want to know. A servant guided her to the courtyard as that same shadow appeared overhead, silver dragon now in her vision as a smile came onto her face which was quickly replaced with confusion. Why was he here? He should be with his army which last she knew were slowly marching south. Landing directly in front and despite her heart beating at an unnatural pace, she kept her face passive as Jaeron jumped off the back of his mount.

"My Lady."

"Your Grace."

She greeted him equally as politely as he took her hand and kissed the back of it gently.

"We did not expect you, your Grace."

They fell into step as they walked into the castle, Ser Arthur remaining an ever loyal shadow behind the King. Wondering to herself where Loras and Ser Brynden were but that would be something she could ask at a later time. Something had clearly happened, otherwise something would've been sent her way to give her a warning. Entering the solar Jaeron had claimed as his own and nodding to her brother to tell him he wished for this to be a private talk between just the two of them. Willas gave her a look but obeyed the command and left the room, closing the door as Ser Arthur remained just outside to guard them.

"I apologise for my lack of communication, my Lady, I have not had much time to myself."

It was a good enough reason, but she sensed there was more to it than that. Strongly suspecting she was deliberately being kept in the dark.

"We only just received your raven regarding Ser Jaime, your Grace- "

"Jaeron, my Lady. As of right now I am King Claimant, I am not King officially. And we are to be wed. Did we not have this exact conversation last time we saw one another?"

They had, but she had done so anyway to see if he still thought the same as before. His words all but confirming this was indeed the case which satisfied her interest. Mayhaps she did have some room to work her words, but she would need to be incredibly careful.

"Has Lord Stannis or Lady Selyse been giving you any grief?"

"Nay, they have not. They are still guarded strongly in their quarters and are not allowed out. But someone else has been trailing me that I am not overly comfortable with."

There was no use in lying to him, as the Red Woman definitely made her uneasy. Everything about her was red. Her lips, her eyes, her hair, her clothes, her jewellery. Red, red, red, and even more red. Not to mention she was a Priestess of the Lord of Light, a Faith that was common in Essos but was often seen as a sinful Faith in Westeros.

"And who would that be, Margaery?"

It felt nice, to solely be called by her name and not by titles. Especially that deep Northern brawl he had.

"Stannis' Red Woman. She keeps following in the shadows like a cat waiting to pounce on its next meal. It unsettles me."

Again, there was no lie in her words, as it did unsettle her. How many times had she felt like someone was watching her before turning around to be faced with bright red eyes not even so much as blinking her way? It didn't help she never so much as spoke a word, remaining ominously silent.

"I shall speak to the Red Woman on the morrow. I have been flying a lot these last few days and sleep in a bed does sound lovely."

"Yet that is not why you are here, is it?"

He laughed at her quip, clearly amused that she saw right through their byplay. A moment later, his face collapsed in on itself into one of seriousness, the feeling in the room growing cold. Nerves beginning to bubble up inside of her as she awaited on him to speak.

"Duskendale almost fell. Some of my army were sent ahead there to begin preparing to surround the capital. Not much of a force, a couple thousand at most. Yet there was an army there already- an army being led by Lord Randyll Tarly."

"Lord Randyll? He is sworn to my father though."

"Aye, he is. Yet he was fighting for Joffrey. I find myself at an impasse on what to do with him. For personal reasons I will not go into as I will not air someone's secrets they do not wish getting out, I already dislike him massively. Any judgement I make on the man will be incredibly biased. I came to ask you for your advice on the matter- "

He was cut off as the door opened suddenly, annoyance crossing his face temporarily as Ser Arthur stood there looking a little pale.

"Ser Arthur, what is the meaning of this?"

"A boat has shown up in the harbour, your Grace. With men sworn to Stannis."

Jaeron immediately got up from where he was sitting and she followed him. Wondering what this was regarding. It was spreading rapidly Stannis was a prisoner of her betrothed now as was his wife, for men to show up on Dragonstone where they were kept showing support was a stupid thing for anyone to do. Four men being brought fourth with their hands tied tightly behind their backs by the many guards. Eyeing them for any sigils which would determine who they were but only one did, which told her the others likely answered to him.

"Please introduce yourself, my Lord."

"Only if you introduce yourself first."

That was an accent she recognised, wondering why someone from Flea Bottom was on Dragonstone of all places. Perhaps fleeing from the capital?

"Watch your tongue- "

"Ser Arthur, lower your sword. He is unarmed and he has not brought any offense. King Jaeron Targaryen, my Lord."

Confusion whirred over the mans face which told her he was unaware on who he was never mind why he was here.

"Ser Davos Seaworth. Forgive me, your Grace, but last I was here Stannis Baratheon was King- "

Rhaegon chose that exact moment to fly down overhead which caused his face to go white in terror.

"Lord Stannis is currently my prisoner as is his wife, my Lord. Forgive me, but I have not heard of a House Seaworth before?"

"Nay, we are a new House and a small House."

It wasn't lost on Margaery he deliberately did not refer to him a second time by title. Chewing the inside of her cheeks at the insult but she dared not speak a word as her betrothed thought the matter through.

"Have Ser Davos given proper accommodation and bring him and his companions a meal. We shall discuss matters on the morrow together on what this does and does not mean."