Jaeron Targaryen

Kings Landing, 301 AC

He had a lot of work to do that day, yet somehow after the bout of chaos that had occurred he found he cared nought for any of it. Outside whilst amongst everyone he had kept the mask on as best he could despite finding it harder to do so as the days carried on and more was happening, wondering how long it would be before the mask cracked and revealed just how terrified he was currently.

Of course, Jaeron knew it would not be easy to hold a crown. The Stark's of Winter were more than enough proof of such a thing, even having to kill their own kin on a handful of occasions and on one occasion completely wipe out one of their branches from existence. He'd been naïve by treading as carefully as he had been, and due to doing so things were starting to go completely out of control and he was struggling to keep hold of the ropes everyone was tied to on the other side.

Too close. That had been too close. The words spinning as he made his way towards his own chambers within Maegor's Holdfast. Ser Arthur noticing he wished to be alone this minute but giving his shoulder the tiniest squeeze before leaving said chambers to guard the door as always. He needed to get more Kingsguard. Three was not enough and one was gods know where currently. At least Ser Brynden had escaped what had happened and there was no doubt in his head that he would make his way back here as soon as he possibly could. It would likely be at least a month though as Jaeron wholly expected the Lannister's to be bolder than before now they had leverage. Leverage they'd once had with Ser Jaime. Speaking of the Kingslayer no one had seen or heard from him in weeks either- or was it months?

Time was difficult to keep track of. With the amount of shit currently happening especially. Sitting down at the table in the room and reaching for a wineskin left from the day prior. Not even pouring himself a glass and instead drinking directly from it. At least one traitor was dealt with, and it had been done so publicly. They'd been discussing ways to remove Pycelle from his position but they couldn't think of any that would not be taken as an insult by the Faith which was the last thing needed right now. The man's slip up doing it all for him although he felt terrible it had almost cost his uncle his life. An uncle he had taken away from the Wall so he did not spend the remainder of his days alone and yet a whole day later he'd almost had a knife wedged in his throat.

It was a cesspit. The entire fucking city of Kings Landing was. Cursing his ancestors for naming this spot their capital and building the city in question. There was significance to the spot because it was where Aegon and his sisters had first stepped foot on Westerosi soil to begin their campaign, yet positionally it was far from ideal. The walls surrounding the city were a massive boon, but walls could be stormed and destroyed with the correct supplies. A river that opened into the Narrow Sea leaving them open there too. When the first tear fell he could not say, completely lost in his thoughts for gods know how long but he was broken out of it by a knock on the door.

"The Lady Margaery is here, your Grace."

He sighed deeply and for a moment he was about to tell her to leave. Pausing for a few seconds before deciding she should know what he was feeling currently alongside Arthur. One was to be his wife by the end of the month and the other had willingly exiled himself to wait for him to come forward and seek him out.

"Enter."

Both did just that but Arthur remained close to the door as if he were about to leave after escorting his betrothed within the room.

"Stay, Arthur. I find I am in need of counsel and I know you will say it straight to my face as all Dornish do. Never mind a Dornish man who lived in the North for as long as you did."

The quip was clearly picked up on as his Kingsguard shot him an unimpressed look, Margaery catching on to it too and seeing the way her lips pulled apart ever so slightly. Wishing for once she would have a true smile and not a forced smile. Both taking a seat at the table too. It was clear Margaery was uncomfortable and it didn't take a genius to realise she had hoped to speak to him alone for whatever reason. He liked her enough, and he believed she liked him too, but her family loved the crown and all positions they could get from him more. It wasn't a secret they wished for Willas to be named to his small council, something he wasn't willing to do. As he'd said before; they were getting a Queen and a Kingsguard position from him, they were not getting anything else. No matter how far their roots and thorns would spread, that was a certainty.

"Is my uncle alright?"

"Aemon is understandably shaken, but he will be fine in a day or two. He's stubborn enough for that, your Grace."

He couldn't hold in the small snort of amusement at those words for they were true. Stories always said Aemon's father Maekar I had been a stubborn man so it wasn't too out there his only remaining son would also be stubborn. Adding that he had lived in the North for many decades further only aided such a thing. The fact he was possibly the oldest man in Westeros alive itself was enough proof to such a thing.

"My brother says he has bonded with Lyrax?"

Arthur seemed a little surprised by such a thing before recalling the tales himself and Howland had said on how she was rarely not in Aemon's lap when she was still only a hatchling.

"More like Lyrax bonded with him. Even when she was a hatchling she was fascinated with him."

Ghost perked up then and padded over to them to lay at his side between himself and Margaery. Reaching over to scratch the wolfs ears and seeing the way his tongue hung out at the sheer joy he was feeling. Margaery steadily reaching over and letting him sniff at her hand because even now she wasn't wholly used to his furry companion but she had no need to worry as he proceeded to press his nose into her palm and rub the side of his muzzle against her fingers.

"What do you plan on doing, your Grace?"

"I first need to figure out everything that is happening before I can make any moves."

He retorted back, his Kingsguard giving him an unimpressed look in response. Standing up to get some parchment alongside a map and carved pieces of every player. He'd done enough of waiting around, he had to make a move and he had to make one quickly to assert his position he'd put so much work into achieving.

"Firstly, we need a new Grand Maester."

Arthur snorted at his words, it only being perhaps an hour since he had taken the head of Pycelle. Remembering the stunned looks of those watching that he had done the deed himself and did not procure a headsman. Words would be spinning throughout the Red Keep and likely into the city soon and that was something else that needed to be stopped.

"Sansa was last seen in Qarth with my aunt and sister- "

"Sister?"

Margaery asked in confusion, clearly thinking he meant Arya and he sighed deeply before confirming this piece of information.

"Rhaenys is alive too."

Her eyes twitched ever so slightly but it was clear this time it wasn't faked. Now, she was genuinely concerned given everything.

"Where they are now is unknown, and I fear I cannot trust Varys any more. The trust we had with him was temporary at best so I will need to find someone else who has a large network of spies or is willing to create a large network who will be wholly on my side- "

"Elissa. Task Elissa to such a thing. We know for a fact she is loyal and her eagle is incredibly quick."

Now he thought on it, that did make a lot of sense. Not only could she warg, she was relatively liked in the Red Keep. The children especially fascinated by her eagle and why not use such a thing? Whilst there was a small network currently, it was not vast enough to compare to Varys'- it likely never would overtake Varys'.

"Lysa Tully is now dead and Petyr Baelish has proclaimed himself Protector of the Vale- "

"Name someone else as Lord Robyn's regent."

His betrothed piped in, both turning to her and seeing the way her finger was pointed directly at the Eyrie on the map. When had it been opened? He hadn't done so. Beginning to move the pieces into place to really take in their position and what they could do. Both turning to her to wait on her to continue.

"Only fools trust Petyr Baelish, unfortunately there are a lot of fools in nobility. He wants as much power as possible and he is willing to sacrifice anything to get it. May I make a suggestion?"

Her words rung somewhat true. He didn't know the man well but what he did know was enough to confirm he was not to be trusted. Wondering who Margaery would say and wholly expecting it to be someone close to herself given how much the Tyrell's were reaching. To say he was surprised by her answer was an understatement.

"Lord Yohn Royce. The man will want vengeance for his son who my brother stupidly slay. By naming him such he will be loyal to yourself, and this will gather you more numbers alongside the Gulltown fleet."

Which was on the east coast, suddenly seeing where she was going with such a thing. One fleet to be used to guard the capital, a second fleet to ward off any attackers by sea, and a third to keep trade going. Two of which he had with the Manderly's and Velaryon's on his side.

"I shall write to both Runestone and the Eyrie this evening to alert them of such a thing. Lord Baelish can keep his title of Lord Protector if he wishes but he will not get his talons or whistle his mocking words in Lord Robyn's ears."

That was one of the many issues resolved somewhat. The relief that left him at the words was little but it was relief which was better than nothing.

"My brother has gathered most of Dorne to his side although your own House is remaining steadfast in their loyalty to myself."

"House Dayne are descended of the First Men, Jaeron. We keep our honour as close to us as much as Northerner's do."

Gulping a little to himself at what he had to tell the man he relied so much on of a horrid truth. He wasn't going to take it well, yet he needed to know. As did Allyria. Gods, he had another aunt. Now there were six of House Targaryen whereas beforehand there had only been three. Daenerys and Rhaenys last seen in Qarth, Aegon advancing on him from Dorne, Allyria in Starfall, Aemon in this very castle.

"Robb has been taken captive by Tywin- "

"Not Joffrey?"

He snorted at those words which caused some laughs to break through the tense atmosphere.

"I highly doubt it. The servants often speak on how he hid behind his mothers skirts even though he wore a crown."

There wasn't many people more honest than servants, after all.

"Lady Catelyn is dead and due to this my position with the Riverland's is weakened somewhat. We will need to find a match for Lord Edmure to tie them back to us. Plus, Robb must be found. I doubt he is being held in the Twins for that is too convenient even for someone like Lord Walder. We don't even know if he was aware of what was going to happen and his daughter is now by all laws and rights a Princess of the North. No, he will be held somewhere very secure yet Lannisport or Casterly Rock also seem too convenient."

Clearly neither of them had thought about it like such but now that they were they saw where he was coming from and nodding slowly in acceptance. Placing a wolf sculpture in the centre of the Westerland's on the map because there was no official location for where his brother was being held. For Robb was his brother, he'd never not considered him a brother and he doubted he ever would change his mind on such a thing. Perhaps that could be the first thing Elissa could do for him, locate Robb. In fact, that made a lot of sense and putting it to the back of his mind to alert her. Right now though, was something that needed to be said.

"My Lady, I must need speak to Ser Arthur alone. I wish to speak to yourself still so I will send for you once we are done."

It was clear she did not wish to leave and be left out of the loop again, but she obeyed the command after scratching Ghost's ears once more, noticing the way his direwolf whined at the loss of touch. Taking a deep breath and standing up from the desk to walk to the window. Looking down onto the many spikes surrounding the dry moat of Maegor's Holdfast. Wondering how many people had fallen or been pushed to their deaths from these windows.

"Your Grace- "

"Sit, Ser Arthur. I fear this news will shock and anger you greatly."

He frowned at the words for it was not often he was as direct as that with him. Requesting a servant to bring another wineskin for it would be needed and it arriving only a few minutes later as he took a seat again. Offering Arthur a glass which only confirmed to his Kingsguard that whatever he was about to hear was not good.

"I know who Allyria's father was, Arthur."

He coughed on his wine at that and had to pat the centre of his chest to help get his breath back. Words he never thought he would hear and recalling the way he had confirmed who she really was. She was his niece, not his sister as they played her off as. The daughter said to have been stillborn which drove her mother to throw herself from Palestone Sword Tower in her grief.

"How?"

"Dreams that are too vivid to simply ignore, and it makes too much sense and answers a question we've been wondering for so long."

Jaeron only added the latter section for he knew Arthur didn't wholly trust in his dreams like he did even though they did seem to be uncannily accurate so far.

"Who? Who was it?"

He caught onto that then, that he was no longer alive. Closing his eyes and biting the inside of his cheek as he thought on how best to say it. Deciding eventually to just say it as is and then wait on the eruption from his Kingsguard.

"Ashara allowed her body to be used by Aerys to keep the guards away from Elia which gave her the time needed to smuggle Aegon and Rhaenys out. Allyria is the result of said sacrifice."

Quiet. That was all that followed. Seconds, minutes, mayhaps hours. Even the birds flying by outside the window weren't making a peep and if a mouse were to run by it would likely echo. It was eerie, reminding Jaeron greatly of the crypts at Winterfell which were only visited by those of the blood. People not of the blood had visited before, but they never remained for long and citing the eyes of the statues followed their every move to a point they felt such an unease they gave up in their quests. He'd felt that same feeling himself the handful of times he had gone down to the crypts. The only time he hadn't was when himself and Robb had frightened Sansa and Arya covered in flour pretending to be ghosts of their ancestors.

Gods, Arya…

Even now where she was, was a mystery. Alas, he was not kept in his thoughts for long before Arthur stood up and yelled so loud he might've given a literal lion competition. He had no idea how to relate to what he was feeling and it made him feel completely inadequate. How often had Arthur been there for him since they had first met? This was the first time his Kingsguard was now facing something that in hindsight was obvious and he could say with certainty he had no idea what to do. So he stayed quiet. Crinkled his eyes at the corner in an attempt to hold off his tears as Arthur continued to lose his composure. Wondering if he would feel the same had he found out his own sisters had allowed their bodies to be used in such a horrifying way. No other words needed to be spoken on the matter, Aerys' proclivities were well known, and his heart ached at what Ashara had put herself through to help her friend and his siblings. How scared she must've been, how hurt she must've been, how much it would've affected her when she found out she had a permanent reminder of whatever had been done to her that fateful day. Eventually he could not take it any longer. Standing up and walking towards the Knight. Completely ignoring the height, age, and title difference. Forcing the man into an embrace and feeling his tears on his shoulder.

"I wish I could say I am sorry, but sorry does not cut what happened."

His own words came out in quick succession, failing to keep himself together for the man that was breaking in his arms. He had guarded the very man who had tortured and raped his sister- probably repeatedly. And he had done so unknowing to what had happened. Arthur spoke often on how he had struggled to remain true to his vows but this was the true test of such, yet he would never get his vengeance.

"We do not need to alert Allyria if you do not wish to do so- "

"No. She deserves to know. Gods, she is not going to take it well but she is a strong woman. If there is anyone who can handle such knowledge it is my niece."

The response had a bite of conviction deep within, the sadness beginning to give way to utmost anger. Anger he wasn't sure he wished to see.

"We shall travel to Starfall at weeks end to tell her. We will do so together, Arthur. This makes her family, my blood, and there are so few of us- "

"You plan to legitimise her?"

"If she wishes for such a thing I will do so, if she wishes to remain a Dayne and continue the lie she is your sister and not your niece, I will allow such a thing. Yet that should be her own decision and no one else's."

He spoke back with the same bite in his tone. He didn't stay for much longer and returned to guarding the door after cleaning himself as best he could to prevent any questions. Questions would still come, but they would not be answered this night or the following day or even the day after that. Taking some time to himself before sending for Margaery again as promised earlier. Returning not long after wearing the same deep burgundy gown with gold and black designs along the entire bodice and down the centre of the skirt.

"Your talk with Ser Arthur went well?"

She asked first, confirming she spotted how upset the man was currently.

"As well as it could given the circumstances. It is not something either of us are willing to share as it is highly personal to him, I will not break his trust."

Only adding the latter portion because he knew she would've pushed for more answers had he not. Taking a seat beside him as they spoke on some possibilities on what could be done to reel everything back in again. He'd made the mistake of remaining too passive and just how quickly everything had spun out of control more than terrified him. Yet it wasn't too out of control yet, he still had the upper hand for most.

"Aegon had the Golden Company because they believe he is a Blackfyre."

He spoke, only then remembering that fact. Frowning to himself as he reopened the map to look at their positions and having to force down a laugh. Yes, that might just do the trick. Many would say it was treachery, yet many would also say it was required.

"How do you know such, your Grace?"

"Jaeron. We are to be wed very soon and I would hate to be referring to one another by titles solely after such a thing, my Lady."

There it was again, a tiny smile showing off a crooked smile. Wondering if this was a true smile or a forced one. If it were true, he could say with certainty he liked it.

"Call me Margaery then for similar reasons. Although my brothers and cousins call me Marg for short."

A true smile came onto his face then, understanding what this now meant. Finally they were comfortable with one another and mayhaps they would grow to love one another. It was a wishful thought, he knew, but it was a thought that was welcomed. Proceeding to answer her question.

"My sister- Arya- when she was here had a bit of an affinity shall we say, in exploring the tunnels below the Red Keep. We do not know the identity of the second man but the other man was Lord Varys and she overheard a plan. A plan where an at the time unknown boy would pretend to be a Blackfyre to recruit the Golden Company- "

"Aegon."

He nodded.

"It was how we got Varys to remain somewhat neutral. Until now at least. We had leverage on him as he had leverage on us, we were equals as much as we were at odds."

She was impressed by such a thing, that was obvious from the way her eyebrows rose ever so slightly. He was coming to know the subtleties in her own mask but there was no way he would ever fully know her true self beneath the mask, much like she would likely never know the true him. What even was the true him? He'd lived a lie his whole life until he had turned sixteen and those dreaded words had left Eddard Stark's lips. After that he'd had no choice but to play an incredibly dangerous game and one he was currently close to winning. Yet what would winning entail? Loyalty? Fear? Devotion? Disgust? Mayhaps a mix of all? The end was becoming ever so close, so close he swore if he was one more step ahead he would be able to grasp it in his fist.

"If the Golden Company believe he is a Blackfyre and are following him under such a pretence, would they follow him if they knew he was not?"

He continued his train of thoughts from a few minutes before, seeing Margaery had picked up on it too.

"It would depend on what the contract was. The Golden Company take immense pride in the fact they have never once broken one- "

"Yet would it be broke if it was technically signed on falsehoods which many could argue nullifies such?"

It was a dirty move, a dangerous move. One that would anger Dorne and knowing there would need to be a more concrete agreement other than a possible betrothal. One which couldn't be legalised as Sansa had not officially been set aside by Joffrey as of yet. That was something that was keeping the Lannister's a step too far from him as of yet.

"He'd lose a huge chunk of his army, and may be assassinated- "

"Not if he was not with them."

He cut her off. Looking at the map now all the pieces were in place. Aegon had no chance of succeeding with the numbers and position he had. If he created a distraction of some kind that would separate Aegon from his army even for a few moments whilst the truth was brought forth, the Golden Company would either attack or retreat which would lose him the majority of his army. It would cripple him, and he may just grovel at his feet.

"How would you feel if we were to betroth a child of ours to a child of Aegon's and Arianne's?"

He finally asked, getting straight to the point. It made the most sense politically. It would satiate Dorne for one, it would soothe the egos of those who supported Aegon, it would converge both lines together as one and would prevent a war for at least a generation which was better than nothing. Yet it was not a move he wished to make without Margaery's input.

"I mislike such a thing, but I cannot argue the advantages. I will consent on one basis. A child of Sansa's and Quentyn's will be betrothed to either another child of ours and if not a child of Willas' in the future."

Of course, roses with their vines and roots and thorns. Growing wilder and more entangled as the days went on, looking for something to hook themselves into. He misliked such a proposal too but much like she herself said, it made sense. Too much sense to immediately throw out such a thing and so he conceded somewhat.

"I will not make a decision as such on my sisters behalf. Whenever she is back in Westeros I shall speak to her. If she consents the betrothals will be sworn until the children in question are born."

It was clear she didn't like the further stipulation but she also did not argue against such. The children in question were not born yet, may not be born for many more years. Who knows what may change in such a time frame. Yet it was a solution for the time being, and solutions were needed at this moment in time.

"Then I consent to such. Once Sansa is back in Westeros we will speak to her, Aegon, Arianne, and Quentyn. Be that as friends, allies, family, or in a council."

All he could do was nod. He liked it nought either but the less blood shed, the better. The last thing he needed was to be labelled a kinslayer on top of everything else he was undoubtedly called behind his back. He was accepted now, but would he always be accepted? People had turned on their rulers for little in the past, and not everyone remembers their histories and are doomed to repeat the same mistakes for the sake of their own ambitions.

"I was truthful with what I said the day before, I am sorry for what happened to your brother and aunt."

He knew she was, it was one of the few times where he knew with certainty she was being wholly honest with him.

"I appreciate your thoughts, Margaery. I wish I could say I know what I am going to do with certainty, but I would be lying if I said I did. All I do know is the Westerland's will pay and will face the dragons wroth."

It wasn't the first time they'd snuck out of his grasp to go against him, and it would not be the last. They needed to be cowed and they needed to be so soon. Yet that was something that couldn't happen until the Lannister's were ripped up weed, stem, and root. The children weren't much of an issue, they could be sworn to the Citadel, the Wall, taken in as hostages, Silent Sisters. They had options, and some could be used for alliances sake. Myrcella was betrothed to the younger son of Prince Doran which may come in useful if things were to go well with Aegon.

"I- was not close with Lady Catelyn. Before the truth came out regarding my birth I was the constant physical reminder of the only thing wrong in hers and Lord Eddard's marriage. When the truth did come out things were strange between us. I wouldn't even go so far as to say I trusted her, yet I did respect her. Massively so. She done so much for my cause and that is a fact I will never forget and it is one I can never repay her for. Robb though- Robb is my brother. He may be my cousin by blood but we were raised as brothers. We trained together, we ate together, we shared a room until Bran was born, we played together, and we tricked together. Yes we've had our disagreements but I know with certainty I can count on him- "

Finally, he broke. Everything coming to a heads as he desperately fought to keep his tears away. Not that it worked because soon a few did fall down his cheeks. Margaery seemed shocked by such a display, yet she moved over to him and only noticing then he had stood up and was looking out the window again. When he had done so he could not say.

"I'm sorry, my Lady. You do not need to see me like this."

The words left him, the shame of such rushing through him now that he had spilled the words he had. She clearly noticed it as she reached a hand out to rest on his shoulder to give him comfort. Not that it did anything, but Jaeron appreciated it all the same.