Jaeron Targaryen

Kings Landing, 301 AC

One day.

That was all that was left until he was to be wed. Something only a couple of years before he would've laughed at the idea of such a thing yet now it was happening. He'd said it before and he'd say it again and again, so much had changed in such a short amount of time it was dizzying. Guests were still arriving but currently he was waiting on two which were almost causing him to bounce on his feet in excitement. He did not do so though for that would not look good to the nobility currently within the Red Keep.

Shireen had arrived the day before and he wouldn't deny he was glad to see her, despite what had happened in Storm's End. When both herself and her father had found out, they'd been rightfully furious and demanded he take the castle back immediately. He would get Storm's End back, but hopefully should everything go well there would not be much bloodshed. Howland was corresponding with someone to arrange something with Aegon and they weren't yet close to a possible resolution.

Everyone agreed they had to meet, yet not many people agreed with some of the terms he was considering. He'd already named Shireen his Heir until a child was born to himself and Margaery, and they had loosely discussed wedding a child of theirs to a child of Aegon's and Arianne's. When the council had found that out there had been anger. No shouting had occurred, but the fury in people's eyes was obvious. The only one who wasn't was Arthur as he was in agreement to what was being considered. It was clear to him what they were hoping for, a betrothal with their own children and grandchildren. It was something that was going to come eventually but before any child was even conceived was strange to him.

Once Jaeron had took in their reactions he had made it a point not to tell them about the possibility of a second child being betrothed to a child of Willas. He himself wasn't pleased when his betrothed had brought it up yet the more days that went on, the more he was coming around to it. The Reach was the second richest Kingdom and it did have the most food, both things that would be nothing but a boon for when winter eventually did come.

And it would come. A raven arriving two days prior he had shared only with Howland and Arthur confirming things were escalating beyond the Wall. An army of Wildlings were gathering and the Lord Commander was certain they were planning a full scale assault on the Night's Watch. He'd given his word to help them when the time came and his response had been swift. Should they get any closer he would fly to Castle Black and should it be needed he would go beyond.

Yet that was not what was on his mind currently as he watched the ship come into the harbour. They'd been delayed due to a bad storm and had to reroute to get around it to arrive on time. Arthur looking to him and fighting back a grin at seeing the excitement in him. It had been nearing three years since he'd last saw Bran and Rickon. When he'd left Winterfell he was still the bastard brother, yet here he was now.

"You'd think you'd just ate the sweetest thing in existence."

He shot Arthur a look at that remark but took a deep breath to calm down somewhat as the ship got closer and closer to docking. Standing as straight as possible whilst watching and waiting. Margaery was stood a little farther back to his left hand side as was her youngest brother but other than that no one else was here. It was made abundantly clear this was to be totally private. It felt like hours had passed before the ship docked and he saw some silhouettes of people getting off but they were too far away to make out who was who exactly. Straightening and trying his best to keep his composure but given the way Arthur's lips were tightened he was failing miserably at the task. Shooting him another annoyed look before he spotted them.

Gods, Rickon had shot up like a weed. He was only of a height with his hip the last time he'd seen him, yet he was now easily a foot taller. His hair now in wild curls and a deeper auburn than was typical with Tully's. Bran was a little farther off being pulled in a cart from what he could see, only once the man was closer did he see it was Ser Rodrik which only brought another round of happiness his way at seeing the old man. He felt the tears beginning to sting in his eyes the closer they got yet it was when Rickon was close enough to make him out and start running directly his way that he let them fall. Kneeling down just in time for him to jump and wrap his arms tightly around his neck and catch his legs to stop him falling.

"Old Gods be good, you've gotten tall."

Rickon pulled away for a second which allowed him to stand up and move his hand down to keep his brother supported.

"And you've not grown at all!"

He shot back. For a moment Ser Rodrik looked alarmed as he looked between them but he was rest assured when a grin began to form on his face at the retort. Moving his free hand to begin tousling his wild curls which caused him to start squirming before yelling to be let down which he done so before looking to his betrothed and the two Knight's awkwardly upon remembering who they were. He didn't care, he might be King but he was always going to be his brother first no matter what changed in the future. Taking his hand and introducing him to the others and watching his eyes widen in awe at Ser Arthur. Whilst that was occurring, Jaeron immediately walked over to the cart where Bran was seated and immediately pulling him in tightly. Feeling him rub his back as he eyed Ser Rodrik who nodded gently as he carefully picked him up like he'd done with Rickon a moment prior.

Speaking of Rickon, he was now in awe as Arthur has unsheathed Dawn (over his probable insistence). Seeing the older man beaming as they spoke both rapidly and quietly to one another so he could not hear what was being said. Loras on the other hand appeared a little weary but to his credence he didn't step in where he currently was not wanted. Feeling Bran elbow him lightly and ask to be put down which he done carefully before smiling to Ser Rodrik.

"Thank you for bringing them, Ser."

The elderly man raised his hand and shook his head to signal there was no need to thank him currently. They all walked up the long pathway towards the Red Keep then, noticing some people had been lurking in the shadows to see what was happening before recognition seeped in and the talk that came from everything suddenly sounded like chattering crickets. It would not be long before the city knew who was here. Then again, who wasn't here? Almost everyone who had sworn for him had come for the wedding, people he never thought he would ever so much as be in the same room as before he'd been made aware of the truth. Entering the castle not long after and grinning at seeing the looks of awe on his brothers faces.

"Aletta here will take you to your quarters, I have meetings to go to but we will meet again later this afternoon."

"You promise?"

He smiled towards Rickon and gripped his hand tightly.

"I promise."

"Mother promised she'd come home and she didn't."

The words were spoken quietly, almost too quietly. But he heard them, as did Margaery and Arthur from the way their faces fell in understanding. Gods, how did he forget such a thing? They weren't close but even Lady Catelyn's death had hit him, but she was their mother. A mother they had grown up with. Jaeron never so much as got to meet his mother as he was born minutes before she passed after being cut open to get him out. A practise he did not agree with but Wylla had said so long ago when he had first went to Starfall with Arthur that Lyanna wouldn't have lived anyway due to extensive blood loss. It was either both of them died, or she be cut open to try and save him.

"Rickon, your mother loved you deeply. She was planning on making her way back to Winterfell when…it happened. I cannot begin to imagine what you are feeling but I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you, do you hear me?"

Rickon didn't speak a word but he did give his hand the tiniest squeeze which was better than nothing. Shooting him another smile before signalling to Aletta to take them to their quarters. Once they were out of sight, he felt Margaery's hand on his shoulder as he licked his lips upon realising how dry they had suddenly gotten.

"There's no need for such, my Lady, but I thank you."

They made their way towards the Small Council Chamber after this and he immediately noticed the relief on Howland's face. Something had happened. Taking his seat at the head of the table and awaiting whatever was about to be said aloud.

"An agreement has been reached."

"May I see the terms, my Lord?"

He asked, Howland obliging by sliding over the letter that had been sent. A few had been sent but all had ridiculous demands that came with it and he'd rejected and countered them all. Eyes widening for a moment because these ones were actually reasonable. Letting Margaery read the words too and she hummed in confirmation she approved of such a thing. They would meet. In the open but privately. They would be flanked by a Kingsguard, their wives, a representative to ensure there was peace, and one trusted person each.

"Ser Arthur, I trust no one else other than yourself to be the Kingsguard in question. No insult to yourself, Ser Loras."

The younger Knight nodded and surprisingly did not seem offended by his words given he was someone to take offense easily more often than nought. Now, who was the trusted person he would take? The most logical was Lord Howland, yet he was a minor Lord. An ideal person would be someone from a higher name.

"May I make a suggestion on someone neutral, your Grace?"

He turned to the new Maester who had surprisingly turned out to be a distant cousin of Howland. A cousin he'd never heard of before but from the way the Crannogman had been shocked at his arrival was confirmation they never thought they'd see each other again once he'd left for the Citadel. Nodding his way as he spoke a name he never would've considered.

"Stannis Baratheon."

There was an uproar at that. Noticing Loras' eyes turn to ice at the name being spoken. Recalling then there was bad blood between them considering he had killed Renly who by all rumours was Loras' lover. Thinking it over quickly in his head before things came to blows in the room. He did make a point, a very fair point. He was neutral to his own cause but supported his plans for his daughter, and he was family. Distant family, but family nonetheless. If one could not be honest with ones own family, who could they be honest with? Then he recalled the issue with Storm's End and grimacing.

"Mayhaps if Aegon did not take Storm's End that would be a possibility. Yet he did, I will not subject Lord Stannis to face the man who took his ancestral Seat from him even if it is passing over to his daughter."

Loras let out a long breath at that to calm down. He'd made it an effort to set Stannis and Shireen both on the opposite end of the Red Keep from White Sword Tower to lesson the chances of them crossing paths. It would likely happen, and that was something he had to expect, but he could take steps to minimise it. He did not want to be labelled a kinslayer no matter how distant the relation was. They spoke on the matter for what felt like hours but he knew it was nowhere near that. Not coming to an agreement on a specific person but agreeing on a few names to go with and they'd discuss more in a couple days after the wedding. The proposed date of meeting was twelve days from now and the proposed meeting ground was in an open field with no surrounding hills or trees for any army to hide within. Exiting the room not long after as a name reached his ears which almost made him groan. But not in anger.

Allyria and Edric had arrived.

This was something he was not looking forward to doing. He'd suggested to Arthur they would head for Starfall to speak to his niece, yet that had not happened because a raven reached them confirming they were on their way to the Red Keep for the wedding. Opting to wait until they had arrived to tell her of the truth. A truth himself and Arthur were still coming to terms with and it was a wonder in itself how Arthur had not gone on a rampage at the news. If he had heard something like what had happened to Ashara had happened to either Sansa or Arya he might've done just that. Turning to Arthur to gather his expression and seeing the resilience there confirming he wanted to get it over and done with. Something Jaeron himself agreed on as he asked for Allyria to be sent to his personal chambers.

This was a talk that for the time being had to remain completely private. No one could know of it because some people may just seize the opportunity to try and marry Allyria before deposing him. An extreme possibility to consider, but as King he had to consider every possibility there was. He'd been taken off guard too many times now, he swore he would not be taken so off guard again. Asking a servant to get wine and food for this would likely be a long and difficult talk, something as a distraction would undoubtedly be required. It wasn't long before she was escorted in and curtseyed politely his way before running to envelop Arthur in a tight hug who returned it immediately. Allowing them a moment before everything came crashing down on her head much like it had him so long before.

"My Lady, please, take a seat."

She pulled away and only noticed then the feel in the room was tense. Doing as was asked as they also took a seat and one quick look around to make sure there was nowhere for someone to hide to gather information.

"Ally, we know who your father was."

Bright purple eyes that were darker than his own widened slightly as she looked back and forth between the two. Not even attempting to hide the grim line his lips had become as he did not want to tell her this even if she deserved to know the truth. Allyria clearly coming to terms that she was not going to like this as she straightened up and stiffened somewhat in preparation. Thinking long and hard on how to say the words and glancing to Arthur a few times whose fists were clinched into tight fists.

"Allyria, we're family."

"I know. We share many times great-grandparents- "

"You're my aunt, Allyria."

She was caught off guard at the way he had cut her off before confusion settled in, confusion which soon turned to surprise and then she went a ghastly shade of white. Much alike how pale Weirwood is. Lips trembling a little but to her credit, she appeared to be taking it well. Much better than he himself had, that was for sure.

"How?"

She asked timidly, but there was a hint of anger in her tone. Not at him or Arthur though, that was clear from the way she was sitting. Sighing deeply before deciding to just say it even if it would be difficult for her to hear. She was a strong woman, she could handle it.

"Your mother…sacrificed herself in ways no woman should ever have to do so. She done so to give Princess Elia the much needed time to get her children out."

There was no use wording it in any other way. If he played it down she'd realise, if he went into graphic details of what his dreams had shown him of what had happened she would not appreciate such a thought. No one would. What he spoke was true too. What Ashara had done was a single moment of madness of complete utter selflessness. Did he know anyone else who would subjugate oneself to such a fate? He doubted it. Only a few months older than he himself was yet in that moment she looked so much younger as tears began to pool in her eyes which she was desperately trying to keep from falling. Tightening his lips as he wanted to just pull her in tight to him, but he also didn't want to overstep. Alas, Arthur finally stepped in and hugged her close, hearing her breathe deeply to remain as calm as possible given what she had just been told.

"When did you- find out- "

Finally Allyria let a tear out and looked up for a moment and breathing deeply again.

"A couple of weeks ago. We planned on coming to Starfall to tell you but you'd already left so we decided to wait until you arrived. You needed to hear it, in person, from us and no one else."

From her simple nod Jaeron knew she appreciated such a thing, even if the news had twisted everything. She'd known from a very young age she wasn't Arthur's sister but she never thought she would ever find out who her father actually was. Now she did know and what she was the result of. Who it was that cracked open the flagon of wine he could not say, nor could he say he ever recalled taking a drink but it was clear he had as he looked down at the glass to see the droplets on the side. How long they had stayed there was difficult to say. It wasn't yet dark out nor had a servant came to alert them evening meal was ready.

"Allyria, I know this is a massive shock to you. I know because I went through similar. I've already spoken to your uncle on the matter but I will leave you to decide on what to do. If you wish to continue the story that you're his younger sister, no one will tell you no. If you ever come forth that you're actually Ashara's daughter, no one will tell you no. However, I would like to give you another option. If you wish to have the truth be known I will legitimise you either as a Dayne or Targaryen I don't care and accept you as one of the family. We still would be no matter what, but that would make it official and people would know the truth like mine own."

She blinked a few times at his words as she thought the offers through.

"Who else knows?"

"Just us three currently, although I would like to tell Aemon. He'd be delighted to have another family member close by. Only with your consent though, my Lady."

She nodded, giving consent to that being permitted. What seemed like a moment later there was a soft knock as a servant called through to alert them that evening meal was ready. Turning to Allyria and Arthur one more time and seeing the way her face turned from upset to stoic was impressive. Yes, she would overcome this. What she would do with the knowledge though was difficult to say.

The morning came with a flurry. Being awoken by the sun coming right within due to forgetting to close the curtains surrounding his bed the night prior. Stretching and confirming he would be ready soon before remembering what was happening today and gulping lowly. He wasn't nervous, far from it, but it was a day that was both a long time coming and a day he never thought would happen. They broke their fast together and it was clear both of his brothers were excited for the day to come as they were bouncing in their seats. They'd heard about the splendour of southern weddings from both of their parents, something he himself wasn't pleased about but appearances made people pleased. A relatively small meal considering there was going to be a lot of food come time for the wedding itself. A moment before everything once again changed for the realm.

He was then escorted to his quarters where many maids were waiting to get him ready. Jaeron hated the idea, he could dress himself, but he chose not to speak on it. An outfit which was relatively simple which he had fought on. Lady Alerie and many others were adamant he wear only the finest of the finest clothing to show his station yet he did not agree with such a thing. Wondering for a moment what Margaery would be wearing for she had been secretive on it all. All he'd successfully gotten out of her was that she was planning on wearing her own house colours which was better than nothing.

Skin tight cotton hoses coloured black, with a cotehardie on top made of velvet and cotton which was where all the design was. The colour lined red whereas majority was also black to match the hoses. Down the centre was aligned with gold buckled each intricately carved with wolf heads as part of his Stark blood with gold chains going between them all. In between the buckles was old designs Aemon had somehow found commonly worn in Valyria prior to the doom embroidered in bright red thread. The shoulder pads being attached a moment later and connected with a long deep red cloak which he would be placing on Margaery's shoulders in a very short time. Connected in the centre below the collar with two gold dragons and a gold belt to his waist adorned with multiple rubies. The crown of the Conqueror placed atop his head as he stared at himself in the looking glass. He'd never dressed like this, and he could not deny it felt odd. Yet it certainly made an impression.

Arthur entered not long after the maids had left, wearing his Kingsguard armour as always. Walking through the Red Keep towards the outer courtyard where a wheelhouse would take them to the Great Sept of Baelor. He did not wish to wed there, as on those accused steps the man he called father had been executed. Again, appearances were appearances and so he had conceded eventually with the condition only the vows were to be spoken here and then they would leave back for the Red Keep. People had come out to witness the procession of everyone attending, and multiple wheelhouses were awaiting to take everyone else. Bran, Rickon, Aemon, Arthur, and surprisingly Allyria opted to ride with him. Giving the woman a small nod that he would keep his word on what was spoken and she returned it as thanks. His brothers wore similar clothing to him but decidedly more simple of dark grey with white, red, and blue accents. Alongside a few motifs of wolves and trout in honour of their own blood. It didn't take long before they stopped outside of the Great Sept, stepping out and refusing to keep at the top of the stairs where he knew Eddard Stark had taken his final breath. Walking inside as fast as he could and not taking in the beauty of the Great Sept because it would never be that in his eyes.

He was still a Northerner, these were not his Gods, this was not where he prayed, and it held bad memories for him. Many Lord's and Ladies were already within and all eyes turned his way which he got used to quickly as Arthur carried Bran in on his back, glaring at anyone who dared so much as smirk at the sight. Heading to the top of the dais as more people entered until it seemed the place would burst from how full it was. Remaining as still as he could before the bells were sounded which caused a momentary sharp pain in his ears and he knew in a moment the doors would open and his betrothed would enter with her father. Exactly seven cycles of the same tune was sounded before they did just that and he took a deep breath. The sun coming in made it difficult for him to see other than two single silhouettes. As they got closer though, his eyes widened somewhat.

Margaery wore half of her hair in a complicated braid and the rest left in deep waves. Wearing gold earrings, a gold hairpiece which suspiciously looked like a crown already even if she was not Queen yet. She would be in a matter of minutes though. Her dress in a deep v shape showing the top of her cleavage and falling slightly off the shoulder. Velvet and silk coloured bright green which complimented her well. The bodice covered in golden filigree designs alongside multiple roses interlocked. The design continuing to the skirt which flared out to get even more detailing in it. Golden necklaces around her neck also with roses and what appeared to be emeralds inlaid. As she got closer he noticed there were emeralds in her hairpiece as well which stood out against her dark brown hair. The sleeves were much plainer in comparison, only the cuffs having the same design as what was on the rest of her dress.

They came to the bottom of the dais now as he walked down as Lord Mace bowed his head and handed his daughter over. Reaching his arm out for her to take which she looped her own in and gave him a beaming grin which he also returned. Walking back up the stairs to face the High Septon stood directly in front of the stained glass seven-pointed-star window which let in the light in an array of different colours. Reaching up to unclasp his cloak as she turned around and he could place it atop her shoulders before fastening the clasps to keep it in place. Both handing their hands over as a long ribbon was weaved around them to tie them together.

"Let it be known that Margaery of the House's Tyrell and Hightower, and Jaeron of the House's Targaryen and Stark are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder."

The ribbon was loosened somewhat as he continued to ramble on but the words did not register with him. Not until it became time to swear the oaths themselves.

"Father, smith , warrior. Mother, maiden, crone. I am hers, and she is mine. From this day until the end of my days. I hereby swear I will bring no dishonour, I will be loyal, and I will never stray. In the eyes of the Seven, I swear."

The ribbon was removed as the High Septon lit incense which he knew from Lady Catelyn's many talks when he was a boy was a sign of the oaths being accepted. Also why they never swore in front of the Stranger for the Stranger was death, to swear to death was a bad omen. Placing a hand on her cheek to really take her in once more before leaning in to kiss her softly. Cheers ringing in the room at the union that had occurred. Pulling away and grinning her way which she returned alongside a few eyelash flutters.

It was done. They were married. Never had there been a Tyrell and Targaryen match before now. One had been planned for Aemon's nephew and Lady Olenna, but that fell through so didn't exactly count. Making their way down the stairs again and seeing the massive grins on both of their families faces. Even Aemon wore one despite not being able to see what had happened yet he could hear it. They were the first to leave and entered a wheelhouse alone this time. None of them speaking as they made their way back to the Red Keep for the remainder of the festivities. There were to be singers, musicians, mummers, a large feast, a ball in the evening afterwards. One thing was for certain, there would be no bedding ceremony. Margaery herself had agreed when he brought it up when they were planning. Once they arrived, they headed for the walled garden to see the servants finalising everything but scattering upon seeing them.

"You're Queen now, my Lady wife."

She grinned again and he noticed her eyes crinkle a little which he'd come to know meant this was a true smile.

"You are pleased?"

"I am."

He was, he couldn't deny that. Taking their seat in the centre of the high table as more guests poured in, it not missing his gaze no one else had dressed as fancy as his wife's family had. Her cousins were here too which he'd heard her talk on how much she missed them since she'd left Highgarden with Renly. Elinor was the first to congratulate them and a bright smile came on his face at recognising one of her handmaidens.

"Lady Mira, it's been a long time since we saw one another last."

He'd forgotten Mira Forrester was one of her handmaidens. Herself and Sera had remained behind in Highgarden for a battlefield was no place for a handmaiden according to Renly.

"It has indeed, your Grace. I recall the many times we would play tricks together as children."

He remembered them well and Bran did too given the way he snickered in recollection. Neither opting to divulge more information despite the noticeable quirk of Lady Olenna's eyebrow enquiring for more information. Everyone arrived not long after as the musicians began to play a jovial tune that made him want to tap his foot to the beat. Gifting began not long after, gifts he did not need but he accepted them to be polite. Servants coming up to take them away to keep the table clear for the meals to be brought out. Singers joined in with the musicians now and he heard the faint jingling noise that could only be Patchface who had come with Shireen, Stannis, and Selyse.

The first course was brought out then, roasted pigeon with a blackberry sauce. Something he'd come to love being here as of late. The second course came not long after of an onion based soup with freshly baked rolls loaded with spice with plenty of butter for dipping. The first set of mummers appeared then acting out a small play which soon got numerous belly laughs from the many onlookers. Five courses in and the main pie was brought out as himself and Margaery stood up to head towards it. Giving her a smile before striking in the centre to allow the doves within to fly free. The singers took over from the mummers signalling the play was at an end and picked up the pace with an even more jovial tune which got people up from their tables to begin dancing atop the paving within the garden.

He looked over towards the sea and saw both dragons chasing one another across the water like they'd done when they were only hatchlings. Bran turning his head to see what had caught his attention before his mouth dropped open in awe.

"They're so large!"

"They're still growing."

"Dragons never stop growing according to the books. They get to a point where they weigh too much for their bodies to support them."

He turned to him at that and asked him to continue. Noticing now Rickon was nowhere to be seen and quickly scanning around for him to see he was dancing with Shireen and Garlan walked over asking to do so with Margaery which he happily accepted.

"I've been reading a lot since I can't walk anymore, Maester Luwin is pleased about it. They say that is how Balerion died as did at least two of the others that came with Aenar to Dragonstone four hundred years prior. I've been learning how to shoot atop a horse too! Maester Luwin says the Dothraki learn how to do so from four name-days!"

He was getting excited now but he was glad for such. Whilst he could no longer do what he loved most, he'd at least found something he also loved to do and mayhaps could use in the future. He could never be a Knight, but if he got good at shooting atop a horse perhaps a battle planner. That was a discussion for another day as he finally decided to join in with the festivities and ask his wife for a dance and hoping he didn't make a complete fool of himself. Not that they did for long before the next round of courses arrived as they all took their seats and the music died down somewhat so they could continue with the feast. A further ten courses were served before the final dessert arrived which he could only handle a few bites of and even then only to be polite. It felt like only a few minutes had passed but it clearly had not considering how dark it had gotten. Eyeing his wife and she gave him the tiniest nod to confirm she was pleased to end everything. Taking his glass and a leftover spoon as he stood up and clinked it loudly to get everyone's attention as everyone went quiet.

"I'd like to thank you all for being here today for this marks a union not seen before. I am pleased that everyone has enjoyed themselves and I pray that this is the beginning of a time of prosperity."

Not to the Seven though, that was for certain. He'd keep that portion vague.

"As the night is drawing further to a close, the queen and myself will be retiring. You are all welcome to remain and enjoy the festivities if you wish."

A few cheers erupted at that as the music began again and many clearly drunk Lord's and Ladies weren't ready for the night to end. Taking his wife's hand as they were escorted out of the garden towards his chambers. Well, their chambers now. He was a little nervous given what was going to happen but not as much as he thought he would've. Ser Loras standing awkwardly and with a simple nod of his head he was dismissed for the night. Locking the door behind him as a precaution before walking to his wife. That was strange to think, his wife. For months she'd been his betrothed yet now she was so much more. Reaching up to remove her hairpiece and help with her varying jewellery. Then she helped remove the shoulder pads from the cotehardie. Followed by helping her untie the braid in her hair to allow her long dark brown hair to fall down the centre of her back. Clothing followed next until they were solely in their undergarments. Who it was that leaned in first he could not say, but it was not the last kiss of the night nor was that the only time they lay together that night.