Hello, all. I apologize for the long wait, but I hope you all find this next chapter rewarding.

Valyrian italicized.

Enjoy

It was night in the Red Keep as Tyrion and Cersei were in her chambers discussing the latest news of the war. After a month or two, Stannis gathered enough support from the Stormlands after Renly's death and is now getting ready for an attack on the capital. Lenora enters the room, seeing Tyrion reading at the desk, and Cersei lighting candles.

"How's Lancel," Tyrion asks.

Lenora sighs, "He's out of bed now and walking, so." She looks at Cersei oddly, "When do you light your own candles?"

"When I decided I couldn't stand to look at any of my handmaidens for another instant," Cersei sighs as she finishes.

"Oh, well I'm glad that I'm not yours then," Lenora japes.

"But you are one for my daughter," Cersei turns to her, "How is she?"

Lenora shrugs, "Still in her room, still drinking. Perhaps if you've gone there more you'd notice."

Before Cersei can respond, Tyrion interrupts the usually sisterly argument, "Stannis Baratheon's fleet has been spotted sailing north past Tarth, two hundred ships."

"Almost equal to ours," Cersei comments.

"Thanks to the Longwater Fleet we almost lost," Tyrion reminds her about Joffrey's treatment to the Longwaters. "He'll be at our gates within five days, four if he has the wind."

"We have strong, high walls," Cersei recites, "We'll rain fire down on them from above."

"Rain fire from above," Lenora repeats in a mocking tone, "What're you quoting Father now?"

"He has a good mind for strategy, doesn't he," Cersei defends while going to get herself some wine.

"Call it tactics, not strategy," Tyrion corrects, "But, yes, he does have a good mind for it. The best mind, some would say. Sadly, he's not here. It's just us and Joffrey, the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm."

Sensing sarcasm in his tone, and hearing Lenora giving a tired sigh, Cersei turns, "I'm sure you'll make a point eventually."

"He needs to start acting like a king," Tyrion says, "This war you started is coming to our doorstep. And if the entire city wants Joffrey dead,"

"I'm not the one giving the boy whores to abuse," Cersei quickly defends.

"Now that I can agree with it," Lenora crosses her arms, knowing Tyrion sent girls to Joffrey's room. "What were you thinking."

"I thought he might need some relief," Tyrion explains, "I thought the girls might help him."

Cersei tilts her head, "Did you?"

"I was wrong," Tyrion admits, "If we can't control him."

"Do you think I haven't tried," Cersei goes to sit on her bed, "He doesn't listen to me."

"Of course he doesn't listen," Lenora said, "For his entire life you kept going on and on how he is a prince, soon to be king. And that the world is his to do what he wants and no one else can stop him. It's like letting your dog do whatever he wants, and you wonder why he starts attacking the minute you decide to put on a leash."

"I always hoped he'd be like Jaime," Cersei quietly admits, "He looks like him. In a certain light."

Lenora scoffs lightly, "Right."

Tyrion adds, "The boy is more Robert than Jaime."

"No, he's not," Lenora turns to Tyrion. "Robert drank a lot, but he never enjoyed hurting people. If any of those children are like Robert, it's Cass. Especially now with the drinking."

Cersei breathes a shaky sigh, "I she drinking that much?"

"Yes," Lenora said, "Now she's just laying around the bed, always drunk. And she won't even say why?"

"She was always her father's daughter. Now it seems it's catching up," Cersei drifts off, "Sometimes I wonder. What if this is the price for what we've done, for our sins."

"Sins," Tyrion repeats, "Targaryens have,"

"The Targaryens wed brother and sister for hundreds of years, I know," Cersei says, "That's what Jaime and I would say to each other in our moments of doubt. It's what I told Ned Stark when he was stupid enough to confront me. Half the Targaryens went mad, didn't they? What's the saying? 'Every time a Targaryen is born, the Gods flip a coin.'"

"That's just a saying, Cersei," Lenora tells her, "Tommen and Myrcella are fine."

"They are good, decent children, both of them," Tyrion adds.

"And Cass is too," Lenora gives sympathy, "She's probably just going through something."

But it doesn't make Cersei feel better as she begins to cry. She tries hard not to, but she just can't as tears threaten to fall. Seeing her sister like this, Lenora goes to sit at her side, trying to take her hand. Cersei tried to flick her hand away, but Lenora took hold tight, not letting go. Cersei gives Lenora an uncertain look, but Lenora gives back in of comfort. A silent message saying that she was there for her, no matter what.

0000000000

For the past few days, Tyrion has been going over war strategies to prepare the city for an attack from Stannis Baratheon. He went over the books of warfare history, but they did not seem any good until he looked over maps of the city, figuring out that Stannis would attack from the Mud Gate since that is where the ships would be landing. So, he decided to speak with Lord Jonathor and Lady Hellen since they contributed many ships to the defense of the city.

"You wish to have all the ships placed at the end of the Mud Gate," Jonathor sits on the chair of the desk with his wife standing behind him.

"It would be the perfect place to give a counterattack against Stannis," Tyrion explains, "It's the only place where he can attack."

"That would be the type of move Stannis would make," Hellen concurs.

"You think he would have all his ships coming to this riverway," Jonathor asks, pointing at the map Tyrion brought him.

"No, but we have a plan to dwindle those numbers of ships," Tyrion said.

"A plan," Jonathor repeats, knowing that Tyrion knows about the wildfire Cersei has been working on, and that Tyrion decides to use it for whatever he has planned.

Tyrion shrugs with a head tilt, "Of sorts."

"So, I am supposing to risk my ships for 'a plan of sorts'," Jonathor sums up.

"I assure you I will have it to be presented at the war council," Tyrion promises, knowing he needs the support of the Longwaters, which has been damaged a lot due to Joffrey's actions toward them since his crowning.

Hellen looks back and forth between the two men. She can see her husband giving a calculated look, seeing if there is anything Tyrion could give away, but Tyrion remains stoic.

Jonathor gives a courteous smile, "I look forward to it."

And with that Tyrion bows his head, leaving the room with the wife and husband alone. But before he does, he asks, "I would like to know how is your son. Considering his recent injuries?"

Jonathor tells him, "He's doing well since he's been in the comforts of home these past few weeks. Recovering quickly."

"Good," Tyrion nods, "I hope to see him at court again. He'll be in my prayers as well as others."

"We thank you, lord Tyrion," Hellen thanks as the half-man leaves the room with the door closed.

When they were truly alone, Hellen said, "He has a plan with the wildfire, does he?"

"Of course," Jonathor rises from his seat, "And knowing how his mind works, it might be effective."

"He's always been a gambler," Hellen comments.

Jonathor agrees, "As are we. I need to go tell Nikados of the plan so we can start strategizing."

"Have you eaten anything yet," Hellen suddenly asked.

Jonathor turns to her, "What?"

Hellen repeats, "Have you eaten anything?"

Jonathor chuckles a bit, "Why do you ask that?"

"Because Maester Samurel told you haven't as much as before," Hellen reveals, "Like he said when we escaped the riot a few weeks back when you nearly fainted."

Jonathor sighs, "I've just been focusing on other things."

"Don't make excuses," Hellen demands, "You haven't been eating because you don't have appetite."

"And is that so wrong," Jonathor asks.

"Considering you've been losing more weight than necessary, yes," Hellen gestures as Jonathor has been getting thinner as of late. "It's because of your condition."

"It's fine," Jonathor tries to assure her.

"Is it," Hellen questions with worry.

Hearing his wife's concern, Jonathor goes up to her, gently grabbing her shoulders, "I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me. I'll be ok."

And with that, he gently kisses her cheek before going to leave the room. When the door closes, Hellen takes a deep breath as the worry is still there. It has been months since Jonathor's condition has worsened. He says it's nothing, but Hellen knew her husband well enough to know how he tries his hardest to remain strong, no matter how hard it is.

0000000000

The sun was setting as Lenora and Ema were walking through the royal gardens speaking about everything that had been happening, mostly about Stannis.

"I hear he burns people alive now," Ema says.

Lenora sighs, "Apparently since there is some red woman from Asshai counseling him."

"What do you think will happen if he does take the city," Ema asks, "What will happen to us?"

"Don't think of such things," Lenora said, "He hasn't attacked yet."

"It's the yet I am worried about," Ema argues.

Seeing her friend a bit scared, Lenora decides to say, "Since Cass is his niece, he won't do anything to her. Most likely the same will go for us."

"But what about you," Ema asks, "You're a Lannister."

Lenora thought about it and Ema was right. She is a Lannister fighting for her family which Stannis is trying to overthrow. What will happen to her? Not wanting to think about it, Lenora changes the subject, "How's Ceryse doing?"

Ema, noticing Lenora doesn't want to talk about it, decides to play along, "She's… ok… I guess. Still mourning."

"Well, it was her brother who died," Lenora said, "I can't imagine what that would be like. Losing a brother like that. In that way."

"Make you think about Gerold," Ema concludes.

Lenora stays quiet since Ema is right. She's been worried for her brother ever since the news of the Battle of the Fords, she's been worried for Gerold's safety whether he is ok or not. If he was injured or not. She can't imagine what war could be doing to him, she just wishes for him to be safe.

It was times like this that Lenora wished their mother was here. Lady Sanya Sarsfield always found ways to make her children feel calm and safe. Unlike their father, who is stern and unyielding, she is soft and warm. Unfortunately, as Lady of Casterly Rock, she must stay back at home, although there have been reports of Robb Stark invading the Westerlands. But then again, the Rock was a castle built inside a mountain, so it would be hard to lay siege to it.

"You worry for him," Ema said again.

"Yes," Lenora admits, "But Lancel has been some comfort."

"Oh, has he," Ema gives a playful smirk, "You've been very close ever since the Trail by Seven."

"He helped Jarred win," Lenora shrugs.

"It's been going on long before that or at least that's what Jocelyn was saying" Ema teases.

"Jocelyn," Lenora asks.

"She knows all the gossip around the court," Ema reveals, "So, care to explain?"

Lenora was about to tell her it started by just her getting information from Lancel for Tyrion, but she couldn't deny she was starting to enjoy his company. Whether she was infatuated with him or not is debatable, but she does appreciate him. "Just enjoying his company."

"Uh huh," Ema hums playfully.

Lenora rolled her eyes, but a thought came to her mind, "Have people been talking?"

"Just repeating what Jocelyn was saying," Ema tells her, "You know how rumors are?"

Lenora nodded, knowing how true it was. People still talk about Cersei and Jaime, however true it is, they also talk about Jarred and Cass even though the Trial by Seven has long passed. "What are they saying exactly?"

Ema thinks about it, "Well… you know… how you've both been close lately. How you're always together. How've you been checking up on him while he's recovering from the Trial."

"They've been saying that," Lenora said with a slightly uneasy tone.

Noticing this, Ema quickly says, "Yes, but rumors are nothing. Nothing to worry about."

Lenora gives a slight head nod, but she wouldn't agree to it, especially with Lancel and Cersei. He is still giving her information about the Queen, but she doesn't know if their affair is going on or not. She wonders what Cersei would think of those rumors.

After spending more time with Ema, Lenora goes to visit Tyrion if there is anything he would like help with, but as she does, her brother tells her what happened when her two older half-siblings had a rare dinner together.

When getting everything that happened, Lenora goes to Cersei's room, opening the door, and seeing her sitting at the table in some sort of triumphant mood as if she won a battle. "What's the matter you?"

"Enjoying the wine in my hands," Cersei japes to her sister.

Lenora walks up to her, "You send guards to beat up some random woman."

"A whore," Cersei corrects, "Tyrion's whore. You should know since you've met her before and didn't say a word."

Lenora sighs in annoyance. She did know about Shae, but luckily, Tyrion explained Cersei, predictably, got the wrong girl. It was a girl Tyrion lay with, but it wasn't Shae, meaning she was safe, but Cersei didn't know that. "What goes on in Tyrion's bed is none of our concern."

"Father would disagree," Cersei argues, "Of course, you would know some area of that."

Lenora's brows furrow, "What does mean?"

"You and Lancel," Cersei bluntly points out, giving her a tense stare.

Lenora froze, "What?"

"You've been spending much time together," Cersei mocks, "In his room. In his bed. For long hours."

Lenora's eyes drift back and forth. She wasn't sure how to respond. Crossing her arms, she says, "I was sitting in a chair by his bed as he was recovering from the fighting of the Trial by Seven your son crafted. Even so what concern of it is yours if we spend time together."

"Alone time," Cersei quips, "One would wonder what people are thinking. What father would be thinking."

Lenora wanted to quip back, saying how their father would think that Cersei was having an affair with Lancel, but she still might need him to spy on Cersei, so she decides not to say anything.

"I don't know what you heard," Lenora concludes before walking out the door, "Lancel and I are simply enjoying our company. Nothing more."

"It's just quite interesting that he now spends all his time with you above all else," Cersei then says, "One would wonder if anything was longing between you," Cersei says.

Lenora looked back, seeing a taunting look from her sister, but she could see something else. Some sort of jealousy. It makes Lenora wonder why, but she just goes on, saying, "I could say the same between you and Jaime."

And with that, Cersei's look darkened, but she didn't have the chance to do anything as Lenora left the room, closing the door shut.

Lenora walks down the halls in deep thought. People have been talking about her and Lancel. Why? Sure they've been together for a few times, but that doesn't mean anything. Does it? And what did Cersei mean by saying spending his time with her above all else, Lenora wonders? So, she decides to talk with him. It was nighttime so she thought she could find him in his bed chambers, but to her surprise, he wasn't there. So she asks some servants where she could find him, to which they answer that he was at the training grounds.
Finding it odd for him to be at the training grounds at night, Lenora goes there to find Lancel sparring with a wooden dummy with a sword, swinging his sword at it.

"Late for practicing, isn't it," Lenora gains his attention as she walks up behind him.

Lancel turns around, "I thought I could practice a bit more."

"Well, you've survived the Trial by Seven, so I figure you are doing great," Lenora chuckles.

"Yes," Lancel chuckles back, "Just a bit more practice."

Lenora chuckles a bit more before gesturing him to go to the weapons table that was nearby so they could speak privately. "Um, are you still having your…. Time with Cersei?"

Lancel gaped his mouth for a bit, but closed it again, then said, "I figured maybe it was time to stop."

"Oh," was all Lenora could say.

"I know you wish for me to spy on her," Lancel begins, "But I thought it was time not to do it anymore."

"Why," Lenora asked, "I mean, I'm glad for you. There was nothing in that relationship, but why now all of a sudden."

Lancel stayed quiet for a moment. He started fidgeting with the pummel of his sword, looking down to the ground before going back up again, softly saying, "I just wanted something more with someone better."

Lenora was taken aback by those words. Did Lancel just confess that he has feelings for her? She didn't know what to make of it. They are cousins, but that's not considered incest or wrong, she hasn't considered the idea of being with someone or marriage. Mostly because she's been busy helping Tyrion handle to royal court. Plus she was Lannister, she couldn't go one around with boys like other girls. She had a family reputation to uphold and can't afford to be reckless or do anything childish. Then again, it did feel nice to be noticed this way.

0000000000

It was midday as Joffrey walked on the deck of the leading ship of the Longwater Fleet with Lord Tyrion, Lord Varys, Lord Jonathor, and Captain Nikados to go over the battle strategies with the fleet as they prepared for Stannis' attack.

"You're the Master of Whisperers. You're supposed to know everything," Joffrey whines.

"No man can be in all rooms at all times," Varys hums, "I have many little birds in the North, my lord, but I haven't heard their songs since Theon Greyjoy captured Winterfell."

"The Stark forces are distracted. Now is the time to strike," Joffrey decides.

"To strike," Tyrion repeats, "My dear nephew, you do see these men preparing the walls for a siege? You do understand Stannis Baratheon sails this way?"

"If my Uncle Stannis lands on the shores of King's Landing, I'll ride out to greet him," Joffrey proclaims.

"We expect nothing less from our King," Jonathor said, "It will send a message to all of the realms of what happens when they cross the might of the crown leading our fleet."

"If our fleet is competent for that," Joffrey said.

That brought a twinge of anger to Jonathor and Nikados as he just insulted their forces of 72 ships, but they shrugged it off.

"Our fleet is more than capable of that, Your Grace," Nikados bows his head, "It has done so before it will do it again."

"Oh, so true," Joffrey purrs as the compliment, "You had experience dealing with traitors and attacks, Lord Jonathor. Pirates at Dawn Isle. Earned your name the Sea Dragon."

"I suppose the singers were more than generous with that name," Jonathor chuckles a bit.

Joffrey chuckles a bit, but then has a smirk, "Was it true you were only fourteen when it happened?"

Jonathor nods, "Yes, Your Grace."

"Must have been a terrifying moment," Joffrey smirks, "Seeing your father and brothers all slain in battle. Your mother and sisters took captives like animals. I heard you were with the captain throughout everything. Quite intimate would you say? I wonder what happened during that time."

It was then that Jonathor's face went blank and tense, his eyes went cold and dark, his breath started shaking a bit, and his body went stiff. The tension then filled the air as Tyrion and Varys could see it was something Lord Jonathor did not wish to talk about once he saw the coldness in his eyes.

"He attacked House Longwaters and paid the price for it," Nikados quickly said, not wishing his lord to revisit traumatizing memories that he buried long ago, "Just as Stannis will pay when he attacks I'm sure."

Joffrey chuckles while showing his blade, "Yes. They say Stannis never smiles. I'll give him a red smile from ear to ear."

"A moment we wait for, Your Grace," Jonathor said as Joffrey left confidently. However, the Sea Dragon himself remained frozen for a few more seconds as he was then in deep thought of everything that happened that night. That very night when his home was attacked, that night his father and brothers were killed, that night his mother and sisters were taken as spoils of war for the pirates, that night with him and the captain. Him alone with that damn captain.

His thoughts were interrupted by Nikados who asked, "Shall we go check the crew, my lord."

Jonathor didn't say anything, but simply walked with his captain, leaving behind Varys and Tyrion who were a bit concerned and curious of Lord Jonathor's reaction to what Joffrey said, however, they had more pressing concerns.

"Imagine Stannis' terror," Tyrion imagines.

Varys flatly says, "I am trying."

"You're an intelligent man," Tyrion said as they went to the bow of the deck, "I'd like to think I'm an intelligent man."

"Oh, no one disputes that, my lord, not even the multitudes who despise you," Varys says, looking out the sea.

Tyrion says, "I wish we could converse as two honest, intelligent men."

"I wish we could, too," Varys agrees cryptically.

Noticing the tone, Tyrion turns to Varys, "What do you want? Tell me."

Smirking at the half-man, Varys leans to him, "If we're going to play, you'll have to start."

Tyrion nods, deciding to play with the game, "My eldest brother was the youngest Kingsguard in history. My eldest sister became queen at the age of nineteen. Afterward, it was just me and my half-siblings, Lenora and Gerold. Playful children they were. Always having fun, especially with pranking the servants, until our father had his way with them once reaching adulthood. Lenora becomes a lady in waiting for Princess Cassana, and Gerold learns to become a general in the Lannister army. When I reached manhood, my father put me in charge of all the drains and cisterns in Casterly Rock."

"A most highborn plumber," Varys comments.

"The water never flowed better, Tyrion said, "And all the shit found its way to the sea. I never expected to have any real power. So when my father named me acting Hand."

"You're quite good at being Hand, you know," Varys stated, "Jon Arryn and Ned Stark were good men. Honorable men. But they disdained the game and those who played. You enjoy the game."

Tyrion admits, "I do. Last thing I expected."

"And you play it well," Varys adds.

"I'd like to keep playing it. If Stannis breaches the gates, the game is over," Tyrion says.

"They say he burns his enemies alive to honor the Lord of Light," Varys said, without Tyrion noticing, eyeing some of the crewmen who were close to them, listening intently for the Spider knew they would report to their lord.

"The Lord of Light wants his enemies burned, the Drowned God wants them drowned," Tyrion lists, "Why are all the gods such vicious cunts? Where is the god of tits and wine?"

"In the Summer Isles, they worship a fertility goddess with sixteen teats," Varys informs playfully.

Tyrion exclaims, "We should sail there immediately."

Varys then leans in close, "This morning, I heard a song from Qarth beyond the Red Waste. Areon Targaryen lives."

Tyrion waves it off, "A boy at the edge of the world is the least of our problems."

"He has three dragons. He can ride one and has a sister to ride another," Varys reminds him. He then turns to the sky, saying "But even if what they say is true, it'll be years before they are fully grown. And then there will be nowhere to hide."

Tyrion looks to his companion, saying, "One game at a time, my friend."

Varys nodded as Tyrion went looking back to the sea, then turning to the Longwater crew, making sure they heard the conversation, to which they looked back, signaling that they heard everything and would report to their lord.

0000000000

The sky was a deep blue, and the sun was shining brightly. A towering structure stood proud and tall against the clear blue sky. The tower was so high that it almost seemed to touch the heavens above. At the very top of the tower, a bright yellow flame burned fiercely. However, the flame began to change, transforming from yellow to a shade of green. And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the flame began to die out, leaving only a faint glow behind. But as the flame faded away and everything went dark, a faint sound was heard, like the singing of a woman's voice, echoing through the air.

"Winged leader, fire breather, two heads, but they sing to a third," said the woman in a gentle and loving voice, as if comforting a child.

Suddenly there was a raging fire as two dragons flew through it. They dive down and land on what appears to be a large river, where another dragon is waiting for them. The two dragons start roaring and chirping at the third dragon as they all rest on the field. You notice that the surroundings are lush and green, with tall, strong trees all around and peaceful waves rolling in the river.

However, the gentle breeze soon grows stronger and turns into a powerful snowstorm that consumes everything, except the dragons. The dragons hiss at the storm before flapping their wings and flying straight through it, breathing fire at it before they are consumed by the storm.

"With words of flame, With clear eyes, To bind the three, To you I sing," the woman's voice sings again a snowstorm engulfs everything in its path, covering the once beautiful field in ice and snow. The frozen river is now home to strange blue men, who march down it wearing translucent armor. Corpse-like creatures sprout from the ground, and they all rise and start running around. The three dragons fly down to burn them all as if they were at war. The dragons remain flying in the air, bracing the cold and burning all those creatures when a powerful roar is heard in the skies. Suddenly, a large shadow appears coming at the dragons, breathing a mighty blast of cold and ice at them, leaving the fate of the dragons uncertain.

The dragons and the strange beast then disappear, and so does the frozen wasteland. It all changes into what appears to be a great field with mighty lions fighting at one another. They maul and claw at each other with many of them lying dead while others, some drenched in blood, continue to fight. They keep going until the whole scene changes again, but this time, into a golden rose with roots of thrones sprouting around with smoke rising from it until green and red flames burst out of them, slowly burning the golden rose until the flames suddenly stop.

The roots are burning, but the golden rose remains untouched. Suddenly, the flames start again, stronger than before, and they burn the rose until the fire consumes everything. However, the flames die down, revealing a large black stone castle situated on an island. Burning ships surround the castle, with some sinking in the water. They were charred and burnt, slowly sinking in the waters while the black stone castle remained standing.

The flames died down, causing everything to go dark again until it was lit up again with more flames of a burning field with tents. Many people running around, screaming and crying as they were all engulfed with flames. A black dragon was flying around it, breathing fire to all that was in its path. It just kept flying around in a circle, burning everything again and again until there was nothing left.

Then another animal noise was heard as a beast with a woman's torso, wings of a bat instead of arms, legs of an eagle, and a scorpion's tail, wearing a green cloth around the body, flies straight to the dragon, causing the two great beasts where fighting in the air until they hit the ground where the dragon climbs on top of the beast, latching its jaws on its opponent before mercilessly ripping the head off with blood spurting all over which seemed to make the flames grow stronger, burning the now dead beast until it was charred bones and ash. Seeing its opponent dead, the dragon lifts its head, giving a mighty roar in the sky, proclaiming its victory.

But it all went away as flashes kept coming. Men fighting each other in battle, ships fighting over the seas, a shadow of a dragon flying over a yellow city filled with crumbling pyramids, a golden dragon flying on the top of a large hill with a horde of horses pouring out like a flood, a woman in a dark robe with the red mask, a man with the white cloak and silver mask. It all kept going on and on until a sudden gasp was heard.

Areon shot up from his bed in deep sweat, his heart racing, his body shaking. He darts his eyes around to see he is in his room at Xaro's palace. As he was still reeling from what he'd just endured, a hand was placed on his shoulder, causing him to shriek in fear, seeing it was his sister sitting on a chair beside his bed.

"It's alright. It's just me," Dany tries to calm him.

Areon kept hyperventilating with his shaking body, but he quickly latched on to his sister who held him tightly as he began to calm down.

"What happened," Areon breathes, "Where's Jorah?"

"Jorah is outside guarding the door," Dany told him.

It was then that Areon started to calm down, slowly letting go of her, and wiping the sweat off his forehead, "W-what happened?"

"You went to the House of the Undying, but not long after you came running out as if you were attacked and collapsed to the ground," Dany explains.

"The Undying Ones," Areon said softly, "They were attacking me aa-a-n-nd Drogon came and…"

"He burned everything," Dany finishes, "We know. He destroyed the House of the Undying."

Areon looks at her with shock, "What?"

"Well, he didn't destroy the whole thing, but when he started burning some things, the fire got out of control and… destroyed the whole building. None of the Warlocks survived."

"They all died," Areon asked in wide eyes as Dany gave a grim nod.

He then looks around to see Drogon in his cage chirping for him. He immediately goes to the cage to free his dragon who was latching his talons on him, "Oh, I suppose Drogon saved me."

"He did," Dany walks to them, "It was as if he knew something was wrong."

Suddenly the doors open, revealing to be Ser Jorah, "Oh, my King. I'm glad you are awake."

"How long have I been asleep," Areon asked while petting Drogon.

"Days," Jorah answered, "There was nothing we could do but wait."

"We thought you were about to die," Dany tells him. "I'm just glad you're alright."

"Where is Xaro," Areon asked.

"He's in his study," Jorah told him.

Aeron didn't waste any time marching straight to Xaro's study as he barges the doors open with Jorah Rakharo and Jogo trailing behind him, revealing to merchant prince sitting at his desk, surprised by this sudden appearance.

"Your Grace," Xaro greeted before standing up from his chair.

"Place where the Warlocks go to squint at dusty books and drink the shade of the evening," Areon recites Xaro's previous words, "Their minds are soft thinking their parlor tricks are magic. Those are the words you said."

"Yes, Your Grace," Xaro was about to explain, walking past the desk only for Jorah and the Dothraki men to draw their blades to protect Areon.

"You made them seem like they were just strange people not worth anything," Areon continues, "That they were just regular people making parlor tricks."

"I apologize, Your Grace," Xaro bowed his head, "I assure you I have never thought they were capable of something like this."

"Not capable," Areon repeats in anger, "What were they capable of?"

"They spent most of their time in that house of theirs," Xaro continues, "They hardly ever leave and when they do they hardly do anything. Many in Qarth thought the something. Something must have happened that made them so bold. Something different."

"The dragons," Areon guesses, "They said something about their magic being more powerful in their presence."

"I suppose that's true," Xaro guesses, "But Your Grace, you didn't have any interest in the Warlocks until much later."

Areon stayed silent as he knew Xaro's words were true. While he did have dreams about the House of the Undying, he didn't have any interest in pursuing them until he met Quaithe. The woman in the red mask told him he could find some sort of truth there.

0000000000

Areon, Jorah, and the Dothraki went to Quaithe's temple, slamming the door open as Jorah and the Dothraki rushed inside to find Quaithe standing before the pedestal that was holding the black candle which seemed to be light. Areon walks into the temple with Drogon perched on his shoulder, hissing at Quaithe who does not move a muscle, still staring at the candle.

"Your time with the Undying Ones was fortunate for you," Quaithe hums, still looking at the candle.

"Fortunate," Areon repeats in anger, "They tried to kill me, they were trying to take Drogon. You told me to go there because the truth was there."

"And it was," Quaithe tells him calmly, "you saw it before your eyes."

"What I saw was a group of mad people trying to kill me because of my dragons," Areon yelled, "What truth did I find there?"

Quaithe slowly turns to face the young Targaryen. She didn't move as Jorah and the Dothraki were at their ready stance for an attack, but she stayed, "The man with blue eyes. You saw him."

Areon gives a confused look, "What?"

"The man with blue eyes," Quaithe repeats, "And the crown of ice on his head. You saw it. What you saw was a coming end walking its way down from the North. And end that must be stopped for the sake of us all."

Areon looks to Jorah in confusion who does the same before he turns back to Quaithe, "What are you talking about?"

"What the visions showed you," Quaithe begins, "Was the past, the present, and the future. What has passed, what is, and what is to be? All of it coming together for one. One that your people have tried to prevent. Look back to what you saw."

Areon thought about it, remembering the blue man he saw in the vision. It was terrifying. Looked like a corpse, but still alive with those piercing blue eyes, yet at the same time, with nothing in them. It was horrifying.
"You know what I speak of," Quaithe said. "It is a coming cold and dark that seeks to wipe out all that lives. Another Doom foretold by your ancestress, the Dreamer."

"The Dreamer," Areon says to himself.

"The maiden daughter who foresaw the Doom of her home years before," Quaithe clarifies.

It was then that Areon realized, "Daenys. Daenys the Dreamer."

"You saw her and saw what she feared," Quaithe says.

Areon thought about the visions more, remembering the woman who had this terrifying look. That was Daenys.
"She saw many things before and after," Quaithe says, "Many things that are yet to come."

Areon still wasn't sure what to think of this, "So, you sent me to those people to tell me about something Daenys the Dreamer saw. Why didn't you just tell me all of this before?"

"It was an event that you must see with your own eyes," Quaithe explains.

Areon shakes his head, "You couldn't at least warn me about the Undying Ones?"

"Knowing wouldn't have made a difference," Quaithe challenges, "You would've gone regardless. Just like when you walked to that pyre under the Red Comet. The night dragons came to the world. Because you dream of it."

Areon's eyes widen by this, "My dream? How did you know of my dreams?"

"I know many things," Quaithe simply said, "And I know that there is a great battle coming that you have a part to play in. In the West."

"Westeros," Areon said skeptically, "You think I should be king?"

Quaithe stayed silent when that question was asked, "You have a part to play in the future to come."

Having enough of her ramblings, Areon demands, "What part? What is to come?"

"That is what you must find as you walk the path," Quaithe tells him cryptically, "You will face hardships, you will be surrounded by enemies, those who claim are your friends, and those who will aid you, but you will mistrust. Those who are with you right now?"

Quaithe then eyes over to Jorah who gives her a hard look as she reveals, "One who is with you now."

Areon looks to Jorah, "What? What does she mean by that?"

Jorah grew tense when he saw both of them staring at him.

"A support that began with a betrayal," Quaithe hums.

Ser Jorah raises his sword at her, "Be silent demon."

"What does she mean betrayal," Areon demands, but Jorah avoids his gaze, still pointing his sword at Quaithe.

"She spouts lies, my King, don't listen," Jorah denies.

"A betrayal that he has made to right. One that aided you," Quaithe stares directly at Areon, not moving a muscle, "Before he knew your sister he betrayed her, but now, he will do anything for her."

"Jorah," Areon says in a forceful voice, "What does she mean betrayed, my sister? What did you do to Dany?"

Jorah stayed where he was, frozen, all the while trembling a bit as the truth was unraveling. He told King Robert that Daenerys was pregnant with Khal Drogo's child, which caused the then King to send an assassin to kill her, but he stopped that. He hoped it would never come up, but now he can't escape from it.

His thought went to a halt when Areon moved in front of him, "To tell me what did you do?"

Jorah, seeing there was no avoiding it, lowers his sword, trembling a bit, seeing the look in the Targaryen's eye. Seeing the desperation. He then notices Rakharo, Jogo, and other Dothraki men who came with them, now raising their arakhs at him in threatening stances. "If we could speak alone? I beg you."

When hearing his plea, Areon decides to concede, telling the Dothraki men to leave, which they reluctantly do. When they left the temple, Areon turned to see if Quaithe was there, but she wasn't. She simply disappeared as the black candle was no longer lit.

Now that they were alone, Areon turned to the older knight, waiting for an answer to all this.

Jorah shifts nervously, wishing it wouldn't have come to this, but knowing there was no avoiding it now, slowly revealing, "I was…sent to your sister's wedding…..By King Robert."

Areon's eyes widen with shock. He couldn't believe what he just said. All this time, all these months of traveling together, training together, conversing with one another. Areon trusted him and looked up to him as a mentor, an ally, and a true friend. It was so much, all Areon could do was ask, "Why?"

Jorah continues, "I was tasked with tracking her and you and Viserys. To keep an eye on you all."

"How did you do it," Areon breathes in a low voice.

"I sent letters to Varys," Jorah reveals, "The spymaster of King's Landing."

"What kind of letters," Areon asked.

"Information," Jorah quickly says, not wanting to go further.

Areon, however, pressed on, "What type of information?"

"Your Grace," Jorah tries to reason.

"What. Type. Of. Information," Areon says with anger as he walks a few steps forward to Jorah.

Becoming afraid, Jorah admits, "When you and your siblings arrived in Pentos. Viserys plan to marry Daenerys to Khal Drogo. When they were married. When Viserys died."

"Did you tell him that Dany was pregnant," Areon asked.

"Your Grace," Jorah tries to say.

"Answer the question," Areon demands, "Did you tell him Dany was pregnant with Khal Drogo's child?"

Jorah's breath was shaking, bowing his head in shame, "Yes."

It was then that anger took Areon. His fury pounded in his veins, breathing in and out in deep breath, clutching his hand so hard that his fingernails were digging in the skin, his body, trembling as he couldn't contain himself, "That wine merchant tried to kill my sister because of that information. Because of you."

"I stopped her," Jorah was about to defend himself.

But Areon stopped him, "Because you knew it was meant to kill her."

"I suspected," Jorah tries to find some defense.

"You were betraying us," Areon seethes in anger, "since day one."

Seeing the Targaryen's anger, Jorah immediately falls to his feet, "Forgive me… I never meant… please, my King, forgive me."

Areon's eyes burn with fury as he stares at Jorah. How could he have been so foolish as to trust him with his life, and more importantly, with Dany's life? He thinks back to the countless battles they have fought together, the training sessions he has led, and the time they have spent together. It is all a lie, a deception, a betrayal of trust. Areon feels a searing pain in his chest as if a knife is twisting inside him.

Without another word, he turns and leaves the temple, slamming the door behind him. Jorah remains on the ground, head buried in his hands, overwhelmed with shame and regret. He has betrayed his King, his student, and his friend. How could he have been so foolish, so shortsighted? He has lost everything, and now he is alone.

As Areon walks outside, Jorah hears the sound of horses galloping away. He realizes that the Dothraki have already mounted their horses and left without him. He watches as they ride off into the city, leaving him behind. How could he ever make amends for what he has done, how he could regain the trust of those he has betrayed? It felt impossible now.

Things are getting dramatic. Share your thoughts and comments in the reviews.