Athur: Buckle up
Tyrion
Tyshra curled her gold and crimson body around the stunted shoulders of Tyrion. It hissed in the air and flapped its still tender wings. The sun was high and beaming. Rays of sunlight flashed on the dragon scales and the little spikes Tyrion knew would grow into pillars of sharp destruction. From Tyrion's peripheral vision, Sandor Clegane and Bronn eyed the dragon warily from atop their horses. Whenever they asked him how he came about a dragon, Tyrion just shrugged and smiled at them. They did not ask again.
Tyrion looked at his dragon, deep in thought. I named you Tyshra, for the woman that was ripped away from me. I named you Tyshra, for the hell I am about to unleash on Westeros to avenge my one and only true love.
Jon had the right of it. He shouldn't have ever let me claim her. I am going to burn people alive, Tyrion thought, and couldn't find it in himself to care about what Jon thought now. Tyrion already pushed the chaos down the ladder. He thought of Jaime, Cersei, and Tommen. A crooked smile overtook his ugly face. They should all be dead by now.
For Tysha…
"Dwarf, where are the hell are we going?" Sandor rasped. He was in his suit of armor with a helm shaped in the likeness of a snarling hound. He was always ready and eager for blood to be spilled.
"To Maidenpool, my good dog," Tyrion told him. "There we can take a ship to Pentos." It is there I can start my vengeance.
"Right where a smart man should be," Bronn said with a cheeky grin. "This land will be fucked in the war soon. Best be off this piece of rock when it comes."
"You pussy," Sandor laughed out harshly. "Has your manhood been chopped off?"
"It will be if we stay here," Bronn told him.
"I will hire the Golden Company," Tyrion announced casually, shocking them both. "We will return with an army of swords and elephants." And everyone will repay the debts they owe to me.
Sandor laughed bloodthirstily. "I knew I liked you, little man."
Meanwhile, Bronn had a sour look on his face. "I thought you were smart. You will lead us to all our deaths instead of putting our feet up and fucking all the whores in Essos."
"That is boring," Sandor whined. His dog helm made his voice boom.
"It's boring because no whore wants to fuck you," Bronn responded. "Your face will scare all the whores from Pentos to Asshai."
"They don't have to want to fuck me," Sandor reminded him. "I bloody take what I want."
"Whatever floats your boat." Bronn shrugged nonchalantly and turned to Tyrion. "I know that as a Lannister you can breathe and shit gold, but how the hell are you going to buy the most expensive sellsword company in the world?"
"I have a friend in Essos that admires me deeply." Tyrion thought of the Magister of Pentos and how his fatty chin had jiggled when Tyrion had given him some of the wares from his and Jon's voyage into Old Valyria. Safe to say, I have a permanent residence in his manse whenever I visit.
Sandor made a sound of confusion. "Hold the fuck on. Ain't snow have a bounty on his arse from the Golden Company?"
"He does. What of it?" Tyrion asked him.
Sandor and Bronn stared at him and busted out guffawing. They are monsters. I am as well. Westeros desperately needs more monsters, Tyrion thought with a lopsided grin.
He looked at Tyshra. The dragon peered at him back, intelligent red eyes communicating with him, telling him what he is doing is right. Tyrion and Jon never came to know how old Cannibal really was, but they both knew the wild dragon stopped growing at one point. Therefore, the black dragon never came to be as big as Baleron the black dread. However, Tyrion had scanned through some of the books he gathered in Old Valyria and came to the knowledge that there was another type of dragons, fiercer and wilder. Tyrion concluded that Cannibal came from the line, from numerous pieces of evidence that Cannibal was very different from Valyria dragons. Tyrion read that this type of dragons grew rapidly but can never reach the maximum size of the Valyrian dragons. I wonder why that is the case.
Tyrion had sworn the dragon was bigger today than it was yesterday. It was an inch, barely noticeable but Tyrion caught things no one else saw. Thus, Tyrion let the dragon out of its cage to speed up its growth, despite the dangers the roads present.
Tyrion looked into Tyshra's eyes. "You are going to be big and strong, just like Cannibal. You are going to kill me for me. You are going to be a symbol of my revenge," he whispered. His mind wandered to how it would feel to touch the plump clouds, and how it would feel to rain fire and blood below on the people who caused him pain.
He thought of Tysha and how loud the coins clicked as they slipped from her bloody fingers to hit the floor. They will pay, my love. Everyone shall feel our pain.
Darkstar
The fisherman howled in pain when Gerold struck him in the back of the head with the pommel of his sword. The old man couldn't get back to his feet. Weakness shall not be tolerated.
Gerold smiled softly and loaned him a hand. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit you. I struck out at a bug in my face and didn't realize you were there."
The fisherman groaned weakly and took his hand. They clasped hands in warmth.
Gerold's smile turned savage. Bones snapped as he wrenched the hand brutally. The old man screamed out to no one. Twilight couldn't be more delighted.
"Hit him, hit him, hit him again!" Twilight hissed, flapping his purple wings that were lined with white.
Gerold gave him an amused look. "I have done enough to where you can easily end him. Don't forget." He stepped over the man's broken wrist to get to the man's belongings. The fisherman cried in agony.
The dragon didn't like that. "I didn't need your pathetic help, Dayne! Dragons feast on who they conquered by fire and blood!" Twilight hissed.
"Stop bitching and eat your food," Gerold responded. "Babies stop crying when they see food. Act accordingly."
Twilight gave him the look that resembled a glare. "You have a limited amount of time to waggle your tongue as much as you like before I become a size that you would not dare make mock of me." Right…
Gerold's snort came out of his nose. "Dragons do boast of sorts that do not come true. A limited time, you say? Do you take me for a fool? It takes years for a dragon to be ready for war."
"You speak of Valyrian dragons, fool, Valyrian dragons! My line is very distinct and special compared to the low-class beasts. How many times do I have to repeat to you, Dayne?" Twilight roared, obviously ticked off.
"Repeat it until I believe it." Gerold reached the small raft on the edges of a lake. He found a good deal of fish of different sorts captured and thrown on the side. He gathered them up and looked back over to Twilight to see the dragon still glaring at him.
Gerold pointed at the moaning fisherman.
Twilight growled. He looked down at the man and opened his mouth. White flame poured out and submerged the man's face. The dragon was small, but anger at Gerold's remarks added fuel to the white flame, and the flame kept pouring long after the man went still.
Gerold smiled in satisfaction. I just wanted to see that rub my guilty pleasure. The flames are beautiful. Twilight's fire was a pearly white, interwoven with bits of purple.
Twilight snapped its neck. His jaw clamped on the blackened head.
As the dragon was munching on the fisherman, Gerold made the move to make a fire for the fish. A couple of sparks and the fire were blooming. The fish on the stake was rotated diligently over the spitting flames. The smell was delicious.
Twilight eyed him over the flames. His purple tail wagged in the air. "As I had mentioned before, the dragon of my blood grows much more rapid than those of the Valyrians. Yi-Ti, the Empire of Dawn, made us grow much faster to match the competition against other dragons, yet limited our maximum length and width to ensure we do not grow too powerful."
Does this mean I can push forward with my plans a lot faster than I imagined? It is Interesting, very interesting. Gerold can feel himself get excited and struggled to damper it. He looked at Twilight. "So, how fast can you grow?" He attempted to sound casual, but he doubted if it worked.
Twilight's eyes flickered. "You will see soon enough."
"Do you have siblings? Did more eggs hatch?"
"Yes," Twilight answered promptly.
Gerold fumed. "You should've killed them, right? It's in your blood to kill your own kind you said. Why didn't you?"
Twilight gave him a simple look. "I was more worried about saving my own scales. Our sire went to eat us as soon as he birthed us. We all fled. I do not know if any escaped."
Gerold's lip trembled in amusement. "How sad."
"It is. I was robbed of taking their lives and feasting on their blood," Twilight fussed. "My sire will do when I get of proper size."
"He will destroy you," Gerold told him. "Cannibal has been feasting on dragons for years. You've just hatched days ago."
"We do not back down from challenges, especially from dragons."
Gerold hummed and took the fish off the fire.
Twilight watched him. "You are a man of ambition. What is your desire now?"
Gerold chewed on the fish and pondered. "I want to go to Starfall and make myself lord. Next, I want to go to Sunspear to kill Doran and make myself the prince of Dorne."
The dragon perked up. "Does it still have the sword?"
Gerold pushed his brows into a frown. "Sunspear does not have a sword."
"FOOL!" The dragon hurled into him and knocked the fish out of his hands. Why is this little shit always so God damn angry? Gerold seethed.
Twilight was wiggling his tail in agitation. "Does Starfall still have the sword, imbecile?"
"We have the sword, Dawn. It is in the possession of my cousin," Gerold said with no small amount of bitterness. It should've passed down to me. What use does the sword provide in the fucking kingsguard?
Twilight's eyes glowed a little. "Yes! That sword, yes! You must kill him and take the sword for yourself." His tail waved excitingly.
Gerold laughed scornfully. "Many men have tried that and failed spectacularly." I have thought of ways to kill Arthur, but he has eyes in the back of his head that watches me like a hawk.
"Then be the first." The dragon said It like it was obvious. "I do not see the problem."
"You do not understand such things," Gerold snarled. "It is not the easy task you think it is. They call him The Sword of The Morning."
"Are you scared of him, Dayne?" Came the question. It was mocking.
Gerold stared at him, wanting to crush the life out of the serpent. "No," he growled, his face twisting in fury. "Darkstar fears no man." Yet, he thought of Arthur's cold violet eyes and how they would eye him as an enemy before he cuts him down. Gerold growled and slapped his thigh. I do not fear that fucker.
"Prove it," Twilight goaded. "Where is your cousin now?"
"Harrenhall where you hatched," Gerold growled out. The king must have arrived there by now and the kingsguard with him.
"Then we shall ride back," Twilight decided.
"What?" Gerold exclaimed. "Do you not remember Cannibal traveling in the air looking for you?"
"It is a risk we must take. You must claim Dawn."
Gerold then thought of Jon snow, his lilac eyes, and dark brown curly hair. He is dead. He could not have survived the mercenaries, he assured himself. I only must worry about Arthur.
He was brought back to the present. "What is so special about this sword that makes you fret so?" The sword is not of this world, but there is something else.
Twilight's eyes gleamed. "Dawn is the sword that lights the darkness."
Jon
It was in a field of deep green grass and trees that Jon and the northern lords assembled. The distance from Harrenhall was sufficient to ward off any wandering ears. The tall trees stood guard against the rays of the sun but couldn't stop the few that shed light on the undergrowth. There were rocks and logs scattered about, and that is where the lords settled on: Robett Gover, Greatjon, Domeric Bolton, the Karstarks, Dacey Mormont, Cley Cerwyn, Benfred Tallhart and his sister Eddara Tallhart, Lord Hornwood. None of House Manderly was able to make it. House Dustin, not surprisingly did not show up. All the northern lords eyed him critically and glowered.
I know what this is about. Jon braced himself. He leaned against a tree and crossed his arms, crossing one leg over the other. He can feel the fury radiate off the lords at his lack of respect. I will not give you the sense you are the power here. I will give you the sense that you are wasting your time, Jon thought. To be frank, the topic that he knows is going to be spoken about just irritated him.
Jon gave them a look. "What can I do for you, my lords?" Where is Robb? Did they decide to leave the heir of Winterfell out of this conversation? Interesting.
Dacey gestured a hand to Domeric. "Lord Bolton here claims he had seen you return the princess Rhaenys on the back of your Direwolf with Loras as your prisoner. It strikes such a picture." The Greatjon looked like was about to burst with words he wanted to spew out.
Jon glanced at Domeric and his pale blue eyes. You prick. I knew everyone will get word of this but it is fascinating enough that you took it upon yourself to inform all the northern lords. The Bolton had rubbed him the wrong way on the ride to Harrenhall, and he rubbed Jon the wrong way right now.
"Aye I did," Jon said calmly. "What of it?" Ghost came padding to the assembly. Jon almost smiled to see the uneasiness in the northern men's eyes. Go on, say what you have to say. Ghost sniffed and curled at Jon's feet and stared at them.
Domeric eyed the Direwolf with curiosity instead of fear. He looked at Jon. "What has gotten into your head to make you rescue the princess."
"The crowned prince has commanded us to," Jon responded.
"She is a Targaryen," Domeric countered.
"My lord, we swore oaths to the Targaryens," Jon reminded him. There were mutters of anger amongst them. What are they thinking?
"They forced us to our knees. We never swore oaths of our free will," said Cley Cerwyn. He was of an age with Jon and spoke with pride. "The Targaryens would never be our rulers if we can help it."
"However, we still knelt and swore oaths."
The Greatjon did not hold his tongue after that. "What the hell is wrong with you, boy?!" His voice boomed and scared deer and rabbits back into the woods. "You gave them a Valyrian sword and now you saved the Targaryen woman! The Starks could've used that damned sword!" Oh, so I could not have used the sword? "We should be hurting them, not aiding them! Are you sick in the head?!"
He can feel the cold rise in his chest. "No, my lord. On the contrary, I see things very clearly." He pushed off the tree. "I don't have the same confidence about you all, I'm afraid." Jon was glared at by all of them.
"How do you mean?" Greatjon said threateningly.
"You all wish for revenge. You were humiliated and embarrassed at the battle of the Trident. It was 17-18 years ago, but you all still sharpen your blades, waiting for the chance to get back at them. You are not motivated to battle against the Targaryens because of honor or duty, it is pettiness."
There were cries of outrage. Ghost tensed his body. Greatjon's face reddened like a tomato. "Do you not know your history, snow? They killed your grandfather and uncle with wildfire and a damn rope! They killed Robert Baratheon, your father's dearest friend!"
"He's not my friend."
The Greatjon choked on his words from his fury. Domeric eyed Jon with amusement and said, "It is not House Targaryen he is loyal to. It is just the princess I assume." They all fell quiet at his words, pondering.
Damn him. I cannot let them think that. "It is an unusual assumption, lord Bolton," Jon was forced to say. "It is curious how you came to such a bizarre accusation."
Cley heard none of that. "Yes…I recall now. The princess showed quite an attention to him, even when he is a bastard. She danced with the bastard and whispered words to the bastard only they can hear. It is intimate, very much something a princess is not allowed to do." There was a chorus of agreement. They spat their own perspective of how they viewed his relationship with the princess, each more damning than the last.
Jon's face remained guarded as they came at him one after the other. But it was the booming voice of the Greatjon that cut through the air. "It is bloody clear now! It all has to deal with the dragon woman! You talk of oaths and loyalty as your reason to support them damn Targaryens!" Lord Umber looked at Jon with disgust. "But the only thing your loyalty lies is in that dragon whore's cunt!"
A whore?!
The coldness in Jon's chest converted into a snowstorm. It overcame his whole being until he was frozen all over. Jon's sword was drawn, and so were the lords. There were shouts and threats. Ghost jumped to his feet, snapping and snarling. The lords eyed the wolf and snapped to Jon's sword…
And all of them gasped.
Sunshine slithered through the gaps of the treetops and landed on Jon's Valyrian sword. The yellow brightness exposed the ripples and glyphs of the shadowy smoky blade. That same blade was currently pointing at the shocked Northerners' faces. "The bastard has another one!" one of them yelled.
Rhaenys's beautiful olive skin and dark eyes ran across his eyes, and his arm trembled with anger…so much anger. "You shall not name her a whore again," Jon growled out, like that of a wolf. "Or I shall have all your tongues. Bannermen of my father or no, you will all regret it."
Something in his purple eyes gave them pause.
It was then Robb and Theon came sprinting to the scene and stopped abruptly. Theon's face transformed into a smirk. "The legend of the white wolf grows. He pissed off all the lords of the north! Ha!"
Robb did not share his humor. "What is the meaning of this? What is everyone doing here?!" He was furious. Greywind went around him and posted up by Ghost, snapping his jaws. The lords of the north had no choice but to back up.
"Your bastard brother has gone mad," Domeric told him. "He drew his swords on all of us, a valyrian sword nonetheless."
"He is a staunch supporter of the Targaryens, lord Robb!" Greatjon roared. "Be wary, one word about them dragons and he will start breathing fire out his nose!"
Robb glared at him. "Sheathe your steel." He turned to all of them. "Sheathe all your steel! All of you! He is my brother." They reluctantly put their swords out of sight. Jon did not.
Jon can feel the blood pounding in his head. Anger, much of that he had never known coursed through his veins. How DARE they shame her like that! He imagined Rhaenys's cunning smile, and his face twisted. His vision was narrowed. Jon can only see the tip of his sword and the direction it pointed at the northern lords. In the farthest part of his mind, Cannibal roared.
"Jon." He can feel Robb put his hand on his shoulder. "What did they say to you?" Robb whispered in his ear. But the mental flap of Cannibal's wings was louder.
"Assholes called Rhaenys a whore," Jon forced out through gritted teeth, never taking his eyes off the northern men. Just repeating the words bought him another surge of fury. The injustice of it made him puff through his nose dangerously. Cannibal roared again through their connection. I have to calm down. Cannibal is coming. He can't come.
"Oh," Robb said, and that was it. He understands. He was right, always been right. I have fallen for my half-sister. Jon had tried to deny it, but it was hard to not realize the foolishness of this moment. He had his sword drawn at Lord Stark's most important bannermen over a mere slight. But it's a slight they should die over, a dark thought whispered.
Robb looked at the Lords. "This matter is finished. Return to camp, my lords. I will inform my lord father of how his bannermen have sneaked behind my back to draw swords at my brother."
The mention of Lord Stark did the trick. They still scowled at Jon but started back to camp in grumbles and mutters. Robb's gloved hand did not move an inch from his shoulder as the lords trickled out. Theon had his bow in hand and watched the lords leave. "A grumpy lot they are," the Greyjoy said under his breath. Eventually, Jon calmed down to the point where he no longer heard the flap of Cannibal's wings.
Jon, Robb, and Theon, and the Direwolves left soon after. Robb and Theon jested in hopes of lighting Jon's mood, but it was to no avail. His muscles were still pumping for a fight and for the opportunity to spill blood. Theon split off to find a common wench. Robb followed Jon and Ghost to his tent in silence. Even in the fogginess that was his mind, he felt a piece of appreciation for his cousin. He stood up for me in an instant. He will never be my cousin. He will always be my brother.
They entered Jon's tent. Jon sat heavily on the bed. Ghost curled up in the corner. Robb closed the flaps and turned to Jon, worry etched on his handsome face. "Jon, are you ok?"
Jon nodded and that was it. They stared at each other uncomfortably.
Robb put his fist to his mouth and cleared his throat. "You care for her."
"Aye," Jon said resignedly. "You had the right of it. I do." He tried denying it the first time he crossed eyes with her. She eroded his walls so persistently until now he was just ready to crumble over. He loved her tanned skin, her black hair, her sweet laugh, and how her frame is so womanly despite her height. Jon closed his eyes tightly to rid himself of such thoughts.
"It was like you were possessed. I swear, I never saw you that angry." There was a sliver of fear in Robb's eyes. Jon hated it. This is what I have told Rhaenys.
"I do not know what came over me. They called her my whore after they found out I rescued her. I wanted to kill them, Robb. I wanted to kill them all." Cannibal's natural feeling of bloodlust and fury had become Jon's own. He shuddered thinking of it.
"I know," Robb said heavily.
"What is this Robb?" Jon asked desperately. "She is always on my mind. When I see her, my body feels hard to move and the air will be stuck in my throat. I was willing to reveal to the world that I was the rider as soon as I heard of her capture. Over an insult, I was ready to unleash carnage on your father's bannermen. Tell me, Robb, what is this?"
Robb pondered his question deeply. He took a deep breath and looked Jon in the eye. "It is the feeling of love, Jon. You love her."
"I do?" Jon asked lowly. "But she is my sister."
"I shall not tell you what you can or can't do. But there is Targaryen in your blood, and they view incest as normal. But I know you, Jon. You will not do anything damning without the princess knowing the full truth. If she knows, she will no doubt tell her father. So let me ask you this…is she worth it?"
Rhaenys
Rhaenys laughed in delight as her mother held her in a crushing hug and shook them both sideways to sideways. Her father had a big smile on his normally somber face and joined in on the family hug. They held Rhaenys in an embrace of warmth and love. It was only the three of them in the solar. The rest of the family greeted Rhaenys and told her how happy they were that she returned and left them alone to give them privacy. And no sight of Aegon. Is he still mad about what I said that he can't even come and see if I am alright? She tried to not let it ruin the moment.
"My sunshine, you are back with us safely," Elia breathed hoarsely in her hair. She rubbed the black curls. "Thank the seven for returning my daughter."
Rhaegar kissed the crown of Rhaenys's head as he often did when she was a child. "Rhaenys…I-I-I can't imagine if I lost you, my daughter, my only daughter. You are the sun of my existence."
And it was those words that crumbled her and sent her to tears. They ran down her cheeks like rainfalls. What is wrong with you?! She screamed internally. You are making yourself look weak! But it only made the tears come down harder. I have to be strong!
"What's the matter, hun?" Elia asked her softly. "You know I don't wish to see you cry.
"I thought I was never going to see you or pa again," Rhaenys said with a hiccup and shoved her face in Rhaegar's doublet to hide her teary face. This is so embarrassing. I am a woman grown! A dragon does not shed tears!
"It is reasonable to be afraid. You do not have to put up this tough exterior all the time to hide how you really feel around your family, Rhaenys," Rhaegar said softly. "Not from me and not from your mother."
"Listen to your father my dear. Everything is going to be ok," Elia said.
Rhaenys nodded weakly and pulled away. She rubbed the wetness from her eyes the best that she could. "Where is my brother? Does he not wish to see me?" And she asked with a hint of anger.
Even through her tears, she can see her mother look away painfully and her father tense. What happened to Aegon? Rhaenys started to worry, her tears forgotten.
Elia saw the look on her face. "He is not harmed if you are wondering. It is just…" The shame stopped her mother from continuing.
"Aegon threw the Tyrells in the cells after Loras took you away, all of them, even his wife," her father finished for her. Rhaenys can tell the king was most highly upset. As he should be, Aegon, what has gotten into you?! Rhaenys thought desperately. In a time like this, do you want the usurpers to win? The reach can summon the most swords out of the seven kingdoms! She looked across the room and spied Blackfyre on the table, sheathed. They took it from him, Rhaenys gathered.
Rhaenys was thinking. "That means we have to excuse Loras for his actions against the crown." We can't agitate them any further at this hour.
A nod of her father's head answered her. "I have no choice but to pardon Loras to compensate for Aegon's foolish actions. But the Tyrells cannot be ignorant to think that Loras will still be in the Kingsguard. He will be removed and will not set another foot in the Red Keep," Rhaegar explained with a twitch in his jaw. I know you want to punish him justly father, Rhaenys thought. There was a tiny flake of pleasure in Rhaenys because her father did not think lightly of her wellbeing. But we cannot afford to do that, not right now. But there was still a fit of lingering anger at her capture. You will not get away with this Loras, Rhaenys promised heatedly. You may think yourself safe behind your family's wall of roses and thorns, but that will not be enough to escape the dragon's wrath. She thought of her cousins the Sand Snakes and smiled to herself discreetly.
"Who is the brave knight that returned our princess to us?" Elia questioned curiously. Rhaenys knew what her mother mostly cared about. Rhaegar looked on curiously as well.
The thought of that man helped ease the worry and anger in her chest. They were replaced by butterflies and much more. Jon's dark curly brown hair and guarded purple eyes flashed in her mind without permission. She remembered how they had kissed on dragon back under the moonlight. "He is not a knight, but a common born. He is Jon snow, the bastard son of Eddard Stark," Rhaenys said with a fond smile.
Her mother stared silently at her face. There was a flicker of surprise on Rhaegar's face. "I heard of the man, the white of Essos. They are tales of legend, but also ones of terror that portrays him as a deadly plague."
"I can tell you this, father, he's filled with mostly good," Rhaenys assured him, her smile still stuck to her face. Now that she started talking about Jon, she couldn't stop. "He bested ser Loras with skills that rival Arthur's, but he is humble about it. I pleaded with him to come with me to receive a reward from you, but he shies away from such things."
Elia and Rhaegar seated themselves and patiently listened to Rhaenys's ramble in her Dornish drawl. Rhaenys told them of how she first saw him in the great hall and how he bested Gerold Dayne in front of all the lords. She told them how he had initially refused to dance with her. She told them how rich his voice rang when he sang a song, and how he blessed House Targaryen by returning Blackfyre to them. She told them how the Starks had Direwolves that was big as horses and how Jon snow let her scratch his.
It was during a point in her rumbling did she fathom she spoke too much. Red patches spread on her brown cheeks. Maybe they thought there was a lot more to it between them. So what? Let them wonder. They can't take away what Jon and I have. Rhaenys closed her mouth and waited for her parents to speak.
Elia bore a small smile. Rhaegar had his mask up again. Rhaenys always had to guess what he was thinking. It reminds me of Jon…Actually, it was eerie similar to how they both can guard their expressions so well. Rhaenys shivered and pushed that thought away.
"You speak well of him," Rhaegar observed. "It sounds like he would be a great fit in the kingsguard to replace Loras."
At once, Rhaenys wanted to refuse. That would bind him to oaths and duties Rhaenys did not want for him, for them. but then she started to put it together. He will come back to Kingslanding with us. He can be the kingsguard assigned to me. We can keep us a secret. Rhaenys moaned with pleasure internally. That would be an excellent idea. And he has a dragon. As a kingsguard he will be sworn to use it against Lannister and Baratheon when he is revealed as the rider. Hell, father would even take him out of the Kingsguard and have him marry me.
…Or she could tell her parents right now. She wanted to so badly. She knew her father would speak with Robb Stark and arrange a match immediately, even if Jon was a bastard. A dragon is more important than a name. But Rhaenys stilled and did not say a thing. She gave Jon her word she wouldn't tell anybody. And I will not upset my man.
"…That is a lot to think over, Rhae," Elia said carefully. "We will consider this information thoroughly."
"We need to brief over everything that has happened quickly. Tywin is sending ravens to call arms. Renly has called his banners. We need to settle matters here at Harrenhall with haste," Rhaegar stated. Me and you are the same then. Harrenhall is not that far from Casterly Rock.
Rhaenys kissed her parents on the cheek and left them to it. Outside, Arthur Dayne and Oswell stood watch.
"The Tyrell would not have been alive today if we were here, princess," Arthur swore, his violet eyes narrowing. "He shames all the Kingsguard. He does not represent us."
"Lord Stark's bastard might've as well slit his throat and bless us with simplicity. It would've saved us from all these damn trials and hassle," Oswell said with a sigh.
"Oswell, your dark humor is too much for us to bear!" Rhaenys jested. She always liked Oswell. "You will end us all."
"Don't worry about that, princess. The wild dragon Cannibal will see fit to burn us all to the seven hells and back," Oswell said with a smirk. "Only then there will be no time for jokes."
Rhaenys giggled at the unimpressive look on Arthur's face.
Oswell switched posts with Gerold Hightower and shadowed Rhaenys. They walked through the vast halls of Harrenhall to find her brother. Every now and then, some random lord or knight will stop her to say they admired her bravery in the face of treachery by Loras Tyrell. Rhaenys nodded at them politely with a word and a smile and walked on. I wasn't brave. I was scared, Rhaenys thought angrily and a little bit of shame. I will not let myself be helpless again. I will die before I experience that type of shame again, she promised.
Rhaenys grew frustrated at every twist and turn with no sight of Aegon. It lasted for what seemed like hours. "Why is this castle so damn big!" She couldn't help by blurting out. "We can die in here and not a soul will find our rotting bodies!"
Oswell chuckled with mirth. "I will make it my sworn duty to find your rotting body if you die in here, princess." Not amusing at all, ser. Rhaenys glared at him. "What? You have just said this castle is too big. My humble soul will be inclined to find you."
Their path led them outside to the Godswood. It was surrounded by trees and branches that they came upon the crowned prince and Lewyn Martell. Aegon lay on the dirt, right under the Weirwood tree. Rhaenys took one look at the bloody face on the tree and a shudder went straight through her. I don't have the faintest idea how the north still prays to these trees and their Old Gods, Rhaenys thought with disdain.
Lewyn saw them and gave Rhaenys a warm squeeze of the shoulder. "Niece, it brings a good feeling in this old man's heart to see you back in one piece. I would've never forgiven myself if you were harmed. I cared for you since I first saw you walk." His words were genuine. His eyes were watery.
Rhaenys smiled for him, despite the embarrassment crawling in her insides. "And I still walk, uncle. All is fine." She turned to Aegon and waited for him to acknowledge her presence. Seconds dragged on into minutes with not a word from her brother. Aegon just laid there, staring at the skies, blinking slowly without a care in the world.
This… is how he treats me? Rhaenys thought slowly. I held him in my arms when he was just a babe. I played with him. I even let him touch my cat Balerion. He does not even greet me when I returned from being kidnapped. This…is how he treats ME?
"Aegon!" Rhaenys snapped. Hurt and annoyance drove her foot to kick Aegon's side. "I'm standing right in front of you, you dolt."
Aegon winced and rubbed his side. "Oh, sweet sister… you returned. I was starting… to get worried," he said with a drunken slur. There was a wineskin by his side. He is drunk, Rhaenys noticed. Her blood boiled.
"Yes, you should be when your sister gets seized under your very nose. You don't care, do you? You must not when you sit on your arse beneath a face tree to drink yourself to oblivion instead of seeing if your sister is well. Think of how I feel knowing a bastard from the north caring for my safety more so than of my brother does," Rhaenys said with a quiver in her lip. "Why do you hurt me so?"
"I would say you felt delighted," Aegon said from his position on the floor. He had a big grin on his face influenced by the wine. "You were taken with that man since he first came to this place. He should be the one you want to see, not me. You couldn't take your eyes off him, lucky man. Remember what you told me? Whatever man you are interested in, you get? You remember how you told me that I was not fit to be king because I couldn't get Dany?" The grin was replaced by a sneer. "I had to sit there and watch you throw bed eyes at the man, listen to how you basically want to fuck him bloody, and all the while you know that I couldn't have the woman I loved. You say I hurt you. I say that I only returned what you sow." He took up the wineskin and drank deeply.
Rhaenys felt the heat crawling up her neck. "Get a grip, Aegon. You don't need this anymore." She snatched the wine from his fingers and tossed it.
Aegon laughed bitterly. "I can't even have wine. I had Blackfyre taken from me. I got punched in the face. I don't have respect from my sister. My father and Dany do not love me. No one thinks I'm worthy to be the heir."
"What do you talk of? Who said this?" Rhaenys demanded. If I get my hands on the one who made my brother think less of himself…
Aegon smiled and stretched his hands out in front of him, trying to touch the clouds. "Father basically said it. He told me I acted as grandfather did. What worthy heir behaves like that of the mad king?"
Someone needs to be here for him. She was calm enough now to see that. She saw how hard he took it that father called him that. Rhaenys sat down beside him and put his head on her lap, like how she used to do when he has gotten upset or sad when they were young. "It was a foolish concept to put the Tyrells in the cells."
"No, it wasn't."
Rhaenys continued. "But that doesn't make you mad, little brother. A bit silly, but you are not mad. I wouldn't have let you touch Balerion otherwise." Her hand smoothed over silver hair.
Aegon glared up at her. "I hate that damn cat. It likes to scratch me."
"Aegon, I also want to hurt you every day," Rhaenys laughed. Aegon joined her. It made her happy to raise her brother's spirits.
"I'm sorry for not seeing if you were ok," Aegon said in a low voice. "I felt like I was a hindrance to everyone."
Never, Rhaenys thought furiously. "You are my brother. I will always love you, even on the days I want to claw your eyes out."
There was a dry chuckle. "I love you too, Rhae."
Rhaenys beamed down at him. "The blood of the dragon runs thick, egg. We must stand together against the teeth and antlers of Lannister and Baratheon. And to not throw our allies to waste away in the dungeons."
"The Tyrells deserved it for their crimes against the crown," Aegon said stubbornly. "They told Loras to take you."
Despite that, Rhaenys rolled her eyes. There are some things he will not let be.
Aegon was thinking. Rhaenys can tell by the scrunch of his nose. "If you were a man, father would make you heir."
That shocked Rhaenys. "Why would you say such a thing?"
Aegon was ready. "Father has forever preferred you. Whenever we get in trouble, he will punish me the hardest. He loves you more," he said bitterly. "He has never laid a hand on you, but he strikes me on multiple occasions." His lips curled. "The son he wanted died when he was born."
"Father loves you. You are the crowned prince. It is understandable that he is harsher on you than anyone else. It is tough love, but it is love all the same. If he didn't, he would've banished you without thought after the stunt with the Tyrells."
Aegon fell silent. Then he opened his mouth. "So…you don't think he would've replaced me with Lyanna's son had he survived?" There was so much eagerness in his voice to be proven wrong.
I would've hated Lyanna's boy, Rhaenys knew. There was one thing she never forgave her father for. It was the utter disrespect he had thrown upon her mother for the Stark girl. It is better that they had died. It was wrong, very wrong, but Rhaenys believed it all the same. The boy would've contended with Aegon's claim for the north. I will kill for Aegon. The Stark girl seduced my father and planned to take mother's spot. She would've filled up the boy's head with ambition and treason.
Rhaenys didn't trust the north. But I am smitten with one of them. But he is different, so he is the exception.
Aegon was still waiting for an answer. "No, Aegon, he wouldn't have. And It's been years, brother. The Stark girl and the baby are long gone from this world. Don't give that too much thought."
Rhaegar
Elia shook her head with a tiny smile on her lips once Rhaenys sauntered out of the solar. "Rhaegar, our daughter is in love."
Rhaegar saw it. Rhaenys's dark eyes lit up as she spoke about Jon snow. It seemed to be never-ending of how the man impressed his daughter. Her smile was as bright as the Martell's sun and never went down. Rhaenys gave those smiles when Rhaegar kissed her cheek, sang a song for her, and told her how the state of the realm is. But now another man shared the pleasure. Rhaegar did not like it one bit. This boy has taken my daughter's heart away, Rhaegar thought, his chest tightening. That was his daughter. There was a reason why Rhaegar held off marriage for Rhaenys. More specifically, he never intended to create a match for her. No man shall touch her, especially one with a reputation like Jon snow's. Varys whispered to him of the tales of snow across the narrow sea. It was of contracts and a lot of blood. Rhaegar did not want any of that near his daughter. My precious daughter, my sun. It was Rhaenys that drags him out of his bouts of melancholy. She is the one to drag him out from piles of ancient tomes to make sure he has eaten. Her smiles sent beams of sunshine that helped ease the pain of losing his wolf…his love…
"Aye, I see," Rhaegar said quietly. "But nothing can come out of it." I will make certain of that.
"How so, Rhaegar?" Elia questioned. "It's obvious from out of her mouth that this snow is the apple of her eye."
"Each corner of Westeros has heard of the white wolf. He is a murderer."
"He is a murderer that returned our daughter to us. And have you not killed to ensure our families' safety? Did you not slay Robert Baratheon on the battle of the Trident to win the war?" Elia pointed out.
I did. His black suit of armor received a massive blow in the center from his cousin's war hammer. The rubies were smashed and scattered in the rushing waters that were bursting with blood. Robert had thought him dead and roared in victory, only to be slain from the back by the arisen Rhaegar. I did what I did for my family.
"He is the bastard of the lord that despises us," Rhaegar told her. I will say anything to make her heed to reason. "A low upbringing that will soil a princess, our daughter."
"What about making her happy? Rhaenys has a few things that interest her and make her smile as she did just moments ago. It was genuine and bright, not the fake face she puts on at court. Jon snow might just be one of those interests."
"No."
"Yes," Elia pressed. "I promised her to make her happy. It's simple, Rhaegar. Request permission from Lord Stark to legitimize the boy and arrange a match. This will be the pact that heals wounds between us and House Stark and have the north on our side to fight against Tywin and Renly. And Jon snow is said to be an excellent commander in battle."
It made sense. But Rhaegar still detested it. "A marriage between a then bastard and the princess of the crown? We will be laughed at."
Elia's raised eyebrow told her what she thought about that.
Rhaegar was going to give her what he thinks. "I suggest ordering Rhaenys to stay away from the boy and be done with it." Elia's eyebrows pushed together to a frown.
"Fine. I will talk to the boy," Rhaegar said through gritted teeth. I will talk to him to personally tell him to stay away from my daughter. If he has a problem with it, the sword of the morning will make quick work of the white wolf.
Arthur and Gerold followed Rhaegar down to the dungeons in silence, no doubt sensing he is in one of his moods. Rhaegar thought of everything that happened, and the melancholy hugged him like a lover. Viserys, my brother… even I thought the killing of a defenseless woman and child is beneath you. I guess I was wrong as most times… Visery's single handily rammed Westeros into going back to bloody conflict. Annoyance was the biggest feeling right now. It screamed in front of his eyes. What shall I do with him? A banishment for a few years will do.
It was Jaime that gave him the most thought and the most grief. I thought you were a better man, Jaime. Your own sworn brothers spoke ill of you, but I saw deep inside who you really are. But you killed a young boy…Am I wrong again?
Rhaegar believed Jaime killed the mad king for a justified reason but never pressed for answers. I thought that he would eventually tell me the reason. Was it simply on the orders of Tywin?
Jaime stared at them in forced silence. Arthur and Gerold stared at Jaime with silence of revulsion. Rhaegar stared at Jaime with the silence of betrayal. It all sat there for a minute.
"You killed Edric Baratheon," Rhaegar said.
Jaime's head sank. "Aye, I did, your grace."
"You are a monster. Your stain on the legacy of the kingsguard will be felt forever!" Gerold Hightower spat. "I should've known the son of Tywin Lannister would ill fit for a position that stands on honor and duty."
"I had you as my squire," Arthur said with a tight face. The blond-haired man stared down Jaime with plenty of shame and anger in his violet eyes. Rhaegar noted that Jaime couldn't meet his eyes. Arthur was his idol. "I brought you on as my squire because I saw potential in you. What I learned from teachings, I passed down on you, in hopes that you will be a better man than me. It was principles of honor, duty, sacrifice, and loyalty. You discarded all of that as soon as you lay in bed with your sister and killed a young boy from an important house. By shaming and betraying House Targaryen, you shamed and betrayed me as well as what I taught you. Rest in piss, Lannister." Arthur turned away and did not look at Jaime again.
Rhaegar looked upon the devastation on Jaime's face and said, "You forsaken your oaths and murdered a lord of a prominent house. Those crimes are punishable by death."
Jaime did not raise a cry. "I failed you, Rhaegar. I have failed you. I know it. I shamed you and the kingsguard. I will not flinch from the headsman."
"I do not wish to execute you."
"What!" Arthur and Gerold bellowed in unity. They were silenced by Rhaegar's stare.
Rhaegar turned to meet Jaime's flabbergasted eyes. "But, your grace, I have done treason that deserves a traitorous death," Jaime told him, shock coloring his voice.
"I will remove your cloak and keep you as my prisoner. Tywin has lost his daughter and grandson but still has a son. He raises his banners of the expectation that you will lose your life as well." This is the chance to prove that I am right. Prove me that I am right of who I think you are that no one else sees, Rhaegar begged mentally.
The color drained from Jaime's face. "My father has lost his daughter and grandson. What do you mean by that!?" Jaime asked hastily.
He doesn't know. No one told him. Rhaegar's jaw was heavy to move. "Cersei and Tommen were stabbed to death after word came out you were the father of Viserys's children." Arthur and Gerold refused to pay any more attention.
"No, No, No, No, NO!" Jaime shouted. He stood up to his feet quickly and banged his manacled arms against the cell. His green eyes were wild and teary. "You lie!"
"I do not jest. I am sorry, Jaime."
"Who did this?" Jaime asked harshly. "Who killed my sister and her child? Tell me so I can cut his cock off!"
This is not the information for you to know. Rhaegar stayed silent.
"Tell me, Rhaegar! Tell me! TELL MEEE!" Jaime roared. Spittle flew into Rhaegar's face. "You let this happen! YOU DID! You were supposed to protect them! You let this happen!"
"No," Rhaegar said slowly, "You let this happen."
Aegon
The main hall vibrated with nervous energy as bodies slowly poured in waves. It was the time for trial and not a soul was going to miss it. The room was enough to house hundreds, and many more were still coming in. The gallery was organized by lands. Across the hall, the Tyrells eyed Aegon furiously which was not at all subtle. Margaery was among them, not having been near Aegon since her imprisonment. The prince was not the one to be cowed. Aegon stared back, a big smirk on his face they did not doubt see. If I could, I will do it again. All your remains would be buried underneath this very castle if it was my word.
As he thought that, the smile died. Rhaenys's words came flooding back to him. Father expects more out of me. I can't disappoint him again, Aegon thought. He does not regret me. He does not wish to be rid of me. I will make him proud. I will become worthy to retrieve Blackfyre. I will show him that his only son is not mad, but capable and sensible.
The House of Targaryen and Dorne sat on the raised dais. The kingsguard stood behind them. Aegon looked for his parents to see his father already staring at him. Rhaegar's purple eyes were unreadable. I am not angry any more father, can you see? Aegon smiled a true smile. There was an upturn of Rhaegar's smile and a little light in his eyes. The king turned away.
Aegon wanted more of a reaction from his father but still felt rewarded, nonetheless. You still love me. But I shall give you a reason to love me more than Rhaenys, Aegon promised.
Rhaenys was seated right beside him and was staring at something in the sea of bodies. Aegon followed her line of vision and found Jon snow. The white wolf was seating amongst his trueborn siblings and lady Stark. The girl Arya was essentially clinging to his arm like he was about to disintegrate. Aegon interestingly noticed that the northern lords shot heated stares at the back of Jon's head. I wonder what that is about. If the bastard knew he was getting stabbed with glares, he hid it well. Aegon saw Rhaenys beam at him, and Jon returned it with a reserved smile of his own. The bastard felt his stare and met his eyes. I see you eyeing my sister like she is prized meat. Aegon smirked at him, wondering how the man would react. Most people backed down from his smile.
To his shock, Jon winked at him and turned away. The Bastard is bold!
Rhaenys sniggered at his face. Aegon opened his mouth to let her have a piece of his mind to what thinks, but Jon Connington stood from the table below to shout, "Bring in Ser Loras of Highgarden!"
Whispers spread around like the sound of rats scurrying across the floor as Loras was dragged forward by Targaryen guards in chains that rattled like swords. Loras glared at everyone but paused when he saw Jon snow, paling like old milk. Snow made him shit his pants, Aegon thought with glee. Maybe you aren't that bad, snow. I will happily let you shag my sister in peace if you keep dumping shit on them Tyrells.
"You are accused of kidnapping the princess of the crown," Rhaegar announced from the dais. "How do you plead?" The king stared down at them all, the very image of the beauty of Old Valyria.
Loras grumbled and looked over to where his family sat. Aegon looked over there too, only to meet the smug gaze of Margaery Tyrell. Fury ran through his blood. They are getting away with this! Aegon glared back spitefully.
Loras stared up at Rhaegar, his face red. "I plead guilty your grace." Outrage coursed through the hall. Tables pounded to have his head.
"Silence!" Arthur Dayne shouted, slamming his armored fist on wood. The respect and fear of the sword of the morning cast instantaneous silence among them all. Aegon shared a hidden grin with Arthur. Such a showoff.
Rhaegar opened his mouth. "You are hereby removed from the Kingsguard. You will lay down your cloak and return to Highgarden. You are prohibited from ever returning to Kingslanding." Gasps ranged out at once. Chatters of the easy punishment rose to even the high table.
A slap on the wrist, Aegon seethed. Rhaenys put her hand on his lap, but it did not ease his ire. They think they are invincible! They are insufferable. Do we really need their aid that badly? I can't imagine how they handle the kingslayer.
The rest of the attendance think so too. Kevan Lannister stood up from where he sat, glaring. "Your grace, kidnapping a princess of the crown is punishable by death. Yet, the Tyrell does not suffer at all. Will my nephew, Tywin Lannister's son, receive the same fair treatment?"
"You are a bold man to question the word of the wise king," Jon Connington snarled. "What decision the king makes regarding the kingslayer is his decision to make, not yours." Aegon grinned at the look on Kevan's face. The brother of Tywin looked to Rhaegar. The king did not speak. Kevan chewed the insides of his cheek and swept away from the hall. Whispers followed him. At least someone got humbled. Lions think they are high and mighty. Dragons rule over all.
Loras was escorted out. Rhaegar discussed something quietly with Elia and turned back to look at them all. "There is a man that I want to step before me. He fearlessly tracked down princess Rhaenys where others have fallen short. He crossed swords with the knight of flowers and came out of the battle with not a scratch on his person. He is hesitant to receive glory, but I refuse to not reward that man who showed loyalty to not only the princess but to the crown and the realm. Jon Snow! Step forward!" Rhaenys tensed beside him.
The glares at Jon from the northern lords intensified to where it was hot. This will be most interesting to see develop, Aegon thought with an amused smile. Have the lords lost their favorite toy to us? That brought him extreme satisfaction. They don't like this. Snow is going to be offered a kingsguard position. Aegon looked to Rhaenys to see a smug smile on her lips, obviously pleased at this as well.
Jon hesitated, and his siblings looked at him in uncertainty. Robb whispered something harsh in his ear. Jon said something back. The siblings went back and forth.
Jon Connington grew irritated. "The king has issued a command!"
Jon told Robb something that eased the heir of Winterfell and stepped forward to the center. Whispers reached a new pitch as the white wolf stood before them. The legend of the bastard was well known.
Aegon looked at his family. The Martells looked upon Jon neutrally, but Arianne's look was full of lust. Rhaenys's smile was so big that Aegon thought her face was going to break apart. Dany's face was of curiosity. Rhaella's face was unreadable. Elia had a pleasant smile. Rhaegar…
Rhaegar…
Rhaegar's face was paled to the point to be considered unhealthy. He opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again, and closed it again. Purple eyes stared down at Jon in disbelief. The king's usual guard over his face broke apart, and everyone can see the emotions crossing his stunned face at a pace Aegon had never seen in his life. The king looked like he had seen a ghost reappear from the dead. "Lyanna...," Aegon heard Rhaegar whisper painfully.
Confused silence fell over the hall. Everyone looked at each other awkwardly. What is wrong with father? Aegon asked with concern.
Elia and Rhaella placed their hands on opposite shoulders of the king and were whispering words of concern. Rhaegar shrugged them off while never taking his eyes off the man in front of them. Arthur came forward in a hurry, but before he did, Rhaegar exploded out of his chair, knocking it back and silencing everyone.
Rhaegar's eyes were overflowing with angry tears, and they were directed at the northern attendance. The Starks backed up hesitantly at the heat of his vicious gaze, but there was no escaping the wrath of the dragon.
"Robb Stark, WHY DO YOU HAVE MY SONNNNN!" Rhaegar roared for everyone to hear, eyes wild and hair unraveling. His yell easily echoed through the hall and touched everyone's ear. Everything dissolved in chaos at once.
Amongst the shouting and the scraping of chairs, the swords being drawn by the kingsguard, and bodies being pushed and trampled, Aegon's mind crumbled.