Jon

A silence Jon could not identify fell over the room when everyone left, but Jon and Rhaegar remained in the solar. It was just them, the tapestries on the walls, and the slow-waving candle between them. Rhaegar's face blurred in front of the little flame.

"Lyanna and I agreed to name you Maegor after she was expected with you," Rhaegar said softly in the air. The king had calmed down to where he reverted to his ordinary disposition. Jon thought his voice was soft but able to keep one's attention. "Maegor for a boy, Visenya for a girl. You were supposed to have a Targaryen name, not the one Eddard Stark imposed upon you. Yet another privilege he has taken away." Jon can hear the displeasure in the king's voice easily enough. He will not forget…just like me.

Maybe that is best, I think. Uncle at least did that right. "Naming me after Maegor is awfully distinctive from the usual Aegon or Daemon, I give you that," Jon said dryly. "I like to think that I am not cruel, though." His past with the Golden Company flashed in his brain and his smile died.

A slight frown was on Rhaegar's face. "Your mother and I did not think of this name easily. In fact, Lyanna shared the same mutinying look you have on your face now. 'Why not Jaehaerys or Aemon,' she asked, and that Maegor is a cursed name. I looked her in the eyes and asked her, why must a name be associated with the forebearer? Why must the name be cursed and feared so when that man is long dead? The next Maegor can do right where the last failed. He can be strong with a good sense of justice but also can be caring. With time, fewer people will think of Maegor the cruel but instead think of Maegor the good. I wanted that for my son. Lyanna soon consented and even became eager to use that name." Rhaegar smiled, a small thing but it lit up his handsome face. "I thought that dream was buried with your mother. But I should know… dreams never die."

But I've been Jon Snow my whole life. That's who my loved ones remember me as. Without that…who am I?

"Discarding the name I bore my whole life to take on another is not an easy task, your grace. That's…like taking a piece of myself. Becoming someone else."

"You mean to stick with the name of bastard? You are a trueborn. I married your mother Lyanna in front of a septa."

"I can be Jon Targaryen." The name did not taste great on his lips, he admit. "No one will question the name then."

"Your mother intended for you to have this name, Maegor." Rhaegar saw the uncertainty on his face. "We can talk this over in Kingslanding."

Damn. He expects me to come with him, Jon thought wearily. What king wouldn't? A son of the crown is naturally assumed to be in the Red Keep or Dragonstone. That means leaving my siblings behind…

"Kingslanding?" Jon said slowly.

Rhaegar gave Jon a look, the one someone gives when that person said something strange. "Yes. You are going to Kingslanding with me and your siblings. Since you deny me the justice to Lord Stark, you may show me the courtesy of granting me this."

The thought of going south generated a knot of unease in his belly. I'll be leaving Arya, Robb, Rickon, Sansa, and Bran behind. And there was a further concern. "My newfound siblings almost suffocated me with their loveable welcome," Jon said with a small smile. "They are delighted to be blessed with a brother." He saw it on Aegon's horrified face. The crown prince looked upon Jon like a sickness. Rhaenys told me herself…with words and hands. The princess's showing was more telling. He can still feel the sting on his bearded cheek. I can safely assume she cares not for the tradition of brother and sister, Jon mused. And throws me aside because she does not want to bed me anymore. Huh. Jon thought they had an understanding, but he pushed the feelings away. She should not have spoken of my mother in that way. He did not permit the hurt to sneak into his chest, in his heart. It was only the cold that is supreme in his bones.

Rhaegar sighed. "War is about. Aegon is just as confused as everyone else. He is a good man that likes to laugh with others. Your brother will warm up to you. Rhaenys…" He paused to find the proper wording. "Does not like wha- "

"Me," Jon cut off. "I am not simple. She despises me for being the son of the woman that you ran off with. I understand perfectly." She did not care for me, just interested in what is in my breeches like any other woman. That is gone and now I am nothing.

Rhaegar gave appraised him; purple eyes guarded. "Word had me believe she had a liking for you."

She did before she had any inkling of who I was. Jon gave him a bitter smile. "You and I were both made fooled, your grace." He quickly changed the subject. "Now what is more important is the issue of the Westerlands and Stormlands."

Rhaegar's eyes were hesitant. The king did not have time to respond before Arthur Dayne knocked and poked his head in. "The Lord hand waits without, Rhaegar," Arthur said informally. The talk of their close relationship was true.

"Bring him in, Arthur," Rhaegar said, just as casually.

Arthur gave Jon a lingering look and stepped aside to let Jon Connington move forward. The redhead was adorned in a doublet of red and white embroidered with the two griffins on the chest. A red cape was fastened by the badge molded into the likeness of a hand. The door closed with the Lord hand standing there, looking Jon over with a critical eye.

"Tis there something on my face?" Jon asked him, put off by his blatant staring. The hand glowered at him, not at all subtle. I found someone else that hates my guts. Add him to the list. It was somewhat comical how Jon generates enemies better than he produces friends.

"Jon, what is urgent?" Rhaegar asked softly.

Connington side glared at Jon before giving his utmost attention to the king. His demeanor changed swiftly. "Tis the kingslayer. Kevan Lannister freed him and slaughtered eleven of our guardsmen. They rode into the woods," Connington said through gritted teeth, clearly stressed.

That is not good, Jon knew. He took one glance at Rhaegar to know he felt the same. He looks troubled, betrayed, Jon noticed. It was strange. He did not think the kingslayer who killed a boy would kill to escape?

The king cursed under his breath. "Send a party of mounted men at once. They mean to ride to Casterly Rock," Rhaegar said. "We cannot allow that. He is a valuable piece to stay Tywin's hand." His face turned grim. "If we cannot catch him, the war will begin in earnest. The Riverlands will be the first to meet their fury. Additionally, Storm's end is not far off from the capital. They will march soon. Griffin's Roost, your seat, will certainly be sieged. Send a raven to prince Doran and tell him to ready his men to try to meet Renly from his rear. They have no choice but to look over their shoulder for the Dornish coming down from the pass. The crownlands will assemble to meet them forward, and his forces will be squished. I will talk to Edmure Tully myself to discuss how the Riverlands can be used against the Lannisters."

Jon Connington nodded his head.

Jon had other plans.

"We need not worry about the kingslayer reaching Casterly Rock or Renly Baratheon marching on Kingslanding," he said calmly. They both stared at him.

"I thought the white wolf had the sense for warfare. Your head is soft," Connington chuckled.

He was silenced by Jon's cold glare. "You forget I have a dragon. Cannibal is faster than man and horse. Even if Jaime Lannister reaches Casterly Rock, which he is not, I can easily fly to the keep and make Tywin and his armies kneel. Jaime Lannister will come, and we will be waiting for him like a lamb for the slaughter. The same goes for Renly Baratheon. It takes weeks for all their bannermen to ready their men, and that is an ample amount of time for Cannibal to reach them both. We can end the war with little bloodshed." Connington sputtered. Jon reserved a smile just for him. The hand returned it with a scathing glare.

"You will help us? Truly?" Rhaegar asked, incredulity layering his soft voice. "You will use your dragon to aid us…again?" You think I will not this time?

"I have before." Jon sighed. "Both Tywin and Renly have justifiable reasons to call their banners. Therefore, I will not shower them in dragon fire." His gaze sharpened on the king. "But Viserys must be castigated accordingly. It is only right." His hands fisted on his side.

"He is your uncle, the king's brother," Connington told him. "You mean to punish him?"

"Yes. Being a brother to the king does not give you free way to do as you please. He killed a boy and a harmless woman," Jon said coldly. He looked Rhaegar in the eyes. "…if you don't uphold justice on Viserys…I will take Cannibal and go back north with the Starks, and you shall deal with the Lannisters and Baratheons yourself."

Connington bristled, his face reddening. "Rhaegar is king! We do as he please! If he does not mean to punish his brother, then Viserys will go unpunished! And you will still use your dragon on his command!"

This man is a fopdoodle.

Rhaegar raised his hand to quieten the Lord hand. "The dragon is his, Jon. Only he has the ruling to where his dragon can and cannot go." Rhaegar smiled at Jon. "I had every intention of punishing Viserys, blood or not. But you have spoken like your mother just then. Lyanna cared for the innocence but unleashed her fangs on those who wronged others…I am thankful she passed on her traits to you."

Jon Connington grew uncomfortable. "That will be all. I will make my leave now, your grace." Rhaegar nodded his consent.

When the hand left Jon said, "That man has a stick up his arse, a big one."

Rhaegar chuckled slightly. "Do not feel put out. He doesn't even like my wife, the queen. Jon is flawed like any man. But He has shown unwavering loyalty to me over the years. I do not lament in making him my hand. I would not have it any other way."

So, he has a hand up his arse then.

Rhaegar stared over him again, as if he had more to say but couldn't find the words to do so. Jon felt like a prized stallion under his purple gaze. "Cannibal is yours. How did you come by it, hells, how did you even manage to tame that dragon? The history accounts claimed that no one has ever ridden him before."

"I went alongside Tyrion Lannister to Old Valyria. It was there I found Cannibal." Jon shrugged, not really wanting to go into detail. "Maybe Cannibal was bored."

Rhaegar's eyebrows shot to his head. "You were there with him? He told me that all his crew was killed and that only he remained."

"He lied." Jon's lip lifted just a tad. "You really thought he could survive the ruins of that cursed city by himself?"

"No, but why did he lie?" Rhaegar asked, but Jon can see the understanding unfolding in his eyes. "He knew too?" At Jon's nod, Rhaegar's face grimaced. "I thought of him as my friend, but he sought to conceal the truth from me as well. He takes after Lord Tywin more than I assumed."

No…he is your brother and my uncle. That thought was scary. I will not be the one to tell him…It is Tyrion's secret to tell and only his.

"He didn't say anything of me to you because I forbade him from doing so," Jon said. "I knew the truth."

Jon thought there was hurt in Rhaegar's eyes. "And…you did not hope to tell me of this?" The king asked.

"No. I did not know you or any of the royal family. Why would I come forward uncertain of the unknown with that endeavor? You would have demanded Lord Stark's head."

"For sufficient reasons."

"And I cannot allow you to do that." Jon shook his head. "I love the Starks too dearly to break apart the family." He did not want to see the tears on Arya's and Rickon's faces.

"Aye, but even so you must have known that I could do little against a dragon," Rhaegar said with slight rigidness. "You still could've come forward and keep the Stark's safe…. was there another reason?"

Do I want to tell him? Jon's chest was now heavy. "I…. I was afraid it was going to be the same situation in Winterfell. That I was going to be the black sheep of the family and feeling like I didn't belong. Would I have just run away again?"

"Never," Rhaegar said at once, startling Jon with the vigor behind his words. "I ran off with your mother long ago, not because we felt different, but because we yearned for love and the hope that together as one, we can finally feel at home." The king's eye flashed with its violet. "There is no doubt in my bones that you are now at home with me."

Does he jest? Jon thought. He gave the king a wary smile. "Thank you, your grace."

Then there were two rolls of parchment stamped with the Targaryen seal. Jon looked up at Rhaegar questionably. "We shall talk about the contents of these letters upon our return," Rhaegar told him. "In the meantime, I will be pleased if you become acquainted with your new family."

Will I?

It was outside in the vast cold corridor that Jon and Rhaegar met with Aegon, Barristan and Arthur, and Lewyn. The four men each had a different facial expression: Barristan shocked, Lewyn conflicted, Arthur stricken, and Aegon unreadable.

Why does he look at me so? Jon thought, meeting Arthur's lasting gaze. The knight had sent him a dozen puzzled looks that Jon could not decipher. What's even more puzzling is that I cannot sense his sword, Dawn. Jon's eyes traveled to the great sword on Arthur's back. Not a single twinge Jon can feel. Is it not Valyrian steel?

"Father," Aegon greeted warmly. "…brother." The prince's tone turned polite, and his purple eyes measured him. The smile was there, but Jon can see that it was false. The face was handsome with the blood of Valyria, but it could not hide what was underneath. What have I done to him? On the occasions, he had interacted with the prince it was civil. After Jon presented Aegon with Blackfyre, the prince treated him like a longtime friend. Now it was gone.

"Aegon," Rhaegar greeted cordially. "I presume Lady Margaery waits for your arrival in your chambers?"

From what has happened, I would expect her to sleep with a dagger between her thighs.

The smile on Aegon's face wavered but held firm. "Not tonight, father. She sleeps in a separate bed chamber. No doubt she wants to be alone to rejoice the fact her brother will keep her head." There was a sliver of cynicism in his voice.

Rhaegar gave him a look. "It was by your doing that we had to let Loras go lightly."

"You have let him go lightly, that's an understatement. All you did was ruffle their feathers. The lords now think us weak and afraid of challenging the roses." Aegon smiled big and gestured towards Jon. "But now we can remedy that." He is not suggesting what I think he is suggesting…

Rhaegar narrowed his eyes. "Remedy how?"

"My dear little brother has a dragon, correct? Now…" Aegon motioned his hands together as if he was telling them a big secret. "Now we can judge Loras justly. The Tyrells would balk against a dragon. They would be hopeless, and they would watch Loras be sentenced to death." Aegon stared at Jon pointily. "Don't you agree, brother?"

He is testing me, Jon realized in a flash. He wants to see if I would obey his wishes and be brought under his heel. Rhaegar stared at them both, pondering.

"It would be untrue if I agreed," Jon said to Aegon's frown. "Loras was already tried in front of all the lords in attendance and received his judgment. It would be jarring, not even mentioning the fact that we would disgruntle the Reach more than what we already have."

"He kidnapped our sister," Aegon said sharply. "Do you not want to meet ends?"

"The sister who cursed me and slapped me on the cheek? That one?" Jon asked sarcastically. "Yes, let's burn the world for her."

"That's a great idea. Why don't we follow up on that?" Aegon snapped back.

Rhaegar wedged in just before the conversation heated. "I arranged for Jon to have his belongings moved inside the castle. The Northern lords are quite riled up. We shall not them assent to new ideas. We were on the way now."

"Perhaps I can escort him to his room?" Aegon said, to the surprise of Jon. "That way we can have a proper brother-to-brother bonding."

Rhaegar stared at them, thinking. He nodded with a smile. "Excellent idea. It is down the hall from your own chambers." The king placed a warm hand on Jon's shoulder. "We shall talk more on the morrow… my son."

The king swept passed Aegon with just the barest of nods. No comforting words or a touch of warmth that Jon was bestowed. Lewyn was the one to shadow the king's steps.

Aegon stared after his father's back, eyes deep with thought.

"Aegon," Arthur called out. "Your brother."

"What?" Aegon threw out, but he snapped back to attention with a smile. "Yes, brother, let's walk, shall we?"

"If you are bothered by that, let's not," Jon said and meant that.

Aegon laughed out loud and threw his arm around Jon's shoulders. They were almost of the same weight with Aegon getting the narrow advantage. "Why would I be bothered when I offered to do so?" They slowly walked down the massive hallways. Arthur Dayne and Barriston Selmy guarded their steps, knights in white. Their footsteps echoed. As a child, this was one of Jon's fantasies. As a man, he did not know how to cope with it.

"You did not look delighted about everyone finding out I was your brother in the great hall. I watched you." I watched every one. Your face happened to stand out with its disgust, Jon thought.

It was a pause before Aegon's response. "The truth surprised us all. You must have seen the shock on my face, I bet. I was unhappy in part, true, but it was only about the audacity of House Stark to hide my brother from me, not of your actual existence. Who wouldn't be ecstatic to find his long-lost brother that is not only a famed warrior from the east, but is a dragon rider as well? Don't you agree, Arthur?" Aegon asked over his shoulder. Arthur gave a nimble nod, his eyes stuck on Jon.

Your words sound like sweet fresh water, Jon thought, but it tastes like water full of salt. "I know a few brothers that are envious or hateful of each other and would feen for a chance to be relieved of them." He thought of the hound and his scarred face and his hate for his elder brother.

Aegon turned his head to fully look at him, his face wide with his smile, showing rows of clean white teeth. "Is that so? That's very unfortunate. Isn't family the most valuable treasure there is?" That's what the king had said about me…is…is Aegon envious of me?

"It depends…is the treasure real shining gold, or is it fake to hide the ugliness in its depth?"

"I know you have a nice voice for songs, but I never took you for a poet." Aegon removed his arm from Jon's shoulder. "What did you and father discuss?" Is this why you wanted to speak with me?

"He will tell you if he wanted you to know." Jon was uncertain if the king wanted him to discuss their plan with any ears.

"It is my responsibility to know." Aegon paused. "I am the crown prince."

We have already taken the wrong foot…shouldn't brothers try to get along?

"The kingslayer escaped. In the morn, the king and I will take Cannibal to chase him down and make Tywin kneel. Likewise, we will make Renly Baratheon kneel and end the war before it even starts."

Aegon processed this. "What if I came with?" the prince asked thoughtfully.

"You have to ask the king," Jon told him.

Aegon shrugged casually. "If you go with him, why can't his firstborn son come as well?" The prince clearly wanted to say it with ease, but Jon can hear the edge in his voice.

"The dragon is mine, of course I have to go," Jon deadpanned.

"We will discuss this with father in the morn," Aegon decided with a frown. "I will come." He is stubborn, just like Rha-

"As you wish," Jon simply said. "How are you and Margaery?"

Anger streaked across Aegon's face. "Abnormal. How are you and Rhaenys?"

You didn't have to say that. "You saw how we are," Jon said.

"That I did," Aegon said, all too pleased.

Jon thought it took all too long for them to stop before a door made of oak. Aegon clapped him on the shoulder. "This is where I leave you."

"Aye."

They stared at each other.

"We should spar sometime," Jon said. He didn't know why he said it, but he did.

Aegon nodded, clear that he disagreed, and turned to walk away. When Barriston followed but not Arthur, Aegon wheeled around. "Arthur?" he said with confusion.

Arthur gave Aegon a reassuring smile. "I will shadow Maegor today, egg." Jon flinched at the name. Of course, Dayne would know the king's preferred name for me.

Aegon's face warped with betrayal and rage. Then it was gone, replaced by a blank slate. But his purple eyes still held contempt for all of them. "Enjoy yourself," was all he said, and he and Barriston went back down the way they came.

Why did I hope we can be brothers? Like me and Robb are? Why bother getting to know any of them? The whole royal family hates me.

Jon entered the room. The room was nicely furnished with a red canopy bed, elegant red and black rushes from the free cities, and a side table with cushion chairs lying about. Jon's belongings were brought in, just as the king said. In the middle of the richness sat Ghost. The big Direwolf bounded to his feet and eagerly licked Jon's face.

"Hey boy," Jon said joyfully. It was the first time he smiled all day. He ruffled Ghost's white fur. "I didn't think they would manage to bring you in here without you tearing a couple of balls off." That earned him a playful nip on the shoulder. "OW! Aye I know, you are nicer than me."

"Isn't that beast dangerous?" Arthur said, eyeing the wolf warily. "It is as big as a horse and the other ones. How are these wolves tamed to be pets?"

"They are not beasts, ser. We found them when they were pups and raised them ever since. They are loyal to us and us only." Jon stood up and looked at Arthur, crossing his arms. "Whatever you want to say spit it out. You have been shooting me looks all throughout the day."

Arthur turned grim. "Aye, I do have something to say." He closed the door. He took off his white helm and shook his pale blonde hair free. He set that aside and propped his sheathed great sword against a chair and sat in it.

I still cannot sense the sword, Jon said with a little frustration. Arthur raised an eyebrow at his staring, and Jon looked away with a weak scowl. "What do you want to discuss?"

"You," Arthur said bluntly. "How are you alive?"

How am I alive? Jon blinked. "…By breathing?" he offered weakly.

Arthur stared at him, hard, but he then chuckled. "Oh, it is so much like Lyanna to pass off her smart asseness onto her son."

"You knew her."

"I did. Oswell and Gerold did as well. We all loved her. She was smart with humor and a kind heart. She made Rhaegar smile better than any person we know. We all lost something that day when she died." The hard look was back in Arthur's eye. "On that day, we knew Lyanna would give birth soon. We heard of Rhaegar's victory on the Trident and stood vigilant, as we know Lyanna and her child would be prime picking for any rebels feeling vengeful for their defeat at the hands of the Targaryens. Suddenly…we woke up…even though we thought we were awake already. We were met with the strong stench of ash and fire. We looked back to see the tower aflame. When the fire died down, Lyanna's bones were there…and we thought the child died with her."

Oh…Jon stared at Arthur in horror. He found it hard to talk. "I don't know what to say." Did he burn my mother alive and take me away?

"It was foul play," Arthur snapped, words as sharp as Dawn. "Eddard Stark was not a man enough to face us. He used sorcery or whatever he did to steal you from Rhaegar. He shamed Lyanna in the process as well. Taking her baby away from the father and setting her body aflame."

"He did not tell me this," Jon said. Or was I unwilling to listen to anything he had to say? It was painful to remember the day that Jon forced the confession out of Ned. To know that the crazy Euron Greyjoy told him the truth before Ned did. Maybe he should have spoken with Ned more in earnest.

"Because he is a man without honor," Arthur fumed. "His reputation is falsehood. And he bedded my sister after promising he would have her hand in marriage. But after the tourney at Harrenhall, Ashara did not see a wisp of that man again. Lord Stark is fortunate that he did not father a bastard on her, or else I would cut through his entire House guard to have his head. Why do you defend this man?"

I have told the king why, but it gets harder repeating myself and believing that I believe it. "Despite being a 'bastard' he still showed me the same love he has for his children. He fed me and made sure I had proper education from the same maester that educates Robb Stark. I will never be a Stark, I knew that and I left because of that, but I will always love his children furiously. I will not take their father away."

Arthur had a soft smile now, so different from the scowl he had on his face. "Lyanna should be alive right now…to see how much you have grown and how alike you are to her." Jon returned his smile hesitantly, fearing that he is lying.

Hours passed with them just trading stories; how Lyanna was the mystery night, how Rhaegar came to be a warrior, how the kingsguard had to deal with the mischief of Aegon, Rhaenys, and Daenerys in the capital, how Jon's life was at Winterfell with Catelyn's scornful gaze haunting his childhood.

Arthur's lips curled at the mention of her. "Lord Stark married her instead of my beloved sister…fitting punishment enough, I say." Jon chuckled a bit and continued.

Arthur interrupted when Jon was discussing his time with the Golden Company. "Come again? How many Dothraki's you taken on at the same time?"

Jon smiled a little. "Three, I can dual-wield swords."

Arthur smiled savagely. "I can as well, and I can take seven men at the same time."

"I can now as well," Jon said in defense. "I bet you cannot do it as spectacularly as me. Dawn must have lost its edge with you doing nothing but watching the king talk all day. My valyrian weapons are sharp and well-used."

"We shall see in the courtyard for a harmless spar if you are man enough to cross blades with me," Arthur said with a smirk. "So, I can put your face in the dirt as I do to Aegon."

"My face hasn't felt the dirt in years, Dayne. However, I think your sparkly white cloak is in need of a little dirtying. I am always on the verge to vomit seeing how clean that shit is." The two famed warriors laughed as one.

Arianne

A surprise, an unconventional and annoying one for sure, but still a surprise.

"It's ok cousins. Doubtless, the lord of the night came for a harmless chat," Arianne told the defensive Nymeria, Tyene, and Obara. "What do we have to worry about after we saw what he can do?" She added with a smirk. That set smirks on all their faces, and they relaxed their grips on their weapons.

Weirdly, Darkstar had a smirk on his face as well. "Trust me, princess, no one has seen my full capabilities."

"I think…" Arianne pretended to be in thought, tapping her finger on her lips. "I think the whole great hall has seen what you can do, and how you can leave in a state of distress." This time, the Sand Snakes couldn't contain their mirth. It rang high and low in the corridor.

Darkstar's smile was gone. His face was blank. "You mock me?"

"No, I am not mocking you. I'm appraising the ethics of the white wolf's thought process to leave you shaking like a leaf on the floor. It was very well done."

Arianne's full lips lifted when she saw the light scowl on Darkstar's face. Some things can never change or get boring.

"That's unusual to say to a man that undressed you many times," Darkstar said.

Arianne waved a casual hand, jiggling the golden bracelets on her wrist. "As if that holds a tig to me now. You don't mean anything to me anymore."

"I don't?" Darkstar took a step forward. "I've been replaced?" Yes, Jon is the man you can never be.

"Indeed," Arianne confirmed. "How can I not replace you after the display in the great hall? Why wouldn't I aim higher? Why wouldn't I get the man who embarrassed you so?" I remember the way Jon stood over his shaking body, Arianne thought with a mental moan. He can make me shake.

"Jon snow?" Darkstar said in shock. That is weird, Arianne thought.

But Arianne took great pleasure to say what was next. "His name is Jon, but he is a Snow no longer. He is the missing son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark….and the rider."

Darkstar's face went through degrees of shock, denial, and anger, and reverted to a blank sheet. "You are in love with him then?"

Not yet, Arianne admitted, but it does not hurt to rile him up.

"Yes," she said, and she said it with great satisfaction. "It brings me great joy to be with a real man worthy of me."

"You bitch," Darkstar rumbled with a snarl and approached. "I'll show you who is worthy of me." His hand reached for his sword.

In a snap, Nymeria, Obara, and Tyene quickly had him surrounded with spear, whip, and dagger. They eagerly waited for his next move. Darkstar was smart enough to sense the present danger and retracted his hand slowly.

"Careful, it will not be good to soil the day of Rhaegar's son's return," Arianne said with a smug smile. "And it will not be good for you to have me snatch your tongue for threatening the princess of Dorne."

"And It would be me snatching it," Oberyn said, walking into the fold. He gave Darkstar a smile that was as charming as it was threatening. "You crawl back from the dirty shithole you were in to threaten my niece…"
Darkstar shrugged. "It depends on your perspective. To me, we were just having a friendly chat. Isn't that right, princess?" He threw a smile at Arianne. It was once charming to Arianne, but now nothing to charm her like Jon's face can.

"Not at all, uncle," Arianne disagreed sweetly. Darkstar grimaced slightly. You were always scared of my uncle and still are. You deserve to die.

Oberyn hummed. "I will be well in my rights to kill you right now. Nobody would give a shit either. But." He held up a finger. "I do have use for you. I will not take your tongue yet."

What? Arianne thought in exclamation. Her cousins looked shocked as well. Uncle has never liked Darkstar, can't even be in the same room as him. Numerous times he asked my father for permission to kill him. What is going on?

"Hmhph," Darkstar scoffed. He followed Oberyn down the hallway.

"The world is ending," Obara lamented.

"It is," Arianne said in agreement.

"Father ruined our fun," Nymeria whined to Tyene. She cradled her whip.

Tyene sighed and concealed her daggers back into her skirt. "That he did."

"You may have lost your fun, but mine is yet to start," Arianne told them with a smile. All but Obara giggled.

Now that pesky man is out of the way, I can go about what I was going to do and meet my dragon.

Jon

Jon's and Arthur's playful banter was cut short by a knock on the door. Ghost was put to attention, and Arthur retrieved his helm and sword. "Duty resumes," Arthur said, and opened the door. "Princess," he said with surprise.

What?

Jon's head snapped to the door, but it was not the princess he thought it was. "Arthur, I thought the kingsguard was supposed to stand post outside the chamber, not inside," Arianne jested. "What would Ashara say if she saw this?"

"You should have more interest in what I would say to her. She can mind her bloody business," Arthur jested back. He then turned serious. "What are your doings here?"

"I want to talk with prince Jon."

"Prince Maegor," Arthur corrected, and Arianne looked puzzled.

Damn him. "It is just Jon, Dayne!" Jon called out. "You are good at swordplay, but you are not nearly as good at listening."

"Excuse the prince's manners. I will leave you two to it." Arthur gave Jon a wink from beneath his helm and closed the door behind him. Whatever that means.

Now that the princess stood before him, without Rhaenys taking his eye, Jon can finally admire her fully and was taken aback. She was short, but her form was very buxom with thick thighs, a slim waist, and a good amount of cleavage that she did not try to hide. Her lips are full. Her clever eyes were dark. And her hair was darker and fell to the back of her neck. A red Tiara she wore on her head. Jewels she wore on her fingers, and golden bracelets she wore on her wrists. The orange dress she wore was revealing, and Jon can the imprints of two rounded dark nipples. No one can deny she was a great beauty. She is the vision of a princess.

I have met a beauty. It was at this tourney and where did that get me? Jon thought and turned his eyes to meet Arianne's smirking ones. He tried to not focus on the stir he felt.

"What can I do to help you?" Jon asked. He attempted to look relaxed, to not let her notice his wandering eyes.

"A lot of things, my prince," Arianne said with a devious smile and, very unceremoniously, threw herself on his bed without a word for permission. She kicked her sandals off, and the sandals smacked against the wall. "First, you can allow me to share your bed. Damn, that felt good," Arianne groaned and leaned on her elbow. She looked at Jon with a smile, showing no indignity for what she has just done...or said.

Jon had to award her with a smile. Arianne did not hide how her eyes traveled to his lips. She is carefree, I give her that. But she best pick them sandals up herself when she leaves here. He wisely decided to sit on one of the cushions. Arianne saw this but did not comment.

"The son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark," Arianne breathed out with a smile. Jon noticed that her voice was husky. "Hidden amongst the cold and the snow. It would be a glorious song."

"I rather it not," Jon said dryly. "My story is anything other than a song. I could not bear hearing someone screeching my struggles for everyone's entertainment." Arianne sniggered.

"Make the song yourself. We've heard you sing. You must know you have a euphonious voice. It makes me feel like you were right next to my ear, whispering and touching me with your fingers. Let me think. It is like…smoothing honey over a chicken." Arianne chuckled. "Something like that."

That's a great analogy. Jon's lip twitched but it was just that. "That was very descriptive. And it had to do with food. Maybe someone has an appetite?" He suggested. For some reason, he felt like he was caught in a trap. Arianne's eyes narrowed.

"Oh, I know. That someone is me, and I know what I want to eat." Arianne gave him a suggestive smile to tell him what she meant. She moved her chest slightly, but with her bosom, it seemed like she moved her whole body. "Do you know what you want to eat?"

Jon can feel himself stir more. "I have an idea."

Arianne then got off the bed and put on her sandals. "However, I like to walk before I dine." She offered her jeweled hand. "May you escort me, my prince?" She said it with a sultry tone, layered under sweetness.

Jon thought of Rhaenys and got slightly irritated. She hates me. Why do I think of her? He grabbed the hand and even placed a kiss on it. It was quick, but he liked the softness. "What prince would I be to deny it, princess?"

Arianne blushed. Then gave him a heated look. "A joke of a prince, a joke of a man I imagine. And you are far from it." Jon watched her bring their joined hands to her lip, watched her kiss his. Ghost made no move to join them. The wolf looked at Jon knowingly. Jon glared at him.

They left the chamber and interlocked arms. She held tight. Jon can smell her fragrant scent of her. Arthur Dayne followed them without a word. Jon can feel his smirk.

They rounded the corner and came upon Daenerys and Rhaella Targaryen with Gerold Hightower standing behind them protectively. Both Targaryens were in matching blue gowns with sapphire Tiaras upon their brows. They were conversating merrily but stilled at the sight of Jon.

Here comes the scorn. Jon was prepared for anything at this point.

Daenerys turned her purple eyes to Arianne on his arm. "What are you doing with him?" It sounded hostile, but Jon did not think it was that.

But Jon still thought, they don't want the princess to be around me. They want to avoid me as best as they can.

Arianne gave Daenerys a haughty smile. "I'm taking it upon myself to make a relationship with our new prince, since you are not doing it."

Daenerys frowned in mock agitation. "We were just on our way to his chambers to do that! You didn't even give us a chance!"

They were? Jon did not believe them. They just want to save face.

They watched as Rhaella step forward to Jon. Rhaella was silent as she scanned Jon's face. The woman was still very beautiful in her old age. Nonetheless, Jon still did not feel at ease under the scrutiny of her purple eyes.

"Mother?" Daenerys started but stopped at Rhaella's hand.

Jon was startled when the queen dowager grabbed his face firmly. He was assaulted with light kisses all over his face. It tickled. Then she brought him to her chest and hugged him tightly. Jon went through more wars than many men, but even he couldn't react to this.

"My grandson is alive!" She whispered ferociously in his dark curls. "Alive and well with a dragon at his back! I am so proud of you!"

How? You do not know me, and I do not know you, Jon wondered but returned the older woman's hug. It must have been an awkward sight because Jon was a couple of inches taller than Rhaella but was forced into her chest. But they stayed there. Jon can hear the sniffs the woman tried to downplay.

Jon can feel another warm body join them.

"Nephew," Daenerys whispered secretly with a mischievous smile, "I am going to be the best aunt ever."

Why call me nephew? We are the same age? Jon thought with a smile.

Then Arianne joined the hug on the other side. But her hand traveled to his buttocks and squeezed. No one saw it, but Jon felt it. "And I am going to be the best friend you will ever have," Arianne said sweetly and gave another squeeze. It was then Jon felt desire for her; that kept away Rhaenys's face from blurring into his mind. Jon gave her a look that Arianne returned.

The three of them must have been quite a sight, huddling together, sniffs and whispers emitting from them.

But Jon did not break away because he felt content.

It was Arthur's cough that made them turn around to glare at the knight. The sword of the morning only humored them with a smirk. "I am assigned to protect the prince. I cannot let you kill him with such a display of love before I can kill him in the courtyard."

Aegon

You prefer to be with him rather than me huh, Arthur? The betrayal Aegon felt was immense. The knight who had trained and joked with Aegon for years is throwing him away for Jon. Everyone likes Jon…

Aegon tried his hardest to appear incensed. He damn sure tried his hardest to smile at the folk that stopped in the middle of the hall to curtsy. It grew difficult fast when they asked him about him….

…him.

…his brother.

Brother. The word brought him no joy. It only endowed him with pain and anger. It was a dangerous combination for a dragon.

But you are not a dragon. Jon is. What do you have? You are nothing, his mind whispered to him, traitorous as well as evil.

He is talking to father behind my back, Aegon thought with fury. They are talking about me. About how Jon would be the better heir. I know it. I can see it in father's eyes.

Rhaegar spent most of today talking to Jon and only Jon. Aegon waited, and waited some more outside of the solar, to get words from his father, some clarity. But when they finally got out, Rhaegar still only had eyes for Jon. Aegon can see the warmth of the touch the king gave to Jon but refused to Aegon. The prince could feel the coldness when his father walked by him with naught but a nod.

He is taking my father away from me…I can feel it in my bones.

Jon had just confirmed it. They are going on dragon back without me. Not even telling me? The crown prince? It is ridiculous.

A common folk or common lord came before him with a stupid curtsy. "My prince! Your bro-"

Aegon swirled to give his fury. "Shut it!" He snapped. He can feel the veins pop in his head from his anger. "Whatever you have to say about my brother, I! do! Not! Give! A! Shit! I do not accept him!"

They stared at him. Aegon can feel it. But he walked on without a glance at any of them. He can feel the disapproving gaze of Barriston on his back but did not care in the slightest.

Going into his chambers didn't give him the relief that he desired. Elia, Oberyn, and Darkstar sat around the table. My table.

"I didn't give any of you consent to come into my chambers," Aegon said with venom. He turned to Darkstar and gave him a mocking smile. "Darkstar. I thought you had gone after my br- Jon made you leave with your tail tucked between your legs."

Darkstar gave him a dismissive gaze. "What I have between my legs is not a tail, but the misconception can be forgiven because of its length."

"Funny." Aegon turned to his mother. "Well? What is this?"

Elia gave him a stilly look, so unlike the looks of warmth she usually gives her children. "We came here to deal with Rhaegar's other son…he is a threat to you and Rhaenys. I can feel it in my bones, Aegon."

Benjen

It is over.

The dead were upon them.

Benjen did not think this was going to happen. Qhorin didn't either, Benjen knew. It was a simple mission that the Lord commander Stannis Baratheon gave to them, but it went so awry. From the shadow tower, Qhorin was to meet with Benjen's forces in the Skirling Pass. The Night's watch has heard rumblings of Mance Raider assembling a host of wildings one hundred thousand strong in the mountains of the Frostgangs. Stannis had grounded his teeth and ordered Benjen to set out a ranging with those of the Shadow tower to tell it true. The party consisted of fourteen men. The mission was supposed to be a scouting mission and only just that. Benjen knew the rest of the Night's watch sat upon the fist of the first men, watching to see if any wildlings come down.

They had hovered and watched the wildling army. It was indeed as they saw. Skin hide Tents, arranged sloppily, stretched far to the horizon that Benjen could not see. The camp was full of cookfires, bickering, and fighting. But the army did not march. It seemed as if they were looking for something. All thousands of them.

But before they can grasp what was happening, an eagle flew over them, and they were suddenly dragged before Mance Raider. The king beyond the wall did not execute them, despite the protests from the fighters of the Rattleshirt and the weeper.

"They will make good hostages," Mance had said and that was that. He then told Benjen and Qhorin of a horn, a horn that can bring down the wall to let the wildlings go south.

…. He had found it, unearthed by some wildling.

But before Benjen and Qhorin could do anything with that information, a cold chill grabbed them, so cold they couldn't breathe.

It is a miracle I had managed to grab this damn thing, Benjen thought and gripped the horn. Mance had dropped it during the panic, and Benjen was the one to scoop it up. The cold fell upon the camp, with dead things…

…Awful things…

Dead bears, snakes, shadow cats, chickens, wolves, people, elks, dogs…

Giants…

The dead came upon them, and all turned to chaos. The wildlings were no army. They had no discipline. They were scattered over the mountains in heartbeats, running to save their own lives.

The worst thing about it all was the spiders…the damn spiders. The creatures were in the perfect position to pick them off, one by one.

They were as dead as the rest of them but moved like it still breathed. Its tall scrawny legs mowed down any who tried to run. Their fangs were sharp and oozed with blue poison. Their blue beady eyes held nothing but the emotion of a dead thing.

They are here, Benjen thought grimly and stopped against a tree to catch his breath. But it did not come easy. The cold and the wind took all the air from them.

"We have to keep going, Stark," Qhorin said with steel. He reached with a hand. There was a low sound. The man was suddenly off his feet as a blue form the size of a hound collided with him. Benjen ran over with his steel bared as Qhorin screamed in agony. It was too late, Benjen saw in dismay.

The ice spider sat upon Qhorin, its razer black teeth sunken deep into the man's neck. Benjen can see the blue poison dripping from its mouth.

"You monster!" Benjen yelled, engaged. He moved forward and stabbed the spider in one of its eight eyes. The spider squealed something hideous and dropped, still moving, many legs spurring across the snow-packed ground. Benjen stabbed it again, but it still moved. He had to chop it to many pieces for Benjen to consider the threat removed. Despite his efforts, the damn fragments still moved, inching toward Benjen. Qhorin had stopped twitching, his lifeless eyes staring up at Benjen. Benjen wondered how fast his eyes will turn blue.

When he looked up, he was surrounded by all of them: spiders, bears, giants, and all the animals in the north. They stood amongst the dark sentinel trees and stared at him, blue eyes unblinking, their bodies either a bloody mess or a walking skeleton. The wight giants stood tall as the trees, and Benjen knew that one of them can just stomp on him. The dead do not talk true, but the silence was heavy and boding evil. Nothing moved except for the bitter wind. Not even the canopy of the trees dared to rustle. The thousands of glowing blue eyes in the darkness spoke more than any words can. The eyes implied death...and cold.

I am not afraid, Benjen thought, afraid. He clutched the horn hard, but he knew the horn will not break. He and Qhorin already attempted to shatter the thing. It had to be made of magic.

"Well!" Benjen yelled daringly. "Don't be craven! Come at me! You fuckers! You will not take away who I am! A person with fire in his body! You will not take that from me!" The Wights did not respond. The dead do not talk back, they kill. But they didn't make an effort to touch Benjen.

The Wights in one section parted. It was seamless and without a word. The already chilly air dropped considerably. Benjen gasped for air that is fighting against him. He started shaking, the cold seeping passed his furs and into his cooling body. His trembling hands dropped the horn, but he managed to hold his sword.

The being approached slowly, almost lazily. It took its time. It left no footprints on the snow. It was a tall being with eternal beauty. Its gaunt flesh was pale as milk. It wore an armor that was very much alien to Benjen. Its armor shifted and changed based on the images it passed. When it passed a dead bear, the armor shone like a sapphire gemstone. Benjen had to blink away the glare. The sword in its bony hand was a crystal, so sharp it sizzled in the cold air. It had a faint blue hue to it. Benjen has never seen anything as sharp, and he had seen Ice back at Winterfell. The white walker's blue eyes burned like the stars above them. They held nothing but hate for Benjen. They hate the warmth in his blood.

Nighttime stories come to life, Benjen thought grimly. But I will die as a brother of the night's watch! They will have to take the horn over my dead corpse!

He held up his sword, shakingly, and pointed the tip at the white walker in a challenge. "For the watch, come at me demon," Benjen murmured and prepared for his likely death. The white walker stared at him, and to Benjen's climbing horror, it smiled.

It was slow, and it sounded like someone stepping over shards of glass. It chilled Benjen more than the cold ever would. The white walker, smiling horridly, slowly pointed to him. The movement was slow, elegant…beautiful.

It wasn't pointing at him…

…It was pointing behind him!

Benjen heard his joints crack as he pivoted. But the cold hands were already on his throat. It was strong, cold, and dead. The grip was so strong that Benjen was taken to the ground. Qhorin was over him, choking the life out of him, with eyes as blue as the dead around them.

He couldn't beat his arms free. He couldn't breathe. Very soon he couldn't see. Black dots lined the corner of his vision. His head felt like it was about to blast. The black dots because bigger until they overcame his vision.

And my watch has ended…

Then he was dead, breathing no more.

It was an eternity before Benjen snapped his eyes open in shock, but he could not feel a thing…what has happened to me? He could still think but he couldn't feel a thing…he couldn't even feel his bones….

…and his heart beat no more.

ARTHUR: And there is that! And that is the chosen name Rhaegar and Lyanna planned for Jon. I just wanted to switch up from the usual Daemon or Aegon or Jae. And it is very sad to see that Aegon and Jon might not be the brothers Rhaegar wants them to be. Jon and Rhaenys is yet to be seen. And Arianne lurks.

I am sorry for the delay. I was out of town and I couldn't write. I hope this chapter was enjoyable, have a nice day!