Aegon
"A threat?" Aegon repeated his mother's words. Don't I think that? Don't I think that he Is going to steal everything that is cherished by me?
Elia sighed and put the glass of wine to her lips. "The Tourney of Harrenhall years ago is well known. Most do not know that Rhaegar has announced it to form a coup with all the great lords to dethrone the mad king Aerys."
Oberyn nodded along. "My brother told me true. Rhaegar wanted his assistance as well."
It was a shock but not the one that is important enough to linger. "Good for the realm. Why is this said?"
"It is my suspicion the late Rickard Stark was among that coup. Why do you think he agreed to foster Eddard Stark in the Vale with Robert Baratheon and gave Lyanna Stark's hand in marriage with Robert Baratheon? Yet, your father still ran off with the Stark girl. That seemed most unwise since he needed the Stormland's help to overthrow Aerys."
"That is most unfortunate indeed," Aegon said, still waiting for the relevance.
"I believe Rickard Stark backed out at the last minute, with Rhaegar wanting to wed Lyanna Stark instead. How could Rickard refuse?"
The jolt went through Aegon and stayed. No… "But that doesn't make sense. Why would Brandon Stark go to Kingslanding demanding father's head if Rickard Stark wanted Lyanna to be queen?"
"Brandon didn't know his father's schemes. It is known Brandon had a big mouth. I will not be surprised if Rickard withheld that knowledge from him. But Eddard or anyone else did not know either. When Rickard stark came south to face Aerys and plead for his son's life, we all know the man didn't get the opportunity to explain anything to Aerys. I question if he would survive if he did. The mad king would think the Starks were conspiring against them, which they were, and would still have them sentenced to death. Any sort of peace that could have been reached between Rhaegar and the north ceased, and Robert Baratheon was more than willing to call his banners."
Aegon was still searching for more clarity. "If Rickard Stark wanted that match to happen, why did father have to run off with her? Why not announce it right then and there for every lord to see?" Mother is not making sense.
"Robert Baratheon would no doubt be slighted…and so would Dorne." Aegon can detect the bitterness in his mother's voice. "That's two essential kingdoms Rhaegar needed to overthrow Aerys. They would not support Rhaegar if he declared his love for Lyanna Stark and how he was going to marry her, even when he is married to me. So, I believe, he and Lyanna ran off, and later, when Rhaegar was king, he could bring Lyanna back to Kingslanding with a baby in her stomach. How did the word come of their departure, we still do not know to this day, but it did, and they damned thousands to their deaths."
I understand now, Aegon was certain and took a seat next to Oberyn. Or is this what she wants me to believe?
"Rhaegar intended to replace Elia with the Stark girl," Oberyn said sleekly. "It makes sense."
"He did, Aegon. I know it to be true. I know it" Elia sighed deeply. "The faith would frown upon Rhaegar taking two wives. The Targaryens had no more dragons to have their way with polygamy marriages. He was going to annul our marriage, casting me aside, citing my inability to have more children as his reason. But with the Stark girl dead, Rhaegar did not mention how the procession went again and had the faith lay it to rest. I know it. Rhaegar did not tell me, but I just know…. And with Jon having a dragon, Rhaegar can just pass off the marriage by saying he took Lyanna as a second wife, to make Jon a trueborn. The faith does not want to meet the wrath of Cannibal. They would have to swallow it."
"You thought about this deeply," Aegon observed. Was father willing to throw all of us aside, just for Lyanna Stark and her child? He was afraid of the answer. Would that have worked? An annulment? Mother not being able to have more children can be used….Or is this all a made-up fantasy in mother's head?
"Yes…I have. I…had forgiven your father eventually after the Stark girl's death. It had taken years for me to allow him into my bed. It was hard to forgive how he shamed me so, by riding past me to crown the Stark girl and running off with her. But I did. With the Stark girl being found dead in the tower of Joy, I had no further concern to be bothered about you or your sister's status. But now the child of Lyanna Stark has arisen from the dead. Lyanna Stark haunts us from the grave."
"Very regrettable," Darkstar murmured in his cup. "A thorn in all of our arses."
Oberyn's dark eyes flashed in the torchlight. "He has to be removed."
"I do not want you or Rhaenys replaced with Jon like how Rhaegar attempted to replace me." Elia's eyes and words were imploring. "Rhaegar sees his son the same way he saw Lyanna, something to replace the old. With Jon having a dragon at his back, the northern lords would want him to be king of the seven kingdoms. In Rhaegar's mind, why would he argue against that? That was his original dream after all."
"If Jon wanted to be king, he would've killed all of us already," Aegon couldn't help but point out. "Any who stands against him would face the fire from the beast Cannibal." He thought of how Cannibal peered down at them all in the great hall. He almost shivered.
"Surely the man doesn't want to be king of the ashes. No one wants that. There's no merit," Oberyn stated. "And Rhaegar and the stupid man are taken with each other. We all saw this. The man doesn't want to upset his sire. Jon will wait until the king dies from old age, and he will strike, putting you and Rhaenys to the fire."
"Before Rhaegar can even begin the journey back to Kingslanding, Jon will be dead and so would the king's dream of replacing you and Rhaenys," Oberyn asserted.
I do not want to displease father either, Aegon thought with somewhat hesitation. Does Jon really want to be put ahead of me? He thought of Rhaegar's warmth of Jon but never gave to Aegon, and he thought about how easily Jon can be put in as heir. Aegon blinked and turned to put his gaze on Darkstar. "And how does this concern you? You are not meant to be here."
"I am here to assist with the removal of the white wolf. I am the most dangerous man in Dorne," Darkstar said, making Oberyn snort. "He has taken everything from me, my pride, my reputation, and…"
"I do not care," Aegon interrupted and earned a glare from Darkstar. It did not unman him. He was the crown prince. He gave Darkstar a charming smile to show that. "How in any way can you improve the chances of killing Jon if we simply choose another man in your stead?"
Elia and Oberyn shifted. Darkstar's smile crept to his sharp-lined face, infuriatingly. What? Aegon wanted to demand them but chose not to. I will not look a part of a child seeking answers the parents will not give.
"If you promise your word, that you will keep what is said in this room, we will tell you what he brings to the table, aside from what we already know," Elia said cautiously.
"I sooner ask him what kind of boon he will receive. What do you get out of this?" Aegon threw at Darkstar. I trust you not.
"You will help me take Dawn off Arthur's back," Darkstar said, making Aegon gape incredulously at him. "And I will take care of Rhaegar's son and keep you and your sister safe from his hands."
Not in the seven hells! Aegon threw a furious glare at both his mother and uncle. "To give this man Dawn, you mean to kill Arthur, my friend!" I will not give in to this, despite Arthur's betrayal of me. He taught me the sword.
"Not kill, I gave them my word," Darkstar said with a slimy smile.
"Arthur will die before someone takes Dawn off his hands," Aegon told him stubbornly. "Especially a man of your stature."
"Then Arthur will have no hands," Darkstar suggested, a cruel glint in his eyes. "But he will live, I promise."
Aegon had enough. He stood and slammed his hands on the table, quaking it and making the wine cups spill their vestiges. Oberyn gave him an annoyed stare, but Aegon didn't care. "I will not be a part of this," Aegon seethed through his clenched teeth. "I will not betray my friend. I will not betray my father either. I do not love Jon; I will never love him. But my father accepts him, and I will not go behind his back to satisfy your cravings!"
Elia gave him a stare. "Aegon, Rhaegar's choice of name for him is Maegor." Oberyn and Darkstar winced, even them.
"That's a sign from the gods if they ever give one," Oberyn whistled. "Maegor will tarnish the Targaryen name as his predecessor had. And our blood will mark his accent to tyranny and to the Iron throne."
At once a chill went straight through him. Maegor?! After the monster on the throne?! "I will shadow Maegor today, Egg," Arthur had told him. Aegon had thought he misheard. But he heard true.
Are they right? Maegor is a cursed name by many…
…But I cannot betray my father. I will show him I will be the better heir than Jon!
It was weak, but Aegon said, "You leave me out of this. Rhaenys might humor you, but I will not. It is only of you being my blood that I will not tell the king. You risk your lives fighting against a dragon lord. I will not embark on this suicidal ship, not when I see you don't have a dragon on your side."
Darkstar snorted in his goblet. Aegon gave him a stony look. "If by chance I come by the word of Arthur being hurt, you will see me being a prince is only a façade to hide what's beneath and to keep you safe. I will have High Hermitage burn." He was given a raised eyebrow as a reply.
Aegon left his own chambers, escaping before he was tainted even more.
He was walking down the corridors, purposelessly, mind in a storm. It was only the footsteps behind which made him aware of Barriston following him. In his hard slump, he strode passed any Lord or Lady who tried to approach him.
Was Mother just in speaking of father annulling his marriage with her to marry the Stark girl? No, she must be misled. She is wrong. Annulment has to take place in court, and in court, there was no word of this…But is she right? Was father set to make Rhaenys and I bastards? Would we have been bastards? No, this is all just to sway me…
What HAPPENED?
A different theory developed in his head. Is Mae-Jon going to kill us all after father dies? Did I let go of the possibility to flatten the threat before it can grow into a danger?
No. Aegon shook his head. Jon has a dragon. Bidding to kill him will be the end of us all. They are wags and buffoons.
But Aegon thought of the name Maegor and associated Jon with it, picturing Maegor with Aegon's crown on his brow with a cruel grin while the black Cannibal spewed flames and killed by the thousands. The man and the dragon laughed, as black and dark as the destruction around them. He could be Maegor the reborn…
Aegon held his fist with the other hand to prevent the tremors.
It was in the deep of his tormenting that a bright idea flared to life. What if…what if I can be a brother to him?
It was sickening to Aegon. He wanted to retch until his stomach was depleted and until his mind was clear of such thoughts. Jon was his competition for his crown and to his father's love. But it holds weight…. I can be a brother to him, and then he can dote on me. Then he wouldn't have the same longing to feed me to his dragon to steal my birthright…If that becomes true, of him not wanting the throne, maybe he can be a brother to me…
"Ah, the prince is taking a stroll," Barriston remarked suddenly with a warm smile, peering through one of the windows. The window authorized the sunlight to rain down in the wide corridor, spraying Barristan's armor with a brilliant white. "The princesses are with him."
Intrigued, Aegon stood with him to see as well…
…And his blood roasted like a goose over a flame.
Outside was a beautiful tranquility with tall sentinel trees, blossoming flowers, and a wide field of greenery that stretched till it met the banks. Jon walked in that plane, with Daenerys and Arianne on each of his arms, Rhaella and Gerold Hightower with them as well.
Aegon observed Daenerys laugh at something Jon said, his heart in his throat. The woman is a vision to look at, pleasing to see, but it gave Aegon the most pain seeing how close she pressed into Jon's side. Daenerys was not fated to be with Jon. She was destined to be with Aegon, smiling and laughing like she is doing currently with the incorrect man, a dangerous man.
He is going to take everything from me…
Rhaenys
The princess did not understand which she was most outraged at, the reveal in the great hall or the water that scratched down her cheeks. Rhaenys knew that both gave her agony, the reveal stealing away what she thought she had cared for, and the tears telling her that she was weak and feeble. Rhaenys knew that both gave her anger, the reveal having exposed a horrible truth, and the tears telling her that she was silly enough to be lied to. Her only console was the tears had dried up, but the princess can feel them stick to her face.
Which one brings me the most anguish? Rhaenys lamented. She didn't know and so laid on her bed, form sprawled, not giving one fuck to the world. Her footwear was kicked off to the floor somewhere, useless to her dilemma. She stared at the artful canopy above her, blinking slowly, hunting for the answer that will not appear.
Mother has told the stories several times of the famous disgrace, the disgrace that defamed her and all of Dorne. Rhaenys remembers it. Her mother grew still as the Martell spear, recounting the joust where her father had won, and rode passed her to crown Lyanna Stark. Her mother had sworn that the Stark girl smiled with joy and took the crown fervently. She seduced my father and made him think less of my mother. Rhaenys loved her mother with all her heart, and it tore at her heart to think of how her mother was dealing with all of the mess the Stark girl stirred up. And Dorne was disrespected. Rhaenys spent years there with Arianne and her other cousins. It was a second home and was disrespected by Lyanna Stark. He was a married man. You should've left him alone and married Robert Baratheon. It would've saved some trouble wouldn't it, Lyanna? The Stark girl was greedy and ambitious, all at once, and wanted to replace her mother as queen. The Stark girl caused the rebellion. That's what mother has told me and Aegon. How could anyone not believe her after what had happened?
Rhaenys wished death on no one who didn't warrant it, but her mother subtly expressed her relief at Lyanna's death and Rhaenys steadily joined her. What daughter wouldn't want her mother to be free of stress, fear, and danger?
But now Lyanna's son is alive…
…and it is Jon.
Her heart wanted to begin her crying anew, but her mind stomped that. He is the son of Lyanna Stark…and he knew…
"You have the right of it. I am your son," Jon had said for all the hall to hear, cutting through Rhaenys's heart, sharp as his valyrian steel.
You knew and didn't tell me. You betrayed me in that, and by being the son of the woman who almost caused the downfall of House Targaryen.
Yet, his face haunted her. His face was hard to whoever saw upon it, driven more by the scar over his eye…but it had a sadness to it. When she first witnessed him in the great hall sitting with the Starks, it was lust she had felt. Rhaenys was sure she felt nothing more than that. She was a princess; she couldn't feel love for a bastard, not even including his reputation out east. The feast by the banks shattered that. His voice capitated Rhaenys when he sang. But it was the light from the moon which took her breath away. It was like a magic spell how the moonlight exposed the sadness on his handsome face. Rhaenys wanted to know what made him so guarded, what made him so sad. When she wanted to know something, she will get it. "That's what you and I have in common, my daughter, my stubbornness," Rhaegar had told her with a soft smile. But her stubbornness guided her to a place she was not at all expecting. And she paid for it. The appeal of Jon was tainted, she thought. But why can't I get you out of my mind? You are the vestiges of my mother's shame and my father's mistake. You come from the bane of my mother's happiness and safety…yet I still think of you so.
And I hit you. I never had the intention, the will to do so, but my hand was in the air, stinging from the cheek I had kissed not too long ago. Jon had stared at her but said not a word. Rhaenys wanted him to talk to her, scream at her, and even hit her so she could escape the horde of emotions she could not control. Getting a response from the man was the only control she had. Jon denied that. He stared at her, eyes cold and empty. They had no warmth for her. It made her feel worse. She had left because she was not able to survive it. Rhaenys ought to have stayed, but she didn't. I didn't mean to strike you…I…I…Rhaenys didn't know what to think.
Why did it have to be you?! Rhaenys wanted to cry out. But she shall not give Oswell who was outside the leisure of hearing her cry. I am the princess. But Rhaenys was convinced a princess shouldn't feel so conflicted. It made her angry, sad, and lost at the same time.
Let him come to me, Rhaenys decided, her pride returning fierce. If he cares for me, he will come to me. And so, she lay there.
Jon never came. Rhaenys didn't know how to feel, and the anger was back on her at once. Stay away then. Don't show your face to me again. I do not need you…
A knock on the door heralded Oswell's voice. "Princess, the Baratheon bastard waits without to give you further torment. She is good at that."
Go away, Rhaenys thought, but she couldn't say it. She hated herself for that. In her silence came forth the entrance of Oswell and Mya Stone. The two stared at her. Oswell huffed. "I thought she was dead! Well, more dead than she is now. I may be a bat, princess, but a dragon is an animal all the same. You could have opened your mouth to respond."
"I will take care of her, ser," Mya promised him.
"Make good of that word. I rather you dead than her. It will be far safer for me that way." With that, Oswell left and resumed his post outside. Mya stood a few paces from the bed, obviously thinking. Rhaenys gave no acknowledgment of her presence.
"Rhaenys?" Mya called out in the room when Rhaenys did not speak.
"Mya," Rhaenys slowly said to her handmaid, her Dornish drawl slithering her words, "Go away." It was a command from her lips. Mya never disobeyed her before, even if they were friends.
"No." That made Rhaenys glare up at the bastard. "I'm going to stay," Mya said calmly and with finality. It irritated Rhaenys.
"I don't want you to stay. I want to be alone," Rhaenys told her.
Mya sat on the bed with her. "I fear the effects if I did just that. You are dying in here."
"I think not," Rhaenys responded with a bite.
"I think so," Mya countered, not backing down from the dragon. "And I frankly do not care what you think at the moment because of this." She touched the tear on Rhaenys's cheek. "This is not the princess I know."
"Why do you care?" Rhaenys wanted to know. "Your father Robert Baratheon is dead, killed by my father. Your uncle Stannis freezes his balls off at the wall. Your half-brother Edric is dead, choked to death by one of our Kingsguard. Your other uncle Renly is now declared enemy of the crown and awaits his bannermen. You are well within your rights to hate me and kill me."
Mya's eyes were pensive. "My thoughts concerning my family are my own and I will not share them. But I will give my insight concerning you as you need it." She reached out a hand, paused, then laid it on Rhaenys's back. "You are my friend. I know you are struggling with what has happened."
Rhaenys closed her eyes, not sure if it was because of the feel of Mya's touch or the need to prevent another tear flow. She let Mya speak.
"Jon is your interest. It has been that way since you had seen him, you said to me. You said that he was different. I knew you were right as soon as I noticed the shift in your posture whenever he is near. It appears your mood matches his mood. When he is angry, you are angry. When he is content, you are content. When he is happy, you are happy. And pray to the women who ever dare to approach him in your presence. At the feast around the God's eye, you were burning a hole in my head when I was chatting with him. You really do care for him. You are just difficult sometimes, like Aegon."
"You noticed all of this?"
Mya smiled softly. "As a bastard, it's either choosing to be observant or be dead." She rubbed Rhaenys's back and up to her shoulder. "So why are you upset?"
"Why am I upset?" Rhaenys repeated. It's obvious.
"Yes, why? I thought this would make you happy. Jon is your brother, true, but your House is known to wed brother to sister. Not only Jon is the son of Rhaegar, but he is a dragon lord to boot. Status can no longer hold you both back. Jon can be all yours."
"He lied to me," Rhaenys said lowly. "We had something, and he lied to me. And he is the son of Lyanna Stark, the one who shamed my mother and Dorne. The woman wanted to take my mother's place. She put all our lives in danger because of her political greed."
"I am the daughter of the rebel Robert Baratheon," Mya pointed out. "His prowess damned many Dornishmen to death. He sought to usurp the Targaryens and put you and Aegon to the sword. He would've laughed at your dead body and called you dragon spawn. So why do you blame Jon for who his parent was but not me?"
Rhaenys paused and had to think. "You're my friend," she said lamely.
"Jon is your lover," Mya said bluntly. "Or you want him to be."
"Jon could want to take Aegon's throne."
"Could is the key word, princess. Jon could and can take the throne at any moment he wants to and not a damn thing could anyone do to stop him. He hasn't already, and I do not think he will. I talked to him briefly. He does not strike me as a man to usurp his own family to be king. He was raised by the Starks. They are known for their honor…well used to be."
No, it is not that simple, Rhaenys thought persistently. I do not want it to be that simple. That would mean…that would mean I slapped him meaninglessly…and that makes me a monster, a monster not worthy of him.
"Thank you, Mya. Let's talk of something else. And keep doing that rubbing thing. It feels good."
"Do you understand what I said? You should talk to Jon."
"Let's talk of something else," Rhaenys repeated. He will come to me if he wants to talk. Rhaenys was afraid of how Jon would look at her, and afraid she would be to be wrong.
And so, Mya did. They talked. Rhaenys soon found out that her handmaid's words were being glossed over and soon didn't make any impression upon her. Her anxiety, sorrow, and anger became too much. Her eyelids were open until they weren't. Sleep claimed her.
Rhaenys awoke no less fitful when she was awake. Mya was sound asleep next to her. The bastard did not mutter in her sleep, nor did she snore. She was devoted to silence in her sleep just as she was awake. Her face is what stuck out. Mya's face was scrunched up in concentration, her frown easy to see. Rhaenys was absorbed by it. What do you dream of? This is the only time I see your real self, Rhaenys thought, looking at Mya silently. You hide yourself from the world because you are a bastard, the bastard of a rebel. You perceive where most people talk. You see people with your eyes whereas most people see the words and not the person underneath. Are you right? About Jon and me?
Rhaenys is not sure. It displeased her. She had to know. Her slim fingers touched Mya's black strands of hair and pushed them out of her face. The handmaiden looked so at peace that Rhaenys couldn't help but to scale her fair face. Mya, you are a pretty thing, like a doll. It ended with Rhaenys taking her forefinger and stabbing Mya in the nose. I like playing with dolls when I was little. Habits die hard.
Mya woke with a small gasp and blinked confusingly. Her blue eyes stared accusingly at Rhaenys when the princess smirked. "I see I have improved the princess's mood in sacrifice for my own." The handmaid rubbed her nose sourly. Rhaenys smiled a little, just for her.
"Then the princess demands you to brighten your sulkiness. It might help that I am going to do what you suggested, for better or worse." Rhaenys sat upright. "Help me get ready, please." Should I do this?
"I thought I will never breathe again the day you finally listen to someone else," Mya said dryly and moved to do as she said.
Rhaenys threw her a stare. "Hold your breath, it is not too late for that." Mya smiled at that.
When her hair was secured and organized and her face clear of tears, Rhaenys took the time to view herself in the mirror that was graciously arranged to the side of the wall. Rhaenys saw herself staring back.
"To be frank, princess, why are you staring at yourself? There is nothing unfavorable in your looks," Mya stated calmly.
Does Jon think the same?
Mya's words rang true. One will be hard-pressed to find any flaws in her looks. Rhaenys did not look like the typical Targaryen and for that she contracted a heap of jests from Aegon. But the gods still blessed her with the beauty that they otherwise gleefully withheld from many women. She was beautiful, but would Jon care? If I am wrong, if he is in the right, will he look at me and absolve the hate I know he is feeling for me? I do not know.
He surely doesn't hate me, Rhaenys told herself. She didn't let herself consider how she would handle it if it was the case. He is the one that hurts me so. Why do I go to him when he should be the one that approaches? She did not know, and she was all the more troubled by it.
They then set out for the clustered hall with Oswell following dutifully. The corridors had never been walked upon with this amount of feet, nor have they ever been filled to the brim with voices. Because of what my father has crudely revealed to us all, Rhaenys thought with a slim taste of bitterness. The talk of my brother is all they can pull their little brains around. Not a day passed, and they plot of the ways to squabble at his feet for his favors. Don't they know…. don't they know how the man hurts me so? For once, she didn't deign to put up a pretense of a charming smile for them. Her face was devoid of all emotion. They stopped during their curtsies, backing away from the look on her face. Oswell laughed in their faces.
One party stood where the rest scurried away. Rhaenys soon saw why when four massive wolves lapped alongside their owners, colors of silver and grey and black, tongues rolling out their mouths. Rhaenys heard a gasp, a scream of bloody murder, and more than one footstep that bespoke of their retreat. The Starks awaited her in grey and white tunics laid by the trimmed fur cloaks around their shoulders. The two, Arya and Rickon, were restless and glared at her. Brandon Stark was too engrossed in Oswell, staring at the Kingsguard with wonder in his blue eyes. Sansa was standing politely, but she did not hide her eyes from the princess's dress. Robb Stark was still, as welcoming as he was unwelcoming. Rhaenys did not see the lady Catelyn.
"Princess Rhaenys," Robb said formally, his face still. He has a face that tells me he wants to make me more miserable.
"Robb Stark," Rhaenys responded simply, wanting to leave. "What do you want?" The last thing she wanted to see was more northern men, the echo of her current dilemma.
"Where is my brother?"
"He is not your brother, little red wolf," Oswell said at once, making Robb bristle.
"Jon is ours," Arya said defiantly. "He is our brother! Your father, the king, is stupid and a liar!" The onlookers gasped.
"Arya!" Sansa cried out in horror which her sister easily ignored.
"The king is mistaken," Bran said with the certainty of a young boy. "Jon is not a Targaryen. He can't be." It would make everything easier.
"You won't take him away!" Rickon said boyishly. The black Direwolf produced a rumble in his throat. His siblings took it up, growls reaching a new pitch. Rhaenys took an uneasy step backward.
"Put them beasts away." Oswell eyed the wolves warily, his hand on the pommel of his sword. He did not dare take it out.
Robb Stark did not make the effort to stop it. He even looked pleased.
"You can have him," Rhaenys heard herself say. She saw their shock and heard no words. A sad smile crept to her lips. "You should've kept him hidden in the north with the snow and the cold where the warmth of the south couldn't have ever reached him." Where I wouldn't have ever met him.
They were stunned, Robb more so strangely. Rhaenys was vaguely aware of the look Mya was giving her. Robb cleared his throat. "Where is Jon? My brother," Robb repeated, throwing a glance at Oswell. "He is not at our camp."
"Follow," was all Rhaenys said before she walked past them. She can hear their reluctant feet, paused, and then set out for her more strongly. The party of weak alliance walked through the halls of the cursed castle. They've received more than one look from passersby. In truth, Rhaenys did not know where Jon is, but her feet and heart led her all the same.
They soon saw Aegon and Barriston Selmy, looking out the window. Aegon will know where he is, Rhaenys had no doubt. She knew the news would shake him as well as she. Aegon was nothing else but relentless in knowing who the next threat was. "Brother," Rhaenys said, stepping to his side and touching his arm warmly. When times were hard, Aegon will always be present at her back and her his. We will tackle this. The Starks stopped a respective distance away. It is because of them we are in this mess, Rhaenys thought and immediately felt foolish. Or not…they didn't know…
Aegon had his eyes stuck on something through the window and did not respond, his body tense as a forbidding wood. Feeling a frown creasing her forehead, Rhaenys looked in the direction her brother was staring at. Her heart was struck before her head was.
There were others, but Rhaenys only saw Jon, ever handsome, but his looks were sullied by a woman on his arm. Arianne said something that put Jon to smile, and Jon said something that put Arianne to laughter. Arianne was close, too close to Jon. Her hand had a grip like a vice on Jon's upper arm, and her body, on numerous occasions, brushed against Jon's with the suggestive manner Rhaenys knew from her cousin all too well. Rhaenys saw Arianne lay her head on his shoulder, like a lover.
Oh.
Disgusting anger and the sting of betrayal caved in her chest.
Darkstar
Gerold burnt two holes in Aegon's back as the prince left his own chambers. You will have holes in you soon enough, my prince. If you are not with me, then you are my enemy.
Oberyn watched Aegon curiously, tinged with annoyance. "My nephew still acts the boy yearning for his father's love?"
"Unfortunately, yes." Elia sighed. "It is like a seed within him, a plant with no source of sunlight but grows all the same."
"Will he give us away?" Gerold asked, trying his best to sound indifferent.
Oberyn threw him a venomous stare. "You will not touch a silver hair on his person." Can you stop me?
Elia pondered. "Aegon won't. I know my flesh and blood. I can see in his eyes, and hear his voice. He makes the act to appear like the charming prince, but I do not flinch. He loathes to disappoint his father, but I know he loathes having a threat like Jon walking about. He will remain neutral."
For his sake, Gerold thought. I spilled lion blood on these grounds. The next could be dragon blood. Twilight will be delighted beyond belief.
"I still find it hard to believe, even when I saw it with my own eyes," Oberyn said, shaking his head. "You, Darkstar, having a dragon?"
When Oberyn escorted Darkstar away from the bitch Arianne, Darkstar swore that he was a dead man and that the red viper finally meant to end him. for disrespecting his niece. But Oberyn simply led him to a secluded small hall where only the ghosts witnessed their conversation. He asked me to help assassinate Jon. He did. It hurt him; I could tell. Then I told him, told him the truth. Oberyn had laughed in his face till he wheezed and couldn't breathe anymore. He was still cackling when he followed Darkstar into the wood where he made camp. It was a league from Harrenhall where none would be so bold to set upon them except for wolves and bears. The prince of Dorne quickly gapped when Twilight crawled from his pavilion hissing from his snout.
Gerold was stunned alongside the prince. The purple dragon grew over the last few days. He was the size of a small hound where just moments after he hatched, he was the size of a pigeon. And the little pointy ends on Twilight's back lengthened. Different from Valyrian dragons…
It was safe to say that Oberyn was more the merrier to seek his help.
I took a risk having them know of Twilight, Gerold knew. Any time, these two can change a tune and go to the king, and worse, Jon. My head will be on a spike and twilight with it if Jon doesn't like another dragon flying about. But the reward is there. I can drive a row between Jon and the rest of the Targaryens. Between the ashes and death, I can sweep down and devour what remains.
"A rightful thing the gods finally bestow me," Gerold responded. He smiled at Oberyn. "What, Oberyn? Spiteful of my blessings which the red viper can never lay a claim to?" For so long you have boasted of being the better. Now look who is on top?
Darkstar can see the smile on Oberyn's face, can see the slight twitch in his jaw, and the slight narrowing of his dark eyes. "A mercy from the gods I say, to save you from the gutter you were in. Only a dragon could save someone as yourself from being an utter embarrassment."
"Yet you came to me, and you need me." Darkstar leaned back and kicked his legs on the table, making Elia glare. He gave the queen a sharp smile that showed his teeth. "Killing a dragon lord is easier said than done. Having another dragon lord on your side balances it out nicely I say. I will kill Jon, or Maegar, whatever you want to call him, when Twilight is of suitable size, no sooner." Darkstar leaned forward then, purple eyes gleaming. "But you will first help me take Dawn from Arthur's grasp."
Oberyn nodded and was about to say a word before Elia cut him off.
"Arthur is not to be killed. You hear me?" Elia said firmly. "Ashara is a dear friend of mine and I do not want to see her hurt so."
She will hurt as I hurt. Everyone is going to hurt, for the humiliation I have suffered. I will show all who looked me down, Darkstar swore. You are all fools. Your fear of Jon and resentment from years past will cost you your lives. I do not help anyone. I help myself. Yet he said, "You have my word." But he thought of Tywin Lannister and the golden army that can be mustered.
"We do not jest, Gerold. I have come to you because of how vile and loathsome you are, and what awful things you can do to Rhaegar's brat. Now you have a dragon, a small one, but a dragon all the same. But I still don't trust you. I wanted to kill you for many years. Maegor is the bigger threat, however. And so, we need you," Oberyn explained. "And you need us to go through your petty revenge on him."
"Touching." Darkstar threw him a smile. Isn't your reason to kill him as petty as mine?
"Betray us, and all of Dorne will curse your very name and hunt you to the ends of the world. You will be shunned. You will be food for the crows. This is the queen's words," Elia warned.
Will that come before or after Jon feeds your corpses to Cannibal? Darkstar wondered. We have entered the game for the throne. And I will not lose. I will be king.
Robb
Something is amiss.
Robb stood with his siblings and the Direwolves in the corridor. They stared at the prince and princess, unsure of what to do. Aegon and Rhaenys was as taut as a bowstring, glaring at what was outside the window. The two dragons were shooting balls of fire from their eyes. Awkwardly, Robb glanced at the princess's handmaid. The bastard only looked away. Oswell and Barriston did not show what they thought. Their white enameled scaled armor shone like white stars in the light scattering through the window.
"What are they doing?" Arya demanded in a loud whisper.
"They are looking at the window," Bran said obviously. That earned him a cuff over the ear. Bran, scowling, hit her back.
"Can you two please stop acting the child?" Sansa said reproachingly. "I don't want to be embarrassed in front of the prince and the princess."
Arya eyed Sansa's velvet gown with distaste. "Small chance of that with that wet rag over your body." Rickon and Bran sniggered childishly.
"You look like one," Sansa fired back.
Robb left the argument brewing and walked closer to see what had the royal children so captivated. He saw at once. "It's Jon," he said. In the corner of his eye, he saw Aegon's face twist. He is not happy, Robb thought.
Aegon turned fully towards him. Robb was dismayed to see the prince was taller than he. Though, Robb beat him in width. "I see you staring. Are you delighted, Stark?" There was venom Robb can very well hear. He can feel his blood flowing from it. Rhaenys has her head facing the window, but Robb knew the princess was carefully listening.
Not in the least delighted. The secret was out. Jon may have saved them all from the chopping block, but Robb still fears some form of retribution from the crown: Heavier taxes, royal hostages, and exile. The Stark name is besmirched. Singers across the seven kingdoms will make songs of our treachery and our lack of honor.
But Robb must save face. "In whatever you mean, my prince? I was delighted yesterday when in bed with my lady wife. But, I admit, I was saddened when I stubbed my toe against a piece of steel."
Aegon stared at him. A grin came, but it was nothing nice. "Let us hope you have the fortune to dodge any more mishaps with steel."
"And you as well. And do not worry, wolves got steel for teeth, and if any mishaps happen, it will be of their own doing," Robb said, prompting Rhaenys to stare at him. Aegon stared as well. Robb stared back unflinchingly. I have come respectful. If they turn this into a battlefield, I will emerge victorious. From Rhaenys's dismissive behavior from the jump, Oswell's crude comments, and now Aegon's sly remarks, Robb had his teeth gritted together.
Conveniently, Mya came in. "There is prince Jon right there. That is your purpose wasn't it, my lord? To find him?" She asked, looking pointedly at Robb.
Yes, it is, Robb had to remember and calmed down. He gave a slight nod.
"Let us go meet them," Mya stated for them all and walked them through a postern door that led to the outside. Rhaenys and Aegon stuck close, keeping space between them and the Starks. For the good of us all, Robb thought. Keep away from me.
"We are going to see Jon! C'mon Shaggy!" Rickon said excitedly and raced ahead, his black Direwolf quick at his heels. Not to be outdone, Arya and Bran ran to catch up, a blur of silver and grey at their sides. Sansa was a bit more dignified, holding the ends of her gown and trying to keep pace, lady padding at her side. Grey Wind looked at Robb, yellow eyes imploring. Traitor, Robb thought with a smirk. He nodded for him to go. The smoky grey Direwolf bounded after his siblings, all of them kicking up grass and dirt.
Not too much later, Rhaenys walked over to his side, Mya a couple of steps behind. She is beautiful, Robb thought. Not even that, but she was breathtaking too. With the sunlight touching her curly black hair and her olive-skin, Robb can see why Jon was taken with her.
"You have nice siblings," Rhaenys said, training her eyes forward.
"You do too," Robb couldn't help but remark but shouldn't have. Jon may come from the line of dragons, but he is a wolf at heart. He does not belong with you.
"Jon is not my brother," Rhaenys said at once. "He will never be that. I have a brother, and he is several steps from us."
Robb was pleased to hear that, but he was interested all the same. "But why? The king said Jon is his son. From Jon's own lips, he says it. By rights he is your second brother."
"Rights?" Rhaenys asked cynically. Her lips were lovely, but they curled into a slight sneer. "You speak of rights? What right did Lyanna Stark have to run away with my father, putting my whole family in danger, and producing a whelp? What right does Jon have to turn my life upside down to be fucked?"
"Your life?" Robb was surprised. This is a far different response than I anticipated from her. She is angry at him.
"Yes, my life. And not just mine. But my brother's, my mother's. Now my mother must stare at the offspring of her greatest humiliation."
"Humiliation?" Robb grew angry. "My family is not a humiliation, princess, nowhere near."
"You are not listening, Stark. Of how your aunt went along willingly with my father to embarrass my mother and Dorne, that is the humiliation. Your aunt wanted to take my mother's status. If Lyanna Stark was still alive, I surely doubt my mother will be the queen today."
"You don't know that," Robb countered. He did not know his aunt all that well, but he knew his father will not be happy about his sister's name being kicked. "It seems to me all of your anger comes from assumptions years ago that are not important any longer."
Rhaenys did not respond, her scowl gone. Robb took it as her thinking about what he said. The fewer problems Jon faces, the easier I will breathe.
"I hope not," the princess then said, lowly. "If what you say is true, then I may have burned a bridge I can never walk across again, for no efficient reason." At Robb's look, she was quick to say, "Me and Jon, I mean."
"What did you do?" Robb asked. I thought they were smitten with each other.
Rhaenys breathed in deeply. "I insulted Lyanna Stark…and I struck him, a hand across the face." Her face was regretful.
You hit him?! She hit his brother, one from the pack.
"You shouldn't have done that," Robb said, fury seeping into his body. "Jon suffers enough on his plate. You provided another course."
Rhaenys looked down to her feet and then looked Robb in the eyes. "…I did not know I was going to do that…my hand was at my side, then it was in the air. I didn't want to hurt him. I swear to you. I was just confused, hurt, and angry."
"You ought not to take it upon him," Robb pointed out heatedly. "He has done nothing wrong." Gods I want to hit her. But it is shameful to lay hands on a woman, on a princess.
"You're a brother to him, so it is easy to understand why you are angry. It will be easier if you will tell me how J- "
"How Jon will talk to you," Robb finished for her. His anger was still fresh and steaming. "Jon is from the north, where the wind and the snow make hard men. He is a wolf, a part of the pack, and they do not forgive easily. The north remembers. You shall find that Jon is not as forgiving as you southerners." 18 years and my father still does not speak of Rhaegar Targaryen fondly. Jon is worse, methinks.
Rhaenys listened as Robb went on. "Laying a hand on him is one matter, but slighting his mother is entirely a different playing field. When we were young and shared a chamber, he confided in me of his anger at being a bastard and the sorrow that he doesn't know who his mother is. She was important to him." The anger fled. Robb shook his head warily. "You will see for yourself. And do not let Arya come by this," Robb warned. "Princess or not, my sister has the wolf's blood, and she will make you pay dearly for striking Jon." Rhaenys graced him with a small smile. I do not jest. Arya loves Jon more than any of us. She will kill for him.
His siblings had reached Jon and the others before them. Arya, Bran, and Rickon were in Jon's embrace, their faces deep in his tunic. Sansa stood to the side awkwardly but had her hand on Jon's back. Always a lady, Robb snorted.
"I will always be your brother," Jon was saying to them, ignoring the Targaryens entirely. "Having different parents does not change a thing. I lived with you for many years in Winterfell. Am I still one of the pack?"
"Of course, stupid!" Arya said, fighting back tears. Bran and Rickon nodded vigorously.
"What did Lord Stark always tell us? When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies…"
"But the pack survives!" The siblings chorused, their voices mixing among the trees, greens, and dirt. Princess Arianne had a little smirk. Gerold Hightower, Daenerys, and Rhaella looked far from humored. Arthur Dayne remained neutral. The hug separated. Bran openly gapped without shame at the sword of the morning.
Robb's voice took part in it as he, Rhaenys, Mya, Aegon, and the two kingsguard arrived. Jon and Robb looked at each other warmly. But the rest was tense and cold. Robb saw Daenerys hurriedly take her eyes off Aegon when the prince turned his face. Rhaella was looking at Aegon and Rhaenys with open disapproval. Rhaenys was sneaking glares at Arianne. The weirdest family, Robb thought then. One look at his siblings told him they thought the same.
"Cousins," Arianne said with a smile. "Have you come to join us for a walk?"
"If you say so," Rhaenys said tightly. Robb saw the princess look at Jon, but Jon did not look at the princess once. Rhaenys pursed her lips in displeasure. I have warned you, Robb thought.
"Why, yes. I can't let my brother get all the women's love today, can I?" Aegon said with a strained smile, eyes on Jon.
Is that envy I hear? Robb looked around, unsure.
"That's one way to put it," Arianne declared. And brazenly, she went to Jon's side and hooked her arm around his. Very bold. Robb sneaked a look at Rhaenys to see the woman did not like it the slightest bit. Arianne turned to put her dark gaze on Robb. "Robb Stark, I must say, it has been the greatest pleasure to meet the acquaintance of prince Jon." Robb can see her squeezing Jon's upper arm. Sure, it has.
Huh. Robb looked at Jon. "I hope so. His behavior reflects on me." Jon gave him a small glare.
"How can it be the greatest pleasure to you when it is to me?" Daenerys said, coming in on Jon's other arm. Rhaenys and Aegon turned to her, both gazes burning but the silver-haired was oblivious to it. "My nephew has the greatest tales to t-"
"How can it be the greatest pleasure when you both have just met him?" Rhaenys interrupted. They all looked at her, but she only had eyes for Daenerys and Arianne. Daenerys removed her arm, but Arianne stayed exactly where she was.
"It is only a figure of speech, coz," Arianne said easily. "We have just met him. But he provides great company. I, for one, am happy that he is here. Are you?"
"No one cares about what I think. I, for one, am more interested in why he brings you so much joy?"
"It's easy to see. He is a part of the family that returned to us. Who wouldn't be happy?" Arianne asked, and Rhaella nodded with a weak smile.
"He is more of my family than he is yours."
We are caught in a crossfire, Robb realized, suddenly uncomfortable. His siblings entertained themselves by scratching their Direwolves, keeping their eyes away from the scene. The kingsguard had the excuse to have their back turned, keeping watch for any threats.
"As you say," Arianne agreed. "Then treat him as such. Take his other arm, hug him, and kiss him on the cheek. Do anything. Go ahead." They all watched.
Rhaenys was slow to move, but Robb knew her well enough to not back down from a challenge. But Jon finally spoke. "I will be well without that." He looked at Rhaenys for the first time. "I know where we stand."
And just like that, Robb can see a wall of ice between the two, concealing and separating.
"I find myself confused on that, however," Rhaenys responded.
"Why?" Jon shot back. He was calm, but Robb knew it never lasts. "Why are you confused about something you brought about?"
"Because I don't fully understand, of the part where you and I are both responsible," Rhaenys said slowly. Robb can see the beginnings of anger.
"You must be spoiled to think that, just like every lord that spat on me. You are just like them, putting the fault at my feet when I scarcely had any involvement." The pain in Rhaenys's eyes was easy to see.
"And you are arrogant and emotionally blind to think you have no impact on me or anyone else. I pray you will not be the dragon lords of old, where they said and did whatever the fuck they liked. Show more care."
"Accountability still evades you. Why should I care about you?"
That punched Rhaenys in the gut. The princess had to take a deep breath and look away. Aegon moved over to grab her shoulders steadily. He sent a seething glare to Jon. "Have more care in speaking to her in that tone."
"No." Jon's face was cold as he stared at them. "If you both are so insouciant in the treatment of others, why can't I treat you the same? You both have shown nothing but contempt for me. How am I in the wrong for serving it back on the same dish?"
Rhaenys's face was carved out of stone, but she still could not look Jon in the eye. "If that is what you believe Jon, you should leave."
"Gladly." Jon, arm-to-arm with Arianne, started.
"Stop right there, nephew. Can we stop squabbling please?" Daenerys begged, stopping Jon. "We are family."
Aegon pointed a finger in Jon's face. "He is not family, and you will do good to remember that. You stand with an outsider, do not become one," he shot at Daenerys. The woman looked at Aegon, appalled.
This has come far enough.
Robb stepped forward. Eyes snapped to him, quick as darts. But he was a Stark, and he was not afraid. He looked at Aegon head-on. "Jon doesn't have to be a part of your family. You don't have to accept him. He already has a family. Let's leave, Jon."
"He is not yours," Daenerys snapped at him. "You stole him from us."
"His rightful place is with his father's family," Rhaella stated.
"It seems like he doesn't like it there," Robb countered. "Don't make a square fit with a triangle."
"Didn't Lord Stark request the crown to aid him in search after Jon left Winterfell?" Daenerys said. "How can you talk about him belonging?"
"You shut up!" Arya scowled at the silver-haired woman. "Jon loves us. He is not going to leave us for you." Her face was in utter disgust. Daenerys glared at her.
"He has left all of us," Arianne remarked idly.
They all looked to see her side was empty and no sign of Jon and no sign of Arthur. He has indeed left both sides.
Robb and Grey Wind walked his siblings back to camp and returned to his own tent. Two Stark guardsmen and three weaseled face men with blue twin towers embroidered on their surcoats stood without.
Freys, Robb thought irately. More accurately, it is Stevron Frey, Aeneys, and Jared Frey. Never a day passed without the three pestering him and his mother, remarking on Sansa's beauty and Arya's wild nature. They want to marry into House Stark. I'm convinced Old Walder Frey only sent them here to bother us to death until we consent. But Starks are made of steel, and steel does not bend easily.
So, Robb stood and said nothing, Grey Wind at his side, waiting for them to speak. They each gave the Direwolf a furtive look before Stevron said, "My lord Robb. We meet again to discuss a potential betrothal match between two great houses, Stark and Frey."
The Freys are vassals of House Tully, no great house.
"My father's time is coming to an end. Before he passes, his only wishes to see his youngest grandson Elmar Frey marry the fair Sansa Stark."
"No," Robb said at once.
"No?" Aeneys scowled. "You shall not think on it?"
"It is a great match," Jared added with an ugly frown.
"It is not in my rights to marry my sister off. It is the warden of the north, and his name is Eddard Stark. You coming to me suggest that Walder Frey has previously reached for a potential match that my father has refused. If you hope that I can overrule my father or persuade him, it is foolhardy. And I will not bother." Father will never think of selling Sansa off to a Frey. And I won't either.
Aeneys and Jared were angry, and even the polite Stevron could not mask his displeasure. "How about the youngest sister? Arya Stark?"
"No, my lords. It will not be done." Arya will eat the boy alive before he touches her.
"What are the reasons?" Stevron asked.
Robb gave him a steely look, one that he witnessed from his father. "The reasons I am not compelled to give. Good day, my lords."
They had no choice but to retreat, scowling and muttering. Robb sighed and made for the entrance of his pavilion, thinking the day was over, but he caught a flicker of pink. Domeric looked at the backs of the Freys curiously and walked forward a moment after.
Domeric Bolton nodded respectfully in his cloak of blue and spotted pink, the flayed man his sigil. "Robb Stark, may we chat?"
Jon
He was back in his chambers with Ghost, his mind shelled from raging thoughts. It was meant as a simple walk but turned out much more. He thought of Rhaenys and the looks and words she had given him. It made him angry and unhappy. She does not want me here. Yet her words touch me all the same. I do care what she says. She was beautiful as always, her eyes sending feelings through him, and Jon had momentarily forgotten about Arianne on his arm. But when Rhaenys's words flew out of her mouth, Jon only remembered the slap and the hurtful words about his mother, the mother he wanted to know all his life. That, I will not forgive. Her mother is safe and sound. Mine…Mine was burnt to ashes. And she spoke ill of her…
Jon had tried his hardest to look away, away from her dark eyes, away from her sweet lips, to look away from having to forgive her. What would you think mother? Forgiving someone that speaks of you so? Jon wondered. But Lyanna is dead. She is not coming back. Fath-Eddard, did you kill her?
Aegon looked at him with contempt, but Daenerys and Rhaella fought for him. Rhaella was kind and understanding and is not afraid to show grandmotherly love. Jon is fond of her. Daenerys is quick to laugh and easy to talk to. Jon got along with her just fine. The Starks fought for him. The two sides of his family fought for him, but it was against each other. Jon could not stand there and watch them bicker. Arianne had let him go without complaint, even with the warmth of them together. Jon was thankful to her for that. The kingsguard had noticed, but only Arthur followed, and he did it without a word. The Dayne was outside his door, on his watch.
Jon was on his canopy bed, staring at the colors of red and black, the colors of House Targaryen. Ghost was curled beside him, the literal sigil of House Stark. The wolf's red eyes watched him, bright as blood. Growing tired and weary, Jon felt his eyes fall and escape reality.
The glass candles claimed him again, and Jon knew no peace. The world was an abyss, black and cold and empty save for Jon himself. The surface he stood upon was solid but was pitch black in the likeness of Cannibal. There was a noise. It was a soft noise, but here in the empty hell, it was as loud as Cannibal's wings. It came from below, Jon realized. Then…a black hand, covered in blood and scars, gushed up from the earth, reaching for the horizon. One by one, dead hands stretched out from the earth, working themselves free. They arose as pale and dead beings, eyes burning like blue stares. It must have been a million of them. Jon horrified, looked upon rows and rows of dead men and women and children, horses, wolves, giants, bears, shadow cats, snakes, mountain goats…A frost covered the landscape, and suddenly it was snowing heavily. In the distance, far from the dead men, Jon saw a winged monster, bigger than Cannibal, frozen and dead, with blue sapphire eyes. It hated him and the fire within his blood. When the ice beast opened its mouth, blue flame washed them all away.
"This is not real!" Jon screamed as he was being burned alive. "This is not real! The Others are not real! The dead are not real!"
Suddenly he was alone again in the black abyss, not a sight of the frozen monster. "You don't learn, do you? Even when you have seen what is there to be seen." A voice said behind him, far too familiar for Jon's liking. He slowly turned, body trembling.
Euron Greyjoy was there with his eye patch, his smiling blue eye, and blue-stained lips. "Hello, Jonny boy. Have you missed me?"
"You are dead. Leave me alone!" Jon screamed, feeling like he was back on the Silence, chained and awaiting more whippings. This was not real. The dead are dead. The man who tortured his very existence Is not real. The black candles sought to torment the people who used their power, that's all.
"Am I dead?" Euron questioned with a knowing smile. "I can never be dead to you Jon. I have made you the man you are today, so powerful…My mortal self may have moved on, but my very essence remains within you."
Jon was shaking and did not know why. "I don't want to be anything like you. If there is a piece of you inside me, I would know. And I will kill myself."
"You are me. Yet you hinder yourself. I have seen you restrain yourself against them bothersome lowlife Dornish and the bratty Targaryen children. You do not simply kill them. Why? I have taught you the ways of the dark arts. These lords and kings are mere ants to you and me. Be who I made you to be and remove all the inconveniences in your life. Be a sorcerer. Be a god."
Jon shook his head no, unable to work his tongue. Euron sighed. "You waste your potential and my legacy. If you will not listen to me now, then you will surely when the White Walkers come south with the winter and the dead."
"Myths," Jon said.
"No…I have seen them." Euron took off his eyepatch. Jon jumped back, startled by the revolting image before him. There was no eye. It was a shard of a glass candle. And for a pupil was a sinister bloody red in the likeness of Euron's personal sigil.
"…What were you?" Jon asked slowly, mouth wide.
"I was many things. But I wanted to be a god, an emperor. The next bloodstone emperor to be exact. I thought that fate fitted me. I traveled to many lands and saw many that killed many men. but I was wrong. It was not me meant to be the next bloodstone emperor. It is you."
"What?" Jon gasped out, mind jumbled.
"My path was to mold you to be the bloodstone emperor reborn. Do you understand now, Jon? It is the only possibility for survival in the battle for the dawn."
"Why? How does that have to do with anything with the White Walkers if they truly exist?"
Euron only laughed. "Fire, Jon, Fire. Fire and blood."
"I will not be a monster. I had heard tales of the bloodstone emperor. I am not that. I will not be that."
Euron gave him a look that used to foretell future torture, a smile that sent Jon's skin to crawl. "It is not for you to decide. It is no one except for the ones who created us to play their games. It is either that or letting the cold overcome the world. It Is your destiny…Maegor." The sinister eye gleamed. Jon screamed in pain.
Jon's eyes flew open at the feel of rough hands. He was breathing laboriously, sweating, and trembling in his bed. His forehead was slick with sweat, and his hair was plastered against it. His eyes hurriedly scanned the room, wondering if it was real or an illusion. He saw no dead things, no ice monsters, and no red eyes. Jon fought to relax. Night had fallen over the castle. In the darkness, where only a few fingers of moonlight from the window were stationed as a source of light, Rhaegar and Arthur loomed above him. They stared down at him, faces etched with concern.
"You were screaming in your sleep." Rhaegar was without his crown. The king lowered his silver head, worry impending over every word. "A nightmare. What did you dream of my son?"
I dreamed of monsters. "Nothing," Jon said brusquely. "It is not significant. Just a dream, nothing more." They will think me mad.
The moonlight brushed on Arthur's frown. "It looked like you were getting killed with daggers in your sleep. That was no ordinary dream."
"I was plagued with dreams once…" Rhaegar's voice was distant. "Fretful dreams that awoke me in the middle of the night crying for my mother. It carried me to adulthood. But no one shared the burden with me. No one helped me. It was just me. I couldn't share too much knowledge or else everyone would see me as mad as my father. Seeking meaning in tombs was the only reprieve to keep me sane." He touched Jon's brow softly. "Tell me what has shaken you and let me carry the burden with you."
Should I? Jon thought. If I start to tell him of my burdens, many will follow and I will not stop. Darkstar and his dragon. Tyrion and him being the son of the mad king. The dead beyond the wall. Me…possibly being destined to become a monster… He swallowed hard. "Another time, your grace. It is time to carry out your will." They had agreed to set out right before the break of dawn.
"As you say." The hand withdrew. Jon thinks the king is disappointed, but he couldn't see his face in the darkness. "Take me to Cannibal…and together we shall ensure the safety of House Targaryen once more as father and son."