One more chapter ! Sorry for the wait, i finished the first half early but was not satisfied. I have decided to write an extra long one to make it up to you. Don't forget to leave reviews, it's always a pleasure to read your words and share ideas.
Enjoy !
Who Dares Wins
Chapter V
282 AC, The Gullet, near Dragonstone
Rhaegar
The wind was blowing in his long silver as Rhaegar stood at the bow of their ship. The gentle rocking of the waves against the hull of the boat did not disturbing him as he contemplated his choices and the dilemmas he would have to face.
He knew that by trying to alter the timeline, he would have to face events that were differing from what he knew from the books, but never once would he have imagined that things could spiral out of his control that easily.
Currently, Rhaegar was thinking about the Starks, his previously favorite family before somehow being merged with the Targaryen Prince. He kept trying to think of a way he could have saved Lord Rickard and Brandon Stark but always came up short.
On the ride from Maidenpool to King's Landing, as Arthur and Oswell talked and joked with each other, he had briefly and privately considered killing his Father. After all, it was how things worked in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, right ? Betrayals and assassinations were here to carry the day.
However, he was rapidly brought to reason when he contemplated the obstacles he would have to face to accomplish that goal.
First, he would have needed to go even faster and push his horse to death in order to arrive before Brandon's trial began and then he would have needed time to plan an assassination.
Second, he would have to go through the kingsguards guarding the door leading to the King's chambers and while Rhaegar was considered a great warrior, he did not fancy his chances against the likes of the White Bull, the Bold and Ser Jaime Lannister. Individually, he was pretty sure that he could prevail but together against him ? Not a chance.
Third, even if he could beat those impossible odds, most of the realm would suspect him of kinslaying and Rhaegar could not accept that. His position was precarious enough that if this stain was added on his honor, rebellion would be near impossible to stop.
That is why the idea of killing the King went out his head as soon as it arrived. It was simply impossible, at least for now.
However, Rhaegar briefly considered it once again in the Throne Room. When Brandon died and Rickard began to burn, he still had the ancestral sword of the Starks in his hand. The idea of him rushing up the Throne and stabbing his father flashed in his mind. Rhaegar knew that he too would be struck down but at least Aegon could be molded to be a great King with Elia and his mother guiding him.
The choice was taken out of his hands when the guards tackled him to the ground.
Even now, about two days later, he did not know what he should have done.
As he focused back on the present, the imposing structure of his ancestral home appeared from the mist.
Rhaegar took a deep breath and the salty tang of the sea air filled his lungs ,his gaze fixed on the looming silhouette of Dragonstone. The ancient Targaryen stronghold appeared almost ethereal against the backdrop of the setting sun, its dark stone towers and battlements casting long shadows over the churning waves below.
Arthur Dayne stood beside him, silent but vigilant, as always. The Sword of the Morning's presence was a comforting reminder of loyalty and steadfastness in a world that seemed to be unraveling around them.
Elia Martell, his wife, and their children, Rhaenys and Aegon, were below deck with Ashara, shielded from the cool evening breeze and resting from the ordeal he put them through.
Apart from a few muttered words to lead the group through the maze that was the tunnel network of King's Landing, they had not exchanged a single word since their hasty departure.
Rhaegar knew that the conversation he would need to have with his wife would be most unpleasant but it would be necessary. He was ready get back to his brooding when he was interrupted.
"We're nearly there," Arthur said, breaking the silence that had enveloped them since they left King's Landing.
Rhaegar nodded, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. "I know," he replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of relief and dread. "I am just…thinking. On the past events and on the future."
Arthur's hand came to rest on Rhaegar's shoulder in a gesture of support and camaraderie. "You could not have done anything more for them, Rhaegar. No one could have saved them from the King."
The last word spoken made Rhaegar turn around to face his closest friend.
"I know, my friend. But I still mourn them and I reflect on my decisions…And you ? How do you feel ? I know how seriously you take your vows. Getting me out of my cell could not have been easy for you." The words were spoken softly and encouragingly.
"I did not break any vow." Arthur answered firmly. "I swore myself to you, Rhaegar and I consider you my King. Not Aerys. My honor is intact."
"Aye, I know my friend. But not everyone understands you as I do. They will think you an oathbreaker."
"Let them." The answer was dismissive. "By serving the Mad King, they are breaking their knightly vows. We will see who the Gods will support in a fight."
Rhaegar let out a quiet chuckle. "You know that no one on this continent can match you, Arthur."
"Only on this continent ? You underestimate me." The Sword of the Morning answered jokingly.
They shared a laugh as the ship entered harbor of the ancestral stronghold of the Targaryens. Finally, they were home.
The ship docked at Dragonstone's port without incident, the sailors on Rhaegar's vessel and the dockers were all natives of Dragonstone and experienced with the capricious tide of the Gullet.
The Silver Prince observed the people milling around the ship, old dockworkers shouting orders to young boys; and men beginning to unload the crates of food that the ship was supposed to carry in first place.
He heard horses approaching and turned his gaze on the newcomers.
Four knights came to the docks and dismounted. As they did not carry banners with them, Rhaegar focused on the sigils they wore to identify the riders.
The first was a black tower on a field of fiery orange, surrounded by red flames.
"House Torrhaven of Emberwatch"
The second and the third wore a blue tabard representing the sea with a silver moon in the middle and waves crashing against a rocky shore.
"House Brightlyn of Tidefall"
The last knight wore a sigil depicting a golden eagle perched on a rocky cliff against a deep purple field.
"House Harridun of Cliffspire"
Houses Torrhaven and Harridun were masterly houses and House Brightlyn was a small and recent knightly house, created during the Ninepenny War. All three of them were sworn directly to the Prince of Dragonstone.
Rhaegar walked down the plank connecting the ship to the dock and went to greet them.
As soon as his foot touched the solid ground, everyone present took a knee.
"Rise, my friends. As usual, it is my honor to be present amongst you." His deep and melodious voice full of warmth.
As the people rose from their position, Rhaegar could see that their eyes were full of veneration for him. It was sometimes hard for him to remember, considering the recent events, but now he could recall from all his memories how loved Rhaegar was.
Now, he could see for himself how smallfolk and knights alike regarded him. Targaryens, in general, were considered as near Gods by the people of Westeros which meant that they were also seen as far above all and unapproachable.
Rhaegar, however, always took the time to speak to everyone on the island. He tried his best to help where he could, usually by playing the harp in various inns and gifting the money collected to those in need.
He also tried to follow in his great-grandfather's footsteps by implementing reforms and laws aiming to protect the smallfolk and bettering their lives. Aegon the Fifth tried his best but ultimately all of his projects and attempts at protecting the people were abolished by his successors, mainly Tywin Lannister when he was Hand of the King, with the tacit approval of King Aerys.
Now, as he walked to the four knights, he reflected on how disturbing it was for a man of three and twenty to be looked upon with so much reverence. He had a feeling that whatever he asked of them, these people would accept.
He hoped to be worthy of such confidence.
"My Prince, we all heard the news from King's Landing and feared the worst. It heartens us to see you well. No one here believes you a traitor and as ever, we stand as your leal servants." It was the knight from House Brightlyn that spoke first, due to his higher rank, and Rhaegar immediately remembered his name and face from past memories.
"I have never doubted your loyalty, Ser Harrold, nor that of the people of Dragonstone. What happened in the capital is dire, indeed. I will need to speak on it with the nobles of Dragonstone. Is your Father on the island ?"
Ser Elric Brightlyn was the founder of his House, a famous knight who distinguished himself during the last Blackfyre Rebellion and was given lands on Dragonstone in recognition of his service. His insight would important to Rhaegar.
"He is, your Grace. If it pleases you, he could be present in Dragonstone on the morrow." Harrold answered politely.
"Perfect. I will hold council in the next few days, to discuss the recents events." Rhaegar said, without revealing too much even if he knew that the knights probably had some idea of what would be discussed.
"As you say, you Grace. May I present my companions, Ser Trystan Torrhaven, Ser Hugo Harridun and my cousin and squire, Meric Brightlyn." The young knight pointed each of his companions as they bowed before their Prince.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Sers. I hope you have not waited too long for our ship." Rhaegar asked jokingly.
He saw their eyes widening at the fact that a Prince of the Blood was talking amicably with them. Them !
"Not at all, my Prince !" The young Meric exclaimed before blushing as four set of amused eyes turned his way.
"We are here to escort you to the castle, your Grace. Princess." Ser Trystan Torrhaven added the last part with a bow while looking over Rhaegar's shoulder, notifying him of the fact that his wife just disembarked from the ship.
Elia came over the group with Ashara trailing behind her, holding Aegon with her right arm and a sleepy Rhaenys' hand with her left.
"And it would be our honor to be escorted by such noble knights." She said with a gracious smile. She then turned to her husband, with her eyes hardening and a now false smile. "Shall we, my love ?"
Rhaegar took notice with amusement of the previously solemn knights, who now stood visibly proud and slightly puffed up from Elia's flattering words. His amusement rapidly faded and dread replaced it when he saw the anger still present in Elia's eyes. However, in front of their subjects, they had to keep up the pretense of a happy couple.
"Aye, we shall." He held out his hand and helped her mount one of the horse that a stableboy brought them. He then settled Rhaenys in front of Elia and delicately took Aegon from Ashara's arms, careful not to wake him. His son would ride with him as he entered his ancestors' castle for the first time.
He did not notice Elia's eyes softening behind his back.
Soon they were making their way up the winding path that led to the fortress. The gigantic stone bridge that connected the castle and to the rest of the island was usually windy but it seemed that today the elements decided to be calm and welcome the new heir with surprising serenity.
The great black dragon statues that flanked the entrance seemed to watch them with unblinking eyes, a silent reminder of the power and legacy of House Targaryen.
As they entered the courtyard, Rhaegar was met with the familiar faces of the garrison and the loyal household staff who had served his family for generations.
Among them was Ser Willem Darry, an old but still formidable knight who had been a constant presence in Rhaegar's life since childhood. Previously, he had been the master-at-arms of the Red Keep and Rhaegar's trainer in the matters of the sword and weapons. A few months ago, however, the castellan of Dragonstone died and Ser Willem, being too old to fight all day anymore, was chosen to replace him.
"My Prince," Ser Willem greeted with a bow, his weathered face breaking into a warm smile. "It is good to see you ale and hearty."
Rhaegar returned the smile. Normally, he would have clasped Willem's forearm, but today his arms were occupied by a very important guest.
"Thank you, Willem. It is indeed good to be back home. May I present to you Prince Aegon, my son and heir." The babe was now wide awake, his lilac eyes, identical to his father's, moving over everyone present, enchanting all. "Beside me are my daughter, Princess Rhaenys and the Princess Elia Martell, my wife who you already know."
Willem's gaze shifted to Elia, who stood beside Rhaegar with Rhaenys clutching her skirts. "Princess Elia, Princess Rhaenys, welcome to Dragonstone."
Elia nodded graciously. "Thank you, Ser Willem. We are grateful for your hospitality."
"I have sent servants to prepare your chambers when we saw the ship approaching, my Prince. Would you like to someone to show you to your rooms ?" Willem asked, his weathered voice still strong despite his years.
"I know my castle, Willem" Rhaegar answered with amusement. "I am sure we will manage to find our way."
"As you say, your Grace." The knight hesitated before continuing. "And concerning the recent happenings, shall I-"
"Let me settle my family first, my friend." Rhaegar interrupted him. "Tonight, I will explain everything. Maester Delin, I would like you to join us too." He said to the young man serving as the Maester of Dragonstone.
Delin was a street urchin that Rhaegar met during one of his outings in Flea Bottom more than ten years ago and the Prince has been so impressed by the intelligence shown by the boy that he offered to pay for his tuition at the Citadel. When Delin Waters finished his last link at the Citadel and became Maester Delin, Rhaegar immediately reached out to the grandmaster and requested the man to be the Maester of Dragonstone.
Even before the merging, the Silver Prince understood the importance of having someone he trusted handle his correspondence and his family's health.
"I would be honored, your Grace." Delin answered with a bow, his accent from King's Landing having been refined at Old Town and now being nearly unnoticeable.
"Good. I thank you all for the reception, but my family and I will retire for now." Rhaegar addressed the crowd of people that came to see the Targaryens arriving on the island.
They quickly dispersed with bows and words of encouragement.
"Seven Blessings on you and your family, Prince Rhaegar !"
"We stand with you, your Grace !"
"Dragonstone is forever loyal to Prince Rhaegar !"
"May the Mother bless you, Princess Elia !"
Rhaegar turned and held his arm to his wife as the family of four walked the corridors leading to the Heir's chambers. Ashara and Arthur followed them like shadows with the servants carrying their belongings.
Soon, they arrived at the main chambers and Rhaegar decided to cut the silence that fell on the group since the courtyard by addressing his wife.
"I think it would be best if you took those chambers, Elia." He told her, said woman narrowing her eyes at her husband. "I will take the ones to the side."
"If that is your wish." She said sternly. "But don't think that will save you from the conversation we need to have. Not tomorrow. Tonight." Her tone, while quiet, was more than insistent.
"I know, I give you my word that I will be here tonight." Rhaegar replied, his voice solemn.
"I do not know what your word is worth anymore." Elia finished coldly before taking Aegon from his arms and entering the chambers with Rhaenys and Ashara.
"I understand." Rhaegar whispered sadly to the closed door.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned his head to see Arthur giving him an encouraging look.
"It will get better, Rhaegar." He began softly. "We, dornish, are fiery people. But we love fiercely and family is important to us, she will understand."
"I hurt her, Arthur. And she did not deserve that." Rhaegar replied with a melancholic tone.
"Aye, she did not. But that doesn't mean that she will not forgive you. Eventually." Arthur added the last part with a soft grin, trying to take the sting out of his word.
"I shall keep hope then. You are a good friend, Arthur. I am relieved you are with us." The Prince said gratefully.
"My place is at your side, your Grace. Whatever comes." The Sword of the Morning replied firmly.
Rhaegar nodded and entered his chambers.
While not his usual one, this room was still spacious and the hearth was emitting a pleasant warmth. The walls themselves were heating the castle and were supposed to be at the perfect temperature when the island was held by a worthy dragonlord.
He did not know if that particular story was true but he had to admit that it was the first time he felt this comfortable in his castle and his Valyrian Blood sang with glee at the warmth he felt.
He quickly took a look around and noticed the Targaryen banners hanging on the walls, he felt a sliver of amusement when he saw that the bed sheets were carrying the colors of his family, red and black.
That amusement quickly faded however when the enormity of the situation he found himself in threatened to overwhelm him.
Rhaegar felt an urgent need to get fresh air and quickly walked to the great windows on the side of his room.
The view was spectacular and, as strange as it sounded, soothing for him.
The mist was still enveloping the island but it still offered a great sight for whoever resided in the highest towers of the keep, as was his case.
On the right side, he could see the full harbor of Dragonstone. Bigger and crowdier than Rhaegar's memories suggested, he could hear the cries of the sailors and the smell of the fishes. Most of the sails he could see wore Targaryen colors but a few stood out with the silver seahorse of House Velaryon or the red crabs of House Celtigar. Far away, he could even see a ship carrying the seven golden stars of House Sunglass.
He turned his head to the left and went to the small balcony that was facing the sea. The waves there were great and treacherous. Without the natural protection offered by the shape of the island, it would have been impossible to dock here on all but the calmest days.
Rhaegar reflected on the fact that a single small change here, on the formation of the land, would have maybe stopped Aegon in his conquest and the Seven Kingdoms would have remained divided and infested by war.
It was that thought that brought him back to his predicament.
He tried to change the events he knew were coming and now he had to take responsibility for that. Before, he had thought that with the merging of the two personalities he had, he would be able to outsmart everyone and easily come out the winner.
Well, that sure showed him. Barely ten days after he woke up in this world and he already closely escaped a death sentence from his own father.
Now, he had to think on his situation and decides his future conduct.
He already knew from Varys that the Vale of the Arryns was now in open rebellion against the Crown. Jon Arryn was not a man known to accept being forced to commit dishonorable acts and his conduct was not surprising. The King ordered the death of his two wards, innocents boy on top of that, and the Falcon could never accept such a thing.
Now, he knew from the books that Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark would raise their banners and join their foster father in rebellion but he did not know the exact calendar for those events, nor if they would happen exactly as he read them.
He did not know how many Lords of the Vale would answer their Lord Paramount's call or their King's and he did not know how many men they could muster.
All he had was approximations and he would have to work with that.
He knew that he, himself, would have to rise in rebellion but he did not know how many Lords would declare for him, if any.
After all, there were already two clear participants : A King, in place and ready to offer favors to his loyal soldiers; and a rebel party, ready to conquer the Kingdoms and give award to their followers. What Lord would risk himself by aligning his House with the weakest third party with the least chances of victory ?
Rhaegar knew and understood that he would have to prove himself better than all the others in order to have a chance to bring the Lords to his cause.
The problem was that the modern part in him was an expert at war, but only with modern tactics and ideas while the other part of him, while learned in matter of battle as was fitting for a Crown Prince, had never participated in a real fight to death.
Medieval wars were completely different from modern ones. Obviously, the weaponry and the method of killing were different but most importantly, the organization was different.
Without even talking of battles or formations, the logistics to raise an army in a medieval world were more than complicated and demanded money and knowledge, two things that he currently lacked.
The most important factor here was time. Rhaegar knew that for Eddard Stark or Robert Baratheon to raise their army, they would have to make the journey to their lands and once there they would need time to get as many men as possible.
Rhaegar estimated that at least six months, or moons as they said here, were necessary for them to march at full strength and half of that for Jon Arryn.
That represented an opportunity. Six months was enough time to decide and apply a plan in order to win the war.
Obviously, the North, the Vale and the Stormlands would not fight for him but that still left Dorne, the Reach, the Crownlands, the Westerlands and the Riverlands for him to call upon. He did not count the Ironborn as even if they declared for him, Rhaegar had no intention of letting a people of rapists and thieves free reign on the smallfolk of Westeros.
He was already pretty sure that Dorne would declare for him, as that would mean by extension declaring for Aegon and fighting for Martell blood on the throne.
The Crownlands would be harder to convince, the Lords close to King's Landing would declare for Aerys as the proximity with the capital would make any other choice too dangerous for them. That included Houses Hayford, Stokeworth, Rosby and Buckwell. Duskendale would be more divided. Rhaegar was friend with Lord Renfred Rykker but he did not know enough about his younger brother, Ser Jaremy to be sure of their allegiance. The only thing he knew about the man was that he was one of the captains of the City Watch in King's Landing.
The Westerlands represented a problem for Rhaegar. He knew exactly what Tywin would have done had he been killed at the Trident and the thought of that fate for his wife and children filled him with rage. On the other hand, the Lannisters had a great army and gold aplenty, their resources alone would nearly be enough to win the war. However and without taking account Lord Tywin's possible future actions, Rhaegar knew exactly the price that the Lannister would ask for. He could already imagine the condescension on the Old Lion's face as he listed his conditions.
"Set aside Elia, banish Aegon to the Wall when he is old enough, marry Cersei and bethroth your first son from her to Rhaenys. Do all of that, and the crown would be yours, your Grace."
A spike of pain from his hand brought him out of his musing as he observed that he clenched his fists so much that his nails punctured his hands.
No, he would never agree to those conditions even as he knew that they were non-negotiable. That meant that sooner or later, the Westerlands would be his enemy.
The fate of the Kingdom rested on two regions. The Reach with their gigantic army and their nearly infinite supplies of food and the Riverlands, as the main theatre of wars and the link between the all regions.
In the books, the Reach aligned with the Targaryens, however they would now have to choose between two of them. Rhaegar did not know enough about them to be sure of their choice.
The Riverlands were by nature a divided region, filled with strife and treason. The Tullys will certainly ally themselves with the rebels by marriage. Catelyn for Eddard and Lysa for Jon Arryn. However, the Tully were not the Riverlands and not all Lords would follow the trouts. Rhaegar had hopes that Myles could convince his brother to declare for him, with the possibility that they could lead other Houses to his side.
If his memories were correct, Houses Mooton, Darry, Goodbrok, Piper and Bracken fought for the Dragon during the original rebellion. In the end, it would be the same dilemma as the Reach, which Targaryen will they support ?
The books were very vague on the numbers of men each side was able to muster but Rhaegar could make a few educated guesses.
Robb Stark went to free his father with twenty thousand northmen and he did not think Eddard would have much more than his son.
The Vale, once unified, could muster another twenty thousand. The Valemen were reputed as the best knights in Westeros and Rhaegar dearly hoped that they would fight amongst themselves for a few more months before leaving their mountains.
The Stormlands were the most tricky but Rhaegar estimated that they could raise around thirty thousand soldiers. Stormlanders were known as the best levies amongst all kingdoms but he did not think the Baratheon's hold on his lands was complete and a few Houses sworn to the Stag would probably defect.
Dorne had the smallest army with around ten thousand men, however their spears were deadly against horse charges and could turn the tide against the Vale.
The Lannisters could muster twenty five thousand men, all of them trained and well armored. In the books, the Old Lion sat out most of the war and only joined the winning side after Rhaegar's death. Now, he hoped that staying alive and not fighting at the Trident would stay Tywin's hand and make him lose the advantage of joining the winner.
The Riverlands, once unified, could in theory muster around twenty thousand men but Rhaegar knew that the Tully's hold on their lands was strenuous at best. They could never raise that many soldiers.
Last but not least was the Reach. He was sure that the Tyrells would be the deciding factor on who won the war. Rhaegar was also certain that he could convince them to his cause by agreeing to a betrothal between Aegon and the future daughter of Mace, hopefully she would be born the same Margaery as canon. A Tyrell Queen was their most fervent wish and he could grant it to them. However, he also knew that in the original rebellion, even though they sided with the Targaryen, the Tyrell decided to sit out most of the fighting by besieging Storm's End. They indirectly cause his death at the Trident by not showing up.
Imagining his death multiple times and thinking about numbers and possible issues made his head hurt and Rhaegar decided to go back inside his chambers.
As he walked from the small balcony, he crossed a mirror and did a double take at the reflection he saw.
He slowly approached his double, looking for every detail, every bump, anything that could remind him of his old body, without success.
The only thing that was even remotely close was the height. Even in his old life, he had always been amongst the tallest boys but now he was even taller. Standing at around 6'7, he was towering over most of the people he crossed since his merging.
He focused first on his face. While he had never been called ugly before, he knew and understood that he would probably never be a model. Now, however, he imagined that if they could see him, all agencies would fight to sign him.
His face was perfectly symmetrical and his cheekbones and jaw very well defined. His skin was whiter than he has ever been before. Living in the south of France, it was hard to keep from tanning.
His eyes were a deep lilac that he was sure was unnatural and his hair was silver and reaching behind his neck. He could understand now how people spoke of the Targaryen as the closest to the Gods, there was an ethereal quality to his physical appearance that was almost disturbing. No one should be this beautiful, it was abnormal.
He then moved his gaze to his body and a small part of him died at the sight. All his muscle definition and the level of fitness he worked his whole life for, gone. He was not vain by nature but he had always liked being fit. Now he was leaner than he has ever been before and he nearly had a headache trying to imagine a program to get back his old strength and endurance.
The only comfort he had was that Rhaegar was reputed as a great warrior and he still showed some definition here and there. It could maybe be salvageable.
As he was contemplating his body and imaging the kind of exercises he would have to do to put on some muscles, he was suddenly brought out of his reverie.
"I did not know I was wed to a vain man."
Rhaegar turned swiftly at the sound of Elia's voice, his heart momentarily skipping a beat. There she stood, framed by the doorway, her presence commanding yet exuding a quiet strength. Her eyes, those deep brown pools that had always held warmth, were now guarded, though a trace of amusement lingered in the curve of her lips.
"Elia…" He began without knowing what how to say what he needed to say.
He knew he could not reveal the whole truth of him yet, but she deserved the truth of Rhaegar Targaryen and his dreams.
"We need to talk, Rhaegar. About everything." Elia stated calmly, yet firmly.
"I know." Rhaegar said softly before moving a offering a chair to his wife. "Please, sit. The last few days could not have been easy for you."
"Indeed, they were not." As she sat, he wondered if it was a good thing that she was the one to seek him out. Maybe Arthur was right and she would forgive him.
"How are the children ?" Rhaegar asked, his musical voice carried a worry easily caught by the dornish woman.
"Tired, scared, disoriented. They left all they knew behind and they do not understand why." Elia said coldly and he had to hide his wince at her words.
"There was no choice, you know it." He replied, his voice was assured despite her hard words.
"I know that it was their father that created this situation in the first place." If her voice was cold before, it was now glacial. They had arrived at the crux of the matter.
"Elia…I know I have hurt you-"
"Hurt me ? I was not hurt !" A good liar, Elia was not, that was for sure. "You put our children in danger ! Why did you do it, Rhaegar ? Why ?" Her voice broke on the last world and Rhaegar could now easily see in her eyes and voice all the pain he caused her. It felt like a bullet hit him in the chest.
"Elia…I am sorry…I thought-" He stopped for a second before continuing. "I thought that what I was doing was for the good of the realm."
"The good of the realm ?!" Elia stood up as she exclaimed her anger. "How could kidnapping a young girl be for the good of the realm ?"
"I did NOT kidnap her." Rhaegar said firmly while locking eyes with his wife to show his sincerity. "She wanted to escape her betrothal and I helped her."
Elia looked at him in disbelief. "You caused all of this." She waved her hand around. "to help a girl escape her betrothal ?"
"She hated him, Elia. She told me that he has already fathered a bastard in the Vale. What was I supposed to do ?" As he said the words, he knew they were empty. The past Rhaegar was an idiot and the part of him that remained was well aware of it now.
"You were supposed to talk to me about it ! We could have worked it out !" Elia screamed as she began pacing angrily. "Did you ask her how many time she saw her betrothed ? Did she really know him ? Rhaegar, it is normal for a girl to be scared of her marriage and it sometimes happens that her intended already has a child ! It doesn't necessarily means that they won't be happy together !"
It was in moments like this that he wanted to come clean to her, explain everything about this second life and the knowledge he somehow got from books written about their lives. Maybe then would she understand how Robert was. Lyanna was right to run from him.
However, he knew that was impossible. If he began to speak about things like that, she would believe him to be as mad as his father and she would be lost to him forever. He already had to explain the visions Rhaegar had before the merging and feared her reaction to something that unbelievable.
She was still ranting about the thousands questions he could ask Lyanna when he spoke up in a soft voice.
"I have dreams, Elia."
The dornish Princess instantly stopped her rant and fixed her husband with a baffled glare.
"Dreams ?" She asked in a dangerous voice showing the viper inside.
"My family calls them Dragon Dreams. They show us…things." Rhaegar continued, his voice still soft.
"Rhaegar, if you are about to tell me that you absconded with a young girl-the daughter of a Lord Paramount no less- because of a dream, then I will hit you. Hard and repeatedly."
"These are not normal dreams, Elia." He said, hiding his wince at how mad he sounded. How could he make her understand ?
"During the tourney…" He continued and felt a sliver of fear when he saw her eyes narrowing and her jaw clenching, but he had to tell her. "I was not myself. Everything was too easy. I did not even have to try to unhorse my opponents, only Arthur gave me a challenge and during this last joust, I did not feel like my body was my own."
Rhaegar saw that Elia was still glaring at him.
"So, you mean to tell me that when you crowned Lyanna, it was not your fault because your body was not your own ?" Her voice was glacial, she did not believe him.
"Something or someone was influencing me." He said firmly. This, he was sure of. Rhaegar of the past had dreams but he also had doubts, without this external influence he would have never crowned Lyanna. "I would have never shamed you so." He added, trying to show her his sincerity.
Elia stopped pacing and slowly sat again in the chair facing him.
"Then why did you ? What did your dreams show you ? And why did they influence the joust ?" Gods, he did not deserve this woman. Even after all he put her through, she was trying to understand.
"My Dreams showed me a Winter that will lasts forever." He began in a haunted voice. "They showed me the fall of our family. The fall of humanity." Even remembering those dreams was hard for Rhaegar, even more since they now mixed with what he now knew would happen had he continued on his foolish path.
"I do not understand. The fall of humanity ? How ?" Elia asked, her voice was still cold but Rhaegar could hear a sliver of doubt behind.
"The Others…There is a threat behind the Wall that makes the game of thrones look insignificant. And the Dreams showed me that the only way they could be stopped was with a Targaryen on the Throne." He said, now was the time for the hard part.
"The Others ? You mean the legend parents tell their child to make them obey ?" She asked doubtfully.
"They are real." Rhaegar stated firmly. "We have one or two decades before they come, but come they will."
"Let's say you are right, how can we defeat these mystical Others ?" Elia was not sure she fully believed what he said but she wanted to at least hear him out.
"The realms of men must be united." Rhaegar was sure of that at least. "A Targaryen must sit the Iron Throne while a Stark must be in Winterfell. This I am sure of. The rest is only theory and speculation."
"What is Lyanna's role in this then ? Why offend the Starks if you need them to hold Winterfell ?" That was the problem when you were wed to someone smart, they could ask the right questions.
"In my Dreams…" Rhaegar began tentatively, knowing that the next part will be hard to hear. "The Targaryen who held the Throne needed his two wives to win. His Rhaenys and Visenya."
As Elia began to piece everything together and maybe get the wrong idea, he hastily continued. "There was an ancient prophecy speaking of a Prince that was Promised. I believed Aegon to be him. And I believed that his Visenya needed to come from the union of Ice and Fire."
A heavy silence settled between them, filled with the weight of the words spoken and the implications they carried. Elia's gaze remained fixed on Rhaegar, her mind racing to grasp the meaning of what he was saying. Her hands, which had been clenched in anger moments before, slowly relaxed as she struggled to process his words.
"Ice and Fire ?" She finally breathed in disbelief. "Lyanna and you ? You truly believed that a child born from your union would be Aegon's second wife ? Be his…Visenya ?"
Rhaegar met her gaze with a heavy look. "I did. I truly did." He exhaled as he stood up and went to the balcony overlooking the sea. He heard behind him Elia following after him. "You know, when I was younger I used to get angry at my great grandfather for dreaming of restoring the dragons by using wildfire and killing nearly all our family in Summerhall. My grandfather told me that Aegon the Fifth saw it in his dreams and I always thought 'What a fool, a good King destroying his family and legacy over dreams'. Now, I understand. The dreams are overcompassing and far stronger than I ever imagined. They consume you, Elia-they grip you with a force that's impossible to resist. They pull at your very soul, convincing you that their vision is the only path, that you must follow where they lead, no matter the cost. I thought I could control them, but in truth, they controlled me. They were stronger than me, stronger than my will, stronger than any love or duty. They became my obsession, and I let nearly them drive me to the brink of madness."
"What changed ?" Elia asked softly, her gaze fixed on the waves churning and roaring below.
"I broke free, I think." He could not tell her the whole truth but she deserved the closest thing to it. "I heard…voices…powerful and old. They broke the grip the dreams had on me." He turned to her. "For the first time in years, my mind is free. I think…I was not supposed to try and help the Starks and by doing so, I defied and broke the connection."
Elia's eyes were uncertain, full of doubts but a bit of warmth was present once again.
"What of the Stark girl ? Did you…" She began but Rhaegar understood the question and hurriedly answered.
"No ! No, I swear to you I did not touch her." He stated as firmly as possible while locking eyes with her.
She nodded, appeased, before turning back to the view.
"Was it-" Elia began hesitantly, before clearing her throat and continuing. "Was it because I could not conceive anymore after Aegon ?"
Rhaegar's eyes were sad as he answered honestly. "Yes. The Dragon must have three heads. That is what is I thought, at least."
The revelation broke her heart a bit more, the news that she could not have any more children after her son was devastating for the couple but even more for her.
"And now ?" She asked, afraid of the answer.
"Now, I am not so sure. I believe that nothing is written in stone and that we will be able to forge our own story."
A nod was his only answer as Elia still processed every he said.
"And me ? What would have been my role in this ? Did you plan to set me aside for Lyanna ?" He winced at the question she asked. It pained him more than words can say that he broke her trust in him so much that she could ask something like that.
"Never," Rhaegar insisted earnestly, gently gripping her hands and turning her around to look into her eyes. "I don't know exactly what the dreams had planned for you, but I do know this: if I hadn't broken free now, I would have done so then. I would never allow you to be mistreated like that."
It was the truth. Maybe the original Rhaegar hadn't loved her as a husband should, but affection and respect were still present. He wouldn't have allowed her to be cast aside.
Elia's eyes searched Rhaegar's, trying to find any hint of deception, but all she saw was sincerity. She sighed, a mixture of exhaustion and lingering doubt evident in her voice. "You say you would never have allowed me to be mistreated, but you must understand how difficult it is for me to trust that now. So much has happened, Rhaegar, so much that I never thought possible between us."
Rhaegar nodded, understanding how hurt she was but grateful she was at least hearing him out.
"I am sorry, Elia. Sorrier than I can say. I know I have hurt you and I do not expect to win back your trust overnight. I just want you to know that I will be better from now and I swear to you, on everything that I love, that I will never betray you again."
She sighed again before giving his hands a squeeze and going back inside the chambers.
Rhaegar stood silently for a moment, torn between the desire to follow her born from the small the gesture she gave him and the fear that she wanted to be away from him.
As he contemplated his next move, Elia turned her head and called him over her shoulder.
"Are you coming ? I am cold outside." Her voice was warmer than it has ever been since his return and Rhaegar felt a profound joy at that.
He followed after his wife and they both sat on the bed next to each other.
"So, what now ? What will we do ?" Elia asked silently, her voice expressing how lost she was.
"I want to fight, Elia. For the kingdom, for our family and for Aegon's rights." Rhaegar began genuinely. "My father has gone too far, he needs to be deposed."
"I am not sure I want a war, Rhaegar. Thousands will die, maybe hundreds of thousands. Is it really worth it ?" Elia asked desperately.
Rhaegar took a moment to think before answering.
"The only other option is exile. Aerys will never let us leave in peace now that I have escaped and if the rebellion of the Arryns, Starks and Baratheons win, then we will be in danger as the last contestants for the crown." He said honestly, trying to present her the options they had. "If it is your wish, I am sure I can convince the people of Dragonstone to follow us. We could take the ships and leave. Maybe Yi Ti ?"
Elia gave him a half smile and bumped her shoulder against his. "Be serious."
"I am." He said seriously, her smile disappeared as she searched her husband's eyes looking for anything that could indicates that he was joking. He just maintained his earnest look. If exile was her wish, he would grant it to the best of his abilities.
"You would accept to leave and never come back ?" Elia asked in disbelief.
"If that is what you wish." Rhaegar answered calmly. "I have hurt you too much to force you to join a war you do not want."
Elia's eyes softened a bit more at his declaration. "What about our children ?"
"They would be safe. The Targaryen have a vault in the Iron Bank, there is more than enough gold inside for us to live in comfort." He said before taking an amused tone. "We could build a farm with the coin and lead a peaceful life as farmers."
Elia let out a small chuckle before straightening her back. "That is an amusing prospect but no, I do not wish for exile, Rhaegar. I want our family safe in our home. I want to see my brothers again. I want our people to live peacefully, without worrying about their lords or king. I want to fight too." She looked proudly at her husband, daring him to contradict her.
It was Rhaegar's turn to laugh softly. He hesitantly placed his hands on her shoulders, and when she didn't pull away, he drew her into a hug.
"I have never doubted you, Elia." He was truly grateful for this second chance with this woman. The original version of himself did not deserve her and he was not sure he did either, but he would try.
She gripped him tightly and stayed in his embrace for a few minutes before pulling away and standing up. She then held her hand for him.
"Now come, Ser Willem and Maester Delin are waiting for us. We have a war to plan."
Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken, indeed.
The Vale, a few days ago
Eddard Stark
He was gripping the parchment tightly in his hand, refusing to believe the words written.
To all lords and subjects of the Seven Kingdoms,
Let it be known that Rickard Stark, Warden of the North, and his son Brandon Stark have been found guilty of treason against the Iron Throne.
For their crimes, justice has been served. Rickard Stark and Brandon Stark have met their end by royal decree, executed in the name of the King.
Let this serve as a warning to any who would challenge the rightful authority of the crown. The Iron Throne will tolerate no disobedience or treachery.
By command of King Aerys II Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.
He felt the hand of his mentor and father figure on his shoulder as he read and reread the paper they received a hour ago.
"Father and Brandon, dead ? How can this be ? Why ?"
He refused to believed them traitors and he could not understand why they were in King's Landing in the first place. They were supposed to be in Riverrun preparing for the wedding between Brandon and Catelyn Tully. He, himself, spent the last few days getting ready to leave the Vale and join his family in the Riverlands.
"I am sorry, Ned." Came the soft voice of Jon Arryn after delivering the sad news to his ward.
Robert was with him too, silent but present in his support of his best friend. He had lost his parents to a storm a few years back and felt only sympathy for his foster brother and rage for the King.
"I am now Lord Stark ?" Eddard's voice was weak and seemed so young to the old lord. Tears were already running down his cheeks and nothing seemed to stop them.
"Yes, Ned." Jon said sadly. "You will have to lead your people through these trying times."
"But I do not know how to rule !" Eddard exclaimed full of panic. "I am only the second son !"
"We will help you, Ned. I swear it." Robert declared fiercely.
"And what about their bones ? Will the crown return them ? And Ice ? Will they keep my family's sword as compensation ?" As the young man panicked even more, Jon moved closer and grabbed him by the shoulders.
"It will get better, Eddard. You will have answers for all your questions soon enough. For now I need you to calm yourself. There is more…"
The young Lord Stark took a deep breath to calm himself and looked questioningly at his mentor.
"More ? What do you mean ?" He asked fearfully.
"It is about your sister." Jon Arryn said quietly as two pairs of eyes snapped to meet his.
He would forever remember the cries, the shouts and the raging that would follow this conversation.
Maidenpool, a few days ago
Lyanna Stark
Lyanna Stark paced the confines of her chamber at Maidenpool, her frustration and anger bubbling just beneath the surface.
The room, though spacious and well-furnished, felt like a gilded cage. She had traded one prison for another, and the walls seemed to close in on her with each passing day.
Rhaegar had left for King's Landing only a few days ago, leaving her alone in the Pink City. Sometimes, Ser Myles Mooton came to check on her but she was mostly left to her own devices.
"This wasn't what I wanted," she muttered to herself, her fists clenched at her sides. She had fled Harrenhal seeking freedom and to escape from the life that would soon be forced upon her.
But now, she found herself trapped once more, her every movement watched, her every word scrutinized by the few attendants assigned to her. Maidenpool was a far cry from the liberty she had envisioned, and the bitterness of her situation gnawed at her relentlessly.
She had been angry with Rhaegar since the moment he had removed her from the room to discuss her family without listening to her.
He had promised her something more, something grander than this, but instead, she was left behind like a forgotten piece in a game she barely understood. And with each day that passed, her anger only grew.
But beneath the anger, there was sadness too.
She missed her family more than she had ever expected. The familiar chill of the North, her father's stern but loving gaze, Brandon's reckless laughter, Ned's quiet gruffness and Benjen's teasing; all of it felt a lifetime away, as if she was cut off from everything that had once defined her.
It was while she was lost in these dark thoughts, staring out the window at the overcast sky, that a soft knock came at the door. Lyanna didn't respond at first, too absorbed in her own misery. But the knock came again, more insistent this time.
"Enter," she said, her voice laced with irritation.
The door creaked open and Ser Myles Mooton, the man Rhaegar left in charge of her 'safety', stepped inside. His usually calm demeanor was tinged with unease, and Lyanna felt a prickle of anxiety creep up her spine. Myles was a man of few words, but the gravity in his expression told her that whatever he had to say was important, and likely not good.
"My lady," Myles began, his voice carefully measured. "I bring news from the capital. A raven arrived not long ago, bearing… troubling tidings."
Lyanna turned to face him, her heart beginning to race. "What is it?" she asked, her tone sharp. "What news?"
Myles hesitated for a moment, as if searching for the right words, before stepping closer and handing her the sealed scroll. The wax bore the sigil of the Iron Throne, the three-headed dragon of House Targaryen. Lyanna's fingers trembled slightly as she took the scroll, her pulse pounding in her ears.
"Lady Lyanna… it concerns your family," Myles said softly, his eyes filled with sympathy.
Lyanna's breath hitched as she broke the seal and unrolled the parchment. The words scrawled across the page blurred for a moment, but when they came into focus, they struck her like a physical blow.
Lord Rickard Stark and Brandon Stark… executed by order of King Aerys II… treason…
Her mind reeled, and the scroll slipped from her hands, fluttering to the floor. She stumbled back, her body suddenly feeling as if it were made of lead. The room spun around her, and she grasped the edge of a nearby table to steady herself.
"No…" The word escaped her lips in a hoarse whisper, barely audible even to herself. "No… it can't be…"
But the truth was undeniable, written in the ink that now seemed to burn her eyes. Her father, her strong, honorable father, dead. And Brandon, her reckless, brave brother, gone, just like that. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her knees buckled beneath her as she sank to the floor.
Myles moved to help her, but Lyanna waved him off, a choked sob escaping her throat. The grief that flooded her was overwhelming, suffocating, but there was something else there too, guilt.
This was her fault. They had gone to the capital because of her, because Brandon had ridden to King's Landing, demanding her release, thinking she had been kidnapped. And now they were dead, executed by the Mad King's decree. The realization crushed her, tearing at her soul with a pain that was too much to bear.
"If I hadn't… if I hadn't left…" Lyanna whispered, her voice broken, "they would still be alive. They would still be…" She couldn't finish the thought, the grief and guilt too overwhelming.
"Lady Lyanna," Myles said gently, kneeling beside her, "this is not your fault. The actions of the King… they are beyond your control."
But his words were hollow, offering no comfort to her tortured mind. All she could think of was her family. She imagined them-her father and Brandon-fighting off the guards before being captured and executed. She pictured them being beheaded or, worse, hanged. She didn't know how they had died, and she wasn't sure she wanted to know either. The images were too vivid, too horrible, and she clutched her head as if to block them out.
"They're dead because of me," she sobbed, her tears falling freely now. "I ran away… I thought I was escaping… but I only brought them death…"
Myles remained silent, knowing that no words could ease her pain. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, but Lyanna barely registered the touch. Her mind was consumed by the enormity of her loss, by the crushing weight of her guilt.
Her family was gone, and she was alone, truly alone. The world outside her window seemed darker now, the sky a dull, lifeless gray. The anger she had felt at Rhaegar, at her situation, had vanished, replaced by a hollow emptiness that threatened to swallow her whole.
And in that emptiness, there was only the cold, bitter truth that she had lost everything she had once held dear.
Thank you all for the reviews !
In this chapter, I tried to explain some of the choices i made before but don't hesitate to leave a review to tell me if you have any question or if you see something that disturbs you.
Bye !