It was midmorning when Sansa watched from the battlements of Winterfell. Many soldiers worked tirelessly to prepare for the war, but her attention was on two people in particular.
The Dragon King and the Queen in the North.
Ghost wasn't with his mistress, so Lyra's arm was looped in Aegon's as he guided her through the camps. Whatever they were talking about, be it strategy or battle positions, she wasn't sure. But seeing them so close, so intimate was evident to what their relationship truly is.
"A fine morning, Lady Stark."
Sansa turned to Tyrion walking up to join her.
"Lord Tyrion. Sleep well?" Sansa greeted cordially.
"I did actually. After a few cups of ale. I slept like the dead." Tyrion shrugged, but when he got no reaction from Sansa, he added, "Not a good joke."
"Not the worst." Sansa stated as she kept her Tully blue eyes on her sister.
"The last time we spoke was at Joffrey's wedding. Miserable affair." Tyrion said, remembering that day all those years ago.
"It had its moments." Sansa admitted then turned to Tyrion. "Apologies for leaving like that."
"Yes, it was a bit hard to explain why my wife fled moments after the king's murder." Tyrion stated.
"It was Littlefinger who smuggled me out of King's Landing." Sansa explained, "He had a part to play in Joffrey's death."
"Hm, so it was him who orchestrated Joffrey's murder. Somehow I'm not surprised." Tyrion shrugged.
"He's dead too. Arya executed him on my orders when we brought him to trial. He was the one who caused the war between our Houses. The death of Jon Arryn, Aunt Lysa writing to my mother about the Lannisters being responsible for his death, the assassination attempt on my brother Bran. It was all him." Sansa explained, much to Tyrion's surprise as he comprehended everything she just told him. He hadn't forgotten Catelyn Stark arresting him and bringing him to the Vale on false charges for attempting to kill her crippled son.
"So, it was all because of him. All of it." Tyrion said, mostly to himself, "I'm sad he's dead." Sansa raised an eyebrow. "I'll never get the joy of stabbing him in the balls for all the hell he put us through. One of the perks of being my size is the advantage of hitting them where it hurts the most."
Sansa breathed out a small laugh at that. "If it makes you feel better, he was on his knees begging for mercy before Arya slit his throat with his own dagger."
Tyrion nodded in approval, "It does actually. Many have underestimated you. Most of them are dead now." He said, meaning it as praise since he knew from the beginning that she would survive them all.
Sansa turned her attention back to her sister and the Dragon King, silently observing them. Tyrion followed her gaze and sighed at how obviously close the King and Queen are. While it may seem like a man guiding a blind woman through the field, he knew differently.
"They're quite familiar with each other. Too familiar." Sansa stated, not taking her eyes off the couple.
Tyrion cleared his throat, "Yes, well-"
"They're fucking." Sansa's blunt statement made Tyrion turn to her in surprise, this is the first time he's ever heard an elegant lady such as her use that word.
Tyrion closed his gaping mouth and nodded, "Yes. How did you find out?" He asked, though honestly, he already knew the answer.
"I suspected during that meeting in the Great Hall, the way he was looking at her. Arya confirmed it last night when the Dragon King practically skipped to Her Grace's chambers the moment he heard 'bathtub.'" Sansa summarized, remembering how her younger sister snuck into her chambers to inform the older girl and confirm their suspicions.
"Hmm, they are not very good with subtleties and discreetness." Tyrion said glancing at the aforementioned couple. "It shouldn't come as a surprise. They're both young but have gained much experience as warriors and commanders. I suppose it was only natural for them to be drawn to one another."
"Are they in love?" Sansa had to ask since this is her older sister, a woman who never thought herself worthy of anything, be it a crown or love.
"Yes, frighteningly so." Tyrion confirmed, "I suggested this match as a political advantage, a way to make peace with the North. We got more than what we bargained for."
"So they're engaged." Sansa surmised, "She'll be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms." She added, not with bitterness, but with intrigue.
"Yes, she will." Tyrion sighed, "It would be a good way to reconcile the two Houses, move forward after the Night King is dealt with."
"And Cersei."
"And Cersei." Tyrion nodded in agreement. "I'm sure you weren't thrilled to hear the Lannister Army's marching North. You have every right to be fearful of my sister. No one fears her more than I do, but I promise-"
"Cersei told you her army is coming North...to fight for you." Sansa said pointedly as she glanced at Tyrion.
"She did."
"And you believed her."
"She has something to live for now. I believe she wants to survive. If only for the sake of her unborn child." Tyrion added, remembering the shock on his sister's face when Lyra announced the woman's pregnancy. In spite of the horror Cersei cause, her only redeeming quality was her love for her children, two of whom were the only good and sweet ones she ever created.
"I'm more than familiar with your sister. As evil as she is, at least I don't have to worry about her having dragons." Sansa commented, her eyes narrowed at Aegon who Lyra seemed relaxed with. The idea of her sister in love with someone who wants the Iron Throne didn't sit well with her. Never mind that they were engaged, but Sansa knew the mistake of falling in love with a royal and what it cost her, cost their entire family. Wise as Lyra is in battle, Sansa can't trust the idea of her sister being blinded by love for a king.
"He's not like his father." Tyrion stated, following her gaze.
"Has he ever burned anyone alive?" Sansa asked, not taking her eyes off the royals.
Tyrion was silent before he answered, "Not the innocent ones. Only when he's under attack or when someone committed treason for his enemies."
Sansa turned to the dwarf, "But has he ever felt the urge to do it out of spite or loss of control?"
Tyrion bowed his head, "It was one time." He looked up at his former wife, "But Lyra Snow stopped him before he could."
Sansa raised an eyebrow at him.
Tyrion sighed and explained, "When we lost Highgarden and the Iron Fleet, Aegon wanted to fly his dragons to King's Landing and burn the Red Keep to the ground. My words didn't reach him, but your sister's did." He turned back to stare at the King and Queen, "She convinced him not to become what people fear him to be." Tyrion breathed out through his nose, "Anytime he disagrees with any safe tactic Varys, or I suggest, Lyra convinces him to do otherwise."
"Lyra has control over him." Sansa said, feeling a little comforted at the notion of her ever calm and collected sister keeping the Dragon King in line.
Tyrion shook his head, "No, she just tempers his worst impulses. She keeps him balanced."
Sansa returned her gaze back to the couple who walked further away from the preparations. After hearing Tyrion's insight into the dynamics between the King and Queen, a part of her felt hopeful, but that larger part of her soul still held caution. If Aegon is calm and reasonable with Lyra in his presence, what will become of him should Lyra be killed in the battle against the Long Night?
"I know you don't like him, let alone trust him. But trust your sister. She's done a lot to bring us this far. Despite this being a political match, they do make each other happy."
Sansa couldn't deny his words as she stared after the couple. Lyra does look much lighter since the moment she returned to Winterfell. Originally, she thought it was because of the extra soldiers and fire breathing dragons she brought with her. But now she realizes it's because she's in love, and she's being loved in return. Growing up, Sansa had always been envious of her older half-sister, how she looks more like a Stark than the first trueborn daughter. More so when people commented on her beauty and how much she resembles the late Lyanna Stark. The only difference between their late aunt and Lyra is that Lyra rarely smiled or looked happy. Always brooding in the corner or practicing her swordsmanship and archery when no one is looking. Even when she became Queen in the North, she never gave anyone a hint of a smile, her face always full of worry with the added weight of responsibility for the lives of their world. But seeing Lyra now, she saw for the first time a peaceful, genuinely happy smile as she walked with Aegon Targaryen.
Sansa released a long sigh, "I'll try for her sake."
Tyrion looked relieved as a comfortable silence fell over them.
"By the way, when she announces their engagement to you, Bran and Arya, try to act surprised. I know she's blind, but still."
The corner of Sansa's mouth quirked up, "I'll keep that in mind."
Lyra and Aegon walked arm-in-arm, unmindful of the stares around them.
"Your sister doesn't like me." Aegon stated as he guided his Queen across the field. With Ghost absent, this gave them an opportunity to be close.
Lyra kept her blind gaze forward as the sounds of metal clanging, men shouting, and bodies moving echoed all around her. Her hypersensitive hearing and feeling the vibrations through the ground made it easy for her to detect where each man is moving and what they're doing.
"She doesn't know you. She hasn't had the most positive experience with Southern Kings. Give her time." Lyra advised her betrothed.
Aegon frowned, remembering how the younger daughter of Eddard Stark gazed at him with so much distrust and hate. Even though he knew the horrible trauma she suffered all these years, he can't see himself getting along with the young woman who will soon be his sister-by-law.
"If it's any consolation, she didn't like me either growing up. But things are different now, we both want to protect what's left of House Stark." Lyra said, hoping it would comfort him.
"She doesn't need to be my friend. But I am her King." Aegon stated as they paused in their stroll.
"That may be so, but she will also be your family." Lyra said, stopping with him to stare up at where she knew his eyes were. "Be patient with her. I know you two will find common ground. Somewhere and somehow."
Aegon felt like he would have an easier time scaling the Wall with his bare hands than find common ground with Sansa. "If she can't respect me..."
"Did we respect each other when we first met? All those fancy titles and accomplishments that were supposed to impress me?" Lyra asked, giving him a look with a raised eyebrow.
Aegon paused then answered, "Can't say we did."
Lyra smirked slightly, "We needed to listen to each other first, then see what we were truly made of. Trust me, it took a long time for me to actually respect you."
"When exactly?"
Lyra hummed, "I believe it was somewhere between leaving Dragonstone for the Wall and coming back frozen half to death on a flying dragon."
Aegon's mouth quirked up into a smile. "Funny, that is also around the time I felt a great respect for you. Not many people can fly on dragon back on the first try after nearly drowning."
Lyra let out a breath at the memory, "Yes, that was really fun." She sarcastically said, making Aegon breathe out a laugh.
The sound of Dothraki on horseback made them turn just in time for three bloodriders approach the monarchs.
Aegon walked up to meet with them and spoke in the Dothraki tongue, "How many today?"
The one on the far left answered, "Only eighteen goats and eleven sheep."
Aegon felt worried, Lyra sensed it as well and gripped his arm for a moment. "What's the matter?"
"The dragons are barely eating." Aegon explained as the duo trudged off the field hand in hand.
The smell of freshly burnt remains and what was once frozen ground met her nose along with three trilling sounds from the dragons. To her, it sounded like they were disappointed or depressed.
"What's wrong with them?" Lyra asked as they got closer to the dragons.
"They don't like the North." Aegon answered as his hand came up to Drogon's muzzle to comfort the large beast.
Viserion was curled into himself to stave off the cold as he trilled while picking at the bones of the livestock.
Aegon gazed upon his most gentle child. "Viserion hasn't fully recovered from the Night King's attack."
"You said he's flying better though." Lyra said as she followed the familiar sound of the dragon then knelt in front of where she felt a very warm breath and held her hands out to touch his muzzle. Viserion crooned as he leaned into the Queen's touch.
"I believe it's more about the emotional experience. None of them have ever been North until that day." Aegon theorized, remembering that horrifying moment when he nearly lost his dragon to the Night King.
Lyra sighed through her nose as she continued to stroke Viserion's muzzle. "The Night King left more than one scar behind."
Aegon nodded, his hand still on Drogon.
Lyra switched on her Inner Sight and saw Viserion's soul, the white and gold flames danced around her.
"I'm sorry you went through that. I wish I can take away what that monster has done to you." Lyra spoke softly to the dragon, "But I promise you this, I won't let the Night King take you, not while your father, brothers and I are here. The fight isn't here yet, so take it easy until then."
Viserion trilled softly as he relished in the Queen's gentle touch and reassuring words. Though her gaze was shadowed, it held the softness of a mother.
Aegon smiled at how Lyra interacted with Viserion, it all just seemed natural to her. He's more than convinced that she has Valyrian blood through her mother.
The sound of an impatient huff drew him to Rhaegal who appears to be sulking as he watched Viserion be comforted by Lyra.
"I think Rhaegal wants your attention too." Aegon said with an exasperated smile as he regarded the pouting dragon.
Lyra faced the sound of the third dragon and sensed its irritation at how his brother is getting the Queen's gentle touch instead of him. With a sigh and a shake of her head, she stood up and walked toward the green and bronze flames of Rhaegal's soul. Her hand in front of her, searching for the large snout until warm breath surrounded her and she met the rough scales of the dragon.
Rhaegal purred in contentment at Lyra's touch before she spoke to him, "There now you needy dragon, I didn't forget you." She added with a good-natured smile as her blind gaze locked onto the dragon's. Though Rhaegal knew she could not see him, he can feel that strong connection with her soul, as though they are part of one another.
Aegon watched Lyra's interaction with Rhaegal. Somehow, she's more connected to the green dragon despite riding Viserion. An idea came to him, one he felt could be advantageous.
"Lyra, there's something I need you to do." Aegon began, looking both nervous and excited.
"Is it crazy?" Lyra asked as she glanced in Aegon's direction, not removing her hand from Rhaegal's muzzle.
"Not the craziest. You know how I ride Drogon and can command him to shoot fire." Aegon explained, watching Lyra's intrigued expression.
"Of course."
"Well, with the Army of the Dead, I can't be the only one setting them ablaze. It would give us all an advantage against the Night King if you rode Rhaegal." Aegon explained catching the way Lyra's eyebrow raised at his suggestion.
"You want me to fly on one of your dragons? Again?" Lyra asked, thinking back to that terrifying time when she had to save Viserion.
"Yes. Lyra, you somehow have a connection to Rhaegal. You can feel it, he can feel it. While he knows I'm his father, I am not his rider." Aegon sighed, "I know this is insane, but you may very well be the only one in this entire country who can ride him."
"Aegon, riding atop a horse, and Ghost, is one thing. I'm always on the ground, the vibrations in the earth help me see to a certain degree. But if I'm up in the air with wind screaming in my ears, and no vibrations under my feet, then I really am in the dark." Lyra explained the downsides given her loss of sight. Flying would be thrilling is she could see where she's going.
Aegon could see where she's coming from and understood how much she struggled to relearn everything while adapting to the darkness. But one dragon rider alone cannot command all three dragons. There's gotta be a way around this. Then he remembered something.
"Didn't Old Nan tell you stories about how magical people can possess the minds of animals?" Aegon asked, recalling one of the many tales Lyra told him from Old Nan.
"Yes, it's called warging. I only met one Beyond the Wall who harnessed this ability to enter the mind of his eagle to scout for enemies. I myself can enter Ghost's mind to see through his eyes. But Aegon, Rhaegal is not an animal. He's bigger than Ghost." Lyra reasoned, seeing a couple of flaws in such an idea.
"I also remember you telling me how wargs normally do this with the animal they are emotionally bonded with the most." Aegon countered, "Surely this connection between you and Rhaegal means you can bond with his mind as well."
Lyra opened her mouth but closed it when she could find no argument with that statement. It's still crazy no matter how you reason it, but if she can ride Rhaegal into battle, then they have an extra fighting chance against the dead.
Lyra turned to Rhaegal, her Inner Sight is still on as the green-bronze flames surrounded her, as though to give her a hug.
After a long moment of silence, she let out a sigh of resignation, "How do I get on his back?"
Aegon allowed a smile to crawl onto his face.
After much trial and error helping her get situated, Lyra is sitting proudly on the dragon's back. Her hands roamed around until she found the spikes and held onto them tightly.
Lyra took a deep breath and calmed herself down, closing her eyes as she concentrated on the connection to Rhaegal. It's similar yet different to Ghost. She raised the pup into a mighty direwolf, they trained for battle, they trust each other. Though she's only met Rhaegal just recently, she felt they were similar to a certain degree. Though Rhaegal isn't big like Drogon, he carries a fierce spirit and is gentle like Rhaegal, a protector like herself.
Lyra felt Rhaegal move beneath her, she opened her Inner Sight and found herself surrounded by the same green-bronze flames of the dragon's soul. 'I trust you with my life in this darkness.' The words didn't come from her head; they came from her heart. Suddenly, the colored flames gathered at her back and conformed into giant dragon wings that stretched out behind her. Something stirred within her, something unbound and wanted to break loose after years of being locked away. It was overwhelming, yet exciting. She wanted to let it go, to let it-
"Fly."
Rhaegal opened his wings and took off before Drogon and Viserion, with every beat of his wings, they soared high through the air.
Though Aegon was surprised by how suddenly her demeanor changed before she gave Rhaegal that command, it didn't deter him as he followed after her with Viserion close behind.
Lyra and Rhaegal flew through the air above Winterfell, the camps and all for the North to see. Soldiers stopped working when they saw the Northern Queen atop the green dragon, many gawked in awe and bewilderment.
Atop the battlements were the advisors and councilmen for both the King and Queen. Sansa and Arya stood side-by-side as they watched their elder sister soar through the skies, one with bewilderment, and the other with envious wonder. Samwell, Gilly, Little Sam, and Bran were in the courtyard when the green dragon flew overhead. Samwell's eyes were completely wide and his mouth fell open. Gilly gasped in shock and wonder at the magnificent creature. Little Sam squealed and pointed at the flying creature. Bran's face remained neutral, as though he has already seen this before, and knew how this will play out.
The wind blew through Lyra's hair as they flew over the Northern woods. She laughed at the thrilling sensation of flight, how uninhibited she felt in the sky. She could still hear the other two dragons flying beside her in spite of the loud wind in her ears. She knew even without her Inner Sight that Aegon was riding atop of Drogon and was smiling as well.
Lyra closed her eyes and touched along the bond between her and Rhaegal. Taking a deep breath, she warged into the dragon for the very first time. When she opened her eyes again, she was amazed by what she saw around her. The sun is still high, and it reflected off the snow-covered trees below, making everything glisten in winter. It's just so beautiful up here. So free. She finally understands what Aegon feels when he flies with his dragons.
Through Rhaegal's eyes, she spotted Aegon flying up ahead, though he appeared small on Drogon's back, she can still see his strong build and silver hair. Looking back down at the winter lands, she spotted a waterfall and decided to steer the dragon down towards it.
Aegon glanced behind him and followed after his Queen.
Rhaegal flapped his wings as he gently touched the ground as Lyra came back into her body. Lyra gasped and let out a laugh as she stroked Rhaegal's neck. "You're incredible Rhaegal."
The green dragon trilled in pride at his rider's praise.
Lyra heard two more heavy thumps land not too far from her before she heard someone's feet hit the ground and jog up to them. Still holding onto the spikes, she swung her right leg around and proceeded to steadily dismount the dragon. Rhaegal held still for his rider and did his best to lower his neck as best as he could to help her down. When she felt the tips of her boots touch the ground, she slid the rest of the way off, but ended up stumbling backwards.
Aegon caught her in time before she hit the ground. He held her close as she laughed, "Sorry."
"This is only your second time." Aegon said as he steadied his wife-to-be until she stood straight.
Lyra breathed in the fresh winter air and followed the roaring sound of the waterfall with Aegon beside her.
"That was incredible." Lyra exclaimed with a wide child-like smile. She enjoyed that more than she should.
Aegon grinned, "See, you're a natural."
Lyra exhaled, "I never knew it would feel like that. You were right about the warging. It does apply to dragons."
"You saw through Rhaegal's eyes." Aegon stated, glad his theory proved correct.
"Yes." Lyra stared in the direction of the waterfall, "For all the harshness winter brings, there is beauty within its dangers. You just need to see it from a distance to appreciate it's splendor." She said wistfully as she allowed the sounds of the water to soothe her.
"I can't disagree with you there." Aegon said, enthralled by Lyra's beauty as she stared ahead of her. He swore she looks lovelier today than yesterday.
Aegon turned to the waterfall and felt a serenity he hadn't experienced since he arrived in the North. In spite of the wars around them, this little part of the world feels peaceful.
"We could stay a thousand years, no one will find us." Aegon mused as he allowed himself to immerse in the sounds of the North.
"By the time anyone does find us, we'll already be dust and bone. Far from Houses, from judgement, and war." Lyra said as he gave Aegon a warm and loving smile. "It'd be selfish of us to hide here."
"Yes, it would." Aegon said with an understanding tone as he wrapped an arm around his Queen.
Lyra burrowed herself into his warm frame. It just feels nice, natural even. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and stood on her toes as Aegon lowered his face to give her a kiss.
Aegon pulled back with a smile, "It's awfully cold out here."
"Then you should keep your Queen warm." Lyra said with a coy smile as she felt him heat up beneath his clothes.
Aegon grinned before he picked her up bridal style, causing her to release a small scream then laughter as he carried her over to the waterfall where he spotted a cave wide enough for the two of them. Once they were deep enough, they proceeded to remove their clothes as fast as they could until they were both naked as the day of their birth.
Neither of them knew the next time they'll have these moments to themselves, so they wanted to savor it for as long as possible before they need to return to their duties. With every touch, every kiss, they committed these moments to memory as though it will be their last.
"They've been gone for quite a while now." Sansa stated, watching the skies for the dragons.
"They're fucking right at this very moment." Arya bluntly stated from right next to her.
When Lyra and Aegon returned, the castle was abuzz with questions as Lords demanded answers from their ruling monarch. But all Lyra could say was it will be for the sake of winning the war against the dead. After their little tryst in the cave, Aegon taught her how to command Rhaegal using Valyrian language. The commonly used command being 'dracarys'. The moment she uttered that word, Rhaegal shot fire out of his mouth and scorched the ground. It felt invigorating. Even through her blind gaze, she can see within her mind what the mighty dragon can do.
The betrothed pair finally separated when they arrived in the courtyard. While Aegon followed his advisors, Lyra made her way down to the crypt, her hand on the walls guided her to Eddard Stark's tomb. When her fingers touched the cold stone hands grasping the hilt of the sword, she raised her head and took a step back to bow her head in respect towards her father's visage. She sighed as she imagined him standing in front of her, alive and steady in the cold winter. So many things she wants to tell him, and more she wants to ask from him, wisdom, comfort, guidance; all the things fathers do for their children when darkness threatens to consume their lives.
Lyra turned her head when she heard someone stumble and fall in the crypt. Very few people enter the final resting place of the Starks. The last one who came down here uninvited was strangled by her. She followed the sound and immediately recognized the scent of books.
"Samwell?" Lyra asked as the man in question got back on his feet.
"I'm sorry, I know I'm not supposed to be down here." Samwell apologized to his friend. "But I needed to talk to you."
"What is it?" Lyra asked when she caught the discomforted tone within her friend's voice.
Samwell swallowed his saliva in an attempt to rid himself of the lump in his throat. "My father and younger brother...they were burned alive by dragon fire." He swallowed again, "By Aegon Targaryen."
It took Lyra a moment to realize what he's talking about as her face held sadness and sympathy for her friend. This was who Aegon was talking about the previous night.
"Oh Sam... I am so sorry." Lyra said, her heart aching for him.
"He didn't tell you, did he?" Samwell asked as he searched her eyes for an answer.
Lyra sigh quietly and shook her head, "He... told me what happened last night, that he ran into someone whose family members he executed. He didn't tell me it was you when he sought my advice."
Samwell let out a disbelieving breath, "How could he do that?"
Lyra stepped closer to her friend and asked him, "Samwell, which Great House is your family sworn to?"
"House Tyrell."
Lyra sighed and lowered her head, "Lady Olenna of House Tyrell swore allegiance with Aegon when Cersei Lannister killed her son and two grandchildren. Cersei already declared war on the last remaining members of House Tyrell." She paused and swallowed, "Randyll Tarly, your father, broke his oath and fealty to the family he was sworn to. He helped the Lannister Army take Highgarden and destroyed one of Aegon's allies. Your father betrayed Olenna for Cersei. For Cersei." Lyra shook her head and stared at the ground. "I wish it was done differently, but in the end, your father committed treason. I'm sorry."
Samwell was completely shocked and bewildered upon hearing the reason for his father's death. For all the cruelty the man put him through, his most notable trait was his duty to House Tyrell. To hear what his actions cost them took Samwell by surprise. But what he can't forgive is the manner in which he and his brother died.
"You have every right to be angry at him. But we need him to win the war." Lyra said as she stared at where Samwell is pleadingly.
Samwell was silent before he suddenly asked, "Would you have done it?"
Lyra knew what he's asking of her, "Samwell, you know I've executed men who've committed treason. I'm hardly in any position to be judgmental when I've done just as much."
"But you've also spared men. Thousands of Wildlings when they refused to kneel." Samwell pointed out vehemently.
"I wasn't a Queen." Lyra stated with a saddened look.
"But you are." Samwell responded very strongly.
"It wasn't my choice." Lyra said with a frustrated sigh, "I never asked for it."
"What would you have done if you were in Aegon's position when he had my father's fate in his hand?" Samwell asked, the urgency in his voice caught her off guard.
Lyra was silent as she thought about what her father taught her, instilled in her and his trueborn children. "I'd have given him the choice to take the Black, or face execution." She sighed then shook her head slightly, "But if he had to choose death, I would be the one who does the deed."
At Samwell's silence, Lyra continued, "I'm sorry Samwell, you asked me for an answer. But the results are still the same. The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. That is what my father taught me and his children."
Silence fell over them until Samwell said something she did not expect from him. "He's not."
"What?"
"Eddard Stark, he's not your father. Never was." Samwell stated, his voice shaking slightly.
Lyra's face filled with confusion, "What are you talking about?"
"The man you call 'father'..." Samwell took a shuddering breath, "...was actually your uncle."
That completely threw Lyra off, and she's been used to all kinds of madness in this world. "Samwell, whatever it is you are trying to say is not making any sense. You know my Uncle Brandon was killed by the Mad King, Uncle Benjen was too young to sire me, and Aunt Lyanna died in Dorne." She explained to her friend as evenly and patiently as though admonishing her younger siblings.
"Lady Lyanna died to bring you into this world." Samwell told her, watching as her eyes widened at his statement.
"What?" Lyra's voice barely came out of her.
"Your fath-Eddard Stark, found his sister in the Tower of Joy dying in the birthing bed, she made him promise to protect you. Robert would have killed you had he known the truth." Samwell explained was Lyra's face morphed from confusion, shock, and then denial.
"What truth?" Lyra stepped forward until her hands found his arms, holding them in a grip that surprised him. "Samwell, the things you're telling me do not make any sense. There's no possible way Lyanna can be my mother. Not unless-" She cut herself off when the answer hit her with the force that stole the breath from her very being. "Rhaegar." She whispered then shook her head, "No. That can't be... I was the dragon's bastard the whole time?" She stared pleadingly at her friend, searching desperately through the darkness for this to be a lie.
"No." Samwell held her steady, "You were never a bastard to begin with." Before Lyra could ask what he meant, Samwell continued, "At the Citadel, Gilly and I found a Septon's diary. Rhaegar Targaryen annulled his marriage to Elia Martell and wedded Lyanna Stark before the Weirwood Tree in Dorne. Bran saw it with his visions." Samwell paused for a moment. "Your mother was never abducted or raped. She loved him, and he loved her."
Lyra released her friend and stumbled backward until her hands found the closest wall that was coincidentally beside Eddard's grave. "Robert's Rebellion was built on a lie. Everything that has happened, was all because of a lie." Her breath became uneven as she tried to process this sudden revelation. "If I'm not a bastard, then..." She didn't know how to finish that sentence.
"Your name is Visenya Targaryen." Samwell finished for her, watching her with sadness and sympathy, "You're the true heir to the Iron Throne, the one true Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, all of it."
Lyra looked up, a look of denial and fury on her face, "There is already an heir. Aegon Targaryen is the rightful ruler." She let out an exasperated breath, "Even if I wanted it, he has the better claim than me. Laws of inheritance." Lyra reminded her friend on how the titles and leadership is passed onto the first legitimate son over his bastards and daughters.
"But-"
"There is nothing further to discuss Samwell." Lyra firmly said, refusing to listen to anything regarding the Iron Throne. "We have more important things to worry about. Instead of worrying about whose arse sits on the Iron Throne, let's focus on making sure we live long enough to dethrone Cersei."
Samwell looked as though he wanted to say more but found himself unable to speak at the order.
"And one more thing," Lyra straightened herself into a proper standing position and stared at where Samwell stood. "There is only one Targaryen left in the world. Not two." She said it in a final tone that left no room for argument. Even though she knew the truth, she refuses to accept it.
"Yes, Your Grace." Samwell bowed his head, finding himself unable to disobey the unspoken order.
Lyra sighed and calmed herself down a little, "I'd like to be alone please. You should go find Gilly and Little Sam."
"Of course. I'll tell them you said 'hello'." He said before he left to find his family.
Lyra didn't relax until her friend's footsteps completely faded. Her hand wandered beside her until they met with the cold hands of Eddard's statue. Her other hand joined the other as she clasped onto the statue before she allowed herself to cry. She bit her lip as a sob wanted to escape her. Her body shook as she bowed her head before the man who raised her.
Thinking back to all the moments where everyone commented on her living likeness to Lyanna Stark, how Eddard looked upon her with sadness and guilt whenever she asked about her mother.
"You may not have my name, but you have my blood."
He was trying to tell her something but was bound by his promise and was too afraid to even speak the truth. How many nights did he dream of the day he lost his sister, how many times did he pray in the Godswood for Lyra to never be revealed to Robert?
Lyra's mind reeled back to the dragons, her connection to the one named after her blood father. How free she felt when she had wings, when she flew atop of Rhaegal. The dragons knew who she really was before she did.
The dream she had for several nights before she and Aegon consummated. The Dragon and the Direwolf, they were two halves that created her, that made sure she exists. But the fear she felt when she saw that copy of herself standing there, she realizes it's the truth she's afraid of.
Aegon, her lover, her uncle, her blood father's brother, the man who she invited into her heart and in her bed. Her reason to live for something other than fighting. He doesn't know. Given who Rhaegar was, would he see her as another contender for the throne? Would he see her as yet another enemy once the Long Night is over?
The fear and uncertainty overwhelmed her as tears dropped onto the pedestal of Eddard's grave.
"Father...Please help me..." Lyra broke down in front of Eddard Stark, needing him here more than ever, to save her from this horrific truth.
Night has fallen over the North again as Aegon made an effort to be sneaky tonight, he wasn't ready to run into his future sister-by-law again.
He knocked on the door of the Queen's chambers before hearing someone grant him permission to enter.
When Aegon entered, he found his beloved Queen curled up under the covers on the bed, her back faced the door as she stared at the wall.
Aegon quietly shut the door behind him before he laid beside her on the bed. His hand rested on her shoulder and gently pulled her to lay on her back. Instead of the usual smile she'd greet him with, he saw how red and swollen her eyes were.
"Lyra, what happened?" Aegon asked as he stroked her cheekbone with his thumb. Her skin felt hot, not the good kind, and he's a dragon.
Lyra touched his hand that was on her face. "I visited my father's tomb. I told him about you, I didn't get much of a response." She didn't smile at the terrible joke she made, "I began to remember things I never thought about until I stood before him. How I wished things were different." Lyra swallowed the asked Aegon, "Egg, if Robert's Rebellion hadn't happened, do you think we'd still be here right now?"
"What brought this on?" Aegon asked as he stared into his beloved's shadowed eyes.
"I've been contemplating many uncertainties, how simple our lives would've been, uncomplicated by thrones and successions. How free we'd be from all of that." Lyra wondered as her other hand came up to trace the beautiful face above her.
"I normally never dwell on what life would be if Robert's Rebellion hadn't occurred. Rhaegar would be king, my nephew would be crown prince, my older brother Viserys would be betrothed to some Great House, Gods help them." He sighed wistfully, "My mother would still be alive, she'd be happy. Me, I'd be far down the line to worry about succession. I'd have too much free time on my hands. But that just means I'd get to spend more time with you."
Lyra's expression turned sad, "I wouldn't exist in that world."
Aegon's smile faltered, "Do you truly believe that?"
"I was conceived during war. If that war didn't happen, would I still be here?" Lyra asked, her voice cracked slightly.
Aegon frowned as he took her hand that traced his face and kissed her palm sweetly. "Lyra, even if you weren't conceived in that war, the Gods would still want us to find each other. No matter who you're born to, or where you're from, I'll always find you." Aegon said as though reaffirming a vow they've made in several lifetimes in many worlds just to be together.
Lyra felt her heart break at those words. She wants so badly to believe him, to trust that he'll keep that vow in spite of the truth. How badly she wants to tell him, but the words she wanted to say refused to come out. She feels like a coward unable to face her fear. A tear leaked out of her left eye and streamed down her temple as she held onto Aegon.
"Lyra?" Aegon asked, surprised at her sudden movement, but returned her embrace.
"Egg, can you please hold me tonight. I'm..." Lyra struggled to admit what she's feeling, "...I'm afraid."
Aegon held her tighter, though he was shocked by Lyra's behavior, he can never deny her requests.
"As you wish, my Queen." Aegon whispers as he rubs her back comfortingly.
That night, they didn't make love, Aegon did as Lyra asked and held her close to him. In his mind, and in his heart, he believed as long she's in his arms, nothing will scare her. Lyra relished this warmth for as long as possible fore she knew the moment he learns the truth, she will return to the cold winter once more.
Early the next morning, a frantic knock came upon the Queen's chamber. The two royals jolted from their slumber before Maester Wolkan entered without permission. He was stunned to see the Dragon King in the Northern Queen's bed.
Lyra ran a hand over her face and groaned when she smelled older books from the man. "Yes, this is exactly what it looks like Maester Wolkan." She groggily sat up and faced the door. She's too tired and grumpy to make up excuses.
Maester Wolkan got over his shock as he cleared his throat. "Forgive me, Your Graces, but Lady Sansa and the Northern Lords have called an emergency meeting." He informed them with a look of discomfort.
"Did something happen at the Wall?" Aegon asked as he put on his boots before he picked up his shirt. He was glad he wore his trousers last night.
"No, thank the Gods." Maester Wolkan quickly said, "But there is a man from the South requesting an audience with you. It is a matter of grave importance."
"Who is he?" Lyra asked as she tied her long hair back.
"Ser Jaime Lannister." Maester Wolkan answered with a bit of hesitance.
The King and Queen froze in their movements.
Lyra's hands fell onto the bed and gripped the covers. She sighed, "This is not going to be a great morning." She can already hear the numerous screaming Northern Lords ready to rip Jaime Lannister's head clean off. That is, if Aegon doesn't fry him first.
One more thing to add to the long list of problems she's dealing with. Great.
After TEN MONTHS of being gone, working and writing my other stories, I am so happy to post this. I wanted Samwell's revelation to Lyra to be a bit more dramatic compared to the show. We can all agree it was very disappointing and Jon hardly gave a reaction to the truth of his parentage. So yeah, Lyra is going through an internal crisis and still has to deal with the many problems of being Queen in the North. Aegon knows something is bothering her and wants to comfort her.
Next up is Ser Jaimie Lannister. This one will be very different from the show, but no less exciting. I thank you all for being so patient with me. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
