"You're brooding just as your husband does. I may not have my sight any longer niece, but I know when my kin is struggling with something. What is weighing on you Daenerys?" Uncle Aemon had asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.
Dany was spending her afternoon with Aemon. They were in her solar, going over all their finances and stocks. The coffee business had been a hit just as Jon had alluded to. The Westerosi demand for it was higher then she had initially thought it would be. So much so they had to hire more farmers then they originally had. Kinvara had sent a few of her priestesses to Bravos and Pentos with some to test if they'd have a market their, and in turn the Prince of Pentos and the Sealord of Bravos had made a trip to Dragonstone to meet with her and Jon to discuss a trade agreement.
The former Queen had truly been enjoying her time on Dragonstone. Raising her children in their ancestral home, something that she and Jon had been robbed of. She smiled as she looked at her uncle who was bouncing her son on his lap. Meanwhile, Lyanna who was nearing her second name day was on the floor playing with Ghost and Luna.
Her son.
Jacaerys Targaryen. Born with his mothers silver hair and bright indigo eyes like his grandfather Rhaegar, her son was the newest member of their family and neither she nor Jon could be happier. They had named him for Queen Rhaenyra's eldest son who had been taken from her during the dance. Dany never cared much for what the one sided maesters wrote in their books about Rhaenyra or her alleged bastards. They were her blood. Dany herself had been called Aegon with teats, just as her grandmother had been wrongfully called Maegor with teats.
Jace they called him. Her baby boy had been born looking so much like a Northern wolf. Ser Jorah had been the one to point out how ironic it was that Jon had been born with the Stark coloring but truthfully looked much like Rhaegar, meanwhile Jace had been born with the Targaryen coloring, but looked so much like Ned and Benjen Stark. He had the typical long face, and even though his eyes were Indigo, you could see the ring of grey around them.
"The year uncle, its 300." Dany finally responded to Aemon. "In my past around this time I was getting ready to head to Astapor.."
Her uncle nodded "I see. For the Unsullied."
Daenerys pinched the bridge of her nose "Yes." She replied "And I know Jon and I spoke about waiting until Jace had reached his first name day, but now I'm thinking perhaps that is not wise."
Her uncle bent over and placed Jace onto the floor with Lya, even blind the man had no issue knowing where he was in their family home. Her daughter smiled and walked over to sit next to her little brother. Luna moved over and laid right behind her son, propping him up as Lya handed him a toy dragon to play with. She smiled watching their innocent loving interaction.
"Tell me what your fears are Daenerys." Her uncle said.
She sighed "Jace is six moons, uncle. I just think that if I were to leave now, it may be best. The older he gets the more he will notice my absence. Same with Lya. She's nearing her second name day, I don't wish to be parted from my children at all, but truth be told I don't wish to be away from them when they'll constantly ask where their muna is. It will be hard enough with Lya. Plus their is also the change that could occur. If I wait longer then what I did in the past, we could alter things too much to the point that the Unsullied may be sold to someone else."
He hummed in agreement. "Have you spoken to Egg about this?" Aemon asked.
Dany bit her lip "No. Right before Jace was born we both decided his first name day would be when Ser Jorah and I would sail to Astapor with Lady Greyjoy. We did not speak of it again after that. I could see the pain in his eyes when he agreed to it. He supports me, he knows I have to do this, but he also doesn't like it and wishes I'd not leave. I can't fault him for that, I'll be abandoning my husband and my children." She says while her voice cracks at that last part.
"Oh my dear.." Aemon says as he reaches over the desk and finds her hand. He holds it in his own and continues "..you will not be abandoning anyone."
"But.." Dany tries to interrupt but Aemon cuts her off.
"No, Daenerys. This is not a mother abandoning her family. Lyanna and Jacaerys are your children, just as Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion are. You are their mother, but you are also a Mhysa to thousands across the Narrow Sea. Perhaps not to the world just yet, as you've yet to break their chains in this life, but you are in your heart, for you have already lived this life once." He tells her. The old dragon smiles and continues "You are Daenerys Stormborn of the blood of Old Valyria. The Mother of Dragons and the Breaker of Chains, and that my sweet summer child, is something that Lyanna and Jacaerys will be proud of. They will not find fault in you for saving thousands, they will only find pride. Just as I know your husband will. If you feel in your heart that this is the time to go, do not hesitate my niece. Follow your instincts, they'll never steer you wrong."
Dany had tears in her eyes listening to her uncle. Every time they spoke she found a new appreciation for the man. His wisdom and advice was something she never knew she needed. Thinking back on her past and how alone she felt, wishing to have family to guide her, and to now have that guidance was something she was beyond grateful for.
"What if they forget who I am, uncle?" She asked him.
Aemon squeezed her hand once more. "They will not. I'll not lie to you and say they won't long for you, you are their mother of course they will. But a mothers bond with her children is stronger then anything in the known world. You will return to them, Daenerys. And when you do, it will be as the Breaker of Chains. A mother to millions."
Dany knew he was right. She just hated that they'd be separated.
"Do not forget this either, Daenerys. With the rate that the dragons are growing, it is quite possible that by the time the liberation is done, you may be flying back to Dragonstone making your trip much quicker." Her uncle added. Dany nodded, she had not even thought about that. The dragons were growing at a very fast pace, at times even alarming. They were now the size of ponies and had made a nest on top of the Volcano, hiding in plain sight. She also noted how keeping them fed with constant live stock kept them from roaming off and killing random flocks. If she could fly back from Astapor after it was all said and done, it really would save her much time.
"I will speak to Jon." She said as she stood up. "Can you stay with the children? Or I can send for Missandei."
The old dragon chuckled "Go on, I've got the little dragon wolves."
Daenerys smiled and then leaned over and kissed his cheek "Thank you, uncle."
Her husband was not happy. They had yelled about it with one another, cried a bit, and then had unbelievably wild passionate sex after. She was not sure how many times he had spilled inside of her, she made sure to drink moon tea after because she was sure his seed would have taken root if she didn't.
But, despite that, like Aemon said, her husband understood.
Ser Jorah, Missandei, and the red priestesses would be accompanying her. Jon had wanted her to take his men, but any other Westerosi with her aside from Jorah, would be a risk. Yara had sailed to Dragonstone to meet with her as she'd be the one captaining the ship to get them to Astapor. Plus, the former Queens had another job to get done while they were in the East.
They were standing on the beach now, Lya in her arms, Jace in his fathers.
"I will miss you so very much, ñuha dōna" Dany said to her daughter who had her little arms wrapped around Dany's neck.
Lya whimpered. They had explained that muna would be gone for a bit on a trip and Lya did not take it very well.
"muña.." Lya mubbled as she buried her face into Dany's neck.
Daenerys rubbed her back and spoke sweet words to her. Kissing the side of her head as she rocked her in her arms.
"When I return, it will be on Drogon, ñuha dōna" Dany said to her trying to distract the little girl.
Lya pulled back and looked at her in the eyes "Dwagon fly, muna?" She asked.
She smiled at her daughter "Thats right little love, I'll be flying on the dragon."
Lya looked up into the sky "Dwagon!" She chirped. The children were fascinated with the dragons. They had decided not to hide them from their children, they were a part of them.
"Will you be a good girl for your papa? Will you promise to take care of your valonqar?" Dany asked.
Lyanna looked back at her and smiled "PAPA! BRUDDER!" She squealed as she jumped in Dany's arms.
"Thats right little love. Now give muna a big hug." Dany said as she tried to hold back her tears. Lyanna threw her arms around Dany and she held her daughter tightly.
"Avy jorrāelan, Lya." Dany choked out as she stroked her dark curls.
"Avy jorrāelan, muna." Lya replied.
She placed the little girl onto the sand and watched her run toward Tormund who was standing with the wolves, and then she looked up at her husband who was holding Jace.
He noticed the tears in her eyes and instantly pulled her into his embrace. He kissed her temple "We'll be here when you get back, love." He told her.
She nodded at him and then looked at her son whose bright eyes were staring at her, not understanding what was going on. She kissed his forehead and then rubbed a finger on to his soft cheek "Muna loves you my little one. Be good for your kepa."
Jace yawned at her and she couldn't help but chuckle. She leaned down and kissed him once more, inhaling his baby scent and then looked back into her husbands eyes. He passed Jace to their uncle who she had already said her goodbyes to.
Jon cupped her face in his hands "I love you, Daenerys. We love you. And we are proud of you."
She was crying now.
He reached up and wiped her tears "They'll be fine, love. I will tell them how much you love them every night before they sleep. And when you return to us we'll have fun making another little dragon wolf for our pack."
She chuckled and nodded at him once more, hardly able to even speak any words.
Jon pulled her into a kiss. She hugged him as close to her body as she possibly could. Daenerys knew it would be a while before she'd feel his touch once more.
When he pulled away she felt his thumb brush her cheek bone "I love you, Dany. Always."
"And I love you." She said and then stood on her tippy toes and kissed him once more. Their foreheads touched for a few seconds before she finally pulled away from him and turned to head onto the ship that was awaiting her.
Jon watched as she boarded the ship. She finally turned back toward him and he smiled at her. Lyanna ran up to him, crashing into his legs waving at her screaming 'muna'. Ghost and Luna at her daughters side. Jon picked Lya up and she could hear Lya giggling in his arms as he tossed her into the air. Daenerys knew their was nothing in the world that would keep her from returning to her family.
Moons it had been.
Four moons since Dany had left. He felt as if he was missing a limb. His children had not taken it easily. Lya had the hardest time with it. She would cry for her mother asking when she'd return and he could never give her the right answer. Jace had felt her absence the first week. He looked for her everywhere. Anytime the wet nurse would come in to feed him he would search for his mother everywhere. It had broken his heart seeing how much they missed her, but he knew she had to do this. Just as he had to help the Free Folk cross over, freeing the Unsullied needed to be done.
Jace had eventually stopped looking for her and it seemed his wife was correct that the earlier they did this likely the better. Lya had just had her second name day and still, she would run into his chambers every morning checking to see if his wife had returned yet. As much as it pained him, he knew the sooner she did this, the easier it would be in the long run.
He had stayed on Dragonstone the last few moons taking care of the children. Barristan had sent him updates constantly. He knew that the death of Vary's had sent Robert Baratheon into a panic. It was now a pattern. Apparently the King began to get rather paranoid.
Which is what he wanted.
He had been glad Barristan was the one to kill the Spider. After Jon told the old knight that it was Vary's that whispered into The Mad Kings ear about Rhaegar's plans, plus his betraying Dany in the past, the man took care of the spider and done just as Jon had wanted. Put it on full display. The Lord of Dragonstone wanted the Lannister's and Baratheon's to fear what was happening to them. To wonder how so much chaos could be happening right under their noses.
Lord Stark had written him shortly after he arrived back to Kings Landing from his visit and was rather upset. He did not out right say anything of the Spiders death considering it was in a raven, but Jon could tell he was not happy to have caused another problem for Robert.
He had also gotten word that Renly Baratheon and Lady Margary's wedding was absolutely lovely. Or at least thats what Sansa's raven to Dany had said. His sis.. cousin, had been charmed by Dany and had written her constantly since leaving Dragonstone. His wife had sent Sansa back with a bunch of silks and fabrics she acquired before they left Pentos. Trying to build some kind of relationship with Sansa, and of course the young girl had been ecstatic. Needle work was always her favorite. She had even knitted a blanket for both Lya and Jace and had it sent to Dragonstone.
Robb had finally been betrothed. He wrote Jon telling him of his upcoming wedding to Lady Wynafryd Manderly. That choice had surprised Jon. He had figured Lord Stark would wed his brother to Alys Karstark or perhaps one of the Tallhart or Cerwyn daughters. The Manderlys followed the faith of the seven and Lord Stark had made it known that Robb needed to wed a lady who followed the old gods. He guessed as long as she was Northern the lords would be happy with it. Marrying Robb to a Southerner would have likely made the Northmen ticked off since Lord Stark had already wed Lady Catlyn.
Between Lord Stark and himself. They had kept things together. Jon had prayed to all the gods that would listen that this supposed peace would last at least until his wife returned. So far, with Lord Stark staying out of the search for Robert's bastards, Cersei hadn't attempted to kill the Whoremonger. As much as he hated to say it, keeping Robert alive was the best thing, for now.
It had been moons since the Stag and the Rose were wed and still no news about an heir, not that he was surprised. Jon knew that Renly desired Ser Loras more then he did the golden rose of High Garden. He assumed the Tyrell's would begin pushing for an heir once Robert died. Jon was no fool, he knew Renly was keeping that information to himself so that he'd be Robert's only true heir. It didn't take a genius to see through no one was foolish enough to see that Olenna was hedging her bets to see what would happen as well.
Jon walked inside the great hall, Tormund had Jace on his lap, his son pulling on the man's beard. Meanwhile, Lyanna was sitting in between Edd and Pyp babbling about something while eating her lunch. He smiled as he watched his friends with his children.
"Little crow! This one here is gonna be a strong warrior like his papa. He's got a grip on him!" Tormund said as he chuckled at Jace who was still tugging on his red beard.
Jon could only laugh "Aye. Tell that to Ghost, whose tail was pulled last night." Jon said. Ghost had of course not snapped at the little boy, but he did get rather annoyed with him. It was further proof how intelligent Direwolves were. Somehow sensing that Jace meant him no harm and instead huffed at his son.
"Papa, look!" Lya squealed. He turned to his daughter and watched as she tossed a piece of meat in Luna's direction. The black wolf gobbled it up right away and Jon glared at Edd
"Really?" He asked.
Edd shrugged "What? The little dragon pup does what she wants. You try telling her no."
The Lord of Dragonstone growled, he knew his friend spoke true. His daughter was quickly learning how cute she was. She'd give what Dany called puppy eyes if she wanted something and it was virtually impossible to deny her.
"Lya. Enough. Luna is a wolf, not a human. Eat your lunch, little love." Jon told her.
His little girl scrunched her brows together and then continued to eat her lunch. Jon took a seat next to Tormund and poured himself some ale.
"Any news from Dany?" Asked Grenn.
Jon sighed. He had received only one letter from her. He knew getting information was hard with the distance, but it didn't pain him any less "Not since the last one." They had just arrived in Astapor and were on their way to where the slavers held the Unsullied.
"Are we still plannin' on goin' to get that giant cunt?" Tormund asked.
"Language!" Jon hissed at the man.
Tormund shrugged at him and Jon rubbed a hand down his face.
"Aye. You and I will sail to Kings Landing with Aurane. We'll meet a few men from House Darry there to help us. The rest of you will stay here with my children, and Lady Celtigar. Also, remember you'll need to wear the clothes Dany left for you, Tormund." Jon answered, smirking at the last part.
Tormund scoffed at him. Jon knew the man had no wish to put on leathers, but he didn't need Tormund standing out any more then he did. He could pass for a man from Skaggos if need be, but saying he was of the Free Folk would likely cause too many questions.
Edd nodded "We'll guard them with our lives, Jon."
"I'm not lookin' forward to the fancy kneeler clothes the dragon queen made me, but its a bout time, little crow. I've been itchin' for a fight."
"Good, cause were about to take down a mountain."
Olenna Tyrell was always looking for ways to strengthen House Tyrell.
She figured years ago they'd push for her golden rose to wed Robert's heir, but then Renly Baratheon came to them with the truth of Cersei's bastards and Olenna could only laugh.
The lion whore wanted to be a Targaryen so bad she bedded her own brother. It was no secret Cersei had desired Prince Rhaegar. As a young girl she would follow the silver Prince nearly everywhere he went. Rhaegar being the kind soul that he was had let her down gently each time, but Cersei refused to give up. After Rhaegar's fall at the Trident it did not surprise her one bit that Tywin pushed for the Stag to wed his daughter. Truthfully, Olenna had been disgusted. To reward a man who had two small children slaughtered was insanity, she thought. How Jon Arryn ever thought that was a good investment was baffling. Sure, Tywin had gold, but the man had just murdered the rightful King and tossed his body in front of the Iron Throne. Olenna knew their wasn't enough gold in the world to alley her with a man who did that. And looking back on it, if she was correct in her assumption, she was certain that Jon Arryn sealed his death that day. The matriarch of House Tyrell was no fool. She knew how to play the game of thrones. Cersei found out Jon Arryn knew the truth of her bastards and had the man killed.
And now they were here. Margarey was wed to Renly, Robert's only heir and her grand daughter would one day be Queen. The one thing House Tyrell had never had, a royal match. It would have been better if her golden rose were to have wed Rhaegar's son, but alas that wasn't possible any longer. They were stuck with the sword swallowing stag.
"Grandmother, you asked to see us?" Asked Willas. They were back in High Garden now. Mace, Willas, and Garland all entered her solar.
"Come sit, we need to speak urgently." She said as she gestured for them to all take a seat.
"What is this about mother?" Asked Mace.
She rolled her eyes and tossed a scroll in front of him. Her son picked it up and gasped.
"Impossible!" He said.
Garland grabbed said scroll and read it and she watched his eyes widen and then he passed it to Willas who had the same reaction.
"As you can see, this is rather important." Olenna said.
"How? Their is no way! He was in Kings Landing, and you've seen him! He's a beast!" Mace explained.
Olenna shrugged "It seems the Princess is much more resourceful then we thought." Olenna said "Killing Lorch and the Spider was one thing, but kidnapping the bloody Mountain? The seven only know how she did that, but it begs the question of how do we proceed." Hearing news that the Mountain had disappeared and then later a note was left for the king about it made her chuckle. The Targaryen girl was kicking Tywin and Robert's arse left and right and she loved to see it.
"Mother what are you saying? Margarey is married to Renly! The future king! Their is nothing to speak of." Mace added. She could tell he was upset.
"Grandmother, what are you not telling us?" Asked Willas.
Olenna could only grin, her eldest grandson was the most like her. He may resemble his father in looks, but he had her brains. "That is not the only raven I have received. Your cousins were making deliveries of Arbor Gold in Volantis recently. It seems the Princess Daenerys is in Astapor."
"Astapor? Whatever for?" Asked Mace.
"The Unsullied are stationed in Astapor. I read about them, they're the most formidable army in the world. Not even the Dothraki like facing them." Said Willas.
Olenna could feel the pride in her heart swelling, he truly was a smart young man. "You are correct."
Mace scoffed "A slave army. Are we to be frightened of them, mother? Of a little girl? Of eunuchs?"
"Use your brain, Mace. The Princess has been dealing blow after blow to the Lannister's and Robert Baratheon. Somehow a girl across the Narrow Sea has a reach inside the 7 Kingdoms. Somehow she has a network that is unknown to all of us, that is silently working for her. You've seen the king, he's losing his bloody mind worrying about her threats. She has single handily delivered justice to two of the three men responsible for murdering her niece and nephew and her good sister. And the more and more I think about it, I'd not be surprised to find out if it was the Princess who was responsible for what happened to Tywin's precious gold minds. But thats not all. As I was saying to your sons, Paxter sent his boys on a shipment to Volantis and it was not only the whispers they heard of the Princess being in Astapor, but that she has dragons."
"Dr.. dra..dragons?" Asked her foolish son who suddenly turned a shade of white.
"How? And you said dragons as in plural grandmother." Garland stated.
Olenna hated this. She hated only having half news, but for some reason she could not chalk this up to silly rumors. Considering all the Princess was able to do from afar, it would not surprise her one bit if she somehow managed to hatch dragons. She was a full blooded Targaryen, the girl likely figured out something her male ancestors could not. At that Olenna could only smirk.
"Yes. The rumors in Volantis say she has three. The size of horses. Not the weak little things the Targaryens had after the dance." The Lady of Highgarden replied.
"So she'll likely have an army of Unsullied to go along with her three dragons?" Asked Willas.
"I cannot say. Your cousins only heard where she was and of her beasts. Apparently the red priestesses in Volantis sing her praise. Whatever the case may be, we must monitor the situation. If Daenerys Targaryen returns to Westeros with an army and three dragons, well I need not tell you how many dragons The Conquer came here with." Olenna explains.
"Bah! She has no support. The King has almost all the kingdoms. Who would openly support her besides the bloody Dornish?" Mace asks.
Before Olenna could reply, Willas did. "It doesn't matter father. Dorne can call on 20,000 spears. She would likely have half of the Riverlands as well considering they fought for House Targayren during the Rebellion and the King never really forgave them. You also have to factor in the Crownlands. They follow the king now, but the mention of a Targaryen Queen returning with dragons could make them switch instantly since their loyalty was also to the House of the Dragon. Their is also the Reach.."
"Your sister is wed to Renly! The Reach will follow me." Her son stated as he puffed out his chest
"Father.. Not all of our banner men liked the match. Many are still bitter about what happened to the Targaryens, and if the Princess truly has dragons.." Garland started to say but her son cut him off
"Non sense! She is just a girl! No one would ever willingly follow a women!" Mace said boldly. Olenna had to contain herself from reaching over and smacking her son across the face.
"Oh, do shut up Mace." Olenna said to him "Your sons are correct. They may call you the Warden of the South, but it's no secret many of our own banner men would choose the girl and her dragons over Renly or the Lannister's. Need I remind you of the field of fire and how House Tyrell even became Wardens? Or how about the King that knelt, Torrhen Stark? The dragons change everything."
"Grandmother, what are you saying?" Asked Garland.
The matriarch of House Tyrell reached for her goblet and said "If I know this news, its only a matter of time before it reaches the Capital. Tywin and Robert will certainly both be shitting themselves when they hear this. The Princess is clearly a force to be reckoned with, my dears. Cersei will hear this and likely get nervous and get rid of Robert sooner to put her bastard on the throne. So for now, we stay diligent. I've sent a few men East to track the girls movements. I cannot stop thinking of that note she left at Renly's tourney." She said as she takes a sip of her wine.
"Mother? Its a stupid note! What of it?" Maces asks
"The we.." Answers Willas who looks up at her shocked.
Olenna nods and puts her goblet down "Yes. She did not say, I. She specifically said 'we, will be collecting your debt to us in fire and blood'. She even underlined it. And she made sure to name drop our house, as a warning perhaps? I cannot put my finger on it, but their is certainly more to this then I think any of us know."
"I don't follow mother.." Mace says confused to her answer.
"She means the Princess wanted us to know their was a we. She is known as the last Targaryen in the world since Prince Viserys died. Her note should have said I not we. It begs the question of who is this we? It makes you wonder if it's possible that somehow, some way, one of Rhaegar's children survived." Willas says.
Olenna nodded at her grandson. She mentally cursed the Princess for not doing any of this sooner, if she had Olenna would have made sure House Tyrell supported the dragons as they always did, but now with her granddaughters marriage, things had changed. And for the first time, the women was truly nervous.
He was on his way to the small counsel meeting. Ned knew what it would be about. Ser Barristan warned him that Tywin had learned of Daenerys and her dragons in the East. He knew what Robert would say. They had a similar conversation in the past when he resigned as Robert's hand. He wants her dead.
The king had lost his mind when the news of the Mountain came.
Clegane's coat of arms was left at the bottom of the Iron Throne, along with his smashed great sword, both wrapped in a Targaryen banner that had blood on it, no doubt the Mountains. Inside was a note that said 'The Mountain that rides, rides no more.'
Ned was no fool. He figured it could only have been Ser Barristan who had planted it. Who else would have been able to?
He also knew it was Jon's work. How he was able to kill him? He couldn't say. But Ned knew that any man with enough rage could take down a beast. And thats what Gregor Clegane was. A beast.
Jon's words rang in his head when they had read the note.'Are you the only one allowed to fight for your sister?' He had asked him. It had made him feel guilty. Clegane, Lorch, and Tywin should have lost their heads after what they did to Princess Elia and her children, but it never happened. Robert instead rewarded them, something Ned never agreed with. So how could he be mad that those monsters were now dead? The world was a better place without them in it. He knew that for sure.
But Jon's revenge was taking a toll on Robert.
Whispers of madness and paranoia were spreading. Some even whispered he was turning into Aerys. Which Robert had raged about for days.
Then Tywin showed up. Part of Ned wondered when the old lions day would come. Two of the three men were now dead. Would Jon and Daenerys be able to get the Lord of Casterly Rock? He was feared throughout the realm for a reason. But a voice in Ned's head whispered the dragons will have their due.
Ned walked into the counsel room. Pycelle, Lord Renly, Lord Swann, Lord Crackhall, Lord Hightower, and Lord Buckler were sitting. Ser Barristan and Ser jamie were both in attendance as was Tywin, and his brother Kevin. Ned finally took his seat and a few minutes later, the King and Queen both entered.
By Robert's facial expression he seemed to be unaware of the news Tywin was bringing. Ned watched as they took their seat and Tywin spoke.
"Your grace, I am sure you are wondering why I'm here. It pains me to say this, but I have brought terrible news from the East." Tywin says.
"Out with it Lannister." Robert says, already annoyed with the man.
"My brother Kevin has recently returned from Pentos, your grace. It seems the Targaryen girl is in Astapor." The Lord of Casterly Rock stated.
Robert growled "What of the little bitch? Send a bloody assassin for her! I am sick and tired of the games she is playing."
"Your grace thats not all.." Lord Kevin says nervously.
"Speak!" Robert shouts at him.
"The Princess has dragons." Lord Kevin says quickly.
"What did you just say?" Robert asks.
Ned looked around. Cersei looked shocked. Robert looked as if he had seen a ghost. Tywin had a neutral face on, but Ned was sure the man was nervous. The Kingslayer's jaw looked like it would hit the ground, and the rest of the men in the room looked the same.
Ned cleared his throat "I'm sorry, my lord. Did you say dragons?" Ned asked.
"IMPOSSILE!" Shouted Robert.
"It's true, your grace. My men.. some of them said they witnessed the beasts flying over Volantis." Kevin Lannister adds
"Dragons haven't been in the world for nearly two hundred years! Its not possible." Cersei screeched.
"The Queen is correct. The last ones were small and sickly. No larger then cats. Its fairy tales, your grace." Pycelle adds.
If only, Ned thought.
"I assure you grand maester, this is no fairy tale. My men would not lie about this. Nor would the people of the free cities. Slaves have been revolting since she took Astapor." Lord Kevin adds.
"What do you mean?" Asks Ser Jamie curiously.
Lord Kevin gulps "Well, its well known the Unsullied are in Astapor.."
"CALL THE BANNERS! I WILL KILL THE TARGARYEN BITCH JUST LIKE I KILLED RHAEGAR!" Robert screams, cutting Kevin Lannister off. The King was shaking at this point. Ned was certain his friend was starting to lose it now.
"Your grace we cannot take an army to Slavers Bay, that would be an international invasion. The Free Cities would take that as an act of war." Says Lord Swann
"FUCK THE FREE CITIES! I WANT HER HEAD!" Robert shouted and then tossed his goblet of wine "I will cave in her chest with my hammer just as I did her rapist cunt of a brother. Renly, call the banners! ALL OF THEM!"
"Brother, Lord Swann is correct we cannot just invade the East."
"Are you a Baratheon or a coward Renly?" Robert asked angrily. "Ours is the fury you scared little twat!"
"Your grace." Lord Kevin said "The dragon spawn did not acquire the Unsullied. She.. she set them free.." He says shocking everyone in the room.
"What?" Asked Cersei.
"She set them free. She apparently offered the slave masters a chance to take their belongings and leave the city alive. Any who refused would face her dragons. Apparently they tried to attack her, and her dragons burned all of them. From what I picked up, the girl then gave the city back to the slaves. She took off their collars and set them free. Astapor is now in the hands of the freed men and the Unsullied."
Ned was surprised at that. He knew from what Jon showed him that Daenerys had done that last time, but they had chosen to follow her on her quest. It seems this time she changed her mind.
"They are calling her the Mother of Dragons and.. and the Breaker of Chains. A man from Bravos told me slaves are revolting all over Slavers Bay now." Kevin adds.
"But.. why would she not take the Unsullied? They're the best army in the world! She cannot invade Westeros without one!" Ser Jamie says.
Lord Kevin only shrugged.
Robert seemed shocked by that as well.
"Perhaps she knows not to come here, your grace. For she fears to end up like Rhaegar. To meet your war hammer." Pycelle adds.
Ned didn't miss how Ser Jamie and Ser Barristan flinched at that. But Pycelle truly was a fool. The Princess, well actually it was Jon, but Daenerys had her name on all of it, was unraveling the Lannister's and Baratheons from the shadows. Having dragons made her even more deadly. Did the grand maester really believe she would be scared of a war hammer that would melt under dragon fire?
"Her dragons, how large are they?" Asked Lord Hightower.
"What I want to know, is how a girl could hatch dragons? No Targaryen king was ever able to do it, how could she?. Look at what happened at Summerhall!" Said lord Crackhall.
"Dragons haven't won wars in centuries. Armies win them. And the girl doesn't have one." Lord Tywin said. "You have the 7 Kingdoms, your grace. If what my brother says is true, the foolish girl instead of taking the Unsullied set them free. She has no army, no support, all she has is her dragons."
"Yes, Lord Tywin. Dragons who breathe fire." Renly says mockingly.
"I WANT HER DEAD!" Robert finally yells. He looks to Lord Hightower who is his master of coin "A faceless man. Get it done."
Lord Hightower eyes widen "Your grace, we do not have the coffers to afford a Faceless assassin."
"GET IT DONE!" The King yells and slams his fist onto the table "I do not care if you need to tax every single soul in the bloody 7 Kingdoms, that silver haired bitch will be dead and her head will be on a spike for all to see. Just as her fellow dragon spawns were."
Ned could only sigh. Hearing Robert speak of children this way made him sick. He thought back to his conversation with the Princess. She was right. Jon may be on a revenge spree, but he's never killed innocents, nor children.
"Robert, we cannot raise taxes again." Ned finally spoke.
His friend looked at him with a wild look in his eye "My word is final, Ned! The people of Westeros will give us their coin and I will have Aerys and Rhaella's whelp bashed in with my hammer and decorating the red keep to show everyone who the true king is."
Their was silence in the room. No one said a word after that. Robert stood up, mumbling to himself and left the room.
"We cannot start an international war." Renly says.
"I agree with Lord Baratheon, we do not have the coin to finance a civil war." Says Lord Hightower.
"My husband wants the dragon bitch dead. She is a threat to our children. To my Joffrey, get it done or we'll find someone else to do it." Cersei says and then stands up and leaves.
"Perhaps we could offer a reward for the dragon spawns life?" Pycelle asks.
"With what coin?" Asks Lord Buckler
"The House Lannister is kin to his grace I am sure.." Pycelle began but Tywin cut him off.
"A faceless man is millions of gold dragons, grand maester. My family will not pay for something that a regular man is capable of." Tywin says
The Kingslayer scoffed at that. "It's too bad Aerys daughter already killed your former assassins."
Ned nearly fell out of his chair at the Kingslayers reply. He was not expecting him to say that.
Tywin ignored his sons comment and continued "For now the girl and her beasts are not a threat to us. I have sent men to track her and do what needs to be done. In the mean time, we keep an eye on it for all our sakes. News of her escapades will begin to spread. We need to make sure the people of the 7 Kingdoms know she's just as mad as her ancestors. She will come here and burn all of Westeros to the ground. She's the product of incest, madness from her weak mother and her mad father. We cannot allow any Targaryen loyalists to think about supporting her. She is nothing more then a foreign tyrant who would burn them all."
Ned had to contain himself from rolling his eyes. Tywin spoke of everything that was in truth his own grandson. He watched as Ser Jamie stood up and pushed his chair backwards and stormed out of the room, the Lord of Winterfell was not sure what that was about.
He knew he needed to get word to Jon that assassins would be coming for his wife. He may not agree with everything Jon was doing, but Daenerys was part of their family now. Lyanna would have his arse if anything happened to the mother of her grandchildren.
The pack survives.
He stood up and made his way back to the Tower of the Hand.
"Lord hand, a minute." Ned heard. He turned around and spotted Barristan. Ned nodded to Jory and the head of his household guard moved over so Barristan could stand next to him
"Ser Barristan, how can I help you?" Ned asked.
"Your son, Robb. He's getting married soon from what I've heard." The knight says.
Ned smiles at this "Aye. I'll be leaving North to attend his wedding."
The old knight nods "Wonderful news, my lord. Congratulations."
"Thank you, but I feel as if that's not what you wished to speak of." The Lord of Winterfell said.
Barristan stopped and whispered "I would suggest staying in the North for a bit longer after the wedding, my lord. The grand maester was seen collecting poisons for the Queen."
Ned froze. "You.. you think she's gonna do it? Poison Robert again? How do you know?"
"I cannot say, my lord. But considering what we both know, being in Kings Landing would not be safe for you."
Ned sighed. He looked around before looking back at Barristan "I cannot leave Robert alone!" He hissed.
The knight sighed and then placed his hand on his shoulder "Then you risk leaving your wife, children, and this world for good once more, Lord Stark."
Ser Barristan walked away and all Ned could do was think, here we fucking go again.
"Father! Father!"
Oberyn heard his daughter shouting at him. He was sitting in the parlor with his love, Ellaria, when the shouting came.
Nymeria ran in, her hair was a mess and she was out of breathe.
"What is it, daughter?" He asked.
"You must come! Hurry!" She said.
"Nym, come where? Can't you see I'm busy?" He asked annoyed.
"Father you don't understand. Its here! Your gift is here!" She stressed to him. Oberyn whipped his head around to his love who looked just as surprised.
"I'll be back." He told her and he followed Nymeria out of the room. He knew their was only one gift he was desperately waiting for.
They ran all the way to the back gates of Sunspear. A large cart with two horses and a wagon attached to it with a brown tarp covering what was inside of it. Nym jumped onto the cart and then looked at him "Look, father."
Oberyn took a deep breathe and reached for the tarp. He slowly pulled it back and smiled wickedly at what he was looking at.
"It seems the Targaryen Princess knows how to move a mountain. Nymeria, go tell your uncle and then find your sisters and meet me in the dungeons."
