JAEHAERYS
Jae stood to the side of the Iron Throne with the rest of his family, save the king who sat on the high pile of metal. The thousand swords of Aegon's enemies likely did not make for a comfortable seat, at least that's what Jaehaerys assumed it was forbidden for any to sit on the throne without the king's permission and while Jae didn't think his father would send him to the wall over the matter he still had no desire to climb the steps. But that was the point, no? That the seat was meant to be uncomfortable, no king should ever sit easy on their throne. Look what happened to the Gardener kings.
All of the court was in attendance, at least anyone of importance or who wished to see the arrivals first-hand. Which was a good number of lords, no one had seen the Starks in court for fourteen years, save Jaehaerys of course. It reminded him of his return nearly two moons ago now, just as the memory came to him the two huge doors at the end of the hall pushed open and in walked the Starks.
"The Lord Paramount Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, his son and heir, Robb Stark, along with his daughters Ladies Sansa and Arya Stark" The four of them led their retinue into the hall, although Arya grimaced at the title bestowed to her. Another dozen or so household guards followed them immediately, he recognized Joey immediately along with a few more of the best of house Starks guards. Arya's face lit up into a grin as she made eye contact with Jaehaerys who gave her a small wave in response. Jae was glad to see the three wolves that stalked behind the group of guards, Grey Wind, Lady, and Nymeria. There were gasps and points from the crowd which seemed to make Sansa nervous and Arya smirked. Robb was still as tall and broad as he had last seen him with his confident gait that one would expect from an heir born and raised.
"It has been years since the Greyjoy rebellion Lord Stark, I am glad to have you" Rhaegar said looking down from his high seat.
"A Stark answers his summons, your Grace" Ned responded dryly. There were murmurs around the edges of the room, all remembered the last time a Stark Lord was summoned to court.
"I'm sure your travels were tiresome, please I will have you shown to your quarters, then I would invite you and your family to dine with mine tonight to welcome you properly" the king offered after seeing the reaction to Ned's words.
"Thank you my king" Robb spoke up from his spot next to his father. "We would be honoured to join the royal family" Rhaegar smiled at the young heir's words, Viserys yawned only to get elbowed sharply by Dany in the ribs forcing a wince out of him.
The Starks were escorted out and the rest of the room was dismissed. Rhaegar descended the stairs and Connington wasted no time flying to the king's side to tell him something as they made for the door, a few members of the king's guard in tow. Jaehaerys stayed in his spot as Aegon and Viserys quickly took their leave, and Rhaenys and Elia left arm in arm as well, with his sister looking back at him one last time as they walked away.
"You'll have to introduce me," Daenerys said from his side, Jaehaerys didn't turn, only smiled as he addressed her while looking at the still emptying room.
"You'll love them Dany, I was actually hoping for your help," he said turning to face her.
"Oh?"
"Sansa, I think she would do well amongst your friends," He told her. Myrcella and Margaery seemed good friends that Sansa would love, they were proper ladies of court.
"Not Arya?"
"I am going to speak with Rhaenys about Arya" Jae said and Daenerys seemed confused. "I think she would love some private lessons from the Sand Snakes" Dany nodded in understanding.
"I'm sure Marg would love someone new who doesn't share a last name as her" She joked. Similarly, Aegon's group of friends had increased in numbers, sons of lords that had made their way to the capital were now doing all they could to ingratiate themselves with the next king. Jaehaerys didn't spend much more time with his brother, in fact after the events of the tourney there were two sides at play. Aegon and Jaehaerys' friends were on two different sides of petty court conflicts. A couple weeks after the tourney a scuffle broke out between Renly and Monford which had to be separated, and another few days later Joffrey and Gerris made a game of bullying Podrick before Daenerys ran them off.
Jaehaerys and Dany shared a short squeeze of the hand before parting ways, Jae soon had Podrick and Brienne at his sides as he walked the halls of the Red Keep, the latter being offered a spot to stay by Jaehaerys as his guest. He took in the many decorations and hosts of servants hanging green and gold banners alongside red and black ones. Plants lined the hall with gold and red roses, the grand royal wedding was all anyone could talk about and the soon-to-be next queen in line.
Lords and ladies from all over the kingdom have been flocking to the capital, including many from the surrounding crownlands like the Rosby's, Darklyn's, and Stokeworth. Extended members of House Tyrell and the Hightowers, Mallister's and Frey's though their aging Lord Walder was nowhere to be seen. Even the Lord of the Vale Jon Arryn was here however along with his sickly, frail son Robert Arryn. None thought he would live much longer, let alone long enough to continue his line which was why many considered the true heir to the Vale to be Ser Harrold. Soon Jaehaerys found himself at the Stark guest quarters, they had been chosen ahead of time.
"Arya please-" her father started but was cut off by her.
"Did you see the way they were looking at Nymeria? It was like a bear walking in the castle" she whined to her father while scratching her direwolf lovingly.
"They just aren't used to seeing a little girl with a horse's face," Jae called out from the doorway, all four of the Starks turned.
"JAE!" Arya called out as she bolted to him, her wolf trotting along behind her. She jumped and wrapped her arms around his neck and Jaehaerys caught her.
"Fancy castle you live in, makes me think all the things you said about Winterfell were a lie" Robb said with a smile as Jae set Arya down.
"Still the best if you ask me Stark, far too hot down here in the south"
"I think it's lovely, father I must get some dresses like the ladies here" Sansa gushed as she clung to her father's arm.
"You'll have to introduce us Jaehaerys," His uncle Ned said gesturing to the silent two he traveled here with.
"Ah, Ser Brienne Tarth, and my squire Podrick Payne" he gestured to the two accordingly.
"Ser?" Arya asked a tad of excitement in her voice as she eyed the tall woman clad in armour in awe.
"The Prince knighted me," She said, causing the Starks to look back at her.
"She was a great fighter, and I wasn't going to stand for anyone laughing at her," Jaehaerys clarified, earning a small smile from Brienne.
"Would you knight me?" The youngest Stark of the pack asked, looking back at Jae.
"I only knight good fighters," he teased.
"I could be a good fighter!" She exclaimed
"Well any friends of Jae's are friends of ours" Robb said as he strode over and placed a hand on Podrick's shoulder. Just then a servant entered from the hall and took a moment to clear his voice.
"Lord Stark, you've been summoned to the small council Chambers by His Grace the King," he said before bowing his head. Ned sighed with a clear annoyance before taking a moment to bid his children and nephew farewell before departing.
"Any idea what that is about?" Robb asked his cousin. Jae did but he said nothing, hoping it was just the king sharing a few words with his warden.
"Come cousins, I had a few friends of court I wished to introduce you to" Jaehaerys offered.
"You've made friends?" Arya asked with good intentions but the question made Robb burst out laughing regardless.
RHAEGAR
The king sat at the head of the small council chamber table as Eddard entered, the quarters were empty save for Ser Arthur Dayne.
"Please have a seat Stark," The King said. He seemed hesitant for just a second before doing so. "I know you and I will never be friends" Rhaegar started and Ned had to fight to scoff at the statement.
"You killed my best friend"
"He rebelled against the throne" Dayne said from his seat earning a scowl from the northman.
"He'd believe his love kidnapped, my sister" He snarled back, Arthur scoffed at the idea Robert loved any single woman.
"Which is why," Rhaegar interrupted, glaring at his Lord Commander. "I summoned you, and your family, the realm is fractured, not just now not just the rebellion but for decades now and I believe that another great threat stirs and we must be united again to manage it" the King handed a rolled up piece of parchment to Arthur. He rose and handed it to Lord Stark, he took a moment to unroll it before his eyes scanned it once, then twice.
"So you've obtained whispers of a rebel from the words of a traitor," Ned said, setting the parchment down.
"Mormont speaks the truth, Stark, the Golden Company, the Brave Companions, Stormcrows, Bright Banners, the Second Sons, the Windblown all under one banner a black dragon on red" Dayne spoke.
"And you know for certain these are his words, and they are not lies to obfuscate the truth?" Ned asked.
"Jorah wants to come home," The King said.
"Did my sister never wish to return home?" Ned challenged his emotions clear, the king was quiet for a few seconds.
"No, she didn't, she knew what the kingdom would have thought of our babe," Rhaegar started, noting the scowl Stark gained when he said 'our'. "She missed you, and all of her family dearly"
"So much she would rather die in the mountains of Dorne than just deliver her bastard in Winterfell"
"Jaehaerys isn't a bastard," Rhaegar snapped quickly.
"I did not mean it in such a way, your grace, I love Jaehaerys like my own boy," Ned said and this time Arthur scoffed.
"Loved him so much, you'd have let Robert kill him had he won on the Trident I bet" the Sword of the Morning accused. At the mention of the long-dead rebel Rhaegar's mind drug him back to the battle of the Trident.
"TARGARYEN!" Even through the chaos and violence all around him, the booming voice of the stag rebel caught his attention clearly. Rhaegar turned to see the horn-helmed massive man charging towards him, Warhammer in hand. Another knight stood in his way for just a brief moment before a swipe of his hammer sent the poor lad spiralling to the mud in a bloody mess. Rhaegar tightened his grip on the sword he wielded and they approached one another in the middle of it all. "WHERE IS SHE YOU BASTARD?" Robert cried out as he swung. Rhaegar dodged back hearing the wind whip by his head as the weapon missed. Rhaegar lunged as and struck as Baratheon brought his tool back around to block the middle of the shaft. Rhaegar pressed the attack but Robert was faster than he looked able to block away from his attacks.
Then he saw his chance again, nearly taking Rhaegar's head off a second time with a fast swing. "YOU FUCKING DRAGONS, NOTHING IS ENOUGH FOR YOU CUNTS YOU JUST TAKE AND TAKE, IT ENDS NOW" Robert's anger and fury are on display. It dawned on Rhaegar for just a moment, that they were cousins, blood, would the gods scorn him for kinslaying at the moment?
Robert advanced again swing after swing Rhaegar was forced to dodge or meekly parry what he could, worried that trying to bear the weight of his blow could snap his sword or cave his breastplate. He never wanted any of this, he knew Robert would be mad but those poor Starks…
Robert continued to press Rhaegar back, never relenting on his furious barrage. Rhaegar thought about Elia, and their children, oh how she would be wrathful with him if he returned home.
If
If
If wasn't good enough, he must return home. Robert was fighting for the right to lay claim to a woman who did not want him. Rhaegar was fighting for so much more, his wife's life, his children's lives, so many depended on him, and he would not fail.
"Never, I'd have never let Robert touch that babe" Eddard denied.
"What would you have done?"
"I'd have taken him north"
"What? To be raised the bastard of Winterfell? What would you have done had his hair been silver? Or his eyes were purple? Seriously Stark I-"
"That's enough Arthur" the King elected to stop the endless infighting, Arthur was a good man but there were moments when even the king lost his patience. "There are many Lords of the court who fear your loyalties are not binding" a statement that made Ned scoff again.
"So what, you'll have me swear some new oath? Or is it my children you intend to steal this time, your Grace" he said.
"No one is being stolen, I simply wish to allow you to craft alliances and show you are a loyal member of the kingdom yourself" the King offered.
"I needn't prove anything to any Lord of the court" He countered and Rhaegar nodded.
"I agree, but the realm is fickle, it would set minds right and ensure ease amongst our ranks if half the lords didn't fear you were going to try and take my head off my shoulders whilst my back is turned"
"We fought together in the Iron Islands"
"I remember it fondly, Ned these games aren't for me, play the part smile and meet some lords, let them see you not as the cold and abrasive Warden of the North but instead as the Lord Stark who helps beat back the wildlings and unite the realm again Ironborn" Rhaegar reasoned. Ned sat quietly in his chair for a while seemingly mulling the idea, his agreement wasn't verbal but his nod was all Rhaegar needed to set his mind at ease.
"Should I summon my banners?" Stark asked.
"Write to your men, and tell them to begin to gather at Winterfell, I'll provide you with additional food to help house them for up to a year," The King said. Ned nodded and sat back in his chair quietly for a moment. "Who knows mayhaps Robb or Sansa may find house Stark alliances while here"
"My children will be married to northerners, coming south is what got my family killed"
"Is that what your children want?" Rhaegar asked with genuine concern.
"Now you wish to tutor me on fatherhood?"
"I only speak from experience and what I have seen, some arranged marriages turn to love yes, and others turn into a woman running away in the night sparking a rebellion" Eddard scowled at the statement.
"My children would never do such"
"Are you for certain Stark? None of them Robb, Sansa, Arya would defy your orders for the sake of love?" Rhaegar questioned, Ned almost seemed to wince at Arya's name confirming his suspicions. "I'm not saying ship them off to The Reach or the Westerlands, but mayhaps, a romance will blossom of its own accord"
"And you intend the same for your children?"
"Their happiness is all that matters to me now" Despite the differences between the two men, they could both find common ground there.
"Sansa will be thrilled, all she ever talks about is being a lady in the south and all I do is dread each of her passing name days" Ned admitted and Rhaegar chuckled.
"Yes, I've been burning betrothal offers for Rhaenys since she was ten and four," The King said, earning a smile from Eddard. "And now my son is to be wed, it feels like time has turned to clouds and sailed away whilst I wasn't looking"
MARGAERY
The last few weeks had been a whirlwind for the next Queen, soon-to-be next queen. It was all formalities by this point to Margaery and a few of her friends and close family members had begun styling her Princess Margaery. Her mother and grandmother had helped her work with the king, Aegon was of very little help but she expected that. Since he was getting married soon the king decided it was long past time he finished his studies and attended small council meetings. When wasn't there he may spend his time with her occasionally, else he is drinking or whoring at least when she stumbles across him drunk. He was not cruel, slightly handsy in public but she would be his wife soon, a glancing touch did not matter now, especially with what they did behind closed doors.
Her grandmother seemed to like the prospect, in her words 'a weak-minded king means a queen who rules the seven kingdoms'. Olenna wanted Marg to be a proper ruler like Alysanne, not just another woman to push out little heirs for the throne. Margaery agreed of course but where they differed was tactic, the Queen of Thorns wanted her to act the part of the devoted wife whispering in his ear as a silent manipulator over the crown. Margaery instead wanted to be like Elia, a queen all knew Rhaegar took counsel from.
"Your wedding day is two weeks away my dear a bastard by this point could be claimed to be sired on your wedding night, I mean look at yourself why would he bother with any other woman"
She rolled her eyes as her grandmother's words rang in her ears from yesterday.
"Problem Princess?" Daenerys teased as she watched Marg from the next chair over. Dany had been the first of her ladies to start the little nickname so naturally, it had stuck. She had been permitted seven handmaids to attend her and stay with her til her wedding night, though if she asked them to give her and Aegon the room they would as they had before. The next two were easy as well Myrcella Lannister and Myranda Royce, her two other friends she had made while at court the last few years. The fourth was Leonetta Fossoway, her good-sister, another dear friend, and after hearing the great news soon-to-be mother to her first niece or nephew. The fifth and sixth had been two of her dear cousins Elinor and Alla Tyrell, the seventh however was a last-second choice and a very new arrival to the keep. Sansa Stark the eldest daughter of the Lord of the North, she was a shy little mouse choosing to quietly observe them instead of partaking in chatter or even the food which had been left out, almost as though she was in awe.
"Sansa my dear are you saying room for that dinner with his Grace?" Margaery teased, the red-headed girl stuttered a moment before getting her answer.
"N-no," she said quietly.
"Then mayhaps the food isn't to your liking?" Margaery asked next, her eyes bulging at the suggestion and she quickly shook her head.
"You needn't be afraid to indulge yourself my dear you only arrived today you must be hungry from the road" The rose offered before Myranda rose.
"Mhm," she started as she plucked a long vine of grapes and began to fill her cheeks. "And the capital does have sweet indulgences" she giggled which was shared by a couple of the other girls. Sansa had joined them before carefully taking a peach and biting from it the ripe juice spilling to her chin causing her to blush.
"Don't let them tease you, Sansa," Daenerys said next.
"You needn't worry soon she will be free to tease me and all the weight that comes from a babe" Leonetta japed.
"I would never!" Margaery gasped, earning a laugh from all the girls this time.
"Do you wish for a boy or a girl?" Elinor asked.
"Well Garlan hopes for a boy he can teach to ride and fight"
"Yes yes all men want for boys but which do you want?" Alla wanted an answer.
"Well I suppose a son would not be so bad, I think it would be nice to see my boy grow big and strong as a knight of the house Tyrell" she said her eyes staring into the distance wistfully at the idea.
"I agree, I think having a son would be sweet," Myrcella added.
"Any names?" Myranda asked, Leonetta shook her head
"We have plenty of time to think it over so I'm not in a rush,"
"What about you Marg? Surely you must have a few names for your first little royallings are born" Myranda turned her attention back to the Tyrell of honour. She of course has thought about it before, there were odd customs that came with marrying into the royal family. Firstly the names were odd no matter how she saw it, still, she had taken a liking to Daemon and Daena.
"Hm, maybe I'll continue the great line Aegon's, we already have the sixth of his name, seems fitting if I give birth to the seventh" she teased.
"Yes yes, because every Aegon has been a wonderful king" Dany japed.
"The Conqueror was a great king," Alla said.
"Whose reign would have been short if not for his sister-wife, need we forget Aegon the second, the usurper or Aegon the fourth, the unworthy, great kings truly," Daenerys said sarcasm filling her tone by the end. A sudden knock came and the announcer scrambled to enter and speak in haste.
"Aegon Targaryen, the Prince of Dragonstone" He said though Aegon had already been striding into the room clearly annoyed by all the formalities. The ladies rose as he entered and he scanned the room, Margaery took note of how his eyes lingered on Elinor for a moment too long before finding hers.
"My ladies, if we could have the room" Margaery asked, despite she was meant to keep a septa and they were meant to stay and preserve her honour they silently took their leave as did the servants and soon they were alone.
"My mother believes we should spend more time together" He said, which means you don't think so. She knew that if he was here with no matters to bring to her, he only wanted one thing. Over the last few weeks of attempting she learned their attraction was one of personal benefits, not love, she wanted to be queen and he wanted a highborn beauty for a wife. Even when they went to flea bottom their tastes differed, she had wanted to spend some time with the small folk and show their people their next monarchs, but he had wished instead to attend vulgar plays and shows, drinking in back alley taverns she didn't entirely feel safe in, and even had brought her to attend a bare-knuckle fight.
She had retrieved the book she had been reading, Lives of Four Kings by Grand Maester Kaeth. A book Aegon took no interest in when she had offered it to him, nor did he take interest in any literature really. He took no joy in her stitch work or singing, not in the kindness she showed the common folk or her grace at court, he did not enjoy dancing or hawking with her, he took little interest in her outside of her body. Even now as they sat in silence Marg knew love was not likely to grow in their marriage. She opted to lounge against Aegon's side but it seemed the prince was insatiable today as a wandering hand found its way from her waist to her side and then ribs. "Aegon…" she quietly mumbled as he continued to feel her, at least he won't fail to produce an heir.
"Put it down" he half ordered her in reference to the book she wasn't even really reading.
"It's a good book you know, you should give it a try" she teased only to receive a slight huff in response. She quietly stifled a moan as Aegon's hand cupped her breast from outside the deep forest green dress she wore. His eyes found hers in some sort of approval to continue his advance on her, even if he found no fun in her past times he would not rape her at least. A small subtle nod was all he needed to begin to peel away the top of her dress to reveal her, soon her breasts lay bare and Aegon was leaving a trail of kisses along the soft flesh as though he were hunting for the spots that made her stir the most.
He was handsome at least, very handsome, his hair had grown longer in the last moon now curling past his ears. He lacked much in the way of muscle but he was not built weak by any means, tall and broad-shouldered he had the frame of what could have been a great warrior. His deep indigo had a mesmerizing effect on them almost as though you wanted to lean deeper into them, the very effect she was currently feeling as he looked at her. She leaned and they kissed at first softly, something she preferred, then Aegon deepened it when his hunger for her grew impatient. He pulled her hand and settled it over his now growing cock beneath his trousers, Margaery needed no further instructions as to what her prince wanted.
She blindly fumbled with the strap on his belt for a moment as they didn't break the kiss, their tongues playing some game in her mouth. A low groan slipped into her mouth as she freed him and her hand closed around his now completely stiff member. The Rose of Highgarden understood why the prince had liked to make use of his, decently sized tool, as she glanced down to see it once more.
"Would you care for a ride, my queen" he styled her a monarch whenever it was just them.
"I could think of nothing better, my king," she said with a sly smile, with his aid, she hiked up her dress and adjusted her small clothes. A half hiss escaped her as she began down his manhood wrapping around him tightly. It was only her second time mounting him and she still wasn't used to the Prince's eagerness nor his desire. He had done little to prepare her, again, but it didn't take long for her to feel the pleasure many women moaned about as she slowly worked her down inch by inch along his length until she bottomed out with a gasp. Aegon for all his faults, was a very skilled lover, he knew where to touch her before she knew she needed it. Be it a tweak of her nipples, a kiss or caress in the right spot, or a swipe across her sensitive button at the top of her cunt he knew what to do and where to do it to get more out of her.
Something caught her attention for just a moment, through half-closed eyes she thought the wall at the far end of the room had shifted just an inch but before she could think about it further the prince continued to strum her body like an instrument. Soon it was difficult to stop the gasps and moans that she produced as she rose and fell on his lap repeatedly. Her dress had pooled all around her and Aegon on the lounging chair they fucked on, which gracefully hid the act. Her toes clenched and curled in her shoes as her hand clutched at his shirt. Her eyes flicked to the door for just a second, in his haste they hadn't taken any precautions anyone could open that door if they believed this room empty. Margaery couldn't lie, it added to her excitement slightly that they may cause a scandal amongst the court.
Aegon's head fell back in pleasure, "Jaes's sīr sȳz" he mumbled as he gripped her hips to dictate the pace. That's when an idea came to her, she would not reach her peak this time but that was fine. I may not have his love, but our children will not compete for it, she took his hands in his and interlaced their fingers. She put his hands up by his head and slowed her pace to an agonizingly slow grind on his lap, something that soon drove him crazy as he was trying to thrust up into her to no avail.
"Patience my king, I hear it can be a virtue" she teased as she leaned forward against his chest and whispered into his ear, her warm breath tickling him slightly. She could feel his cock throb inside her at the action, something which made her smile.
"Marg, please fuck I was so-"
"Close? Hmm," she thought for a moment before increasing her speed once more, only to stop again when she felt him throbbing with anticipation to explode.
"Fuck, you can't keep-"
"Teasing you? I must ensure you are too tired to visit your whores after me" she said and his eyes went wide as he looked at her. "Fear not I am not angry, see all the whores you wish" She paused for a moment to speed up again bouncing on his manhood like a saddle, she felt him begin to near his peak again and but this time she didn't stop only slowed to keep him on the edge. "Promise me this however Aegon, you will not bring a whore into our bed in this castle nor a bastard into this family," she said, Aegon seemed at a loss for words for just a second so Margaery sped up again and ask once more, "Promise me"
"I promise," He said and she returned to her full speed, it wasn't long until she felt him stiffen and groan and she leaned to kiss him muffling his deep throaty moan as he spilt his seed deep inside her. She couldn't lie she hoped it took root this early, then her babe and Leonetta's could grow up side by side as friends. Margaery leaned forward as they painted against each other, they rested chest to chest while he was still inside her. His arms came up around her midsection and he held her close and pressed his face into the crook of her neck, his breathing tickled her slightly.
She knew it may not be love, but this feeling was not a bad substitute.
JORAH
Essos was warm, incredibly warm, having grown up on Bear Island Jorah was far too accustomed to the cold white blanket of the North. Pentos wasn't bad this time of year but even now as he sat in the massive tent late at night, refusing the dancers who offered themselves to him as they passed he was uncomfortably warm. His companion to his left had also been electing to ignore the woman in favour of diplomacy.
"All in writing as agreed, 50 more ships and an additional five thousand men to my cause, and here I went and added to the amount I will be giving you, ten thousand gold, and a home in Westeros whenever you seek it after I conquer," Aegon said, not the son of King Rhaegar. But Aegon Blackfyre, last of the black dragons, he had spent the last few months travelling Essos with the backing of Illyrio to muster the forces. Why a merchant cared who sat on a foreign throne he did not know nor did it matter to him, he was here on a mission. Being tasked by Jon Connington he was a spy to report back on the movements and actions of the soon-to-be pretender in return for a royal pardon for his crimes.
"If you conquer," The Captain of the Gallant men said in return, his eyes glued to some of the women who circled them.
"The golden company does not lose," Aegon said.
"And yet there is still no Blackfyre king eh?" He said before a rumbling laugh spilt out. He took a cup and downed half the contents, reaching out he pulled a dancer onto his lap.
"Something I will soon rectify," The would-be king said with a slight tone of annoyance in the air.
"And how will you do that my small dragon?" He asked poking fun at his medium stature and slim body. Aegon did not answer, instead looking over at Illyrio at the far end of the table, a large toothy grin grew across his lips and nodded.
"We set sail in ten days, and while we are on the sea the first step of the plan will take place, with good weather we should land a week after in the Stormlands," Aegon said, the Captain's eyebrow raised curiously. "I wish not to spoil the surprise, but first we will break the spirit of their king before I break him in the battlefield, the very foundations of kings landing will shake when I take my throne" His words themselves may not have been the greatest of inspiration. But it was with the conviction he said then that made even Jorah believe he could truly conquer the seven kingdoms. Aegon had a confident smirk and pushed the paper forward once more. "So if you fear I cannot do it please, turn tail and sink further into obscurity in the east or join us and write your name in a history book my friend"
He signed and we toasted in celebration, though Aegon did not stay long. After his second or third cup he took his leave letting the captain drown in his pleasantries, Jorah followed. As they had travelled Jorah had been his personal protector and confidant, Aegon was already a skilled fighter having been tutored by some of the most skilled sellswords money could afford, and beyond that, he wielded the legendary valyrian steel sword-bearing his namesake Blackfyre. Jorah saw his ward looking out from their high vantage point at the ocean, facing west.
"Do you miss it Mormont? Westeros" He asked.
"It was my home, not a day goes by I don't miss it," Jorah said truthfully.
"It's strange, I find myself missing a place I've never seen"
"Sometimes we cannot help the things we are drawn to most my King" Aegon nodded at the words. The young warrior took the grizzled bear's words to heart as he usually did which took Jorah by surprise at first. Aegon drank but never got drunk, he enjoyed the occasional woman to warm his bed but was never a slave nor did he ever force a girl. Once he had bought a whore to lay with and instead Jorah had found her telling him stories of her home and childhood in Lys.
"I had another dream," Aegon said, still not turning from the horizon he stared out at and ran a hand through his silver hair.
"As concerning as the last?" Jorah asked, they started 3 moons ago, he had dreamt of his own death, at least he was certain it was his death. A dragon flew higher and higher into the sky before it apexed and burst into a dazzling display of flames before it plummeted down to the ground and hit it with a thunderous slam.
"This one was odd, I dreamt of a wolf with white fur, but it was covered in a hundred wounds and soaked in blood, it had a crown on its head and howled painfully into the night" he explained, Jorah had to agree it was odd. The Targaryens had a history of seeing stranger things in their dreams, the exiled knight had little knowledge of such matters though.
"Maybe these dreams are just nothing, or maybe it's a sign you shouldn't invade, all this money all these men you could carve out a nice chunk of land here in Essos find a wife and continue the line of Blackfyres" Jorah counselled.
"I must"
"Must you? Because your ancestors tried?"
"It's like you said, sometimes we cannot help the things we are drawn to," he said with hope dripping from his voice. They both stood quiet for a little while taking in the sounds of the festivities behind them.
"Your Grace!" Illyrio called out from behind them causing both men to turn. He approached with someone carrying a chest. "Your Grace, since you will be leaving soon I wished to bring you these," he said before having the chest set down and opening them to reveal three stone dragon eggs, one black with blood-red swirls and markings, one a deep mossy green with bronze speckles, and one a pale bone white with golden streaks. Aegon carefully picked up the green one for a moment eyeing it closely. "You have the Conqueror's name, and you have the Conqueror's sword, it won't be exactly the same but these eggs are symbolic of you carrying the Conqueror's dragons with you into battle" Jorah watches him place it back and have the chest ordered to his ship, this seemed to please Illyrio who gave the boy a hug in response. "You will succeed my boy I know you will" Illyrio took his leave to ensure everything was set for their departure soon.
"You do not seem happy for a man who was just given dragon eggs, your grace" Jorah stated.
"I know he means well, but rocks won't win me a crown, Jorah" Aegon said flatly.
"It may be time to turn in then," Jorah said as he began to turn away.
"Do you think I can succeed?" He asked the northerner, giving him cause to still.
"It matters not what I think"
"You are the first person I felt like hasn't been horse-shitting me this entire time, at least your northern charm gives me that feeling, and you aren't serving me for gold" he was right on most accounts, and Jorah certainly did not fight for gold.
"I think if you are smart and careful, make use of whatever advantages you find, and whatever plan your scheming goes well I think you may certainly get closer than any Blackfyre before you"
"What a politely useless answer Mormont, a no is fine if you-'
"You could win, but never if the seven kingdoms are united as one against you" Jorah found himself offering true counsel at this moment, he reasoned any bad advice may cause Aegon to distance himself from the knight.
"You think I should wait?"
"The unsullied would make for fine allies if you merely waited a bit longer" Jorah said, hoping to stall while his warning gave time for the kingdoms to muster together their forces.
"Thanks, but not even the unsullied will get me to push back my invasion and for what it is worth, that's step two of the invasion, fracture Westeros"
"How will you manage that?"
"The Lords of the kingdoms aren't as loyal to Targaryen rule as they think, many lords will turn if I give them enough cause to believe in my side, I just have to find them"
DAENERYS
"Are you sure we should have left the Prince and Margaery? What if-"
"It is fine, Margaery would never dishonour herself in such a way" Daenerys lied to reassure the older of the Stark girls, she took no pleasure in the act but she had no choice but to protect her friend from scandal. Daenerys was kneeling next to the settle as she petted and gushed over Sansa's direwolf, Sansa sat next to them holding the leash. "She is so well-behaved, like ghost" Dany gushed as she scratched the wolf's jaw.
"All of our wolves are well-behaved princess, well, except for…" Sansa trailed off, Daenerys looked at her from her crouched position by the beast. "Shaggydog, my youngest brother Rickon's, he is an unruly beast just like him" she said muttering by the end.
"I'm sure they will both grow out of it" Dany reasoned as she rose and rejoined Sansa on a long velvet-red couch. It was just them at the moment, all of the other ladies having something of importance to attend.
"I doubt it my uncle, Benjen, he always says they have wolf blood like Brandon and Lyanna, wild forever," Sansa said, it was the first Dany had heard Lyanna Stark's name aloud in the keep in many many moons.
"Have you heard much else about your aunt Lyanna?" She asked but Sansa was no fool, the look she had let Dany know she was aware of the thoughts of Lyanna and the Starks. She was quiet for a moment, then lady whined and her nose pushed into Sansa's lap and under her hand, Sansa scratched her as she found her voice again.
"Well father never talks about her, but I overheard Rodrik telling Jae she laughed a lot, and she could never sit still and always had to be riding or training with my father," Sansa mentions fondly. "And Benjen always says Arya acts like her" she added, the young Stark in question was with her brother and cousin in the courtyard. She imagined they were joined by Podrick, Brienne, Jaime and a host of plenty to either watch or attempt to participate.
"Sounds like quite the woman," Daenerys said.
"Mother says that's not how ladies are meant to act, she is always scolding Arya" Sansa admitted shamefully, Dany only giggled.
"It's not such a bad thing, at least you have a sister to share such times with" Dany knew about all the brothers and sisters she lost in the cradle and the ones who didn't even make it that far.
"You have Rhaenys, no?" Sansa asked curiously.
"Hmm, Rhae and I weren't always the closest, and I wasn't a fan of how she treated Jae when we were little, but I find myself wishing to know her more by the day, as does Jaehaerys I believe" she said, Sansa nodded unaware of Dany's hidden meaning. The two girls sat together making idle small talk for a time, learning of one another's childhoods and current pass times. Sansa was a meek girl that was obvious but Dany believed she could come out of her shell if given the room, and sun to blossom. Whenever the topic of betrothals and marriages came up Sansa became a blushing maiden something Daenerys couldn't help but giggle at whenever it occurred.
Soon however a knock came at the door and entered Baelish, he wore long sweeping pale green robes and his usual sly smirk. Bowing on entry he glanced over the princess but let his eyes linger on Sansa for a little while longer, She didn't notice but Dany did. "Baelish" Daenerys addressed, pulling his attention back to her.
"Princess, I bring, interesting news you and the prince may wish to be privy to" his eyes flicked back to Sansa indicating this was a private matter.
"Sansa my friend, I'll see you later at dinner, hm?" She asked as she rose from her seat, Sansa deflated slightly and Dany did feel bad abandoning the girl Jae had asked her to befriend but if it was another scheme Aegon was concocting it was a foremost matter, especially with the Starks in the capital now. Daenerys and Petyr took their leave from the room and idly walked through the castle, their conversation never loud enough to be overheard unless you trailed them. "What is it then?" she asked once they were far from anyone else.
"Allow me to explain how I came across this bit of information and then I'm sure you will understand it all" Baelish said and Dany nodded. "You see, I noticed that there goes a carriage from the capitol deep into the King's Wood once a week, bribing the driver gave me a peak at its contents being fresh bread, meat, cheeses, occasionally clothes, and very occasionally children's toys and books,"
"So you found a carriage driver my Lord"
"Mm yes, however, a bit more coin told me his destination, a small cottage far in the countryside, the inhabitants being a house full of women exclusively"
"Septa's perhaps?" Dany thought aloud.
"I looked at a map and no such place exists, in fact, the cottage is in a spot of land that belongs to the royal family and only the royal family" he explained, causing Dany's head to whip around. "So I continued to pay the man for whatever further information he was able to find, eventually he was able to help the ladies carry some of the food and supplies inside, where he saw a small girl no older than four or so, with pale silver locks, and deep purple eyes" he finished, a royal bastard. She reasoned it had to either be Aegon's or Viserys' given the colouring, Rhaegar didn't seem likely to birth another bastard and not at least bring this one to the keep as well.
"So someone is hiding a bastard"
"Given the women and their ages, I would reckon it is the Queen's work to keep the child hidden, and if it is the queen…"
"Then the babe is Aegon's, how did you come across a single specific carriage coming and going?" Dany asked.
"By bribing the gatekeepers," he said.
"Is there anyone you don't have in your pocket?" She jokingly asked but Baelish only smirked in response.
"I believe you should go and see for yourself, a lowly Lord like myself may get turned away, but if a prince or princess approaches, then you may be able to discover more than I ever could" Petyr explained.
"A lowly Lord? Aren't you one of the richest men in the capital?" Dany asked jokingly. The suggestion made sense to a degree, but it was also incredibly dangerous and should she get reported back to someone he would remain in the shadows. Baelish held no further matters of importance but he did keep that keen look he had when with Sansa earlier.
"That girl, she was…" Petyr trailed off slightly.
"Sansa Stark" Dany revealed.
"Ah yes, I thought she looked, familiar"
"I wasn't aware you were acquainted with the Starks"
"I'm not Princess, I am, what you could call, an old friend of Catelyn" he explained vaguely, Dany chose not to press the matter any further. She departed from him and made her way to the yard intent to tell Jaehaerys the information, passing by from a balcony she spied it was full of a random assortment of knights and lordlings. She journeyed the castle in search of Jaehaerys stopping by the usual locations he frequented, she did not find him in the library or his chambers. She checked the Stark guest quarters only to find the young Arya who was twirling what looked to be a long thin blade with a dainty handle.
"Have you seen Prince Jaehaerys?" She asked the distracted girl who spun on a heel and tried to whip the sword behind her to hide it.
"He, uh, he and Robb said they had something important to discuss and left me here, I'm not sure where they are now" she rushed out.
"Hm, what is that?" Dany asked, her eyes flicking to her arm tucked behind her.
"Uh, what's what?"
"Don't make me order you Arya" she teased before the girl's shoulders slumped and she revealed her weapon. "Oh my, this is some fine steel but I can't imagine you had this made here"
"It was a gift from Jae, it's called Needle"
"You named your sword?"
"loads of people name their swords"
"Yes, yes I suppose they do," Dany smiled. "If you see Jae tell him I have something important to tell him, and do enjoy your training" she said with a wink before leaving the girl to her own devices once more. She continued to search for him even asking a few servants she came across until she ran into Ser Jamie to ask him.
"Jaehaerys? Yes, I believe the queen had him summoned, something about proper attire" he said with a slight snicker before they bid farewells and she was off once more. She found him surrounded by a few of flea bottoms best tailors while they took measurements and compared clothes and colours. Jaehaerys looked rather uncomfortable as the queen sat off to the side while they worked.
"Oh Dany, I wanted to ensure Jae looked his best for Aegon's wedding, come sit with me while he squirms" She laughed slightly while gesturing to Daenerys to join her. The princess decided that maybe the news could wait till after she got a few fun laughs in at her dearest Jae, he won't mind.
RHAENYS
Rhaenys sat at her vanity staring intently at her reflection as she finished her braid and hung it over her left shoulder, her bright red dress was loose and flowing in the Dornish style. The material was a little thicker however and more modest, keeping her cleavage tucked away and her slender legs hidden. She wanted Jae's eyes on her but tonight was about his cousins and she wished to let him enjoy the night. She donned a necklace, a small golden sun, which was a gift from her uncle Doran along with small earrings and a few slim rings that she had collected over the years.
Soon she was up and glanced outside of her doorway frowning slightly as she did not see Ser Arys. They were expected to arrive before the Starks and she couldn't show up without her sworn shield, fortunately, there would only be one place he would be if not with her. Pulling the bottom of her dress up slightly she took long quick strides to her cousin's chambers, she didn't bother knocking as she quickly pushed the door open and slipped inside shutting it. She was met with the sight of Arys' naked backside as he knelt between Arianne's legs, her ankles hooked on the backs of his calves as he rolled his hips against her slowly. All she could hear was Arianne whimpering softly and the slick sound of their sex beneath them.
"And you didn't even bother to lock the door, you must really not like living" Rhaenys said aloud causing the two of them to jump in fear. They quickly calmed down and covered themselves when they saw it was the princess who had intruded on them.
"Seven hells Rhaenys, you take joy in just watching or does your cunt get relief too?" Arianne asked, clearly annoyed panting slightly as she sunk down further into her massive bed. Arys on the other hand quickly rose and began getting redressed.
"At least I am not about to get my lover gilded and sent to the frozen prison cells on the wall," Rhaenys returned just as annoyed. "And you," she quickly looked at the knight who now had his pants on, "I told you no more close calls, we will be late to the fucking dinner and my mother is on to you"
"I take it back, no one this bitchy could be getting their womanhood filled, not well at least," she said chuckling by the end.
"This is not a game cousin, you know the repercussions if you are found by someone who won't keep this from the king? He could be killed, you could get disinherited"
"Okay, okay I understand" she gasped, pulling one of the pillows over her head.
"No, you don't Ari" Rhaenys sighed before walking out of the room. She stood at the door keeping watch for any passersby, thankfully none came by as Arys exited the room fully dressed in his armour again. Rhaenys wordlessly turned and began towards the dining room and she could hear Arys move to keep up with her.
"I, I uh, am sorry prin-"
"Save it Ser Oakheart, I just hope she is worth it"
"She is" he said quickly, Rhaenys turned and glanced at him only seeing a longing look in his eyes, one of regret and love. He really meant it too, he was willing to get caught breaking his vows if it meant one more night in her arms. Rhaenys couldn't help feeling a small twinge of jealousy, oh to know such a love you'd die for it.
They walked to the dining room, Rhaenys spied that their usual table had been replaced with a much longer one able to seat the additional four guests they would soon have. Currently, it was only her mother and father along with Daenerys as the last of the food was being set on the table. What she could tell was a platter with large cuts of deer sliced thin with an assortment of greens around the table peas, green beans, peppers, and spinach, many still steaming. Rhaenys took a seat while her father looked troubled by something.
"Mother, Father, everything okay?" She asked as she filled a cup with water, she would not make a fool of herself in front of the Starks. Despite her question he remained quiet, the door opened again and in walked Aegon with his usual stride and discontent look around the room before finding his seat and reaching for the wine. He took a whiff from the top and his nose wrinkled slightly before he snapping at a servant.
"Hey we can't serve the Starks honeyed wine they need something good, go get a bottle of Dornish Red from the kitchens quickly" he instructed only for his mother to quickly object.
"No, I'll not have you getting drunk on our Dornish in front of your brother's family" she hissed at her son before glaring at the servant to stand still, which he did. Aegon rolled his eyes as he poured himself a cup of the honeyed wine.
"What, our northern vessels must believe I am boring?"
"Sober and boring are quite different," The Queen said in response. The doors opened again and in walked Viserys whose uninterested look quickly changed when his eyes fell on the girls, he chose to sit by Daenerys this time who stiffened up slightly as her brother took his seat.
"I'm not sure why I must appease Jaehaerys' family"
"Because Aegon, a king needs the favour of his entire kingdom, or have we prepared you for rulership that poorly?" Elia asked, she had been getting more and more short-tempered with Aegon since the tourney concluded. He remained quiet to her statement as the doors opened again and Jaehaerys entered scowling slightly as he looked at Viserys sitting next to Dany. Rhaenys' eyes stayed on him longer than she probably needed while he approached the table to sit.
"After the dinner tonight, I need all of you to remain at the table. There is an important matter to discuss" Rhaegar finally spoke, gaining the attention of the entire table. Rhaenys saw the worried look in his eyes and his long-expression, when did father start looking so tired? They all gave a verbal agreement to the king's request, after another few minutes the Starks arrived and they all rose. Jae's face immediately lit up like it did in the throne room as they entered, Dany and Sansa shared a glance and a smile.
The evening was fine for the most part, despite his best attempts the honeyed wine failed to get Aegon sufficiently drunk, unlike Viserys, and he instead was forced to interact with the Starks. To which they all quickly learned he had as much in common with them as he did his soon-to-be wife.
"So you don't go hunting, you don't go riding, you don't train, are you even really knights?" Ayra asked, looking between Aegon and Viserys.
"Arya!" Sansa hissed harshly at her sister's lack of decorum, Robb and Jae only chuckled.
"What it's a good question"
"Well little girl, we could go to the training yard and I could show you how good a warrior I am" Viserys threatened, causing Ned, Robb, and Jae to sit forward in their chairs.
"Viserys" The King warned and even Elia gave a sideways glance.
"Anyone who dares mock the dragon should be punished," Viserys said as he slumped back in his chair and crossed his arms like a petulant child.
"All the dragons are dead" Arya muttered under her breath, thankfully Viserys didn't hear her as he drank another cup. At least he tried as he reached for the handle of the pitcher Rhaegar stood, reached over and snatched it up off the table causing it to slosh around slightly.
"Guards please see my brother to his chambers, I'll address him later" Rhaegar grumbled, a few men 'helped' Viserys to his feet and all but drug him from the room while he fought against them.
"Unhand me, UNHAND ME" He started to roar while Elia apologized. Thankfully they hit no further snags as supper ran its course, they all rose and bid the Starks farewell as they took their leave and the King dismissed the servants and even the kingsguard took a step outside to give the family a private moment. They all took their seats again while waiting for whatever news Rhaegar had for them all, only he and Elia stayed standing.
"There is war brewing in Essos, much of the crownlands is mobilizing as we speak, and much of Westeros is mobilizing to be entirely honest," that caught everyone's attention, Rhaenys was shocked, her eyes going wide as her father looked all of them over.
"Someone has declared war?" Aegon asked first only for Rhaegar to shake his head.
"We have received word that an army of sellswords is amassing including the golden company" he explained.
"So how can you be certain it is us they seek war with?" Dany asked next worry dripping from every word.
"Because Connington and Varys were able to find out whoever has been putting this army together, is carrying around a banner of a black dragon on a red field"
"But the Blackfyres are all dead!" Jaehaerys exclaimed, shooting up from his seat.
"So we were told, it doesn't matter how he's alive, it doesn't even matter if he is a Blackfyre, all that matters is someone is coming for my throne, for our home, and I can't imagine they would be interested in leaving any Targaryens around to challenge him in the future," Rhaegar said grimly, then he looks down at the table. "That's why I wished to tell you all because our lives haven't been at such risk since Robert's Rebellion, we can't be certain when they will invade, but I swear to the seven I will do my very best to keep you all safe" he finished, looking back up at them"
The King and Queen were the first to leave followed by Aegon leaving herself, Daenerys, and Jaehaerys. They all seemed in thought in their own ways for a moment before Dany reached over and took Jae's hand.
"Promise me if we get marched on you won't go fight" she immediately pleaded.
"Dany if the King goes I sh-"
"You've nothing to prove, you already fought in your war, Jae"
"We don't get a limit to how many battles a man must fight," he said, chuckling slightly. "Besides, I have something here worth defending," he added. Dany stood before settling herself in his lap, cupping the sides of his head and kissing him deeply. Suddenly Rhaenys felt she was the odd person out in the room.
"I swear to the gods Jae if you die…"
"I'm not going anywhere, not without you remember?" he asked and she kissed him again. Rhaenys decided to give them some privacy and tried to quietly get out of her chair to slip out. Arys fell in step behind her as they walked the halls, she was still upset with him but the newfound information she had been given took precedence.
War.
=Authors notes=
I put this one at the end as to not spoil the little surprise about Aegon Blackfyre
If anyone is curious where he comes from there is a very famous theory about young Griff from the books I am incorporating into the fic for the story
Look forward to the next chapter pretty soon