The Last Wolf and the Northern Dragon

by Alperez16

Two lives are taken and two not, changing the game forever. Jon Snow is raised by his uncle Benjen to be Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North while Rhaella Targaryen escapes to Essos to raise her children and plot her revenge.

25. A Game of Wolves and Dragons

Braavos 296 AC,

Rhaella Targaryen.

Dany's Nameday should have been the happiest of occasions and in some ways it was. Seeing her daughter grow from a small young girl to one who was on the cusp of becoming a woman was something that Rhaella was truly grateful for. Given the woman her daughter was growing into and the worries that she'd had that this would never be a day she'd see come to pass, that alone should have been what filled her mind. Yet it was to thoughts of those not here that Rhaella found herself turning to.

They'd heard more from Varys, and Jon Connington had been tasked to find exactly what had happened in Storm's End. Rhaella was angered beyond comprehension when she listened to the extent of her grandson's injuries. So much so that she had almost called for Lucerys and Bonifer to bring their forces to Braavos, to make ready for an invasion that, in truth, they were far from prepared for. Maekar was the only one who was able to get her to see reason and continue to bide her time. Her son's words still made her chuckle when she thought of them with less pressing things on her mind.

"They woke Mother's dragon."

They very much had and whether or not it was those words or simply the anger she felt, along with the worry about Aemon's health, Rhaella swore she felt something move within the dragon egg as she held it in her arms over the next few nights. She certainly felt it in her dreams during those nights. Images of Aemon would come to mind and though he bore not their coloring, Rhaella could see his father's features shining through as he looked her way and beckoned her toward him. The embraces they shared in the dreams were ones she longed to experience for true and she swore to herself that one day she would.

Her days were spent instead both learning more about the events at Storm's End and Aemon's injury, as well as firming up her plans for when they eventually looked West with much different eyes. There were other ways to win wars, she'd come to learn. Or ways at least to make those wars more winnable and when she was not thinking of her son and grandson, it was those ways she gave much thought to. Maekar helped out greatly in this regard.

"The Lannister's biggest advantage is coin, mother. Coin buys men and arms them. It feeds them and the horses they ride and the Lannisters still have more coin than any other House in Westeros. Do they not?" Maekar said as they sat in Rhaella's solar. Her son once again sounded far older than his 8 Namedays.

"Yet not as much as we have, my son."

"True, but there are still things we may be able to do to limit how much of that coin can be brought to bear, Mother."

"To what benefit?"

"Less coin, less to spend on armies, and more potential for those armies to turn on you. A dog is only loyal to the hand that feeds it, mother."

Her son's mind was something that Rhaella at times couldn't comprehend. Ser Arthur said that Maekar had an affinity for tactics and strategy that few ever garnered, while Ser Barristan said it was the dragon in him. The Bold reminded them that all of their House seemed to excel at something or other. Even Aerys was brilliant before he was mad, Rhaella then pointed out. Thankfully it was only brilliance that her children seemed to have inherited from their family's bloodline.

When the letter arrived from Starfall and was delivered to her, Rhaella at first believed it was from her grandson. Only to find that it was written in Ashara's hand instead. Still, she welcomed the letter and the words contained within. Varys and Jon Connington may have spoken of the events at Storm's End and the physical toll they'd taken on her grandson. Ashara, however, was only too happy to let Rhaella know about the emotional and mental turmoil Aemon had undergone. Rhaella thanked the gods that it was nowhere near as bad as it may have been.

My Queen,

I write to you firstly to let you know that Aemon is well. The injury he suffered will take some time to fully heal, but our Maester assures me that Aemon will fully recover and be back to where he was within the year. My son allowed himself to be provoked, my queen. The Stag's son was able to rile Aemon up and given that he already felt somewhat on edge, Aemon was unable to stop himself from being so.

Yet it is a lesson that will stand him in good stead in the years to come, my queen. A mistake that he needed to make when the consequences were lesser than one day they may be. It is a lesson that both I and my brother have ensured has and will be remembered.

Other matters should interest you too, my queen. An incident with Balon Greyjoy's son that may cause the Ironborn to revolt once more. Actions taken by the Stag that he does not see the ramifications of, not fully at least. I have put these in my second letter, as I wished this to be more about Aemon and to reassure you that he is well. More than well. Though there are some ruffled feathers with the Tyrells that need to be dealt with. Rest assured that I have taken these in hand and will do all in my power to ready Aemon for what is to come.

He wishes for it now, my queen. Has seen it for himself and where before it was reluctantly that my son sought to be king, now it is very much not. Take comfort in that and in the fact that he is well and will fully recover.

Your ever-faithful servant,

Ashara Dayne.

The words relieved most if not all of the worries Rhaella had. Some of them just reinforced what Varys and Jon Connington had told her about Aemon's injury, while others were enough to put a small smile on her face. Her grandson needed to want to be king as much as they needed him to be that king. Reluctance may be seen by some as the mark of what would one day make a good and true king, and Rhaella had heard Lucerys and even her husband say this was so.

"The best leaders are those who wish for it not. Those who have it thrust upon them and take up the mantle not because of a desire to lead, but because they are the right people to do so. Is this not true in your own case, my love?"

Her husband had spoken truly, somewhat. Rhaella knew she had taken charge not because of a desire to do so, but because it had fallen to her and her alone to restore House Targaryen's fortunes. Yet, all the while she had done so with the knowledge that it would be her grandson who would wear the crown. That it would fall to Aemon to rule and no matter how much support he got from those around him, heavy was the head that wore the crown. To now know that he had resolved the doubts that she had been made well aware he had, brought her great comfort.

It allowed her to put her thoughts to the other letter from Ashara. A letter which soon had her convening a meeting of her council. One which she insisted that Maekar attend as well. Her son seemed to be excited by the idea and given that he'd already told both her and his father that his path led him west, Rhaella would not make the same mistakes with him that she had with Viserys. Never again would she make those mistakes with her family, she had vowed.

"It serves us ill to have the Ironborn revolt at this time, my queen." Ser Arthur began. Rhaella gave him leave to continue. "Once again they'll be crushed and it will stick in the minds of those we seek to bring to our side in the war to come. Many may still remember Balon's Folly, my queen, yet some years have passed since then and other acts the Stag has taken are fresher in the mind."

"Ser Arthur speaks true, your grace," Barristan added.

"My son?" she asked looking at Maekar who sat with a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Better those ships are brought to bear when we attack, Mother. They may not be of much use in a true battle, but even the symbolism works in our favor. Yet another region of Westeros rising against an oppressive and false king sends a powerful message to those who have yet to choose a side." Maekar said, his words earning him a proud smile from her after he'd spoken.

"Then we continue apace with our own plans for the Iron Islands. Jon, have your people reach out to House Harlaw once more. Make them even more aware of the help we are willing to give them should the need arise. Weapons and Armor, Jon, plus coin if it's needed."

"As you command, my queen." Jon Connington said as he rose to his feet.

Arthur and Barristan left her alone with her son and her Master of Whisperers, Jon Connington not leaving immediately to set about his task which was most unlike the man. The reason for why this was so soon revealed as he took three letters from a pouch she had not seen him carry.

"From your son, my queen. I felt it was better if you dealt with your business first before telling you of their arrival. I received them just before the meeting."

"Viserys is well?" she asked, trying to remember what news she'd heard of her son and unable to. The letter addressed to her took all her thoughts from her mind as she gazed at it longingly.

"As per our last report, he was unharmed and well, my queen."

A part of her wished to share the reading of the letter with her son. To sit with Maekar as he read his own letter and to do as he was doing. A larger part knew she had to be alone when she read Viserys' words. That seeing his handwriting would mayhap bring tears to her eyes that she wished to shed privately. So after taking the letter with her name on it and handing Maekar his own, she told her son how much she had valued his advice and counsel, and though she dismissed him not, her son took the hint and left.

"My daughter is, where, Jon?"

"With your husband, my queen. A meeting with some representatives from Pentos."

"For when it's finished." she nodded to the last letter.

"I'll see that she receives it."

Again there was no need for words to be spoken for someone to leave her alone. Jon Connington offered a small bow of his head and then Rhaella moved to one of the softer chairs near the window. With trembling hands, she broke the seal of the letter and as she had feared, her tears began to fall. Viserys' penmanship had changed little and yet just seeing it again brought up all the emotions his self-enforced exile had allowed to build within her.

Mother,

I write to first let you know I am well and happy. I have come on much under the stewardship of my kinsman and learned much about the man I long to be and the man I believe I am growing into. The path I've wished to walk for so long is one that I know now is my true one, mother. For never have I felt as content in who I am as I have these past few moons. Yet, there is discontent too in my life. A deep sadness that I alone am unable to fight away or shake off.

I miss you, mother. With all I am and the entirety of my heart, I miss you and my siblings daily. There is a longing in me to hear my sister's laughter. To cross swords with my brother and to teach him all I've learned and see just how much he's grown. My heart aches to see you smile, Mother. As it does to feel myself held in your warm embrace once more and it has taken me some time to admit this even to myself.

There are still things I must do, however, some lessons I still need to learn and there is my nephew to consider as well. Not only am I closer to becoming the man I wish to be, but I am also closer to being the man my nephew needs by his side. Already I have been able to do much to help his fellow Northmen and had I not left to embark upon my journey, I would not have been in a position to do so. So for that, I am most grateful, Mother, while I am shamed of how I left at the same time.

Rest assured I am well and at peace. Know too that my longing to see you all again grows daily and I know now it's only a matter of time until I can fight it no longer, or have learned all I must. Until that day, I will remain as safe and well as I can and pray you worry about me not.

I love you, mother, never forget or doubt that this is true.

Your son,

Viserys.

Rhaella wept. Happy tears, sad ones. Tears of relief and even those of pride. Her son had become a man she could be proud of. One she should be proud of and so she had long ago resolved that she would be. In time she'd seek his forgiveness for her actions and for forcing him from her side. Mayhap too she'd allow herself to believe it was all for the best and ordained by the gods somehow. For now, she took comfort in his words and the promise contained in them. Bringing the letter to her lips, Rhaella placed a soft kiss over her son's name.

"I love you too, my son," she whispered.

Dinner that night was a happy affair. Both Dany and Maekar had welcomed the letters from Viserys just as much as she had. Each of them shared some of what was contained in those letters and Rhaella thanked the gods that distance was no barrier to how much each of her children loved each other. She was overjoyed to hear that in both Dany's and Maekar's letters, the same words had been spoken as had been in her own. Viserys told each of them that he would return sooner rather than later and so it made that promise even more true.

Later that night, her husband asked for her permission to take Dany with him when he left Braavos. Rhaella almost denied him leave to do so before she then remembered that it was something she'd sworn she'd not do. Her children's paths were not ones she could define for them and Dany's future lay far more in Essos than it did in Westeros. So after eliciting a promise that her husband would not dally longer than needed, Rhaella gave her consent.

Still, for the next few days and right up until her daughter stood in front of her saying her goodbyes, Rhaella second-guessed herself. Had it not been for the excitement in Dany's violet eyes and the knowledge that her husband traveled with a large guard, she may have given in to her doubts and changed her mind. Instead, she trusted that this was the right thing to do, and with a nod to Ser Barristan, who would be acting as Dany's sworn shield, Rhaella embraced her daughter.

"Enjoy your adventure, Sweetling, and know that I count the days until you return."

"I shall, mother." Dany hugged her tightly. "And shall miss you each day I am away."

Rhaella looked on as Dany and Maekar spoke softly to each other, her son's smile matching his sister's in intensity and trueness. Then, with a wave of her daughter's hand and a shared kiss between Rhaella and her husband, she was left alone with but one child to keep her company. Maekar's small hand taking hers was enough to bring a sad smile to Rhaella's face and she welcomed the soft squeeze he gave her and the comfort it brought.

"What shall we do today, my son?"

"As little as possible, mother," Maekar replied cheekily. His mimicry of her daughter was something else she welcomed.

"That sounds like a wondrous idea." she smiled more truly.

Her children and her grandson were getting older. Time was edging ever closer to the war that would define their future and so a day of doing nothing with her youngest, Rhaella believed she owed herself that. Those days would be few and far between in the years to come after all.

Greywater Watch 296 AC,

Meera Reed.

Meera had missed the marshes even more than she had imagined. She found herself enjoying riding on the road alone, breathing in the smell of the bogs and the trees surrounding her. She wasn't truly alone, for she was met by her familiar as soon as she set foot in the Neck. The lizard lion was now fully grown and could now be mounted, which Meera did gleefully after their reunion. Much appreciating the slow pace of Lion Tamer, as well as not truly wanting to arrive at Greywater Watch too quickly.

There was no doubt in her mind that she had truly missed her family, especially her little brother, and her familiar's presence by her side was a sign they knew she would see them soon. Meera could not lie and say that she dreaded not the conversation she would then have with her father. A conversation that in truth had been a long time coming and one that would forever change her relationship with her father once it was done with.

Ever since Jon's betrothal, Meera had the nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right. She understood the need for Jon to marry Margaery Tyrell, but something in the way it happened didn't sit well with Meera. The more she thought of it, the more she felt as if her father's words had been the catalyst to Jon's decision. Her friend's words when they parted ways in King's Landing, Meera continuing her sojourn to White Harbor when Jon would stay in the Red Keep, only furthered her questioning.

"I don't know if I can save Asha's head, but I will try my best."

"I know you will."

"Enjoy your time with your family."

"I promise."

"Thank Lord Howland for me, and for Asha too. If I don't succeed, she would at least be comforted by what he did for her."

"What do you mean?" she asked, frowning.

"The letter he helped me get to Theon. I thought you knew?" he said and she shook her head. "A Crannogman gave me a letter from Asha to give to Theon. He arrived during the tourney, so I thought Lord Howland and yourself had a hand in it."

"I did not know about it," she replied, a strange feeling gripping at her heart.

"I questioned how fast he arrived, given the distance between Winterfell and Storm's End, then I remembered who we were talking about and stopped wondering too much about it. If someone could get something done faster than it should, it's your father."

Jon's cheerful attitude did not reach Meera's heart and his words haunted her during her journey back home.

It had taken Jon less time to travel from Starfall to Storm's End than it would for a Crannogman to travel from Winterfell to the Neck. Even if their network relay worked tirelessly to make sure the letter arrived safely, it would have reached Storm's End a week after the tourney's end. Meera had made the calculations again and again in her head and never came close to an appropriate answer. Each time in her estimation the missive would have arrived too late.

Unless it was written before the tourney's announcement, that was. This meant that her father knew Jon would be present and all that would have happened there, from her friend's injury to Theon Greyjoy's fate.

Meera prayed that should it be the case, then her father's gesture was but a merciful one toward Asha, and yet a large part of herself doubted that it was.

Why didn't he warn us?

Why did he reach out to talk to us about the Tyrells, but not to stop Jon from getting harmed?

None of this made sense to Meera and it frustrated her not to be able to get answers then and there. That feeling of dread then grew stronger the closer she came to Greywater Watch until she found herself unable to dally further. The keep soon came into view. Meera almost not noticing just how quickly she had moved to the entrance.

In front of her stood the very person she most wanted to avoid, smiling sadly at her, and for a moment she forgot something was weighing on her mind. Only the feeling of being in her father's arms mattered for a moment, and truth be told, she didn't want to break the spell she was under.

"'Tis good to see you, Child. Even though you may resent me later." his whispered words and the soft kiss on her cheek broke her heart.

"So I was right. You led me on." she accused.

"I did what was necessary."

"Asha? The letter?" she asked, her voice sounding desperate even to her. "You knew?"

"Theon Greyjoy was about to lose his will to live. He needed his sister's words to hold onto life. Joffrey Baratheon's intervention the way he did and Aemon's wounds were… Unfortunate miscalculations on my part, yet not unwelcome ones."

"Miscalculations? Not Unwelcome?"

"When you change someone's fate, there are repercussions, daughter. The Gods do not like us meddling too much. They show us the way of things and warn us of what is to come. Yet sometimes they truly wish it to be so."

"They wanted Theon dead?"

"That was what I believed. I saw him dead. His father rebelling against the Baratheons. Causing your friend Asha to lose her head, thus putting Aemon at odds with both Baratheons and Greyjoys and flipping a coin towards madness for our soft-hearted king." Her father sighed sadly.

"Asha is still about to lose her head!" Meera yelled, furious. "You used her, used her longing for her brother, used me and my fondness for Jon, and for what?"

"For the best." her father said resolutely. Annoying her that he believed his words so truly.

"Is that what you truly believe?"

"Theon is not dead and Aemon will not lose his mind. Without the events of Highgarden, Aemon's heart wouldn't have been hardened enough after Storm's End to do what he must."

"So he has to kill Asha to become king?"

"For the Seven Kingdoms to prosper, Asha Greyjoy needs to die." Her father said ominously as Meera stared at him with bewilderment.

"And you think this will sit well with Jon? That he will want to live in a world where he's been forced to marry someone who despises him and to kill one of the people he grew to care for?"

"That, my child, is for you and your brother to find out." Howland sighed.

"I will play no part in this." Meera spat, disgusted at the man in front of her. "And you are–"

"No father of yours. I know. And I accept the judgment in your eyes and under those of my Gods, as long as I fulfill my oath to Lyanna Stark to see her son safe."

"You're killing him from the inside! He will be no better than the Mad King!" she yelled.

"No. Not now. I've made sure of it and your brother confirmed it." Howland cut her off, his voice firm and devoid of doubt.

"Jojen knows?" she repeated, the feeling of betrayal adding to her anger.

"Aye, and he and Jyana are both as cross with me as you. They fear you'll resent them but I swear to you they knew naught about my transgressions."

"I…"

"You are lost and furious. You're wondering how many events I had a hand in and if I brought you to Aemon so I could manipulate him. I admit I sent you to Winterfell because the Gods told me you had to go there. I never thought Jon would become a warg, and that you as a skinchanger would help him master his gift. All I ever hoped was that you would protect him as you would your little brother."

"But you used me, didn't you? The warning about the Roses..." Her broken heart prevented her from saying more as her father's stare was enough of an answer.

"He would have to marry Margaery Tyrell anyway. We needed him to make the betrothal before she sullied her reputation in Storm's End. Or for him to tell her the truth about himself. The last one would have been dangerous for him and required trust she has not earned."

"You could have just said so. He would have listened. He is not a child anymore, neither am I." Meera said painfully, conflicted with all she'd just learned.

"I see that now, I realized it by looking at you and I am sorry it took me so long to do so. You're a woman grown now, one with such passion and concern for those she cares about. I hope one day you and the king forgive me." Howland admitted, smiling sadly.

"You will need more than an apology to earn my forgiveness. And Jon will never forgive you for Asha."

"That is why I have stepped down from my duties. Your brother is in charge now, and so are you and his mother as his Regents."

"What are you talking about?" Meera asked, confused.

"Come, Child. It is time for you to take part in the Great Game, as our King does the same on his own. We will make you ready to be his left hand, as the Gods chose you to help him take his throne and learn the whispers of the kingdoms through your gift." Howland stated, adding to Meera's confusion, yet she did as she was told, for part of her simply wished to be home while the other part knew she had another purpose to fulfill, one that would see her not repeat her father's mistakes. A promise to her friend.

King's Landing 296 AC,

Varys.

The Lions had been circling from the moment that he'd delivered news regarding Balon Greyjoy's plans. Mayhap even before that as Varys believed that Tywin Lannister would have easily predicted what sending Theon Greyjoy to the Wall would result in. That the Old Lion had stirred from Casterly Rock and traveled to King's Landing was probably proof of that.

So it had not surprised him in the least nor had the reason why Tywin Lannister had graced them with his presence been something that Varys was caught off guard by. What he had been shocked and stunned by was the arrival of Jon Stark. No matter that his Little Birds had sung songs of how well treated Asha Greyjoy was when compared to her brother or that the young lord saw her more as a ward than a hostage. Varys, the Hand of the King, the King himself, and most especially Tywin Lannister had been caught completely unawares by Jon Stark turning up as he did.

For Varys it gave him ample opportunity to finally judge the young lord. To lay eyes upon him and to listen to him speak. Not only that but it gave him the long sought after answer to a question he'd had for many years.

"More than one question." he tittered.

To hear the young man so openly defy the king was something that brought Varys much joy. True, it was done in such a way that even though Robert Baratheon, and others, bristled because of it, the king was angered by it not. Ever had it been so when it came to Eddard Stark's son. The young boy was someone who had continually turned down the king's offers and had at times raised his ire, yet had somewhat been applauded for it. Robert looked and saw only his brother by choice when it came to his son. Varys believed if there was one man in the Seven Kingdoms that he'd allow gainsay him it would have been Eddard Stark. So his son was given liberties that none others would ever be afforded.

Varys had sat and waited to play his part in the conversation. He'd intervened when he saw the opportunity to do so and then he'd listened to those present speak of their visitor. Robert still saw the boy as his brother by choice's son and longed to see his own son enjoy the same relationship that he had such fond memories of. Jon Arryn was harder to read and seemed to have been taken completely off guard by just how vigorously Jon Stark had defended the Greyjoy girl. Tywin Lannister bristled and felt as if he was being slighted, which was never a good thing. As for Littlefinger, he was as hard to read as ever, Varys unsure why he'd interjected himself into the conversation or what game the Mockingbird was truly playing.

Looking at Jon Stark. Hearing him speak, Varys had to admit that the boy had a presence and will about him. He'd thought events in Storm's End may in time be enough to trigger the divide that his queen wished between the North and the Crown. Prince Joffrey's actions with Jon Stark's betrothed and the result of the joust may well see to that. Events here and now, however, they truly would, for Varys could see no good coming of Jon Stark's visit. When it came to the current occupant of the Iron Throne that was.

"But will it be a burial or a betrothal that we received news about, I wonder."

After the meeting, Varys set about his many tasks. The first and what at the time was the most important of them was to inform the queen of the latest developments. So, with his message in hand and his disguise in place, Varys left the Red Keep and made his way to the docks. A meeting with one of his best and most reliable couriers soon followed and by the time of the night's feast, his letter was already headed east.

It was at that feast that he found himself looking at a ghost. A man thought long dead and one who had no business being where he was. So surprised was he in seeing Ser Richard Lonmouth, that Varys found he couldn't even ask himself the question of why the Knight of Skulls and Kisses was here. Seeing him walk so closely to Jon Stark, it was a question that truly needed an answer and yet it was not one he would find that night or any of the nights to come.

Despite the importance of getting to the bottom of such a thing, other events soon occurred that forced his attention to them. Prince Joffrey did his very best to rile Jon Stark and spoke words that had he not been a prince of the realm, and the boy he spoke them to being uninjured, would have cost him blood at the very least. Varys wasn't even certain it was the injury itself that stayed Jon Stark's hand. The young man showed a sense of self-control that was remarkable when he did not rise to the bait. While the look in his eyes promised retribution would one day be sought, or so Varys believed.

"More news that the queen must hear about."

Before he could make any inroads into the mystery of why Ser Richard Lonmouth named himself Ser Symon Lake, both he, the Former First Sword of Braavos, and Jon Stark had taken ship and sailed North. Varys then spent his days awaiting word from the young lord about what Asha Greyjoy had chosen.

His spies in the West had told him that Tywin Lannister had bid his sister to arrange a wedding feast. The Old Lion too had begun his preparations to travel back to Casterly Rock. Varys was even there when the King permitted the Kingslayer to join his brother and father upon their return. The queen refused to even countenance traveling back to where she was born in order to see her hated brother wed.

"Mayhap to spit on his rotting corpse I'd return," Cersei said in one of her drunken tirades.

Reading his reports from the rest of the Realm it was to Highgarden that Varys turned his attention to. Allyria Dayne had traveled and a betrothal between her and Willas Tyrell had been agreed to. Another step in the great game that he believed had been instigated by his queen.

'Or Lady Ashara acting in the Queen's stead.'

It made him consider whether or not Ser Richard had sought the lady out. Something that Varys dismissed quite quickly. There was simply no reason that made any sense for him to do so. Varys was under no doubt that if Ser Richard had sought anyone out it would be the Dragons in the East. Yet, that soon led to another thought and one he couldn't quite shake. House Dayne's most famed son resided in the east and he and Ser Richard had been as close as any, once. The Knight of Skulls and Kisses had squired for Prince Rhaegar and none were closer to the prince than the Sword of the Morning.

Could that be the root of it?

A knight seeking to offer his sword to the dragons and then being sent to offer it to Arthur Dayne's sister instead?

To then serve as the sworn sword of the lady's son?

Was that a move that anyone would dare make, even someone as daring as his queen?

In truth, it made little sense to him. True, bringing the future Warden of the North to the side of the Dragons changed the game dramatically. Just as true was the fact that he'd never understood the queen's reluctance to see Jon Stark dead until now. Varys had never seen the path that led to the Starks and Targaryens fighting on the same side. Now, he very much could. Yet no matter how he looked at it, Ser Richard Lonmouth being where he was just didn't add up.

At times when faced with a conundrum, Varys would turn his thoughts to other matters. So again he looked even more closely at events in the Realm. The Iron Islands would face their own rebellion if Asha Greyjoy chose life rather than death. Somehow the Starks had managed to bring the girl's mother to their side and it made Varys now look at a report that he'd given little attention to. One that took him some time to find as any of those he didn't burn or destroy immediately after reading, needed to be kept far from any prying eyes.

He never got the chance to find out what it was he sought. He, Tywin Lannister, Littlefinger, Jon Arryn, Stannis, Renly, and Robert Baratheon were all shocked by the arrival of the ship from the North and its cargo. Ser Wylis Manderly carried the box into the Throne Room and all the Small Council had hurried to find out what it contained. None keener than the king, who even before Ser Wylis had been properly introduced had asked the question that was on all of their minds.

"What's in the box?" Robert called out.

"Your Grace, I bring word from my liege. A message he bids me read before I may answer your question, by your leave of course."

"Yes, yes, speak your words and open the fucking box when you're done," Robert said irritably.

"In the Name of His Grace, King Robert Baratheon the First of his Name, I, Jon Stark the Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell have carried out his orders without reservation or hesitation. " Ser Wylis said before then hading the king a note that took him until night fell to find out the contents of. Jon Stark's words bringing a smile to Robert Bartheon's face when he read them silently.

As my father used to say, the man who passes the sentence must swing the sword. As Asha Greyjoy decided her fate, I passed the sentence myself.

The words were simple and as Varys looked to Ser Wylis move to open the box, he knew now what it contained. A glance at the angered look on Tywin Lannister's face showed that he too had figured it out. Littlefinger, Renly, Stannis, and the Hand all took a little longer to do so. While to the left of the Iron Throne, Prince Joffrey wore a surprised and yet eager look on his young face.

"I present to you, Asha Greyjoy, your grace." Ser Wylis said as he held the head aloft. Gasps resounded around the Throne Room and a large smile appeared on Robert Baratheon's face.

"By the gods, he fucking did it," Robert said happily. "It was Lord Jon who swung the sword, was it not Ser Wylis?"

"My liege is of the North, your grace. The man who passes the sentence should always swing the sword, so aye, it was Lord Jon himself who did the deed."

"I fucking told you he had hair on his balls, Jon." Robert laughed.

"She refused the marriage offer, Ser Wylis?" Stannis asked.

"She did, my lord," Wylis said as Robert now laughed even louder.

"We should have offered her a full man instead of a half one," Robert said as the Throne Room erupted into laughter, all but the Lannisters joining in.

Varys looked on as Prince Joffrey walked to the heir to White Harbor, the prince asking for and being given the severed head. It had been tarred to preserve it and yet it was that of a young woman much to Joffrey's amusement.

"The rest of her, Ser Wylis?"

"My prince?"

"What did your liege lord do with the rest of her?"

"He gave her body to the sea, my prince."

"Pity that." Joffrey handed the Merman back the head and Robert ordered it to be placed on a spike on Traitor's Walk.

"This means war, your grace." Jon Arryn said and Varys shuddered at the eager look on the king's face.

"Good."

"Not necessarily, Lord Hand." Ser Wylis' words caused all to look at the rotund knight who'd handed the head to some Lannister men to see the king's orders were followed. "Lord Jon has set my brother to task, your grace. A missive sent to Harlaw with but one demand."

"He oversteps, Ser Wylis, it is not for the Lord of Winterfell to give demands." Jon Arryn said angrily.

"My lord seeks to prevent a war, Lord Hand. To see as little Northern and Southern blood spilled as need be. For while there is no doubt that his grace would be victorious." Ser Wylis bowed to the king. "Lives will still be lost and coin that can be best used elsewhere would be spent."

"And your lord's demand?" Stannis asked.

"For Asha Greyjoy's father's head to join her own or for the Iron Islands to be bathed in the blood of Reavers, Lord Stannis."

"A moon, Ser Wylis, I give Lord Jon a moon and no longer. Should Balon Greyjoy's head not rest on a spike next to his daughter's, then the entire might of the Seven Kingdoms will be visited upon those accursed islands." Robert said and Ser Wylis nodded.

There was some celebration. The king was happy to have finally gotten his way and mayhap torn between seeing if Jon Stark could deliver him another head or sailing to war once more. Lord Arryn and Littlefinger spent much time in quiet conversation with each other as too did Stannis and Renly. As for the Lions, they bristled, and none more so than Tywin Lannister. Jon Stark had shown them up just as his uncle had many years earlier. For a man who accepted slights not, this was yet another one and the House of the Wolf had made a powerful enemy this day.

"Thankfully the enemy of your enemy is your friend." Varys smiled. Now even more certain that when the true battle was upon them, the Dragons and Wolves would fight on the same side.

Still, as he took to his bed that night, it was with thoughts of Ser Richard Lonmouth that filled his mind. A mystery that he knew he needed to unravel that when he awoke the next morning, he truly began to set out to do.

Highgarden 296 AC,

Mira Forrester.

Storm's End had been a disaster. Margaery had finally come to see what Mira and others had told her when it came to Jon Stark and yet she'd seen it mayhap too late. She'd seen the truth of Prince Joffrey too, although that had come at a heavy cost. Mira still shuddered at the thoughts of what may have happened on the night that the Prince had come to Margaery's rooms. The truth of what he'd intended was one that even Margaery now accepted.

So she'd been happy when they left that keep behind. Even if she was a little saddened for her friend. Mira knew too that there was little that she or anyone could say to Margaery to make her feel better. So, for some time she spoke not. Happy to let others take the lead in doing so and even more so that one of those others happened to be Jon Stark's aunt. Lady Allyria Dayne had surprised them all by being in Highgarden when they returned. Even more so, by what they'd all then found out was the reason for her visit to the home of House Tyrell.

"She and Willas are to be wed, is that not glorious," Elinor said as they were getting ready for the day.

"Such handsome children they shall have. The lady is as fair as her sister and Willas is…." Megga added before Mira soon drifted away and was lost in her own thoughts.

Mira was now of an age where betrothals were commonplace. Already Margaery and Jon Stark had been agreed to and Mira was a year or more older than them both. So it was not as if she'd not considered who she would enjoy being matched with. Or that she was not practical enough to know that her House was looked down on in the North due to Asher's perceived actions and his banishment. The truth of that banishment known only to Jon Stark and some others, Mira wagered.

The Starks were not the type of people to shout about the things they did. So the story of her brother being banished by her father would be more believed than any tale of him working with the Company of the Rose. For now at least. Mira knew from Asher's letters that Jon Stark sought him to return with his honor regained and that the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, even if he was not yet truly either, wished for Asher to be wed to Gwyn Whitehill upon his return.

'By Order of the Warden of the North.' Asher had written in one of his many letters.

Still, it would help her find a husband not, and even should they somehow find a willing match before then, Mira was not certain that it was the North she wished to be tied to. Her time in the South had made her see the differences in men of all regions and while she knew there were those in the North who saw Southern knights as not real men, she was not one of them. One look at Ser Garlan or Ser Baelor, even Loras or some of the younger second sons of the Houses of the Reach was more than enough for that to be so.

Trying her best to put such thoughts from her mind. To then ready herself for the day ahead, the knock on her door took her by surprise. As did the sight of the young lad who bore two letters in his hand. One bearing the seal of her family and the other with Asher's blue rose on its cover. Mira took them both and somehow she was able to resist the urge to read either of them. Her duties took precedence and while the Tyrells were the most gracious of hosts, only a fool knew not to get on the Queen of Thorns' bad side.

"And I am no such fool." she giggled after the young lad left and she was alone once more. Mira then put the letters away for safekeeping and to read them later.

Soon enough she was at Margaery's door and after knocking and entering the room, she found Margaery already awake and fully dressed. Looking around for signs of her fellow ladies in waiting, Mira was surprised to see none. Neither Elinor nor Megga had arisen, or if they had, then they'd not yet come here. So it left only one possible reason for Margaery's appearance. Well, two, but Mira knew that Margaery would never allow one of the maids to help her dress. Not when she had her, Elinor, and Megga to do so.

"Margaery, did you dress yourself?" she asked, eyebrow raised.

"I am capable of such," Margaery replied, her own eyebrow raised just as high.

"Yet, the sun still shines and the world has not ended, so whatever can have made you do such a thing." she chided, smirking.

"I…" Margaery faltered and Mira immediately moved to her to tell her that it was truly a jape she was having at the younger girl's expense. Only for the Golden Rose of Highgarden to steady herself and speak more firmly "I have been lax and grown too comfortable with how things are in the South. If it's to be in the North that I am to make my home, then I must be ready for it to be so."

"Then I doubt the North will have ever seen someone more ready than you," she said truthfully. Her words earned her one of Margaery's truer smiles.

Mira knew that Margaery had shared words with Jon Stark's aunt. What those words were, she could only hazard a guess at. She reckoned that they had been both encouraging and chiding at the same time and a part of her worried that it was only the latter of those two things that Margaery would focus on. She was greatly relieved to see that it was the former too.

"Now come. For a woman of the North, a hearty meal is most appreciated first thing of a morn." Mira winked.

"Oh Gods, you're never going to let me live that down, are you."

"No. My lady has shown her true weakness and it would be wrong of me not to make merry at her expense."

"I hate you." Margaery smiled.

"Aye, I hate you too. Now come, fast to be broken and all that."

In her time at Highgarden, her relationship with Margaery Tyrell had become one of almost sisters rather than lady and lady in waiting. They had bonded over Mira speaking about Asher and what had happened with Margaery's aunt. With her being from the North and so being able to tell Margaery more of it than any book or Maester had helped too. Even when her friend was loudly declaring to her, Elinor, and Megga that it was Prince Joffrey she wished to wed, Mira had known the truth of what lay in Margaery's heart. She'd seen the looks that had been aimed Jon Stark's way. Heard too the regret that Margaery would share about hurting or harming his feelings or reputation. Regrets that had only grown after Storm's End.

More than any of that, however. Mira remembered Margaery's face when she was crowned as the Queen of Love and Beauty by Jon Stark. She'd seen that very same expression when the two had danced that very night. Margaery may have kidded herself that she wished to be Joffrey Baratheon's princess, but Mira knew for certain she longed to be Jon Stark's queen.

The breaking of their fast was yet another morn full of gossip and tales. A wedding needed to be prepared for and though it was more than two moons away, this was the wedding of the Heir of Highgarden. Something which deemed it to be even larger than Garlan's had been. Already talk had turned to the inevitable feasting and the large tourney that Lord Mace would undoubtedly see held in celebration of his firstborn's nuptials. Mira tried and failed not to get too swept up into just who may or may not come to participate in that tourney that was to follow.

A glance at where Ser Robar Royce sat was enough to now further explain the handsome knight's presence. He'd acquitted himself well in the Tourney at Storm's End and for some reason, he'd then returned to Highgarden with them. Mira turned her eyes to where Margaery's cousin Desmera sat and found herself wondering if a potential match between them was being considered. Given how the young lady looked to the fair knight, if Robar performed well in the tourney, there very much might be.

'As for mine own heart…'

Her thoughts were interrupted by Lady Allyria's arrival. The lady was later than usual and looked as if she'd not slept well, which was of course not commented on by any but the Queen of Thorns. Allyria simply replied that it was thoughts of her family and the upcoming wedding that disturbed her sleep. Missing of the one and some little annoyance at the other being as large as it had grown inugh Mira felt the answer to be one that was not completely true and yet not any business of any of them either.

Seeing Margaery move seats to sit by the lady should have annoyed her more than it did. It was not the done thing for even the lady you were in service to, to do such, and yet Mira was well aware why Margery did so. It boded well for her lady's happiness too, for if she truly found a friend and ally in Jon Stark's aunt, it would help her when it came to her betrothed. However, the worried look that came over Margaery's face upon hearing some words that Allyria spoke in her ear was not something that Mira welcomed. Nor that Margaery excused herself a few moments later.

"Is she well?" Elinor asked worriedly.

"Should we go after her?" Megga added, Mira noticing that the girl looked at her plate before doing so and had as of yet barely partaken of the morning meal.

"Why don't you two finish breaking your fast? Afterward, you can join Margaery and me in the Rose Garden."

"Should we not…"

"I've eaten and neither of you have, Elinor." Mira lied. "After you've done so should suffice and you can both be of more help to Margaery on full stomachs, can you not?"

"We can, we will," Megga said determinedly and Mira rose to her feet and asked to be excused. Two most similar smiles appeared on Lord Mace and Lady Alerie's faces as she did so. A look bordering on approval then appeared on Lady Olenna's face as Mira was permitted to leave the room they broke their fast in.

It took her some time to find Margaery. Her friend was sitting alone on one of the many benches strewn through Highgarden's summer gardens. No tears were being shed, which was a good thing. Yet the look Margaery bore seemed to be full of worry. So much so that not even the presence of a nearby singing sparrow seemed to have registered in Margaery's mind.

Moving slowly, as if she was on a hunt in the Wolfswood rather than joining a friend on a bench, Mira was sitting beside her before Margaery truly noticed her presence. Reaching out her hand to take Margaery's in her own, her touch welcomed even if Margaery had not as of yet, Mira gave her the time to do so. With Margery, to press too deeply was to risk her shutting down and bottling up her true feelings. Her training as both a Lady and the Queen of Thorns granddaughter did not allow her to respond well to inquiry. Give her the time to speak and be someone she trusted enough to do so with and Margaery would tell you what bothered her. Mostly anyway. Mira was under no illusion that there were things that Margaery kept from everybody and hid deep within herself too.

"Lady Ashara will be arriving within the moon." Margaery sighed. "Allyria received a raven from Starfall saying her sister and nephew would be setting out to help with the wedding preparations."

"That was why she looked so distressed this morn?"

"No, that was simply a lack of true sleep." Margaery shook her head and laughed a mirthless laugh." Something I shall no doubt suffer with much over the next few days."

"You fear it too much, Margaery. The judgment that you feel is coming your way is built up more inside you than it truly needs to be."

"After what I did at Storm's End! Should I not be judged for it?" Margaery snapped back. "Has not my betrothed already judged me truly?" she then almost cried.

"Jon Stark was angered, true, but he was injured as well was he not? I may not know him as well as you do, but I know enough about him to know that whatever he may have said to you, was at least partly clouded by what the Maester gave him for his injury."

"You cannot possibly know that." Margaery shook her head.

"Ah, but I can and do. He was not himself, Margaery. As you were not, not truly."

"I…"

"Acted foolishly but not dishonorably," Mira interjected. "When his head is more clear, Jon Stark will see that."

"And his mother?" Margaery whispered.

"Will be much like her sister, I wager. Harsh but not cruel."

"You truly believe so?" Margaery asked hopefully.

"I believe that anyone who gets to know the true you. The real Margaery Tyrell and not who at times you try to be." Mira's words earned her a more happy laugh from the girl who now looked at her and listened to each of them keenly. "Will be loath to judge you too harshly and may very well be more on your side than you fear."

"I doubt that could be so." Margaery snorted, half in disbelief and yet Mira felt she believed her too, somewhat.

"You will win her over, Margaery. I believe that to be so."

A nod of her lady's head was followed by a quick and true embrace. Margaery rose to her feet and despite Mira having told Elinor and Megga to meet them in the Rose Garden, it was to Margaery's rooms that they now walked. Along the way, a servant was sent to fetch two plates of food and once in the rooms and when that food arrived, they ate and spoke about much more happy things.

Still, she was surprised when Margaery spoke of her plans to visit the North after the wedding. Not that she had them, but more that they were now far firmer in her friend's mind. Not even the fact that Jon Stark had supposedly told her she would not be welcome there was enough to weaken Margery's resolve. Although given that she was a Lady of the South it did create a problem which Mira offered a quick and easy solution to.

"I shall have my family invite you. We could all travel together. Elinor and Megga may hate the North, or claim to at times, but both love adventures as much as you or I. Besides, it's been far too long since I saw my family or Ironrath, and since you welcomed me into your home, it would behoove me to do the same would it not?"

"Truly," Margaery exclaimed happily. "You would do such a thing?"

"Aye, I would."

They shared their second hug of the day or was it the third, Mira had not truly counted. Soon enough they were joined by Elinor and Megga and even Lady Allyria made her way to them later that day.

After bathing and readying for the night's meal, Mira once more almost opened the letters before again putting it off for now. So it was only after they'd eaten, and helped Margaery prepare for bed, which truly meant much more gossip and japes at each other's expense, that Mira finally opened the first of the letters.

My Dearest daughter,

I write to you with what I hope to be most welcome news, but first, let me assure you that all is well at Ironrath. Your brothers and your sister miss you terribly of course, as do I and your father, not that he'd ever admit to such a thing, mind you. Our House prospers, my sweet summer child, and whatever disdain we've been held in seems to have passed somewhat. Jon Stark may be but a boy still but he is a true wolf and his word carries much weight, even more so after that unfortunate business with Asha Greyjoy. It is with this in mind that I write to you. With our prospects renewed, an offer for your hand has been made, my lovely girl.

Lord Tallhart has suggested that a match between his son and heir Brandon is one that he'd be most agreeable to. Nothing has been agreed, however, as, despite your father's wish to accept the match immediately, better sense and mine own words won out. So I ask you to consider the offer but do only that. It is not one I'd allow your father to force upon you. Not after Asher and what his actions cost both us and him. Think upon it and should it not be a match you welcome, it shall go no further. Should there be one you seek, my sweet girl, then the time to speak on it is almost at hand.

Your loving mother,

Elissa.

Mira tried her best to remember Brandon Tallhart, a wasted endeavor. She knew she'd met him more than once, but he had left no true impression upon her and it was many years earlier that she'd done so. Torrhen's Square she had read much about when she was a girl. Learning about it, along with the other keeps in the North, had been part of her studies and she'd even visited there once, or so she believed. Though it had been when she was but a girl and the keep too had left no true impression upon her. Given that she'd since visited Winterfell, Highgarden, and Storm's End, that was mayhap only to be expected.

Thoughts of being wed to Brandon Tallhart did not stir her heart either. Again though, few had if she was being honest and those who did, would never be allowed to marry a girl from a minor House in the North. Not even if that girl served as the Lady in Waiting to the girl who would one day be wed to their future Warden. So, putting all thoughts of matches and betrothals to one side for now, Mira broke the seal on the second letter and smiled to see her brother's penmanship had not improved in his years in Essos.

To the sister of my heart,

I pray this letter finds you well, dearest Mira. That you still wake up each morn and feel the same joy and excitement you told me that being in Highgarden has afforded you. Yet I pray too that you miss me as much as I do you, for I am still your ever-selfish brother after all.

Our duties in Essos continue to be varied and we've fended off yet another attack from those who dare to think Northern Goods are unprotected. My good friend, Aldon along with some men of the Windblown have helped us greatly in this regard, and was he a man with no other plan for his future, then he may well be someone I'd consider good enough for either of my sisters. Not that my words would sway you or Talia's hearts in any way or Father's wishes for you both. Still, a good man and true and one who will love you as much as I love Gwyn is all I'd truly seek for either of you.

There are things I cannot speak of here in this letter, even given the nature of those who will deliver it to you. Yet I feel my time in exile has not been wasted and will not be one that lasts for too much longer. To see you again, my dearest sister. To see Ironrath and our family and to even walk with you amongst the flowers as you show me the wonders of Highgarden, are all things I think of most keenly. I hope you look forward to that return as much as I do, Dearest Mira. Until then, know that each night I lay my head down I offer prayers to the Old Gods for you, our sister and our brothers, and for Mother too. Even for Father, I pray and though I know he may not say it to you, I'll do so now. I'm most proud of you sister, truly, never doubt that or that I love you with all I am.

Your favorite brother,

Asher.

The words made her laugh, and cry. She kissed the letter as she had the one from her mother and then placed it with the others she'd received from them both and the rest of her family. Then she offered up her prayers to the Old Gods and bid them watch over Asher even though he was in lands that believed in them not.

Over the next few weeks, some of the Houses and knights who had further to travel than others began to arrive. The wedding was still a couple of moons away and yet, Mira knew it bothered Lord Mace not. There would be a smaller tourney and a ball before the much larger one and the wedding itself. Mira then found herself with Elinor and Megga discussing the knights who had arrived and those who had not. One knight in particular had earned her attention and though it was simply his looks and the way he smiled that had done so, it gave her much to ponder on while they waited for others to arrive.

Ser Talbert Serry was the heir of Southshield and a warrior that even Ser Garlan spoke highly of. He was handsome, witty too from the few overheard conversations that she'd managed to listen in on. His House, while large enough, would not look down upon her own and so she promised herself she'd judge him as truly as his time in Highgarden would allow. It would not be the knight alone who would be getting judged.

"They've been spotted," Elinor whispered to her as they hurried through the keep.

"How far?"

"An hour, two."

They arrived at Margaery's room to find her almost in a panic. The nerves she'd managed to keep at bay were now threatening to overwhelm her and neither Megga nor Elinor had helped her ignore them. Moving to her, placing her hands on her shoulders, Mira hoped her own words would calm her friend as much as they had when she'd first heard that Ashara Dayne would be traveling to Highgarden.

"Do you wish to wed, Jon Stark?" Mira asked to a firm nod of Margaery's head. "Then naught else matters, Margaery. Once his mother sees this is true, nothing else matters."

"I…"

"Are the future wife of the Warden of the North. The future Lady of Winterfell. A lady I am proud to name a friend and would be proud to serve in the future as such." she said to a resolved nod and then, Elinor, Megga, and Margaery made their way to the courtyard to greet Margaery's future Goodmother.

Braavos 296 AC,

Daenerys Targaryen.

Dany had dreamed and so a journey that should have taken some moons was cut short. Her stepfather had simply asked her what preyed on her mind and once she had told him, he had replied that Volantis and the Triarchs could wait. It had meant so much to her that she had then hugged him tightly and thanked him profusely. All the while, Dany promised that they would travel to Volantis as soon as she was ready to do so. Something she knew he much welcomed hearing.

Their return was welcomed greatly by her mother and almost seemed expected by her brother, Maekar simply looking at her in that way of his and nodding his head. The whispered words that she would be traveling to Volantis within two moons, ones that Dany was only told later that night. Again she dreamed and over the next few days, she almost began to doubt herself. Only for the arrival to prove that her dreams did indeed come true and that they were to be listened to both now and in the future. Something she promised herself she would most certainly do.

To dream of something that was supposed to happen was one thing, but to see it happen with her own eyes was truly incredible. At first, she had struggled to portray the woman in front of her as the thing she had seen in her dream. Only the mention of her name and who she was sent by had made Dany reconcile the two.

'A Dead Kraken shielded by a White Dragon and sent away from a snow-covered land to join and rest among even more Dragons.'

''I still cannot believe how the fuckers played the whole realm. Those Wolves are some sly bastards.'' Asha Greyjoy laughed.

''Said bastards have saved your life, Greyjoy. You should show some respect and be more grateful.'' Ser Arthur growled.

''I believe this is her being respectful, Ser.'' Dany intervened, making the woman smirk. ''Welcome to Braavos, Lady Greyjoy.''

''Ha! Call me Asha. I'm barely a Lady. Still a prisoner, apparently, but it's the Dragons rather than the Wolves who hold my chains.''

''You are free to leave anytime, Asha. As long as you are discreet about your endeavors and you do not put my grandson's life in danger for saving yours.'' Dany's mother said sternly.

''The last thing I want is to risk Jon's life. I mean Aemon or whatever you call him.'' Asha retorted with a bite. ''He is my friend and I respect both him and his family, believe it or not.''

''We've heard of your story and we're sorry you had to go through any of it. Our family knows how it feels not to be able to go back to your homeland.'' Dany said truthfully.

''Though I see you did a good job in making up for a bad situation.'' Asha pointed out. ''I think I'll like it here. Oh, before I forget, Jon gave me a message to give to the Dragon Queen.''

Daenerys looked with curiosity as her mother took the missive from the other woman's hand, waiting with bated breath for any reaction from Rhaella. It had been so long since Aemon had directly addressed his grandmother that it had to be very important. She could perceive a lot of emotions running through her mother from the expressions on her face. Brief though they were.

Sadness. Surprise. Longing. Joy? She could name them all, she believed.

"Mother, is Aemon well?'' She inquired fearfully, only to be given the missive with a few words written on it.

Grandmother,

Thank you for hosting Asha. She is a good friend of mine and of my family. Please take good care of her and involve her in your trade if you must, as she always dreamt of joining a ship's crew. When the time comes, she may even be allowed to captain her own.

I believe you have by now heard of my betrothal to Margaery Tyrell. I had my reasons for doing so, not related to what you wished of me, but it seems my fate and the outcome you wanted for me will be the same.

As for the rest of your plan, do what you must. I am ready to fulfill my duty to our House as long as you do not force my uncles and aunt to wed against their will. One match for an alliance is more than enough and long has it been since anyone in our House has been allowed to wed for love. Let that be my first act as king and I'll be forever grateful to you for it.

It took me a long time to reach out to you, and I am grateful you never denied me when I did through others. Believe me when I say I was going to do so personally before this whole ordeal. My pride and fears took the best of me all these years, but I think I have a better understanding of you thanks to Mother. I will tell of how I feel in a different letter, as Asha's fate and that of the Iron Islands matter the most for now.

Send my regards to our family.

Your grandson who is forever indebted to you.

Aemon.

''He's going for it…'' Dany whispered as her mother rushed to the Ironborn, shaking her urgently.

''You have to tell us all you know about the situation in Westeros.'' Rhaella pressed. "Everything, now, at once."

Asha then proceeded to talk of all she knew. From the Usurper's son goading her brother to the point of him reacting badly and accidentally hurting the prince's cousin, who in turn testified that Theon did it on purpose. To Aemon standing up for him and pleading for Asha's life when her father decided to attack the North after Theon had been sentenced to the Wall. The choice she'd been given was to either lose her head or marry Tyrion Lannister, and the proposal Aemon gave her instead was to join their family in Essos. Her nephew stating that he would never act on anything the Usurper would ask of him, for Baratheon and his family had no honor and he would rather die than forsake his own.

Dany could feel the pain of the Ironborn lady when she recounted what happened and how her life's choices were discussed by other people but herself. She remembered feeling the same not so long ago and was grateful that her mother's demeanor and intent had changed after Viserys had run away.

"They feigned my death. I don't know what they showed the King to prove they did the deed, but I was smuggled to Skagos first and have been told I would be brought to a safer place when the coast would be clear. I'd been hiding for a moon until a ship sporting the Wolves' banner came back to spirit me away, which was a good thing since I was beginning to gain a little weight with all the mead I drank to drown my sorrows. Have you tasted Northern Mead, princess?''

''I'm afraid I haven't. But please, call me Dany. Any friend of my nephew is a friend of mine." she answered truthfully.

"Good thing I haven't downed it all during the journey, then, Dany," Asha smirked, earning an eye roll from Ser Arthur.

"Before you try getting my daughter inebriated, there are some more questions I need to ask you." her mother interjected, clearly unfazed by the Ironborn's attempt to upset her.

After the news she received, it will take much more to wake the dragon. She thought.

"Ask away, my Queen," Asha said doing a mock curtsy as Dany was led outside the room.

"What will happen to her, Ser Arthur?" she asked.

"She'll be questioned and then your Mother will most likely send her to the Velaryons' manse so they can train her."

"Truly?" she gasped.

"Our king gave us an order. Your Mother will do as she's asked."

She could hear something akin to pride and happiness in the knight's voice, and judging by the smile he sported ever since she'd passed him Aemon's letter to read, she knew he had welcomed it as much as Rhaella did.

Dany distractedly played with Maekar for a short time before her brother realized something was bothering her. He then began talking to her in their makeshift language. It was something that Dany, Maekar, and Viserys had come up with and now she found she looked forward to when Aemon could speak to them in the same way.

"Is it the stranger's presence that's bothering you, or is it that Aemon has changed his mind?" he asked.

"Neither," she answered. "I dreamt of her coming."

"You did?"

"Yes. I dreamt of a dead Kraken coming back to life as she snuck into the land of the dragons. Our lands. I saw her being protected by the white dragon."

"As Aemon protected her. So he is truly the white dragon from your vision."

''I've never thought… I had an inkling of this when I realized Uncle Aemon was the dragon at the Wall, but… I've always seen Aems as a white wolf before."

"Perhaps because he is embracing his kingly side now?"

"It would make sense…" she mused.

"Now you can identify two of the dragons from your dreams," Maekar said. "Though I wonder who Viserys met on his path."

"I don't know, but I'm certain Mother does. I don't think she stopped searching for him because of her change of heart. She must know where he is." she pointed out.

"I think so too. Father's tone is too certain when he says not to worry about him." Maekar added. "You know, the more I think about it, the more I believe the dragons are related to our egg's colors."

Dany shivered as she thought about her own egg and what it meant for her.

"I was hoping none of it would come to pass. That we would not get involved in Westeros apart from Aemon." she sighed.

"You, Sister, are a pitiful liar. You better learn how to master this trait before you too leave." Maekar japed, though she could see the sadness in his eyes.

"You will leave too, Brother, if my dreams are to be believed."

"Indeed. Let us pray to whichever God is listening that it won't be long before we see our brother once again."

She smiled, taking Maekar's hand while silently praying for his wish to come true.

The sky turned to fire as the golden dragon and his battle-scarred friend flew back to the dragon's lair. The golden one had since gotten scars himself and seemed now to be much wiser and older. While the two black dragons coiled around the returning one, the world exploded as the green dragon thrilled while embracing him in turn.

All of the dragons released their flames in joy, the combination of them materializing itself in a red ball that traveled west and a small dragon roar resounded as the ball of flame disappeared from the horizon. All of the dragons from the East let out roars of their own, answering the call of the rising white dragon, and soon each of them flew to a different path once again. Now with more determination than ever.

Dany woke up with a start, the dream still vivid in her mind. She laughed and cried at the same time, knowing that for once, their prayers had been answered, and soon their older brother would be back home. Her dreams came through after all.

White Harbor 296 AC,

Jon Stark.

(Takes Place just after Jon has pronounced Asha's sentence and before she's sent to Skagos)

Part of him felt shamed of his actions. The word of a Northman was the most sacred thing they had. Yet he was not only someone from the North, and his paternal side would not blame him for lying to a monster like Robert Baratheon. How could a king so carelessly, so dispassionately, sentence someone as he did with both Theon and Asha? His disgrace of a son was just as bad as he was too. Joffrey had casually lied to incriminate someone instead of taking full accountability for what he'd done.

Gods, how he hated Joffrey Baratheon. Not only did this prickly and poncy boy condemn an innocent without an ounce of shame, but seeing how he had used Margaery and played with her dreams of being swept away from her betrothal, as Jon's own mother had been, was enough to wake the dragon that he now knew was inside him. Thankfully he was a Wolf too and so he was able to force the dragon to back down, for now. Still, it made him ponder on things he wished not to.

Did Robert feel this outraged when his father crowned his mother?

Did they do the right thing?

Should he release Margaery from her betrothal and the accord he had with her family?

Could he even if he wanted to?

Joffrey would need to be taken care of no matter what. Either by being killed or sent to the Wall, and even then, Margaery would still hate him.

Did his mother hate Robert as much as Margaery hated him?

Was he as bad as Robert was in forcing the betrothal on her?

Or was the king justified in his anger as much as he felt he was?

Was Rhaegar Targaryen naught more than a mad and selfish prince who cared only for his own desires?

People said his father wasn't, yet his lack of thought for both his wife and the crowned lady's betrothed had unsettled Jon greatly. Ashara's reassurance that Jon was neither Robert nor his father only made him question more of the past and ponder even more on his future actions. Had it been anyone but his mother who told him such, then he'd have done this even more he knew and yet it still all preyed on his mind.

He shook his head. Now wasn't the time to think about his betrothed or his parents. Asha was starting to wake up and all his family was present to hear his plan, both Brandon and Beth staring at him with suspicion.

"I swear on my Mother's memory that I will not harm Asha." he had said once they entered the room on the ship they boarded.

"Why would you play us like that?" Brandon growled, still unconvinced, which hurt Jon a little.

"We needed the mummery, the display of force and raw emotions from everyone to happen in the open," he explained. "People from the castle would talk, and should there be any spies from the new Master of Coin around, word would go out to King Robert that I kept my word to him and help to sell the lie."

"So you covered your tracks? What for?" Beth wondered.

"So the Seven Kingdoms believed Jon Stark had sentenced Asha Greyjoy to die after she refused the other choice given to her.''

"But she was about to accept —" Beth protested.

"And she would have lived an unhappy life as a slave to Tywin Lannister's bidding. 'Tis why Uncle Benjen welcomed her in the first place. Right Uncle?"

"Aye, 'Tis true, but Jon… What you're about to do…"

"Is treason, pure and simple. But isn't my life treasonous anyway? What will one more act change?" Jon shrugged, feigning confidence.

"What are you bastard rambling about? Are you here to taunt me some more?" Asha's angry voice rang through the room.

"You will not die, Asha. Not today. Not tomorrow, and if I have a say in it, not until a long time from now. Before then you'll be reunited with your Mother." Jon said.

"Why should I believe you?"

"Because you're leaving Westeros on the morrow. First to Skagos, then to Essos. You'll be safe there until the coast is clear. My family will see to it."

"Your family? In Essos?" Asha repeated incredulously.

"You're sending her to Arthur Dayne…" Beth deduced. "You're sending her to the Dragons."

"Aye, though there is something…" he started, waiting for his Uncle's reaction to continue.

They were not as close as they were once, mostly because of Jon's last few decisions. Benjen resented him, with reason, for blindsiding him more than once. First with the betrothal, then with Meera's knowledge of things and his warging, but Jon would give his uncle the choice in involving his children in this or not. The weight of his secret was too much for him, yet for his Uncle who had always protected him until then, he would bear it if needed.

His Aunt Barbrey nodded, putting a hand to a distraught Benjen. Throughout the years, Jon had learned to read his uncle's face, and the conflicted emotions reflected the battle that was waging deep inside Jon's heart.

"'Tis high time they know, Ben." his aunt encouraged.

"You will not change your mind, lad? You're truly going for it?" Benjen insisted.

"If what had happened with Margaery didn't convince you, if what happened to Theon and Asha didn't convince you, imagine what Robert Baratheon and his son will do to us when we will refuse them Beth, and you'll see why I have to."

He saw both his uncle and cousin shiver and Benjen finally gave in with a sigh.

"Will someone fucking tell me what the hell is going on right now?" Asha yelled, her emotions getting the best of her.

Jon was about to answer when Benjen started talking.

"I told you of my sister, of how much alike you were in my eyes. Remember?"

"What does that have to do with my situation now?" Asha growled.

"Nothing, yet everything. She was set to be forced to marry Robert Baratheon against her will. Instead, she chose to do a thing so dangerous it could mean her death." Benjen answered.

"She fled? With the Prince?"

"Not exactly. She was set on leaving Harrenhal, where our Father had sent her to learn the ways of being a Southern wife. She had planned to run away to Essos, after the tourney, but when she got there, she acted on impulse to defend one of our bannerman's honor. Lyanna then participated in the tourney as a mystery knight. Aerys got wind of her identity and sent some men to kill her, but Rhaegar saved her life. They fell in love amid this sordid affair. She might have died as well hadn't she fallen in love with the Prince, and I cannot in good conscience say that I condone the mess they created, for I lost most of my family through it, but I loved her and she at least left us a piece of her to remember her. A piece I've been trying to protect ever since he came to my Keep and I've known the truth of him. A stubborn piece that is willing to forsake his safety so you would not end up dying like his mother."

"You mean that Jon is… Your sister's son?" Asha said the last part in a whisper, which comforted Jon in his decision, seeing the care she took not to blurt it out.

"Aye. And the rest of my father's family will shelter you," he said.

"Wait. Your father…" Brandon asked, still confused.

"My real name is Aemon Targaryen. My parents were married. And according to my grandmother, Queen Rhaella Targaryen, I am the rightful king of the Seven Kingdoms. But I'm still me. Still Jon Stark. I am the same." he said though a large part of him was starting to think of himself as Aemon Targaryen too and in time he knew he would need to be one more than the other.

It was strange to say it out loud, to his family moreover. He feared his cousins' reaction more than Asha's, for he couldn't bear it if they changed towards him. Yet he was still their cousin and he hoped it was that which they focused on more than anything else. Smiling when Beth answered to let him know this was so.

"Of course you are, Stupid!" Beth said, to his relief.

"So, you aren't the Next Sword of the Morning?" Bran frowned.

"I believe Edric would be the one to inherit Dawn anyway," Jon said.

"Good. If I train more, then I can beat you someday. Does that mean I have to call you Your Grace or something?" his cousin insisted.

"Not now. Mayhaps one day. And if it happens, then you, my Lord Stark, you'll be my Warden of the North."

"Seven Hells!" Beth sighed, rolling her eyes, as Brandon stood grinning with pride.

"This means war, you know this?" Jon stated more seriously. "What I'm doing today, sending Asha with orders for my family. This means war against the Baratheons and the Lannisters."

"Is this why you decided to marry Margaery? Why you fought so much with Father these last moons?" Brandon asked.

"There are people who want me to claim what they see as my birthright. Lady Olenna is one of them, and she wants her granddaughter to rise as high as she can."

"But you didn't want to." Beth pointed out. "You weren't even pleased with the betrothal."

"I only proposed it so she would not reveal my secret. If Baratheon found out, our family would have been in danger. I did it out of fear." Jon said shakily, before composing himself and speaking far more firmly. "But I'm not afraid anymore."

"Maybe I should stay," Asha said, surprising all of them. "Maybe I could help you with your war if I'm married to a Lannister?"

"You would do that for us?" Barbrey gasped.

"I have nothing better to do." Asha shrugged. "You're all willing to put yourself in danger for me. I… As long as you promise me that one day I'll be allowed to go home I —"

"I appreciate your gesture, but I must refuse." Jon cut her off. "I however promise you that should I win, you and your brother both will be sent home."

"Why do you refuse my help?" Asha asked confused

"Think about it, Jon. She could give us information on Tywin's maneuvers." Barbrey started.

"They'll never trust her and I will not ask of Asha what I won't of my family." he retorted before turning to his friend. "Seeing how they discarded your life as if it was nothing, hearing them talk about you and your brother with no regard to what you went through… I know people despise the Ironborn. And I don't like your father very much right now. Even less since I know you and I cannot bear the thought of anyone thinking less of you than your true worth. You do not deserve to be tied to that family, not for your sake, and certainly not for mine, Never. So, I'd appreciate it if you go to Essos for a better life. I will send word to your mother and mayhaps help her join you there. What say you?''

He could see tears glistening on Asha's cheeks as she nodded with enthusiasm.

''Aye. Aye, I would love this.''

Not much was added on their way back to New Castle, Beth, and Brandon trying to keep the mummery up and refusing to eat to sell the lie of the death of Asha Greyjoy.

''All went well?'' Wyman asked when Jon joined him after dinner.

''Aye, she understood why I had to do this.''

''Are you sure your family in Essos will accept her?''

''She will, given I will do my grandmother's bidding in exchange.'' Jon sighed.

''You're doing the right thing, Jon,'' Wyman said. ''I heard what happened in Storm's End and how you were treated in the Red Keep.''

'I expected how I would be treated. They hate my mother and they will never lose an occasion to paint her as a traitor. I'm more worried about what they had planned for Beth. If it was what she wanted, I would not have minded her being Queen, but not tied to someone like Joffrey Baratheon. He respects nothing and no oneand does not serve his people. He will be ill-suited as Prince of Dragonstone, let alone as King."

" We fought for your family during the Rebellion, thinking a Mad Prince had abducted the She-Wolf of Winterfell. Rest assured that we will rise again, truly this time, to protect your cousin should the need arise."

"We will have to prepare for what's to come. To inform most of the Lords of what has truly transpired today."

"None of them will blame you once they hear about what's at stake," Wyman reassured him.

"Thank you, Lord Wyman. For all you've done so far, and for standing with me."

"Always, Your Grace."

White Harbor 296 AC,

Lord Benjen Stark.

His secret, Jon's secret, was now in the open, and rather than the fear he'd expected, Benjen had felt only relief. No longer did he have to hide anything from his eldest son and daughter, and the weight of his actions, as well as their meaning, were now shared with his children. The truth of who Jon was and what it meant, however, only truly began to hit home after Asha Greyjoy's fate had been resolved.

Brandon and Beth then both reacted differently to Lyanna's story once Asha's fate had been resolved. His son almost came to a physical fight with his nephew by saying what Benjen knew his wife always thought. That Lyanna's folly had cost them most of their family was a reality Jon had accepted and would never deny. Yet to hear his mother being called out did not sit well with his nephew. Jon let Bran say things that he knew would not be allowed spoken by anyone else. Nor ever again even by his son, he believed.

"Everyone is at fault here." Benjen harshly said to stop them from saying things that would be hard to forgive and forget. "My father for not listening to what Lyanna wanted. My brother for his decision to ride to the Red Keep without consulting anyone and calling out for Rhaegar's head. Jon's parents have their share of responsibility, though Ashara said more than once that they made sure to send word, yet it obviously never arrived or was overlooked. All the people involved are dead or in exile. 'Tis not what matters anyway. We all lost much during that Rebellion and there is naught we can change about it. What we can do now is look to the future, to the war that's coming. Now is not the time to get angry and lay the blame at one's feet."

"Are we sure we can trust the Dragons?" Brandon asked. to a glare from Jon

"I too am a fucking Dragon." Jon all but shouted.

"Aye, and you gave me little reason to trust you lately." Brandon spat, and Benjen saw Jon recoil at those words.

"Brandon Stark, that is enough!"

That it was Bethany and not Barbrey interjecting had startled Benjen. She had kept quiet the whole time and he knew it was a matter of minutes until his wife broke her silence, but their daughter seemingly beat her to it, for Barbrey stood as surprised as he did.

"Our cousin is an idiot, but he could not say much without us knowing the truth. Would you have simply accepted him telling you he was going to ask for the Rose's hand without probing him as to why? Truly? I know I wouldn't have and I realize that was why he didn't confide in us. Seven hells, how many times have you tried to dissuade me from marrying Domeric?" Beth's words were full of bite, yet Benjen couldn't help but marvel at how wise his daughter was in that instant.

"What? Domeric? Hold on, I don't… Uncle, what–" Jon stammered, understandably lost.

"You've missed out on a lot when you were away, lad." Benjen sighed while Beth smiled sheepishly.

"You've agreed to a match between Beth and Dom? You?" Jon insisted, staring at him incredulously.

"I gave them my blessing, but we will discuss this matter later."

"As we will the matter of your betrothal, and your little stunt in Storm's End," Barbrey added, and Benjen chuckled as he saw his nephew pale. "But for now, how will we solve the matter of Asha? I suppose the King will want an answer regarding her."

"He will and the Gods willing, we will have an answer for him."

Jon's plan was a bold and risky one, yet Benjen could find little to no fault in it. Should they find a body young enough to pass as Asha's, then its head would be sent to King's Landing to prove Jon's deed. Should they not then the Warden's word, as well as Lord Manderly's, would have to suffice.

"What if it isn't enough?" Bran asked.

"Then the King is welcome to come here and investigate. Asha will be in Skagos by that time and none other than us and the Manderlys know about this for now." Jon answered.

"For now?" Beth repeated.

"I have to discuss it with Uncle Benjen and Aunt Barbrey, but I intend to tell our bannermen everything soon." Jon declared, making Benjen's heart jump.

"That is too big of a risk, Jon." Benjen shook his head.

"We need to be prepared. We need the North to be ready when the time comes to go to war. And that time may come sooner than we intend. Better they learn of the reason from us than from the Usurper's mouth."

"The Usurper… You're speaking like Ashara." Benjen noted. "Did she advise you to do this?"

"She did not, but would you have discarded my words if it had come from her?" Jon instantly tensed.

"I… This is still too risky." Benjen said, not wanting to anger his nephew. Now was not the time for such and it had been anger that had led to much of their present situation.

"I don't want to do it this instant, Uncle. I know some of our bannermen are already in the know."

"What if one of them rebels against you because of who you are? What if they tell Robert?" Benjen insisted.

"Isn't that why you made the major Houses' children to foster with us? So they remain loyal to me if Robert ever finds out the truth?" Jon said, visibly growing impatient.

"Yet I know some Houses would not follow us willingly into battle. The Glovers are one of them.

"Do you see Lord Galbart denounce us, truly?" Jon frowned.

"Galbart, mayhaps not, but what of Robett, what of –"

"We're running in circles, here," Barbrey said, putting her hand on his shoulder to calm him down. "Your uncle and I will discuss the best way to face everything, and we will give you our honest opinion and advice on how to proceed if it suits you."

"Oh, of course, Aunt, Uncle. Your input is always welcome. I… I didn't mean to seem like it wasn't. I'm sorry." Jon replied as Benjen's wife successfully broke the rising tension in the room. "Can I… Would it be too much to ask of you but for a moment alone with Uncle Benjen?"

"Do not think you will get away with a talk with me about your latest stunt, Jon," Barbrey warned while ushering a reluctant Bran after his sister.

"How much time do you think I will be punished, this time?" Jon asked when they were alone.

"You're lucky you're injured still, else you'd already have your ass beaten bloody." Benjen japed, though he did welcome seeing Jon pale a little. "Your aunt has been very angry to learn you've once again participated in a joust."

"It was expected of me after Highgarden. I… Made a mess of things, Uncle." Jon admitted to Benjen's shock. "Not only by listing in the joust and fighting after I got injured. I… I should have talked to you sooner, or at least brought you to speak to the Tyrells."

"Aye, you should have," Benjen said.

"I've been led by fear, fear, and anger directed at everyone and at the wrong people. You, the Tyrells, Grandmother… My life and my choices weren't mine own and I found it unfair. I'm still angry, but my anger is now directed at those who truly use people and decide others' fate not because they care, but because they can.

"So very like your mother, you are… It took me a while to see it. 'Tis normal to want a say in what your path should be, but talking to older people, to those who too made mistakes before you, is not a sign of weakness."

"I meant what I said, I feared you would talk me out of it and only delay things that needed to happen.

"True. I would have… I realized I hadn't been reliable when it came to matches for my kin."

"Beth and Dom?"

"Is a desired match of convenience, for both of them. An unofficial one too, because of Domeric's father. I'm certain your cousin will tell you all about it later."

"How do you feel about it?"

"As powerless as I felt for yours, which shows how close-minded I was for everything."

"You did not want us to marry for politics, and that is something I do not want for our family either. I'm glad Beth got to decide who she will marry, though there is something you should know about my time in King's Landing that will complicate things…"

"I figured something happened when you talked about us refusing Beth to Robert. He wants her for his son, doesn't he?" Benjen asked, fear gripping his heart once more as his recurring nightmares came to his mind.

"Aye. He tried to make me back out on my betrothal so I could wed Myrcella, but I insisted I would not, no matter how many rumors he had heard about my betrothed."

"Rumors?"

"Not important. I will not break the betrothal, I cannot, and will not be the one to do so even if this has to happen. The Tyrells know too much about me to give them a chance to reveal my secret, even though Aunt Allyria is set to marry Willas Tyrell, I –"

"Allyria Dayne will wed the heir of Highgarden?" Benjen gasped in surprise.

"Aye, Olenna Tyrell had asked for a betrothal, and as much as I tried to dissuade my aunt from doing so, she accepted. This is what she wants apparently." Jon answered, shaking his head.

"That means they will be tied to you regardless. The Daynes will be useful for once and this gives you an out on your betrothal." Benjen pressed.

"Are we always to butt heads when it comes to my choices?" Jon groaned, clearly agitated. "I am obligated to find a suitable queen, and apart from Cassana Baratheon who will not help my cause if I have to kill or sentence all of her family to the Wall, Desmera Redwyne whose family will never agree to a match should I set aside Margaery, it leaves but Beth or Dany and I will not wed my kin. I have no other choice. Do you want me to wed a Frey? A Bracken? A Lannister?" Jon ended up scoffing. "Because I sure as hell do not want to."

"You've truly looked at all possibilities, have you?" Benjen sighed as Jon nodded. "I don't want to fight you on this. As I said, what is done is done. To see you forced into a marriage is not what I wanted for you."

"I know, but some things are inevitable," Jon said, sounding far older than his years.

"Listen, I must apologize for the way I spoke to you in Highgarden. I –"

"Don't, Uncle. You said what was on your mind and –"

"No. I made it seem I saw you under a certain light, but I know you, lad. I know you care for us, I've never thought otherwise."

"But you were right. I care about them as well. Them and the Daynes. I want to protect you all, without distinction nor preferences."

"The fact that you do honors you, Jon. Yet part of me will always be conflicted given my history with them." Benjen admitted. "I will never forgive Arthur Dayne for taking my brother's life, and to hear you call him Uncle or Ashara, Mother, to hear you claim them as kin, as much as it was agreed upon for your protection, feels like a betrayal to me. I will never think of the Targaryens as family, apart from you."

"I understand and I do not expect you to like them or welcome them with open arms. I just want you to accept me as I am, as much a wolf as a dragon. For I must be both to rule one day, and I want my family, all my family by my side when it happens."

"I see you as my nephew and care for you as a son," Benjen said truthfully.

"That is all that matters to me," Jon said in turn, his eyes glistening with tears. "That you, Aunt Bey, Bran, Beth, and Little Ben always see me as family, though I fear it'll take a long time for Bran to do so again."

"You've sprung a whole kingdom on him in a span of days. Told him you were not going to rule Winterfell but he would. Adding to that the fact we lied to him his whole life… That's a lot to handle. He's giving me the cold shoulder too, so you should not worry about it much."

"His temper worries me, more than his ability to forgive me. He's lucky I can't fight much these days, else I would have clubbed him already."

"Talk about temper, right?" Benjen retorted, arching a brow.

"I… The things he said about my mother…"

"I will talk to him," Benjen assured.

"Thank you, Uncle. I know we have a lot of things still unresolved –"

"We have time to talk about it. Just don't do anything rashly or be too harsh in your actions."

"You mean harsher than faking someone's death?"

"Knowing you, you can very well start the war tomorrow if you feel like it." Benjen japed.

"I can't. I still have to endure Aunt Barbrey's punishment." Jon lamented falsely, his small smile betraying his true feelings.

"It's good to see you, lad. Truly."

"Aye, though I wished it would have been under better circumstances, it's good to see you all," Jon said, warming his uncle's heart.

"Now, tell me about your stay in Starfall," Benjen said. "How's Wylla? Ashara? Edric? I heard you've been knighted."

"Are you sure you want to hear me gush about Starfall?" Jon frowned.

"I don't promise I will be happy about everything, but I truly want you to share everything with me."

"Starfall is… Different from Winterfell. The Daynes were welcoming. Well, not all of them in the beginning, but Aunt Allyria came around soon enough. Edric is such a nice lad, he reminded me of Little Ben. He wants to travel the world and become a hedge knight. Oh, did you see the sand steed they gifted me? Of course, you knew about it, Vorian said he asked for your blessing to do so. And now I am rambling." Jon chuckled. "Wylla said she missed the Northern stew she used to eat while she stayed with us. She tried making it but it never had the same taste."

"The secret is the ale they put in it." Benjen smiled.

"Then we should send some to her, she would be so happy," Jon replied excitedly, reverting to a boy his age and losing his lord face.

It may take a long time for them to mend things, but looking at his nephew's face and hearing his willingness to open himself up to Benjen for the first time in ages, the Regent felt it could be achieved if he managed to reign in his base instincts. For Jon wasn't at fault for who he loved and who he wanted to care for.

The Water Gardens 296 AC,

Doran Martell.

If you want peace, prepare for war, it was something that Doran lived by, something that guided his thoughts and actions every single day. Though you'd not know it by his behavior or the words he uttered in private, Doran Martell longed for peace. Just not the same peace that those who'd fought in wars sought. His peace was much different. It was peace of mind, heart, and soul that Doran wished for more than anything else. A peace that could only be granted when he had his blood on the Iron Throne.

Had the Targaryens lived up to their promises to him, then they'd have found no truer supporter than Doran Martell. Rhaegar's actions in running off with Lyanna Stark would even have been forgotten. Never forgiven, mind, for some things, deserved no forgiveness and the deaths of a sister, niece, and nephew truly did not. Yet, Doran would have bit down on his tongue and accepted that Arianne was to be Queen Consort and her children would sit the Iron Throne one day. As he had that Elia's would. Even if he had planned to make Arianne queen to his nephew to solidify the bond and truly put his blood on the Iron Throne.

The Targaryens had proved to be just as untrustworthy as his former Goodbrother had. Their words meant nothing and Doran now sought vengeance and justice to bring him the peace he so longed for. He sought the Iron Throne too, but in finding the one, Doran believed he'd receive the other. Bringing down the House of the Dragon would see Martell blood on the Iron Throne once more. All he had to do was bide his time and strike at the right moment. Not that it was proving easy for him to do so, not given the actions of House Dayne.

"For your attention, my prince," Ricasso said, handing him the missives.

Doran had looked at the letters, the first from House Yronwood and the second from House Uller. He read over the words and immediately sent for Lady Alyse Ladybright, Dorne's treasurer. Though it took more than a day for her to arrive given she was in Sunspear and Doran, as always, resided in the Water Gardens. When she did arrive, Doran had her escorted straight to his solar. The words he spoke and those she replied with gave him much pause and things to think about.

House Dayne was offering loans at a most favorable rate and it vexed him greatly. Lord Vorian was not a man who had known much about trade, or so Doran had thought, and yet there was no House in Dorne who earned as much coin as the Daynes did. Some of this he put down to Ashara, as there was a trading agreement between House Dayne and the Starks in the North. Not one that Doran understood if truth be told as he knew not what Dorne had that the North would wish for or what advantage could be found in such a trading agreement. So much so that even despite his animus towards the lady in question, he'd allowed the agreement to be signed.

The one with Essos was far more understandable and somewhat concerning now. Yet Doran had been powerless to deny House Dayne their access to the markets there. Not only could he not punish them for what seemed to be selfish reasons on his part, good and true reasons though they were, but he risked Dorne's own agreements with Essos should he do so. For there was no doubt that much of their trade came due to the goodwill of House Targaryen and the Sealord of Braavos' influence. Rhaella's marriage was one that as a political move showed an astuteness that Doran had never ascribed to the once-broken queen.

"A practical move too as it stopped Baratheon from doing what he may have had she remained unwed."

Doran truly believed that was so. Had Rhaella remained unwed or married a lesser man than Ferrego Antaryon, the Royal Fleet would have set sail for Braavos or wherever the Dragons had named their home. The fate of the last remaining members of House Targaryen would have been a bloody and violent one and had it been done at the right time, one they could not have avoided. Now, it would not be until they arrived in Westeros and sought to retake the Iron Throne that true blood would be spilled between the Stag, Lion, and Dragon.

'And the Snake shall feast on them all.' Doran thought to himself.

Today however it was not truly the Stags, Lions, or even the Dragons that Doran's mind was focused on. Once again it was House Dayne who'd made a move that angered him. A move that he both wished to counter and yet could not. Vorian or Ashara, one of them had played the Game of Thrones better than he and Doran liked it not. He'd wished for Vorian's son to be fostered and then squired so that he could be kept close. Had sought to have Allyria brought to the Water Gardens or Sunspear so that should he have a use for her, she'd be close at hand. Yet, he'd been foolish and petty in his dealings with House Dayne and it had cost him at least one of his plans.

"It will not cost me another," he said as he looked down at the invitation to the wedding in Highgarden.

To House Martell,

As Warden of the South, Lord of Highgarden, and a proud father I do hereby invite you to the wedding of my son and heir Lord Willas Tyrell to Lady Allyria Dayne of Starfall. The wedding is to be held on the fifth moon of the new year and we extend every courtesy to you, Prince Doran, your family, and those of Dorne who would wish to attend.

Let this union once and for all end the animus between our two great and noble regions, and in the future may both the Reach and Dorne bear witness to other unions between us.

Lord Mace Tyrell,

Warden of the South and the Lord of Highgarden.

He knew now he should have handled things differently. In truth, he'd felt House Dayne to be beneath them and they certainly were. Doran had hated their actions, or the actions of certain of their members. Ser Arthur should have been on the Trident and had he been so, then it would have been Robert Baratheon who fell. Doran could then have used his anger at Rhaegar Targaryen to wring a heavy price from the man who would have been king.

If not there, then it should have been by his sister and niece and nephew's side that the Sword of the Morning should have brought his famed blade to bear. Had he done so then it would have been those who butchered Elia and her children who'd have lost their lives that day. Instead, Ser Arthur was guarding the woman who'd shamed his sister and while Doran welcomed that it had been Dawn that had taken Eddard Stark from the world, he had liked not what had happened before then.

"A Bastard Wolf spawned by a woman who named Elia a sister by choice." he spat.

Doran had allowed his anger and hatred to blind him and he now cursed himself for it. He'd shown too much of his true intent and feelings when it came to Ashara Dayne and so he'd turned Vorian against him, somewhat at least. He may not have spoken as openly about Ser Arthur as he did his sister, but that was only because the man was far from his sight and the lands he ruled over. Now, he wished it was the one rather than the other that he spoke so hatefully to or about.

"Would that I could go back in time and right that and so many other wrongs." he sighed.

Dinner that night was not a meal he enjoyed. His appetite deserted him and so it was for the next few days as well. Other than some fruits and dates, Doran barely ate anything at all and Maester Myles told him more than once it was not good that he did so. The problem was that there was too much on Doran's mind and even as he sought solutions to problems, he still cursed himself for not playing the game a little better.

I should have forced the match between Cletus Yronwood and Allyria Dayne.

Asked for Edric Dayne to be a squire to Oberyn and not a ward.

I should have reached out more to Vorian and kept my thoughts about his sister to myself. Some anger, but not how I truly felt.

Those thoughts plagued his mind and because of them, Doran was not yet able to see what steps he could now take. Then to add to his concerns, word of what first happened at Storm's End and then at King's Landing was brought to him. Doran now had to truly factor in Ashara Dayne's son to the many concerns he was weighing up in his mind.

When he had thought about Jon Stark, Jon Snow, or even Jon Sand as those in Dorne named him, Doran had thought him to be an irrelevance. House Stark would never rise for the Dragons, not after what had been done to one of its daughters and so the best Rhaella could hope for was for them to remain neutral. Now, due to what had first happened at the tourney and later in King's Landing, Doran was not as certain that would be so.

His reports named the relationship between Jon Stark and Prince Joffrey to be a fractious one at best. It may even have descended to true hatred by now given the injury Jon Stark received and the amount of attention the boy prince had focussed on another boy's betrothed. Doran not liking the parallel to days long gone by nor the thoughts of his sister that once again ran through his head.

Theon Greyjoy's sentencing to the Wall would bring Balon Greyjoy and the Iron Fleet once more to the mainland. A father losing his last remaining heir would not accept that easily. The bloodline must always have a chance of continuing after all. As for what had happened with Asha Greyjoy, Doran could not lie and say it surprised him greatly. He'd not have thought the boy had the balls to take her head from her shoulders and yet, Jon Stark, had proved his mettle in this regard.

"Has he proved his loyalty too I wonder?"

It mattered not. Not yet at least and so Doran put those thoughts away for another day. Focussing once more on what he truly needed to, it was Oberyn he sent for and once his brother arrived, his plans were finally set.

Elia would be betrothed to Edric Dayne, but only if Rhaella held her nerve and the inevitable war she was planning took longer to begin than Doran expected. Highgarden would not receive a member of House Martell nor any other Dornish House, the ravens sent to one and all that to attend was to earn his displeasure. Words were spoken that were naught but lies about how it was House Tyrell and not House Dayne that their prince was angered at. Mention made of the Siege of Storm's End and what the Reachmen's Folly had led to, would see those words believed more than not. He listened to his brother ask the question about someone who had earned himself much consideration from him, someone he was yet to decide was ally or enemy. Though he wagered it would be the latter.

"Jon Stark, brother?" Oberyn asked.

"I know not, as of yet at least."

"He will have to be dealt with in time, else it'll be the North that comes to their aid."

"I know and so in time we'll deal with him, how I know not."

"And the Daynes?"

"Should they be old enough to wed, then Edric may take his father's seat."

"Vorian, Ashara, and Arthur?" Oberyn began. "Allyria?"

"They die, all of them," Doran said and Oberyn nodded.

If you want peace, prepare for war. They were words he still lived by and so war was what he would now prepare for. A war fought on his terms and one where he'd do all in his considerable power to see was won long before it ever truly started.

A/N: This story is now up to date and so from here, it'll be updated more regualrly. Up Next, I'll update Jon Snow and the Dragonverse and Purple Deception will be getting a new chapter this weekend.