RHAEGAR

The king sat the Iron Throne, his back straight and his chest out as all looked up at him. Rhaegar has never fallen to the corruption that power can instil in people, but he could see how it had felled some of his ancestors. Even still there was an air of confidence it gave him, to rule as he pleased even if they named him a tyrant.

"Your father is becoming a tyrant Rhaegar, what are you going to do about it?"

Jon Connington's words echoed in his head from years ago, before the war and bloodshed, before Harrenhal, before Lyanna. He worked hard to never become the tyrant his father was, but there was a fear he could succumb to the Targaryen madness even in his later years.

"Ser Loras Tyrell, come forward" There was a small shift in the crowd as Loras pushed his way out in front of the king, and took a knee.

"Your Grace"

"Ser Loras, a tragedy has befallen my kingsguard after an attack on my family, Ser Arys Oakheart has given his life in leal service to the crown and now his position lay empty," The King said.

"We offer you, Ser Loras Tyrell, to swear our oaths and take up a place in our brotherhood of warriors" Arthur said, holding a white cloak in his hands.

"There could be no higher honour, your Grace," he said. Rhaegar already knew the answer, of course, they had spoken with the Tyrells in private about Loras swearing his vows, and Loras seemed to jump at the opportunity to wear the white cloak. Mace was proud to see his son rise high, Margaery was excited to have her brother in court with her as queen, and Olenna was glad Loras would be here with his sister's best interest in mind of course. "I swear to ward the King with all my strength and give my blood for his. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall guard his secrets, obey his commands, ride at his side, and defend his name and honour" Arthur stepped up to drop the cloak over his shoulders.

"You knelt as a knight, and you rise now as a sworn brother of the Kingsguard" the King instructed as Loras stood. The king dismissed the attendance and a cheer went up in the room, started by Ser Garlan who was the first to race and embrace his brother knocking the white cloth from his back. It was quickly scooped up and placed back on him, the other white swords joined in the small celebration with him as lords and ladies gave praise to him. All save Arianne who immediately turned and made for the door, his Queen had told him the truth after they sent his body back to his home to be handled as they desired. Loras was soon ushered away to get his armour and sword to go with the cloak he now bore.

Rhaegar descended the steps of the throne and was met by his hand Connington who fell in step with him and Dayne as they left the throne room. "Your Grace, the guards have finished thoroughly searching the keep, beyond that everything is set for the wedding tomorrow"

"Good, when shall you be wed, Jon? Surely you wish to have an heir" Rhaegar jokingly, Connington was quiet for a moment.

"My cousins can squabble over the family lands I haven't even been there in years" he said. Rhaegar decided not to question it further if Jon wished to put his duty and work first so be it. They reached the small council chambers, the only ones in the room and took their seats at the head of the table, it wasn't a long wait before Tywin entered with long powerful strides quickly followed by the waddling Mace who rushed past the Lion of the West to take the other seat next to the king. Tywin glared at him for a moment before taking the seat next to him.

"Your Grace, you honour my family further, my praise is not enough please house Tyrell are now and forever open and the most faithful of loyalists" Lord Tyrell gushed to the king, a boisterous grin splitting his face.

"Yes it gladdens me to hear such devotion" Rhaegar replied giving a small smile and nod. Tywin didn't attempt to hide his scowl, he had offered Myrcella to be betrothed to Jaehaerys only to be rejected as he was courting Daenerys, the king was sure he would ask for her hand soon but Tywin didn't share in his excitement. He said nothing about it but Rhaegar guessed he was irate, losing his chance at a connection to the royal family a second time, he offered Viserys instead but it did not seem enough for the old lion. Varys entered the small council chambers next with a bow before taking a seat.

"Your Grace," He said softly. The King only gave a nod to the eunuch as Lord Tyrell began to go on about the dishes he hoped they would serve tomorrow. Pycelle hobbled in next, his rattling chains could be heard from outside the door before it slowly crept open and he found a seat. Rhaegar wasn't sure but he could have sworn to the mother he had seen Pycelle walking upright and normally but when approached the Grand Maester denied that such abilities still lay in his grasp. Near an hour passed before the door swung open again and in walked Lucerys and Aegon, the master of ships had an arm around his son's shoulders and they were laughing about something.

"Do small council summons conflict with personal time?" the king asked sarcastically, glaring at his son.

"No apologies father, I was ahh, tending to some wedding matters," He said taking a seat, Rhaegar didn't believe him. The Tyrells and Elia had handled just about everything related to the wedding, there was nought more to be done. The ageing king silently cursed the grief that plagued after Lyanna, he was a shell of himself during Aegon's entire childhood, Perhaps if I had been a better father, he would have been a more dutiful son.

"Lucerys, the Velaryon fleet?" He asked once they were all finally present.

"They are ferrying men from Claw Isle and Crackclaw Point to Rosby as we speak, we will of course need food" The master of ships explained. Rhaegar looked at Mace at the mention of food, taking a second before he caught on.

"Oh yes, we can have wagons on the way up the Rosby road the day after the wedding" which seemed sufficient for Lucerys.

"Varys, word from Essos?"

"Nothing Your Grace," he said with a shake of his head. Rhaegar frowned but said no more, silence was the worst news one could receive when being weary of an enemy.

"The Westerlands are ready to raise banners and march at your command, your Grace," Tywin said.

"As-as are the Reach, I won't even have to leave the capital Randyll Tarly will be able to lead the men" Mace quickly shot out as if he were competing with the Lion. Ned had already pledged the North and its forces should any new conflict arise, as did Jon Arryn and the Vale and he needn't any words of loyalty from his good-brother Prince Doran. Lord Stannis gave his over raven but those were just words on a scroll, and Rhaegar killed his brother. It wouldn't surprise him in the slightest if the Lord of Storm's End may turn against him again. With both of his daughters on his side, he thought it impossible that the ailing Hoster Tully would dare turncloak.

Westeros would stand united against another Blackfyre pretender all the same, and just like his ancestor Daemon and all his kin after him. The Blackfyres shall lose, and the Targaryens shall win once more.

"Anything else anyone wishes to bring to my attention?"

"Yes your Grace, the Archmaesters have pooled over the signs, and they have come to an agreement, this incredibly long summer, is finally over," Maester Pycelle told him.

SANSA

The young Stark lady walked through the castle briskly, holding the front of her dress up slightly, she had been invited to join Margaery and her retinue for their final day before the wedding and all its ceremonies. She was partially envious of Margaery, getting to marry the handsome prince and become queen but all she could do was be happy for her newfound friend. She was however running terribly late after Arya had been insistent on her sitting and watching some of the squires and knights training, which their father agreed with. She turned the corner and slammed face-first into someone's chest, stumbling back a few steps but able to catch herself.

"Stupid girl" an angry voice rang out.

"Forgive me I-" She stuttered for just a moment realizing it was Prince Viserys she had run straight into, "I-I was not minding my way my prince" he had a scowl which softened into a leering smirk.

"You know it is improper to walk into a prince in such a manner," he said. Her stomach twisted under his gaze, all she could manage in response was a small squeak as his eyes drifted from her face down her body. "I can think of a way you can make amends, I would hate for court to think the Starks have no manners" He added, she unconsciously crossed her arms over her body and swallowed dryly at the statement. Then he began to reach for her and she froze, she wanted to turn and walk away but didn't know if his threats were real or idle. She closed her eyes as his hand got close but felt a slight breeze instead of his hand.

"Move dog" Sansa opened her eyes to stare at the massive armoured back of Ser Sandor Clegane, she hadn't even heard him approach, "I'm a Prince" he said, venom on his tongue.

"And she's the king's guest, how do you think his Grace would feel if he knew you laid hands, or sullied one of them in his castle?" He said Viserys was seething as his jaw clenched tightly before turning and storming off.

"Th-thank you ser" she said quietly to the Hound.

"I'm not a knight," he said in his gruff voice as he turned to look down at her. She still struggled not to react or flinch when she saw his scar up close, "Fly along little dove, before someone puts you in a cage" he said before walking away, leaving her standing and staring at his back one final time. She realized that she was still late for something and quickly took off again, if not cautiously this time. She returned to the Stark chambers and swung the door open unavailing a surprise. Margaery was in the room along with Robb, they were standing close very close in fact. Her hand was on his forearm and they both laughed about something while next to Grey Wind.

"Lady Margaery," Sansa said in surprise. They both jumped apart as if doing something they should not be, Margaery's face was flushed as she cleared her throat. Lady trotted over to Sansa's side and patiently waited.

"Sansa, I came looking for you but your brother here said he did not know where you were so I, uhm, decided to wait for you here" she said.

"My apologies my Lady I just need a moment and I'll-"

"It's fine my sweet, the other ladies had personal matters to attend to, and I only wanted to make sure you were alright, I assumed you did not ignore my invite by choice" she teased.

"No no, it was my stupid sister and the knights in the yard'

"Ooh missing me to gain an eye full of the men of court, I suppose I could let such transgressions be" she added causing Sansa to turn the same red Margaery had been moments ago.

"I-I would never" she began to stammer out before Margaery came over and linked arms with her.

"I think you should let up on my poor sister" Robb finally spoke up from where he stood now leaning against the table.

"Fine fine, she can accompany me overseeing last-second wedding details" Margaery said as she started to lead the redhead away, her direwolf following after them.

"I should fix my hair and straighten my dress if I'm to accompany you, my appearance isn't nearly-" she tried before getting shushed by the brunette.

"If I think you look sufficient then it's okay, everyone else can mind their own affairs," she said as they turned to leave the room. Margaery looked back and waved to Robb, Sansa didn't see if he gave any response.

"I did not realize you and my brother were acquainted" Sansa said once they were on their own.

"Only recently, he and my brothers have been training together the last few days and I have only heard good things, though none warned me he was so handsome" she said.

"My lady, what if the prince hears-"

"You intend to tell him?" Margaery quickly asked, putting on a pouty look, her eyes filled with worry. Sansa shook her head so fast she was worried the halls would start spinning. "Then there is nothing to fear, it can be a little secret between friends, have you found any of the lords or knights comely?" She asked, Sansa hesitated for a moment.

"Well, Ser Hardying is quite handsome," she trailed off thinking of the blonde valeman. "And of course, Ser Renly and your brothers" Sansa quickly added, she knew of the sides that had settled in court between the two princes and as Jaehaerys' cousin her allegiance was clear.

"You may find whomever you wish attractive" Margaery reassured her, causing Sansa to nod. The two Ladies, along with Lady, visited the kitchens to ensure everything was on track. The grand ballroom to see it is decorated with elegant red and green tablecloths lining nearly thirty tables all of which sat before the grand high table with room for both families. Each table held a different beautiful potted centrepiece to the table. There were carriages at the ready to transport the mass of court to and from the Great Sept of Baelor.

Once she was sure everything was in order they had begun back towards the royal chambers when they happened upon the crowned prince himself. Sansa's back straightened and she felt nervous, she had avoided the Prince after all the things Jae and Dany had told her but now he walked towards them.

"Ah my lady Margaery, I had been looking for you but none knew where you had gone" he said as he reached them, Marg grew a large beautiful smile which pushed a pair of soft dimples up and her perfect white teeth.

"My Prince, I was ensuring there would be no hiccups tomorrow"

"With all of your hard work and dedication you should be rewarded my lady" he said with a hinting tone before offering his arm to her, which she did not take.

"As kind as you are my Prince I think I could use the rest before tomorrow, come Sansa" Margaery said, Sansa had wide eyes as she started to walk again. Aegon's scowl was immediate as she rebuffed him, likely he hadn't been told no by a woman often in his life.

"Surely you jest" Aegon said quickly putting on a smile again as he walked alongside them.

"I'm sure you can figure out other ways of entertaining yourself, my Prince"

"The king has forbid all members of the royal family from the city" he explained.

"Hm, mayhaps your hand will suffice" she said quietly before giggling, Sansa turned a deep red before nervously laughing as well, this angered Aegon.

"And who are you laughing at?" He said, his temper grew short quickly and Sansa shrunk back into her shell, he reached for her. "AHHHHHH" The Prince cried out in pain as he grabbed her forcefully and Lady jumped up biting the Prince on the hand hard and dragging it away from Sansa.

JAEHAERYS

Jae pushed open the doors to the small council chambers and saw his uncle and cousins along with the entire royal family, Kingsguard, and Hand of the King. Aegon's hand was wrapped tightly in cloth which he was rubbing at.

"I told you it was a mistake letting these fucking wolves in our home father" Aegon said. Jaehaerys took a spot by the Starks and Dany moved to stand by his side.

"Aegon claims lady attacked him, Sansa says she was only trying to protect her" she whispered quietly to him as the argument raged.

"They should be punished, your own heir was bloodied in your castle" Viserys fed the flames as Sansa's eyes started to well up.

"Lady wouldn't have acted if she did not think I was in some danger" Sansa tried to plead.

"I never even touched you!" Aegon exclaimed. "And if I had wanted to so be it, I am the prince I can do whatever I like" both Rhaegar and Elia scowled at their son when he said the words.

"The Mad King did whatever he liked to the Starks," Jaehaerys said. "You know how grandfather's reign concluded no?"

"Yea he won the war" Aegon huffed.

"I won the war, while your grandfather went mad and would have burned the world to ash" Rhaegar corrected his son, Arys the second might have worn the crown at the time but Rhaegar is the one who killed Robert.

"And whose fault is it we had a war-"

SLAP

The air was thick with silence as the king struck his son. Aegon's hand went to his cheek and everyone looked shocked, the king and the prince stared at each other.

"Be glad the wolf didn't take your hand for your hubris if you weren't my heir…" Rhaegar said first.

"Intend to disown me for a bastard? Yes, the Tyrells will react well to that" Aegon openly scoffed at his father.

"As wrong as the prince's words were, your grace, it would still appear as though the wolf attacked a prince" Jon said.

"And I intend to tell the kingdom that the king is sufficed to see his son savaged in his own halls unless something is done" Aegon demanded.

"Margaery! Margaery, she was there and saw the whole thing" Sansa quickly said. Rhaegar sent word and soon Margaery was brought before the group of them.

"I want the truth and nothing less, what took place between my son, Sansa Stark, and her wolf?" Rhaegar asked. Margaery looked between the two of them, Aegon gave her a cautious glare and Sansa a pleading pout.

"He approached while looking for me, Your Grace, I wanted to remain with Sansa, and…" she trailed for a moment, clearly in conflict.

"And?" Connington asked.

"And the Prince, addressed us again mayhaps a tad too loud and her direwolf attacked him"

"Unprovoked?" The king asked and Margaery could only nod. It was a lie, Jaehaerys knew it was a lie. Out of all the wolves, Lady was the least likely to attack without cause, she was the most well-behaved.

"There you have it," Aegon said with a triumphant smirk on his face.

"A lie your Grace" Robb said fast.

"All those fucking wolves should be killed" Viserys said cruelly causing all the Stark kids to go up in a rage.

"ENOUGH!" Rhaegar yelled and everyone got quiet. "We will kennel the wolves, and have Lady put down for attacking the Prince" The Stark burst into another uproar while Sansa started sobbing. "My word is final"

"Barristan, if you will send for Ser Illyn" Jon began before being cut off.

"No," Ned said.

"Did you not hear your king's order, Stark?" Viserys said.

"Aye I heard it, but the wolf is of the North, she deserves better than a butcher, I'll do it myself," He said. Jae remembered the day they got the wolves still as clear as it was yesterday.

"You will train them yourselves, you will feed them yourselves, and if they die, you will bury them yourselves"

His uncle Eddard had been apprehensive to take them in but over the last few years they grew on him fondly, Rhaegar nodded in agreement and Ned left to go handle the matter himself. Sansa turned and cried into Robb's chest as he shot Margaery a sour look while holding his sister. The rest of the room began to clear soon. Jaehaerys and Aegon were walking the halls not too far from each other.

"You are lucky those rest wolves get off without punishment, when I'm King I'm banning them from the castle, no Kings Landing" Aegon called out to his brother ahead of him. "I should have that things pelt too, might make a fine gift to my loyal wife"

"Just ignore him," Jaime said quietly as they walked.

"Mayhaps you and our whore aunt can go north and have frozen bastards in the snow." That had done it Jaehaerys turned around and grabbed Aegon by the chest of his tunic before swinging him against the wall. Aegon pulled back with his good hand and punched Jae across the jaw, sending them spiralling to the ground as their knights came running to them. Jaehaerys ended up on top of his brother and was about to hit him when he was wrenched off by his collar.

"Have you lost your mind?" Jaime asked as he pulled Jaehaerys to his feet and pushed away from Aegon. Mandon Moore offered a hand to his prince which he slapped away before standing on his own.

"You'll pay for this bastard," Aegon spat.

"You lay your hands on both Rhaenys and Sansa, you think there are no punishments for your actions?" Jaehaerys said from the other side of Jaime. Aegon moved to walk past his brother before stopping a moment.

"If you are not out of this castle by the day I'm crowned king, you'll be on the first ship to the wall, Dany too, how long do you think it's been since they've had a pretty woman?" He said before walking away, sending a few of the watching servants scattering.

"They are going to talk, soon the whole castle will be whispering you attacked him" Jaime tried to explain but Jaehaerys was tired of hearing it.

"It's just a game to him, it angers me"

"Because he hasn't done what you've done, he sits here in the south and plays at war in his tourneys and court games, we've been to war Jae, you know what death is like he doesn't" Jaehaerys nodded, He went to the Stark chambers and found Dany sitting with Sansa trying to comfort her.

"I-I don't know why sh-she would lie," Sansa said between tears.

"Because of the prince duh," Arya said.

"She is likely right, she wants to side with Aegon because she will be his wife soon" Dany agreed.

"She should want to do the right thing" Robb said from his spot staring out the window.

"It isn't that simple" Dany said, causing Robb to turn quickly.

"How isn't it? She shouldn't want to marry someone like that" Robb said begrudgingly.

"He's the heir, she'll be queen" Dany sighed.

"Maybe Jae should be the heir" Arya said under her breath and the room went dead silent.

"Arya you can never say that again, you're bordering on treason," Jaehaerys said.

"Your more honourable, and kind, and you can actually fight and-"

"ARYA, never again" she sighed and apologized before slumping down in her chair. They all settled down and soon the patriarch of the family returned to the chambers causing Sansa to well up again and go hug her father.

"Promise me she didn't suffer father, promise me" Sansa pleaded against his chest.

"Of course not, we are leaving the day after the wedding, make sure you are all ready" Ned sternly told his children who nodded knowing better than to disagree at this moment, even if Arya was disappointed to leave before getting to train more with the Sand Snakes. Jaehaerys and Daenerys left them to pack, with their kingsguard not far behind as they walked through the castle.

"We shouldn't get them anything, as a sign of our anger," Dany said and Jaehaerys nodded. "Spread the word amongst our friends, no one on our side should get them anything that will send a message"

"We always knew the Tyrells would have to begin publicly siding with Aegon soon," Jaehaerys said.

"Marrying into the Tyrells, he already has the Martells by blood, you have the Starks by blood, and with them come the Tullys and Arryn" Dany went on.

"You sound like you are plotting a war over there" Jaehaerys japed, but Dany did not laugh. "Daenerys"

"Have you really never considered it? Being King" she said quietly between the two of them as she looked up. "You would be fantastic I know it"

"Daenerys" he said, taking her by the arm and pulling her away for their knights who got the message and waited. "Of course, I've thought of being King, who hasn't? Every day Aegon or anyone in court belittled me. I wished I was the heir and they all had to curry my favour but I'm not. I'm not and if I wanted to be it would mean blood on my hands, either I become a kinslayer and kill Aegon or I wage a war and kill thousands for mine own selfish ambitions" he sighed, taking a moment. "I have come to realize after all these years after my time with the Starks and you, it is not the throne which would make me happy, but kind people who care for me" he finished.

"Forgive me, you are right," she said a few moments later.

"Besides, I get the feeling you just would enjoy being queen," he said and she blushed.

"Well that would suggest you intended to marry me" she teased, he didn't respond only kissed her. He enjoyed the moment but couldn't bring himself to smile with the pains Sansa was going through in her chambers. He couldn't imagine losing Ghost, Aegon will pay for this, I beg the old gods and the new, make him pay.

RHAENYS

The princess walked with her new sworn sword at her side, his footsteps were lighter and slightly quicker pace than Ser Arys whom she had grown accustomed to shadowing her after so many years.

"I fear you will grow quite bored guarding me Ser, if my cousins aren't near there is little excitement," she said.

"Ser Arys found some excitement to be sure," he said, Rhaenys turned and scowled at him slightly. "Forgive me, that was out of place of me" Try as they may, it was difficult to hide Arianne's reaction to her lover's death and naturally, the whispers grew. The queen was quick to put a silence to any voices too loud but you can never truly kill a rumour, some had even said he'd been bedding both her and me, and had a taste for Dornishwoman.

"It doesn't matter I suppose," she said, looking forward again.

"It does, you were close I presume, I should not speak ill of a friend especially one that is now with the mother," Loras said. He was right to be sure, she did think of Arys as a close friend, and even if she didn't know his deepest secret she would have trusted him with hers.

"It is fine, so long as you also don't have a love affair I should worry over" she japed and it was Loras who went silent this time. She didn't bother looking back, knowing her words struck deep. It was late as they reached the library and made herself comfortable with a few books. Rhaenys lost herself in the pages once more, it was too simple for her to close her eyes and picture the scenes she had just read lay before her, as if she were fighting those battles, sailing those waves, or seeing those wonders. She had long since read everything they had on their own family history, and the other great houses, now spurred on by the sea snakes voyages she found herself reading about the far east like Asshai and Yi Ti.

"What tempts you about books so?" Loras asked from his place standing by the door.

"What tempts you about the tourney lists?" She asked instead, a small smile curling on her lips.

"That's hardly comparable, I've spent my whole life training for the lists" Loras tried countering.

"Do you think all boys train for the lists? I imagine if you had spent your time training to be a scholar mayhaps you would be just as taken with books and histories as I" she posed.

"I suppose, you speak the truth, I can see why Jaehaerys is attracted to you so," he said and she finally looked up at him.

"Wh-what could you possibly mean by that?"

"What else could I mean, surely you have seen the way he stares and protects you"

"He does just the same for Daenerys, he is just protective" she reasoned, and then she realized her heart was racing at the topic.

"Mmh or, if I may, he may feel similarly to her as he does to you, but I couldn't pretend to know the mind of the prince," Loras said and now Rhaenys glared at him, at least Ser Arys had been too busy with his own love affair to trouble me about mine. She huffed and slumped down in her settee and was now completely unable to focus on the words in front of her. It needed no mention what was possessing her thoughts now after her new white sword words stained her mind. His hair, his dark grey eyes, his curly locks, his strong arms around her waist, or his lips on hers…

She sighed and slammed her book shut, and was on her way to find something to occupy her time. Her first thought were her cousins, of course, she made her way to the private Martell chambers and left Ser Loras outside before slipping it. Cracking Arianne's door open slightly she spied her cousin laying down with her head in Aunt Ellaria's lap with most of her daughters piled around her in the bed trying to cheer her from heartache. Rhaenys let them be and moved on to the room Tyene used frowning slightly when her closest cousin was missing. Next, she opened Obara's but the oldest sand snake had too well-trained an eye.

"Who goes there?" She said her head snapping to the door. Rhaenys relented and pushed the door the rest of the way open revealing herself. "Rhae"

"Bara, I did not wish to bother you, do you know where Ty may be?"

"Hmm, oh, the hand's cousin 'Red' Ronnet Connington?" She asked and Rhaenys nodded having vaguely met him when they were children. "She is off fucking him right now" To that Rhaenys didn't even try to hide the rolling of her eyes.

"We were almost murdered, you'd think she would exercise better caution," Rhaenys said as leaned against the open doorway.

"HAH, she was wound up after killing someone she wanted to jump in bed with the first boy she saw but father kept a close eye on her, she was going crazy cooped up in here" Obara snorted as she plopped down on the bed hard before patting the spot next to her. Rhaenys hesitated for a moment before crossing the room and taking a seat on the edge of her bed, "Ari has been a blubbering mess, and Tyene has somehow become more insatiable, how are you?" Obara asked, perching her chin in her palm.

"Fine, it is strange I suppose, not seeing him around the castle or at my door anymore, he was a good man" Rhaenys said, they gave him a small farewell before sending his body back to Old Oak to let his mother handle his corpse as she saw fit. She hoped the whispers wouldn't follow him back home, the Reachmen in Old Oak were known for a long-tenured history of fighting the Dornish. For Ser Arys to be rumoured to be in bed with the Princess of Dorne.

"He did his duty no?" She asked.

"So I should not mourn him?"

"Not my meaning, he did not turn and run, he did not give you up to save himself, in the very end he stood and held his oath to his final breath, be proud he did that for you"

"He could have been as likely dying for Arianne as me"

"She is not the one he sworn an ancient oath to protect"

"Yes, it's even worse, he swore an even older, deeper oath, love," Rhaenys said. Obara laid back and stretched her out as she sighed.

"Fear not cousin you will find love"

"Like you did?" Rhaenys teased.

"I decided love was pointless a long time ago, the only thing you can put faith in is a weapon you have honed," she said looking over with a small smirk. Outside of here Obara scowled and glared at all who glanced her way, putting on an angry appearance for all, but to her cousins and sisters she was sweet and supportive, as supportive as Oberyns finest could be of course.

"Mayhaps you know the way of it, a life without love" Rhae said laying back side by side with her cousin.

"For me yes, for you no" Rhaenys turned and looked at the Sand Snake.

"What makes you say that?"

"Because Rhaenys, you are a romantic even as girls all you could talk about was some dashing knight come to sweep you away in a life of adventure and love, 'I'm going to marry a man who loves me not my name'" she did her best impersonation of the young princess.

"That was before I came of age, now maybe it is better to never find that flame, you see what happened to Arianne once it was blown out"

"Ah but that's what makes it all the more sweet dear cousin, that you may only get to feel its warmth for so long before it's gone, so chase that heat Rhaenys, let it burn bright before the day comes it is dim and cold again"

"I did not realize you were a poet" Rhaenys snorted, in truth, Obara's words did have an effect on her. Would Arianne cherish those sweet memories even more now that he was gone? She imagined so, the closest person to her she ever lost was her grandmother giving birth to Daenerys and she had been too young to truly remember her.

"Be alone then, but the day will come when you regret having never found someone of your own"

"What if he isn't my own" Rhae said under her breath causing Obara to look at her.

"Hm? What was that?"

"Nothing, the day is drawing late and we have a wedding tomorrow to attend," Rhaenys said getting up from the bed to leave, Obara caught her hand.

"I mean it, consider letting someone in your heart," Obara said, Rhaenys could only smile and nod.

DAENERYS

Two massive hosts of men march through flat windswept plains towards each other, in their wake a trail of fire follows them, scorching the grass and ground, blackening the sky and choking the clouds. Thousands of faceless soldiers meet in a bloody conflict, she sees no banners nor leaders, no crowns of castles to fight over. Just meaningless death and violence as men slaughter each other, then two huge dragons emerge from the ash and flames behind them, one red and one black. Ascending high into the air they twisted and swirled, attacking each other in an almost beautiful dance, their flames blossoming a second sun in the sky so bright and beautiful it blinded her to their battle. Through squinted eyes, she tried to see what was taking place high above her.

She blinked and saw a wedding hall thrown asunder, the attendees in chaos at the head of the room, the entire royal family along with guests and guards crowded around someone lying on the floor, try as Dany might she couldn't push her way through to see whoever it is in distress. She saw Rhaenys turn away in tears and Ser Jaime in disbelief, she felt her stomach give and her knees buckle as the crowd parted enough to show Jaehaerys' cold dead expression staring up at the ceiling, his face a dark purple. Her eyes welled and she wanted to throw up at the sight as Rhaegar roared and cried out in agony while holding his body, even Aegon was in stunned silence. She felt someone pulling her away which she fought against but didn't have the strength in her as she was dragged away from the scene.

She looked back at the person dragging her, her blood ran cold as she looked up and the pale rotting face of Ser Arys Oakheart, his once warm skin and happy face now grey and green, the skin rotting away from the cheeks leaving bloody gashes and holes in his face, his eyes a bright icy blue.

Dany's eyes shot open as she took a few deep gasps of air, she rolled over and sat up her eyes adjusting to the darkness. Jae stirred slightly as she crawled to the edge of the bed to sit upright, her thigh bumped into the sheath of Longclaw which he had been leaving next to the bed each night since the attack.

"Dany?" He asked with a raspy voice.

"Sleep, I am fine," she said, it wasn't a total lie, but her stomach would not settle nor did the burning feeling in her throat and eyes. She heard him shuffling behind her before she felt his arms wrap around her stomach and his chin resting on her shoulder.

"Tell me"

"Troubling dreams" he urged her to say more. "I saw you dead" she murmured, explaining the scene she saw unfold at the wedding causing him to chuckle slightly, "Don't laugh, it was so real" she felt herself start to tremble slightly.

"But I am not dead, I am alive and well"

"And if a war starts? Someone tried to kill Rhaenys, what if they try to kill you, what if they are already in the castle-" Jaehaerys cut her off with a kiss that helped still her shaking body.

"It is a part of life, to live and die, to go to war"

"Why? What about dying makes you more of a man?" She turned to face him. "Is it not a better sign of a man to be there for those he loves? Not to go off and die pointlessly for glory?"

"I don't go and put my life on the line for glory Dany, I do it for the people I love so that you all stay safe" he put his hands on the sides of her face. She kissed him again, at first it was slow but Dany wasted no time in deepening it. She moved forward pushing him until he was on his back and she climbed on top of him, her legs coming to rest on either side of his hips.

"Dany-" he broke the kiss to try and speak but she didn't let him, only when they needed air did she part from him. Her hands trailed down his bare chest and went to the laces on his breeches. "What are you?"

"It's not fair Aegon gets to be wed before another war and not us" She said. If he goes off and dies he can't consummate a marriage, Dany's face turned red at the thought but she tried to steel her nerves and not quit here. His hands grabbed her wrists to stop her even though she could tell he was getting excited at the prospect.

"We can't Dany" She felt upset as he pulled her hands away, upset and rejected he didn't want her like she did him.

"Why not? Is it because you love another?" She asked painfully, her voice threatening to break. He looked confused at the accusation so she found the strength in her voice to speak again, "Your wilding, the woman you won't even tell me the name of"

"Dany-"

"I don't mind if you love her still Jae, just please love me too, love me as I love you" She felt foolish as her tears started to sting her eyes.

"I do love you, I don't know how I would have survived my childhood if not for you, I don't think I would have even come back to King's Landing if you weren't here" He sat up wrapping his strong arm around her again. "I don't want to lay with you yet because I don't want our first night together to be some random summer night neither of us will remember, I also at least want it to be closer to any wedding day in case I get you with child," he said with a small chuckle.

"I'd gladly bare your bastard" she said as he turned them and laid back down pulling Dany into his chest.

"I would not force you to"

"We could go north and call him Snow" she teased and he laughed. She laid her cheek down listening to his heartbeat as it steadied hers, they lay in silence for a few moments.

"Him?"

"Our first babe will be a boy, I am sure of it," She said in a lighter tone.

"Her name was Ygritte," He said quietly, she looked up at him as he stared up at the canopy. "She had red hair and liked to go hunting, we were married"

"Married?" Dany asked quickly, causing Jaehaerys to laugh again.

"Not in any traditional sense, in the North, the true North if a wildling wants a woman he's meant to kidnap her and if she can't stop him or get away she's his" Jae explained.

"How did you…?"

"When I went North of the wall I planned to join the wilding disguised as a night's watch deserter, I needed one of them to trust me, Jaime hated the idea and said 'What if they torture you for information and kill you?'"

"He had a point, it was risky going alone like that," She said.

"Yes I know, but we needed to know what Mance was doing and where he was going and no one else would,"

"What was she like?" Dany asked.

"She was, lively and as free as the wind, she loved to hunt, hike, and climb"

"There can't have been much to climb north of The Wall"

"Well actually, we climbed the wall" He admitted and she sat up glaring at him.

"What? Are you a fool? It's a-"

"Seven hundred-foot tall wall of ice, aye I know I was on it"

"What if you fell?"

"I didn't"

"Jaehaerys I mean it,"

"It was fun honestly, I can't think of another experience that could equal it," the crinkle around his eyes and the joy that filled his smile told her he was being truthful.

"You enjoyed your time with the wildings didn't you?" He nodded in response. "Is that why you hate that you had to fight them?" He didn't respond to that one, only staring up at nothing.

"They could have skinned me, or left me to starve and freeze but instead they gave me the chance to prove myself and took me in, they made me one of them, and I led them to their deaths before killing the only man who had the chance to really give the wildlings a proper home" Dany was quiet as he spoke.

"You regret killing him?"

"I admired him, he was a great leader, and he cared about his people, and now he's rotting somewhere in the Frost Fangs because of me"

"Would you do it differently? A second time" Would you stay with them? With her?

"No," he said after only a second of waiting. "Part of me belongs up there, but not all of me"

"Where do you think you belong?" She had to ask, he simply looked at her instead of responding which sent her heart fluttering to the clouds. He seemed to think for a long while before a mischievous smile and blush lined his face, "What are you scheming?" She teased, but once more he remained silent and flipped them over, kneeling between her legs.

"Mayhaps I could show you something I learned up there," he said.

"I don't believe this is the time to put on a display" she teased, he leaned and kissed her before trailing kisses down the outside of her gown. "J-Jae?" he held a finger up to his lips.

"Shhh, do you trust me?" He finally asked as he settled between her legs, she nodded sheepishly. "You must stay quiet" he ordered as he rolled her gown up her thighs. She lifted her hips as he pulled her small clothes down her legs. He planted kisses along the insides of her thighs sloping down towards her womanhood, his stubble tickling her slightly.

"Jae" she sighed before her breath hitched as his tongue worked up her folds and the sensitive button at the at which sent a jolt of pleasure through her lower body and made her legs twitch. He did it again much slower and a bit deeper, earning a soft whimper from his Princess. She pulled the top of her gown up into her mouth to help muffle herself, her free hand clutched at the sheets as he found a slow rhythm working her up.

It was far better than anything she had done to herself, like a thief working a lock he learned every single bit of her. If it made her twitch, flinch, moan, or writhe his tongue found it and played with it. She could feel her peak slowly beginning to build up deep inside her. "Jae, there again, ooh yes please my prince" she quietly moaned into the air above them, her eyes fluttering between open and closed. "Gods yes Jae I-" she went silent, her lips forming a perfect 'o' as a finger slid into her slick, warm depths. Her maidenhood had been long since gone to horseback riding so little stopped him as he pulled it back and pushed into her again at a steady pace.

His focus was entirely on the little bundle of pleasure at the top of her folds. He licked and sucked at it slowly and she fought to stay quiet as her peak began to come faster with the new sensations he was giving her. She blindly pulled a pillow over her mouth to try and muffle her moans. Her other hand went from the sheets to his hair, her fingers got lost in the tangled dark mass and she took hold.

A silent scream ripped through her as her peak came crashing through her. Her thighs squeezed either side of his head as she stiffened and arched off the bed. He didn't stop even as her peak came down and she had to push him away as the sensitivity started to sting, "enough, gods enough please" Jaehaerys sat up on his knees staring down at her like a half finished meal as she quivered slightly.

"You taste so sweet though," He said with a cheeky smile as he wiped his mouth and chin clean. He pulled her gown back down and climbed the bed to lay beside her once more, she felt a wave of exhaustion engulf her as he pulled her to lay against his chest.

"That felt amazing, please we must again," she said, stifling a yawn.

"There will be much more I promise" were the last words she heard before sleep retook her.