MYRCELLA
The young lioness sat with the rest of Margaery's ladies attending to her as they got ready for the royal wedding. Randa and Leonetta were currently doing her hair while she did her own makeup. Myrcella was helping Dany, who seemed slightly out of it as she had done and redone her hair three times now.
"A poor night's sleep Princess?" Myrcella asked while pulling Dany's braid tight, she hummed lightly in response.
"Sleep was not the issue," She finally said.
"What was the issue?" Cella asked but Dany only blushed at first.
"There was no issue," she said breathlessly. Myrcella knew better than to seek more information after that. Marg's cousins burst into laughter about something across the room, the girls were all enjoying themselves before they had to put on their performances for court. All save Sansa, who was sitting in the corner of the room and not talking with anyone. Her eyes were puffy red and she had made no effort to prepare herself, Myrcella had waited to see if Marg would attend to her guest but all she did was give a look of pity.
She had of course been caught up in the frenzy of drama that had taken place yesterday. That lady had attacked Aegon and they put her down over it but that was the extent of what she knew was the truth. Like a blazing fire gossip and rumour could blow into a forest of ash. She heard from one that the Starks had tried to kill the crowned prince to see their blood on the throne, from another that the Prince had tried to steal the wolf to what ends she could not guess. Some said Aegon had tried to attack Sansa and others said it was Ghost and this was a cover to save Jae's wolf. She would never know the full truth of it but that was the life she lived. Myrcella finished Daenerys' hair and crossed the room to sit beside the cold northern girl.
"Wish for help with your hair? Surely it won't blind me like Dany's did" she japed but Sansa did not laugh.
"I'll wear it like this," she said dryly.
"Are you, alright?" Myrcella asked, her eyes flicked to Margaery for a second before returning to the floor.
"Yes, I'm excited to see the Prince and Lady Tyrell be wed" she spoke like a poorly rehearsed actress. Myrcella linked arms with the girl and stood with her.
"I must retrieve something from my chambers, Sansa offered to accompany me" Myrcella announced to the room before leading Sansa out with her. It was not technically a lie, she very much needed pins and ties for hair but she desperately wanted to speak to her. People averted their eyes from Sansa as they walked as if they would get in trouble for being near her. "Are you okay Sansa?" She asked once they finally reached her quarters.
"Yes," she said at first before her face broke and the tears came flooding, "No" she barely croaked out as Myrcella pulled her into a hug.
"Let it out" Cella whispered as strangled sobs poured out. She held the redhead for a while longer before they sat on the edge of the bed. "What happened, with Lady and the Prince"
"H-he got angry when I laughed at something Margaery said, and when he grabbed me Lady reacted before I could say anything, I-I always seize up when I get scared if I had been able to tell Lady to heel" she started to get overtaken by her tears again when Myrcella tried to soothe her again.
"If Margaery was there then-"
"Because she lied to the king, she put the blame on Lady and now she's-" Another sob ripped its way out of her. Myrcella held her while she worked it out of her system and helped her with a cold cloth around her eyes to try and prevent further puffiness. It would be a bad look for her to be seen crying at the wedding, not that Sansa cared she was sure.
"I was excited to come south, it was all I would gush to my mother about," Sansa said through a dry throat.
"The capital can seem alluring," Myrcella said as she moved behind her newfound friend to work on her hair, something simple.
"How old were you when you came?"
"Hmm about five or six I believe, but I was born here, it was when the Greyjoy rebellion took place we came back, mother feigned fear about the war so we went to grandsire, we were there so little I can hardly remember Casterly Rock" she now knew the real reason was because it had been years and her mother missed uncle Jaime.
"Feigned?" Sansa asked and Myrcella's hands stilled.
"I, am, sure she just missed her father" she quickly thought up which seemed to satisfy Sansa.
"Do you miss your father?" She asked. Her father, Ser Burton Crakehall, that was the story at least. Mother and 'Father' had been permitted to stay in the Red Keep but grandsire sent them back after Tommen was born. Only a few months after they returned Ser Crakehall slipped and fell from his horse while drunk they say, nothing the Maester could do. Mother never remarried saying she had her heirs and the rest is history.
"He was kind to me if I remember correctly, but…" but he wasn't my Father, and I think he knew that. "He, died when I was young, so I suppose there isn't much to miss, I consider myself lucky really" Sansa let her continue to do her hair quietly. She gave the Stark a simple loose braid which swayed and swung with her.
"We are leaving after the wedding," Sansa told her.
"A shame I was just getting to know you all, I doubt your father will seek a match with a house down here hm?" She asked, Sansa shook her head. It was likely for the best she felt Sansa could grow used to the games of court but mayhaps it was for the best she didn't. Soon they were off to be dressed and join the rides to Baelor's Sept.
MARGAERY
Even if no one talked about it Margaery felt an uneasy tension from some of her friends. She of course knew that her actions would have repercussions but she hated that it may cost her friendships. Daenerys and Sansa had entirely avoided her, which she understood but Dany had been one of her first friends at court, it stung to see the contempt she now held in her gaze. And any blooming friendship with Sansa was reduced to ash and embers now, all this so mayhaps Aegon would be more loyal to her.
She could regret it all she wished but nothing could change her actions now, she must make peace with her choices. She stood in front of a tall mirror as her cousins finished lacing the back of her dress, they gushed more and more about how beautiful she looked today and what a queen she would make. Margaery listened with the pit of guilt still lingering but said nothing, even as they excused themselves to do whatever last-minute preparations before they departed for the Sept. She stood alone in her room silently hoping that lying for the sake of Aegon would not have to become a repeat offence she committed, this is the bed you desired Margaery.
"Beautiful" his voice cut through her thoughts like cloth. She whipped her head around to see Robb Stark staring at her with the same admiration in his eyes from yesterday and her out of guilt deepened. He was well dressed wearing a grey doublet with a large dire wolf head over the heart.
"Robb, Sansa's not here" She stated, it was an obvious observation but still an excuse for him to be there, other than to see her of course.
"Aye, I can see," He said, stepping inside and closing the door. The events of yesterday ran through her head when she enjoyed his company and japed before everything happened.
"I presumed you wouldn't wish to see nor speak to me again before your return to Winterfell" She said looking back at the mirror.
"I don't blame you for what happened, you merely stuck to your loyalties" Despite the understanding in his words his tone did not match, almost resentfully he spoke about her 'loyalties'.
"I'm to be his wife"
"You should wish to marry a man who will make you lie for him"
"You've never told a lie Stark?"
"Not one that got something killed" She had no response to that. He was right, she knew, that none of their childish games growing up had held such outcomes or punishments.
"Forgive me, I just-"
"You needn't explain yourself to me, like I said I do not blame you, it is Aegon's fault he will never see us as allies since we are so close to Jaehaerys"
"The Prince can be, paranoid" She reasoned, he was quiet until she glanced at him in the reflection.
"I, uh, got you this, it seemed a waste not to give it to you at least, even if this should be our last time meeting," He said producing a necklace, she couldn't make out any details from the mirror but did not have to wait long as he approached her. It was a simple silver chain with a heart-shaped bright green emerald hanging from the bottom, it wasn't extravagant nor did she imagine it cost him much. But she thinks that's why she liked it so much, because of how simple and pretty it was.
"Put it on me?" She asked as she moved her hair out of the way. Robb hesitated for a few seconds before stepping up behind her and pulling the thin chain around her, his fingers gave her gooseflesh down her spine as he touched her neck. When it was in place she let her hair down but he did not move, his hands moving from the gift to her shoulders. She should tell him to step away, hells she should leave instead but she didn't. She could feel his breath warm on her skin, his hands moved down her arms.
"You are very beautiful my Lady, Aegon's honour is not the only reason he is undeserving of you" he said quietly.
"He's a Prince, I'll be Queen," she said again.
"I hope being Queen is not all the happiness you imagined for yourself" Truth be told it wasn't. Of course, she dreamed of being the queen like most girls did, but when she imagined her prince or knight come to win her heart. It was not someone like Aegon. She pictured someone with kindness and honour, someone who would enjoy her and not just her body. Her eyes found his in the reflection.
"It matters not what I want, not all fathers are like yours or the king, not all children get to decide who they will marry and my father desires a tie to the royal family, what better than a Queen?" She could not feign unhappiness truly. She had been blessed not just to be born a noblewoman, but to one of the most powerful families in the kingdoms. She was pretty and had a number of knights and lords falling to their knees at her feet for her hand. And yet as she looked into Robb's deep blue eyes she felt something had gone wrong in all her planning.
"I think it matters what you want," he said before stepping away from her. She turned and watched him leave praying for just a second that he would look back and she would get to see his eyes up close one more time, but he did not.
AEGON
The Prince of Dragonstone stood at the top of the grand stairs in the Sept of Baelor, the building was full of lords and ladies from all corners of the kingdom staring up at him. Perhaps this is what the view from the Iron Throne looks like. Aegon was dressed in long flowing black robes with red highlights along the sides and trim, he wore a large ruby necklace and a cloak over his shoulders with the heraldry of House Targaryen. He saw most of his friends smiling up at him, and his family as well. Despite their recent disagreements, his parents looked on with pride, his mother had been dreaming of this day for her son for some time now.
Even his siblings remained courteous so far, he didn't understand why Rhaenys chose to throw her lot in with him but she had made her bed. Even his cousins were starting to side with him more after he saved Tyene. The Starks glared at him and his stitches itched slightly under the bandages, he did feel some guilt about the wolf but he knew he couldn't let the Starks get away with harming him in his own keep. When you draw royal blood you pay a royal price and yesterday it was Sansa's pet, if you could call a direwolf that. He had enjoyed uninterrupted ease in court before his bastard brother returned and it felt that each day he was losing more and more control over that ease.
The huge doors to the ancient building swung open causing all whispers to die down, Mace Tyrell escorted his daughter down the main walkway. She was breathtaking in a beautiful silver dress with green lace and embroidery on the ribs and a green cloak over her shoulders with a golden rose in the centre and a green heart necklace. Her hair was done up in a series of braids and knots that Aegon was sure took an hour to achieve. He led her up the stairs to the prince only stopping short to remove the cloak from her shoulders and let Aegon step forward and placed his in its place.
He knew it was meant to signify taking the woman from her father's protection to your own and pledging to keep her safe but he just wanted to get through the ceremony and pageantry of the event. The entire day was for show really, he had Margaery had fucked already, and it wouldn't surprise him if she was already with his heir. The Tyrells were always crown loyalists, all today would do is announce to the world they were too late and the Rose of Highgarden was his. They took each other's hands and turned to face the High Septon, he wrapped a gold cloth around their hands.
"Let all those in attendance, and all those under the guiding light of the seven who are one bare witness, I do hereby proclaim Aegon of the house Targaryen, and Margaery of the house Tyrell are bound together as one heart, one soul, one mine, and one body, look upon each other and say the vows"
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am hers, and she is mine, from this day, until the end of my days" he said with her echoing the same words back to him in unison. They kissed to the cheers of the crowd, they turned and held their hands up before beginning down the walkway to the doors which were being pulled open for their display. They stood at the opening and showed their display to the cheering crowds of Flea Bottom. He knew they didn't give a shit about him or Margaery, but he did care about all the excess food in the city thanks to the Tyrells. With summer coming to an end the harvest was bountiful and Mace decided to gift the king with something as a sign of gratitude.
They made their way to the carriages being led by the city watch and kingsguard, doves were released along with a mountain of white petals dancing through the wind all around them some even getting stuck in her hair. They laughed and giggled as they crossed the courtyard hand in hand, Margaery waved to the common folk who reached back with outstretched hands.
"Wave" he could hear her whisper to him. He rose and arm to hail to the crowd sending up a new chorus of cheers and cries for the royal family, even if it was fact adoration Aegon could grow familiar with these cheers. Once they were in the carriage did they get a moment of silence alone, Marg immediately cupped his cheeks and kissed him as the ride pulled away, "Husband" she teased with a giggle.
"Wife" he returned. He was content, moreso he dared to say he was quite happy at this moment. He knew he had to marry and he knew his father had allowed him luxuries that not even royalty is always allowed, the ability to marry whomever you desire. His eyes dragged up and down her body, as they settled in for the ride.
"Enough of that, you will have the rest of your life to look as closely as you like" She said.
"I hope looking is not all I get to do" He joked earning a laugh from her. He behaved himself for the ride back to the castle, helping her step out, they were followed by the wedding procession to the main hall. Margaery had overseen the decorating putting red, green, and gold on display with extravagant plants lining the tables and walls. They took their places in the centre of the long table, his family sitting on his side of them, Jaehaerys sitting the furthest away. The Tyrells joined them on her side, whilst they didn't have Loras there were a few extra uncles, aunts, and cousins to take his place.
Next came the torrent of gifts people gave them everything from history books to fine silks and beauty jewelry from the far east. Lord Lannister had given him an ornate sword with a black and red sheath, the steel was fine but it was no Longclaw. Mace had given them a very, very, detailed history book of house Tyrell, in case their kids wished to learn about their mother's family. Viserys gave his nephew a bottle of vintage Dornish Red, his parents got Margaery a dress, a long Red and Black made one her first of many he assumed. Rhaenys gave them some fine matching rings, a black band with a large ruby stone, Margaery insisted they wear them which he promptly agreed to.
Willas had a hawk in a cage brought in and set in front of the prince a huge golden brown beauty, "I sent for her from Highgarden, she needs a name, my Prince"
"Hmm, any ideas my love?" He asked Margaery.
"What about after a dragon? From your families history"
"I will call her Vhagar, for one of the three dragons we conquered Westeros with" he had the bird taken.
"You used to have a cat named Balerion no?" His mother asked Rhaenys, turning to look at her. "Whatever happened to the thing?" Rhae only shrugged in response.
"It must have escaped while I wasn't paying attention"
"I don't ever remember a cat," Aegon spoke up.
"If Egg doesn't remember it then it must have been right before the rebellion" Viserys said. His father stiffened slightly but did not react further.
"Probably gone feral in Flea Bottom if it's even still alive" Aegon commented before getting a sharp look from his mother. He had gotten an ear full all night from her after yesterday's events, her going on further about him being the only source of discourse. The gifts went on for a short while longer, they even received glass chalices, enough for the entire royal family which they promptly started using. The first of the dishes were brought out and the musicians gave them a jovial, festive tune. He hadn't even taken a bite as Margaery pulled him to his feet to share a dance with her before they were too bloated and full to move with a few other couples quick to follow their lead.
JAEHAERYS
Jae had been content to sit out the dancing this time around but Daenerys won't miss out on dancing with him twice. Soon they spun about the room alongside his brother and several other couples, Garlan and his wife, Myrcella and Trystane, and even his father and the Queen shared a song laughing about something.
"Think our wedding will be so grandiose?" Dany asked him just above the music.
"Not already planning it, are you?" He teased, a smile tugging at his lips as they parted for a few steps of their dance before coming together again.
"Oh Jae, I've been planning it for a decade," She teased. He didn't know whether to believe her or not, maybe if he was not so sunken in his despair as a boy they'd have been married long ago.
"What did you envision?"
"You're going to laugh," She said bashfully.
Why would you think that?" He asked.
"I had it in a dream," She admitted.
"A dream?" She nodded.
"I had it a few times when I was young but they stopped when you left" she said, causing him to grimace slightly.
"My apologies I-"
"Don't, it's okay you're back now" She reassured him.
"Tell me of your dreams" he urged.
"I saw us in front of the Red Keep, and you looked like a mighty warrior with me at your side, dressed like a queen, and we had dragons," she admitted quietly. She had always been obsessed with the ancient beasts since they were children and Elia told them what those massive skulls were. Dany cried for two whole nights after she learned the dragons were all dead so it didn't surprise him she dreamt of them.
"Dany-"
"They were so real, and there were three of them, one green, one white, and a huge black one and they were roaring up at the sky while we were wed for the seven kingdoms to see as you proclaimed your love"
"I think it sounds beautiful though I'm still not sure how I'll obtain those dragons" He japed. She went on about the details she could still remember. Jae was going to be seated but decided instead to offer Rhaenys his hand for a dance which she hesitated but still took.
"You look beautiful" He complimented. She wore a dress which started yellow at the top and turned orange by the bottom with an opening in the middle exposing her midsection. Along with a myriad of jewellery, rings, bracelets, and a bejewelled cloth wrapped around her waist.
"My mother warned me to be wary of silver tongues," she said with a small smile.
"Oh? I did not realize I was such a threat"
"Threat no, methinks Tyene has a different word for the like of you"
"Which is?"
"Hmm, best left unsaid" she giggled, she had a couple of drinks it was clear. "You have quite the number of admirers I must say" she commented next.
"Do I?"
"You have Daenerys," he could not argue that. "Tyene,"
"Tyene is just wanton, that is not admiration or attraction," he said.
"Attraction most certainly," she laughed. He spun her in place before she stumbled slightly and he quickly caught her. She grasped his shoulder to steady herself, "Thank you"
"Of course," he said as righted herself. "Tyene's attraction to me is as deep as Aegon's to Margaery" he added nodding towards the high table. She was feeding him some dessert treats from her fork before the two shared a loving smile. All a ruse, he had hardly seen them in the same room since the wedding was announced.
"Well she still lusts after you, and Myrcella"
"Myrcella is not one of my admirers" he exclaimed.
"Please Jaehaerys, she's a giggle maiden and you're her shining knight, her honourable Prince, her-"
"Enough, enough, I've seen no indication"
"Dany is her close friend, I can't imagine she would wish to scorn her just to become a princess" Rhaenys reasoned.
"You think my 'silver tongue' acquired me these admirers as you call them?" He jokingly asked.
"Amongst other things,"
"Well it's a shame for most of the ladies who yearn for me, I only have eyes for a couple" he admitted to her.
"A…couple?" She asked, blushing furiously before he could say more he felt a hand tap his shoulder. Monterys Velaryon had come to ask for a dance with the princess. Given they had danced plenty Jae bit his tongue and handed her off making eye contact with her as she went with him.
He took a seat and ate sparingly from a few of the many dishes served, goose, duck, deer, and boar alongside sides of all kinds of greens and bread as well as sweets lining the table. Then Varys made a show of having some servants bring out a long tapestry to lay across the table, requiring them to move all the dishes and cups for a brief moment, something Varys helped with.
"Here you are my Prince," Varys said, handing Jae his cup back. He felt full simply glancing across the spread along the table all of which sat atop a long woven tapestry of dragons soaring over a line of fourteen volcanos. He raised his cup to drink but before the wine touched his lips a hand came down on his shoulder startling him. He quickly set the cup down to stop it from spilling and turned to see a grinning Oberyn.
"I wished to thank you properly, my prince, I would have been distraught if something had happened to my daughter" He said.
"You needn't thank me, my sister, Arianne, and her were in danger and-"
"And you rescued them, accept the praise, you should be used to it" He japed. Jaehaerys noticed the odd bottle in his other hand which he held up. "A gift for your brother, a fertility potion" he said casually causing Jae's eyes to go wide.
"A-a fertility-"
"Potion yes, I was as shocked as you when I first heard about it, but I found it during my travels in the east in my youth"
"Does it work?" Jaehaerys couldn't help but ask.
"I have eight children, do I not?" He said with a cocky smirk. Jae was not sure what to say to that before he chuckled and leaned down to whisper. "Only a fool's gift but my nephew doesn't know that" he laughed before walking over to Aegon to give the gift to a now blushing groom. Then there was the massive pigeon pie they rolled out, Margaery made a show standing Aegon up and having them cut into the pie together sending a flurry of pigeons up into the hall, some making for the open windows. They were going to toast, and when the family stood to join them Aegon noticed that his cup had been lost in the transfer that had occurred earlier. His brother scanned up and down the table before they returned to Jae and he smirked slightly.
"Oh, brother," he said sarcastically. "Your cup" he demanded with an outstretched hand Jae and Dany both frowned and when he did not move their father acted first to mediate.
"Here my son," he said, offering his cup to the Prince.
"The king must have his cup, and I would not deprive one of our dear guests of theirs, surely my brother does not mind sacrificing for me" He went on.
"Aegon" Elia said quietly, likely hoping to dissuade her son from acting in such a way in front of all the guests.
"Please my prince, here I insist" Garlan tried to offer next.
"Stay there Tyrell!" He ordered catching the attention of the room, even the musicians faltered in rhythm for just a second.
"We can just share mine, my Prince" Margaery said quietly but Aegon did not budge his arm still out towards Jaehaerys.
"Your cup, bastard" Once more Aegon decided to play a dumb petty game but Jaehaerys would not stoop to his depths nor let his father retaliate for him.
"Fine," Jae said, crossing to him and placing his cup in his brother's hand. Aegon and Margaery raised their cups and many in the hall silently joined him before taking a drink, not including Dany. Jaehaerys had already been halfway back to his seat when he was addressed again.
"You do not want it back?" Aegon taunted but Jae would not be a dog he could call back and forth.
"Keep it brother, I know how you love your wine so," he said earning a small smile from Dany. He scowled and said nothing as he moved to set the cup on the table. He stopped halfway however as a small fit of coughing came over Aegon, he quickly took another drink which seemed to clear his throat. Only for a second as another stronger fit of coughing overtook him and he put a hand against the table to steady himself as he doubled over.
"My love?" Margaery asked, trying to soothe his back.
"I'm- I'm fine-" Aegon barely croaked before his coughing became violent.
"Aegon?" Elia asked, he did not speak, instead trying to take another drink. The wine came spewing back out onto the floor as he seized in a violent fit of wheezing and coughing. His face began to turn a deep red as he looked down at the cup and then back up with an expression he had never seen on his brother before.
Fear.
Aegon fell to his knees as panic set in, the cup went rolling away as the dark red wine spilt into a puddle, and his parents came running around to his aid along with a few members of the kingsguard and the hand. The wedding guests went up in a frenzy, some pushing and shoving to get closer to watch others trying to leave in a dazed fear. Aegon hit the ground making a dry wheezing sound with every short inhale and each was forced out of his in a violent fit of hacking before no noise came through. He clawed at his throat, carving bloody streaks into the flesh. The muscles turning hard as stone underneath, Mandon Moore knelt and tried to use a spoon to pry the prince's throat open as he struggled against him.
Elia was a screaming mess as her son began to fade from red to purple, tears beginning to form in his bulging eyes. A crying Margaery was pulled away from the sight by Garlan when he realized. Viserys was in stunned silence as he crowded around his nephew, Rhaenys trembled in fear and Rhaegar grit his jaw in fury.
"My dream," he could hear Dany beside him quietly. "This is from my dream" his eyes never left Aegon as he couldn't bring himself to speak, that's when Jaehaerys realized it too, he's going to die.
At that moment they made eye contact, he had a pleading look in his eyes as the colour began to drain from them. Jaehaerys wasn't sad, he wasn't afraid or regretful, he pitied Aegon, he pitied the brothers they could have been, he pitied it had been his drink Aegon had succumbed to. When his head tilted back and Elia cried out he knew it was over, she cradled her son's corpse against her as Rhaegar stepped forward to address the crowd, or more specifically the guards trying to keep order.
"SEAL THE DOORS TO THE KEEP. SEAL THE GATES TO THE CITY. SHUT THE HARBOR DOWN NO ONE FUCKING LEAVES!"
DAENERYS
Dany along with the entire royal family were being escorted back to the private royal quarters, escorted was being gracious. A guard had his hand on her forearm as she was all but dragged through the halls, her feet struggling to keep up with his pace. They were all being treated such, Elia, Viserys, Rhaenys, Jaehaerys, and herself. As Well as Ser Jaime and Loras leading the way.
"Need you be so rough?" Dany asked but got no response. Once they were inside the doorway they were all thrust inside joined by their kingsguard before the door was pulled shut. "They are treating us like prisoners" she said, turning to look at Jaime who could only look at the floor. "Are we prisoners?" She asked again but he did not respond again. She turned to her family, Elia was sobbing in her daughter's arms, Viserys had sat on a chair and was staring blankly at the floor in front of him and Jaehaerys was staring out of a window. Dany moved and joined him by the window and watched and guards on horseback raced through the streets to lock down the city before the assassin could escape.
She dreaded the idea they were still in the castle but anything was possible. She glanced over to Jae, he seemed alarmingly calm given what had just happened. Even her heart rate had been sent racing but she was calming down, though hers was likely due to realizing that her dream had come to life before her, only slightly different. As to why she did not know, was it an act of the gods? She hated to think Aegon could be despised so but it would not shock her truly.
"It was meant to be me," Jae said quietly, still looking through the glass.
"But it wasn't"
"Is that meant to make me feel better? That someone else was murdered in my place?" he asked sharply. She opened her mouth but did not know what to say, that he was a cowardly joke of a prince? That he bore no love for Jaehaerys? That he would have felt nothing had fate reversed their roles? She knew nothing would make him feel better, instead she took his hand.
"Try not to dwell on it," She said before grimly looking over at Elia. She knew she shouldn't say anything against Aegon with her in this state, no matter how he acted the grief of losing a child could not be easy she understood that. Viserys seemed to be trying to process everything, even though she could not completely understand who or when the act took place but her nephews' haunting, cold eyes had been burned into her memory. She crossed the room again to sit with the ladies, Elia still crying and Rhaenys holding her mother in shock.
"My son, my son," she said between the sobs as Dany rubbed her back.
"Are you?" She asked Rhaenys quietly trying not to disturb her mother.
"I-I'm fine," She said but Dany didn't believe her. She looked like she wanted to cry, like she was sick and could throw up at a moment's notice.
"What happened?" Dany asked.
"I'm not sure I was with Monterys and then I heard him yelling at Jae and then he was coughing and-" she stopped as the door flew open, Jaime and Loras' hands flew to their sword hilts as Oberyn strode in.
"You can't be here the hand-"
"You will not stop me from seeing my sister" He told Jaime not even entertaining whatever he had to say, he tried to walk around him but Jaime stepped in the way with his hand still on his weapon.
"The hand demands everyone stay where they've been ordered," Jaime said.
"Am I a suspect Lannister? Will you strike down the Queen's brother?" He asked. Jaime thought for a moment before letting his hand fall and nodding to Loras.
"Sister," Oberyn said, pulling her into a hug. She fell against her brother and clutched him while trembling. Dany stood and approached their protectors, or jailors she was not quite sure.
"Where is the king?" She asked, Jaime only looked at her sadly but did not respond. When she reached for the door he grabbed her wrist stopping her, which told her what she needed to know. They stayed here mostly in silence until the door opened again and Jon Connington entered with a group of guards.
"Prince Jaehaerys," he addressed. "What was in your cup that Aegon drank?" He asked which filled Dany with anger.
"Wait, are you accusing him of something?" Daenerys asked.
"He was the last to touch the cup before the Prince was killed," Connington said while staring down Jae.
"He was the murder target" Dany tried to come to his defence.
"And you know this how?" His accusing gaze swept over to her now.
"Because I-" She couldn't tell him she dreamt it, he would laugh in her face. "Why would he kill Aegon?"
"It could make him heir to the throne," Jon said, looking back at Jae. "What was in the cup?"
"Whatever was on the table uh, Arbor Red I think, I did not kill my brother"
"Half-brother" Viserys finally spoke.
"Will you come with us" Jon less asked and more commanded. Jaehaerys knew better than to disobey right now and moved to follow before Connington put a hand up. "Without Longclaw" Jae stopped and unstrapped his belt before handing it off to Dany.
"Put this in my quarters if you could," He told her before being escorted out. She grit her teeth and watched Jae leave before an idea came to her, she went to Jaehaerys' room and locked the door. She left his sword against the bedpost and pushed the false wall open to slip out of his room. A sudden fear crept through her at the possibility of any assailants in the dark tunnels but she needed to know, quickly she went back to his room and grabbed a knife she knew he had used for hunting in the North. She moved silently through the passageways, she could hear people who had been confined to chambers and waiting rooms. Much of the available space of the Red Keep had become a prison. She found her way to the small council chambers and could hear her brother inside quietly crying.
"I was a terrible Father, Arthur, no matter how I think it the blame always falls to my feet," He said, she couldn't see anything but she could hear in the room.
"I do not believe so my King, I, I would hate to insinuate anything about your son but, well the small folk have always had a saying about the Targaryens" Dayne said.
"You think he went mad?"
"I think he would have gone mad, had he been king"
"Oh yes, it is such a good thing then he did not live to his fucking coronation then" Rhaegar spat with venom on his tongue.
"Rhaegar I did not mean-"
"Go watch the door, Dayne"
"Your Grace" he said before she could hear him walking away then silence aside from the occasional sniffle. Her heart broke for her brother, she wanted to come out and comfort him but she needed to hear more first. She waited until the door opened again and Jon Connington emerged.
"Rhaegar, my grief is with you your Grace, but there are very urgent matters afoot"
"What have you learned?" He croaked.
"My best confessors are working their way through the kitchen staff" his best torturers he means, she thought. "I have the royal family secluded and safe, I have Jaehaerys separated and intend to question personally-"
"Jaehaerys? Why?" Rhaegar quickly asked.
"Your Grace, in this moment we must not allow ourselves to be clouded by pain and grief" Jon reasoned.
"Are you accusing my son of murder?" He asked, his volume raising slightly.
"We must look at every angle before we presume it came from outside sources"
"There's a fucking invasion of our shores and you think my son would tear our family apart?" Rhaegar roared, she knew she loved her oldest brother dearly. "I told you to protect my family not interrogate them, I want to be with my wife and instead you have me sitting here being King" he said before reaching up and throwing his crown to the ground with a clang.
"I am confident that the castle was secure, if this was an attack from the Blackfyres, it means there wasn't just an assassin, but a traitor, someone who either aired the killer or committed the act themselves"
"And you think it mine own son?"
"I think anything is a possibility, you made me your hand because you trusted me to do the things you were not capable of, allow me to help you manage this crisis" Before Rhaegar could respond there was a knock.
"Your Grace, my Lord Hand, all of the council is accounted for, all save Varys"
"Where is he?" Jon asked.
"We are searching the castle still, and word has yet to return from the harbour but we expect it soon," the man said.
RHAENYS
"Rhaeny!, Rhaeny!" Her younger brother yelled while running towards her with a book too large for his young 4-year-old arms, he couldn't yet say her name and Rhaeny was the closest she was going to get for now. He stumbled and fell before the young heir regained himself and continued to her, he slammed the book down on the floor and started frantically flipping through the pages looking for whatever it was that had excited him. "Look look" he said pointing out a ghastly ruin of five smoking towers reaching into the clouds like a hand from behind a massive curtain wall. Even at six, she knew what Harrenhal was and what had happened there, every child did. "Our dragons did that" he exclaimed with awe and wonder in his eyes. "I wanna ride a dragon, and see the clouds, go to the wall, you'll come with me right?" He asked before she could nod.
Her eyes fluttered open sometime late into the night, she was sitting on the settee in the lounging quarters of the royal chambers. Her mother had fallen asleep as well, her head resting in her daughter's lap. Even asleep she looked distressed, her eyes were swollen and her nails had been chewed down to the beds and even the skin around them wasn't safe. Their dresses were crumpled in all sorts of ways, her throat was dry and scratchy. The sight of her brother's corpse flashed in her eyes for a brief moment and she flinched. He was unruly but she could still remember before those days, before he realized how much power and influence came with the crown. Back when he was just her younger brother.
Carefully she lifted her mother's head from her lap and found a throw pillow to take its place. Rhaenys retrieved a blanket next and covered the queen gently, the princess began back towards her room when she caught Jaehaerys and Daenerys whispering in his room.
"Why should I? Rhaenys can have it" she could hear Jaehaerys say.
"Jae it's your birthright"
"I don't want to be King, Rhaenys is smart, young, unmarried, she can rule" Her heart fluttered slightly at the words. She had no major desires for the throne but it did interest her, in all the histories she memorized she knew there was a consistent resistance to a woman being the ruling queen. She never desired the throne because she had no intent to supplant her brothers.
"If you step aside for her there will be lords who try and step over her for Viserys" Dany reasoned, to which Rhaenys agreed. Her claim was a very good one but that meant nothing if there were males to wear the crown, especially if the lords believe they may benefit more from a weak ruler like Viserys.
"He'd be no better than Aegon" he said, she flinched hearing his name be said aloud.
"I agree, that is why it must be you, I know you will be a good and just ruler"
"Half of court has spent my entire life looking down on me now I'm meant to rule them? Seven hells Jon Connington even thought I killed him, what's the rest of the kingdom going to think of me?" He said with a deep sigh, she could hear the creaking of his bed frame as they sat.
"I know it seems an intimidating task, to wear the crown, but you needn't do it alone my wolf, I am here with you, and I will always be here with you," She said quietly. Once more Rhaenys felt as though she was intruding on a private moment but could not bring herself to leave this time. She hated standing here like an outsider like she didn't belong. She had teased him during the wedding but had to omit that she too had become one of his admirers. She missed his arms around her and she missed his lips against hers, they had grown close as friends but she couldn't fight the want to be closer. She thought about returning to her chambers, she was tired and wanted fresh clothes and something proper to eat. But she hated the idea of being alone right now, of being plagued with thoughts of Aegon.
Slowly she pushed the door open, she saw them sitting together, their hands joined as her head rested on his shoulder. On the table, he had a bag which seemed to have been packed hastily, as though he intended to run. "Oh Rhae" Dany said as she stood and quickly crossed the room pulling her niece into a hug. "Are you doing okay?" She asked quietly.
"Yeah, I will be fine I just, it was all so sudden" Rhae said, returning the hug. When they parted her eyes involuntarily glanced at the bag again which Dany caught.
"I stopped him from doing anything foolish do not fear" She said with a weak chuckle at the end but no one laughed.
"You were going to leave?" Rhaenys asked her brother, her only brother. He didn't answer her, instead letting his gaze drop to the floor in shame or embarrassment, she could not tell.
"No, I'm not leaving," He said quietly.
"Where would you even have gone?" Rhae asked.
"He considered sneaking out with the Starks tomorrow, though Connington may try and keep them here," Daenerys said, Jae snorted.
"I'd like to watch as he attempts to stop Lord Eddard Stark," He said.
"Aegon is dead, our father is in shambles, and this could be the start of a war, every time my eyes close I see his dead eyes and you were going to, leave?" She asked in disbelief.
"Forgive me I wasn't thinking rationally" He apologized as he looked back up at her. The idea he could want to flee surprised her, that a warrior and hero could turn and run.
If you did not have to be the Princess Rhaenys, for just one night
His words from the tourney echoed in her ears and that's when she remembered he never wanted any of it, he never saw himself as a prince, so why would he want to stay? But how could he want to leave? Would he even have told her? Or would she have woken up and been alone? She supposed none of it mattered if he was staying, but being an afterthought stung.
"It's okay Rhae, he isn't leaving us" Dany said, taking her hand.
"You mean he isn't leaving you," Rhaenys said slightly spitefully, Jae can only marry one woman, and Dany has been forcing her way to the top of that list for a while now.
"I know you'd miss him dearly," Dany said, causing Rhae to blush slightly. "And I know he'd miss you" she whispered.
"It does not matter," Rhae said.
"You needn't hide from your feelings, especially after what happened, it is best not to live with regrets no?" Daenerys asked, still in a whisper, moving to stand behind Rhaenys. It pained her to be reminded of Aegon once more but she understood her aunt's point. If it had been Jaehaerys who died, he would have left this world without her ever getting to let her heart bloom. Dany moved over to Jae and spoke in a low whisper once more but loud enough for her to hear. "Your sister needs you Jaehaerys, we both need you to be strong not just for us but the realm," She said. Dany climbed into the bed behind him and gestured for Rhaenys to join them. She only hesitated for a moment before joining them.
RHAEGAR
Rhaegar sat alone in the small council chambers, his eyes sore from crying, the only thought ringing in his head being how he failed as a father and king. He didn't even have the stomach to face his family, he failed them, he swore to keep them safe and he couldn't. He could only blame the gods for the deaths of his mother and Lyanna, the birthing bed had killed far too many women. His father had stoked war for far too long, his death was needed to help usher in a new era, that's what Connington told him. Connington, it was ludicrous to accu having any hand in this. But if he had listened to Jon, to begin with, to postpone the wedding, and Elia.
God's Elia, he had been holding up in the council chambers talking to lords who came cowering to pledge their allegiance instead of being with her. He didn't suspect any of them, Varys was missing, the man who had pushed for the wedding to proceed. God's he was a fool, he was more than a fool, how had he gotten so lax, how had he forgotten the dangers that came with sitting on the throne? It was late into the night when the door to the chambers opened and most of the council walked in Tywin, Mace, and Connington.
"Your Grace men sighted at least four boats leaving before the order came to close docks, Lucerys dropped sail to round them up before they could leave the bay," Jon said, he and Tywin stayed standing as Mace moved to sit beside his king.
"Your Grace the vile villains behind this heinous act will be brought to swift justice" Lord Tyrell said.
"Pycelle is at work trying to figure out what it was your son drank," Connington continued. "In the meantime, his body is being handled by the silent sisters"
"If I may your Grace, in the wake of this tragedy the crown must be seen as strong, I must urge that the Prince Jaehaerys be married to my granddaughter Myrcella to show unity throughout the kingdoms, to say we will not be fractured" Tywin spoke with authority.
"There was just a murder and you wish to plan another wedding?" Jon asked in disbelief.
"It can be a small simple ceremony, they are wed here at the Keep and consummate the marriage immediately"
"If-if you will your Grace, traditionally in moments like these especially going into a war the second son would take up his brother betrothed, especially if the marriage went unconsummated" Mace began to spout, that's when Rhaegar understood fully.
"The pair of you could wait until the crows have had their fill on my son's corpse before your ambitions become you," Rhaegar said spitefully. Mace panicked slightly and tried to explain he did not mean it in such manners, Tywin instead stayed relaxed yet still intense. Tywin could say whatever he wanted for face, that it was for the good of the realm, strength and unity and whatever horseshit he said. But Tywin Lannister truly desired one thing, the ascension of his blood as queen.
"I only wish what's best for the crown" Tywin spoke in his defence.
"That is why you did not lift a finger to aid my father, your 'close friend'" Rhaegar snapped glaring at him. Tywin was quiet while the king scowled and seethed. "While Connington and I bled in the mud the pair of you watched my house nearly crumble"
"Your Grace I was loyal to you fa-" Mace tried to speak before being cut off.
"You sieged Storm's End for the better part of a year and did nothing else, while Robert Baratheon slipped north and waged war YOU WERE FEASTING" Rhaegar's anger boiled over as Mace shrunk into himself.
"My King, you are letting your emotions rule you" Jon tried to calm him.
"Because I have been made to sit and listen to Lord after snivelling Lord grovel at my feet and placate me with false sympathies, you have arrested my family, my council only seeks to further their positions, and I am still to expect a war all while my son now lay dead," Rhaegar said before standing, pushing his chair back.
"Your Grace?" Jon asked but the King said nothing as he left the council chambers, leaving his crown on the floor where he had thrown it. Arthur Dayne and Mandon Moore fell in step behind him silently. The halls were mostly quiet as few servants moved about the castle late at night. He walked with long confident strides back to his family, where he should have been from the beginning. He entered his quarters to see Elia sat at her vanity with a few candles lit, she looked exhausted.
"Husband," she said quietly. Her hair was drying and she was dressed for bed and she had a distasteful look on her face. "Finally recall you have a wife who may feel grief?"
"It was not my desire, Connington-"
"I did not realize he was the king" Elia cut him off. He frowned slightly but he knew she had a good reason for anger.
"Elia, there were matters I needed to hear I did not wish to bring to you"
"Oh yes, I am just to trust you to handle these matters alone" She glared at him in the reflection. "Like you wished me to trust you for the wedding"
"How could I have-"
"BECAUSE SOMEONE ALMOST MURDERED OUR FUCKING DAUGHTER RHAEGAR" She turned and yelled at him. "AND I TOLD YOU, I SAID IT WAS A DANGER AND YOU TOLD ME TO TRUST YOU" She stood and walked towards him. "AND I DID, I trusted you again and here we are, our son is dead and you were nowhere to be found once more," She said. He didn't attempt to argue, he didn't try to stop her or say otherwise, he wanted her to yell at him. No one else would, no one in the Seven Kingdoms would dare yell and accuse him now except for her. "I bet, I bet you're glad it was Aegon instead of her Son, you hardly raised him did you even love him? Or were we just the family your father used to spurn Tywin Lannister?" She spat, that's when he finally stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. She tried to fight against him and continued to insult him for a few moments before she broke down and started crying against his chest.
"I love all of you, dearly, you were right my love, you were always right, I should have listened to you and because I didn't our son is dead, and nothing I ever do will change that" he said quietly while holding his wife. He had more in his heart to say when the door swung open and slammed against the wall.
"Y-your Grace, a raven from, from Massey Hook" a young man huffed, exhausted and trying to catch his breath while a few guards entered behind him. "Ships, ships sighted off the horizon of the narrow sea," He said, giving the parchment to the King which he quickly read.
Your Grace
At least a hundred and fifty ships likely more sailing for the northern Stormlands, all flying a black dragon banner on red
=Authors notes=
I just wanted to say this was always my plan with Aegon lol, now the story turns to war