=Authors notes=
sorry for the long wait but I wanted to add this story has been uploaded to Ao3 under the same name if your would prefer to read it there
MARGAERY
The castle was still in disarray a few days after the wedding. Margaery sat in the solar the Tyrells had been given, which was also in chaos, save for herself who sat with an impassive face as she plucked the petals off a rose.
"So we just have the poor girl throw herself at Jaehaerys? Let her grieve" her oldest brother Willas argued with grandmother.
"She isn't grieving, thanks to our dear queen Alysanne they can't throw her out, and it's better than him committing an affront to the gods and he marries his aunt" Olenna said. Ah Daenerys, she already ruined her budding friendship with Sansa and the Starks for a dead man. She felt truly sick at the thought of spurning Dany just to try and make herself queen.
"Is all you think about how to further the house? A man is dead and there is a war" Willas asked. The other big news that had spread like wildfire, ships had been spotted over the narrow sea. The king decided he couldn't keep war hidden and addressed court informally a day or two ago. He named Varys a traitor to the realm and offered a king's ransom to whoever brought him alive and half as much dead. He also told everyone what this war really was, the sixth Blackfyre rebellion.
"So we just abandon all plans and settle for a different match?" Olenna posed, such an idea interested her. She knew there were plenty of other matches to be made, Harry Hardying, the Lannister brothers, the Martells, and Robb Stark. One prospect interested her greatly, of course, her hand went to the necklace she still wore. It was her favourite gift from the wedding, half wedding. They never reached the bedding, publicly anyway.
That's when a new fear coursed through her she hadn't realized yet. She very well could be pregnant with Aegon's babe, his bastard now. She felt sick with worry at what this could do to her marital prospects, to be found to be lying with the prince before they were wed. That was the better scenario she reasoned, if the babe looked like her they could try and slander her further by saying it could be anyone's bastard. She could throw up but her face did not betray her feelings, she remained impassive as she returned to plucking the rose.
"I'm saying we can strengthen our house in plenty of other ways, I could be used as a bargaining chip" Willas said.
"My sweet boy, so long as there is an unwed heir to the throne you will never be a useful bargain chip" Grandmother chided, to which her brother frowned.
"Mayhaps we should just wait until after the war is won," Garlan tried to calm her.
"Did you inherit your father's mind? That is counterproductive, Margaery my dear will you talk sense into these boys hm?" She finally addressed her granddaughter. Margaery thought about it for a moment before knowing what was expected of her.
"I will do my duty for my house," She said tonelessly without looking up. What else could she say? Willas sighed and pushed on his cane to stand up. He would be remaining in the Red Keep with her and Loras, the rest of their family would be returning to Highgarden soon assuming the roads south weren't routed. Save for her father and Garlan who would be meeting with the Tyrell forces on the rose road. Margaery looked up to see her grandmother deep in thought, leaning back in her chair.
"You should go see him, Jaehaerys if the attempt was on his life he may need comforting" Her grandmother said. Margaery simply nodded and rose, she changed into a simple and modest dress and left her hair undone, she had a gift for knowing what might allure certain men and with Jaehaerys less was more. The halls of the Red Keep were busy, the King had announced his intent to ride out and meet a contingent of men he had at the ready at Rosby and as such many lesser lords and second sons intended to ride with him to glory. Many of the young men seemed excited for the chance to ride to war and make a name for themselves, or fight alongside the king, or both at times.
She had never seen so much as a scuffle during the Greyjoy rebellion, and the conflict itself had been so one-sided she couldn't imagine there was much glory to go around. Margaery received condolences and blessings from various people as she walked the halls. Some seemed to truly pity her, and others were merely doing so as it was expected of them. She didn't regard them, trying instead to put on her best grieving look. Margaery felt sorry for Aegon but had no sorrow in her heart for him, she knew he would inspire no love or loyalty as a king. She reached the royal quarters but was met by Ser Jaime.
"None are allowed, his Grace's order," the white lion said.
"You know, these were supposed to be my quarters as well," She said but he didn't relent.
"I doubt your next husband will take kindly knowing you lived within walking distance of Viserys without supervision" He half-japed. Margaery's stomach churned at the mention of her next husband but once more hid it well. Once she knew she wasn't getting in to see Jaehaerys her feet almost began to take her elsewhere. She knew the route but knew it was a terrible idea to go see him again, he wouldn't want to see her, he was leaving today, and his sister hated her.
All the same soon she was outside the guest quarters given to the Starks. She thought for a few moments before knocking on the door, there was a moment before the door swung open and she was being glared at by the youngest Stark.
"What do you want?" She asked spitefully. Before Margaery could speak however the girl was lifted by her arms and turned away.
"Off with you, make sure you are packed properly, I'll not trouble Jae by having him ship your stuff later" Robb japed before laughing. God's he had a fine laugh, she restrained the blush that grew from the thoughts as he turned to face her. "My lady, I-I had thought you would have wished for your privacy" He explained though she had not accused him.
"I just, wanted to see you," She admitted quietly, she glanced past him and was met by the mean scowl of Sansa. "You're leaving, yes?" he nodded.
"Rodrik, Jory, and the household guards are escorting us back, father is staying however," He told her as he crossed his arms.
"Why would your father-"
"He will be riding out with the King, I'm to oversee the men currently gathering at Winterfell before Roose Bolton and Jon Umber march them south" He explained to her, she was glad he would be avoiding battle though she could tell he did not feel the same.
"You do not wish to leave?" She asked.
"I should be at my father's side, it is the second time now I'm being left at home while he goes to off fight" Robb admitted, she could tell it stung to be left here like a boy who couldn't fight.
"You are his heir, your life is far more important than some campaign in a war"
"Aye, I agreed when it was the wildlings, but this isn't just a war it's the Blackfyre rebellion, they are trying to usurp Jae's family, we are fighting for him I should be here"
"Most men would be sad at missing out on the glory"
"Only fools go to war for glory, I wish to protect the ones I love, that is all" She admired him slightly as he spoke.
"You certainly are no fool Robb Stark," she said.
"Oh but I am, you see I get these foolish ideas about things I shouldn't do," He said looking at her deeply. She could stare at his eyes all day and night if given the chance she decided.
Like? She wanted to ask but she knew it was a dangerous question, after the incident she didn't see a world where she and Robb wed.
But such is life she supposed.
JAEHAERYS
The prospect of war did not excite him but he wanted to ride out with his father and uncle. He strode through the royal chambers after redressing and farewelling Dany and Rhae. He knocked on his father's door but heard the Queen instead.
"Enter" Her voice was quiet but could still be heard. He hesitated slightly but didn't want to just walk away after making himself known. He entered the room to see her sitting on the edge of the bed, he quickly glanced around and noted it was just them.
"I-I was looking for his Grace," Jae said he wasn't sure where to look. He wanted to look at her but it was difficult not to feel anything but pity and guilt.
"You needn't look at me like I'm going to shatter," She said, her voice hoarse and dry. He froze slightly, it was her puffy brown eyes that looked at him with sympathy.
"My queen, I-"
"Were you scared of me? I tried my best to raise you but you never desired my affection, I was mothering four children and trying to help your father piece his heart back together, maybe I did not try enough" she said sadly.
"It was not you, your Grace I-I did not think myself deserving of the love, no matter what a paper father signed says I'll always be a bastard" Jaehaerys admitted openly, it was strange to say the words aloud. "If my mother had just married Robert then Uncle Brandon wouldn't have gone south and things-"
"Arys was going to be overthrown eventually, it was inevitable, he was long mad and cruel and a monster, and the number of people who had cause to rebel was getting greater by the day" she said before glancing up in reminiscence of those days. "If it wasn't your uncle, it would have been your father" Jae's eyes went wide as she said it. "Did you know, he wouldn't even hold Rhaenys? Said 'she smells Dornish'"
"I knew Arys was long mad of course but I did not know rebellion was so commonly thought"
"Few saw it as rebellion, moreso, it was time for the crown to pass on and when news of his death spread people cheered, though I couldn't find the time to celebrate as our reign began" Jae listened intently as she spoke.
"I think you were under great stress my queen, as you said you had not only your children but myself and Daenerys," He paused for a moment before looking down at the intricate carpet design. "it should have been m-"
"It shouldn't have been either of you!" She quickly exclaimed, her gaze snapping back to him. "No one should draw their final breath before they are five and twenty"
"I just, I wish I could take your pain away, this whole ordeal it's, horrid" He had no love for Aegon, but he did not want him dead. He truly hoped for a day they were friends, a day he wanted to be a respected king. Aegon was lucky he was born the heir, life was simple from the beginning for him but as always life had a way to come back in the end.
"What will you do?" She asked.
"I intend to ride out with the King, I want to face the Blackfyres and put an end to this before it begins"
"You should stay," she said, his eyebrow raised slightly.
"If I may, why?"
"You are his heir, hell's Rhaegar should not be going himself, but he still believes he must prove himself to the realm" She saw the look in his eye telling her he felt similar. "You men, always rushing off to die"
"I simply wish to help, if I can do something to help save lives I must"
"You're as honourable as your mother's family, mayhaps you will make a fine king," she said. He stiffened up slightly at the mention of his mother and the throne, he had wanted to say he had no want for it but he remembered what Dany had first told him last night.
"I will admit, the idea of being King does not excite me"
"Good," she said. "Aegon thought being King was a game, it is why he would have been terrible at it, I had only hoped, maybe, I would have been there, to help guide him" she muttered with a trembling lip.
He watched her for a moment, "I'm sorry"
"For what reason?"
"I would not wish the grief of losing a son on anyone"
"I would not wish the grief of losing a mother on anyone either"
"Is it not the way of the world? For a child to bury their parents one day"
"Jae you were never given the chance to know her, I met her once, at Harrenhal" Jae swallowed hard. "She laughed beautifully, you know? Like she wanted the entire hall to laugh with her, and she danced so full of life, I can see why your father loved her"
"My Queen"
"I'm not mad, I learned long ago that the heart cannot stave what it burns for, especially not the heart of the dragon," she said before finally approaching him. Jaehaerys thought whether to step back or not but decided to hold firm. "And now look at us, a son who has lost his mother, and a mother who has lost her son, such a cruel fate hm?"
"The gods can be, difficult to understand sometimes," Jae said.
"I am sure you did not come to listen to a woman grieve, what did you need? You were looking for Rhaegar?" She asked. He paused for only a moment, he wished to tell her she could grieve to him but somehow the words died on his tongue.
"I wished to ride out with him," he said instead, her eyes wide at the suggestion.
"You should not, it is, you are the heir now" She argued.
"More reason to attend, the realm should know its prince will fight for it" Jaehaerys reasoned. Elia watched him carefully for a few moments before reaching up to cup his cheek.
"If you die you may be leaving the realm in worse hands"
"I believe Rhaenys could make a fine queen"
"Viserys would sooner try and rip the house out root and stem before letting her ascend the Iron Throne" Jae nodded carefully at her words. "Your father is likely readying himself to ride you," She said before he departed. Leaving the royal chambers Jaime immediately fell in step behind him like a second shadow cloaked in white. Many they passed stopped and bowed extra low before Jae, some did so with grit teeth and tight jaws. He thought this moment should feel good, rewarding even, after years of belittlement and ridicule now he held the power.
And nothing had ever felt so hollow, he gained no satisfaction from getting to look down from his new height. Silently he and Jaime reached the armoury hall passing Ser Dayne by the door. His father stood having pieces of ancient black steel armour put on him. He stood centermost in the room with his arms outstretched, he looked like a statue with a grim, sullen expression. He did not turn, instead glancing at Jae through the mirror which sat at the other wall. He looked like he hadn't slept.
"Your Grace, I desire to accompany you to Rosby" Jaehaerys stated. He tried to stand tall in front of his father, his hands neatly tucked behind his back.
"No" He croaked out without hesitation. It deflated him slightly to have his father not even consider it. "I will not lose two sons to this enemy"
"Father I fought bef-"
"You fought an unorganized band of savages who fight without the armour, the strategy, the resources, or coordination, this is the Golden Company Jaehaerys they are the greatest fighting force in the world" Rhaegar cooliy said to his son while still getting his armour clad on. "You aren't ready to face them, hell's you never should have fought before"
"He fought well your Grace" Jaime offered but his father shot a scowl his way.
"Quiet Lannister" Rhaegar ordered and the white sword bowed his head.
"I'm no green boy, I'm not afraid"
"It isn't your fear I'm deciding off of" Silence hung heavy between them for a moment.
"Do…" Jae started before pausing a moment wondering how he could ask this best. "Do you only see corpses when you look at me?" The King froze.
"Leave us" he instructed the servants. They hesitated for a moment before putting down whatever they were holding and quickly scurrying from the room, even Jaime turned and left. The two men stood alone now in silence, through the reflection Jae could see the subtle details he shared with his father, they held the same intense gaze and tight jaws.
"First whenever you looked at me all you could only ever see Mother, like I was her ghost after I came home things started to change you looked at me like someone new but now" Jae paused his eyes falling to the floor. "Now you look at me, and I fear you only see Aegon"
"Jae, I just, I just wish to keep you safe that is why I worked so hard to ensure peace amongst the realm, and why I did not wish you to fight north of the wall, I wanted the realm to forget the Targaryens had ever done wrong" Now the King took a moment before continuing. "Mayhaps in striving to be a great King, I failed to be a decent father, Rhaenys would rather spend her days with her cousins or in history books, Aegon drank and whores his days away, and you ran north the moment your uncle offered his home"
"I do not blame you"
"I blame myself, and now you wish to war against these people, they tried to poison you"
"Do you believe the wildlings would have let me go with a stern word had I lost on the Frost Fangs?"
"Jae-"
"Do you believe they will let me take the black should we lose this war? And now, now I stand in the direct line of the throne, my life will be in danger even more" Jae let out, he had never talked over his father before but he would not waste this newfound courage. "I will only ever be in growing danger so will Dany once I wed her" He said without fear. "I want to fight for her, for Rhaenys as well, because I promised I would do my best to keep them safe, just like you, I want to fight for our family, my mother would not like me putting myself in harm's way I am sure, but she would understand if that was my reason"
"I understand, you know I also had a sense of duty when I was your age, I believed I needed to become a great warrior, to become the prince that-" Rhaegar stopped himself. He stared at his son seemingly deep in thought for a few seconds. "Ride with me then, we shall beat back this foe together, and protect our family," he said and the two shared a smile.
RHAENYS
The princess walked the castle with Loras right behind her. As she assumed the rest of her family had been receiving, people stopped and bowed low when she walked by. She paid a few of them mind as she walked quickly, she had been tasked by Dany to seek out her uncle and do something near impossible.
"You have to ask your family to support Jae's claim" Dany instructed.
"It's not a claim he's the heir"
"Tell that to Viserys, or your family you would rather see you sit on the throne than him, you had to dissuade any other ideas than him"
Rhaenys walked to her family solar leaving Loras by the door, she walked to her uncle's door knocking.
"Enter" he called out. She pushed through the door and immediately averted her gaze, her uncle was shirtless and Ellaria was completely naked.
"Gods uncle!" Rhae almost shouted.
"Oh niece," he said, turning to smile at her warmly as if the room didn't reek of coupling and they both bore a sheen.
"Princess" Ellaria drawled out breathlessly. Rhaenys fought to contain her blush as Oberyn threw a blanket over top of his lover.
"What if I were one of the children?" Rhaenys asked.
"None of the girls are up this early, they could barely get to bed last night"
"There, you may look princess," he said. "What brings you here so early?"
"I wished to ask if you could write to Uncle Doran and-"
"You write to him, you needn't be estranged from him you are his daughter's closest friend"
"Yes but, this is a matter of political importance, I think if he hears it from you or mother he will be more inclined to believe it" she explained. Her uncle meandered around the room before finding a shirt to wear.
"If this, Rhaenys if you mean to stake a claim-"
"NO! No, that is what I wanted to say I want uncle to support Jaehaerys and his ascension should the day ever come" She quickly rushed out in one breath.
"You know Dorne would stand behind you my sweet niece," he said quickly in a hushed tone. "None of these boys of court are worthy of your hand but a strategic alliance could secure other kingdoms"
"Uncle please, I have no wish to usurp Jae" She tried.
"I love my daughters you know that but I would never put their names before a trueborn"
"None of your daughters are legitimized"
"Which he never should have done, it is one this to have your fun but another to insult your wife by making him a prince of the realm"
"What would you know about insulting wives uncle? You never married, instead making a hedonistic game of life" Her hands balled into fists and the words came spilling out before she could stop herself. "Who do you think Aegon always looked up to? His beloved uncle who walked about court fucking and drinking himself away" she said without relenting. Rhaenys did not mean the words, she was angry he said that about her family. She also wanted to hope Aegon had a chance to be better and that it was the influence that caused this.
"So this is the dragon's fury the history books talk about," he said calmly. He moved to the table and poured a drink, "Let your anger and sorrows out I can bear it" she quieted down after that.
"Does it not anger you? What they did to my brother?"
"Of course, it angers me, my family was harmed, and killed, and I could not do anything for it, all I could do was watch as my sister wept" Oberyn slammed his cup down. "That is why I will ride out with the King, to put the head of this usurper on a spear and lay it at Elia's feet"
"And Jaehaerys?" Rhaenys asked cautiously.
"You truly do not desire the throne? You could be a great-"
"It's his by right, I will not argue this uncle"
"So be it, Dorne will remain loyal to the crown, whomever Rhaegar wished to succeed him, you needn't write to Doran over that," Oberyn said. "But you should write to him anyways I'm sure he misses you" Rhaenys nodded.
"You do not seem worried about the impending war uncle"
"Because I doubt it will even be a war, I am sure Dorne alone could throw them back into the narrow sea with ease"
"The band of nine held the stepstones for six years before Barristan won the war"
"We will not be fighting in the stepstones, and it takes far more than one man to win a war" Rhaenys nodded. He was right of course, war was armies, long marches, strategies, and yet the songs found a way to reduce it all to one battle. When Ellaria rolled over reaching for Oberyn the princess decided it was time to take her leave. She stopped by Tyene's next knocking on the door before entering, her favourite cousin sat on her windowsill mindless looking out over King's Landing only glancing back for a moment.
"Rhae, it is weird, I was ready for Aegon to be a nuisance for another ten years before he pulled his mind from his balls" She said passively. She had no signs of having cried or been in distress, instead, she seemed passive, almost accepting.
"Are you-"
"You've lost your brother and yet you ask me that?" Tyene looked back at her.
"Tears won't bring Aegon back from the dead and there is work to be done" she reasoned, it was easier to distract herself with anything else than think of her brother's haunting purple eyes staring up at her.
"Yes yes, the war, now our fathers send themselves to battle"
"Not just the war, Dany seeks my aid in ensuring Jaehaerys' position as heir, she wants there to be no questions amongst the vassals" Rhae started to explain.
"Do you believe the Lords will accept a bastard on the throne?" Tyene asked.
"I'm not sure, I'd have thought you would be like your father in assuming I want the throne"
"Please Rhae, I've been your closest friend since we were young girls I should know more than anyone you don't desire a throne to sit on," Tyene said before rising and crossing towards her cousin. "I will not lie, the idea of Jae as king does interest me, he may be more sympathetic to the plights of the lesser and the bastards of the realm"
"I hope you don't believe there will be some great reforms coming" Rhaenys half snorted, getting the closest to a smile she has all day.
"Have you elsewhere to be today?"
"Not particularly, I do need to write Uncle Doran a letter"
"Ah, I should do the same, I haven't spoken to him since my eighteenth nameday, If it not bother you I'll accompany you," She said, linking arms with the princess.
"So long as you do not mind Ser Loras watching us like a hungry hawk"
"Have you heard the rumours about him and Ser Renly?"
"I am not in the mood for gossip today Ty" Rhae said before continuing with the first day of the rest of her life without Aegon.
DAENERYS
Dany moved about Jae's room packing his travel bags for Rosby and likely much of the campaign. She hated the idea of him going back to war but agreed if he was going to be heir, to play the game of thrones he needed to show himself to the people, especially after spending his learning years in the North. She had wanted to join him of course, attempting to hold good to her promise.
"You belong with me, the next time you leave this city I will be at your side, always"
But Jae prevented her from packing her own bag alongside his, telling her they needed someone in court wholly invested in their interests and he could think of no one better than her. A thought that still made her blush slightly as she worked. Daenerys packed away extra clothes for him, a set in case one got soaked in the Stormland rains, another set in case the previous one was caked in mud, a set in case that one was torn asunder by an animal, and one more just in case that one caught flame. It was about that moment Dany felt silly but she wanted to do all in her power to aid him this time around.
She knew he did not fear war or fighting but she desperately did for him, all it could take was one arrow, one sword swing, one mace blow placed perfectly and he would slip from her grasp forever. But Jae had fought before, he was no stranger to the hardships of war or how to survive them. So she would trust he would come back to her once more, hopefully not six years late this time.
Though it was quiet she was not alone, Ghost stood next to her at his ever-silent vigil like usual. He would be staying in the keep with her despite all her protests Jae called him 'the only guard who could never be bought'. Dany couldn't disagree and with so many of their friends leaving she did feel a bit better keeping Ghost here. He was trained in valyrian and was becoming accustomed to her voice very quickly, he no longer needed to be instructed to obey her by Jae.
She was not sure exactly how much of the castle would go but she knew Jae intended to take Brienne and Podrick with him on the campaign though she worried for Pod. He had some of the finest tutors any squire could dream of on this campaign alone and yet she feared, she hoped she could dream of something pleasant for once. Dany finished his personal travel bags, deciding to tuck away her handkerchief inside, the same size as the favour she'd given him but all white with a lavender dragon stitched into it and smelling of her perfume.
Once more she felt silly worrying about such trivial things while larger issues loomed around them. Truth be told worrying about the mundane felt the only way to keep her sane, the last war had been thousands of miles away and on the other side of The Wall which meant court life went unbothered even if she worried. The Greyjoy rebellion was the only other large conflict she had lived through and even that was on the other side of the continent from her. Now however it was clear this war would be fought on their doorstep, her friends were at risk, and her family was at risk. Before she could daydream further, the time finally came to see the men off. Daenerys took her leave from the royal chambers Ser Swann walking along with Ghost behind her.
"Perhaps princess, it would be better to wait for a larger escort, just to be safe" Her white cloak reasoned while glancing at the wolf as they walked the halls.
"I will not cower in fear while the castle treats me like a fragile piece of glass," Dany told him.
"There is a difference between cowering and safety princess" Her head whipped back around at the sound of Renly's voice. The two shared a smile and a greeting when Dany noticed he was clad head to toe in armour with his bag slung over a shoulder.
"You're going to Rosby?" She asked.
"I am, I hope mayhaps this will show the king house Baratheon is loyal once again" He explained.
"You wish to earn your freedom, a captive no longer"
"Although the royal family has been kind and gracious to me during my time here, but I cannot even recall what Storm's End looks like anymore" He turned to look wishfully out a nearby window to the open sky above the city. He wanted to go home, but she couldn't fault him for wanting to fight for that she would simply have to pray harder.
"Then I shall wish you the strength and guidance of the gods"
"Thank you, princess, please tell me, have you an idea where your niece is?"
"We've been summoned to the castle steps to farewell Rhaegar and Jae," She told him. Renly nodded before joining her, a dejected look on his face that he was likely not going to be able to properly farewell who he was really looking for. Having been close friends with the Tyrells growing up she knew the truth about Renly and Loras. She watched his back as he left in search of his lover silently hoping the gods were kind to them as well.
Reaching the huge doors that made up the entrance to the Red Keep a small crowd had gathered of men riding out, Elia had her arms tight around her husband's neck while they traded a few whispers. Jae stood a few steps away, the bag she had packed sitting just behind his feet, his face brightening slightly as he saw her. Soon she was wrapped up in his embrace, his warmth surrounding her for the last time in what could be a long while. It could be forever, the mere thought made her shudder in his arms.
"Scared for me?" He whispered to her in valyrian. She tucked her head into the crook of his neck and nodded slightly. "Don't be my sweet, we will be home before you realize it" He tried to reassure her. She pulled back before kissing him hard for all the crowd to see.
"If you die I will have nothing, you hear me? I will go east and be lost in the Dothraki sea" she told him, causing both to share a small laugh. His gaze flicked past her and locked onto something behind her, turning back she saw Rhaenys awkwardly standing and watching the pair an unsure look in her eyes. Jaehaerys let her go and approached Rhae with a few steps.
"Jae, I wanted to wish you well and give y-" was as far as she got as without stopping or warning Jae reached out and cupped her cheek before kissing her too. Rhaenys was shocked for a moment before he deepened the kiss and her eyes fluttered shut. There was a surprised reaction amongst the people present including Rhaegar, though not Elia.
"What's this?" Jae asked tugging lightly at the cloth in her hands once he pulled away.
"I-I made it for you" she quickly rushed out clearly flustered. She presented a favour for him, and all black cloth with a red wolf stitched into it. "It could have been better, I-I do not use the needle often"
"Thank you," he said, stopping her worries. Dany didn't feel the pang of jealousy at the scene before her, in fact, she had to fight from smiling slightly as they parted. Rhae was different, she was the blood of the dragon, like them. Dany hugged her brother as well before giving him a chaste peck on the cheek.
"Be well sister, mayhaps you will sit in with Elia and learn some of the queenly duties" he offered, she beamed and nodded. Her brother would only want her to learn such tasks and responsibilities if he meant to make her queen. Her eyes couldn't help but flick back to Jae as he began down the steps with other men leaving.
The list was impressive she could not lie Rhaegar, Jaehaerys, Ned, Arthur, Jaime, Mandon, Renly, Beric Dondarrion, Brienne, and Oberyn were among the people she could name. Not to mention others who were going directly to Rosby from here like Tywin and Garlan, and other names who could join in the conflict like Stannis or the Blackfish. Dany worried for Jae's life but in the same breath, she knew he had plenty of competent soldiers alongside him.
Still, she prayed
AEGON
Even as the sight of land finally came Aegon felt no relief, this was merely the start of everything. Men moved about him readying the ship for land, he was certain they would have been spotted but they'd have days before word would hit King's Landing. All meant to be part of a grand scheme Varys has concocted to help ensure his accepted rule when they took the throne. Once they hit land however the schemes of court ended and the ones of warfare began.
"Nervous, your Grace?" A gruff Northern accent said beside him as he stared out over the railing.
"Not nervous Mormont, simply underwhelmed, I thought seeing Westeros would excite me more" The would-be king admitted to the amused chuckle of his friend.
"Some random stretch of crownlands pales in comparison to this land's greatest sights I promise you, the Hightower, Casterly Rock, the crushing storms of Shipbreakers Bays, the rolling dunes of Dorne, and even the Wall all these things are the true beauty of Westeros"
"Have you become a poet?" Aegon asked with a chuckle but Mormont did not laugh.
"You joke now, but when you are deep in the march of war fatigue and famine the comforting thought of home may help you push on" Jorah explained but Aegon couldn't relate to such an idea, he never had anywhere he could truly call home.
"Do you miss it?"
"You asked me that already your Grace"
"I just feel myself at a lack of missing anything, I suppose I'd like to know the feeling" Aegon explained. He never knew his father so he could not miss him, though he had his suspicions. His mother died birthing him so there was still nothing to miss, he had no lost home nor friends. No dead love, no great treachery, this war would be the first proof Aegon Blackfyre existed.
"It is not a pleasant feeling, a wound that never truly heals, an eternal pain, I shamed my house and lost my father's favour forever, even if you pardon me I'll have to live with that pain" Jorah said. "Mayhaps should you lose Illyrio or Varys you may know that pain but I wouldn't wish it on anyone"
"I'd miss you Mormont," Aegon said looking back, it was the truth. The young king had come to value the quiet but wise presence of his northern exile. More so than the flattery of Illyrio or the scheming of Varys, he was the first one Aegon believed when he said he could achieve something.
"I-" Jorah paused, he had a guilty look for a moment before looking away back out to the water. "That means a lot your Grace, but-"
"But this grizzled old bear doesn't deserve the honour" Another voice called out with a laugh. Daario Naharis clapped a hand on Aegon's shoulder hard as he joined the two men by the railing. "The men say we can be on land before dusk sets in"
"Good inform them when we hit land we are going west, we must meet with Varys at the rendezvous spot near Summerhall"
"Shall we follow the main road? I imagine there will be plenty a-town to stop off at and refresh ourselves on the march" He said with a wicked grin.
"Yes we will be following the roads, but we won't be looting, pillaging, or raping, if you men need food come to me and I shall feed them and if they desire woman I shall find and pay them but we will not set the countryside ablaze"
"War and honour often do not go hand in hand" Daario tried to argue.
"No but rulership and honour do, how can I massacre these people and then ask them to kneel before me, If I wish to be better than their mad king I must act different" Aegon said, his blue bearded sellswords captain nodded before returning to his men. Aegon had time to eat and spar with Jorah and Rolly before they made land, it took time to organize his men and they weren't able to march before nightfall but Jorah persuaded Aegon to let the men rest and march in the morning.
Aegon had been in his tent sitting on his cot deep in study, despite his years of work he still was not confident in his knowledge of many of the lesser houses. Some men cared little for the family of little impact but he found them interesting, the stories of men who fought to carve their names in story and song. Some would be rebels or villains and others someday legends or Lord Commanders.
He could hear the men cheering and a few whistles before the shifting of the tent flap caught his attention, he perked up to see a beautiful woman walking in, her hips swaying from side to side. She was barely dressed with grey-white strips of cloth covering her breasts and a short skirt of the same shade. Her stomach, legs, and feet were bare. Her hair was long down to her shoulders while in a high ponytail, and the curly ringlets were dyed a light shade of pink along with a pair of soft lilac.
"Hello your Grace" she said in a sweet quiet tone. She was young and skinny and her skin looked soft and flawless as it gleamed in the candlelight.
"Who-"
"A gift, along with a message, a campaign can be a lonely affair, do try to enjoy yourself," she said before a sly smile grew along her lips. Aegon swallowed dryly as she approached him, she knelt down and gently took the book from his hands. He didn't fight her as she set the book aside, almost stunned as she giggled and began unlacing his boots.
"Who sent you?" He asked.
"Guess," She said in that whispered tone again. This could be a trap, he should arm himself or have the girl questioned but as she moved to his other boot he stupidly let her.
"D-Daario?" He offered, she shook her head, her pink curls tossing back and forth. After she finished with his shoes she sat up on her knees between his legs and let her hands run along the insides of his thighs towards his crotch. Her face leaned in close to his, she smelled like sweet honey and roses.
"Illyrio then," He said, she smiled and nodded.
"Said you were quick your Grace" she added as her hands reached for the laces on his pants. He grabbed her wrist stopping her causing her to glance up at him in question.
"Where-, did you stow away?" he asked, confused how Illyrio could have gotten this girl here.
"He assigned a few men the task of watching me on a rear ship, to make sure none spoiled me" She twisted her hands around so she could take his and interlace their fingers.
"Spoil you?"
"I'm a maid, I've been taught a few delicate things by other women but I've never been touched by a man"
"How old are you?" He asked.
"Nine and ten to be twenty soon" So she was close to his age, just a little younger. She was patient and her skin felt like velvet against his.
"Your name?"
"His Grace has many questions for having a half-naked girl on her knees" she teased.
"You can't fault me for being cautious or curious," Aegon responded.
"Orissa your Grace"
"Tell me Orissa, are you, a slave?" He asked.
"Do I seem a slave?" She asked, her head tilted to the side slightly.
"You enjoy making a dance out of conversation, hm?' he asked with a chuckle.
"You are the one with a woman throwing herself at you and all his Grace can do is question her" Orissa rose and let his hands go before pouring a cup of wine. He carefully watched her as the goblet filled, she turned to give him the drink but he pointed back at her.
"You first" He ordered, she playfully rolled her eyes before raising the cup to her lips and taking a long drink.
"Tyroshi brandy, a good choice your Grace," She said handing the cup to him. "Mayhaps his Grace prefers the company of men" Aegon choked on his drink coughing, she took the cup from him before he could spill it on himself. "It is okay if true, I will not share your secrets" she added, giggling once more.
"No, no I prefer women fine"
"Am I not pretty enough then? Mayhaps a dark-haired girl"
"You are, beautiful" Aegon quickly said.
"Then why hesitate? Why not indulge?"
"Are you a slave?" He asked again, intent on hearing her answer. "Do not lie to me, I am a king"
"You are a usurper currently" If she was a slave she cared little for the repercussions of talking back to her Lord. "A would-be conqueror"
"The throne is mine by right" Aegon watched her set the cup back down and begin idly walking around his tent looking around at his belongings.
"What makes a foreign throne yours?"
"My ancestors were wrongfully denied, murdered, and exiled, Daemon Blackfyre was the rightful heir of Aegon the Fourth and I intend to finally correct that mistake in my family history"
"So you believe it is you who are the rightful Targaryen and they who are the bastards" She stopped for a moment, paging through a book that caught her eye.
"A simple way to explain it but yes"
"Is it any less true if explained simply?"
"I suppose not"
"So you wish to restore your family to its rightful place, and you're willing to let thousands die for that?" Aegon's eyebrows went up, his eyes flicked to where his sword lay nearby.
"Such is war"
"And the men who wage it are innocent?"
"If you have a meaning I desire you to state it please"
"To own one slave girl is a steep hill, but to send thousands to their deaths on a journey to burn and take, that is fine?" She turned to face him.
"If you are a slave you sure are imprudent"
"I don't know the word"
"Imprudent is when you are rash," he explained, she glanced down at her arm in worry causing him to laugh. "No, rash means to display a lack of consideration for one's consequences"
"Hm, you are as educated as they said" She approached again. Before she could reach him however Aegon stood and quickly darted over to his sword picking it up but not drawing it. "Oh? And now his Grace means to slay me"
"You know who I am and know your wine vintages by taste,"
"Like I said I was only taught certain delicacies, who you are, why you are here, how best to please you both in and out of the bed and if that mayhaps means knowing which wines you like best by taste then I had to learn it" she began approaching again this time slightly slower, her hips swaying once more as she walked with a felines grace. "So tell me, will you strike me down or enjoy what I have to give you"
"Answer me this, and I won't run away anymore," He said and she nodded. "Did Illyrio buy you?" He asked one final time, Orissa eyed him closely for a moment.
"Yes, I am a slave"
"Then I free you," he said before turning to walk away from her. "You are freed from the constraints Illyrio put on you to 'please' me"
"I thought you said you wouldn't run away"
"I'm not running away, I simply chose not to lay with a woman against her will"
"Who said it was against my will?"
"That is what a slave is, no? You were bought and sold and taught to serve a purpose regardless of your opinions of the matter"
"Surely you will not turn me out to the camp full of men all hungry for the touch of a woman" Aegon stilled for a moment, if she was an assailant it would be suicide to let her stay but it would be nothing less than cruel to turn her out to all those men even if he forbade them from touching her he couldn't watch over her the entire campaign.
"You can stay here for now, once we find a town we will leave you somewhere safe"
"With no coin, nor way to get home, just simply abandon me in a foreign land?" Orissa asked in an exaggerated, joking tone.
"Where are you from?" He asked before he realized the words left his mouth.
"Lys"
"My mother was from Lys"
"Magister Illyrio may have wanted you to have a taste of home before you conquered"
"Does the prospect of lying with me interest you so much?"
"Does the prospect of lying with me bother you so much?"
"There you go dancing with words again" Aegon sighed.
"I could dance with my body instead of his Grace would prefer" Orissa began a turn about the room as if there were a soft melody filling the night air.
"I already told you, you needn't please me you're not my slave"
"Has his Grace considered I want to please him?" Aegon watched her as she silently moved, almost floating about his admittedly oversized tent. She expertly moved in a wide berth around him before spiralling inward and ending up in front of him. "Will his Grace strike his admirer down?"
"Admirer?"
"I've been told a lot about you, how you have trained with sword, bow, and lance, how you are well versed in history and language, you are a young commander and wielder of the legendary sword, and your namesake, Blackfyre" she explained quietly. He wasn't sure how much of that he could agree with, but the fact she knew about Blackfyre was likely proof she came from Illyrio. Silently she sank to her knees in front of him, her fingers reaching for the laces on his britches, "Now will His Grace let me serve him dutifully?"
"I will not keep slaves," Aegon argued quickly.
"So don't, like you said you set me free, I still desire to share your bed and no one else's" She worked deftly at opening his pants and this time he did not fight her.
"Why?" He couldn't help but ask.
"Because I have worked towards this moment for a long time, I very much anticipate it, and now that I see you are not some brute I must force myself to lay with I am tempted more" Orissa had a naughty smile as she began to tug his pants down his thighs.
"You really don't have-" Aegon's voice caught in his throat as he sprang free from his small clothes. If she was a maiden she was not shy about immediately wrapping her fingers around his cock, he throbbed slightly as her cool skin made contact with his burning hot member.
"His Grace is well endowed as well, how lucky I am" Her hand moved up and down his length agonizingly slow. She looked up at him with wide doe eyes and all arguments against this foolishly died in his head. He swallowed hard as she smiled before opening her mouth and taking him inside ripping a gasp from his throat. She sucked hard as she took him deeper going most of the length before he threatened to enter her throat. He had started half erect but was standing tall quickly as she worked back and forth along him.
"O-Orissa" He moaned, one of his hands flew down to her hair to help balance himself. Her eyes still locked onto his as her tongue danced around the head of his shaft before she pushed herself deep and gagged slightly. Orissa pulled back to breathe, her hand quickly replaced what her mouth was doing. Then once more she dove back down his cock, a wanton wet slurping could be heard as she sucked hard around him. Her hand worked the rest of him that she could not reach with her mouth, he flexed and tensed in her mouth as her head bobbed. Her tongue danced around the crown before taking him deep again. "Gods, you are too good at that," Aegon moaned, she pulled off teasing the tip one last time before giggling lightly again.
"I was taught well"
"I, I'm a-"
"Maid? I know," She said before standing and taking one of his hands. "I was ready if I needed to take the lead or if you would be the initiator" She guided him to the string holding her skirt up and letting him pull it undone. The flimsy material fell to the ground leaving her bare from the waist down. She had a patch of white blonde hair above her womanhood which she ran a hand over. "I can shave it, however, his Grace prefers"
"You don't need to please me" His eyes snapped back up to hers, he felt it strange the idea this woman tutored for who knows how long to bring him some satisfaction. He wondered if she even believed she was free, or if obedience was instilled in her like an unsullied and she was just saying what he wanted to hear to get through this. Orissa stepped out of her skirt and pulled Aegon's tunic up and over his head, his long silver hair spilling back down his bare shoulders. His chest was mostly barren save for a few streaks of hair that covered it, he had a few injuries from his years of training but he hadn't seen real combat yet.
"His Grace sounds like a busted flute, one note" She teased.
"Aegon," He said quickly. "If we are going to be one another's firsts, please call me Aegon, at-at least during"
"Okay, Aegon," Orissa took him by both hands, guiding him back towards the cot. She pulled the laces free from her top and that too was soon discarded along the floor. Now completely naked she helped him finish stripping and pulled him atop her as she laid back. Her legs came to hook around the back of his thighs, his hands on either side of her head, her pink hair splayed out around her as the cot creaked slightly from their combined weight. He could not lie he was nervous, and none of his training or tutelage taught him. She grasped him once more, lining them up between her legs he could feel a faint slickness on her, "Come to me Aegon"
His hips shifted forward and he pushed into her, she was impossibly tight and a sharp hiss escaped her lips as he began to push deeper. He tried to pull back at her pain but her legs tensed keeping him in place, "Don't run" she said in a hushed tone. A hand came up to his hip to urge him deeper, he pushed until another sharp pain shot through her and he wanted to pull back again. Blood trickled out of her down his length, soaking into the blanket below them.
"Are you-?"
"I am fine, please do not stop here" They both spoke in hushed whispers, tears threatening to spill out from the corners of her eyes. Aegon continued, almost pushing a gasp from her as his cock reached her depths. Her eyes fluttered shut as a tear streaked down her cheek, "I need, a moment please" she said breathlessly. A hand rested on his hip and the other on his forearm holding him as Orissa lay beneath him. Aegon's hand came up, his thumb wiping away her tears causing her eyes to open again, their indigo gazes connecting.
"You, you feel amazing" He muttered, she smiled up at him before taking his hand and interlacing their fingers.
"Take me like a dragon does, like a King"