Casterly Rock: 283 AC: 1 Moon Later:
Tywin read the letter he had received from Jon Arryn. His pale green eyes scanned the words. A marriage proposal between the soon to be King Robert and his young daughter, Cersei. He knew it would propel his house to even greater heights and he was more than eager to accept it. To finally have a Queen from House Lannister was something he could only dream of. How he wished his late wife, Joanna, could be here to see her daughter crowned as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. The thoughts for his wife soon turned to animosity for his son, for his part in killing her on his way into this world. The spiteful, ill-made, little creature was not deserving of a mother such as Joanna had she lived through his birth.
Taking a deep breath and composing himself, he began to write his letter of acceptance to Jon Arryn. He would ensure that this wedding was one of the most lavish and grand weddings the Realm had ever seen. One that far surpassed anything the Targaryens had ever done before. For this was a new era and he would do his part to make sure the Realm knew that the time of the Dragons was at an end. Finishing the letter, he sealed it with that proud lion sigil that was his fathers sigil and his fathers before him. Once done, he made his way from his solar to see his young daughter and break the news of the betrothal to her. He felt there was no point as she always knew she would be a Queen and it wasn't like she did not know about Jon Arryn's proposal already but he did it more out of a courtesy to his beloved daughter.
Arriving at her chambers, he found Cersei busy with her embroidery. The golden lion she was sewing was a pleasing sight to him. "Cersei." Tywin began.
"Father? Is everything alright?" Cersei asked, her emerald eyes lighting up at the sight of her father.
"I have accepted Jon Arryn's proposal of marriage. You are to be Queen, Cersei."
"Really? I have now words, father!" She almost squealed at her excitement.
Of course this was not Cersei's first time in being betrothed to royalty as she spent her younger years in being infatuated with the then young Prince Rhaegar. Her disappointment was immeasurable when her father informed her of Aerys' refusal to marry her to Rhaegar. Tywin was even more furious and he remembers the words of Aerys when he said he would not marry his heir to the daughter of a servant of his. It made Tywin smirk slightly, as Aerys was now dead and he was the one with the power.
"You are to be wed next year, Cersei. I promise I will make it the most special day of your life." Tywin almost smiled, as his daughter drew him into a hug. He held her close and ran his hands through her golden curls. The same curls that reminded him so much of her mother.
"Thank you, Father. I love you." Cersei whispered.
"I love you too, Cersei." Tywin replied and for the first time in years he wore a true smile across his face.
After saying their goodbyes, Tywin made his way back to his solar. Now he had secured Cersei as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, he now had to secure his own succession. Ever since Jamie became a Kingsguard he had been forbidden from inheriting Casterly Rock from his father which made Tywin furious as he felt that Aerys only appointed him out of spite towards him. A thought came to Tywin that now Robert was to be king he could petition him to release Jamie from his vows so he could resume his place as heir to Casterly Rock. Surely Robert would not want a man who killed his King at his side and Tywin could perhaps make him see it as dishonorable to have Jamie at his side after his actions during the rebellion. Tywin knew it would make Jamie unhappy as he always wanted to be like Arthur Dayne and serve a king honorably. Tywin did not care however, as all he needed to do was secure his legacy and make sure his House prospered no matter what his son might have felt.
He pulled a fresh parchment out and began to write another letter to Jon Arryn. One that almost demanded Jamie be released from his vows. If Jon did not acquiesce to his demands, the Old Falcon will truly see him roar.
Kings Landing: 283 AC: 2 Days Later:
Varys stood on the battlements of the Red Keep. His eyes observed the scene below him. The city stood almost silent in the late evening and it looked almost peaceful, however he knew once the sun had set the city would become restless with drunken debauchery and rowdiness. His gaze turned towards the harbor and the ships that came and went. Most of the docks were taken up by Stannis' soon to be fleet, the giant ship Fury standing out amongst them all. It sent a shiver up Varys' back. He of course knew what the fleet was being built for and he knew those at Dragonstone had no chance to stop what was coming their way. He could stop them from facing it altogether though.
"Ah Lord Varys." The old voice called from behind him, startling Varys.
"Lord Jon Arryn, a pleasure to see you." Varys falsely smiled.
"You come here in the evening as well, Lord Varys? A marvelous sight is it not?" Jon smirked as he stood next to The Spider.
"I find it quite a serene sight, yes."
"It is. I take it you have seen the harbor, no? A mighty fleet it is." Jon said as he pointed towards the half-built fleet.
"It is indeed mighty, my Lord."
"Tell me, Lord Varys. Have your little birds found their way onto Dragonstone." Jon replied, his face turning towards the Eunuch who held a curious look on his face.
"My little birds are everywhere, my Lord. I hear their songs all the time, night and day." Varys smirked, as his words almost sounded threatening.
"What songs have they heard from Dragonstone?"
"They say that the island has been welcoming more strangers. I have been told that not only Arthur Dayne is there with a young babe but, that Ser Barristan Selmy has now found his way to the island. Most peculiar indeed."
Jon's heart sank to his stomach. "The traitor...we should have had him killed at the Trident."
"Yes, though a man of honor such as Barristan would not have made his way there without a push. What pushed him there I cannot say, my Lord." Varys smirked as he walked away, leaving Jon alone on the battlements.
Jon was apoplectic. Not only had he failed in getting rid of Barristan but he had now driven him into the arms of the Targaryens. Now the Targaryens had two of the most fierce knights on the Realm had ever seen, on their side. It was a catastrophe in Jon's eyes. Not only had he failed in stopping Barristan but now the Eunuch was threatening him with the knowledge that he knew what he had done. How he could gain that information, he had no idea. Now he was in the precarious position of Robert finding out about what he had done. He could not let that happen as he would lose everything he had worked so hard for in the blink of an eye. He saw only one way out. He had to see those on Dragonstone dead. Sooner rather than later.
Making his way inside the Red Keep, Jon racked his thoughts. First he made his way to see Stannis who was currently requesting more men for construction of the fleet from one of the shipwrights in the throne room. Jon watched as Stannis berated the man, who eventually gave in to his demands of more bodies despite his protests that he had none to give. Jon caught the eye of Stannis.
"Lord Jon." Stannis nodded.
"Lord Stannis, a moment please." Jon asked.
"Very well, my Lord."
"How goes the construction of the fleet?"
"It is arduous, but it should be ready in the next three moons."
The news displeased Jon who attempted to hide his displeasure. "Three moons? Can you not be quicker?"
Stannis' eyes narrowed. "Quicker? I apologize, Jon, but I am building a royal fleet. These things take time, I am sure you understand."
"It is imperative it is done as quickly as possible."
"Why? Are you worried the Dragons will take flight?" Stannis questioned to no reply. "I assure you my Lord that we are working as fast as possible and that my men are too. Now if you'll excuse me." Stannis assured before walking away, leaving Jon alone in the throne room.
Jon was almost annoyed at being dismissed so easily by Stannis. His eyes caught the view of Varys who walked past him almost as if he was mocking him. Jon sighed as he left. The next three moons would be the hardest for Jon, as he had to keep Barristan's betrayal under wraps until the time came for them to invade Dragonstone. Something that he was capable of but with the Spider strolling around, he knew that none of his secrets could be safe.
Varys walked briskly through the throne room, his eyes catching the Falcons own. The man was a fool in Varys' mind. Sending lowly assassins after Barristan Selmy was a good example of that, as he should have known that they would have been ineffective. However, Varys was almost happy when he did send them, as it only served to drive Barristan further into the arms of the Targaryens. When he came to his quarters that day, he knew that he would not hunt down and kill Arthur Dayne and it naive of Jon to think so. Any man with half a brain could've seen it but Jon was so blinded by his hatred that he failed to see it. However, he had more pressing matters to deal with than the stupidity of an old man.
Arriving at his quarters he placed a fresh piece of parchment on his table and ink. He sat down and poured himself some wine, as he began to sip it slowly before he began to write.
Arthur,
I do hope you are well and are in good company. I also hope that Barristan has now found his way to you safely as I felt his presence could only serve to help the King.
I am writing to you to inform you of something most pressing and dire. Stannis is almost ready with the royal fleet that is bound for Dragonstone to kill you all. It should be ready to in the next three moons but it could be quicker as he is working his men to the point of exhaustion.
You must get off of Dragonstone. Soon. When you are ready to leave, make your way to Pentos. I have a friend there by the name of Illyrio who can give you room and board until you find more permanent accommodation.
Varys.
Varys read the letter again to make sure he missed nothing out, before rolling it up and sealing it with the sigil of the three headed dragon. Tying it to a raven, he sent it on its way towards Dragonstone. He could not use the ravens that Pycelle owned as Varys trusted the man as much as he trusted Jon Arryn. He knew that Pycelle performed a mummery with his old age and was in the pockets of Tywin Lannister. He was there that day when Pycelle convinced the Mad King to open the gates to Tywin and he was there when the consequences of the sack were presented before them all. He could still see the blood on the crimson cloaks that the bodies of Rhaenys and Aegon were wrapped in. It was that moment that he knew Robert would not be a good King if he could so easily disregard the murders of two children when it suited him. What the Realm needed was a great King and he could only envision one. The same one that was sitting in the middle of Dragonstone.
Dragonstone: 283 AC: 1 Day Later:
Arthur played with the fingers of the young Aemon, the babe giggling lightly every time he grabbed one of Arthurs' fingers. Arthur smiled at the boy, as he still found it quite funny that this babe would be the one to grow into the man he saw in his dreams. He could see it though, as he saw the small tufts of dark hair begin to form on top his head and his grey eyes still remained as beautiful as ever. Beside him sat Rhaella, her belly bulging under the weight of the child she carried. She smiled at the babe before them both but it did little to ease Arthurs' mind, as every time he looked at her, he was reminded of her refusal to travel off of Dragonstone. Time and time again, he implored her to flee with him and to make way for anywhere but here yet, time and time again she refused him marking her pregnancy as the reason.
It infuriated Arthur who could not understand her reasoning. As time went on, she would only become more encumbered by her child. If she left when he first told her to, he felt she would have been fine as her pregnancy was not as heavy as it was now. Although, if they did leave then, he would not have been able to meet with Barristan, which was the only good thing to come out of this situation.
"They grow quickly, no?" Rhaella asked.
"They do, my Queen, though I have never had the pleasure of having a child of mine own, I often imagine this is what it feels like." Arthur smiled, his dark blue eyes meeting Rhaella's violet own.
"They become your world, Arthur. You'll want to do everything for them no matter what."
Ever since he had come to take care of Aemon, Arthur often had these same feelings towards the child. Though not of his own blood, he felt that Aemon had become like a son for him and it was almost that if now, regardless whether he was his King or not, he would do anything for him. "I have these feelings towards him, my Queen." Arthur admitted.
"It is natural, Arthur. I can only imagine that once he grows up he would see you as his father."
The thought brought a smile to his face. He had only ever thought of his honor and duty whenever he took an action to defend Aemon, but now he felt that he was doing it out of love for the boy. "I would not be adverse to that, my Queen."
"Please Arthur, whenever we're alone like this, you can call me Rhaella. There is not much I am Queen of anymore." Rhaella smiled.
"Yet a Queen you are, Rhaella."
Rhaella placed a comforting hand on Arthurs own, the roughness of it almost feeling like a stone under her soft hands. They continued to talk about fatherhood and what it meant, before being interrupted by the arrival of Richard Lonmouth. His younger features had become more clearer ever since he had cut his beard and hair.
"Ser Arthur, My Queen." Richard bowed.
"What do you bring, Ser Richard?" Rhaella questioned, noticing the scroll in his hand.
"A letter, my Queen. Bearing the seal of House Targaryen."
"Impossible." Arthur scowled, standing up and taking the scroll from Richard. "He speaks truly, my Queen." Arthur confirmed, handing the letter to Rhaella.
"So he does." Rhaella whispered, as she broke the seal and began to read the letter, its contents making her eyes widen. "It is for you, Ser Arthur." She said, handing the scroll to Arthur.
Arthur read the letter and then gave it to Richard who in turn, read it himself. Arthur ran his hands through his dark hair, as his thoughts began to become flooded with escape. "You are in contact with Varys? The spymaster Varys?" Richard asked towards Arthur.
"He is the one who led me here. Willem Darry was told by him to take a ship and bring me from Dorne." Arthur explained.
"He is loyal, Ser Richard, do not fret." Rhaella confirmed.
"The contents of the letter, my Queen. We must leave when we are able." Arthur implored.
Rhaella did not answer and looked at Richard. "Ser Richard, could you please bring Ser Barristan and Ser Willem here."
"At once, my Queen." Richard bowed, before quickly making his way to find Barristan.
"Rhaella, I cannot risk leaving you behind nor can I risk you staying and forcing me to defend you." Arthur pleaded.
"I understand, Arthur. I will tell you what I think once Barristan and Willem arrive."
Arthur was confused by the calmness of her voice though, considering everything she had been through, he should not be surprised. After what felt like an eternity, Barristan and Willem arrived to where they were waiting and both men bowed their heads towards their Queen.
"Sers, it has come to my attention that the Usurper intends to send a fleet to Dragonstone and kill us all." Rhaella began. "As I know you have all implored me to leave as soon as possible, I have rebuked you all at every turn, to my dismay. I should have listened to you all. I can only apologize, especially to you, Ser Arthur."
Arthur almost cried out in joy at the words of Rhaella but calmed himself, lest he embarrass himself in front of his knights. "There is nothing to apologize for, my Queen." He smirked.
"What are we to do then, my Queen." Willem asked.
"We leave, as soon as we are able." Rhaella replied.
"You are not worried about traveling when you are with child, my Queen." Barristan questioned.
"I fear that the concern I have for my unborn child, has selfishly put the the rest of my family at risk, so it is a risk I am willing to take and should have taken much sooner." Rhaella sighed. "Willem, how long will it take for the fleet to be ready to depart?"
"I will need to check that every ship is supplied and ready to go but, it should be no more than a moon to have everyone boarded and ready to sail." Willem confirmed.
"Good. I ask you all to help Willem in his task and make sure everything is ready for when we depart. Please go about your duties, Sers."
The group all bowed and began to leave until Rhaella called Arthur back and asked him to stay with her. As he sat down beside her once more, he noticed the sadness in her eyes. "Is something wrong, Rhaella?" Arthur asked.
"I fear I owe you a personal apology, Arthur. I understand that these times have been trying for you and I know I have not helped to ease your burden."
"There is nothing to apologize for, Rhaella. You were only looking out for your child."
"Yes, but in my concern for one child, I had forgone the safety of two more."
"You see him as your own?" Arthur asked, his eyes drawn to the now sleeping Aemon.
"I do. He has grown on me, I suppose, and he is my grandchild, after all." She smiled.
"I am sure he cannot wait to have you looking over him, Rhaella. You will be a good parent for him, as you were for Rhaegar."
Rhaella placed her hand back into Arthurs own at the mention of her sons name. She knew how much he meant to Arthur and found solace in his words. "If I can make him grow up to be anything like him, I will be proud." Rhaella smirked as she looked into eyes of the knight beside her.
"He will be a great man and an even greater King. We will make sure of it, Rhaella." Arthur whispered, as he squeezed the Queens hand.
Rhaella smiled at the knights gesture, before removing her hand and gathering the sleeping Aemon in her arms. Before she left, she placed a kiss on Arthurs' cheek as a sign of thanks for everything he had done for her family. Arthur watched her leave, a small smile appearing on his face as he did so. After a moment, he too left the room and made his way towards the room of the painted table. Finally, he could begin to put his plans in motion and see that the royal family was safe. On his way to the room, he found the young Prince Viserys who requested that he come with the knight. Seeing no harm in allowing him to join him, Arthur led the boy to the room and bid him to sit in the chair at the table. Pouring him some water, Arthur asked the Prince how his day was unfolding to which Viserys told him of his time in the sparring yard with Willem and Barristan. Before long, Viserys began to ask why Arthur was in the room of the painted table to begin with.
"We are leaving Dragonstone, my Prince." Arthur explained. "Our enemies are coming for us soon and we must be here when they do."
"I knew we could not be here for long, Ser Arthur, but this place is like a home to me, I will be sad to leave it behind."
"It is the way of things, Viserys. I have not seen my own home in years. Being a Kingsguard has that effect on you." Arthur chuckled.
"Your home is Starfall, is it not, Ser?"
"It is. The most magnificent castle I've ever seen. The Palestone tower looks over the Summerset sea. If you stand on the top of it, you can see for miles." Arthur smiled as he thought of home.
"Do you not ever wish to go home, Ser? Or do you not miss your family?"
A look of contemplation had come over Arthur. He had been so wrapped up in his duty to the King, he had hardly thought of home. "I do, of course. Any man who says they don't miss home is a liar, Viserys. I have a sister there, Ashara."
"Do you miss her?"
"More than anything. She is the most beautiful woman I've ever set eyes on. She has violet eyes like you and your mother, Viserys."
"Is she a Targaryen? I read that only the Targaryens have violet eyes."
"No, she's not a Targaryen. At least I don't think so." Arthur chuckled.
After some more talk of home and family, Viserys began to ask Arthur about his plans for their escape. The young boy became excited when he spoke of fleets and ships, as all young men did whenever they heard talk of military and war. He became further excited when he told them they will be going to Pentos. The young Prince told Arthur of being excited of seeing foreign places and new things, almost as if it was an adventure. Arthur smiled as the boy grew excited on the idea of travelling, which Arthur felt would be a good thing. It would do them no good to have a Prince become home sick and refuse to travel. After some more talk, Arthur led the Prince to his chambers and bid him to sleep and rest.
Once done, Arthur made his way to his own chambers and upon arriving, he found Dawn laying on the table before him. Picking up the sword he ran his hand along the flat face of its pale blade. The sword reminded him of home and of his family. Sitting down on the edge of his bed, he thought of Ashara and his father. He wondered how they would be faring and if they even knew he was alive or not. Perhaps by now, the Usurper had spread false rumors of his death but he had no way of knowing. Placing Dawn down on the edge of his bed, Arthur lay back and closed his eyes. His thoughts returned to his sister and her violet eyes before they turned to the plans of escape he must now enact.
His dreams were again visited by his King. Rather than on some barren land, they were instead in some woods, where in the middle stood a giant Weirwood which bore a wicked smile. Beside it stood, Aemon who turned to look at Arthur with piercing grey eyes. On his hip, he wore Dark Sister and his clothes were a deep black. The cloak he wore had the three headed dragon embordered into its black cloth. Arthur looked down at himself and saw his own armor was a bright enamel white, his pure white cloak blowing in the wind much like his Kings own.
"Ser Arthur. An honor to see you again." Aemon smiled, as he bid Arthur to come to him.
"The honor is mine, my King." Arthur smiled back, walking to his Kings side.
"Do you know where we are?"
"No, Your Grace."
"Winterfell. The Godswood to be more precise."
"Why have you brought me here, Your Grace?"
"It's a nice place, do you not think? I felt it would be nice to talk here."
Arthur stiffened at the mention of Winterfell, knowing what he had done to the Lord of this place. "What do you wish to discuss, Your Grace."
"I wanted to thank you, for what you've done for me and my family. Now we can finally get off of Dragonstone." Aemon chuckled.
"I need no thanks, Your Grace. I only did my duty."
"Yet others would have faltered whereas you have not. You are a true knight, Arthur. There are many trials and difficulties ahead. You must be ready for them, my friend."
"I will be. I always will be."
"Good, Arthur. I will leave you to your rest."
"Before you go, Your Grace. How are you able to do this?" Arthur asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"I don't do anything, Arthur. It is the magic really."
Arthur almost scoffed at the words as magic was a fairytale for young girls and boys. "Magic?"
"It is in my blood, Arthur. As it was in my mother and father. This is simply a vision, as nothing you see here is set in stone. The future is fickle like that." Aemon chuckled.
"I see." Arthur sighed.
"Do not worry, Arthur. You will see me again so long as you do not stray from the right path."
Arthur awoke, drenched in sweat. His head hurt as if he had been drunk the night before and he looked over to the window and saw that the dawn had broke. How long he had slept for he wasn't sure. Only that he now again had that fire in his belly to see all of this through and no matter how long it took, he will see Aemon on the Iron Throne.
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews and follows and such. Up next, we should finally be getting off of Dragonstone, Robert gets his coronation and we take a quick visit to Winterfell. Thanks for reading.