I own nothing.
Author notes: In this chapter, there will be some uncomfortable age differences in a marriage. There will be a 16-to-17-year age difference in this story. If you are uncomfortable with it, please don't read it.
Italics is Valyrian
The Next Morning, they met Tyrion outside in Winter Town. Lyarra and Jon were conversing with Aegon asking him questions about what Dorne was like. Marleina was talking to Jayne Poole with Ser Barristan Selmy standing close by. Joanna was thinking about her next steps. She was dreading going through the Twins. Walder Frey made her skin crawl. But she really did not have to choose. She was thinking of stopping at Riverrun. She would need all the allies she could get. Their next stop would be House Reed. Tyrion came out at that point. He noticed the thoughtful look on Joanna's face.
"Thinking sweet niece," Tyrion asked.
"Just thinking about our next moves uncle," Joanna answered him.
"What were thinking about," Tyrion asked.
"Just dreading meeting Walder Frey again," Joanna told him.
"He is your lady's maid father. And he has ties to House Lannister. He knows who you are he will not try anything." Tyrion reassured.
"It's not what I worry about," Joanna replied giving Tyrion a look.
Tyrion gave her an understanding look. That man was a coward which meant he could be bought. Normally he followed where Tywin Lannister led. He gave her a reassuring look. The look shared so many words. Tywin would be on her side, she had nothing to worry about. "Tell me; what do you think of stopping in Riverrun?" Joanna asked softly.
"It will be a great honor for House Tully to host the Princess," Tyrion replied.
"Good" Joanna replied.
They all mounted their horses. They had a long ride ahead of them. With any luck, they will make it to the Twins by noon tomorrow. Aegon on his light grey mare rode up to Joanna on Balerion. Tyrion watched them ride side by side with Ser Barristan nearby. It was like watching a King and Queen. She did not want what she liked coming. He followed Marleina and Lyarra. Jon and Samwell rode next to each other. In many ways, he was thankful for Aegon being by Joanna's side. He was raised to take his rightful place on the throne. Joanna was not. But at the same time, he realized that they were two different faces of the same coin.
Cersei stood with the rest of the Royal family and members of the small council and Kingsguards on the beach near the dock. She coldly eyed Lord Hand Ned Stark who stood near his daughters. Sansa looked over to Joffrey with a look that spoke of her longing to be his queen. Joffrey for the most part was not attached to her in the least. Cersei did not think the naïve little bird was good enough for her lion. Princess Myrcella was dressed in a gold traveling gown. She would miss her family dearly. She was trying to put on a brave face. But tears were welling up in her eyes. This was nothing like Joanna leaving King Landing. She was still injured when she left under the care of the best Maester, and healer money could buy. It took everything for Robert not to kill Joffrey for his act on Joanna. Joffrey and Robert's relationship was never the same after that. Robert drunkenly took Myrcella's hand leading her over to the dock. He kissed her cheek as tears poured down her face. That small boat would take her to a ship to take her to Dorne and Sunspear. Ser Arys Oakheart followed behind the pair. It was decided that he would accompany the princess and keep her safe. The was a silence that filled the group. They watched as Princess Myrcella along with her lady maid and Ser Arys boarded the boat. Tears poured down Myrcella's face tears welling up in Cersei's eyes at the loss of her only daughter by Jaime. The cold hard look stayed on her face as Robert left with most of the Kingsguards and the Small council.
"You will regret this" Cersei muttered under her breath as Robert and Ned left.
Viserys stood overlooking the Pentos. He was getting ready to meet his bride. Serylla Vhassar, the only daughter of elephant Triarch of Volantis. It would get him access to enough to buy an army to retake and conquer the seven kingdoms. He wondered if this was the same welcome his ancestor Daemon Targaryen received. Magister Illyrio came into the room.
"Nyessos Vhassar and his daughter have arrived," Illyrio told him.
"Good, tell me Illyrio with his money I can buy any army I want right," Viserys asked.
"Yes, I could not find you a finer bride," Illyrio explained. Viserys and Illyrio head toward the meeting place. Illyrio knew that Viserys wanted and Valyrian bride. He knew if Rhaella's daughter lived. He would have married her instead. "Nyessos comes from the same blood as you, your grace. He has the same violet eyes as you," Illyrio explained.
Viserys nodded his head. With any luck his bride would be just as beautiful as his baby sister was. They continued in silence. They enter the room that Nyessos and Serylla were in. Nyessos had dark tan skin with haunting violet eyes. His hair was a darker shade of silver blonde. He boasted some of the classical beautiful features that Valyrian were known for. Serylla was no more than one and ten. She may have flowered and was able to have children. She looked more like a child than a mother. Her skin was a lighter shade of tan, and her eyes were indigo, nearly black. She was skinny. It reminded Viserys of Elia Martell's near-sickly skinny body. She was flat-chested. There were no curves to her body at all. She had long straight black hair. She took after her Volantiene mother over her father's Valyrian ancestry. Illyrio and Nyessos were talking in Valyrian.
"This is Viserys third of his name of House Targaryen the rightful King of Andals, Rhoynar and first men and rightful king of Seven kingdoms," Illyrio introduced.
"Your Grace," Nyessos started. He pushed his daughter forward. She stared up at Viserys. She only came up to Viserys stomach. Serylla looked at him up and down before returning her eyes to the ground. "This is my daughter Serylla Vhassar your bride," Nyessos introduced in Valyrian.
Viserys took her hand kissing the top of her hand. He turned and started to talk to her father about the finer details of their marriage. He wondered how his life had come about this.
In one of the gardens of the manor of the Tyroshi Ostar family walked Naella who had honey-colored eyes walked next to her sister Daenys who had lilac eyes. They were pictures of Valyrian beauties. Naella's honey-colored eyes were the only thing that for her was not a true Valyrian beauty. Her younger sister Daenys was their mother's favorite. Not far behind them was Faeyesa Hotin a priestess of R'hllor. Faeyesa was the priestess for the Ostar family. She had dark skin and long black hair. She was beautiful in her own right. Their younger brother Vilor was off to meet with his future bride. Their father had gone to bed with a sudden illness. Their mother, Alaera, was with him. Daenys had a far-off look on her face. Daenys sank onto a bench in the garden. Naella knew the look on her younger sister's face. Faeyesa came over to the pair.
"Daenys, sister what did you see?" Naella asked.
"Dragons returning twelve them…a three-headed dragon…a silver hair men unburnt," Daenys whispered in shock.
"The Lord of light has blessed you, child," Faeyesa said.
"He has priestess," Daenys relied automatically.
Faeyesa took Daenys trembling hands. The color difference was shocking. Daenys lilac pools met the Faeyesa's dark onyx-like pools.
"Is that all you saw? Your mother needs to know," Faeyesa asked.
Daenys slowly nodded. Naella looked at her sister's face. Faeyesa ran off to inform Alaera of what her daughter saw by the grace of the Lord of Light. Naella sank down next to her younger sister. Once Faeyesa was out of earshot. She looked at Daenys. Taking both of Daenys hands in her own. Honey met lilac.
"What else did you see?"
"A woman with hair of color raven wing eyes and eyes of cerulean like the sea. A Storm raged at the birth of the dragons. The woman screamed and raged like the Storm. The Silver hair man emerged from the flame the woman and that man shared a kiss like no other. It was like ice meeting flames," Daenys answered her voice no longer trembling.
Joanna and Aegon rode next to each other. Ser Barristan was next to them. He looked over to Ser Aeron Dayne. He did not really look like Arthur or Ashara Dayne in any way. The more he looks at Aeron Dayne the more questions enter his mind. He knew Arthur and Ashara very well. He would have named Ashara queen of love and beauty if he won that tourney when Rhaegar rode right past Elia Martell and crowned Lyanna Stark instead. Seven Hells Jon Snow and Lyarra looked more like Arthur and Ashara than Aeron did. The more he thought of Rhaegar as he kept watching Ser Aeron with Joanna. An impossible thought entered his mind. Ser Aeron looked more like Rhaegar than he did any Dayne Ser Barristan ever met. The Sun shone behind Aeron's head as he laughed and smiled at Joanna. It reminded him of Rhaegar's laugh. Seven hells how would that thought be possible. If the baby was somehow taken from the sack of King Landing. He would be sent to Dorne and the Martells. Ser Jaime told him that Ser Aeron was a ward and squire and was knighted by Doran Martell after saving Trystane. If that was the case and he was right that Ser Aeron was really Aegon Targaryen son of Rhaegar and Elia Martell. They would want revenge for Elia's and Rhaegar's fates. But even the Martells would not be stupid or brazen to send Rhaegar's son Aegon to get close to Joanna. He would have to watch the young lord more closely. But there was something in the way that Aeron looked at Joanna. It reminded him of the way Rhaegar looked at Lyanna or of a time Elia gave birth to his two children.
"Ser Barristan do you think my father would mind if I stopped at Riverrun on our way back to Kings Landing," Joanna asked turning to look at him.
"Princess, I do not know" Ser Barristan replied unsure as he was woken from his mind.
"It just I don't want to insult the high Lord of Riverlands. We will be traveling through his lands. And my future husband will be one of his vessel lords. I know we could not stop when we were traveling with mother and father. But we are a much smaller party. It seems only right to visit him," Joanna explained playing the game.
Ser Barristan thought of her words. It would show the crown respected the Tully family. It would be a good thing. If anything, it made Joanna seem more like the heir to the throne than Joffrey.
"You have a point, your royal highness," Ser Barristan said.
"When we reach Greywater watch and house Reed, I will write House Tully and inform them of our upcoming visit. And my father to tell him I will be stopping at Riverrun," Joanna explained. She smiled at Ser Barristan. It lit up her entire face. She looked over her shoulder to where Tyrion was riding with Lyarra and Marleina. Starr and Ghost kept pace with them. Meraxes ran beside Balerion and Shrykos. Shrykos was the light grey mare that belonged to Aegon. She was named after one of the fourteen flames of old Valyria. She was the goddess of beginnings, endings, transitions, and doorways. Meraxes was another of fourteen flames. She was the goddess of the sky and twin of Caraxes. And Balerion is also one. He was the god of death and underworld. Aegon was teaching Valyrian and their gods in their chambers when they were not having sex or sleeping. Samwell rode beside Jon. They conversed as they rode through the north. Samwell would depart them at Seagard on their way to Riverrun. He would sail by boat to the Citadel. Joanna and Tyrion exchanged a look. They spoke without uttering a word. He nodded his head to her. She turned back to Ser Barristan to continue her plan. "I also wish to visit my uncle Stannis before returning to Kings Landing. I haven't seen him in years. I want to visit with my young cousin," Joanna told Ser Barristan.
"Yes, My princess I am sure your father would approve of that," Ser Barristan replied thinking how King Robert despite the Lannister having Joanna with his family would put him at ease.
"I so want to see Dragonstone. The original seat of House Targaryen," Joanna teased looking over at Aegon. Aegon caught the teasing look in her eyes. She had a coy smile on her face. "The last time I saw my uncle Stannis was in Kings Landing at the red keep. He has not left Dragonstone in years," Joanna said smiling.
"You and your fascination with the Targaryens," Aegon said teasingly.
Cersei made her way to the dressmaker shop. She was followed by four red cloaks. Joanna's wedding was an event to top all events. The only thing that Maesters wrote about was the originally planned event for the wedding of Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor Velaryon. She would need at least eight gowns. Each is more elaborate than the next. This was the first marriage of Robert's Baratheon Dynasty. And Tywin Lannister was footing the bill. After all, Joanna was his favorite grandchild. No matter how much Cersei tried to show him Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella were the picture of Lannister through and through. Nothing could replace the dark hair lioness that was the very image of Cersei's mother and Tywin's late wife. No matter how much at times she reminded him of Robert. There would be hunts, joists, tourneys, balls, and feasts all ending in a wedding that outdid any wedding that the Targaryen ever had. Money was no object for Robert's doe no matter if it came from the Lannisters.
Cersei looked around the back room of the dress shop. Many of the dresses were already in production. A golden crown with seven spikes with alternating rubies and dragon glass stones atop each spike. The base of the crown was the sigil of each of the high lords of the Seven Kingdoms. In between each sigil were rubies, golden topaz stones, dragon glass, and garnets. It was the house colors of House Lannister and House Baratheon. This was no princess crown. It was truly a crown fitting for a queen. There was a golden gown on a dress form. It was bejeweled within an inch of its life. The design was of lions, stags, and stars done in all golden topaz stones. It was designed to hug the waist and then flow down to the ground in a more Dornish style gown. It had a boat neckline with cape-like sleeves.
"Your grace, I trust you are pleased with the progress on the princess gowns for her wedding," Carlys asked.
Carlys was a middle-aged woman with long dark brown hair and brown eyes. Her face was round in shape. She had very thin lips and her nose looked like it had been broken and never set right. She was a larger-figured woman. Cersei looked at the woman in distaste. No matter what Cersei knew in her heart Myrcella's wedding would be nothing like Joanna's wedding would be. She headed over to the next dress form. It had a black and gold A-line gown made from the finest silks and satins.
"Indeed," Cersei started touching the black and gold A-line gown. The neckline of the gown was a halter neck. She could tell only the buttery satins and softest silks were used for this gown. "I am here to ensure her wedding dress is everything it meant to be, Carlys," Cersei replied.
"Of course, your grace, here are some sketches of the gown," Carlys replied leading Cersei over to a table that housed the sketch. Cersei picks up the sketch labeled Princess Joanna's wedding gown. It was a sketch of a high neckline with a keyhole open in the shape of a star over her chest. It would be modest yet revealing. It was held closed by a large ruby surrounded by onyxes. The bodice of the gown had images of stags and lions along with stars and swirls in golden thread. It was to be down in the whitest satin. It indicated that it would be bejeweled with pearls and diamonds. It had long sleeves that were tight to arms in white satin with overlay bell sleeves in champagne-colored lace with each of the sigils of high lords of seven kingdoms. There were even three-headed dragons on the lace. It was being made only for this gown. The dragons were for Joanna's great-grandmother Rhaelle Targaryen. The mother of Steffon Baratheon Robert's father. It also indicates that there would be small diamonds sewn into the lace. It flowed into a large ball gown skirt with golden images of a lion joining with stags. It was going to be a breathtaking gown. It was truly a gown fit for a queen. Cersei thought with a slight frown. She placed the sketch down as Joanna's threat echoed in her mind. If she was not stopped or controlled, she could very well end up queen. And the fact that Jaime had left the city in hopes of killing her to stop Joanna. "Do you not like it, my queen?" Carlys asked as she noticed the frown on Cersei's face.
"It is fitting of my daughter. Tell me Carlys why is it not in production?" Cersei asked coldly.
"Your grace, we are waiting for the lace to be made and the gems. Lord Tywin has insured us that gems will be to us within a fortnight," Carlys explained.
"Good see it done," Cersei said turning to leave the shop.
Tyrion rode beside Joanna as they rode into Greywater Watch, the seat of House Reed. Lord Howland met them along with his wife Jyana and their two children, Meera and Jojen. Aegon noticed the shocked look on Howland's face as he spotted him. It was like he saw a ghost. Ser Barristan Selmy dismounted his horse and made his way over to Joanna on Balerion. He helped her off her horse. As Howland, Jyana, Meera, Jojen, and members of their household assembled to meet Joanna's party dropped their knees.
"Welcome to Greywater watch Princess it is yours," Howland Reed called out.
"Raise Lord Howland," Joanna replied. Ser Barristan stood by Joanna's side as she walked toward them. Jyanna and Meera and Jojen were looking between Lyarra, Jon, Aegon, and Marleina standing. Starr, Ghost, and Meraxes looped around the horses. Tyrion received a slightly warmer welcome here. They made their way over to them. "Thank you, Lord Howland, for housing us for the night. It is an honor to meet you and your family. I hope it is not too much trouble," Joanna finished.
"Not all Princess, it is an honor to have you and your party here. Allow me to introduce you, this is my lady Jyana," Howland started. Jyana curtsey to Joanna and muttered your grace. "and my children Meera and Jojen," Howland finished.
Meera and Jojen followed suit, both bowing in respect for her and saying, Your Grace. Joanna looked over to Tyrion over her shoulder. She turned back to the small family. She had a graceful smile on her face.
"Allow me to introduce you to my party. This of course my uncle Tyrion and Ser Barristan Selmy Lord Commander of Kingsguard. This is my betrothed Lord Aeron Dayne Lord of Harrenhal. This is Lady Marleina Frey and of course, you know Lady Lyarra Stark and Ser Jon Snow my personal guard," Joanna introduced.
Lord Howland led them into the castle of greywater watch. They were talking about the feast that would be held to honor her. Joanna on his arm told him it was no need.
Prince Doran sat overlooking the water gardens. Aero stood guard nearby. In less than a week they would be fostering Princess Myrcella. His mind was racing with so many thoughts. Prince Oberyn made his way over to his brother with a letter in his hands.
"Brother," Prince Oberyn greeted.
"Brother" Prince Doran replied.
Prince Oberyn sat down next to Doran. Trystane was practicing with his older daughters. As he thought of Trystane and Princess Myrcella they would make a striking pair. Doran noticed the contemplating look on his brother's face.
"What is it, brother?" Prince Doran asked.
"It seems Princess Myrcella will soon be our guest and ward. She is promised to your son, Prince Trystane," Prince Oberyn answered.
"I know this when the Lord Hand Lord Eddard Stark wrote me. I replied we would be honored to foster the princess," Prince Doran replied already fed up with his younger brother.
Prince Oberyn looked into his brother's eyes to deliver the news that Doran would not be happy about. Doran had no doubt had sinister plans for the princess when he agreed to foster the princess.
"Aegon has married Joanna and he has ordered that no harm comes to his good sister," Prince Oberyn told him.
"He has grown soft," Prince Doran growled.
"Not at all. Myrcella has nothing to do with what happened to Elia. She is supposedly an innocent sweet young, scared girl. She could be quite a beauty if she is anything like her half-sister. And besides it shows his devotion to his queen," Prince Oberyn explained.
"First you tell me he likely will not harm Robert because of her. Now you tell me we are not to hurt her Lannister sister," Prince Doran raged.
"It is clear that she is Robert's one true heir. He is married to her. She is his queen. Aegon will do anything for her because he loves her. And I have a funny feeling that Joanna loves him. She will in due time give the throne to Aegon," Prince Oberyn replied as he looked out at the water gardens.
"How do you know that?" Prince Doran demanded.
Prince Oberyn stood and walked over to the railing leaning against the railing and looking at his brother.
"She married him as Aegon Targaryen by Maester Aemon Targaryen. She was raised by Tywin. She is not stupid or naïve. She is a lioness in doe fur. But Tywin would have raised her to know her place," Prince Oberyn replied taking a bite of orange.
"If that is the case she will never go against her family," Prince Doran raged.
Prince Oberyn reached for a sugar grape. Popping the fruit into his mouth already knowing the truth. Prince Doran by the lassi fair attitude that Oberyn seems to have that there was more. He motioned for Oberyn to continue.
"Aegon writes she already has. She has threatened her mother. She is preparing for war. She made allies with all the Northern houses. They talked about meeting with the Tullys. She plans to tell her father the truth once she reaches King Landing," Oberyn tells him.
"And what truth is that?" Doran asked.
"That Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are not his true children. They are a product of an incestuous affair between Cersei and Jaime Lannister," Oberyn told him.
Prince Doran pauses for a moment as the weight of what he just learned for sure sinks into his mind. If Joanna was preparing for war that meant she knew her family would not give up the throne without a fight. And in time she will in time call on all houses of Westeros for aid. He turned toward Aero.
"Aero tell Maester Caleotte to call our bannermen. When Joanna or Aegon calls Dorne will answer," Prince Doran ordered.
"it will be done my prince," Aero answered.
The celebration of the betrothal of Viserys III Targaryen to Serylla Vhassar lasted well into the night. Illyrio had retired to his own chambers. When he spotted a tall, beautiful woman in the moonlight of his balcony. She was dressed in a lavender silk and gold nearly see-through gown. Her long curling silver-blonde hair was braided into a rose on the back of her head. The rest of her silver hair curled down her elegant back. In an instant, he knew who the woman was. The moon made her look like a goddess, and many would claim she was a descendant of Old Valyria, but he knew the truth. She was a descendant of Daemon the first Blackfyre and his lady wife Rohanne of Tyrosh one of their daughters. And if he knew Alaera Ostar was here the agreement between Viserys III and the Vhassar would never have happened.
"Alaera," Illyrio greeted.
"Hello Illyrio," Alaera greeted him as she turned to face him.
Her pale lilac eyes pierced Illyrio's dark eyes. She was a classical Valyrian beauty. And much to Illyrio's horror after hearing how Viserys described his late mother, Queen Rhaella. Alaera looked nearly identical to her.
"Tell me Lady Alaera what brings you this far from the island of Tyrosh?" Illyrio asked, offering her a goblet of wine.
Alaera took the goblet of wine from him. She sipped on the wine as she watched him. It was like a dragon stocking its prey.
"I heard rumors of Targaryen Prince, maybe the rightful king of the seven kingdoms, looking for a bride. And I came to offer my daughter Daenys hand in marriage to Viserys third of his name," Alaera explained.
"I was unaware that Naella or Daenys were eligible to be wed. The last I heard Naella was betrothed to merchant Tregor Phassen of Myr. And Daenys to another merchant in Braavos," Illyrio explained.
"With the untimely death of my husband Malero Ostar. That alliance has fallen through. Besides for a Targaryen of pure Valyrian lineage anything possible," Alaera explained with a calculating look.
"My condolences how did Malero die," Illyrio asked having a sinking feeling in his gut.
Alaera gave him a creepy smile. Illyrio's sinking feeling in his gut got times worse. He sank into the chair. He motioned for her to sit across from him. She followed suit. Malero was only Illyrio's friend because of her. But even then, he was not happy with the feeling he had because of her smile.
"Do you want the truth, or do you want what the healers told his distressed wife and his children," Alaera asked taking a large drink of wine.
"Alaera" Illyrio said horrify.
"He was poisoned by Tears of Lys. After he arranged for my Daenys to marry some Dothraki Khal instead for fifty horses. Tregor is of Valyrian descent. I will not see My little dragon, sold for some horse lord. She was worth more than any horse lord could give. If it was Vilor or Naella to high price pillow houses to breed to be bedslaves I would not have cared," Alaera confessed.
"You always loved Daenys more," Illyrio replied. Alaera and Illyrio stared at each other. The look on Alaera's face said it all. Could you blame me she is the picture of everything that Valyrian was known for. "Do Naella, Daenys, and Vilor know?" Illyrio asked.
"No, Vilor is set to marry Lera Aharah, a fellow noblemen's daughter. And Naella is set to marry Tregor Phassen. And Daenys is free to wed and will remain so until Viserys III wed her. They were told he died from sudden sickness. That took him quickly before the healers could do a thing," Alaera answered.
"Viserys III is to marry Triarch Vhassar's daughter" Illyrio sighed hoping Alaera would drop it.
"Targaryen is known for taking second wives. If I am not mistaken Maegor had six. Daenys has dragon dreams like Daenys the Dreamer. She has seen a Targaryen reborn in flame with twelve dragons. Viserys is the only Targaryen left. I will see my family restored to Iron Throne if it is the last thing I do. Daenys is destined to be Queen to rebirth the empire that once stood," Alaera told him.
Illyrio's mind traveled to the only other Targaryen he knew about. Aegon, son of Rhaegar. He had sent Varys three dragon eggs to gift him. Could there really be eight more dragon eggs out there short of going to Asshai? He had sent stone eggs from Asshai to be brought for Viserys III's upcoming wedding. His slaves were only able to require one. His eyes traveled to the egg of orange flame-like color on the sideboard. It had a golden lining on each scale of the egg.