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Tywin and Cersei stood in his office when Ser Sandor Clegane was brought to them. Tywin's eyes looked up as he entered. Cersei looked at him in distaste. He stood ramrod straight his eyes unblinking. Tywin caught the look in the Hound's eyes. Something had changed since he was sent to Dragonstone.
"Ser Sandor, what are Dragonstone terms?" Tywin asked.
"Queen Joanna's terms are simple. She wants her father's body brought to her. So, she can give him a proper burial. Joffrey and Cersei are to leave King's Landing never to return to Westeros again under the pain of death. Janos Slynt is to be arrested for Treason along with Lord Baelish. Tommen is to remain in Kings Landing," Ser Sandor Clegane answered.
"Is that all, then she will bend the knee to Joffrey," Cersei said hopefully.
"She is not talking about her surrender, Dowager Queen Cersei," Ser Sandor answered.
Tywin looked down at the desk. Cersei's eyes were filled with hope drained from all hope. Tywin looked up at Ser Sandor. He could tell that his job was not done. Their eyes locked. Tywin's face turned cold.
"That's impossible, My daughter knows her place," Cersei said madly.
"She has a message for her bastard half-brother," Ser Sandor stated.
"That is treason to question the king's legitimacy is treason," Cersei raged.
"What is it," Tywin asked ignoring Cersei's raging.
"She told me to tell her bastard half-brother that she will have her throne, or she'll have his head," Ser Sandor replied.
Ser Sandor turned and left the room after that. Tywin sank into his chair. His eyes stared straight ahead. Cersei was raging like a mad woman. Claiming her daughter would never do this. That she knew her place. She was raging as the mad king raged. He realized that the message was likely given by his granddaughter. That was the lioness he tried to create in her. He had a sinking feeling that she surpassed the lioness. That was eerily similar to what Rhaenyra said about her half-brother Aegon II. Had he unknowingly created a dragon?
"Cersei leave me. I know it is likely just Stannis and an imposer. I did help raise her," Tywin replied.
Cersei looked slightly less mad. After hearing her father's words. She turned and left the chamber. Tywin sat there thinking. His daughter's eyes raged like wildfyre when the hound gave Dragonstone's terms. A guard came into the room. He had a letter for Tywin. He brought it up to him. Tywin took it with a sigh. It was from the Boltons. What use did they have to write to him? He broke the seal and read the letter. He crumbled the letter and hit his fist on the table. It was reported that Jaime Lannister was not with Robb Stark. They had not taken any prisoners. It was now clear to him he was playing the game against someone who knew the game well. But not only that but someone that knew him all too well. It was clear to him something happened between the Riverlands and Crownlands.
Gendry Sat in Aegon's Garden. His mind was racing. So many thoughts, entering then leaving his mind as quickly as they came. The fact that Vermithor seemed to be drawn to him only added fuel to the raging fire burning in his mind. Could he truly be Queen Joanna's twin brother? She had dressed in finer clothes than he ever dreamed of owning. He was dressed in all black with golden stag closures on the doublet. She had accepted him with open arms. Vermithor had even refused to leave his side. He now rested on his shoulder. So much had changed in a few days. Days ago, he was just Gendry Waters apprentice blacksmith. Seven Hells, now he was Gendry Baratheon heir to Storm Ends and heir to Lord Paramount of Stormlands. He did not know how to act or what to do. She had given names of possible brides that could help him. But right now, her focus was on winning the throne back. He looked down at his folded hands. Vermithor let out little crips and clicks at him rubbing his head against Gendry's chin.
Gendry had no clue how long he had been sitting there lost in his thought. When a cold wet nose touched his hands. He looked up at a white direwolf with a streak of grey around his golden eyes.
"Winter" Sansa called. Gendry caught sight of her for the first time. He had been separated from them on the boat. Her beautiful light auburn was twisted back with a direwolf clasp. From where he sat her hair looked the softest thing he ever saw. She was dressed in a pale pink southern-style gown with silver direwolves, and vines sewn onto the bodice. It hugged the curve of her chest. It had a scoop neckline. Her deep blue eyes caught Gendry bright blue eyes. They were caught with each other attractiveness. Sansa imagined this is what most knights looked like. "Who are you?" Sansa asked.
"Gendry Baratheon" Gendry answered hesitantly.
"No, lord or Ser…" Sansa asked confused. In her mind, she thought he was maybe Stannis' son or something.
"I guessed it would be…" Gendry started. He thought about what Joanna told him. That he was likely King Robert Baratheon's son. He might be Joanna's twin brother. That Tygett suggested it. And Joanna believed it. So, by that logic, he would be a… "Prince" Gendry answered.
"Your Grace, forgive me," Sansa said instantly dropping to her knees thinking of how Joffrey would react.
Gendry got up dropping to his knees taking her hands. Their eyes locked. He helped her to stand. They stood so close to each other. His callused hand touched her baby-soft skin. This was what she thought her relationship with Joffrey would be like. Gendry eyes were caring. Sansa had a soft smile on her face as she looked at Gendry.
Tyrion came across Ned watching Joanna sparing with Aegon in the training yard. They were practicing with live steal. Ned had a concerned look on his face. His eyes followed Joanna as welded a sword gracefully. He had a ghost of a smile on his face. She reminded him of his sister Lyanna and younger Robert at the same time. Her long black hair was held back in a tight fishtail braid. She wore black pants and a black tunic-like top. Aegon was dressed similarly to her, only his top was blood red. He was welding Blackfyre.
"Troubled Lord Stark," Tyrion asked.
Ned turned to look at who spoke to him. He noticed now that Ser Rolland Storm and Ser Barristan Selmy were in the yard close by. Tyrion walked closer to the balcony. Ned turned back to watch them.
"Lord Tyrion" Ned replied briefly looking at him.
"She is majestic, isn't she?" Tyrion asked, taking note of Joanna welding the sword with grace.
"She is something" Ned replied coldly.
"Beautiful, ruthless, and deadly" Tyrion stated.
Ned turned and looked at Tyrion with a hard look on his face. There was a look in Tyrion's eyes that Ned didn't know how to feel about. Tyrion looked back at him as he leaned against the balcony of the training yard.
"You are their hand our you not?" Ned asked.
"I am," Tyrion replied. He took in Ned. He paused for a moment. The only sound in the courtyard was the sound of steal meeting steal. "She offered you something hasn't she?" Tyrion asked.
"A marriage pact between Robb and Marleina Frey," Ned told him.
"A good match. She is a comely young lady. She was raised along with Joanna at Casterly Rock. They attended lessons together. She has the grace of Lannister and a sound mind. What about the match troubles you?" Tyrion asked.
"It is not the match that I question. It is how casually she discussed the destruction of house Frey. She acts like she knows that Walder Frey will betray my son and his liege lord," Ned stated.
Tyrion thought for a long moment. The silence dragged on. He looked over his shoulder catching sight of Joanna. Then he turned back to look up at Ned.
"May I ask you a question, Lord Stark," Tyrion paused. Ned nodded his head. "Who is the most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms?"
"Tywin Lannister" Ned spat out.
"Wrong. It's Joanna. Evan before the dragons it has always been Joanna. Since the moment she was born. There is not a single thing that Tywin will not do for her. She can control him. Yes, Joanna is ruthless, but war sometimes is ruthless. Let me guess she said something about giving Walder Frey what he wanted just not in the way he thought. Tywin raised her since she was eight years old. You truly don't believe he didn't teach her how to read people and their intentions. Even if Joffrey and Tommen were your friend's sons. Joanna still would be a very valuable piece to control. If nothing else Tywin taught her to be able to protect her family," Tyrion revealed.
"So, you forgo my feelings and agree,"
"That decision is yours. But she sees Marleina as her family. As she does Lyarra and Jon. And I may guess Robb. Their alliance and friendship are real. I believe the suggestion is a way to protect your family," Tyrion told him. Tyrion turned back to watch Joanna spar with Aegon. It was like watching Aegon the Conquer and Visenya spar. It was clear that Aegon was still the better swordsman, but Joanna was learning and learning quickly. Ned was processing what Tyrion just told him. Tyrion looked back at Ned for a moment. "And for the record she is right. The Freys have always backed Housed Lannister. My Aunt is married to Walder Frey's son," Tyrion explained.
"Is Joanna not also part of House Lannister?" Ned asked.
"My niece has always been more dragon than stag or lion. We were all just blind to it. Right now, she's playing the game of thrones with my father, her grandsire, on the other side. She has no choice but to win even if that means the death of her beloved grandsire,"
"It is hard to believe that Tywin could be controlled or soft with or by anyone," Ned admitted.
"He has always been different with Joanna. Both my niece and my mother. He smiles at her is proof of that. Meraxes is proof of that. Half the Lannister Army here is proof of that. And Her punishment for Jaime is to hurt him more than anything short of hurting herself could," Tyrion revealed.
Renly was in his war camp. He was dressing for the tourney to pick his Kingsguard. When a soldier came to him. He looked at the foot soldier.
"A raven letter from Dragonstone, Your Grace." the man announced.
Renly took the letter and waved the man off. Once he was alone, Renly opened the letter. It was from Joanna. He sat down reading the letter. A huge smile spread across his face. This was the answer he was looking for. He quickly wrote a will stating if the worst should befall him all his lands and titles would fall to his nephew, Gendry Baratheon. This gave him an out for not sleeping with his wife.
Joanna made her way into the Throne room of Dragonstone with Ser Rolland Storm and Ser Barristan at her side. She was dressed in a black brocade gown with images of stags and lions in gold in the pattern. It had long sleeves and a boat neckline. It had outer sleeves of black silk that flowed to the floor. Around her neck rested Caraxes. Vhagar rode on her right shoulder while Gaelithox rode on her left shoulder. Her black hair was braided into a crown with ruby and garnet hairpins. Meraxes looped in front of her. Gendry was already in the room. He was dressed in a black doublet with golden stag closures black pants and black leather boots. Vermithor rode on his right shoulder. He bowed to her Vemithor's claws sank into his doublet. He still looked out of place in the clothes. He looked nervous.
"Your Grace…" Gendry started. Joanna gave him a look. "sister" He finished softly.
"Brother you don't have to bow to me. You are my family." Joanna said.
"Why did you want me here?" Gendry asked.
"I realized I have someone who could reveal the possibility of Uncle Tygett's words to be true or false. Regardless, you are my brother, that much is clear to me. Whether it is half or full you are no threat to me. And you will have a place in my court and the title I promised you to be it truth or falsehood," Joanna told him.
"Speaking of titles what is my full title, Joanna?" Gendry asked.
"You are the son of my father who was the King. I've been crowned queen and I claimed you as my brother that would make you a prince. So, your full title would be Prince Gendry Baratheon heir to Storms End and future Lord Paramount of Stormlands," Joanna answered him.
"I think I have found a maiden that could help me," Gendry told her as she ascended the steps to the throne.
"Who?" Joanna questioned.
"Lady Sansa Stark" Gendry replied.
"Lord Eddard Stark eldest daughter, fitting match. She would be a great help to you. It would please our father greatly. Our father wanted her to wed the usurper Joffrey Hill. And if you are my full brother that would make him your half-brother as well. King Robert's greatest desire was to join the Baratheon and Stark line. I will present you union to Lord Stark," Joanna told him.
Joanna sat on the throne. Meraxes laid down at her feet. She motioned for Gendry to stand at her side. Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Rolland Storm stood in front of the throne. It was at that moment the air in the room changed. Gone was a cheerful playful banner in its place was hard cold powerful air.
"Brother, this will be intense just to warn you," Joanna turned to look at him.
The bang of the door opening caused everyone to look ahead. He was being dragged by Ser Tygett and Ser Tyrek Lannister with other Lannister soldiers around him. He was thrown to the ground in front of the throne. The chains around his wrist banged loudly against the stone floor. Ser Tygett and Ser Tyrek bowed to Joanna.
Jaime's dirty face looked up at the throne. There was power he never thought Joanna or Cersei was capable of. The look in her blue-green eyes was something he only ever saw in Tywin's eyes. When got in trouble after jumping off the cliff into the sea. She wore no crown. Cersei and even Robert needed a crown to exude power. Joanna seemed to wear it like a second skin. The sound of clicks and chirps and whistle-like noises reach his ear. That was when he noticed the dragons that were on her shoulders and around her. His eyes went wide when he saw the man standing next to her. He was built like young Robert was. He had the bright blue eyes of Robert, what was damning of all was he had his grandmother's nose.
"Jaime Lannister, I have a question for you. Know this, your answer will have no bearing on your punishment for treason," Joanna started. Her voice had authority that Jaime never heard. This was not a lioness or a stag that he was watching but rather a dragon. Jaime's green eyes locked on Joanna's blue-green eyes. This was worse than facing Tywin, Jaime thought. "You were in King's Landing when my mother gave birth to me, and my twin brother, were you not?" Joanna started.
"I was, niece" Jaime replied.
"Could describe my twin's appearance to me?" Joanna asked.
"He looked like King Robert with my grandmother's nose," Jaime replied.
"You were there when he took his last breath were you not," Joanna asked.
Jaime looked over to Gendry and then back to the ground. He looked up to Joanna with tears pouring down his dirty face.
"Prince Steffon never took his last breath. It was one of Robert's bastard sons on chamber maid son that took his last breath. I saw what Cersei was not able to do. That both of you were a threat to any future children we may have. Prince Steffon was sick and so was the chambermaid's son. So when Cersei was in the sept to pray for her son's health. Switched the babies. After that, the baby died as did the chambermaid. I have no clue what happened to Prince Steffon after that or even what name she gave him. My Queen, I plead for your forgiveness," Jaime confessed.
"Jaime, Uncle I will take your confession into account. Ser Tygett see that Jaime is brought back to his cell," Joanna ordered.
"It will be done your grace," Tygett responded.
Gendry looked over at Joanna. She had a shaken look on her face. Vhagar, Caraxes, and Gaelithox all rubbed their little heads against her letting out little chirps. They were trying to comfort her. She knew that it was a possibility. But to hear that what Jaime confessed. Even if Gendry was not Robert's and Cersei's son. Out there was someone who contested her and Aegon's right to rule. It was at that moment that the door banged open again. Ser Rolland and Ser Barristan both drew their weapons. Joanna's eyes went to the group that entered the room. Caraxes, Vermithor, Gaelithox, and Vhagar muzzled were draped in smoke. She noticed Martell's banners and recognized Prince Oberyn Martell. Ser Arys Oakheart made his way to the front of the party. Her eyes locked on him as he dropped to his knees before her. He placed his helmet by his knees and drew his sword placing it in front of him. His brown eyes locked with Joanna's blue-green eyes. His brown hair hung around his neck.
"I mean you no harm brothers, I swear to ward the Queen with all my strength and give my blood for hers. I shall take no wife hold no lands father no children. I shall guard her secrets. Obey her commands, ride at her side, and defend her name and honor," Ser Arys Oakheart swore his loyalty to Joanna.
Joanna looked over to the crowd who were on their knees. The dragons still had smoke coming from their muzzles. She motioned for Ser Arys to stand and take his place guarding her. Her mind raced if Ser Arys was assigned to guard Princess Myrcella. If he was here where was Myrcella surely, he would not abandon her in Dorne.
"Brother will do me a favor, fetch my husband, King Aegon Targaryen," Joanna asked Gendry.
"I will Joanna," Gendry replied leaving to get Aegon.